Cochran County Truck Accident & Commercial Vehicle Injury Guide

When an 80,000-Pound Truck Changes Your Life in Cochran County, You Need a Fighter

The South Plains of West Texas are defined by wide-open horizons, a relentless wind, and roads that serve as the literal lifeblood of the American economy. In Cochran County, our highways—from State Highway 114 to State Highway 214 and the rural roads crossing the Permian Basin—are constantly occupied by massive commercial vehicles. Whether it is a produced-water tanker heading to a disposal well near Morton, a cotton module truck hauling a harvest outside of Whiteface, or a heavy equipment hauler crossing the border into New Mexico, these vehicles represent essential industry. But they also represent an immense danger to the families who share the road.

If you have been hit by a truck in Cochran County, you are not just dealing with a traffic accident. You are dealing with a legal emergency. An 80,000-pound semi-truck creates forces that the human body—and even the safest modern cars—cannot withstand. In an instant, you have gone from a routine drive to facing a lifetime of medical bills, permanent disability, or the devastating loss of a loved one.

At Attorney911, we understand that trucking companies don’t wait to protect themselves. Within hours of a crash on US Highway 380 or a lease road in the South Plains, the corporate fleet operator has already dispatched investigators to the scene. Their goal is simple: to minimize your recovery and protect their bottom line. You need someone in your corner who moves just as fast. Ralph Manginello has spent more than 25 years going head-to-head with some of the most powerful corporations on the planet, including giants like BP, Walmart, and Amazon. Since 1998, our firm’s founder has been dedicated to leveling the playing field for injury victims.

We bring a unique advantage to every Cochran County case. Our associate attorney, Lupe Peña, spent years working on the other side as a national insurance defense attorney. He knows the playbook they use to lowball victims. He saw how adjusters are trained to deny legitimate claims. Now, he uses that insider knowledge to deconstruct their defenses and fight for every dime our clients deserve. As client Chad Harris said, “You are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.”

If you’re hurting, don’t face the corporate lawyers alone. Hablamos Español. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, no-obligation consultation.

The Cochran County Advantage: Why Local Context and National Experience Matter

Cochran County sits at a unique crossroads of Texas industry. We are part of the legendary Permian Basin oil play, and simultaneously one of the state’s key agricultural producers. This means our roads carry a different type of risk than the congested streets of Houston or Dallas.

When an 18-wheeler jackknifes on SH 114 during a West Texas dust storm, or an oilfield hotshot truck speeds through a rural intersection in Morton because the driver is trying to beat a delivery deadline, the resulting litigation requires an attorney who knows the territory. We understand the physics of high-wind rollovers on the plains. We know how the distance to trauma centers in Lubbock—often over an hour away from Morton—exacerbates the severity of injuries like traumatic brain injuries and internal bleeding.

Our firm has recovered over $50 million for Texas families because we treat every case as if it is heading to trial. We are admitted to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas, giving us the federal court experience necessary to take on interstate trucking companies that hide behind complex corporate structures. Whether you were hit by a delivery van or a specialized oilfield frac pump, we know how to secure the evidence before it disappears.

Call us today at 888-ATTY-911. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay us nothing unless we win your case. Zero upfront costs. Your recovery is our only priority.

Understanding Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSA) in Cochran County Cases

The vast majority of commercial truck accidents in Cochran County involve violations of federal law. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sets strict rules that every interstate trucking company and driver must follow. When these rules are broken, it is prima facie evidence of negligence.

We systematically examine the “Six Critical Parts” of the FMCSA regulations (49 CFR) when building your Cochran County claim:

1. Hours of Service (49 CFR Part 395)

Fatigue is the leading cause of massive truck wrecks on long-haul stretches of SH 114. Under Part 395, property-carrying drivers are generally limited to 11 hours of driving after 10 consecutive hours off-duty. They must also take a 30-minute break after 8 cumulative hours of driving. We subpoena Electronic Logging Device (ELD) data to prove when a driver has pushed past these limits to meet an aggressive corporate schedule. In the oilfield regions of Cochran County, drivers often work brutal 12-to-14-hour shifts on wellsites before ever getting behind the wheel—a direct violation of Part 395.3.

2. Driver Qualification (49 CFR Part 391)

Not everyone with a driver’s license is fit to operate an 80,000-pound vehicle. Trucking companies in Cochran County have a non-delegable duty to verify that their drivers are qualified. This includes conducting background checks, verifying a valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), and ensuring the driver has a current medical examiner’s certificate. If a company hired a driver with a history of DUIs or multiple moving violations, they are liable for negligent hiring under § 391.11.

3. Inspection, Repair, and Maintenance (49 CFR Part 396)

Commercial vehicles must be “systematically inspected, repaired, and maintained.” This includes mandatory pre-trip and post-trip inspections. In the dusty environment of Cochran County, air filters, brake systems, and tires degrade faster. If a trucking company skipped maintenance to save costs and those brakes failed on a descent, they have violated federal law. We demand all maintenance logs and Mechanic Work Orders to see where corners were cut.

4. Parts and Accessories for Safe Operation (49 CFR Part 393)

This regulation covers everything from lighting and reflectors to the strength of underride guards and cargo securement. Improperly secured cargo on an oilfield flatbed or an agricultural hopper is a violation of § 393.100. If cargo shifts and causes a rollover on a curve near Whiteface, the loading company and the carrier are fundamentally responsible for that violation.

5. Driving of Commercial Motor Vehicles (49 CFR Part 392)

This part prohibits driving while ill or fatigued (§ 392.3) and mandates speed reductions for hazardous conditions like the blinding sandstorms or occasional ice that hits the South Plains (§ 392.14). It also strictly prohibits the use of hand-held mobile phones (§ 392.82). We use subpoenaed cell phone records to prove the driver was distracted at the moment of impact.

6. Controlled Substances and Alcohol Use (49 CFR Part 382)

The industry has a zero-tolerance policy for drug and alcohol use. Every motor carrier must have a random testing program. When a driver tests positive for amphetamines or alcohol after a Cochran County wreck, it is a catastrophic failure of corporate oversight.

Learn more about your rights in our video guide: “The Definitive Guide To Commercial Truck Accidents” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iEEeZf-k8Ao. If you suspect these rules were ignored, call (888) 288-9911 immediately.

Oilfield Trucking Accidents: The Dual-Jurisdiction Challenge in Cochran County

Cochran County sits on the edge of the productive Permian Basin. This means our roads are flooded with specialized oilfield vehicles that carry unique risks. Unlike standard 18-wheelers, oilfield trucks often operate under a dual-regulatory framework: FMCSA on the public highways and OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) standards while on the wellsite or private lease roads.

We handle cases involving every type of oilfield vehicle:

• Produced Water Tankers: These are among the most common trucks in Cochran County. Partially full tankers are prone to the “slosh effect,” where shifting fluid weight causes the truck to roll over during sharp turns or sudden braking.
• Frac Sand Haulers: Overloaded sand trucks are a constant presence. The pressure to keep the “frac spread” running means these drivers are often severely fatigued.
• Crude Oil Tankers: Beyond the collision risk, crude haulers carry hazardous material (HAZMAT). A rollover can lead to fires, explosions, and toxic exposure for everyone nearby.
• Crew Transport Vans: High-occupancy vans carrying workers at 4:30 AM are notorious for rollover accidents on rural roads not designed for their weight.

In an oilfield accident, the oil company—whether it’s an operator like Occidental, Devon, or a service giant like Halliburton—will try to distance themselves by claiming the driver was an “independent contractor.” We know how to pierce that shield. If the oil company controlled the route, set the schedule, and mandated the safety protocols, they may be held liable as a joint employer.

Attorney Ralph Manginello’s experience in complex industrial litigation, including his work in the BP Texas City refinery explosion cases, gives him the technical background to litigate against the world’s largest energy companies. When we sue for an oilfield wreck in Morton, we don’t just sue the driver. We pursue the carrier, the staffing agency, and the oil major that put production before safety.

Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for an attorney who understands the West Texas oil patch.

Why 48 Hours and the Spoliation Letter Save Your Case

The most critical mistake Cochran County accident victims make is waiting. While you are recovering in the ICU, the trucking company is already actively managing the evidence. They know that in modern trucks, the “black box” or Engine Control Module (ECM) data can be overwritten in as little as 30 days of new driving activity.

Within 24 to 48 hours of your call, Attorney911 sends a formal Preservation of Evidence (Spoliation) Letter. This legal notice demands that the trucking company, their insurer, and corporate parent preserve:

• ECM/Black Box Data: This tells us the exact speed, brake application, and throttle position for the 5 to 10 seconds before impact.
• ELD Logs: Electronic logs of exactly how many hours the driver had been behind the wheel.
• Netradyne/In-Cab Video: Many corporate fleets like Amazon and Walmart have continuous video monitoring. This footage is often deleted within days unless a preservation demand is made.
• Driver Qualification Files: We look for patterns of safety violations that the company ignored.
• Post-Accident Drug Screenings: Federal law requires these after certain types of accidents; we ensure they were actually performed and recorded.

If the company destroys evidence after receiving our letter, we can request a “spoliation instruction” from the Cochran County judge, which tells the jury they can assume the destroyed evidence would have proven the company was guilty. This can turn a difficult case into a multi-million dollar victory.

Don’t let them erase the truth. Call 888-ATTY-911 right now.

Commercial Truck Accident Types: The Mechanics of Negligence

At 80,000 pounds, a truck doesn’t crash; it demolishes. Each type of truck accident we handle in Cochran County reveals a specific form of negligence:

Jackknife Accidents on the High Plains

A jackknife occurs when the drive wheels of the tractor lock while the trailer keeps moving, folding the vehicle. On the windswept stretches of SH 214, this often happens because an empty trailer acts like a sail, or a driver slams on the brakes on a rain-slicked road. This is often a violation of 49 CFR § 393.48, which requires functioning anti-lock braking systems.

Underride Collisions: The Deadly Mismatch

Underride crashes are among the most lethal in West Texas. This is when a car slides under the trailer of the truck. Federal law (49 CFR § 393.86) requires rear-impact guards, but many are poorly maintained or “phantom” guards that fail on impact. We have seen underride cases result in decapitation and catastrophic head trauma. These cases demand an investigation into the trailer manufacturer and the maintenance company.

Wide-Turn and Blind-Spot Wrecks

In Morton’s intersections or at the entrances to cotton gins, trucks must make “button-hook” turns. If a driver fails to check their “No-Zone” or swings too wide without signaling, they can crush a passenger vehicle in the “squeeze play.” We prove these cases by using the truck’s own camera systems and witness testimony to show the driver ignored their training.

Cargo Spills and Shifts

Whether it is round bales of cotton or heavy oilfield equipment, improperly secured cargo causes rollovers. Under 49 CFR Part 393, Subpart I, the carrier must ensure the load is immobilized. A shifted load in the middle of a turn on SH 114 is a recipe for a fatal rollover.

Tire Blowouts and Brake Failure

When an 18-wheeler tire blows at highway speeds, it’s not an “accident”—it’s a maintenance failure. We investigate whether the trucking company used cheap “retreads” on steer tires or deferred brake repairs to keep the truck on the road. Learn more in our video: “Truck Tire Blowouts and When You Need a Lawyer” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RCTumr1looc.

If you have been hurt in any of these scenarios in Cochran County, call 1-888-ATTY-911.

Identifying Every Liable Party: Widening the Net for Recovery

Small law firms often make the mistake of only suing the driver and the trucking company. To maximize your compensation in Cochran County, we look for EVERY entity that contributed to the crash. More defendants mean more insurance pools to cover your life-altering injuries.

Potentially liable parties include:

1. The Truck Driver: For direct negligence (speeding, distraction, impairment).
2. The Motor Carrier (Trucking Company): For vicarious liability and negligent hiring or training.
3. The Cargo Shipper: If they pressured the carrier into an illegal schedule.
4. The Loading Company: For failing to properly secure the cargo per FMCSA standards.
5. Truck/Parts Manufacturers: If defective brakes or tires caused the crash (Product Liability).
6. Maintenance Contractors: If a third-party mechanic failed to identify a safety defect.
7. Freight Brokers: For brokering a load to a carrier with a known “Unsatisfactory” safety rating.
8. The Corporate Parent (e.g., Walmart or Amazon): For setting quotas that force unsafe driving patterns.
9. Oilfield Wellsite Operators: If unsafe road conditions on the lease led to the wreck.
10. The Government: If poorly maintained County Roads or dangerous SH-114 design contributed to the crash.

Our former defense insider, Lupe Peña, understands how these companies try to point fingers at each other to avoid paying. We cut through the corporate blame-shifting. As client Glenda Walker said, “They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.”

Catastrophic Injuries: The High Cost of Surviving a Truck Wreck

Truck accidents rarely result in minor bruises. Most Cochran County victims face life-shattering physical trauma. We work with medical experts, life-care planners, and economists to ensure your settlement covers the next 40 years, not just the next 4 months.

• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): Forced impact causes the brain to slam against the skull. Even “mild” concussions can result in permanent cognitive deficits, personality changes, and memory loss. Settlement ranges for severe TBI often run between $1.5M and $9.8M+.
• Spinal Cord Injury & Paralysis: These are the most expensive injuries to treat over a lifetime. We help victims with paraplegia and quadriplegia recover the $4.7M to $25.8M+ needed for around-the-clock care, home modifications, and specialized equipment.
• Amputations: The crushing physical force of a concrete mixer or dump truck often results in traumatic limb loss. Lifetime prosthetic costs and the loss of physical capability are central to our $1.9M to $8.6M amputation recovery strategy.
• Severe Burns: Fuel fires and chemical spills (common in Permian Basin oil truck wrecks) cause agonizing injuries and permanent disfigurement.
• Wrongful Death: If you lost a parent, child, or spouse, no check can replace them. But hold the company accountable. Settlements for fatal truck crashes in Texas typically range from $1.9M to $9.5M+.

Learn more about documenting your trauma in our video: “The Ultimate Guide to Brain Injury Lawsuits” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GBYAHi5aiEQ.

Commercial Insurance Minimums: Why We Fight for the Full Policy

Under federal law (49 CFR Part 387), commercial trucks operating in Cochran County must carry significantly more insurance than private cars:

• General Freight: $750,000 minimum.
• Oil and Petroleum: $1,000,000 minimum.
• Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT): $5,000,000 minimum.

However, major fleets like Walmart and Amazon are often self-insured for the first $5 million to $10 million of a claim. This means they are paying your settlement out of their own bank account. They will fight ten times harder because it’s their money on the line. You need a law firm that has successfully litigated against Fortune 500 fleets. We know how to move past the initial adjuster and get to the decision-makers who can authorize seven-figure settlements.

Check out our guide to the complex insurance rules: “The Definitive Guide To MCS 90 Auto Endorsements” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=auB5NWcwyag.

Texas Trucking Laws: Time is Not on Your Side

In Cochran County, your case is governed by specific Texas statutes:

• Statute of Limitations: You have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. If you miss this deadline, your right to compensation is gone forever.
• Modified Comparative Negligence (51% Bar Rule): In Texas, you can recover damages even if you were partially at fault—as long as your fault is 50% or less. If a jury finds you were 51% responsible, you get nothing. This is why trucking companies spend millions trying to blame the victim. We build a “defense-proof” case to ensure the fault stays where it belongs: on the negligent truck driver and company.

If you’re worried about fault, watch our video: “How Much Do I Get if I Am Partially Responsible for an Accident?” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E9KIsaBzMgQ.

Cochran County Truck Accident FAQ

Q: What if I was hit by a truck on a private lease road near Morton?
A: Even on private property, the trucking company and the wellsite operator still have a duty of care. FMCSA rules may not always apply on private roads, but Texas negligence law and OSHA worksite safety standards do. Managing Partner Ralph Manginello has decades of experience investigating “off-road” industrial accidents in West Texas and knows how to establish liability.

Q: The insurance company offered me a settlement. Should I take it?
A: NO. This is almost certainly a “lowball” offer intended to make you sign away your rights before the full extent of your injuries—like a herniated disc or TBI symptoms—is known. As client Donald Wilcox said, “One company said they would not accept my case… Then I got a call to come pick up this handsome check” from Attorney911. Never sign anything without a free case evaluation.

Q: Can I sue for PTSD after a Cochran County truck wreck?
A: YES. Psychological trauma is a real, compensable injury. If you have flashbacks, nightmares, or a paralyzing fear of driving on highways like SH 114 after your accident, those are non-economic damages. We work with mental health professionals to document your PTSD value. Watch our video on this topic: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9803X_jnR4A.

Q: What if the truck driver was from another state or Mexico?
A: Because transport is “Interstate Commerce,” we can often file these cases in Federal Court (Southern District of Texas). Ralph Manginello is admitted to federal court, ensuring that no matter where the company is headquartered, we can bring them to justice in Texas.

Q: I was injured by a U-Haul or rental truck—is that a trucking case?
A: Yes. Rental trucks often weigh over 10,000 lbs. Many people driving these trucks in Cochran County have zero training and no CDL. While the rental company is usually shielded by the Graves Amendment, they can still be liable for negligent maintenance or negligent entrustment. We look for every angle.

Contact Attorney911: Your Cochran County Truck Accident Team

You have been through enough pain. It is time to let the professionals handle the fight. While you focus on medical rehabilitation and your family, the team at Attorney911 will be dismantling the trucking company’s defense.

Whether it was an Amazon van in Whiteface, a Walmart 18-wheeler near Morton, or a sand truck on a county road, we are ready to move. We offer:

• Free Consultations: 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
• Contingency Fees: No fee unless we win. No upfront costs.
• Inside Knowledge: A team member who used to represent insurance companies.
• Catastrophic Experience: 25+ years and $50M+ recovered.

Cochran County Trucking Accident Lawyers — Attorney911 | The Manginello Law Firm
Call 1-888-ATTY-911 or (713) 528-9070.
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Email: ralph@atty911.com
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Don’t wait. Every hour matters. Call (888) 288-9911 today.