Buffalo Gap Truck Accident Lawyers: 18-Wheeler & Commercial Vehicle Litigation

The impact was catastrophic. One moment you were driving toward the historic center of Buffalo Gap, perhaps heading home down FM 89 or US-83/84. The next, 80,000 pounds of steel slammed into your vehicle. In a fight between a passenger car and a fully loaded tractor-trailer, the physics are never on your side. An 18-wheeler is 20 to 25 times heavier than your sedan, and when that truck driver makes a mistake, your life changes in a heartbeat.

If you’ve been hurt in a trucking accident in Buffalo Gap, you aren’t just fighting a driver. You’re fighting a corporation with a team of lawyers already working to minimize what they owe you. At Attorney911, led by our founder Ralph Manginello, we’ve spent more than 25 years making trucking companies pay. We understand that after a wreck on Taylor County roads, you don’t just need a lawyer—you need a fighter who knows the federal regulations and the insurance company’s playbook.

As client Mongo Slade shared after his wreck, “I was rear-ended and the team got right to work… I also got a very nice settlement.” We treat our Buffalo Gap clients like family, ensuring you get every dime you deserve for the trauma you’ve endured.

If you’ve been hit by an 18-wheeler, delivery van, or oilfield truck in Buffalo Gap, call us 24/7 at 1-888-ATTY-911.

The Attorney911 Advantage: Why Buffalo Gap Choose Us

Experience matters when you’re going up against Fortune 500 fleets. Ralph Manginello has representing injury victims since 1998, bringing federal court admission in the Southern District of Texas to every case he handles. But our firm offers a unique edge that other Buffalo Gap personal injury firms can’t match: the insurance defense advantage.

Our associate attorney, Lupe Peña, spent years working at a national insurance defense firm. He used to defend the very insurance companies that are now trying to deny your claim. He knows their formulas, he understands how their adjusters are trained to lowball you, and he knows exactly when they’re bluffing. We use this insider knowledge to maximize your recovery.

We aren’t afraid of the biggest corporate defendants. Whether your accident involved a Walmart 18-wheeler, an Amazon delivery van, or a Halliburton oilfield truck, we have the resources to take on corporate giants. Our firm has litigated against multinational corporations like BP following the Texas City refinery explosion and is currently litigating a $10 million lawsuit against a major university in a high-profile hazing case.

We serve the Buffalo Gap community with a commitment to results. As Glenda Walker noted, “They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.” We work on a contingency fee basis—meaning you pay nothing unless we win. We advance all investigation costs because we believe Buffalo Gap families shouldn’t have to choose between medical care and justice.

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

The 48-Hour Urgency: Preserving Evidence in Buffalo Gap

The most critical time in your case is the first 48 hours. While you are focusing on recovery in an Abilene hospital, the trucking company is already at the scene. They deploy rapid-response teams, investigators, and adjusters to Buffalo Gap within hours to find ways to shift the blame onto you.

Evidence in 18-wheeler cases is incredibly fragile. Black box data, also known as the Engine Control Module (ECM), can be overwritten in as little as 30 days or even sooner if the truck is put back into service. Electronic Logging Device (ELD) data, which proves whether a driver was violating federal hours-of-service rules, is only required to be kept for six months by FMCSA law.

We move faster than the trucking company. Within 24-48 hours of being hired, we send a comprehensive spoliation letter (litigation hold) to the carrier and their insurer. This letter legally demands they preserve:

• ECM Data: Every detail of speed, braking, and throttle position.
• ELD Records: Proving if the driver had been awake too long before hitting you in Buffalo Gap.
• Dashcam Footage: Netradyne or DriveCam video that shows exactly what the driver was doing.
• Maintenance Logs: Proving if the truck had faulty brakes or worn tires.

As client Angel Walle said, “They solved in a couple of months what others did nothing about in two years.” We don’t wait for the insurance company to “find” the evidence; we secure it before it can “disappear.”

Don’t wait for the data to be erased. Call 888-ATTY-911 now so we can protect your case in Buffalo Gap.

18-Wheeler & Commercial Truck Accident Types in Buffalo Gap

Buffalo Gap sits at a unique crossroads in Taylor County. With the US-83/84 corridor nearby and the daily flow of traffic heading toward Abilene, our community sees a heavy mix of long-haul semi-trucks, residential delivery vans, and industrial vehicles. Each type of crash has unique mechanics and legal requirements.

Jackknife Accidents on Taylor County Roads

A jackknife occurs when the trailer of an 18-wheeler swings out perpendicular to the cab. This is often the result of improper braking or speeding on Buffalo Gap’s occasionally wet or slick roads. An empty trailer is actually more prone to jackknifing than a full one. These accidents often violate 49 CFR § 393.48, which governs brake system malfunctions. If you were hit by a swinging trailer on US-83, we investigate whether the driver was improperly trained in emergency maneuvers.

Rollover Crashes in the Permian Proximity

Buffalo Gap is close enough to West Texas oilfield activity that we see significant sand hauler and water truck traffic. These vehicles have a high center of gravity. When a driver takes a curve too fast near the Buffalo Gap historic district, an 80,000-pound rollover is often the result. These wrecks frequently involve violations of 49 CFR § 393.100, the federal standard for cargo securement. Liquid cargo “slosh” can destabilize a tanker, and we hold the carrier accountable for not training drivers on these specific hazards.

Underride Collisions: The Most Lethal Wrecks

An underride collision is a Buffalo Gap family’s worst nightmare. This happens when a car slides under the trailer of an 18-wheeler. These collisions are often fatal or result in decapitation and severe TBI because the car’s safety features—like airbags and crumple zones—are bypassed. We investigate whether the truck was equipped with federal-standard Mansfield bars under 49 CFR § 393.86. If the guard was missing or poorly maintained, the trucking company is liable for your catastrophic loss.

Rear-End Collisions & Stopping Distance

A semi-truck at highway speed needs 525 feet to stop—the length of nearly two football fields. When a driver is distracted by a dispatch device or a cell phone, they don’t have enough room to stop before hitting your car on US-83. These “crush” accidents often lead to permanent spinal cord injuries. Using Lupe Peña’s former insurance defense background, we counter the argument that you “stopped too suddenly.” The law is clear: under 49 CFR § 392.11, the truck driver must maintain a safe following distance for Buffalo Gap traffic conditions.

Wide Turn “Squeeze Play” in Buffalo Gap

Because 18-wheelers have a massive turning radius, they often swing left before turning right. This creates a dangerous gap that a passenger car might enter. If the truck driver doesn’t check their mirrors properly, they can crush your vehicle against the curb. Mirror adjustment is a mandatory part of the pre-trip inspection under 49 CFR § 396.13. If they didn’t check, they were negligent.

Learn more in our video guide: The Victim’s Guide to 18-Wheeler Accident Injuries at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wxEHIxZTbK8

Oilfield Truck Accidents Near Buffalo Gap

Buffalo Gap’s proximity to the Permian Basin and Eagle Ford Shale means we share our roads with specialized oilfield vehicles. These aren’t just regular trucks; they are industrial machines that require unique safety oversight.

The oil patch never sleeps, and neither do the drivers. We see constant traffic from:

• Frac Sand Haulers: Often overloaded and running on 24/7 schedules that invite disaster.
• Produced Water Tankers: Dangerous for rollovers due to shifting liquid weight.
• Crew transport vans: 15-passenger vans that are notoriously unstable and often driven by fatigued workers.
• Hot Shot Trucks: Speeding to deliver critical parts to wellsites.

These accidents fall under a dual regulatory framework. On the public roads near Buffalo Gap, FMCSA rules apply. But if the injury happened near a wellsite or on a lease road, OSHA regulations like 29 CFR 1910.178 also come into play. Ralph Manginello has years of experience litigating against major oilfield operators like Halliburton and Schlumberger. We understand how to cut through the independent contractor defense and hold the multi-billion dollar oil company responsible for the pressure they put on their drivers.

Corporate Fleet Accidents: Amazon, Walmart, and Beyond

Not every “truck accident” involves an 18-wheeler. In Buffalo Gap, you’re at risk of being hit by a variety of corporate fleet vehicles:

• Amazon Delivery Vans: Amazon often tries to claim their drivers are “independent contractors.” We know how to pierce that shield by showing that Amazon controls the routes, the timing, and even monitors the drivers with Netradyne cameras.
• Walmart Trucks: With one of the world’s largest private fleets, Walmart’s trucks are constant fixtures in Taylor County. They are self-insured and fight like hell. We fight back harder.
• UPS and FedEx: High-speed delivery schedules create a culture where speed is prioritized over Buffalo Gap safety.
• Food Distribution: Trucks from companies like Sysco or US Foods make frequent stops, creating “squeeze play” risks in commercial areas.

When a corporate brand is on the truck that hit you, you have an advantage: a solvent defendant with deep pockets. But they also have deeper legal teams. As Chad Harris said about our firm, “You are NOT a pest to them and you are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.” We provide the personal attention of a local firm with the litigation power of a national firm.

Accidente con un camión de Amazon o Walmart en Buffalo Gap? Hablamos su idioma. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911.

Liability: Who Pays for Your Buffalo Gap Truck Wreck?

Most lawyers only sue the truck driver. At Attorney911, we know that one person isn’t usually the only one responsible. To get you the multi-million dollar settlement you need for a catastrophic injury, we investigate every party in the chain:

1. The Driver: For direct negligence like distraction or fatigue.
2. The Trucking Company: Under respondeat superior, they are responsible for their workers.
3. The Cargo Owners: If shifting weight caused a rollover.
4. Loading Companies: Under 49 CFR Part 393, improper securement is a violation.
5. Truck Manufacturers: If the brakes or steering failed due to a defect.
6. Maintenance Companies: If the truck was put on Buffalo Gap roads with known mechanical issues.
7. Freight Brokers: For hiring a carrier with a “conditional” safety rating to save money.
8. Corporate Parent Companies: Holding giants like Amazon and Walmart accountable for their unsafe delivery quotas.

Our goal is “insurance stacking”—finding every policy that applies to your wreck so you aren’t left with bills that exceed the coverage. In Texas, a carrier insurance minimum might be $750,000 for freight, but if they’re hauling oil near Buffalo Gap, that minimum jumps to $1 million. For hazardous materials, it’s $5 million. We find it all.

Proving Negligence: FMCSA Regulations as Your Best Evidence

Trucking companies hate federal regulations because those regulations are objective proof of their negligence. If they broke a federal law, they are often considered “negligent per se.” We comb through their records to find violations of:

• 49 CFR Part 391 (Driver Qualification): Did they hire a driver with a history of DUIs or a suspended CDL? If they didn’t check the driver’s qualification file, that’s negligent hiring.
• 49 CFR Part 392 (Driving Rules): Did the driver use a handheld cell phone or drive while sick or fatigued?
• 49 CFR Part 395 (Hours of Service): This is the “Fatigue Rule.” Federal law limits drivers to 11 hours behind the wheel. We use ELD data and dispatch records to prove when a driver was forced to work 16 or 18 hours straight, turning their truck into a lethal weapon.
• 49 CFR Part 396 (Inspection & Maintenance): If a wheel came off or the brakes failed on US-83, we demand the maintenance records for the last year. If they skipped the annual inspection, they are on the hook.

Learn more in our video: Truck Tire Blowouts and When You Need a Lawyer at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RCTumr1looc

Catastrophic Injuries and Life After the Crash

A collision with an 18-wheeler isn’t like a fender bender. The injuries are permanent and life-altering. At Attorney911, we help you secure compensation that accounts for a lifetime of needs.

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)

A TBI can range from chronic headaches and concentration issues to permanent cognitive disability. As noted in our “The Ultimate Guide to Brain Injury Lawsuits” video, we’ve recovered TBI settlements ranging from $1.5 million to over $9.8 million. We work with neuropsychologists to show the jury that while you may look okay on the outside, your life has been permanently altered.

Spinal Cord Injuries & Paralysis

Damage to the vertebrae often results in paraplegia or quadriplegia. The lifetime care cost for a spinal injury can exceed $5 million. We fight for settlements that provide for home modifications, 24/7 nursing care, and the best adaptive technology available.

Traumatic Amputations

The crushing force of a 70,000lb cement mixer often leaves no choice but amputation. We’ve secured amputation settlements for clients in the $1.9 million to $8.6 million range. This compensation covers the astronomical cost of prosthetics and lifelong rehabilitation.

Wrongful Death in Buffalo Gap

We are deeply sorry if you are reading this because you lost a family member. Under Texas law, you have a two-year window to file a wrongful death claim. Compensation can include the loss of your loved one’s income, companionship, and the mental anguish of their absence. We’ve helped families recover $1.9 million to $9.5 million in wrongful death cases because we know your family’s future security depends on it.

Understanding Damages: What is Your Buffalo Gap Case Worth?

When we calculate your claim, we look at the full picture of your loss. “Pain and suffering” is more than just a legal term; as client Glenda Walker said, it’s about getting “every dime” you deserve for what you’ve endured.

• Economic Damages: This includes every ER bill from Hendrick Medical Center, every prescription, every hour of missed work, and the reduction in your future earning potential. If you can never work again, we calculate what you would have earned over your entire career.
• Non-Economic Damages: This is the pain, the PTSD, the nightmares, and the loss of ability to play with your kids or grandkids in Buffalo Gap. Texas does not cap these damages in trucking cases.
• Punitive Damages: If we can prove the trucking company acted with gross negligence—like knowingly letting a meth-impaired driver take the wheel—a Buffalo Gap jury can award punitive damages to punish the company and prevent it from happening again.

Learn more in our video: How Do Car Insurance Companies Calculate Pain and Suffering? at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5EE9AWT12Kg

Buffalo Gap Truck Accident FAQ

1. How long do I have to file a claim in Buffalo Gap?

In Texas, the statute of limitations is generally two years from the date of the accident. However, if you are suing a government entity (like a city bus or a state-owned vehicle), your window to file a “notice of claim” may be as short as six months. Regardless of the law, evidence starts disappearing in 30 days. Don’t wait.

2. Can I still recover money if the accident was partially my fault?

Yes. Texas follows the 51% bar rule. As long as you were not 51% or more at fault, you can recover damages. Your total award will simply be reduced by your percentage of fault. If you were 10% at fault, you get 90% of the settlement.

3. What if a U-Haul or rental truck hit me in Buffalo Gap?

Rental trucks are dangerous because any civilian can rent a 26-foot truck with zero training. While the Graves Amendment generally protects rental companies from being sued for their driver’s mistakes, they are still liable for their own negligence—like faulty maintenance or renting to an obviously impaired driver.

4. Who pays my medical bills while the case is pending?

The trucking company’s insurance will not pay as you go—they pay in one lump sum at the end. At Attorney911, we help our clients coordinate care. We can often work with Buffalo Gap-area medical providers through a Letter of Protection (LOP), which allows you to get treated now and pay the doctor from the final settlement.

5. Why shouldn’t I talk to the insurance adjuster?

They are looking for any reason to deny your claim. They will ask leading questions and record your answers to use against you. Under the guidance of our associate attorney Lupe Peña, who used to be on the other side, we handle all communication so you don’t accidentally say something that costs you thousands of dollars.

See more answers in our video: What Should You Not Say to an Insurance Adjuster? at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9UKRbFprB0E

6. What if I was hit by an oilfield sand truck or water tanker?

Oilfield trucking is a specialized area of law. You can potentially sue the driver, the trucking contractor, AND the oil company (like Chevron or ExxonMobil) for negligent contractor selection or unsafe lease road conditions. Attorney Ralph Manginello is a “Million Dollar Member” who has handled these complex industrial cases for over two decades.

How to Work With Attorney911

We make the process simple so you can focus on healing. When you call 1-888-ATTY-911, here is what happens:

1. Immediate Free Consultation: You speak with a member of our legal team about your wreck in Buffalo Gap.
2. Evidence Lock-Down: We send spoliation letters to the trucking company within 24 hours.
3. Comprehensive Investigation: We subpoena the black box data, download the ELD logs, and hire accident reconstruction experts to walk the roads of Buffalo Gap where the crash happened.
4. No Win, No Fee: You never pay us a dime out of pocket. We only get paid if we secure a check for you.

As client Donald Wilcox said, “One company said they would not accept my case. Then I got a call from Manginello… I got a call to come pick up this handsome check.” Don’t take “no” for an answer. Let us look at your case even if another firm turned you down.

Your Fight for Justice in Buffalo Gap Starts Here

Buffalo Gap is more than just a location on a map; it’s a tight-knit community that deserves protection from negligent corporations. When an 18-wheeler changes your life forever, you aren’t just a file number to us—as client Chad Harris put it, y’all are family.

Whether you were hit by a Walmart truck on I-20, an oilfield tanker on FM 89, or an Amazon van in your own neighborhood, the law gives you the right to be made whole. But that right has an expiration date, and the evidence is already fading.

Ralph Manginello and the team at Attorney911 are ready to fight tooth and nail for you. We’ve recovered over $50 million for Texas families, and we’re ready to put that experience to work in Buffalo Gap.

Call 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911) right now for your free consultation. We are available 24/7 to help you through this emergency. No fee unless we win.

Powerful. Proven. The firm insurers fear. Your recovery starts with one call to Attorney911.

Accidente de camión en Buffalo Gap?
Hablamos su idioma. No se deje engañar por las compañías de seguros. El abogado Ralph Manginello y Lupe Peña tienen más de 25 años de experiencia ganando casos contra empresas de camiones. Llámenos hoy para su consulta gratuita: 1-888-ATTY-911.