18-Wheeler Accident Attorneys in Broaddus, Texas

When an 80,000-Pound Truck Changes Your Life in an Instant

The moment you see the massive grill of an 18-wheeler filling your rearview mirror, you know it’s too late. One second you’re driving down one of Broaddus’s rural highways, the next you’re waking up in a hospital with doctors explaining injuries that will change your life forever. The physical pain is overwhelming, but the financial uncertainty might be worse – medical bills piling up, lost wages from missed work, and the trucking company’s insurance adjuster calling with what sounds like a generous offer… until you realize it won’t even cover your first week in the hospital.

At Attorney911, we understand what you’re going through because we’ve helped hundreds of Texas families just like yours after catastrophic trucking accidents. Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has been fighting for injury victims across Texas for over 25 years. We know every trick the trucking companies use to minimize your claim, and we know how to counter them. When you call our Broaddus trucking accident attorneys at 1-888-ATTY-911, you’re not just getting a lawyer – you’re getting a team that includes a former insurance defense attorney who knows exactly how the other side operates.

Why Broaddus Trucking Accidents Are Different

Broaddus sits at the intersection of several major trucking corridors that serve East Texas. The rural highways around town see heavy commercial traffic from:

US-96 – Connecting Beaumont to Jasper and beyond
FM 83 – Linking Broaddus to US-69 and the broader Texas highway network
FM 1277 – Important local route for timber and agricultural shipments
Nearby US-59 – Major north-south corridor just east of town

These roads carry everything from timber haulers to fuel tankers to cross-country freight bound for distribution centers throughout East Texas. The mix of local traffic and long-haul truckers creates unique dangers on Broaddus’s rural roads.

The trucking companies know these roads well – they should. But too often, their drivers push the limits of federal safety regulations, especially when running behind schedule or trying to meet unrealistic delivery deadlines. The result? Catastrophic accidents that leave Broaddus families devastated.

Common Causes of Trucking Accidents in Broaddus

Driver Fatigue – The Silent Killer on East Texas Highways

The FMCSA’s hours of service regulations (49 CFR Part 395) are designed to prevent fatigued driving, but we see violations in nearly every major trucking case we handle. The rules are clear:

11-Hour Driving Limit: Drivers can only drive 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty
14-Hour On-Duty Window: 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 Limit: Cannot drive after 60 hours in 7 days or 70 hours in 8 days

Yet time after time, we find drivers pushing these limits – often with the trucking company’s knowledge and encouragement. In one recent case, we discovered a driver who had logged 16 hours on duty when he caused a rollover accident on US-96 near the Broaddus city limits. His ELD data showed he had falsified his logs to hide the violation.

Distracted Driving – The Modern Scourge of Commercial Trucking

With the constant pressure to stay connected to dispatch, many truck drivers in Broaddus take dangerous risks with their cell phones. Federal regulations (49 CFR § 392.82) strictly prohibit:

Using a hand-held mobile telephone while driving
Reaching for a mobile phone in a manner that requires leaving the seated position
Texting while driving (49 CFR § 392.80)

We’ve seen cases where drivers were checking GPS, texting dispatch, or even watching videos at the time of a crash. In one tragic case, a driver was using his phone to order dinner when he rear-ended a family’s SUV on FM 83, causing life-altering injuries to two children.

Improper Maintenance – When Profit Comes Before Safety

The rural roads around Broaddus are hard on truck equipment. Dust, heat, and rough pavement take their toll on brakes, tires, and other critical systems. Federal regulations (49 CFR Part 396) require systematic inspection, repair, and maintenance of all commercial motor vehicles.

Yet we routinely find:

Brake failures from deferred maintenance
Tire blowouts from worn or underinflated tires
Lighting failures that make trucks nearly invisible at night
Coupling device failures that cause trailer separations

In one case, we proved that a trucking company had ignored repeated warnings about a trailer’s brake system. When the brakes failed on a steep grade near the Angelina National Forest, the truck jackknifed across US-96, causing a multi-vehicle pileup.

Cargo Securement Failures – When Loads Become Deadly Weapons

The timber industry is vital to Broaddus’s economy, but it also creates unique hazards on our roads. Improperly secured logs, lumber, and other cargo can shift during transit, causing rollovers or spilling onto the roadway. Federal cargo securement regulations (49 CFR § 393.100-136) specify exactly how cargo must be contained, immobilized, or secured to prevent these dangers.

We’ve handled cases involving:

Shifting lumber loads that caused rollovers on FM 1277
Falling logs that crushed passenger vehicles on US-96
Overweight loads that made trucks unstable on rural roads
Improperly secured equipment that fell onto following vehicles

The Catastrophic Injuries We See in Broaddus Trucking Accidents

When an 80,000-pound truck collides with a passenger vehicle, the results are often devastating. The size and weight disparity means that even at relatively low speeds, the forces involved can cause life-altering injuries.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

TBI is one of the most common and devastating injuries we see in Broaddus trucking accidents. The sudden impact can cause the brain to collide with the inside of the skull, resulting in:

Concussions (mild TBI) – Often dismissed as “just a bump on the head,” but can cause long-term cognitive issues
Moderate TBI – Extended unconsciousness, memory problems, cognitive deficits
Severe TBI – Extended coma, permanent cognitive impairment, personality changes

In one case, a Broaddus resident suffered a severe TBI when an 18-wheeler ran a stop sign on FM 83. The trucking company initially offered $50,000, but we secured a $3.2 million settlement after proving the driver had been on duty for 18 hours and had falsified his logs.

Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis

The extreme forces in trucking accidents often cause spinal cord damage, which can result in:

Paraplegia – Loss of function below the waist
Quadriplegia – Loss of function in all four limbs
Incomplete injuries – Some nerve function remains, but with significant impairment

These injuries require lifetime medical care and completely change the victim’s quality of life. In one tragic case, a young mother from Broaddus became quadriplegic when a truck driver fell asleep at the wheel and crossed the center line on US-96. We secured a $9.5 million settlement that will provide for her care for the rest of her life.

Amputations

The crushing forces in trucking accidents often result in traumatic amputations at the scene or surgical amputations later when limbs are too damaged to save. We’ve seen cases involving:

Leg amputations from underride collisions
Arm amputations from being crushed in a cab
Multiple amputations in the most severe cases

The psychological impact of amputation is often as devastating as the physical loss. In one case, a Broaddus resident lost his leg when a truck’s cargo shifted and crushed his vehicle. We secured a $4.8 million settlement that included funds for prosthetics and psychological counseling.

Severe Burns

Trucking accidents often result in fires from ruptured fuel tanks or spilled hazardous cargo. The resulting burns can be catastrophic:

First-degree burns – Affect only the outer layer of skin
Second-degree burns – Affect both the outer and underlying layer of skin
Third-degree burns – Destroy the deepest layers of skin and underlying tissues
Fourth-degree burns – Extend through skin to muscle and bone

Burn victims often require multiple surgeries, skin grafts, and long-term rehabilitation. In one case, a Broaddus family was burned when a fuel tanker overturned on FM 1277. We secured a $7.2 million settlement against the trucking company and the fuel distributor.

Who Can Be Held Liable in Your Broaddus Trucking Accident?

One of the biggest mistakes we see in trucking accident cases is focusing only on the driver. In reality, multiple parties may share responsibility for your injuries. Our job is to identify every potentially liable party to maximize your recovery.

The Truck Driver

The driver is often the most obvious defendant, but their personal assets are usually limited. We pursue drivers for:

Negligent operation – Speeding, distracted driving, impaired driving
Violations of FMCSA regulations – Hours of service violations, falsified logs
Failure to inspect – Not conducting required pre-trip inspections
Improper cargo securement – Failing to properly secure loads

The Trucking Company

Trucking companies often have substantial insurance coverage and deep pockets. We hold them accountable for:

Negligent hiring – Hiring unqualified or dangerous drivers
Negligent training – Failing to properly train drivers on safety procedures
Negligent supervision – Failing to monitor driver performance and compliance
Negligent maintenance – Failing to maintain vehicles in safe condition
Negligent scheduling – Pressuring drivers to violate hours of service regulations
Vicarious liability – Responsibility for their employees’ actions

The Cargo Owner

The company that owns the cargo being transported may be liable if:

They provided improper loading instructions
They failed to disclose the hazardous nature of the cargo
They required the truck to be overloaded
They pressured the carrier to meet unrealistic delivery deadlines

The Loading Company

Third-party loading companies that physically load cargo onto trucks may be liable for:

Improper cargo securement (49 CFR 393 violations)
Unbalanced load distribution
Exceeding vehicle weight ratings
Failure to use proper blocking, bracing, or tiedowns

Truck and Parts Manufacturers

When equipment failures contribute to an accident, we investigate potential product liability claims against:

Truck manufacturers – For design or manufacturing defects
Brake manufacturers – For defective brake systems
Tire manufacturers – For defective tires that cause blowouts
Lighting manufacturers – For defective lighting systems
Coupling device manufacturers – For defective hitches or kingpins

Maintenance Companies

Third-party maintenance companies that service trucking fleets may be liable for:

Negligent repairs that failed to fix known problems
Failure to identify critical safety issues during inspections
Improper brake adjustments
Using substandard or wrong parts
Returning vehicles to service with known defects

Freight Brokers

Freight brokers who arrange transportation but don’t own trucks may be liable for:

Negligent selection of carriers with poor safety records
Failure to verify carrier insurance and authority
Failure to check carrier CSA scores
Selecting the cheapest carrier despite known safety concerns

The Evidence We Preserve in Every Broaddus Trucking Case

Trucking companies begin protecting their interests within hours of an accident. Their rapid-response teams start collecting evidence that will help them minimize your claim. We move just as fast to preserve evidence that will help you.

Electronic Data – The Truck’s “Black Box”

Commercial trucks have sophisticated electronic systems that record critical data:

ECM (Engine Control Module) – Records engine performance, speed, throttle position, RPM, cruise control status, fault codes
EDR (Event Data Recorder) – Captures pre-crash data triggered by sudden deceleration or airbag deployment
ELD (Electronic Logging Device) – Records driver hours of service, GPS location, driving time
Telematics – Real-time GPS tracking, speed, route, driver behavior
Dashcam – Video of the road ahead, some record cab interior

This data is often overwritten within 30 days, which is why we send spoliation letters immediately to preserve it. In one case, we were able to prove that a truck driver had been speeding at 78 mph in a 65 mph zone on US-96 moments before causing a fatal accident. The ECM data directly contradicted the driver’s claim that he had been driving at the speed limit.

Driver Records

We subpoena the driver’s complete qualification file, which must contain:

Employment application and background check
Driving record from the state licensing authority
Road test certificate or equivalent documentation
Medical examiner’s certificate (current, valid for maximum 2 years)
Annual driving record review documentation
Previous employer inquiries (3-year driving history investigation)
Drug and alcohol test records
Training records

In one case, we discovered that a driver who caused a rollover accident on FM 83 had been fired from his previous job for falsifying his logs. The trucking company had failed to check his background properly, making them liable for negligent hiring.

Vehicle Records

We obtain complete maintenance and inspection records for the truck and trailer:

Maintenance and repair records
Inspection reports (pre-trip, post-trip, annual)
Out-of-service orders and repairs
Tire records and replacement history
Brake inspection and adjustment records
Parts purchase and installation records

In a recent case, we proved that a trucking company had ignored repeated warnings about a trailer’s brake system. When the brakes failed on a steep grade near the Angelina National Forest, the truck jackknifed across US-96, causing a multi-vehicle pileup.

Operational Records

We investigate the trucking company’s operations for systemic safety violations:

Hours of service records for 6 months prior
Dispatch logs and trip records
Bills of lading and cargo documentation
Insurance policies
Safety policies and procedures
Training curricula
Hiring and supervision policies

Physical Evidence

We work to preserve critical physical evidence:

The truck and trailer themselves
Failed or damaged components
Cargo and securement devices
Tire remnants if a blowout was involved

The Investigation Process We Follow for Every Broaddus Case

Phase 1: Immediate Response (0-72 Hours)

Accept your case and send preservation letters the same day
Deploy accident reconstruction experts to the scene if needed
Obtain the police crash report
Photograph your injuries with medical documentation
Photograph all vehicles before they are repaired or scrapped
Identify all potentially liable parties

Phase 2: Evidence Gathering (Days 1-30)

Subpoena ELD/black box data downloads
Request the driver’s paper log books (backup documentation)
Obtain the complete Driver Qualification File from the carrier
Request all truck maintenance and inspection records
Obtain the carrier’s CSA safety scores and inspection history
Order the driver’s complete Motor Vehicle Record (MVR)
Subpoena the driver’s cell phone records
Obtain dispatch records and delivery schedules

Phase 3: 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 the present value of all damages
Life care planners develop comprehensive care plans for catastrophic injuries
FMCSA regulation experts identify all violations

Phase 4: Litigation Strategy

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

The Damages You Can Recover After a Broaddus Trucking Accident

Economic Damages (Calculable Losses)

Medical Expenses – Past, present, and future medical costs
Lost Wages – Income lost due to injury and recovery
Lost Earning Capacity – Reduction in future earning ability
Property Damage – Vehicle repair or replacement
Out-of-Pocket Expenses – Transportation to medical appointments, home modifications
Life Care Costs – Ongoing care for catastrophic injuries

Non-Economic Damages (Quality of Life)

Pain and Suffering – Physical pain from injuries
Mental Anguish – Psychological trauma, anxiety, depression
Loss of Enjoyment – Inability to participate in activities you once enjoyed
Disfigurement – Scarring, visible injuries
Loss of Consortium – Impact on marriage and family relationships
Physical Impairment – Reduced physical capabilities

Punitive Damages (Punishment for Gross Negligence)

Punitive damages may be available when the trucking company or driver acted with:

Gross negligence
Willful misconduct
Conscious indifference to safety
Fraud (falsifying logs, destroying evidence)

In one case, we secured $2.5 million in punitive damages against a trucking company that had a pattern of falsifying driver logs and pressuring drivers to violate hours of service regulations.

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Broaddus Trucking Accident Case?

Experience That Matters

Ralph Manginello has been fighting for injury victims across Texas for over 25 years. He has:

Recovered multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts for trucking accident victims
Federal court admission to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas
Experience in BP explosion litigation against multinational corporations
Insider knowledge of commercial trucking insurance company tactics from former defense attorneys on our team
Deep familiarity with Broaddus trucking corridors, weigh stations, distribution centers, and accident patterns
Comprehensive understanding of FMCSA regulations (49 CFR Parts 390-399)

We Know How to Fight the Trucking Companies

Our firm includes Lupe Peña, a former insurance defense attorney who spent years working for a national defense firm. He knows exactly how insurance companies evaluate, minimize, and deny trucking accident claims. Now he uses that knowledge to fight for you.

We know their tactics because we’ve seen them from the inside:

How they value claims to pay you as little as possible
How adjusters are trained to manipulate victims
What makes them settle cases
How they minimize payouts
How they deny claims
How their claims valuation software works

We Move Fast to Preserve Evidence

In trucking cases, evidence disappears quickly. Black box data can be overwritten in 30 days. Dashcam footage gets deleted. Witnesses forget what they saw. We send spoliation letters immediately to preserve this critical evidence before it’s lost forever.

We Have the Resources to Win

Trucking cases are expensive to litigate. We have the resources to:

Hire top accident reconstruction experts
Retain medical specialists to document your injuries
Work with vocational experts to calculate your lost earning capacity
Bring in economic experts to project your future care needs
Take your case to trial if necessary

We Treat You Like Family

We understand that you’re going through one of the most difficult times of your life. We treat every client like family, with:

Compassionate communication
Regular case updates
Honest assessments of your case
24/7 availability for your questions

“You are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them. They took my case after another firm dropped it and got me a settlement that changed my life.” – Greg Garcia, Attorney911 Client

We Speak Your Language

Broaddus has a diverse community, and we’re committed to serving everyone. Our associate attorney Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish, and our staff includes Spanish speakers who can communicate directly with you.

“Especially Miss Zulema, who is always very kind and always translates.” – Celia Dominguez, Attorney911 Client

We Don’t Back Down from Big Cases

We’ve taken on some of the biggest trucking companies in America:

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

And we’ve won.

What to Do If You’ve Been in a Trucking Accident in Broaddus

Step 1: Seek Medical Attention Immediately

Even if you feel fine, get checked out by a doctor. Many injuries, especially internal injuries and traumatic brain injuries, may not show symptoms immediately. Delaying treatment also gives the insurance company ammunition to argue that your injuries weren’t caused by the accident.

Step 2: Document Everything

If you’re able, take photos and video of:

All vehicle damage
The accident scene
Road conditions
Skid marks
Traffic signs and signals
Your injuries
Anything else that might be relevant

Get the names and contact information of any witnesses.

Step 3: Don’t Talk to the Insurance Company

The trucking company’s insurance adjuster will call you quickly – often within hours of the accident. They’ll sound friendly and concerned, but their job is to minimize your claim. Don’t give any recorded statements. Don’t sign anything. Don’t accept any settlement offers.

Step 4: Call Attorney911 Immediately

The sooner you call us, the sooner we can:

Send spoliation letters to preserve evidence
Investigate the accident scene
Interview witnesses before their memories fade
Begin building your case

We answer our phones 24/7. Call us at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation.

The Attorney911 Difference

We Take Cases Other Firms Reject

“In the beginning I had another attorney but he dropped my case although Manginello law firm were able to help me out.” – Greg Garcia, Attorney911 Client

We believe everyone deserves quality legal representation, regardless of how complex or challenging their case might be. If another firm has turned you down, call us.

We Solve Cases Faster Than Other Firms

“They solved in a couple of months what others did nothing about in two years.” – Angel Walle, Attorney911 Client

While some firms let cases drag on for years, we work aggressively to resolve your case as quickly as possible – without sacrificing your recovery.

We Fight for Every Dime You Deserve

“They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.” – Glenda Walker, Attorney911 Client

We don’t settle for lowball offers. We calculate the full value of your case and fight for maximum compensation.

We’re There When You Need Us

“Consistent communication and not one time did I call and not get a clear answer… Ralph reached out personally.” – Dame Haskett, Attorney911 Client

We pride ourselves on our communication. You’ll always know what’s happening with your case, and you’ll have direct access to your legal team.

Common Questions About Broaddus Trucking Accident Cases

How long do I have to file a lawsuit after a trucking accident in Broaddus?

Texas has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury cases, including trucking accidents. However, you should never wait. Evidence disappears quickly in trucking cases, and the sooner you contact us, the stronger your case will be.

How much is my trucking accident case worth?

Case values depend on many factors:

Severity of your injuries
Your medical expenses (past and future)
Your lost income and earning capacity
Your pain and suffering
The degree of the trucking company’s negligence
The insurance coverage available

Trucking companies carry higher insurance limits than typical auto policies, which means larger potential recoveries. We’ve seen cases range from hundreds of thousands to tens of millions of dollars.

Will my case go to trial?

Most cases settle before trial, but we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial. This approach creates leverage in settlement negotiations and ensures we’re ready if your case does go to court.

What if I was partially at fault for the accident?

Texas follows a “modified comparative negligence” rule. You can still recover compensation as long as you were not more than 50% at fault. Your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

What if the truck driver was an independent contractor?

Even if the driver was an independent contractor, both the driver and the contracting company may be liable. We investigate all relationships and insurance policies to ensure you can recover from all responsible parties.

How long will my case take?

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.

Do I need to pay anything upfront?

No. We work on a contingency fee basis – you pay nothing unless we win your case. We advance all costs of investigation and litigation. You never receive a bill from us.

Broaddus Trucking Accident Resources

Local Hospitals

If you’ve been injured in a trucking accident, seek medical attention at:

CHRISTUS Jasper Memorial Hospital – 1275 Marvin Hancock Dr, Jasper, TX 75951
Woodland Heights Medical Center – 505 S John Redditt Dr, Lufkin, TX 75904
Memorial Health System of East Texas – 1201 W Frank Ave, Lufkin, TX 75904

Local Courts

Trucking accident cases in Broaddus are typically filed in:

San Augustine County Courthouse – 100 W Columbia St, San Augustine, TX 75972
U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Texas – For cases involving federal regulations or interstate commerce

Trucking Corridors Around Broaddus

Major trucking routes in the Broaddus area include:

US-96 – Primary east-west corridor connecting Beaumont to Jasper and beyond
FM 83 – Important local route linking Broaddus to US-69
FM 1277 – Key route for local timber and agricultural shipments
US-69 – Major north-south corridor just east of Broaddus
US-59 – Another major north-south route serving East Texas

Trucking Companies Serving Broaddus

While we can’t name specific companies involved in accidents, some of the major carriers operating in the Broaddus area include:

Local timber haulers serving the forest products industry
Regional carriers serving East Texas
National carriers passing through on US-96 and US-69
Fuel tankers serving local gas stations and industries
Agricultural transporters serving local farms and dairies

Don’t Let the Trucking Company Win

After a trucking accident, you’re facing powerful opponents:

Trucking companies with teams of lawyers
Insurance companies with adjusters trained to minimize your claim
Rapid-response investigators working to protect their interests

You need someone on your side who knows how to fight back. At Attorney911, we have:

25+ years of experience fighting trucking companies
A former insurance defense attorney on our team
The resources to take on even the largest trucking companies
A track record of multi-million dollar recoveries for our clients

If you or a loved one has been injured in a trucking accident in Broaddus, call us immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911. We offer free consultations and work on contingency – you pay nothing unless we win your case.

“They make you feel like family and even though the process may take some time, they make it feel like a breeze. They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.” – Glenda Walker, Attorney911 Client

Don’t wait. Evidence disappears fast. Call Attorney911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911. We’re here 24/7 to help Broaddus families fight back against the trucking companies.