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Mitchell County 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyers: Attorney911 Delivers 25+ Years of Courtroom-Tested Trucking Litigation, Led by Ralph P. Manginello – Multi-Million Dollar Verdict Attorney, BP Explosion Litigation Veteran, and Federal Court Admitted Trial Lawyer – With Former Insurance Defense Attorney Lupe Peña Exposing Every Insurance Company Tactic, FMCSA Regulation Masters (49 CFR Parts 390-399), Black Box & ELD Data Extraction Specialists, Jackknife, Rollover, Underride, Brake Failure, Cargo Spill & All 18-Wheeler Crash Types, Traumatic Brain Injury, Spinal Cord Damage, Amputation & Wrongful Death Advocates – $50+ Million Recovered for Texas Families, Free 24/7 Consultation, No Fee Unless We Win, Same-Day Evidence Preservation, Hablamos Español, Three Texas Offices (Houston, Austin, Beaumont), 4.9★ Google Rating (251+ Reviews), 1-888-ATTY-911 – The Firm Insurers Fear When Mitchell County Trucking Accidents Strike

February 2, 2026 30 min read
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18-Wheeler Accidents in Mitchell County: Your Guide to Justice and Compensation

When an 80,000-Pound Truck Changes Your Life in an Instant

Every year, thousands of Texans experience the terror of an 18-wheeler accident. One moment you’re driving down I-20 or US-84 through Mitchell County, the next an 80,000-pound truck is jackknifing across three lanes, rolling over in front of you, or rear-ending your vehicle with crushing force. In that instant, life changes forever.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a trucking accident in Mitchell County, you need more than just legal advice—you need a fighter who understands the unique challenges of West Texas trucking corridors, the federal regulations that govern commercial carriers, and how to hold negligent trucking companies accountable.

At Attorney911, we’ve been fighting for truck accident victims across Texas for over 25 years. Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has federal court experience and has secured multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements for families devastated by 18-wheeler crashes. We know Mitchell County’s highways, distribution centers, and the trucking companies that operate here. When disaster strikes on Mitchell County roads, you need a legal emergency lawyer who fights like your future depends on it—because it does.

Call us now at 1-888-ATTY-911 for your free consultation. We answer 24/7.

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

Why Mitchell County 18-Wheeler Accidents Are Different

Mitchell County sits at the crossroads of major Texas trucking corridors. I-20 connects the Permian Basin to the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, while US-84 and US-87 serve as critical routes for agricultural and oilfield freight. The county’s position along these high-traffic routes means:

  • Higher truck volume than many rural Texas counties
  • Mixed freight including oilfield equipment, agricultural products, and general cargo
  • Long-haul drivers traveling through from other states with potential fatigue issues
  • Local distribution centers serving the West Texas region
  • Unique weather challenges including sudden dust storms and temperature extremes

Our team understands Mitchell County’s trucking landscape. We know the weigh stations, the common accident hotspots, and the specific challenges faced by drivers on these routes. This local knowledge, combined with our national trucking litigation experience, gives us an advantage in building your case.

The Devastating Reality of 18-Wheeler Accidents

When an 18-wheeler collides with a passenger vehicle, the results are often catastrophic:

  • Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): From concussions to permanent cognitive impairment
  • Spinal Cord Injuries: Leading to paralysis (paraplegia or quadriplegia)
  • Amputations: Limbs severed in the crash or requiring surgical removal
  • Severe Burns: From fuel fires or hazardous material spills
  • Internal Organ Damage: Life-threatening internal bleeding
  • Wrongful Death: Leaving families devastated and financially vulnerable

These injuries aren’t just physical—they change lives forever. Medical bills pile up. You can’t work. Your family struggles. And the trucking company’s insurance adjuster calls, offering a quick settlement that won’t even cover your first month of treatment.

Common Types of 18-Wheeler Accidents in Mitchell County

Jackknife Accidents

When a truck’s trailer swings out perpendicular to the cab, it creates a deadly barrier across multiple lanes. These accidents often occur when drivers brake suddenly on wet roads or take curves too fast. Mitchell County’s mix of high-speed interstates and rural highways with sudden turns creates prime conditions for jackknife accidents.

Underride Collisions

Among the most fatal trucking accidents, underride collisions occur when a smaller vehicle slides underneath the trailer. The trailer height often shears off the passenger compartment at windshield level, causing decapitation or catastrophic head injuries. Mitchell County’s flat terrain and long straightaways can lead to high-speed underride accidents when trucks stop suddenly.

Rollover Accidents

Trucks have a high center of gravity, making them prone to rollovers when taking curves too fast or when cargo shifts. In Mitchell County, rollovers often occur on rural highway curves or when drivers overcorrect after leaving the roadway. These accidents frequently involve multiple vehicles and can block entire roadways for hours.

Rear-End Collisions

An 80,000-pound truck needs nearly two football fields to stop from 65 mph. When truck drivers follow too closely, are distracted, or have brake failures, they can’t stop in time. Mitchell County’s long stretches of highway with sudden traffic slowdowns create perfect conditions for these devastating crashes.

Wide Turn Accidents (“Squeeze Play”)

Trucks need significant space to make turns. When they swing wide (often to the left) before making a right turn, they create a gap that smaller vehicles enter. The truck then completes its turn, crushing the vehicle that entered the gap. These accidents are common at Mitchell County intersections where trucks turn onto rural roads.

Blind Spot Accidents (“No-Zone”)

Trucks have massive blind spots—especially on the right side where the “No-Zone” extends the length of the trailer. When truck drivers change lanes without seeing vehicles in these blind spots, catastrophic sideswipe accidents occur. Mitchell County’s mix of local traffic and through-trucks increases the risk of these accidents.

Tire Blowout Accidents

Mitchell County’s heat and long highway stretches put tremendous stress on truck tires. When tires fail, drivers often lose control, causing the truck to swerve into other lanes or roll over. Debris from blown tires can also strike following vehicles, causing additional accidents.

Brake Failure Accidents

Poor maintenance leads to brake failures, especially on Mitchell County’s long downhill stretches. When brakes fail, trucks can’t stop, leading to high-speed rear-end collisions or runaway truck accidents.

Cargo Shift/Spill Accidents

Improperly secured cargo can shift during transit, destabilizing the truck. In Mitchell County, agricultural products, oilfield equipment, and other heavy cargo create additional risks when not properly secured. Spilled cargo can also create hazards for other vehicles.

The Trucking Company’s Playbook: What They Don’t Want You to Know

Before the ambulance even arrives, the trucking company’s rapid-response team is already working—to protect their interests, not yours. Here’s what they’re doing while you’re in the hospital:

  1. Sending investigators to the scene to document it from their perspective
  2. Downloading black box data to see if their driver was at fault
  3. Coaching the driver on what to say (and what not to say)
  4. Contacting witnesses to get statements favorable to them
  5. Offering you a quick settlement—before you know the full extent of your injuries

Their goal is simple: pay you as little as possible. Our goal is just as simple: make them pay what you deserve.

“The trucking company has lawyers. So should you. 1-888-ATTY-911.”

The 48-Hour Evidence Preservation Protocol: Why Time is Critical

In 18-wheeler accident cases, evidence disappears fast. Here’s what’s at risk:

Evidence Type Destruction Risk What It Shows
ECM/Black Box Data Overwrites in 30 days Speed, braking, throttle position
ELD Data Retained only 6 months Hours of service violations
Dashcam Footage Deleted in 7-14 days What the driver was doing
Surveillance Video Overwrites in 7-30 days Accident from another angle
Witness Memory Fades within weeks What really happened
Physical Evidence Vehicle repaired or scrapped Crash dynamics

We send spoliation letters within 24-48 hours of being retained. This legal notice demands that the trucking company preserve all evidence. Destroying evidence after receiving our letter can result in:

  • The judge telling the jury to assume the evidence was unfavorable
  • Monetary sanctions against the trucking company
  • Default judgment in extreme cases
  • Punitive damages for intentional destruction

FMCSA Regulations: The Trucking Industry’s Rulebook (That They Often Ignore)

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulates every commercial truck on American highways. These regulations exist to protect the public. When trucking companies violate them, they create dangerous conditions that cause accidents.

Hours of Service (HOS) Regulations: The Fatigue Factor

One of the most commonly violated—and deadly—sets of regulations:

Rule Requirement Violation Impact
11-Hour Driving Limit Max 11 hours driving after 10 consecutive hours off duty Fatigue-related accidents
14-Hour On-Duty Window Cannot drive beyond 14th consecutive hour after coming on duty Driver exhaustion
30-Minute Break Rule Mandatory break after 8 cumulative hours of driving Impaired alertness
60/70-Hour Weekly Limit 60 hours in 7 days OR 70 hours in 8 days Cumulative fatigue
34-Hour Restart Can restart 60/70-hour clock with 34 consecutive hours off Inadequate recovery

Fatigued driving causes approximately 31% of fatal truck crashes. When drivers violate these rules, they’re too tired to react safely.

Driver Qualification Standards: Who’s Behind the Wheel?

FMCSA requires trucking companies to maintain a Driver Qualification (DQ) File for every driver containing:

  • Employment application and background check
  • Driving record from state licensing authority
  • Road test certificate or equivalent
  • Medical examiner’s certificate (valid for max 2 years)
  • Annual driving record review
  • Previous employer inquiries (3-year driving history)
  • Drug and alcohol test records

Missing or incomplete files prove negligent hiring. If the trucking company failed to check the driver’s background or hired someone with a poor safety record, they can be held liable.

Vehicle Maintenance: Keeping Trucks Safe

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

  • Pre-trip inspections: Drivers must inspect their trucks before every trip
  • Post-trip reports: Drivers must document vehicle condition after each day’s driving
  • Annual inspections: Comprehensive inspection covering 16+ systems
  • Maintenance records: Must be retained for 1 year

Brake problems are a factor in approximately 29% of large truck crashes. If the trucking company failed to maintain proper records or deferred maintenance, they are liable for negligence.

Cargo Securement: Preventing Shifts and Spills

Cargo must be secured to prevent:

  • Leaking, spilling, blowing, or falling from the vehicle
  • Shifting that affects vehicle stability or maneuverability
  • Blocking the driver’s view or interfering with operation

Cargo securement violations are among the top 10 most common FMCSA violations. Shifted cargo causes rollover accidents when the center of gravity changes suddenly.

All Parties We Hold Accountable in Mitchell County Trucking Cases

In car accidents, usually only one driver is at fault. In trucking accidents, MULTIPLE parties can be liable:

  1. The Truck Driver – For direct negligence like speeding, distraction, or impairment
  2. The Trucking Company/Motor Carrier – For vicarious liability, negligent hiring, training, supervision, and maintenance
  3. The Cargo Owner/Shipper – For improper loading instructions or misrepresenting cargo characteristics
  4. The Cargo Loading Company – For improper securement or unbalanced loads
  5. The Truck/Trailer Manufacturer – For design or manufacturing defects
  6. The Parts Manufacturer – For defective components like brakes or tires
  7. The Maintenance Company – For negligent repairs or inspections
  8. The Freight Broker – For negligent selection of unsafe carriers
  9. The Truck Owner (if different from carrier) – For negligent entrustment
  10. Government Entities – For dangerous road design or maintenance

We investigate every possible defendant to maximize your recovery. Trucking companies have deep pockets and high insurance limits—we make sure you can access them.

Catastrophic Injuries: The Human Cost of Trucking Negligence

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

TBI occurs when a sudden trauma damages the brain. In trucking accidents, the extreme forces cause the brain to impact the inside of the skull.

Severity Levels:

  • Mild (Concussion): Confusion, headache, brief loss of consciousness
  • Moderate: Extended unconsciousness, memory problems, cognitive deficits
  • Severe: Extended coma, permanent cognitive impairment

Lifetime Care Costs: $85,000 to $3,000,000+ depending on severity

Spinal Cord Injury

Damage to the spinal cord disrupts communication between the brain and body, often resulting in paralysis.

Types of Paralysis:

  • Paraplegia: Loss of function below the waist
  • Quadriplegia: Loss of function in all four limbs
  • Incomplete Injury: Some nerve function remains
  • Complete Injury: No nerve function below injury

Lifetime Care Costs:

  • Paraplegia (low): $1.1 million+
  • Paraplegia (high): $2.5 million+
  • Quadriplegia (low): $3.5 million+
  • Quadriplegia (high): $5 million+

Amputation

Limb loss due to traumatic severing or surgical removal after severe damage.

Ongoing Needs:

  • Initial surgery and hospitalization
  • Prosthetic limbs ($5,000 – $50,000+ each)
  • Replacement prosthetics throughout lifetime
  • Physical and occupational therapy
  • Psychological counseling

Severe Burns

From fuel fires, hazmat spills, or electrical fires.

Burn Classification:

  • First Degree: Epidermis only
  • Second Degree: Epidermis and dermis
  • Third Degree: Full thickness
  • Fourth Degree: Through skin to muscle/bone

Wrongful Death

When a trucking accident kills a loved one, surviving family members can recover:

  • Lost future income and benefits
  • Loss of consortium (companionship, care, guidance)
  • Mental anguish and emotional suffering
  • Funeral and burial expenses
  • Medical expenses before death
  • Punitive damages (if gross negligence)

Commercial Truck Insurance: Why Your Case May Be Worth Millions

Federal law requires commercial trucking companies to carry minimum liability insurance far exceeding typical auto policies:

Cargo Type Minimum Coverage
Non-Hazardous Freight $750,000
Oil/Petroleum $1,000,000
Large Equipment $1,000,000
Hazardous Materials $5,000,000
Passengers (16+) $5,000,000
Passengers (15 or fewer) $1,500,000

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

Nuclear Verdicts: What’s Possible When Trucking Companies Are Held Accountable

Recent years have seen unprecedented jury verdicts against trucking companies:

Amount Year Location Case Details
$730 Million 2021 Texas Ramsey v. Landstar – Navy propeller oversize load killed 73-year-old woman
$462 Million 2024 Missouri Underride accident – two men decapitated
$160 Million 2024 Alabama Daimler – rollover left driver quadriplegic
$150 Million 2022 Texas Werner settlement – two children killed on I-30
$141.5 Million 2023 Florida Defunct carrier crash
$1 Billion 2021 Florida I-95 fatality – $100M compensatory + $900M punitive

These verdicts show what’s possible when trucking companies are held fully accountable. Insurance companies know juries are willing to award massive damages—which strengthens settlement negotiations.

Mitchell County’s Trucking Corridors: Where Accidents Happen

Mitchell County’s position along major Texas trucking routes creates unique accident risks:

I-20 Corridor

  • Primary route: Connects Permian Basin to Dallas-Fort Worth
  • Freight types: Oilfield equipment, general cargo, agricultural products
  • Accident risks: High-speed rear-end collisions, fatigue-related accidents, sudden weather changes
  • Hotspots: Weigh stations, interchange areas, long straightaways with sudden slowdowns

US-84 Corridor

  • Primary route: Serves as a north-south connector through West Texas
  • Freight types: Agricultural products, local distribution, oilfield traffic
  • Accident risks: Mixed local and through traffic, rural intersections, limited lighting
  • Hotspots: Intersections with state highways, areas with sudden speed limit changes

US-87 Corridor

  • Primary route: Connects San Angelo to Lubbock
  • Freight types: Agricultural products, general cargo, local distribution
  • Accident risks: Rural two-lane sections, agricultural equipment, wildlife crossings
  • Hotspots: Areas where highway narrows, sections with limited shoulders

Local Distribution Centers

  • Freight types: Agricultural products, oilfield supplies, general cargo
  • Accident risks: Increased local truck traffic, loading dock accidents, pedestrian hazards
  • Hotspots: Nearby intersections, areas with mixed local and commercial traffic

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Mitchell County Trucking Case

1. We Know Mitchell County’s Trucking Landscape

We understand the unique challenges of Mitchell County’s highways, distribution centers, and accident patterns. Our local knowledge gives us an advantage in building your case.

2. Our Team Includes a Former Insurance Defense Attorney

Lupe Peña, our associate attorney, spent years working for a national insurance defense firm. He knows exactly how insurance companies evaluate, minimize, and deny trucking accident claims. Now he uses that knowledge to fight FOR you, not against you.

3. We’ve Recovered Millions for Trucking Accident Victims

  • $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

4. We Have Federal Court Experience

Our admission to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas means we can handle interstate trucking cases that may require federal court jurisdiction.

5. We Offer Spanish-Language Services

Hablamos Español. Our associate attorney Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish and provides direct representation without interpreters. Many truck drivers in Mitchell County are Spanish-speaking, and we can communicate directly with them and their families.

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

We advance all costs of investigation and litigation. You never receive a bill from us. When we win, our fee comes from the recovery, not your pocket.

7. We Send Spoliation Letters Immediately

We don’t wait to protect your evidence. Within 24-48 hours of being retained, we send formal legal notices demanding preservation of all critical evidence before it’s destroyed.

8. We Have a Proven Track Record Against Major Corporations

We’ve successfully litigated against:

  • Walmart trucking operations
  • Coca-Cola distribution vehicles
  • Amazon delivery trucks
  • FedEx trucks
  • UPS trucks
  • Various commercial trucking companies

“They treated me like FAMILY, not just another case number.”
— Chad Harris, Attorney911 Client

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

At the Scene:

  1. Call 911 – Report the accident and request medical assistance
  2. Seek medical attention – Even if injuries seem minor, get checked out
  3. Document everything – Take photos of vehicles, injuries, road conditions, skid marks
  4. Get truck information – Company name, DOT number, driver’s name and CDL number
  5. Collect witness information – Names and phone numbers of anyone who saw the accident
  6. Do NOT give recorded statements – To any insurance company without legal representation
  7. Call Attorney911 – The sooner we’re involved, the better we can protect your rights

In the Days Following:

  1. Follow all medical advice – Attend all appointments and follow treatment plans
  2. Document your injuries – Take photos of bruises, casts, scars as they heal
  3. Keep a pain journal – Record your symptoms, pain levels, and how injuries affect daily life
  4. Save all receipts – Medical bills, prescription costs, travel expenses for treatment
  5. Stay off social media – Insurance companies will use your posts against you
  6. Do NOT sign anything – Without having it reviewed by your attorney
  7. Stay in communication – With your attorney and provide updates on your condition

Mitchell County Trucking Accident FAQ

What should I do immediately after an 18-wheeler accident in Mitchell County?

Call 911, seek medical attention, document the scene, get the trucking company information, collect witness contact information, and call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911. Do NOT give recorded statements to any insurance company without legal representation.

Should I go to the hospital after a truck accident even if I feel okay?

YES. Adrenaline masks pain after traumatic accidents. Internal injuries, TBI, and spinal injuries may not show symptoms for hours or days. Mitchell County hospitals can identify injuries that will become critical evidence in your case. Delaying treatment also gives insurance companies ammunition to deny your claim.

What information should I collect at the truck accident scene?

Document everything possible:

  • Truck and trailer license plates
  • DOT number (on truck door)
  • Trucking company name and logo
  • Driver’s name, CDL number, and contact info
  • Photos of all vehicle damage
  • Photos of the accident scene, road conditions, skid marks
  • Photos of your injuries
  • Witness names and phone numbers
  • Responding officer’s name and badge number
  • Weather and road conditions

Should I talk to the trucking company’s insurance adjuster?

NO. Do not give any recorded statements. Insurance adjusters work for the trucking company, not you. Anything you say will be used to minimize your claim. Our firm includes a former insurance defense attorney who knows exactly how these adjusters are trained to protect the trucking company’s interests.

How quickly should I contact an 18-wheeler accident attorney in Mitchell County?

IMMEDIATELY – within 24-48 hours if possible. Critical evidence in trucking cases (black box data, ELD records, dashcam footage) can be destroyed or overwritten quickly. We send spoliation letters within hours of being retained to preserve this evidence before it’s lost forever.

What is a spoliation letter and why is it important?

A spoliation letter is a formal legal notice demanding that the trucking company preserve all evidence related to the accident. This includes ECM/black box data, ELD logs, maintenance records, driver files, and more. Sending this letter immediately puts the trucking company on notice that destroying evidence will result in serious legal consequences.

What is a truck’s “black box” and how does it help my case?

Commercial trucks have Electronic Control Modules (ECM) and Event Data Recorders (EDR) that record operational data. This data can show:

  • Speed before and during the crash
  • Brake application timing
  • Engine RPM and throttle position
  • Whether cruise control was engaged
  • GPS location

This objective data often contradicts what drivers claim happened.

What is an ELD and why is it important?

Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) are federally mandated devices that record driver hours of service. ELD data proves whether the driver violated federal rest requirements and was driving while fatigued. Hours of service violations are among the most common causes of trucking accidents.

How long does the trucking company keep black box and ELD data?

ECM data can be overwritten within 30 days or with new driving events. FMCSA only requires 6 months retention for ELD data. This is why we send spoliation letters immediately—once we notify them of litigation, they must preserve everything.

What records should my attorney get from the trucking company?

We pursue:

  • ECM/Black box data
  • ELD records
  • Driver Qualification File
  • Maintenance records
  • Inspection reports
  • Dispatch logs
  • Drug and alcohol test results
  • Training records
  • Cell phone records
  • Insurance policies
  • The physical truck and trailer

Can the trucking company destroy evidence?

Once they’re on notice of potential litigation, destroying evidence is spoliation—a serious legal violation. Courts can:

  • Instruct juries to assume destroyed evidence was unfavorable
  • Impose monetary sanctions
  • Enter default judgment in extreme cases
  • Award punitive damages

Who can I sue after an 18-wheeler accident in Mitchell County?

Multiple parties may be liable:

  • The truck driver
  • The trucking company/motor carrier
  • The cargo owner or shipper
  • The company that loaded the cargo
  • Truck or parts manufacturers
  • Maintenance companies
  • Freight brokers
  • The truck owner (if different from carrier)
  • Government entities (for road defects)

We investigate every possible defendant to maximize your recovery.

Is the trucking company responsible even if the driver caused the accident?

Usually YES. Under the doctrine of respondeat superior, employers are liable for employees’ negligent acts within the scope of employment. Additionally, trucking companies can be directly liable for:

  • Negligent hiring (hiring unqualified drivers)
  • Negligent training (inadequate safety training)
  • Negligent supervision (failing to monitor driver behavior)
  • Negligent maintenance (poor vehicle upkeep)

What if the truck driver says the accident was my fault?

Texas uses a modified comparative negligence system. Even if you were partially at fault, you may still recover compensation. Our job is to investigate thoroughly, gather evidence (especially ECM and ELD data), and prove what really happened. Drivers often lie to protect their jobs—the data tells the true story.

What is an owner-operator and does that affect my case?

An owner-operator is a driver who owns their own truck and contracts with trucking companies. This can complicate liability, but 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.

How do I find out if the trucking company has a bad safety record?

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

A poor safety record can prove the company knew it was putting dangerous drivers on the road.

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

FMCSA regulations limit how long truck drivers can operate:

  • Maximum 11 hours driving after 10 hours off
  • Cannot drive beyond 14th consecutive hour on duty
  • 30-minute break required after 8 hours 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 FMCSA regulations are most commonly violated in accidents?

The top violations we find:

  • Hours of service violations (driving too long)
  • False log entries (lying about driving time)
  • Brake system deficiencies
  • Cargo securement failures
  • Drug and alcohol violations
  • Unqualified drivers (no valid CDL or medical certificate)
  • Failure to inspect vehicles

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 prove negligent hiring.

How do pre-trip inspections relate to my accident case?

Drivers must inspect their trucks before every trip. If they failed to conduct inspections or ignored known defects (bad brakes, worn tires, lighting problems), both the driver and company may be liable for negligence.

What injuries are common in 18-wheeler accidents in Mitchell County?

Due to the massive size and weight disparity, trucking accidents often cause catastrophic injuries:

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

How much are 18-wheeler accident cases worth in Mitchell County?

Case values depend on many 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.

What if my loved one was killed in a trucking accident in Mitchell County?

Texas allows wrongful death claims by surviving family members. You may recover:

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

Time limits apply—contact us immediately to protect your rights.

How long do I have to file an 18-wheeler accident lawsuit in Mitchell County?

The statute of limitations in Texas is 2 years from the date of the accident. However, you should never wait. Evidence disappears quickly in trucking cases. The sooner you contact us, the stronger your case will be.

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. We have the resources and experience to take your case all the way if necessary.

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. You never receive a bill from us. When we win, our fee comes from the recovery, not your pocket.

How much insurance do trucking companies carry?

Federal law requires minimum liability coverage:

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

Many carriers carry $1-5 million or more. This higher coverage means catastrophic injuries can actually be compensated.

What if multiple insurance policies apply to my accident?

Trucking cases often involve multiple policies:

  • Motor carrier’s liability policy
  • Trailer interchange coverage
  • Cargo insurance
  • Owner-operator’s policy
  • Excess/umbrella coverage

We identify all available coverage to maximize your recovery.

Will the trucking company’s insurance try to settle quickly?

Often yes—and that’s a red flag. Quick settlement offers are designed to pay you far less than your case is worth before you understand the full extent of your injuries. Never accept any settlement without consulting an experienced trucking accident attorney first.

Your Fight Starts Now: Call Attorney911 Today

If you or a loved one has been injured in an 18-wheeler accident in Mitchell County, you need to act fast. Evidence is disappearing right now. The trucking company’s rapid-response team is already working to protect their interests. You need someone protecting yours.

Call Attorney911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911 for your free consultation. We answer 24/7.

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

Our team includes a former insurance defense attorney who knows every tactic the trucking company will use against you. We’ve recovered millions for trucking accident victims across Texas. We know Mitchell County’s highways, distribution centers, and the trucking companies that operate here.

Don’t let the trucking company get away with it. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 today.

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

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