18-Wheeler Accidents in Coleman County: Your Legal Emergency Guide

Every year, thousands of catastrophic 18-wheeler accidents occur on Texas highways. If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a trucking accident in Coleman County, you need an attorney who understands both the federal trucking regulations and how to hold negligent trucking companies fully accountable.

At Attorney911, we’ve been fighting for truck accident victims across Coleman County and throughout Texas for over 25 years. Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has federal court experience and has secured multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements for families devastated by 18-wheeler crashes. We know Coleman County’s trucking corridors, from the major highways to the distribution centers where drivers may be violating federal hours-of-service regulations. This local knowledge, combined with our deep understanding of FMCSA regulations, gives us a powerful advantage in building your case.

The Devastating Reality of Coleman County Trucking Accidents

The impact of an 18-wheeler collision is catastrophic. One moment, you’re driving to work on Coleman County’s highways. The next, an 80,000-pound truck is jackknifing across three lanes, or your vehicle is being crushed beneath a trailer in a deadly underride collision. These aren’t just accidents – they’re life-altering events that can leave victims with traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, amputations, or worse.

Consider these sobering statistics:

• Over 5,100 people die in trucking accidents every year in the United States
• 76% of those killed are occupants of the smaller vehicle
• An 80,000-pound truck traveling at 65 mph needs 525 feet to stop – nearly two football fields
• Fatigue causes approximately 31% of fatal truck crashes
• Brake problems contribute to 29% of large truck accidents

In Coleman County, we see these accidents all too often on our highways. The trucking companies that operate on our roads have teams of lawyers ready to protect their interests. You need someone equally prepared to protect yours.

Why Coleman County 18-Wheeler Accidents Are Different

Trucking accidents in Coleman County present unique challenges and opportunities for victims:

1. Local Trucking Corridors: We know the specific routes and intersections where trucking accidents frequently occur in Coleman County. The combination of rural highways and commercial traffic creates dangerous conditions that require specialized legal knowledge.

2. Agricultural and Industrial Freight: Coleman County’s economy includes significant agricultural and industrial activity, which means specialized trucking operations. These may involve oversized loads, livestock transport, or hazardous materials that require additional safety precautions.

3. Weather Conditions: From summer heat that can cause tire blowouts to occasional winter ice that creates hazardous driving conditions, weather plays a significant role in Coleman County trucking accidents. We understand how to document weather-related factors in your case.

4. Local Court System: Our attorneys are familiar with the Coleman County court system, judges, and local procedures. This local knowledge helps us navigate your case more efficiently and effectively.

5. Insurance Company Tactics: Trucking companies and their insurers know which law firms will fight aggressively and which will settle quickly. They know we’re prepared to take cases to trial when necessary, which strengthens our negotiating position.

Common Types of 18-Wheeler Accidents in Coleman County

Jackknife Accidents

Jackknife accidents occur when the trailer and cab skid in opposite directions, with the trailer folding at an angle similar to a pocket knife. These often happen on Coleman County’s highways when drivers brake suddenly on wet or icy roads, or when empty trailers swing out of control. The trailer can sweep across multiple lanes, causing devastating multi-vehicle pileups.

Underride Collisions

Underride collisions are among the deadliest types of trucking accidents. These occur when a smaller vehicle crashes into the rear or side of an 18-wheeler and slides underneath the trailer. The trailer height often causes the smaller vehicle’s passenger compartment to be sheared off at windshield level. Approximately 400-500 people die in underride accidents annually in the United States.

Rollover Accidents

Rollover accidents happen when an 18-wheeler tips onto its side or roof. Due to their high center of gravity, trucks are particularly susceptible to rollovers when:

• Taking curves too sharply at excessive speed
• Overcorrecting after a tire blowout or lane departure
• Carrying improperly secured or unevenly distributed cargo
• Driving with liquid cargo that sloshes and shifts weight
• Encountering strong crosswinds on open highways

Rear-End Collisions

When an 18-wheeler strikes the back of another vehicle, the results are often catastrophic. These accidents frequently occur when:

• Truck drivers follow too closely
• Drivers are distracted by cell phones or dispatch communications
• Fatigue causes delayed reaction times
• Brake failures occur due to poor maintenance
• Drivers fail to anticipate traffic slowdowns

Wide Turn Accidents (“Squeeze Play”)

Wide turn accidents, also known as “squeeze play” accidents, happen when an 18-wheeler swings wide (often to the left) before making a right turn. The truck creates a gap that other vehicles may enter, only to be crushed when the truck completes its turn. These are particularly common in Coleman County where trucks navigate intersections near distribution centers and agricultural facilities.

Blind Spot Accidents (“No-Zone”)

Large trucks have significant blind spots where the driver cannot see other vehicles. These “No-Zones” include:

• 20 feet directly in front of the cab
• 30 feet behind the trailer
• Along both sides of the trailer, with the right side being particularly dangerous

When truck drivers change lanes or maneuver without properly checking these blind spots, devastating collisions can occur.

Tire Blowout Accidents

Tire blowouts can cause truck drivers to lose control of their vehicles. Common causes include:

• Underinflated tires causing overheating
• Overloaded vehicles exceeding tire capacity
• Worn or aging tires not replaced
• Road debris punctures
• Manufacturing defects
• Improper tire matching on dual wheels

In Coleman County’s heat, tire blowouts are a particular concern, especially for trucks carrying heavy agricultural loads.

Brake Failure Accidents

Brake failures are a leading cause of trucking accidents. Common brake problems include:

• Worn brake