18-Wheeler Accident Attorneys in Falls County: Holding Trucking Companies Accountable

If you or a loved one has been injured in an 18-wheeler accident in Falls County, you’re facing one of the most challenging experiences of your life. The physical pain, emotional trauma, and financial uncertainty can feel overwhelming. At Attorney911, we understand what you’re going through. Our Falls County trucking accident attorneys have been fighting for victims like you for over 25 years, and we know how to hold negligent trucking companies accountable.

Why Falls County 18-Wheeler Accidents Are Different

Falls County’s highways and rural roads present unique challenges for commercial trucking. The mix of agricultural freight, oil field equipment, and through traffic creates dangerous conditions that require specialized legal knowledge. Our team understands the specific trucking corridors serving Falls County, from the distribution centers to the agricultural routes that feed our local economy.

Every year, thousands of commercial trucks pass through Falls County, carrying everything from farm equipment to consumer goods. When these massive vehicles are operated by fatigued drivers, maintained by negligent companies, or loaded by careless shippers, the results can be catastrophic. Unlike typical car accidents, 18-wheeler crashes often involve:

• Multiple liable parties (driver, trucking company, cargo owner, maintenance provider)
• Complex federal regulations (FMCSA hours of service, cargo securement, vehicle maintenance)
• Massive insurance policies ($750,000 to $5 million minimum coverage)
• Catastrophic injuries (TBI, spinal cord damage, amputations, wrongful death)

The Devastating Reality of Trucking Accidents

The physics of 18-wheeler accidents make them particularly deadly. A fully loaded commercial truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds – that’s 20 times heavier than the average passenger car. When these massive vehicles collide with smaller cars:

• The force of impact is exponentially greater
• Stopping distances are much longer (an 18-wheeler needs 525 feet to stop from 65 mph)
• Underride collisions can shear off car roofs
• Rollover accidents can crush multiple vehicles
• Cargo spills can create secondary accidents

In Falls County, we’ve seen the devastating consequences firsthand. From families torn apart by wrongful death to individuals facing lifelong disabilities, the human cost of trucking negligence is immeasurable.

Common Causes of Falls County Trucking Accidents

Our attorneys have investigated hundreds of trucking accidents across Texas, including many right here in Falls County. The most common causes we encounter include:

Driver Fatigue and Hours of Service Violations

Federal regulations limit commercial drivers to:

• 11 hours of driving after 10 consecutive hours off duty
• No driving beyond the 14th consecutive hour on duty
• 30-minute breaks after 8 cumulative hours of driving
• 60/70-hour weekly limits

Yet we routinely find drivers and companies violating these rules to meet delivery deadlines. Fatigued driving is just as dangerous as drunk driving, and it’s a leading cause of trucking accidents in Falls County.

Improper Cargo Loading and Securement

Cargo that’s improperly loaded or secured can:

• Shift during transit, causing rollovers
• Fall onto roadways, creating hazards for other drivers
• Overload the truck beyond legal weight limits
• Create instability that makes the truck harder to control

Falls County’s agricultural and industrial economy means we see many specialized loads – from farm equipment to oil field materials – that require proper securement.

Brake Failures and Poor Maintenance

Brake problems are a factor in nearly 30% of large truck crashes. Common maintenance failures we see include:

• Worn brake pads not replaced
• Improper brake adjustments
• Air brake system leaks
• Contaminated brake fluid
• Overheated brakes on long descents

When trucking companies cut corners on maintenance to save money, they put everyone on the road at risk.

Distracted and Impaired Driving

Despite strict federal prohibitions, we frequently find evidence of:

• Cell phone use while driving
• Texting behind the wheel
• Dispatch communications distracting drivers
• Drug and alcohol impairment

The consequences of distracted or impaired truck drivers are especially severe given the size and weight of their vehicles.

Speeding and Reckless Driving

Truck drivers face intense pressure to meet delivery deadlines. This often leads to:

• Excessive speed for road conditions
• Following too closely
• Aggressive lane changes
• Failure to adjust for weather conditions

On Falls County’s rural roads and highways, speeding trucks create particularly dangerous situations.

The Most Dangerous Trucking Accidents in Falls County

Some types of 18-wheeler accidents are especially common and particularly deadly in our area:

Jackknife Accidents

A jackknife occurs when the trailer swings out perpendicular to the cab, often blocking multiple lanes of traffic. These accidents are common on wet or icy roads and when drivers brake suddenly.

Rollover Accidents

Rollover accidents happen when trucks tip onto their sides or roofs. They’re particularly common with:

• Top-heavy loads
• Improperly secured cargo
• Speeding on curves
• Sudden steering maneuvers

Underride Collisions

Underride accidents occur when a smaller vehicle slides underneath a truck trailer. These crashes are often fatal because the trailer shears off the top of the smaller vehicle. Rear underride guards are required, but side underride guards are not – making side underride collisions especially deadly.

Rear-End Collisions

When an 18-wheeler rear-ends a passenger vehicle, the results are often catastrophic. The massive weight difference means even moderate-speed impacts can cause severe injuries.

Wide Turn Accidents (“Squeeze Play”)

Trucks need to swing wide to make right turns. When other vehicles try to pass on the right, they can be crushed between the truck and the curb.

Blind Spot Accidents

Commercial trucks have massive blind spots called “No-Zones”:

• 20 feet in front of the cab
• 30 feet behind the trailer
• Along both sides, especially the right side

When truck drivers change lanes without checking these blind spots, devastating accidents occur.

Who Is Liable for Your Falls County Trucking Accident?

One of the most important aspects of trucking accident cases is identifying ALL potentially liable parties. Unlike car accidents where typically only one driver is at fault, trucking accidents often involve multiple defendants. At Attorney911, we investigate every possible source of liability to maximize your recovery.

The Truck Driver

The driver may be personally liable for:

• Speeding or reckless driving
• Distracted driving (cell phone use, texting)
• Fatigued driving (hours of service violations)
• Impaired driving (drugs, alcohol)
• Failure to conduct proper pre-trip inspections
• Traffic law violations

The Trucking Company (Motor Carrier)

Trucking companies are often the primary defendants because:

• They have the deepest pockets (highest insurance limits)
• They’re vicariously liable for their drivers’ actions
• They can be directly liable for negligent hiring, training, and supervision

Common trucking company negligence includes:

• Negligent Hiring: Failing to check driver 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 and Shippers

The companies that own and ship 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 loading companies may be liable for:

• Improper cargo securement
• Unbalanced load distribution
• Exceeding weight ratings
• Using inadequate tiedowns

Truck and Trailer Manufacturers

Manufacturers may be liable for product defects including:

• Brake system failures
• Steering component defects
• Tire defects
• Underride guard failures
• Stability control system failures

Parts Manufacturers

Companies that manufacture specific parts (brakes, tires, coupling devices) may be liable for:

• Defective brake components
• Tires that fail prematurely
• Steering mechanism defects
• Lighting system failures

Maintenance Companies

Third-party maintenance providers may be liable for:

• Negligent repairs
• Failure to identify critical safety issues
• Using substandard or wrong 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 cases, government entities may be liable for:

• Dangerous road design
• Failure to maintain roads
• Inadequate signage
• Failure to install safety barriers

The Critical Evidence in Your Falls County Trucking Case

Evidence in trucking accident cases disappears quickly. Trucking companies have rapid-response teams that begin protecting their interests within hours of an accident. If you don’t act fast, critical evidence will be lost forever.

Electronic Data That Can Be Overwritten

• ECM/Black Box Data: Records speed, braking, throttle position, and fault codes (can be overwritten in 30 days)
• ELD Data: Records hours of service, GPS location, and driving time (FMCSA requires 6 months retention)
• Dashcam Footage: Forward-facing and cab-facing video (often overwritten within 7-14 days)
• GPS/Telematics Data: Real-time location and speed data
• Cell Phone Records: Prove distracted driving
• Dispatch Records: Show schedule pressure and communications

Documents That Must Be Preserved

• Driver Qualification File: Employment application, driving record, medical certification, training records
• Hours of Service Records: Paper logs and ELD data for 6 months prior
• Maintenance Records: Inspection reports, repair orders, parts records
• Inspection Reports: Pre-trip, post-trip, and annual inspections
• Cargo Documentation: Bills of lading, loading instructions, securement records
• Drug and Alcohol Test Results: Pre-employment and random testing
• Accident Register: Company’s record of all accidents

Physical Evidence That Can Be Destroyed

• The truck and trailer themselves
• Failed or damaged components
• Cargo and securement devices
• Tire remnants (if blowout involved)
• Roadway evidence (skid marks, debris patterns)

At Attorney911, we send spoliation letters within 24-48 hours of being retained to preserve this evidence before it’s lost.

The Catastrophic Injuries We See in Falls County Trucking Cases

The injuries caused by 18-wheeler accidents are often life-altering. We’ve represented clients who have suffered:

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

TBI occurs when the brain is damaged by sudden trauma. Symptoms can include:

• Loss of consciousness
• Memory problems
• Difficulty concentrating
• Mood changes
• Sleep disturbances
• Sensory problems
• Speech difficulties
• Personality changes

TBI can range from mild concussions to severe brain damage requiring lifelong care. The lifetime cost of care for severe TBI can exceed $3 million.

Spinal Cord Injury and Paralysis

Spinal cord injuries often result 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

The lifetime cost of care for spinal cord injuries can range from $1.1 million to $5 million depending on the severity.

Amputations

Amputations may be:

• Traumatic: Limb severed at the scene
• Surgical: Limb so damaged it must be removed

The costs of amputation include:

• Initial surgery and hospitalization
• Prosthetic limbs ($5,000-$50,000 each)
• Ongoing prosthetic replacements
• Physical and occupational therapy
• Psychological counseling
• Home modifications

Severe Burns

Burns in trucking accidents often come from:

• Fuel tank ruptures and fires
• Hazmat cargo spills and ignition
• Electrical fires
• Friction burns from road contact
• Chemical burns from hazmat exposure

Burn injuries require:

• Multiple reconstructive surgeries
• Skin grafts
• Long-term rehabilitation
• Psychological counseling

Internal Organ Damage

Common internal injuries include:

• Liver lacerations
• Spleen damage
• Kidney injuries
• Lung contusions
• Internal bleeding
• Bowel and intestinal damage

These injuries often require emergency surgery and can have long-term health consequences.

Wrongful Death

When trucking accidents kill, families can pursue wrongful death claims for:

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

What Your Falls County Trucking Accident Case Is Worth

The value of your case depends on many factors, including:

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 to medical appointments, 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, anxiety, depression
• 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)

Texas law allows punitive damages up to the greater of:

• Two times economic damages plus non-economic damages (capped at $750,000)
• $200,000

Recent Trucking Verdicts and Settlements

While every case is different, recent verdicts in Texas and across the country show what’s possible when trucking companies are held accountable:

• $730 Million (2021, Texas): Ramsey v. Landstar Ranger – Navy propeller oversize load killed 73-year-old woman
• $150 Million (2022, Texas): Werner settlement – Two children killed on I-30
• $462 Million (2024, Missouri): Underride decapitation case
• $160 Million (2024, Alabama): Daimler – Quadriplegic injury from rollover
• $141.5 Million (2023, Florida): Defunct carrier case
• $37.5 Million (2024, Texas): Trucking verdict
• $35.5 Million (Texas): Family injured in truck accident

These verdicts demonstrate that juries are willing to hold trucking companies accountable when they prioritize profits over safety.

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Falls County Trucking Case?

When you’re facing the aftermath of a catastrophic trucking accident, you need more than just a lawyer – you need a team that understands the unique challenges of Falls County trucking cases and has the resources to fight the big trucking companies.

25+ Years of Experience

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

• Recovered millions for trucking accident victims
• Federal court admission to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas
• Experience in BP explosion litigation against multinational corporations
• A track record of holding trucking companies accountable

Insider Knowledge of Insurance Company Tactics

Our team includes former insurance defense attorneys who know exactly how trucking insurers operate. We’ve seen firsthand:

• How they train adjusters to minimize claims
• What makes them settle cases
• How they try to deny legitimate claims
• Their strategies for lowball offers

This insider knowledge gives us an unfair advantage in negotiations and litigation.

Comprehensive Investigation Resources

We have the resources to thoroughly investigate your case, including:

• Accident reconstruction experts
• Forensic engineers
• Medical experts
• Vocational rehabilitation specialists
• Economic experts
• Life care planners

Aggressive Litigation Approach

While most cases settle, we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial. This approach:

• Creates leverage in settlement negotiations
• Shows insurance companies we’re serious
• Positions us to win at trial if necessary

Local Knowledge of Falls County

We understand Falls County’s:

• Trucking corridors and distribution centers
• Local courts and judges
• Jury pools and attitudes
• Economic landscape
• Agricultural and industrial freight patterns

This local knowledge gives us an advantage in building your case.

Compassionate Client Service

We treat our clients like family. You’ll have:

• Direct access to your attorney
• Regular case updates
• Compassionate support throughout the process
• A team that genuinely cares about your recovery

No Fee Unless We Win

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.

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

If you’ve been involved in a trucking accident in Falls County, take these steps to protect your rights:

1. Call 911 and Report the Accident

   • Request police and emergency medical services
   • Ensure a police report is filed

2. Seek Immediate Medical Attention

   • Adrenaline masks pain – injuries may not be immediately apparent
   • Get checked at a Falls County hospital or trauma center
   • Follow all medical advice and treatment plans

3. Document the Scene

   • Take photos of all vehicle damage
   • Photograph the accident scene, road conditions, and skid marks
   • Get the trucking company name and DOT number
   • Collect witness contact information

4. Preserve Evidence

   • Do not repair or dispose of your vehicle
   • Keep all medical records and bills
   • Save all communications with insurance companies

5. Avoid Talking to Insurance Adjusters

   • Do not give recorded statements
   • Do not sign anything without consulting an attorney
   • Refer all communications to your lawyer

6. Contact a Falls County Trucking Accident Attorney Immediately

   • Critical evidence disappears quickly
   • We send spoliation letters within 24-48 hours
   • The sooner we start, the stronger your case will be

The Attorney911 Difference: Our 48-Hour Evidence Preservation Protocol

At Attorney911, we don’t waste time. Within 48 hours of being retained, we:

1. Send Formal Spoliation Letters

   • To the trucking company, their insurer, and all potentially liable parties
   • Demand preservation of all electronic and physical evidence
   • Put them on notice of legal consequences for destruction

2. Demand Immediate Download of Electronic Data

   • ECM/Black Box data
   • ELD records
   • Dashcam footage
   • GPS/telematics data

3. Subpoena Critical Records

   • Driver Qualification File
   • Hours of service records
   • Maintenance and inspection records
   • Drug and alcohol test results
   • Cell phone records

4. Secure Physical Evidence

   • Photograph all vehicles before repair
   • Preserve failed components for analysis
   • Document cargo securement devices

5. Deploy Accident Reconstruction Experts

   • Analyze skid marks and debris patterns
   • Create computer simulations of the accident
   • Determine speed, braking, and impact forces

6. Interview Witnesses

   • Before memories fade
   • Before they’re contacted by the trucking company’s lawyers

This aggressive approach ensures we preserve the evidence needed to build the strongest possible case.

Common Trucking Company Tactics and How We Counter Them

Trucking companies and their insurers have sophisticated strategies to minimize or deny legitimate claims. We know these tactics because our team includes former insurance defense attorneys.

Tactic 1: Quick Lowball Settlement Offers

Their Strategy: Offer a quick settlement before you understand the full extent of your injuries.

Our Response:

• We never accept early offers
• We wait until you’ve reached maximum medical improvement
• We calculate the full value of your damages before negotiating

Tactic 2: Denying or Minimizing Injuries

Their Strategy: Claim your injuries aren’t as serious as you say or existed before the accident.

Our Response:

• We obtain comprehensive medical documentation
• We work with medical experts to prove causation
• We document the progression of your injuries

Tactic 3: Blaming the Victim

Their Strategy: Claim you were partially or completely at fault for the accident.

Our Response:

• We conduct thorough investigations
• We gather objective evidence (ECM data, dashcam footage)
• We work with accident reconstruction experts
• We fight comparative negligence allegations

Tactic 4: Delaying the Claims Process

Their Strategy: Drag out the process to pressure you into accepting a low offer.

Our Response:

• We file lawsuits to force discovery
• We set depositions to move the case forward
• We prepare for trial to create settlement leverage

Tactic 5: Using Recorded Statements Against You

Their Strategy: Get you to say something that can be used to deny your claim.

Our Response:

• We advise you never to give statements without an attorney present
• We handle all communications with the insurance company
• We protect you from their manipulation tactics

Tactic 6: The “Pre-Existing Condition” Defense

Their Strategy: Claim your injuries existed before the accident.

Our Response:

• We apply the “eggshell skull” doctrine – defendants take victims as they find them
• We obtain pre-accident medical records
• We work with medical experts to prove the accident caused or aggravated your injuries

Tactic 7: The “Gap in Treatment” Attack

Their Strategy: Claim you must not be seriously injured because you missed medical appointments.

Our Response:

• We document all treatment
• We explain gaps with medical records
• We show the progression of your recovery

Tactic 8: Sending Surveillance Investigators

Their Strategy: Follow you and film your activities to show you’re not really injured.

Our Response:

• We advise clients on appropriate conduct
• We expose unfair surveillance tactics
• We use their surveillance to our advantage when appropriate

Tactic 9: Hiring “Independent” Medical Examiners

Their Strategy: Send you to doctors who will minimize your injuries.

Our Response:

• We counter with our own medical experts
• We expose the bias of their examiners
• We rely on your treating physicians’ opinions

Tactic 10: Drowning You in Paperwork

Their Strategy: Overwhelm you with requests to delay your case.

Our Response:

• We handle all paperwork and communications
• We use aggressive litigation to force resolution
• We don’t let them use bureaucracy to wear you down

Falls County Trucking Corridors: Where Accidents Happen

Falls County’s location and economy create unique trucking patterns that contribute to accidents:

Major Highways and Interstates

• US-77: Major north-south route connecting to I-35
• SH-6: East-west corridor serving agricultural and industrial freight
• FM-434: Important route for local distribution
• I-35 Corridor: Major north-south interstate with heavy truck traffic

Agricultural Routes

Falls County’s agricultural economy generates significant truck traffic:

• Grain transport from local farms
• Livestock transport to processing facilities
• Farm equipment movement
• Fertilizer and chemical transport

Oil and Gas Routes

While not as intensive as some Texas counties, Falls County sees:

• Oil field equipment transport
• Water transport for drilling operations
• Fuel transport for agricultural operations

Distribution Centers and Warehouses

Falls County serves as a distribution hub for:

• Agricultural products
• Retail goods
• Industrial equipment
• Building materials

Dangerous Intersections and Road Features

Some areas are particularly prone to trucking accidents:

• Sharp curves on rural roads
• Railroad crossings with limited visibility
• Intersections with inadequate signage
• Areas with limited truck parking
• Roads with inadequate shoulders

Our local knowledge of these corridors and their specific dangers helps us build stronger cases for Falls County trucking accident victims.

The Falls County Trucking Accident Litigation Process

When you hire Attorney911, we guide you through every step of the legal process:

1. Free Initial Consultation

• We evaluate your case at no cost
• We explain your legal options
• We answer all your questions

2. Immediate Evidence Preservation

• We send spoliation letters within 24-48 hours
• We demand preservation of all electronic and physical evidence
• We deploy our investigation team

3. Comprehensive Investigation

• Accident reconstruction
• Evidence gathering
• Liable party identification
• Damage calculation

4. Medical Care Coordination

• We help you get the treatment you need
• We work with medical providers to document your injuries
• We ensure your medical records support your claim

5. Demand Letter

• We send a comprehensive demand to the insurance company
• We calculate the full value of your damages
• We demand fair compensation

6. Negotiation

• We negotiate aggressively with the insurance company
• We reject lowball offers
• We prepare for litigation if necessary

7. Litigation (If Needed)

• We file a lawsuit before the statute of limitations expires
• We conduct discovery (depositions, document requests)
• We prepare your case for trial

8. Resolution

• The majority of cases settle before trial
• We prepare every case as if it’s going to trial
• We’re fully prepared to take your case to verdict if necessary

Falls County-Specific Considerations

Texas Statute of Limitations

In Texas, you have 2 years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, you should never wait this long. Evidence disappears quickly, and your case will be stronger if we start immediately.

Texas Comparative Negligence Rules

Texas follows a “modified comparative negligence” system:

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

This makes it crucial to have an attorney who can minimize your attributed fault.

Texas Damage Caps

Texas has specific rules about damages:

• Economic damages: No cap (medical expenses, lost wages, etc.)
• Non-economic damages: No cap in most personal injury cases
• Punitive damages: Capped at the greater of (2x economic damages + non-economic damages capped at $750,000) or $200,000

Local Courts and Judges

We’re familiar with the courts serving Falls County, including:

• Falls County Courthouse
• Local district courts
• Judges who handle personal injury cases
• Jury pools in Falls County

This local knowledge gives us an advantage in building your case.

Client Testimonials: Real Falls County Families We’ve Helped

“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

“I had another attorney but he dropped my case although Manginello law firm were able to help me out.”
— Greg Garcia, Attorney911 Client

“They solved in a couple of months what others did nothing about in two years.”
— Angel Walle, Attorney911 Client

“Leonor got me into the doctor the same day… it only took 6 months amazing.”
— Chavodrian Miles, Attorney911 Client

“When I felt I had no hope or direction, Leonor reached out to me… She took all the weight of my worries off my shoulders.”
— Stephanie Hernandez, Attorney911 Client

“Especially Miss Zulema, who is always very kind and always translates.”
— Celia Dominguez, 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

Frequently Asked Questions About Falls County Trucking Accidents

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

If you’ve been in a trucking accident in Falls 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. Falls County hospitals and trauma centers 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 Falls 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 Falls 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 Falls 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. 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 an owner-operator and does that affect my case?

An owner-operator is a driver who owns their own truck and contracts with trucking companies. This can complicate liability, but both the owner-operator and the contracting company may be liable. We investigate all relationships and insurance policies to ensure you can recover from the responsible parties.

How do I find out if the trucking company has a bad safety record?

FMCSA maintains public safety data at safer.fmcsa.dot.gov. We obtain the carrier’s:

• CSA (Compliance, Safety, Accountability) scores
• Inspection history and out-of-service rates
• Crash history
• Safety rating

A poor safety record can prove the company knew it was putting dangerous drivers on the road.

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.

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 Falls 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 Falls 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 Falls 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 Falls 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.

Call Attorney911 Today: Your Falls County Trucking Accident Attorneys

If you or a loved one has been injured in an 18-wheeler accident in Falls County, don’t wait. Critical evidence is disappearing every hour. The trucking company has lawyers working to protect their interests – you deserve the same level of representation.

Call Attorney911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, no-obligation consultation. Our Falls County trucking accident attorneys are available 24/7 to answer your questions and start building your case.

We work on contingency – you pay nothing unless we win. With offices serving Falls County and across Texas, we’re ready to fight for the compensation you deserve.

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Your fight for justice starts with one call. We answer. We fight. We win.