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Ovilla’s 18-Wheeler Accident Legal Powerhouse: Attorney911 Delivers 25+ Years of Courtroom-Proven Trucking Litigation, Led by Ralph Manginello’s Multi-Million Dollar Verdicts and Lupe Peña’s Former Insurance Defense Insider Advantage, Specializing in FMCSA 49 CFR Violations, Black Box Data Extraction, Jackknife, Rollover, Underride, and All Catastrophic Truck Crashes – TBI, Spinal Cord Injury, Amputation, and Wrongful Death Cases Handled with Federal Court Admission, Same-Day Evidence Preservation, and 24/7 Rapid Response Team Deployment – $50+ Million Recovered for Texas Families, Free Consultation, No Fee Unless We Win, Hablamos Español, Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for Ovilla’s Most Trusted Trucking Accident Advocates

February 11, 2026 32 min read
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18-Wheeler Accidents in Ovilla: Your Guide to Justice After a Trucking Crash

If you or a loved one has been injured in an 18-wheeler accident in Ovilla, Texas, you’re facing one of the most traumatic experiences of your life. The physical pain, emotional distress, and financial uncertainty can feel overwhelming. But here’s what you need to know right now: you don’t have to face this alone. At Attorney911, we’ve been fighting for trucking accident victims across Texas for over 25 years, and we’re ready to stand by your side in Ovilla.

Why Ovilla Trucking Accidents Are Different

Ovilla sits at a critical juncture of Texas trucking corridors. With I-35E running just to the east and US-67 passing through the heart of Ellis County, our community sees significant commercial truck traffic. The distribution centers and manufacturing facilities in nearby cities like Red Oak and Waxahachie mean that Ovilla residents share the roads with some of the heaviest truck traffic in North Texas.

What makes Ovilla trucking accidents unique isn’t just the volume of trucks – it’s the combination of factors that create dangerous conditions:

  • High-speed rural highways where trucks travel at 70+ mph
  • Urban intersections where trucks make wide turns across multiple lanes
  • Mixed traffic patterns with local commuters, agricultural vehicles, and heavy trucks sharing the same roads
  • Seasonal variations that affect road conditions and driver behavior

Trucking companies know these risks, but too often they prioritize profits over safety. When their negligence causes an accident, they have teams of lawyers ready to protect their interests. You deserve the same level of representation.

The Devastating Reality of 18-Wheeler Crashes

Every year, thousands of Americans are killed or seriously injured in accidents involving large trucks. The statistics are sobering:

  • Over 5,100 people die in truck crashes annually
  • More than 125,000 people suffer injuries
  • 76% of those killed are occupants of the smaller vehicle
  • Truck crashes account for 11% of all motor vehicle fatalities

But statistics can’t capture the human toll. We’ve seen firsthand how these accidents change lives in an instant:

  • Traumatic brain injuries that leave victims unable to work or care for their families
  • Spinal cord damage resulting in permanent paralysis
  • Amputations that require lifelong medical care and adaptation
  • Severe burns from fuel fires and hazardous cargo spills
  • Wrongful death that leaves families shattered

The physical pain is just the beginning. The emotional trauma, financial stress from medical bills, and uncertainty about the future can be just as devastating. That’s why we fight so hard for our clients – because we know what’s at stake.

Common Causes of Trucking Accidents in Ovilla

Trucking accidents don’t happen by accident. In our experience handling cases throughout Ovilla and Ellis County, we’ve identified the most common causes of these devastating crashes:

Driver Fatigue – The Silent Killer

Federal regulations limit how long truck drivers can operate without rest:

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

Yet we routinely see drivers violating these rules. Why? Because trucking companies pressure drivers to meet impossible delivery deadlines. They know that every hour a truck sits idle costs them money.

How we prove fatigue violations:

  • Subpoena Electronic Logging Device (ELD) records
  • Review dispatch logs and delivery schedules
  • Analyze GPS data showing driving patterns
  • Examine cell phone records for late-night communications
  • Check for falsified log entries

In one recent Ovilla-area case, we proved a driver had been on duty for 22 hours straight when he fell asleep at the wheel and caused a multi-vehicle pileup. The trucking company had pressured him to make an impossible delivery schedule.

Distracted Driving – Deadly Distractions

Truck drivers face constant distractions:

  • Dispatch communications through in-cab systems
  • GPS navigation devices
  • Cell phone use (texting, calls, social media)
  • Eating and drinking while driving
  • External distractions (billboards, accidents, scenery)

Federal law prohibits hand-held mobile phone use while driving a commercial vehicle. Yet we’ve seen countless cases where distracted drivers cause catastrophic accidents.

How we prove distraction:

  • Subpoena cell phone records
  • Analyze ECM data for erratic driving patterns
  • Review dashcam footage (when available)
  • Examine dispatch communications
  • Check for hands-free device usage violations

Improper Maintenance – Neglected Safety

Trucking companies are required to systematically inspect, repair, and maintain their vehicles. But too often, they cut corners to save money. Common maintenance failures we see in Ovilla cases include:

  • Brake failures – Worn brake pads, improper adjustments, air system leaks
  • Tire blowouts – Underinflated tires, aged tires, improper matching
  • Lighting failures – Burned-out headlights, brake lights, turn signals
  • Steering failures – Worn components, improper lubrication
  • Coupling failures – Defective fifth wheels, improperly secured trailers

How we prove maintenance failures:

  • Subpoena maintenance records
  • Inspect the vehicle post-accident
  • Review out-of-service inspection reports
  • Analyze ECM data for fault codes
  • Examine driver vehicle inspection reports (DVIRs)

Cargo Securement Failures – Deadly Loads

Improperly secured cargo causes accidents in several ways:

  • Shifting loads that destabilize the truck, causing rollovers
  • Falling debris that strikes following vehicles
  • Overweight loads that exceed legal limits and stress braking systems
  • Hazardous material spills that create additional dangers

Federal regulations (49 CFR § 393.100-136) specify exactly how cargo must be secured. Yet we routinely see violations that cause catastrophic accidents.

How we prove cargo violations:

  • Examine the accident scene for debris patterns
  • Review the bill of lading and loading manifest
  • Inspect the securement equipment (chains, straps, binders)
  • Analyze the truck’s weight at weigh stations
  • Check for proper blocking and bracing

Blind Spot Accidents – The “No-Zone” Danger

Large trucks have significant blind spots where the driver cannot see other vehicles:

  • 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 the cab door backward
  • Right Side No-Zone: Extends from the cab door backward – the largest blind spot

Accidents often occur when trucks change lanes or make turns without seeing vehicles in these blind spots.

How we prove blind spot accidents:

  • Analyze the accident dynamics
  • Review mirror adjustment records
  • Check for proper mirror configuration
  • Examine dashcam footage
  • Interview witnesses about the truck’s movement

The Most Dangerous Trucking Accident Types in Ovilla

Not all trucking accidents are the same. Some types of crashes are particularly common in the Ovilla area and cause the most severe injuries:

Underride Collisions – The Deadliest Crash

Underride collisions occur when a smaller vehicle slides underneath a truck’s trailer. The trailer’s height often shears off the top of the passenger vehicle, causing catastrophic injuries or death.

Two types of underride crashes:

  1. Rear underride – Vehicle strikes the back of a trailer
  2. Side underride – Vehicle strikes the side of a trailer during turns or lane changes

Federal law requires rear impact guards on trailers, but there is no federal requirement for side underride guards. This is a major safety gap we’re working to address.

Why underride crashes are so deadly:

  • The passenger compartment is crushed
  • Occupants often suffer decapitation
  • Airbags and seatbelts cannot protect against this type of impact
  • Rescue efforts are extremely difficult

Jackknife Accidents – When Trucks Fold

Jackknife accidents occur when the trailer swings out at an angle to the cab, forming a “V” shape like a folding pocket knife. These accidents often block multiple lanes of traffic, causing secondary collisions.

Common causes in Ovilla:

  • Sudden braking on wet or icy roads
  • Speeding on curves
  • Improperly loaded or empty trailers
  • Brake failures
  • Driver overcorrection

Rollover Accidents – Top-Heavy Danger

Truck rollovers are particularly dangerous because:

  • They often spill cargo onto the roadway
  • They can crush vehicles beneath the trailer
  • They frequently cause secondary accidents
  • They’re more likely to result in fires

Common causes in Ovilla:

  • Speeding on curves (especially on rural highways)
  • Improperly loaded cargo
  • Liquid cargo sloshing in tanks
  • Driver overcorrection
  • Roadway defects

Tire Blowouts – Sudden Disaster

Tire failures are especially dangerous for trucks because:

  • They can cause sudden loss of control
  • Debris can strike following vehicles
  • They often lead to jackknife or rollover accidents

Common causes in Ovilla:

  • Underinflated tires
  • Overloaded vehicles
  • Aged or worn tires
  • Road debris
  • Manufacturing defects

Brake Failures – When Trucks Can’t Stop

Brake failures are a factor in approximately 29% of large truck crashes. When an 80,000-pound truck can’t stop, the results are often catastrophic.

Common brake failure causes:

  • Worn brake pads not replaced
  • Improper brake adjustments
  • Air brake system leaks
  • Overheated brakes on long descents
  • Contaminated brake fluid
  • Defective brake components

Who’s Really Responsible for Your Injuries?

One of the most important aspects of trucking accident cases is identifying all potentially liable parties. Unlike car accidents where usually only one driver is at fault, trucking accidents often involve multiple responsible parties:

The Truck Driver

The driver may be liable for:

  • Speeding or reckless driving
  • Distracted driving
  • Fatigued driving
  • Impaired driving (drugs or alcohol)
  • Failure to conduct proper pre-trip inspections
  • Traffic law violations

The Trucking Company

The motor carrier is often the most important defendant because they have the deepest pockets and the most responsibility for safety. They can be liable for:

Vicarious Liability:

  • The driver was an employee acting within the scope of employment

Direct Negligence:

  • Negligent hiring – Failing to check the driver’s background
  • Negligent training – Inadequate safety training
  • Negligent supervision – Failing to monitor driver performance
  • Negligent maintenance – Poor vehicle upkeep
  • Negligent scheduling – Pressuring drivers to violate HOS rules

The Cargo Owner/Shipper

The company that owns the cargo may be liable for:

  • Providing improper loading instructions
  • Failing to disclose hazardous cargo
  • Requiring overweight loads
  • Pressuring the carrier to expedite delivery

The Loading Company

Third-party loading companies may be liable for:

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

Truck and Parts Manufacturers

Manufacturers may be liable for:

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

Maintenance Companies

Third-party maintenance providers may be liable for:

  • Negligent repairs
  • Failure to identify critical safety issues
  • Using substandard or wrong parts
  • Returning vehicles to service with known defects

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

Government Entities

In rare cases, government entities may be liable for:

  • Dangerous road design
  • Failure to maintain roads
  • Inadequate signage
  • Failure to install safety barriers

Why identifying all liable parties matters:
The more defendants we can identify, the more sources of compensation we can access for you. Trucking companies often carry multiple layers of insurance, and other defendants may have separate policies. This increases your chances of receiving full compensation for your injuries.

The Critical 48-Hour Window: Preserving Evidence

In trucking accident cases, evidence disappears fast. Trucking companies have rapid-response teams that begin protecting their interests within hours of an accident. If you don’t act quickly, critical evidence will be lost forever.

What Evidence Disappears Quickly?

Evidence Type Destruction Risk
ECM/Black Box Data Overwrites in 30 days or with new driving events
ELD Data May be retained only 6 months
Dashcam Footage Often deleted within 7-14 days
Surveillance Video Business cameras typically overwrite in 7-30 days
Witness Memory Fades significantly within weeks
Physical Evidence Vehicle may be repaired, sold, or scrapped
Drug/Alcohol Tests Must be conducted within specific windows

Our Evidence Preservation Protocol

At Attorney911, we take immediate action to preserve evidence:

  1. Send Spoliation Letters Within 24-48 Hours

    • Formal legal notice demanding preservation of all evidence
    • Creates serious consequences if evidence is destroyed
    • Courts can impose sanctions, adverse inferences, or default judgment
  2. Demand Immediate Download of Electronic Data

    • ECM/Black Box data
    • ELD records
    • GPS/telematics data
    • Dashcam footage
  3. Secure Physical Evidence

    • The truck and trailer
    • Failed components (tires, brakes, etc.)
    • Cargo and securement devices
  4. Obtain Critical Records

    • Driver Qualification File
    • Maintenance records
    • Inspection reports
    • Dispatch logs
    • Drug and alcohol test results
    • Cell phone records
  5. Document the Scene

    • Photograph all vehicle damage
    • Document skid marks and debris patterns
    • Measure road conditions and sightlines
    • Preserve weather data
  6. Interview Witnesses

    • Get statements before memories fade
    • Identify all potential witnesses
    • Preserve contact information

What happens if evidence is destroyed?
If a trucking company destroys evidence after receiving our spoliation letter, courts can:

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

The Catastrophic Injuries We See in Ovilla Trucking Cases

The physics of trucking accidents make catastrophic injuries the norm, not the exception. A fully loaded 18-wheeler can weigh 20-25 times more than a passenger vehicle. The impact forces are devastating.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

TBI is one of the most common and devastating injuries in trucking accidents. The sudden acceleration/deceleration forces 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
  • Sensory problems (vision, hearing, taste)
  • Speech difficulties
  • Personality changes

Long-term consequences:

  • Permanent cognitive impairment
  • Inability to work
  • Need for lifelong care and supervision
  • Increased risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s
  • Depression and emotional disorders

Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis

Spinal cord damage often results in permanent 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

Level of injury matters:

  • Higher injuries (cervical spine) affect more body functions
  • C1-C4 injuries may require ventilators for breathing
  • Lower injuries (lumbar) affect legs but not arms

Lifetime care costs:

  • Paraplegia: $1.1 million to $2.5 million+
  • Quadriplegia: $3.5 million to $5 million+
  • These figures represent direct medical costs only

Amputations

Amputations occur when limbs are:

  • Severed at the scene due to crash forces
  • Trapped and require surgical removal for extraction
  • So severely damaged they must be surgically removed
  • Infected due to open wounds

Ongoing medical needs:

  • Initial surgery and hospitalization
  • Prosthetic limbs ($5,000 – $50,000+ per prosthetic)
  • Replacement prosthetics throughout lifetime
  • Physical therapy and rehabilitation
  • Occupational therapy for daily living skills
  • Psychological counseling

Severe Burns

Burns occur from:

  • Fuel tank ruptures and fires
  • Hazmat cargo spills and ignition
  • Electrical fires from battery/wiring damage
  • Friction burns from road contact
  • Chemical burns from hazmat exposure

Burn classification:

  • First degree – Epidermis only (minor, heals without scarring)
  • Second degree – Epidermis and dermis (may scar, may need grafting)
  • Third degree – Full thickness (requires skin grafts, permanent scarring)
  • Fourth degree – Through skin to muscle/bone (multiple surgeries, amputation may be required)

Internal Organ Damage

Internal injuries are particularly dangerous because:

  • Symptoms may not appear immediately
  • Internal bleeding can be life-threatening
  • Organ removal may be required
  • Long-term health consequences

Common internal injuries:

  • Liver laceration or rupture
  • Spleen damage requiring removal
  • Kidney damage
  • Lung contusion or collapse (pneumothorax)
  • Internal bleeding (hemorrhage)
  • Bowel and intestinal damage

Wrongful Death

When a trucking accident kills a loved one, surviving family members can pursue wrongful death claims.

Who can bring a wrongful death claim in Texas:

  • Surviving spouse
  • Children (minor and adult)
  • Parents (especially if no spouse or children)
  • Estate representative

Damages available:

  • Lost future income and benefits
  • Loss of consortium (companionship, care, guidance)
  • Mental anguish and emotional suffering
  • 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)

The Compensation You Deserve

Trucking companies carry much higher insurance limits than typical auto policies. Federal law requires minimum liability coverage of:

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

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

Types of Damages Available

Economic Damages (Calculable Losses):

  • Medical expenses (past, present, and future)
  • Lost wages and income
  • Lost earning capacity
  • Property damage
  • Out-of-pocket expenses
  • Life care costs

Non-Economic Damages (Quality of Life):

  • Pain and suffering
  • Mental anguish
  • Loss of enjoyment of life
  • Disfigurement
  • Loss of consortium
  • Physical impairment

Punitive Damages (Punishment for Gross Negligence):
Available when the trucking company or driver acted with:

  • Gross negligence
  • Willful misconduct
  • Conscious indifference to safety
  • Fraud (falsifying logs, destroying evidence)

Recent Trucking Verdicts Show What’s Possible

Juries across the country are holding trucking companies accountable for their negligence. Recent verdicts include:

  • $462 million – Missouri underride collision (2024)
  • $160 million – Alabama rollover case (2024)
  • $141.5 million – Florida trucking case (2023)
  • $90 million – Texas truck driver burn case
  • $37.5 million – Texas trucking verdict (2024)
  • $35.5 million – Texas family injury case
  • $35 million – Fort Worth trucking case (2025)

In Texas, there’s no cap on non-economic damages in trucking cases (unlike medical malpractice cases). Juries can award full compensation for pain and suffering.

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Ovilla 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 experienced advocates who understand the unique challenges of trucking litigation. Here’s what sets Attorney911 apart:

25+ Years of Trucking Litigation Experience

Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has been fighting for injury victims since 1998. He’s handled trucking cases against some of the largest carriers in the country, including Walmart, Coca-Cola, Amazon, FedEx, and UPS.

Insider Knowledge of Insurance Company Tactics

Our team includes a former insurance defense attorney who knows exactly how trucking insurers operate. He spent years on the other side, learning their strategies for minimizing claims. Now he uses that knowledge to fight for you.

Federal Court Experience

Ralph Manginello is admitted to practice in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas. This federal court experience is critical for interstate trucking cases, which often involve federal regulations and can be filed in federal court.

Aggressive Evidence Preservation

We send spoliation letters within hours of being retained. We know what evidence to demand and how to preserve it before the trucking company can destroy it.

Deep Understanding of FMCSA Regulations

We know the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations inside and out. We know which violations to look for and how to prove them in court.

Multi-Million Dollar Results

We’ve recovered millions for trucking accident victims across Texas. Our track record includes:

  • $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 wrongful death cases

Local Knowledge of Ovilla and Ellis County

We understand the unique challenges of trucking cases in our community:

  • The dangerous intersections and highway stretches
  • The local courts and judges
  • The trucking corridors serving Ovilla
  • The distribution centers and manufacturing facilities that generate truck traffic

Compassionate, Personalized Representation

We treat every client like family. You’re not just another case number to us. We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll these accidents take, and we’re committed to helping you through every step of the process.

No Fee Unless We Win

We work on a contingency fee basis – you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you. We advance all costs of investigation and litigation. You never receive a bill from us.

What to Do After an 18-Wheeler Accident in Ovilla

If you’ve been injured in a trucking accident in Ovilla, take these steps to protect your rights:

  1. Call 911 Immediately

    • Report the accident and request medical assistance
    • Ensure police respond to document the scene
  2. Seek Medical Attention

    • Even if you feel okay, get checked out
    • Adrenaline masks pain – injuries may not be immediately apparent
    • Medical records create critical evidence for your case
  3. Document the Scene

    • Take photos of all vehicle damage
    • Photograph the accident scene, road conditions, and skid marks
    • Get photos of your injuries
    • Document weather conditions
  4. Collect Information

    • Get the truck driver’s name, CDL number, and contact information
    • Get the trucking company’s name and DOT number
    • Collect witness names and contact information
    • Get the responding officer’s name and badge number
  5. Preserve Evidence

    • Do not wash or repair your vehicle until it’s been inspected
    • Keep all damaged clothing and personal items
    • Save all medical records and bills
  6. Avoid Giving Statements

    • Do not give recorded statements to any insurance company
    • Anything you say can be used against you
    • Refer all insurance communications to your attorney
  7. Contact Attorney911 Immediately

    • Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation
    • The sooner you call, the better we can preserve evidence
    • We’ll send spoliation letters to protect your case

The Legal Process: What to Expect

When you choose Attorney911 to handle your Ovilla trucking accident case, here’s what you can expect:

1. Free Initial Consultation

We’ll meet with you to discuss your case, answer your questions, and explain your legal options. This consultation is completely free and confidential.

2. Case Investigation

We’ll immediately begin investigating your case:

  • Send spoliation letters to preserve evidence
  • Obtain police reports and accident scene photos
  • Subpoena electronic data (ECM, ELD, GPS)
  • Interview witnesses
  • Consult with accident reconstruction experts
  • Review medical records

3. Medical Treatment Coordination

We’ll help you get the medical care you need:

  • Connect you with trusted medical providers
  • Ensure proper documentation of your injuries
  • Help you understand your treatment options

4. Demand Letter

Once your treatment is complete, we’ll prepare a comprehensive demand package including:

  • Summary of the accident
  • Analysis of liability
  • Detailed calculation of damages
  • Medical records and bills
  • Lost wage documentation
  • Pain and suffering analysis
  • Future care needs assessment

5. Negotiation

We’ll negotiate aggressively with the insurance companies:

  • Present your demand package
  • Counter lowball offers
  • Advocate for maximum compensation
  • Prepare for litigation if necessary

6. Litigation (If Necessary)

If we can’t reach a fair settlement, we’re prepared to take your case to court:

  • File a lawsuit
  • Conduct discovery (depositions, document requests)
  • Retain expert witnesses
  • Prepare for trial
  • Present your case to a jury

7. Resolution

Most cases settle before trial, but we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial. This preparation gives us leverage in settlement negotiations and ensures we’re ready to fight for you in court if necessary.

Common Questions About Ovilla Trucking Accidents

How long do I have to file a lawsuit after a trucking accident in Ovilla?

In Texas, you have 2 years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, you should never wait this long. Evidence disappears quickly in trucking cases, and the sooner you contact an attorney, the stronger your case will be.

How much is my trucking accident case worth?

Every case is unique. The value depends on many factors:

  • Severity of your injuries
  • Cost of your medical treatment (past and future)
  • Amount of lost wages and income
  • Impact on your quality of life
  • Degree of the trucking company’s negligence
  • Available insurance coverage

Trucking cases often have higher values than typical car accident cases because:

  • Trucking companies carry higher insurance limits
  • Injuries are often more severe
  • Multiple parties may be liable
  • Juries tend to award higher damages against commercial defendants

Will my case go to trial?

Most cases settle before trial, but we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial. This preparation gives us leverage in settlement negotiations. 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. This means:

  • If you were less than 50% at fault, you can still recover damages
  • Your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault
  • If you were 50% or more at fault, you cannot recover anything

For example, if you were 20% at fault and your damages total $100,000, you would recover $80,000.

What if the truck driver was an independent contractor?

Even if the driver was an owner-operator, both the driver and the contracting company may be liable. We investigate all relationships and insurance policies to ensure you can recover from all responsible parties.

How long will my case take to resolve?

Timelines vary depending on the complexity of your case:

  • 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.

What if the trucking company goes bankrupt?

Even if a trucking company goes bankrupt, their insurance company is still responsible for paying valid claims. We pursue all available insurance coverage to ensure you receive compensation.

Can I sue for PTSD after a trucking accident?

Yes. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a compensable injury. If you’re experiencing flashbacks, anxiety, depression, or other PTSD symptoms, you can recover compensation for your mental anguish.

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

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 is proven)

How do I pay for medical treatment while my case is pending?

We can help you access medical care through several options:

  • Using your health insurance
  • Medical payment coverage from your auto policy
  • Letters of Protection (LOP) with medical providers
  • Medicaid or other government programs

The Attorney911 Difference

When you choose Attorney911 to handle your Ovilla trucking accident case, you’re getting more than just legal representation – you’re getting a team of dedicated advocates who will fight for your rights every step of the way.

Our Evidence Preservation Protocol

We act immediately to preserve critical evidence:

  • Send spoliation letters within 24-48 hours
  • Demand immediate download of ECM/ELD data
  • Subpoena cell phone records
  • Obtain police crash reports
  • Canvass the accident scene for surveillance footage
  • Photograph all damage and road conditions
  • Interview witnesses before memories fade
  • Hire accident reconstruction experts

Our Investigation Process

We leave no stone unturned in investigating your case:

  1. Immediate Response (0-72 Hours)

    • Accept your case and send preservation letters
    • Deploy accident reconstruction expert if needed
    • Obtain police crash report
    • Photograph your injuries with medical documentation
    • Photograph all vehicles before they’re repaired or scrapped
    • Identify all potentially liable parties
  2. Evidence Gathering (Days 1-30)

    • Subpoena ELD/black box data downloads
    • Request driver’s paper log books
    • Obtain complete Driver Qualification File
    • Request all truck maintenance and inspection records
    • Obtain carrier’s CSA safety scores and inspection history
    • Order driver’s complete Motor Vehicle Record (MVR)
    • Subpoena driver’s cell phone records
    • Obtain dispatch records and delivery schedules
  3. Expert Analysis

    • Accident reconstruction specialist creates crash analysis
    • Medical experts establish causation and future care needs
    • Vocational experts calculate lost earning capacity
    • Economic experts determine present value of all damages
    • Life care planners develop comprehensive care plans
    • FMCSA regulation experts identify all violations
  4. Litigation Strategy

    • File lawsuit before statute of limitations expires
    • Pursue aggressive discovery against all liable parties
    • Depose truck driver, dispatcher, safety manager, maintenance personnel
    • Build case for trial while negotiating settlement
    • Prepare every case as if going to trial

Our Team Approach

When you hire Attorney911, you get a team of professionals working on your case:

  • Lead Attorney – Oversees your case and handles court appearances
  • Case Manager – Keeps you informed and coordinates your case
  • Paralegal – Handles document preparation and filing
  • Investigator – Gathers evidence and interviews witnesses
  • Medical Coordinator – Helps you access treatment and documents your injuries
  • Expert Witnesses – Provide specialized knowledge to strengthen your case

Our Commitment to You

At Attorney911, we’re committed to:

  • Treating you like family – You’re not just another case number to us
  • Fighting for maximum compensation – We won’t settle for less than you deserve
  • Keeping you informed – We’ll update you regularly on your case progress
  • Being available when you need us – We answer calls 24/7
  • Never charging you upfront – You pay nothing unless we win your case

Call Attorney911 Today

If you or a loved one has been injured in an 18-wheeler accident in Ovilla, don’t wait. Every hour you delay, evidence disappears and your case becomes harder to prove. Call Attorney911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation.

Remember:

  • We answer calls 24/7
  • Your consultation is free and confidential
  • We work on contingency – you pay nothing unless we win
  • We advance all costs of investigation and litigation
  • We have 25+ years of experience fighting trucking companies
  • We know Ovilla and Ellis County
  • We treat you like family

Call now: 1-888-ATTY-911

The trucking company has lawyers working to protect their interests. You deserve the same level of representation. Let us fight for the compensation you deserve.

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