18-Wheeler Accidents in Tom Green County, Texas: Your Complete Legal Guide

When an 80,000-Pound Truck Changes Your Life Forever

The impact was catastrophic. One moment you were driving along US-67 or FM 2335 in Tom Green County, the next an 18-wheeler was jackknifing across three lanes or rolling over in front of you. In an instant, everything changed.

We understand what you’re going through. As Tom Green County trucking accident attorneys with over 25 years of experience, we’ve seen how these crashes devastate families. The pain is constant. The medical bills are mounting. And the trucking company’s insurance adjuster is already calling, hoping you’ll accept whatever they offer.

You need more than sympathy – you need a fighter. Someone who knows the trucking corridors serving San Angelo and the surrounding communities. Someone who understands the unique challenges of Tom Green County’s highways. Someone who can go toe-to-toe with the trucking companies and their teams of lawyers.

At Attorney911, we’re not just Texas attorneys. We’re Tom Green County attorneys. We know the roads, the courts, and how to hold negligent trucking companies accountable.

Why Tom Green County Trucking Accidents Are Different

Tom Green County sits at the crossroads of major Texas trucking corridors. Our highways connect the Permian Basin oil fields to the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, and the Gulf Coast ports to the Mountain West. This strategic location means heavy truck traffic on:

• US-67 – The primary east-west route connecting San Angelo to Interstate 10
• US-87 – A critical north-south corridor linking San Angelo to Lubbock and San Antonio
• FM 2335 – A busy route serving local distribution centers
• Loop 306 – The main bypass around San Angelo
• FM 388 – Connecting rural communities to the city

The trucking companies that serve Tom Green County include major national carriers, regional oilfield haulers, and local agricultural transporters. This mix creates unique accident patterns:

• Fatigue-related crashes on long-haul routes from the Permian Basin
• Brake failures on steep grades approaching San Angelo
• Cargo shift accidents from improperly secured agricultural loads
• Underride collisions at rural intersections
• Tire blowouts from extreme West Texas heat

The Trucking Company’s Playbook – And How We Counter It

Within hours of your accident, the trucking company’s rapid-response team is already working to protect their interests, not yours. Here’s what they’re doing – and how we counter it:

Trucking Company Action: Sending investigators to the scene to take photos and statements
Our Counter: We dispatch our own investigators immediately to document evidence before it disappears

Trucking Company Action: Downloading black box data to “preserve” it (often with selective retention)
Our Counter: We send spoliation letters within 24 hours demanding ALL data be preserved

Trucking Company Action: Offering quick settlement checks to victims before injuries are fully diagnosed
Our Counter: We advise you to NEVER accept early offers – they’re always lowball

Trucking Company Action: Training adjusters to minimize your claim
Our Counter: Our team includes a former insurance defense attorney who knows all their tactics

The Evidence That Can Make or Break Your Case

In Tom Green County trucking accident cases, evidence disappears fast. Here’s what we preserve and how it helps your case:

Electronic Control Module (ECM) Data

• Shows speed before impact (proves speeding)
• Records brake application timing (proves delayed reaction)
• Documents throttle position (shows whether driver was accelerating)
• Available for only 30 days unless preserved

Electronic Logging Device (ELD) Records

• Proves hours of service violations (fatigue)
• Shows duty status (on-duty, off-duty, driving)
• Documents GPS location history
• Required to be retained for 6 months

Driver Qualification File

• Employment application (may reveal false information)
• Driving record (shows pattern of violations)
• Medical certification (may reveal disqualifying conditions)
• Drug test results (proves impairment)
• Training records (proves inadequate training)

Maintenance Records

• Inspection reports (shows known defects)
• Repair orders (proves deferred maintenance)
• Parts replacement history (identifies worn components)
• Out-of-service violations (demonstrates negligence)

Cargo Documentation

• Bill of lading (shows cargo type and weight)
• Loading instructions (proves improper loading)
• Securement records (demonstrates tiedown failures)
• Weight tickets (proves overloading)

Common Causes of Trucking Accidents in Tom Green County

Driver Fatigue – The Silent Killer on West Texas Highways

Fatigue causes approximately 31% of fatal truck crashes. In Tom Green County, long-haul drivers from the Permian Basin and agricultural transporters often push beyond legal limits.

FMCSA Hours of Service Violations:

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

How We Prove Fatigue:

• ELD data showing hours of service violations
• Dispatch records revealing unrealistic schedules
• Cell phone records showing late-night communications
• Witness statements about driver behavior
• Video footage showing erratic driving

Distracted Driving – The Modern Scourge of Trucking

Truck drivers face unique distractions:

• Dispatch communications via Qualcomm or other systems
• Navigation devices and GPS units
• Cell phone use (texting, calls, apps)
• In-cab entertainment systems
• Paperwork and logbook management

49 CFR § 392.82 prohibits hand-held mobile phone use while driving. Violations can prove negligence.

Improper Maintenance – When Trucking Companies Cut Corners

Brake failures cause 29% of truck accidents. In Tom Green County’s heat and dust, maintenance is critical but often neglected.

Common Maintenance Failures:

• Worn brake pads not replaced
• Improper brake adjustments
• Air brake system leaks
• Tire blowouts from underinflation
• Worn steering components
• Faulty lighting systems
• Defective coupling devices

49 CFR Part 396 requires systematic inspection, repair, and maintenance. We subpoena maintenance records to prove negligence.

Cargo Securement Failures – When Loads Become Deadly

Improperly secured cargo causes rollovers, spills, and crushing injuries. Agricultural loads common in Tom Green County require special attention.

49 CFR § 393.100-136 specifies cargo securement requirements:

• Working load limit must be at least 50% of cargo weight
• Minimum number of tiedowns based on cargo length
• Specific requirements for different cargo types (coils, machinery, logs, etc.)

Underride Collisions – Among the Deadliest Trucking Accidents

When a passenger vehicle slides under a trailer, the results are often fatal. Tom Green County’s rural roads with limited lighting create underride risks.

Federal Requirements:

• 49 CFR § 393.86 requires rear impact guards on trailers
• Guards must prevent underride at 30 mph impacts
• NO federal requirement for side underride guards (advocacy ongoing)

The Catastrophic Injuries We See in Tom Green County Trucking Cases

The physics of trucking accidents make catastrophic injuries the norm, not the exception. An 80,000-pound truck carries 20-25 times the kinetic energy of a passenger car.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

TBI occurs when the brain impacts the inside of the skull. In trucking accidents, the extreme forces cause severe damage.

Symptoms We See:

• Headaches and migraines
• Memory loss and confusion
• Personality changes
• Cognitive deficits
• Sleep disturbances
• Depression and anxiety
• Sensory problems (vision, hearing, taste)

Lifetime Costs: $85,000 to $3,000,000+ depending on severity

Spinal Cord Injury and Paralysis

Damage to the spinal cord disrupts communication between the brain and body, often resulting in permanent paralysis.

Types of Paralysis:

• Paraplegia: Loss of function below the waist
• Quadriplegia: Loss of function in all four limbs
• Incomplete Injury: Some nerve function remains
• Complete Injury: Total loss of sensation and movement

Lifetime Costs:

• Paraplegia: $1.1 million to $2.5 million
• Quadriplegia: $3.5 million to $5 million

Amputations

Crushing forces from truck impacts often require surgical amputation or result in traumatic amputation at the scene.

Ongoing Needs:

• Initial surgery and hospitalization
• Prosthetic limbs ($5,000 – $50,000 each)
• Replacement prosthetics throughout lifetime
• Physical therapy and rehabilitation
• Occupational therapy
• Psychological counseling

Severe Burns

Fuel tank ruptures, hazmat spills, and electrical fires cause devastating burns.

Burn Classification:

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

Wrongful Death

When a trucking accident kills a loved one, surviving family members can pursue wrongful death claims.

Damages Available:

• Lost future income and benefits
• Loss of consortium (companionship, care, guidance)
• Mental anguish and emotional suffering
• Funeral and burial expenses
• Medical expenses before death
• Pain and suffering experienced by decedent before death
• Punitive damages (in cases of gross negligence)

The Multi-Million Dollar Settlements and Verdicts We Pursue

Trucking companies carry higher insurance limits than typical auto policies – often $1-5 million or more. This higher coverage means catastrophic injuries can actually be compensated.

Recent Major Trucking Verdicts Nationwide:

• $462 Million (2024) – Missouri underride case
• $160 Million (2024) – Alabama rollover causing quadriplegia
• $141.5 Million (2024) – Florida trucking crash
• $730 Million (2021) – Texas oversize load case
• $150 Million (2022) – Texas Werner settlement

Texas-Specific Verdicts:

• $37.5 Million – Texas trucking verdict
• $35.5 Million – Texas family injury case
• $35 Million – Fort Worth trucking case

What These Cases Have in Common:

• Clear liability
• Severe, well-documented injuries
• Trucking company negligence
• Willingness to go to trial

Who We Can Hold Accountable in Your Tom Green County Case

In trucking accident cases, multiple parties may be liable:

1. The Truck Driver – For negligent driving
2. The Trucking Company – For vicarious liability and direct negligence
3. The Cargo Owner – For improper loading instructions
4. The Loading Company – For improper cargo securement
5. Truck/Trailer Manufacturer – For design or manufacturing defects
6. Parts Manufacturer – For defective components
7. Maintenance Company – For negligent repairs
8. Freight Broker – For negligent carrier selection
9. Truck Owner – For negligent entrustment
10. Government Entity – For dangerous road conditions

Your Case Timeline: What to Expect

First 48 Hours – The Critical Evidence Window

• We send spoliation letters to preserve evidence
• Dispatch investigators to document the scene
• Obtain police reports and witness statements
• Begin gathering medical records
• Contact your medical providers

Days 1-30 – Building Your Case

• Subpoena black box and ELD data
• Request driver qualification file
• Obtain maintenance records
• Analyze cargo documentation
• Consult with medical experts
• Develop accident reconstruction

Months 1-6 – Medical Treatment and Case Valuation

• Document your injuries and treatment
• Calculate economic damages (medical bills, lost wages)
• Assess non-economic damages (pain and suffering)
• Prepare demand package for insurance companies

Months 6-12 – Negotiation Phase

• Present demand to insurance companies
• Negotiate aggressively for fair settlement
• Prepare for litigation if necessary
• Continue medical treatment documentation

Year 1-3 – Litigation (If Necessary)

• File lawsuit in Tom Green County courts
• Conduct discovery (depositions, document production)
• Retain expert witnesses
• Prepare for trial
• Continue settlement negotiations

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Tom Green County Trucking Case

1. We’re Tom Green County Trucking Accident Specialists

We’re not just Texas attorneys – we’re Tom Green County attorneys. We know:

• The trucking corridors serving San Angelo and surrounding communities
• The local courts and judges
• The unique accident patterns in our area
• The local medical providers and experts

2. Our Managing Partner Has 25+ Years of Experience

Ralph Manginello has been fighting for injury victims since 1998. He has:

• Recovered multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts
• Federal court admission to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas
• Experience in BP explosion litigation against multinational corporations
• A track record of holding trucking companies accountable

3. We Have a Former Insurance Defense Attorney on Our Team

Our associate attorney Lupe Peña spent years working for a national insurance defense firm. He knows:

• How insurance companies evaluate claims
• Their training to minimize payouts
• Their tactics to deny claims
• Their strategies to delay cases

This insider knowledge gives us an unfair advantage in your case.

4. We’ve Handled Cases Against Major Trucking Companies

We have experience litigating against:

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

5. We Offer Fluent Spanish Services

Tom Green County has a significant Hispanic population, and many trucking industry workers speak Spanish as their primary language. Our team includes:

• Lupe Peña, fluent in Spanish
• Bilingual staff members
• Spanish-language consultation capabilities

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

6. We Work on Contingency – You Pay Nothing Unless We Win

• No upfront costs
• No hourly fees
• No retainers
• We advance all case expenses
• You pay only when we recover compensation for you

7. We Have Offices Across Texas

While we’re proud to serve Tom Green County, we have offices in:

• Houston (main office)
• Austin
• Beaumont

This statewide presence allows us to handle cases throughout Texas while maintaining local knowledge.

What Our Clients Say About Us

“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

“One of Houston’s Great Men Trae Tha Truth has recommended this law firm. So if he is vouching for them then I know they do good work.”
— Jacqueline Johnson, Attorney911 Client

The Steps You Should Take Right Now

1. Call Attorney911 Immediately – 1-888-ATTY-911

   • We’ll send preservation letters within hours
   • Dispatch investigators to document evidence
   • Begin building your case immediately

2. Document Everything

   • Take photos of your injuries
   • Keep all medical records and bills
   • Document how your injuries affect your daily life
   • Save all communications with insurance companies

3. Follow Your Doctor’s Orders

   • Attend all medical appointments
   • Follow treatment recommendations
   • Document your pain levels and limitations
   • Don’t miss any follow-up care

4. Don’t Talk to Insurance Adjusters

   • They work for the trucking company, not you
   • Anything you say can be used against you
   • Let us handle all communications

5. Don’t Accept Early Settlement Offers

   • First offers are always lowball
   • You may have undiscovered injuries
   • We can often negotiate much higher settlements

Frequently Asked Questions About Tom Green County Trucking Accidents

Q: How long do I have to file a trucking accident lawsuit in Texas?
A: 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.

Q: What if the truck driver says I caused the accident?
A: Texas uses a modified comparative negligence system. Even if you were partially at fault, you may still recover compensation. If you’re less than 50% at fault, your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault. Our job is to investigate thoroughly and prove what really happened.

Q: How much is my trucking accident case worth?
A: Case values depend on many factors:

• Severity of your injuries
• Medical expenses (past and future)
• Lost income and earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Degree of the trucking company’s negligence
• Available insurance coverage

Trucking companies carry higher insurance limits ($750,000 minimum, often $1-5 million), allowing for larger recoveries than typical car accidents.

Q: Will my case go to trial?
A: 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.

Q: What if the trucking company goes bankrupt?
A: We investigate all potentially liable parties to ensure you can recover compensation. Even if the primary trucking company is insolvent, other defendants (cargo owner, maintenance company, manufacturer) may have assets.

Q: Can I still recover if I was partially at fault?
A: Yes! Texas follows modified comparative negligence. As long as you’re not more than 50% at fault, you can still recover damages. Your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

Q: What if I don’t have health insurance?
A: We can help connect you with medical providers who will treat you on a lien basis. This means they’ll wait to be paid until your case settles. We also work with medical funding companies that can help cover your expenses during your recovery.

Q: How long will my case take?
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: What if the truck driver was an independent contractor?
A: Even if the driver was an owner-operator, both the driver and the contracting company may be liable. We investigate all relationships and insurance policies to ensure you can recover from the responsible parties.

The Attorney911 Difference

When you choose Attorney911 for your Tom Green County trucking accident case, you’re getting:

✅ Local Knowledge – We know Tom Green County’s roads, courts, and accident patterns
✅ Insider Advantage – Our former insurance defense attorney knows all their tactics
✅ Aggressive Representation – We fight for maximum compensation
✅ Proven Results – Multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts
✅ Compassionate Service – We treat you like family
✅ No Upfront Costs – You pay nothing unless we win
✅ Fluent Spanish Services – Hablamos Español

Your Next Steps

If you or a loved one has been injured in an 18-wheeler accident in Tom Green County, time is critical. Evidence is disappearing. The trucking company is already building their defense.

Call Attorney911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation.

We’ll:

• Evaluate your case immediately
• Send preservation letters to protect evidence
• Dispatch investigators if needed
• Answer all your questions
• Fight for the compensation you deserve

Don’t wait. Every hour counts. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 now.

Attorney911 – Fighting for Tom Green County Trucking Accident Victims
1-888-ATTY-911 | Hablamos Español
Serving San Angelo, Grape Creek, Carlsbad, Mereta, and all of Tom Green County