Potter County 18-Wheeler & Commercial Truck Accident Lawyers

The impact was catastrophic—80,000 pounds of steel slammed into your vehicle on I-40. One moment, you were navigating the heavy freight traffic through Potter County; the next, your life changed forever. In the Texas Panhandle, we see these tragedies every day. An 18-wheeler, a cattle hauler, or an Amazon delivery van ignores a stop sign or drifts across a lane, and a hardworking family pays the price.

But here’s the thing you need to understand right now: the trucking company that hit you has already started their defense. Before you even left the scene for a hospital in Amarillo, their rapid-response team was likely already on its way. They have lawyers, investigators, and insurance adjusters whose only job is to make sure you get paid as little as possible. You need someone on your side who fights just as hard.

At Attorney911, led by Ralph Manginello, we’ve spent over 25 years taking on the world’s largest corporate giants—companies like Walmart, Amazon, and BP—and we’ve made them pay. We don’t just handle “car wrecks.” We are truck accident specialists with the federal court experience required to navigate the complex web of interstate trucking regulations. When you call us, you aren’t just another case number. As our client Chad Harris said, “You are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.”

If you’ve been hurt in a truck accident anywhere in Potter County, the clock is already ticking. Evidence like black box data and driver logs can be destroyed or overwritten in as little as 30 days. You need a team that moves fast. Call Attorney911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation. Hablamos Español. Llame a Lupe Peña al 1-888-ATTY-911.

Why Truck Accidents in Potter County Are Different

Truck accidents in Potter County aren’t like typical fender benders. When an 80,000-pound commercial vehicle is involved, the physics are overwhelming, the injuries are life-altering, and the legal battle is a war. Potter County sits at a critical crossroads of American freight. With I-40 serving as a primary east-west artery and US-287 serving as the main shortcut between the Pacific Northwest and the Gulf Coast, our roads are constantly shared with thousands of heavy rigs.

When an 18-wheeler traveling 65 mph on I-40 near Amarillo fails to see a traffic slowdown, the force of that impact is roughly 20 to 25 times greater than a crash between two passenger cars. That massive weight disparity is why 76% of people killed in two-vehicle crashes involving a large truck are occupants of the smaller vehicle.

The Insider Advantage: We Know Their Playbook

One of the greatest advantages we provide to our Potter County clients is the insider knowledge of associate attorney Lupe Peña. Before joining our firm, Lupe worked for a national insurance defense firm. He spent years inside the system, learning exactly how insurance companies evaluate, minimize, and deny trucking accident claims.

He knows:

• How they use delay tactics to exhaust you financially.
• The software they use to lowball your pain and suffering.
• The “independent” medical examiners they hire to say you aren’t really hurt.
• The tricks they use to get you to sign away your rights for a fraction of what your case is worth.

Now, Lupe uses that “enemy intel” to fight for you. We don’t fall for their tricks because we’ve seen them all before. We know when they’re bluffing, and we know exactly what evidence forces them to pay.

The High Cost of Trucking Negligence in Potter County

Since 1998, Ralph Manginello has been holding trucking companies accountable for the devastation they cause on Texas roads. We’ve seen the patterns of negligence that lead to these crashes—trucking companies prioritizing profits over people, cutting corners on maintenance, and pushing drivers beyond human limits to meet delivery windows in Potter County.

When these companies break federal safety laws, we make sure they pay. Our firm has recovered over $50 million for injured families across Texas, including multi-million dollar settlements for traumatic brain injuries, amputations, and wrongful death. Whether you were hit by a semi-truck on I-27 or a delivery van on a local Amarillo street, we have the resources to take your case all the way to a jury.

Don’t wait. Every hour you wait, evidence in your Potter County trucking accident case is disappearing. Call Attorney911 NOW at 1-888-ATTY-911. We work on contingency, which means you pay absolutely nothing unless we win your case.

Types of Potter County Truck Accidents We Handle

Because Potter County is a regional hub, we see every type of commercial vehicle on our roads. Most firms only want the high-profile 18-wheeler cases. At Attorney911, we know that a 60,000-pound dump truck or a 26,000-pound U-Haul causes just as much devastation. We handle the full spectrum of commercial vehicle litigation.

18-Wheeler & Semi-Truck Accidents on I-40 and US-287

Potter County’s section of I-40 is one of the busiest trucking corridors in the world. When a semi-truck driver is fatigued after 11 hours behind the wheel or is distracted by their dispatch device, the results on a high-speed highway are almost always catastrophic. We understand the specific mechanics of 18-wheeler crashes, from jackknifes and rollovers to underride collisions that occur when a car slides beneath a trailer.

Corporate Fleet Accidents (Amazon, Walmart, FedEx, UPS)

If you were hit by a blue Amazon van, a white FedEx truck, or a Walmart rig in Potter County, you are dealing with a corporate giant. These companies often use complex contractor structures to try to shield themselves from liability. Amazon, for example, uses “Delivery Service Partners” to avoid being called the employer of its drivers. We know how to pierce these shells and hold the parent corporation responsible. We’ve litigated against Walmart, FedEx, and UPS fleets—we know how to fight their corporate legal teams.

Agricultural & Cattle Hauler Wrecks

Potter County is heartland territory. We regularly share the road with cattle haulers and grain trucks. These vehicles have unique handling characteristics—specifically the “slosh effect” of live cargo or shifting grain that can cause sudden rollovers on curves. If a cattle hauler’s negligence caused your crash near Amarillo, we understand the specific industry standards they must follow.

Construction & Dump Truck Accidents

With constant expansion and roadwork in Potter County, dump trucks and concrete mixers are everywhere. These vehicles are often operated by smaller local companies that may neglect maintenance or hire inexperienced drivers. A fully loaded dump truck is a 65,000-pound missile. If they lose their load or can’t stop at an intersection because of worn brakes, we hold them accountable.

Rental Truck Accidents (U-Haul, Penske)

Rental trucks are terrifying because they put a 26,000-pound vehicle into the hands of a driver who likely has zero commercial training. If an untrained driver in a U-Haul or Penske truck hit you in Potter County, the rental company may be liable for negligent entrustment or maintenance failure.

Vulnerable Road User Accidents

We also represent pedestrians, cyclists, and motorcyclists struck by trucks in Potter County. When a truck driver fails to check their “No-Zone” (blind spot) or makes a wide turn without seeing a cyclist, the injuries are almost always fatal or permanent. We fight to ensure these vulnerable victims receive the same high-level representation as vehicle occupants.

No matter the truck type, the goal is the same: maximum recovery for your family. Learn more in our video guide: “The Definitive Guide To Commercial Truck Accidents” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iEEeZf-k8Ao.

The Federal Rules: Proving Negligence via FMCSA Violations

In a regular car accident, you’re usually just proving that someone “wasn’t careful.” In a Potter County truck accident, we prove the defendant broke the law. Every commercial motor vehicle operating in interstate commerce is governed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations—found in 49 CFR Parts 390-399.

These aren’t just “suggestions.” They are strict safety laws designed to prevent the very accident that hurt you. When we investigate your crash, we look for violations in these critical areas:

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

Fatigue is the silent killer on I-40. Drivers are strictly limited by law:

• 11-Hour Driving Limit: They cannot drive more than 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off.
• 14-Hour Window: They cannot drive beyond the 14th consecutive hour after coming on duty.
• 30-Minute Break: They must take a break after 8 cumulative hours of driving.

If a driver was pushing through Potter County at 3 AM to make a deadline and had been on the road for 15 hours, they were driving illegally. We use the Electronic Logging Device (ELD) data to prove these violations.

2. Driver Qualification — 49 CFR Part 391

Trucking companies have a duty to ensure their drivers are fit for the road. Under Part 391, they must maintain a “Driver Qualification File” that includes background checks, medical certificates, and road test records. If a company hired a driver with a history of DUIs or a suspended CDL to drive through Potter County, that is negligent hiring.

3. Vehicle Maintenance — 49 CFR Part 396

An 80,000-pound truck with bad brakes is a death trap. Federal law requires systematic inspection and repair. Part 396 requires drivers to perform pre-trip and post-trip inspections. If our investigation finds the brakes were out of adjustment or the tires were worn past the legal 2/32″ tread depth, the trucking company is liable for negligent maintenance.

4. Cargo Securement — 49 CFR Part 393

If you were hit by falling debris or if a truck rolled over because its load shifted on a Potter County curve, Part 393 was likely violated. Federal law specifies exactly how many tiedowns are required and how much force they must withstand. Improperly loaded cargo is a major cause of jackknife accidents in the Texas Panhandle.

We don’t just say they were negligent—we cite the specific federal section they violated. That is how you win a trucking case. Call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 to put our regulatory expertise to work for you.

48-Hour Emergency Response: Protecting Your Evidence

Within 48 hours of a truck accident in Potter County, evidence begins to disappear. This is the “Golden Window” for your case. Trucking companies are sophisticated; they know that the best way to win a lawsuit is to make sure the evidence against them never makes it to a courtroom.

The Overwrite Risk

Modern trucks are floating computers. The Engine Control Module (ECM), often called the “black box,” records your speed, RPMs, and exactly when the driver hit the brakes—or if they hit them at all. However, most ECM systems only record data from a specific “event.” If the truck continues to be driven after the accident, that data can be overwritten in 30 days.

The same is true for Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) and dashcam footage. Many systems automatically delete routine footage every 7 to 14 days unless a litigation hold is placed on them.

Our Immediate Solution: The Spoliation Letter

The moment you hire Attorney911, we send a formal Spoliation Letter to the trucking carrier, the driver, and their insurance company. This legal notice demands the immediate preservation of:

• ECM/Black Box data downloads.
• ELD log records for the previous 6 months.
• Driver Qualification Files.
• Maintenance and inspection logs.
• Dashcam (Netradyne/DriveCam) footage.
• Dispatch communications and GPS telematics.

If they destroy this evidence after receiving our letter, we can ask the court for “sanctions,” which might include a jury instruction that the destroyed evidence was unfavorable to the trucking company. This is often the turning point in a multi-million dollar case.

The trucking company is already building their defense. What are you doing? Call 1-888-288-9911 immediately.

Identifying the Full Chain of Liability

Most billboard lawyers in Amarillo only sue the truck driver and the trucking company. That is a mistake that could cost you millions. At Attorney911, we cast the widest possible net to identify every party that contributed to your accident in Potter County. More liable parties mean more insurance pools, which means higher compensation for you.

Here are the 16 parties we investigate in every Potter County truck accident:

1. The Truck Driver: For direct negligence like speeding, fatigue, or impairment.
2. The Trucking Company (Carrier): For vicarious liability and negligent hiring/training.
3. The Cargo Owner/Shipper: For providing dangerous loading instructions.
4. The Loading Company: For improperly securing or overloading the trailer.
5. The Truck/Trailer Manufacturer: For design defects like faulty braking systems.
6. The Parts Manufacturer: For defective tires or mechanical components that failed.
7. The Maintenance Company: For failing to identify or fix critical safety issues.
8. The Freight Broker: For negligent selection of an unsafe carrier.
9. The Truck Owner: For negligent entrustment of a dangerous vehicle.
10. The Government Entity: For dangerous road design or maintenance failure in Potter County.
11. The Corporate Parent (e.g., Walmart/Amazon): For exerting “right of control” over negligent contractors.
12. The Oilfield Operator: For wellsite traffic mismanagement (relevant in Panhandle drilling zones).
13. The Staffing Company: For failing to verify the driver’s CDL qualifications.
14. The Rental Truck Company (U-Haul/Penske): For negligent maintenance or training.
15. The Public Transit Agency/School District: For bus-related negligence in Amarillo.
16. The Federal Government: For accidents involving USPS or military vehicles (FTCA claims).

By identifying multiple layers of responsibility, we “stack” insurance policies. If the driver has $750,000 in coverage but your injuries are worth $5 million, we find the other $4.25 million from the corporate parent, the broker, or the loader.

For a deeper look into complex liability, watch our guide: “The Ultimate Guide To Commercial Truck Accidents” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iEEeZf-k8Ao.

Catastrophic Injuries: We Understand Your Suffering

A truck hitting a sedan isn’t a “car wreck”—it’s a physical assault. The injuries we see in Potter County trucking cases are often permanent and life-changing. We understand that you aren’t just looking for money; you’re looking for the resources to rebuild a shattered life.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) — Settlements $1.5M – $9.8M

The violent acceleration-deceleration force of a truck impact causes the brain to slam against the inside of the skull. This can result in “diffuse axonal injury,” which doesn’t always show up on a standard CT scan. We work with leading neurologists to document cognitive deficits, memory loss, and personality changes. As client Glenda Walker said about our firm, we “fought for every dime” she deserved for her medical recovery.

Spinal Cord Injury & Paralysis — Settlements $4.7M – $25.8M

Whether it’s C-spine damage resulting in quadriplegia or L-spine damage causing paraplegia, the lifetime cost of care is staggering. We retain certified life care planners to project every penny you will need for 24/7 care, home modifications, and adaptive vehicles in Potter County.

Amputations & Crush Injuries — Settlements $1.9M – $8.6M

Being pinned in a car by a 53-foot trailer often results in “traumatic amputation” at the scene or surgical amputation at the hospital. We ensure your settlement covers not just the initial surgery, but the lifetime cost of prosthetic replacement and specialized physical therapy.

Wrongful Death — Settlements $1.9M – $9.5M

If a negligent trucker took your spouse, parent, or child in Potter County, we are deeply sorry for your loss. No amount of money replaces them, but justice requires that the company responsible pays for the lost income, lost guidance, and the hole they left in your family.

Psychological Trauma and PTSD

Many people don’t realize they can be compensated for the nightmares, flashbacks, and the terror of driving after a crash. We take psychological injuries seriously. Learn more in our video: “Can I Get a PTSD Payout After a Car Accident?” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9803X_jnR4A.

The Insurance Reality: Pursuing Maximum Value

Trucking companies carry much higher insurance limits than passenger vehicles. Federal law (49 CFR Part 387) sets the minimums:

• General Freight: $750,000
• Oil / Large Equipment: $1,000,000
• Hazardous Materials: $5,000,000

But here’s the secret: these are just the minimums. Large corporate fleets like Walmart and UPS often carry “excess” or “umbrella” policies that reach $50 million, $100 million, or more. When we take on a corporate defendant, we are looking at the full pyramid of insurance.

Potter County Court Knowledge

Potter County juries have shown that they will not tolerate trucking companies that put local residents at risk. We use this “risk of trial” to force insurance companies into high-value settlements. They know Ralph Manginello is a 25-year veteran who is ready to take the case to a jury if the offer isn’t fair.

The values of these cases are trending toward “nuclear verdicts.” In 2024 and 2025 alone, we’ve seen national trucking verdicts reach $160 million and even $462 million. We prepare your case with that same level of intensity. Your family’s future depends on it.

Call 888-ATTY-911. What you do in the next 48 hours could determine the value of your case.

Potter County Truck Accident FAQ

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

In Texas, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury or wrongful death claim. However, in trucking cases, you shouldn’t wait more than two days to hire an attorney. Evidence like black box data and driver logs disappears long before the two-year deadline. Waiting can kill your case before it even starts.

What if I was partially at fault for the truck accident?

Texas follows a “modified comparative negligence” rule (51% bar). This means you can still recover damages as long as you were 50% or less at fault. For example, if a jury finds you were 20% at fault for speeding, but the truck driver was 80% at fault for running a red light, you would still recover 80% of your total damages. We are skilled at minimizing the fault attributed to you and proving the trucking company’s overwhelming responsibility.

Can I sue if I was hit by a truck while walking or biking in Potter County?

Yes. We represent pedestrians and cyclists struck by commercial vehicles. These are actually some of our most serious cases because the victim has zero protection. Truck drivers have a heightened duty to watch for “vulnerable road users” in Amarillo and surrounding areas. Failure to check mirrors or yield to a crosswalk is clear negligence.

Why shouldn’t I talk to the insurance company after my accident?

Because they aren’t your friend. The “friendly” adjuster who calls you is looking for any reason to blame you or get you to admit your injuries “aren’t that bad.” They recorded every word you say. Our associate attorney Lupe Peña used to work for these companies—he knows they use your own recorded statement to destroy your case. Let us handle the talking.

How much does it cost to hire an 18-wheeler accident lawyer in Potter County?

At Attorney911, it costs zero dollars upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis. We advance all the costs of the investigation, the expert witnesses, and the litigation. We only get paid if and when we win your case. If we don’t recover money for you, you don’t owe us a dime. Our interests are perfectly aligned with yours.

What is “Truck Driver’s Knee” and can I sue for it?

“Truck Driver’s Knee” is patellar tendonitis caused by the repetitive stress of operating heavy pedals. While this is often a workers’ comp issue, if it was caused or worsened by an accident with another negligent driver, you may have a personal injury claim. We investigate the underlying causes of all occupational and accident injuries.

Are Amazon delivery drivers “independent contractors” or employees?

Amazon will tell you they are independent contractors to avoid being sued. However, under Texas law, if Amazon controls the “details and methods” of their work—setting the routes, monitoring them with Netradyne cameras, and scoring their driving—they may be legally considered employees. We have litigated this exact issue and know how to pierce the “contractor” shield.

The Time to Act is Now

If you are reading this, you are likely in pain, your car is totaled, and you are worried about the future. The trucking company is betting on your fear. They are hoping you’ll take a quick $50,000 settlement today instead of fighting for the $1,500,000 you actually need for your future medical care.

Don’t let them win. You deserve a fighter. You deserve a team that treats you like family. Ralph Manginello and the team at Attorney911 are ready to stand with you. We know the roads of Potter County, we know the federal regulations, and we know how to hold corporate giants accountable.

One call is all it takes to start your fight.

Call 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911) right now. Our team is available 24/7 to answer your call, send an investigator to the scene, and protect your family’s future.

Attorney911: Powerful. Proven. Potter County’s Truck Accident Authority.

Hablamos Español. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911. Consulta gratis. Sin cargo a menos que ganemos.

Understanding the Physics of Your Potter County Crash

Think an 18-wheeler is just a big car? Think again. The scale of the vehicles operating on I-40 and US-287 creates unique crash dynamics. When a truck driver in Amarillo slams on those air brakes, it takes standard reaction time PLUS the time for the air to travel through the brake lines to the wheels. At 65 mph, that extra second means the truck travels another 100 feet before it even begins to slow down.

Combined with the weight of raw materials or cattle being hauled out of the Texas Panhandle, the impact force is incomprehensible. This is why “whiplash” from a truck accident isn’t just a sore neck—it is frequently a permanent herniated disc that will require spinal injections or fusion surgery. We work with accident reconstructionists who use the black box data from your Potter County crash to recreate exactly how much force hit your body. We don’t guess; we prove it.

Specialized Representation for Specialized Trucks

Potter County isn’t just full of standard box trucks. We are a logistics hub for some of the most dangerous cargo in America.

Cattle & Livestock Trailers: These are top-heavy and the cargo moves. A “livestock slosh” during a quick steering maneuver on a Potter County highway is a lead cause of rollovers.
Wind Turbine Haulers: Moving massive turbine blades through the Panhandle requires specialized “oversized load” permits and lead cars. If they failed to scout the route or lacked proper flagging, the transporting company is liable for every inch of damage.
Hazmat & Fuel Tankers: Hauling gasoline through Amarillo creates a massive risk for fire and explosion. Federal law mandates $5 million in insurance for these trucks for a reason.

If your accident involved any of these specialized rigs, you can’t afford a general practice lawyer. You need the expertise provided by 25+ years of trucking litigation.

Ready to Start Your Recovery?

The medical bills are mounting. The trucking company’s insurance adjuster is calling. Your family’s life has been turned upside down. Take the first step toward justice today. Call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911.

We will handle the lawyers, the insurance companies, and the court dockets so you can focus on what matters most: getting better. Whether we meet in person at our offices or via a remote consultation for your Potter County case, you will receive the personal attention and aggressive advocacy you deserve.

Call 1-888-ATTY-911. We answer. We fight. We win.

Final Closing for Potter County Residents

In the high plains of the Texas Panhandle, we value hard work, honesty, and accountability. Trucking companies thrive in Potter County because we are the crossroads of the country. But that doesn’t give them a license to ignore safety laws or put our neighbors at risk.

Ralph Manginello and his team have the toughness Potter County residents expect and the results that speak for themselves. We’ve gone toe-to-toe with the world’s largest corporations, including BP during the Texas City refinery explosion litigation. We aren’t intimidated by their fleet of lawyers.

Your fight is our fight. Call (888) 288-9911 today for your free, no-obligation consultation. One call could change the rest of your life.

Attorney911 | The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC | Serving Potter County and all of Texas since 1998.