18-Wheeler Accident Lawyers in City of Wellman, Texas | Attorney911
If you or a loved one has been injured in an 18-wheeler accident in City of Wellman, Texas, you need experienced legal representation to fight for the compensation you deserve. Trucking accidents are not like typical car crashes—they involve complex federal regulations, multiple liable parties, and catastrophic injuries that can change your life forever.
At Attorney911, we specialize in holding trucking companies accountable for their negligence. Our team, led by Ralph Manginello—a trial attorney with over 25 years of experience—has recovered millions of dollars for victims of trucking accidents across Texas. We know the City of Wellman area, its highways, and the unique challenges truck accident victims face in Terry County.
Call us now at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation. We work on a contingency fee basis—you pay nothing unless we win your case.
Why 18-Wheeler Accidents Are Different in City of Wellman, Texas
Trucking accidents are far more dangerous than car accidents due to the sheer size and weight of commercial vehicles. A fully loaded 18-wheeler can weigh up to 80,000 pounds—20 to 25 times heavier than a typical passenger car. When these massive trucks collide with smaller vehicles, the results are often catastrophic.
Common Causes of Trucking Accidents in City of Wellman
Trucking accidents in City of Wellman and Terry County often occur due to:
- Driver fatigue (violating federal Hours of Service (HOS) regulations)
- Distracted driving (cell phone use, dispatch communications)
- Speeding or reckless driving (especially on I-20, US-87, and FM 211)
- Improper maintenance (brake failures, tire blowouts)
- Overloaded or improperly secured cargo (shifting loads causing rollovers)
- Driving under the influence (drugs or alcohol)
- Poor training or negligent hiring (unqualified drivers)
- Wide turns and blind spots (trucks swinging into other lanes)
Many of these accidents happen on City of Wellman’s major trucking corridors, including:
- I-20 (east-west freight route connecting to Odessa and Lubbock)
- US-87 (north-south route through Terry County)
- FM 211 (local highway with heavy truck traffic)
- Highway 380 (connecting to nearby towns)
If you’ve been injured in a trucking accident on any of these roads, you need a lawyer who understands the local trucking industry and federal regulations.
Catastrophic Injuries from 18-Wheeler Accidents
Due to the extreme forces involved in trucking accidents, victims often suffer life-altering injuries, including:
- Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) – Even “minor” TBIs can cause permanent cognitive impairment, memory loss, and personality changes.
- Spinal Cord Injuries & Paralysis – Damage to the spinal cord can result in paraplegia (loss of leg function) or quadriplegia (loss of function in all four limbs).
- Amputations – Crush injuries or severe burns may require surgical amputation of limbs.
- Severe Burns – Fuel tank ruptures, chemical spills, or electrical fires can cause third- or fourth-degree burns, requiring skin grafts and lifelong scarring.
- Internal Organ Damage – Blunt force trauma can rupture organs like the liver, spleen, or kidneys, leading to life-threatening internal bleeding.
- Wrongful Death – Tragically, many trucking accidents result in fatalities, leaving families devastated.
These injuries often require lifelong medical care, resulting in millions of dollars in medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. That’s why it’s critical to hire an experienced 18-wheeler accident attorney in City of Wellman who can fight for maximum compensation.
Who Is Liable in a City of Wellman Trucking Accident?
Unlike car accidents, where typically only one driver is at fault, multiple parties can be held liable in a trucking accident, including:
| Potentially Liable Party | How They May Be Responsible |
|---|---|
| Truck Driver | Speeding, distracted driving, fatigue, impairment, or reckless maneuvers |
| Trucking Company | Negligent hiring, inadequate training, pressuring drivers to violate HOS, poor maintenance |
| Cargo Owner/Shipper | Overloading the truck, improperly securing cargo, or failing to disclose hazardous materials |
| Loading Company | Improperly securing cargo, unbalanced loads, or exceeding weight limits |
| Truck Manufacturer | Defective brakes, tires, steering, or other components |
| Parts Manufacturer | Faulty brake pads, tires, or other defective parts |
| Maintenance Company | Negligent repairs, failure to identify critical safety issues |
| Freight Broker | Hiring an unsafe or unqualified carrier |
| Government Entity | Poor road design, inadequate signage, or failure to maintain safe highways |
Our investigation will determine every liable party to maximize your compensation.
Why You Need a City of Wellman 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyer Immediately
After a trucking accident, evidence disappears fast. Trucking companies have rapid-response teams that arrive at crash scenes within hours to protect their interests—not yours. Critical evidence like black box data, ELD logs, dashcam footage, and maintenance records can be destroyed or overwritten if not preserved immediately.
What to Do After a Trucking Accident in City of Wellman
- Call 911 – Report the accident and request medical assistance.
- Seek Immediate Medical Attention – Even if you feel fine, adrenaline masks pain, and some injuries (like internal bleeding or TBI) may not be immediately apparent.
- Document the Scene – Take photos/videos of:
- Vehicle damage (all involved vehicles)
- Skid marks, road conditions, and traffic signs
- Your injuries
- The truck’s DOT number, license plate, and company name
- Witness contact information
- Do NOT Give a Recorded Statement – Insurance adjusters will try to minimize your claim. Never speak to them without an attorney present.
- Contact Attorney911 Immediately – We’ll send a spoliation letter to preserve critical evidence before it’s lost.
How We Prove Negligence in Your Trucking Accident Case
To win your case, we must prove that the trucking company or driver was negligent. We do this by gathering irrefutable evidence, including:
1. Electronic Evidence (Black Box & ELD Data)
- ECM/Black Box Data – Records speed, braking, throttle position, and fault codes.
- ELD (Electronic Logging Device) Records – Proves Hours of Service (HOS) violations (fatigue).
- GPS & Telematics Data – Shows the truck’s route, speed, and driving behavior.
- Dashcam Footage – Captures the accident as it happened.
⚠️ WARNING: This data can be overwritten in as little as 30 days. We act FAST to preserve it.
2. Driver & Company Records
- Driver Qualification File – Shows if the driver was unqualified, poorly trained, or had a history of violations.
- Maintenance Records – Proves whether the truck was properly inspected and repaired.
- Drug & Alcohol Test Results – Determines if the driver was impaired at the time of the crash.
- Dispatch & Trip Records – Reveals if the company pressured the driver to violate HOS regulations.
3. Accident Reconstruction & Expert Testimony
We work with:
- Accident reconstruction experts – To determine how the crash happened and who was at fault.
- Medical experts – To prove the full extent of your injuries and future medical needs.
- Vocational experts – To calculate lost earning capacity if you can’t return to work.
- Economic experts – To determine the full financial impact of your injuries.
4. FMCSA Regulation Violations
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sets strict rules for trucking companies. Common violations we investigate include:
| FMCSA Regulation | What It Requires | How Violations Cause Accidents |
|---|---|---|
| 49 CFR § 395 (Hours of Service) | Limits driving time to 11 hours after 10 hours off duty | Fatigued driving (31% of fatal truck crashes) |
| 49 CFR § 392.4/.5 (Drugs & Alcohol) | Prohibits driving under the influence | Impaired reaction time |
| 49 CFR § 393.40-55 (Brakes) | Requires properly functioning brake systems | Brake failures (29% of truck crashes) |
| 49 CFR § 393.100-136 (Cargo Securement) | Cargo must be properly tied down | Shifting loads, rollovers, spills |
| 49 CFR § 391 (Driver Qualification) | Drivers must be medically fit and properly licensed | Unqualified drivers causing crashes |
| 49 CFR § 396 (Maintenance) | Trucks must be regularly inspected and repaired | Mechanical failures leading to accidents |
Proving FMCSA violations is key to winning your case and securing maximum compensation.
Compensation You May Be Entitled To
If you’ve been injured in a trucking accident in City of Wellman, you may be entitled to full compensation for:
| Type of Compensation | What It Covers |
|---|---|
| Medical Expenses | Hospital bills, surgeries, rehabilitation, future medical care |
| Lost Wages | Income lost due to time off work |
| Lost Earning Capacity | Future income if you can’t return to your job |
| Pain & Suffering | Physical pain, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life |
| Disfigurement | Scarring, burns, or permanent physical changes |
| Property Damage | Repair or replacement of your vehicle |
| Wrongful Death Damages | Funeral expenses, loss of companionship, lost future income (if a loved one was killed) |
| Punitive Damages | Additional compensation if the trucking company acted with gross negligence (e.g., falsifying logs, ignoring safety violations) |
Trucking companies carry high insurance limits—often $1 million or more—meaning there is more money available to compensate you than in a typical car accident.
Why Choose Attorney911 for Your City of Wellman Trucking Accident Case?
✅ 25+ Years of Experience – Ralph Manginello has been fighting for injury victims since 1998.
✅ Former Insurance Defense Attorney on Staff – We know exactly how trucking companies and insurers try to minimize claims.
✅ Federal Court Experience – Admitted to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas, allowing us to handle interstate trucking cases.
✅ Multi-Million Dollar Verdicts & Settlements – We’ve recovered millions for trucking accident victims.
✅ Aggressive Trial Lawyers – We prepare every case as if it’s going to trial, giving us leverage in settlement negotiations.
✅ Local Knowledge of City of Wellman & Terry County – We know the trucking routes, courts, and judges in your area.
✅ No Fee Unless We Win – You pay nothing upfront. Our fee comes from your settlement or verdict.
What Our Clients Say About Us
“They treated me like FAMILY, not just another case number. They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.”
— Glenda Walker, Attorney911 Client
“One company said they would not accept my case. Then I got a call from Manginello… I got a call to come pick up this handsome check.”
— Donald Wilcox, Attorney911 Client
“You are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.”
— Chad Harris, Attorney911 Client
Don’t Wait—Evidence Disappears Fast!
Critical evidence in your trucking accident case can be lost forever if you don’t act quickly. Trucking companies destroy black box data, ELD logs, and maintenance records to protect themselves. Witnesses forget details, and physical evidence gets repaired or scrapped.
Call Attorney911 NOW at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, no-obligation consultation. We’ll:
✔ Send a spoliation letter to preserve critical evidence
✔ Investigate the accident and identify all liable parties
✔ Handle all communications with insurance companies
✔ Fight for maximum compensation for your injuries
Time is running out. Call us today before the evidence is gone.
Frequently Asked Questions About Trucking Accidents in City of Wellman
1. 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 contact an attorney immediately—evidence disappears quickly, and delays can hurt your case.
2. Can I still recover compensation if I was partially at fault?
Yes! Texas follows modified comparative negligence rules. As long as you were less than 50% at fault, you can still recover damages. Your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
3. How much is my trucking accident case worth?
Every case is different, but factors that affect value include:
- Severity of your injuries
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost wages and earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Degree of the trucking company’s negligence
- Available insurance coverage
We’ve recovered millions for trucking accident victims—let us fight for you.
4. What if the trucking company’s insurance offers me a quick settlement?
Never accept a quick settlement without consulting an attorney. Insurance companies lowball victims to avoid paying full compensation. We’ll negotiate aggressively to ensure you get what you deserve.
5. Do I need a lawyer for a trucking accident claim?
Yes! Trucking accident cases are complex and involve federal regulations, multiple liable parties, and aggressive insurance companies. An experienced attorney levels the playing field and maximizes your compensation.
6. What if the truck driver was an independent contractor?
Even if the driver was an owner-operator, the trucking company may still be liable under vicarious liability or negligent hiring laws. We’ll investigate all possible defendants.
7. Can I sue if my loved one was killed in a trucking accident?
Yes. Texas allows wrongful death claims for surviving family members. You may recover compensation for:
- Lost future income
- Loss of companionship
- Funeral expenses
- Mental anguish
Hablamos Español – We Speak Spanish
At Attorney911, we understand that many City of Wellman residents speak Spanish as their primary language. Our associate attorney Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish and provides direct representation without interpreters.
No importa si prefieres hablar en español—estamos aquí para ayudarte.
Llame a Lupe Peña al 1-888-ATTY-911 para una consulta gratuita.
Serving City of Wellman & Terry County
We represent trucking accident victims throughout City of Wellman, Terry County, and all of West Texas, including:
- Brownfield
- Meadow
- Wellman
- Welch
- Tokio
- And surrounding areas
If you’ve been injured in a trucking accident anywhere in Texas, we can help.
Call Now for a Free Consultation – 1-888-ATTY-911
Don’t let the trucking company take advantage of you. You have rights, and we will fight for them.
Call Attorney911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911) for a free, no-obligation case evaluation. We’re available 24/7 to take your call.
Remember: The sooner you call, the stronger your case will be.
Why Wait? The Trucking Company Already Has Lawyers Working Against You.
Call 1-888-ATTY-911 now—before the evidence is gone.
