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Potter County’s Most Powerful 18-Wheeler Accident Attorneys: Attorney911 Combines 25+ Years of Courtroom-Tested Trucking Litigation, Former Insurance Defense Attorney Insider Knowledge, FMCSA Regulation Mastery (49 CFR Parts 390-399), Black Box and ELD Data Extraction Expertise, and Multi-Million Dollar Verdicts for Jackknife, Rollover, Underride, Brake Failure, and All Catastrophic Truck Crashes—Including Traumatic Brain Injury, Spinal Cord Damage, Amputation, and Wrongful Death Cases—With Free 24/7 Consultations, No Fees Unless We Win, and Same-Day Evidence Preservation for Potter County Families—Call 1-888-ATTY-911 Now, Hablamos Español

February 8, 2026 33 min read
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18-Wheeler Accidents in Potter County: Your Complete Legal Guide

Every year, thousands of 18-wheeler accidents occur on Potter County’s highways, leaving families devastated by catastrophic injuries and wrongful deaths. If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a trucking accident in Potter County, you need an attorney who understands both the federal trucking regulations and the local factors that make our area unique.

At Attorney911, we’ve been fighting for truck accident victims across the Texas Panhandle for over 25 years. Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has federal court experience and has secured multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements for families just like yours. We know Potter County’s trucking corridors – from the busy I-40 freight routes to the distribution centers and truck stops where drivers may be violating federal hours-of-service regulations.

Why Potter County Trucking Accidents Are Different

Potter County presents unique challenges for truck drivers and accident victims alike:

  • I-40 Corridor: One of the nation’s busiest freight routes, connecting California to North Carolina, runs right through our county. This heavy truck traffic creates constant risks for local drivers.
  • Amarillo’s Distribution Hub: With major distribution centers for companies like Amazon, Walmart, and local agricultural producers, our area sees significant truck traffic even on local roads.
  • Weather Conditions: From sudden ice storms in winter to high winds year-round, Potter County’s weather creates unique hazards for large trucks.
  • Oil and Gas Industry: The energy sector brings specialized trucking needs, including oversized loads and hazardous materials transport.
  • Rural Roads: Many accidents occur on rural routes where trucks and passenger vehicles mix at high speeds with limited emergency services nearby.

The Devastating Reality of 18-Wheeler Crashes

The physics of 18-wheeler accidents make catastrophic injuries the norm, not the exception:

  • A fully loaded 18-wheeler can weigh up to 80,000 pounds – 20-25 times heavier than your car
  • At highway speeds, an 80,000-pound truck needs approximately 525 feet to stop – nearly two football fields
  • In a collision, the force of impact is often fatal for occupants of smaller vehicles
  • Common injuries include traumatic brain injury, spinal cord damage, amputations, severe burns, and wrongful death

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

Common Causes of Trucking Accidents in Potter County

Our experience handling Potter County trucking cases reveals several recurring causes:

  1. Driver Fatigue: Violations of federal hours-of-service regulations are rampant. Drivers push beyond the 11-hour driving limit to meet tight schedules, especially on the I-40 corridor.

  2. Distracted Driving: Cell phone use, texting, and in-cab electronics distract drivers. The FMCSA strictly prohibits hand-held phone use (49 CFR § 392.82), but violations are common.

  3. Improper Maintenance: Brake failures, tire blowouts, and lighting issues cause many accidents. Trucking companies often defer maintenance to save costs.

  4. Cargo Securement Failures: Improperly secured loads can shift during transit, causing rollovers or cargo spills on our highways.

  5. Speeding: Trucks traveling too fast for conditions, especially on rural roads or during Amarillo’s sudden weather changes, cause many crashes.

  6. Blind Spot Accidents: Trucks have massive blind spots (“No-Zones”) where smaller vehicles disappear from view. Lane change accidents are common.

  7. Wide Turn Accidents: Trucks making right turns often swing wide, creating dangerous “squeeze play” situations for vehicles in adjacent lanes.

  8. Underride Collisions: When smaller vehicles slide underneath trailers, the results are often fatal. Rear underride guards are required by law (49 CFR § 393.86), but many are inadequate.

The Critical 48-Hour Window

Evidence in Potter County 18-wheeler accident cases disappears quickly. Trucking companies have rapid-response teams that begin protecting their interests within hours of an accident. If you don’t act fast, critical evidence will be lost forever.

CRITICAL TIMELINES:

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
Physical Evidence Vehicle may be repaired, sold, or scrapped
Drug/Alcohol Tests Must be conducted within specific windows

At Attorney911, we send spoliation letters within 24-48 hours of being retained. This formal legal notice demands that the trucking company preserve all evidence related to your accident. Once we notify them of potential litigation, destroying evidence can result in serious legal consequences.

What to Do After a Potter County Trucking Accident

If you’ve been involved in an 18-wheeler accident in Potter County, take these steps immediately if you’re able:

  1. Call 911 and report the accident – this creates an official record
  2. Seek medical attention – even if injuries seem minor, get checked immediately
  3. Document the scene with photos and video if possible
  4. Get the trucking company name, DOT number, and driver information
  5. Collect witness contact information – independent witnesses are crucial
  6. Do NOT give recorded statements to any insurance company
  7. Call an 18-wheeler accident attorney immediately – 1-888-ATTY-911

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

The Trucking Company’s Playbook – And How We Counter It

Trucking companies and their insurers have a well-rehearsed playbook for minimizing claims. Our team includes a former insurance defense attorney who knows every tactic they’ll use against you.

Common Insurance Tactics & Our Counter-Strategies:

Insurance Company Tactic Attorney911 Counter-Strategy
Quick Lowball Settlement Offers We NEVER accept early offers; we calculate full future damages first
Denying or Minimizing Injuries We obtain comprehensive medical documentation and expert testimony
Blaming the Victim (Comparative Fault) We investigate fully and gather evidence disproving fault allegations
Delaying the Claims Process We file lawsuits to force discovery and set depositions
Using Recorded Statements Against Victims We advise clients NEVER to give statements without attorney present
“Pre-Existing Condition” Defense We apply the “Eggshell Skull” doctrine – take plaintiff as found
“Gap in Treatment” Attacks We document all treatment and explain any gaps with medical records
Sending Surveillance Investigators We advise clients on appropriate conduct and expose unfair surveillance
Hiring “Independent” Medical Examiners We counter with our own treating physicians and independent experts
Drowning Plaintiff in Paperwork We use aggressive litigation and motion practice to force resolution

All Parties We Hold Accountable

In 18-wheeler accidents, multiple parties can share liability. We investigate and pursue claims against all potentially responsible parties:

  1. The Truck Driver – For direct negligence like speeding, fatigue, distraction, or impairment
  2. The Trucking Company – For vicarious liability, negligent hiring, training, or supervision
  3. The Truck Owner – If different from the carrier, for negligent entrustment
  4. Maintenance Company – For failure to properly inspect or repair defective equipment
  5. Cargo Loaders – For improperly secured or overweight loads
  6. Truck/Trailer Manufacturer – For design or manufacturing defects (product liability)
  7. Parts Manufacturer – For defective components that failed
  8. Freight Broker – For negligent selection of unsafe carriers
  9. Shippers – For improper cargo loading or hazmat handling
  10. Government Entities – For dangerous road design or maintenance failures

FMCSA Regulations: The Key to Proving Negligence

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulates all commercial motor vehicles operating in interstate commerce. These regulations are your strongest weapon against negligent trucking companies.

CRITICAL FMCSA REGULATIONS WE USE TO BUILD YOUR CASE:

Part Title Key Requirements
Part 390 General Applicability Defines who must comply with federal regulations
Part 391 Driver Qualification Requires background checks, medical certification, CDL
Part 392 Driving Rules Prohibits fatigue, distraction, impairment, speeding
Part 393 Vehicle Safety Requires proper equipment, cargo securement, brakes, lights
Part 395 Hours of Service Limits driving time, requires rest breaks, mandates ELDs
Part 396 Inspection & Maintenance Requires systematic vehicle inspections and maintenance

Most Common Violations We Find in Potter County Cases:

  1. Hours of Service Violations – Driving beyond the 11-hour limit
  2. False Log Entries – Falsifying ELD or paper log records
  3. Brake System Deficiencies – Worn brakes or improper adjustments
  4. Cargo Securement Failures – Inadequate tiedowns or improper loading
  5. Drug/Alcohol Violations – Operating under the influence
  6. Unqualified Drivers – No valid CDL or medical certificate
  7. Failure to Inspect – No pre-trip inspections or ignored defects

Types of Evidence We Preserve

Our immediate evidence preservation protocol includes demanding:

ELECTRONIC DATA:

  • Engine Control Module (ECM) / Black Box data
  • Electronic Logging Device (ELD) records
  • GPS and telematics data
  • Dashcam and forward-facing camera footage
  • Dispatch communications and messaging
  • Cell phone records and text messages
  • Qualcomm or fleet management system data

DRIVER RECORDS:

  • Complete Driver Qualification File
  • Employment application and background check
  • Driving record and previous employers
  • Medical certification and exam records
  • Drug and alcohol test results
  • Training records and certifications
  • Previous accident and violation history

VEHICLE RECORDS:

  • Maintenance and repair records
  • Inspection reports (pre-trip, post-trip, annual)
  • Out-of-service orders and repairs
  • Tire records and replacement history
  • Brake inspection and adjustment records
  • Parts purchase and installation records

COMPANY RECORDS:

  • Hours of service records for 6 months prior
  • Dispatch logs and trip records
  • Bills of lading and cargo documentation
  • Safety policies and procedures
  • Training curricula
  • Hiring and supervision policies

PHYSICAL EVIDENCE:

  • The truck and trailer themselves
  • Failed or damaged components
  • Cargo and securement devices
  • Tire remnants if blowout involved

Catastrophic Injuries We Handle

18-wheeler accidents in Potter County often result in life-altering injuries:

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI):

  • Mild (concussion) to severe (permanent cognitive impairment)
  • Symptoms: headaches, memory loss, personality changes, depression
  • Lifetime care costs: $85,000 to $3,000,000+

Spinal Cord Injury:

  • Paraplegia (waist down) or quadriplegia (all four limbs)
  • Complete vs. incomplete injuries
  • Lifetime care costs: $1.1 million to $5 million+

Amputations:

  • Traumatic or surgical amputations
  • Prosthetics and rehabilitation costs
  • Psychological trauma and phantom limb pain

Severe Burns:

  • Thermal, chemical, or electrical burns
  • Multiple reconstructive surgeries
  • Permanent scarring and disfigurement

Internal Organ Damage:

  • Liver, spleen, kidney damage
  • Internal bleeding requiring emergency surgery
  • Long-term health consequences

Wrongful Death:

  • Lost income and benefits
  • Loss of consortium and guidance
  • Funeral expenses and pre-death medical costs

Damages Available in Potter County Trucking Cases

ECONOMIC DAMAGES (Calculable Losses):

  • Past, present, and future medical expenses
  • Lost wages and lost earning capacity
  • Property damage (vehicle repair/replacement)
  • Out-of-pocket expenses (transportation, home modifications)
  • Life care costs for catastrophic injuries

NON-ECONOMIC DAMAGES (Quality of Life):

  • Pain and suffering
  • Mental anguish and emotional distress
  • Loss of enjoyment of life
  • Disfigurement and scarring
  • Loss of consortium (impact on marital relationship)
  • 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)

Potter County’s Comparative Negligence Rule

Texas follows a “modified comparative negligence” system with a 51% bar rule. This means:

  • If you are less than 50% at fault, you can recover damages reduced by your percentage of fault
  • If you are 50% or more at fault, you cannot recover any damages
  • If the truck driver is 51% or more at fault, you can recover full damages minus your percentage of fault

Our job is to investigate thoroughly and minimize any fault attributed to you. Even if you think you may have contributed to the accident, don’t assume you can’t recover – call us for a free evaluation.

The Nuclear Verdict Trend in Trucking Cases

The trucking industry is seeing unprecedented jury verdicts. Recent major trucking verdicts include:

  • $462 Million (2024, Missouri) – Underride decapitation case
  • $160 Million (2024, Alabama) – Quadriplegic injury from rollover
  • $141.5 Million (2023, Florida) – Carrier case
  • $730 Million (2021, Texas) – Oversize load fatality
  • $1 Billion (2021, Florida) – $100M compensatory + $900M punitive

Nuclear Verdict Statistics:

  • Average trucking verdict: $27.5 million (2020-2023)
  • Verdicts over $10 million increasing 6.4% annually
  • Non-medical damages often 10x medical costs
  • Industry insurance costs increasing 12%+ annually

These verdicts demonstrate what’s possible when trucking companies are held fully accountable for their negligence.

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Potter County Trucking Case

  1. 25+ Years of Experience: Ralph Manginello has been fighting trucking companies since 1998
  2. Insurance Defense Advantage: Our team includes a former insurance defense attorney who knows how insurers minimize claims
  3. Federal Court Access: Admitted to U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas
  4. Multi-Million Dollar Results: We’ve recovered millions for trucking accident victims
  5. Local Knowledge: We know Potter County’s courts, judges, and trucking corridors
  6. Immediate Action: We send spoliation letters within 24-48 hours to preserve evidence
  7. Comprehensive Resources: We work with accident reconstruction experts, medical specialists, and vocational experts
  8. Contingency Fee: You pay nothing unless we win your case
  9. Bilingual Services: Hablamos Español – Lupe Peña provides direct Spanish-language representation

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

Common Potter County Trucking Accident Scenarios

I-40 Corridor Accidents:
The I-40 corridor through Potter County sees heavy truck traffic, especially between Amarillo and the New Mexico border. Common scenarios include:

  • Rear-end collisions from sudden traffic slowdowns
  • Jackknife accidents on icy roads
  • Rollover accidents from high winds
  • Tire blowouts from extreme temperature changes
  • Underride collisions at interchange ramps

Local Road Accidents:
Many accidents occur on Potter County’s local roads where trucks and passenger vehicles mix:

  • Intersection collisions at major crossings like I-40 and Loop 335
  • Wide turn accidents at urban intersections
  • Rear-end collisions at traffic signals
  • Cargo spill accidents on rural routes
  • Accidents at truck stops and distribution centers

Oil and Gas Industry Accidents:
The energy sector brings specialized trucking needs:

  • Oversize load accidents on rural roads
  • Hazmat spill accidents
  • Equipment transport accidents
  • Fatigue-related accidents from long hauls to remote sites
  • Maintenance-related accidents from deferred repairs

Your Potter County Trucking Accident Case Timeline

Immediate (0-48 Hours):

  • We send spoliation letters to preserve evidence
  • We obtain the police accident report
  • We photograph the accident scene and vehicles
  • We identify and interview witnesses
  • We begin gathering medical records

First 30 Days:

  • We subpoena ECM/black box and ELD data
  • We obtain the Driver Qualification File
  • We request maintenance and inspection records
  • We analyze weather and road conditions
  • We consult with accident reconstruction experts

30-90 Days:

  • We file your claim with the insurance companies
  • We continue medical treatment documentation
  • We calculate full damages (economic and non-economic)
  • We prepare a comprehensive demand package
  • We begin settlement negotiations

90 Days – 1 Year:

  • If necessary, we file a lawsuit
  • We conduct discovery (interrogatories, depositions)
  • We retain expert witnesses
  • We continue settlement negotiations
  • We prepare for trial if needed

1-3 Years (If Litigation Required):

  • We conduct depositions of drivers, dispatchers, safety managers
  • We file and respond to motions
  • We participate in mediation
  • We prepare for trial
  • We try your case if necessary

Potter County-Specific Resources

Local Hospitals and Trauma Centers:

  • Northwest Texas Hospital (Amarillo)
  • Baptist St. Anthony’s Health System (Amarillo)
  • BSA Health System Emergency Department

Potter County Courts:

  • Potter County Courthouse (Amarillo)
  • 47th District Court (civil cases)
  • County Courts at Law
  • Amarillo Municipal Court

Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT):

  • TxDOT Amarillo District Office
  • Crash Records Information System (CRIS)
  • Road condition reports for I-40 and local routes

FMCSA Resources:

  • Safer.fmcsa.dot.gov (carrier safety records)
  • ai.fmcsa.dot.gov (carrier inspection history)
  • FMCSA complaint hotline

Frequently Asked Questions About Potter County Trucking Accidents

What should I do immediately after an 18-wheeler accident in Potter County?

Call 911, seek medical attention, document the scene, get the trucking company information, collect witness contact information, and call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911. Do NOT give recorded statements to any insurance company.

How quickly should I contact an attorney after a Potter County trucking accident?

IMMEDIATELY – within 24-48 hours if possible. Critical evidence (black box data, ELD records, dashcam footage) can be destroyed or overwritten quickly. We send spoliation letters within hours of being retained to preserve this evidence.

Who can I sue after an 18-wheeler accident in Potter County?

Multiple parties may be liable:

  • The truck driver
  • The trucking company
  • The cargo owner or shipper
  • The company that loaded the cargo
  • Truck or parts manufacturers
  • Maintenance companies
  • Freight brokers
  • The truck owner (if different from carrier)
  • Government entities (for road defects)

Is the trucking company responsible even if the driver caused the accident?

Usually YES. Under respondeat superior, employers are liable for employees’ negligent acts within the scope of employment. Additionally, trucking companies can be directly liable for negligent hiring, training, or supervision.

What if the truck driver says the accident was my fault?

Texas uses comparative negligence. Even if you were partially at fault, you may still recover compensation. Our job is to investigate thoroughly and prove what really happened. Drivers often lie to protect their jobs – the data tells the true story.

What is a truck’s “black box” and how does it help my case?

Commercial trucks have Electronic Control Modules (ECM) that record operational data, including:

  • Speed before and during the crash
  • Brake application timing
  • Engine RPM and throttle position
  • GPS location
  • Hours of service compliance

This objective data often contradicts what drivers claim happened.

What is an ELD and why is it important?

Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) are federally mandated devices that record driver hours of service. ELD data proves whether the driver violated federal rest requirements and was driving while fatigued.

How long does the trucking company keep black box and ELD data?

ECM data can be overwritten within 30 days. FMCSA only requires 6 months retention for ELD data. This is why we send spoliation letters immediately – once we notify them of litigation, they must preserve everything.

What records should my attorney get from the trucking company?

We pursue:

  • ECM/Black box data
  • ELD records
  • Driver Qualification File
  • Maintenance records
  • Inspection reports
  • Dispatch logs
  • Drug and alcohol test results
  • Training records
  • Cell phone records
  • Insurance policies
  • The physical truck and trailer

Can the trucking company destroy evidence?

Once they’re on notice of potential litigation, destroying evidence is spoliation – a serious legal violation. Courts can:

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

What are hours of service regulations and how do violations cause accidents?

FMCSA regulations limit how long truck drivers can operate:

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

Fatigued driving causes approximately 31% of fatal truck crashes.

What FMCSA regulations are most commonly violated in accidents?

The top violations we find:

  • Hours of service violations (driving too long)
  • False log entries (lying about driving time)
  • Brake system deficiencies
  • Cargo securement failures
  • Drug and alcohol violations
  • Unqualified drivers (no valid CDL or medical certificate)
  • Failure to inspect vehicles

What is a Driver Qualification File and why does it matter?

FMCSA requires trucking companies to maintain a file for every driver containing:

  • Employment application
  • Driving record check
  • Previous employer verification
  • Medical certification
  • Drug test results
  • Training documentation

Missing or incomplete files prove negligent hiring.

How do pre-trip inspections relate to my accident case?

Drivers must inspect their trucks before every trip. If they failed to conduct inspections or ignored known defects (bad brakes, worn tires, lighting problems), both the driver and company may be liable for negligence.

What injuries are common in Potter County 18-wheeler accidents?

Due to the massive size and weight disparity, trucking accidents often cause:

  • Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
  • Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
  • Amputations
  • Severe burns
  • Internal organ damage
  • Multiple fractures
  • Wrongful death

How much are 18-wheeler accident cases worth in Potter County?

Case values depend on many factors:

  • Severity of injuries
  • Medical expenses (past and future)
  • Lost income and earning capacity
  • Pain and suffering
  • Degree of defendant’s negligence
  • Insurance coverage available

Trucking companies carry higher insurance ($750,000 minimum, often $1-5 million), allowing for larger recoveries than typical car accidents.

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

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

Time limits apply – contact us immediately to protect your rights.

How long do I have to file an 18-wheeler accident lawsuit in Potter County?

The statute of limitations in Texas is 2 years from the date of the accident. However, you should never wait. Evidence disappears quickly in trucking cases. The sooner you contact us, the stronger your case will be.

How long do trucking accident cases take to resolve?

Timelines vary:

  • 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.

Will my trucking accident case go to trial?

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

Do I need to pay anything upfront to hire your firm?

NO. We work on contingency – you pay nothing unless we win your case. We advance all costs of investigation and litigation. You never receive a bill from us. When we win, our fee comes from the recovery, not your pocket.

How much insurance do trucking companies carry?

Federal law requires minimum liability coverage:

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

Many carriers carry $1-5 million or more. This higher coverage means catastrophic injuries can actually be compensated.

What if multiple insurance policies apply to my accident?

Trucking cases often involve multiple policies:

  • Motor carrier’s liability policy
  • Trailer interchange coverage
  • Cargo insurance
  • Owner-operator’s policy
  • Excess/umbrella coverage

We identify all available coverage to maximize your recovery.

Will the trucking company’s insurance try to settle quickly?

Often yes – and that’s a red flag. Quick settlement offers are designed to pay you far less than your case is worth before you understand the full extent of your injuries. Never accept any settlement without consulting an experienced trucking accident attorney first.

What if the truck driver was an independent contractor?

This can complicate liability, but both the owner-operator and the contracting company may be liable. We investigate all relationships and insurance policies to ensure you can recover from the responsible parties.

How do cargo spills create liability?

Improperly secured cargo can shift during transit, causing rollovers or cargo spills on highways. The cargo owner, loading company, and trucking company may all share liability for:

  • Inadequate tiedowns
  • Unbalanced load distribution
  • Exceeding vehicle weight ratings
  • Failure to use proper blocking or bracing

What if a tire blowout caused my accident?

Tire blowouts cause 11,000+ crashes yearly. We investigate:

  • Tire maintenance and inspection records
  • Tire age and wear documentation
  • Vehicle weight records
  • Tire manufacturer and purchase records
  • Whether the tire was properly matched on dual wheels

The trucking company may be negligent for not following maintenance protocols.

How do brake failures get investigated?

Brake problems are a factor in approximately 29% of large truck crashes. We investigate:

  • Brake inspection and maintenance records
  • Out-of-service inspection history
  • ECM data showing brake application
  • Post-crash brake system analysis
  • Driver vehicle inspection reports
  • Mechanic work orders and parts records

What if the truck’s dashcam recorded the accident?

Dashcam footage can be powerful evidence. We demand preservation of all video footage and analyze it for:

  • Driver behavior before the crash
  • Road conditions and visibility
  • Traffic patterns
  • Vehicle speeds
  • Driver distraction or impairment

Can I get the truck’s GPS data?

Yes. GPS and telematics data can show:

  • The truck’s route and speed
  • Stops and duration
  • Hours of service compliance
  • Driver behavior patterns

This data can prove fatigue, distraction, or other violations.

What if the trucking company goes bankrupt?

We investigate all potentially liable parties to ensure you can recover compensation. Even if the primary company goes bankrupt, other defendants (manufacturers, maintenance companies, brokers) may still be liable.

How are future medical expenses calculated?

We work with medical experts and life care planners to calculate:

  • Future medical treatments
  • Rehabilitation needs
  • Assistive devices
  • Home modifications
  • Long-term care costs

These calculations are presented to the insurance company or jury to ensure full compensation.

What is loss of consortium?

Loss of consortium refers to the impact on your marital relationship, including:

  • Loss of companionship
  • Loss of affection
  • Loss of sexual relations
  • Loss of household services
  • Emotional distress

This damage is recoverable by your spouse.

When are punitive damages available?

Punitive damages may be available when the trucking company or driver acted with:

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

In Texas, punitive damages are capped at the greater of:

  • (2 × economic damages) + (non-economic damages up to $750,000), or
  • $200,000

How do you prove the driver was fatigued?

We prove fatigue through:

  • ELD data showing hours of service violations
  • ECM data showing erratic driving patterns
  • Dispatch records showing schedule pressure
  • Cell phone records showing late-night communications
  • Witness testimony about driver behavior
  • Driver’s work history and sleep patterns

What is the FMCSA and how does it help my case?

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration regulates commercial motor vehicles. Their regulations provide the legal framework for proving negligence. We use FMCSA violations to establish:

  • Negligence per se (violation of law = automatic negligence)
  • Pattern of safety violations
  • Corporate culture of non-compliance
  • Gross negligence for punitive damages

Can I access the trucking company’s safety record?

Yes. FMCSA maintains public safety data at safer.fmcsa.dot.gov. We obtain the carrier’s:

  • CSA (Compliance, Safety, Accountability) scores
  • Inspection history and out-of-service rates
  • Crash history
  • Safety rating

A poor safety record can prove the company knew it was putting dangerous drivers on the road.

What experts do you use in trucking cases?

We work with:

  • Accident reconstruction specialists
  • Medical experts (neurologists, orthopedists, etc.)
  • Vocational experts
  • Economic experts
  • Life care planners
  • Trucking industry experts
  • FMCSA regulation experts

How are wrongful death damages calculated?

Wrongful death damages include:

  • Lost future income and benefits
  • Loss of consortium (spousal companionship)
  • Loss of parental guidance (for surviving children)
  • Mental anguish and emotional distress
  • Funeral and burial expenses
  • Medical expenses incurred prior to death
  • Pain and suffering experienced by decedent before death
  • Punitive damages (if gross negligence)

What happens if there’s not enough insurance?

If the at-fault parties don’t have adequate insurance, we explore:

  • Your own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage
  • Other liable parties we may have missed
  • Corporate assets of the trucking company
  • Excess or umbrella policies

Your Potter County Trucking Accident Legal Team

Ralph P. Manginello – Managing Partner

  • 25+ years of trucking litigation experience
  • Federal court admission to U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas
  • Recovered multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts
  • Former insurance defense knowledge
  • Deep familiarity with Potter County trucking corridors

Lupe Peña – Associate Attorney

  • Former insurance defense attorney
  • Fluent Spanish speaker – Hablamos Español
  • Federal court admission
  • Experience with complex trucking cases
  • Native Texan with local knowledge

Our Support Team Includes:

  • Case managers
  • Paralegals
  • Medical record specialists
  • Accident reconstruction experts
  • Vocational experts
  • Economic experts

What to Expect When You Call Attorney911

  1. Immediate Response: We answer trucking accident calls 24/7
  2. Free Consultation: We’ll evaluate your case at no cost
  3. Case Acceptance: If we take your case, we send spoliation letters immediately
  4. Investigation: We begin gathering evidence within 24 hours
  5. Medical Care Facilitation: We help arrange treatment even before settlement
  6. Demand Letter: We send a comprehensive demand to the insurance company
  7. Negotiation: We fight for maximum compensation
  8. Litigation (if needed): We file lawsuit and prepare for trial
  9. Resolution: We recover the compensation you deserve

Potter County Trucking Corridors We Know

Our local knowledge gives us an advantage in building your case:

Interstate Highways:

  • I-40 (primary east-west freight corridor)
  • I-27 (connects Lubbock to Amarillo)
  • Loop 335 (Amarillo beltway with heavy truck traffic)

Major State Highways:

  • US-60 (east-west route through Potter County)
  • US-87 (north-south route)
  • US-287 (connects to Fort Worth)
  • SH-136 (connects to Oklahoma)

Local Trucking Hotspots:

  • Amarillo’s distribution centers (Amazon, Walmart, local agricultural)
  • Truck stops and weigh stations
  • Oil and gas industry routes
  • Agricultural transport routes
  • Ports of entry and inspection stations

Dangerous Areas We Monitor:

  • I-40 interchange with Loop 335
  • I-40 through downtown Amarillo
  • US-60/US-87 intersection
  • Rural roads with limited shoulders
  • Areas with sudden weather changes
  • Construction zones with lane restrictions

Don’t Wait – Call Attorney911 Now

Every hour you wait, evidence in your Potter County trucking accident case is disappearing. Black box data can be overwritten. Dashcam footage gets deleted. Witnesses forget what they saw. Trucking companies in Potter County and nationwide hire rapid-response teams to protect their interests. You need an attorney who moves just as fast.

If you’ve been hurt in a trucking accident anywhere in Potter County, call Attorney911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911. Our Potter County trucking accident attorneys offer free consultations and work on contingency – you pay nothing unless we win your case.

“They took a case other firms rejected and got me a handsome check.”
— Donald Wilcox, Attorney911 Client

Hablamos Español. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911 para una consulta gratuita.

Our Potter County Office: Available for client meetings – call to schedule

Serving All of Potter County Including:

  • Amarillo
  • Bushland
  • Bishop Hills
  • Timbercreek Canyon
  • Lake Tanglewood

Don’t let the trucking company win. Call Attorney911 today at 1-888-ATTY-911. We answer. We fight. We win.

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