18-Wheeler Accidents in Sutton County: Your Guide to Justice and Compensation

If you or a loved one has been involved in an 18-wheeler accident in Sutton County, Texas, you’re likely facing overwhelming challenges. The aftermath of a trucking accident can be devastating – severe injuries, mounting medical bills, lost wages, and the emotional trauma of a life-altering event. At Attorney911, we understand what you’re going through, and we’re here to help.

Why Sutton County Trucking Accidents Are Different

Sutton County sits at a critical juncture of Texas’s trucking corridors. The intersection of I-10 and US-83 creates a high-risk zone where commercial vehicles from across the country converge. Our local highways see heavy truck traffic carrying everything from oilfield equipment to agricultural products, creating unique hazards for Sutton County residents.

The rural nature of our county also presents challenges. Emergency response times can be longer, and medical facilities may be farther away than in urban areas. This makes the immediate aftermath of an accident even more critical. What you do in the first 48 hours can determine whether you receive fair compensation or get taken advantage of by trucking companies and their insurers.

The Devastating Reality of 18-Wheeler Accidents

When a fully loaded 18-wheeler weighing up to 80,000 pounds collides with a passenger vehicle, the results are often catastrophic. The physics are simple but brutal: your 4,000-pound car is no match for an 80,000-pound truck. The impact forces are 20-25 times greater, and the injuries reflect that disparity.

In Sutton County, we see the same tragic patterns:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Even “mild” TBIs can cause lifelong cognitive impairment, memory problems, and personality changes
• Spinal Cord Injuries: Leading to paralysis, requiring lifetime care and home modifications
• Amputations: Limbs crushed in the collision or requiring surgical removal
• Severe Burns: From fuel fires or hazardous cargo spills
• Internal Organ Damage: Ruptured spleens, liver lacerations, internal bleeding
• Wrongful Death: Families left grieving and financially devastated

These aren’t just statistics – they’re real people in our community whose lives have been forever changed by negligent trucking companies.

The Trucking Industry’s Playbook: What They Don’t Want You to Know

Trucking companies have a well-oiled system for protecting their interests after an accident. Before the ambulance even arrives, their rapid-response teams are already working to:

1. Control the narrative – Getting their driver’s version of events documented first
2. Destroy evidence – ECM/black box data can be overwritten in 30 days
3. Lowball victims – Offering quick settlements that don’t cover long-term needs
4. Shift blame – Claiming you were at fault to reduce their liability

This is why you need an attorney who knows their tactics – and how to counter them.

Our Sutton County Advantage: Why Local Knowledge Matters

At Attorney911, we’re not just Texas attorneys – we’re Sutton County attorneys. We know:

• Our highways: The specific dangers of I-10 at Sonora, the blind curves on US-83, and the truck-heavy routes to oilfield operations
• Our courts: How judges and juries in Sutton County view trucking cases
• Our community: The values and priorities of our neighbors who may serve on your jury
• Our resources: The best medical facilities in San Angelo and beyond for treating trucking accident injuries

This local knowledge, combined with our national trucking litigation experience, gives us an advantage in building your case.

The Critical First 48 Hours: Evidence Preservation

Time is not on your side after a trucking accident. Critical evidence disappears quickly:

• ECM/Black Box Data: Overwrites in 30 days or with new driving events
• ELD Records: May be retained only 6 months
• Dashcam Footage: Often deleted within 7-14 days
• Surveillance Video: Business cameras typically overwrite in 7-30 days
• Witness Memory: Fades significantly within weeks
• Physical Evidence: Vehicle may be repaired, sold, or scrapped

This is why we send spoliation letters immediately. Within 24-48 hours of being retained, we send formal legal notices to the trucking company, their insurer, and all potentially liable parties demanding preservation of all evidence. This creates serious legal consequences if evidence is destroyed and gives us the strongest possible foundation for your case.

What Makes Trucking Cases Different from Car Accidents

Trucking accident cases are far more complex than typical car accidents because:

1. Multiple liable parties – Driver, trucking company, cargo owner, maintenance company, manufacturer, and more
2. Federal regulations – FMCSA rules create specific standards of care
3. Higher insurance limits – Trucking companies carry $750,000 to $5 million in coverage
4. Specialized evidence – ECM data, ELD logs, maintenance records, driver qualification files
5. Corporate defendants – Trucking companies have teams of lawyers and investigators

Common Causes of Sutton County Trucking Accidents

Our experience with Sutton County trucking accidents reveals several recurring patterns:

Driver Fatigue: The Silent Killer on I-10

Sutton County sits along the I-10 corridor, one of the busiest trucking routes in America. Drivers pushing to meet delivery deadlines often violate federal Hours of Service regulations:

• 11-Hour Driving Limit: Drivers cannot drive more than 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty
• 14-Hour Duty Window: Cannot drive beyond the 14th consecutive hour after coming on duty
• 30-Minute Break Rule: Mandatory break after 8 cumulative hours of driving
• 60/70-Hour Weekly Limit: 60 hours in 7 days or 70 hours in 8 days

Fatigued driving is as dangerous as drunk driving. Studies show that after 17 hours awake, a driver’s impairment is equivalent to a blood alcohol concentration of 0.05%. After 24 hours awake, it’s equivalent to 0.10% – above the legal limit.

How we prove fatigue violations:

• ELD data showing driving time
• Dispatch records showing schedule pressure
• Cell phone records showing late-night activity
• Fuel receipts showing unusual timing
• Witness testimony about driver behavior

Mechanical Failures: The Hidden Danger

Sutton County’s dusty roads and long hauls take a toll on truck equipment. We frequently see accidents caused by:

• Brake failures – Poor maintenance or improper adjustment
• Tire blowouts – Underinflation, overloading, or manufacturing defects
• Lighting failures – Non-functioning headlights, taillights, or turn signals
• Coupling failures – Trailer separation due to faulty hitches
• Steering failures – Worn components or manufacturing defects

How we prove maintenance violations:

• Maintenance records showing deferred repairs
• Inspection reports showing known defects
• Out-of-service orders showing repeated violations
• Expert analysis of failed components
• Driver vehicle inspection reports (DVIRs)

Cargo-Related Accidents: The Invisible Threat

Sutton County’s economy means our trucks carry diverse cargo:

• Oilfield equipment – Heavy, specialized loads requiring expert securement
• Agricultural products – Livestock, grain, and produce that can shift
• Hazardous materials – Fuel, chemicals, and other dangerous substances
• Oversized loads – Requiring special permits and escorts

Common cargo-related accidents:

• Rollover accidents – From top-heavy or shifting loads
• Cargo spills – Creating road hazards for following vehicles
• Hazmat incidents – Causing fires, explosions, or chemical exposure
• Underride collisions – When cargo extends beyond the trailer

How we prove cargo violations:

• Bills of lading showing cargo type and weight
• Loading company records showing securement methods
• Cargo manifest documentation
• 49 CFR 393 compliance records
• Expert analysis of load distribution

Distracted Driving: The Modern Epidemic

With the rise of smartphones and in-cab technology, distracted driving has become a major factor in Sutton County trucking accidents. Federal regulations specifically prohibit:

• Hand-held mobile phone use while driving
• Texting while driving
• Reaching for devices in a manner requiring leaving the seated position

How we prove distraction:

• Cell phone records showing usage at time of accident
• ECM data showing erratic driving patterns
• Witness testimony about driver behavior
• Dashcam footage (if available)

The Sutton County Trucking Corridors: Where Accidents Happen

Our experience shows that certain locations in Sutton County see more trucking accidents than others:

I-10: The Danger Zone

The I-10 corridor through Sutton County is one of the most dangerous stretches for trucking accidents in Texas. Key risk factors include:

• High truck volume – One of the busiest freight corridors in America
• Speed differentials – Trucks traveling at different speeds create conflict points
• Driver fatigue – Long-haul drivers pushing to meet delivery deadlines
• Weather conditions – Sudden dust storms and high winds
• Wildlife crossings – Deer and other animals on the roadway

Common accident types on I-10:

• Rear-end collisions from sudden stops
• Jackknife accidents from braking or wind
• Rollover accidents from speeding on curves
• Multi-vehicle pileups in low visibility conditions

US-83: The Rural Challenge

US-83 through Sutton County presents unique challenges:

• Narrow lanes – Not designed for modern truck traffic
• Blind curves – Limited visibility around bends
• Railroad crossings – Multiple at-grade crossings
• Mixed traffic – Trucks sharing the road with local traffic and agricultural vehicles
• Limited emergency services – Longer response times in rural areas

Common accident types on US-83:

• Head-on collisions from passing maneuvers
• Sideswipe accidents from wide turns
• Rear-end collisions at railroad crossings
• Run-off-road accidents from fatigue or distraction

Local Roads: The Hidden Dangers

Sutton County’s local roads see truck traffic from:

• Oilfield operations – Heavy equipment moving to drilling sites
• Agricultural transport – Livestock, grain, and produce hauling
• Local deliveries – Fuel, supplies, and equipment
• Construction projects – Oversized loads for infrastructure improvements

Common accident types on local roads:

• Wide turn accidents at intersections
• Underride collisions with local vehicles
• Overturn accidents on rural bridges
• Collisions with agricultural equipment

The Legal Process: What to Expect

Step 1: Free Consultation

We offer a free, no-obligation consultation to evaluate your case. During this meeting, we’ll:

• Listen to your story and understand what happened
• Review any evidence you’ve collected
• Explain your legal rights and options
• Discuss our contingency fee arrangement (you pay nothing unless we win)

Step 2: Immediate Evidence Preservation

If you decide to hire us, we spring into action immediately:

• Send spoliation letters to all potentially liable parties
• Obtain police reports and accident scene photos
• Secure surveillance footage from nearby businesses
• Collect witness statements while memories are fresh
• Preserve the truck and trailer for inspection
• Download ECM/black box and ELD data

Step 3: Comprehensive Investigation

Our investigation goes far beyond what police typically do:

• Accident reconstruction – Using experts to determine exactly what happened
• Driver qualification file review – Looking for negligent hiring or training
• Maintenance record analysis – Identifying deferred repairs or known defects
• Hours of service audit – Checking for fatigue violations
• Cell phone record review – Looking for distracted driving
• Cargo securement analysis – Checking for improper loading
• Corporate safety culture review – Looking for systemic negligence

Step 4: Medical Care Coordination

We help you get the care you need:

• Connect you with top medical providers in San Angelo and beyond
• Arrange for lien-based treatment if you don’t have insurance
• Ensure proper documentation of all injuries
• Coordinate with specialists for complex conditions
• Track your recovery progress

Step 5: Demand and Negotiation

Once we understand the full extent of your damages, we:

• Prepare a comprehensive demand package
• Calculate all economic and non-economic damages
• Present the demand to the insurance company
• Negotiate aggressively for maximum compensation
• Prepare for litigation if a fair settlement isn’t offered

Step 6: Litigation (If Necessary)

While most cases settle, we’re fully prepared to take your case to trial if needed:

• File a lawsuit in the appropriate court
• Conduct discovery to gather additional evidence
• Take depositions of key witnesses
• Retain expert witnesses to support your case
• Prepare for mediation and settlement conferences
• Present your case to a jury if necessary

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Sutton County Trucking Case

When you’re facing the aftermath of a devastating trucking accident, you need more than just a lawyer – you need a fighter. Here’s what sets Attorney911 apart:

1. Proven Experience with Trucking Cases

Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has over 25 years of experience fighting for trucking accident victims. We’ve handled cases against:

• Walmart trucking operations
• Coca-Cola distribution vehicles
• Amazon delivery trucks
• FedEx trucks
• UPS trucks
• Numerous commercial trucking companies

2. Insider Knowledge of Insurance Tactics

Our team includes Lupe Peña, a former insurance defense attorney who knows exactly how trucking insurers operate. He spent years on the other side, learning their tactics for minimizing claims. Now he uses that knowledge to fight for you.

3. Federal Court Experience

We’re admitted to practice in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas – crucial for interstate trucking cases that may be filed in federal court.

4. Multi-Million Dollar Results

We’ve recovered millions for trucking accident victims, including:

• $5+ Million – Logging Brain Injury Settlement
• $3.8+ Million – Car Accident Amputation Settlement
• $2.5+ Million – Truck Crash Recovery
• $2+ Million – Maritime Back Injury Settlement

5. Sutton County Local Knowledge

We know Sutton County’s roads, courts, and community. This local knowledge gives us an advantage in building your case and presenting it effectively to local juries.

6. Comprehensive Resources

We have the resources to handle complex trucking cases:

• Accident reconstruction experts
• Medical specialists
• Vocational experts
• Economic experts
• Life care planners
• FMCSA regulation experts

7. Contingency Fee Arrangement

You pay nothing unless we win your case. We advance all costs of investigation and litigation. There are no upfront fees or hidden charges.

8. Spanish Language Services

Hablamos Español. Our associate attorney Lupe Peña and staff member Zulema provide fluent Spanish-language services, ensuring clear communication throughout your case.

What Our Clients Say

Don’t just take our word for it – here’s what our clients say about working with Attorney911:

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

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

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

“Ralph reached out personally.”
— Dame Haskett, Attorney911 Client

“I got a call to come pick up this handsome check.”
— Donald Wilcox, Attorney911 Client

Sutton County Trucking Accident Statistics

While specific Sutton County statistics are limited, Texas-wide data paints a sobering picture:

• 5,100+ people killed in large truck crashes annually in the U.S.
• 125,000+ people injured in large truck crashes annually
• 76% of those killed are occupants of other vehicles
• 11% of all motor vehicle crash deaths involve large trucks
• 29% of truck accidents involve brake problems
• 23% of truck drivers involved in fatal crashes had at least one prior speeding conviction

In Texas specifically:

• Texas has the highest number of trucking accidents in the nation
• I-10 is one of the deadliest trucking corridors in America
• Rural areas like Sutton County see higher fatality rates due to longer emergency response times

Common Injuries and Their Impact

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

TBIs are among the most devastating injuries we see in Sutton County trucking accidents. The force of an 80,000-pound truck colliding with a passenger vehicle can cause the brain to impact the inside of the skull, leading to:

• Mild TBI (Concussion): Confusion, headaches, brief loss of consciousness
• Moderate TBI: Extended unconsciousness, memory problems, cognitive deficits
• Severe TBI: Extended coma, permanent cognitive impairment

Lifetime costs of TBI:

• Mild: $85,000 – $941,000
• Moderate: $941,000 – $3 million
• Severe: $3 million – $4 million+

Spinal Cord Injury

Spinal cord injuries often result in permanent paralysis:

• Paraplegia: Loss of function below the waist
• Quadriplegia: Loss of function in all four limbs
• Incomplete Injury: Some nerve function remains
• Complete Injury: No nerve function below injury

Lifetime costs of spinal cord injury:

• High quadriplegia: $5 million+
• Low quadriplegia: $3.5 million+
• Paraplegia: $2.5 million+
• Incomplete motor function: $1.7 million+

Amputation

Amputations can occur at the scene or require surgical removal later:

• Traumatic Amputation: Limb severed in the accident
• Surgical Amputation: Limb removed due to severe damage
• Upper Limb: Affecting arms, hands, or fingers
• Lower Limb: Affecting legs, feet, or toes

Lifetime costs of amputation:

• $500,000 – $1.5 million depending on level and type
• Includes prosthetics ($5,000 – $50,000 each, replaced every 3-5 years)
• Rehabilitation and ongoing care
• Home modifications

Severe Burns

Burns often result from fuel fires or hazardous cargo spills:

• First Degree: Epidermis only (minor)
• Second Degree: Epidermis and dermis (may scar)
• Third Degree: Full thickness (requires grafts)
• Fourth Degree: Through skin to muscle/bone (may require amputation)

Lifetime costs of severe burns:

• $1.5 million – $10 million+
• Multiple reconstructive surgeries
• Skin graft procedures
• Chronic pain management
• Psychological counseling

The True Cost of Trucking Accidents

When we evaluate your case, we consider all the ways your life has been impacted:

Economic Damages (Calculable Losses)

• Medical Expenses: Past, present, and future medical costs
• Lost Wages: Income lost due to injury and recovery
• Lost Earning Capacity: Reduction in future earning ability
• Property Damage: Vehicle repair or replacement
• Out-of-Pocket Expenses: Transportation to medical appointments, home modifications
• Life Care Costs: Ongoing care for catastrophic injuries

Non-Economic Damages (Quality of Life)

• Pain and Suffering: Physical pain from injuries
• Mental Anguish: Psychological trauma, anxiety, depression
• Loss of Enjoyment: Inability to participate in activities
• Disfigurement: Scarring, visible injuries
• Loss of Consortium: Impact on marriage/family relationships
• Physical Impairment: Reduced physical capabilities

Punitive Damages (Punishment for Gross Negligence)

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

Recent Trucking Verdicts: What’s Possible

Juries are increasingly willing to hold trucking companies accountable for negligence. Recent verdicts demonstrate what’s possible:

• $462 Million (2024, Missouri) – Underride accident causing decapitation
• $160 Million (2024, Alabama) – Rollover causing quadriplegia
• $141.5 Million (2023, Florida) – Defunct carrier crash
• $730 Million (2021, Texas) – Oversize load causing fatality
• $150 Million (2022, Texas) – Two children killed on I-30

These verdicts show that when trucking companies prioritize profit over safety, juries will make them pay.

What to Do If You’ve Been in a Sutton County Trucking Accident

At the Scene

1. Call 911 – Report the accident and request police and medical assistance
2. Seek medical attention – Even if you feel okay, get checked out
3. Document everything – Take photos of:
   • All vehicles involved
   • Damage to your vehicle (inside and out)
   • The accident scene (road conditions, skid marks, debris)
   • Your injuries
   • Street signs and traffic signals
4. Collect information – Get:
   • Truck driver’s name, CDL number, and contact info
   • Trucking company name and DOT number
   • Insurance information
   • Witness names and contact info
5. Be careful what you say – Do NOT admit fault or apologize

In the Days Following

1. Follow your doctor’s orders – Attend all appointments and follow treatment plans
2. Document your recovery – Keep a journal of your symptoms and how the injury affects your daily life
3. Do NOT give statements – Do not speak to insurance adjusters without your attorney present
4. Do NOT post on social media – Insurance companies will use your posts against you
5. Contact an attorney – Call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation

Frequently Asked Questions About Sutton County Trucking Accidents

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

If you’ve been in a trucking accident in Sutton County, take these steps immediately if you’re able:

• Call 911 and report the accident
• Seek medical attention, even if injuries seem minor
• Document the scene with photos and video if possible
• Get the trucking company name, DOT number, and driver information
• Collect witness contact information
• Do NOT give recorded statements to any insurance company
• Call an 18-wheeler accident attorney immediately

Should I go to the hospital after a truck accident even if I feel okay?

YES. Adrenaline masks pain after traumatic accidents. Internal injuries, TBI, and spinal injuries may not show symptoms for hours or days. Sutton County hospitals and trauma centers can identify injuries that will become critical evidence in your case. Delaying treatment also gives insurance companies ammunition to deny your claim.

What information should I collect at the truck accident scene in Sutton County?

Document everything possible:

• Truck and trailer license plates
• DOT number (on truck door)
• Trucking company name and logo
• Driver’s name, CDL number, and contact info
• Photos of all vehicle damage
• Photos of the accident scene, road conditions, skid marks
• Photos of your injuries
• Witness names and phone numbers
• Responding officer’s name and badge number
• Weather and road conditions

Should I talk to the trucking company’s insurance adjuster?

NO. Do not give any recorded statements. Insurance adjusters work for the trucking company, not you. Anything you say will be used to minimize your claim. Our firm includes a former insurance defense attorney who knows exactly how these adjusters are trained to protect the trucking company’s interests.

How quickly should I contact an 18-wheeler accident attorney in Sutton County?

IMMEDIATELY – within 24-48 hours if possible. Critical evidence in trucking cases (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 before it’s lost forever.

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

Multiple parties may be liable in trucking accidents:

• The truck driver
• The trucking company/motor carrier
• 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)

We investigate every possible defendant to maximize your recovery.

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

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

• Negligent hiring (hiring unqualified drivers)
• Negligent training (inadequate safety training)
• Negligent supervision (failing to monitor driver behavior)
• Negligent maintenance (poor vehicle upkeep)

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

Texas uses a modified comparative negligence system. Even if you were partially at fault, you may still recover compensation as long as you were 50% or less at fault. Our job is to investigate thoroughly, gather evidence (especially ECM and ELD data), and prove what really happened. Drivers often lie to protect their jobs – the data tells the true story.

What is an owner-operator and does that affect my case?

An owner-operator is a driver who owns their own truck and contracts with trucking companies. 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.

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

Commercial trucks have Electronic Control Modules (ECM) and Event Data Recorders (EDR) that record operational data – similar to airplane black boxes. This data can show:

• Speed before and during the crash
• Brake application timing
• Engine RPM and throttle position
• Whether cruise control was engaged
• GPS location

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. Hours of service violations are among the most common causes of trucking accidents.

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

ECM data can be overwritten within 30 days or with new driving events. 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. Drivers who violate these rules are too tired to react safely.

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.

How much are 18-wheeler accident cases worth in Sutton 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. We’ve seen verdicts ranging from hundreds of thousands to hundreds of millions.

What if my loved one was killed in a trucking accident in Sutton 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 Sutton 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. We have the resources and experience to take your case all the way if necessary.

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.

Don’t Wait – Call Attorney911 Today

If you or a loved one has been injured in an 18-wheeler accident in Sutton County, time is of the essence. Evidence is disappearing every day, and the trucking company’s team is already working to protect their interests – not yours.

Call Attorney911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, no-obligation consultation. We’ll:

• Evaluate your case and explain your rights
• Send spoliation letters to preserve critical evidence
• Handle all communications with insurance companies
• Connect you with the best medical care
• Fight for maximum compensation

Remember: You pay nothing unless we win your case. Don’t let the trucking company take advantage of you – call Attorney911 today.

Hablamos Español. Our associate attorney Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish and provides direct representation without interpreters. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911.

“When disaster strikes, you need a Legal Emergency Lawyer™ who fights like your future depends on it—because it does.” – Attorney911