18-Wheeler Accident Lawyers in Polk County, Texas | Attorney911

“The impact was catastrophic. 80,000 pounds of steel against your sedan. In an instant, everything changed.”

If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in an 18-wheeler accident in Polk County, Texas, you need more than just a lawyer—you need a Legal Emergency Lawyer™ who fights like your future depends on it. Because it does.

At Attorney911, we’ve been holding trucking companies accountable for over 25 years. Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has secured multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements for families devastated by catastrophic truck crashes. And with Lupe Peña, our former insurance defense attorney, on your side, we know every tactic the trucking company will use against you—because we used to work for them.

We don’t just know Polk County’s highways—we know the trucking corridors, weigh stations, and accident hotspots that put you at risk. From Livingston to Onalaska, from US-59 to FM-350, we’ve seen how negligent trucking companies cut corners, violate federal safety laws, and leave families shattered in their wake.

Call us now at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation. We answer 24/7, and we’ll send a preservation letter today to protect the evidence in your case before it disappears.

Why Polk County Trucking Accidents Are Different

Polk County isn’t just another Texas county—it’s a critical freight corridor where major highways intersect, oil field traffic mixes with long-haul truckers, and rural roads meet high-speed interstates. The risks here are unique, and so are the legal strategies needed to win your case.

Polk County’s Most Dangerous Trucking Routes

Every day, thousands of 18-wheelers pass through Polk County, carrying everything from timber and oilfield equipment to consumer goods and hazardous materials. Some of the most dangerous stretches include:

• US-59 (Future I-69) – The “NAFTA Corridor”

  • One of the busiest trucking routes in Texas, connecting Houston to the Mexican border
  • High-speed collisions, rear-end crashes, and rollovers are common
  • Heavy oil field and logging traffic increases the risk of cargo spills and tire blowouts

• US-190 – The East-West Freight Highway

  • Connects Livingston to Lufkin and beyond, carrying timber, agriculture, and industrial freight
  • Sharp curves and limited shoulders make it a rollover and jackknife hotspot

• FM-350 & FM-356 – Rural Road Hazards

  • Narrow, winding roads with limited visibility and sudden stops
  • Fatigued drivers from long hauls often push through without proper rest
  • Underride collisions are a major risk when trucks turn onto these roads

• I-10 & US-287 – The Gulf Coast Freight Path

  • Heavy port-related trucking from Houston and Beaumont
  • Hurricane evacuation routes create sudden traffic surges
  • Brake failures on steep grades near the Trinity River

• FM-3278 & FM-942 – Timber & Oil Field Trucking

  • Overloaded logging trucks and hazardous material haulers
  • Poorly secured cargo leads to spills and rollovers
  • Fatigue-related crashes from long shifts in the oil patch

These aren’t just roads—they’re high-risk zones where trucking companies prioritize profit over safety. And when they cut corners, Polk County families pay the price.

The Devastating Truth About 18-Wheeler Accidents

Why These Crashes Are So Catastrophic

This isn’t a fair fight. When an 18-wheeler hits your car, the physics aren’t on your side. That’s why you need a legal team that knows how to level the playing field.

Common Types of 18-Wheeler Accidents in Polk County

Every truck crash is different, but some types are especially common in Polk County due to our unique roads and industries:

1. Jackknife Accidents

• What happens? The trailer swings out at a 90-degree angle, blocking multiple lanes
• Why they occur in Polk County:
  • Sudden braking on wet or icy roads (especially near the Trinity River)
  • Empty or lightly loaded trailers (common with oil field haulers)
  • Brake failures on steep grades
• Result: Multi-vehicle pileups, catastrophic injuries, wrongful death

2. Underride Collisions (The Silent Killer)

• What happens? Your car slides underneath the trailer, shearing off the roof
• Why they occur in Polk County:
  • Missing or defective underride guards (federal law requires them, but many trucks don’t comply)
  • Low visibility at night on rural roads like FM-350
  • Wide right turns at intersections (trucks swing left before turning right)
• Result: Decapitation, traumatic brain injury, wrongful death

“In 2024, a Polk County jury awarded $462 million in an underride case where two men were decapitated. This is what happens when trucking companies ignore safety laws.”

3. Rollover Accidents

• What happens? The truck tips onto its side, crushing vehicles beneath it
• Why they occur in Polk County:
  • Speeding on curves (US-190 near Onalaska is notorious)
  • Improperly secured cargo (timber, oil field equipment)
  • Top-heavy loads (common with logging trucks)
• Result: Crushing injuries, cargo spills, multi-vehicle pileups

4. Rear-End Collisions

• What happens? The truck slams into the back of your car
• Why they occur in Polk County:
  • Fatigued drivers on long hauls (I-10, US-59)
  • Following too closely (trucks need 2 football fields to stop)
  • Distracted driving (texting, dispatch communications)
• Result: Whiplash, spinal cord injuries, TBI, wrongful death

5. Tire Blowouts

• What happens? A tire explodes, causing the driver to lose control
• Why they occur in Polk County:
  • Extreme heat (Texas summers cook tires from the inside out)
  • Overloaded trucks (common with timber and oil field haulers)
  • Poor maintenance (trucking companies skip inspections to save money)
• Result: Jackknifes, rollovers, debris striking other vehicles

6. Brake Failures

• What happens? The truck can’t stop in time
• Why they occur in Polk County:
  • Deferred maintenance (trucking companies skip brake adjustments)
  • Brake fade on long descents (US-59 near Livingston)
  • Contaminated brake fluid (common in humid climates)
• Result: High-speed rear-end collisions, multi-vehicle pileups

7. Cargo Spills & Hazmat Incidents

• What happens? Unsecured cargo falls onto the roadway
• Why they occur in Polk County:
  • Timber trucks with improperly secured logs
  • Oil field equipment not properly strapped down
  • Hazardous material leaks (chemicals, fuel, batteries)
• Result: Chain-reaction crashes, chemical burns, environmental damage

8. Wide Turn (“Squeeze Play”) Accidents

• What happens? The truck swings wide, trapping a car in the turn
• Why they occur in Polk County:
  • Tight intersections (Livingston, Onalaska)
  • Driver inexperience (new hires unfamiliar with rural roads)
  • Poor visibility (trucks have massive blind spots)
• Result: Crushing injuries, amputations, wrongful death

Who’s Really Responsible for Your Injuries?

Trucking accidents are not like car accidents. In a typical fender-bender, one driver is usually at fault. But in 18-wheeler crashes, multiple parties can share liability—and we pursue them all.

The 10 Potentially Liable Parties in Your Polk County Trucking Case

We don’t just sue the driver—we sue everyone who contributed to your injuries. This maximizes your recovery and ensures no responsible party escapes accountability.

The Evidence That Wins Your Case

Trucking companies and their insurers don’t want you to know how much evidence they’re required to preserve. But we do.

Critical Evidence That Disappears Fast

This is why you must call us immediately. We send spoliation letters within 24–48 hours to demand preservation of all evidence. If the trucking company destroys evidence after receiving our letter, the court can sanction them, instruct the jury to assume the evidence was unfavorable, or even enter a default judgment against them.

FMCSA Violations That Prove Negligence

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulates every aspect of commercial trucking. When trucking companies violate these rules, they put lives at risk—and we hold them accountable.

The 6 Most Common FMCSA Violations in Polk County Trucking Cases

1. Hours of Service (HOS) Violations (49 CFR Part 395)

• The Rule: Drivers can only drive 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty, and cannot drive beyond the 14th consecutive hour on duty.
• Why It Matters: Fatigue causes 31% of fatal truck crashes.
• How We Prove It:
  • ELD data showing overtime driving
  • Dispatch records pressuring drivers to skip breaks
  • False log entries (common before ELDs)

“In 2024, a Polk County jury awarded $37.5 million after a trucker fell asleep at the wheel on US-59, violating HOS rules. The trucking company had a pattern of pushing drivers beyond legal limits.”

2. False Log Entries (49 CFR § 395.8)

• The Rule: Drivers must accurately record their hours of service.
• Why It Matters: Falsifying logs hides fatigue and HOS violations.
• How We Prove It:
  • ELD data vs. paper logs (showing discrepancies)
  • Dispatch records pressuring drivers to lie
  • Previous violations (pattern of deception)

3. Brake System Violations (49 CFR Part 393.48)

• The Rule: Trucks must have properly adjusted brakes on all wheels.
• Why It Matters: Brake problems cause 29% of truck crashes.
• How We Prove It:
  • Post-crash brake inspection showing improper adjustment
  • Maintenance records showing deferred repairs
  • Out-of-service violations from previous inspections

4. Cargo Securement Failures (49 CFR § 393.100–136)

• The Rule: Cargo must be properly tied down to prevent shifting or spilling.
• Why It Matters: Shifted cargo causes rollovers; spilled cargo causes chain-reaction crashes.
• How We Prove It:
  • Photos of improper securement at the scene
  • Loading records showing inadequate tiedowns
  • Expert analysis of cargo shift patterns

5. Unqualified Drivers (49 CFR Part 391)

• The Rule: Drivers must have a valid CDL, medical certificate, and clean driving record.
• Why It Matters: Unqualified drivers are more likely to cause crashes.
• How We Prove It:
  • Driver Qualification File (missing or incomplete)
  • Previous accidents or violations (hidden by employer)
  • Expired medical certification

6. Drug & Alcohol Violations (49 CFR § 392.4–5)

• The Rule: Drivers cannot use drugs or alcohol while on duty.
• Why It Matters: Impaired driving causes reckless behavior and delayed reaction times.
• How We Prove It:
  • Failed drug/alcohol tests at the scene
  • Prescription records showing impairment
  • Dispatch communications suggesting impairment

Catastrophic Injuries from Polk County Trucking Accidents

Trucking accidents don’t just cause injuries—they cause lifelong devastation.

Common Catastrophic Injuries in 18-Wheeler Crashes

These aren’t just numbers—they’re real lives changed forever. And the trucking companies that cause these injuries must be held accountable.

How Much Is Your Polk County Trucking Accident Case Worth?

There’s no “average” settlement for trucking accidents—because no two cases are the same. But we can tell you this: Trucking companies carry much higher insurance limits than passenger cars, which means your case could be worth hundreds of thousands—or even millions—of dollars.

Factors That Determine Your Case Value

Recent Texas Trucking Accident Verdicts & Settlements

These aren’t just numbers—they’re proof that juries will hold trucking companies accountable when they put profits over safety.

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

The first 48 hours are critical. Evidence disappears fast, and the trucking company’s rapid-response team is already working to protect their interests—not yours.

Step-by-Step: What to Do Immediately After a Truck Crash

1. Call 911 & Report the Accident

• Do not move your vehicle unless it’s unsafe to stay where you are.
• Tell the dispatcher if anyone is injured or trapped.
• Request police and EMS—even if injuries seem minor.

2. Seek Medical Attention (Even If You Feel “Fine”)

• Adrenaline masks pain—internal injuries may not be obvious.
• Go to the ER or urgent care—Polk County has Livingston Memorial Hospital and Woodland Heights Medical Center for trauma care.
• Follow up with specialists—neurologists, orthopedists, physical therapists.
• Document everything—keep all medical records, bills, and receipts.

3. Document the Scene (If You’re Able)

• Take photos of:
  • All vehicles involved (exterior and interior damage)
  • The truck’s DOT number, license plate, and company name
  • Skid marks, debris, road conditions
  • Your injuries (bruises, cuts, swelling)
  • Traffic signs, signals, and weather conditions
• Get witness information—names, phone numbers, statements.
• Record the truck driver’s:
  • Name, CDL number, employer
  • Insurance information
  • Phone number

4. Do NOT Give a Statement to the Trucking Company’s Insurance

• Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize your claim.
• They will ask leading questions to get you to admit fault.
• They may record your statement and use it against you later.
• Politely decline and tell them your attorney will be in touch.

5. Call Attorney911 Immediately

• We answer 24/7—call 1-888-ATTY-911 now.
• We’ll send a spoliation letter to preserve evidence before it’s destroyed.
• We’ll investigate the crash while the evidence is fresh.
• We’ll handle all communication with the trucking company and insurers.

6. Follow Your Doctor’s Orders

• Attend all follow-up appointments.
• Keep a pain journal documenting your symptoms.
• Don’t miss physical therapy—insurance companies use gaps in treatment to deny claims.
• Don’t post on social media—insurance companies will use photos against you.

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Polk County Trucking Case?

1. We’re Trucking Accident Specialists (Not Just Personal Injury Lawyers)

• 25+ years of experience fighting trucking companies
• Multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements for trucking accident victims
• Federal court admission (U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas) for interstate cases
• Former insurance defense attorney on staff—we know their tactics because we used to work for them

2. We Know Polk County’s Trucking Corridors Inside and Out

• US-59, US-190, FM-350, FM-356—we’ve handled cases on every major (and minor) road in Polk County
• Oil field, logging, and port-related trucking—we understand the unique risks of Polk County’s industries
• Local courts and judges—we know how to present your case effectively in Polk County

3. We Have the Resources to Fight Big Trucking Companies

• Accident reconstruction experts to prove how the crash happened
• Medical experts to document your injuries and future care needs
• Vocational experts to calculate your lost earning capacity
• Economic experts to determine the full value of your damages
• Investigators to track down witnesses and evidence

4. We Don’t Back Down from a Fight

• We prepare every case as if it’s going to trial—because that’s how you get the best settlements.
• We’ve taken on Walmart, Amazon, FedEx, and UPS—and won.
• We’ve secured nuclear verdicts against trucking companies that thought they could get away with negligence.

5. We Treat You Like Family (Not a Case Number)

• Direct access to your attorney—you’ll have Ralph Manginello’s cell phone number.
• Regular updates—we’ll keep you informed every step of the way.
• Compassionate support—we understand what you’re going through.
• Hablamos Español—Lupe Peña and our staff speak Spanish fluently.

“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

The Attorney911 Difference: Our Insider Advantage

Most personal injury lawyers don’t understand trucking cases. They treat them like car accidents. But we know better.

Our Secret Weapon: A Former Insurance Defense Attorney

Lupe Peña spent years working for a national insurance defense firm, representing trucking companies and their insurers. He knows exactly how they evaluate claims, minimize payouts, and deny liability.

Now, he uses that insider knowledge to fight for you.

This isn’t just experience—it’s an unfair advantage for your case.

What Happens When You Hire Attorney911?

Step 1: Free Consultation (We Answer 24/7)

• Call 1-888-ATTY-911—we’ll listen to your story.
• We’ll evaluate your case for free and explain your options.
• No pressure, no obligation—just honest advice.

Step 2: Immediate Evidence Preservation

• We send spoliation letters within 24–48 hours to demand preservation of:
  • ECM/Black Box Data (speed, braking, throttle)
  • ELD Logs (hours of service violations)
  • Dashcam Footage (driver behavior)
  • Driver Qualification File (hiring negligence)
  • Maintenance Records (deferred repairs)
  • Drug/Alcohol Test Results (impairment evidence)

Step 3: Comprehensive Investigation

• Accident reconstruction to determine how the crash happened
• Expert analysis of ECM, ELD, and GPS data
• Subpoenas for cell phone records, dispatch logs, and company policies
• Interviews with witnesses and first responders
• Truck inspection to identify mechanical failures

Step 4: Medical Care & Case Building

• We help you get the medical treatment you need—even if you don’t have insurance.
• We work with doctors, therapists, and specialists to document your injuries.
• We calculate past, present, and future medical expenses.
• We assess lost wages and reduced earning capacity.

Step 5: Demand & Negotiation

• We send a comprehensive demand letter to the trucking company and their insurer.
• We negotiate aggressively for maximum compensation.
• If they lowball you, we file a lawsuit and prepare for trial.

Step 6: Litigation & Trial (If Necessary)

• We file your lawsuit in Polk County court before the statute of limitations expires.
• We conduct depositions of the truck driver, safety manager, and company executives.
• We fight motions and push your case toward trial.
• If the trucking company still won’t offer a fair settlement, we take your case to a Polk County jury.

Step 7: Recovery & Justice

• We distribute your settlement after paying medical bills and legal fees.
• You pay nothing unless we win.
• We help you plan for your future—whether that means medical care, home modifications, or financial security.

Polk County Trucking Accident FAQ

1. How long do I have to file a lawsuit after a trucking accident in Polk County?

Texas has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury and wrongful death claims. However, you should never wait—evidence disappears quickly, and the sooner we start investigating, the stronger your case will be.

2. What if the truck driver says I caused the accident?

Texas follows modified comparative negligence rules. If you’re less than 50% at fault, you can still recover damages—but your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. If you’re 50% or more at fault, you cannot recover anything.

Our job is to investigate thoroughly and prove the truck driver’s negligence. We use ECM data, witness statements, and accident reconstruction to build your case.

3. What if the trucking company goes bankrupt?

Trucking companies are required to carry liability insurance (minimum $750,000 for most trucks). Even if the company goes bankrupt, their insurance policy will still cover your claim.

We also investigate other liable parties (maintenance companies, cargo loaders, manufacturers) to ensure you can recover compensation.

4. What if I was partially at fault for the accident?

As long as you’re less than 50% at fault, you can still recover damages. Your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

For example:

• If you’re 20% at fault, you can recover 80% of your damages.
• If you’re 50% at fault, you cannot recover anything.

We work to minimize your assigned fault by gathering strong evidence of the truck driver’s negligence.

5. How much is my trucking accident case worth?

There’s no “average” settlement—every case is unique. Factors that affect your case value include:

• Severity of injuries (TBI, paralysis, amputation = higher value)
• Medical expenses (past, present, and future)
• Lost wages (including reduced earning capacity)
• Pain and suffering (physical and emotional)
• Degree of negligence (gross negligence = punitive damages)
• Insurance coverage (trucking companies carry $750,000–$5,000,000+)

We’ve secured multi-million dollar verdicts for trucking accident victims, and we’ll fight to get you the maximum compensation you deserve.

6. Will my case go to trial?

Most trucking accident cases settle before trial, but we prepare every case as if it’s going to court. Insurance companies know which lawyers are willing to go to trial—and they offer better settlements to clients with trial-ready attorneys.

If the trucking company refuses to offer a fair settlement, we will take your case to a Polk County jury.

7. How long will my case take?

• Simple cases (clear liability, moderate injuries): 6–12 months
• Complex cases (disputed liability, catastrophic injuries): 1–3 years
• Cases that go to trial: 2–4 years

We work to resolve your case as quickly as possible while ensuring you receive maximum compensation.

8. Do I have to pay anything upfront?

No. We work on a contingency fee basis—you pay nothing unless we win your case. We advance all costs of investigation and litigation, and our fee comes from the settlement, not your pocket.

9. What if the trucking company offers me a quick settlement?

Never accept a quick settlement without consulting an attorney first. Insurance companies offer lowball settlements right after an accident to pay you less than your case is worth before you understand the full extent of your injuries.

We’ll review any offer and negotiate aggressively to get you the compensation you deserve.

10. Can I still recover compensation if I was a passenger in the truck?

Yes. If the truck driver was negligent, you can file a claim against:

• The truck driver
• The trucking company
• Their insurance policy

We’ll investigate the crash and fight for your compensation.

11. What if the truck driver was an independent contractor?

Even if the driver is an owner-operator, both the driver and the trucking company may be liable. We investigate:

• The lease agreement between the driver and company
• Who was responsible for maintenance
• Whether the company controlled the driver’s schedule

12. What if the trucking company says they don’t have insurance?

Trucking companies are required by federal law to carry liability insurance. If they claim they don’t have coverage, we investigate:

• Whether they misrepresented their insurance
• Whether they allowed coverage to lapse
• Whether another liable party has insurance

13. Can I sue if my loved one was killed in a trucking accident?

Yes. Texas allows wrongful death claims by surviving family members, including:

• Spouses
• Children (minors and adults)
• Parents (if no spouse or children)

You may recover:

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

14. What if I don’t have health insurance?

We can help you get medical treatment even if you don’t have insurance. We work with:

• Doctors who treat on a lien basis (they get paid from your settlement)
• Medical funding companies (to cover treatment costs upfront)
• Hospitals and clinics (to negotiate payment plans)

15. What if I was hit by a truck while walking or biking?

Pedestrians and cyclists have strong legal rights when hit by a truck. We’ve secured multi-million dollar settlements for victims in these cases.

We’ll investigate:

• Whether the driver failed to yield
• Whether the truck had proper mirrors and warning systems
• Whether the trucking company trained drivers on pedestrian safety

Polk County Trucking Accident Hotspots

We’ve handled trucking accident cases at these high-risk locations in Polk County:

If you were injured at any of these locations—or anywhere in Polk County—call us now at 1-888-ATTY-911.

Don’t Let the Trucking Company Win

Right now, the trucking company’s rapid-response team is working to:
✅ Destroy evidence (overwriting black box data, deleting dashcam footage)
✅ Minimize your claim (offering you a lowball settlement)
✅ Blame you (claiming you caused the accident)
✅ Delay your case (hoping you’ll give up or accept less)

They have lawyers. You need one too.

Call Attorney911 Now: 1-888-ATTY-911

• Free consultation—we’ll evaluate your case at no cost.
• No fee unless we win—you pay nothing upfront.
• 24/7 availability—we answer calls day and night.
• Local Polk County knowledge—we know the roads, the courts, and the trucking companies.
• Insider advantage—our former insurance defense attorney knows their tactics.

The sooner you call, the stronger your case will be. Evidence disappears fast—don’t wait.

Polk County, Texas: We Fight for You

Polk County is more than just a dot on the map—it’s home. It’s where families work hard, where communities come together, and where trucking companies should be held accountable when they put profits over safety.

We’ve seen the devastation these crashes cause—lives changed in an instant, families torn apart, futures stolen. And we’ve made it our mission to fight back.

If you or a loved one has been injured in an 18-wheeler accident in Livingston, Onalaska, Goodrich, Corrigan, Seven Oaks, or anywhere in Polk County, we’re here to help.

Call us now at 1-888-ATTY-911. We’ll answer, we’ll listen, and we’ll fight for you.

“When an 80,000-pound truck changes your family’s life forever, you need a lawyer who treats you like family. That’s what we do.”
— Ralph Manginello, Managing Partner, Attorney911

Your fight starts with one call: 1-888-ATTY-911.