18-Wheeler Accident Lawyers in Combine, Texas

Every year, thousands of 18-wheeler accidents occur on Texas highways, and Combine’s position along major freight corridors makes it particularly vulnerable. If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a trucking accident on I-45, I-20, or the local roads around Combine, you need an attorney who understands both federal trucking regulations and how to hold negligent trucking companies accountable.

At Attorney911, we’ve been fighting for truck accident victims across 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 Combine’s trucking corridors, from the distribution centers along I-45 to the weigh stations where drivers may be violating federal hours-of-service regulations. This local knowledge, combined with our deep understanding of FMCSA regulations, gives us a significant advantage in building your case.

Why Combine Trucking Accidents Are Different

Combine sits at the crossroads of several critical trucking routes:

• I-45 corridor connecting Houston to Dallas – one of the busiest freight routes in Texas
• I-20 serving as a major east-west corridor for cross-country freight
• Local roads around Combine that serve distribution centers and agricultural operations
• The nearby Port of Houston, which generates massive container truck traffic

These routes see heavy truck traffic carrying everything from consumer goods to hazardous materials. Combine’s geographic location means we see specific types of trucking accidents:

• Rear-end collisions on I-45 where trucks follow too closely
• Underride accidents at intersections where passenger vehicles slide under trailers
• Cargo spill accidents from improperly secured loads
• Fatigue-related crashes from drivers violating hours-of-service rules
• Tire blowouts from the extreme Texas heat

The Devastating Impact of 18-Wheeler Accidents

The physics of 18-wheeler accidents make catastrophic injuries the norm, not the exception. A fully loaded truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds – 20-25 times heavier than the average passenger car. When these massive vehicles collide with smaller cars, the results are often devastating.

Common injuries we see in Combine trucking accidents include:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): From mild concussions to severe brain damage requiring lifelong care
• Spinal Cord Injuries: Often resulting in paralysis (paraplegia or quadriplegia)
• Amputations: Limbs crushed or severed in the collision
• Severe Burns: From fuel fires or hazardous material spills
• Internal Organ Damage: Ruptured spleens, liver lacerations, internal bleeding
• Wrongful Death: When the collision proves fatal

These injuries often require millions of dollars in medical treatment and can leave victims permanently disabled. That’s why it’s crucial to work with an attorney who has experience recovering multi-million dollar settlements for trucking accident victims.

How We Prove Negligence in Trucking Cases

Trucking companies and their insurers will do everything possible to minimize your claim. They’ll argue you were at fault, that your injuries aren’t serious, or that you didn’t follow proper medical treatment. Our job is to gather irrefutable evidence proving their negligence.

Critical Evidence in Combine Trucking Cases

1. Electronic Data:

• Black Box/ECM Data: Shows speed, braking, throttle position, and fault codes
• ELD Records: Prove hours-of-service violations and driver fatigue
• GPS/Telematics: Reveals exact route, speed, and driving patterns
• Dashcam Footage: Shows what happened leading up to the crash

2. Driver Records:

• Driver Qualification File: Proves negligent hiring if incomplete or falsified
• Driving History: Shows pattern of violations or previous accidents
• Medical Certification: May reveal undiagnosed conditions affecting driving
• Drug/Alcohol Tests: Can prove impairment at the time of the accident

3. Company Records:

• Maintenance Logs: Show deferred repairs or known mechanical issues
• Dispatch Records: Prove pressure to violate hours-of-service rules
• Training Records: Demonstrate inadequate safety training
• CSA Scores: Show pattern of safety violations

4. Accident Scene Evidence:

• Police Reports: Official documentation of the crash
• Witness Statements: Independent accounts of what happened
• Photographs/Videos: Show vehicle damage, road conditions, and injuries
• Skid Mark Analysis: Proves speed and braking patterns

Common FMCSA Violations in Combine Trucking Accidents

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulates every aspect of commercial trucking. When trucking companies violate these regulations, they create dangerous conditions that lead to accidents. We investigate every case for FMCSA violations that prove negligence.

Hours of Service Violations (49 CFR Part 395)

Fatigue is a factor in approximately 31% of fatal truck crashes. FMCSA regulations limit driving time to prevent fatigue-related accidents:

• 11-Hour Driving Limit: Drivers cannot drive more than 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty
• 14-Hour Duty Window: Cannot drive beyond the 14th consecutive hour after coming on duty
• 30-Minute Break: Required after 8 cumulative hours of driving
• 60/70-Hour Weekly Limit: 60 hours in 7 days or 70 hours in 8 days
• 34-Hour Restart: Can reset weekly clock with 34 consecutive hours off

How We Prove HOS Violations:

• Obtain ELD records showing actual driving time
• Compare with paper logs (if used) to find discrepancies
• Review dispatch records for unrealistic schedules
• Analyze GPS data for impossible travel times

Driver Qualification Violations (49 CFR Part 391)

Trucking companies must thoroughly vet drivers before hiring them:

• Background Checks: Must verify driving history with previous employers
• Driving Record: Cannot hire drivers with disqualifying violations
• Medical Certification: Drivers must be physically qualified
• Drug Testing: Must pass pre-employment and random drug tests

Common DQ File Problems:

• Missing or incomplete employment applications
• No background check with previous employers
• Expired medical certificates
• No drug test records
• Pattern of hiring drivers with poor safety records

Vehicle Maintenance Violations (49 CFR Part 396)

Proper maintenance is critical for safe operation:

• Brake Systems: Must be properly adjusted and functional
• Tires: Minimum tread depth and no visible damage
• Lighting: All lights and reflectors must work
• Steering: No excessive play or damage
• Cargo Securement: Must prevent shifting or spilling

Common Maintenance Violations:

• Worn brake pads or improper adjustment
• Bald or damaged tires
• Broken lights or reflectors
• Steering system wear
• Inadequate cargo securement

Who’s Really Responsible for Your Injuries?

In car accidents, liability is usually straightforward – one driver is typically at fault. But in trucking accidents, multiple parties may share responsibility. We investigate every possible defendant to maximize your recovery.

Potentially Liable Parties in Combine Trucking Cases

1. The Truck Driver: For direct negligence like speeding, distraction, or impairment
2. The Trucking Company: For vicarious liability and direct negligence in hiring, training, or supervision
3. The Cargo Owner: For improper loading or hazardous material violations
4. The Loading Company: For improper cargo securement
5. The Truck Manufacturer: For defective vehicles or components
6. The Parts Manufacturer: For defective brakes, tires, or other parts
7. The Maintenance Company: For negligent repairs or inspections
8. The Freight Broker: For negligent carrier selection
9. The Truck Owner: For negligent entrustment (if different from carrier)
10. Government Entities: For dangerous road conditions (limited liability)

Example: In a recent Combine case, we represented a family whose vehicle was struck by a truck that lost control due to a tire blowout. We pursued claims against:

• The driver for failing to inspect the tires
• The trucking company for inadequate maintenance
• The tire manufacturer for a defective product
• The maintenance company for improper installation

This multi-defendant approach maximized the family’s recovery.

The 48-Hour Evidence Preservation Protocol

In trucking cases, evidence disappears fast. Trucking companies have rapid-response teams that begin protecting their interests within hours of an accident. If you don’t act quickly, critical evidence will be lost forever.

What Can Be Lost in 48 Hours

How We Preserve Evidence

Within 24-48 hours of being retained, we send spoliation letters to:

• The trucking company
• Their insurance company
• Any third parties involved

This formal legal notice demands preservation of:

• ECM/Black box data
• ELD records
• Maintenance records
• Driver qualification files
• Drug/alcohol test results
• Cell phone records
• GPS/telematics data
• Dashcam footage
• The physical truck and trailer
• Any failed components

Legal Consequences of Spoliation:

• Courts can instruct juries to assume destroyed evidence was unfavorable
• Monetary sanctions may be imposed
• Default judgment can be entered in extreme cases
• Punitive damages may be awarded

What Your Combine Trucking Accident Case Might Be Worth

Case values depend on many factors, but trucking cases typically settle for significantly more than car accident cases because:

1. Higher Insurance Limits: Federal law requires minimum coverage of $750,000, and many carriers carry $1-5 million or more
2. Multiple Defendants: More parties means more insurance coverage
3. Catastrophic Injuries: Trucking accidents often cause permanent disabilities
4. Corporate Defendants: Juries are more willing to award large verdicts against corporations

Typical Settlement Ranges in Texas Trucking Cases

Note: These are ranges based on our experience and industry data. Every case is unique, and your actual recovery depends on the specific facts of your case.

Factors That Increase Case Value

• Clear liability: The trucking company’s negligence is obvious
• Severe injuries: Permanent disabilities or disfigurement
• Large medical bills: Extensive treatment and future care needs
• Lost income: High earning capacity or long-term disability
• Multiple defendants: More insurance coverage available
• Gross negligence: Evidence of reckless behavior (supports punitive damages)
• Spoliation: Evidence destruction by the trucking company

The Insurance Company’s Playbook – And How We Counter It

Trucking companies and their insurers use sophisticated tactics to minimize claims. Our firm includes Lupe Peña, a former insurance defense attorney who knows exactly how these companies operate. Here’s what they’ll try – and how we counter it:

Common Insurance Tactics

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Combine Trucking Case

1. We’re Trucking Accident Specialists

While many personal injury firms handle car accidents, we focus specifically on trucking cases. We understand:

• FMCSA regulations inside and out
• The unique physics of trucking accidents
• How to deal with commercial insurance policies
• The tactics trucking companies use to avoid liability

2. Our Team Includes a Former Insurance Defense Attorney

Lupe Peña spent years working for a national defense firm before joining Attorney911. He knows:

• How insurance companies evaluate claims
• What makes them settle
• How they minimize payouts
• Their training on manipulating claimants

This insider knowledge gives us a significant advantage in negotiations.

3. We Have Federal Court Experience

Many trucking cases involve interstate commerce and can be filed in federal court. Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, is admitted to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas – giving us the ability to handle complex federal cases.

4. We’ve Recovered Millions for Trucking Accident Victims

Our track record includes:

• $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 wrongful death cases

5. We Offer Fluent Spanish Services

Combine has a diverse community, and we ensure language isn’t a barrier to justice. Our associate attorney Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish, and we have bilingual staff who can communicate directly with Spanish-speaking clients.

6. We’re Local to Combine

While we have offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we know Combine and the surrounding area. We understand:

• The local courts and judges
• The trucking corridors serving Combine
• The specific accident patterns in this area
• The community and its values

7. We Prepare Every Case for Trial

While most cases settle, we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial. This approach:

• Creates leverage in settlement negotiations
• Shows insurance companies we’re serious
• Ensures we’re ready if the case goes to court
• Results in better settlements for our clients

What to Do After a Trucking Accident in Combine

If you’ve been involved in a trucking accident in Combine, follow these steps:

1. Call 911 – Report the accident and request medical assistance
2. Seek Medical Attention – Even if you feel okay, get checked out immediately
3. Document the Scene – Take photos of all vehicles, damage, road conditions, and injuries
4. Get Driver and Company Information – Name, contact info, insurance, DOT number
5. Collect Witness Information – Names and phone numbers of anyone who saw the accident
6. Do NOT Give Statements – Don’t talk to insurance adjusters without an attorney
7. Call Attorney911 Immediately – 1-888-ATTY-911

Critical: Evidence in trucking cases disappears quickly. Black box data can be overwritten in 30 days. The trucking company will have their team working to protect their interests – you need someone working for you just as aggressively.

Common Types of Trucking Accidents in Combine

1. Rear-End Collisions

Why They Happen:

• Following too closely (tailgating)
• Driver distraction (cell phones, dispatch communications)
• Fatigue and delayed reaction times
• Excessive speed for conditions
• Brake failures from poor maintenance

Why They’re Dangerous:

• Trucks need 20-40% more stopping distance than cars
• A fully loaded truck at 65 mph needs approximately 525 feet to stop
• Passenger vehicles often get crushed or pushed into other vehicles

How We Prove Liability:

• ECM data showing following distance and speed
• ELD data proving fatigue
• Cell phone records showing distraction
• Brake inspection records showing maintenance failures

2. Underride Accidents

Why They Happen:

• Inadequate or missing underride guards
• Worn or damaged rear impact guards
• Sudden stops without adequate warning
• Low visibility conditions
• Wide right turns cutting off traffic

Why They’re Deadly:

• Passenger compartment gets sheared off at windshield level
• Often results in decapitation or catastrophic head injuries
• Almost always fatal for vehicle occupants

How We Prove Liability:

• Underride guard inspection records
• Guard installation and certification records
• Post-crash guard deformation analysis
• Rear lighting compliance documentation

3. Jackknife Accidents

Why They Happen:

• Sudden or improper braking, especially on wet or icy roads
• Speeding, particularly on curves
• Empty or lightly loaded trailers (more prone to swing)
• Improperly loaded or unbalanced cargo
• Brake system failures

Why They’re Dangerous:

• Trailer swings out perpendicular to the cab
• Often sweeps across multiple lanes of traffic
• Can cause multi-vehicle pileups
• Nearly impossible for nearby drivers to avoid

How We Prove Liability:

• Skid mark analysis showing trailer angle
• Brake inspection records
• Cargo manifest and loading records
• Weather conditions at time of accident

4. Rollover Accidents

Why They Happen:

• Speeding on curves, ramps, or turns
• Taking turns too sharply at excessive speed
• Improperly secured or unevenly distributed cargo
• Liquid cargo “slosh” shifting center of gravity
• Overcorrection after tire blowout or lane departure

Why They’re Dangerous:

• Trucks can crush multiple vehicles
• Often results in cargo spills
• Can cause secondary accidents from debris
• Frequently fatal for truck occupants

How We Prove Liability:

• ECM data for speed through curve
• Cargo manifest and securement documentation
• Load distribution records
• Driver training records on rollover prevention

5. Tire Blowout Accidents

Why They Happen:

• 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

Why They’re Dangerous:

• Can cause immediate loss of control
• Debris can strike following vehicles
• Often leads to jackknife or rollover accidents
• “Road gators” (tire debris) cause thousands of accidents annually

How We Prove Liability:

• Tire maintenance and inspection records
• Tire age and wear documentation
• Vehicle weight records
• Failed tire for defect analysis

6. Cargo Spill Accidents

Why They Happen:

• Inadequate tiedowns (insufficient number or strength)
• Improper loading distribution
• Failure to use blocking, bracing, or friction mats
• Tiedown failure due to wear or damage
• Overloading beyond securement capacity

Why They’re Dangerous:

• Spilled cargo creates road hazards
• Shifted cargo causes rollover accidents
• Hazmat spills create additional dangers
• Secondary accidents from debris

How We Prove Liability:

• Cargo securement inspection photos
• Bill of lading and cargo manifest
• Loading company records
• Tiedown specifications and condition

The Legal Process for Your Combine Trucking Case

Step 1: Free Consultation

We offer a free, no-obligation consultation to evaluate your case. During this meeting, we’ll:

• Review the facts of your accident
• Explain your legal rights
• Discuss potential case value
• Answer all your questions

Step 2: Case Investigation

Once retained, we immediately begin investigating:

• Send spoliation letters to preserve evidence
• Obtain police reports and accident scene photos
• Collect witness statements
• Request all relevant records from the trucking company
• Consult with accident reconstruction experts

Step 3: Medical Treatment Coordination

We help you get the medical care you need:

• Connect you with top specialists in Combine
• Ensure proper documentation of all injuries
• Help arrange treatment even if you don’t have insurance
• Monitor your recovery progress

Step 4: Demand Letter

After we’ve gathered evidence and you’ve reached maximum medical improvement, we send a comprehensive demand letter to the insurance company detailing:

• Liability facts
• Injury documentation
• Medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Future care needs

Step 5: Negotiation

We negotiate aggressively with the insurance company:

• Present all evidence of liability
• Document all damages
• Counter lowball offers
• Use our trial experience as leverage

Step 6: Litigation (If Necessary)

If we can’t reach a fair settlement, we file a lawsuit:

• Draft and file the complaint
• Conduct discovery (interrogatories, requests for production, depositions)
• Retain expert witnesses
• Prepare for trial

Step 7: Resolution

Most cases settle before trial, but we’re always prepared to go to court if necessary. Resolution options include:

• Settlement agreement
• Mediation
• Arbitration
• Trial verdict

Frequently Asked Questions About Combine Trucking Accidents

What should I do immediately after a trucking accident in Combine?

If you’re able to do so safely:

1. Call 911 to report the accident
2. Seek medical attention, even if you feel okay
3. Document the scene with photos and video
4. Get the truck driver’s information and the trucking company’s details
5. Collect witness contact information
6. Do NOT give recorded statements to any insurance company
7. Call Attorney911 immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911

How long do I have to file a trucking accident lawsuit in Texas?

The statute of limitations for personal injury cases in Texas is 2 years from the date of the accident. 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 Combine?

Multiple parties may be liable:

• The truck driver
• The trucking company
• The cargo owner
• The loading company
• The truck or parts manufacturer
• The maintenance company
• The freight broker
• The truck owner (if different from the carrier)

We investigate every possible defendant to maximize your recovery.

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 as long as you were not more than 50% at fault. Our job is to investigate thoroughly and prove what really happened using objective evidence like ECM data and witness statements.

What evidence is most important in a trucking accident case?

Critical evidence includes:

• ECM/Black box data
• ELD records
• Driver qualification files
• Maintenance records
• Drug/alcohol test results
• Cell phone records
• Dashcam footage
• Witness statements
• Police reports
• Photographs of the scene and damage

How much is my trucking accident case worth?

Case value depends on many factors:

• 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 settle for significantly more than car accident cases because of higher insurance limits and the potential for punitive damages.

Will my case go to trial?

Most cases settle before trial, but we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial. This approach:

• Creates leverage in settlement negotiations
• Shows insurance companies we’re serious
• Ensures we’re ready if the case goes to court
• Results in better settlements for our clients

Do I need to pay anything upfront?

No. We work on a contingency fee basis – you pay nothing unless we win your case. We advance all costs of investigation and litigation, and our fee comes from the recovery, not your pocket.

How long will my case take?

Timelines vary:

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

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

What if the trucking company goes bankrupt?

Many trucking companies carry excess insurance policies that remain in effect even if the company goes bankrupt. We investigate all available insurance coverage to ensure you can recover compensation.

Can I still recover if I was partially at fault?

Yes, as long as you were not more than 50% at fault. Texas uses a modified comparative negligence system. If you were 20% at fault, you would recover 80% of your damages.

What if the truck was carrying hazardous materials?

Hazardous material carriers are required to carry $5 million in insurance coverage. If you were exposed to hazardous materials in a trucking accident, you may be entitled to significant compensation for medical treatment and long-term health effects.

How do you prove the driver was fatigued?

We use multiple methods to prove fatigue:

• ELD records showing hours of service violations
• Dispatch records showing unrealistic schedules
• GPS data showing impossible travel times
• Witness testimony about driver behavior
• Expert testimony on fatigue’s effects

What if the trucking company falsified records?

Falsifying records is a serious violation that can lead to:

• Punitive damages
• Criminal charges against the company
• Adverse inferences in court
• Stronger settlement leverage

We thoroughly investigate for record falsification in every case.

Can I get punitive damages in my trucking accident case?

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

• Gross negligence
• Willful misconduct
• Conscious indifference to safety
• Fraud (such as falsifying logs)

Texas caps punitive damages at the greater of:

• (2 × economic damages) + (non-economic damages up to $750,000), or
• $200,000

Client Testimonials

“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

“I had another attorney but he dropped my case although Manginello law firm were able to help me out.”
— Greg Garcia, Attorney911 Client

“They solved in a couple of months what others did nothing about in two years.”
— Angel Walle, Attorney911 Client

“Ralph reached out personally.”
— Dame Haskett, Attorney911 Client

“One of Houston’s Great Men Trae Tha Truth has recommended this law firm. So if he is vouching for them then I know they do good work.”
— Jacqueline Johnson, Attorney911 Client

Contact Attorney911 Today

If you or a loved one has been injured in a trucking accident in Combine, Texas, don’t wait. Evidence is disappearing every hour. The trucking company has their team working to protect their interests – you need someone working just as aggressively for you.

Call Attorney911 now for a free consultation:

📞 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
📧 ralph@atty911.com
🌐 attorney911.com

Hablamos Español. Llame a Lupe Peña al 1-888-ATTY-911.

We’re available 24/7 to answer your call. There’s no fee unless we win your case, and we advance all costs of litigation. Don’t let the trucking company take advantage of you – call Attorney911 today.