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

If you or a loved one has been involved in an 18-wheeler accident in Tom Green County, you’re facing one of the most traumatic experiences of your life. The aftermath of these collisions – the physical pain, emotional trauma, and financial uncertainty – can feel overwhelming. But you don’t have to face this alone. At Attorney911, we’ve been fighting for trucking accident victims across Texas for over 25 years, and we’re here to help you understand your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.

Why 18-Wheeler Accidents in Tom Green County Are Different

Tom Green County’s position in West Texas makes it a critical hub for commercial trucking. The intersection of US-67, US-87, and US-277 creates a busy freight corridor that sees significant truck traffic daily. Whether you were traveling on these highways, passing through San Angelo, or commuting to work, the risk of encountering large commercial vehicles is ever-present.

What makes 18-wheeler accidents fundamentally different from car accidents is the sheer scale of destruction they cause. A fully loaded commercial truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds – 20 to 25 times more than the average passenger vehicle. When these massive vehicles collide with cars, the results are often catastrophic.

In Tom Green County, we see a particular pattern of trucking accidents due to:

• The long stretches of highway that can lead to driver fatigue
• The mix of local traffic with through-traffic from major freight routes
• Weather conditions that can create hazardous driving conditions
• The presence of distribution centers and warehouses that generate local truck traffic

The Devastating Impact of Trucking Accidents in Our Community

The injuries we see from 18-wheeler accidents in Tom Green County are often life-altering:

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): The violent forces in a truck collision can cause your brain to impact the inside of your skull, leading to cognitive impairments, memory loss, and personality changes. Many TBI survivors in Tom Green County require lifelong care and rehabilitation.

Spinal Cord Injuries: Damage to the spinal cord can result in partial or complete paralysis. Quadriplegia (loss of function in all four limbs) and paraplegia (loss of function in the lower body) are common outcomes that change lives forever.

Amputations: The crushing forces in truck accidents often result in traumatic amputations at the scene or surgical amputations later. Losing a limb affects every aspect of life – from career prospects to daily activities.

Severe Burns: When fuel tanks rupture or hazardous cargo ignites, victims can suffer horrific burns requiring multiple skin graft surgeries and years of painful rehabilitation.

Wrongful Death: Tragically, many trucking accidents in Tom Green County result in fatalities. When a loved one is taken too soon, families are left to cope with both emotional devastation and financial hardship.

These aren’t just statistics – they’re real people in our community whose lives have been shattered by preventable trucking accidents. We’ve seen firsthand how these injuries affect families in San Angelo, Grape Creek, and across Tom Green County.

Who’s Really Responsible for Your Injuries?

One of the most important things to understand about 18-wheeler accidents is that multiple parties may share responsibility. Unlike car accidents where typically only one driver is at fault, trucking accidents often involve a complex web of liable parties:

The Truck Driver: The most obvious party, but often not the only one. Drivers can be liable for speeding, distracted driving, fatigue, impairment, or failing to conduct proper pre-trip inspections.

The Trucking Company: Under the legal doctrine of respondeat superior, employers are responsible for their employees’ actions within the scope of employment. But trucking companies can also be directly liable for:

• Negligent hiring (failing to properly vet drivers)
• Negligent training (inadequate safety instruction)
• Negligent supervision (failing to monitor driver performance)
• Negligent scheduling (pressuring drivers to violate hours of service rules)

Cargo Owners and Loaders: Improperly secured or overweight cargo causes many accidents. The company that loaded the truck or the shipper who provided the cargo may share liability.

Maintenance Companies: Third-party maintenance providers who fail to properly inspect or repair vehicles can be held accountable when mechanical failures cause accidents.

Manufacturers: Defective truck parts, brakes, tires, or safety systems can lead to product liability claims against manufacturers.

Freight Brokers: Companies that arrange transportation but don’t own trucks can be liable for negligently selecting unsafe carriers.

In Tom Green County, we’ve seen cases where multiple defendants tried to shift blame to each other while our clients suffered. That’s why it’s crucial to have an attorney who knows how to investigate all potential sources of liability and pursue every available avenue for compensation.

The Critical Evidence in Your Tom Green County Trucking Case

Winning your case depends on gathering and preserving critical evidence – and doing it quickly. In trucking cases, evidence disappears fast. Here’s what we focus on:

Electronic Data: Modern trucks are equipped with sophisticated electronic systems that record valuable data:

• ECM/Black Box Data: Records speed, braking, throttle position, and fault codes
• ELD (Electronic Logging Device): Tracks hours of service and driving time
• GPS/Telematics: Shows the truck’s route and location history
• Dashcam Footage: Video evidence of the accident and driver behavior

This data can be overwritten in as little as 30 days, which is why we send spoliation letters immediately to preserve it.

Driver Records: We obtain the complete Driver Qualification File, which should include:

• Employment application and background check
• Driving record and previous employer verifications
• Medical certification
• Drug and alcohol test results
• Training records

Maintenance Records: Trucking companies must maintain systematic inspection and maintenance records. These can reveal:

• Deferred maintenance
• Known mechanical issues
• Brake adjustment problems
• Tire replacement history

Hours of Service Records: ELD data and logbooks show whether the driver violated federal rest requirements. Fatigue is a leading cause of trucking accidents.

Cargo Documentation: Bills of lading and cargo securement records can reveal overloaded or improperly secured cargo that contributed to the accident.

Company Safety Records: We obtain the carrier’s CSA (Compliance, Safety, Accountability) scores and inspection history to identify patterns of safety violations.

In Tom Green County, we know where to look for this evidence and how to preserve it before it disappears. Our team includes investigators who know exactly what to look for and how to obtain it through legal channels.

Common Causes of 18-Wheeler Accidents in Tom Green County

Understanding what caused your accident is crucial to building a strong case. In our experience handling trucking cases in Tom Green County, we frequently see these causes:

Driver Fatigue: Despite federal hours of service regulations, many drivers push beyond their limits due to pressure from trucking companies. Fatigued driving is as dangerous as drunk driving.

Distracted Driving: Cell phone use, GPS devices, dispatch communications, and in-cab electronics distract drivers from the road. Federal regulations prohibit hand-held phone use while driving.

Speeding: Tom Green County’s highways can lull drivers into complacency, leading to excessive speeds. Trucks require much longer stopping distances than cars.

Improper Cargo Securement: Shifting or falling cargo causes rollovers and creates road hazards for other vehicles. Cargo securement violations are among the most common FMCSA violations.

Brake Failures: Poorly maintained brakes are a leading mechanical cause of truck accidents. Brake system violations are among the most common out-of-service violations.

Tire Blowouts: Underinflated, overloaded, or worn tires can fail catastrophically. Tom Green County’s heat can accelerate tire degradation.

Improper Lane Changes: Trucks have large blind spots (No-Zones) where cars disappear from view. Lane change accidents are common when drivers fail to check mirrors properly.

Wide Turn Accidents: Trucks need extra space to make turns. When drivers swing wide before turning right, they can trap vehicles in the gap.

Underride Collisions: When cars slide under trailers, the results are often fatal. Federal law requires rear impact guards, but side underride guards are not mandated.

Jackknife Accidents: When trailers swing out perpendicular to the cab, they can block multiple lanes of traffic. These often occur during sudden braking.

Rollover Accidents: Top-heavy loads, speeding on curves, and improper loading can cause trucks to roll over, often involving multiple vehicles.

In Tom Green County, we see a particular pattern of accidents related to the local trucking environment. The long stretches of highway can lead to driver fatigue, while the mix of local and through traffic creates complex driving situations that require extra vigilance.

The Federal Regulations That Protect You

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has established comprehensive regulations to prevent trucking accidents. When trucking companies and drivers violate these rules, they create dangerous conditions that often lead to catastrophic accidents. Here are the key regulations that apply to every commercial truck operating in Tom Green County:

Hours of Service Rules (49 CFR Part 395): These regulations limit how long drivers can operate to prevent fatigue:

• Maximum 11 hours driving after 10 consecutive hours off duty
• Cannot drive beyond the 14th consecutive hour after coming on duty
• 30-minute break required after 8 cumulative hours of driving
• 60/70-hour weekly limits with 34-hour restart provision

Driver Qualification Standards (49 CFR Part 391): Trucking companies must:

• Maintain complete Driver Qualification Files
• Verify driving records and previous employment
• Ensure drivers are medically qualified
• Confirm drivers have valid commercial driver’s licenses

Vehicle Inspection and Maintenance (49 CFR Part 396): Companies must:

• Systematically inspect, repair, and maintain all vehicles
• Conduct pre-trip and post-trip inspections
• Maintain records of all maintenance and repairs
• Keep vehicles in safe operating condition

Cargo Securement (49 CFR Part 393): Cargo must be secured to withstand:

• 0.8g deceleration forward
• 0.5g acceleration rearward
• 0.5g acceleration laterally
• Proper tiedowns must be used based on cargo type and weight

Drug and Alcohol Testing (49 CFR Part 382): Drivers must:

• Pass pre-employment drug tests
• Be subject to random testing
• Be tested after accidents
• Not use controlled substances while on duty

Electronic Logging Devices (ELD Mandate): Since December 2017, most commercial drivers must use ELDs that:

• Automatically record driving time
• Cannot be altered after the fact
• Provide objective data about hours of service compliance

When we investigate trucking accidents in Tom Green County, we look for violations of these regulations. Proving regulatory violations is often the key to establishing negligence and securing maximum compensation for our clients.

What to Do After an 18-Wheeler Accident in Tom Green County

The steps you take in the hours and days after a trucking accident can significantly impact your case. Here’s what you should do:

1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Even if you feel okay, get checked out at Shannon Medical Center or another local hospital. Many injuries don’t show symptoms immediately. Medical records will be crucial evidence.

2. Call the Police: Always file a police report. In Texas, you’re legally required to report accidents involving injury, death, or vehicles that can’t be safely driven. The police report will document the scene and often include an officer’s determination of fault.

3. Document the Scene: If you’re able, take photos and videos of:

• All vehicles involved (exterior and interior damage)
• The accident scene (road conditions, skid marks, traffic signals)
• Your injuries
• The truck’s license plate, DOT number, and company information
• Any visible cargo or debris

4. Collect Witness Information: Get names and contact information from anyone who saw the accident. Independent witness testimony can be crucial when liability is disputed.

5. Preserve Evidence: Don’t let the trucking company take possession of the truck or trailer. Critical evidence can be lost or destroyed if the vehicle is repaired or put back into service.

6. Don’t Give Statements: Do not give recorded statements to any insurance company without consulting an attorney first. Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize claims.

7. Contact an Attorney Immediately: Time is critical in trucking cases. Evidence disappears quickly. We send spoliation letters within hours to preserve black box data, ELD records, and other critical evidence.

How We Fight for Tom Green County Trucking Accident Victims

At Attorney911, we have a proven process for handling 18-wheeler accident cases in Tom Green County:

1. Immediate Investigation: We act fast to preserve evidence before it’s lost or destroyed. This includes sending spoliation letters, obtaining ECM/ELD data, and securing the truck for inspection.

2. Comprehensive Evidence Gathering: We obtain all relevant records:

• Driver Qualification File
• Hours of Service records
• Maintenance and inspection records
• Cargo documentation
• Drug and alcohol test results
• Cell phone records
• Company safety records

3. Expert Analysis: We work with accident reconstruction experts, medical professionals, and vocational experts to build a strong case. Our experts can:

• Reconstruct how the accident occurred
• Determine the forces involved
• Assess the extent of your injuries
• Calculate your future medical needs
• Determine your lost earning capacity

4. Identify All Liable Parties: We investigate every potential defendant to maximize your compensation. This may include the driver, trucking company, cargo owner, maintenance provider, manufacturer, or freight broker.

5. Aggressive Negotiation: We negotiate from a position of strength. Insurance companies know we’re prepared to take cases to trial, which gives us leverage in settlement negotiations.

6. Trial Preparation: While most cases settle, we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial. This preparation strengthens our negotiating position and ensures we’re ready if the case goes to court.

The Compensation You May Be Entitled To

Trucking accident victims in Tom Green County may be entitled to various types of compensation:

Economic Damages:

• Past and future medical expenses
• Lost wages and benefits
• Loss of future earning capacity
• Property damage
• Out-of-pocket expenses
• Life care costs for catastrophic injuries

Non-Economic Damages:

• Pain and suffering
• Mental anguish
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Disfigurement
• Physical impairment
• Loss of consortium (for spouses)

Punitive Damages: In cases of gross negligence or willful misconduct, punitive damages may be available to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar conduct.

Texas law allows for significant compensation in serious injury cases. We’ve seen verdicts ranging from hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars for trucking accident victims. The key is having an attorney who knows how to properly document and present your damages.

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Tom Green County Trucking Case

When you’re facing the aftermath of a catastrophic trucking accident, you need more than just a lawyer – you need a team with the experience, resources, and commitment to fight for you. Here’s why Tom Green County residents choose Attorney911:

25+ Years of Experience: Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has been fighting for injury victims since 1998. He has federal court experience and has secured multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements for families devastated by trucking accidents.

Insurance Defense Insider: Our team includes a former insurance defense attorney who knows exactly how trucking companies and their insurers operate. He understands their tactics and knows how to counter them.

Proven Results: We’ve recovered millions of dollars for trucking accident victims. Our results include:

• $5+ million for a brain injury caused by a falling log at a logging company
• $3.8+ million for an amputation resulting from a car accident with medical complications
• $2.5+ million for a truck crash recovery
• Millions recovered for families in wrongful death cases

Local Knowledge: We understand Tom Green County’s trucking corridors, local courts, and the unique factors that affect trucking accidents in our area. This local knowledge gives us an advantage in building your case.

Compassionate Representation: We treat our clients like family. We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll these accidents take, and we’re committed to supporting you through every step of the process.

No Fee Unless We Win: We work on contingency – you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you. We advance all costs of investigation and litigation.

The Attorney911 Difference: Fighting for West Texas Families

What sets us apart is our commitment to the people of Tom Green County. We’re not a national mega-firm that treats you like a case number. We’re a Texas firm that understands the values and needs of our community.

We know that when an 18-wheeler changes your life in an instant, you need more than legal representation – you need someone who will stand by you, fight for you, and treat you with the respect and compassion you deserve. That’s what we provide.

Our team includes bilingual staff who can assist Spanish-speaking clients, ensuring that language barriers don’t prevent anyone from getting the legal help they need. We understand the diverse community of Tom Green County and are committed to serving all residents.

What to Expect When You Call Attorney911

When you call our office after a trucking accident in Tom Green County, here’s what you can expect:

1. Free, No-Obligation Consultation: We’ll listen to your story and evaluate your case at no cost to you. There’s no pressure and no obligation.

2. Immediate Action: If we take your case, we’ll spring into action immediately to preserve evidence and protect your rights.

3. Open Communication: You’ll have direct access to your legal team. We’ll keep you informed every step of the way and answer your questions promptly.

4. Comprehensive Case Development: We’ll investigate every aspect of your case, gather evidence, and build a strong claim on your behalf.

5. Aggressive Negotiation: We’ll negotiate with insurance companies from a position of strength, always keeping your best interests in mind.

6. Trial Preparation: While most cases settle, we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial. This preparation strengthens our negotiating position.

7. Maximum Compensation: Our goal is to recover the maximum compensation possible for your injuries, losses, and suffering.

Common Questions About 18-Wheeler Accidents in Tom Green County

How long do I have to file a lawsuit after a trucking accident in Tom Green County?

In Texas, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases is 2 years from the date of the accident. However, you should never wait this long to take action. Evidence disappears quickly in trucking cases, and the sooner you contact an attorney, the stronger your case will be.

What if the truck driver says I caused the accident?

Texas uses a modified comparative negligence system. Even if you were partially at fault, you may still recover compensation as long as you were less than 50% responsible. Our job is to investigate thoroughly and present the strongest possible case on your behalf.

How much is my trucking accident case worth?

Every case is unique. The value depends on factors like:

• The severity of your injuries
• Your medical expenses (past and future)
• Your lost income and earning capacity
• The degree of the defendant’s negligence
• The available insurance coverage

Trucking companies carry much higher insurance limits than typical car drivers – often $750,000 to $5 million or more. This higher coverage means catastrophic injuries can actually be compensated.

Will my case go to trial?

Most trucking accident 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 this willingness often leads to better settlement offers.

What if the trucking company offers me a quick settlement?

Be very cautious about accepting early settlement offers. These are typically lowball offers 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.

Can I afford an attorney?

Yes. We work on contingency – you pay nothing unless we win your case. We advance all costs of investigation and litigation. If we don’t recover compensation for you, you owe us nothing.

What if I was partially at fault for the accident?

Texas follows a modified comparative negligence rule. As long as you were less than 50% at fault, you can still recover compensation. Your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you were 20% at fault, you would recover 80% of your damages.

The Time to Act Is Now

If you or a loved one has been injured in an 18-wheeler accident in Tom Green County, time is not on your side. Critical evidence is disappearing every day. Black box data can be overwritten. Dashcam footage gets deleted. Witness memories fade. The trucking company and their insurance team are already working to protect their interests.

Don’t let them control the narrative of what happened. Don’t let them pressure you into accepting a lowball settlement. Don’t let them destroy evidence that could prove their negligence.

At Attorney911, we’re ready to fight for you. We have the experience, resources, and commitment to take on the trucking companies and their insurers. We know how to preserve evidence, build strong cases, and recover maximum compensation for our clients.

Call us today at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, no-obligation consultation. We’ll listen to your story, explain your rights, and help you understand your options. There’s no fee unless we win your case, so you have nothing to lose and everything to gain.

Remember – the trucking company has lawyers working to protect them. You deserve the same level of representation. Let us be your advocates and fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.

Hablamos Español. Si usted o un ser querido ha sido lesionado en un accidente de camión en el condado de Tom Green, llame al 1-888-ATTY-911 para una consulta gratuita. Nuestro equipo incluye abogados y personal bilingüe listos para ayudarle.