18-Wheeler Accident Lawyers in City of Van, Texas | Attorney911

Devastated by an 18-Wheeler Crash in City of Van? We Fight for Maximum Compensation

Every year, thousands of Texans suffer life-altering injuries in 18-wheeler accidents on our highways. If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a trucking accident in City of Van or anywhere in Van Zandt County, you need experienced legal representation that understands the unique challenges of commercial vehicle litigation.

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. We know City of Van’s trucking corridors, from the local highways to the major freight routes that pass through our region, and we’re ready to put that knowledge to work for you.

Why City of Van Trucking Accidents Are Different

City of Van sits at the crossroads of several important transportation routes in East Texas. While we don’t have major interstates running directly through our town, our proximity to US Highway 80 and State Highway 19 means we see significant commercial truck traffic serving the local agricultural industry, manufacturing facilities, and regional distribution centers. The rural nature of our roads combined with heavy truck traffic creates unique accident risks:

Narrow rural roads with limited shoulders and sharp curves
Mixed traffic patterns where farm equipment shares roads with commercial trucks
Limited emergency response in rural areas
Trucks serving local industries including timber, agriculture, and manufacturing
Seasonal traffic increases during harvest seasons
Fatigued drivers making long hauls through our region

When an 80,000-pound truck collides with a passenger vehicle on these roads, the results are often catastrophic. The size and weight disparity means trucking accidents in City of Van frequently cause:

Traumatic brain injuries
Spinal cord damage and paralysis
Amputations
Severe burns
Multiple fractures
Wrongful death

The Attorney911 Advantage: Insider Knowledge of Trucking Industry Tactics

Our firm offers a unique advantage in trucking accident cases: we include former insurance defense attorneys on our team. Lupe Peña, our associate attorney, spent years working for a national defense firm before joining Attorney911. He knows exactly how trucking companies and their insurers evaluate claims, minimize payouts, and deny legitimate injuries.

This insider knowledge gives us an edge in every City of Van trucking accident case. We know:

How insurance adjusters are trained to lowball victims
What makes them settle cases for maximum value
How they try to minimize or deny claims
The claims valuation software they use (like Colossus)
The rapid-response teams they deploy after accidents

When you call Attorney911, you’re getting a team that includes an attorney who used to work for the other side. Now he’s fighting for YOU.

What to Do Immediately After a Trucking Accident in City of Van

If you’ve been involved in an 18-wheeler accident in City of Van, Van Zandt County, or anywhere in East Texas, time is critical. Evidence disappears quickly, and trucking companies have teams working to protect their interests. Here’s what you should do:

Call 911 and report the accident
Seek medical attention immediately, even if you feel okay
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 Attorney911 immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911

The most critical evidence in your case – black box data, ELD records, dashcam footage – can be overwritten or deleted within days. We send preservation letters within 24-48 hours to ensure this evidence is protected.

Common Causes of 18-Wheeler Accidents in City of Van

Trucking accidents in our region often result from:

Driver Fatigue and Hours of Service Violations

Federal regulations limit truck drivers to:

11 hours of driving after 10 consecutive hours off duty
14-hour on-duty window
30-minute break after 8 hours of driving
60/70 hour weekly limits

Many drivers violate these rules to meet tight delivery schedules. Fatigued driving is a factor in approximately 31% of fatal truck crashes.

Improper Cargo Loading

When cargo isn’t properly secured or distributed:

Trucks become unstable and prone to rollovers
Cargo can shift during transit, affecting handling
Overloaded trucks have longer stopping distances
Unsecured cargo can fall onto roadways

Brake Failures

Brake problems are a factor in 29% of large truck crashes. Common issues include:

Worn brake pads not replaced
Improper brake adjustments
Air brake system leaks
Overheated brakes on long descents
Deferred maintenance to save costs

Tire Blowouts

Tire failures cause thousands of accidents annually. Common causes:

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

Distracted Driving

Truck drivers face numerous distractions:

Cell phone use (handheld and hands-free)
Dispatch communications
GPS navigation systems
Eating and drinking while driving
Fatigue-related inattention

Impaired Driving

Despite strict regulations, some drivers operate under the influence:

Alcohol
Prescription medications
Illegal drugs
Over-the-counter medications affecting alertness

Poor Weather Conditions

East Texas weather creates unique challenges:

Heavy rain reducing visibility and traction
Fog in low-lying areas
High winds affecting high-profile trailers
Occasional ice during winter months

Holding All Responsible Parties Accountable

In trucking accident cases, multiple parties may share liability. We investigate and pursue claims against:

The truck driver for negligence, fatigue, distraction, or impairment
The trucking company for vicarious liability, negligent hiring, training, or supervision
The cargo owner/shipper for improper loading instructions or hazardous cargo
The loading company for improper cargo securement
The truck/trailer manufacturer for design or manufacturing defects
Parts manufacturers for defective components
Maintenance companies for negligent repairs
Freight brokers for negligent carrier selection
Government entities for dangerous road conditions

City of Van Trucking Accident Case Types We Handle

Our firm handles all types of commercial vehicle accidents in City of Van and Van Zandt County:

Jackknife Accidents

When the trailer swings out perpendicular to the cab, often blocking multiple lanes. Common causes include sudden braking, wet roads, and improperly loaded cargo.

Rollover Accidents

Top-heavy trucks can roll over on curves, ramps, or when cargo shifts. These accidents often eject the driver and spill cargo across the roadway.

Underride Collisions

When a smaller vehicle slides underneath a trailer, often resulting in decapitation or catastrophic head injuries. Rear underride guards are required by federal law, but side underride guards are not.

Rear-End Collisions

An 80,000-pound truck needs 525 feet to stop at 65 mph – nearly two football fields. When trucks rear-end vehicles, the impact is devastating.

Wide Turn Accidents (“Squeeze Play”)

Trucks need to swing wide to make right turns. When other vehicles enter the gap, they can be crushed as the truck completes its turn.

Blind Spot Accidents (“No-Zone”)

Trucks have four major blind spots:

20 feet in front of the cab
30 feet behind the trailer
Along the left side of the trailer
A large area along the right side

Tire Blowout Accidents

Steer tire blowouts are particularly dangerous as they can cause immediate loss of control. Debris from blowouts can also strike following vehicles.

Brake Failure Accidents

When brake systems fail, trucks cannot stop in time to avoid collisions. Maintenance records often reveal a pattern of deferred repairs.

Cargo Spill Accidents

Improperly secured cargo can fall onto roadways, creating hazards for following vehicles. Hazardous materials spills create additional dangers.

Head-On Collisions

Often fatal due to the combined speed of both vehicles. Common causes include fatigue, distraction, and medical emergencies.

The Evidence We Preserve in Every City of Van Trucking Case

We move quickly to preserve critical evidence that trucking companies would prefer to disappear:

Electronic Data

ECM/Black Box Data: Records speed, braking, throttle position, and fault codes
ELD Records: Proves hours of service compliance or violations
GPS/Telematics: Shows route, speed, and driving behavior
Dashcam Footage: Video evidence of the accident and driver behavior
Cell Phone Records: Proves distracted driving

Driver Records

Driver Qualification File: Employment application, background check, training records
Drug and Alcohol Tests: Pre-employment and random test results
Medical Certification: Physical exam records
Driving Record: Previous accidents and violations

Vehicle Records

Maintenance Records: Inspection and repair history
Inspection Reports: Pre-trip, post-trip, and annual inspections
Out-of-Service Orders: Previous safety violations
Tire Records: Replacement and maintenance history

Company Records

Dispatch Logs: Trip records and scheduling
Hours of Service Records: For 6 months prior to accident
Safety Policies: Training and supervision procedures
CSA Scores: Company safety record

Understanding Your Damages After a City of Van Trucking Accident

Trucking accidents often result in catastrophic injuries that require extensive medical treatment and long-term care. We pursue full compensation for:

Economic Damages

Past and future medical expenses
Lost wages and benefits
Loss of future earning capacity
Property damage
Out-of-pocket expenses
Life care costs for catastrophic injuries

Non-Economic Damages

Pain and suffering
Mental anguish
Loss of enjoyment of life
Disfigurement
Physical impairment
Loss of consortium (for spouses)

Punitive Damages

In cases of gross negligence or willful misconduct, we may pursue punitive damages to punish the wrongdoer and deter future misconduct.

Texas Trucking Accident Statistics

Trucking accidents are a serious problem in Texas:

Texas leads the nation in trucking accident fatalities
Over 5,000 people die in truck crashes annually nationwide
76% of those killed are occupants of the smaller vehicle
Large trucks are involved in 10% of all fatal crashes
Texas has more fatal truck crashes than any other state

In East Texas, our rural roads present unique challenges. While we don’t have the same traffic density as Houston or Dallas, our mix of local traffic, farm equipment, and commercial trucks creates dangerous conditions.

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your City of Van Trucking Accident Case

When you’ve been injured in an 18-wheeler accident in City of Van, you need more than just a lawyer – you need a fighter with the experience and resources to take on the trucking industry. Here’s why Attorney911 is the right choice:

25+ Years of Trucking Litigation Experience

Ralph Manginello has been fighting for injury victims since 1998. His experience includes:

Multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements
Federal court admission to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas
Experience in BP explosion litigation against multinational corporations
Deep knowledge of FMCSA regulations

Insider Knowledge of Insurance Tactics

Our associate attorney Lupe Peña worked for years at a national insurance defense firm. He knows exactly how trucking companies and their insurers try to minimize claims. Now he uses that knowledge to fight for YOU.

Proven Track Record of Results

We’ve recovered millions for trucking accident victims:

$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

Local Knowledge of City of Van and Van Zandt County

We understand:

The local trucking corridors serving our community
The unique challenges of rural road trucking accidents
The local courts and judges
The agricultural and industrial trucking patterns in our region

Aggressive Evidence Preservation

We send spoliation letters within 24-48 hours to preserve:

Black box data
ELD records
Dashcam footage
Maintenance records
Driver qualification files

Comprehensive Case Preparation

We prepare every case as if it’s going to trial. This approach creates leverage in settlement negotiations and ensures we’re ready to fight for maximum compensation in court if necessary.

No Fee Unless We Win

We work on contingency – you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you. We advance all costs of investigation and litigation. You never receive a bill from us.

What to Expect When You Work With Attorney911

When you choose our firm to handle your City of Van trucking accident case, here’s what you can expect:

Free Initial Consultation

We’ll evaluate your case at no cost and explain your legal options.

Immediate Evidence Preservation

We’ll send spoliation letters to preserve critical evidence before it’s destroyed.

Comprehensive Investigation

We’ll gather all available evidence to build the strongest possible case.

Medical Care Coordination

We’ll help you get the medical treatment you need, even if you don’t have insurance.

Aggressive Negotiation

We’ll negotiate with the insurance companies to seek maximum compensation.

Trial Preparation

We’ll prepare your case for trial, creating leverage in settlement negotiations.

Regular Communication

We’ll keep you informed every step of the way and answer your questions promptly.

Common Questions About City of Van Trucking Accidents

What should I do immediately after a trucking accident in City of Van?

If you’re able, take these steps:

Call 911 and report the accident
Seek medical attention, even if injuries seem minor
Document the scene with photos and video
Get the trucking company name, DOT number, and driver information
Collect witness contact information
Do NOT give recorded statements to any insurance company
Call Attorney911 immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911

How much is my trucking accident case worth?

Case values depend on many factors:

Severity of your injuries
Medical expenses (past and future)
Lost income and earning capacity
Pain and suffering
Degree of the trucking company’s negligence
Available insurance coverage

Trucking companies carry higher insurance limits than typical auto policies, allowing for larger recoveries in catastrophic injury cases.

Who can I sue after a trucking accident in City of Van?

Multiple parties may be liable:

The truck driver
The trucking company
The cargo owner or shipper
The loading company
Truck or parts manufacturers
Maintenance companies
Freight brokers
Government entities (for road defects)

We investigate all potentially liable parties to maximize your recovery.

How long do I have to file a trucking accident lawsuit in Texas?

Texas has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims. However, you should never wait. Evidence disappears quickly in trucking cases. The sooner you contact us, the stronger your case will be.

What if I was partially at fault for the accident?

Texas uses a modified comparative negligence system. You can recover damages as long as you’re not more than 50% at fault. Your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

What if the trucking company says the accident was my fault?

Trucking companies often try to shift blame to victims. We gather objective evidence – black box data, ELD records, dashcam footage – to prove what really happened.

How long does a trucking accident case 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 case go to trial?

Most cases settle before trial, but we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial. This approach creates leverage in settlement negotiations and ensures we’re ready to fight for you in court if necessary.

What if the trucking company goes bankrupt?

We investigate all available insurance policies and assets to ensure you can recover compensation. Many trucking companies carry excess or umbrella policies that provide additional coverage.

Can I still recover if the truck driver was an independent contractor?

Yes. Even if the driver was an independent contractor, the trucking company may still be liable for negligent hiring, training, or supervision.

City of Van Trucking Corridors: Where Accidents Happen

While City of Van doesn’t have major interstates running through it, our community is served by several important trucking corridors:

US Highway 80

Running east-west through Van Zandt County, US 80 carries significant commercial traffic serving:

Local agricultural producers
Manufacturing facilities
Regional distribution centers
Oil and gas industry support

State Highway 19

This north-south route connects to major highways and serves:

Timber industry trucking
Local businesses
Agricultural transport

Farm-to-Market Roads

Our county has an extensive network of FM roads that:

Connect rural areas to major highways
Carry farm equipment and agricultural products
Experience mixed traffic patterns with commercial trucks

Local Roads Serving Industries

Trucks regularly travel on roads serving:

Timber processing facilities
Agricultural operations
Manufacturing plants
Local businesses

The rural nature of these roads combined with heavy truck traffic creates unique accident risks. Narrow lanes, limited shoulders, sharp curves, and mixed traffic patterns all contribute to dangerous conditions.

Why Trucking Accidents in City of Van Are More Dangerous

Trucking accidents in our rural community present unique dangers:

Longer Emergency Response Times

In rural areas like City of Van, it can take longer for emergency responders to reach accident scenes. This delay can be critical for severely injured victims.

Limited Medical Facilities

While we have excellent local medical providers, severe injuries often require transport to larger trauma centers in Tyler or Dallas, adding critical time to treatment.

Challenging Road Conditions

Our rural roads present unique challenges:

Narrow lanes with limited shoulders
Sharp curves and steep grades
Mixed traffic with farm equipment
Limited lighting on rural roads
Occasional wildlife crossings

Fatigued Drivers

Long-haul truckers passing through our region are often fatigued from hours on the road. The monotony of rural highways can contribute to drowsy driving.

Seasonal Traffic Increases

During harvest seasons, truck traffic increases significantly, creating more opportunities for accidents.

How We Prove Trucking Company Negligence in City of Van Cases

To win your case, we must prove the trucking company was negligent. We do this by gathering evidence of:

Hours of Service Violations

ELD records showing excessive driving hours
Dispatch logs pressuring drivers to violate HOS rules
Pattern of violations in company safety records

Negligent Hiring

Incomplete driver qualification files
Failure to check driving records
Hiring drivers with poor safety histories
Failure to verify medical certification

Inadequate Training

Lack of documented training programs
Failure to train on specific equipment
No rollover prevention training
No cargo securement training

Poor Supervision

No monitoring of driver performance
Failure to review ELD records
No disciplinary action for safety violations
Pressure to meet unrealistic schedules

Deferred Maintenance

Pattern of deferred brake repairs
Failure to replace worn tires
Ignored inspection reports
No systematic maintenance program

Improper Cargo Loading

Inadequate tiedowns
Unbalanced load distribution
Overloaded trailers
No pre-trip cargo inspection

The Attorney911 Difference: Fighting for City of Van Families

When you choose Attorney911 to handle your City of Van trucking accident case, you’re getting:

A Team That Treats You Like Family

We understand that trucking accidents change lives in an instant. Our clients often tell us we treat them like family – because we do. We’re here to support you through this difficult time.

Aggressive Evidence Preservation

We send spoliation letters within 24-48 hours to preserve critical evidence before it’s destroyed. This includes black box data, ELD records, dashcam footage, and maintenance records.

Insider Knowledge of Insurance Tactics

Comprehensive Case Preparation

We prepare every case as if it’s going to trial. This approach creates leverage in settlement negotiations and ensures we’re ready to fight for maximum compensation in court.

Local Knowledge of City of Van and Van Zandt County

We understand the local trucking corridors, the unique challenges of rural road accidents, and the courts serving our community.

No Fee Unless We Win

We work on contingency – you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you. We advance all costs of investigation and litigation. You never receive a bill from us.

City of Van Trucking Accident Resources

If you’ve been involved in a trucking accident in City of Van, these resources may be helpful:

Emergency Services

City of Van Police Department: (903) 963-5000
Van Zandt County Sheriff’s Office: (903) 567-4133
Van Fire Department: (903) 963-5000
Van Zandt County EMS: (903) 567-5231

Medical Facilities

Van Medical Center: (903) 963-8611
UT Health East Texas Athens: (903) 676-1000
Tyler Regional Hospital: (903) 597-0351
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Tyler: (903) 510-1000

Government Agencies

Texas Department of Transportation: www.txdot.gov
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration: www.fmcsa.dot.gov
Texas Department of Public Safety: www.dps.texas.gov

Trucking Safety Resources

FMCSA Safety Measurement System: ai.fmcsa.dot.gov
FMCSA Company Snapshot: safer.fmcsa.dot.gov
NHTSA Fatality Analysis Reporting System: www-fars.nhtsa.dot.gov

Contact Attorney911 Today

If you or a loved one has been injured in a trucking accident in City of Van, Van Zandt County, or anywhere in East Texas, don’t wait. Evidence is disappearing every hour. Call Attorney911 now for a free consultation:

1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)

Our City of Van trucking accident attorneys are available 24/7 to help you. We work on contingency – you pay nothing unless we win your case.

“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

Don’t let the trucking company push you around. Call Attorney911 today and let us fight for the compensation you deserve.