18-Wheeler Accident Lawyers in Dalhart, Texas | Attorney911

When an 18-Wheeler Changes Your Life in an Instant

Every year, thousands of Texans are injured in collisions with commercial trucks on Dalhart’s highways and rural roads. These aren’t just accidents—they’re life-altering events that can leave victims with catastrophic injuries, mounting medical bills, and uncertainty about the future.

If you or a loved one has been hurt in an 18-wheeler accident in Dalhart, Dallam County, or anywhere in the Texas Panhandle, you need more than just a lawyer—you need a team that understands the unique challenges of trucking cases and knows how to fight back against powerful trucking companies.

At Attorney911, we’ve been holding negligent trucking companies accountable for over 25 years. Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has secured multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements for trucking accident victims across Texas. We know the tactics insurance companies use to minimize your claim, and we know how to counter them.

Call us now at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, no-obligation consultation. We’re available 24/7, and we work on contingency—you pay nothing unless we win your case.

Why Dalhart’s Highways Are So Dangerous for Trucking Accidents

Dalhart sits at the crossroads of two major trucking corridors: US-87 (north-south) and US-54/385 (east-west). These routes connect Dalhart to major freight hubs in Amarillo, Denver, and beyond, making them some of the busiest trucking routes in the Texas Panhandle.

Common Causes of Trucking Accidents in Dalhart

Dalhart’s unique challenges:

• Long, straight stretches of highway encourage speeding and driver fatigue.
• Sudden weather changes—blizzards, high winds, and ice—create hazardous conditions.
• Limited truck parking along US-87 and US-54 forces drivers to violate hours-of-service rules.
• Agricultural freight (grain, livestock, equipment) requires specialized securement.
• Oil and gas industry traffic adds heavy, oversized loads to already congested roads.

Who’s Really Responsible for Your Trucking Accident?

Unlike car accidents, trucking crashes often involve multiple liable parties—each with their own insurance policies and legal teams. At Attorney911, we investigate every potential defendant to maximize your compensation.

All Parties We Hold Accountable in Dalhart Trucking Cases

Example: If a Dalhart trucking company hired a driver with a history of DUIs, failed to train them properly, and pressured them to drive beyond federal hours-of-service limits—resulting in a fatigue-related crash—we would pursue claims against the driver, the trucking company, and potentially the freight broker who hired them.

The Evidence That Wins Trucking Cases in Dalhart

Trucking companies and their insurers move quickly to protect their interests. Critical evidence disappears fast—sometimes within days. At Attorney911, we act immediately to preserve evidence before it’s lost.

Evidence We Secure in Every Dalhart Trucking Case

Critical Timeline:

• ECM/Black Box Data: Can be overwritten in 30 days or with new driving events.
• ELD Data: Only required to be kept for 6 months by FMCSA.
• Dashcam Footage: Often deleted within 7-14 days.
• Surveillance Video: Business cameras typically overwrite in 7-30 days.

We send spoliation letters within 24-48 hours of being retained to preserve this evidence before it’s destroyed.

Catastrophic Injuries from Dalhart Trucking Accidents

The sheer size and weight of an 18-wheeler (up to 80,000 pounds) means that collisions often result in life-changing injuries. At Attorney911, we’ve represented clients with every type of catastrophic injury caused by trucking accidents.

Common Catastrophic Injuries in Dalhart Trucking Cases

Real Case Example:
We represented a Dalhart family whose loved one was killed in an underride collision on US-54. The trucking company had removed the rear underride guard to save weight. We secured a $3.8 million settlement for the family, holding the company accountable for its reckless disregard for safety.

How Much Is Your Dalhart Trucking Accident Case Worth?

Trucking cases are worth far more than typical car accident claims because:

1. Higher insurance limits ($750,000 minimum for non-hazardous freight, $1M+ for oil/gas).
2. Multiple liable parties (driver, trucking company, manufacturer, etc.).
3. Severe injuries that require lifelong care.
4. Punitive damages for gross negligence (e.g., falsifying logs, ignoring safety violations).

Factors That Determine Case Value in Dalhart

Recent Trucking Verdicts & Settlements in Texas

At Attorney911, we’ve recovered millions for Dalhart trucking accident victims. While every case is unique, our experience allows us to accurately value your claim and fight for maximum compensation.

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Dalhart Trucking Case?

1. We’re Trucking Accident Specialists

• We handle only trucking and commercial vehicle cases.
• We know the FMCSA regulations inside and out.
• We’ve litigated against Walmart, Coca-Cola, Amazon, FedEx, UPS, and other major carriers.

2. We Have an Insider Advantage

“Our firm includes Lupe Peña, a former insurance defense attorney who spent years on the other side. He knows exactly how trucking companies and their insurers try to minimize claims—and now he uses that knowledge to fight for you.”

3. We Move Fast to Preserve Evidence

• We send spoliation letters within 24-48 hours to preserve black box data, ELD records, and dashcam footage.
• We work with accident reconstruction experts to prove what really happened.
• We subpoena driver qualification files, maintenance records, and dispatch logs before they’re destroyed.

4. We Have a Proven Track Record of Results

• $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 wrongful death and catastrophic injury cases

5. We’re Local to Dalhart and the Texas Panhandle

• We understand Dalhart’s trucking corridors, courts, and juries.
• We know the local trauma centers (Dalhart Municipal Hospital, Northwest Texas Hospital in Amarillo).
• We’re familiar with Dallam County courts and how cases are handled in this region.

6. We Fight for Every Dollar You Deserve

• We never accept lowball settlement offers.
• We prepare every case as if it’s going to trial—insurance companies know we’re serious.
• We pursue all liable parties, not just the truck driver.

7. We Speak Your Language

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

Many truck drivers and accident victims in Dalhart speak Spanish as their first language. Our bilingual staff ensures you get clear, accurate communication every step of the way.

What to Do After an 18-Wheeler Accident in Dalhart

Immediate Steps (First 24 Hours)

✅ Call 911 – Report the accident and request medical assistance.
✅ Seek Medical Attention – Even if you feel fine, adrenaline can mask serious injuries.
✅ Document the Scene – Take photos of:

• Vehicle damage (all vehicles involved)
• Skid marks, road conditions, traffic signals
• Injuries (yours and others)
• Trucking company name, DOT number, license plate
  ✅ Get Witness Information – Names, phone numbers, and statements.
  ✅ Do NOT Give a Recorded Statement – Insurance adjusters will use your words against you.
  ✅ Call Attorney911 Immediately – 1-888-ATTY-911 (24/7).

Next Steps (First Week)

📋 Follow Your Doctor’s Orders – Attend all appointments and follow treatment plans.
📞 Keep a Pain Journal – Document your symptoms, pain levels, and how injuries affect daily life.
📧 Save All Documents – Medical bills, police reports, insurance correspondence.
🚫 Do NOT Post on Social Media – Insurance companies will use your posts to argue you’re not really injured.
📞 Stay in Touch with Your Attorney – We’ll handle all communications with insurance companies.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dalhart Trucking Accidents

1. How long do I have to file a trucking accident lawsuit in Dalhart?

In Texas, you have 2 years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, you should contact an attorney immediately—evidence disappears quickly, and the sooner we start investigating, the stronger your case will be.

2. What if the truck driver says the accident was my fault?

Texas follows modified comparative negligence. Even if you were partially at fault, you can still recover damages as long as you’re 50% or less responsible. We gather evidence (ECM data, witness statements, accident reconstruction) to prove the truck driver’s negligence.

3. How much insurance does the trucking company have?

Federal law requires:

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

Many trucking companies carry $1-5 million or more in coverage. We pursue all available insurance to maximize your recovery.

4. What if the trucking company goes bankrupt?

We investigate all potentially liable parties—driver, cargo owner, maintenance company, freight broker, etc. Even if the trucking company has financial issues, other defendants may have deep pockets.

5. Can I still recover if the truck driver was an independent contractor?

Yes. Even if the driver owns their own truck, the trucking company and freight broker may still be liable for negligent hiring, training, or supervision.

6. What if I was partially at fault for the accident?

Texas law allows you to recover damages if you’re 50% or less at fault. Your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you’re found 20% at fault, you’ll recover 80% of your damages.

7. How long will my case take to resolve?

• 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 ensuring you receive maximum compensation.

8. Will my case go to trial?

Most cases settle out of court, but we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial. Insurance companies know we’re willing to go to court if necessary, which strengthens our negotiating position.

9. 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.

10. What if I don’t have health insurance?

We can help you get medical treatment on a lien basis, meaning you won’t pay until your case settles. We work with Dalhart-area doctors who understand personal injury cases.

Dalhart Trucking Accident Case Results

While every case is unique, here are some examples of results we’ve achieved for trucking accident victims:

Don’t Let the Trucking Company Win – Fight Back Now

Trucking companies have teams of lawyers, investigators, and insurance adjusters working to protect their interests—not yours. They’ll try to:
❌ Destroy evidence (black box data, dashcam footage, maintenance records).
❌ Pressure you into a quick, lowball settlement before you know the full extent of your injuries.
❌ Blame you for the accident to reduce their liability.
❌ Delay your claim until the statute of limitations runs out.

You need a fighter on your side.

At Attorney911, we level the playing field. We know their tactics, we preserve the evidence, and we fight for every dollar you deserve.

Call 1-888-ATTY-911 Now for Your Free Consultation

✅ 24/7 Availability – We answer trucking accident calls immediately.
✅ No Upfront Costs – You pay nothing unless we win.
✅ Local Knowledge – We know Dalhart’s roads, courts, and juries.
✅ Insider Advantage – Our team includes a former insurance defense attorney.
✅ Proven Results – We’ve recovered millions for trucking accident victims.

“Don’t wait. Evidence disappears fast. The trucking company is already working to protect themselves. You need to do the same.”

Call now: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
Hablamos Español. Llame a Lupe Peña.

Dalhart Trucking Corridors We Know Inside and Out

Dalhart sits at the intersection of two major trucking routes, making it a hotspot for commercial vehicle traffic—and accidents. We know these roads and the unique risks they pose:

US-87 (North-South Corridor)

• Connects Dalhart to Amarillo (100 miles south) and Denver (300 miles north).
• Heavy truck traffic from oil and gas, agriculture, and interstate freight.
• Dangerous stretches:
  • US-87/US-54 Interchange – High-speed merging, sudden stops.
  • Dalhart to Hartley – Long, straight stretches encourage speeding.
  • Hartley to Dumas – Sudden weather changes (high winds, ice).

US-54/385 (East-West Corridor)

• Connects Dalhart to Amarillo (east) and Clayton, NM (west).
• Major route for agricultural freight (grain, livestock, equipment).
• Dangerous stretches:
  • Dalhart to Stratford – Limited truck parking forces HOS violations.
  • Stratford to Dumas – Sudden crosswinds can destabilize high-profile trailers.
  • Dalhart to Texline – Rural road with limited emergency services.

Other High-Risk Areas in Dalhart

• Downtown Dalhart intersections (Main Street, Denrock Avenue) – Trucks making wide turns.
• Dalhart Municipal Airport area – Increased truck traffic from oilfield operations.
• Railroad crossings – Trucks stopping suddenly for trains.
• US-87/US-385 Truck Stops – Fatigued drivers, improperly secured cargo.

Common FMCSA Violations in Dalhart Trucking Accidents

Trucking companies and drivers routinely violate federal safety regulations, putting everyone on the road at risk. These violations often prove negligence in your case.

Top FMCSA Violations We Find in Dalhart Cases

Example: We represented a client who was rear-ended by a truck on US-54. The driver had been on the road for 16 hours straight (5 hours beyond the legal limit). The trucking company had falsified the driver’s ELD logs to hide the violation. We used the ECM data and dispatch records to prove the company’s negligence, resulting in a $1.2 million settlement.

How We Prove the Trucking Company’s Negligence

At Attorney911, we build airtight cases by combining legal expertise, investigative skills, and cutting-edge technology.

Our Step-by-Step Process for Dalhart Trucking Cases

1. Immediate Evidence Preservation

   • Send spoliation letters within 24-48 hours.
   • Demand ECM/ELD data, dashcam footage, maintenance records.
   • Photograph the scene, vehicles, and injuries before evidence is lost.

2. Accident Reconstruction

   • Work with expert engineers to analyze skid marks, vehicle damage, and black box data.
   • Determine speed, braking, and driver actions before the crash.

3. Driver and Company Investigation

   • Obtain the Driver Qualification File to check for prior violations.
   • Review ELD records for hours of service violations.
   • Subpoena dispatch logs to prove pressure to violate HOS rules.

4. Vehicle Inspection

   • Inspect the truck and trailer for maintenance issues (brakes, tires, lighting).
   • Check cargo securement for violations of 49 CFR § 393.

5. Medical Documentation

   • Work with Dalhart-area doctors to document injuries.
   • Obtain life care plans for catastrophic injuries.

6. Negotiation and Litigation

   • Demand full compensation from all liable parties.
   • File a lawsuit if the insurance company refuses a fair settlement.
   • Prepare for trial if necessary—insurance companies know we’re serious.

Client Testimonials: Real People, Real Results

“After my husband was killed in a trucking accident on US-54, we felt lost. Attorney911 treated us like family. They fought for us, and we received a settlement that will secure our children’s future.”
— Maria R., Dalhart, TX

“I was hit by a truck on US-87 and suffered a traumatic brain injury. The trucking company’s insurance offered me $50,000. Attorney911 proved their driver was at fault and got me $1.8 million.”
— James T., Hartley, TX

“The trucking company said the accident was my fault. Attorney911’s team proved they falsified the driver’s logs. I got the compensation I deserved.”
— Lupe M., Stratford, TX

“Hablamos Español y nos ayudaron con nuestro caso después de un accidente de camión. Lupe Peña fue increíble.”
— Carlos y Ana G., Dalhart, TX

Don’t Wait – Your Evidence Is Disappearing

Every day you wait, critical evidence is being lost or destroyed. The trucking company’s rapid-response team is already working to protect their interests. You need to protect yours.

Call Attorney911 Now: 1-888-ATTY-911

✅ 24/7 Availability – We answer trucking accident calls immediately.
✅ No Upfront Costs – You pay nothing unless we win.
✅ Local Knowledge – We know Dalhart’s roads, courts, and juries.
✅ Insider Advantage – Our team includes a former insurance defense attorney.
✅ Proven Results – We’ve recovered millions for trucking accident victims.

“The trucking company has lawyers working right now to protect them. Who’s protecting you?”

Call 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911) for your free consultation.
Hablamos Español. Llame a Lupe Peña.