18-Wheeler Accident Attorneys in Gregg County, Texas

The Devastating Reality of Trucking Accidents on Gregg County Highways

Every year, thousands of families in East Texas experience life-altering tragedy when an 80,000-pound commercial truck collides with a passenger vehicle. The aftermath is often catastrophic – traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, amputations, and wrongful death. If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in an 18-wheeler accident in Gregg County, you need more than just a lawyer – you need a team of aggressive trucking litigation specialists who understand the unique challenges of commercial vehicle cases.

At Attorney911, we’ve been fighting for truck accident victims across East Texas for over 25 years. Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has federal court experience and has secured multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements for families devastated by 18-wheeler crashes. When you’re facing the trucking industry’s army of lawyers and insurance adjusters, you need someone who knows their tactics and isn’t afraid to go to trial.

Why Gregg County Trucking Accidents Are Different

Gregg County sits at the crossroads of major trucking corridors that serve the entire East Texas region. Our highways see heavy commercial traffic from:

I-20 corridor connecting Dallas to Shreveport and beyond
US-259 serving the timber and oilfield industries
Loop 281 handling local distribution traffic
Numerous state highways connecting to Longview, Kilgore, and other regional hubs

This high volume of truck traffic creates unique risks for local drivers. The Texas Department of Transportation reports that Gregg County sees dozens of serious trucking accidents annually, with many resulting in catastrophic injuries or fatalities.

The Most Dangerous Trucking Accidents in Gregg County

Jackknife Accidents on I-20

Jackknife accidents occur when a truck’s trailer swings out perpendicular to the cab, often blocking multiple lanes of traffic. These are particularly common on I-20’s curves and during wet weather conditions, where sudden braking can cause the trailer to lose traction and swing out of control.

Underride Collisions at Rural Intersections

Gregg County’s rural intersections see frequent underride accidents where passenger vehicles slide underneath trailers during collisions. These accidents are often fatal as the trailer shears off the top of smaller vehicles.

Rollover Accidents on US-259

The winding sections of US-259 are notorious for rollover accidents, especially with top-heavy loads or when drivers take curves at excessive speeds. Rollover accidents frequently result in cargo spills that create additional hazards for other motorists.

Rear-End Collisions on Loop 281

The stop-and-go traffic on Loop 281 creates conditions for rear-end collisions when truck drivers fail to maintain proper following distances or when brake systems fail. Due to the massive weight disparity, these accidents often cause severe injuries to occupants of the lead vehicle.

Wide Turn Accidents in Longview

Trucks making wide right turns in Longview’s business districts frequently cut off other vehicles, leading to side-impact collisions. These are particularly dangerous for pedestrians and cyclists.

The Trucking Industry’s Playbook – And How We Counter It

Trucking companies and their insurers have a well-rehearsed playbook they use after every serious accident:

Rapid response teams arrive within hours to document the scene and protect their interests
Insurance adjusters contact victims with lowball settlement offers
Evidence disappears – black box data gets overwritten, dashcam footage gets deleted
Witness memories fade as time passes
Medical records become harder to obtain as treatment continues

We know this playbook because our team includes a former insurance defense attorney who used to work for the trucking companies. Now he fights against them, using his insider knowledge to build stronger cases for our clients.

Critical Evidence We Preserve in Every Gregg County Trucking Case

Electronic Data That Disappears Fast

ECM/Black Box Data: Records speed, braking, throttle position, and fault codes
ELD Logs: Prove hours of service violations and driver fatigue
GPS/Telematics: Show exact route, speed patterns, and location history
Dashcam Footage: Captures the moments leading up to the crash

Driver Records That Prove Negligence

Driver Qualification File: Shows hiring practices and training records
Medical Certification: Proves whether the driver was physically qualified
Drug/Alcohol Tests: Reveal impairment at the time of the accident
Previous Employment History: Identifies patterns of unsafe driving

Vehicle Records That Show Maintenance Failures

Maintenance Logs: Demonstrate deferred repairs and known defects
Inspection Reports: Reveal pre-existing violations
Brake Adjustment Records: Prove brake system failures
Tire Records: Show tire age and replacement history

Company Records That Prove Systemic Negligence

Dispatch Records: Prove pressure to violate hours of service rules
Safety Policies: Show whether the company prioritized safety or profits
Training Materials: Demonstrate inadequate safety training
CSA Scores: Reveal the company’s overall safety record

The Catastrophic Injuries We See in Gregg County Trucking Accidents

The physics of trucking accidents make catastrophic injuries the norm, not the exception. An 80,000-pound truck carries 20-25 times the kinetic energy of a passenger vehicle, and this energy transfers to the smaller vehicle during a collision.

Traumatic Brain Injuries

TBI occurs when the brain impacts the inside of the skull due to sudden deceleration. Symptoms may include:

Loss of consciousness
Memory problems
Cognitive deficits
Personality changes
Sensory problems
Speech difficulties
Permanent disability

Lifetime care costs for severe TBI can exceed $3 million.

Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis

Spinal cord damage often results in permanent paralysis:

Paraplegia: Loss of function below the waist
Quadriplegia: Loss of function in all four limbs
Incomplete Injuries: Partial loss of function

Lifetime care costs range from $1.1 million for low paraplegia to $5 million for high quadriplegia.

Amputations

Amputations occur when limbs are severed in the crash or when injuries are so severe that surgical amputation is required. These injuries require:

Multiple surgeries
Prosthetic limbs ($5,000-$50,000 each)
Physical and occupational therapy
Psychological counseling
Home modifications

Severe Burns

Burns occur from fuel fires, chemical spills, or electrical system failures. Treatment may include:

Multiple skin graft surgeries
Physical therapy
Psychological counseling
Permanent scarring and disfigurement

Wrongful Death

When trucking accidents claim lives, surviving family members may recover:

Lost future income
Loss of companionship
Funeral expenses
Medical expenses before death
Pain and suffering of the deceased

The Multi-Million Dollar Verdicts That Change Lives

While every case is unique, recent trucking verdicts in Texas demonstrate what’s possible when trucking companies are held fully accountable:

$730 Million – Texas case involving oversize load that killed a woman
$150 Million – Texas settlement for two children killed on I-30
$37.5 Million – Texas trucking verdict for catastrophic injuries
$20 Million+ – Multiple Texas verdicts for wrongful death cases

These verdicts show that juries are willing to hold trucking companies accountable when they prioritize profits over safety. Our firm has recovered millions for Gregg County families, and we’re prepared to fight for maximum compensation in your case.

The 10 Parties We Hold Accountable in Every Trucking Case

18-wheeler accidents are fundamentally different from car accidents because multiple parties may share responsibility:

1. The Truck Driver

We investigate whether the driver was:

Speeding or driving recklessly
Distracted (cell phone, GPS, dispatch communications)
Fatigued (violating hours of service rules)
Impaired (drugs or alcohol)
Improperly trained
Violating traffic laws

2. The Trucking Company

Trucking companies can be liable for:

Negligent Hiring: Failing to check background or qualifications
Negligent Training: Inadequate safety training
Negligent Supervision: Failing to monitor driver performance
Negligent Maintenance: Deferring critical repairs
Negligent Scheduling: Pressuring drivers to violate HOS rules

3. The Cargo Owner/Shipper

Shippers may be liable for:

Providing improper loading instructions
Failing to disclose hazardous cargo
Requiring overweight loads
Pressuring carriers to expedite deliveries

4. The Cargo Loading Company

Third-party loaders may be liable for:

Improper cargo securement
Unbalanced load distribution
Exceeding weight ratings
Failure to use proper blocking and bracing

5. The Truck Manufacturer

Manufacturers may be liable for:

Design defects (brakes, stability systems, fuel tanks)
Manufacturing defects
Failure to warn of known dangers

6. The Parts Manufacturer

Component manufacturers may be liable for:

Defective brakes
Defective tires
Defective steering systems
Defective lighting

7. The Maintenance Company

Third-party maintenance providers may be liable for:

Negligent repairs
Failure to identify safety issues
Using substandard parts
Improper brake adjustments

8. The Freight Broker

Brokers may be liable for:

Negligent carrier selection
Failure to verify safety records
Selecting carriers with poor CSA scores

9. The Truck Owner (If Different from Carrier)

Owners may be liable for:

Negligent entrustment
Failure to maintain equipment
Knowledge of driver’s unfitness

10. Government Entities

Government may be liable for:

Dangerous road design
Inadequate signage
Failure to maintain roads
Improper work zone setup

The FMCSA Violations We Find in Most Trucking Cases

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulates every aspect of commercial trucking. When trucking companies violate these regulations, they create dangerous conditions that lead to accidents.

Hours of Service Violations (49 CFR Part 395)

11-Hour Rule: Driving more than 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty
14-Hour Window: Driving beyond 14 consecutive hours on duty
30-Minute Break: Failing to take required break after 8 hours driving
60/70-Hour Limit: Exceeding weekly driving limits
False Log Entries: Falsifying ELD or paper log records

Driver Qualification Violations (49 CFR Part 391)

Unqualified Drivers: Operating without valid CDL or medical certificate
Incomplete DQ Files: Missing employment applications, driving records, or training documentation
Previous Employer Checks: Failing to verify 3-year driving history

Vehicle Maintenance Violations (49 CFR Part 396)

Brake System Deficiencies: Worn brakes, improper adjustments
Tire Violations: Worn tires, improper matching
Lighting Violations: Non-functioning lights or reflectors
Inspection Failures: Failing to conduct required inspections

Cargo Securement Violations (49 CFR Part 393)

Inadequate Tiedowns: Not enough or not strong enough
Improper Loading: Unbalanced or overweight loads
Failure to Inspect: Not checking cargo during transit

Drug and Alcohol Violations (49 CFR Part 382)

Positive Tests: Operating under the influence
Failed Tests: Refusing required testing
Testing Failures: Not conducting required pre-employment or random testing

The 48-Hour Evidence Preservation Protocol

In trucking cases, evidence disappears fast. We implement our 48-Hour Evidence Preservation Protocol in every case:

Hour 0-24: Immediate Action

Spoliation Letters: Sent to trucking company, insurer, and all potentially liable parties
Preservation Demands: Specific demands for ECM, ELD, dashcam, and other electronic data
Scene Investigation: If possible, we visit the accident scene immediately
Witness Interviews: Contact witnesses before memories fade

Day 1-7: Evidence Gathering

ECM/Black Box Download: Obtain data before it’s overwritten
ELD Data Request: Secure hours of service records
Cell Phone Records: Subpoena for distraction evidence
Driver Qualification File: Subpoena complete file
Maintenance Records: Demand all vehicle maintenance documentation
Dispatch Records: Obtain trip records and communications
Photographic Documentation: Comprehensive scene and vehicle photos

Week 2-4: Expert Analysis

Accident Reconstruction: Expert analysis of crash dynamics
Medical Experts: Establish injury causation and future care needs
Vocational Experts: Calculate lost earning capacity
Economic Experts: Determine present value of all damages
Life Care Planners: Develop comprehensive care plans

Month 1-3: Litigation Strategy

Case Evaluation: Comprehensive case assessment
Defendant Identification: Determine all potentially liable parties
Insurance Analysis: Identify all available insurance coverage
Settlement Demand: Comprehensive demand package to insurance companies
Lawsuit Preparation: Prepare complaint for filing

The Texas-Specific Laws That Affect Your Case

Texas has unique laws that apply to trucking accident cases:

Statute of Limitations

You have 2 years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit in Texas. For wrongful death claims, the 2-year clock starts from the date of death.

Comparative Negligence

Texas follows a modified comparative negligence system. You can recover damages as long as you’re not more than 50% at fault. If you’re 20% at fault, your recovery is reduced by 20%.

Damage Caps

Texas has a complex cap on punitive damages that applies to trucking cases. The cap is the greater of:

(2 × economic damages) + (non-economic damages up to $750,000), or
$200,000

There are no caps on compensatory damages for economic or non-economic losses in personal injury cases.

Wrongful Death Claims

Texas allows wrongful death claims for:

Spouses
Children (including adult children)
Parents (if no spouse or children)
Estate representatives

Damages include:

Lost future income and benefits
Loss of consortium
Mental anguish
Funeral expenses
Medical expenses before death
Pain and suffering of the deceased

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Gregg County Trucking Case

1. Trucking Litigation Specialists

We focus exclusively on trucking accident cases. We know the regulations, the industry tactics, and how to build cases that maximize compensation.

2. Former Insurance Defense Attorney on Staff

Our associate attorney Lupe Peña used to work for a national insurance defense firm. He knows exactly how insurance companies evaluate claims and how to counter their tactics.

3. Federal Court Experience

Ralph Manginello is admitted to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas, which handles many interstate trucking cases.

4. Multi-Million Dollar Results

We’ve recovered millions for trucking accident victims, including cases against major carriers like Walmart, Coca-Cola, Amazon, FedEx, and UPS.

5. 24/7 Availability

Trucking accidents don’t happen on a 9-to-5 schedule. We’re available 24/7 to start protecting your rights immediately.

6. No Fee Unless We Win

We work on contingency – you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you. We advance all costs of investigation and litigation.

7. Local Knowledge

We know Gregg County’s courts, judges, and trucking corridors. This local knowledge gives us an advantage in building your case.

8. Spanish-Language Services

Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish and provides direct representation to Spanish-speaking clients without interpreters.

What to Do After a Trucking Accident in Gregg County

If you’ve been involved in an 18-wheeler accident in Gregg County, follow these steps:

Call 911 – Report the accident and request medical assistance
Seek Medical Attention – Even if you feel fine, get checked out immediately
Document the Scene – Take photos and videos of:
- All vehicles involved
- Damage to your vehicle
- The truck and trailer
- Road conditions
- Skid marks
- Traffic signs and signals
- Your injuries
Collect Information – Get:
- Truck driver’s name and CDL number
- Trucking company name and DOT number
- Insurance information
- Witness names and contact information
Do NOT Give Statements – Don’t talk to insurance adjusters or give recorded statements
Call Attorney911 – Contact us immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911

The Most Common Questions About Gregg County Trucking Accidents

How much is my trucking accident case worth?

Case value depends on many factors including injury severity, medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and available insurance coverage. Trucking companies carry higher insurance limits ($750,000 minimum, often $1-5 million), allowing for larger recoveries than typical car accidents.

How long do I have to file a lawsuit?

Texas has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims. However, you should contact an attorney immediately – evidence disappears quickly in trucking cases.

Will my case go to trial?

Most cases settle before trial, but we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial. This preparation creates leverage in settlement negotiations.

What if I was partially at fault?

Texas follows comparative negligence rules. You can recover damages as long as you’re not more than 50% at fault. Your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault.

How long will my case take?

Simple cases may settle in 6-12 months. Complex cases with multiple defendants or severe injuries may take 1-3 years.

What if the truck driver was an independent contractor?

Even if the driver was an independent contractor, both the driver and the contracting company may be liable. We investigate all relationships to identify all responsible parties.

Can I sue if the trucking company goes bankrupt?

Bankruptcy complicates recovery but doesn’t necessarily prevent it. We investigate all available insurance policies and potential defendants to maximize your recovery.

What if the truck’s dashcam recorded the accident?

Dashcam footage is critical evidence. We demand preservation of this footage immediately to prevent deletion.

How do you prove the driver was fatigued?

We use multiple sources of evidence:

ELD data showing hours of service violations
Dispatch records showing trip schedules
Cell phone records showing late-night communications
Witness statements about driver behavior
Accident reconstruction showing delayed reaction times

What if road conditions contributed to the accident?

If dangerous road conditions contributed to your accident, we may be able to pursue claims against government entities responsible for road maintenance. These cases have special notice requirements and shorter deadlines.

The Attorney911 Difference

When you choose Attorney911 for your Gregg County trucking accident case, you get:

✅ 25+ years of trucking litigation experience
✅ Former insurance defense attorney on our team
✅ Federal court admission for interstate cases
✅ Multi-million dollar results against major carriers
✅ 24/7 availability for emergency cases
✅ No fee unless we win your case
✅ Local knowledge of Gregg County courts and highways
✅ Spanish-language services available

Contact Attorney911 Today

If you or a loved one has been injured in an 18-wheeler accident in Gregg County, don’t wait. Evidence disappears quickly, and the trucking company’s team is already working to protect their interests. You need a fighter on your side.

Call Attorney911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation. We’ll evaluate your case, explain your rights, and start building your claim immediately. Remember – we work on contingency, so you pay nothing unless we win.

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

Don’t let the trucking company win. Call Attorney911 – the firm insurers fear.