18-Wheeler Accident Attorneys Serving Terrell County, Texas
When an 80,000-Pound Truck Changes Your Life in an Instant
Every year, thousands of Texans are seriously injured in collisions with 18-wheelers on our highways. If you or a loved one has been hurt in a trucking accident in Terrell County, you need more than just a lawyer—you need a team that understands the unique dangers of West Texas trucking corridors, the federal regulations that trucking companies violate, and how to hold these corporate giants accountable.
At Attorney911, we’ve been fighting for truck accident victims across Texas for over 25 years. Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has federal court experience and has secured multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements for families devastated by 18-wheeler crashes. We know Terrell County’s trucking routes, from the I-10 corridor to the rural highways serving local oil and gas operations, and we know how to build cases that win.
Why Terrell County Trucking Accidents Are Different
Terrell County presents unique challenges for truck accident victims:
- Long stretches of rural highway where drivers may be tempted to violate hours-of-service regulations
- Oil and gas industry traffic with specialized equipment and hazmat concerns
- Limited emergency response resources in remote areas
- Unique weather conditions including high winds and sudden dust storms
- Border-related trucking with additional regulatory considerations
We understand these local factors and how they contribute to trucking accidents in our community.
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:
- Traumatic brain injuries that change lives forever
- Spinal cord injuries causing paralysis
- Amputations from crushing forces
- Severe burns from fuel fires
- Wrongful death of loved ones
The injuries from trucking accidents are more severe than typical car accidents because of the massive size and weight disparity. A passenger vehicle simply cannot withstand the impact of a commercial truck traveling at highway speeds.
Common Causes of Trucking Accidents in Terrell County
Our experience handling trucking cases in West Texas has revealed the most common causes of these devastating accidents:
Driver Fatigue and Hours of Service Violations
Federal regulations limit how long truck drivers can operate without rest:
- Maximum 11 hours driving after 10 consecutive hours off duty
- Cannot drive beyond 14th consecutive hour on duty
- 30-minute break required after 8 hours driving
- 60/70 hour weekly limits
Despite these regulations, many trucking companies pressure drivers to meet unrealistic delivery schedules, leading to fatigued driving. In Terrell County, where long stretches of highway can lull drivers into drowsiness, fatigue is a major factor in many trucking accidents.
Improper Cargo Loading and Securement
When cargo isn’t properly secured, it can:
- Shift during transit, causing the truck to become unstable
- Fall onto the roadway, creating hazards for other vehicles
- Cause rollover accidents, especially on curves
The oil and gas industry in Terrell County creates unique cargo securement challenges with specialized equipment and hazardous materials.
Brake Failures and Mechanical Defects
Brake problems are a factor in approximately 29% of large truck crashes. Common brake issues include:
- Worn brake pads or shoes
- Improper brake adjustment
- Air brake system failures
- Overheated brakes on long descents
In Terrell County’s terrain, with its elevation changes, brake maintenance is especially critical.
Distracted and Impaired Driving
Truck drivers face the same distractions as other motorists, but the consequences are far more severe:
- Cell phone use (texting is prohibited for CMV drivers)
- In-cab electronics and dispatch communications
- Eating and drinking while driving
- Fatigue (a form of impairment)
- Drug and alcohol use
Speeding and Aggressive Driving
Truck drivers under pressure to meet delivery deadlines may exceed speed limits or drive too fast for conditions. The long, straight highways in Terrell County can tempt drivers to speed, especially when they’re behind schedule.
The Trucking Company’s Playbook: What They Don’t Want You to Know
Within hours of an accident, the trucking company’s rapid-response team springs into action. Their goals:
- Protect their interests, not yours
- Destroy or hide evidence
- Minimize your claim
Here’s what they’re doing while you’re in the hospital:
- Downloading and potentially altering black box data
- Coaching the driver on what to say
- Destroying maintenance records
- Pressuring you to accept a quick, lowball settlement
- Hiring investigators to build a case against you
They have a team. You need one too.
Why You Need a Terrell County Trucking Accident Attorney Immediately
Evidence Disappears Fast
Critical evidence in trucking cases can be destroyed or overwritten 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
We send spoliation letters within 24-48 hours of being retained to preserve this evidence before it’s lost forever.
The 48-Hour Evidence Preservation Protocol
When you call Attorney911 after a Terrell County trucking accident, here’s what we do immediately:
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Send Formal Spoliation Letters
- Demand preservation of all evidence
- Put defendants on legal notice
- Create consequences for evidence destruction
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Preserve Electronic Data
- ECM/Black Box data showing speed, braking, throttle
- ELD records proving hours of service violations
- GPS and telematics data
- Dashcam and forward-facing camera footage
- Dispatch communications
-
Secure Driver Records
- Complete Driver Qualification File
- Employment application and background check
- Driving record and previous employers
- Medical certification and drug test history
- Training records
-
Obtain Vehicle Records
- Maintenance and repair records
- Inspection reports (pre-trip, post-trip, annual)
- Out-of-service orders and repairs
- Tire records and replacement history
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Document the Scene
- Photograph all damage before vehicles are moved
- Document skid marks, debris patterns, road conditions
- Canvass for surveillance cameras from nearby businesses
- Interview witnesses before memories fade
Holding All Responsible Parties Accountable
In trucking accident cases, multiple parties may share liability:
The Truck Driver
Direct
