18-Wheeler Accident Lawyers in Copperas Cove, Texas

If You’ve Been Hurt in a Trucking Accident, You Need an Attorney Who Fights Like Your Future Depends on It—Because It Does

Every year, thousands of families in Copperas Cove and across Central Texas have their lives shattered by catastrophic 18-wheeler accidents. When an 80,000-pound truck collides with your vehicle, the results are often devastating—traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, amputations, or wrongful death. The trucking company has teams of lawyers working immediately to protect their interests. You need someone fighting just as hard for yours.

At Attorney911, we’ve been holding negligent trucking companies accountable for over 25 years. Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has recovered multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements for families devastated by trucking accidents. With offices in Houston and Austin, we know Copperas Cove’s trucking corridors, the local courts, and how to build the strongest possible case for maximum compensation.

Why 18-Wheeler Accidents Are Different Than Car Crashes

Trucking accidents aren’t just bigger car accidents—they’re completely different legal emergencies requiring specialized expertise:

• Massive Weight Disparity: A fully loaded 18-wheeler weighs 20-25 times more than your passenger vehicle
• Federal Regulations: Trucking companies must follow strict FMCSA rules on driver qualifications, hours of service, maintenance, and cargo securement
• Multiple Liable Parties: We pursue claims against the driver, trucking company, cargo loaders, maintenance providers, and manufacturers
• Higher Insurance Limits: Trucking companies carry $750,000 to $5 million in insurance—allowing full compensation for catastrophic injuries
• Rapid Evidence Destruction: Black box data can be overwritten in 30 days—we act immediately to preserve critical evidence

One moment you’re driving to work on US-190 or FM 116, and the next, an 18-wheeler is jackknifing across three lanes. The trucking company’s rapid-response team arrives before the ambulance leaves. Their lawyers are already building their defense. Don’t face this alone.

Common Causes of 18-Wheeler Accidents in Copperas Cove

Copperas Cove’s location at the intersection of major highways creates unique risks for trucking accidents. We regularly see crashes caused by:

Driver Fatigue (Hours of Service Violations)

Truck drivers in Copperas Cove often push beyond legal limits to meet tight deadlines. FMCSA regulations limit drivers to:

• 11 hours driving after 10 consecutive hours off duty
• 14-hour on-duty window
• 30-minute break after 8 hours of driving
• 60/70-hour weekly limits

When drivers violate these rules, they become dangerously fatigued. We’ve seen cases where drivers falsified their electronic logs to hide hours of service violations. Our team includes a former insurance defense attorney who knows exactly how trucking companies pressure drivers to violate these critical safety rules.

Distracted Driving

Distracted truck drivers are deadly on Copperas Cove’s highways. Common distractions include:

• Cell phone use (texting while driving is illegal for CMV drivers)
• Dispatch communications
• GPS devices
• Eating while driving
• Adjusting controls

We subpoena cell phone records and telematics data to prove distraction caused your accident.

Improper Maintenance

Poorly maintained trucks are ticking time bombs. We regularly find:

• Worn brake pads that fail to stop the truck
• Bald tires that blow out at highway speeds
• Faulty steering components
• Malfunctioning lights and signals

Trucking companies are required to maintain detailed maintenance records. When they fail to keep these records or ignore known defects, we hold them accountable.

Cargo Securement Failures

Improperly secured cargo causes rollovers, jackknives, and spills that block multiple lanes. FMCSA regulations require:

• Proper number and strength of tiedowns
• Balanced load distribution
• Securement of specific cargo types (logs, metal coils, machinery)

We’ve seen cases where shifting cargo caused trucks to roll over on I-14 or spill hazardous materials on local roads.

Brake Failures

Brake problems cause approximately 29% of all trucking accidents. Common issues include:

• Worn brake pads
• Improper brake adjustment
• Air brake system leaks
• Overheated brakes on long descents

The trucking company must maintain records of all brake inspections and adjustments. When they fail to do so, we prove negligence.

Tire Blowouts

Tire failures are especially dangerous on Copperas Cove’s highways. Causes include:

• Underinflation causing overheating
• Overloading beyond tire capacity
• Worn or aging tires
• Road debris punctures

We examine the failed tire and maintenance records to determine whether the trucking company neglected proper tire care.

Underride Collisions

These horrific crashes occur when a passenger vehicle slides underneath the trailer. Underride guards are required on the rear of trailers, but:

• Many guards don’t meet current safety standards
• Side underride guards aren’t federally required
• Guards can fail in crashes

We’ve represented families where loved ones were decapitated in underride collisions that could have been prevented with proper safety equipment.

The Devastating Injuries We See in Copperas Cove Trucking Accidents

The physics of 18-wheeler accidents make catastrophic injuries the norm, not the exception:

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

TBI occurs when the brain impacts the inside of the skull during a violent collision. Symptoms may include:

• Headaches and dizziness
• Memory loss and confusion
• Difficulty concentrating
• Mood changes and depression
• Sleep disturbances
• Speech difficulties
• Personality changes

Severe TBI can result in permanent cognitive impairment, requiring lifetime care costing millions of dollars.

Spinal Cord Injuries & Paralysis

Damage to the spinal cord can cause:

• Paraplegia – Loss of function below the waist
• Quadriplegia – Loss of function in all four limbs
• Incomplete injuries – Some nerve function remains

These injuries often require:

• Multiple surgeries
• Rehabilitation
• Home modifications
• Assistive devices
• 24/7 care

Lifetime costs for spinal cord injuries range from $1.1 million to $5 million or more.

Amputations

Crushing forces from truck impacts often result in:

• Traumatic amputation at the scene
• Surgical amputation of severely damaged limbs

Amputations require:

• Prosthetic limbs ($5,000-$50,000 each)
• Ongoing replacement of prosthetics
• Physical and occupational therapy
• Psychological counseling

Severe Burns

Fuel tank ruptures, cargo fires, and electrical fires cause devastating burns. Treatment may include:

• Multiple skin graft surgeries
• Scar revision procedures
• Physical therapy
• Psychological counseling

Internal Organ Damage

The forces involved in trucking accidents often cause:

• Liver and spleen lacerations
• Kidney damage
• Lung contusions
• Internal bleeding

These injuries may not show immediate symptoms but can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.

Wrongful Death

When a trucking accident kills a loved one, families can pursue wrongful death claims for:

• Lost future income and benefits
• Loss of companionship and guidance
• Mental anguish
• Funeral and burial expenses
• Medical expenses before death

Who We Hold Accountable in Copperas Cove Trucking Cases

In most car accidents, only one driver is at fault. In trucking accidents, multiple parties may share liability:

The Truck Driver

We pursue claims against drivers for:

• Speeding or reckless driving
• Distracted driving
• Fatigued driving
• Impaired driving
• Failure to conduct proper pre-trip inspections
• Traffic law violations

The Trucking Company (Motor Carrier)

Trucking companies can be liable for:

• Vicarious liability – Responsibility for their employees’ actions
• Negligent hiring – Failing to check drivers’ backgrounds
• Negligent training – Inadequate safety training
• Negligent supervision – Failing to monitor driver performance
• Negligent maintenance – Poor vehicle upkeep
• Negligent scheduling – Pressuring drivers to violate hours of service

Cargo Owners & Shippers

Companies that own the cargo may be liable for:

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

Cargo Loading Companies

Third-party loaders can be liable for:

• Improper cargo securement
• Unbalanced load distribution
• Exceeding weight ratings
• Failing to train loaders

Truck & Parts Manufacturers

Manufacturers may be liable for:

• Defective brakes
• Defective tires
• Defective steering components
• Defective underride guards
• Failure to warn of known dangers

Maintenance Companies

Third-party maintenance providers can be liable for:

• Negligent repairs
• Failure to identify critical safety issues
• Using substandard parts
• Returning vehicles to service with known defects

Freight Brokers

Brokers who arrange transportation may be liable for:

• Negligent selection of unsafe carriers
• Failure to verify carrier insurance
• Failure to check carrier safety records

The Evidence We Preserve in Your Copperas Cove Trucking Case

Evidence disappears quickly in trucking cases. We act immediately to preserve:

Electronic Data

• ECM/Black Box Data – Records speed, braking, throttle position (can be overwritten in 30 days)
• ELD Records – Proves hours of service violations (required retention: 6 months)
• GPS/Telematics – Shows route, speed, and location history
• Dashcam Footage – Forward-facing and cab-facing video (often deleted within days)
• Cell Phone Records – Proves distracted driving

Driver Records

• Driver Qualification File (required retention: 3 years)
• Employment application and background check
• Driving record
• Medical certification
• Drug and alcohol test results
• Training records
• Previous accident history

Vehicle Records

• Maintenance and repair records (required retention: 1 year)
• Inspection reports
• Out-of-service orders
• Tire records
• Brake inspection and adjustment records

Company Records

• Hours of service records
• Dispatch logs
• Bills of lading
• Insurance policies
• Safety policies
• Training curricula

Physical Evidence

• The truck and trailer themselves
• Failed components
• Cargo and securement devices
• Tire remnants

We send spoliation letters within 24-48 hours of being retained to put all parties on notice that destroying evidence will result in serious legal consequences.

How We Build Your Copperas Cove Trucking Accident Case

Phase 1: Immediate Response (0-72 Hours)

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

Phase 2: Evidence Gathering (Days 1-30)

• Subpoena ECM/black box data downloads
• Request driver’s paper log books
• Obtain complete Driver Qualification File
• Request all truck maintenance and inspection records
• Obtain carrier’s CSA safety scores
• Order driver’s complete Motor Vehicle Record
• Subpoena 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 (2 years in Texas)
• 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 (creates leverage in negotiations)

What Your Copperas Cove Trucking Accident Case Is Worth

Case values depend on many factors, but trucking companies carry higher insurance limits than typical auto policies:

Our firm has recovered multi-million dollar settlements for trucking accident victims, including:

• $5+ million for a logging brain injury case
• $3.8+ million for a car accident amputation case
• $2.5+ million for a truck crash recovery
• $2+ million for a maritime back injury case

The Insurance Battle You’re Facing

Trucking companies and their insurers have teams of adjusters and lawyers working to minimize your claim. Common tactics include:

• Quick Lowball Offers – Designed to pay you far less than your case is worth
• Denying or Minimizing Injuries – Claiming your injuries aren’t as serious as you say
• Blaming You – Claiming you were partially at fault to reduce compensation
• Delaying the Process – Hoping you’ll give up or accept a low offer
• Using Recorded Statements Against You – Twisting your words to hurt your case
• Pre-Existing Condition Defense – Claiming your injuries existed before the accident
• Gap in Treatment Attacks – Claiming you’re not really injured if you missed appointments
• Surveillance – Following you to catch you doing activities that contradict your injury claims
• Independent Medical Examiners – Doctors hired to minimize your injuries
• Paperwork Overload – Burying you in forms to delay resolution

Our team includes a former insurance defense attorney who knows exactly how these tactics work. We counter every move the insurance company makes to protect your rights.

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Copperas Cove Trucking Case

Proven Track Record

• $50+ million recovered for Texas families
• Multi-million dollar settlements in trucking cases
• 251+ Google reviews with 4.9-star average
• Featured in major media: KHOU 11, ABC13, Houston Chronicle

Specialized Expertise

• Truck accident specialists with 25+ years experience
• Former insurance defense attorney on staff
• Deep knowledge of FMCSA regulations
• Experience against major carriers (Walmart, Amazon, FedEx, UPS, Coca-Cola)

Local Knowledge

• Offices in Houston and Austin serving Copperas Cove
• Familiar with local courts and judges
• Knowledge of Copperas Cove’s trucking corridors (US-190, FM 116, I-14)
• Experience with local trauma centers and medical providers

Aggressive Representation

• Prepare every case as if going to trial
• Willingness to take cases to verdict when necessary
• Experience with nuclear verdicts against trucking companies
• Never accept lowball settlement offers

Client-Focused Approach

• Treat clients like family, not case numbers
• Direct access to your attorney
• Regular case updates
• Compassionate, understanding representation

What Our Copperas Cove Clients Say

“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

“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

The Steps You Should Take Right Now

1. Seek Medical Attention Immediately – Even if you feel okay, get checked out. Adrenaline masks pain, and some injuries don’t show symptoms right away.

2. Don’t Give Recorded Statements – Insurance adjusters will call quickly. Politely decline and tell them to contact your attorney.

3. Document Everything – Take photos of the scene, your injuries, vehicle damage, and road conditions. Get witness contact information.

4. Preserve Evidence – Don’t repair your vehicle or discard damaged items. They may be important evidence.

5. Call Attorney911 Immediately – Time is critical. We’ll send preservation letters to protect evidence before it’s destroyed.

Copperas Cove Trucking Corridors We Know

Copperas Cove sits at the crossroads of several major trucking routes:

• US-190 – Major east-west corridor connecting to I-35 and beyond
• FM 116 – Important route for local and regional truck traffic
• I-14 – New interstate corridor improving connectivity
• Distribution Centers – Local facilities that generate significant truck traffic
• Military Routes – Fort Cavazos (formerly Fort Hood) creates unique trucking patterns

Our local knowledge of these corridors gives us an advantage in building your case.

Common Types of Trucking Accidents in Copperas Cove

Jackknife Accidents

When the trailer swings out perpendicular to the cab, often blocking multiple lanes. Common causes:

• Sudden braking on wet or icy roads
• Speeding on curves
• Empty or lightly loaded trailers
• Brake system failures

Rollover Accidents

When the truck tips onto its side or roof. Common causes:

• Speeding on curves or ramps
• Improperly secured cargo
• Liquid cargo slosh
• Driver overcorrection

Underride Collisions

When a passenger vehicle slides underneath the trailer. Types:

• Rear underride – Vehicle strikes back of trailer
• Side underride – Vehicle impacts trailer side

These are often fatal due to the trailer shearing off the vehicle’s roof.

Rear-End Collisions

When a truck strikes the back of another vehicle. Common causes:

• Following too closely
• Driver distraction
• Driver fatigue
• Brake failures
• Speeding

Wide Turn Accidents

When a truck swings wide before making a right turn, creating a gap that other vehicles enter. The truck then completes the turn, crushing the vehicle that entered the gap.

Blind Spot Collisions

When a truck changes lanes without seeing a vehicle in one of its four major blind spots (No-Zones):

• Front No-Zone (20 feet)
• Rear No-Zone (30 feet)
• Left Side No-Zone
• Right Side No-Zone (largest)

Tire Blowout Accidents

When a tire fails suddenly, causing the driver to lose control. Common causes:

• Underinflation
• Overloading
• Worn or aging tires
• Road debris

Brake Failure Accidents

When the truck’s braking system fails or underperforms. Common causes:

• Worn brake pads
• Improper brake adjustment
• Air brake system leaks
• Overheated brakes

Cargo Spill/Shift Accidents

When improperly secured cargo falls from the truck or shifts during transit, causing:

• Rollover accidents
• Multi-vehicle pileups
• Hazardous material spills

Copperas Cove-Specific Trucking Risks

Copperas Cove’s location creates unique trucking accident risks:

1. Military Traffic – Fort Cavazos (formerly Fort Hood) generates significant military vehicle traffic, including heavy equipment transport.

2. Hill Country Terrain – The rolling hills around Copperas Cove can create dangerous conditions for trucks, especially when combined with:

   • Rain and flash flooding
   • Limited visibility at hill crests
   • Steep grades that challenge braking systems

3. Rural Highway Dangers – Many local roads have:

   • Narrow lanes
   • Limited shoulders
   • Poor lighting
   • Wildlife crossings

4. Construction Zones – Ongoing infrastructure projects create:

   • Lane shifts and closures
   • Reduced speed limits
   • Construction vehicle traffic

5. Local Distribution Centers – Warehouses and distribution facilities generate:

   • Increased truck traffic
   • Congested parking areas
   • Loading zone conflicts

What to Do If You’re Partially at Fault

Texas follows a modified comparative negligence rule. This means:

• If you’re less than 51% at fault, you can recover damages reduced by your percentage of fault
• If you’re 51% or more at fault, you cannot recover any damages

For example:

• If you’re 20% at fault, you recover 80% of your damages
• If you’re 50% at fault, you recover 50% of your damages
• If you’re 51% at fault, you recover nothing

Don’t assume you can’t recover just because you think you might share some blame. We investigate thoroughly to determine the true cause of the accident.

The Statute of Limitations for Your Copperas Cove Case

In Texas, you have 2 years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. This deadline is strict, and missing it means losing your right to sue forever.

However, you should never wait to contact an attorney. Evidence disappears quickly in trucking cases, and the sooner we can begin our investigation, the stronger your case will be.

How Long Your Case Will Take

Timelines vary based on complexity:

• Simple cases with clear liability: 6-12 months
• Moderate cases with disputed liability: 12-24 months
• Complex cases with multiple parties: 2-3 years
• Cases that go to trial: 3-4 years

We work to resolve cases as quickly as possible while ensuring you receive maximum compensation.

What If the Trucking Company Goes Bankrupt?

Even if the trucking company goes out of business, you may still recover compensation through:

• The company’s insurance policy
• Other liable parties (driver, cargo owner, maintenance company)
• The company’s assets

We investigate all potential sources of recovery to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

We Offer Free Consultations and Work on Contingency

You pay nothing unless we win your case. We advance all costs of investigation and litigation. When we win, our fee comes from the recovery, not your pocket.

Call Attorney911 Now for Your Free Consultation

If you or a loved one has been injured in an 18-wheeler accident in Copperas Cove, call us immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911). We’re available 24/7 to begin protecting your rights.

Don’t wait—evidence is disappearing right now. The trucking company has lawyers working to protect them. You deserve the same level of representation. Call Attorney911 today.