18-Wheeler Accident Attorneys in Town of Alma, Texas

Every year, thousands of families in Town of Alma and across Ellis County face life-altering consequences from 18-wheeler accidents. When an 80,000-pound truck collides with a passenger vehicle, the results are often catastrophic – traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, amputations, or wrongful death. If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a trucking accident on I-45, US-77, or any of Town of Alma’s highways, you need experienced legal representation to fight for the compensation you deserve.

At Attorney911, we’ve been fighting for truck accident victims throughout 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 Town of Alma’s trucking corridors, from the distribution centers along I-45 to the local routes serving our community. This local knowledge, combined with our deep understanding of FMCSA regulations, gives us a powerful advantage in building your case.

Why 18-Wheeler Accidents Are Different

Trucking accidents are fundamentally different from car accidents. The physics alone create devastating outcomes:

• A fully loaded 18-wheeler weighs 20-25 times more than a passenger car
• At 65 mph, an 18-wheeler needs approximately 525 feet to stop – nearly two football fields
• Truck drivers often work long hours, creating fatigue-related risks
• Multiple parties can share liability – the driver, trucking company, cargo loader, maintenance provider, and others

Unlike typical car accidents where insurance may be limited to $30,000-$100,000, trucking companies carry minimum liability insurance of $750,000 – and often $1-5 million or more. This higher coverage means catastrophic injuries can actually be compensated, but only if you have an attorney who knows how to access these funds.

Common Causes of 18-Wheeler Accidents in Town of Alma

Our team has investigated hundreds of trucking accidents across Texas. These are the most common causes we see on Town of Alma’s roads:

Driver Fatigue and 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 hours of driving
• 60/70 hour weekly limits

Yet many drivers violate these rules due to pressure from trucking companies. Fatigued driving causes approximately 31% of fatal truck crashes. Our team includes a former insurance defense attorney who knows exactly how trucking companies pressure drivers to violate these regulations.

Improper Cargo Securement

Federal cargo securement regulations (49 CFR § 393.100-136) require:

• Cargo must be immobilized to prevent shifting
• Securement systems must withstand specific forces
• Different cargo types have specific requirements

When cargo isn’t properly secured, it can shift during transit, causing rollovers or spills that create hazards for other vehicles. We’ve seen cases where improperly secured loads have crushed passenger vehicles.

Brake Failures

Brake problems are a factor in approximately 29% of large truck crashes. Federal regulations require:

• Proper brake adjustment
• Regular inspections
• Immediate repair of defects

We investigate maintenance records to determine if brake failures resulted from deferred maintenance or improper repairs.

Tire Blowouts

Tire blowouts cause thousands of accidents annually. Common causes include:

• Underinflated tires causing overheating
• Overloaded vehicles exceeding tire capacity
• Worn or aging tires not replaced
• Road debris punctures

The extreme heat in Texas summers makes tire blowouts particularly common. We work with tire experts to determine if blowouts resulted from manufacturing defects or maintenance failures.

Distracted Driving

Federal regulations prohibit:

• Texting while driving (49 CFR § 392.80)
• Using hand-held mobile phones (49 CFR § 392.82)
• Other distractions that take attention from the road

We subpoena cell phone records to prove distracted driving violations.

Impaired Driving

Federal regulations prohibit:

• Alcohol use within 4 hours of driving
• Alcohol use while on duty
• Driving with .04 BAC or higher
• Use of Schedule I controlled substances

We demand immediate drug and alcohol testing results after accidents.

The Devastating Injuries We See

The size and weight disparity between 18-wheelers and passenger vehicles means trucking accidents often cause catastrophic injuries:

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

TBI occurs when a sudden trauma damages the brain. Symptoms range from mild concussions to severe, life-long impairment. We work with neurologists to document the full extent of brain injuries and their impact on your life.

Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis

Spinal cord damage can result in:

• Paraplegia (loss of function below the waist)
• Quadriplegia (loss of function in all four limbs)
• Incomplete injuries with partial function

These injuries often require lifetime care costing millions of dollars.

Amputations

Crushing injuries may require surgical amputation or result in traumatic amputation at the scene. Prosthetics and rehabilitation add significant costs.

Severe Burns

Fuel tank ruptures and cargo spills can cause severe burns requiring skin grafts and multiple surgeries.

Internal Organ Damage

The forces involved in trucking accidents can cause:

• Liver lacerations
• Spleen damage
• Kidney injuries
• Internal bleeding

These injuries often require emergency surgery and can be life-threatening.

Wrongful Death

When trucking accidents prove fatal, surviving family members can pursue wrongful death claims for:

• Lost future income
• Loss of companionship
• Mental anguish
• Funeral expenses

Who Can Be Held Liable in Your Trucking Accident Case

One of the key differences in trucking accident cases is that multiple parties can share liability:

The Truck Driver

The driver may be liable for:

• Speeding or reckless driving
• Distracted driving
• Fatigued driving
• Impaired driving
• Failure to conduct proper inspections

The Trucking Company

The motor carrier may be liable 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)

The Cargo Owner or Shipper

The company that owns the cargo may be liable for:

• Providing improper loading instructions
• Failing to disclose hazardous cargo
• Requiring overweight loading
• Pressuring carriers to expedite shipments

The Cargo Loading Company

Third-party loading companies may be liable for:

• Improper cargo securement
• Unbalanced load distribution
• Exceeding weight ratings
• Failure to use proper blocking and bracing

Truck and Parts Manufacturers

Manufacturers may be liable for:

• Design defects (brake systems, stability control)
• Manufacturing defects (faulty components)
• Failure to warn of known dangers

Maintenance Companies

Third-party maintenance providers may be liable for:

• Negligent repairs
• Failure to identify safety issues
• Using substandard parts
• Returning vehicles to service with known defects

Freight Brokers

Freight brokers may be liable for:

• Negligent selection of unsafe carriers
• Failure to verify carrier insurance and authority
• Selecting carriers with poor safety records

Government Entities

In limited cases, government may be liable for:

• Dangerous road design
• Failure to maintain roads
• Inadequate signage
• Improper work zone setup

Our team investigates every possible defendant to maximize your recovery.

The Evidence We Preserve in Your Case

Evidence in trucking accident cases disappears quickly. We act immediately to preserve:

Electronic Data

• ECM/Black Box Data: Records speed, braking, throttle position, and fault codes
• ELD Data: Proves hours of service compliance and driving time
• GPS/Telematics: Shows real-time location and route history
• Cell Phone Records: Proves distracted driving
• Dashcam Footage: Video evidence of the accident

Driver and Company Records

• Driver Qualification File: Employment application, background check, medical certification
• Hours of Service Records: ELD logs showing driving time
• Dispatch Records: Communications about routes and deadlines
• Drug and Alcohol Test Results: Pre-employment and post-accident testing

Vehicle Records

• Maintenance Records: Repair history and inspection reports
• Inspection Reports: Pre-trip and post-trip inspections
• Out-of-Service Orders: Previous violations and repairs
• Tire Records: Replacement history and maintenance

Physical Evidence

• The Truck and Trailer: Inspection before repair or disposal
• Failed Components: Tires, brakes, or other parts for expert analysis
• Cargo and Securement Devices: To determine if securement failed

We send spoliation letters immediately to prevent evidence destruction. Black box data can be overwritten in as little as 30 days, and dashcam footage is often deleted within 7-14 days.

The Legal Process for Your Trucking Accident Case

Immediate Steps (First 48 Hours)

• Send spoliation letters to preserve evidence
• Deploy accident reconstruction experts if needed
• Obtain police crash report
• Photograph your injuries with medical documentation
• Photograph all vehicles before repair
• Identify all potentially liable parties

Investigation Phase (First 30 Days)

• Subpoena ELD and black box data
• Request driver’s paper log books (if applicable)
• Obtain complete Driver Qualification File
• Request all maintenance and inspection records
• Obtain carrier’s CSA safety scores and inspection history
• Order driver’s complete Motor Vehicle Record
• Subpoena cell phone records
• Obtain dispatch records and delivery schedules

Expert Analysis

• Accident reconstruction specialist creates crash analysis
• Medical experts establish causation and future care needs
• Vocational experts calculate lost earning capacity
• Economic experts determine present value of all damages
• Life care planners develop comprehensive care plans
• FMCSA regulation experts identify all violations

Litigation Strategy

• File lawsuit before statute of limitations expires (2 years in Texas)
• Pursue aggressive discovery against all potentially liable parties
• Depose truck driver, dispatcher, safety manager, maintenance personnel
• Build case for trial while negotiating settlement from position of strength
• Prepare every case as if going to trial (creates leverage in negotiations)

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Town of Alma Trucking Accident Case

25+ Years of Experience

Ralph Manginello has been fighting for injury victims since 1998. Our team has handled hundreds of trucking accident cases against major commercial entities including Walmart, Coca-Cola, Amazon, FedEx, and UPS.

Federal Court Experience

We’re admitted to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas – crucial for interstate trucking cases that often involve federal regulations.

Former Insurance Defense Attorney on Staff

Our associate attorney Lupe Peña worked for a national defense firm before joining Attorney911. He knows exactly how insurance companies evaluate, minimize, and deny claims – and now he uses that knowledge to fight for you.

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

Bilingual Services

Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish, providing direct representation to Town of Alma’s Hispanic community without interpreters. Hablamos Español.

Three Texas Offices

With locations in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we’re never far from Town of Alma. Our Town of Alma clients typically work with our Houston team.

24/7 Availability

Trucking accidents don’t happen on a schedule. We answer calls immediately and can deploy investigators to accident scenes when needed.

What Your Case Might Be Worth

Case values depend on many factors, but these are typical ranges for trucking accident injuries in Texas:

These figures represent the full value of cases, not just the attorney’s fee. We work on contingency – you pay nothing unless we win your case.

The Trucking Corridors We Know in Town of Alma

Town of Alma sits at the crossroads of several major trucking corridors:

• I-45: The primary north-south route connecting Dallas to Houston, carrying massive freight volume
• US-77: An important regional route running through Town of Alma
• FM 878: Serves local freight needs and connects to larger highways
• Distribution Centers: Town of Alma’s growing industrial base creates significant local truck traffic

We know these routes and the specific challenges they present for truck drivers and passenger vehicles alike.

What To Do If You’ve Been in a Trucking Accident in Town of Alma

If you or a loved one has been injured in an 18-wheeler accident in Town of Alma:

1. Call 911 immediately and report the accident
2. Seek medical attention even if injuries seem minor – adrenaline masks pain
3. Document the scene with photos and video if possible
4. Get the trucking company name, DOT number, and driver information
5. Collect witness contact information
6. Do NOT give recorded statements to any insurance company
7. Call Attorney911 immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911

Evidence disappears quickly in trucking cases. The sooner you call us, the stronger your case will be.

Frequently Asked Questions About Trucking Accidents in Town of Alma

What should I do immediately after a trucking accident in Town of Alma?

If you’re able, take these steps:

• Call 911 and report the accident
• Seek medical attention immediately
• Document the scene with photos and video
• Get the trucking company name, DOT number, and driver information
• Collect witness contact information
• Do NOT give recorded statements to insurance companies
• 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. Town of Alma hospitals 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?

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?

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 Town of Alma?

Multiple parties may be liable:

• 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. If you’re less than 50% at fault, your damages are reduced by your percentage of 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.

How do I find out if the trucking company has a bad safety record?

FMCSA maintains public safety data at safer.fmcsa.dot.gov. We obtain the carrier’s:

• CSA (Compliance, Safety, Accountability) scores
• Inspection history and out-of-service rates
• Crash history
• Safety rating

A poor safety record can prove the company knew it was putting dangerous drivers on the road.

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

How long do I have to file an 18-wheeler accident lawsuit in Town of Alma?

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.

What injuries are common in 18-wheeler accidents?

Due to the massive size and weight disparity, trucking accidents often cause catastrophic injuries:

• Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
• Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
• Amputations
• Severe burns
• Internal organ damage
• Multiple fractures
• Wrongful death

How much are 18-wheeler accident cases worth in Town of Alma?

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.

What if my loved one was killed in a trucking accident in Town of Alma?

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.

The Attorney911 Difference

When you choose Attorney911 for your Town of Alma 18-wheeler accident case, you’re getting:

A Team That Fights Like Your Future Depends On It

We know that after a catastrophic trucking accident, your life has changed forever. We fight aggressively to hold trucking companies accountable and secure the compensation you need to rebuild your life.

Insider Knowledge of Insurance Company Tactics

Our team includes Lupe Peña, a former insurance defense attorney who knows exactly how trucking insurers evaluate, minimize, and deny claims. He watched adjusters minimize claims from the inside. Now he exposes those tactics and uses his insider knowledge to fight for maximum compensation.

Proven Results Against Major Trucking Companies

We’ve litigated against:

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

Deep Understanding of FMCSA Regulations

We know the federal trucking regulations inside and out. We use violations of these regulations to prove negligence and maximize your recovery.

Immediate Evidence Preservation

We send spoliation letters within hours to preserve critical evidence before it’s destroyed. Black box data, ELD records, and dashcam footage can disappear quickly without immediate action.

Comprehensive Investigation

We leave no stone unturned in investigating your case:

• Accident reconstruction
• Driver qualification file analysis
• Maintenance record review
• Cargo securement investigation
• Hours of service violation analysis
• Cell phone record subpoenas
• Expert witness retention

Trial-Ready Preparation

We prepare every case as if it’s going to trial. This creates leverage in settlement negotiations and ensures we’re ready to fight for you in court if necessary.

Compassionate Representation

We understand the trauma you’re going through. We treat every client like family and fight for the justice you deserve.

Contact Attorney911 Today

If you or a loved one has been injured in an 18-wheeler accident in Town of Alma, Texas, call Attorney911 immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation. Our Town of Alma trucking accident attorneys offer free consultations and work on contingency – you pay nothing unless we win your case.

Don’t wait. Evidence disappears quickly in trucking accident cases. The sooner you call us, the stronger your case will be.

“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

Hablamos Español. Llame a Lupe Peña al 1-888-ATTY-911 para una consulta gratis.