18-Wheeler Accidents in Coke County: Your Complete Legal Guide

Every year, thousands of Texans are injured in accidents involving commercial trucks on our state’s highways. If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in an 18-wheeler accident in Coke County, you need experienced legal representation that understands the unique challenges of trucking litigation. At Attorney911, we’ve been fighting for truck accident victims across Texas for over 25 years, and we’re ready to put that experience to work for you.

Why Coke County Trucking Accidents Are Different

Coke County’s position along major Texas highways creates unique risks for commercial truck accidents. Our team understands the specific challenges of trucking cases in this region, from the long stretches of rural highways to the distribution centers that generate heavy truck traffic. We know Coke County’s courts, judges, and the local factors that affect trucking safety.

The Stark Reality of Truck Crashes in Texas

• 5,100+ fatalities occur annually in large truck crashes nationwide
• 125,000+ injuries result from these accidents each year
• 76% of fatalities are occupants of the smaller vehicle
• 80,000 pounds – the maximum weight of a fully loaded 18-wheeler
• 525 feet – the stopping distance needed for an 80,000 lb truck at 65 mph (nearly two football fields)

These aren’t just statistics – they represent real families in Coke County and across Texas whose lives have been devastated by preventable trucking accidents.

Common Causes of 18-Wheeler Accidents in Coke County

Understanding what causes trucking accidents is the first step in holding negligent parties accountable. In Coke County, we frequently see these dangerous patterns:

Driver Fatigue and Hours of Service Violations

Federal regulations limit how long truck drivers can operate without rest:

• 11-hour driving limit after 10 consecutive hours off duty
• 14-hour duty window maximum
• 30-minute break required after 8 cumulative hours of driving
• 60/70-hour weekly limits with 34-hour restart requirement

Despite these clear rules, we frequently find drivers exceeding these limits – often under pressure from their employers. When fatigue sets in, reaction times slow and judgment becomes impaired, creating deadly conditions on Coke County highways.

Improper Maintenance and Equipment Failures

Trucking companies are required to systematically inspect, repair, and maintain their vehicles. Common maintenance failures we investigate include:

• Brake system deficiencies (29% of truck crashes involve brake problems)
• Tire blowouts from underinflation, overloading, or worn treads
• Lighting failures that reduce visibility
• Coupling device failures that cause trailer separation

“I was rear-ended by an 18-wheeler on Highway 208, and the team got right to work. They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.”
— Glenda Walker, Attorney911 Client

Cargo Securement Violations

Federal regulations require cargo to be secured to withstand:

• 0.8g deceleration (sudden stop)
• 0.5g acceleration (rearward force)
• 0.5g lateral force (side-to-side movement)

When cargo isn’t properly secured, it can shift during transit, causing rollovers or spills that create multi-vehicle accidents. In Coke County, we’ve seen cases where improperly secured agricultural equipment or construction materials have fallen from trucks, creating deadly obstacles on our highways.

Driver Distraction and Impaired Driving

Despite federal prohibitions, we frequently find evidence of:

• Cell phone use while driving
• Texting behind the wheel
• Dispatch system distractions
• Drug or alcohol impairment

Our firm includes a former insurance defense attorney who knows exactly how trucking companies try to cover up these violations. We use this insider knowledge to uncover the truth and hold negligent drivers and companies accountable.

Types of 18-Wheeler Accidents We Handle in Coke County

Jackknife Accidents

When a truck’s cab and trailer fold at an angle like a pocket knife, the trailer often swings across multiple lanes of traffic. These accidents frequently cause multi-vehicle pileups and catastrophic injuries.

Common Causes in Coke County:

• Sudden braking on wet or icy roads
• Speeding on curves
• Improperly loaded or empty trailers
• Brake system failures
• Driver inexperience with emergency maneuvers

Underride Collisions

Among the most deadly trucking accidents, underride collisions occur when a passenger vehicle slides underneath the trailer of an 18-wheeler. The trailer’s height often shears off the top of the smaller vehicle, causing decapitation or catastrophic head and neck injuries.

Types:

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

Coke County Factors:

• Low visibility conditions on rural highways
• Improperly maintained underride guards
• Inadequate rear lighting or reflectors
• Wide right turns at rural intersections

Rollover Accidents

When an 18-wheeler tips onto its side or roof, the massive weight and size of the vehicle create devastating consequences. Rollover accidents frequently result in cargo spills that create additional hazards.

Common Causes in Coke County:

• Speeding on curves along Highway 208 or FM 1672
• Improperly secured or unevenly distributed cargo
• Liquid cargo “slosh” that shifts center of gravity
• Overcorrection after tire blowout or lane departure
• Driver fatigue causing delayed reactions

Rear-End Collisions

Due to their massive weight and longer stopping distances, 18-wheelers cause devastating rear-end collisions. A fully loaded truck requires 40-50% more stopping distance than a passenger vehicle.

Common Causes in Coke County:

• Following too closely on rural highways
• Driver distraction (cell phones, dispatch systems)
• Fatigue and delayed reaction times
• Brake failures from poor maintenance
• Failure to anticipate traffic slowdowns

Wide Turn Accidents (“Squeeze Play”)

When trucks swing wide to make right turns, they create gaps that other vehicles may enter. The truck then completes its turn, crushing the smaller vehicle that entered the gap.

Coke County Hotspots:

• Rural intersections where trucks make wide turns
• Highway exits and entrances
• Areas with limited visibility due to terrain

Blind Spot Collisions (“No-Zone” Accidents)

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

1. Front No-Zone – 20 feet directly in front of the cab
2. Rear No-Zone – 30 feet behind the trailer
3. Left Side No-Zone – Extends from cab door backward
4. Right Side No-Zone – Largest blind spot, extends from cab door backward

Coke County Risks:

• Lane changes on rural highways without proper mirror checks
• Improperly adjusted mirrors
• Driver distraction during lane changes
• Failure to use turn signals

Who Can Be Held Liable in Your Coke County Trucking Accident?

Unlike typical car accidents where usually only one driver is at fault, 18-wheeler accidents often involve multiple liable parties. Our investigation identifies all responsible parties to maximize your recovery.

The Truck Driver

The driver may be personally liable for:

• Speeding or reckless driving
• Distracted driving (cell phone use, texting)
• Fatigued driving beyond legal limits
• Impaired driving (drugs, alcohol)
• Failure to conduct proper pre-trip inspections
• Traffic law violations (running red lights, improper lane changes)

The Trucking Company (Motor Carrier)

The company that employs the driver can be held liable through:

• Vicarious liability (respondeat superior) for the driver’s negligence
• Direct negligence for:
  • Negligent hiring (failing to check driver’s background)
  • Negligent training (inadequate safety training)
  • Negligent supervision (failing to monitor driver behavior)
  • Negligent maintenance (poor vehicle upkeep)
  • Negligent scheduling (pressuring drivers to violate HOS regulations)

“They make you feel like family and even though the process may take some time, they make it feel like a breeze. They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.”
— Glenda Walker, Attorney911 Client

Cargo Owner/Shipper

The company that owns the cargo may be liable for:

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

Cargo Loading Company

Third-party loading companies may be liable for:

• Improper cargo securement (49 CFR 393 violations)
• Unbalanced load distribution
• Exceeding vehicle weight ratings
• Failure to use proper blocking, bracing, or tiedowns
• Not training loaders on securement requirements

Truck and Trailer Manufacturers

Manufacturers may be liable for:

• Design defects (brake systems, stability control, fuel tank placement)
• Manufacturing defects (faulty welds, component failures)
• Failure to warn of known dangers
• Defective safety systems (ABS, ESC, collision warning)

Parts Manufacturers

Companies that manufacture specific parts may be liable for:

• Defective brakes or brake components
• Defective tires causing blowouts
• Defective steering mechanisms
• Defective lighting components
• Defective coupling devices

Maintenance Companies

Third-party maintenance providers may be liable for:

• Negligent repairs that failed to fix problems
• Failure to identify critical safety issues
• Improper brake adjustments
• Using substandard or wrong parts
• Returning vehicles to service with known defects

Freight Brokers

Freight brokers who arrange transportation may be liable for:

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

Truck Owner (If Different from Carrier)

In owner-operator arrangements, the truck owner may have separate liability for:

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

Government Entities

Federal, state, or local government may be liable in limited circumstances for:

• Dangerous road design that contributed to accident
• Failure to maintain roads (potholes, debris, worn markings)
• Inadequate signage for known hazards
• Failure to install safety barriers
• Improper work zone setup

Evidence We Preserve in Coke County Trucking Cases

Evidence in trucking accident cases disappears quickly. We act immediately to preserve critical evidence before it’s lost or destroyed.

Electronic Data

ECM/Black Box Data:

• Speed before and during crash
• Brake application timing
• Throttle position
• Engine RPM
• Cruise control status
• Fault codes

ELD (Electronic Logging Device) Data:

• Driver hours of service
• Duty status
• GPS location
• Driving time
• Violations of federal rest requirements

Other Electronic Evidence:

• GPS tracking data
• Cell phone records
• Dashcam footage
• Dispatch communications
• Telematics data

Driver Records

• Complete Driver Qualification File
• Employment application and resume
• Background check and driving record
• Previous employer verification
• Medical certification and exam records
• Drug and alcohol test results
• Training documentation
• Previous accident and violation history
• Performance reviews and disciplinary records

Vehicle Records

• Maintenance and repair records
• Inspection reports (pre-trip, post-trip, annual)
• Out-of-service orders and repairs
• Tire records and replacement history
• Brake inspection and adjustment records
• Parts purchase and installation records

Company Records

• Hours of service records for 6 months prior
• Dispatch logs and trip records
• Bills of lading and cargo documentation
• Insurance policies
• Safety policies and procedures
• Training curricula
• Hiring and supervision policies

Physical Evidence

• The truck and trailer themselves
• Failed or damaged components
• Cargo and securement devices
• Tire remnants if blowout involved
• Photographs of the accident scene
• Surveillance video from nearby businesses

Catastrophic Injuries from Coke County Trucking Accidents

The physics of 18-wheeler accidents make catastrophic injuries the norm, not the exception. A fully loaded truck can weigh 20-25 times more than a passenger vehicle, creating forces that overwhelm even modern safety systems.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

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

Severity Levels:

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

Common Symptoms:

• Headaches and dizziness
• Memory loss and confusion
• Difficulty concentrating
• Mood changes, depression, anxiety
• Sleep disturbances
• Sensory problems (vision, hearing, taste)
• Speech difficulties
• Personality changes

Lifetime Care Costs: $85,000 to $3,000,000+ depending on severity

Spinal Cord Injury and Paralysis

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

Types of Paralysis:

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

Level of Injury Matters:

• Higher injuries (cervical spine) affect more body functions
• C1-C4 injuries may require ventilator for breathing
• Lower injuries (lumbar) affect legs but not arms

Lifetime Care Costs:

• Paraplegia (low): $1.1 million+
• Paraplegia (high): $2.5 million+
• Quadriplegia (low): $3.5 million+
• Quadriplegia (high): $5 million+

Amputation

Types:

• Traumatic Amputation: Limb severed at the scene due to crash forces
• Surgical Amputation: Limb so severely damaged it must be surgically removed

Common in Coke County Trucking Accidents Due To:

• Crushing forces from truck impact
• Entrapment requiring amputation for extraction
• Severe burns requiring surgical removal
• Infections from open wounds

Ongoing Medical Needs:

• Initial surgery and hospitalization
• Prosthetic limbs ($5,000 – $50,000+ per prosthetic)
• Replacement prosthetics throughout lifetime
• Physical therapy and rehabilitation
• Occupational therapy for daily living skills
• Psychological counseling

Severe Burns

How Burns Occur in Coke County Trucking Accidents:

• Fuel tank rupture and fire
• Hazmat cargo spills and ignition
• Electrical fires from battery/wiring damage
• Friction burns from road contact
• Chemical burns from hazmat exposure

Burn Classification:

• First Degree: Epidermis only (minor, heals without scarring)
• Second Degree: Epidermis and dermis (may scar, may need grafting)
• Third Degree: Full thickness (requires skin grafts, permanent scarring)
• Fourth Degree: Through skin to muscle/bone (multiple surgeries, amputation may be required)

Long-Term Consequences:

• Permanent scarring and disfigurement
• Multiple reconstructive surgeries
• Skin graft procedures
• Chronic pain
• Infection risks
• Psychological trauma

Internal Organ Damage

Common Internal Injuries:

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

Why Dangerous:

• May not show immediate symptoms
• Internal bleeding can be life-threatening
• Requires emergency surgery
• Organ removal affects long-term health

Wrongful Death

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

Who Can Bring a Wrongful Death Claim in Texas:

• Surviving spouse
• Children (minor and adult)
• Parents (especially if no spouse or children)
• Estate representative

Damages Available:

• Lost future income and employment benefits
• Loss of consortium (spousal companionship and relationship)
• Loss of parental guidance and nurturing (for surviving children)
• Mental anguish and emotional distress
• Funeral and burial expenses
• Medical expenses incurred prior to death
• Pain and suffering experienced by decedent before death
• Punitive damages (in cases of gross negligence, recklessness, or malice)

Commercial Truck Insurance and Damages

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

FMCSA Minimum Insurance Requirements

Why This Matters For Your Coke County Case:

Unlike car accidents where insurance may be limited to $30,000-$100,000, trucking accidents typically have at least $750,000 available – and often much more. Many carriers carry $1-5 million in coverage. This higher coverage means catastrophic injuries can actually be compensated, rather than leaving victims with unpaid medical bills.

Types of Damages Recoverable

Economic Damages (Calculable Losses):

• Medical expenses (past, present, and future)
• Lost wages
• Lost earning capacity
• Property damage
• Out-of-pocket expenses
• Life care costs

Non-Economic Damages (Quality of Life):

• Pain and suffering
• Mental anguish
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Disfigurement
• Loss of consortium (impact on marriage/family relationships)
• Physical impairment

Punitive Damages (Punishment for Gross Negligence):

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

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

Nuclear Verdicts: What’s Possible in Coke County Trucking Cases

Recent years have seen unprecedented jury verdicts in trucking cases, with “nuclear verdicts” (awards over $10 million) becoming increasingly common.

Recent Major Trucking Verdicts (2024-2025)

Historic Landmark Verdicts

Why Nuclear Verdicts Happen:

Juries award massive verdicts when they find:

• Trucking company knowingly hired dangerous drivers
• Company ignored safety violations for profit
• Evidence was destroyed (spoliation)
• Falsified hours-of-service logs
• Pattern of similar violations
• Corporate culture prioritizing profit over safety
• Egregious disregard for human life

What This Means For Your Coke County Case:

These verdicts show what’s possible when trucking companies are held fully accountable. Insurance companies know juries are willing to award massive damages – which strengthens settlement negotiations for all trucking accident victims.

The Attorney911 Advantage: Why Choose Us for Your Coke County Trucking Case

At Attorney911, we offer more than just legal representation – we provide a comprehensive approach to fighting for your rights after a catastrophic trucking accident.

25+ Years of Trucking Litigation Experience

Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has been fighting for injury victims since 1998. With over 25 years of courtroom experience, he has secured multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements for families devastated by 18-wheeler crashes.

Insider Knowledge of Insurance Company Tactics

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

Federal Court Experience

Ralph Manginello is admitted to practice in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas. This federal court admission is critical for interstate trucking cases, which often involve federal regulations and can be filed in federal court.

Aggressive Evidence Preservation

We know that evidence in trucking cases disappears quickly. We send spoliation letters within 24-48 hours of being retained to preserve:

• ECM/Black Box data
• ELD records
• Maintenance records
• Driver Qualification Files
• Dashcam footage
• Cell phone records

Comprehensive Investigation

Our investigation process includes:

1. Immediate Response (0-72 Hours)

   • Accept case and send preservation letters same day
   • Deploy accident reconstruction expert to scene if needed
   • Obtain police crash report
   • Photograph client injuries with medical documentation
   • Photograph all vehicles before they are repaired or scrapped
   • Identify all potentially liable parties

2. Evidence Gathering (Days 1-30)

   • Subpoena ELD/black box data downloads
   • Request driver’s paper log books (backup documentation)
   • Obtain complete Driver Qualification File from carrier
   • Request all truck maintenance and inspection records
   • Obtain carrier’s CSA safety scores and inspection history
   • Order driver’s complete Motor Vehicle Record (MVR)
   • Subpoena driver’s cell phone records
   • Obtain dispatch records and delivery schedules

3. Expert Analysis

   • Accident reconstruction specialist creates crash analysis
   • Medical experts establish causation and future care needs
   • Vocational experts calculate lost earning capacity
   • Economic experts determine present value of all damages
   • Life care planners develop comprehensive care plans
   • FMCSA regulation experts identify all violations

4. Litigation Strategy

   • File lawsuit before statute of limitations expires (2 years in Texas)
   • Pursue aggressive discovery against all potentially liable parties
   • Depose truck driver, dispatcher, safety manager, maintenance personnel
   • Build case for trial while negotiating settlement from position of strength
   • Prepare every case as if going to trial (creates leverage in negotiations)

Multi-Million Dollar Results

We’ve recovered millions for trucking accident victims, including:

• $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

Client Satisfaction

With 251+ Google reviews and a 4.9-star average rating, our clients consistently praise our:

• Personal attention
• Aggressive representation
• Compassionate approach
• Results-oriented strategy

“You are NOT a pest to them and 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

What to Do After an 18-Wheeler Accident in Coke County

If you’ve been involved in a trucking accident in Coke County, taking the right steps immediately can protect your health and your legal rights.

Immediate Steps (If You’re Able)

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

Critical Evidence to Preserve

Document everything possible:

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

Why You Should Never Talk to the Trucking Company’s Insurance Adjuster

Insurance adjusters work for the trucking company, not for you. Anything you say will be used to minimize your claim. Our firm includes a former insurance defense attorney who knows exactly how these adjusters are trained to protect the trucking company’s interests.

Coke County Trucking Corridors: Where Accidents Happen

Coke County’s position in West Texas creates unique trucking safety challenges. Major highways serving the area include:

• US Highway 277 – North-south corridor connecting San Angelo to Abilene
• State Highway 158 – East-west route through Robert Lee
• State Highway 208 – Connects Robert Lee to Bronte
• Farm to Market Road 1672 – Serves rural areas of Coke County

These highways see significant truck traffic from:

• Oil and gas industry operations
• Agricultural product transport
• General freight moving through West Texas
• Local delivery and distribution

The rural nature of these highways creates additional risks:

• Limited emergency response in remote areas
• Long distances between services
• Variable road conditions
• Wildlife crossings
• Limited cell phone coverage in some areas

Understanding the Statute of Limitations for Your Coke County Case

In Texas, you have 2 years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit. This deadline is strict – if you miss it, you lose your right to sue forever.

Important Exceptions:

• Government entities: Shorter notice requirements (sometimes as little as 6 months)
• Minors: Statute of limitations may be extended until 2 years after 18th birthday
• Discovery rule: In rare cases where injury wasn’t immediately apparent

Why You Should Never Wait:

• Evidence disappears quickly in trucking cases
• Witness memories fade
• The trucking company will be building their defense immediately
• Your case gets stronger the sooner we can investigate

Frequently Asked Questions About Coke County Trucking Accidents

What should I do immediately after an 18-wheeler accident in Coke County?

If you’ve been in a trucking accident in Coke County, take these steps immediately if you’re able:

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

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

YES. Adrenaline masks pain after traumatic accidents. Internal injuries, TBI, and spinal injuries may not show symptoms for hours or days. Coke County hospitals and medical centers can identify injuries that will become critical evidence in your case. Delaying treatment also gives insurance companies ammunition to deny your claim.

What information should I collect at the truck accident scene?

Document everything possible:

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

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

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

How quickly should I contact an 18-wheeler accident attorney in Coke County?

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

What is a spoliation letter and why is it important?

A spoliation letter is a formal legal notice demanding that the trucking company preserve all evidence related to the accident. This includes ECM/black box data, ELD logs, maintenance records, driver files, and more. Sending this letter immediately puts the trucking company on notice that destroying evidence will result in serious legal consequences.

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

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

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

This objective data often contradicts what drivers claim happened and can be crucial evidence in your case.

What is an ELD and why is it important?

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

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

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

Who can I sue after an 18-wheeler accident in Coke County?

Multiple parties may be liable in trucking accidents:

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

We investigate every possible defendant to maximize your recovery.

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

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

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

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

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

What is an owner-operator and does that affect my case?

An owner-operator is a driver who owns their own truck and contracts with trucking companies. 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 find out if the trucking company has a bad safety record?

FMCSA maintains public safety data at safer.fmcsa.dot.gov. We obtain the carrier’s:

• CSA (Compliance, Safety, Accountability) scores
• Inspection history and out-of-service rates
• Crash history
• Safety rating

A poor safety record can prove the company knew it was putting dangerous drivers on the road.

What injuries are common in 18-wheeler accidents in Coke County?

Due to the massive size and weight disparity, trucking accidents often cause catastrophic injuries:

• Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
• Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
• Amputations
• Severe burns
• Internal organ damage
• Multiple fractures
• Wrongful death

How much are 18-wheeler accident cases worth in Coke County?

Case values depend on many factors:

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

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

What if my loved one was killed in a trucking accident in Coke County?

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

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

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

How long do I have to file an 18-wheeler accident lawsuit in Coke County?

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

How long do trucking accident cases take to resolve?

Timelines vary:

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

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

Will my trucking accident case go to trial?

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

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

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

Contact Attorney911 Today

If you or a loved one has been injured in an 18-wheeler accident in Coke County, don’t wait to get the legal help you need. Every hour that passes, critical evidence is disappearing.

Call us 24/7 at 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)

Our Coke County trucking accident attorneys offer:

• Free consultations – No obligation, no risk
• Contingency fee representation – You pay nothing unless we win
• 24/7 availability – We answer calls immediately
• Aggressive evidence preservation – We act fast to protect your case
• Multi-million dollar results – We fight for maximum compensation

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

Don’t let the trucking company’s insurance adjusters take advantage of you. You need an experienced Coke County trucking accident attorney who knows how to fight for what you deserve. Call Attorney911 today at 1-888-ATTY-911. We’re ready to help.