18-Wheeler Accident Lawyers in Nolan County, Texas

When an 80,000-Pound Truck Changes Your Life

Every year, thousands of Texas families face the devastating aftermath of 18-wheeler accidents. When a fully loaded tractor-trailer collides with your passenger vehicle, the results are often catastrophic. In Nolan County, where I-20 and US-83 intersect, our highways see heavy commercial traffic carrying goods across West Texas. If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a trucking accident here, you need more than just a lawyer – you need a legal emergency response team.

At Attorney911, we’ve been fighting for truck accident victims across Nolan County and throughout Texas for over 25 years. Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has secured multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements against the largest trucking companies in America. With offices serving Sweetwater, Roscoe, and all of Nolan County, we know the local courts, the trucking corridors, and how to hold negligent carriers accountable.

Why Nolan County Trucking Accidents Are Different

Nolan County’s position at the crossroads of major transportation routes creates unique risks. I-20 carries east-west freight traffic connecting Dallas to El Paso, while US-83 serves as a critical north-south corridor. The combination of long-haul truckers, local distribution traffic, and agricultural vehicles creates a complex traffic environment. Many accidents occur at:

• The I-20/US-83 interchange near Sweetwater
• Highway 70 intersections throughout the county
• Rural farm-to-market roads where trucks and passenger vehicles mix
• Weigh stations and truck stops where fatigued drivers may make poor decisions

Local factors like windy conditions, sudden weather changes, and the mix of agricultural and commercial traffic create additional hazards. Our team understands these Nolan County-specific risks and how they contribute to trucking accidents.

The Physics of Trucking Accidents

Understanding why 18-wheeler accidents cause such severe injuries starts with the physics:

• A fully loaded truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds – 20-25 times more than your passenger vehicle
• At 65 mph, that truck carries 80 times the kinetic energy of a car
• Stopping distance: 525 feet (nearly two football fields) for a loaded truck at 65 mph
• High center of gravity makes trucks prone to rollovers and jackknives
• Blind spots (“No-Zones”) extend up to 30 feet behind the trailer

When these massive vehicles collide with passenger cars, the results are often catastrophic. Common injuries we see in Nolan County trucking cases include:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
• Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
• Amputations
• Severe burns from fuel fires
• Internal organ damage
• Wrongful death

Common Causes of Nolan County Trucking Accidents

Our investigation of trucking accidents in Nolan County consistently reveals similar causes:

Driver Fatigue and Hours of Service Violations

Truck drivers face intense pressure to meet delivery deadlines. Federal regulations limit driving time to 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty, with a 14-hour on-duty window. Despite these rules, we frequently find:

• Drivers exceeding 11-hour driving limits
• False log entries to hide violations
• Companies pressuring drivers to skip required breaks
• Drivers working multiple jobs (double-dipping)

The ELD mandate (effective December 2017) was supposed to eliminate paper log falsification, but we still see creative ways drivers and companies try to circumvent the rules.

Distracted Driving

Cell phone use is a growing problem among commercial drivers. Federal regulations prohibit:

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

Yet we regularly obtain cell phone records showing drivers were texting, talking, or using apps at the time of crashes.

Improper Maintenance

Brake failures cause 29% of truck accidents. Common maintenance issues we uncover:

• Worn brake pads not replaced
• Improper brake adjustments
• Air brake system leaks
• Tire blowouts from worn or underinflated tires
• Faulty lighting and reflectors

Cargo Securement Failures

Improperly secured cargo causes rollovers and spills. FMCSA regulations require:

• Cargo must withstand 0.8g deceleration forward
• 0.5g acceleration rearward
• 0.5g force laterally
• At least one tiedown for every 10 feet of cargo

We frequently find violations of these securement rules that lead to catastrophic accidents.

Speeding and Reckless Driving

Despite speed governors on many trucks, we see:

• Excessive speed for conditions
• Following too closely
• Aggressive lane changes
• Failure to yield right-of-way

Impaired Driving

While less common than other factors, we still encounter:

• Alcohol impairment
• Illegal drug use
• Prescription medication misuse
• Over-the-counter medication impairment

The 48-Hour Evidence Preservation Protocol

In trucking cases, evidence disappears quickly. We act immediately to preserve:

Electronic Control Module (ECM) / Black Box Data

• Records speed, braking, throttle position
• Can show following distance
• May reveal cruise control use
• Data can be overwritten within 30 days

Electronic Logging Device (ELD) Records

• Prove hours of service violations
• Show GPS location history
• Can be overwritten within 6 months

Dashcam Footage

• Forward-facing and cab-facing cameras
• Often deleted within 7-14 days

Surveillance Video

• Business security cameras near accident scene
• Typically overwrite within 7-30 days

Physical Evidence

• The truck and trailer themselves
• Failed components (brakes, tires, etc.)
• Cargo and securement devices

We send formal spoliation letters within 24-48 hours of being retained, putting the trucking company on notice that destroying evidence will result in serious legal consequences.

Who We Hold Accountable in Nolan County Trucking Cases

Unlike car accidents where typically only one driver is at fault, trucking accidents often involve multiple liable parties:

1. The Truck Driver – For negligence like speeding, distraction, impairment, or fatigue
2. The Trucking Company – For vicarious liability and direct negligence like:
   • Negligent hiring (failing to check driving records)
   • Negligent training (inadequate safety training)
   • Negligent supervision (failing to monitor driver behavior)
   • Negligent maintenance (poor vehicle upkeep)
   • Negligent scheduling (pressuring drivers to violate HOS)
3. Cargo Owner/Shipper – For improper loading instructions or hazmat disclosure failures
4. Loading Company – For improper cargo securement
5. Truck/Trailer Manufacturer – For design or manufacturing defects
6. Parts Manufacturer – For defective components (brakes, tires, etc.)
7. Maintenance Company – For negligent repairs
8. Freight Broker – For negligent carrier selection
9. Truck Owner – For negligent entrustment (if different from carrier)
10. Government Entity – For dangerous road design or maintenance failures

We investigate every possible defendant to maximize your recovery. Trucking companies carry much higher insurance limits than typical drivers – often $1-5 million or more.

Types of Nolan County Trucking Accidents We Handle

Jackknife Accidents

When the trailer swings out at an angle to the cab, often blocking multiple lanes. Common causes:

• Sudden braking on wet or icy roads
• Speeding on curves
• Empty or lightly loaded trailers
• Improper braking technique

Rollover Accidents

When a truck tips onto its side or roof. Common causes:

• Speeding on curves or ramps
• Improperly secured cargo
• Liquid cargo “slosh” shifting center of gravity
• Overcorrection after tire blowout or lane departure

Underride Collisions

When a passenger vehicle slides under a trailer, often shearing off the roof. Two types:

• Rear Underride – Vehicle strikes back of trailer
• Side Underride – Vehicle impacts side of trailer during turns or lane changes

Federal law requires rear underride guards on trailers manufactured after 1998, but no federal requirement exists for side guards.

Tire Blowouts

Tire failures cause thousands of accidents annually. Common causes:

• Underinflation causing overheating
• Overloading exceeding tire capacity
• Worn or aging tires
• Road debris punctures
• Manufacturing defects

Brake Failures

Brake problems contribute to 29% of large truck crashes. Common causes:

• Worn brake pads not replaced
• Improper brake adjustments
• Air brake system leaks
• Contaminated brake fluid
• Defective brake components

Cargo Spills and Hazmat Incidents

When improperly secured cargo falls from trucks or hazardous materials spill. Common causes:

• Inadequate tiedowns
• Improper loading distribution
• Failure to use blocking/bracing
• Overloaded vehicles
• Hazmat disclosure failures

Blind Spot Accidents (“No-Zone” Collisions)

Trucks have four major blind spots:

1. Front No-Zone – 20 feet directly in front
2. Rear No-Zone – 30 feet behind
3. Left Side No-Zone – Extends from cab door backward
4. Right Side No-Zone – Much larger than left side (most dangerous)

Wide Turn Accidents (“Squeeze Play”)

When trucks swing wide before making right turns, creating gaps that other vehicles enter. The truck then completes its turn, crushing the vehicle that entered the gap.

Nolan County-Specific Trucking Risks

Living in Nolan County means understanding local trucking risks:

I-20 Corridor Challenges

• High volume of long-haul traffic
• Sudden weather changes affecting road conditions
• Limited truck parking leading to fatigue issues
• Congestion near Sweetwater exits

US-83 Traffic Patterns

• Mix of commercial and agricultural vehicles
• Rural intersections with limited visibility
• Nighttime driving hazards
• Seasonal agricultural traffic increases

Agricultural Trucking

• Overloaded farm vehicles
• Slow-moving equipment on highways
• Seasonal harvest traffic
• Driver fatigue during planting/harvest seasons

Oil and Gas Industry Traffic

• Heavy equipment transport
• Hazardous material shipments
• Increased traffic during boom periods
• Driver fatigue from long shifts

Weather-Related Hazards

• Sudden wind gusts affecting high-profile trailers
• Dust storms reducing visibility
• Flash flooding on rural roads
• Black ice on bridges and overpasses

The Insurance Battle: What You’re Up Against

Trucking companies and their insurers have rapid-response teams that spring into action immediately after accidents. Their goals:

1. Minimize your claim – “It was just a minor fender bender”
2. Deny liability – “You caused the accident”
3. Delay payment – “Let’s see how much treatment you really need”
4. Destroy evidence – “We don’t keep those records that long”
5. Lowball settlements – “Take this quick offer before it’s gone”

Our firm includes a former insurance defense attorney who knows exactly how these adjusters operate. We’ve seen every tactic and know how to counter them.

What Your Nolan County Trucking Accident Case Might Be Worth

Case values depend on many factors, but recent verdicts and settlements demonstrate what’s possible:

Recent nuclear verdicts in trucking cases show juries are increasingly willing to hold companies accountable:

• $462 million (2024, Missouri) – Underride decapitation
• $160 million (2024, Alabama) – Quadriplegic from rollover
• $141.5 million (2023, Florida) – Carrier case
• $730 million (2021, Texas) – Oversize load fatality
• $1 billion (2021, Florida) – Fatality with punitive damages

Texas has no cap on non-economic damages in most personal injury cases, allowing for full compensation for pain and suffering.

The Attorney911 Difference: Why Nolan County Families Choose Us

1. Insider Knowledge of Insurance Tactics

Our team includes a former insurance defense attorney who knows exactly how trucking companies try to minimize claims. He’s seen the training manuals, the settlement strategies, and the tactics used to deny valid claims. Now he uses that knowledge to fight for you.

2. Immediate Evidence Preservation

We send spoliation letters within 24-48 hours of being retained. This legal notice demands preservation of all evidence and creates serious consequences if the trucking company destroys anything. We’ve seen what happens when evidence disappears – it’s why we act so quickly.

3. Federal Court Experience

Ralph Manginello is admitted to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas. This federal court access is crucial for interstate trucking cases that can be filed in federal court.

4. Multi-Million Dollar Track Record

We’ve secured substantial verdicts and settlements for trucking accident victims, including:

• $5+ million logging brain injury settlement
• $3.8+ million car accident amputation settlement
• $2.5+ million truck crash recovery
• Millions recovered in wrongful death cases

5. Local Nolan County Knowledge

We understand:

• The local courts and judges
• Nolan County’s trucking corridors and accident patterns
• The mix of agricultural and commercial traffic
• Local weather patterns that affect trucking safety
• The unique challenges of rural road accidents

6. Spanish Language Services

Many Nolan County truck drivers and accident victims speak Spanish as their primary language. Our associate attorney Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish and provides direct representation without interpreters. Hablamos Español.

7. Contingency Fee Representation

You pay nothing unless we win your case. We advance all costs of investigation and litigation. Our fee comes from the recovery, not your pocket.

What to Do If You’ve Been in a Nolan County Trucking Accident

At the Scene:

1. Call 911 – Report the accident and request medical assistance
2. Seek medical attention – Even if injuries seem minor
3. Document everything – Take photos of:
   • All vehicle damage
   • The accident scene and road conditions
   • Your injuries
   • Truck and trailer license plates
   • DOT number on the truck door
   • Trucking company name and logo
4. Get information – Collect:
   • Driver’s name, CDL number, contact info
   • Trucking company contact information
   • Witness names and phone numbers
   • Responding officer’s name and badge number
5. Do NOT give recorded statements – Insurance adjusters will call quickly

In the Days After:

1. Follow all medical advice – Attend all appointments and follow treatment plans
2. Document your recovery – Keep a journal of:
   • Pain levels
   • Symptoms
   • How injuries affect daily activities
   • Missed work days
3. Avoid social media – Insurance companies will use posts against you
4. Contact Attorney911 – The sooner we start preserving evidence, the stronger your case

The Legal Process: What to Expect

1. Free Consultation – We evaluate your case at no cost
2. Case Acceptance – We decide whether to take your case
3. Investigation – We gather all evidence and identify liable parties
4. Medical Care Facilitation – We help arrange treatment
5. Demand Letter – We send a comprehensive demand to the insurance company
6. Negotiation – We negotiate aggressively for fair compensation
7. Litigation (if needed) – We file a lawsuit and prepare for trial
8. Resolution – Most cases settle, but we’re prepared to go to trial

Nolan County Trucking Accident Resources

Local Hospitals and Trauma Centers:

• Rolling Plains Memorial Hospital (Sweetwater)
• Hendrick Medical Center (Abilene)
• Covenant Medical Center (Lubbock)

Law Enforcement Agencies:

• Sweetwater Police Department
• Nolan County Sheriff’s Office
• Texas Department of Public Safety

Trucking Industry Resources:

• Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT)
• Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA)
• Texas Trucking Association

Support Organizations:

• Brain Injury Association of Texas
• Spinal Cord Injury Association of Texas
• Mothers Against Drunk Driving (MADD)

Frequently Asked Questions About Nolan County Trucking Accidents

Q: How long do I have to file a trucking accident lawsuit in Texas?
A: Texas has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury cases. However, you should contact an attorney immediately – evidence disappears quickly in trucking cases.

Q: What if the truck driver says I caused the accident?
A: Texas uses modified comparative negligence. Even if you were partially at fault, you may still recover compensation as long as you were less than 50% responsible. We investigate thoroughly to prove what really happened.

Q: How much is my Nolan County trucking accident case worth?
A: Case values depend on injury severity, medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and the degree of negligence. Trucking companies carry much higher insurance limits than typical drivers, allowing for larger recoveries.

Q: What if the trucking company offers me a quick settlement?
A: Quick settlement offers are designed to pay you far less than your case is worth. Never accept any settlement without consulting an experienced trucking accident attorney first.

Q: Can I still recover if the truck driver was an independent contractor?
A: Yes. 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.

Q: What if the trucking company goes bankrupt?
A: We identify all available insurance policies, including excess and umbrella coverage. Many cases involve multiple policies that can provide compensation even if the primary carrier becomes insolvent.

Q: Do I need to go to court for my trucking accident case?
A: 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.

Your Next Steps: Protecting Your Rights After a Nolan County Trucking Accident

If you or a loved one has been injured in an 18-wheeler accident in Nolan County, time is critical. 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 a free, no-obligation consultation. Our Nolan County trucking accident attorneys are available 24/7 to answer your questions and start protecting your rights.

We work on contingency – you pay nothing unless we win your case. Let us handle the legal battle while you focus on your recovery.

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

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

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

Don’t wait. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 now. Hablamos Español.