18-Wheeler Accidents in Concho County: Your Guide to Justice and Compensation

When an 80,000-Pound Truck Changes Your Life in an Instant

The moment an 18-wheeler crashes into your vehicle on Concho County’s highways, your life changes forever. The force of 80,000 pounds of steel hitting your sedan is unlike any other accident. The injuries are more severe. The medical bills pile up faster. The trucking company’s insurance team springs into action to protect their interests – not yours.

At Attorney911, we’ve been fighting for Concho County truck accident victims for over 25 years. Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has secured multi-million dollar verdicts against some of the largest trucking companies in America. We know the Concho County courts, the local judges, and the trucking corridors that carry freight through our region. When disaster strikes on US-83, US-67, or the rural highways of Paint Rock and Eden, you need Concho County attorneys who understand both the federal trucking regulations and the local landscape.

Why Concho County Trucking Accidents Are Different

Concho County’s position in the heart of Texas creates unique trucking accident risks. Our highways connect major freight corridors, bringing heavy truck traffic through our communities. The mix of long-haul truckers, local agricultural haulers, and oil field equipment creates a dangerous blend of vehicles with different operating characteristics.

The physics don’t lie:

• A fully loaded 18-wheeler weighs 20-25 times more than your passenger vehicle
• At 65 mph, an 18-wheeler needs nearly two football fields to stop
• When trucks jackknife or roll over, they block multiple lanes, creating secondary collisions

These aren’t just statistics. They’re the reality we see every day when families come to us after catastrophic Concho County trucking accidents.

The Most Dangerous Trucking Accidents in Concho County

Jackknife Accidents: When Trailers Swing Out of Control

Jackknife accidents are particularly common on Concho County’s highways, especially during sudden weather changes or when drivers brake too hard. The trailer swings out perpendicular to the cab, often sweeping across multiple lanes of traffic.

Common causes in Concho County:

• Sudden braking on wet or icy roads
• Speeding on curves like those near Paint Rock
• Empty or lightly loaded trailers that are more prone to swing
• Brake failures from poor maintenance
• Driver inexperience with emergency maneuvers

Evidence we gather:

• Skid mark analysis showing the trailer angle
• Brake inspection records
• Weather conditions at the time
• ELD data showing speed before braking
• Cargo manifest and loading records

Underride Collisions: The Deadliest Trucking Accident

Underride collisions occur when a smaller vehicle crashes into the rear or side of an 18-wheeler and slides underneath. The trailer height often shears off the top of the smaller vehicle, causing catastrophic head and neck injuries.

Concho County’s underride risks:

• Poorly lit rural intersections
• Trucks making wide turns at night
• Inadequate underride guards on older trailers
• Sudden stops on US-83 and US-67

Federal requirements:

• Rear impact guards must prevent underride at 30 mph
• NO federal requirement for side underride guards
• Many Concho County trucking companies cut corners on safety equipment

Rollover Accidents: When Top-Heavy Loads Tip Over

Rollover accidents are particularly dangerous in Concho County’s rural areas where emergency response times may be longer. These accidents often result in fuel spills, cargo spills, and multi-vehicle pileups.

Common causes in our region:

• Speeding on rural curves
• Improperly secured agricultural loads
• Liquid cargo “slosh” in tanker trucks
• Overcorrection after tire blowouts
• Driver fatigue on long hauls through Concho County

Evidence we preserve:

• ECM data showing speed through curves
• Cargo securement documentation
• Load distribution records
• Driver training records
• Road geometry analysis

Rear-End Collisions: The Most Common Trucking Accident

Rear-end collisions are the second most common type of large truck crash, and they’re particularly devastating when an 18-wheeler strikes a smaller vehicle.

Why they happen in Concho County:

• Following too closely on rural highways
• Driver distraction (cell phones, dispatch communications)
• Driver fatigue from long hours
• Brake failures from poor maintenance
• Failure to anticipate traffic slowdowns

The evidence tells the story:

• ECM data showing following distance
• ELD data proving driver fatigue
• Cell phone records showing distraction
• Brake inspection records
• Dashcam footage when available

Who’s Really Responsible for Your Concho County Trucking Accident?

In most car accidents, only one driver is at fault. But 18-wheeler accidents in Concho County are different. Multiple parties may share responsibility for your injuries.

The Truck Driver: Direct Negligence

The driver who caused your accident 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

What we investigate:

• Driver’s CDL and medical certification
• Driving record and history
• Hours of service compliance
• Drug and alcohol test results
• Cell phone records
• Training records

The Trucking Company: Vicarious and Direct Liability

The trucking company is often the most important defendant because they have the deepest pockets and highest insurance limits.

Vicarious liability:

• The driver was an employee (not independent contractor)
• Acting within the scope of employment
• Performing job duties when accident occurred

Direct negligence:

• Negligent hiring: Failed to check driver’s background
• Negligent training: Inadequate safety training
• Negligent supervision: Failed to monitor driver behavior
• Negligent maintenance: Failed to maintain vehicles
• Negligent scheduling: Pressured drivers to violate HOS regulations

Evidence we subpoena:

• Driver Qualification Files
• Hiring policies and background checks
• Training records and curricula
• Dispatch records showing schedule pressure
• Maintenance records
• Safety culture documentation

Cargo Owners and Loading Companies

The companies that own and load the cargo may be liable for:

• Providing improper loading instructions
• Failing to disclose hazardous cargo
• Requiring overweight loads
• Pressuring carriers to expedite deliveries

What we investigate:

• Shipping contracts and bills of lading
• Loading instructions
• Weight certification records
• Hazmat disclosure documentation

Maintenance Companies and Manufacturers

Third-party maintenance companies and equipment manufacturers may share liability:

• Negligent repairs that failed to fix problems
• Failure to identify critical safety issues
• Defective brake components
• Defective tires
• Defective lighting or safety systems

Evidence we preserve:

• Maintenance work orders
• Mechanic qualifications
• Parts used in repairs
• Recall notices for defective components

The Federal Trucking Regulations That Protect Concho County Drivers

Every 18-wheeler operating in Concho County must comply with strict federal safety regulations. When trucking companies violate these rules, they create dangerous conditions that cause catastrophic accidents.

Hours of Service Regulations: Preventing Fatigued Driving

FMCSA regulations limit how long truck drivers can operate to prevent fatigue-related crashes.

Key HOS rules:

• Maximum 11 hours driving after 10 consecutive hours off duty
• Cannot drive beyond 14th consecutive hour on duty
• 30-minute break required after 8 hours driving
• 60/70 hour weekly limits
• 34-hour restart provision

Why violations matter:
Fatigued driving causes approximately 31% of fatal truck crashes. Drivers who violate HOS rules are too tired to react safely to changing road conditions.

How we prove violations:

• ELD data showing driving time
• Dispatch records
• Fuel receipts
• Toll records
• GPS tracking data

Driver Qualification Standards: Who’s Behind the Wheel?

FMCSA requires trucking companies to maintain a Driver Qualification (DQ) File for every driver containing:

• Employment application
• Driving record check
• Previous employer verification
• Medical certification
• Drug test results
• Training documentation

What missing files prove:
When trucking companies fail to maintain proper DQ files, it demonstrates negligent hiring practices. We’ve seen cases where companies hired drivers with suspended licenses, multiple DUIs, or histories of reckless driving.

Vehicle Maintenance Requirements: Keeping Trucks Safe

Trucking companies must systematically inspect, repair, and maintain all vehicles.

Required inspections:

• Pre-trip inspections before every trip
• Post-trip inspections after every trip
• Annual comprehensive inspections
• Immediate repairs of safety defects

Common maintenance failures:

• Worn brake pads not replaced
• Improper brake adjustments
• Tire failures from poor maintenance
• Lighting system failures
• Coupling device defects

The Critical 48-Hour Evidence Preservation Protocol

In Concho County trucking accident 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.

The Spoliation Letter: Your Legal Shield

A spoliation letter is a formal legal notice demanding that the trucking company preserve all evidence related to your accident.

What we demand preserved:

• ECM/Black Box data (can be overwritten in 30 days)
• ELD records (required to be kept for 6 months)
• Dashcam footage (often deleted within 7-14 days)
• Driver Qualification File
• Maintenance records
• Inspection reports
• Dispatch logs
• Drug and alcohol test results
• Cell phone records
• The physical truck and trailer

Why timing matters:

• ECM data can be overwritten with new driving events
• Dashcam footage cycles on a loop
• Surveillance video from nearby businesses is typically overwritten in 7-30 days
• Witness memories fade within weeks

The Black Box: The Truck’s Silent Witness

Commercial trucks have electronic systems that continuously record operational data – similar to an airplane’s black box.

What the black box records:

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

Why this data wins cases:
Black box data is objective and tamper-resistant. It directly contradicts driver claims of “I wasn’t speeding” or “I hit my brakes immediately.” This data has led to multi-million dollar verdicts in trucking cases across Texas.

Catastrophic Injuries from Concho County Trucking Accidents

The massive size and weight disparity between 18-wheelers and passenger vehicles means trucking accidents often cause catastrophic injuries.

Traumatic Brain Injury: The Invisible Epidemic

TBI occurs when the brain impacts the inside of the skull due to extreme forces. In Concho County trucking accidents, we frequently see:

• Mild concussions with lingering symptoms
• Moderate TBIs requiring extensive rehabilitation
• Severe TBIs causing permanent cognitive impairment

Symptoms to watch for:

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

Lifetime care costs: $85,000 to $3,000,000+ depending on severity

Spinal Cord Injury: Life-Altering Consequences

Spinal cord damage often results in permanent paralysis:

• Paraplegia: Loss of function below the waist
• Quadriplegia: Loss of function in all four limbs
• Incomplete injuries: Some nerve function remains
• Complete injuries: Total loss of sensation and movement

Level of injury matters:

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

Lifetime care costs:

• Paraplegia: $1.1 million to $2.5 million+
• Quadriplegia: $3.5 million to $5 million+

Amputation: When Limbs Are Lost in an Instant

Amputations occur when:

• Limbs are severed at the scene by crash forces
• Limbs are so severely damaged they must be surgically removed
• Infections develop from open wounds

Ongoing medical needs:

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

Severe Burns: The Agony of Trucking Fires

Burns occur when:

• Fuel tanks rupture and ignite
• Hazmat cargo spills and catches fire
• Electrical systems short circuit
• Friction creates road rash burns

Burn classification:

• First degree: Epidermis only (minor)
• Second degree: Epidermis and dermis (may scar)
• Third degree: Full thickness (requires skin grafts)
• Fourth degree: Through skin to muscle/bone (may require amputation)

Long-term consequences:

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

The Multi-Million Dollar Verdicts That Hold Trucking Companies Accountable

Texas juries have sent a clear message to the trucking industry: negligence that causes catastrophic injuries will be punished with massive verdicts.

Recent Nuclear Verdicts Against Trucking Companies

What These Verdicts Mean for Your Concho County Case

These nuclear verdicts demonstrate that Texas juries will hold trucking companies fully accountable when:

• They knowingly hire dangerous drivers
• They ignore safety violations for profit
• They destroy evidence (spoliation)
• They falsify hours-of-service logs
• They have a pattern of similar violations
• They create a corporate culture that prioritizes profit over safety

What this means for you:
Insurance companies know juries are willing to award massive damages. This strengthens your position in settlement negotiations and increases the value of your case.

How We Build Your Concho County Trucking Accident Case

Phase 1: Immediate Response (0-72 Hours)

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

Phase 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
• 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

Phase 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

Phase 4: Litigation Strategy

• File lawsuit before statute of limitations expires
• Pursue aggressive discovery against all 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 (this creates leverage in negotiations)

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Concho County Trucking Case

25+ Years of Trucking Litigation Experience

Ralph Manginello has been fighting for injury victims since 1998. Our firm has handled trucking cases against:

• Walmart trucking operations
• Coca-Cola distribution vehicles
• Amazon delivery trucks
• FedEx trucks
• UPS trucks
• Numerous commercial trucking companies

Federal Court Experience

We’re admitted to practice in the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas – essential for handling interstate trucking cases that may be filed in federal court.

Former Insurance Defense Attorney on Staff

Our associate attorney, Lupe Peña, spent years working for a national defense firm. He knows exactly how insurance companies:

• Value claims
• Train adjusters
• Minimize payouts
• Deny claims
• Use Colossus and other claims software

This insider knowledge gives us an unfair advantage in building your case.

Multi-Million Dollar Results

We’ve recovered millions for Texas families devastated by trucking accidents. Our results include:

• $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

Concho County Knowledge

We know:

• The local courts and judges
• The trucking corridors serving our region
• The distribution centers and weigh stations
• The accident patterns on US-83 and US-67
• The local trauma centers and medical providers

Bilingual Services

Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish, and we have bilingual staff including Zulema. We serve Concho County’s Hispanic community directly without interpreters.

What to Do After a Concho County Trucking Accident

Immediate Steps (First 24 Hours)

1. Call 911 – Report the accident and request medical assistance
2. Seek medical attention – Even if injuries seem minor
3. Document the scene – Take photos of:
   • All vehicle damage
   • The accident scene and road conditions
   • Skid marks and debris patterns
   • Your injuries
   • The truck’s DOT number and company information
4. Collect information – Get:
   • Truck driver’s name, CDL number, and contact info
   • Trucking company name and contact info
   • Witness names and phone numbers
5. Do NOT give recorded statements – Insurance adjusters work for the trucking company
6. Call Attorney911 – We’ll send preservation letters immediately

Critical Mistakes to Avoid

❌ Waiting to seek medical treatment – Delays give insurance companies ammunition
❌ Giving recorded statements – Adjusters are trained to minimize your claim
❌ Posting on social media – Insurance companies will use your posts against you
❌ Accepting quick settlement offers – First offers are always lowball offers
❌ Not contacting an attorney immediately – Evidence disappears fast

The Concho County Trucking Corridors We Know Best

Concho County sits at the crossroads of major Texas freight corridors. Our attorneys know these routes and their unique accident patterns:

US-83: The North-South Connector

Running from Mexico to North Dakota, US-83 passes right through Concho County, connecting Eden, Paint Rock, and the county seat of Paint Rock. This highway carries:

• Agricultural products from local farms
• Oil field equipment
• Long-haul freight between San Angelo and Abilene
• Local commuter traffic

Common accident types:

• Rear-end collisions from sudden stops
• Underride accidents at intersections
• Rollover accidents on rural curves
• Fatigue-related crashes from long-haul drivers

US-67: The East-West Link

US-67 connects Presidio to Texarkana, passing through Concho County and providing access to Eden and surrounding areas. This corridor carries:

• Cross-country freight
• Local agricultural traffic
• Oil and gas equipment
• Military convoys from Fort Cavazos

Common accident types:

• Jackknife accidents during sudden braking
• Wide turn accidents in rural areas
• Cargo spill accidents from improperly secured loads
• Tire blowouts from long stretches of highway

FM 1929 and FM 380: Rural Routes with Hidden Dangers

These farm-to-market roads serve Concho County’s agricultural communities but create unique trucking accident risks:

• Narrow lanes and limited shoulders
• Poor lighting at night
• Mixed traffic of agricultural equipment and passenger vehicles
• Limited emergency response capabilities

Common accident types:

• Blind spot collisions with farm equipment
• Rollovers from improperly loaded agricultural products
• Accidents involving livestock crossing roads
• Collisions with slow-moving farm vehicles

Concho County-Specific Trucking Accident Factors

Agricultural Trucking: Seasonal Risks

Concho County’s agricultural industry creates unique trucking accident patterns:

• Harvest seasons bring increased truck traffic carrying cotton, wheat, and other crops
• Livestock hauling creates risks of animal escape and sudden stops
• Farm equipment transport often involves oversize loads with limited visibility
• Seasonal workers may include drivers with limited English proficiency

Oil and Gas Industry Impact

While not as prominent as in the Permian Basin, Concho County’s oil and gas activity affects local trucking:

• Oil field equipment hauling creates heavy, oversize loads
• Water and waste hauling for drilling operations
• Increased truck traffic on rural roads not designed for heavy vehicles
• Driver fatigue from long hours in the oil field

Rural Emergency Response Challenges

Concho County’s rural nature creates unique challenges after trucking accidents:

• Longer emergency response times for accidents outside Paint Rock and Eden
• Limited trauma care – Patients often need transport to San Angelo or Abilene
• Road conditions – Some rural roads lack proper signage and lighting
• Weather-related closures – Flash flooding can isolate accident scenes

Your Concho County Trucking Accident Case Timeline

What to Expect in the First 30 Days

• Day 1-3: Immediate evidence preservation
• Day 1-7: Medical evaluation and treatment plan
• Day 7-14: Initial investigation and evidence gathering
• Day 14-30: Insurance company initial contact (we handle all communication)

The First 6 Months

• Month 1-3: Continued medical treatment and documentation
• Month 2-4: Expert analysis of evidence
• Month 3-6: Initial settlement demand to insurance company
• Month 4-6: Negotiation with insurance adjusters

Complex Cases (6-24 Months)

• Month 6-12: Filing of lawsuit if settlement negotiations stall
• Month 8-18: Discovery phase (interrogatories, document requests)
• Month 12-24: Depositions of witnesses, drivers, company representatives
• Month 18-24: Mediation and settlement conferences

Trial Preparation (24+ Months)

• Month 24-30: Pre-trial motions and expert reports
• Month 30-36: Trial preparation and jury selection
• Month 36+: Trial and verdict

Concho County Trucking Accident FAQ

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

If you’ve been in a trucking accident in Concho 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. Concho County hospitals and clinics 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 in Concho County?

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 Concho 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.

Who can I sue after an 18-wheeler accident in Concho 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 as long as you’re not more than 50% responsible. 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 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.

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.

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.

What records should my attorney get from the trucking company?

We pursue:

• ECM/Black box data
• ELD records
• Driver Qualification File
• Maintenance records
• Inspection reports
• Dispatch logs
• Drug and alcohol test results
• Training records
• Cell phone records
• Insurance policies
• The physical truck and trailer

Can the trucking company destroy evidence?

Once they’re on notice of potential litigation, destroying evidence is spoliation – a serious legal violation. Courts can:

• Instruct juries to assume destroyed evidence was unfavorable
• Impose monetary sanctions
• Enter default judgment in extreme cases
• Award punitive damages

What are hours of service regulations and how do violations cause accidents?

FMCSA regulations limit how long truck drivers can operate:

• Maximum 11 hours driving after 10 hours off
• Cannot drive beyond 14th consecutive hour on duty
• 30-minute break required after 8 hours driving
• 60/70 hour weekly limits

Fatigued driving causes approximately 31% of fatal truck crashes. Drivers who violate these rules are too tired to react safely to changing road conditions.

What FMCSA regulations are most commonly violated in accidents?

The top violations we find:

• Hours of service violations (driving too long)
• False log entries (lying about driving time)
• Brake system deficiencies
• Cargo securement failures
• Drug and alcohol violations
• Unqualified drivers (no valid CDL or medical certificate)
• Failure to inspect vehicles

What is a Driver Qualification File and why does it matter?

FMCSA requires trucking companies to maintain a file for every driver containing:

• Employment application
• Driving record check
• Previous employer verification
• Medical certification
• Drug test results
• Training documentation

Missing or incomplete files prove negligent hiring.

How do pre-trip inspections relate to my accident case?

Drivers must inspect their trucks before every trip. If they failed to conduct inspections or ignored known defects (bad brakes, worn tires, lighting problems), both the driver and company may be liable for negligence.

What injuries are common in 18-wheeler accidents in Concho 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 Concho 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 Concho 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 Concho 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.

How much insurance do trucking companies carry?

Federal law requires minimum liability coverage:

• $750,000 for non-hazardous freight
• $1,000,000 for oil, large equipment
• $5,000,000 for hazardous materials

Many carriers carry $1-5 million or more. This higher coverage means catastrophic injuries can actually be compensated.

What if multiple insurance policies apply to my accident?

Trucking cases often involve multiple policies:

• Motor carrier’s liability policy
• Trailer interchange coverage
• Cargo insurance
• Owner-operator’s policy
• Excess/umbrella coverage

We identify all available coverage to maximize your recovery.

Will the trucking company’s insurance try to settle quickly?

Often yes – and that’s a red flag. Quick settlement offers are designed to pay you far less than your case is worth before you understand the full extent of your injuries. Never accept any settlement without consulting an experienced trucking accident attorney first.

Contact Attorney911 Today

If you or a loved one has been injured in an 18-wheeler accident in Concho County, don’t wait. Evidence is disappearing every hour. The trucking company’s insurance team is already working to protect their interests – not yours.

Call Attorney911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation. Our Concho County trucking accident attorneys are available 24/7 to answer your questions and start protecting your rights.

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

Remember: You pay nothing unless we win your case. We advance all costs and work on contingency. The trucking company has lawyers fighting for them – you deserve the same level of representation.

Call now: 1-888-ATTY-911