Reagan County Truck Accident and Commercial Vehicle Injury Guide

The impact is sudden, violent, and life-changing. One moment, you’re driving along US-67 in Reagan County, perhaps headed toward Big Lake or commuting to a job site in the Permian Basin. The next, 80,000 pounds of steel slams into your vehicle. In a fight between a passenger car and a commercial truck, the car never wins. Whether it was an 18-wheeler, an oilfield water truck, or a corporate delivery van, the aftermath of a truck accident in Reagan County leaves families reeling from physical pain and financial terror.

We understand the specific dangers of driving in Reagan County. As the heart of the Permian Basin’s oil and gas activity, our local roads are some of the most dangerous in Texas. Heavy freight, specialized oilfield equipment, and fatigued drivers create a constant risk on highways like SH-33 and SH-137. If you have been hurt, you aren’t just facing a driver; you’re facing a massive corporation and an insurance company that has been preparing to deny your claim since before you even left the accident scene.

At Attorney911, our team, led by managing partner Ralph Manginello, brings over 25 years of experience to your fight. We have gone toe-to-toe with some of the largest companies in the world, including BP and major global carriers. We know how trucking companies in Reagan County operate, and we know exactly how they try to hide evidence. Our firm includes associate attorney Lupe Peña, who spent years working in insurance defense. He knows their playbook because he used to write it. Now, he uses that insider knowledge specifically to help victims in Reagan County get every dime they deserve.

If you or a loved one has suffered a catastrophic injury, call us immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911. The trucking company already has a team on the ground in Reagan County. You deserve a fighter on yours.

The Reality of Trucking Accidents in Reagan County and the Permian Basin

Reagan County sits in one of the most productive and high-traffic energy zones on earth. This economic boom brings prosperity to West Texas, but it also brings a staggering volume of commercial vehicle traffic. The roads in Reagan County were often originally built for agricultural use, not the constant pounding of 80,000-pound sand haulers and crude tankers.

Every barrel of oil pulled from Reagan County requires dozens of truck trips. Water must be hauled in, sand must be transported for fracking, equipment must be moved, and produced water must be taken to saltwater disposal wells. This makes US-67 through Big Lake a gauntlet for local families. When these massive vehicles share narrow, often two-lane roads with passenger cars, the margin for error is zero.

We see the patterns of negligence in Reagan County every day. Drivers are pushed to work brutal 14-hour shifts, navigating lease roads and county highways while fighting extreme fatigue. Trucking companies often cut corners on maintenance to keep their fleets moving. In the Permian Basin, profit often comes before safety. As client Chad Harris said, at our firm, “You are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.” We treat your case with the urgency it deserves because we know exactly what is at stake for your future.

The clock is already ticking on your recovery. Evidence in Reagan County truck accidents disappears fast. Skid marks are worn away by the next shift of trucks, and electronic data is overwritten. Call us today at 888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation. We work on a contingency basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win.

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSA) in Reagan County

Every commercial truck operating in Reagan County must follow strict federal laws. These regulations, found in 49 CFR Parts 390-399, are not suggestions—they are mandatory safety requirements designed to protect you. When we investigate an accident on Reagan County roads, we look for violations of these specific rules to prove the trucking company was negligent.

49 CFR Part 395: Hours of Service (HOS)

Driver fatigue is perhaps the greatest threat on Reagan County highways. Under 49 CFR § 395.3, property-carrying drivers are generally limited to 11 hours of driving after 10 consecutive hours off duty. They also cannot drive beyond the 14th consecutive hour after coming on duty.

In the Reagan County oil patch, we frequently find that drivers are pushed far beyond these limits. During busy fracking operations, the pressure to keep the sand and water moving is immense. When a driver has been behind the wheel for 16 hours and causes a wreck on Highway 33, that is a direct violation of federal law. We use Electronic Logging Device (ELD) data to catch these companies lying about their drivers’ hours.

49 CFR Part 391: Driver Qualifications

Trucking companies have a duty to ensure their drivers are fit for the road. 49 CFR § 391.11 requires that drivers be at least 21 years old, speak English well enough to communicate with the public and follow signs, and be physically qualified to drive.

In Reagan County, the high demand for drivers often leads companies to hire people with “red flag” driving records. If a company hired a driver with multiple Reagan County speeding tickets or a history of drug use without a proper background check, they are liable for negligent hiring. We subpoena the complete Driver Qualification File to see what the company knew—or should have known—before they put that driver on our roads.

49 CFR Part 393: Parts and Accessories for Safe Operation

An 80,000-pound truck with bad brakes is a weapon. 49 CFR § 393.40 requires every commercial vehicle to have a braking system that meets specific performance standards. In the extreme heat of a Reagan County summer, tires and brakes fail at higher rates. If a trucking company skipped a mandatory brake inspection to save time, and those brakes failed on US-67, they broke federal law.

49 CFR Part 396: Inspection and Maintenance

Trucking companies must systematically inspect and maintain their vehicles under 49 CFR § 396.3. Drivers are also required to perform pre-trip and post-trip inspections. We often find that in the rush of Permian Basin operations, these “inspections” are either pencil-whipped or skipped entirely. We look at the actual maintenance logs to find the gaps that led to your accident.

The complexity of these federal rules is why you need an attorney who understands the technical side of the industry. Ralph Manginello has over 25 years of experience applying these regulations to hold companies accountable. Call our team at (888) 288-9911 to start your investigation.

Dual Jurisdiction: OSHA and FMCSA on Reagan County Worksites

Oilfield trucking in Reagan County presents a unique legal challenge. Many accidents happen at the transition point between public roads and private wellsites. This means we often look at both FMCSA trucking rules and OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) workplace standards.

Under 29 CFR 1910.178, companies must ensure that industrial trucks are operated safely on worksites. If an oilfield water truck backed into your car at a wellsite gate in Reagan County because the operator failed to maintain safe traffic patterns, they may have violated OSHA standards.

This dual-jurisdiction landscape is a major reason why victims in Reagan County need specialized counsel. We don’t just look at the police report; we look at the company’s OSHA 300 logs to see if there is a pattern of safety failures on that specific lease. If you were hurt in an industrial-vehicle crossover accident, call us at 1-888-ATTY-911. We speak the language of both trucking law and industrial safety. Hablamos Español.

Oilfield Vehicle Accidents in Reagan County: The Permian Basin Hazard

Reagan County is defined by the energy industry, and your accident likely involved a specialized oilfield vehicle. These trucks have handling characteristics that make them far more dangerous than standard tractor-trailers.

Frac Sand and Pneumatic Trailers

Frac sand haulers are a constant presence on Reagan County roads. These trucks are often top-heavy and carry thousands of pounds of silica sand. We frequently see rollovers involving sand haulers on US-67 and SH-137. The pressure to keep a frac spread supplied means these drivers are under intense time pressure, leading to speeding and aggressive maneuvers.

Produced Water and Crude Oil Tankers

Water trucks are the “workhorses” of Reagan County. These tankers haul 130 barrels of produced water or crude oil. Liquid cargo creates a “slosh effect”—when the driver brakes or turns, the weight shifts unpredictably. If the tank is only partially full, the risk of a rollover increases dramatically. Accidents involving crude tankers also carry the risk of hazmat spills and explosions, which require specialized response on Reagan County highways.

Crew Vans and Hot Shots

Not every commercial vehicle in Reagan County is an 18-wheeler. Many injuries occur in 15-passenger crew vans or “hot shot” pickup trucks. 15-passenger vans are notorious for their high center of gravity and rollover risk when carrying a full crew. Hot shot drivers, often paid per load, have a financial incentive to speed. If you were injured by any of these vehicles, call us at 888-ATTY-911 for a free evaluation.

Lease Roads and Unmarked Intersections

Many Reagan County accidents occur on private lease roads. These roads are often unpaved, causing massive dust clouds that reduce visibility to near-zero. Oil companies have a duty to maintain these roads and install proper signage. If an oilfield truck blew through an unmarked intersection on a lease road and hit you, the oil company that owns the lease may be just as liable as the trucking contractor.

Corporate Fleet Accidents in Reagan County: Walmart, Amazon, and Beyond

Even if your accident didn’t involve the oilfield, you still share Reagan County roads with the world’s largest corporations. Branded trucks like Walmart, Amazon, FedEx, and UPS are common sights moving freight across Texas.

Walmart Truck Accidents

Walmart operates one of the largest private fleets in the nation with over 12,000 trucks. While they have internal safety programs like the Smith System, their drivers are under massive pressure to meet delivery windows. As a self-insured corporation, Walmart handles its own claims. This means they are aggressively focused on protecting their bottom line. We have litigated against Walmart and know how to counter their defense teams.

Amazon Delivery Van Accidents

If an Amazon van hit you in Reagan County, you may encounter the “independent contractor” defense. Amazon often claims they aren’t responsible because the driver worked for a Delivery Service Partner (DSP). We know how to pierce this shield. We look at the level of control Amazon exercises—from the four AI cameras in the van (Netradyne) to the algorithms that set the driver’s route. If Amazon controls the way the driver works, they can be held responsible for the driver’s mistakes.

FedEx and UPS Crashes

FedEx Ground and UPS have different legal structures, but both operate high-volume fleets. UPS drivers are direct employees, making the company clearly liable for their negligence. FedEx Ground uses contractors, similar to Amazon. We investigate these corporate structures to find the million-dollar insurance policies that smaller firms might miss.

Whether you were hit by a corporate giant or a local oilfield contractor, our managing partner Ralph Manginello is ready to fight for you. With 25 years of experience, he has recovered multi-million dollar settlements for families in West Texas. Call 1-888-ATTY-911.

Vulnerable Road Users in Reagan County: Pedestrians, Cyclists, and Motorcyclists

You don’t have to be in a car to be a victim of a Reagan County truck accident. In fact, those without the protection of a vehicle frame are at the highest risk for fatal injuries.

Pedestrians Struck by Trucks

In town areas like Big Lake, a delivery truck or garbage truck backing without a spotter can be lethal. Pedestrians struck by trucks often face run-over injuries from the rear axles or crushing injuries. The law holds truck drivers to a heightened duty of care when they are operating in areas with foot traffic.

The “Right Hook” Cyclist Accident

If you were riding a bicycle in Reagan County and were hit by a turning truck, you likely experienced a “right hook.” The truck turns right, the driver fails to check their blind spot, and the cyclist is swept under the rear wheels. Modern trucks can be equipped with sensors to prevent this—if the company skip-ordered that safety tech, they were negligent.

Motorcyclists vs. 18-Wheelers

The weight differential between an 80,000-pound truck and a 600-pound motorcycle is the most extreme mismatch on the road. Many Reagan County truck drivers fail to see motorcycles, especially during lane changes. Don’t let the insurance company blame you just because you were on a bike. We know that in most cases, the truck driver’s failure to check their “No-Zone” is the true cause.

Who is Liable for My Reagan County Truck Accident?

One of the reasons 18-wheeler cases are so valuable is that we can often hold multiple parties accountable. Stacking multiple insurance policies is how we secure multi-million dollar settlements for our clients.

Potential liable parties in a Reagan County wreck include:

1. The Driver: For speeding, fatigue, or impairment.
2. The Trucking Company: For negligent maintenance or HOS violations.
3. The Oilfield Operator: For creating dangerous conditions on the lease.
4. The Cargo Loader: If an unbalanced load caused a rollover.
5. The Freight Broker: For hiring a carrier with a known bad safety record.
6. Staffing Agencies: If they provided an unqualified driver for an oilfield job.
7. Manufacturers: If a tire blowout or brake failure was caused by a part defect.
8. Corporate Parents: Like Amazon or Walmart, for the systems that pressured the driver.

Most firms just sue the driver. We investigate the entire chain of command. If an oilfield contractor caused your wreck, we look for the oil company’s ISNetworld safety profile and their contractor management records. Every party that played a role in your injury should pay for it. As client Donald Wilcox said, “One company said they would not accept my case. Then I got a call from Manginello… I got a call to come pick up this handsome check.” We don’t shy away from complex liability. Call 888-ATTY-911.

The 48-Hour Urgency: Preserving Evidence in Reagan County

In Reagan County, the evidence of your accident is under threat from the moment the collision happens. Trucking companies employ rapid-response teams that arrive at Reagan County accident scenes sometimes before the smoke has cleared. Their job is to minimize their company’s exposure, which often means “managing” the evidence.

ECM and Black Box Data

The Engine Control Module (ECM) records the truck’s speed, braking, and steering in the moments before impact. This data is the most objective witness to your crash. However, it can be overwritten if the truck is driven again or if 30 days pass. We send formal spoliation letters within 24 hours of being hired to legally freeze this data.

ELD and Driver Logs

Since December 2017, federal law has required electronic logs. This data shows exactly when the driver was on the road and when they should have been sleeping. Companies only have to keep these for six months, but we move to secure them immediately.

IVMS and Dashcams

Many Permian Basin fleets, including Halliburton and Schlumberger, use In-Vehicle Monitoring Systems (IVMS). These track driver behavior in real-time. Amazon vans have four cameras recording continuously. This footage shows exactly what the driver was doing—texting, sleeping, or ignoring the road—right before they hit you.

In the extreme West Texas heat and dust, physical evidence like tire remnants and skid marks can degrade quickly. Call Attorney911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911 so we can get an investigator to the scene in Reagan County today.

Catastrophic Injuries and Their True Cost

We know that a settlement after a Reagan County truck wreck isn’t about a “windfall”—it’s about survival. Catastrophic injuries require lifetime funding for the best possible care.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

A TBI changes who you are. You might suffer from memory loss, mood changes, and the inability to concentrate. Our firm has recovered settlements ranging from $1.5M to over $9.8M for TBI victims. We work with neurologists to document the full neurocognitive impact of your injury.

Spinal Cord Injury and Paralysis

When 80,000 pounds crushes a car, the spine often takes the brunt of the force. Whether it is paraplegia or quadriplegia, the lifetime cost of care for a spinal cord injury can exceed $25 million. We retain life care planners to ensure every future surgery, home modification, and caregiver hour is paid for by the trucking company.

Amputation and Crush Injuries

Oilfield equipment and heavy truck frames cause devastating crush injuries that often lead to traumatic or surgical amputations. These cases involve not just the initial trauma but phantom limb pain and the lifetime cost of prosthetic replacements. Our firm has secured settlements between $1.9M and $8.6M for amputation victims.

Hydrogen Sulfide (H2S) and Chemical Exposure

Unique to Reagan County and the Permian Basin, truck accidents often involve dangerous chemicals. If a crude tanker or chemical truck rolls over and exposes you to H2S gas, you face immediate respiratory and neurological damage. These are medical emergencies that require an attorney who understands toxic torts and oilfield hazards.

If you are suffering, we are here to help. As client Glenda Walker said, “They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.” We aren’t afraid of the big numbers because we know what they mean for your family’s future. Call (888) 288-9911.

Insurance Tactics: The Insider Advantage

The trucking company’s insurance adjuster might sound helpful on the phone. They might even offer you a quick settlement of $50,000 or $100,000. Do not take it.

Large carriers and corporate fleets in Reagan County carry between $750,000 and $5 million in primary liability, often with umbrella policies reaching tens of millions more. Their first offer is always a “lowball” designed to make your claim go away before you realize you have a herniated disc that needs surgery or PTSD that prevents you from working.

Our associate attorney Lupe Peña used to represent these insurance companies. He knows their valuation software. He knows when they are bluffing about their policy limits. He knows how they use your medical history to argue that your pain was “pre-existing.” When you hire Attorney911, you get a team that knows exactly how to beat the insurance adjusters at their own game.

We never recommend a settlement until we know the full extent of your future medical needs. Your recovery in Reagan County matters too much to settle for anything less than maximum value. For an attorney who knows the insurance playbook, call 1-888-ATTY-911.

Wrongful Death in Reagan County Trucking Accidents

There is no greater tragedy than losing a family member to a trucking company’s greed. When a truck driver in Reagan County chooses to stay on the road when they’re too tired to see straight, and that choice kills someone, it isn’t just an accident—it is a crime of negligence.

Under Texas law, the surviving spouse, children, and parents can bring a wrongful death claim. Compensation can include:

• Lost income the loved one would have provided.
• Loss of companionship, care, and guidance.
• Mental anguish for the survivors.
• Funeral and burial expenses.
• Punitive damages to punish the company for gross negligence.

We have recovered millions for Reagan County families in wrongful death cases. We handle these cases with the highest level of compassion and the most aggressive litigation strategy. Call 888-ATTY-911 for a confidential, respectful consultation.

Frequently Asked Questions for Reagan County Truck Accident Victims

How long do I have to file a claim in Reagan County?

In Texas, the statute of limitations for personal injury and wrongful death is generally two years from the date of the accident. However, for claims involving government-owned vehicles (like a municipal dump truck) or the federal government (USPS), the notice deadlines can be as short as 90 days. You should never wait—evidence in Reagan County is the first thing to disappear.

What if the truck that hit me was an oilfield water truck on a private road?

You still have a case. While private lease roads might not always fall under standard traffic laws, the driver and the company still have a duty to operate safely. Furthermore, OSHA regulations often apply to these work zones. If a water truck crashed into you near a Big Lake wellsite, both the trucking company and the oil company that owns the lease may be liable.

Can I afford a lawyer if I can’t work right now?

Yes. We work on a 100% contingency fee basis. We advance all the costs of investigators, accident reconstruction experts, and medical specialists. If we don’t win your case, you owe us nothing. There are zero upfront costs for victims in Reagan County.

The insurance company says my herniated disc was “pre-existing.” Can I still sue?

Yes. Texas law includes the “Eggshell Plaintiff” doctrine, which means a negligent driver is responsible for any aggravation of a pre-existing condition. If your back felt fine before the truck wreck and now you need surgery, the accident is the cause. Lupe Peña’s insurance defense background is especially helpful in beating these “pre-existing” arguments.

I was hit by an Amazon van in Reagan County but the driver says they don’t work for Amazon. Is that true?

On paper, they might work for a “Delivery Service Partner.” Amazon uses this model to try to avoid liability. But we look at the reality of their relationship. If Amazon tells them where to go, how fast to get there, and watches them on camera the whole time, Amazon is the boss. We know how to pierce the corporate shield and go after the party with the deep pockets.

What if I was partially at fault for the accident on US-67?

Texas follows modified comparative negligence with a 51% bar. This means as long as you are not more than 50% responsible, you can still recover damages. Your settlement will simply be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if your damages are $1 million and you are found 20% at fault, you still receive $800,000. Our job is to investigate to ensure the trucking company doesn’t unfairly shift the blame onto you.

Why do I need a lawyer for a truck accident specifically?

18-wheelers are NOT “big cars.” They are subject to a massive web of federal laws and specialized industry standards. A general practice lawyer might miss an HOS violation or fail to subpoena the black box data correctly. We are truck accident specialists. We know the Reagan County roads and the corporate defendants that dominate them.

Your Fight for Justice in Reagan County Starts Now

You were just going about your life in Reagan County until a negligent trucking company changed everything. Now the hospital bills are stacking up, the physical pain is constant, and you’re worried about how you’ll provide for your family. You don’t have to carry this burden alone.

Since 1998, Ralph Manginello and the team at Attorney911 have been the “Legal Emergency™” lawyers that insurance companies fear. We have recovered over $50 million for Texas families because we treat every client like our own family. As client Kiimarii Yup said, “I lost everything… 1 year later I have gained so much in return plus a brand new truck.” We don’t stop until the job is done.

Whether you were hit on US-67, SH-33, or an oilfield lease road, we are ready to move. We will send the experts to Reagan County today. We will send the spoliation letters tonight. And we will fight for every dime you deserve until the trucking company pays what they owe.

Hablamos Español. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911.

Call 1-888-288-9911 or visit us at https://attorney911.com. Your free consultation is available 24/7. Don’t let the trucking company win by default—take your life back today.

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