18-Wheeler Accident Lawyers in City of Sunset Valley: Holding Trucking Companies Accountable

Every year, thousands of families in Central 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 City of Sunset Valley, you need an attorney who understands both the federal trucking regulations and the local realities of Travis County courts.

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 18-wheeler crashes. When you’re up against trucking companies with teams of lawyers, you need more than just a lawyer – you need a fighter.

Why City of Sunset Valley Trucking Accidents Are Different

City of Sunset Valley sits at the heart of Central Texas’ bustling freight corridors. Our location near major highways like I-35 and MoPac Expressway means we see more than our share of trucking accidents. The unique challenges of City of Sunset Valley trucking cases include:

• Highway congestion – The mix of local traffic and long-haul trucks creates dangerous conditions
• Distribution centers – Many trucks serve local warehouses and distribution facilities
• Construction zones – Ongoing roadwork creates additional hazards for truck drivers
• Local delivery trucks – Many City of Sunset Valley businesses receive daily deliveries
• Tourist traffic – Visitors unfamiliar with our roads add to the risk

We know City of Sunset Valley’s trucking corridors, from the industrial areas near MoPac to the residential neighborhoods where delivery trucks operate. This local knowledge, combined with our understanding of FMCSA regulations, gives us an advantage in building your case.

The Devastating Reality of 18-Wheeler Accidents

The physics of trucking accidents make catastrophic injuries the norm, not the exception:

• A fully loaded 18-wheeler can weigh up to 80,000 pounds
• Your passenger vehicle likely weighs 3,500-4,000 pounds
• The truck is 20-25 times heavier than your car
• At 65 mph, an 80,000-pound truck needs approximately 525 feet to stop – nearly two football fields

When these massive vehicles collide with passenger cars, the results are often tragic:

• Traumatic brain injuries that change lives forever
• Spinal cord injuries leading to paralysis
• Amputations from crushing forces
• Severe burns from fuel fires
• Wrongful death of loved ones

These aren’t just injuries – they’re life sentences of medical bills, lost income, and emotional trauma.

Common Causes of Trucking Accidents in City of Sunset Valley

Our experience with City of Sunset Valley trucking cases has revealed several recurring causes:

1. Driver Fatigue and Hours of Service Violations

Truck drivers face intense pressure to meet delivery deadlines. FMCSA regulations limit driving time to prevent fatigue, but many drivers and companies ignore these rules:

• 11-Hour Driving Limit: Cannot drive more than 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty
• 14-Hour Duty Window: Cannot drive beyond the 14th consecutive hour after coming on duty
• 30-Minute Break: Required after 8 cumulative hours of driving
• 60/70-Hour Weekly Limit: Cannot drive after 60 hours in 7 days or 70 hours in 8 days

Violations of these rules are among the most common factors in trucking accidents we investigate. Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) now make it harder to falsify records, but we still find companies pressuring drivers to bend the rules.

2. Distracted Driving

Distracted truck drivers pose a significant threat on City of Sunset Valley roads:

• Cell phone use – Texting or talking while driving
• Dispatch communications – Using onboard messaging systems
• Navigation systems – Programming GPS while driving
• Eating and drinking – Meal breaks while driving
• External distractions – Looking at accidents, billboards, or scenery

Federal regulations prohibit hand-held phone use while driving commercial vehicles, but many drivers still take the risk.

3. Improper Maintenance and Equipment Failures

Poorly maintained trucks are ticking time bombs:

• Brake failures – Cause approximately 29% of truck accidents
• Tire blowouts – Responsible for 11,000 crashes annually
• Lighting failures – Make trucks invisible at night
• Steering failures – Lead to loss of control
• Coupling failures – Cause trailers to detach

Trucking companies are required to maintain systematic inspection and maintenance programs, but cost-cutting often leads to deferred maintenance.

4. Improper Loading and Cargo Securement

When cargo isn’t properly secured, it can shift during transit, causing:

• Rollover accidents from top-heavy loads
• Cargo spills that create road hazards
• Loss of control when weight shifts suddenly
• Underride accidents when cargo extends beyond the trailer

FMCSA regulations specify exact securement requirements for different types of cargo, but loading companies often cut corners.

5. Driver Inexperience and Poor Training

Trucking companies sometimes hire inexperienced drivers or fail to provide adequate training:

• Inadequate safety training – Failing to teach defensive driving
• Poor maneuvering skills – Difficulty with turns, backing, and lane changes
• Lack of hazard awareness – Not recognizing dangerous road conditions
• Insufficient emergency training – Not knowing how to respond to mechanical failures

A well-trained driver can often avoid accidents that an inexperienced driver would cause.

6. Impaired Driving

Despite strict regulations, some truck drivers operate under the influence:

• Alcohol – Illegal with BAC of .04% or higher
• Prescription drugs – Can cause drowsiness or impairment
• Illegal drugs – Marijuana, cocaine, methamphetamine
• Over-the-counter medications – Can affect alertness

Trucking companies are required to conduct pre-employment and random drug testing, but some drivers still find ways to cheat the system.

7. Aggressive Driving and Speeding

Truck drivers under pressure to meet deadlines sometimes engage in dangerous behaviors:

• Excessive speed – Especially dangerous given truck size and weight
• Tailgating – Following too closely for safe stopping distance
• Improper lane changes – Cutting off other vehicles
• Failure to yield – Ignoring right-of-way rules
• Running red lights – Disregarding traffic signals

These behaviors are particularly dangerous in City of Sunset Valley’s congested traffic conditions.

Types of Trucking Accidents We Handle in City of Sunset Valley

Jackknife Accidents

A jackknife occurs when the trailer swings out perpendicular to the cab, often sweeping across multiple lanes of traffic. These accidents are particularly common on City of Sunset Valley’s highways during sudden braking situations.

Common causes:

• Sudden braking on wet or icy roads
• Speeding, especially on curves
• Empty or lightly loaded trailers
• Improperly loaded cargo
• Brake system failures
• Driver inexperience

Underride Collisions

Underride accidents occur when a smaller vehicle crashes into the rear or side of a trailer and slides underneath. These are among the most deadly types of trucking accidents.

Types:

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

Common causes:

• Missing or inadequate underride guards
• Worn or damaged rear impact guards
• Sudden stops without warning
• Poor visibility conditions
• Wide right turns cutting off traffic

Rollover Accidents

Rollovers occur when a truck tips onto its side or roof. Due to their high center of gravity, 18-wheelers are particularly susceptible to rollovers.

Common causes:

• Speeding on curves or ramps
• Improperly secured or unevenly distributed cargo
• Liquid cargo “slosh” shifting center of gravity
• Overcorrection after tire blowout
• Driver fatigue causing delayed reaction
• Road design defects

Rear-End Collisions

Rear-end collisions occur when a truck strikes the back of another vehicle or when a vehicle strikes the back of a truck.

Common causes:

• Following too closely
• Driver distraction
• Driver fatigue
• Excessive speed for conditions
• Brake failures
• Failure to anticipate traffic slowdowns

Wide Turn Accidents (“Squeeze Play”)

Wide turn accidents occur when a truck swings wide (often to the left) before making a right turn, creating a gap that other vehicles enter. The truck then completes its turn, crushing the vehicle that entered the gap.

Common causes:

• Failure to properly signal turning intention
• Inadequate mirror checks
• Improper turn technique
• Driver inexperience
• Failure to yield right-of-way

Blind Spot Accidents (“No-Zone”)

Trucks have four major blind spots where the driver cannot see other vehicles:

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 cab door backward
4. Right Side No-Zone: Extends from cab door backward – the largest and most dangerous

Common causes:

• Failure to check mirrors before lane changes
• Improperly adjusted mirrors
• Driver distraction
• Driver fatigue
• Failure to use turn signals

Tire Blowout Accidents

Tire blowouts can cause truck drivers to lose control, leading to accidents.

Common causes:

• Underinflated tires
• Overloaded vehicles
• Worn or aging tires
• Road debris punctures
• Manufacturing defects
• Improper tire matching

Brake Failure Accidents

Brake failures prevent drivers from stopping in time to avoid collisions.

Common causes:

• Worn brake pads or shoes
• Improper brake adjustment
• Air brake system leaks
• Overheated brakes
• Contaminated brake fluid
• Defective components

Cargo Spill/Shift Accidents

Improperly secured cargo can fall from trucks or shift during transit.

Common causes:

• Inadequate tiedowns
• Improper loading distribution
• Failure to use blocking or bracing
• Tiedown failure
• Overloading
• Failure to re-inspect during trip

Who Can Be Held Liable in a City of Sunset Valley Trucking Accident?

Trucking accidents often involve multiple liable parties. We investigate every potential defendant to maximize your recovery:

1. The Truck Driver

The driver may be personally liable for:

• Speeding or reckless driving
• Distracted driving
• Fatigued driving beyond legal limits
• Impaired driving
• Failure to conduct proper pre-trip inspections
• Traffic law violations

2. The Trucking Company/Motor Carrier

The trucking company can be liable through:

• Respondeat superior: Liability for employees’ negligent acts within the scope of employment
• Direct negligence:
  • Negligent hiring (hiring unqualified drivers)
  • Negligent training (inadequate safety training)
  • Negligent supervision (failing to monitor driver behavior)
  • Negligent maintenance (poor vehicle upkeep)
  • Negligent scheduling (pressuring drivers to violate HOS)

3. Cargo Owner/Shipper

The company that owns the cargo may be liable for:

• Providing improper loading instructions
• Failing to disclose hazardous nature of cargo
• Requiring overweight loading
• Pressuring carrier to expedite beyond safe limits

4. Cargo Loading Company

Third-party loading companies may be liable for:

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

5. Truck and Trailer Manufacturer

Manufacturers may be liable for:

• Design defects
• Manufacturing defects
• Failure to warn of known dangers
• Defective safety systems

6. Parts Manufacturer

Companies that manufacture specific parts may be liable for:

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

7. Maintenance Company

Third-party maintenance companies may be liable for:

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

8. Freight Broker

Freight brokers may be liable for:

• Negligent selection of carrier with poor safety record
• Failure to verify carrier insurance and authority
• Failure to check carrier CSA scores

9. Truck Owner (If Different from Carrier)

The truck owner may be liable for:

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

10. Government Entity

Government may be liable for:

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

The Critical 48-Hour Window: Preserving Evidence

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 will be lost forever.

Evidence That Disappears Fast:

What We Do Immediately:

1. Send Spoliation Letters: Formal legal notice demanding preservation of all evidence
2. Preserve ECM/Black Box Data: Prevents overwriting of critical operational data
3. Obtain ELD Records: Secures hours of service data proving fatigue violations
4. Secure Dashcam Footage: Preserves video evidence of the accident
5. Photograph the Scene: Documents road conditions, skid marks, and vehicle positions
6. Interview Witnesses: Captures fresh memories before they fade
7. Preserve the Truck: Prevents repairs or disposal that could destroy evidence
8. Obtain Driver Records: Secures qualification files, training records, and violation history

“Every hour you wait, evidence in your City of Sunset Valley trucking accident case is disappearing. Black box data can be overwritten. Dashcam footage gets deleted. Witnesses forget what they saw. Call Attorney911 NOW at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation. We’ll send a preservation letter today to protect your evidence.”

FMCSA Regulations: Your Legal Weapon Against Trucking Companies

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulates all commercial motor vehicles operating in interstate commerce. These regulations are your legal weapon against negligent trucking companies.

Key FMCSA Regulations That Prove Negligence:

1. Driver Qualification Standards (49 CFR Part 391)

Trucking companies must maintain a Driver Qualification (DQ) File for every driver containing:

• Employment application
• Driving record check
• Previous employer verification
• Medical certification
• Drug test results
• Training documentation

Missing or incomplete files prove negligent hiring.

2. Hours of Service Regulations (49 CFR Part 395)

These rules prevent driver fatigue:

• Maximum 11 hours driving after 10 hours off
• Cannot drive beyond 14th consecutive hour on duty
• 30-minute break required after 8 hours driving
• 60/70 hour weekly limits

Violations are among the most common causes of trucking accidents.

3. Vehicle Inspection and Maintenance (49 CFR Part 396)

Trucking companies must:

• Systematically inspect, repair, and maintain vehicles
• Conduct pre-trip and post-trip inspections
• Maintain records of all maintenance
• Repair out-of-service violations immediately

Failure to maintain proper records or deferred maintenance proves negligence.

4. Cargo Securement Standards (49 CFR Part 393)

Cargo must be secured to withstand:

• 0.8 g deceleration (sudden stop)
• 0.5 g acceleration
• 0.5 g lateral force
• 20% of cargo weight downward

Inadequate securement causes rollovers and spills.

5. Electronic Logging Device Mandate (49 CFR § 395.8)

ELDs automatically record:

• Driving time
• Duty status
• GPS location
• Engine hours

ELD data proves hours of service violations and driving patterns.

Catastrophic Injuries from Trucking Accidents

The size and weight disparity between 18-wheelers and passenger vehicles means trucking accidents often cause catastrophic injuries:

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

TBI occurs when sudden trauma damages the brain. In trucking accidents, the extreme forces cause the brain to impact the inside of the skull.

Severity Levels:

• Mild (Concussion): Confusion, headache, brief loss of consciousness
• Moderate: Extended unconsciousness, memory problems, cognitive deficits
• Severe: Extended coma, permanent cognitive impairment

Lifetime Care Costs: $85,000 to $3,000,000+

Spinal Cord Injury

Damage to the spinal cord disrupts communication between the brain and body, often resulting in paralysis.

Types of Paralysis:

• Paraplegia: Loss of function below the waist
• Quadriplegia: Loss of function in all four limbs
• Incomplete Injury: Some nerve function remains
• Complete Injury: No nerve function below injury

Lifetime Care Costs:

• Paraplegia: $1.1 million+
• Quadriplegia: $3.5 million+

Amputation

Amputations occur when limbs are severed at the scene or require surgical removal due to severe damage.

Ongoing Medical Needs:

• Initial surgery and hospitalization
• Prosthetic limbs ($5,000 – $50,000+ each)
• Replacement prosthetics throughout lifetime
• Physical and occupational therapy
• Psychological counseling

Severe Burns

Burns occur from fuel fires, chemical spills, or friction.

Burn Classification:

• First Degree: Epidermis only
• Second Degree: Epidermis and dermis
• Third Degree: Full thickness
• Fourth Degree: Through skin to muscle/bone

Treatment: Multiple reconstructive surgeries, skin grafts, chronic pain management

Internal Organ Damage

Common internal injuries include:

• Liver laceration or rupture
• Spleen damage requiring removal
• Kidney damage
• Lung contusion or collapse
• Internal bleeding
• Bowel and intestinal damage

Wrongful Death

When a trucking accident kills a loved one, surviving family members can pursue wrongful death claims.

Damages Available:

• Lost future income
• Loss of companionship and guidance
• Mental anguish
• Funeral expenses
• Punitive damages (if gross negligence)

Commercial Truck Insurance: What’s Available for Your Recovery

Federal law requires commercial trucking companies to carry minimum liability insurance far exceeding typical auto policies:

Many carriers carry $1-5 million or more in coverage. This higher coverage means catastrophic injuries can actually be compensated, rather than leaving victims with unpaid medical bills.

Types of Damages You Can Recover

Economic Damages (Calculable Losses)

• Medical Expenses: Past, present, and future medical costs
• Lost Wages: Income lost due to injury and recovery
• Lost Earning Capacity: Reduction in future earning ability
• Property Damage: Vehicle repair or replacement
• Out-of-Pocket Expenses: Transportation, home modifications
• Life Care Costs: Ongoing care for catastrophic injuries

Non-Economic Damages (Quality of Life)

• Pain and Suffering: Physical pain from injuries
• Mental Anguish: Psychological trauma, anxiety, depression
• Loss of Enjoyment: Inability to participate in activities
• Disfigurement: Scarring, visible injuries
• Loss of Consortium: Impact on marriage/family relationships
• Physical Impairment: Reduced physical capabilities

Punitive Damages (Punishment for Gross Negligence)

Punitive damages may be available when the trucking company or driver acted with:

• Gross negligence
• Willful misconduct
• Conscious indifference to safety
• Fraud (falsifying logs, destroying evidence)

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your City of Sunset Valley Trucking Case

1. We Know Trucking Cases Inside and Out

Our firm has been handling 18-wheeler accident cases since 1998. We understand:

• FMCSA regulations and how to prove violations
• Trucking industry practices and safety shortcuts
• How to read and interpret ECM and ELD data
• The tactics trucking companies use to avoid liability

2. We Have Insurance Defense Experience on Our Side

Our associate attorney, Lupe Peña, spent years working at a national insurance defense firm. He knows exactly how insurance companies evaluate, minimize, and deny trucking accident claims. Now he uses that knowledge to fight for you.

“Our firm includes Lupe Peña, a former insurance defense attorney who spent years INSIDE the system. He watched adjusters minimize claims. He saw how they train their people to lowball victims. Now he exposes those tactics and uses his insider knowledge to fight for maximum compensation.”

3. We’re Not Afraid to Go to Trial

Most cases settle before trial, but we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial. Insurance companies know which lawyers are willing to go to court – and they offer better settlements to clients with trial-ready attorneys.

4. We Have a Proven Track Record of Results

While past results don’t guarantee future outcomes, our track record demonstrates our ability to fight and win against trucking companies:

• $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
• Millions recovered for families in trucking-related wrongful death cases

5. We Offer Personal Attention with Proven Results

Unlike large “billboard” firms that treat you like a case number, we treat our clients like family. Our smaller caseload means more personal attention from experienced attorneys.

“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

6. We Take Cases Other Firms Reject

Many firms won’t take “difficult” cases, but we believe everyone deserves quality representation.

“In the beginning I had another attorney but he dropped my case although Mangiello law firm were able to help me out.”
— Greg Garcia, Attorney911 Client

7. We Solve Cases Faster Than Our Competitors

While some firms take years to resolve cases, we work efficiently to get you results as quickly as possible without sacrificing value.

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

8. We Offer Fluent Spanish Services

City of Sunset Valley has a significant Hispanic population, and many trucking accident victims speak Spanish as their primary language. Our associate attorney Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish and provides direct representation without interpreters.

“Hablamos Español. Llame a Lupe Peña al 1-888-ATTY-911 para una consulta gratis.”

What to Do After a Trucking Accident in City of Sunset Valley

At the Scene:

1. Call 911 – Report the accident and request medical assistance
2. Seek Medical Attention – Even if injuries seem minor
3. Document the Scene – Take photos and video of:
   • All vehicle damage (inside and out)
   • The accident scene and road conditions
   • Skid marks and debris
   • Traffic signs and signals
   • Your injuries
4. Get Information:
   • Truck driver’s name, CDL number, and contact info
   • Trucking company name and DOT number
   • Witness names and phone numbers
5. Do NOT:
   • Give recorded statements to any insurance company
   • Admit fault or apologize
   • Discuss your injuries in detail

In the Following Days:

1. Follow Up with Medical Treatment – Attend all follow-up appointments
2. Document Everything – Keep records of:
   • Medical visits and treatments
   • Medications prescribed
   • Time missed from work
   • How injuries affect daily activities
3. Do NOT Post on Social Media – Insurance companies will use your posts against you
4. Contact an 18-Wheeler Accident Attorney – Before speaking to any insurance adjuster

Frequently Asked Questions About City of Sunset Valley Trucking Accidents

What should I do immediately after an 18-wheeler accident in City of Sunset Valley?

Take these steps immediately if you’re able:

• Call 911 and report the accident
• Seek medical attention, even if injuries seem minor
• Document the scene with photos and video if possible
• Get the trucking company name, DOT number, and driver information
• Collect witness contact information
• Do NOT give recorded statements to any insurance company
• Call an 18-wheeler accident attorney immediately

Should I go to the hospital after a truck accident even if I feel okay?

YES. Adrenaline masks pain after traumatic accidents. Internal injuries, TBI, and spinal injuries may not show symptoms for hours or days. City of Sunset Valley hospitals like Dell Seton Medical Center can identify injuries that will become critical evidence in your case. Delaying treatment also gives insurance companies ammunition to deny your claim.

What information should I collect at the truck accident scene?

Document everything possible:

• Truck and trailer license plates
• DOT number (on truck door)
• Trucking company name and logo
• Driver’s name, CDL number, and contact info
• Photos of all vehicle damage
• Photos of the accident scene, road conditions, skid marks
• Photos of your injuries
• Witness names and phone numbers
• Responding officer’s name and badge number
• Weather and road conditions

Should I talk to the trucking company’s insurance adjuster?

NO. Do not give any recorded statements. Insurance adjusters work for the trucking company, not you. Anything you say will be used to minimize your claim. Our firm includes a former insurance defense attorney who knows exactly how these adjusters are trained to protect the trucking company’s interests.

How quickly should I contact an 18-wheeler accident attorney in City of Sunset Valley?

IMMEDIATELY – within 24-48 hours if possible. Critical evidence in trucking cases (black box data, ELD records, dashcam footage) can be destroyed or overwritten quickly. We send spoliation letters within hours of being retained to preserve this evidence before it’s lost forever.

Who can I sue after an 18-wheeler accident in City of Sunset Valley?

Multiple parties may be liable in trucking accidents:

• The truck driver
• The trucking company/motor carrier
• The cargo owner or shipper
• The company that loaded the cargo
• Truck or parts manufacturers
• Maintenance companies
• Freight brokers
• The truck owner (if different from carrier)
• Government entities (for road defects)

We investigate every possible defendant to maximize your recovery.

Is the trucking company responsible even if the driver caused the accident?

Usually YES. Under the doctrine of respondeat superior, employers are liable for employees’ negligent acts within the scope of employment. Additionally, trucking companies can be directly liable for:

• Negligent hiring (hiring unqualified drivers)
• Negligent training (inadequate safety training)
• Negligent supervision (failing to monitor driver behavior)
• Negligent maintenance (poor vehicle upkeep)

What if the truck driver says the accident was my fault?

Texas uses a modified comparative negligence system. Even if you were partially at fault, you may still recover compensation. Our job is to investigate thoroughly, gather evidence (especially ECM and ELD data), and prove what really happened. Drivers often lie to protect their jobs – the data tells the true story.

What is a truck’s “black box” and how does it help my case?

Commercial trucks have Electronic Control Modules (ECM) and Event Data Recorders (EDR) that record operational data – similar to airplane black boxes. This data can show:

• Speed before and during the crash
• Brake application timing
• Engine RPM and throttle position
• Whether cruise control was engaged
• GPS location

This objective data often contradicts what drivers claim happened.

What is an ELD and why is it important?

Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) are federally mandated devices that record driver hours of service. ELD data proves whether the driver violated federal rest requirements and was driving while fatigued. Hours of service violations are among the most common causes of trucking accidents.

How long does the trucking company keep black box and ELD data?

ECM data can be overwritten within 30 days or with new driving events. FMCSA only requires 6 months retention for ELD data. This is why we send spoliation letters immediately – once we notify them of litigation, they must preserve everything.

What records should my attorney get from the trucking company?

We pursue:

• ECM/Black box data
• ELD records
• Driver Qualification File
• Maintenance records
• Inspection reports
• Dispatch logs
• Drug and alcohol test results
• Training records
• Cell phone records
• Insurance policies
• The physical truck and trailer

What are hours of service regulations and how do violations cause accidents?

FMCSA regulations limit how long truck drivers can operate:

• Maximum 11 hours driving after 10 hours off
• Cannot drive beyond 14th consecutive hour on duty
• 30-minute break required after 8 hours driving
• 60/70 hour weekly limits

Fatigued driving causes approximately 31% of fatal truck crashes. Drivers who violate these rules are too tired to react safely.

What FMCSA regulations are most commonly violated in accidents?

The top violations we find:

• Hours of service violations (driving too long)
• False log entries (lying about driving time)
• Brake system deficiencies
• Cargo securement failures
• Drug and alcohol violations
• Unqualified drivers (no valid CDL or medical certificate)
• Failure to inspect vehicles

What is a Driver Qualification File and why does it matter?

FMCSA requires trucking companies to maintain a file for every driver containing:

• Employment application
• Driving record check
• Previous employer verification
• Medical certification
• Drug test results
• Training documentation

Missing or incomplete files prove negligent hiring.

How do pre-trip inspections relate to my accident case?

Drivers must inspect their trucks before every trip. If they failed to conduct inspections or ignored known defects (bad brakes, worn tires, lighting problems), both the driver and company may be liable for negligence.

How much are 18-wheeler accident cases worth in City of Sunset Valley?

Case values depend on many factors:

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

Trucking companies carry higher insurance ($750,000 minimum, often $1-5 million), allowing for larger recoveries than typical car accidents. We’ve seen verdicts ranging from hundreds of thousands to hundreds of millions.

What if my loved one was killed in a trucking accident in City of Sunset Valley?

Texas allows wrongful death claims by surviving family members. You may recover:

• Lost future income
• Loss of companionship and guidance
• Mental anguish
• Funeral expenses
• Punitive damages if gross negligence

Time limits apply – contact us immediately to protect your rights.

How long do I have to file an 18-wheeler accident lawsuit in City of Sunset Valley?

The statute of limitations in Texas is 2 years from the date of the accident. However, you should never wait. Evidence disappears quickly in trucking cases. The sooner you contact us, the stronger your case will be.

How long do trucking accident cases take to resolve?

Timelines vary:

• Simple cases with clear liability: 6-12 months
• Complex cases with multiple parties: 1-3 years
• Cases that go to trial: 2-4 years

We work to resolve cases as quickly as possible while maximizing your recovery.

Will my trucking accident case go to trial?

Most cases settle before trial, but we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial. Insurance companies know which lawyers are willing to go to court – and they offer better settlements to clients with trial-ready attorneys. We have the resources and experience to take your case all the way if necessary.

Do I need to pay anything upfront to hire your firm?

NO. We work on contingency – you pay nothing unless we win your case. We advance all costs of investigation and litigation. You never receive a bill from us. When we win, our fee comes from the recovery, not your pocket.

Don’t Let the Trucking Company Get Away With It

After a trucking accident, you’re facing:

• Mounting medical bills
• Lost income from missed work
• Physical pain and emotional trauma
• Uncertainty about your future
• A trucking company with teams of lawyers working to minimize your claim

You don’t have to face this alone. At Attorney911, we level the playing field. We know how trucking companies operate, we know how to gather the evidence that proves their negligence, and we know how to fight for the compensation you deserve.

If you or a loved one has been injured in an 18-wheeler accident in City of Sunset Valley, call us now at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation. We’re available 24/7 to answer your questions and start protecting your rights.

“Every hour you wait, evidence in your City of Sunset Valley trucking accident case is disappearing. Black box data can be overwritten. Dashcam footage gets deleted. Witnesses forget what they saw. Call Attorney911 NOW at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation. We’ll send a preservation letter today to protect your evidence.”

Hablamos Español. Llame a Lupe Peña al 1-888-ATTY-911 para una consulta gratis.