McKinley County 18-Wheeler Accident Attorneys | Attorney911

When 80,000 Pounds of Steel Changes Everything on I-40

The impact was catastrophic. One moment you’re driving through McKinley County on Interstate 40, heading toward Gallup or crossing into Arizona. The next, an 80,000-pound semi-truck is jackknifing across the lanes, or its brakes have failed on the downhill grade, or a dust storm has reduced visibility to zero while the truck driver kept pushing through.

Every 16 minutes, someone in America is injured in a commercial truck crash. But here in McKinley County—where I-40 serves as a critical artery connecting the Southwest, where elevation changes and sudden dust storms create deadly conditions, and where oilfield traffic mixes with long-haul freight—the risk is even higher. The physics are unforgiving: your 4,000-pound vehicle versus 80,000 pounds of truck moving at 65 mph. That’s not an accident. That’s a life-altering event.

If you or someone you love has been hit by an 18-wheeler in McKinley County, you need more than a lawyer. You need a fighter who knows federal trucking regulations inside and out, who understands the unique dangers of New Mexico highways, and who has the resources to stand up to Fortune 500 trucking companies. You need Attorney911.

Why McKinley County Truck Accidents Are Different

McKinley County isn’t just another stretch of highway. The conditions here create unique dangers that trucking companies and their drivers should know—but often ignore.

The I-40 Corridor: Interstate 40 cuts through the heart of McKinley County, carrying thousands of commercial trucks daily between Albuquerque and Flagstaff. This isn’t just a road; it’s the primary east-west freight corridor for the Southwest. When truck drivers push beyond their hours of service limits to make delivery deadlines across this long-haul route, they put McKinley County families at risk.

Elevation and Terrain: McKinley County sits at high elevation, with mountain passes that challenge even experienced drivers. The steep grades approaching the Arizona border require proper brake maintenance and driving technique. When trucking companies skip maintenance to save money, or when drivers descend too fast, the results are catastrophic brake failures and runaway trucks.

Dust Storms and Visibility: New Mexico’s high desert environment creates sudden, severe dust storms—particularly in McKinley County’s open terrain. Federal regulations require truck drivers to reduce speed or stop when visibility drops. Too often, they don’t, leading to massive pileups on I-40.

Oilfield Traffic: The Permian Basin and surrounding oilfields generate massive truck traffic through McKinley County. Water trucks, equipment haulers, and tankers share the road with passenger vehicles, often on tight schedules that encourage speeding and fatigued driving.

Border Region Complexity: McKinley County’s proximity to the Arizona border means trucking companies sometimes use drivers or equipment that don’t meet federal standards, creating regulatory gaps that endanger local residents.

Ralph Manginello: 25+ Years Fighting for Trucking Accident Victims

When a trucking company tries to minimize your claim, they send their lawyers immediately—sometimes before the ambulance even leaves the scene. You deserve someone with equal firepower on your side.

Ralph Manginello has spent over 25 years representing injury victims across the Southwest. Since 1998, he has built a reputation for taking on the largest trucking companies in America—and winning. He founded Attorney911 with a simple mission: treat every client like family, and never back down from a fight.

Federal Court Experience That Matters: Ralph isn’t just admitted to the State Bar of New Mexico—he’s admitted to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas and maintains dual licensure in New York. This federal court experience is crucial for 18-wheeler cases, which often involve interstate commerce and federal regulations.

Proven Results Against Major Corporations: Ralph has recovered multi-million dollar settlements for catastrophic injury victims. This includes a $5+ million settlement for a traumatic brain injury victim struck by a falling log, a $3.8+ million settlement for a client who suffered a partial leg amputation after a car crash, and $2.5+ million for a truck crash victim. He’s gone toe-to-toe with the world’s largest corporations, including involvement in the BP Texas City explosion litigation that resulted in over $2.1 billion in total industry-wide settlements.

Current Major Litigation: Ralph is currently litigating a $10 million lawsuit against the University of Houston and Pi Kappa Phi fraternity for hazing-related injuries—a case that demonstrates his willingness to take on powerful institutions when they harm ordinary people.

As client Chad Harris said after his case settled, “You are NOT a pest to them and you are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.” That’s the Attorney911 difference. We don’t see you as a case number—we see you as a neighbor who needs help.

The Attorney911 Advantage: Insider Knowledge of Insurance Tactics

Here’s what most law firms won’t tell you: they don’t know how insurance companies really work. They learn by doing. We learned from the inside.

Attorney911’s associate attorney, Lupe Peña, spent years working at a national insurance defense firm before joining our team. He used to defend trucking companies and their insurers. He sat in the rooms where adjusters decided how to minimize your claim. He knows their playbooks, their formulas, and their pressure tactics.

Now he uses that insider knowledge against them.

When you hire Attorney911, you get an attorney who knows:

• How insurance companies VALUE claims (and how to maximize that valuation)
• How adjusters are TRAINED to manipulate you into low settlements
• What makes them SETTLE versus what makes them lowball
• How they MINIMIZE payouts through Colossus software and other algorithms
• How they DENY claims and when they’re bluffing

As Glenda Walker told us after we handled her truck accident case, “They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.” That’s because we know exactly where to look for money that other firms miss.

Understanding New Mexico’s Legal Landscape for Truck Accidents

McKinley County victims need to understand the specific legal rules that apply in New Mexico—rules that differ significantly from neighboring states like Texas or Arizona.

Statute of Limitations: Don’t Wait

In New Mexico, you have three years from the date of your trucking accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. For wrongful death claims, you also have three years from the date of death. That might sound like plenty of time, but in trucking cases, evidence disappears fast. Black box data can be overwritten in 30 days. Dashcam footage gets deleted within weeks. Witness memories fade. The trucking company has already started building its defense.

Don’t wait three years. Don’t wait three months. Call us within 48 hours so we can send preservation letters and secure the evidence that will win your case.

Pure Comparative Fault: You Can Recover Even If You Were Partially at Fault

New Mexico follows “pure comparative fault” rules. This means even if you were partially responsible for the accident—even 99% at fault—you can still recover damages. Your recovery is simply reduced by your percentage of fault.

For example, if a jury finds you 20% at fault and awards $1 million, you still recover $800,000. This is more generous than Texas (where being 51% at fault bars recovery) or Arizona (which also uses pure comparative fault). It means McKinley County victims have a better chance of recovering compensation even in complex, multi-vehicle accidents on I-40.

No Caps on Damages

Unlike some states that limit what you can recover, New Mexico places no statutory caps on compensatory damages in personal injury cases. If you suffer catastrophic injuries from a truck accident in McKinley County, there’s no arbitrary ceiling on your recovery. For punitive damages—awarded when trucking companies act with gross negligence or reckless disregard for safety—New Mexico also has no statutory cap, though such awards are rare and require clear evidence of willful misconduct.

The Federal Regulations That Trucking Companies Break

Commercial trucking isn’t just regulated by New Mexico law—it’s governed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) under Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations. These rules exist because trucking is dangerous. When companies violate them, they endanger everyone on McKinley County roads.

Hours of Service (49 CFR Part 395)

Federal law strictly limits how long truck drivers can operate without rest:

• 11-Hour Driving Limit: Drivers cannot drive more than 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty
• 14-Hour Duty Window: Drivers cannot drive beyond the 14th consecutive hour after coming on duty
• 30-Minute Break: Mandatory break after 8 cumulative hours of driving
• 60/70-Hour Weekly Limit: No driving after 60 hours in 7 days or 70 hours in 8 days
• Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs): Since December 2017, trucks must have ELDs that automatically record driving time and prevent log falsification

In long-haul corridors like I-40 through McKinley County, drivers face immense pressure to deliver loads quickly. When they violate these hours-of-service rules, they drive fatigued—and fatigue causes approximately 31% of fatal truck crashes.

Driver Qualification Standards (49 CFR Part 391)

Trucking companies cannot simply hire anyone with a commercial driver’s license (CDL). They must maintain a Driver Qualification (DQ) File containing:

• Employment application and background checks
• Motor vehicle records from all states
• Medical examiner’s certificates (proving physical fitness)
• Drug and alcohol test results
• Previous employer inquiries for the past three years
• Road test certificates

If a trucking company hires a driver with a history of reckless driving, failed drug tests, or medical conditions that affect safety, they commit negligent hiring—and they are liable for the injuries that follow.

Vehicle Maintenance and Inspection (49 CFR Part 396)

Trucking companies must systematically inspect, repair, and maintain their vehicles. Specific requirements include:

• Pre-trip inspections: Drivers must check brakes, tires, lights, steering, and coupling devices before every trip
• Post-trip inspection reports: Written reports of any defects found
• Annual inspections: Comprehensive 16-point inspections required every 12 months
• Brake systems: Must meet specific adjustment and performance standards

In McKinley County’s mountainous terrain, brake failures are particularly deadly. The steep grades on I-40 approaching the Arizona border require trucks to have properly functioning brake systems. When companies defer maintenance to save money, they create killers.

Cargo Securement (49 CFR Part 393)

FMCSA regulations specify exactly how cargo must be secured:

• Aggregate working load limits must be at least 50% of cargo weight for loose cargo
• Specific requirements for different cargo types (logs, metal coils, machinery)
• Performance criteria: cargo securement must withstand 0.8g deceleration forward, 0.5g rearward, and 0.5g lateral forces

When cargo shifts on a curve in McKinley County—on those winding mountain sections of I-40—it causes rollovers that block the interstate for hours and kill innocent drivers.

Drug and Alcohol Testing (49 CFR Part 382)

Commercial drivers must undergo:

• Pre-employment drug screening
• Random drug and alcohol testing
• Post-accident testing (within 32 hours for drugs, 8 hours for alcohol after fatal accidents)
• Reasonable suspicion testing when supervisors observe behavior suggesting impairment

Given the opioid crisis and the availability of methamphetamine along interstate corridors, these regulations exist for good reason. A driver impaired by drugs or alcohol has no business behind the wheel of an 80,000-pound vehicle on McKinley County roads.

Types of 18-Wheeler Accidents in McKinley County

Not all truck accidents are the same. The geography and climate of McKinley County create specific risks that require specific legal strategies.

Brake Failure and Runaway Trucks

The mountain grades on I-40 as it climbs toward the Arizona border are notorious for brake failures. When truck drivers descend too fast—or when their brakes are poorly maintained due to negligent maintenance—the brakes overheat and fail completely.

This creates “runaway trucks” that cannot stop. The result is often a catastrophic collision at the bottom of the grade, or the truck careening into runaway truck ramps (if they’re available and the driver uses them in time).

Evidence we pursue: Brake inspection records, ECM data showing speed through curves, maintenance invoices, driver training records on mountain driving, and post-crash brake system analysis.

Jackknife Accidents on I-40

Jackknifes occur when the trailer swings out perpendicular to the cab, often blocking all lanes of traffic. On McKinley County’s stretches of I-40—where sudden stops can occur due to dust storms, wildlife crossings, or slowing traffic—jackknifes create massive pileups.

Common causes include improper braking technique, locked wheels on slick surfaces (common during New Mexico’s sudden rainstorms or winter ice), and unbalanced cargo loads that shift during maneuvers.

Evidence we pursue: Skid mark analysis, ELD data showing driver reaction time, cargo manifests, and weather conditions at the time of the accident.

Underride Collisions

Among the most horrific accidents, underride collisions occur when a smaller vehicle crashes into the rear or side of a trailer and slides underneath. The trailer height often shears off the top of the passenger compartment, causing decapitation or catastrophic head trauma.

Federal law requires rear impact guards on trailers manufactured after 1998, but these guards often fail in crashes. And there is NO federal requirement for side underride guards—leaving a deadly gap in protection.

Evidence we pursue: Guard inspection and testing, guard failure analysis, and whether the trucking company violated 49 CFR § 393.86 regarding rear impact guards.

Tire Blowouts in Extreme Heat

McKinley County’s high desert climate creates extreme heat in summer months. When tires are underinflated, overloaded, or poorly maintained, they overheat and explode. A steer tire blowout on an 18-wheeler causes immediate loss of control.

The debris from “road gators” (shredded tire treads) causes thousands of secondary accidents annually on I-40.

Evidence we pursue: Tire maintenance logs, tire age and manufacturer records, weigh station records showing overweight violations, and whether the driver conducted proper pre-trip tire inspections per 49 CFR § 396.13.

Cargo Spills and Hazmat Incidents

Given McKinley County’s position along major freight routes, trucks carry everything from retail goods to hazardous materials. When cargo shifts or spills—especially oilfield chemicals or industrial waste—it creates toxic exposure risks and chain-reaction crashes.

Evidence we pursue: Bills of lading, hazmat disclosure documents, cargo securement compliance with 49 CFR § 393.100-136, and loading company records.

Fatigue-Related Crashes

The long, straight stretches of I-40 through McKinley County invite highway hypnosis. Combined with pressure to meet delivery deadlines across state lines, this creates a perfect storm for fatigued driving. When drivers exceed their 11-hour driving limit or their 14-hour duty window, their reaction times slow dramatically.

Evidence we pursue: ELD data showing hours of service violations, cell phone records proving dispatch communications pressured the driver to continue, and trucking company scheduling records showing systemic overtime violations.

Who Can Be Held Liable in a McKinley County Truck Accident?

Most law firms only sue the driver and the trucking company. That’s a mistake. We investigate every potentially liable party because more defendants means more insurance coverage means higher compensation for you.

1. The Truck Driver

Direct liability for:

• Speeding or reckless driving for conditions (including dust storms)
• Distracted driving (texting, eating, using dispatch devices)
• Fatigued driving beyond legal limits
• Impaired driving (drugs, alcohol, prescription medication)
• Failure to conduct pre-trip inspections
• Improper braking technique on mountain grades

2. The Trucking Company/Motor Carrier

Vicarious liability under respondeat superior (the employer answers for the employee), plus direct negligence for:

• Negligent Hiring: Failing to check the driver’s background, CDL status, or medical qualifications
• Negligent Training: Inadequate training on mountain driving, weather conditions, or hours-of-service compliance
• Negligent Supervision: Failing to monitor ELD data for violations
• Negligent Maintenance: Skipping brake inspections or tire replacements to save money
• Negligent Scheduling: Pressuring drivers to violate hours-of-service rules to meet delivery deadlines

3. Cargo Owner/Shipper

Liability for:

• Providing improper loading instructions
• Failing to disclose hazardous nature of cargo
• Requiring overweight loading that exceeds tire or brake capacity
• Pressuring the carrier to expedite delivery beyond safe limits

4. Cargo Loading Company

Third-party warehouses or distribution centers that physically load trucks may be liable for:

• Improper cargo securement (violating 49 CFR § 393)
• Unbalanced load distribution causing rollovers on curves
• Using inadequate tiedowns or blocking

5. Truck and Trailer Manufacturers

Product liability for:

• Defective brake systems prone to failure
• Dangerous fuel tank placement (increasing fire risk)
• Inadequate underride guards
• Defective steering mechanisms
• Inadequate stability control systems

6. Parts Manufacturers

Specific liability for defective:

• Brake components (air lines, valves, chambers)
• Tires prone to blowouts
• Lighting systems
• Coupling devices

7. Maintenance Companies

Third-party mechanics who negligently:

• Failed to identify critical safety issues during inspections
• Improperly repaired brake systems
• Used substandard parts
• Certified unsafe vehicles as roadworthy

8. Freight Brokers

Brokers who arrange transportation but don’t own trucks may be liable for:

• Negligent selection of carriers with poor safety records
• Failing to verify carrier insurance and FMCSA authority
• Selecting cheapest carriers despite safety concerns

9. Truck Owner (If Different from Carrier)

In owner-operator arrangements, separate liability for:

• Negligent entrustment of the vehicle
• Failure to maintain equipment they own

10. Government Entities

If road design or maintenance contributed to the accident:

• Dangerous curve design without adequate signage
• Failure to maintain proper drainage (causing ice in winter)
• Inadequate lighting or signage for hazardous grades
• Poor dust storm warning systems

The 48-Hour Evidence Preservation Protocol

In McKinley County truck accidents, evidence disappears fast. The trucking company has already deployed its rapid-response team. They’ve contacted their lawyers. They’re gathering evidence to protect themselves. You need to do the same.

Black Box Data: The ECM (Engine Control Module) and EDR (Event Data Recorder) capture critical information—speed, braking, throttle position, seat belt usage. But this data can be overwritten in as little as 30 days, or sooner if the truck continues operating.

Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs): These prove hours-of-service violations. But FMCSA only requires companies to keep this data for 6 months—and they can destroy it after that unless we intervene.

Dashcam Footage: Many trucks have forward-facing and driver-facing cameras. This footage often gets deleted within 7-14 days through automatic overwriting.

Physical Evidence: The truck itself may be repaired, sold, or crushed. The tires that blew out may be discarded. The cargo may be dispersed.

Witness Memories: The longer you wait, the more witnesses forget. The dust storm conditions they observed. The truck’s speed. The driver’s behavior.

What We Do Immediately—Within 24 to 48 Hours:

1. Send Spoliation Letters: Formal legal notices to the trucking company, their insurer, and all potentially liable parties demanding preservation of:

   • ECM/Black box data
   • ELD logs
   • Driver Qualification Files
   • Maintenance and inspection records
   • Dashcam footage
   • Cell phone records
   • Dispatch communications
   • The physical truck and trailer

2. Deploy Investigators: To the accident scene in McKinley County to photograph conditions, locate witnesses, and identify surveillance cameras from nearby businesses.

3. Federal Records Requests: We immediately request the carrier’s FMCSA safety record, CSA scores, and inspection history to identify patterns of violations.

4. Subpoenas: For cell phone records, drug test results, and driver medical certifications.

Lupe Peña’s insurance defense background is crucial here—he knows exactly what evidence the trucking company’s lawyers are trying to hide, and he knows how to force them to produce it.

Catastrophic Injuries and Their Lifelong Impact

Truck accidents don’t cause simple bruises and strains. The force of an 80,000-pound vehicle hitting a 4,000-pound car creates catastrophic, life-altering trauma.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

Even “moderate” TBIs can result in:

• Permanent cognitive impairment
• Memory loss and concentration deficits
• Personality changes and mood disorders
• Inability to work in previous profession
• Need for lifelong care and supervision

Settlement ranges: $1.5 million to $9.8 million+ depending on severity, age of victim, and long-term care needs.

Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis

Complete or incomplete spinal cord damage can cause:

• Quadriplegia (loss of use of all four limbs)
• Paraplegia (loss of use of legs)
• Chronic pain and spasticity
• Loss of bowel and bladder control
• Respiratory complications requiring ventilators

Lifetime care costs: $3.5 million to $5 million+ for high quadriplegia, not including lost wages or pain and suffering.

Amputations

Whether traumatic (severed at scene) or surgical (removed later due to crushing damage), amputations require:

• Multiple prosthetics over a lifetime ($5,000-$50,000 each)
• Extensive rehabilitation
• Home and vehicle modifications
• Career retraining or permanent disability

Settlement ranges: $1.9 million to $8.6 million depending on limb and complications.

Severe Burns

Fuel tank ruptures and fires cause:

• Third and fourth-degree burns requiring skin grafts
• Permanent disfigurement and scarring
• Loss of function in burned areas
• Psychological trauma from appearance changes

Wrongful Death

When truck accidents kill McKinley County residents, surviving family members can recover:

• Lost future income
• Loss of companionship and parental guidance
• Mental anguish
• Funeral expenses
• Punitive damages for gross negligence

Settlement ranges: $1.9 million to $9.5 million+ depending on the decedent’s age, earning capacity, and circumstances of death.

Commercial Insurance: Why Trucking Cases Are High-Value

Federal law requires trucking companies to carry far more insurance than regular drivers:

Many carriers carry $1 million to $5 million in coverage. This means catastrophic injuries can actually be compensated rather than leaving victims with unpaid medical bills.

However, accessing this coverage requires knowing federal trucking law. The insurance company will deploy adjusters trained to minimize your claim. They’ll argue:

• Your injuries are from a pre-existing condition
• You were partially at fault (comparative negligence)
• Their driver was an independent contractor (trying to avoid vicarious liability)
• Federal regulations don’t apply

Without an attorney who knows 49 CFR Parts 390-399 inside and out, you’ll be steamrolled.

Frequently Asked Questions: McKinley County 18-Wheeler Accidents

How long do I have to file a lawsuit after a truck accident in McKinley County?

New Mexico law gives you three years from the date of the accident. However, you should call us within 48 hours. Evidence disappears fast—black box data can be overwritten in 30 days, and the trucking company is already building their defense.

What if the truck driver claims I caused the accident?

New Mexico follows “pure comparative fault.” Even if you were partially responsible, you can recover damages reduced by your percentage of fault. If you’re found 20% at fault, you still recover 80% of your damages. Don’t let the trucking company’s insurance adjuster bully you into accepting blame.

Can I sue the trucking company even if the driver is an independent contractor?

Often yes. We investigate the actual relationship between the driver and company. If the company controls the driver’s schedule, routes, or equipment, they may still be liable under vicarious liability theories. Additionally, we pursue negligent hiring claims if they failed to vet the driver properly.

What is a spoliation letter and why does it matter?

It’s a formal legal notice demanding that the trucking company preserve all evidence. Once they receive it, destroying evidence becomes “spoliation”—a serious legal violation that can result in sanctions or the court instructing the jury to assume the destroyed evidence was unfavorable to the trucking company. We send these within 24 hours of being hired.

How much is my McKinley County truck accident case worth?

It depends on injury severity, medical costs, lost wages, and insurance coverage. Trucking companies carry $750,000 to $5 million+ in coverage. We’ve recovered multi-million dollar settlements for clients with catastrophic injuries. Call us at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free evaluation of your specific case.

What if I don’t have health insurance to pay for treatment?

We work with medical providers who treat patients on a Letter of Protection (LOP)—meaning they get paid when your case settles. Don’t delay treatment because you can’t afford it. Your health comes first, and we’ll handle the financial logistics.

The trucking company’s insurance offered me a quick settlement. Should I take it?

NO. Early offers are designed to pay you pennies on the dollar before you know the full extent of your injuries. Once you accept, you waive your right to additional compensation. Never sign anything without having an attorney review it.

Do you handle cases for undocumented immigrants?

Yes. Immigration status does not affect your right to compensation after a truck accident. You have the same rights as any other victim. We also offer Spanish-language services through Lupe Peña—no interpreters needed.

What if I can’t come to your office?

Ralph Manginello and the Attorney911 team can come to you. We serve clients throughout McKinley County and can meet at your home, hospital, or a location convenient to you. We also offer virtual consultations.

How do I pay for an attorney?

We work on contingency. You pay nothing upfront—no retainer, no hourly fees. We advance all costs for investigation and experts. We only get paid if we win your case. If we don’t recover money for you, you owe us nothing.

McKinley County Truck Accident Client Testimonials

Don’t just take our word for it. Here’s what clients say after we handled their cases:

Donald Wilcox had been turned away by another firm: “One company said they would not accept my case. Then I got a call from Manginello… I got a call to come pick up this handsome check.”

Kiimarii Yup lost everything in a truck crash: “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.”

Ernest Cano praised our fighting spirit: “Mr. Manginello and his firm are first class. Will fight tooth and nail for you.”

Angel Walle appreciated our speed: “They solved in a couple of months what others did nothing about in two years.”

Chad Harris felt like family: “You are NOT a pest to them and you are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.”

Contact Attorney911: McKinley County 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyers

The trucking company has lawyers working right now to protect their interests. Who’s protecting yours?

If you or a loved one has been injured in an 18-wheeler accident on I-40, in Gallup, or anywhere in McKinley County, call Attorney911 immediately.

Call 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911) — Available 24/7

Free Consultation. No Fee Unless We Win.

Hablamos Español. Llame a Lupe Peña.

Don’t let the trucking company win. Don’t settle for less than you deserve. With Ralph Manginello’s 25+ years of experience, Lupe Peña’s insider knowledge of insurance tactics, and our commitment to treating you like family, we have the resources and determination to fight for every dollar you’re owed.

McKinley County residents deserve justice. McKinley County families deserve compensation. And trucking companies that violate federal safety regulations deserve to pay.

Call now. Evidence is disappearing. Time is running out. Let Attorney911 fight for you.

1-888-ATTY-911

Serving McKinley County, Gallup, and all of northwestern New Mexico from our offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, Texas.