18-Wheeler Accidents in Rising Star, Texas: Your Complete Legal Guide

If you or a loved one has been involved in an 18-wheeler accident in Rising Star, Texas, you’re facing one of the most complex and high-stakes legal challenges imaginable. The aftermath of a commercial truck crash isn’t just physically devastating—it’s legally overwhelming. Trucking companies have teams of lawyers working to protect their interests from the moment an accident occurs. You deserve the same level of aggressive representation.

At Attorney911, we’ve been fighting for truck accident victims across Eastland County for over 25 years. Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has secured multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements for families devastated by 18-wheeler crashes. We know Rising Star’s trucking corridors, from the I-20 corridor to the local highways serving our agricultural and energy industries. This guide will help you understand your rights, the unique challenges of Rising Star trucking cases, and why immediate action is critical.

Why Rising Star Trucking Accidents Are Different

Rising Star sits at a critical juncture in Texas’s transportation network. Our community is served by major highways including:

• I-20: The primary east-west freight corridor connecting Dallas/Fort Worth to West Texas and beyond
• US-183: A vital north-south route through Eastland County
• FM-108: Connecting Rising Star to local agricultural and energy operations
• County roads serving the Permian Basin and Cross Timbers region

These routes carry a mix of long-haul freight, local agricultural products, oilfield equipment, and cross-country shipments. The truck traffic in our area includes:

• Long-haul carriers moving freight between major metropolitan areas
• Local agricultural haulers transporting livestock, grain, and produce
• Oilfield trucking serving the energy industry in West Texas
• Specialized oversize loads requiring escorts and careful routing

This diverse truck traffic creates unique risks for Rising Star drivers. The combination of high-speed interstate traffic, rural roads with limited shoulders, and heavy agricultural vehicles creates a dangerous mix. Many of our local roads were designed for lighter traffic and struggle to accommodate the volume and size of modern commercial vehicles.

The Physics of 18-Wheeler Accidents: Why They’re So Catastrophic

The sheer size and weight of commercial trucks make accidents involving them far more dangerous than typical car crashes. Consider these facts:

• A fully loaded 18-wheeler can weigh 80,000 pounds—that’s 20-25 times heavier than the average passenger vehicle
• At 65 mph, an 80,000-pound truck needs 525 feet to stop—nearly two football fields
• The average passenger car at the same speed needs only 300 feet to stop
• The force of impact in a truck collision is 80 times greater than in a car-to-car crash

This massive disparity in size and stopping power means that when an 18-wheeler is involved in an accident, the consequences are often catastrophic. In Rising Star, where our roads mix high-speed interstate traffic with rural two-lane highways, these physics create particularly dangerous conditions.

Common Types of 18-Wheeler Accidents in Rising Star

Jackknife Accidents on I-20

Jackknife accidents occur when the trailer swings out perpendicular to the cab, often blocking multiple lanes of traffic. These are particularly common on I-20 near Rising Star, especially during sudden weather changes or when drivers brake too hard on our often slick road surfaces.

Causes in Rising Star:

• Sudden braking on I-20’s high-speed sections
• Wet or icy road conditions common in our area
• Improperly loaded trailers with uneven weight distribution
• Brake system failures on long downhill stretches
• Driver inexperience with our local road conditions

Evidence we gather:

• Skid mark analysis showing the trailer’s angle
• Brake inspection records from the trucking company
• Weather conditions at the time of the accident
• Electronic Control Module (ECM) data showing speed and brake application
• Cargo loading records

Rollover Accidents on Rural Roads

Rollover accidents are particularly dangerous in our area, where rural roads often lack adequate shoulders and guardrails. These accidents frequently occur when trucks take curves too fast or when cargo shifts unexpectedly.

Common locations in Rising Star:

• Sharp curves on FM-108 and other county roads
• Exit ramps from I-20
• Rural intersections with limited visibility
• Areas where road conditions change suddenly

Causes in Rising Star:

• Speeding on rural curves
• Top-heavy loads from agricultural equipment
• Liquid cargo “slosh” in tanker trucks
• Overcorrection after running off the shoulder
• Driver fatigue from long hauls

Underride Collisions: The Deadliest Type

Underride accidents occur when a passenger vehicle slides underneath the trailer of an 18-wheeler. These are among the most deadly accidents, often resulting in decapitation or catastrophic head injuries.

Types of underride accidents in Rising Star:

• Rear underride: When a vehicle strikes the back of a trailer, often at intersections or during sudden stops
• Side underride: When a vehicle impacts the side of a trailer during lane changes or turns

Why they’re so common in our area:

• Many local trucks lack proper underride guards
• Poor lighting on rural roads increases visibility risks
• Wide turns at rural intersections create dangerous gaps
• Sudden stops on I-20 create rear underride risks

Federal requirements:

• Rear impact guards must prevent underride at 30 mph impact
• No federal requirement for side underride guards (though advocacy is ongoing)

Rear-End Collisions on I-20

Rear-end collisions are particularly dangerous when an 18-wheeler is involved due to the massive weight disparity. These accidents often occur when trucks fail to stop in time for slowed or stopped traffic.

Common scenarios in Rising Star:

• Sudden traffic slowdowns on I-20 near Rising Star
• Inadequate following distance by truck drivers
• Distracted driving (cell phones, dispatch communications)
• Brake failures from poor maintenance
• Driver fatigue affecting reaction times

Wide Turn Accidents at Rising Star Intersections

Wide turn accidents, sometimes called “squeeze play” accidents, occur when a truck swings wide before making a right turn, creating a gap that other vehicles enter. The truck then completes its turn, crushing or striking the vehicle in the gap.

Common locations in Rising Star:

• Intersection of US-183 and FM-108
• Downtown Rising Star intersections
• Rural intersections with limited visibility

Why they happen in our community:

• Trucks need significant space to complete turns
• Trailers track inside the cab’s path
• Drivers swing wide to avoid curbs and signs
• Local drivers may not understand truck turning patterns
• Poorly designed intersections force wide turns

Blind Spot Accidents on I-20 and Rural Highways

Commercial trucks have significant blind spots, known as “No-Zones,” where the driver cannot see other vehicles. These are particularly dangerous on our high-speed highways and rural roads.

The four No-Zones:

1. Front No-Zone: 20 feet directly in front of the cab
2. Rear No-Zone: 30 feet behind the trailer
3. Left Side No-Zone: Extends from the cab door backward
4. Right Side No-Zone: Extends from the cab door backward—much larger than the left side (MOST DANGEROUS)

Common blind spot accidents in Rising Star:

• Lane changes on I-20
• Merging onto highways
• Passing trucks on rural roads
• Vehicles lingering in blind spots during turns

Tire Blowout Accidents on West Texas Roads

Tire blowouts are particularly dangerous in our area due to the combination of long highway stretches, high speeds, and extreme temperature variations. Rising Star’s location in West Texas means we experience significant temperature swings that stress tires.

Common causes in Rising Star:

• Underinflated tires from long hauls
• Overloaded vehicles exceeding tire capacity
• Worn or aging tires not replaced
• Road debris common on rural roads
• Manufacturing defects
• Improper tire matching on dual wheels
• Heat buildup from West Texas temperatures

FMCSA requirements for tires:

• Minimum tread depth: 4/32″ on steer tires, 2/32″ on other positions
• Pre-trip inspections must include tire checks
• Proper inflation is critical for safety

Brake Failure Accidents on Long Descents

Brake failures are particularly dangerous in our region, where trucks navigate long descents and varied terrain. The combination of heavy loads and steep grades can cause brakes to overheat and fail.

Common locations in Rising Star area:

• I-20’s elevation changes
• Long downhill stretches on rural roads
• Approaches to bridges and overpasses

Common causes:

• Worn brake pads or shoes not replaced
• Improper brake adjustment
• Air brake system leaks or failures
• Overheated brakes (brake fade) on long descents
• Contaminated brake fluid
• Defective brake components
• Failure to conduct pre-trip brake inspections

FMCSA requirements for brakes:

• All CMVs must have properly functioning brake systems
• Service brakes on all wheels
• Parking/emergency brake system
• Air brake systems must meet specific requirements
• Brake adjustment must be maintained within specifications

Cargo Spill and Shift Accidents

Cargo-related accidents are particularly common in Rising Star due to our agricultural and energy industries. Improperly secured cargo can fall from trucks or shift during transit, causing accidents.

Types of cargo-related accidents in Rising Star:

• Cargo shift: Load moves during transit, destabilizing the truck
• Cargo spill: Load falls from truck onto roadway
• Hazmat spill: Hazardous materials leak or spill

Common cargo issues in our area:

• Agricultural products not properly secured
• Oilfield equipment with inadequate tiedowns
• Livestock trailers with improper loading
• Grain trucks with shifting loads
• Flatbeds carrying oversize equipment

FMCSA cargo securement requirements:

• Cargo must be contained, immobilized, or secured
• Must withstand 0.8g deceleration forward, 0.5g rearward and lateral
• Specific requirements for different cargo types
• Working load limits for tiedowns

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Rising Star 18-Wheeler Accident?

One of the most complex aspects of trucking accident cases is determining all potentially liable parties. Unlike car accidents where typically only one driver is at fault, trucking accidents often involve multiple responsible parties. In Rising Star, where we have a mix of local and long-haul trucking, this complexity is particularly pronounced.

The Truck Driver

The driver who caused the accident may be personally liable for negligent conduct including:

• Speeding or reckless driving
• Distracted driving (cell phone use, texting, dispatch communications)
• Fatigued driving beyond legal limits
• Impaired driving (drugs, alcohol)
• Failure to conduct proper pre-trip inspections
• Violation of traffic laws
• Failure to yield, improper lane changes, running red lights

Driver evidence we pursue:

• Driving record and history
• Electronic Logging Device (ELD) data showing hours of service
• Drug and alcohol test results
• Cell phone records
• Previous accident history
• Training records

The Trucking Company / Motor Carrier

The trucking company is often the most important defendant because they have the deepest pockets (highest insurance limits) and the most responsibility for safety.

Bases for trucking company liability:

Vicarious Liability (Respondeat Superior):

• The driver was an employee (not an independent contractor)
• Acting within the scope of employment
• Performing job duties when the accident occurred

Direct Negligence:

• Negligent hiring: Failed to check driver’s background, driving record, or qualifications
• Negligent training: Inadequate training on safety, cargo securement, hours of service
• Negligent supervision: Failed to monitor driver performance or ELD compliance
• Negligent maintenance: Failed to maintain vehicles in safe condition
• Negligent scheduling: Pressured drivers to violate HOS regulations

Evidence we pursue from trucking companies:

• Driver Qualification File (or lack thereof)
• Hiring policies and background check procedures
• Training records and curricula
• Supervision and monitoring practices
• Dispatch records showing schedule pressure
• Safety culture documentation
• Previous accident and violation history
• CSA (Compliance, Safety, Accountability) scores
• Maintenance records
• Insurance policies

Insurance implications:
Trucking companies carry MUCH higher insurance limits than individual drivers—typically $750,000 to $5,000,000 or more. This higher coverage means catastrophic injuries can actually be compensated, rather than leaving victims with unpaid medical bills.

Cargo Owner / Shipper

The company that owns the cargo and arranged for its shipment may be liable in Rising Star trucking accidents, particularly when agricultural or energy-related cargo is involved.

Bases for shipper liability:

• Provided improper loading instructions
• Failed to disclose hazardous nature of cargo
• Required overweight loading
• Pressured carrier to expedite beyond safe limits
• Misrepresented cargo weight or characteristics

Evidence we pursue from shippers:

• Shipping contracts and bills of lading
• Loading instructions provided
• Hazmat disclosure documentation
• Weight certification records

Cargo Loading Company

Third-party loading companies that physically load cargo onto trucks may be liable for improper securement, particularly in our agricultural and energy industries.

Bases for loading company liability:

• Improper cargo securement (49 CFR 393 violations)
• Unbalanced load distribution
• Exceeding vehicle weight ratings
• Failure to use proper blocking, bracing, or tiedowns
• Not training loaders on securement requirements

Evidence we pursue from loading companies:

• Loading company securement procedures
• Loader training records
• Securement equipment used
• Weight distribution documentation

Truck and Trailer Manufacturer

The company that manufactured the truck, trailer, or major components may be liable for defects that contributed to the accident.

Bases for manufacturer liability:

• Design defects (brake systems, stability control, fuel tank placement)
• Manufacturing defects (faulty welds, component failures)
• Failure to warn of known dangers
• Defective safety systems (ABS, ESC, collision warning)

Evidence we pursue from manufacturers:

• Recall notices and technical service bulletins
• Similar defect complaints (NHTSA database)
• Design specifications and testing records
• Component failure analysis

Parts Manufacturer

Companies that manufacture specific parts (brakes, tires, steering components) may be liable for defective products that fail and cause accidents.

Bases for parts manufacturer liability:

• Defective brakes or brake components
• Defective tires causing blowouts
• Defective steering mechanisms
• Defective lighting components
• Defective coupling devices

Evidence we pursue from parts manufacturers:

• Failed component for expert analysis
• Recall history for specific parts
• Similar failure patterns
• Manufacturing and quality control records

Maintenance Company

Third-party maintenance companies that service trucking fleets may be liable for negligent repairs that fail to fix problems or create new ones.

Bases for maintenance company liability:

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

Evidence we pursue from maintenance companies:

• Maintenance work orders
• Mechanic qualifications and training
• Parts used in repairs
• Inspection reports and recommendations

Freight Broker

Freight brokers who arrange transportation but don’t own trucks may be liable for negligent carrier selection, particularly when they arrange shipments for local agricultural or energy products.

Bases for broker liability:

• Negligent selection of carrier with poor safety record
• Failure to verify carrier insurance and authority
• Failure to check carrier CSA scores
• Selecting cheapest carrier despite safety concerns

Evidence we pursue from brokers:

• Broker-carrier agreements
• Carrier selection criteria
• Carrier safety record at time of selection
• Broker’s due diligence procedures

Truck Owner (If Different from Carrier)

In owner-operator arrangements common in our area, the truck owner may have separate liability from the carrier they contract with.

Bases for owner liability:

• Negligent entrustment of vehicle
• Failure to maintain owned equipment
• Knowledge of driver’s unfitness

Evidence we pursue from truck owners:

• Lease agreements
• Maintenance responsibility allocations
• Owner’s knowledge of driver history

Government Entity

Federal, state, or local government may be liable in limited circumstances when road conditions contribute to accidents.

Bases for government liability in Rising Star:

• Dangerous road design that contributed to the accident
• Failure to maintain roads (potholes, debris, worn markings)
• Inadequate signage for known hazards
• Failure to install safety barriers
• Improper work zone setup

Special considerations for Rising Star:

• Sovereign immunity limits government liability
• Strict notice requirements and short deadlines
• Must prove actual notice of dangerous condition in many cases

Evidence we pursue from government entities:

• Road design specifications
• Maintenance records
• Prior accident history at the location
• Citizen complaints about the condition

The Critical 48-Hour Evidence Preservation Protocol

In 18-wheeler accident cases, evidence disappears FAST. Trucking companies have rapid-response teams that begin protecting their interests within hours of an accident. If you don’t act quickly, critical evidence will be lost forever.

Why 48 Hours Matters in Rising Star Trucking Cases

The Spoliation Letter: Your First Line of Defense

What Is A Spoliation Letter?

A spoliation letter is a formal legal notice sent to the trucking company, their insurer, and all potentially liable parties demanding preservation of all evidence related to the accident.

Why It Matters for Rising Star Cases:

• Puts defendants on legal notice of their preservation obligation
• Creates serious consequences if evidence is destroyed
• Courts can impose sanctions, adverse inferences, or even default judgment for spoliation
• The sooner sent, the more weight it carries

When We Send It:
IMMEDIATELY—within 24-48 hours of being retained. We don’t wait.

What the Spoliation Letter Demands for Rising Star Cases

Electronic Data:

• Engine Control Module (ECM) / Electronic Control Unit (ECU) data
• Event Data Recorder (EDR) data
• Electronic Logging Device (ELD) records
• GPS and telematics data
• Dashcam and forward-facing camera footage
• Dispatch communications and messaging
• Cell phone records and text messages
• Qualcomm or fleet management system data

Driver Records:

• Complete Driver Qualification File
• Employment application and resume
• Background check and driving record
• Medical certification and exam records
• Drug and alcohol test results (pre-employment and random)
• Training records and certifications
• Previous accident and violation history
• Performance reviews and disciplinary records

Vehicle Records:

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

Company Records:

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

Physical Evidence:

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

ECM/Black Box Data: The Smoking Gun in Rising Star Trucking Cases

What Is It?

Commercial trucks have electronic systems that continuously record operational data—similar to an airplane’s black box but for trucks. This data is often the key to proving what really happened in a Rising Star trucking accident.

Types of Electronic Recording Systems:

Critical Data Points for Rising Star Cases:

• Speed Before Crash: Proves speeding or excessive speed for conditions
• Brake Application: Shows when and how hard brakes were applied
• Throttle Position: Reveals if driver was accelerating or coasting
• Following Distance: Calculated from speed and deceleration data
• Hours of Service: Proves fatigue and HOS violations
• GPS Location: Confirms route and timing
• Fault Codes: May reveal known mechanical issues the driver ignored

Why This Data Wins Cases in Rising Star:

ECM/ELD data is objective and tamper-resistant. It directly contradicts driver claims of “I wasn’t speeding” or “I hit my brakes immediately.” This data has led to multi-million dollar verdicts in Texas trucking cases, including several in Eastland County.

FMCSA Record Retention Requirements

Minimum Retention Periods:

Why Our Spoliation Letter Extends These:

Once we send a preservation demand and litigation is anticipated, the duty to preserve extends beyond these minimum periods. Destroying evidence after receiving our letter can result in:

• Adverse inference instructions (jury told to assume destroyed evidence was unfavorable)
• Sanctions and monetary penalties
• Default judgment in extreme cases
• Punitive damages for intentional destruction

Catastrophic Injuries from Rising Star 18-Wheeler Accidents

The physics of 18-wheeler accidents make catastrophic injuries the norm, not the exception, in Rising Star trucking crashes. The size and weight disparity between commercial trucks and passenger vehicles means that when accidents occur, the consequences are often life-altering.

Why 18-Wheeler Accidents Cause Catastrophic Injuries in Rising Star

Size and Weight Disparity:

• Fully loaded 18-wheeler: Up to 80,000 lbs
• Average passenger car: 3,500-4,000 lbs
• The truck is 20-25 TIMES heavier than your car

Impact Force:

• Force = Mass × Acceleration
• An 80,000 lb truck at 65 mph carries approximately 80 times the kinetic energy of a car
• This energy transfers to the smaller vehicle in a crash

Stopping Distance:

• 18-wheeler at 65 mph needs ~525 feet to stop (nearly 2 football fields)
• Car at 65 mph needs ~300 feet to stop
• This 40% longer stopping distance means trucks cannot avoid obstacles as quickly

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) from Rising Star Trucking Accidents

What It Is:
TBI occurs when a sudden trauma causes damage to the brain. In 18-wheeler accidents, the extreme forces cause the brain to impact the inside of the skull.

Severity Levels in Rising Star Cases:

Common Symptoms in Rising Star TBI Victims:

• Headaches and dizziness
• Memory loss and confusion
• Difficulty concentrating
• Mood changes, depression, anxiety
• Sleep disturbances
• Speech difficulties
• Personality changes

Long-Term Consequences for Rising Star Residents:

• Permanent cognitive impairment
• Inability to work or return to previous employment
• Need for ongoing care and supervision
• Increased risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s
• Depression and emotional disorders

Lifetime Care Costs in Texas: $85,000 to $3,000,000+ depending on severity

Spinal Cord Injury from Rising Star Trucking Accidents

What It Is:
Damage to the spinal cord that disrupts communication between the brain and body, often resulting in paralysis.

Types of Paralysis in Rising Star Cases:

Level of Injury Matters for Rising Star Victims:

• Higher injuries (cervical spine) affect more body functions
• C1-C4 injuries may require ventilator for breathing
• Lower injuries (lumbar) affect legs but not arms

Lifetime Care Costs for Rising Star Residents:

• Paraplegia (low): $1.1 million+
• Paraplegia (high): $2.5 million+
• Quadriplegia (low): $3.5 million+
• Quadriplegia (high): $5 million+

These figures represent direct medical costs only—not lost wages, pain and suffering, or loss of quality of life.

Amputation from Rising Star Trucking Accidents

Types of Amputation in Trucking Accidents:

• Traumatic Amputation: Limb severed at the scene due to crash forces
• Surgical Amputation: Limb so severely damaged it must be surgically removed

Common in Rising Star Trucking Accidents Due To:

• Crushing forces from truck impact
• Entrapment requiring amputation for extraction
• Severe burns requiring surgical removal
• Infections from open wounds

Ongoing Medical Needs for Rising Star Amputees:

• Initial surgery and hospitalization
• Prosthetic limbs ($5,000 – $50,000+ per prosthetic)
• Replacement prosthetics throughout lifetime
• Physical therapy and rehabilitation
• Occupational therapy for daily living skills
• Psychological counseling

Impact on Life for Rising Star Residents:

• Permanent disability
• Career limitations or total disability
• Phantom limb pain
• Body image and psychological trauma
• Need for home modifications
• Dependency on others for daily activities

Severe Burns from Rising Star Trucking Accidents

How Burns Occur in Rising Star Trucking Accidents:

• Fuel tank rupture and fire
• Hazmat cargo spills and ignition
• Electrical fires from battery/wiring damage
• Friction burns from road contact
• Chemical burns from hazmat exposure

Burn Classification in Rising Star Cases:

Long-Term Consequences for Rising Star Burn Victims:

• Permanent scarring and disfigurement
• Multiple reconstructive surgeries
• Skin graft procedures
• Chronic pain
• Infection risks
• Psychological trauma

Internal Organ Damage from Rising Star Trucking Accidents

Common Internal Injuries in Rising Star Trucking Accidents:

• Liver laceration or rupture
• Spleen damage requiring removal
• Kidney damage
• Lung contusion or collapse (pneumothorax)
• Internal bleeding (hemorrhage)
• Bowel and intestinal damage

Why Internal Injuries Are Dangerous for Rising Star Victims:

• May not show immediate symptoms
• Internal bleeding can be life-threatening
• Requires emergency surgery
• Organ removal affects long-term health

Wrongful Death from Rising Star Trucking Accidents

When a Trucking Accident Kills a Loved One:

Wrongful death claims allow surviving family members to recover compensation when a loved one is killed by another’s negligence. These cases are particularly important in Rising Star, where our tight-knit community feels the loss of neighbors and family members deeply.

Who Can Bring a Wrongful Death Claim in Texas:

• Surviving spouse
• Children (minor and adult)
• Parents (especially if no spouse or children)
• Estate representative

Types of Wrongful Death Claims in Texas:

• Wrongful Death Action: Compensation for survivors’ losses
• Survival Action: Compensation for decedent’s pain/suffering before death

Damages Available for Rising Star Families:

• Lost future income and benefits
• Loss of consortium (companionship and care)
• Loss of parental guidance and nurturing (for surviving children)
• Mental anguish and emotional distress
• Funeral and burial expenses
• Medical expenses incurred prior to death
• Pain and suffering experienced by decedent before death
• Punitive damages (in cases of gross negligence, recklessness, or malice)

Texas Statute of Limitations for Wrongful Death: 2 years from date of death to file lawsuit

Commercial Truck Insurance and Damages in Rising Star Cases

Federal law requires commercial trucking companies to carry minimum liability insurance far exceeding typical auto policies. This is particularly important for Rising Star residents, where trucking accidents often involve catastrophic injuries that require significant compensation.

FMCSA Minimum Insurance Requirements for Rising Star Trucks

Federal law requires commercial trucking companies operating in Rising Star to carry minimum liability insurance:

Why This Matters For Your Rising Star Case:

Unlike car accidents where insurance may be limited to $30,000-$100,000, trucking accidents in Rising Star typically have at least $750,000 available—and often much more. Many carriers operating in our area carry $1-5 million in coverage.

This higher coverage means catastrophic injuries can actually be compensated, rather than leaving Rising Star families with unpaid medical bills and financial ruin.

Types of Damages Recoverable in Rising Star Trucking Cases

Economic Damages (Calculable Losses):

Non-Economic Damages (Quality of Life):

Punitive Damages (Punishment for Gross Negligence):

Punitive damages may be available in Rising Star trucking cases when the trucking company or driver acted with:

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

Texas Damage Caps:
Texas has specific rules about damage caps in personal injury cases. For most trucking accidents in Rising Star:

• Economic damages: No cap
• Non-economic damages: No cap for most personal injury cases
• Punitive damages: Capped at the greater of (2x economic damages + non-economic damages up to $750,000) OR $200,000

Nuclear Verdicts: What Rising Star Families Need to Know

Recent years have seen a dramatic increase in “nuclear verdicts”—jury awards exceeding $10 million—in trucking cases. These verdicts reflect juries’ growing frustration with trucking companies that prioritize profits over safety.

Recent Major Trucking Verdicts (2024-2025):