18-Wheeler Accident Attorneys in Town of Wells, Texas

When an 80,000-Pound Truck Changes Your Life in an Instant

The impact was catastrophic. One moment, you were driving down Cherokee County roads near Town of Wells, the next, an 80,000-pound 18-wheeler was jackknifing across three lanes or rolling over onto your vehicle. In that instant, everything changed.

At Attorney911, we understand what you’re going through. Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has spent over 25 years fighting for trucking accident victims across Texas. We know the Town of Wells area trucking corridors, from the local highways to the distribution routes that serve East Texas. And we know how to hold trucking companies accountable when their negligence destroys lives.

This isn’t just another car accident. This is a legal emergency requiring immediate action.

Why Town of Wells Trucking Accidents Are Different

Town of Wells sits in the heart of Cherokee County, where local roads intersect with major trucking routes serving East Texas. The trucking corridors around Town of Wells see heavy commercial traffic from:

• Local distribution centers supplying Cherokee County businesses
• Long-haul trucks traveling between major Texas cities
• Oil and gas industry vehicles serving regional energy operations
• Agricultural transport moving East Texas produce and livestock

This mix of local and interstate trucking creates unique risks on Town of Wells area roads. The trucking companies operating in our community know these routes well – and they know how to protect their interests after an accident. That’s why you need an attorney who knows Town of Wells just as well as they do.

The Devastating Reality of 18-Wheeler Crashes

The physics don’t lie. A fully loaded 18-wheeler can weigh 20-25 times more than your passenger vehicle. At highway speeds, that massive weight creates forces that overwhelm even the safest cars and SUVs.

The injuries we see from Town of Wells area trucking accidents are often catastrophic:

• Traumatic brain injuries that change personalities and end careers
• Spinal cord damage causing paralysis and lifelong disability
• Amputations from crushing injuries or medical necessity
• Severe burns from fuel fires or chemical spills
• Internal organ damage that may not show symptoms immediately
• Wrongful death leaving families shattered

These aren’t just injuries – they’re life-altering events that affect every aspect of your future. The medical bills alone can bankrupt families. Lost wages compound the financial devastation. And the physical and emotional pain may never fully go away.

Why the Trucking Company Already Has Lawyers Working Against You

Before the ambulance even arrives at a Town of Wells trucking accident, the trucking company’s rapid-response team is already working to protect their interests:

1. Their investigators arrive at the scene to document evidence in their favor
2. Their lawyers begin building defenses to minimize your claim
3. Their insurance adjusters start pressuring you for statements
4. Their safety team begins preparing to blame you for the accident

They have one goal: to pay you as little as possible. And they’ll use every tactic in their playbook to achieve it.

At Attorney911, we level the playing field. Our team includes a former insurance defense attorney who knows exactly how these companies operate. We’ve seen their tactics from the inside, and now we use that knowledge to fight for you.

The 48-Hour Evidence Preservation Protocol

In trucking accident cases, evidence disappears fast. The trucking company’s black box data can be overwritten in as little as 30 days. Dashcam footage gets deleted. Witness memories fade. Physical evidence gets repaired or scrapped.

That’s why we act immediately:

Within 24-48 hours of being retained, we:

• Send formal spoliation letters demanding preservation of all evidence
• Demand immediate download of ECM/black box data
• Secure ELD (electronic logging device) records to prove HOS violations
• Obtain maintenance and inspection records
• Preserve driver qualification files
• Collect cell phone records to prove distracted driving
• Photograph the accident scene before conditions change
• Interview witnesses while memories are fresh

This aggressive evidence preservation is what separates winning cases from losing ones. The trucking company knows which lawyers move fast – and which ones let evidence disappear. We make sure they know we’re the former.

Every Party We Hold Accountable in Town of Wells Trucking Cases

Trucking accidents are complex because multiple parties share responsibility for safety. We investigate and pursue claims against all potentially liable parties:

1. The Truck Driver – For negligence like speeding, fatigue, distraction, or impairment
2. The Trucking Company – For negligent hiring, training, supervision, and maintenance
3. The Cargo Owner – For improper loading instructions or weight violations
4. The Loading Company – For improper cargo securement (49 CFR 393 violations)
5. Truck/Trailer Manufacturer – For design or manufacturing defects
6. Parts Manufacturer – For defective components like brakes or tires
7. Maintenance Company – For negligent repairs or inspections
8. Freight Broker – For negligent carrier selection
9. Truck Owner – For negligent entrustment if different from carrier
10. Government Entity – For dangerous road conditions (limited by sovereign immunity)

Our comprehensive investigation ensures we identify every responsible party and every available insurance policy. This maximizes your potential recovery and prevents the trucking company from shifting blame to parties you can’t pursue.

The FMCSA Violations That Prove Negligence

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations exist to keep our roads safe. When trucking companies violate these rules, they create dangerous conditions that lead to catastrophic accidents.

The most common FMCSA violations we find in Town of Wells trucking cases:

How we prove violations:

• ECM/black box data shows speed, braking, and hours driven
• ELD records prove HOS compliance or violations
• Driver Qualification Files reveal hiring negligence
• Maintenance records show deferred repairs
• Drug/alcohol test results prove impairment
• Cell phone records demonstrate distraction

These violations don’t just prove negligence – they often justify punitive damages when the trucking company shows reckless disregard for safety.

The Catastrophic Injuries We See from Town of Wells Trucking Accidents

The injuries from 18-wheeler accidents in Cherokee County are often life-changing:

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

The extreme forces of a truck collision can cause your brain to impact the inside of your skull. Even “mild” TBIs can result in:

• Memory loss and cognitive impairment
• Personality changes and mood disorders
• Difficulty concentrating and processing information
• Chronic headaches and migraines
• Increased risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s

Lifetime care costs: $85,000 to $3,000,000+

Spinal Cord Injuries

Damage to the spinal cord often results in permanent paralysis:

• Paraplegia – Loss of function below the waist
• Quadriplegia – Loss of function in all four limbs
• Incomplete injuries – Partial loss of sensation/movement

Lifetime care costs:

• Paraplegia: $1.1 million to $2.5 million+
• Quadriplegia: $3.5 million to $5 million+

Amputations

Crushing injuries or medical necessity may require limb removal:

• Traumatic amputations at the scene
• Surgical amputations due to severe damage
• Multiple amputations from catastrophic crashes

Ongoing costs: $5,000-$50,000 per prosthetic (replaced every 3-5 years)

Severe Burns

Fuel fires and chemical spills cause horrific burns:

• Third-degree burns require skin grafts
• Fourth-degree burns damage muscle and bone
• Permanent scarring affects mobility and appearance
• Chronic pain from nerve damage

Treatment requires: Multiple reconstructive surgeries, physical therapy, psychological counseling

Internal Organ Damage

The impact forces can cause:

• Liver and spleen lacerations
• Kidney damage requiring dialysis
• Lung contusions or collapse
• Internal bleeding (life-threatening)

Many internal injuries don’t show symptoms immediately but require emergency surgery.

Wrongful Death

When a trucking accident kills a loved one, surviving family members can pursue:

• Lost future income and benefits
• Loss of companionship and guidance
• Mental anguish and emotional suffering
• Funeral and burial expenses
• Punitive damages for gross negligence

The Multi-Million Dollar Results We Fight For

Trucking companies carry insurance policies with limits far exceeding typical auto policies:

• Minimum federal requirement: $750,000
• Oil/petroleum transport: $1,000,000
• Hazardous materials: $5,000,000
• Many carriers carry: $1-5 million or more

This higher coverage means catastrophic injuries can actually be compensated. Our firm has secured multi-million dollar results for trucking accident victims:

• $5+ million – Logging brain injury settlement
• $3.8+ million – Car accident amputation settlement
• $2.5+ million – Truck crash recovery
• $2+ million – Maritime back injury settlement
• Millions recovered for families in wrongful death cases

Recent nuclear verdicts in trucking cases:

• $462 million (2024) – St. Louis underride collision
• $160 million (2024) – Alabama quadriplegic injury
• $141.5 million (2023) – Florida trucking case
• $730 million (2021) – Texas oversize load fatality

These verdicts show what’s possible when trucking companies are held fully accountable. Insurance companies know juries are willing to award massive damages – which strengthens our settlement negotiations.

The Insurance Company Tactics We Counter

Our team includes a former insurance defense attorney who knows exactly how adjusters are trained to minimize claims. Here’s what they’ll try – and how we counter it:

What to Do After a Trucking Accident in Town of Wells

If you’ve been injured in an 18-wheeler accident in Cherokee County, follow these steps:

1. Call 911 immediately – Report the accident and request medical assistance
2. Seek medical attention – Even if injuries seem minor, get evaluated
3. Document the scene – Take photos of all vehicles, injuries, road conditions
4. Get truck information – DOT number, company name, driver’s license and CDL
5. Collect witness information – Names and contact information
6. Do NOT give statements – Never speak to insurance adjusters without your attorney
7. Call Attorney911 immediately – We’ll send preservation letters within hours

Critical: Evidence in trucking cases disappears quickly. The sooner you call us, the stronger your case will be.

Why Town of Wells Families Choose Attorney911

1. Local Knowledge of Cherokee County Trucking Corridors

We know the Town of Wells area roads where accidents frequently occur. Our familiarity with local courts, judges, and trucking patterns gives us an advantage in building your case.

2. Former Insurance Defense Attorney on Staff

Our associate attorney, Lupe Peña, spent years working for a national insurance defense firm. He knows exactly how trucking companies and their insurers evaluate claims – and how to counter their tactics.

3. 25+ Years of Trucking Litigation Experience

Ralph Manginello has been fighting trucking companies since 1998. We’ve handled cases against:

• Walmart trucking operations
• Coca-Cola distribution vehicles
• Amazon delivery trucks
• FedEx and UPS trucks
• Numerous commercial carriers

4. Federal Court Experience

Trucking cases often involve federal regulations and can be filed in federal court. Ralph Manginello is admitted to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas, giving us the ability to handle complex interstate cases.

5. Multi-Million Dollar Track Record

We’ve recovered millions for trucking accident victims across Texas. Our results include:

• $5+ million for a catastrophic brain injury
• $3.8+ million for an amputation case
• $2.5+ million in truck crash recoveries
• Millions for wrongful death families

6. Comprehensive Evidence Preservation

We act immediately to preserve:

• ECM/black box data
• ELD records
• Driver qualification files
• Maintenance records
• Cell phone records
• Dashcam footage

7. No Fee Unless We Win

We work on contingency – you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you. We advance all costs of investigation and litigation. You never receive a bill from us.

8. Fluent Spanish Services

Many trucking accident victims in Town of Wells speak Spanish as their primary language. Our team includes fluent Spanish speakers, including attorney Lupe Peña, ensuring you receive direct representation without interpreters.

Hablamos Español. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911.

The Town of Wells Trucking Accident Cases We Handle

We represent victims of all types of 18-wheeler accidents in Cherokee County:

• Jackknife accidents – Trailer swings out of control
• Rollover accidents – Top-heavy trucks tip over
• Underride collisions – Vehicles slide under trailers (often fatal)
• Rear-end collisions – Trucks fail to stop in time
• Wide turn accidents – Trucks cut off vehicles during turns
• Blind spot collisions – Trucks change lanes into vehicles they can’t see
• Tire blowouts – Worn tires fail at highway speeds
• Brake failures – Poor maintenance causes inability to stop
• Cargo spills/shifts – Improperly secured loads create hazards
• Head-on collisions – Trucks cross into oncoming traffic
• Fatigue-related crashes – Drivers violate hours of service rules
• Distracted driving – Cell phone use, dispatch communications
• Impaired driving – Drugs or alcohol involvement
• Hazmat incidents – Chemical spills and exposures

What Your Town of Wells Trucking Accident Case Is Worth

Every case is unique, but these factors determine your potential recovery:

1. Severity of injuries – Catastrophic injuries command higher compensation
2. Medical expenses – Past, present, and future medical costs
3. Lost wages – Income lost due to injuries and recovery
4. Lost earning capacity – Reduction in future earning ability
5. Pain and suffering – Physical pain and emotional trauma
6. Degree of negligence – Gross negligence may justify punitive damages
7. Available insurance – Higher policy limits allow for larger recoveries

Typical settlement ranges in Texas trucking cases:

• Soft tissue injuries: $15,000-$60,000
• Herniated discs (non-surgical): $50,000-$200,000
• Herniated discs (with surgery): $346,000-$1,205,000
• Traumatic brain injury: $1,548,000-$9,838,000+
• Spinal cord injury: $4,770,000-$25,880,000+
• Amputation: $1,945,000-$8,630,000
• Wrongful death: $1,910,000-$9,520,000+

The Legal Process for Your Town of Wells Trucking Case

1. Free Consultation – We evaluate your case at no cost
2. Case Acceptance – We agree to represent you
3. Immediate Investigation – Evidence preservation begins
4. Medical Care Facilitation – We help arrange treatment
5. Demand Letter – Formal claim to the insurance company
6. Negotiation – Settlement discussions
7. Litigation (if needed) – Filing lawsuit, discovery, depositions
8. Trial/Settlement – Final resolution

Statute of limitations in Texas: 2 years from the date of the accident. However, you should never wait. Evidence disappears quickly, and your case is stronger the sooner we begin.

Frequently Asked Questions About Town of Wells Trucking Accidents

What should I do immediately after an 18-wheeler accident in Town of Wells?

Call 911, seek medical attention, document the scene with photos, get the trucking company information, collect witness contact information, and call Attorney911 immediately. Never give statements to insurance adjusters without your attorney present.

Who can I sue after a trucking accident in Cherokee County?

Multiple parties may be liable: the truck driver, trucking company, cargo owner, loading company, truck manufacturer, parts manufacturer, maintenance company, freight broker, and even government entities in some cases.

Is the trucking company responsible even if the driver caused the accident?

Usually yes. Under respondeat superior, employers are liable for employees’ negligent acts within the scope of employment. Additionally, trucking companies can be directly liable for negligent hiring, training, supervision, and maintenance.

What if the truck driver says the accident was my fault?

Texas uses a modified comparative negligence system. Even if you were partially at fault, you may still recover compensation as long as you were less than 50% responsible. Our job is to investigate thoroughly and prove what really happened.

What is a truck’s “black box” and how does it help my case?

Commercial trucks have electronic control modules (ECM) that record operational data similar to an airplane’s black box. This data can show speed, braking, throttle position, and hours of service – critical evidence that often contradicts what drivers claim happened.

How long does the trucking company keep black box and ELD data?

ECM data can be overwritten within 30 days or with new driving events. FMCSA only requires 6 months retention for ELD data. This is why we send spoliation letters immediately – to preserve this evidence before it’s lost forever.

What records should my attorney get from the trucking company?

We pursue: ECM/black box data, ELD records, driver qualification files, maintenance records, inspection reports, dispatch logs, drug/alcohol test results, training records, cell phone records, and the physical truck and trailer.

Can the trucking company destroy evidence?

Once they’re on notice of potential litigation, destroying evidence is spoliation – a serious legal violation. Courts can instruct juries to assume destroyed evidence was unfavorable, impose monetary sanctions, or even enter default judgment.

What are hours of service regulations and how do violations cause accidents?

FMCSA regulations limit how long truck drivers can operate: maximum 11 hours driving after 10 hours off duty, cannot drive beyond 14th consecutive hour on duty, 30-minute break required after 8 hours driving. Fatigued driving causes approximately 31% of fatal truck crashes.

What FMCSA regulations are most commonly violated in accidents?

The top violations we find: hours of service violations, false log entries, brake system deficiencies, cargo securement failures, drug/alcohol violations, and hiring unqualified drivers.

What injuries are common in 18-wheeler accidents in Town of Wells?

Due to the massive size and weight disparity, trucking accidents often cause catastrophic injuries: traumatic brain injury, spinal cord damage and paralysis, amputations, severe burns, internal organ damage, and wrongful death.

How much are 18-wheeler accident cases worth in Town of Wells?

Case values depend on injury severity, medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and available insurance. Trucking companies carry higher insurance ($750,000 minimum, often $1-5 million), allowing for larger recoveries. We’ve seen verdicts ranging from hundreds of thousands to hundreds of millions.

What if my loved one was killed in a trucking accident in Cherokee County?

Texas allows wrongful death claims by surviving family members. You may recover lost future income, loss of companionship, mental anguish, funeral expenses, and punitive damages if gross negligence is proven. Time limits apply – contact us immediately.

How long do I have to file an 18-wheeler accident lawsuit in Town of Wells?

The statute of limitations in Texas is 2 years from the date of the accident. However, you should never wait. Evidence disappears quickly, and your case is stronger the sooner we begin.

How long do trucking accident cases take to resolve?

Timelines vary: simple cases with clear liability may settle in 6-12 months, complex cases with multiple parties may take 1-3 years, cases that go to trial typically take 2-4 years.

Will my trucking accident case go to trial?

Most cases settle before trial, but we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial. Insurance companies know which lawyers are willing to go to court – and they offer better settlements to clients with trial-ready attorneys.

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. You never receive a bill from us.

Client Testimonials from Trucking Accident Victims

“They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.”
— Glenda Walker, Attorney911 Client

“You are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.”
— Chad Harris, Attorney911 Client

“They solved in a couple of months what others did nothing about in two years.”
— Angel Walle, Attorney911 Client

“Ralph reached out personally.”
— Dame Haskett, Attorney911 Client

“Leonor got me into the doctor the same day… it only took 6 months amazing.”
— Chavodrian Miles, Attorney911 Client

Call Now for Your Free Consultation

If you or a loved one has been injured in a trucking accident anywhere in Town of Wells or Cherokee County, call Attorney911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation.

Our Town of Wells trucking accident attorneys offer:

• Free case evaluations
• No fee unless we win
• 24/7 availability
• Immediate evidence preservation
• Fluent Spanish services

Hablamos Español. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911.

Don’t wait – evidence disappears fast. Call now.