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Houston County 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyers: Attorney911 Delivers 25+ Years of Courtroom-Tested Trucking Litigation, Led by Ralph Manginello with Multi-Million Dollar Verdicts Including $5+ Million Brain Injury and $3.8+ Million Amputation Settlements, Former Insurance Defense Attorney Lupe Peña Exposes Claims Tactics From the Inside, FMCSA Regulation Masters Specializing in 49 CFR Parts 390-399 Violations, Black Box Data Extraction, Hours of Service Violations, and Electronic Control Module Evidence Preservation for Jackknife, Rollover, Underride, Brake Failure, Cargo Spill, and All 18-Wheeler Crash Types, Catastrophic Injury Experts for Traumatic Brain Injury, Spinal Cord Damage, Amputation, and Wrongful Death Cases, Federal Court Admitted with Houston, Austin, and Beaumont Offices, 4.9★ Google Rating with 251+ Reviews, Hablamos Español, Free 24/7 Consultation, No Fee Unless We Win, Rapid Response Team for Same-Day Evidence Preservation, Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for the Legal Emergency Lawyers™ Trusted by Houston County Since 1998

February 2, 2026 34 min read
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18-Wheeler Accidents in Houston County: Your Complete Legal Guide

When an 80,000-Pound Truck Changes Your Life Forever

The impact was catastrophic. One moment you’re driving down Houston County’s highways, the next an 80,000-pound 18-wheeler is jackknifing across three lanes of traffic. The force of the collision sends your vehicle spinning. Your head snaps forward, then back. Your chest slams against the steering wheel. The airbag deploys with explosive force.

In that instant, everything changes.

The pain comes first – sharp, intense, overwhelming. Then the fear sets in. Will I walk again? Can I work? How will I pay these medical bills? What about my family?

If you’ve been hurt in an 18-wheeler accident in Houston County, you’re not alone. Every year, thousands of Texas families face the same nightmare. But here’s what you need to know right now: the trucking company already has lawyers working to protect them. You need someone fighting for you.

At Attorney911, we’ve been fighting for trucking accident victims across Houston County for over 25 years. Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has secured multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements for families devastated by catastrophic 18-wheeler crashes. We know the trucking corridors that serve Houston County – from the distribution centers near Crockett to the freight routes connecting to Huntsville and beyond.

And we know how to win.

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

Why Houston County Trucking Accidents Are Different

Houston County sits at the crossroads of major Texas freight corridors. The trucking routes that pass through our county carry everything from agricultural products to industrial equipment. This means:

  • Higher truck traffic volume than many rural counties
  • Mixed freight patterns – local deliveries mixing with long-haul traffic
  • Unique road conditions – rural two-lane highways meeting state routes
  • Seasonal variations – increased agricultural trucking during harvest seasons

The trucking companies know these roads. They know where the blind curves are. They know which bridges have weight restrictions. They know which intersections have limited visibility. And they should be training their drivers to navigate Houston County’s roads safely.

When they don’t – when they cut corners on safety, maintenance, or driver training – people get hurt. And when that happens in Houston County, you need a law firm that knows our roads, our courts, and our community.

The Hidden Dangers on Houston County’s Trucking Corridors

Every highway in Houston County carries its own unique risks for trucking accidents:

US Highway 287 – The North-South Freight Artery

Running from Fort Worth through Houston County to Beaumont, US 287 is one of the busiest trucking corridors in East Texas. The stretch through Crockett sees heavy commercial traffic including:

  • Long-haul freight moving between Dallas and the Gulf Coast
  • Agricultural trucks transporting timber, hay, and livestock
  • Oilfield equipment heading to the Eagle Ford Shale region
  • Retail distribution serving stores across East Texas

Common accident types on US 287:

  • Rear-end collisions from sudden stops
  • Wide turn accidents at rural intersections
  • Cargo spills from improperly secured loads
  • Fatigue-related crashes from long-haul drivers

State Highway 19 – The Rural Two-Lane Challenge

Highway 19 winds through Houston County’s rural communities, presenting unique challenges for truck drivers:

  • Sharp curves that require reduced speed
  • Limited shoulders that offer no escape route
  • Wildlife crossings that appear suddenly
  • Narrow bridges that require caution

Common accident types on SH 19:

  • Rollover accidents on curves
  • Head-on collisions from passing maneuvers
  • Underride accidents at intersections
  • Tire blowouts from road debris

State Highway 7 – The East-West Connector

Connecting Crockett to Nacogdoches, Highway 7 carries a mix of local and through traffic:

  • Local deliveries serving Houston County businesses
  • Logging trucks from East Texas forests
  • Farm equipment during planting and harvest seasons
  • Passenger vehicles mixing with commercial traffic

Common accident types on SH 7:

  • Blind spot accidents from lane changes
  • Brake failure accidents on downhill grades
  • Wide turn accidents at rural driveways
  • Distracted driving crashes

FM 2022 and FM 227 – The Farm-to-Market Routes

These rural roads present some of the most dangerous conditions for trucking:

  • Dust and gravel that reduce traction
  • Limited maintenance leading to potholes
  • Unmarked driveways where vehicles suddenly appear
  • Slow-moving farm equipment that creates bottlenecks

Common accident types on FM roads:

  • Rear-end collisions from sudden stops
  • Rollovers from uneven road surfaces
  • Cargo spills from rough road conditions
  • Pedestrian and cyclist accidents

What Makes 18-Wheeler Accidents So Catastrophic

The physics of 18-wheeler accidents make them fundamentally different from car accidents. When a fully loaded truck weighing 80,000 pounds collides with a 4,000-pound passenger vehicle, the results are often devastating.

The Physics of Destruction

Factor Passenger Vehicle 18-Wheeler Impact
Weight 4,000 lbs 80,000 lbs 20x heavier
Stopping Distance 300 feet at 65 mph 525 feet at 65 mph 40% longer
Height 4-5 feet 13-14 feet Underride risk
Length 15 feet 70+ feet Multiple vehicle involvement
Center of Gravity Low High Rollover risk

Common Catastrophic Injuries in Houston County Trucking Accidents

The injuries we see from 18-wheeler accidents in Houston County are often life-changing:

  1. Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

    • Memory loss, cognitive impairment, personality changes
    • Can require lifelong care and supervision
    • Often results from head striking steering wheel or window
  2. Spinal Cord Injuries

    • Paraplegia (paralysis below the waist)
    • Quadriplegia (paralysis of all four limbs)
    • Can require ventilator assistance for breathing
  3. Amputations

    • Limbs crushed beyond repair
    • Surgical amputations required for extraction
    • Prosthetics cost $5,000-$50,000 each
  4. Severe Burns

    • Fuel tank ruptures causing fires
    • Chemical burns from cargo spills
    • Multiple reconstructive surgeries required
  5. Internal Organ Damage

    • Liver and spleen lacerations
    • Kidney damage requiring dialysis
    • Lung contusions and punctures
  6. Wrongful Death

    • Families left without providers
    • Children growing up without parents
    • Funeral expenses and lost income

“I lost everything… my car was at a total loss, and because of Attorney Manginello and my case worker Leonor, 1 year later I have gained so much in return plus a brand new truck.”
— Kiimarii Yup, Attorney911 Client

The Trucking Company’s Playbook – And How We Fight Back

Within hours of your accident, the trucking company’s rapid-response team swings into action. Their goal? To protect their interests – not yours.

Here’s what they do:

  1. Dispatch investigators to the accident scene
  2. Download black box data before it can be overwritten
  3. Interview their driver before you can
  4. Take photos that support their version of events
  5. Contact witnesses to get favorable statements
  6. Offer quick settlements before you know your injuries
  7. Destroy evidence that could prove their liability

At Attorney911, we know their playbook because our team includes a former insurance defense attorney. Lupe Peña spent years working for a national defense firm, learning exactly how insurance companies minimize claims. Now he uses that insider knowledge to fight for accident victims in Houston County.

The 48-Hour Evidence Preservation Protocol

In trucking accident cases, evidence disappears fast. Black box data can be overwritten in 30 days. Dashcam footage gets deleted in 7-14 days. Witness memories fade within weeks.

That’s why we have a 48-hour evidence preservation protocol for every Houston County trucking accident case:

Phase 1: Immediate Action (0-24 Hours)

  • Send spoliation letters to trucking company and insurer
  • Demand preservation of ECM/black box data
  • Secure dashcam footage from all vehicles
  • Photograph the accident scene before cleanup
  • Identify and interview witnesses
  • Preserve physical evidence (tires, brakes, cargo)

Phase 2: Electronic Evidence (24-48 Hours)

  • Obtain ELD data showing hours of service
  • Download ECM data for speed and braking analysis
  • Secure GPS tracking records
  • Obtain cell phone records for distraction evidence
  • Retrieve dispatch communications

Phase 3: Company Records (48-72 Hours)

  • Subpoena Driver Qualification File
  • Request maintenance and inspection records
  • Obtain cargo loading documentation
  • Secure drug and alcohol test results
  • Retrieve safety and training records

Phase 4: Expert Deployment (3-7 Days)

  • Accident reconstruction experts
  • Medical experts for injury documentation
  • Vocational experts for lost earning capacity
  • Life care planners for catastrophic injuries
  • FMCSA regulation experts

The FMCSA Violations That Prove Negligence

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)

Fatigued driving causes approximately 31% of fatal truck crashes. FMCSA regulations limit driving time:

Rule Requirement Common Violations
11-Hour Driving Limit Max 11 hours driving after 10 hours off duty Drivers exceeding 11-hour limit
14-Hour Duty Window Cannot drive beyond 14th consecutive hour on duty Drivers working beyond 14-hour window
30-Minute Break Must take 30-minute break after 8 hours driving Skipping required breaks
60/70-Hour Limit 60 hours in 7 days or 70 hours in 8 days Exceeding weekly limits
34-Hour Restart Must have 34 consecutive hours off to reset clock Incomplete restart periods

How we prove HOS violations:

  • ELD data showing driving time
  • False log entries
  • Dispatch records showing schedule pressure
  • Fuel receipts and toll records
  • Cell phone records showing activity during breaks

Driver Qualification Violations (49 CFR Part 391)

Trucking companies must verify that drivers are qualified:

Requirement Common Violations
Valid CDL Expired or suspended licenses
Medical Certification Expired or invalid medical cards
Driving Record Check Hiring drivers with multiple violations
Previous Employer Verification Failing to check 3-year driving history
Drug and Alcohol Testing Missing pre-employment tests
Training Records Inadequate safety training

How we prove qualification violations:

  • Incomplete Driver Qualification Files
  • Missing background checks
  • Hiring drivers with poor safety records
  • Failure to verify previous employment

Vehicle Maintenance Violations (49 CFR Part 396)

Poor maintenance causes thousands of truck accidents each year:

System Common Violations
Brakes Worn pads, improper adjustment, leaks
Tires Underinflation, worn tread, mismatched duals
Lights Burned-out bulbs, missing reflectors
Steering Loose components, power steering leaks
Coupling Devices Worn or defective fifth wheels
Cargo Securement Inadequate tiedowns, improper loading

How we prove maintenance violations:

  • Missing inspection records
  • Deferred maintenance
  • Known defects not repaired
  • Out-of-service orders ignored
  • Improper parts used

Cargo Securement Violations (49 CFR Part 393)

Improperly secured cargo causes accidents when:

  • Loads shift during transport
  • Cargo falls from trucks
  • Center of gravity changes suddenly

Cargo securement requirements:

  • Working load limits for tiedowns
  • Specific requirements by cargo type
  • Blocking and bracing requirements
  • Tarping requirements for certain loads

How we prove cargo violations:

  • Inadequate number of tiedowns
  • Improper working load limits
  • Failure to use blocking/bracing
  • Loose or damaged tiedowns

The 10 Potentially Liable Parties in Your Houston County Trucking Case

Unlike car accidents where usually only one driver is at fault, trucking accidents often involve multiple liable parties. We investigate every possible defendant to maximize your recovery.

1. The Truck Driver

  • Direct negligence (speeding, distraction, impairment)
  • Violating traffic laws
  • Failing to inspect vehicle
  • Ignoring known defects

2. The Trucking Company (Motor Carrier)

  • Vicarious liability for driver’s actions
  • Negligent hiring of unqualified drivers
  • Negligent training with inadequate safety instruction
  • Negligent supervision of driver behavior
  • Negligent maintenance of vehicles
  • Negligent scheduling that pressures drivers to violate HOS

3. The Cargo Owner/Shipper

  • Providing improper loading instructions
  • Failing to disclose hazardous cargo
  • Requiring overweight loads
  • Pressuring carriers to meet unrealistic deadlines

4. The Cargo Loading Company

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

5. Truck and Trailer Manufacturer

  • Design defects in vehicle systems
  • Manufacturing defects in components
  • Failure to warn of known dangers
  • Defective safety systems

6. Parts Manufacturer

  • Defective brakes or brake components
  • Defective tires causing blowouts
  • Defective steering mechanisms
  • Defective lighting systems

7. Maintenance Company

  • Negligent repairs that fail to fix problems
  • Failure to identify critical safety issues
  • Improper brake adjustments
  • Using substandard or wrong parts

8. Freight Broker

  • Negligent selection of unsafe carriers
  • Failure to verify carrier insurance
  • Failure to check carrier safety record
  • Selecting cheapest carrier despite safety concerns

9. Truck Owner (If Different from Carrier)

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

10. Government Entity

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

Houston County-Specific Considerations

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. Evidence disappears quickly, and the sooner we start investigating, the stronger your case will be.

Comparative Negligence Rules

Texas follows a modified comparative negligence system. This means:

  • 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

Example: If you’re found 20% at fault in a $100,000 case, you recover $80,000.

Damage Caps

Texas has no cap on compensatory damages for trucking accidents. However:

  • Non-economic damages (pain and suffering) are not capped
  • Punitive damages are limited to the greater of:
    • 2x economic damages + non-economic damages (capped at $750,000)
    • $200,000

Local Courts and Judges

Houston County cases may be filed in:

  • Houston County District Court (for cases over $200,000)
  • Houston County Court at Law (for cases under $200,000)
  • Federal Court (for interstate trucking cases)

We know the local judges, their preferences, and how to present your case effectively in Houston County courts.

The Most Common Types of 18-Wheeler Accidents in Houston County

1. Jackknife Accidents

The trailer swings out perpendicular to the cab, often blocking multiple lanes.

Causes:

  • Sudden braking on wet or icy roads
  • Speeding on curves
  • Empty or lightly loaded trailers
  • Improperly loaded cargo
  • Brake system failures

Evidence we gather:

  • Skid mark analysis showing trailer angle
  • Brake inspection records
  • Cargo loading documentation
  • Weather conditions at time of accident

2. Rollover Accidents

The truck tips onto its side or roof, often causing secondary crashes.

Causes:

  • Speeding on curves (especially on Highway 19)
  • Top-heavy loads
  • Sudden lane changes
  • Overcorrection after tire blowout
  • Liquid cargo sloshing

Evidence we gather:

  • ECM data showing speed through curve
  • Cargo manifest and securement records
  • Load distribution documentation
  • Road geometry analysis

3. Underride Collisions

A smaller vehicle slides underneath the trailer, often shearing off the roof.

Types:

  • Rear underride – vehicle strikes back of trailer
  • Side underride – vehicle strikes side of trailer during turns

Causes:

  • Missing or inadequate underride guards
  • Sudden stops without warning
  • Low visibility conditions
  • Wide turns cutting off traffic

Evidence we gather:

  • Underride guard inspection records
  • Rear lighting compliance documentation
  • Crash dynamics analysis
  • Guard deformation analysis

4. Rear-End Collisions

The truck strikes the back of another vehicle.

Causes:

  • Following too closely
  • Driver distraction
  • Driver fatigue
  • Excessive speed for conditions
  • Brake failures

Evidence we gather:

  • ECM data showing following distance
  • ELD data for fatigue analysis
  • Cell phone records for distraction
  • Brake inspection records

5. Wide Turn Accidents (“Squeeze Play”)

The truck swings wide before making a right turn, creating a gap that other vehicles enter.

Causes:

  • Failure to signal turning intention
  • Inadequate mirror checks
  • Improper turn technique
  • Driver inexperience with trailer tracking

Evidence we gather:

  • Turn signal activation data
  • Mirror condition and adjustment records
  • Driver training records
  • Intersection geometry analysis

6. Blind Spot Accidents (“No-Zone”)

The truck changes lanes or turns without seeing a vehicle in its blind spot.

The Four No-Zones:

  1. Front No-Zone – 20 feet directly in front
  2. Rear No-Zone – 30 feet behind trailer
  3. Left Side No-Zone – From cab door backward
  4. Right Side No-Zone – Largest blind spot, extends from cab door backward

Evidence we gather:

  • Mirror condition and adjustment
  • Lane change data from ECM
  • Turn signal activation records
  • Driver training on blind spot awareness

7. Tire Blowout Accidents

A tire failure causes the driver to lose control.

Causes:

  • Underinflated tires
  • Overloaded vehicles
  • Worn or aging tires
  • Road debris punctures
  • Manufacturing defects

Evidence we gather:

  • Tire maintenance records
  • Tire age and wear documentation
  • Vehicle weight records
  • Failed tire for defect analysis

8. Brake Failure Accidents

The truck’s braking system fails or underperforms.

Causes:

  • Worn brake pads/shoes
  • Improper brake adjustment
  • Air brake system leaks
  • Overheated brakes (brake fade)
  • Contaminated brake fluid

Evidence we gather:

  • Brake inspection and maintenance records
  • Out-of-service orders
  • ECM data showing brake application
  • Post-crash brake system analysis

9. Cargo Spill/Shift Accidents

Improperly secured cargo falls from the truck or shifts during transport.

Types:

  • Cargo shift – load moves, destabilizing truck
  • Cargo spill – load falls onto roadway
  • Hazmat spill – hazardous materials leak

Evidence we gather:

  • Cargo securement inspection photos
  • Bill of lading and cargo manifest
  • Loading company records
  • Tiedown specifications

10. Head-On Collisions

The truck crosses into oncoming traffic.

Causes:

  • Driver fatigue causing lane departure
  • Driver falling asleep at the wheel
  • Driver distraction
  • Impaired driving
  • Medical emergency
  • Overcorrection after running off road

Evidence we gather:

  • ELD data for HOS compliance
  • Cell phone records for distraction
  • Driver medical records
  • Route and dispatch records

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

At the Scene (If You’re Able)

  1. Call 911 – Report the accident and request medical assistance
  2. Seek medical attention – Even if injuries seem minor
  3. Document everything – Take photos of:
    • All vehicle damage
    • The accident scene
    • Road conditions
    • Injuries
    • The truck’s DOT number and license plate
    • Witness contact information
  4. Get the truck driver’s information – Name, CDL number, contact info
  5. Get the trucking company information – Company name, DOT number
  6. Do NOT give recorded statements – To any insurance company
  7. Do NOT admit fault – Even saying “I’m sorry” can be used against you

In the Days Following the Accident

  1. Follow up with medical treatment – Even if you feel better
  2. Document your injuries – Keep a pain journal
  3. Save all medical records – Bills, prescriptions, doctor’s notes
  4. Document missed work – Pay stubs, employer statements
  5. Do NOT post on social media – Insurance companies will use it against you
  6. Contact an 18-wheeler accident attorney – Immediately

Within 48 Hours

  • Send spoliation letters to preserve evidence
  • Download black box data before it’s overwritten
  • Secure dashcam footage from all vehicles
  • Identify all potentially liable parties
  • Begin accident reconstruction

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

How Much Is Your Houston County Trucking Accident Case Worth?

Case values depend on many factors, but here are the ranges we see for different injury types in Houston County:

Injury Type Typical Settlement Range Factors Affecting Value
Soft Tissue Injuries $15,000 – $60,000 Treatment duration, impact on daily life
Herniated Disc (Non-Surgical) $50,000 – $200,000 Pain levels, activity restrictions
Herniated Disc (With Surgery) $346,000 – $1,205,000 Type of surgery, recovery time
Traumatic Brain Injury (Moderate-Severe) $1,548,000 – $9,838,000+ Cognitive impairment, need for care
Spinal Cord Injury (Paraplegia) $4,770,000 – $25,880,000+ Level of injury, need for assistance
Spinal Cord Injury (Quadriplegia) $10,000,000 – $50,000,000+ Ventilator dependency, 24/7 care
Amputation $1,945,000 – $8,630,000 Prosthetic needs, loss of function
Wrongful Death $1,910,000 – $9,520,000+ Age of decedent, earning capacity

Factors that increase case value:

  • Clear liability (trucking company at fault)
  • Severe, permanent injuries
  • High medical expenses
  • Significant lost wages
  • Strong evidence of negligence
  • Deep-pocketed defendants
  • Pattern of similar violations

Factors that decrease case value:

  • Shared fault (comparative negligence)
  • Pre-existing conditions
  • Limited insurance coverage
  • Weak evidence of negligence
  • Delayed medical treatment

The Attorney911 Difference: Why Houston County Families Choose Us

1. We’re Houston County Trucking Accident Specialists

While many firms handle car accidents, we focus on 18-wheeler and commercial vehicle cases. This specialization means:

  • We know the FMCSA regulations inside and out
  • We understand trucking industry practices
  • We have experience with major commercial defendants like Walmart, Coca-Cola, Amazon, FedEx, and UPS
  • We know how to maximize recovery from commercial insurance policies

2. Our Team Includes a Former Insurance Defense Attorney

Lupe Peña spent years working for a national defense firm, learning exactly how insurance companies:

  • Evaluate claims
  • Minimize payouts
  • Train their adjusters
  • Use delay tactics
  • Destroy evidence

Now he uses that insider knowledge to fight for accident victims in Houston County.

3. We Have Federal Court Experience

Many trucking cases involve interstate commerce and can be filed in federal court. Ralph Manginello is admitted to practice in the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas, giving us the ability to handle complex federal trucking cases.

4. We’ve Recovered Millions for Houston County Families

Our track record speaks for itself:

  • $5+ Million – Logging brain injury settlement
  • $3.8+ Million – Car accident amputation settlement
  • $2.5+ Million – Truck crash recovery
  • $2+ Million – Maritime back injury settlement
  • Millions recovered for families in trucking-related wrongful death cases

“Ralph Manginello is indeed the best attorney I ever had. He cares greatly about his results.”
— AMAZIAH A.T., Attorney911 Client

5. We Offer Fluent Spanish Services

Houston County has a significant Hispanic population, and many trucking accident victims speak Spanish as their primary language. Our associate attorney Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish and provides direct representation without interpreters.

Hablamos Español. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911.

6. We Treat You Like Family

At Attorney911, we understand that trucking accidents don’t just cause physical injuries – they create emotional and financial trauma for entire families. That’s why we treat every client like family:

  • Direct attorney access – You’ll have Ralph Manginello’s cell phone number
  • Regular updates – We’ll keep you informed every step of the way
  • Compassionate representation – We understand what you’re going through
  • Aggressive advocacy – We’ll fight for every dollar you deserve

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

7. We Work on Contingency – You Pay Nothing Unless We Win

We understand that after a catastrophic trucking accident, medical bills are piling up and you can’t work. That’s why we work on a contingency fee basis:

  • No upfront costs
  • No hourly fees
  • No retainers
  • You pay nothing unless we win your case

Our fee comes from the settlement or verdict – not your pocket.

What to Expect When You Hire Attorney911

Step 1: Free Consultation

We’ll listen to your story, evaluate your case, and explain your legal options. There’s no obligation – just honest advice about your rights.

Step 2: Immediate Evidence Preservation

Within 24-48 hours, we’ll:

  • Send spoliation letters to all parties
  • Demand preservation of black box data
  • Secure dashcam footage
  • Photograph the accident scene
  • Identify and interview witnesses

Step 3: Comprehensive Investigation

We’ll gather:

  • ECM/black box data
  • ELD records
  • Driver Qualification File
  • Maintenance records
  • Cargo documentation
  • Cell phone records
  • GPS tracking data

Step 4: Medical Care Coordination

We’ll help you:

  • Get the medical treatment you need
  • Document your injuries thoroughly
  • Understand your prognosis
  • Plan for future care needs

Step 5: Demand Letter

We’ll send a comprehensive demand to the insurance company calculating:

  • Past and future medical expenses
  • Lost wages and earning capacity
  • Pain and suffering
  • Other damages

Step 6: Negotiation

We’ll negotiate aggressively with the insurance company to reach a fair settlement. We never accept lowball offers.

Step 7: Litigation (If Necessary)

If we can’t reach a fair settlement, we’re prepared to take your case to trial. We prepare every case as if it’s going to trial – which gives us leverage in negotiations.

Step 8: Resolution

Whether through settlement or verdict, we’ll fight to get you the maximum compensation you deserve.

Houston County Trucking Accident Resources

Emergency Services

  • Houston County Sheriff’s Office: (936) 544-2862
  • Crockett Police Department: (936) 544-2525
  • Houston County EMS: 911 (emergency) or (936) 544-2525 (non-emergency)
  • East Texas Medical Center Crockett: (936) 544-5000

Traffic and Road Conditions

  • Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT): www.txdot.gov
  • TxDOT Houston District: (936) 634-4401
  • TxDOT Travel Information: 1-800-452-9292

Trucking Safety Resources

Legal Resources

Frequently Asked Questions About Houston County Trucking Accidents

1. What should I do immediately after an 18-wheeler accident in Houston County?

Call 911, seek medical attention, document the scene, get the truck driver’s information, and contact an attorney immediately. Do NOT give recorded statements to any insurance company.

2. How long do I have to file a lawsuit after a trucking accident in Houston County?

In Texas, you have 2 years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, you should contact an attorney immediately – evidence disappears quickly in trucking cases.

3. Can I still recover compensation if I was partially at fault?

Yes, as long as you were 50% or less at fault. Texas follows a modified comparative negligence system. Your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

4. What if the truck driver was an independent contractor?

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.

5. How much insurance do trucking companies carry?

Federal law requires minimum liability coverage:

  • $750,000 for non-hazardous freight
  • $1,000,000 for oil and large equipment
  • $5,000,000 for hazardous materials

Many carriers carry $1-5 million or more in coverage.

6. What evidence is most important in a trucking accident case?

The most critical evidence includes:

  • ECM/black box data
  • ELD records
  • Driver Qualification File
  • Maintenance records
  • Cargo documentation
  • Dashcam footage
  • Cell phone records

7. How long does a trucking accident case take to resolve?

Timelines vary:

  • Simple cases: 6-12 months
  • Complex cases: 1-3 years
  • Cases that go to trial: 2-4 years

We work to resolve cases as quickly as possible while maximizing your recovery.

8. Will my 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.

9. 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.

10. What if the trucking company goes bankrupt?

We investigate all potentially liable parties to ensure there’s always a solvent defendant. Many trucking companies carry excess insurance policies that remain in effect even if the company goes bankrupt.

11. Can I access the trucking company’s safety record?

Yes. 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

12. What if I don’t speak English well?

Our associate attorney Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish and provides direct representation without interpreters. Hablamos Español. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911.

13. What if I was hit by a truck while working?

If you were injured while working, you may have both a workers’ compensation claim and a third-party personal injury claim against the trucking company. We can help you navigate both systems to maximize your recovery.

14. What if the truck was carrying hazardous materials?

Hazmat trucking accidents create additional liability and higher insurance coverage. We have experience handling cases involving chemical spills, fuel fires, and other hazardous material incidents.

15. What if the trucking company offers me a quick settlement?

Never accept a quick settlement. These offers are designed to pay you far less than your case is worth before you understand the full extent of your injuries. Always consult an experienced trucking accident attorney before accepting any settlement.

The Time to Act Is Now

Every day you wait, evidence in your Houston County trucking accident case is disappearing. Black box data can be overwritten. Dashcam footage gets deleted. Witness memories fade. The trucking company’s rapid-response team is already working to protect their interests.

You need a fighter on your side.

At Attorney911, we’ve been fighting for trucking accident victims across Houston County for over 25 years. Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has secured multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements for families devastated by catastrophic 18-wheeler crashes. We know the trucking corridors that serve Houston County. We know the local courts. We know how to win.

And we’re ready to fight for you.

“They make you feel like family and even though the process may take some time, they make it feel like a breeze. They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.”
— Glenda Walker, Attorney911 Client

Call us now at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation. We answer calls 24/7, and we’ll send a preservation letter immediately to protect your evidence.

Don’t wait. Evidence disappears fast. Your future depends on what you do next.

Hablamos Español. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911.

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