Gladewater Truck Accident Lawyers: Fighting for Victims of Commercial Vehicle Wrecks

The impact was catastrophic. You were driving through Gladewater on US-80, perhaps heading toward the “Antique Capital” for a weekend afternoon, when 80,000 pounds of steel slammed into your vehicle. In a split second, your life changed. When an 18-wheeler, a logging truck, or a corporate delivery van causes a crash, the physics are never in your favor. A standard car in East Texas weighs about 4,000 pounds; the commercial vehicle that hit you is twenty times that size. That isn’t an accident—it’s a collision course with destiny that no family is prepared for.

If you are reading this in a hospital bed at a regional trauma center or while sitting at your kitchen table in Gladewater surrounded by mounting medical bills, we want you to know one thing: you don’t have to fight this alone. At Attorney911, led by our managing partner Ralph Manginello who has been fighting for injury victims since 1998, we specialize in making trucking companies pay for the devastation they cause. With over 25 years of experience and federal court admission to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas, our firm understands the complexities of East Texas trucking litigation.

We aren’t just another law firm. Our team includes associate attorney Lupe Peña, who used to work for a national insurance defense firm. He knows their playbook. He knows exactly how they try to minimize your suffering, and now he uses that insider knowledge to fight against them. We’ve gone toe-to-toe with the world’s largest corporate defendants, from Walmart and Amazon to multinational energy giants involved in BP refinery litigation. When you call 1-888-ATTY-911, you are putting a powerhouse of experience in your corner.

Why Truck Accidents in Gladewater Are Fundamentally Different

A car wreck between two neighbors in Upshur County is straightforward. A truck accident involving a commercial vehicle is a high-stakes legal battle. The moment a crash occurs on Highway 271 or I-20 near Gladewater, the trucking company activates its rapid-response team. They often have investigators at the scene before the debris is even cleared, working to protect their profits while you are still being treated by EMS.

Under the leadership of Ralph Manginello, we move even faster. We understand that in Gladewater, trucking isn’t just about moving freight; it’s about the massive logging operations, the oilfield service trucks serving the Haynesville Shale, and the constant flow of commerce between Dallas and Shreveport. These aren’t just big cars—they are heavily regulated commercial machines.

The Physics of the Crash

An 18-wheeler traveling at 65 mph on the open stretches of East Texas highways requires approximately 525 feet to stop—the length of nearly two football fields. When a driver is fatigued, local logs are unsecured, or brakes are poorly maintained, that stopping distance becomes a deadly variable. At Attorney911, we use accident reconstruction experts to prove the physics of the crash, ensuring the jury understands that the truck driver could have—and should have—prevented the impact.

The Federal Regulatory Framework

Every commercial driver passing through Gladewater is subject to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations. These are codified in 49 CFR Parts 300-399. We look for violations of:

• 49 CFR Part 395 (Hours of Service): Was the driver behind the wheel for 14 hours straight? Fatigue is a leading cause of Gladewater truck wrecks.
• 49 CFR Part 391 (Driver Qualification): Did the trucking company hire someone with a history of DUIs or multiple crashes?
• 49 CFR Part 393 (Parts and Accessories): Were the brakes maintained? Was the timber secured according to specialized East Texas logging standards?

If you’ve been hurt, don’t wait for the insurance company to “do the right thing.” They won’t. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 today for a free consultation. As our client Chad Harris said, “You are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.”

Comprehensive Coverage of Truck Accident Types in Gladewater

Gladewater’s unique position at the crossroads of major East Texas arteries means residents encounter a wide variety of commercial traffic. Whether you were hit by a long-haul semi, a local delivery van, or specialized industrial equipment, we have the expertise to handle your case.

Logging Truck Accidents

Logging is the lifeblood of many in East Texas, but uncontained timber logs are unguided missiles. In Gladewater, we often see accidents caused by overloaded timber trailers or improperly secured loads. Under 49 CFR § 393.100, cargo must be contained or secured to prevent it from leaking, spilling, or falling. A 40-foot log at highway speed is not survivable if it enters a passenger compartment. These cases require an attorney like Ralph Manginello, who understands the specific “bunk” and “stake” design failures inherent in the logging industry.

Oilfield Vehicle Wrecks (Haynesville Shale Operations)

Gladewater sits in a region defined by energy production. We represent victims of:

• Frac Sand Haulers: Pneumatic trailers that are often overloaded and prone to rollovers on narrow county roads.
• Produced Water Tankers: Liquid cargo that “sloshes,” creating unpredictable weight transfers during turns near well pads.
• Crude Oil Tankers: HAZMAT-regulated vehicles that carry a $5 million insurance minimum under 49 CFR § 387.303.
• Crew Transport Vans: 15-passenger vans that are notoriously unstable and often driven by fatigued workers at 4 AM.

Jackknife and Rollover Crashes

On the curved interchanges of I-20 or the rain-slicked surface of Highway 135, 18-wheelers are prone to jackknifing. A jackknife occurs when the trailer outruns the cab, sweeping across all lanes of traffic. Rollovers frequently occur when top-heavy loads shift during a turn. These accidents often result in multi-vehicle pileups that paralyze Gladewater traffic and cause life-altering injuries.

Underride Collisions: The Deadliest Scenario

Some of the most horrifying cases we handle involve underride collisions, where a car slides beneath the back or side of a trailer. These accidents often result in decapitation or severe traumatic brain injuries. We investigate whether the truck was equipped with functioning “Mansfield Bars” (ICC bumpers) required by 49 CFR § 393.86 and whether the company neglected to install side-underride guards.

Corporate Fleet and Delivery Van Accidents

With the explosion of e-commerce, Gladewater roads are flooded with Amazon, FedEx, and UPS vehicles. We’ve litigated against these giants before.

• Amazon Delivery Vans: Amazon often uses a “Delivery Service Partner” (DSP) model to try and shield themselves from liability. We know how to pierce that shield by proving Amazon’s pervasive control over routes and quotas.
• Walmart Trucks: Operating one of the largest private fleets in the world, Walmart is a self-insured defendant. We know how to handle their internal risk management teams to ensure you aren’t lowballed.

Your recovery matters to us. Our firm has achieved multi-million dollar settlements for traumatic brain injury victims and those suffering from amputations. We fight for “every dime you deserve,” as client Glenda Walker noted. Call 888-ATTY-911 for a free case evaluation.

Who is Liable? Tracking the Web of Responsibility

Most lawyers in Gladewater will only sue the truck driver. At Attorney911, we know that to maximize your recovery, we must cast a wider net. Commercial trucking involves a complex chain of command, and often, multiple parties share the blame.

1. The Trucking Company (Motor Carrier)

Under the doctrine of respondeat superior, the company is responsible for the actions of its employees. But we go further, looking for:

• Negligent Hiring: Did they fail to run a background check?
• Negligent Maintenance: Did they skip brake inspections to keep the truck on the road?
• Negligent Supervision: Did they allow a driver to stay on the road while knowing they were over their hours?

2. Corporate Parents (Amazon, Walmart, Oil Companies)

If you were hit by a contractor hauling for a major oil producer or a retail giant, that parent company might be liable. We use the “Right-to-Control” test to prove that the corporation dictated the driver’s schedule and methods, making them an employer in the eyes of the law.

3. Cargo Owners and Loading Companies

If a shift in cargo caused a rollover on a turn in Gladewater, we look at the company that loaded the truck. Under 49 CFR § 393, loaders must follow strict performance criteria. If they overloaded a dump truck or unbalanced a logging rig, they are on the hook for your damages.

4. Third-Party Maintenance Facilities

If a mechanic in East Texas signed off on a “blind” inspection or used substandard parts on an 18-wheeler’s braking system, they share responsibility for the failure.

5. Freight Brokers

The middleman who arranged the shipment has a duty to select safe carriers. If a broker hired a “chameleon carrier”—one that shut down and reopened under a new name to hide a bad safety record—we hold that broker accountable for negligent selection.

6. Manufacturers and Parts Makers

Sometimes, the equipment itself is the problem. Defective tires (causing blowouts), faulty steering columns, or failed underride guards fall under product liability law. We have experience going toe-to-toe with global manufacturers in complex litigation.

Our associate attorney Lupe Peña knows exactly how these various defendants and their insurance companies try to point fingers at each other to avoid paying. We use that internal disagreement to your advantage, ensuring that no responsible party escapes accountability.

48-Hour Evidence Preservation: The Clock is Ticking

In Gladewater truck accident cases, the first 48 hours are critical. Evidence in a commercial wreck has a way of “disappearing.”

• ECM (Engine Control Module) Data: The “Black Box” records speed, braking, and steering. It can be overwritten in 30 days.
• ELD (Electronic Logging Device) Logs: These prove if the driver was fatigued, but carriers only have to keep them for 6 months under 49 CFR § 395.8(k).
• Dashcam Footage: Many corporate fleets use Netradyne or Lytx systems. This video is often deleted on a 7-to-14-day loop.

The moment you hire us, we send formal spoliation letters to the trucking company, the insurer, and the corporate parent. This puts them on legal notice: if they destroy data, they face severe sanctions in court, including an “adverse inference” where the jury is told to assume the destroyed evidence proved the company was guilty.

We also dispatch investigators to Gladewater crash scenes to document skid marks, find nearby business surveillance footage, and interview witnesses before their memories fade. If you’ve been hit on Highway 80 or Loop 281, call (888) 288-9911 immediately. Every hour you wait is an hour the trucking company uses to build their defense.

Understanding Your Injuries and Potential Recovery

Truck accidents rarely result in minor scrapes. They result in life-altering catastrophes. We have recovered over $50 million for families in Texas, handling cases involving:

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)

A TBI can change your personality, your memory, and your ability to work. Our firm has secured settlements ranging from $1.5 million to nearly $10 million for victims of severe brain trauma. We work with neuropsychologists to quantify your cognitive losses.

Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis

When an 18-wheeler crushes a standard sedan, the spinal cord is often the first thing to give. Quadriplegia or paraplegia requires a lifetime of care. We retain life-care planners to calculate the tens of millions of dollars you will need for medical equipment, modified housing, and 24/7 nursing.

Burn Injuries

Crude oil tankers and fuel line ruptures can turn a crash site into an inferno. We understand the physical and psychological toll of severe burns and the grueling process of skin grafting and reconstructive surgery.

Wrongful Death

If you have lost a spouse, parent, or child in a Gladewater truck crash, we offer our deepest condolences. Under Texas law, you have two years to file a claim. We fight for compensation for lost income, funeral expenses, and the loss of companionship and guidance. Our results in wrongful death cases often reach into the multi-million dollar range.

No Fee Unless We Win. We advance all costs for experts, medical reviews, and litigation. You pay nothing upfront. We take our fee only when we put a check in your hand. Hablamos Español. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911.

FMCSA Regulations: The Legal Teeth of Your Case

Building a winning case in Gladewater requires more than just proving “the truck hit me.” We have to prove the company violated federal law. The FMCSA regulations are the “teeth” we use to bite back.

Driver Qualifications (Part 391)

We subpoena the Driver Qualification File. We look for:

• Did they have a valid medical certificate under 49 CFR § 391.41?
• Was their CDL active and appropriate for the vehicle class?
• Did the carrier perform an annual review of the driver’s MVR (Motor Vehicle Record)?

Inspection and Maintenance (Part 396)

Under 49 CFR § 396.3, carriers must systematically inspect and maintain their fleet. We look for the “Post-Trip Inspection” reports. If a driver noted a brake “squeal” or a worn tire and the company told them to “just finish the route,” that is willful negligence.

Drug and Alcohol Testing (Part 382)

Commercial drivers are held to a stricter standard—0.04 BAC is the limit, not 0.08. We demand results from post-accident drug screens. If a driver tested positive for amphetamines or marijuana, the company’s liability is virtually absolute.

Hazardous Materials (Part 397)

If your accident involved a tanker near the Gladewater rail yards or local refineries, specialized HAZMAT rules apply. These carriers must follow specific routes and carry $5 million in minimum insurance. We ensure these high-limit policies are part of your recovery.

Commercial Truck Insurance: Why Tactics Matter

Commercial insurance companies are for-profit machines. Their adjusters are trained to “be your friend” in hopes that you’ll accept a $50,000 settlement today before you realize you need a $500,000 surgery next year.

Because Lupe Peña spent years working in insurance defense, he knows how they value claims. He understands “Colossus” and other software adjusters use to lowball victims. When an insurer sees the Attorney911 name on a letterhead, they know they aren’t dealing with a general practice lawyer who will settle for pennies. They are dealing with a firm that has litigated against Amazon, Coca-Cola, and ExxonMobil.

Most large fleets in Gladewater carry “Excess” or “Umbrella” policies that go far beyond these minimums. Our job is to find every dollar available to make you whole again.

FAQ: Truck Accidents in Gladewater

1. How long do I have to file a lawsuit in Gladewater?
In Texas, you generally have two years from the date of the accident. However, if your accident involved a government vehicle (like a city bus or TxDOT truck), notice requirements may be as short as six months. Never wait—evidence is lost every day.

2. Should I talk to the insurance adjuster who called me?
NO. Anything you say can be used to twist the facts. Tell them you have an attorney—or better yet, tell them to call us at 888-ATTY-911 and hang up.

3. What if I was partially at fault for the crash?
Texas follows Modified Comparative Negligence. As long as you were not more than 50% responsible, you can still recover. If you were 20% at fault, your settlement is simply reduced by 20%. We fight to ensure the trucking company doesn’t unfairly shift the blame onto you.

4. Can I sue the oil company if a “contractor” hit me?
Yes. In many oilfield cases, we sue the “Company Man’s” employer. If the oil company controlled the site or set the unsafe schedule, they are liable for the result.

5. How much does it cost to hire Attorney911?
Nothing upfront. We work on a contingency fee (usually 33.33% pre-trial). If we don’t win your case, you owe us nothing for our time. We take the risk so you don’t have to.

6. My doctor says I have a “herniated disc”—is that a serious case?
Absolutely. In the context of an 18-wheeler crash, a herniated disc often requires injections or surgery. We have seen these cases settle for $350,000 to over $1 million depending on the impact on your career.

7. Who pays my medical bills while the case is pending?
We can often assist in arranging medical care through letters of protection (LOPs). This allows you to get surgery or therapy at Gladewater or Tyler-area facilities without paying out of pocket until your case settles.

Put a Proven Fighter in Your Corner

You didn’t ask for this. You were just driving through Gladewater, minding your own business, when a corporate driver’s negligence destroyed your vehicle and your health. Now, you’re dealing with pain, fear, and a legal system that seems to favor those with the most money.

Ralph Manginello and the team at Attorney911 are here to level the playing field. We’ve spent over two decades holding the powerful accountable. Whether you were hit by a Walmart rig on I-20, an oilfield water truck on FM 1845, or an Amazon van in your own neighborhood, we are the legal emergency team you can trust.

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.” Don’t take “no” for an answer from a trucking company. Don’t take a lowball offer from an insurance adjuster. Take your life back.

Call Attorney911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911. We are available 24/7 to answer your questions. We answer the phone, we fight the battles, and we win the settlements that East Texas families deserve.

Address:
Main Office: 1177 West Loop S, Suite 1600, Houston, TX 77027
Regional Office: 316 West 12th Street, Austin, TX 78701
East Texas Meetings: Available by appointment in Beaumont and throughout East Texas.

Phone: 1-888-288-9911
Web: attorney911.com

Legal Emergency Lawyers™ — Powerful & Proven. When disaster strikes, we are your first responders.