18-Wheeler Accident Lawyers in Putnam, Texas: Holding Trucking Companies Accountable
When an 80,000-Pound Truck Changes Your Life in an Instant
The moment an 18-wheeler crashes into your vehicle on Putnam’s highways, everything changes. The force of 80,000 pounds slamming into your sedan at highway speeds doesn’t just damage metal—it shatters lives. Traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, broken bones, and wrongful death are common consequences of trucking accidents in Callahan County. If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a commercial truck crash anywhere in Putnam or surrounding areas, you need more than just a lawyer—you need a legal team that understands the unique complexities of trucking litigation and isn’t afraid to fight the powerful trucking industry.
At Attorney911, we’ve been fighting for trucking accident victims across Texas for over 25 years. Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has federal court experience and has secured multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements for families devastated by 18-wheeler crashes. We know Putnam’s trucking corridors, from the distribution centers near I-20 to the local routes serving the region’s agricultural and energy industries. This local knowledge, combined with our deep understanding of federal trucking regulations, gives us a powerful advantage in building your case.
Why Putnam Trucking Accidents Are Different
Putnam sits at a critical juncture in Texas’s transportation network. While our small town may not have the bustling highways of Dallas or Houston, our roads carry significant commercial traffic serving the region’s industries. The trucking corridors serving Putnam include:
- I-20 corridor: Connecting Putnam to major distribution hubs and serving as a primary route for goods moving across Texas
- US-283: A key north-south route carrying agricultural products and energy sector equipment
- FM 18: Serving local businesses and connecting to regional distribution centers
- Energy sector routes: Supporting the oil and gas industry that remains important to the Callahan County economy
These routes see a mix of long-haul truckers, local delivery drivers, and specialized vehicles serving Putnam’s agricultural and energy sectors. The trucks you encounter on Putnam’s roads may be carrying anything from produce to oilfield equipment, each with its own unique risks and regulatory requirements.
The trucking companies operating in Putnam range from major national carriers to regional operators and independent owner-operators. Many are based in larger Texas cities but pass through Putnam regularly. This means when an accident occurs, you may be dealing with a trucking company headquartered hundreds of miles away, with teams of lawyers ready to protect their interests—not yours.
The Catastrophic Nature of Putnam Trucking Accidents
The physics of trucking accidents make catastrophic injuries the norm, not the exception:
- A fully loaded 18-wheeler can weigh 20-25 times more than your passenger vehicle
- At 65 mph, an 80,000-pound truck needs 525 feet to stop—nearly two football fields
- The height difference between trucks and cars means underride collisions are common, often resulting in decapitation or catastrophic head injuries
- Cargo spills can cause multi-vehicle pileups, especially on Putnam’s two-lane highways
Common injuries we see in Putnam trucking accident cases include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI): From mild concussions to severe, life-altering brain damage
- Spinal cord injuries: Often resulting in paralysis (paraplegia or quadriplegia)
- Amputations: Limbs crushed or severed in the collision
- Severe burns: From fuel fires or hazardous material spills
- Internal organ damage: Lacerated liver, ruptured spleen, collapsed lungs
- Multiple fractures: Broken bones throughout the body
- Wrongful death: Too often, trucking accidents claim lives
These injuries don’t just cause physical pain—they disrupt families, destroy careers, and create financial hardship. Medical bills pile up while you’re unable to work. The trucking company’s insurance adjuster may call with a quick settlement offer, but it will almost certainly be far less than what you truly deserve.
The Trucking Company’s Playbook: How They Try to Minimize Your Claim
Within hours of your accident, the trucking company’s rapid-response team springs into action. Their goals are clear:
- Protect their interests, not yours
- Minimize their liability for the crash
- Pay you as little as possible for your injuries
Their tactics include:
- Quick lowball settlement offers: They’ll offer money right away, before you understand the full extent of your injuries
- Recorded statements: Adjusters will call and ask for your “side of the story”—then use your words against you
- Disputing your injuries: Claiming your injuries existed before the accident or aren’t as serious as you say
- Blaming you: Even if their driver was clearly at fault, they’ll look for ways to shift blame
- Delaying your claim: Hoping you’ll get desperate and accept a low offer
- Destroying evidence: ECM/black box data, dashcam footage, and other critical evidence can disappear quickly
At Attorney911, we know these tactics because our team includes a former insurance defense attorney. Lupe Peña spent years working for a national defense firm, learning exactly how insurance companies evaluate, minimize, and deny claims. Now he uses that insider knowledge to fight for accident victims like you.
Why You Need a Putnam Trucking Accident Lawyer Immediately
Evidence in trucking accident cases disappears fast. Critical proof can be lost forever if you don’t act quickly:
- ECM/Black Box Data: Can be overwritten in as little as 30 days
- ELD Records: Electronic logging device data showing hours of service violations may only be retained for 6 months
- Dashcam Footage: Often deleted within 7-14 days
- Surveillance Video: Nearby businesses typically overwrite footage in 7-30 days
- Physical Evidence: The truck may be repaired or sold, destroying critical evidence
- Witness Memory: Fades significantly within weeks
We send spoliation letters within 24-48 hours of being retained to preserve this evidence before it’s lost. These legal notices put the trucking company on notice that destroying evidence will result in serious legal consequences, including:
- Court sanctions
- Adverse inference instructions (jury told to assume destroyed evidence was unfavorable)
- Monetary penalties
- Default judgment in extreme cases
- Punitive damages
The Evidence That Wins Putnam Trucking Cases
To build a strong case, we gather comprehensive evidence including:
Electronic Data:
- ECM/Black Box Data: Shows speed, braking, throttle position, and other critical pre-crash data
- ELD Records: Prove hours of service violations and driver fatigue
- GPS/Telematics Data: Tracks the truck’s route, speed, and location
- Cell Phone Records: Documents distracted driving
- Dashcam Footage: Video evidence of the crash
Driver Records:
- Driver Qualification File: Employment application, background check, driving record
- Medical Certification: Proof of physical qualifications
- Training Records: Shows whether driver received proper safety training
- Previous Accident History: Pattern of unsafe driving
- Drug/Alcohol Test Results: Pre-employment and random testing
Vehicle Records:
- Maintenance Records: Proof of proper or negligent upkeep
- Inspection Reports: Pre-trip, post-trip, and annual inspections
- Out-of-Service Orders: Previous violations that should have been fixed
- Tire Records: Age, tread depth, replacement history
- Brake Inspection Records: Critical for proving brake failure cases
Company Records:
- Dispatch Logs: Shows schedule pressure that may have caused HOS violations
- Safety Policies: Demonstrates company’s commitment (or lack thereof) to safety
- CSA Scores: FMCSA’s safety rating system showing carrier’s compliance history
- Insurance Policies: Determines available coverage
Accident Scene Evidence:
- Police accident report
- Photographs and video of the scene
- Skid mark analysis
- Road condition documentation
- Weather reports
- Witness statements
FMCSA Regulations: The Key to Proving Negligence
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulates every aspect of commercial trucking. These regulations are your most powerful tool in proving the trucking company’s negligence. Common violations we find in Putnam trucking accident cases include:
Hours of Service Violations (49 CFR Part 395):
- Driving more than 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty
- Driving beyond the 14th consecutive hour on duty
- Failing to take the required 30-minute break after 8 hours of driving
- Exceeding 60/70-hour weekly limits
- Falsifying ELD or paper log records
Driver Qualification Violations (49 CFR Part 391):
- Hiring drivers without proper CDL or medical certification
- Failing to conduct background checks or verify previous employment
- Employing drivers with poor safety records
- Allowing drivers to operate without proper training
Vehicle Maintenance Violations (49 CFR Part 396):
- Brake failures from poor maintenance
- Tire blowouts from worn or improperly inflated tires
- Lighting violations that reduce visibility
- Cargo securement failures causing rollovers or spills
Driving Rule Violations (49 CFR Part 392):
- Speeding for conditions
- Following too closely
- Distracted driving (cell phone use, texting)
- Impaired driving (drugs or alcohol)
- Fatigued driving
Cargo Securement Violations (49 CFR Part 393):
- Inadequate tiedowns or improper securement
- Unbalanced or overweight loads
- Failure to use blocking, bracing, or friction mats
- Improper hazmat securement
When we prove these violations in your Putnam trucking accident case, we establish the trucking company’s negligence and strengthen your claim for maximum compensation.
Who Can Be Held Liable in Your Putnam Trucking Accident?
Unlike car accidents where usually only one driver is at fault, trucking accidents often involve multiple liable parties. We investigate every potential defendant to maximize your recovery:
- The Truck Driver: For negligent driving (speeding, distraction, fatigue, impairment)
- The Trucking Company/Motor Carrier: For vicarious liability and direct negligence (hiring, training, supervision, maintenance)
- The Cargo Owner/Shipper: For improper loading instructions or hazardous cargo
- The Loading Company: For improper cargo securement
- The Truck/Trailer Manufacturer: For defective design or manufacturing
- Parts Manufacturers: For defective components (brakes, tires, steering)
- Maintenance Companies: For negligent repairs
- Freight Brokers: For negligent carrier selection
- The Truck Owner (if different from carrier): For negligent entrustment
- Government Entities: For dangerous road design or maintenance (limited by sovereign immunity)
Our comprehensive investigation identifies all responsible parties, ensuring we pursue every available source of compensation for your injuries.
Common Types of Trucking Accidents in Putnam
The trucking corridors serving Putnam see various types of commercial vehicle accidents. We handle all types of trucking cases, including:
Jackknife Accidents:
- Occur when the trailer swings out perpendicular to the cab
- Often caused by sudden braking or speeding on curves
- Can block multiple lanes, causing secondary collisions
Rollover Accidents:
- Happen when the truck tips onto its side or roof
- Often caused by speeding on curves, top-heavy loads, or overcorrection
- Can crush nearby vehicles or spill cargo across the roadway
Underride Collisions:
- Occur when a vehicle slides underneath the trailer
- Rear underride: Vehicle strikes the back of the trailer
- Side underride: Vehicle strikes the side of the trailer during lane changes or turns
- Often result in decapitation or catastrophic head injuries
- Federal law requires rear underride guards, but no requirement for side guards
Rear-End Collisions:
- Trucks need 40% more stopping distance than cars
- Often caused by following too closely, driver distraction, or brake failures
- Can push the struck vehicle into other traffic or objects
Wide Turn Accidents (“Squeeze Play”):
- Trucks swing wide (often to the left) before making a right turn
- Creates a gap that other vehicles may enter
- Truck then completes the turn, crushing the vehicle in the gap
- Common at Putnam intersections and highway on/off ramps
Blind Spot Accidents (“No-Zone”):
- Trucks have four large blind spots where the driver can’t see other vehicles
- Right side blind spot is the largest and most dangerous
- Often occur during lane changes or when vehicles linger in blind spots
Tire Blowout Accidents:
- Caused by underinflation, overloading, worn tires, or manufacturing defects
- Steer tire blowouts (front tires) are especially dangerous
- Debris from blowouts can strike following vehicles
Brake Failure Accidents:
- Responsible for 29% of large truck crashes
- Caused by worn brake pads, improper adjustment, air system leaks, or deferred maintenance
- Often occurs on long descents or when trucks are overweight
Cargo Spill/Shift Accidents:
- Cargo shift can destabilize the truck, causing rollovers
- Cargo spill can create road hazards for following vehicles
- Hazmat spills create additional dangers (fires, explosions, toxic exposure)
- Often caused by improper securement or overloading
Head-On Collisions:
- Among the deadliest trucking accidents
- Often caused by wrong-way driving, fatigue, distraction, or medical emergencies
- Even at moderate speeds, the combined force is often fatal
What to Do After a Trucking Accident in Putnam
If you’ve been involved in a commercial truck accident in Putnam, take these steps to protect your rights:
- Call 911 immediately and report the accident
- Seek medical attention even if you feel okay—adrenaline masks pain
- Document the scene with photos and video if possible:
- All vehicle damage (inside and out)
- Skid marks, debris, and road conditions
- Street signs and traffic signals
- Your injuries
- Get the trucking company information:
- Company name and DOT number (on truck door)
- Driver’s name, CDL number, and contact info
- Collect witness information:
- Names and phone numbers of anyone who saw the accident
- Do NOT give recorded statements to any insurance company
- Call Attorney911 immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911
Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Putnam Trucking Accident Case?
When you’re facing the trucking industry’s powerful legal teams, you need a law firm with:
Proven Experience:
- 25+ years handling trucking accident cases across Texas
- Federal court admission to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas
- Multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts for trucking accident victims
Insider Knowledge:
- Our team includes a former insurance defense attorney who knows exactly how trucking companies try to minimize claims
- We understand the tactics adjusters use to lowball settlement offers
- We know how to counter their strategies and fight for maximum compensation
Local Knowledge:
- We know Putnam’s trucking corridors, from I-20 to local routes
- We understand the unique challenges of rural trucking accident cases
- We’re familiar with the courts and judges serving Callahan County
Aggressive Representation:
- We send spoliation letters immediately to preserve critical evidence
- We investigate thoroughly, leaving no stone unturned
- We fight for every dollar you deserve, not just what the insurance company offers
- We’re prepared to go to trial if necessary to get you full compensation
Compassionate Service:
- We treat you like family, not a case number
- We communicate regularly and keep you informed
- We advance all costs, so you pay nothing upfront
- We work on contingency—you only pay if we win
Our Putnam Trucking Accident Case Process
When you choose Attorney911, we handle every aspect of your case:
-
Immediate Response:
- We answer your call 24/7
- We send spoliation letters within 24-48 hours to preserve evidence
- We deploy accident reconstruction experts if needed
-
Comprehensive Investigation:
- Obtain ECM/Black Box data before it’s overwritten
- Subpoena ELD records to prove hours of service violations
- Secure dashcam footage if available
- Collect cell phone records to prove distracted driving
- Obtain maintenance records to identify vehicle defects
- Review driver qualification files for negligent hiring
- Analyze dispatch records for schedule pressure
-
Medical Coordination:
- Connect you with specialists for proper diagnosis and treatment
- Document all injuries and treatment for your claim
- Work with life care planners to project future medical needs
-
Insurance Negotiations:
- Handle all communication with insurance companies
- Reject lowball offers and demand fair compensation
- Negotiate aggressively from a position of strength
-
Litigation (if necessary):
- File lawsuit before the statute of limitations expires
- Conduct aggressive discovery to uncover all evidence
- Take depositions of the truck driver, safety manager, and other key witnesses
- Prepare for trial while continuing to negotiate for fair settlement
-
Resolution:
- Settle your case for maximum compensation, or
- Try your case before a jury if the insurance company refuses to be fair
Putnam Trucking Accident Statistics: The Harsh Reality
While Putnam may be a small town, the risks of trucking accidents are very real:
- 5,100+ people die in truck crashes annually in the U.S.
- 76% of those killed are occupants of the smaller vehicle
- 125,000+ people are injured in truck crashes each year
- Fatigue is a factor in 31% of fatal truck crashes
- Brake problems contribute to 29% of truck crashes
- Speeding is a factor in 23% of fatal truck crashes
- Distracted driving causes 10% of all fatal crashes (and is likely underreported)
In Texas specifically:
- Texas has the highest number of trucking accidents in the U.S.
- The I-20 corridor is one of the most dangerous trucking routes in Texas
- Rural roads like those in Callahan County see a disproportionate number of fatal truck crashes
These statistics aren’t just numbers—they represent real people whose lives were changed forever by trucking accidents. If you’re reading this, you or someone you love may now be part of these statistics. We’re here to help you fight back.
Putnam Trucking Accident Settlements and Verdicts
While every case is unique, trucking accident cases often result in significant settlements and verdicts due to:
- The catastrophic nature of injuries
- The high insurance limits carried by trucking companies ($750,000 minimum, often $1-5 million)
- The multiple liable parties involved
- The egregious nature of many trucking company violations
Recent trucking verdicts across Texas demonstrate what’s possible when trucking companies are held accountable:
- $730 million (2021, Texas): Navy propeller oversize load killed 73-year-old woman
- $150 million (2022, Texas): Two children killed on I-30 in Werner settlement
- $160 million (2024, Alabama): Rollover left driver quadriplegic
- $462 million (2024, Missouri): Two men decapitated in underride crash
- $141.5 million (2023, Florida): Nuclear verdict against defunct carrier
While these are extreme examples, they show that juries are willing to hold trucking companies accountable for their negligence. In Putnam, we’ve seen cases settle for hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars, depending on the severity of injuries and degree of negligence.
Putnam Trucking Accident FAQ
What should I do immediately after a trucking accident in Putnam?
Call 911, seek medical attention, document the scene with photos, get the trucking company information, collect witness contact info, and call Attorney911 immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911.
Who can I sue after a trucking accident in Putnam?
Multiple parties may be liable, including the truck driver, trucking company, cargo owner, loading company, truck manufacturer, parts manufacturer, maintenance company, freight broker, and even government entities in some cases.
How long do I have to file a trucking accident lawsuit in Putnam?
Texas has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury cases. However, you should never wait—evidence disappears quickly in trucking cases. Contact us immediately to protect your rights.
How much is my Putnam trucking accident case worth?
Case value depends on many factors, including injury severity, medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, degree of negligence, and available insurance. Trucking companies carry higher insurance limits, allowing for larger recoveries than typical car accidents.
Will my case go to trial?
Most cases settle before trial, but we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial. This preparation gives us leverage in settlement negotiations. If the insurance company refuses to be fair, we’re fully prepared to take your case to court.
What if I was partially at fault for the accident?
Texas follows modified comparative negligence rules. You can still recover compensation as long as you’re not more than 50% at fault. Your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
How long will my Putnam trucking accident case take?
Simple cases may settle in 6-12 months. Complex cases with severe injuries or disputed liability can take 1-3 years. Cases that go to trial may take 2-4 years.
Do I need to pay anything upfront to hire your firm?
No. We work on contingency—you pay nothing unless we win your case. We advance all costs of investigation and litigation.
What if the trucking company offers me a settlement?
Never accept any settlement without consulting an attorney. Insurance companies offer quick settlements to pay you far less than your case is worth. We’ll review any offer and negotiate for maximum compensation.
Can I get compensation for pain and suffering?
Yes. Texas allows compensation for pain and suffering, mental anguish, disfigurement, physical impairment, and loss of enjoyment of life. These non-economic damages can significantly increase your recovery.
What if my loved one was killed in a Putnam trucking accident?
Texas allows wrongful death claims by surviving family members. You may recover compensation for lost income, loss of companionship, mental anguish, funeral expenses, and more.
How do I prove the truck driver was fatigued?
We use multiple sources of evidence:
- ELD records showing hours of service violations
- Dispatch logs showing schedule pressure
- ECM data showing erratic driving patterns
- Witness testimony about driver behavior
- Company safety records showing pattern of violations
What if the trucking company claims the driver was an independent contractor?
Even if the driver is an owner-operator, both the driver and the contracting company may be liable. We investigate all relationships to ensure you can recover from all responsible parties.
Can I sue if the truck’s brakes failed?
Yes. Brake failures are often caused by poor maintenance or defective parts. We investigate maintenance records and may pursue claims against the trucking company, maintenance provider, or brake manufacturer.
What if the trucking company goes bankrupt?
We investigate all potential sources of recovery, including:
- The trucking company’s insurance policy
- Excess/umbrella coverage
- Other liable parties (driver, loading company, manufacturer)
- Trailer interchange coverage if applicable
How do I prove the trucking company knew about the driver’s poor safety record?
We obtain the Driver Qualification File and investigate:
- Previous accident history
- Traffic violations
- Failed drug tests
- Previous employer references
- Pattern of safety violations
What if the trucking company destroyed evidence?
Destroying evidence after receiving notice of potential litigation is spoliation—a serious legal violation. Courts can impose sanctions, instruct juries to assume the evidence was unfavorable, or even enter default judgment.
Can I get punitive damages in my Putnam trucking accident case?
Punitive damages may be available when the trucking company acted with gross negligence or willful misconduct. Examples include:
- Knowingly hiring dangerous drivers
- Encouraging drivers to violate hours of service
- Falsifying log records
- Destroying evidence
- Ignoring known safety violations
Putnam Trucking Accident Resources
Emergency Services:
- Putnam Volunteer Fire Department: (325) 732-2301
- Callahan County Sheriff’s Office: (325) 854-1440
- Putnam Medical Clinic: (325) 732-2221
Trucking Safety Resources:
- FMCSA Safety Measurement System: safer.fmcsa.dot.gov
- Texas Department of Transportation: txdot.gov
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration: nhtsa.gov
Legal Resources:
- Texas Statute of Limitations: 2 years for personal injury
- Texas Comparative Negligence: 51% bar rule
- FMCSA Regulations: ecfr.gov
Putnam Trucking Accident Attorneys Ready to Fight for You
If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in an 18-wheeler accident in Putnam, Texas, don’t wait to get the legal help you need. Every hour that passes, evidence disappears and the trucking company’s legal team works to protect their interests—not yours.
At Attorney911, we’re ready to fight for you. We’ll:
- Send spoliation letters immediately to preserve critical evidence
- Launch a comprehensive investigation to build your case
- Handle all communication with insurance companies
- Connect you with top medical specialists for proper treatment
- Fight for maximum compensation for your injuries
- Be prepared to go to trial if the insurance company refuses to be fair
We work on contingency—you pay nothing unless we win your case. We advance all costs of investigation and litigation, so there’s no financial risk to you.
Call us now at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, no-obligation consultation. Our Putnam trucking accident lawyers are available 24/7 to answer your questions and help you take the first steps toward justice.
Remember: The trucking company has lawyers working to protect them. You deserve the same level of representation. Don’t let them push you around—fight back with Attorney911.
“They treated me like FAMILY, not just another case number. I got a very nice settlement after being hit by a commercial truck.”
— MONGO SLADE, Attorney911 Client
“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.”
— Donald Wilcox, Attorney911 Client
“You are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.”
— Chad Harris, Attorney911 Client
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