18-Wheeler Accident Lawyers in Hood County, Texas | Attorney911

Every year, thousands of 18-wheeler accidents occur on Hood County’s highways and rural roads. If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a trucking accident in Hood County, you need an attorney who understands federal trucking regulations and knows how to hold negligent trucking companies accountable.

At Attorney911, we’ve been fighting for truck accident victims across 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. We know Hood County’s trucking corridors, from US-377 to the distribution centers where drivers may be violating federal hours-of-service regulations. This local knowledge, combined with our deep understanding of FMCSA regulations, gives us an advantage in building your case.

“They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.”
— Glenda Walker, Attorney911 Client

Why Hood County Trucking Accidents Are Different

Hood County’s unique geographic position creates specific trucking accident risks. Our county sits at the crossroads of major freight routes serving the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, with US-377 and State Highway 144 handling significant commercial traffic. The Granbury area sees heavy truck traffic serving local businesses, construction projects, and the growing population. Rural roads like FM 51 and FM 4 can be particularly dangerous when combined with fatigued or distracted truck drivers.

We understand the specific challenges of Hood County trucking cases:

• Rural road conditions that may not be properly maintained
• Limited law enforcement presence on some routes
• Trucks serving local industries (oil field, construction, agriculture)
• Weather conditions that create unique hazards
• The intersection of local traffic with long-haul trucking routes

The Devastating Reality of 18-Wheeler Accidents

The physics of 18-wheeler accidents make catastrophic injuries the norm, not the exception. A fully loaded truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds – 20-25 times heavier than your passenger vehicle. At highway speeds, an 80,000-pound truck carries approximately 80 times the kinetic energy of a car. This energy transfers to the smaller vehicle in a crash, often with devastating consequences.

Common catastrophic injuries in Hood County trucking accidents include:

• Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
• Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
• Amputations
• Severe burns
• Internal organ damage
• Multiple fractures
• Wrongful death

These injuries often require lifelong medical care, result in permanent disability, and change families forever.

Common Causes of 18-Wheeler Accidents in Hood County

Our experience handling Hood County trucking cases has revealed several recurring causes:

Driver Fatigue (Hours of Service Violations)

Truck drivers in Hood County often face pressure to meet tight delivery deadlines. Many work for carriers that serve the Dallas-Fort Worth area, requiring long hauls from distribution centers. Federal regulations limit driving time to:

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

Despite these regulations, we frequently find violations in Hood County cases. Drivers may falsify logbooks, work for multiple carriers, or simply ignore rest requirements to meet delivery schedules.

Distracted Driving

Cell phone use, GPS devices, dispatch communications, and in-cab electronics distract drivers. Federal regulations prohibit:

• Using hand-held mobile phones while driving
• Texting while driving
• Reaching for devices in a manner that requires leaving the seated position

Improper Maintenance and Equipment Failure

Hood County’s rural roads can be hard on truck equipment. Common maintenance failures include:

• Worn brakes that don’t stop the vehicle in time
• Tire blowouts from poor maintenance or road debris
• Failed lighting systems that make trucks invisible at night
• Steering system failures
• Coupling device failures that cause trailer separation

Improper Cargo Loading

Cargo securement violations are particularly dangerous on Hood County’s winding rural roads. Federal regulations require:

• Cargo must be contained, immobilized, or secured
• Securement systems must withstand specific forces
• Different cargo types have specific requirements
• Regular inspections during transport

Improperly secured cargo can shift during transit, causing rollovers or spills that create multi-vehicle accidents.

Drug and Alcohol Use

Despite federal prohibitions, some drivers operate under the influence. Federal regulations prohibit:

• Alcohol use within 4 hours of driving
• Alcohol use while on duty
• Operating with BAC of .04 or higher
• Use of Schedule I controlled substances
• Use of other substances that impair driving ability

Speeding and Reckless Driving

Trucks require significantly longer stopping distances. A fully loaded truck traveling at 65 mph needs approximately 525 feet to stop – nearly two football fields. Speeding on Hood County’s rural roads is particularly dangerous due to:

• Limited visibility around curves
• Narrow shoulders
• Changing road conditions
• Presence of agricultural equipment

What To Do After an 18-Wheeler Accident in Hood County

If you’ve been involved in a trucking accident in Hood County, take these steps immediately:

1. Call 911 and report the accident

   • Request police and emergency medical services
   • Hood County Sheriff’s Office and Texas DPS handle many rural accidents

2. Seek medical attention

   • Adrenaline masks pain – injuries may not be immediately apparent
   • Visit Hood County Memorial Hospital or a local emergency clinic
   • Follow up with your primary care physician

3. Document the scene

   • Take photos of all vehicles involved
   • Photograph the accident scene, road conditions, and skid marks
   • Document your injuries
   • Get contact information from witnesses

4. Collect critical information

   • Truck and trailer license plates
   • DOT number (usually on the truck door)
   • Trucking company name and logo
   • Driver’s name, CDL number, and contact information
   • Insurance information

5. Do NOT give recorded statements

   • Insurance adjusters work for the trucking company
   • Anything you say can be used to minimize your claim

6. Call Attorney911 immediately

   • Evidence disappears quickly in trucking cases
   • Black box data can be overwritten
   • Dashcam footage gets deleted
   • We send spoliation letters to preserve evidence

The Critical 48-Hour Window

In 18-wheeler accident cases, evidence disappears fast. Trucking companies have rapid-response teams that begin protecting their interests within hours of an accident. If you don’t act quickly, critical evidence will be lost forever.

Critical evidence that can disappear:

Our firm sends spoliation letters within 24-48 hours of being retained to preserve this evidence before it’s lost.

FMCSA Regulations: Your Key to Proving Negligence

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulates all commercial motor vehicles operating in interstate commerce. These regulations create legal standards that trucking companies must follow. When they violate these rules, they create dangerous conditions that cause accidents.

The 6 Critical Parts of FMCSA Regulations:

Common FMCSA violations we find in Hood County cases:

• Hours of service violations (driving too long without rest)
• 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

All Parties We Hold Accountable in Hood County Trucking Cases

In addition to the truck driver, multiple parties may be liable for your injuries:

1. The Trucking Company / Motor Carrier

   • Vicarious liability for driver’s actions
   • Negligent hiring, training, or supervision
   • Negligent maintenance
   • Negligent scheduling

2. The Cargo Owner / Shipper

   • Improper loading instructions
   • Failure to disclose hazardous cargo
   • Requiring overweight loads

3. The Cargo Loading Company

   • Improper cargo securement
   • Unbalanced load distribution
   • Exceeding weight ratings

4. Truck and Trailer Manufacturer

   • Design defects
   • Manufacturing defects
   • Failure to warn

5. Parts Manufacturer

   • Defective brakes, tires, or components

6. Maintenance Company

   • Negligent repairs
   • Failure to identify safety issues

7. Freight Broker

   • Negligent selection of carrier
   • Failure to verify safety record

8. Truck Owner (if different from carrier)

   • Negligent entrustment

9. Government Entity

   • Dangerous road design
   • Failure to maintain roads

We investigate every possible defendant to maximize your recovery.

Electronic Evidence That Proves Your Case

Modern trucks contain sophisticated electronic systems that record critical evidence:

ECM/Black Box Data:

• Speed before and during the crash
• Brake application timing
• Throttle position
• Engine RPM
• Cruise control status
• Fault codes

ELD (Electronic Logging Device) Data:

• Driver hours of service
• Duty status
• GPS location
• Driving time

Telematics Data:

• Real-time GPS tracking
• Speed history
• Route information

Dashcam Footage:

• Video of the accident
• Driver behavior

This objective data often contradicts what drivers claim happened. We obtain and analyze this evidence to build your case.

Hood County-Specific Trucking Corridors and Risks

Hood County’s trucking corridors present unique risks:

US-377

• Connects Granbury to Fort Worth
• Heavy commuter traffic mixed with commercial vehicles
• Winding sections with limited visibility
• Construction zones that create congestion

State Highway 144

• Connects Granbury to Cleburne
• Rural road with agricultural traffic
• Limited shoulders and guardrails
• Nighttime visibility issues

FM 51 and FM 4

• Serve rural communities and agricultural areas
• Narrow lanes and limited maintenance
• Livestock crossing areas
• Seasonal traffic from farming operations

US-377/State Highway 144 Intersection

• Major intersection near Granbury
• High traffic volume
• Complex traffic patterns
• Trucks turning across multiple lanes

Local Distribution Centers

• Granbury and surrounding areas have growing distribution facilities
• Increased truck traffic in residential areas
• Early morning and late night deliveries
• Parking and maneuvering challenges

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Hood County Trucking Case

1. 25+ Years of Trucking Litigation Experience

   • Ralph Manginello has been fighting trucking companies since 1998
   • Federal court admission to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas
   • Experience in BP explosion litigation against multinational corporations

2. Insider Knowledge of Insurance Company Tactics

   • Our firm includes a former insurance defense attorney
   • We know exactly how insurance companies evaluate, minimize, and deny claims
   • We use this insider knowledge to fight for maximum compensation

3. Proven Multi-Million Dollar Results

   • $5+ Million – Logging Brain Injury Settlement
   • $3.8+ Million – Car Accident Amputation Settlement
   • $2.5+ Million – Truck Crash Recovery
   • Millions recovered for families in trucking-related wrongful death cases

4. Immediate Evidence Preservation

   • We send spoliation letters within 24-48 hours
   • Demand preservation of ECM, ELD, and maintenance records
   • Secure physical evidence before it’s lost

5. Local Hood County Knowledge

   • We understand Hood County’s courts, judges, and trucking corridors
   • Knowledge of local law enforcement procedures
   • Experience with Hood County jury pools

6. Comprehensive Investigation

   • Accident reconstruction experts
   • FMCSA regulation experts
   • Medical experts
   • Economic experts
   • Life care planners

7. Contingency Fee Representation

   • No fee unless we win your case
   • No upfront costs
   • We advance all investigation and litigation expenses

What Your Hood County Trucking Accident Case Is Worth

Case values depend on many factors specific to your situation:

Economic Damages:

• Past and future medical expenses
• Lost wages and earning capacity
• Property damage
• Out-of-pocket expenses
• Life care costs

Non-Economic Damages:

• Pain and suffering
• Mental anguish
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Disfigurement
• Physical impairment
• Loss of consortium

Punitive Damages (in cases of gross negligence):

• Available when trucking companies act with reckless disregard for safety
• Designed to punish wrongdoers and deter future misconduct

Recent Texas Trucking Verdicts:

• $730 Million – Ramsey v. Landstar Ranger (2021)
• $150 Million – Werner Settlement (2022)
• $37.5 Million – Texas trucking verdict (2024)
• $35.5 Million – Texas family injury case

The Attorney911 Process for Hood County Trucking Cases

1. Immediate Response

   • Free consultation within 24 hours
   • Send preservation letters to trucking company
   • Deploy accident reconstruction experts if needed

2. Comprehensive Investigation

   • Obtain ECM/Black Box data
   • Secure ELD records
   • Subpoena Driver Qualification File
   • Obtain maintenance records
   • Interview witnesses
   • Photograph accident scene

3. Medical Care Coordination

   • Connect you with top Hood County medical providers
   • Ensure proper documentation of injuries
   • Coordinate with treating physicians

4. Expert Analysis

   • Accident reconstruction
   • Medical causation
   • Economic impact
   • Life care planning

5. Aggressive Negotiation

   • Demand full compensation from all liable parties
   • Reject lowball settlement offers
   • Prepare for trial if necessary

6. Trial Preparation

   • Prepare every case as if going to trial
   • Develop compelling case presentation
   • Prepare witnesses and experts

Common Questions About Hood County Trucking Accidents

What should I do immediately after an 18-wheeler accident in Hood County?
Call 911, seek medical attention, document the scene, collect information, and call Attorney911 immediately. Evidence disappears quickly in trucking cases.

Who can I sue after a trucking accident in Hood County?
Multiple parties may be liable: the truck driver, trucking company, cargo owner, loading company, maintenance company, manufacturer, and others. We investigate all possible defendants.

How long do I have to file a lawsuit in Hood County?
Texas has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury cases. However, you should never wait. Evidence disappears quickly in trucking cases.

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 as long as you were less than 50% responsible.

How much is my trucking accident case worth?
Case values depend on injury severity, medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and available insurance. Trucking companies carry higher insurance limits than typical auto policies.

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 the trucking company goes bankrupt?
Many trucking companies carry excess insurance policies that remain available even if the company goes bankrupt. We explore all available insurance coverage.

Can I still recover if I was partially at fault?
Yes, as long as you were less than 50% at fault. Your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

What is a spoliation letter and why is it important?
A spoliation letter is a legal notice demanding that the trucking company preserve all evidence related to the accident. This prevents them from destroying critical evidence.

How do I prove the driver was fatigued?
We obtain ELD data, dispatch records, and other evidence to prove hours of service violations. Fatigue is a leading cause of trucking accidents.

Don’t Let the Trucking Company Win

Trucking companies have teams of lawyers working to protect their interests. They begin building their defense immediately after an accident. You need someone on your side who knows their tactics and can fight back.

At Attorney911, we level the playing field. Our team includes a former insurance defense attorney who knows exactly how insurance companies evaluate, minimize, and deny claims. We use this insider knowledge to build the strongest possible case for you.

“You are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.”
— Chad Harris, Attorney911 Client

Free Consultation for Hood County Trucking Accident Victims

If you or a loved one has been injured in an 18-wheeler accident in Hood County, call Attorney911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911. Our Hood County trucking accident attorneys offer free consultations and work on contingency – you pay nothing unless we win your case.

Hablamos Español. Our associate attorney Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish and provides direct representation without interpreters.

Don’t wait – evidence is disappearing every hour. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 now for your free case evaluation.

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