18-Wheeler Accident Lawyers in Shallowater, Texas | Attorney911

Every year, hundreds of families in West Texas face life-altering consequences from 18-wheeler accidents on our highways. If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a trucking accident in Shallowater, Texas, you need experienced legal representation that understands both federal trucking regulations and the unique challenges of West Texas trucking corridors.

At Attorney911, we’ve been fighting for truck accident victims across Texas for over 25 years. Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has federal court experience and has secured multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements for families devastated by catastrophic truck crashes. We know Shallowater’s trucking routes, from the busy US-84 corridor to the distribution centers serving Lubbock County, and we’re ready to put that knowledge to work for you.

Why 18-Wheeler Accidents Are Different in Shallowater

Trucking accidents aren’t like regular car accidents. The physics are different. The regulations are different. The insurance coverage is different. And most importantly, the injuries are far more severe.

In Shallowater, we see specific patterns in trucking accidents:

• US-84 corridor crashes: This major east-west route connecting Lubbock to New Mexico sees heavy truck traffic, especially agricultural and oilfield equipment haulers
• Fatigue-related accidents: Long-haul drivers passing through Shallowater often violate federal hours-of-service regulations
• Rural road challenges: Many accidents occur on county roads where trucks and passenger vehicles must share narrow lanes
• Seasonal agricultural traffic: Harvest seasons bring increased truck traffic carrying cotton, grain, and other West Texas commodities
• Oilfield equipment transport: The Permian Basin’s influence means we see specialized heavy equipment hauling that creates unique accident risks

Common Causes of 18-Wheeler Accidents in Shallowater

Driver Fatigue and Hours of Service Violations

Federal regulations limit truck drivers to 11 hours of driving after 10 consecutive hours off duty, with mandatory 30-minute breaks. Yet in Shallowater, we frequently see drivers pushing these limits, especially on long hauls through West Texas.

49 CFR § 395.3 establishes these hours of service requirements. When drivers violate these rules, they’re operating while dangerously fatigued. Our firm has seen cases where drivers falsified their electronic logging device (ELD) records to hide these violations.

Improper Maintenance and Brake Failures

West Texas roads put tremendous stress on truck braking systems. 49 CFR § 396.3 requires systematic inspection, repair, and maintenance of all commercial motor vehicles. When trucking companies cut corners on maintenance to save money, the results can be catastrophic.

We’ve handled cases involving:

• Worn brake pads not replaced
• Improper brake adjustments
• Air brake system leaks
• Deferred maintenance on critical components
• Failure to conduct pre-trip inspections

Cargo Securement Violations

Improperly secured cargo causes rollovers, jackknife accidents, and hazardous material spills. 49 CFR § 393.100-136 establishes strict cargo securement standards, but we frequently see violations in Shallowater involving:

• Agricultural equipment not properly tied down
• Oilfield equipment with inadequate securement
• Overweight loads exceeding vehicle capacity
• Improper load distribution causing instability

Distracted and Impaired Driving

Despite 49 CFR § 392.82 prohibiting hand-held mobile phone use while driving, we still see drivers texting, using dispatch devices, or even watching videos on their phones. In Shallowater, we’ve also seen cases of:

• Drivers under the influence of prescription medications
• Drivers using stimulants to stay awake
• Drivers distracted by GPS devices or paperwork

The Devastating Injuries We See in Shallowater Trucking Accidents

The sheer size and weight of 18-wheelers (up to 80,000 pounds) compared to passenger vehicles (typically 3,500-4,000 pounds) means trucking accidents often result in catastrophic injuries:

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)

TBI occurs when the brain impacts the inside of the skull due to the extreme forces involved in truck collisions. We’ve represented clients with:

• Mild TBI (concussions) with persistent headaches and memory issues
• Moderate TBI requiring extended rehabilitation
• Severe TBI resulting in permanent cognitive impairment

Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis

The spinal cord is vulnerable in trucking accidents, especially in rear-end collisions and rollovers. We’ve handled cases involving:

• Paraplegia (loss of function below the waist)
• Quadriplegia (loss of function in all four limbs)
• Incomplete injuries with partial paralysis
• Spinal fractures requiring surgical stabilization

Amputations

The crushing forces in truck accidents can result in traumatic amputations at the scene or surgical amputations due to severe damage. We’ve represented clients who lost:

• Arms and hands
• Legs and feet
• Multiple limbs

Severe Burns

Trucking accidents in Shallowater often involve fuel tank ruptures or hazardous material spills that can cause:

• Third-degree burns requiring skin grafts
• Fourth-degree burns affecting muscle and bone
• Chemical burns from hazmat exposure
• Smoke inhalation injuries

Internal Organ Damage

The forces involved in truck accidents can cause internal injuries that may not be immediately apparent:

• Liver and spleen lacerations
• Kidney damage
• Lung contusions and pneumothorax
• Internal bleeding
• Bowel and intestinal damage

Wrongful Death

When a trucking accident takes a life, surviving family members may pursue wrongful death claims. Under Texas law, these claims can include:

• Lost future income and benefits
• Loss of consortium (companionship)
• Mental anguish and emotional suffering
• Funeral and burial expenses
• Medical expenses incurred before death

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Shallowater Trucking Accident?

In most car accidents, only one driver is at fault. But in trucking accidents, multiple parties may share responsibility:

The Truck Driver

The driver may be personally liable for:

• Speeding or reckless driving
• Distracted driving (cell phone use, texting)
• Fatigued driving beyond legal limits
• Impaired driving (drugs, alcohol)
• Failure to conduct proper pre-trip inspections
• Traffic law violations

The Trucking Company (Motor Carrier)

Trucking companies can be held liable through:

• Respondeat superior: The legal doctrine that holds employers responsible for employees’ actions
• Negligent hiring: Failing to properly vet drivers’ backgrounds
• Negligent training: Inadequate safety training
• Negligent supervision: Failing to monitor driver performance
• Negligent maintenance: Poor vehicle upkeep
• Pressure to violate regulations: Encouraging drivers to exceed hours of service limits

Cargo Owners and Shippers

The companies that own the cargo and arrange for its shipment may be liable for:

• Providing improper loading instructions
• Failing to disclose hazardous cargo
• Requiring overweight loads
• Pressuring carriers to expedite shipments

Cargo Loading Companies

Third-party companies that physically load cargo may be liable for:

• Improper cargo securement
• Unbalanced load distribution
• Exceeding weight ratings
• Failing to use proper blocking and bracing

Truck and Trailer Manufacturers

Manufacturers may be liable for defects in:

• Brake systems
• Steering components
• Tires
• Lighting systems
• Coupling devices
• Safety systems (ABS, ESC)

Parts Manufacturers

Companies that manufacture specific components may be liable for:

• Defective brakes
• Defective tires
• Defective steering mechanisms
• Defective lighting components

Maintenance Companies

Third-party maintenance providers may be liable for:

• Negligent repairs
• Failure to identify safety issues
• Improper brake adjustments
• Using substandard parts

Freight Brokers

Companies that arrange transportation but don’t own trucks may be liable for:

• Negligent selection of unsafe carriers
• Failure to verify carrier insurance
• Failure to check carrier safety records

Truck Owners (if different from carrier)

In owner-operator arrangements, the truck owner may be liable for:

• Negligent entrustment of the vehicle
• Failure to maintain owned equipment
• Knowledge of driver’s unfitness

Government Entities

In limited circumstances, government agencies may be liable for:

• Dangerous road design
• Failure to maintain roads
• Inadequate signage
• Improper work zone setup

The Critical 48-Hour Evidence Preservation Protocol

In trucking accident cases, evidence disappears quickly. Trucking companies have rapid-response teams that begin protecting their interests within hours of an accident. If you don’t act fast, critical evidence may be lost forever.

What Evidence Can Disappear?

Our Immediate Action Plan for Shallowater Cases

When you call Attorney911 after a trucking accident in Shallowater, here’s what we do immediately:

1. Send Spoliation Letters

   • Within 24-48 hours, we send formal legal notices to the trucking company, their insurer, and all potentially liable parties
   • This letter demands preservation of all evidence related to the accident
   • Courts can impose serious consequences for destroying evidence after receiving a spoliation letter

2. Secure Electronic Data

   • ECM/Black Box Data: Records speed, braking, throttle position, and other critical data
   • ELD Records: Prove hours of service compliance or violations
   • GPS/Telematics Data: Shows route, speed, and location history
   • Dashcam Footage: May show the accident or driver behavior leading up to it

3. Obtain Driver and Company Records

   • Driver Qualification File: Employment application, background check, medical certification, training records
   • Maintenance Records: Inspection reports, repair history, brake adjustment records
   • Dispatch Records: Trip logs, communication with driver, delivery schedules
   • Drug and Alcohol Test Results: Pre-employment and random testing

4. Document the Scene

   • Photograph all vehicles involved
   • Document road conditions, skid marks, debris patterns
   • Collect witness statements
   • Obtain police accident reports

5. Engage Experts

   • Accident reconstruction specialists
   • Trucking industry experts
   • Medical experts to document injuries
   • Vocational experts to assess lost earning capacity

The FMCSA Regulations That Prove Negligence

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations provide the legal framework for proving negligence in trucking accident cases. These regulations establish the standard of care that trucking companies and drivers must meet.

Part 390: General Applicability

• Defines who must comply with federal trucking regulations
• Applies to all commercial motor vehicles in interstate commerce
• 49 CFR § 390.3: “The rules in this subchapter are applicable to all employers, employees, and commercial motor vehicles that transport property or passengers in interstate commerce.”

Part 391: Driver Qualification Standards

• Establishes who is qualified to drive a commercial motor vehicle
• 49 CFR § 391.11: Minimum qualifications including age, English proficiency, and physical fitness
• Requires motor carriers to maintain a Driver Qualification File for every driver containing:
  • Employment application
  • Driving record
  • Road test certificate
  • Medical examiner’s certificate
  • Annual driving record review
  • Previous employer inquiries
  • Drug and alcohol test records

Part 392: Driving Rules

• Establishes safe operation requirements
• 49 CFR § 392.3: Prohibits driving while fatigued or ill
• 49 CFR § 392.4/5: Prohibits drug and alcohol use
• 49 CFR § 392.6: Prohibits speeding for conditions
• 49 CFR § 392.11: Prohibits following too closely
• 49 CFR § 392.82: Prohibits hand-held mobile phone use

Part 393: Vehicle Safety

• Establishes equipment and cargo securement standards
• 49 CFR § 393.40-55: Brake system requirements
• 49 CFR § 393.75: Tire requirements
• 49 CFR § 393.100-136: Cargo securement requirements

Part 395: Hours of Service

• Establishes limits on driving time to prevent fatigue
• 11-Hour Driving Limit: Maximum 11 hours driving after 10 consecutive hours off duty
• 14-Hour On-Duty Window: Cannot drive beyond 14th consecutive hour after coming on duty
• 30-Minute Break: Required after 8 cumulative hours of driving
• 60/70-Hour Weekly Limit: 60 hours in 7 days or 70 hours in 8 days
• 34-Hour Restart: Can restart weekly clock with 34 consecutive hours off

Part 396: Inspection and Maintenance

• Establishes vehicle maintenance requirements
• 49 CFR § 396.3: Requires systematic inspection, repair, and maintenance
• 49 CFR § 396.11: Requires drivers to prepare written post-trip inspection reports
• 49 CFR § 396.17: Requires annual inspections

The Types of 18-Wheeler Accidents We Handle in Shallowater

Jackknife Accidents

A jackknife occurs when the trailer and cab skid in opposite directions, with the trailer folding at an angle. These accidents are common in Shallowater when:

• Drivers brake suddenly on wet or icy roads
• Trailers are empty or lightly loaded (more prone to swing)
• Cargo shifts unexpectedly
• Brake systems fail

Jackknife accidents often result in multi-vehicle pileups as the trailer sweeps across multiple lanes.

Rollover Accidents

Rollovers occur when a truck tips onto its side or roof. In Shallowater, we see rollovers caused by:

• Speeding on curves and highway ramps
• Improperly secured cargo shifting during transit
• Liquid cargo “slosh” in tankers
• Overcorrection after tire blowouts
• Driver fatigue causing delayed reactions

Rollovers frequently lead to cargo spills, secondary crashes, and catastrophic injuries.

Underride Collisions

Underride collisions occur when a smaller vehicle crashes into the rear or side of a truck and slides underneath the trailer. The trailer height often shears off the smaller vehicle’s passenger compartment.

• Rear Underride: Vehicle strikes the back of a trailer
• Side Underride: Vehicle impacts the side of a trailer during lane changes or turns

These accidents are almost always fatal or catastrophic. While 49 CFR § 393.86 requires rear impact guards on most trailers, there is no federal requirement for side underride guards.

Rear-End Collisions

18-wheelers require significantly more stopping distance than passenger vehicles:

• At 65 mph, a truck needs approximately 525 feet to stop (nearly two football fields)
• A passenger car needs about 300 feet to stop

When trucks follow too closely or fail to stop in time, the results can be devastating.

Wide Turn Accidents (“Squeeze Play”)

Trucks need significant space to complete turns. Drivers often swing wide (usually to the left) before making a right turn, creating a gap that other vehicles may enter. When the truck completes its turn, it crushes or strikes the vehicle in the gap.

Blind Spot Accidents (“No-Zone”)

18-wheelers have four major blind spots:

1. Front No-Zone: 20 feet directly in front of the cab
2. Rear No-Zone: 30 feet behind the trailer
3. Left Side No-Zone: Extends from the cab door backward
4. Right Side No-Zone: Extends from the cab door backward and is much larger than the left side

Accidents occur when trucks change lanes or maneuver without seeing vehicles in these blind spots.

Tire Blowout Accidents

Tire blowouts can cause loss of control, especially when they occur on steer tires. Common causes in Shallowater include:

• Underinflated tires causing overheating
• Overloaded vehicles exceeding tire capacity
• Worn or aging tires not replaced
• Road debris punctures
• Manufacturing defects

Brake Failure Accidents

Brake failures are a factor in approximately 29% of large truck crashes. Causes include:

• Worn brake pads or shoes not replaced
• Improper brake adjustments
• Air brake system leaks or failures
• Overheated brakes (brake fade) on long descents
• Contaminated brake fluid
• Defective brake components

Cargo Spill/Shift Accidents

Improperly secured cargo can cause:

• Cargo Shift: Load moves during transit, destabilizing the truck
• Cargo Spill: Load falls from the truck onto the roadway
• Hazmat Spills: Hazardous materials leak or spill, creating additional dangers

49 CFR § 393.100-136 establishes strict cargo securement standards, but violations are common in Shallowater, especially with agricultural and oilfield equipment.

The Insurance Battle: Why You Need an Attorney Who Fights Back

Trucking companies carry significantly higher insurance coverage than typical auto policies:

• Non-Hazardous Freight: $750,000 minimum
• Oil/Petroleum: $1,000,000 minimum
• Hazardous Materials: $5,000,000 minimum

Despite this higher coverage, insurance companies will still try to minimize or deny your claim. Our firm includes a former insurance defense attorney who knows every tactic they’ll use against you.

Common Insurance Company Tactics

What Your Shallowater Trucking Accident Case Might Be Worth

Case values depend on many factors, including:

• Severity of injuries
• Medical expenses (past and future)
• Lost income and earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Degree of defendant’s negligence
• Insurance coverage available

In Texas, there are no caps on compensatory damages for trucking accidents (unlike medical malpractice cases). This means juries can award full compensation for your injuries.

Documented Settlement Ranges in Texas Trucking Cases

Punitive Damages in Texas Trucking Cases

Texas allows punitive damages when the defendant acted with gross negligence, malice, or fraud. Punitive damages are capped at:

• The greater of (2 × economic damages + non-economic damages up to $750,000) OR
• $200,000

However, this cap doesn’t apply to cases involving:

• Driving under the influence
• Intentional conduct
• Certain other exceptions

The Legal Process for Shallowater Trucking Accident Cases

Step 1: Free Consultation

• We evaluate your case at no cost
• Explain your legal rights and options
• Answer your questions about the process

Step 2: Case Acceptance

• We accept your case on a contingency fee basis (no upfront costs)
• You pay nothing unless we win your case

Step 3: Investigation

• Send spoliation letters to preserve evidence
• Obtain police accident reports
• Collect witness statements
• Photograph the accident scene and vehicles
• Subpoena trucking company records

Step 4: Medical Care Facilitation

• Connect you with appropriate medical providers
• Help arrange treatment even before settlement pays
• Document your injuries and treatment

Step 5: Demand Letter

• Send formal demand letter to insurance companies
• Calculate all economic and non-economic damages
• Demand full and fair compensation

Step 6: Negotiation

• Negotiate aggressively with insurance companies
• Reject lowball offers
• Prepare for trial if necessary

Step 7: Litigation (if needed)

• File lawsuit before statute of limitations expires
• Conduct discovery (depositions, document requests)
• Prepare for trial

Step 8: Resolution

• Negotiate settlement from position of strength
• Take case to trial if fair settlement not offered
• Distribute settlement funds

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Shallowater Trucking Accident Case?

25+ Years of Experience

Ralph Manginello has been fighting for injury victims in Texas since 1998. Our firm has handled hundreds of trucking accident cases, from simple rear-end collisions to complex multi-million dollar verdicts.

Federal Court Experience

Our admission to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas is critical for interstate trucking cases, which often involve federal regulations and can be filed in federal court.

Insurance Defense Insider Knowledge

Our team includes a former insurance defense attorney who knows exactly how insurance companies evaluate, minimize, and deny claims. He uses that insider knowledge to fight for maximum compensation for our clients.

Multi-Million Dollar Results

We’ve recovered millions for trucking accident victims, including:

• $5+ Million – Logging Brain Injury Settlement
• $3.8+ Million – Car Accident Amputation Settlement
• $2.5+ Million – Truck Crash Recovery
• $2+ Million – Maritime Back Injury Settlement

Comprehensive Resources

We have the resources to handle complex trucking cases:

• Accident reconstruction experts
• Trucking industry experts
• Medical experts
• Vocational experts
• Economic experts
• Life care planners

Personalized Attention

Unlike large firms where you’re just a case number, we treat our clients like family. You’ll work directly with our attorneys, not just paralegals or case managers.

Contingency Fee Representation

You pay nothing unless we win your case. We advance all costs of investigation and litigation. You never receive a bill from us.

Spanish Language Services

Hablamos Español. Our associate attorney Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish and provides direct representation without interpreters.

What Our Clients Say About Us

“They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.”
— Glenda Walker, Attorney911 Client

“You are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.”
— Chad Harris, Attorney911 Client

“They solved in a couple of months what others did nothing about in two years.”
— Angel Walle, Attorney911 Client

“Especially Miss Zulema, who is always very kind and always translates.”
— Celia Dominguez, Attorney911 Client

Take Action Now: Protect Your Rights After a Shallowater Trucking Accident

If you’ve been injured in an 18-wheeler accident in Shallowater, Texas, time is critical. Evidence is disappearing every hour. The trucking company has lawyers working to protect their interests. You need someone protecting yours.

Call Attorney911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation.

We’ll:

• Send preservation letters immediately to protect your evidence
• Handle all communication with insurance companies
• Connect you with medical providers
• Investigate your case thoroughly
• Fight for maximum compensation

Don’t wait. The trucking company is hoping you don’t know your rights. We do. Let us fight for you.

Hablamos Español. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911.