18-Wheeler Accidents in Foard County: Your Complete Legal Guide
If you’ve been injured in an 18-wheeler accident on Foard County’s highways, you’re facing one of the most complex and high-stakes legal battles in Texas. The trucking industry has teams of lawyers, rapid-response investigators, and millions in insurance coverage working against you from the moment the crash occurs. At Attorney911, we’ve been fighting for Foard County trucking accident victims for over 25 years. Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has secured multi-million dollar verdicts against major carriers, and our team includes a former insurance defense attorney who knows exactly how the other side operates.
Why Foard County’s Trucking Corridors Are Especially Dangerous
Foard County sits at the crossroads of some of Texas’s busiest freight routes. The intersection of US Highway 70 and State Highway 6 creates a critical junction where long-haul truckers, local agricultural transports, and commuter traffic all converge. This mix of vehicle types and speeds creates unique hazards:
- Rural highway dangers: The straight, open stretches of US 70 encourage speeding, while sudden turns and elevation changes near Crowell can catch drivers off guard
- Agricultural truck traffic: Heavy farm equipment shares the roads with 18-wheelers, creating size and speed mismatches
- Limited emergency services: With Foard County’s sparse population, help may take longer to arrive after a crash
- Weather conditions: High winds common in the Texas Panhandle can affect high-profile trailers, while sudden storms create slick road conditions
We’ve handled cases involving jackknife accidents on US 70, rollovers on the approaches to Crowell, and underride collisions at poorly marked intersections throughout Foard County. Our familiarity with these specific routes gives us an advantage when building your case.
The First 48 Hours: Critical Steps to Protect Your Case
Every hour you wait after a trucking accident in Foard County, evidence disappears. Here’s what you need to know:
1. Black Box Data Can Be Overwritten in 30 Days
Modern 18-wheelers have Electronic Control Modules (ECM) that record critical data about the truck’s operation. This “black box” captures:
- Speed before and during the crash
- Brake application timing
- Throttle position
- GPS location
- Engine performance
This data is overwritten with new driving events or after 30 days. We send spoliation letters immediately to preserve this evidence before it’s lost forever.
2. Electronic Logging Devices Prove Driver Fatigue
Since 2017, commercial trucks have been required to use Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) that record hours of service. ELD data shows:
- How long the driver had been on duty
- When breaks were taken
- Whether federal rest requirements were violated
This evidence is crucial for proving fatigue-related negligence, which causes approximately 31% of fatal truck crashes.
3. Trucking Companies Deploy Rapid-Response Teams
Within hours of a serious accident in Foard County, trucking companies send:
- Accident investigators
- Insurance adjusters
- Defense attorneys
- Public relations specialists
Their goal is to protect the company’s interests, not yours. You need your own team working just as fast.
“They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.”
— Glenda Walker, Attorney911 Client
Common Causes of 18-Wheeler Accidents in Foard County
Our experience with Foard County trucking cases has revealed several recurring causes:
1. Hours of Service Violations
Federal regulations limit truck drivers to:
- 11 hours of driving after 10 consecutive hours off duty
- A maximum 14-hour on-duty window
- 30-minute breaks after 8 hours of driving
- 60/70-hour weekly limits
Despite these rules, we frequently find violations in Foard County cases, particularly among drivers hauling agricultural products with tight delivery windows.
2. Improper Cargo Securement
Foard County’s agricultural economy means many trucks carry oversized or irregular loads. When cargo isn’t properly secured, it can:
- Shift during transit, causing rollovers
- Fall onto roadways, creating hazards for other vehicles
- Overload the vehicle beyond its weight rating
The FMCSA has specific securement requirements for different types of cargo (49 CFR § 393.100-136), and violations are common in agricultural transportation.
3. Brake Failures
Brake problems are a factor in approximately 29% of large truck crashes. Common issues we see in Foard County include:
- Worn brake pads not replaced
- Improper brake adjustments
- Air brake system leaks
- Overheated brakes on long descents
- Defective brake components
4. Driver Distraction
Despite federal prohibitions (49 CFR § 392.82), distracted driving remains a significant problem. Common distractions include:
- Cell phone use (texting, calls, GPS)
- Dispatch communications
- In-cab electronics
- Eating while driving
- Roadside distractions
5. Fatigue and Sleep Disorders
Beyond hours of service violations, many drivers suffer from untreated sleep disorders. The FMCSA requires medical certification (49 CFR § 391.41), but we frequently find drivers with:
- Undiagnosed sleep apnea
- Circadian rhythm disruptions from irregular schedules
- Chronic sleep deprivation
The Catastrophic Injuries We See in Foard County Trucking Cases
The physics of trucking accidents make catastrophic injuries the norm in Foard County:
- Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): The force of impact can cause the brain to strike the inside of the skull, leading to cognitive impairments, memory problems, and personality changes
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Damage to the spinal cord often results in paralysis – paraplegia (loss of leg function) or quadriplegia (loss of function in all four limbs)
- Amputations: Crushing injuries may require surgical amputation, or limbs may be severed at the scene
- Severe Burns: Fuel tank ruptures and fires cause third- and fourth-degree burns requiring skin grafts and multiple surgeries
- Internal Organ Damage: The force of impact can rupture organs, causing internal bleeding that may not be immediately apparent
These injuries often require lifelong medical care, costing millions of dollars. Our firm has secured settlements and verdicts that account for these long-term needs.
Who Can Be Held Liable in Your Foard County Trucking Accident?
Unlike car accidents, trucking cases often involve multiple liable parties:
- The Truck Driver: For negligent actions like speeding, distraction, or impairment
- The Trucking Company: For vicarious liability and direct negligence in hiring, training, or supervision
- Cargo Owners/Shippers: For improper loading or hazardous cargo
- Loading Companies: For improper securement or overloading
- Truck/Trailer Manufacturers: For defective components
- Parts Manufacturers: For defective brakes, tires, or other components
- Maintenance Companies: For negligent repairs
- Freight Brokers: For negligent carrier selection
- Government Entities: For dangerous road conditions
Our investigation process identifies all potentially liable parties to maximize your recovery.
The Attorney911 Advantage: Why We’re Different
1. Former Insurance Defense Attorney on Staff
Our associate attorney, Lupe Peña, spent years working for a national insurance defense firm. He knows:
- How adjusters are trained to minimize claims
- What makes insurance companies settle
- How they try to deny legitimate claims
- The software they use to undervalue cases
This insider knowledge gives our Foard County clients a significant advantage.
2. Immediate Evidence Preservation
We act fast to preserve critical evidence:
- Within 24-48 hours: Send spoliation letters to all potentially liable parties
- Within 72 hours: Deploy accident reconstruction experts to the scene
- Within 1 week: Subpoena ECM/black box data, ELD records, and maintenance logs
3. Federal Court Experience
Ralph Manginello is admitted to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas – crucial for interstate trucking cases that may be filed in federal court.
4. Spanish Language Services
Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish, allowing us to serve Foard County’s Hispanic community directly without interpreters. Hablamos Español.
5. Proven Multi-Million Dollar Results
Our firm has recovered:
- $5+ Million for a traumatic brain injury case
- $3.8+ Million for a car accident amputation case
- $2.5+ Million for truck crash recoveries
- Millions for families in wrongful death cases
What to Do If You’ve Been Injured in a Foard County Trucking Accident
-
Seek Medical Attention Immediately: Even if injuries seem minor, get checked at Foard County Hospital or another medical facility. Adrenaline masks pain, and some injuries (like TBI or internal bleeding) may not show symptoms immediately.
-
Document Everything:
- Take photos of the scene, vehicle damage, and your injuries
- Get the trucking company name, DOT number, and driver information
- Collect witness contact information
- Note weather and road conditions
-
Don’t Give Recorded Statements: Insurance adjusters will call quickly. Anything you say can be used to minimize your claim. Politely decline and refer them to your attorney.
-
Call Attorney911 Immediately: 1-888-ATTY-911. The sooner we get involved, the better we can protect your rights and preserve evidence.
-
Follow Your Doctor’s Orders: Attend all follow-up appointments and follow treatment plans. Gaps in treatment can hurt your case.
The Legal Process for Foard County Trucking Cases
-
Free Consultation: We evaluate your case at no cost to you.
-
Investigation: We gather evidence, interview witnesses, and build your case.
-
Medical Care Coordination: We help you get the treatment you need, even if you don’t have insurance.
-
Demand Letter: We send a comprehensive demand to the insurance company.
-
Negotiation: We negotiate aggressively for a fair settlement.
-
Litigation: If necessary, we file a lawsuit and prepare for trial.
-
Resolution: Most cases settle, but we’re prepared to take your case to trial if needed.
Common Questions About Foard County Trucking Accidents
Q: How long do I have to file a lawsuit in Foard County?
A: Texas has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury cases. However, you should contact an attorney immediately – evidence disappears quickly in trucking cases.
Q: What if I was partially at fault for the accident?
A: Texas follows a modified comparative negligence rule. You can recover damages as long as you’re not more than 50% at fault. Your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
Q: How much is my case worth?
A: Case value depends on many factors:
- Severity of injuries
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost wages and earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Degree of defendant’s negligence
- Available insurance coverage
Trucking companies carry higher insurance limits ($750,000 minimum, often $1-5 million), allowing for larger recoveries than typical car accidents.
Q: Should I accept the insurance company’s settlement offer?
A: Never accept an early settlement offer without consulting an attorney. These offers are designed to pay you far less than your case is worth before you understand the full extent of your injuries.
Q: What if the trucking company claims the driver was an independent contractor?
A: Even if the driver is an owner-operator, both the driver and the contracting company may be liable. We investigate all relationships to identify all responsible parties.
Q: Can I still recover if the trucking company goes bankrupt?
A: Yes. We pursue all available insurance coverage and may be able to recover from other liable parties. Some cases result in recoveries even when the primary defendant has financial problems.
Case Study: Foard County Trucking Accident
While we can’t discuss specific client cases, here’s an example of how we handle trucking accident claims in Foard County:
Scenario: A local rancher was rear-ended by an 18-wheeler on US 70 near Crowell. The truck driver claimed he had to swerve to avoid a deer and couldn’t stop in time.
Our Investigation Revealed:
- The truck’s ECM data showed the driver was traveling 72 mph in a 65 mph zone
- ELD records showed the driver had been on duty for 13 hours (violating the 11-hour limit)
- Maintenance records revealed the truck’s brakes had not been inspected in 6 months
- The driver’s qualification file was incomplete – no background check had been performed
- The trucking company had a history of hours of service violations in its FMCSA records
Result: We filed suit against the driver, trucking company, and maintenance provider. The case settled for a confidential seven-figure amount that covered the rancher’s medical expenses, lost income, and pain and suffering.
Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Foard County Trucking Case?
-
Local Knowledge: We understand Foard County’s roads, courts, and community. Our team knows the local judges, opposing counsel, and how cases are typically resolved in this jurisdiction.
-
Proven Experience: Ralph Manginello has been fighting trucking companies since 1998. We’ve handled cases against major carriers like Swift Transportation and Werner Enterprises, as well as local agricultural haulers.
-
Insider Advantage: Lupe Peña’s insurance defense background gives us unique insight into how trucking companies and their insurers operate.
-
Contingency Fee: You pay nothing unless we win. We advance all costs of investigation and litigation.
-
Compassionate Representation: We treat our Foard County clients like family. You’re not just a case number to us.
-
24/7 Availability: Trucking accidents don’t happen on a 9-to-5 schedule. We’re available when you need us.
“You are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.”
— Chad Harris, Attorney911 Client
The Trucking Industry’s Playbook – And How We Counter It
Trucking companies use sophisticated tactics to minimize claims. Here’s what they do and how we counter it:
| Trucking Company Tactic | Our Counter-Strategy |
|---|---|
| Quick lowball settlement offers | Never accept early offers; calculate full future damages first |
| Denying or minimizing injuries | Obtain comprehensive medical documentation and expert testimony |
| Blaming the victim (comparative fault) | Investigate fully; gather evidence disproving fault allegations |
| Delaying the claims process | File lawsuit to force discovery; set depositions |
| Using recorded statements against victims | Advise clients NEVER give statements without attorney present |
| “Pre-existing condition” defense | Apply Texas “Eggshell Skull” doctrine (take plaintiff as found) |
| “Gap in treatment” attacks | Document all treatment; explain gaps with medical records |
| Sending surveillance investigators | Advise clients on appropriate conduct; expose unfair surveillance |
| Hiring “independent” medical examiners | Counter with client’s treating physicians and independent experts |
| Drowning plaintiff in paperwork | Aggressive litigation and motion practice to force resolution |
Foard County Resources for Trucking Accident Victims
Medical Facilities:
- Foard County Hospital (Crowell)
- Rolling Plains Memorial Hospital (Sweetwater) – Level IV Trauma Center
- United Regional Health Care System (Wichita Falls) – Level II Trauma Center
Law Enforcement:
- Foard County Sheriff’s Office
- Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) – Troopers patrol US 70 and State Highway 6
Legal Resources:
- Foard County Courthouse (Crowell)
- 30th Judicial District Court (serves Foard County)
Support Services:
- Foard County EMS
- Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) – Road condition reports
- Local support groups for accident survivors and families
Your Next Steps
If you or a loved one has been injured in an 18-wheeler accident in Foard County, time is critical. Evidence is disappearing while you read this. The trucking company has lawyers working against you right now.
Call Attorney911 immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation.
We’ll:
- Answer your questions
- Explain your legal options
- Send preservation letters to protect evidence
- Begin building your case immediately
Remember: You pay nothing unless we win. Our fee comes from the recovery, not your pocket.
Don’t let the trucking company take advantage of you. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 now.
Hablamos Español. Llame a Lupe Peña al 1-888-ATTY-911.
The information provided in this guide is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Every case is unique, and you should consult with an attorney about your specific situation. The use of this website or communication through it does not create an attorney-client relationship. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.
