18-Wheeler Accidents in Texas: Your Complete Legal Guide
Every year, thousands of Texans are seriously injured in collisions with 18-wheelers on our state’s highways. If you or a loved one has been hurt in a trucking accident in Texas, you need to understand your rights and the unique legal landscape that applies to commercial vehicle crashes.
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 Texas’s trucking corridors, from I-10’s Gulf Coast route to I-35’s NAFTA corridor, and we know how to hold negligent trucking companies accountable.
Why 18-Wheeler Accidents Are Different
Trucking accidents aren’t like regular car crashes. The physics alone make them far more dangerous:
- A fully loaded 18-wheeler can weigh up to 80,000 pounds – that’s 20-25 times heavier than your car
- At 65 mph, an 80,000-pound truck needs 525 feet to stop – nearly two football fields
- The force of impact from a truck is roughly 80 times greater than from a passenger vehicle
This massive size and weight disparity means trucking accidents often result in catastrophic injuries or wrongful death. Common injuries we see in Texas trucking cases include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Spinal cord damage and paralysis
- Amputations
- Severe burns
- Internal organ damage
- Wrongful death
Texas Trucking Corridors: Where Accidents Happen Most
Texas has more truck traffic than any other state, and certain corridors see particularly high accident rates:
I-10 Corridor (Gulf Coast):
Running from El Paso through Houston to the Louisiana border, I-10 is one of the busiest trucking routes in America. The Port of Houston alone generates massive truck traffic, with container ships unloading cargo that must be transported across the country. This corridor sees frequent accidents involving:
- Port-related truck traffic
- Oil field equipment transport
- Chemical shipments from petrochemical plants
- Cross-country freight
I-35 Corridor (NAFTA Highway):
Stretching from Laredo (the busiest border crossing in the Western Hemisphere) through San Antonio, Austin, and Dallas to Oklahoma, I-35 is the primary NAFTA trade route. Accidents here often involve:
- Mexican truck traffic
- Overloaded border crossings
- Fatigued drivers pushing delivery deadlines
- Hazardous material transport
I-45 Corridor (Houston to Dallas):
This vital north-south route connects Texas’s two largest metro areas and sees heavy truck traffic from:
- Distribution centers in the Woodlands area
- Oil field equipment transport
- Agricultural shipments
- Just-in-time delivery vehicles
I-20 Corridor (West Texas to Dallas):
Running from the Permian Basin oil fields through Odessa, Midland, and Fort Worth to Dallas, this route sees:
- Oil field truck traffic
- Hazardous material transport
- Fatigued drivers on long hauls
- Extreme weather conditions
Common Causes of Texas Trucking Accidents
Our experience handling trucking cases across Texas has revealed the most frequent causes of these devastating crashes:
Driver Fatigue (Hours of Service Violations):
Federal regulations limit truck drivers to:
- 11 hours of driving after 10 consecutive hours off duty
- No driving beyond the 14th consecutive hour on duty
- 30-minute break required after 8 cumulative hours of driving
- 60/70-hour weekly limits
Despite these rules, we routinely find drivers violating hours of service regulations. In Texas, where long hauls are common, fatigue is a major factor in trucking accidents. Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) now make it harder to falsify logs, but violations still occur.
Distracted Driving:
Texas law prohibits commercial drivers from using hand-held mobile phones while driving. Despite this, we frequently see:
- Texting while driving
- Using dispatch devices
- Eating or drinking while driving
- Adjusting GPS systems
Improper Maintenance:
Trucking companies must systematically inspect, repair, and maintain their vehicles. Common maintenance failures we find include:
- Worn or improperly adjusted brakes
- Bald or underinflated tires
- Faulty lighting systems
- Defective coupling devices
- Worn suspension components
Cargo Securement Failures:
Improperly secured cargo causes rollovers, jackknives, and spills. Federal regulations require cargo to be secured to withstand:
- 0.8 g deceleration (sudden stop)
- 0.5 g acceleration
- 0.5 g lateral force (side-to-side)
Driver Qualification Issues:
Trucking companies must maintain Driver Qualification Files containing:
- Employment application
- Driving record
- Medical certification
- Drug test results
- Training records
We often find incomplete or missing files, proving negligent hiring.
The Most Dangerous Types of Trucking Accidents in Texas
Jackknife Accidents:
When the trailer swings out perpendicular to the cab, often blocking multiple lanes. Common causes:
- Sudden braking on wet or icy roads
- Speeding, especially on curves
- Empty or lightly loaded trailers
- Brake system failures
Underride Collisions:
When a smaller vehicle slides underneath the trailer, often resulting in decapitation. Texas sees far too many of these preventable tragedies. While rear underride guards are federally required, side underride guards are not – despite their proven lifesaving potential.
Rollover Accidents:
Top-heavy trucks tip over, often causing multi-vehicle pileups. Common causes:
- Speeding on curves or ramps
- Improperly loaded cargo
- Liquid cargo shifting
- Overcorrection after tire blowouts
Wide Turn Accidents (“Squeeze Play”):
When trucks swing wide to make right turns, creating gaps that other vehicles enter. The truck then completes the turn, crushing the vehicle in the gap. These are particularly common in urban areas like Houston, San Antonio, and Dallas.
Blind Spot Accidents (“No-Zones”):
Trucks have massive blind spots:
- 20 feet in front of the cab
- 30 feet behind the trailer
- Along both sides, especially the right side
Accidents occur when trucks change lanes without seeing vehicles in these blind spots.
Who’s Responsible? Multiple Parties May Be Liable
In trucking accidents, multiple parties may share responsibility:
The Truck Driver:
Direct liability for:
- Speeding or reckless driving
- Distracted driving
- Fatigued driving
- Impaired driving
- Failure to conduct proper pre-trip inspections
The Trucking Company:
Both vicarious liability (for the driver’s actions) and direct liability for:
- Negligent hiring (hiring unqualified drivers)
- Negligent training (inadequate safety training)
- Negligent supervision (failing to monitor driver behavior)
- Negligent maintenance (poor vehicle upkeep)
- Negligent scheduling (pressuring drivers to violate HOS rules)
Cargo Owners and Loaders:
Liability for:
- Improper cargo loading
- Overweight loads
- Failure to disclose hazardous materials
- Pressuring carriers to expedite shipments
Truck and Parts Manufacturers:
Product liability for:
- Defective brakes
- Defective tires
- Defective steering systems
- Defective safety systems
Maintenance Companies:
Liability for:
- Negligent repairs
- Failure to identify safety issues
- Using substandard parts
Freight Brokers:
Liability for:
- Negligent selection of unsafe carriers
- Failure to verify carrier insurance
- Failure to check carrier safety records
The Critical 48-Hour Evidence Preservation Protocol
Evidence in trucking cases disappears fast. Here’s what we do immediately for our Texas clients:
Send Spoliation Letters:
Within 24-48 hours, we send formal legal notices demanding preservation of:
- ECM/Black Box Data (can be overwritten in 30 days)
- ELD Records (may be retained only 6 months)
- Dashcam Footage (often deleted within 7-14 days)
- Maintenance Records
- Driver Qualification Files
- Drug and Alcohol Test Results
- Cell Phone Records
- Dispatch Records
Preserve Physical Evidence:
- The truck and trailer themselves
- Failed components (brakes, tires, etc.)
- Cargo and securement devices
- Surveillance video from nearby businesses
Gather Scene Evidence:
- Photograph all vehicle damage
- Document skid marks and debris patterns
- Measure stopping distances
- Analyze road conditions and signage
Interview Witnesses:
- Get statements while memories are fresh
- Obtain contact information for follow-up
- Identify independent witnesses
Texas-Specific Legal Considerations
Statute of Limitations:
In Texas, you have 2 years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. However, you should never wait this long. Evidence disappears quickly, and the sooner we begin our investigation, the stronger your case will be.
Comparative Negligence:
Texas follows a “modified comparative negligence” rule. You can recover damages as long as you’re not more than 50% at fault. However, your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you’re found 20% at fault, you recover 80% of your damages.
Damage Caps:
Texas has complex rules on punitive damages:
- Greater of (2x economic damages + non-economic damages capped at $750,000) OR $200,000
- No cap on compensatory damages for pain and suffering in most personal injury cases
Government Claims:
If a government entity’s negligence contributed to your accident (poor road design, inadequate signage), special rules apply:
- Notice requirements
- Shorter deadlines
- Damage caps
What’s Your Case Worth? Texas Trucking Accident Settlements
Case values depend on many factors, but here are some Texas-specific ranges based on our experience:
Economic Damages (Calculable Losses):
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost wages
- Lost earning capacity
- Property damage
- Life care costs
Non-Economic Damages (Quality of Life):
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Disfigurement
- Physical impairment
Punitive Damages:
Available when the trucking company acted with gross negligence or reckless disregard for safety.
Texas Trucking Accident Settlement Ranges:
| Injury Type | Typical Settlement Range |
|---|---|
| Soft Tissue Injuries | $15,000 – $60,000 |
| Herniated Disc (Non-Surgical) | $50,000 – $200,000 |
| Herniated Disc (With Surgery) | $346,000 – $1,205,000 |
| Traumatic Brain Injury (Mod-Severe) | $1,548,000 – $9,838,000+ |
| Amputation | $1,945,000 – $8,630,000 |
| Wrongful Death | $1,910,000 – $9,520,000+ |
These ranges are based on actual Texas trucking accident settlements and verdicts. Remember that every case is unique, and your specific circumstances will determine your case’s value.
Recent Texas Trucking Verdicts and Settlements
Texas juries have shown they will hold trucking companies accountable:
- $730 Million (2021): Ramsey v. Landstar Ranger – Navy propeller oversize load killed 73-year-old woman
- $150 Million (2022): Werner settlement – Two children killed on I-30
- $37.5 Million (2024): Texas trucking verdict
- $35.5 Million (2024): Texas family injured in truck accident
- $35 Million (2025): Fort Worth, TX – Largest verdict in Tarrant County
These verdicts demonstrate what’s possible when trucking companies are held fully accountable for their negligence.
Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Texas Trucking Case?
1. Texas-Specific Experience:
We know Texas’s trucking corridors, courts, and juries. Our offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont give us local knowledge across the state.
2. Insider Knowledge:
Our team includes Lupe Peña, a former insurance defense attorney who knows exactly how trucking companies and their 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. Aggressive Evidence Preservation:
We send spoliation letters immediately to preserve critical evidence before it’s destroyed. We know what evidence to look for and how to obtain it.
4. Federal Court Experience:
With admission to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas, we can handle interstate trucking cases that may be filed in federal court.
5. Multi-Million Dollar Results:
We’ve recovered millions for Texas trucking accident victims. Our results speak for themselves:
- $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
- Millions recovered for families in trucking-related wrongful death cases
6. Spanish-Language Services:
Many Texas truck drivers and accident victims speak Spanish as their primary language. Our associate attorney Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish, and we have bilingual staff members like Zulema to serve our Spanish-speaking clients directly.
7. 24/7 Availability:
Trucking accidents don’t happen on a 9-to-5 schedule. We’re available 24/7 to take your call and begin protecting your rights immediately.
What to Do After a Trucking Accident in Texas
At the Scene:
- Call 911 and report the accident
- Seek medical attention immediately, 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 Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911
In the Following Days:
- Follow up with medical treatment
- Keep all medical appointments
- Document your injuries and recovery
- Save all medical bills and records
- Keep a journal of your pain and limitations
- Do not post about your accident on social media
- Refer all insurance calls to Attorney911
Frequently Asked Questions About Texas Trucking Accidents
Q: How long do I have to file a lawsuit after a trucking accident in Texas?
A: The statute of limitations in Texas is 2 years from the date of the accident. However, you should contact an attorney immediately. Critical evidence can disappear within days.
Q: What if the truck driver says the accident was my fault?
A: Texas uses comparative negligence rules. Even if you were partially at fault, you may still recover compensation. Our job is to investigate thoroughly and prove what really happened.
Q: How much insurance do trucking companies carry in Texas?
A: Federal law requires minimum liability coverage:
- $750,000 for non-hazardous freight
- $1,000,000 for oil/petroleum and 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.
Q: What is a truck’s “black box” and how does it help my case?
A: Commercial trucks have Electronic Control Modules (ECM) and Event Data Recorders (EDR) that record operational data including:
- Speed before and during the crash
- Brake application timing
- Throttle position
- GPS location
- Hours of service data
This objective data often contradicts what drivers claim happened.
Q: Can I still recover if the trucking company goes bankrupt?
A: Yes. We pursue all available insurance coverage, including:
- The motor carrier’s liability policy
- Trailer interchange coverage
- Cargo insurance
- Owner-operator’s policy
- Excess/umbrella coverage
Q: What if I was partially at fault for the accident?
A: Texas follows modified comparative negligence rules. You can recover as long as you’re not more than 50% at fault. However, your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault.
Q: How long do trucking accident cases take to resolve?
A: 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.
Q: Do I need to pay anything upfront to hire Attorney911?
A: No. We work on contingency – you pay nothing unless we win your case. We advance all costs of investigation and litigation.
Texas Trucking Regulations: What You Need to Know
Texas follows federal FMCSA regulations, but there are some state-specific considerations:
Texas Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Requirements:
- Must be at least 18 years old (21 for interstate driving)
- Must pass knowledge and skills tests
- Must have valid medical certificate
- Must self-certify driving type (interstate or intrastate)
Texas Size and Weight Limits:
- Maximum width: 8’6″
- Maximum height: 14′
- Maximum length: 59′ (tractor-trailer)
- Maximum weight: 80,000 lbs (with proper permits)
Texas Intrastate Hours of Service:
For drivers operating only within Texas:
- 12 hours of driving after 8 consecutive hours off duty
- 16-hour on-duty window
- 70-hour weekly limit
Texas Chain Laws:
While Texas doesn’t have statewide chain laws, certain mountain passes and areas may require chains during winter weather conditions.
The Attorney911 Difference: How We Handle Texas Trucking Cases
1. Immediate Action:
We begin investigating your case immediately, often within hours of your call. We know what evidence to look for and how to preserve it before it’s lost.
2. Comprehensive Investigation:
Our investigation includes:
- Obtaining and analyzing ECM/Black Box data
- Reviewing ELD records for HOS violations
- Subpoenaing cell phone records
- Obtaining driver qualification files
- Reviewing maintenance and inspection records
- Analyzing cargo loading and securement
- Interviewing witnesses
- Visiting the accident scene
- Working with accident reconstruction experts
3. Identifying All Liable Parties:
We pursue claims against every potentially liable party, not just the obvious ones. This includes:
- The truck driver
- The trucking company
- The cargo owner
- The loading company
- Truck and parts manufacturers
- Maintenance companies
- Freight brokers
- Government entities (for road defects)
4. Building the Strongest Case:
We work with top experts including:
- Accident reconstruction specialists
- Medical experts
- Vocational rehabilitation experts
- Life care planners
- Economists
- FMCSA regulation experts
5. Aggressive Negotiation:
We negotiate from a position of strength. Insurance companies know we’re prepared to take cases to trial if necessary. Our former insurance defense attorney knows all their tactics for minimizing claims.
6. Trial Preparation:
While most cases settle, we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial. This preparation gives us leverage in negotiations and ensures we’re ready if trial becomes necessary.
Common Insurance Company Tactics (And How We Counter Them)
1. Quick Lowball Settlement Offers:
Insurance companies often offer quick settlements to pay you far less than your case is worth. We never accept early offers without fully understanding the extent of your injuries and damages.
2. Denying or Minimizing Injuries:
Insurance adjusters may claim your injuries aren’t serious or aren’t related to the accident. We counter with comprehensive medical documentation and expert testimony.
3. Blaming the Victim:
Adjusters may try to blame you for the accident. We counter with evidence from the accident scene, witness statements, and data from the truck’s black box.
4. Delaying the Claims Process:
Some insurers intentionally delay to pressure you into accepting a low offer. We keep your case moving forward and file lawsuits when necessary to force resolution.
5. Using Recorded Statements Against You:
Adjusters may ask for a recorded statement to get you to say something that hurts your case. We advise our clients never to give statements without an attorney present.
6. “Pre-Existing Condition” Defense:
Insurers may claim your injuries existed before the accident. We apply Texas’s “eggshell skull” doctrine – defendants take plaintiffs as they find them.
7. “Gap in Treatment” Attacks:
Insurers may argue that gaps in your medical treatment mean you weren’t really injured. We document all treatment and explain any gaps with medical records.
8. Sending Surveillance Investigators:
Insurance companies may hire investigators to follow you and take video of your activities. We advise our clients on appropriate conduct and expose unfair surveillance tactics.
9. Hiring “Independent” Medical Examiners:
Insurers may require you to see their doctor for an “independent” exam. We counter with reports from your treating physicians and our own independent experts.
10. Drowning You in Paperwork:
Some insurers try to overwhelm plaintiffs with paperwork. We handle all communications with the insurance company so you can focus on your recovery.
What to Expect When You Hire Attorney911
Step 1: Free Consultation
We offer a free, no-obligation consultation to evaluate your case. We’ll listen to your story, answer your questions, and explain your legal options.
Step 2: Case Acceptance
If we believe we can help you, we’ll accept your case on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing upfront, and we only get paid if we win your case.
Step 3: Immediate Investigation
We begin investigating immediately, sending spoliation letters to preserve evidence and gathering all available documentation.
Step 4: Medical Care Coordination
We help you get the medical care you need, even if you don’t have insurance. We work with doctors who will treat you on a lien basis.
Step 5: Demand Letter
Once we understand the full extent of your injuries, we send a comprehensive demand letter to the insurance company, calculating all your damages.
Step 6: Negotiation
We negotiate aggressively with the insurance company. Our goal is to reach a fair settlement without the need for litigation.
Step 7: Litigation (If Necessary)
If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, we file a lawsuit and begin the litigation process.
Step 8: Resolution
The vast majority of cases settle before trial. If necessary, we’re prepared to take your case to trial and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Texas Trucking Accident Resources
Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT):
- Crash Records Information System (CRIS)
- Road condition reports
- Highway safety information
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA):
- Carrier safety records (safer.fmcsa.dot.gov)
- Inspection and violation data
- Company safety snapshots
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA):
- Fatality Analysis Reporting System (FARS)
- Vehicle safety recalls
- Traffic safety research
Texas Trucking Association:
- Industry information
- Safety resources
- Legislative updates
Contact Attorney911 Today
If you or a loved one has been injured in a trucking accident anywhere in Texas, call Attorney911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911). Our Texas trucking accident attorneys offer free consultations and work on contingency – you pay nothing unless we win your case.
Remember, evidence disappears fast. Black box data can be overwritten in 30 days. Trucking companies have rapid-response teams working to protect their interests. You need an attorney who moves just as fast.
At Attorney911, we’re ready to fight for you. We have the experience, resources, and determination to hold trucking companies accountable and secure the compensation you deserve.
Call 1-888-ATTY-911 now for your free consultation.
Hablamos Español. Llame a Lupe Peña al 1-888-ATTY-911.
