Commercial Truck Accidents in Potter County, Texas: Your Legal Rights After a Crash

You’re reading this because a commercial truck—an 18-wheeler, tanker, dump truck, or delivery vehicle—changed your life in an instant on a roadway in Potter County, Texas. Maybe it was on Interstate 40, where long-haul freight mixes with local traffic near Amarillo. Maybe it was on US Highway 287, where oilfield service trucks and grain haulers share the lanes with passenger vehicles. Or maybe it was on a rural farm-to-market road like FM 1061, where a fully loaded tractor-trailer lost control on a curve.

Wherever it happened, the aftermath is the same: medical bills piling up, insurance adjusters calling with lowball offers, and the sinking realization that the trucking company’s lawyers started working on your case the moment the crash occurred. If you lost a loved one, the grief is compounded by the knowledge that Texas law imposes a strict two-year deadline to file a wrongful death claim—whether or not you feel ready.

At Attorney 911, we’ve spent 24+ years fighting for families in Potter County and across Texas after catastrophic commercial vehicle crashes. Our founder, Ralph Manginello, has been representing truck accident victims since 1998, with federal court admission to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas. Our team includes Lupe Peña, a former insurance defense attorney who now uses his insider knowledge to fight for victims like you. We know how trucking companies and their insurers operate because we’ve been on both sides of these cases.

This guide explains your rights, the legal process, and how we build cases that force trucking companies to take responsibility—not just for the driver, but for the corporate decisions that led to the crash.

Why Truck Crashes in Potter County Are Different

Potter County sits at the crossroads of major freight corridors, oilfield service routes, and agricultural supply chains. The trucks on these roads aren’t just passing through—they’re part of the local economy. But that also means Potter County sees more than its share of commercial vehicle crashes, many of them preventable.

Potter County’s Truck Traffic: The Corridors That Define the Risk

Potter County’s roadways carry a mix of:

• Long-haul interstate freight (I-40, I-27)
• Oilfield service trucks (US 287, FM 1061, FM 2186)
• Agricultural haulers (grain, livestock, feed)
• Local delivery and last-mile trucks (Amazon, FedEx, UPS, Sysco)

The Most Dangerous Roads in Potter County for Truck Crashes

Federal data from the FMCSA Safety Measurement System (SMS) shows that Potter County’s commercial carriers have elevated Crash Indicator and Hours-of-Service BASIC scores, meaning fatigue, speeding, and poor maintenance are recurring issues. When we take a case, we pull these records before the carrier can alter or destroy them.

The Most Common Types of Truck Crashes in Potter County

Not all truck crashes are the same. The type of truck, the cargo, and the road conditions all shape how the case is investigated and who can be held liable.

1. Semi-Truck and 18-Wheeler Crashes (The Most Common and Deadly)

Semi-trucks make up the majority of fatal commercial vehicle crashes in Texas. In 2024, Texas recorded 4,150 traffic deaths, and large trucks were involved in 11% of all motor vehicle fatalities (NHTSA FARS).

Why they’re so dangerous:

• Weight: A fully loaded 18-wheeler can weigh 80,000 pounds—20 times more than a passenger car.
• Stopping distance: At 65 mph, an 18-wheeler needs 525 feet to stop—the length of 1.5 football fields.
• Blind spots (“No-Zones”): Trucks have large blind spots on all sides, especially the right.
• Underride risks: If a car slides under a truck’s trailer, the results are often fatal.

Common causes in Potter County:

• Driver fatigue (violations of 49 C.F.R. § 395, Hours of Service rules)
• Speeding for conditions (especially on I-40 and US 287)
• Improper lane changes (common on Loop 335)
• Brake failures (violations of 49 C.F.R. § 396, Vehicle Maintenance)
• Distracted driving (handheld phone use banned under 49 C.F.R. § 392.82)

Case Example (Not from Potter County, but illustrative of the pattern):
“Multi-million dollar settlement for client who suffered brain injury with vision loss when log dropped on him at logging company.”
(Every case is unique. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.)

2. Oilfield Service Truck Crashes (A Potter County-Specific Risk)

Potter County sits near the Texas Panhandle’s oil and gas fields, meaning oilfield service trucks—water haulers, sand trucks, and frac spread vehicles—are a constant presence on local roads.

Why they’re uniquely dangerous:

• Overweight loads: Many oilfield trucks exceed legal weight limits, increasing stopping distances.
• Fatigued drivers: Oilfield workers often work 28-day on/14-day off schedules, leading to chronic sleep deprivation.
• Hazardous materials: Water haulers and chemical trucks can spill, creating secondary hazards.
• Rural road risks: FM 1061, FM 2186, and other farm-to-market roads weren’t designed for heavy truck traffic.

Federal regulations that apply:

• 49 C.F.R. § 395.3 (Hours of Service for oilfield drivers—20 hours on-duty in 24 hours)
• 49 C.F.R. § 393.100 (Cargo securement—loose pipes, unsecured loads)
• 49 C.F.R. § 387.7 (Minimum liability insurance—$750,000 for non-hazmat, $1M for hazmat)

Who can be sued?

• The oilfield service company (Halliburton, Schlumberger, Patterson-UTI, etc.)
• The driver
• The company that loaded the cargo (if improperly secured)
• The oil company that hired the truck (if they pressured the driver to speed or violate HOS rules)

3. Tanker Truck Crashes (Fire, Explosion, and Chemical Exposure Risks)

Tanker trucks carrying fuel, chemicals, or hazardous waste are common on Potter County roads, especially near US 287 and I-40, where refinery shipments and agricultural chemicals are transported.

Why they’re catastrophic:

• Fire and explosion risk: A fuel tanker crash can ignite in seconds, leading to severe burns or death.
• Chemical exposure: If a tanker carrying ammonia, chlorine, or other toxic substances ruptures, nearby residents may suffer respiratory damage, chemical burns, or long-term health effects.
• Evacuation zones: A hazmat spill can force road closures and evacuations for miles.

Federal hazmat regulations that apply:

• 49 C.F.R. Parts 100–185 (Hazardous Materials Regulations)
  • Part 172 (Proper labeling and placarding)
  • Part 173 (Packaging requirements)
  • Part 177 (Loading and unloading rules)
• 49 C.F.R. § 387.7 (Minimum liability insurance—$5 million for Class A hazmat)

Who can be sued?

• The tanker company (Quality Carriers, Trimac, Groendyke, etc.)
• The shipper (the company that loaded the hazardous material)
• The manufacturer of the tanker (if a defect caused the crash)
• The driver (if they lacked proper hazmat training)

4. Dump Truck and Cement Mixer Crashes (Work-Zone and Unsecured Load Risks)

Dump trucks and cement mixers are a constant presence in Potter County’s construction zones, especially on I-40, I-27, and Loop 335, where roadwork is frequent.

Why they’re dangerous:

• Unsecured loads: Gravel, sand, or debris can spill onto the road, causing secondary crashes.
• Rollover risks: Cement mixers have a high center of gravity, making them prone to tipping.
• Work-zone crashes: Many dump truck crashes happen in construction zones, where traffic patterns change suddenly.

Federal regulations that apply:

• 49 C.F.R. § 393.100 (Cargo securement—must withstand rollover forces)
• 49 C.F.R. § 392.14 (Driving in hazardous conditions—speed for weather, road conditions)
• Texas Transportation Code § 472.022 (Enhanced penalties for work-zone violations)

Who can be sued?

• The dump truck or cement company
• The construction contractor (if they created an unsafe work zone)
• The company that loaded the cargo (if improperly secured)

5. Delivery Truck Crashes (Amazon, FedEx, UPS, and Local Fleets)

Last-mile delivery trucks—Amazon DSP vans, FedEx Ground trucks, UPS package cars, and Sysco food delivery trucks—are everywhere in Potter County. These crashes often happen in residential neighborhoods, school zones, and parking lots.

Why they’re increasing:

• Amazon DSP drivers are independent contractors, not Amazon employees, but Amazon controls their routes, schedules, and quotas.
• FedEx Ground drivers operate under a similar contractor model, leading to fatigue and speeding to meet delivery deadlines.
• UPS and Sysco use union and non-union drivers, but all must follow FMCSA regulations.

Federal regulations that apply:

• 49 C.F.R. § 390.5 (Definition of a commercial motor vehicle—10,001+ pounds triggers FMCSR)
• 49 C.F.R. § 392.82 (Handheld phone ban for commercial drivers)
• 49 C.F.R. § 395 (Hours of Service—11 hours driving after 10 consecutive off-duty hours)

Who can be sued?

• The delivery company (Amazon, FedEx, UPS, Sysco)
• The driver
• The contractor (if the driver was misclassified as an independent contractor)
• The shipper (if they pressured the driver to speed)

6. School Bus and Charter Bus Crashes (Protecting Children and Passengers)

Potter County’s school buses and charter buses operate under strict federal safety rules, but crashes still happen—often with multiple injured children.

Why they’re high-stakes:

• Federal insurance minimum: $1 million for buses carrying 16+ passengers (49 C.F.R. § 387.7).
• Multi-plaintiff cases: A single crash can involve dozens of injured children, requiring coordinated legal action.
• School district liability: While school districts are not typically the primary defendant, they can be sued if they failed to properly vet the bus contractor or designed unsafe bus routes.

Federal regulations that apply:

• 49 C.F.R. § 387.7 ($1M minimum liability insurance)
• 49 C.F.R. § 392.14 (Driving in hazardous conditions)
• 49 C.F.R. § 391.51 (Driver qualification files—background checks, training records)

Who can be sued?

• The bus company (Durham School Services, First Student, National Express)
• The driver
• The school district (if they contributed to the crash)
• The manufacturer (if a defect caused the crash)

7. Train-Truck Collisions (Federal Railroad Regulations Apply)

Potter County is bisected by BNSF Railway and Union Pacific freight lines, meaning train-truck collisions at grade crossings are a real risk.

Why they’re deadly:

• No match for size: A train cannot stop quickly—even at low speeds, a collision with a truck is almost always fatal.
• Grade crossing failures: If warning lights, gates, or signals malfunction, the railroad can be held liable.
• Federal preemption: Railroads often argue that federal law blocks state lawsuits, but exceptions exist.

Federal regulations that apply:

• 49 C.F.R. Part 234 (Grade Crossing Signal System Safety)
• FRA Grade Crossing Inventory (tracks every crossing’s warning devices)
• 49 C.F.R. § 213.103 (Track maintenance standards)

Who can be sued?

• The railroad (BNSF, Union Pacific)
• The trucking company (if the driver ignored warnings)
• The government (if the crossing was poorly designed)

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Potter County Truck Crash?

Most people assume the truck driver is the only one responsible. But in reality, multiple parties can share liability—including the trucking company, the broker, the shipper, and even the manufacturer.

1. The Truck Driver

The driver is the most obvious defendant, but their personal insurance is often not enough to cover catastrophic injuries. That’s why we pursue corporate defendants.

Common driver violations in Potter County:

• Hours of Service (HOS) violations (49 C.F.R. § 395)
• Distracted driving (handheld phone use, texting)
• Speeding for conditions (especially on I-40 and US 287)
• Driving under the influence (DUI/DWI) (49 C.F.R. § 382)
• Failure to inspect the truck (49 C.F.R. § 396.13)

2. The Trucking Company (Motor Carrier)

Trucking companies are vicariously liable for their drivers’ actions under respondeat superior. But they can also be directly liable for:

• Negligent hiring (hiring a driver with a bad record)
• Negligent training (failing to train drivers on blind spots, braking, etc.)
• Negligent supervision (allowing HOS violations, pressuring drivers to speed)
• Negligent maintenance (failing to fix brakes, tires, or lights)

Federal regulations that hold carriers accountable:

• 49 C.F.R. § 391.23 (Driver qualification files—background checks, road tests)
• 49 C.F.R. § 396.3 (Vehicle inspection, repair, and maintenance records)
• 49 C.F.R. § 387.7 (Minimum liability insurance—$750K for non-hazmat, $1M for hazmat, $5M for Class A hazmat)

Case Example (Not from Potter County, but illustrative of the pattern):
“In a recent case, our client injured his back while lifting cargo on a ship. Our investigation revealed that he should have been assisted in this duty, and we were able to reach a significant cash settlement.”
(Every case is unique. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.)

3. The Freight Broker (Amazon Relay, Uber Freight, C.H. Robinson)

Freight brokers arrange loads between shippers and carriers. Under Miller v. C.H. Robinson (9th Cir. 2020), brokers can be held liable if they negligently select an unsafe carrier.

When a broker can be sued:

• They hired a carrier with a poor safety record (low CSA scores).
• They hired a carrier with no operating authority.
• They pressured the carrier to violate HOS rules.

Federal regulations that apply:

• 49 C.F.R. § 371 (Broker requirements)
• FMCSA Safety Measurement System (SMS) (tracks carrier safety scores)

4. The Shipper (The Company That Loaded the Cargo)

If the shipper improperly loaded the cargo, they can be held liable for:

• Unsecured loads (49 C.F.R. § 393.100)
• Overweight loads (violations of state weight limits)
• Hazardous materials violations (49 C.F.R. Parts 100–185)

Example: If a shipper overloaded a truck with oilfield equipment and it spilled onto the road, causing a crash, the shipper could be sued.

5. The Maintenance Company (If They Failed to Fix the Truck)

Many trucking companies outsource maintenance. If a brake failure, tire blowout, or steering malfunction caused the crash, the maintenance company can be held liable.

Federal regulations that apply:

• 49 C.F.R. § 396.3 (Maintenance records must be kept for 1 year)
• 49 C.F.R. § 396.13 (Pre-trip inspections)

6. The Truck or Parts Manufacturer (Product Liability)

If a defective part caused the crash, the manufacturer can be sued under Texas product liability law.

Common defects:

• Faulty brakes (brake failure is a leading cause of truck crashes)
• Defective tires (tread separation, blowouts)
• Steering system failures
• Underride guard failures (if a car slides under the trailer)

Federal regulations that apply:

• Federal Motor Vehicle Safety Standards (FMVSS) (49 C.F.R. Part 571)

7. Government Entities (TxDOT, County, or City)

If a road defect, missing guardrail, or malfunctioning traffic signal contributed to the crash, the government entity responsible for the road can be sued under the Texas Tort Claims Act (Chapter 101, Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code).

Requirements for suing the government:

• 6-month notice requirement (must file notice within 6 months of the crash).
• Damages caps:
  • $250,000 per person / $500,000 per occurrence (for municipalities).
  • Higher caps for state agencies (e.g., TxDOT).
• Waiver of sovereign immunity (only for motor vehicle use, premise defects, or defective property).

Example: If a missing guardrail on US 287 caused a truck to roll over, TxDOT could be held liable.

Texas Laws That Apply to Your Truck Accident Case

Texas has specific laws that govern truck accident cases, including wrongful death claims, comparative negligence, and punitive damages. Understanding these laws is crucial to maximizing your compensation.

1. Wrongful Death and Survival Claims (If a Loved One Died)

If a family member died in a truck crash, two separate claims can be filed:

• Wrongful Death Claim (Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code § 71.004)
  • Who can file: Surviving spouse, children, or parents.
  • Damages recoverable: Loss of companionship, mental anguish, lost earning capacity, funeral expenses.
• Survival Claim (Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code § 71.021)
  • Who can file: The deceased’s estate.
  • Damages recoverable: Pain and suffering before death, medical bills, lost wages.

Key deadline: 2 years from the date of death (Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code § 16.003).

Case Example (Not from Potter County, but illustrative of the pattern):
“In a recent case, our client’s leg was injured in a car accident. Staff infections during treatment led to a partial amputation. This case settled in the millions.”
(Every case is unique. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.)

2. Modified Comparative Negligence (51% Bar Rule)

Texas follows a modified comparative negligence rule (Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code § 33.001). This means:

• If you were 50% or less at fault, you can recover damages (reduced by your percentage of fault).
• If you were 51% or more at fault, you recover nothing.

Example: If you were 20% at fault for the crash and your damages total $1 million, you would recover $800,000.

How trucking companies use this against you:

• They’ll argue you were speeding, distracted, or failed to yield.
• They’ll use recorded statements to twist your words against you.

Our counter-strategy:

• Never give a recorded statement without your attorney present.
• Gather evidence (witness statements, dashcam footage, ELD data) to prove the truck driver was primarily at fault.

3. Punitive Damages (Exemplary Damages for Gross Negligence)

If the trucking company’s conduct was reckless or intentional, you may be entitled to punitive damages under Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code § 41.003.

When punitive damages apply:

• DUI/DWI (Intoxication Manslaughter is a felony, removing the damages cap).
• Falsified logbooks (HOS violations).
• Ignoring prior violations (if the company knew the driver was dangerous).
• Destroying evidence (spoliation).

Punitive damages are not capped if:

• The conduct was a felony (e.g., Intoxication Manslaughter).
• The conduct was intentional.

Example: If a truck driver was drunk and killed someone, punitive damages could exceed $1 million.

4. Stowers Doctrine (The Nuclear Option Against Insurers)

The Stowers Doctrine (G.A. Stowers Furniture Co. v. American Indemnity Co., 15 S.W.2d 544 (Tex. 1929)) forces insurance companies to settle within policy limits if:

• The claim is within the scope of coverage.
• The demand is within policy limits.
• A prudent insurer would accept the demand.

If the insurer refuses a reasonable settlement demand, they can be liable for the full verdict—even if it exceeds policy limits.

Example: If the trucking company’s policy limit is $1 million and we demand $900,000 but the insurer refuses, they could be on the hook for a $5 million verdict.

5. Texas Tort Claims Act (Suing Government Entities)

If a government vehicle (TxDOT truck, school bus, police vehicle) caused the crash, the Texas Tort Claims Act (Chapter 101, Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code) applies.

Key rules:

• 6-month notice requirement (must file notice within 6 months).
• Damages caps:
  • $250,000 per person / $500,000 per occurrence (for municipalities).
  • Higher caps for state agencies.
• Sovereign immunity waived only for:
  • Use of a motor vehicle.
  • Premise defects (e.g., missing guardrails).
  • Defective property (e.g., malfunctioning traffic lights).

How We Build Your Case: The Attorney 911 Investigation Process

Trucking companies and their insurers start working against you immediately. That’s why we act fast to preserve evidence, identify liable parties, and build a case that forces a fair settlement—or takes them to trial.

Phase 1: Immediate Response (First 48 Hours)

• Send a preservation letter to the trucking company, broker, shipper, and any telematics providers (Qualcomm, PeopleNet, Samsara).
  • What we demand:
    • Electronic Logging Device (ELD) data
    • Black box (Event Data Recorder) data
    • Dashcam footage
    • Dispatch records
    • Driver qualification file
    • Maintenance records
    • Post-accident drug/alcohol test results
• Put the carrier on notice of spoliation (if they destroy evidence, we’ll ask for an adverse inference at trial).
• Pull FMCSA records (Safety Measurement System profile, Pre-Employment Screening Program report).
• Photograph the scene, vehicles, and injuries before evidence disappears.

Why this matters:

• ELD data can prove HOS violations (fatigue).
• Dashcam footage can show distracted driving or speeding.
• Maintenance records can reveal brake or tire failures.

Phase 2: Evidence Gathering (Days 1–30)

• Subpoena ELD and black box data (raw electronic records don’t lie).
• Request driver’s paper logs (backup documentation).
• Obtain the driver’s Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) (prior violations).
• Pull cell phone records (to prove distracted driving).
• Get dispatch records and delivery schedules (to show pressure to speed).
• Subpoena surveillance footage from nearby businesses (gas stations, retail stores).
• Hire an accident reconstruction expert (to prove speed, braking, and impact forces).

Phase 3: Expert Analysis

• Accident reconstructionist (determines speed, braking, and fault).
• Medical experts (establish causation and future care needs).
• Vocational experts (calculate lost earning capacity).
• Economic experts (determine present value of damages).
• Life-care planners (develop long-term care plans for catastrophic injuries).
• FMCSA regulation experts (identify all violations).

Phase 4: Litigation Strategy

• File a lawsuit before the 2-year statute of limitations expires (Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code § 16.003).
• Pursue full discovery against all liable parties.
• Depose the truck driver, dispatcher, safety manager, and maintenance personnel.
• Build the case for trial while negotiating from a position of strength.
• Prepare every case as if going to trial—this forces the best settlement offers.

What Your Case Is Worth: Texas Damages in Truck Accident Cases

Truck accident cases often settle for millions of dollars because the injuries are so severe. The value of your case depends on:

1. Economic Damages (Past and Future)

• Medical bills (emergency care, surgeries, rehabilitation, future medical needs).
• Lost wages (time off work, reduced earning capacity).
• Property damage (vehicle repair/replacement).

2. Non-Economic Damages (Pain and Suffering)

• Physical pain (past and future).
• Mental anguish (PTSD, anxiety, depression).
• Physical impairment (permanent disability, loss of mobility).
• Disfigurement (scars, burns, amputations).
• Loss of consortium (impact on your relationship with your spouse).

3. Punitive Damages (If Gross Negligence Is Proven)

• No cap if the conduct was a felony (e.g., Intoxication Manslaughter).
• Capped at 2x economic damages + $750,000 for non-economic damages in most cases.

Case Example (Not from Potter County, but illustrative of the pattern):
“Multi-million dollar settlement for client who suffered brain injury with vision loss when log dropped on him at logging company.”
(Every case is unique. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.)

The Insurance Company’s Playbook—and How We Counter It

Insurance companies follow the same defense playbook in every truck accident case. Lupe Peña, our associate attorney, used to work for them—so we know their tactics before they even deploy them.

What to Do After a Truck Crash in Potter County

Step 1: Call 911 and Report the Crash

• Do not move your vehicle unless it’s unsafe to stay.
• Get a police report (this is critical for your case).
• Exchange information with the truck driver (name, company, insurance, USDOT number).

Step 2: Seek Medical Attention Immediately

• Adrenaline masks pain—you may not feel injuries right away.
• Get checked for:
  • Traumatic brain injury (TBI) (headaches, dizziness, memory loss).
  • Spinal cord injuries (numbness, paralysis).
  • Internal bleeding (abdominal pain, dizziness).
  • Soft-tissue injuries (whiplash, back pain).

Step 3: Document Everything

• Take photos/videos of:
  • The crash scene.
  • Vehicle damage.
  • Your injuries.
  • Road conditions (skid marks, debris, traffic signals).
• Get witness statements (names and contact info).
• Save all medical records and bills.

Step 4: Do NOT Give a Recorded Statement to the Insurance Company

• They will use it against you.
• Politely decline and tell them your attorney will be in touch.

Step 5: Call Attorney 911 at 1-888-ATTY-911

• We’ll send a preservation letter to the trucking company within 24 hours.
• We’ll pull FMCSA records (SMS profile, driver qualification file).
• We’ll investigate all liable parties (driver, carrier, broker, shipper, manufacturer).
• We’ll handle all communication with the insurance company.

Why Choose Attorney 911 for Your Potter County Truck Accident Case?

1. We Have 27+ Years of Experience Fighting Trucking Companies

Ralph Manginello has been representing truck accident victims since 1998. He’s admitted to federal court and has trial experience in cases involving:

• 18-wheeler crashes
• Oilfield service truck crashes
• Tanker fires and hazmat spills
• Wrongful death claims
• Government vehicle crashes (TxDOT, school buses, police vehicles)

2. We Know the Insurance Playbook Because We Used to Work for Them

Lupe Peña, our associate attorney, worked for a national insurance defense firm before joining Attorney 911. He knows:

• How adjusters value claims.
• Which IME doctors they hire (and how to counter them).
• How they delay and deny claims.

Lupe’s Insider Quote:
“I’ve reviewed hundreds of surveillance videos and social media posts as a defense attorney. Here’s the truth: insurance companies take innocent activity out of context. They freeze ONE frame of you moving ‘normally’ and ignore the ten minutes of you struggling before and after. They’re not documenting your life—they’re building ammunition against you.”

3. We Don’t Stop at the Driver—We Sue the Trucking Company

Most personal injury firms only sue the driver. We sue:

• The trucking company (for negligent hiring, training, supervision).
• The freight broker (for negligent selection of an unsafe carrier).
• The shipper (if they pressured the driver to speed or overload the truck).
• The maintenance company (if they failed to fix the truck).
• The manufacturer (if a defective part caused the crash).
• The government (if a road defect contributed to the crash).

4. We Have a 4.9-Star Google Rating from 251+ Reviews

Here’s what our clients say about us:

“Melanie was excellent. She kept me informed and when she said she would call me back, she did. I got to speak with Ralph Manginello once and knew quickly the way his Firm was ran.” — Brian Butchee

“When I felt I had no hope or direction, Leonor reached out to me…She took all the weight of my worries off my shoulders.” — Stephanie Hernandez

“Special thank you to my attorney, Mr. Pena, for your kindness and patience with my repeated questions.” — Chelsea Martinez

“One of Houston’s Great Men Trae Tha Truth has recommended this law firm. So if he is vouching for them then I know they do good work.” — Jacqueline Johnson

5. We Work on a Contingency Fee—No Fee Unless We Win

• 33.33% pre-trial, 40% if trial is required.
• You pay nothing upfront.
• We only get paid when we recover compensation for you.
• You may still be responsible for court costs and case expenses.

Potter County Truck Accident FAQs

1. How long do I have to file a lawsuit after a truck crash in Potter County?

• 2 years from the date of the crash (Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code § 16.003).
• 6 months if suing a government entity (Texas Tort Claims Act).

2. What if the truck driver was an independent contractor (like an Amazon DSP driver)?

• Amazon, FedEx, and UPS often try to avoid liability by claiming their drivers are independent contractors.
• But courts are increasingly finding that these companies control the drivers’ routes, schedules, and quotas—making them liable under respondeat superior.

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

• All commercial trucks must carry minimum liability insurance:
  • $750,000 for non-hazmat trucks (49 C.F.R. § 387.7).
  • $1 million for passenger vehicles (buses, shuttles).
  • $5 million for hazmat trucks.
• If the trucking company is uninsured or underinsured, we pursue your own UM/UIM coverage.

4. What if the truck driver was drunk or on drugs?

• DUI/DWI is gross negligence under Texas law, which means punitive damages may apply.
• We subpoena the post-accident drug/alcohol test results (required under 49 C.F.R. § 382.303).
• We check the FMCSA Drug and Alcohol Clearinghouse for prior violations.

5. What if the trucking company destroyed evidence?

• We file a spoliation motion, asking the judge to instruct the jury to assume the destroyed evidence would have helped your case.
• We send preservation letters within 24 hours to lock down ELD data, dashcam footage, and maintenance records.

6. What if I was partially at fault for the crash?

• Texas follows the 51% bar rule (Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code § 33.001).
• If you were 50% or less at fault, you can still recover damages (reduced by your percentage of fault).
• If you were 51% or more at fault, you recover nothing.

7. How much is my truck accident case worth?

Every case is different, but truck accident settlements and verdicts often reach millions of dollars because the injuries are so severe. Factors that affect value:

• Severity of injuries (TBI, spinal cord, burns, amputations).
• Medical bills (past and future).
• Lost wages and earning capacity.
• Pain and suffering.
• Punitive damages (if gross negligence is proven).

Case Example (Not from Potter County, but illustrative of the pattern):
“At Attorney 911, our personal injury attorneys have helped numerous injured individuals and families facing trucking-related wrongful death cases recover millions of dollars in compensation.”
(Every case is unique. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.)

Potter County Truck Accident Resources

Hospitals in Potter County

• BSA Health System (Amarillo) – Level III Trauma Center
• Northwest Texas Healthcare System (Amarillo) – Level III Trauma Center

Law Enforcement Agencies

• Amarillo Police Department
• Potter County Sheriff’s Office
• Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS)

Federal and State Agencies

• Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) – www.fmcsa.dot.gov
• Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) – www.txdot.gov
• National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) – www.nhtsa.gov

Next Steps: Call Attorney 911 Today

If you or a loved one was injured in a truck crash in Potter County, you need a law firm that:
✅ Knows the trucking industry inside and out.
✅ Has 27+ years of experience fighting trucking companies.
✅ Won’t stop at the driver—we sue the trucking company, broker, shipper, and anyone else responsible.
✅ Works on a contingency fee—no fee unless we win.

Call us 24/7 at 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911) for a free consultation.

We’ll:

• Send a preservation letter to the trucking company within 24 hours.
• Pull FMCSA records to investigate the driver and carrier.
• Identify all liable parties (driver, carrier, broker, shipper, manufacturer).
• Handle all communication with the insurance company so you can focus on recovery.

The clock is ticking. Texas law gives you only 2 years to file a lawsuit—and evidence disappears every day. Call us now before it’s too late.

Attorney 911 – The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC
📞 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
📍 Houston Office: 1177 West Loop S, Suite 1600, Houston, TX 77027
🌐 www.attorney911.com

“We don’t just sue truck drivers. We sue the trucking companies that put them on the road.”