New Deal Truck Accident Lawyer: Protecting Families Against 80,000-Pound Commercial Vehicles

The impact of a trucking accident in New Deal is unlike any other collision on the road. When an 80,000-pound commercial vehicle collides with a standard passenger car on the busy stretches of US-87 or near the I-27 corridor, the results are almost always catastrophic. At Attorney911, we understand that these accidents aren’t just traffic events; they’re life-altering emergencies that threaten your health, your livelihood, and your family’s future.

For over 25 years, our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has stood as a shield for those crushed by the negligence of massive trucking corporations. Since 1998, we’ve focused on one mission: making indifferent companies pay for the damage they cause. Whether you were hit by a long-haul 18-wheeler, an Amazon delivery van in a New Deal neighborhood, or an overloaded oilfield water truck on a county road, we have the experience and the tenacity to fight for the maximum compensation you deserve.

The trucking company that hit you in New Deal didn’t wait to start building their defense. Their rapid-response investigators and insurance adjusters were likely on the move before your ambulance even arrived at the trauma center in nearby Lubbock. You need a team that moves just as fast. At Attorney911, we don’t just provide legal advice; we provide a powerhouse defense against corporate giants like Walmart, FedEx, and UPS. With our team including associate attorney Lupe Peña, a former insurance defense lawyer who knows every tactic the big insurers use to deny claims, we provide an insider advantage that few other firms in Texas can match.

If you or a loved one has been injured, the clock is already ticking. Evidence like black box data and electronic logs can disappear in as little as 30 days. Don’t let the trucking company bury the truth. Call us today at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, no-obligation consultation. We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing unless we win your case. Hablamos Español. Llame al 1-888-288-9911.

Why Experience Matters After a New Deal Trucking Wreck

When you’re facing a multi-billion dollar corporation, the “billboard lawyers” aren’t always the ones who will give your case the personal attention it requires. Ralph Manginello has spent more than two decades litigating complex cases in both state and federal courts, including the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas. Our firm has a documented history of recovery, having secured over $50 million for families across the state, including multi-million dollar settlements for traumatic brain injuries and amputations.

In New Deal, the unique mix of agricultural cotton transport, interstate freight, and Permian Basin oilfield traffic creates a high-risk environment. We understand the specific dangers of Lubbock County roads. We know that a truck driver hauling for a major retailer might have been on the road far longer than the 11-hour federal limit to meet a delivery window in Plainview or Amarillo. We know how to find that evidence before it’s deleted.

Our associate attorney, Lupe Peña, gives our clients a distinct edge. Having previously worked at a national insurance defense firm, Lupe understands how adjusters value claims and where they hide the money. He knows the algorithms they use to minimize your pain and suffering. Today, Lupe uses that “playbook” knowledge to fight for New Deal families. We don’t accept lowball offers because we know exactly how much coverage is actually available through “stacked” insurance policies and corporate parent liability.

As client Chad Harris said, “You are NOT a pest to them and you are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.” At Attorney911, we treat every Lubbock County case with the urgency of a family member in crisis. We’ve gone toe-to-toe with Fortune 500 companies like BP in refinery explosion litigation and held retail giants like Walmart accountable for driver negligence. We aren’t intimidated by their teams of lawyers, and we won’t stop until every dime you’re owed is in your pocket.

Understanding Texas Trucking Laws and the Statutes in New Deal

Navigating the legal landscape after a trucking accident in New Deal requires a deep understanding of both Texas state statutes and federal regulations. The rules for an 18-wheeler crash are vastly different from a typical fender-bender between two cars.

The Two-Year Statute of Limitations

In Texas, you generally have just two years from the date of the accident to file a formal lawsuit for personal injury or wrongful death. While two years might seem like a long time, in the world of trucking litigation, it’s a blink of an eye. Building a winning case involves hiring accident reconstruction experts, subpoenaing cell phone records, and analyzing thousands of lines of electronic logging data. If you wait too long to contact a New Deal truck accident lawyer, critical evidence may be lost, and witnesses’ memories will fade.

Modified Comparative Negligence: The 51% Bar Rule

Texas follows a “modified comparative negligence” system. This means that even if you were partially at fault for the accident in New Deal, you could still recover compensation—as long as your responsibility is 50% or less. If a jury finds you 51% or more at fault, you recover zero. The trucking company’s first move will be to try and shift the blame onto you. They will comb through your driving record and look for any mistake you made to cross that 51% threshold. We utilize Lupe Peña’s defense-side experience to anticipate these attacks and prove the commercial driver’s primary liability.

Why Federal Court Admission Matters

Because many trucking companies are based out of state and the industry is governed by federal FMCSA regulations, many New Deal trucking cases end up in federal court. Ralph Manginello’s admission to federal court is a critical asset. Handling a case in federal court requires a higher level of procedural knowledge and meticulous preparation. We are prepared to take your fight to whichever court provides the best opportunity for maximum recovery.

Learn more about our settlement strategies in our video: The Ultimate Guide to Car Accident Settlements.

FMCSA Regulations: Using Federal Law to Prove Negligence

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sets strict rules that every commercial driver and carrier must follow. These regulations, found in Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations (CFR), are the foundation of our negligence claims. When a trucking company violates these rules in New Deal, they aren’t just being careless—they’re breaking federal law.

Hours of Service (49 CFR Part 395)

Fatigue is a silent killer on Texas highways. Under Part 395, property-carrying drivers are generally limited to 11 hours of driving after 10 consecutive hours off-duty. They also cannot drive beyond the 14th consecutive hour after coming on-duty. On the long, flat stretches of I-27 near New Deal, drivers often feel the “highway hypnosis” that leads to microsleep. When companies pressure drivers to ignore these limits to save time, we use Electronic Logging Device (ELD) data to catch them in the act.

Driver Qualifications (49 CFR Part 391)

Trucking companies have a non-delegable duty to ensure their drivers are qualified. This means they must verify the driver’s CDL, medical certificate, and driving history. If a company hired a driver with a history of DUIs or multiple safety violations to drive through Lubbock County, they are liable for “negligent hiring.” We subpoena the full Driver Qualification File to see if the company ignored red flags just to keep a truck on the road.

Parts and Accessories (49 CFR Part 393)

An 80,000-pound truck with bad brakes or worn tires is a rolling bomb. Part 393 outlines the safety standards for lighting, brakes, and cargo securement. In many New Deal area accidents involving agricultural trailers, we find that the cargo was not properly secured according to 49 CFR § 393.100. This causes the trailer to destabilize, leading to rollovers or cargo spills that can cause multi-car pileups.

Inspection and Maintenance (49 CFR Part 396)

Carriers are required to systematically inspect and maintain their fleets. Every driver must perform a pre-trip inspection to ensure the vehicle is safe. If a New Deal crash was caused by a brake failure or a tire blowout, we look at the maintenance logs. Often, we find that companies “deferred” maintenance to keep their profit margins high, effectively choosing money over the safety of Texas families.

If you suspect a violation of these rules, you need to act now. Call Attorney911 at 888-ATTY-911 and let us start the investigation.

Common Truck Accident Types in New Deal and Lubbock County

New Deal sits at a crossroads of different trucking hazards. From the high speeds of I-27 to the rural turns on Lubbock County roads, the type of accident often dictates the severity of your injuries and the legal strategy we employ.

Jackknife Accidents

On the often windy and high-speed corridors through New Deal, a jackknife occurs when the trailer outpaces the cab, swinging out at a 90-degree angle. This often happens due to improper braking on slick roads or shifting cargo. A jackknifed trailer can sweep across all lanes of US-87, leaving oncoming drivers with no escape route.

Rollover Crashes

With Lubbock County’s high winds and often narrow county roads, rollovers are a major concern. Top-heavy loads or drivers taking curves too fast on FM roads often lead to these catastrophic events. If the truck was carrying hazardous materials or oilfield fluids, a rollover can also lead to hazardous spills and fires.

Underride Collisions

Underride accidents are some of the most lethal crashes we handle. This occurs when a smaller vehicle slides underneath the back or side of a trailer because the truck lacks proper underride guards (Mansfield Bars). In underride cases, the passenger cabin of the car is often sheared off, leading to decapitation or fatal head trauma. We hold companies accountable for failing to install modern, life-saving safety guards.

Blind Spot and Wide Turn “Squeeze” Accidents

Trucks have massive “No-Zones” on all four sides. Many accidents in New Deal occur when a truck driver attempts a wide right turn and “squeezes” a passenger vehicle between the trailer and the curb. Under 49 CFR § 393.80, trucks must be equipped with mirrors that provide a clear view, but mirrors aren’t enough if the driver isn’t properly trained to use them.

Rear-End Collisions from Inadequate Stopping Distance

A fully loaded semi-truck at highway speed needs nearly two football fields to come to a complete stop. When drivers tailgate on I-27 or fail to notice traffic slowing as it enters New Deal town limits, the resulting rear-end collision carries enough force to crush a smaller car into the vehicle in front of it.

Tire Blowouts and Brake Failures

Poor tire maintenance on hot West Texas asphalt is a recipe for disaster. 18-wheeler tire blowouts can cause the driver to lose control instantly, while brake fade during long hauls can leave a driver helpless to stop. We investigate whether the trucking company followed the inspection mandates of Part 396 to prevent these mechanical failures.

Learn more about specific mechanics in our video: Truck Tire Blowouts and When You Need a Lawyer.

Oilfield Truck Wrecks: A Unique High-Stakes Danger

New Deal is a frequent pass-through and support hub for Permian Basin oil activity. The oil and gas industry introduces specialized vehicles to Lubbock County roads that most attorneys aren’t equipped to handle. These aren’t just trucks; they are industrial equipment moving at highway speeds.

Frac Sand Haulers and Water Trucks

Water trucks and sand haulers are ubiquitous around New Deal. These trucks often operate on lease roads and FM roads that were never designed for 80,000-pound loads. The road degradation combined with fatigued “company men” rushing back and forth from well sites leads to high-frequency collisions. We understand that these drivers are often working 14-hour shifts or more, violating FMCSA Part 395 and OSHA safety standards.

Crude Oil Tankers and HAZMAT Spills

A collision with a crude oil tanker is a hazmat emergency. These cases require a lawyer who understands 49 CFR Part 397 (Hazardous Materials). The insurance minimum for these vehicles is typically $5 million, far higher than the $750,000 for general freight. We fight to ensure you access the full policy limits when your family is exposed to toxic chemicals or fire.

Crew Transport and Hot Shot Accidents

Oilfield companies frequently use crew vans and “hot shot” pickup trucks to move people and equipment urgently. Crew vans, particularly 15-passenger models, are notorious for rollover risks. If you were injured while working or hit by an oilfield transport vehicle, we look beyond the driver to the E&P (Exploration and Production) operator who set the dangerous schedule.

When oil companies cut corners on safety, people in New Deal pay the price. Ralph Manginello’s experience against multinational corporations like BP gives our firm the background needed to take on Halliburton, Schlumberger, or any major oilfield operator.

Corporate Fleet Accidents: Holding Giants Accountable

In Lubbock County, you’re never more than a few blocks from a Walmart truck or an Amazon delivery van. These corporate giants have different legal structures designed to shield them from liability, and you need a specialized New Deal corporate truck accident lawyer to pierce those shields.

The Amazon “Independent Contractor” Defense

If you were hit by an Amazon van in New Deal, Amazon will likely tell you they aren’t responsible because the driver works for a “Delivery Service Partner” (DSP). We’ve seen this tactic before. We use evidence like Amazon’s Netradyne camera data and delivery quotas to prove that Amazon exercises “pervasive control” over these drivers. If Amazon sets the route, the time, and the rules, they are the ones who should be held responsible.

Walmart’s Self-Insurance Advantage

Walmart operates one of the largest private fleets in the world. Because Walmart is “self-insured,” they pay claims out of their own pockets up to a certain point. This makes them fight harder than almost any other defendant. They have a “rapid response” team based near major distribution hubs (like Plainview) that can reach a New Deal scene in minutes. We counteract this by moving faster to secure the DriveCam footage and ECM data.

FedEx and UPS Accidents

FedEx Ground uses a contractor model similar to Amazon, while UPS drivers are direct employees. This distinction changes how we file your lawsuit. Regardless of the carrier, these companies often prioritize “just-in-time” delivery over safety. If a delivery truck was double-parked or speeding in a residential New Deal street and caused an accident, they are liable for the damage.

Watch our guide: What Should You Not Say to an Insurance Adjuster?

Identifying Every Liable Party to Maximize Recovery

At Attorney911, we go deeper than just suing the truck driver. To maximize your recovery, we identify everyone whose negligence contributed to the crash. More defendants mean more insurance policies can be “stacked” to cover catastrophic injuries.

1. The Truck Driver: For direct negligence like speeding, distraction, or driving while impaired (49 CFR § 392).
2. The Trucking Company: For vicarious liability and direct negligence in hiring, training, and supervision.
3. The Cargo Owner/Loader: If an improperly secured or overloaded trailer caused a rollover or spill.
4. The Maintenance Facility: If a third party failed to properly repair the brakes or steering.
5. The Parts Manufacturer: If a defective tire or component failed (Product Liability).
6. The Freight Broker: For failing to vet the safety record of the carrier they hired.
7. The Corporate Parent: For setting policies (like quotas) that made the accident inevitable.
8. The Oilfield Operator: For creating hazardous lease road conditions or hiring unsafe haulers.
9. Rental Truck Companies (U-Haul/Penske): If they rented a vehicle to an unqualified driver or failed to maintain it.
10. Government Entities: If poor road design or a lack of signage in New Deal contributed to the crash.

Most firms only look at the first two parties. We look at all ten. As Glenda Walker said, “They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.” That only happens when you find every liable party.

48-Hour Evidence Preservation: The “Golden Hour” of Your Case

In a New Deal truck accident, the most important evidence is digital. Modern trucks are essentially “rolling computers,” and the data they generate is the only way to prove what the driver was doing in the seconds before impact.

ECM / Black Box Data

The Engine Control Module (ECM) records speed, brake application, RPM, and throttle position. If the driver claims they hit the brakes, the ECM will tell us if that’s true. This data is easily overwritten. We send an “Anti-Spoliation” letter immediately to prevent the company from putting the truck back on the road.

Electronic Logging Devices (ELD)

ELD data proves whether the driver was “running hot”—violating hours of service (HOS) rules. Trucking companies are only required to keep this data for six months, but they often try to lose it much sooner. We move to lock this data down within 48 hours of being hired.

In-Cab Cameras and Dashcams

Many corporate fleets like Amazon and Walmart use Netradyne or DriveCam systems. These AI cameras record the driver’s face and the road. This footage can prove the driver was glancing at a phone or nodding off.

Spoliation Sanctions

If a company destroys evidence after receiving our preservation demand, we ask the court for “spoliation sanctions.” This can include a jury instruction to assume the destroyed evidence was bad for the company, or in extreme cases, a default judgment in your favor.

Learn why immediate action is critical: I’ve Had an Accident — What Should I Do First?

Catastrophic Injuries and the Financial Cost of Survival

Truck accidents in New Deal result in injuries that can require a lifetime of care. We work with life care planners and vocational experts to calculate the TRUE cost of your recovery.

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)

A TBI can range from chronic headaches to permanent cognitive disability. As seen in our settlement ranges ($1.5M – $9.8M), TBI cases are high-value because they affect every aspect of your life. Ralph Manginello has secured multi-million dollar settlements for victims of falling-object brain injuries, proving the deep impact of neurological damage.

Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis

The force of an 18-wheeler impact often causes “axial loading” on the spine, leading to permanent paralysis. These cases require multi-million dollar settlements ($4.7M – $25.8M) to cover home modifications, 24/7 nursing care, and specialized medical equipment.

Traumatic Amputation and Crush Injuries

Being trapped in a vehicle crushed by a truck often results in the loss of a limb. Beyond the initial trauma, amputees face phantom pain, prosthetic replacement costs, and psychological suffering. Our firm secured a $3.8 million settlement for a client who required an amputation following infection after a catastrophic crash.

Severe Burns and Internal Organ Damage

Fuel fires and chemical spills in oilfield crashes lead to third and fourth-degree burns. These injuries require years of painful skin grafts and reconstructive surgery. Similarly, internal organ damage from sudden deceleration (like a ruptured spleen or liver) can be life-threatening and require emergency surgery.

We don’t just calculate your hospital bills. We calculate the cost of your 3 AM pain, your lost ability to hold your children, and the wages you’ll never earn again. As client Kiimarii Yup said, “I lost everything… 1 year later I have gained so much in return plus a brand new truck.” We fight for that level of recovery for you.

Commercial Truck Insurance: Accessing the Millions Available

One of the biggest differences between a car accident and a truck accident in New Deal is the amount of insurance money available. By federal law (49 CFR § 387.9), trucking companies must carry minimum liability limits that dwarf those of individual drivers.

• General Freight: $750,000 Minimum
• Oil and Bulk Equipment: $1,000,000 Minimum
• Hazardous Materials (HAZMAT): $5,000,000 Minimum
• Passenger Carriers: $5,000,000 Minimum

Large companies like Walmart, Amazon, and Halliburton carry “Excess Liability” or “Umbrella” policies often reaching $50 million to $100 million. They also use “Self-Insured Retentions” (SIR), which means they are paying the first several million dollars themselves. They hire the best defense lawyers money can buy to protect those millions. You need a lawyer who is equally equipped to take it from them.

Watch our guide: The Definitive Guide To MCS 90 Auto Endorsements.

Frequently Asked Questions for New Deal Truck Accident Victims

How long do I have to file a claim in New Deal?
Under Texas law, you generally have two years from the date of the accident. However, if the truck belonged to a government entity (like a Lubbock County road crew), you may have as little as 180 days to provide a formal “notice of claim.” Never wait—call us at 888-ATTY-911 today.

What if the truck driver was from another state?
That doesn’t matter. If the accident happened in New Deal or Lubbock County, Texas law applies. Because of “diversity jurisdiction,” these cases often move to federal court, where Ralph Manginello is admitted to practice.

Who pays my medical bills while my case is pending?
While the trucking company is ultimately responsible, they won’t pay your bills as they come in. They want you to feel financial pressure so you’ll accept a small settlement. At Attorney911, we help our clients coordinate treatment through medical liens or letters of protection so you can focus on healing without being harassed by bill collectors.

Can I sue the oil company if their contractor’s truck hit me?
Yes. Under Texas law, oil companies can often be held liable as “general contractors” for the negligent acts of their trucking subcontractors, especially if the oil company exercised control over the work or failed to properly vet the contractor’s safety record.

How much does it cost to hire an 18-wheeler accident lawyer in New Deal?
Zero dollars upfront. We work on a contingency fee, typically 33.3% of the settlement or 40% if the case goes to trial. We advance all the costs of the investigation, expert witnesses, and filing fees. If we don’t win, you don’t owe us a dime.

What if the insurance company already offered me a settlement?
Don’t sign it. First offers are almost always “lowball” offers designed to get rid of your claim before you know the full extent of your injuries. Once you sign, you can never ask for more, even if you need more surgery. Let us evaluate the offer for free.

I have a herniated disc after being hit by a truck—is that a serious case?
Absolutely. While insurance companies call it “just soft tissue,” a herniated disc from an 80,000-pound truck impact is a permanent back injury. It can require epidural injections, physical therapy, or even spinal fusion surgery. We’ve recovered hundreds of thousands for Lubbock County victims with “minor” herniated discs that the big insurance companies tried to dismiss.

Can I sue Amazon for my injuries?
If you were hit by an Amazon-branded vehicle, we look for ways to hold Amazon directly liable. We use their monitoring apps, route scheduling, and “Delivery Service Partner” contracts to prove they are the secret boss of the driver who hit you.

Do I have a case if no one was killed?
Yes. You don’t need a fatality to have a high-value case. Permanent disability, TBI, chronic pain, and psychological trauma like PTSD are all significant reasons to sue for compensation.

How do I get the truck’s “Black Box” data?
This requires a formal legal demand and often a subpoena. You cannot get this data yourself. We send an expert engineer to download the data before the truck is repaired or scrapped. This is one of the first things we do for our New Deal clients.

Justice for New Deal Families Starts with One Call

When an 18-wheeler changes your life forever, you don’t need a lawyer who just takes cases—you need a fighter who wins them. Ralph Manginello and the team at Attorney911 have built a reputation across Texas as the “Legal Emergency Lawyers™.” We understand the pain you’re feeling, the bills that are stacking up, and the fear of an uncertain future.

Whether you were hit on US-87, US-84, or a county road in New Deal, we’re ready to deploy our resources to your case. We’ve gone head-to-head with some of the biggest corporations on the planet and made them pay. As Donald Wilcox, one of our satisfied clients, 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 let a trucking company’s negligence destroy your future. Take the first step toward the recovery you deserve. Call Attorney911 right now at 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911). Our Lubbock County trucking accident attorneys are available 24/7 to answer your call. Hablamos Español. Your consultation is free, and there is no fee unless we win.

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