18-Wheeler Accidents in Coryell County: Your Complete Legal Guide**

If you or a loved one has been injured in an 18-wheeler accident on Coryell County’s highways, you’re facing one of the most complex and high-stakes legal challenges of your life. The aftermath of these catastrophic collisions leaves families devastated, facing mounting medical bills, lost income, and life-altering injuries. At Attorney911, we’ve spent over 25 years fighting for trucking accident victims across Texas, and we understand the unique challenges Coryell County families face after these traumatic events.

Why Coryell County Trucking Accidents Are Different

Coryell County sits at the crossroads of major Texas trucking corridors, with US-84 serving as a critical east-west freight route connecting Waco to Goldthwaite. The county’s position along this busy highway means residents regularly share the road with heavy commercial traffic hauling agricultural products, oilfield equipment, and consumer goods between Central and West Texas.

The rural nature of much of Coryell County creates additional risks:

• Limited law enforcement presence on long stretches of highway
• Fewer traffic cameras and surveillance systems
• Longer emergency response times
• Challenging road conditions on rural routes
• Mix of local commuters and long-haul truckers unfamiliar with the area

Our firm has handled numerous trucking cases along US-84 and the county’s rural roads, giving us deep familiarity with the local courts, judges, and the specific accident patterns that occur in this region.

The Devastating Reality of 18-Wheeler Crashes

Every year in Texas, over 5,000 people are injured in commercial truck accidents. The size and weight disparity between an 80,000-pound 18-wheeler and your 3,500-pound passenger vehicle creates forces that often result in catastrophic injuries or death.

In the moments after impact, your life changes forever. The physical pain is immediate, but the emotional and financial consequences last for years. You may be facing:

• Traumatic brain injuries that affect your memory and personality
• Spinal cord damage that leaves you paralyzed
• Multiple surgeries and months of painful rehabilitation
• Inability to return to your job or career
• Mounting medical bills that threaten your financial stability
• Emotional trauma that affects your relationships

The trucking company’s insurance adjusters will call within hours, offering quick settlements that barely cover your immediate medical expenses. They know that once you accept their offer, you waive your right to pursue additional compensation – even if your injuries worsen over time.

Why You Need a Coryell County Trucking Accident Attorney Immediately

Trucking accident cases are fundamentally different from car accident claims. The trucking industry is governed by complex federal regulations, and multiple parties may share liability for your injuries. Evidence disappears quickly – black box data can be overwritten in as little as 30 days, and trucking companies have rapid-response teams that begin protecting their interests within hours of an accident.

At Attorney911, we move fast to protect your rights:

• We send spoliation letters within 24-48 hours to preserve critical evidence
• We deploy accident reconstruction experts to the scene immediately
• We obtain black box data before it’s overwritten
• We subpoena cell phone records to prove distracted driving
• We investigate the trucking company’s safety history for patterns of negligence

Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has over 25 years of experience handling trucking accident cases in Coryell County and across Texas. He has secured multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements for families devastated by 18-wheeler crashes, and he knows how to hold trucking companies accountable.

Common Causes of 18-Wheeler Accidents in Coryell County

Our investigation of trucking accidents along US-84 and Coryell County’s rural roads reveals several recurring causes:

Driver Fatigue and Hours of Service Violations

Federal regulations limit truck drivers to 11 hours of driving after 10 consecutive hours off duty, with a maximum 14-hour on-duty window. Despite these rules, we frequently find drivers violating hours of service regulations due to:

• Pressure from trucking companies to meet unrealistic delivery deadlines
• Financial incentives that reward faster deliveries
• Falsified log books (though ELDs have reduced this practice)
• Drivers working second jobs during their mandatory rest periods

In Coryell County, where many truckers are hauling agricultural products or oilfield equipment, we’ve seen cases where drivers push beyond legal limits to meet harvest schedules or drilling deadlines.

Distracted Driving

Despite federal prohibitions on hand-held phone use, distracted driving remains a major problem. Our investigations have uncovered:

• Drivers texting while operating 80,000-pound vehicles
• Use of dispatch communication devices that divert attention
• GPS system programming while driving
• Eating, drinking, or adjusting controls while in motion

The long, straight stretches of US-84 through Coryell County can lull drivers into complacency, making them more likely to engage in distracting behaviors.

Improper Maintenance and Equipment Failures

Trucking companies are required to systematically inspect, repair, and maintain their vehicles. However, we frequently find:

• Worn brake pads and shoes not replaced
• Improperly adjusted brakes
• Tire blowouts from underinflation or excessive wear
• Faulty lighting systems
• Defective coupling devices
• Malfunctioning safety systems

The rural nature of Coryell County means fewer weigh stations and inspection facilities, allowing poorly maintained trucks to operate without detection.

Cargo Securement Violations

Improperly secured cargo causes accidents by:

• Shifting during transit, destabilizing the truck
• Falling onto roadways, creating hazards for other vehicles
• Exceeding weight limits, affecting stopping distances

We’ve handled cases involving:

• Agricultural products shifting on flatbeds
• Oilfield equipment not properly secured
• Livestock trailers with inadequate containment
• Overloaded trucks exceeding weight limits

Blind Spot Accidents (“No-Zone” Collisions)

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

• 20 feet directly in front of the cab
• 30 feet behind the trailer
• Extended areas along both sides, especially the right side

Many accidents occur when truckers change lanes without seeing vehicles in these blind spots. The right-side blind spot is particularly dangerous on two-lane highways like US-84.

Wide Turn Accidents (“Squeeze Play” Collisions)

When making right turns, truck drivers often swing wide to the left to accommodate the trailer’s turning radius. This creates a gap that passenger vehicles may attempt to enter, only to be caught when the truck completes its turn.

These accidents are common at:

• Intersections along US-84
• Rural road junctions
• Driveway entrances
• Fuel stops and truck parking areas

Rear-End Collisions

An 18-wheeler traveling at 65 mph needs approximately 525 feet to stop – nearly two football fields. When truckers follow too closely or fail to account for traffic conditions, devastating rear-end collisions occur.

Common causes include:

• Tailgating on US-84
• Driver distraction
• Brake failures
• Speeding for conditions
• Fatigued driving

Underride Collisions

These horrific accidents occur when a passenger vehicle slides underneath a truck’s trailer, often shearing off the vehicle’s roof. Despite federal requirements for rear underride guards, we’ve seen cases where:

• Guards were missing
• Guards were improperly installed
• Guards failed upon impact
• Side underride occurred (no federal guard requirement)

Rollover Accidents

Trucks are particularly susceptible to rollovers due to:

• High center of gravity
• Improperly loaded cargo
• Taking curves too fast
• Sudden steering maneuvers
• Wind gusts on open highways

US-84’s gentle curves through Coryell County may seem safe, but rollovers still occur when drivers misjudge their speed or cargo shifts unexpectedly.

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

Unlike car accidents where typically only one driver is at fault, trucking accidents often involve multiple liable parties. Our investigation typically examines:

The Truck Driver

The driver may be personally liable for:

• Speeding or reckless driving
• Distracted driving
• Fatigued driving
• Impaired driving (drugs or alcohol)
• Failure to conduct proper pre-trip inspections
• Violating traffic laws

The Trucking Company/Motor Carrier

Trucking companies can be held liable through:

• Vicarious Liability: When the driver is an employee acting within the scope of employment
• Direct Negligence: When the company’s own actions contributed to the accident

Common trucking company negligence includes:

• Negligent Hiring: Failing to properly vet drivers
• 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

The Cargo Owner/Shipper

Companies that own the cargo may be liable for:

• Providing improper loading instructions
• Failing to disclose hazardous materials
• Requiring overweight loads
• Pressuring carriers to meet unrealistic deadlines

The Cargo Loading Company

Third-party loading companies may be liable for:

• Improper cargo securement
• Unbalanced load distribution
• Overloading vehicles
• Failure to use proper blocking and bracing

Truck and Trailer Manufacturers

Manufacturers may be liable for:

• Design defects in safety systems
• Manufacturing defects in components
• Failure to warn of known dangers

Parts Manufacturers

Companies that manufacture specific parts (brakes, tires, steering components) may be liable for defective products.

Maintenance Companies

Third-party maintenance providers may be liable for:

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

Freight Brokers

Freight brokers who arrange transportation may be liable for:

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

Government Entities

In limited circumstances, government entities may be liable for:

• Dangerous road design
• Failure to maintain roads
• Inadequate signage
• Improper work zone setup

Our comprehensive investigation identifies all potentially liable parties to maximize your recovery.

The Critical Evidence We Preserve in Your Case

Evidence in trucking accident cases disappears rapidly. We take immediate action to preserve:

Electronic Data

• ECM/Black Box Data: Records speed, braking, throttle position, fault codes
• ELD Records: Documents hours of service compliance
• GPS/Telematics: Shows route, speed, and location history
• Cell Phone Records: Proves distracted driving
• Dashcam Footage: Captures the accident sequence

Driver Records

• Driver Qualification File: Employment application, background check, medical certification
• Driving Record: Previous violations and accidents
• Training Records: Safety and operational training
• Drug/Alcohol Test Results: Pre-employment and random testing
• Hours of Service Logs: For 6 months prior to accident

Vehicle Records

• Maintenance Records: Inspection and repair history
• Inspection Reports: Pre-trip, post-trip, and annual inspections
• Out-of-Service Orders: Previous safety violations
• Tire Records: Replacement and maintenance history
• Brake Inspection Records: Adjustment and repair documentation

Company Records

• Safety Policies: Written safety procedures
• Training Programs: Company training curricula
• Dispatch Records: Trip assignments and communications
• CSA Scores: Carrier safety performance metrics
• Insurance Policies: Coverage details

Physical Evidence

• The Truck and Trailer: For inspection and testing
• Failed Components: For defect analysis
• Cargo and Securement Devices: To assess loading compliance
• Tire Remnants: In blowout cases

We send spoliation letters immediately to all potentially liable parties, putting them on notice that destroying evidence will result in serious legal consequences.

Catastrophic Injuries from Coryell County Trucking Accidents

The physics of 18-wheeler collisions create forces that often result in catastrophic injuries:

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

TBI occurs when the brain impacts the inside of the skull due to sudden acceleration/deceleration. 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 lifelong care costing millions of dollars.

Spinal Cord Injuries

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

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

Spinal cord injuries require extensive medical care, rehabilitation, and home modifications, with lifetime costs ranging from $1.1 million to $5 million or more.

Amputations

Trucking accidents often result in traumatic amputations or surgical removal of severely damaged limbs. Amputees face:

• Multiple surgeries
• Prosthetic limbs ($5,000-$50,000 each)
• Ongoing physical therapy
• Psychological counseling
• Home and vehicle modifications

Severe Burns

Fuel tank ruptures, hazmat spills, and electrical fires can cause devastating burns:

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

Burn victims face multiple reconstructive surgeries, chronic pain, and permanent scarring.

Internal Organ Damage

The forces involved in trucking accidents can cause:

• Liver lacerations or rupture
• Spleen damage requiring removal
• Kidney damage
• Lung contusions or collapse
• Internal bleeding

These injuries often require emergency surgery and may not show immediate symptoms.

Wrongful Death

When a trucking accident kills a loved one, surviving family members may 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
• Punitive damages in cases of gross negligence

Texas Trucking Accident Laws That Affect Your Case

Texas law provides specific protections for trucking accident victims:

Statute of Limitations

You have 2 years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit in Texas. This deadline is strict – if you miss it, you lose your right to pursue compensation.

Comparative Negligence

Texas follows a modified comparative negligence system:

• If you are 50% or less at fault, you can recover damages
• Your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault
• If you are more than 50% at fault, you cannot recover anything

For example, if you’re found 20% at fault and your damages total $100,000, you would recover $80,000.

Damage Caps

Texas does not cap compensatory damages (medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering) in personal injury cases. However:

• Non-economic damages in medical malpractice cases are capped at $250,000
• Punitive damages are capped at the greater of:
  • $200,000, or
  • Two times economic damages plus non-economic damages up to $750,000

Insurance Requirements

Federal law requires commercial trucking companies to carry minimum liability insurance:

• Non-hazardous freight: $750,000
• Oil/petroleum: $1,000,000
• Hazardous materials: $5,000,000

Many carriers carry $1-5 million or more in coverage.

What Your Coryell County Trucking Accident Case Is Worth

Case values depend on numerous factors, but our experience handling Texas trucking cases provides guidance:

Economic Damages (Calculable Losses)

• Medical Expenses: Past, present, and future medical costs
• Lost Wages: Income lost due to injury and recovery
• Lost Earning Capacity: Reduction in future earning ability
• Property Damage: Vehicle repair or replacement
• Out-of-Pocket Expenses: Transportation, home modifications
• Life Care Costs: Ongoing care for catastrophic injuries

Non-Economic Damages (Quality of Life)

• Pain and Suffering: Physical pain from injuries
• Mental Anguish: Psychological trauma
• Loss of Enjoyment: Inability to participate in activities
• Disfigurement: Scarring, visible injuries
• Loss of Consortium: Impact on marriage/family relationships
• Physical Impairment: Reduced physical capabilities

Punitive Damages (Punishment for Gross Negligence)

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

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

Documented Trucking Accident Verdicts and Settlements

While every case is unique, recent Texas trucking accident verdicts demonstrate what’s possible:

• $730 million – Ramsey v. Landstar Ranger (2021, Texas)
• $150 million – Werner settlement (2022, Texas)
• $37.5 million – Trucking verdict (2024, Texas)
• $35.5 million – Family injured in truck accident (Texas)
• $35 million – Fort Worth trucking verdict (2025)

These verdicts show that juries are willing to hold trucking companies accountable for their negligence.

The Attorney911 Advantage: Why Coryell County Families Choose Us

When you’re facing the aftermath of a catastrophic trucking accident, you need more than just a lawyer – you need a team of aggressive advocates who understand the trucking industry’s tactics and know how to fight back. At Attorney911, we offer:

25+ Years of Trucking Litigation Experience

Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has been fighting for injury victims since 1998. He has:

• Recovered multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts
• Handled complex trucking cases against major carriers
• Litigated against Walmart, Amazon, FedEx, UPS, and Coca-Cola trucking operations
• Secured significant verdicts in federal and state courts

Insider Knowledge of Insurance Company Tactics

Our team includes a former insurance defense attorney who spent years working for the other side. He knows:

• How insurance companies evaluate claims
• What makes them settle for maximum value
• How they train adjusters to minimize claims
• How to counter their tactics effectively

Federal Court Experience

Ralph Manginello is admitted to practice in the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas – a critical advantage for interstate trucking cases that may be filed in federal court.

Comprehensive Investigation Resources

We have immediate access to:

• Accident reconstruction experts
• Trucking industry experts
• Medical specialists
• Economic and vocational experts
• Life care planners

Bilingual Services

Our associate attorney, Lupe Peña, is fluent in Spanish and provides direct representation to Spanish-speaking clients. Hablamos Español.

Contingency Fee Representation

We 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.

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

If you’ve been involved in a trucking accident on US-84 or anywhere in Coryell County, take these steps to protect your rights:

At the Scene

1. Call 911 – Report the accident and request medical assistance
2. Seek Medical Attention – Even if injuries seem minor, get checked by EMTs or at the hospital
3. Document the Scene – Take photos and video of:
   • All vehicles involved
   • Vehicle damage (interior and exterior)
   • Skid marks and road conditions
   • Traffic signs and signals
   • Your injuries
   • The surrounding area
4. Collect Information – Get:
   • Truck driver’s name, CDL number, and contact information
   • Trucking company name and DOT number
   • Insurance information
   • Witness names and contact information
5. Avoid Admissions – Do not apologize or admit fault
6. Do Not Give Statements – Politely decline to give recorded statements to insurance adjusters

In the Following Days

1. Follow Medical Advice – Attend all follow-up appointments and follow treatment plans
2. Document Everything – Keep records of:
   • Medical visits and treatments
   • Medications prescribed
   • Pain levels and symptoms
   • Time missed from work
   • Impact on daily activities
3. Preserve Evidence – Keep:
   • Damaged clothing and personal items
   • Medical records and bills
   • Receipts for out-of-pocket expenses
4. Avoid Social Media – Do not post about your accident or injuries
5. Contact Attorney911 – Call us at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation

How We Build Your Coryell County Trucking Accident Case

Our comprehensive approach ensures we maximize your recovery:

Phase 1: Immediate Response (0-72 Hours)

• Accept your case and send preservation letters
• Deploy accident reconstruction experts to the scene
• Obtain police crash report
• Photograph your injuries with medical documentation
• Photograph all vehicles before repair or disposal
• Identify all potentially liable parties

Phase 2: Evidence Gathering (Days 1-30)

• Subpoena ECM/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

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 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)

Common Insurance Company Tactics and How We Counter Them

Insurance companies are trained to minimize your claim. We know their tactics and how to fight back:

Coryell County Trucking Corridors and Accident Hotspots

Our familiarity with Coryell County’s trucking routes helps us build stronger cases:

US-84 (East-West Corridor)

This 150-mile stretch through Coryell County is one of the most dangerous trucking routes in Central Texas. Key risk areas include:

• Gatesville to Evant: Long straight stretches with limited law enforcement presence
• Evant to Goldthwaite: Rolling hills and curves that challenge truck stability
• Intersections with SH-36 and FM-1829: High-risk crossing points
• Agricultural loading areas: Frequent stops for livestock and produce loading

SH-36 (North-South Route)

This state highway connects Coryell County to major north-south corridors:

• Gatesville to Temple: Heavy commuter and truck traffic mix
• Intersection with US-84: Congested crossing point
• Rural sections: Limited shoulders and emergency pull-offs

FM-1829 and Other Rural Routes

These farm-to-market roads present unique challenges:

• Narrow lanes and limited shoulders
• Poor lighting conditions
• Livestock crossings
• Agricultural equipment traffic
• Limited cell service for emergency calls

Truck Parking and Fuel Stop Areas

High-risk areas include:

• Gatesville truck stops: Congested parking areas
• Evant fuel stations: Limited space for large trucks
• Roadside rest areas: Fatigued drivers pulling over

Coryell County Courts and Legal Process

Understanding the local legal landscape is crucial for your case:

Coryell County Courts

• Coryell County Courthouse: 620 E Main St, Gatesville, TX 76528
• District Courts: 52nd Judicial District (handles civil cases over $200,000)
• County Courts at Law: Handle civil cases under $200,000
• Justice of the Peace Courts: Handle smaller claims and traffic violations

Judicial Familiarity

Our firm’s experience in Coryell County courts gives us advantages:

• Knowledge of local judges’ preferences and tendencies
• Familiarity with court staff and procedures
• Understanding of local jury pools
• Relationships with local law enforcement and accident investigators

Local Resources

We work with Coryell County’s medical and emergency services:

• Coryell Memorial Hospital: 1507 W Main St, Gatesville, TX 76528
• Gatesville EMS: Provides emergency medical services
• Coryell County Sheriff’s Office: Investigates major accidents
• Texas Department of Public Safety: Handles commercial vehicle enforcement

Your Next Steps: Contact Attorney911 Today

If you or a loved one has been injured in an 18-wheeler accident in Coryell County, time is critical. Evidence is disappearing with every hour that passes. The trucking company and their insurance adjusters are already working to protect their interests – you need someone protecting yours.

At Attorney911, we offer:

• Free Consultation: No obligation case evaluation
• Immediate Action: We send preservation letters within 24-48 hours
• Contingency Fees: You pay nothing unless we win
• 24/7 Availability: We answer calls immediately
• Compassionate Representation: We treat you like family

Don’t let the trucking company take advantage of you. Don’t let critical evidence disappear. Call Attorney911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911 for your free consultation. Our Coryell County trucking accident attorneys are ready to fight for the compensation you deserve.

“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

Your fight for justice starts with one call: 1-888-ATTY-911. We’re here 24/7 to help Coryell County families recover from catastrophic trucking accidents.