Spearman Truck Accident Lawyers: Fighting for Hansford County Families
The impact of an 80,000-pound truck hitting your vehicle on a Spearman highway is a life-altering event that occurs in a fraction of a second. One moment you are driving through the Texas Panhandle, perhaps heading down TX-15 during harvest season or navigating the heavy oilfield traffic serving the Anadarko Basin; the next, your world is shattered. In that instant, you aren’t just a driver; you’re the victim of a legal emergency.
At Attorney911, led by our managing partner Ralph Manginello, we have spent more than 25 years holding trucking companies accountable for the devastation they cause. Since 1998, Ralph Manginello has gone toe-to-toe with some of the largest corporations in the world, ensuring that families in Spearman and across Texas receive the justice they deserve. We understand that when an 18-wheeler, a grain truck, or an oilfield water hauler causes a crash in Spearman, the trucking company already has a team of investigators and lawyers working to protect their profits. You need a team that moves even faster.
Our firm brings a unique advantage to your case. We aren’t just trial lawyers; we are insiders. Our team includes associate attorney Lupe Peña, who used to work for a national insurance defense firm. He spent years inside the system, learning the exact “playbook” that commercial insurers use to minimize and deny claims. Now, he uses that insider knowledge to fight for you. When we take on a big rig accident case in Spearman, we know exactly what the other side is thinking before they even say it.
If you or a loved one has been seriously injured, every hour counts. We prioritize immediate evidence preservation, sending formal spoliation letters within 24 to 48 hours to ensure that “black box” data and driver logs aren’t “accidentally” deleted. If you’ve been hurt in Spearman, call us right now at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, no-obligation consultation. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you never pay us a dime unless we win your case.
Why Truck Accidents in Spearman Are Different
Spearman sits at a critical junction of agriculture and energy in the Texas Panhandle. Our roads—like State Highway 15 and State Highway 7—see a high density of heavy commercial traffic that most cities never experience. From massive grain hoppers during the wheat and corn harvests to the constant flow of oilfield service trucks, the risk of a catastrophic collision is a daily reality for Spearman residents.
A typical passenger car weighs about 4,000 pounds. A fully loaded semi-truck in Spearman can weigh up to 80,000 pounds. This 20-to-1 weight disparity means that physics is never on your side in an accident. Because we have litigated against major corporate fleets like Walmart, Amazon, and even multinational energy giants like BP, we know how to handle the complexities of these high-stakes cases. Ralph Manginello has recovered over $50 million for clients because he refuses to let corporate defendants push his clients around.
As client Chad Harris said after we handled his case, “You are NOT a pest to them and you are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.” That is the level of personal dedication we bring to every Spearman truck accident case.
Our PROVABLE Experience Against Corporate Giants
We don’t just talk about being tough; we have the track record to prove it. Spearman residents deserve an attorney with the resources to go up against Fortune 500 defendants.
- Federal Court Admission: Ralph Manginello is admitted to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas, a credential that is critical when dealing with interstate trucking companies that attempt to move cases out of local Hansford County courts.
- A History of Multi-Million Dollar Results: Our firm has secured life-changing settlements, including over $5 million for a traumatic brain injury (TBI) victim and $3.8 million for a client who suffered an amputation. When we say we fight for “every dime you deserve,” as our client Glenda Walker put it, we mean it.
- The Insurance Defense Edge: With Lupe Peña on our team, Attorney911 possesses an “unfair advantage.” Lupe knows how insurance companies value claims, how they train their adjusters to lowball you, and—most importantly—what it takes to make them settle for the maximum amount.
- Active High-Stakes Litigation: We are currently litigating a $10 million lawsuit against a major university and fraternity for a severe hazing case. This shows that we have the financial power and legal stamina to sustain long battles against well-funded institutions on behalf of victims in Spearman.
If you’ve been hit by a corporate fleet vehicle or an oilfield truck, you aren’t fighting a driver; you’re fighting a corporate machine. We have the experience to win that fight. Call 888-ATTY-911 to get started.
The 48-Hour Evidence Emergency in Spearman Truck Wrecks
The moments following a truck accident in Spearman are a race against time. While you are focused on medical treatment at a Hansford hospital or being transported to a trauma center in Amarillo, the trucking company’s “Rapid Response Team” is already at the scene. They are there to collect evidence that helps their case and, too often, to ensure that evidence harmful to them disappears.
Why We Act Within Hours
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations set the rules for the road, but they don’t stop a company from overwriting electronic data if a formal legal demand isn’t made.
- ECM “Black Box” Data: Most modern trucks on Spearman roads are equipped with an Engine Control Module. It records speed, braking, gear shifts, and throttle position. However, this data is often on a continuous loop. In as little as 30 days—or even sooner if the truck is put back into service—the data of the crash that injured you can be overwritten forever.
- Electronic Logging Devices (ELD): Under 49 CFR § 395.8, drivers must use ELDs to track their hours. This data is the “smoking gun” for driver fatigue. We move immediately to secure these logs before the 6-month federal retention period expires or before “errors” are introduced into the digital record.
- Surveillance and Dashcams: Whether it’s a Netradyne camera in an Amazon van or a DriveCam in a Walmart truck, video evidence is vital. In a rural area like Spearman, your own dashcam or the truck’s onboard video might be the only witness. These files are often deleted within days.
“They solved in a couple of months what others did nothing about in two years,” says our client Angel Walle. That speed is only possible because we start the investigation the moment we are hired. If you’ve had an accident, what should you do first? Watch our guide here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OCox4Lq7zBM
FMCSA Regulations: Proving Negligence in Spearman
When an 18-wheeler crashes on a Spearman road, we don’t just look at the police report. We look for violations of federal law. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) are found in 49 CFR Parts 390-399. These aren’t just “suggestions”—they are mandatory safety requirements.
Fatigue and Hours of Service (Part 395)
Driver fatigue is a silent killer on the long stretches of highway surrounding Spearman. Under 49 CFR Part 395, a driver is strictly limited to:
- 11 hours of driving duty.
- A 14-hour total “window” of work.
- Mandatory 10 hours of rest between shifts.
In Spearman, where grain haulers and cattle trucks are often under extreme seasonal pressure to “get the job done,” these rules are frequently ignored. If a fatigued driver hits you on US-287 or SH-15, we will find the proof.
Driver Qualification (Part 391)
Trucking companies in Texas must ensure their drivers are physically and mentally fit. Under 49 CFR Part 391, the company must maintain a “Driver Qualification File” for every operator. This includes their medical certificate, driving record, and drug test results. If a company hired a driver with a history of DUIs or uncontrolled medical conditions, they are liable for negligent hiring.
Maintenance and Inspection (Part 396)
Before every trip through Spearman, a driver must conduct a pre-trip inspection under 49 CFR § 396.13. If the brakes were old, the tires were balding, or the steering was loose, the trucking company is negligent. We subpoena the annual inspection records (required by § 396.17) and the daily vehicle inspection reports (DVIRs) to prove they knew the truck was a “rolling time bomb.”
When a company breaks these federal laws, they put every Spearman family at risk. We believe that is unacceptable. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 to hold them accountable.
Commercial Vehicle Accident Types Common in Spearman
Spearman’s unique economy means we see specialized types of commercial vehicle accidents. Understanding the physics and the specific liabilities of each is what we do.
Grain Truck and Agricultural Hauler Accidents
During the harvest, Spearman is filled with grain trucks. These vehicles are often operated by seasonal drivers who may not be as familiar with the weight shifts of a grain hopper. Overloading is a common violation. An overweight grain truck has a significantly increased stopping distance and is far more likely to roll over on rural Spearman curves. We look at load manifests to see if the shipper or the farm pressured the driver to carry an illegal, dangerous weight.
Oilfield Water Trucks and Frac Sand Haulers
Spearman sits in the thick of the Anadarko Basin operations. This means sand haulers and water trucks are constant fixtures on our roads. These trucks often operate on lease roads and poorly maintained FM roads that wasn’t built for 80,000-pound loads. We often see accidents where these trucks “run off the road” and over-correct, causing a head-on collision or a sideswipe.
Cattle Hauler Jackknifes
Livestock trailers involve “live cargo.” When cattle shift inside a trailer during a turn in Spearman, the center of gravity moves violently. A driver who takes a corner on SH-15 too fast with a trailer full of cattle is inviting a jackknife. Under 49 CFR Part 393, cargo must be secured and distributed to prevent shifting. In cattle cases, the “cargo” is the weight, and the trucking company is responsible for ensuring the driver knows how to handle it.
Delivery Van and Box Truck Wrecks
As Amazon, UPS, and FedEx delivery vans become more common in the Spearman area, so do “last-mile” accidents. These drivers are often under grueling delivery quotas set by corporate algorithms. Whether it’s an Amazon DSP van pulling out in front of you or a UPS truck rear-ending you because the driver was checking their scanner, the corporate parent company may be liable.
Dump Trucks and Concrete Mixers
Spearman’s local construction projects bring out the heaviest vehicles on the road. A loaded dump truck is essentially a massive wall of steel. Many of these trucks are older and poorly maintained compared to long-haul 18-wheelers. If a brake failure on a concrete mixer causes a T-bone accident in Spearman, we look at the maintenance records required by 49 CFR § 396.3 to find out why that truck was allowed on the road.
Regardless of the truck type, the injuries are usually severe. Learn more about your rights in our definitive guide: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iEEeZf-k8Ao
Identifying Every Liable Party: Widening the Net of Recovery
One of the biggest mistakes a lawyer can make is only suing the driver. In Spearman, we know that there is often a web of liability. By identifying more defendants, we access more insurance policies, which is how we secure multi-million dollar recoveries for our clients.
Potential liable parties in your Spearman accident may include:
- The Truck Driver: For direct negligence like speeding, distraction, or HOS violations.
- The Motor Carrier (Trucking Company): Under the doctrine of “Respondeat Superior,” they are liable for their driver’s actions.
- The Corporate Parent (Walmart, Amazon, BP): If they exercise significant control over the delivery or production schedule.
- The Cargo Shipper: If the load was not secured according to 49 CFR § 393.100.
- The Maintenance Provider: If a third party failed to properly repair the brakes or tires.
- The Freight Broker: If they hired a “bottom-tier” carrier with a documented history of safety violations.
- The Oilfield Operator: If the accident happened due to unsafe lease road conditions or negligent contractor management.
- Parts Manufacturers: If a defective steer tire or a faulty brake drum caused the loss of control.
Our team, including former defense attorney Lupe Peña, knows how these parties try to “point the finger” at each other. We use that conflict to your advantage. If they are busy blaming one another, they are admitting that SOMEONE was negligent. We make sure the bill is paid by all of them.
Hablamos Español. Llame a Lupe Peña al 1-888-ATTY-911 para una consulta gratis.
Catastrophic Injuries Facing Spearman Families
When we represent a Spearman resident, we aren’t just looking at medical bills from today. We’re looking at what you will need ten, twenty, or forty years from now. 18-wheeler accidents do not cause “minor” injuries.
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
The deceleration forces of a truck crash can cause the brain to impact the skull, leading to permanent cognitive impairment. We have recovered settlements between $1.5 million and $9.8 million for TBI victims. These injuries change who you are—your personality, your memory, and your ability to earn a living. Is a headache normal after a crash? It could be a sign of something much worse: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7EF82H16eCo
Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis
A crushed vertebrae can lead to a lifetime in a wheelchair. The costs of a spinal cord injury are astronomical, often exceeding $5 million in the first five years alone. Our settlements in this category have reached as high as $25 million because we calculate every home modification, every future surgery, and the total loss of quality of life.
Traumatic Amputation
Being “squeezed” by a wide-turning truck or trapped in a crushed cabin can lead to the loss of a limb. We fight for settlements in the $1.9 million to $8.6 million range for amputees, ensuring you can afford the best prosthetics and rehabilitation Spearman-area medical specialists can provide.
The Tragedy of Wrongful Death
If you have lost a family member in a Spearman truck accident, no amount of money can bring them back. However, a wrongful death claim provides the financial security your family needs to survive without a breadwinner’s income. Our firm has secured wrongful death settlements from $1.9 million to over $9.5 million. We hold the trucking company responsible for the empty chair at your dinner table.
Commercial Insurance Minimums: The $750,000 to $5,000,000 Bridge
Standard car insurance in Texas often provides only $30,000 in coverage. That won’t even cover the first hour in a trauma center. However, under 49 CFR Part 387, commercial trucks are required to carry much higher limits:
- $750,000 for general freight.
- $1,000,000 for oil, petroleum, or heavy equipment (common for Spearman oilfield trucks).
- $5,000,000 for hazardous materials (HAZMAT).
Large corporate defendants like Walmart and Amazon often have “excess” and “umbrella” policies that reach into the hundreds of millions. Because we have litigated against these giants, including our involvement in the landmark BP explosion litigation, we know how to “stack” these policies. We have recovered over $50 million total because we don’t settle for the first lowball offer.
The trucking company’s insurance adjuster might sound helpful on the phone, but they have one goal: to close your file for as little as possible. Learn what NOT to say to them in our guide: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9UKRbFprB0E
Spearman Truck Accident FAQ
1. How long do I have to file a lawsuit in Spearman?
In Texas, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. However, waiting even two weeks is a mistake. Evidence in Spearman truck wrecks disappears immediately. We need to send spoliation letters to the trucking company right away to stop them from destroying logs and overwriting black box data.
2. What if I was partially at fault for the crash?
Texas follows a “modified comparative negligence” rule (the 51% bar). This means that as long as you are 50% or less at fault, you can still recover compensation for your injuries. Your settlement in Spearman will simply be reduced by your percentage of fault. If the truck driver was speeding or fatigued, their negligence usually far outweighs a minor error by a passenger vehicle driver.
3. Can I sue the oil company if their contractor hit me?
Often, yes. If an oil company serving a Spearman wellsite hired a trucking contractor with a terrible safety record, they can be sued for “negligent selection.” If they set a quota that forced the driver to violate Hours of Service, they are directly responsible. We investigate the entire chain of command in Anadarko Basin accidents.
4. How much does it cost to hire Attorney911?
Nothing upfront. We work on a contingency fee. We pay for the accident reconstruction experts, the medical witnesses, and the travel to Spearman for investigations. You only pay us a percentage of the final settlement or verdict. If we don’t win, you don’t owe us an attorney fee.
5. What is my truck accident case worth?
The “handsome check,” as our client Donald Wilcox called it, depends on your injuries and the trucking company’s insurance. Cases with permanent injuries like TBI or spinal cord damage often settle for multiple millions. Even a “whiplash” case from an 18-wheeler is worth significantly more than a car-on-car crash because the impact forces are so much higher.
6. I was hit by a Walmart truck—do they have different rules?
Walmart is a “self-insured” giant. When you sue them, you are dealing with their own internal claims department, not a standard insurance company. They are notoriously aggressive. However, we have literal decades of experience litigating against Walmart trucking operations. We know how to force them to treat Spearman families fairly.
7. Should I give a recorded statement to the insurance company?
NEVER. They are looking for any reason to say you caused the crash. They will ask leading questions to trip you up. Tell them your lawyer, Ralph Manginello, will handle all communications. Call us at (888) 288-9911, and we will do the talking for you.
Fighting for Spearman: Proven results. Personalized attention.
If you are reading this after a truck accident in Spearman, you are likely in pain and overwhelmed by medical bills. We want to take that burden off your shoulders. As client Kiimarii Yup said, “I lost everything… 1 year later I have gained so much in return plus a brand new truck.” We are in the business of rebuilding lives.
Ralph Manginello and the team at Attorney911 bring the resources of a large national firm with the heart and personal touch of a family practice. We aren’t just your lawyers; we are your “Legal Emergency Lawyers™.” We are available 24/7 to help you navigate this crisis.
The trucking company has already made its first move. It’s time for you to make yours.
Call Attorney911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911).
Available 24/7. Free Consultations. No fee unless we win.
From Spearman to the courthouse—we’ve got you covered. Don’t let the trucking company win. Let us fight for you.
Hablamos Español. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911 para hablar con Lupe Peña.
The Complete Taxonomy of Commercial Vehicle Liability in Spearman
Most firms only look at 18-wheelers. We look at every commercial vehicle that uses Spearman roads. If the vehicle was being used for business profit, it’s a commercial vehicle case.
Dump Truck Liability in Spearman
Dump trucks are among the most dangerous vehicles in the Texas Panhandle. They often exceed the 80,000-pound weight limit and are notorious for tire blowouts and mechanical failures. If a dump truck hauling gravel for a local Spearman project caused your wreck, we check the maintenance logs and the load manifest. We often find that the hiring contractor knew the truck was unsafe but used it anyway to save money.
Amazon and Delivery Fleet Negligence
Amazon uses a “Delivery Service Partner” (DSP) model to try and distance itself from liability. They will tell you the van that hit you in Spearman belongs to a small independent company. We don’t buy it. Amazon controls the route, the scanner, the uniform, and the AI camera that monitors the driver. We move to pierce that liability shield and go straight to Amazon’s multi-billion dollar resources.
School Bus and Transit Accidents
If you or your child was injured on a school bus or a transit vehicle in Spearman, the rules are different. Government entities have “sovereign immunity” protections and very short notice deadlines—sometimes as little as 90 days. You cannot afford to wait. We know how to navigate the Texas Tort Claims Act to secure compensation from municipal defendants.
Rental Truck Hazards (U-Haul, Penske)
Rental trucks are terrifying because the driver is often a person with zero commercial training. If someone with a standard driver’s license rents a 26-foot truck and causes a rollover in Spearman, the rental company could be liable for “negligent entrustment.” We investigate whether the rental company failed to provide basic safety guidance or rented to a driver with a disqualifying record.
Garbage and Waste Truck Danger
Garbage trucks are top-heavy and have massive blind spots. In Spearman neighborhoods, these trucks are constant backing hazards. Because these companies—like Waste Management or Republic Services—operate on strict “stop counts,” drivers often rush. High-speed backing in residential areas is a recipe for pedestrian and cyclist crashes.
Vulnerable Road Users: Motorcyclists and Pedestrians
In Spearman, we share the road. If a truck driver’s “No-Zone” (blind spot) caused them to merge into your motorcycle or strike you while walking, the law provides you with heightened protections. Truckers have a commercial duty of care to see the people they share the road with. We highlight the company’s failure to install modern blind-spot sensors or 360-degree cameras as evidence of negligence.
Why Spearman Residents Trust Ralph Manginello
“Mr. Manginello and his firm are first class. Will fight tooth and nail for you,” says client Ernest Cano. That reputation is built on 25 years of trial experience. We don’t just send demand letters; we file lawsuits. We don’t just take depositions; we cross-examine safety managers until the truth comes out.
We know the Spearman highways. We know where the drivers get fatigued. We know where the oilfield traffic is most dangerous. And we know how to beat the corporations that think they are above the law in the Texas Panhandle.
Your fight starts with one call: 1-888-ATTY-911.
Attorney911: Powerful & Proven.
Free Consultation. 24/7 Availability. 1-888-ATTY-911.
Understanding Damage Recovery in Spearman Trucking Cases
When you’ve been hit by an 18-wheeler, the financial devastation can be as bad as the physical injuries. We help you recover “every dime,” as client Glenda Walker stated.
- Economic Damages: We calculate every dollar lost. This includes the medical bills from the ER, future surgeries, physical therapy, and the career-ending loss of income. If you can never work in the Spearman ag or oil sectors again, we calculate your lost lifetime earnings.
- Non-Economic Damages: This covers the “pain and suffering.” In Texas, there is no cap on pain and suffering damages for truck accidents. We articulate your loss of enjoyment of life, your ongoing mental anguish, and the physical impairment that limits your ability to pick up your children or grandchildren.
- Punitive Damages: If a trucking company was “grossly negligent”—meaning they knew a driver was dangerous but kept them on the road, or they systematically falsified logs—a Spearman jury can award punitive damages to punish the company and prevent it from happening to another family.
Juries across America are awarding “nuclear verdicts” exceeding $10 million in trucking cases. While every case is different, recent examples like the $150 million Werner settlement in Texas show that juries are tired of trucking companies cutting corners. We use these trends to negotiate from a position of absolute strength.
Your turn for justice. Call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911.
The Anatomy of an Oilfield Trucking Case in Spearman
If your accident involved a truck from a company like Halliburton, Schlumberger, or a regional saltwater disposal company in the Spearman area, your case involves two sets of laws: FMCSA (trucking) and OSHA (workplace).
- Journey Management Violations: Most large oil companies require trucking contractors to have a “Journey Management Plan” for every trip. If the driver who hit you didn’t have one—or didn’t follow it—that’s proof of corporate negligence.
- Logbook Falsification on the Lease: Drivers often wait hours to load or unload at Spearman wellsites. They often “hide” this time to keep their driving clocks running. We subpoena the wellsite log-in sheets to catch them in the lie. If their gate time doesn’t match their ELD log, they’ve committed fraud—and your case value skyrockets.
- Dual Jurisdiction Advocacy: OSHA treats oilfield trucks as “heavy equipment” when they are on the rig site. If you were injured during loading or unloading, we look for violations of 29 CFR 1910.178 and other workplace safety standards.
Attorney Ralph Manginello understands the unique culture of the Permian and Anadarko basins. He speaks the language of “landmen,” “toolpushers,” and “company men.” He knows how to cut through the oilfield jargon to find the truth.
Call (888) ATTY-911. The trucking company is building their defense. It’s time to build yours.
Final Closing: Your Recovery is Our Responsibility
At Attorney911, we believe that trucking companies should not get away with destroying Spearman lives to increase their profit margins. From the moment you hire us, the pressure shifts from you to them.
We handle the insurance phone calls. We handle the expert investigations. We handle the mountain of legal paperwork required by the Southern District of Texas. You focus on your recovery.
One number to remember: 1-888-ATTY-911.
25+ years experience.
$50,000,000+ recovered.
4.9-star Google rating.
The firm insurers fear.
Call us today and let us start fighting for you: 1-888-ATTY-911.