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Lavaca County 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyers: Attorney911 Delivers 25+ Years of Courtroom-Proven Trucking Litigation, Led by Ralph Manginello with $50+ Million Recovered for Texas Families, Former Insurance Defense Attorney Lupe Peña Exposing Every Insurance Tactic, FMCSA 49 CFR Masters Specializing in Hours of Service Violations, Black Box Data Extraction, and Electronic Control Module Evidence Preservation, Covering All Crash Types from Jackknife and Rollover to Underride Collisions, Brake Failures, and Cargo Spills on Lavaca County Highways, Catastrophic Injury Experts for Traumatic Brain Injury, Spinal Cord Damage, Amputation, and Wrongful Death Claims, Federal Court Admitted with Houston, Austin, and Beaumont Office Presence, Free 24/7 Consultation with No Fee Unless We Win, Same-Day Evidence Preservation, Rapid Response Team Deployment, Hablamos Español, 4.9★ Google Rating (251+ Reviews), Featured on ABC13 and Houston Chronicle, Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for Compassionate Legal Help Anytime

February 13, 2026 29 min read
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18-Wheeler Accidents in Lavaca County: Why You Need a Trucking Accident Attorney

Every year, hundreds of families across Texas face life-altering consequences from 18-wheeler accidents. If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a trucking collision in Lavaca County, you’re not just dealing with physical pain – you’re facing a legal emergency that requires immediate action. At Attorney911, we’ve spent over 25 years fighting for truck accident victims throughout Lavaca County and beyond, securing multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements against some of the largest trucking companies in America.

The Devastating Reality of Lavaca County Trucking Accidents

Lavaca County’s highways and rural roads see significant commercial truck traffic, with 18-wheelers traveling through Hallettsville, Shiner, Yoakum, and along major corridors like US-77 and SH-95. These massive vehicles – weighing up to 80,000 pounds – create unique dangers for local residents and travelers alike.

In an instant, a trucking accident can change everything. One moment you’re driving to work, visiting family in Yoakum, or heading to the Lavaca County Fair in Hallettsville. The next moment, an 80,000-pound truck has crashed into your vehicle, leaving you with catastrophic injuries, mounting medical bills, and an uncertain future.

The statistics are sobering:

  • Over 5,100 people die in truck crashes annually across the United States
  • More than 125,000 individuals suffer injuries each year
  • 76% of those killed in truck accidents are occupants of the smaller vehicle
  • In Texas alone, truck crashes account for nearly 15% of all traffic fatalities

Here in Lavaca County, we’ve seen firsthand how these accidents devastate local families. The physical, emotional, and financial toll is overwhelming.

Why Lavaca County Trucking Accidents Are Different

Trucking accidents in Lavaca County present unique challenges that require specialized legal expertise:

  1. Rural Road Dangers: Many of Lavaca County’s roads weren’t designed for heavy commercial traffic. Narrow lanes, limited shoulders, and challenging terrain create increased risks for truck accidents.

  2. Agricultural Trucking: Lavaca County’s farming industry means more agricultural trucks on local roads, often carrying oversized or improperly secured loads.

  3. Long-Haul Corridors: US-77 serves as a major north-south route for commercial trucks traveling between the Gulf Coast and the Midwest, bringing long-haul drivers through Lavaca County who may be fatigued or unfamiliar with local road conditions.

  4. Local Industry Trucking: The region’s oil and gas activity, manufacturing facilities, and distribution centers generate significant commercial truck traffic on county roads.

  5. Limited Emergency Services: In rural areas of Lavaca County, emergency response times may be longer, potentially worsening injuries before medical help arrives.

The Trucking Company’s Rapid Response Team Is Already Working Against You

Within hours of your accident, the trucking company’s rapid response team springs into action. Their mission? To protect their interests – not yours. They’ll send investigators to the scene, begin collecting evidence that favors their case, and start building a defense strategy designed to minimize their liability.

Meanwhile, critical evidence is disappearing:

  • Black box data can be overwritten in as little as 30 days
  • Dashcam footage is often deleted within 7-14 days
  • Electronic logging device (ELD) records may be retained for only 6 months
  • Surveillance video from nearby businesses typically overwrites within 30 days
  • Witness memories fade significantly within weeks

This is why you need to act immediately. At Attorney911, we send spoliation letters within 24-48 hours of being retained, demanding that the trucking company preserve all evidence related to your accident. This legal notice puts them on formal notice that destroying evidence will result in serious consequences.

Common Causes of 18-Wheeler Accidents in Lavaca County

Understanding why these accidents occur is crucial to building a strong case. In our experience handling Lavaca County trucking cases, these are the most common causes:

Driver Fatigue and Hours of Service Violations

Federal regulations limit how long truck drivers can operate:

  • Maximum 11 hours driving after 10 consecutive hours off duty
  • Cannot drive beyond 14th consecutive hour on duty
  • 30-minute break required after 8 cumulative hours of driving
  • 60/70 hour weekly limits

Yet fatigue remains one of the leading causes of truck accidents in Lavaca County. Drivers under pressure to meet tight deadlines may falsify their logbooks or drive beyond legal limits. We’ve seen cases where drivers worked 16+ hour shifts, putting everyone on Lavaca County roads at risk.

Distracted Driving

Truck drivers face numerous distractions:

  • Cell phone use (texting, talking, GPS)
  • Dispatch communications
  • In-cab electronics
  • Eating and drinking while driving
  • External distractions

Federal law prohibits hand-held phone use while driving commercial vehicles, yet we continue to see distracted driving as a major factor in Lavaca County truck accidents.

Improper Training and Inexperienced Drivers

Operating an 18-wheeler requires specialized skills. Inadequate training leads to:

  • Poor maneuvering on rural roads
  • Improper braking techniques
  • Difficulty handling adverse weather conditions
  • Failure to properly secure cargo

We’ve handled cases where trucking companies hired inexperienced drivers and failed to provide adequate training – putting Lavaca County residents at risk.

Mechanical Failures and Poor Maintenance

Commercial trucks require regular maintenance to operate safely. Common maintenance failures include:

  • Brake system deficiencies
  • Worn or defective tires
  • Steering system failures
  • Lighting and visibility issues
  • Coupling device failures

In one Lavaca County case, we proved that a trucking company systematically deferred brake maintenance to save costs, leading to a catastrophic rear-end collision.

Cargo Securement Failures

Improperly secured cargo can shift during transit, causing:

  • Loss of vehicle control
  • Rollover accidents
  • Spilled cargo creating road hazards
  • Overweight loads exceeding legal limits

Federal regulations (49 CFR § 393.100-136) specify exact cargo securement requirements. Violations are common and dangerous.

Speeding and Reckless Driving

Trucks require significantly longer stopping distances than passenger vehicles. At 65 mph, a fully loaded truck needs approximately 525 feet to stop – nearly two football fields. Speeding reduces reaction time and increases accident severity.

Blind Spot Accidents (“No-Zones”)

Large trucks have significant blind spots:

  • Front No-Zone: 20 feet directly in front of the cab
  • Rear No-Zone: 30 feet behind the trailer
  • Left Side No-Zone: Extends from cab door backward
  • Right Side No-Zone: Largest blind spot, extending from cab door backward

Many Lavaca County accidents occur when truck drivers change lanes without seeing vehicles in their blind spots.

Wide Turn Accidents (“Squeeze Play”)

When making right turns, trucks often swing wide to the left first. This creates a dangerous gap that other vehicles may enter, only to be crushed when the truck completes its turn. These accidents are common at intersections throughout Lavaca County.

Underride Accidents

One of the most deadly types of truck accidents occurs when a smaller vehicle slides underneath the trailer of an 18-wheeler. These accidents often result in decapitation or catastrophic head injuries.

Federal law requires rear impact guards on trailers, but there are no requirements for side underride guards, despite their proven effectiveness in preventing fatalities.

Catastrophic Injuries from Lavaca County Trucking Accidents

The size and weight disparity between 18-wheelers and passenger vehicles means trucking accidents often result in catastrophic injuries:

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

TBI occurs when a sudden trauma damages the brain. In truck accidents, the extreme forces can cause the brain to impact the inside of the skull. Symptoms may include:

  • Headaches and dizziness
  • Memory loss and confusion
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Mood changes and depression
  • Sleep disturbances
  • Speech difficulties
  • Personality changes

TBI can result in permanent cognitive impairment, requiring lifelong care costing millions of dollars.

Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis

Damage to the spinal cord can disrupt communication between the brain and body, resulting in:

  • Paraplegia: Loss of function below the waist
  • Quadriplegia: Loss of function in all four limbs
  • Incomplete injuries: Some nerve function remains
  • Complete injuries: Total loss of sensation and movement

Spinal cord injuries often require extensive rehabilitation and may result in permanent disability.

Amputations

Crushing forces from truck impacts can sever limbs at the scene or require surgical amputation. Amputations create lifelong challenges:

  • Initial surgery and hospitalization
  • Prosthetic limbs ($5,000 – $50,000+ each)
  • Ongoing prosthetic replacements
  • Physical and occupational therapy
  • Psychological counseling
  • Home modifications
  • Career limitations

Severe Burns

Truck accidents can cause fires from fuel tank ruptures or chemical cargo spills. Burns are classified by severity:

  • First-degree: Epidermis only (minor)
  • Second-degree: Epidermis and dermis (may require grafting)
  • Third-degree: Full thickness (requires skin grafts)
  • Fourth-degree: Through skin to muscle/bone (may require amputation)

Burn injuries often result in permanent scarring, multiple surgeries, and chronic pain.

Internal Organ Damage

The force of a truck collision can cause severe internal injuries:

  • Liver lacerations or ruptures
  • Spleen damage requiring removal
  • Kidney damage
  • Lung contusions or pneumothorax
  • Internal bleeding
  • Bowel and intestinal damage

Internal injuries may not show immediate symptoms but can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.

Wrongful Death

When trucking accidents prove fatal, surviving family members may pursue wrongful death claims. In Texas, eligible claimants may include:

  • Surviving spouse
  • Children (minor and adult)
  • Parents (if no spouse or children exist)

Damages may include:

  • Lost future income and benefits
  • Loss of consortium (companionship, care, guidance)
  • Mental anguish and emotional distress
  • Funeral and burial expenses
  • Medical expenses incurred prior to death
  • Pain and suffering experienced by the decedent before death
  • Punitive damages in cases of gross negligence

Who Can Be Held Liable in Your Lavaca County Trucking Accident?

18-wheeler accidents often involve multiple liable parties. At Attorney911, we investigate every potential defendant to maximize your recovery:

The Truck Driver

The driver may be personally liable for:

  • Speeding or reckless driving
  • Distracted driving (cell phone use, etc.)
  • Fatigued driving beyond legal limits
  • Impaired driving (drugs or alcohol)
  • Failure to conduct proper pre-trip inspections
  • Violation of traffic laws

The Trucking Company (Motor Carrier)

Trucking companies can be held vicariously liable for their drivers’ actions and directly liable for:

  • Negligent hiring: Failing to properly vet drivers
  • Negligent training: Inadequate safety training
  • Negligent supervision: Failing to monitor driver performance
  • Negligent maintenance: Poor vehicle upkeep
  • Negligent scheduling: Pressuring drivers to violate HOS regulations

The Cargo Owner/Shipper

The company that owns the cargo may be liable for:

  • Providing improper loading instructions
  • Failing to disclose hazardous nature of cargo
  • Requiring overweight loading
  • Pressuring carriers to expedite beyond safe limits

The Cargo Loading Company

Third-party loading companies may be liable for:

  • Improper cargo securement
  • Unbalanced load distribution
  • Exceeding vehicle weight ratings
  • Failure to use proper blocking, bracing, or tiedowns

Truck and Trailer Manufacturers

Manufacturers may be liable for defective products:

  • Design defects (brake systems, stability control, fuel tank placement)
  • Manufacturing defects (faulty welds, component failures)
  • Failure to warn of known dangers

Parts Manufacturers

Companies that manufacture specific parts may be liable for:

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

Maintenance Companies

Third-party maintenance providers may be liable for:

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

Freight Brokers

Freight brokers who arrange transportation may be liable for:

  • Negligent selection of carriers with poor safety records
  • Failure to verify carrier insurance and authority
  • Failure to check carrier CSA scores

Truck Owners (If Different from Carrier)

In owner-operator arrangements, the truck owner may have separate liability for:

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

Government Entities

In limited circumstances, government entities may be liable for:

  • Dangerous road design that contributed to the accident
  • Failure to maintain roads (potholes, debris, worn markings)
  • Inadequate signage for known hazards
  • Failure to install safety barriers

The Attorney911 Advantage: Fighting for Lavaca County Trucking Accident Victims

At Attorney911, we offer unique advantages for Lavaca County residents injured in trucking accidents:

25+ Years of Experience Fighting Trucking Companies

Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has been fighting for injury victims since 1998. He’s secured multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements against some of the largest trucking companies in America, including Walmart, Coca-Cola, Amazon, FedEx, and UPS.

Federal Court Experience

Ralph is admitted to practice in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas, giving us the ability to handle interstate trucking cases that may be filed in federal court.

Former Insurance Defense Attorney on Staff

Our team includes Lupe Peña, an attorney who previously worked for a national insurance defense firm. He knows exactly how insurance companies evaluate, minimize, and deny trucking accident claims. Now he uses that insider knowledge to fight for you.

Immediate Evidence Preservation

We send spoliation letters within 24-48 hours of being retained, demanding preservation of all critical evidence before it’s destroyed or overwritten.

Deep Knowledge of FMCSA Regulations

We have comprehensive understanding of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (49 CFR Parts 390-399) that govern the trucking industry. We know how to identify violations that prove negligence.

Local Knowledge of Lavaca County

We understand Lavaca County’s roads, trucking corridors, and local courts. This local knowledge gives us an advantage in building your case.

Bilingual Services

Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish, allowing us to serve Lavaca County’s Hispanic community directly without interpreters. Hablamos Español.

Contingency Fee Representation

We work on contingency – you pay nothing unless we win your case. We advance all costs of investigation and litigation. You never receive a bill from us.

What to Do After a Trucking Accident in Lavaca County

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

  1. Call 911 immediately and report the accident
  2. Seek medical attention even if injuries seem minor – adrenaline masks pain
  3. Document the scene with photos and video if possible
    • Vehicle damage
    • Road conditions
    • Skid marks
    • Traffic signs and signals
    • Your injuries
  4. Get the trucking company information
    • Company name and DOT number
    • Driver’s name and CDL number
    • License plate numbers
  5. Collect witness information
    • Names and contact information
  6. Do NOT give recorded statements to any insurance company
  7. Call Attorney911 immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911

The Evidence We Pursue in Every Lavaca County Trucking Case

To build a strong case, we aggressively pursue all available evidence:

Electronic Data

  • ECM/Black Box Data: Records speed, braking, throttle position, fault codes
  • ELD Records: Proves hours of service compliance or violations
  • GPS/Telematics Data: Shows route, speed, location history
  • Cell Phone Records: Documents distracted driving
  • Dashcam Footage: Video of road ahead and sometimes cab interior

Driver Records

  • Complete Driver Qualification File
  • Employment application and background check
  • Driving record and previous employers
  • Medical certification and exam records
  • Drug and alcohol test results
  • Training records and certifications

Vehicle Records

  • Maintenance and repair records
  • Inspection reports (pre-trip, post-trip, annual)
  • Out-of-service orders and repairs
  • Tire records and replacement history
  • Brake inspection and adjustment records
  • Parts purchase and installation records

Company Records

  • Hours of service records for 6 months prior
  • Dispatch logs and trip records
  • Bills of lading and cargo documentation
  • Safety policies and procedures
  • Training curricula
  • Hiring and supervision policies
  • Previous accident/violation history
  • CSA (Compliance, Safety, Accountability) scores

Physical Evidence

  • The truck and trailer themselves
  • Failed or damaged components
  • Cargo and securement devices
  • Tire remnants if blowout involved

Expert Analysis

  • Accident reconstruction specialists
  • Medical experts to establish causation
  • Vocational experts to calculate lost earning capacity
  • Economic experts to determine present value of damages
  • Life care planners for catastrophic injuries
  • FMCSA regulation experts

Understanding Your Rights Under Texas Law

Texas has specific laws that affect trucking accident cases:

Statute of Limitations

In Texas, you have 2 years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. This deadline is strictly enforced. If you miss it, you lose your right to pursue compensation forever.

Comparative Negligence

Texas follows a “modified comparative negligence” rule. This means:

  • If you’re found to be 50% or less at fault, you can recover damages
  • Your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault
  • If you’re found to be more than 50% at fault, you cannot recover anything

For example, if you’re found 20% at fault and your damages total $1 million, you would recover $800,000.

Damage Caps

Texas has specific rules regarding damages:

  • Economic damages: No cap (medical expenses, lost wages, etc.)
  • Non-economic damages: No cap in most personal injury cases
  • Punitive damages: Capped at the greater of:
    • Two times economic damages plus non-economic damages (up to $750,000)
    • $200,000

Punitive damages may be available when the trucking company acted with gross negligence or reckless disregard for safety.

What Your Lavaca County Trucking Accident Case Is Worth

Case values depend on numerous factors, including:

Economic Damages

  • Past, present, and future medical expenses
  • Lost wages and income
  • Loss of future earning capacity
  • Property damage
  • Out-of-pocket expenses (transportation, home modifications, etc.)
  • Life care costs for catastrophic injuries

Non-Economic Damages

  • Pain and suffering
  • Mental anguish
  • Loss of enjoyment of life
  • Disfigurement
  • Physical impairment
  • Loss of consortium (impact on marriage/family relationships)

Punitive Damages

  • May be available in cases of gross negligence or willful misconduct

In trucking cases, we’ve seen verdicts ranging from hundreds of thousands to hundreds of millions of dollars. Recent nuclear verdicts in trucking cases include:

  • $462 million in Missouri (2024)
  • $160 million in Alabama (2024)
  • $141.5 million in Florida (2023)
  • $730 million in Texas (2021)
  • $1 billion in Florida (2021)

These verdicts demonstrate that juries are willing to hold trucking companies fully accountable when they prioritize profits over safety.

The Insurance Battle: How We Fight for Maximum Compensation

Trucking companies carry substantial insurance policies:

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

However, insurance companies are for-profit businesses. Their goal is to pay you as little as possible. They employ numerous tactics to minimize your claim:

Common Insurance Company Tactics

  1. Quick Lowball Settlement Offers

    • Insurance companies often make early settlement offers designed to pay you far less than your case is worth
    • These offers come before you understand the full extent of your injuries
  2. Denying or Minimizing Injuries

    • Claiming your injuries are pre-existing or not related to the accident
    • Arguing that your treatment was unnecessary
  3. Blaming the Victim

    • Alleging you were partially or fully at fault
    • Using comparative negligence laws to reduce your recovery
  4. Delaying the Claims Process

    • Requesting unnecessary documentation
    • Failing to respond to communications
    • Creating bureaucratic hurdles
  5. Using Recorded Statements Against You

    • Asking leading questions designed to get you to say things that hurt your case
    • Taking your words out of context
  6. “Pre-Existing Condition” Defense

    • Arguing that your injuries existed before the accident
    • Texas law requires them to “take you as they find you” – pre-existing conditions don’t prevent recovery
  7. “Gap in Treatment” Attacks

    • Arguing that gaps in your medical treatment mean your injuries aren’t serious
    • We document all treatment and explain any gaps
  8. Sending Surveillance Investigators

    • Following you and filming your activities
    • Using out-of-context footage to argue you’re not really injured
  9. Hiring “Independent” Medical Examiners

    • Sending you to doctors who work for the insurance company
    • These doctors often downplay injuries
  10. Drowning You in Paperwork

    • Requesting excessive documentation
    • Creating administrative burdens to wear you down

How We Counter These Tactics

Our team, including former insurance defense attorney Lupe Peña, knows exactly how insurance companies operate. We counter their tactics with:

  • Immediate evidence preservation to prevent spoliation
  • Comprehensive medical documentation to prove injury causation
  • Expert testimony to refute insurance company doctors
  • Accident reconstruction to prove liability
  • Aggressive negotiation from a position of strength
  • Willingness to go to trial when insurance companies refuse to offer fair settlements

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Lavaca County Trucking Case?

When you’re facing the aftermath of a catastrophic trucking accident, you need more than just a lawyer – you need a team of aggressive advocates who will fight for every dollar you deserve. Here’s why Lavaca County residents choose Attorney911:

Proven Track Record of Results

We’ve recovered over $50 million for clients across Texas, including multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts in trucking cases. Our results include:

  • $5+ million for a logging accident victim with traumatic brain injury
  • $3.8+ million for a car accident victim who suffered partial leg amputation
  • $2.5+ million for a truck crash victim
  • $2+ million for a maritime back injury victim
  • Millions recovered for families in wrongful death cases

Insider Knowledge of Insurance Company Tactics

Our team includes Lupe Peña, a former insurance defense attorney who knows exactly how insurance companies evaluate and minimize claims. He uses this insider knowledge to anticipate and counter their tactics.

Federal Court Experience

Ralph Manginello is admitted to practice in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas, giving us the ability to handle interstate trucking cases that may be filed in federal court.

Comprehensive Resources

We have the resources to thoroughly investigate your case:

  • Immediate evidence preservation
  • Accident reconstruction experts
  • Medical specialists
  • Vocational experts
  • Economic analysts
  • Life care planners

Local Knowledge of Lavaca County

We understand Lavaca County’s roads, trucking corridors, and local courts. This local knowledge gives us an advantage in building your case and negotiating with insurance companies.

Bilingual Services

Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish, allowing us to serve Lavaca County’s Hispanic community directly without interpreters. Hablamos Español.

Contingency Fee Representation

We work on contingency – you pay nothing unless we win your case. We advance all costs of investigation and litigation. You never receive a bill from us.

Personal Attention

Unlike large billboard firms that treat you like a number, we treat our clients like family. When you call Attorney911, you get direct access to your legal team.

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

Aggressive Representation

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.

Common Questions About Lavaca County Trucking Accidents

What should I do immediately after a trucking accident in Lavaca County?

If you’re able, take these steps:

  1. Call 911 and report the accident
  2. Seek medical attention immediately
  3. Document the scene with photos and video
  4. Get the trucking company and driver information
  5. Collect witness contact information
  6. Do NOT give recorded statements to any insurance company
  7. Call Attorney911 immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911

How quickly should I contact an attorney after a trucking accident?

Contact an attorney immediately – within 24-48 hours if possible. Critical evidence can disappear quickly:

  • Black box data can be overwritten in 30 days
  • Dashcam footage may be deleted within 7-14 days
  • Surveillance video typically overwrites within 30 days
  • Witness memories fade within weeks

We send spoliation letters within hours of being retained to preserve this evidence.

Who can be held liable in my Lavaca County trucking accident?

Multiple parties may be liable:

  • The truck driver
  • The trucking company
  • The cargo owner
  • The cargo loading company
  • Truck or parts manufacturers
  • Maintenance companies
  • Freight brokers
  • Truck owners (if different from carrier)
  • Government entities (in limited circumstances)

We investigate every potential defendant to maximize your recovery.

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 your accident. This includes:

  • ECM/Black box data
  • ELD records
  • Maintenance records
  • Driver qualification files
  • Dashcam footage
  • GPS/telematics data
  • Cell phone records
  • The physical truck and trailer

Sending this letter immediately puts the trucking company on notice that destroying evidence will result in serious legal consequences.

What is black box data and how does it help my case?

Commercial trucks have electronic systems that record operational data, similar to an airplane’s black box. This data can show:

  • Speed before and during the crash
  • Brake application timing
  • Throttle position
  • Whether cruise control was engaged
  • GPS location
  • Engine fault codes

This objective data often contradicts what drivers claim happened and can prove negligence.

What are hours of service regulations and how do violations cause accidents?

Federal regulations limit how long truck drivers can operate:

  • Maximum 11 hours driving after 10 consecutive hours off duty
  • Cannot drive beyond 14th consecutive hour on duty
  • 30-minute break required after 8 cumulative hours of driving
  • 60/70 hour weekly limits

Fatigued driving causes approximately 31% of fatal truck crashes. Drivers who violate these rules are too tired to react safely.

What is a Driver Qualification File and why does it matter?

FMCSA requires trucking companies to maintain a file for every driver containing:

  • Employment application
  • Driving record check
  • Previous employer verification
  • Medical certification
  • Drug test results
  • Training documentation

Missing or incomplete files can prove negligent hiring, making the trucking company directly liable.

How much are trucking accident cases worth in Lavaca County?

Case values depend on numerous factors:

  • Severity of injuries
  • Medical expenses (past and future)
  • Lost income and earning capacity
  • Pain and suffering
  • Degree of defendant’s negligence
  • Insurance coverage available

Trucking companies carry higher insurance ($750,000 minimum, often $1-5 million), allowing for larger recoveries than typical car accidents. We’ve seen verdicts ranging from hundreds of thousands to hundreds of millions.

How long do trucking accident cases take to resolve?

Timelines vary:

  • Simple cases with clear liability: 6-12 months
  • Complex cases with multiple parties: 1-3 years
  • Cases that go to trial: 2-4 years

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

Will my trucking accident 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.

What if I was partially at fault for the accident?

Texas follows a “modified comparative negligence” rule:

  • If you’re found to be 50% or less at fault, you can recover damages
  • Your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault
  • If you’re found to be more than 50% at fault, you cannot recover anything

For example, if you’re found 20% at fault and your damages total $1 million, you would recover $800,000.

How much does it cost to hire an attorney for my trucking accident case?

At Attorney911, we work on contingency – you pay nothing unless we win your case. We advance all costs of investigation and litigation. You never receive a bill from us.

Our fee is typically 33.33% of the recovery if the case settles before trial, and 40% if it goes to trial. This fee structure aligns our interests with yours – we only get paid if we win.

Don’t Wait – Contact Attorney911 Today

If you or a loved one has been injured in an 18-wheeler accident in Lavaca County, time is critical. Evidence is disappearing every day, and the trucking company’s rapid response team is already working to protect their interests.

Call Attorney911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, confidential consultation. We’ll:

  • Immediately send spoliation letters to preserve evidence
  • Begin investigating your case
  • Deal with the insurance companies so you can focus on recovery
  • Fight for the maximum compensation you deserve

Remember:

  • Evidence disappears fast – black box data, dashcam footage, and witness memories won’t last
  • The trucking company has lawyers – you need someone fighting for you
  • Insurance companies want to pay you less – we know their tactics and how to counter them
  • You pay nothing unless we win – we work on contingency

Don’t let the trucking company take advantage of you. Call Attorney911 today at 1-888-ATTY-911. We’re available 24/7 to help Lavaca County residents fight for justice.

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

Hablamos Español. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911 para hablar con Lupe Peña, nuestro abogado asociado que habla español con fluidez.

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