Eastland County Truck Accident Guide: Protecting Your Family After a Commercial Collision

The impact of an 80,000-pound steel mass against a passenger car is never a “fender bender.” When an 18-wheeler slams into you on I-20 passing through Eastland County, your life changes in a fraction of a second. Kinetic physics tells us that a fully loaded semi-truck carries approximately 80 times the energy of a sedan at highway speeds. For families in towns like Eastland, Ranger, and Cisco, these statistics aren’t just numbers on a page; they represent a daily reality on the roads we share with corporate giants and oilfield convoys.

Since 1998, our managing partner Ralph Manginello has been the fighter that trucking accident victims need. At Attorney911, we recognize that the trucking company that hit you has already mobilized its rapid-response team. While you are still receiving triage at a local trauma center or being transported to major medical facilities in Abilene or Fort Worth, their adjusters are already at the scene. They are there to minimize your claim, not to ensure you have the resources for a full recovery. We believe y’all deserve a legal team that moves just as fast and hits back harder.

With over 25 years of courtroom experience, Ralph Manginello has gone toe-to-toe with the world’s largest corporations, including BP during the landmark Texas City refinery litigation. We bring that same Fortune 500 litigation experience to every Eastland County truck accident case. We understand that these aren’t just legal cases—they are humanitarian crises. As our client Chad Harris once said, “You are NOT a pest to them and you are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.” We treat your family’s future with that exact level of devotion.

Our team offers a unique advantage that other firms simply cannot match. Associate attorney Lupe Peña used to work for national insurance defense firms. He spent years inside the system, learning exactly how insurance companies evaluate, minimize, and deny trucking accident claims. He knows their playbook because he helped write it. Now, he uses that insider knowledge to deconstruct their defenses for our clients in Eastland County. Hablamos Español. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911 para una consulta gratis.

If you have been hurt, don’t wait for the evidence to disappear. The clock is already ticking on its destruction. Call us now at 888-ATTY-911.

Why 18-Wheeler Accidents in Eastland County Are Fundamentally Different

When you are hit by another car in Eastland County, the case is usually between two drivers and their respective insurance companies. A truck accident is a web of complex federal regulations, corporate structures, and massive insurance policies. At Attorney911, we investigate deeper than a general practice firm because we know that more defendants mean more insurance pools and higher compensation for you.

An 80,000-pound truck traveling at 65 mph on the I-20 corridor through Eastland County needs approximately 525 feet to stop—that is nearly two football fields. When a driver is fatigued, a truck has poorly maintained brakes, or a trailer is overloaded, the physics of a collision become inescapable. Most firms only look at the driver’s actions. We look at the carrier’s maintenance logs, the loader’s weight manifests, and the corporate board’s pressure for faster delivery times.

Our track record speaks for itself. We have recovered over $50 million for Texas families, including multi-million dollar settlements for catastrophic injuries. We’ve secured $5+ million for a traumatic brain injury victim and $3.8+ million for an amputation case. These results are possible because we prepare every case as if it is going to trial in federal court. Ralph Manginello is admitted to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas, ensuring we have the authority to handle complex interstate trucking litigation that crosses state lines.

Whether you were hit by a Walmart 18-wheeler, an Amazon delivery van near Highway 6, or a specialized oilfield tanker on a county road, we have the resources to find every liable party. As client Glenda Walker noted, “They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.” We are ready to do the same for you in Eastland County.

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations: The Key to Proving Negligence

Every commercial motor vehicle operating in Eastland County must comply with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations found in 49 CFR Parts 390-399. These are not merely suggestions; they are federal laws designed to prevent the horrific crashes we see every year. When these rules are broken, it is prima facie evidence of negligence.

49 CFR Part 395: The Hours of Service (HOS) Rule

Driver fatigue is the silent killer on I-20. Under Part 395, property-carrying drivers are limited to 11 hours of driving after 10 consecutive hours off duty. They cannot drive beyond the 14th consecutive hour after coming on duty. If an 18-wheeler driver slams into you near the Ranger hill and we discover they had been on the road for 16 hours, the trucking company is facing more than a simple negligence claim—they are facing a violation of federal safety law. We demand the Electronic Logging Device (ELD) data immediately to prove these violations.

49 CFR Part 391: Driver Qualification

Trucking companies have a duty to ensure that only qualified, safe drivers are behind the wheel. Part 391 requires motor carriers to maintain a Driver Qualification File for every operator. This file must include their motor vehicle record (MVR), medical examiner’s certificate, and road test certification. If a company hired a driver with a history of DUIs or multiple speeding tickets to drive through Eastland County, we hold them accountable for negligent hiring.

49 CFR Part 393 & 396: Parts, Accessories, and Inspections

Brake failure accounts for nearly 29% of all large truck crashes. Part 396 requires every motor carrier to systematically inspect, repair, and maintain all vehicles under its control. A driver must perform a pre-trip inspection every single day. If a truck with worn brake pads or bald tires causes a rollover on Highway 183 in Eastland County, we subpoena the maintenance records to show the carrier prioritized profits over the safety of Eastland County residents.

Learn more about the legal complexities in our video guide: “The Definitive Guide To Commercial Truck Accidents” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iEEeZf-k8Ao.

Right now, the evidence that could win your case is at risk. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 before the trucking company overwrites the data we need.

Comprehensive Analysis: Truck and Commercial Vehicle Accident Types in Eastland County

Eastland County sits at a critical junction of North-South and East-West transport. This geographic position creates unique risks for every type of collision. We have seen the patterns and we or specialized experts know exactly how to prove what happened in each scenario.

Jackknife Accidents on I-20

A jackknife occurs when the trailer of an 18-wheeler swings out at a 90-degree angle to the cab. This is often caused by improper braking or speed in the adverse weather conditions we sometimes face in Eastland County. A jackknifing truck can sweep across all lanes of I-20, leaving nearby motorists with zero escape routes. We examine the Engine Control Module (ECM) data to see if the driver slammed on the steer axle brakes when they should have used the trailer brakes to maintain a straight path.

Rollover Crashes and Top-Heavy Loads

Rollovers are common near the curves and exits of I-20 and Highway 6. When a truck is speeding or carrying an unbalanced load, the high center of gravity becomes a liability. This is especially true for tanker trucks hauling crude oil or produced water from the surrounding oilfield operations. A liquid cargo “slosh” can tip an 80,000-pound truck in an instant. Our investigations focus on Part 393 cargo securement violations.

Underride Collisions: The Most Lethal Danger

An underride collision is a survivor’s worst nightmare. This happens when a passenger car slides under the rear or side of a trailer because the trailer height is higher than the car’s hood. These often result in decapitation or catastrophic head trauma. Federal law (49 CFR 393.86) requires rear impact guards, but many are poorly maintained or designed insufficiently. If you lost a loved one in an underride crash in Eastland County, we look for design defects in the guard and maintenance failures by the carrier.

Blind Spot and Wide Turn “Squeeze Plays”

Commercial trucks have four major “No-Zones”: directly in front, directly behind, and along both sides (especially the right side). When a truck makes a wide turn at an intersection in downtown Eastland, they often swing left before turning right. This creates a trap for smaller vehicles. We use the truck’s telematics and any available dashcam footage to prove the driver failed to check their mirrors or signal their intentions.

Tire Blowouts and Improper Maintenance

A tire blowout on heavy equipment is not like a flat on a car. It results in an immediate lose-of-control event. Many trucking companies use retreaded tires on non-steering axles to save money, but if these tires are thin or improperly inflated, they can explode. These “road gators” cause thousands of accidents in Texas every year. We preserve the tire remnants as physical evidence to determine if the blowout was caused by a manufacturing defect or negligent maintenance in Eastland County.

Specialized Commercial Vehicle and Corporate Fleet Accidents

Trucking isn’t just about 18-wheelers. Eastland County’s economy relies on various heavy vehicles, each with its own set of risks and liable parties.

Oilfield Vehicle Accidents: Sand, Water, and Equipment

The Eastland County region remains a vital part of the West Texas energy landscape. This means our roads are shared with frac sand haulers, produce water tankers, and heavy drilling equipment. These drivers often work brutal, 12-hour shifts. When a tired worker driving a crew transport van or a “hot shot” truck rolls over on a lease road, the liability often extends to the oil company that set the deadline. We understand the dual-jurisdiction of FMCSA and OSHA that governs these industrial accidents.

Corporate Delivery Fleets: Walmart, Amazon, and FedEx

Walmart operates one of the nation’s largest private fleets, and their trucks are a constant presence on I-20. When a Walmart truck is involved in an accident in Eastland County, you are fighting a company that self-insures for millions. They have internal adjusters whose only job is to protect the bottom line.

Amazon uses a complex Delivery Service Partner (DSP) model to try and distance themselves from liability when their vans hit someone. They claim the driver is an “independent contractor.” We know how to pierce that shield by showing that Amazon controls the route, the uniform, the package scan, and the AI cameras inside the van. If an Amazon van hit you in Eastland County, we hold the corporate giant accountable, not just the small delivery LLC.

Additional Heavy Trucks: Dump Trucks and Concrete Mixers

A loaded dump truck or concrete mixer can weigh over 60,000 pounds. These vehicles operate in construction zones and residential areas in Eastland County where families walk and play. Concrete mixers are particularly prone to rollovers because of the rotating liquid drum. If a construction vehicle caused your injury, we investigate the construction company and the general contractor for safety protocol violations.

If you were hit by a company truck, the rules are different. Call 888-ATTY-911 to get a team that knows the corporate playbook.

The 48-Hour Evidence Preservation Protocol: Why You Cannot Wait

In Eastland County, the evidence needed to win your case is being destroyed right now. Digital data on modern trucks is volatile.

1. ECM/Black Box Data: Records speed, braking, and engine state. This data is often overwritten after 30 days or even sooner if the truck is returned to service.
2. ELD Logs: Electronic hours-of-service records prove driver fatigue. Falsified logs are a federal crime, but if the data is lost, the crime goes unpunished.
3. Dashcam Video: Many corporate fleets use Netradyne or Lytx cameras. This footage is often deleted on a 7-day or 14-day loop.
4. Physical Debris: Skid marks on Highway 183 or Highway 6 fade with weather and traffic. The position of the vehicles must be documented by an expert reconstructionist before they are moved.

We send formal spoliation letters within 24 hours of being hired. This puts the carrier on legal notice that they MUST preserve every byte of data. If they destroy it after receiving our letter, we can ask the court for “adverse inference” instructions—meaning the jury is told to assume the missing evidence was bad for the trucking company.

Learn more in our video: “Truck Tire Blowouts and When You Need a Lawyer” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RCTumr1looc).

Identifying the 16 Potentially Liable Parties

Most lawyers only sue the driver. At Attorney911, we know that to maximize your recovery in Eastland County, we must identify every person and company that contributed to the disaster.

1. The Driver: For direct negligence like speeding or distraction.
2. The Trucking Company: For vicarious liability and negligent hiring.
3. The Cargo Owner: If the load was dangerous or improperly disclosed.
4. The Loading Company: For failing to secure the load under Part 393.
5. The Truck Manufacturer: For design defects in brakes or fuel systems.
6. The Parts Manufacturer: For defective tires or steering components.
7. The Maintenance Company: For failing to catch safety violations.
8. The Freight Broker: For hiring a carrier they knew had a bad safety rating.
9. The Truck Owner: If they leased a dangerous vehicle to a carrier.
10. The Government Entity: For dangerous road design or unmaintained signals.
11. The Corporate Parent (e.g., Amazon, Walmart): For setting unsafe delivery quotas.
12. The Oilfield Operator: For failing to provide a safe worksite or lease road.
13. The Staffing Agency: For providing an unqualified driver.
14. The Rental Truck Company (U-Haul/Penske): For negligent maintenance.
15. The Transit Agency: For public bus accidents (subject to special immunity rules).
16. The Federal Government: For accidents involving USPS or military vehicles.

By casting this wide net, we ensure that if one policy isn’t enough to cover your medical care, there are other sources of compensation available. As client Donald Wilcox said, “One company said they would not accept my case. Then I got a call from Manginello… I got a call to come pick up this handsome check.”

Catastrophic Injuries: We Understand the Human Cost

Whether it happened on I-20 or a local Eastland County road, the injuries from a truck crash are life-altering. We work with life care planners and economists to ensure your settlement covers your needs for the next 40 years, not just the next 40 days.

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): $1.5M – $9.8M+ range. A TBI affects how you think, feel, and interact with the world. We’ve recovered millions for cognitive impairment and personality changes.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: $4.7M – $25.8M+ range. Paralysis requires home modifications, 24/7 care, and expensive medical equipment.
• Amputations: $1.9M – $8.6M+ range. Losing a limb means a lifetime of prosthetic replacements and phantom pain management.
• Severe Burns: $1M+ range. Chemical or fuel fires cause horrific disfigurement and require years of reconstructive surgeries.
• Wrongful Death: $1.9M – $9.5M+ range. When a family loses a provider and a protector, the damages include lost income, loss of consortium, and the deep mental anguish left behind.

We also represent those with serious but non-catastrophic injuries like herniated discs, bone fractures, and internal organ damage. No injury is too small for our attention when a multi-billion dollar carrier is at fault.

Insurance Reality: $750,000 is Only the Beginning

By federal law (49 CFR 387), the absolute minimum insurance a truck can carry is $750,000. For oil haulers or hazmat carriers in Eastland County, that minimum jumps to $1 million or $5 million.

Corporations like Amazon and Walmart often have “layers” of insurance. They might have a $1 million primary policy, a $10 million excess policy, and a $50 million umbrella policy. You need an attorney who knows how to “stack” these policies to ensure your family is fully protected. Our associate Lupe Peña’s background in insurance defense means we know exactly where these policies are hidden.

Learn more about these endorsements in our guide: “The Definitive Guide To MCS 90 Auto Endorsements” (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=auB5NWcwyag).

Do you have the right fighter in your corner? Call (888) 288-9911 for an honest, free evaluation.

Eastland County Truck Accident FAQ

Q: In Eastland County, how long do I have to file a lawsuit?
A: Under Texas law, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a claim. However, for cases involving government vehicles or wrongful death, those timelines can vary. More importantly, waiting two years means the evidence is gone. You should call 888-ATTY-911 within 48 hours.

Q: What if the truck driver was an independent contractor?
A: This is a common trick used by companies like FedEx Ground or Amazon. They use the “independent contractor” label as a shield against liability. We pierce that shield by proving the parent company controlled the driver’s route, timing, and behavior. To a jury, if it looks like an Amazon truck and acts like an Amazon truck, it IS an Amazon truck.

Q: Can I recover damages if I was partially at fault?
A: Texas follows a 51% bar rule. As long as you were not 51% or more responsible for the accident in Eastland County, you can still recover damages. Your recovery will simply be reduced by your percentage of fault. If a truck was speeding and hit you while you were changing lanes, we fight to minimize your fault as much as possible.

Q: How much does it cost to hire y’all?
A: You pay us nothing upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning we only get paid if we win your case. If we don’t recover money for you, you owe us zero in attorney’s fees. We take all the financial risk so you can focus on healing.

Q: Why do I need a lawyer for a distracted driving case?
A: Proving a driver was on their phone in Eastland County requires subpoenaing cell phone records and matching them to the exact timestamp of the GPS data. The trucking company will not hand this over voluntarily. We have the federal courtroom power to force them to disclose these records.

Q: Is “whiplash” a serious enough injury for a truck accident case?
A: When an 80,000-pound truck hits you, “whiplash” is often a euphemism for torn ligaments, nerve damage, or herniated discs. These injuries often worsen in the months after a crash. Never accept a quick settlement before you know the true extent of the damage to your spine.

Q: What happens if an oilfield truck hit me on a private road?
A: Even on private “lease roads” in Eastland County, standard negligence laws apply. Additionally, OSHA regulations (29 CFR 1910) protect against unsafe worksite conditions. We hold the oil company responsible for failing to manage the heavy traffic on their property.

Our Commitment to Eastland County Families

A truck accident is a David vs. Goliath fight. The trucking companies have adjusters, lawyers, and experts on their payroll. Who do you have?

For over 25 years, Ralph Manginello and Attorney911 have stood as the barrier between greedy corporations and the families they’ve injured. We aren’t just looking for a fast settlement—we are looking for justice. We handle everything from investigation to negotiation to trial, so you can spend your energy on recovery.

As our client Ernest Cano put it, “Mr. Manginello and his firm are first class. Will fight tooth and nail for you.” In Eastland County, that’s not just a promise—it’s our history.

Don’t let them push you around. Hablamos Español. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911 now for your free consultation. 24/7 availability. No fee unless we win.

Attorney911 | The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC
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