18-Wheeler Accidents in Wichita Falls: Your Guide to Justice and Compensation
If you or a loved one has been involved in an 18-wheeler accident in Wichita Falls, you’re facing one of the most traumatic experiences of your life. The sheer size and weight of commercial trucks make these accidents particularly devastating. At Attorney911, we’ve been fighting for trucking accident victims across Texas for over 25 years, and we understand the unique challenges Wichita Falls residents face when dealing with these catastrophic incidents.
Why Wichita Falls Trucking Accidents Are Different
Wichita Falls sits at a critical junction of major transportation routes. With US-281 running north-south through the city and connecting to I-44 just to the east, our highways see significant commercial truck traffic. The nearby Sheppard Air Force Base and local industries also contribute to the heavy truck presence on our roads.
The Wichita Falls Trucking Corridors You Need to Know
Our city’s trucking routes present specific dangers:
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US-281 (Kell Boulevard/Seymour Highway): This major north-south corridor sees heavy truck traffic, particularly during morning and evening rush hours. The stretch through downtown Wichita Falls can be especially congested.
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I-44 (just east of Wichita Falls): While not directly through the city, this interstate serves as a critical connection point for trucks traveling between Oklahoma and Texas.
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US-287 (Burkburnett Road): This route heading northwest toward Burkburnett and beyond sees significant truck traffic, particularly from oil field and agricultural operations.
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Loop 11 (Ringway): The city’s ring road handles local truck distribution and can be hazardous due to frequent merging and lane changes.
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Industrial areas along Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and Southwest Parkway: These zones see concentrated truck traffic from local distribution centers and manufacturing facilities.
The combination of these routes with Wichita Falls’ unique weather patterns – including strong winds, occasional ice storms, and summer heat – creates particularly dangerous conditions for truck operations.
The Devastating Reality of 18-Wheeler Accidents
When an 80,000-pound truck collides with a passenger vehicle, the results are often catastrophic. The physics simply don’t favor the smaller vehicle:
- Weight disparity: A fully loaded 18-wheeler can weigh 20-25 times more than a typical passenger car
- Stopping distance: At 65 mph, an 18-wheeler needs approximately 525 feet to stop – nearly two football fields
- Height advantage: Trucks sit much higher than cars, creating dangerous underride scenarios
Common Injuries in Wichita Falls Trucking Accidents
The injuries we see in Wichita Falls trucking accidents are often life-altering:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): From mild concussions to severe brain damage requiring lifelong care
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Often resulting in partial or complete paralysis
- Amputations: Limbs crushed or severed in the collision
- Severe Burns: From fuel fires or hazardous material spills
- Internal Organ Damage: Often life-threatening and requiring emergency surgery
- Multiple Fractures: Broken bones throughout the body
- Wrongful Death: Tragically common in severe trucking accidents
These injuries don’t just affect your health – they impact every aspect of your life, from your ability to work to your relationships with family and friends.
What to Do Immediately After a Trucking Accident in Wichita Falls
Your First Steps Could Make or Break Your Case
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Call 911 immediately – Report the accident and request medical assistance. Even if you feel fine, some injuries don’t show symptoms right away.
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Seek medical attention – Go to United Regional Health Care System or another local medical facility right away. Adrenaline can mask serious injuries.
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Document everything – If you’re able:
- Take photos of all vehicles involved
- Photograph the accident scene, including road conditions and skid marks
- Get the truck driver’s name, CDL number, and contact information
- Obtain the trucking company’s name and DOT number
- Collect witness contact information
- Take photos of your injuries
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Do NOT give statements – Avoid discussing the accident with insurance adjusters or trucking company representatives. Anything you say can be used against you.
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Contact Attorney911 immediately – Time is critical. Evidence disappears quickly in trucking cases.
Why Evidence Disappears So Quickly in Wichita Falls Trucking Cases
Trucking companies have rapid-response teams that spring into action immediately after accidents. They’re not there to help you – they’re there to protect their interests. Critical evidence can disappear within hours or days:
- Black box data can be overwritten in as little as 30 days
- ELD (Electronic Logging Device) records may only be retained for 6 months
- Dashcam footage is often deleted within 7-14 days
- Surveillance video from nearby businesses typically overwrites in 7-30 days
- Physical evidence like the truck and trailer may be repaired or sold
- Witness memories fade quickly
That’s why we send spoliation letters within 24-48 hours of being retained. These legal notices demand that all evidence be preserved and can result in serious consequences if the trucking company destroys evidence after receiving our letter.
The Trucking Company’s Playbook – And How We Counter It
When you’re injured in a trucking accident in Wichita Falls, you’re not just fighting the driver – you’re fighting a sophisticated corporate machine. Here’s what they do and how we counter it:
What the Trucking Company Does:
- Sends rapid-response investigators to the scene to gather evidence that protects them
- Contacts you with “helpful” adjusters who are trained to minimize your claim
- Offers quick settlements that are far below what your case is worth
- Destroys or “loses” evidence that would prove their negligence
- Blames you for the accident to reduce their liability
How Attorney911 Counters:
- We deploy our own investigators to document the scene before evidence disappears
- We handle all communication with the trucking company and their insurers
- We never accept early settlement offers – we calculate the true value of your case
- We send spoliation letters to preserve all evidence
- We gather objective data like black box records that prove what really happened
The FMCSA Regulations That Protect Wichita Falls Drivers
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sets strict regulations that commercial trucking companies must follow. These rules exist to protect public safety, and violations often prove negligence in accident cases.
Key FMCSA Regulations That Apply to Wichita Falls Trucking:
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Hours of Service (HOS) Rules (49 CFR Part 395):
- Maximum 11 hours driving after 10 consecutive hours off duty
- Cannot drive beyond 14th consecutive hour on duty
- 30-minute break required after 8 cumulative hours of driving
- 60/70-hour weekly limits with 34-hour restart
Why it matters in Wichita Falls: Fatigue is a leading cause of trucking accidents, especially on long hauls through our area.
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Driver Qualification Standards (49 CFR Part 391):
- Drivers must be at least 21 years old (18 for intrastate in Texas)
- Must pass medical examination and maintain certification
- Must have valid commercial driver’s license (CDL)
- Must pass background check and road test
Why it matters: We’ve seen cases where trucking companies hire unqualified drivers to meet demand.
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Vehicle Maintenance Requirements (49 CFR Part 396):
- Systematic inspection, repair, and maintenance required
- Pre-trip and post-trip inspections mandatory
- Annual comprehensive inspections required
- Records must be maintained for at least 1 year
Why it matters in Wichita Falls: Our extreme temperatures and road conditions put extra stress on truck components.
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Cargo Securement Rules (49 CFR Part 393):
- Cargo must be contained, immobilized, or secured
- Must withstand specific forces in all directions
- Specific requirements for different cargo types
Why it matters: Improperly secured loads can shift during transit, causing rollovers or spills on our highways.
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Drug and Alcohol Testing (49 CFR Part 382):
- Pre-employment testing required
- Random testing throughout employment
- Post-accident testing required
- Reasonable suspicion testing allowed
Why it matters: Substance abuse is a serious problem in the trucking industry.
The Critical Evidence We Obtain in Wichita Falls Trucking Cases
To build a strong case, we pursue comprehensive evidence gathering:
Electronic Data:
- ECM/Black Box Data: Shows speed, braking, throttle position, and fault codes
- ELD Records: Prove hours of service compliance or violations
- GPS/Telematics Data: Tracks the truck’s route and speed
- Cell Phone Records: Can prove distracted driving
- Dashcam Footage: Shows what the driver saw and did
Driver Records:
- Driver Qualification File: Background check, training records, medical certification
- Driving Record: Previous violations and accidents
- Drug/Alcohol Test Results: From pre-employment and random testing
- Hours of Service Logs: For the 6 months prior to the accident
Vehicle Records:
- Maintenance Records: Show if proper upkeep was performed
- Inspection Reports: Pre-trip, post-trip, and annual inspections
- Out-of-Service Orders: Previous safety violations
- Tire Records: Age, condition, and replacement history
- Brake Inspection Records: Critical for stopping ability
Company Records:
- Safety Policies: What the company claims it does to ensure safety
- Training Materials: What drivers were taught about safety
- Dispatch Records: Shows schedule pressure that might have caused violations
- CSA Scores: The company’s safety record with FMCSA
- Insurance Policies: What coverage is available
Who Can Be Held Liable in Your Wichita Falls Trucking Accident
Unlike car accidents where typically only one driver is at fault, trucking accidents often involve multiple liable parties. We investigate all potential defendants to maximize your recovery:
- The Truck Driver – For negligent actions like speeding, distracted driving, or fatigue
- The Trucking Company/Motor Carrier – For negligent hiring, training, or supervision
- The Cargo Owner/Shipper – For improper loading instructions or hazardous materials
- The Loading Company – For improper cargo securement
- The Truck/Trailer Manufacturer – For defective design or manufacturing
- Parts Manufacturers – For defective components like brakes or tires
- Maintenance Companies – For negligent repairs or inspections
- Freight Brokers – For negligent selection of unsafe carriers
- The Truck Owner – If different from the carrier (owner-operator situations)
- Government Entities – For dangerous road conditions (limited by sovereign immunity)
Common Types of Trucking Accidents in Wichita Falls
Jackknife Accidents
Jackknife accidents occur when the trailer swings out perpendicular to the cab, often blocking multiple lanes of traffic. These are particularly dangerous on Wichita Falls’ highways where trucks frequently enter and exit the flow of traffic.
Common causes in Wichita Falls:
- Sudden braking on wet or icy roads
- Speeding on curves (especially on US-281)
- Empty or lightly loaded trailers (more prone to swing)
- Improperly loaded cargo
- Brake failures or worn brakes
Underride Collisions
Underride collisions happen when a vehicle slides underneath the trailer of an 18-wheeler. These are among the most deadly trucking accidents.
Types we see in Wichita Falls:
- Rear underride: Vehicle strikes the back of a trailer
- Side underride: Vehicle impacts the side of a trailer during lane changes or turns
Why they’re so deadly:
- The trailer height often shears off the top of passenger vehicles
- Occupants suffer catastrophic head and neck injuries
- Airbags may not deploy properly
Rollover Accidents
Rollover accidents occur when an 18-wheeler tips onto its side or roof. These often result in secondary crashes as other vehicles strike the overturned truck.
Common causes in Wichita Falls:
- Speeding on curves (particularly on entrance/exit ramps)
- Improperly secured cargo shifting during transit
- Liquid cargo “slosh” that shifts center of gravity
- Overcorrection after tire blowouts or lane departures
- Driver fatigue causing delayed reactions
Rear-End Collisions
Rear-end collisions are especially dangerous when an 18-wheeler is involved due to the massive weight disparity.
Why they’re so severe in Wichita Falls:
- Trucks need 40% more stopping distance than cars
- Our summer heat can cause brake fade on long descents
- Driver distraction is common on long hauls
- Following too closely is a persistent problem on our highways
Wide Turn Accidents (“Squeeze Play”)
Wide turn accidents occur when a truck swings wide to make a right turn, creating a gap that other vehicles enter. The truck then completes its turn, crushing the vehicle in the gap.
Why they happen in Wichita Falls:
- Trucks need significant space to complete turns
- Drivers may swing wide to avoid curbs or signs
- Other drivers may not understand truck turning patterns
- Intersections like Kell and Seymour can be particularly problematic
Blind Spot Accidents (“No-Zone”)
Trucks have massive blind spots where the driver cannot see other vehicles. These are called “No-Zones.”
The four No-Zones in Wichita Falls trucking:
- Front No-Zone: 20 feet directly in front of the cab
- Rear No-Zone: 30 feet behind the trailer
- Left Side No-Zone: Extends from the cab door backward
- Right Side No-Zone: Extends from the cab door backward and is much larger than the left side
Tire Blowout Accidents
Tire blowouts can cause trucks to lose control, especially in Wichita Falls’ extreme temperatures.
Common causes:
- Underinflated tires (more common in our hot climate)
- Overloaded vehicles
- Worn or aging tires
- Road debris
- Manufacturing defects
Brake Failure Accidents
Brake failures are a leading cause of trucking accidents and are often the result of poor maintenance.
Why they happen in Wichita Falls:
- Worn brake pads or shoes not replaced
- Improper brake adjustment
- Air brake system leaks
- Overheated brakes from long descents
- Contaminated brake fluid
- Failure to conduct proper inspections
Cargo Spill/Shift Accidents
When cargo isn’t properly secured, it can shift during transit or spill onto the roadway.
Types we see in Wichita Falls:
- Cargo shift: Load moves, destabilizing the truck
- Cargo spill: Load falls onto the roadway
- Hazmat spill: Hazardous materials leak or spill
The Catastrophic Injuries We See in Wichita Falls Trucking Cases
The injuries from 18-wheeler accidents are often life-altering:
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
TBIs range from mild concussions to severe brain damage. Even “mild” TBIs can have lifelong consequences.
Symptoms we see in Wichita Falls patients:
- Headaches and dizziness
- Memory loss and confusion
- Difficulty concentrating
- Mood changes and depression
- Sleep disturbances
- Sensory problems (vision, hearing)
- Speech difficulties
Long-term consequences:
- Permanent cognitive impairment
- Inability to work
- Need for lifelong care
- Increased risk of dementia
- Emotional and psychological disorders
Spinal Cord Injuries
Spinal cord injuries often result in partial or complete 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: Total loss of sensation and movement
Level of injury matters:
- Higher injuries (cervical spine) affect more body functions
- C1-C4 injuries may require ventilators
- Lower injuries (lumbar) affect legs but not arms
Amputations
Amputations can occur at the scene or result from surgical removal of severely damaged limbs.
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 are common in trucking accidents involving fuel fires or hazardous material spills.
Burn classification:
- First degree: Epidermis only (minor)
- Second degree: Epidermis and dermis (may scar)
- Third degree: Full thickness (requires grafting)
- Fourth degree: Through skin to muscle/bone
Long-term consequences:
- Permanent scarring and disfigurement
- Multiple reconstructive surgeries
- Chronic pain
- Infection risks
- Psychological trauma
What Your Wichita Falls Trucking Accident Case Might Be Worth
Case values depend on many factors, but trucking cases typically have higher values than car accidents because:
- Trucking companies carry much higher insurance limits ($750,000 minimum, often $1-5 million)
- The injuries are typically more severe
- Multiple parties may be liable
Factors That Affect Your Case Value:
- Severity of injuries: More severe injuries = higher value
- 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
- Pain and suffering: Physical pain and emotional distress
- Degree of negligence: More egregious violations = higher value
- Available insurance: Higher limits allow for larger recoveries
- Comparative fault: Texas’ modified comparative negligence rules apply
Documented Trucking Verdicts in Texas:
While every case is unique, recent Texas trucking verdicts show what’s possible when companies are held accountable:
- $730 million (2021) – Ramsey v. Landstar Ranger (oversize load fatality)
- $150 million (2022) – Werner settlement (two children killed on I-30)
- $37.5 million (2024) – Trucking verdict in Texas
- $35.5 million – Family injured in truck accident
- $35 million (2025) – Fort Worth trucking case (largest in Tarrant County)
Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Wichita Falls Trucking Case
Our Unique Advantages:
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25+ Years of Trucking Litigation Experience – Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has been fighting trucking companies since 1998.
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Former Insurance Defense Attorney on Staff – Our associate attorney Lupe Peña worked for a national insurance defense firm before joining us. He knows exactly how the trucking companies’ insurers operate.
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Federal Court Experience – We’re admitted to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas, which handles many interstate trucking cases.
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Multi-Million Dollar Results – We’ve secured numerous multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts for trucking accident victims.
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Local Wichita Falls Knowledge – We understand the specific challenges of trucking cases in our area, from our highways to our courts.
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Bilingual Services – Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish, serving Wichita Falls’ Hispanic community directly without interpreters.
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Immediate Action – We send spoliation letters within 24-48 hours to preserve critical evidence.
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No Fee Unless We Win – We work on contingency – you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.
Our Track Record:
- $5+ million – Logging brain injury settlement
- $3.8+ million – Car accident amputation settlement
- $2+ million – Maritime back injury settlement
- $2.5 million – Truck crash recovery
- Millions recovered for families in trucking-related wrongful death cases
- $10 million lawsuit filed in the University of Houston hazing case (demonstrating our ability to handle complex litigation)
What Our Clients Say About Us:
“They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.”
— Glenda Walker, Attorney911 Client
“You are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.”
— Chad Harris, Attorney911 Client
“They solved in a couple of months what others did nothing about in two years.”
— Angel Walle, Attorney911 Client
“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
The Attorney911 Process for Wichita Falls Trucking Cases
Step 1: Free Consultation (24/7 Availability)
We’re available around the clock to take your call. During your free consultation, we’ll:
- Listen to your story
- Explain your rights
- Outline the next steps
- Answer all your questions
Step 2: Immediate Evidence Preservation
Within 24-48 hours, we’ll:
- Send spoliation letters to all potentially liable parties
- Demand preservation of ECM/black box data
- Secure ELD records
- Obtain dashcam footage if available
- Collect police reports and witness statements
Step 3: Comprehensive Investigation
We’ll conduct a thorough investigation including:
- Accident reconstruction
- FMCSA regulation compliance review
- Driver qualification file analysis
- Maintenance record review
- Hours of service compliance check
- Drug/alcohol test results
- Cargo securement documentation
Step 4: Medical Care Coordination
We’ll help you:
- Get the medical treatment you need
- Document all injuries and treatment
- Understand your prognosis
- Project future medical needs
Step 5: Demand and Negotiation
We’ll:
- Calculate the full value of your damages
- Prepare a comprehensive demand package
- Negotiate aggressively with the insurance companies
- Reject lowball offers
Step 6: Litigation (If Necessary)
If we can’t reach a fair settlement, we’re prepared to:
- File a lawsuit
- Conduct discovery
- Take depositions
- Present your case to a jury
Step 7: Resolution
We’ll work to resolve your case through:
- Settlement negotiation
- Mediation
- Trial (if necessary)
How Long Your Wichita Falls Trucking Case Might Take
Timelines vary depending on the complexity of your case:
- Simple cases with clear liability: 6-12 months
- Moderate cases with some disputes: 12-24 months
- Complex cases with multiple parties: 2-3 years
- Cases that go to trial: 2-4 years
We work to resolve cases as quickly as possible while ensuring you receive maximum compensation.
What You Can Recover in Your Wichita Falls Trucking Case
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, etc.
- 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
- 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 (In Cases of Gross Negligence):
Punitive damages may be available when the trucking company acted with:
- Gross negligence
- Willful misconduct
- Conscious indifference to safety
- Fraud (falsifying logs, destroying evidence)
Common Questions About Wichita Falls Trucking Accidents
What should I do immediately after an 18-wheeler accident in Wichita Falls?
- Call 911 and report the accident
- Seek medical attention, even if you feel fine
- Document the scene with photos 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
How long do I have to file a trucking accident lawsuit in Wichita Falls?
Texas has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury cases. However, you should never wait. Evidence disappears quickly in trucking cases, and the sooner you contact us, the stronger your case will be.
Who can I sue after a trucking accident in Wichita Falls?
Multiple parties may be liable:
- 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)
How much is my Wichita Falls trucking accident case worth?
Case values depend on:
- 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 cases typically have higher values than car accidents because trucking companies carry much higher insurance limits ($750,000 minimum, often $1-5 million).
Will my 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.
How long will my case take?
Timelines vary:
- Simple cases: 6-12 months
- Moderate cases: 12-24 months
- Complex cases: 2-3 years
- Cases that go to trial: 2-4 years
We work to resolve cases as quickly as possible while maximizing your recovery.
What if I was partially at fault for the accident?
Texas follows modified comparative negligence rules. 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 truck driver was an independent contractor?
This can complicate liability, but both the owner-operator and the contracting company may be liable. We investigate all relationships and insurance policies to ensure you can recover from the responsible parties.
How do I prove the driver was fatigued?
We use multiple sources of evidence:
- ELD records showing hours of service violations
- ECM data showing erratic driving patterns
- Dispatch records showing pressure to meet deadlines
- Cell phone records showing late-night communications
- Witness statements about the driver’s behavior
What if the trucking company goes bankrupt?
We investigate all potentially liable parties and their insurance coverage. Even if the primary company goes bankrupt, other defendants may have coverage available.
Can I get punitive damages in my Wichita Falls trucking case?
Punitive damages may be available when the trucking company acted with gross negligence or willful misconduct. This might include:
- Knowingly hiring dangerous drivers
- Ignoring safety violations for profit
- Destroying evidence
- Falsifying hours-of-service logs
- Having a pattern of similar violations
What if I don’t have health insurance?
We can help you get the medical treatment you need through:
- Letters of protection to medical providers
- Working with doctors who treat on a lien basis
- Helping you access medical payment coverage from your own auto policy
How much does it cost to hire Attorney911?
We work on contingency – you pay nothing unless we win your case. Our fee comes from the recovery, not your pocket. We also advance all costs of investigation and litigation.
The Wichita Falls Trucking Industry: What You’re Up Against
Wichita Falls sits at a critical transportation hub, and our local trucking industry reflects that strategic location. Understanding who you’re dealing with can help you appreciate why these cases are so complex.
Major Trucking Companies Operating in Wichita Falls:
While we can’t name specific companies involved in accidents, some of the major carriers that operate in our area include:
- National LTL (Less Than Truckload) carriers with terminals in Wichita Falls
- Regional carriers serving the Texas-Oklahoma corridor
- Oil field trucking companies serving the nearby oil and gas industry
- Agricultural haulers transporting crops and livestock
- Government contractors serving Sheppard Air Force Base
- Local distribution companies serving Wichita Falls businesses
The Wichita Falls Trucking Environment:
- Highway congestion: Our major corridors like US-281 and Kell Boulevard see heavy truck and passenger vehicle traffic
- Weather challenges: From summer heat to winter ice storms, our weather puts extra stress on truck components
- Military traffic: Sheppard AFB generates significant truck traffic for supplies and equipment
- Industrial zones: Areas along Southwest Parkway and Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard see concentrated truck activity
- Distribution centers: Local warehouses create heavy truck traffic in specific zones
The Trucking Industry’s Defense Tactics:
When you’re injured in a trucking accident, you’re not just fighting the driver – you’re fighting a sophisticated industry with well-funded defense teams. Here’s what they do:
- Rapid response teams: They send investigators to the scene immediately to gather evidence that protects them
- Insurance adjusters: They contact you quickly with “helpful” adjusters trained to minimize your claim
- Quick settlement offers: They offer fast money that’s far below what your case is worth
- Evidence destruction: They may “lose” or overwrite critical evidence like black box data
- Blame shifting: They’ll try to blame you for the accident to reduce their liability
How We Fight Back for Wichita Falls Victims
At Attorney911, we’ve developed proven strategies to counter the trucking industry’s tactics:
1. Immediate Evidence Preservation
We send spoliation letters within 24-48 hours demanding preservation of:
- ECM/black box data
- ELD records
- Dashcam footage
- Driver qualification files
- Maintenance records
- Drug/alcohol test results
- Cell phone records
2. Comprehensive Investigation
We conduct thorough investigations including:
- Accident reconstruction
- FMCSA compliance review
- Driver background check
- Maintenance record analysis
- Hours of service verification
- Cargo securement documentation
3. Expert Witnesses
We work with top experts including:
- Accident reconstruction specialists
- Medical experts to document your injuries
- Economic experts to calculate lost earning capacity
- Life care planners for catastrophic injuries
- FMCSA regulation experts
4. Aggressive Negotiation
We:
- Calculate the full value of your damages
- Prepare comprehensive demand packages
- Negotiate from a position of strength
- Reject lowball offers
- Are prepared to go to trial if necessary
5. Trial Preparation
We prepare every case as if it’s going to trial:
- File lawsuits when necessary
- Conduct discovery aggressively
- Take depositions
- Build compelling trial presentations
The Wichita Falls Legal Landscape for Trucking Cases
Wichita County Courts:
Trucking cases in Wichita Falls may be filed in:
- Wichita County District Courts for cases with significant damages
- Wichita County Courts at Law for cases with lower damage amounts
- Federal Court for interstate trucking cases
Texas Laws That Affect Your Case:
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Modified Comparative Negligence (Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code § 33.001):
- You can recover damages as long as you’re not more than 50% at fault
- Your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault
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Statute of Limitations (Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code § 16.003):
- 2 years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit
- 2 years from the date of death for wrongful death claims
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Punitive Damages (Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code § 41.008):
- Capped at the greater of:
- $200,000, or
- Two times economic damages plus non-economic damages (up to $750,000)
- Capped at the greater of:
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Texas Wrongful Death Act (Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code § 71.001):
- Allows surviving family members to recover damages for:
- Lost income and benefits
- Loss of consortium
- Mental anguish
- Funeral expenses
- Allows surviving family members to recover damages for:
Our Promise to Wichita Falls Trucking Accident Victims
When you choose Attorney911, you’re getting more than just a law firm – you’re getting a team that will fight for you every step of the way:
- We’ll treat you like family – Not just another case number
- We’ll fight for every dime you deserve – No quick settlements that shortchange you
- We’ll preserve critical evidence – Before it disappears
- We’ll handle all the legal work – So you can focus on healing
- We’ll communicate openly – You’ll always know where your case stands
- We’ll take your case to trial if necessary – We’re not afraid to fight in court
- We’ll work on contingency – You pay nothing unless we win
Take Action Now – Your Future Depends on It
If you or a loved one has been injured in an 18-wheeler accident in Wichita Falls, time is critical. Evidence is disappearing right now, and the trucking company’s team is already working to protect their interests.
Call Attorney911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911 for your free consultation.
We’re available 24/7 to take your call. Our Wichita Falls trucking accident attorneys offer free consultations and work on contingency – you pay nothing unless we win your case.
“Don’t let the trucking company push you around. Call Attorney911 – we push back harder.”
— Ralph Manginello, Managing Partner
Your fight starts with one call: 1-888-ATTY-911. We answer. We fight. We win.