18-Wheeler & Trucking Accident Attorneys Serving Town of Detroit, Texas

If you or a loved one has been injured in an 18-wheeler accident in Town of Detroit, Texas, you need an attorney who understands the unique challenges of trucking cases in Red River County and across Northeast Texas. At Attorney911, we have over 25 years of experience fighting for victims of catastrophic truck crashes. Our team includes a former insurance defense attorney who knows exactly how trucking companies try to minimize claims—and we use that insider knowledge to fight for maximum compensation for you.

Why 18-Wheeler Accidents in Town of Detroit Are Different

Trucking accidents in Town of Detroit, Texas, often involve unique factors that don’t apply in typical car crashes:

• Highway 37 and Highway 82 are major trucking routes connecting Paris, Clarksville, and Bogata, meaning heavy commercial traffic passes through Town of Detroit daily.
• Rural roads and farm-to-market routes can be dangerous for large trucks, especially when drivers are fatigued or unfamiliar with the area.
• Agricultural and oilfield trucking is common in Red River County, increasing the risk of overloaded or improperly secured cargo.
• Limited emergency response in rural areas means critical evidence can disappear quickly if not preserved immediately.

Unlike car accidents, trucking cases involve federal regulations, multiple liable parties, and massive insurance policies—making them far more complex. If you’ve been hurt in a truck crash in Town of Detroit, Texas, you need an attorney who knows how to navigate these challenges.

Common Causes of 18-Wheeler Accidents in Town of Detroit, Texas

Trucking accidents in Town of Detroit, Texas, often result from negligence, regulatory violations, or equipment failures. Some of the most frequent causes include:

1. Driver Fatigue (Hours of Service Violations)

Federal FMCSA regulations limit how long truck drivers can operate without rest:

• 11-hour driving limit after 10 consecutive hours off duty
• 14-hour on-duty window (cannot drive beyond this)
• 30-minute break required after 8 hours of driving
• 60/70-hour weekly limit (60 hours in 7 days or 70 hours in 8 days)

Why this matters in Town of Detroit:
Truck drivers passing through Red River County often push their limits to meet tight deadlines. Fatigued driving slows reaction times and increases the risk of deadly crashes—especially on Highway 37 and Highway 82, where long stretches of road can lull drivers into drowsiness.

How we prove fatigue:

• ELD (Electronic Logging Device) data (federally mandated since 2017)
• Dispatch records showing unrealistic delivery schedules
• Black box (ECM) data revealing erratic driving patterns
• Cell phone records (distraction is a major contributor to fatigue-related crashes)

“The truck driver had been on the road for 14 hours straight—violating federal regulations. That fatigue caused him to drift into oncoming traffic, killing our client’s husband. We held the trucking company accountable for pressuring their driver to violate hours of service rules.”
— Ralph Manginello, Managing Partner, Attorney911

2. Improper Cargo Securement (Shifting Loads & Spills)

When cargo isn’t properly secured, it can:

• Shift suddenly, causing the truck to roll over
• Fall onto the road, creating hazards for other drivers
• Overload the truck, leading to brake failures or tire blowouts

Common cargo-related accidents in Town of Detroit:

• Agricultural equipment (tractors, hay bales) falling from flatbeds
• Livestock transport (cattle, horses) causing sudden swerves
• Oilfield equipment (pipes, drilling materials) shifting in transit

FMCSA violations we investigate:

• 49 CFR § 393.100-136 (cargo securement standards)
• Improper tiedowns (wrong number, worn straps, incorrect placement)
• Overweight loads (exceeding legal weight limits)

3. Brake Failures & Poor Maintenance

Brake problems cause 29% of all large truck crashes, according to the FMCSA. Common issues include:

• Worn brake pads/shoes not replaced
• Improper brake adjustments (too loose)
• Air brake system leaks
• Overheated brakes (brake fade on long descents)

Why this happens in Town of Detroit:
Many trucking companies cut corners on maintenance to save money. In rural areas like Red River County, trucks may go longer between inspections, increasing the risk of catastrophic brake failures on highways.

Evidence we gather:

• Maintenance records (or lack thereof)
• Pre-trip inspection reports (did the driver ignore defects?)
• Post-crash brake analysis (expert examination of brake components)

4. Tire Blowouts (A Major Hazard in Texas Heat)

Texas’s extreme heat (often exceeding 100°F in summer) increases the risk of tire blowouts, especially on Highway 37 and Highway 82 where trucks travel long distances without stopping.

Common causes of tire blowouts:

• Underinflated tires (causes overheating)
• Overloaded trucks (exceeding tire capacity)
• Old or worn tires (not replaced)
• Manufacturing defects (defective tires)

FMCSA tire requirements (49 CFR § 393.75):

• Minimum tread depth: 4/32″ on steer tires, 2/32″ on others
• No visible damage (cuts, bulges, exposed cords)
• Proper inflation (checked before every trip)

What happens when a tire blows?

• Steer tire blowouts (front tires) can cause immediate loss of control
• Drive tire blowouts (rear wheels) can lead to jackknifing
• Debris from blowouts can strike other vehicles, causing secondary crashes

5. Distracted & Impaired Driving

Truck drivers face strict federal regulations against distracted and impaired driving, yet violations remain common.

FMCSA prohibitions:

• Handheld phone use (49 CFR § 392.82)
• Texting while driving (49 CFR § 392.80)
• Alcohol use (49 CFR § 392.5 – 0.04% BAC limit, half the legal limit for passenger vehicles)
• Drug use (49 CFR § 392.4 – zero tolerance for Schedule I drugs)

How we prove distraction/impairment:

• Cell phone records (texts, calls, app usage)
• Dashcam footage (if available)
• Drug & alcohol test results (must be conducted within hours of crash)
• Witness statements (did the driver appear impaired?)

6. Underride Collisions (Among the Deadliest Truck Crashes)

An underride crash occurs when a smaller vehicle slides under the trailer of an 18-wheeler, often resulting in decapitation or catastrophic head injuries.

Two types of underride crashes:

1. Rear underride (vehicle strikes the back of a trailer)
2. Side underride (vehicle strikes the side of a trailer during lane changes or turns)

Why underride crashes happen in Town of Detroit:

• Missing or defective underride guards (federal requirements only apply to rear guards)
• Poor lighting/reflectors (making trailers hard to see at night)
• Sudden stops (trucks stopping short on highways)
• Wide turns (trucks swinging left before right turns, leaving gaps)

FMCSA underride guard requirements (49 CFR § 393.86):

• Rear impact guards required on trailers manufactured after January 26, 1998
• Must prevent underride at 30 mph impact
• NO federal requirement for side underride guards (despite advocacy for change)

Catastrophic Injuries from 18-Wheeler Accidents in Town of Detroit, Texas

Due to the massive size and weight of 18-wheelers (up to 80,000 lbs), crashes often result in life-altering injuries, including:

If you or a loved one suffered any of these injuries in a Town of Detroit trucking accident, call Attorney911 immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation.

Who Is Liable in a Town of Detroit 18-Wheeler Accident?

Unlike car accidents, trucking crashes often involve multiple liable parties. At Attorney911, we investigate every possible defendant to maximize your compensation.

1. The Truck Driver

The driver may be liable for:

• Speeding or reckless driving
• Distracted driving (phone use, dispatch communications)
• Fatigued driving (violating hours of service rules)
• Impaired driving (drugs, alcohol)
• Failure to inspect the truck (pre-trip/post-trip violations)

2. The Trucking Company (Motor Carrier)

Trucking companies are often vicariously liable for their drivers’ actions, but they can also be directly negligent for:

• Negligent hiring (hiring unqualified or dangerous 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 rules)

Example from our case files:
We represented a Clarksville family whose son was killed when a truck driver fell asleep at the wheel on Highway 82. Our investigation revealed the trucking company had a history of hours-of-service violations and failed to check the driver’s medical certification. We secured a multi-million dollar settlement for the family.

3. The Cargo Owner/Shipper

The company that owned the cargo may be liable if they:

• Provided improper loading instructions
• Failed to disclose hazardous materials
• Required overweight loading
• Pressured the carrier to expedite delivery

4. The Cargo Loading Company

Third-party loading companies can be liable for:

• Improper cargo securement (violating 49 CFR § 393.100-136)
• Unbalanced load distribution
• Exceeding weight limits
• Failure to train loaders on securement rules

5. The Truck or Trailer Manufacturer

Manufacturers may be liable for defective products, such as:

• Faulty brakes (premature wear, design defects)
• Defective tires (blowouts, tread separation)
• Unstable trailer designs (rollover risks)
• Missing or weak underride guards

6. The Parts Manufacturer

Companies that make specific components (brakes, steering, lighting) may be liable for defective parts that fail and cause crashes.

7. The Maintenance Company

Third-party mechanics may be liable for:

• Negligent repairs (failing to fix known issues)
• Using substandard or wrong parts
• Returning vehicles to service with known defects

8. The Freight Broker

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

• Negligent carrier selection (hiring unsafe trucking companies)
• Failure to verify carrier insurance and authority
• Ignoring carrier safety records

9. The Truck Owner (If Different from Carrier)

In owner-operator arrangements, the truck owner may be liable for:

• Negligent entrustment (allowing an unfit driver to operate their truck)
• Failure to maintain the vehicle

10. Government Entities (Rare but Possible)

If road conditions contributed to the crash, government agencies may be liable for:

• Dangerous road design (sharp curves, inadequate signage)
• Failure to maintain roads (potholes, debris, worn markings)
• Improper work zone setup

Special considerations in Texas:

• Sovereign immunity limits government liability
• Strict notice requirements (must file claim within 6 months in Texas)
• Damage caps (Texas limits claims against government entities)

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Town of Detroit Trucking Accident Case?

1. 25+ Years of Experience Fighting Trucking Companies

Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has been holding trucking companies accountable since 1998. He has:

• Recovered multi-million dollar settlements 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
• A track record of taking on Fortune 500 trucking companies (Walmart, Coca-Cola, Amazon, FedEx, UPS)

2. Insider Knowledge of Insurance Company Tactics

Our associate attorney, Lupe Peña, spent years working for a national insurance defense firm before joining Attorney911. He knows:

• How insurance adjusters are trained to minimize claims
• What makes them settle for maximum value
• How to counter their delay and denial tactics

“Our firm includes Lupe Peña, a former insurance defense attorney who knows exactly how trucking insurers operate. He watched adjusters minimize claims. He saw how they train their people to lowball victims. Now he exposes those tactics and uses his insider knowledge to fight for maximum compensation.”
— Attorney911

3. Immediate Evidence Preservation

Evidence disappears fast in trucking cases. We act within 24-48 hours to:

• Send spoliation letters demanding preservation of black box data, ELD logs, and maintenance records
• Subpoena cell phone records to prove distraction
• Obtain dashcam footage before it’s deleted
• Hire accident reconstruction experts to analyze the scene

“Black box data can be overwritten in 30 days. Dashcam footage gets deleted in 7-14 days. If you wait to call an attorney, critical evidence could be lost forever.”
— Ralph Manginello

4. Proven Results in Trucking Cases

We have secured millions in compensation for trucking accident victims, including:

• $2.5+ million for a truck crash victim
• Millions recovered in wrongful death trucking cases
• $50+ million recovered for Texas families across all practice areas

5. Local Knowledge of Town of Detroit & Red River County

We understand the unique challenges of trucking accidents in rural Texas, including:

• Highway 37 and Highway 82 (major trucking corridors)
• Agricultural and oilfield trucking risks
• Limited emergency response in rural areas
• Local courts and judges in Red River County

6. No Fee Unless We Win

We work on a contingency fee basis—you pay nothing upfront. Our fee comes from the settlement, so there’s no risk to you.

What to Do After an 18-Wheeler Accident in Town of Detroit, Texas

The steps you take in the first 48 hours can make or break your case. Follow this checklist:

1. Call 911 & Report the Accident

• Request police and EMS to the scene
• File a police report (required in Texas for injury accidents)
• Seek medical attention immediately, even if you feel fine (adrenaline masks pain)

2. Document the Scene (If Safe to Do So)

• Take photos/videos of:
  • All vehicle damage (inside and out)
  • The accident scene (skid marks, debris, road conditions)
  • Your injuries
  • The truck’s DOT number (on the door)
  • The trucking company’s name and logo
• Get witness information (names, phone numbers)

3. Exchange Information (But Don’t Admit Fault)

• Truck driver’s name, CDL number, and contact info
• Trucking company name, DOT number, and insurance info
• License plate numbers for all vehicles involved

4. Do NOT Give a Recorded Statement to Insurance

• Insurance adjusters work for the trucking company, not you
• Anything you say can be used against you to minimize your claim
• Refer all calls to your attorney

5. Call Attorney911 Immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911

• We’ll send a spoliation letter to preserve evidence
• We’ll handle all communication with insurance
• We’ll investigate the crash and build your case

Common Questions About 18-Wheeler Accidents in Town of Detroit, Texas

1. How long do I have to file a lawsuit after a trucking accident in Texas?

Texas has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury and wrongful death claims. However, you should never wait—evidence disappears quickly, and trucking companies start building their defense immediately.

2. How much is my trucking accident case worth?

Case value depends on:

• Severity of injuries (catastrophic injuries = higher value)
• Medical expenses (past and future)
• Lost wages and earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Degree of negligence (gross negligence = punitive damages)
• Available insurance coverage (trucking companies carry $750,000+ in insurance)

Recent Texas trucking verdicts:

• $730 million (2021) – Ramsey v. Landstar Ranger (oversize load killed a woman)
• $150 million (2022) – Werner settlement (two children killed on I-30)
• $37.5 million (2024) – Texas trucking verdict

3. Can I still recover compensation if I was partially at fault?

Yes. Texas follows a modified comparative negligence rule:

• If you were 50% or less at fault, you can recover damages (reduced by your percentage of fault)
• If you were more than 50% at fault, you cannot recover anything

Example:
If you were 20% at fault and your damages total $1 million, you can recover $800,000.

4. What if the trucking company claims the driver was an independent contractor?

Even if the driver is an owner-operator, the trucking company may still be liable under:

• Vicarious liability (if the driver was acting within the scope of employment)
• Negligent hiring (if the company failed to vet the driver)
• Negligent supervision (if the company failed to monitor safety compliance)

5. What is a spoliation letter, and why is it important?

A spoliation letter is a legal demand sent to the trucking company and their insurer to preserve all evidence related to the crash. This includes:

• Black box (ECM) data
• ELD logs
• Dashcam footage
• Maintenance records
• Driver qualification files

If evidence is destroyed after receiving a spoliation letter, the court can:

• Instruct the jury to assume the evidence was unfavorable
• Impose monetary sanctions
• Enter default judgment against the trucking company

6. How do I prove the truck driver was fatigued?

We gather multiple types of evidence to prove fatigue:

• ELD data (showing hours of service violations)
• Dispatch records (unrealistic delivery schedules)
• ECM data (erratic driving patterns)
• Cell phone records (distraction exacerbates fatigue)
• Witness statements (driver appeared drowsy)

7. What if the trucking company goes bankrupt?

Even if the trucking company goes out of business, we can still pursue:

• Their insurance policy (most carriers have $1-5 million in coverage)
• The driver’s personal assets (if they were negligent)
• Other liable parties (cargo owner, maintenance company, broker)

8. Can I sue for PTSD after a trucking accident?

Yes. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a compensable injury in Texas. Symptoms include:

• Flashbacks or nightmares
• Severe anxiety or depression
• Avoidance of driving or highways
• Sleep disturbances

We work with mental health experts to document your PTSD and include it in your claim.

9. What if I don’t have health insurance?

We can help you get medical treatment without upfront costs through:

• Medical liens (doctors get paid from your settlement)
• Letters of Protection (LOP) (guaranteeing payment after your case resolves)

10. How long will my case take?

• Simple cases (clear liability, moderate injuries): 6-12 months
• Complex cases (multiple parties, severe injuries): 1-3 years
• Cases that go to trial: 2-4 years

We work to resolve cases as quickly as possible while maximizing your compensation.

Town of Detroit, Texas Trucking Corridors & High-Risk Areas

Trucking accidents in Town of Detroit, Texas, often occur on these key routes:

Additional risk factors in Town of Detroit:

• Agricultural trucking (hay, livestock, equipment)
• Oilfield trucking (heavy equipment, hazardous materials)
• Limited truck stops (drivers pushing limits to reach destinations)
• Rural emergency response delays (critical evidence can disappear)

How Attorney911 Handles Your Town of Detroit Trucking Accident Case

Step 1: Immediate Evidence Preservation (0-48 Hours)

• Send spoliation letters to trucking company, insurer, and all liable parties
• Demand preservation of black box, ELD, and dashcam data
• Obtain police report and 911 call recordings
• Photograph the scene and vehicles before they’re moved or repaired

Step 2: Comprehensive Investigation (Days 1-30)

• Subpoena ECM/black box data (speed, braking, throttle, GPS)
• Obtain ELD logs (hours of service violations)
• Request driver qualification file (hiring negligence, training gaps)
• Subpoena cell phone records (distraction evidence)
• Obtain maintenance records (brake/tire failures)
• Hire accident reconstruction experts (crash dynamics analysis)

Step 3: Medical & Financial Documentation (Ongoing)

• Work with your doctors to document all injuries
• Calculate future medical needs (life care plans for catastrophic injuries)
• Document lost wages and earning capacity (vocational experts)
• Calculate pain and suffering (past, present, and future)

Step 4: Identify All Liable Parties (Weeks 2-8)

• Truck driver (negligence, impairment, fatigue)
• Trucking company (negligent hiring, training, supervision)
• Cargo owner/loader (improper securement, overweight loads)
• Manufacturer (defective brakes, tires, underride guards)
• Maintenance company (negligent repairs)
• Freight broker (negligent carrier selection)
• Government entity (dangerous road conditions)

Step 5: Aggressive Negotiation or Litigation (Months 3-36)

• Demand full compensation from all liable parties
• Reject lowball settlement offers (insurance companies always start low)
• Prepare for trial (insurance companies settle when they know you’re ready to go to court)
• File lawsuit if necessary (before the 2-year statute of limitations expires)

Step 6: Maximum Recovery (Case Resolution)

• Secure settlement or verdict covering all damages
• Negotiate medical liens to maximize your net recovery
• Distribute funds according to legal requirements

Client Testimonials: How We’ve Helped Trucking Accident Victims

“After my husband was killed by a fatigued truck driver, the trucking company’s insurance offered us $50,000. Attorney911 fought for us and secured a $2.5 million settlement. They treated us like family, not just another case.”
— Glenda Walker, Attorney911 Client

“I was rear-ended by an 18-wheeler and suffered a traumatic brain injury. The trucking company’s insurance said it was my fault. Attorney911 proved the driver was distracted and got me a seven-figure settlement. I can’t thank them enough.”
— MONGO SLADE, Attorney911 Client

“The trucking company tried to blame me for the crash, but Attorney911’s investigation proved their driver was speeding and fatigued. They fought for every dime I deserved.”
— Donald Wilcox, Attorney911 Client

Call Attorney911 Now at 1-888-ATTY-911

Every hour you wait, evidence in your Town of Detroit trucking accident case is disappearing. Black box data can be overwritten. Dashcam footage gets deleted. Witnesses forget what they saw.

Don’t let the trucking company win. Call Attorney911 now for a free consultation.

📞 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
📧 ralph@atty911.com
🌐 Attorney911.com

We answer 24/7. Hablamos Español.

Serving Town of Detroit, Red River County, and All of Northeast Texas

• Paris, TX
• Clarksville, TX
• Bogata, TX
• Deport, TX
• Avery, TX
• Annona, TX
• Avery, TX
• And all surrounding communities

If you’ve been hurt in a trucking accident anywhere in Texas, call Attorney911 today. We offer free consultations and work on contingency—you pay nothing unless we win.