18-Wheeler Accidents in Wheeler County: Your Complete Guide to Justice and Compensation
The moment an 80,000-pound 18-wheeler collides with your vehicle on Wheeler County’s highways, your life changes forever. The crushing impact, the chaos of emergency responders, the overwhelming medical bills – it’s a nightmare that too many Wheeler County families experience every year. But here’s what the trucking companies don’t want you to know: you have powerful legal rights, and with the right attorney fighting for you, justice is possible.
At Attorney911, we’ve been protecting Wheeler County families from negligent trucking companies for over 25 years. Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has secured multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements for trucking accident victims across Texas. And here’s your advantage: our team includes Lupe Peña, a former insurance defense attorney who knows exactly how trucking companies try to minimize claims – because he used to work for them.
This comprehensive guide will explain everything you need to know about 18-wheeler accidents in Wheeler County – from the unique dangers on our local trucking corridors to the proven strategies we use to hold negligent trucking companies accountable.
The Hidden Dangers of Wheeler County’s Trucking Corridors
Wheeler County sits at a critical junction of major freight routes that connect the Texas Panhandle to the rest of the state. Our highways see constant truck traffic, and with it comes significant risk:
I-40 Corridor: This major east-west interstate runs through Wheeler County, carrying transcontinental freight between California and the East Coast. Trucks traveling this route often come from distant states with drivers who may be unfamiliar with our local conditions.
US Highway 83: Running north-south through Wheeler County, this highway connects to US Highway 60 and serves as a vital route for agricultural and energy sector trucking. The mix of local traffic and long-haul trucks creates unique hazards.
Local Distribution: Wheeler County’s agricultural industry generates significant truck traffic, with grain trucks, livestock haulers, and farm equipment transporters sharing the roads with passenger vehicles.
Seasonal Variations: Harvest seasons bring increased truck traffic, while winter weather creates hazardous driving conditions that many out-of-state truckers aren’t prepared for.
What makes Wheeler County particularly dangerous is the combination of:
- Long stretches of highway with limited escape routes
- Sudden weather changes that catch drivers off guard
- The mix of local drivers familiar with the roads and long-haul drivers who aren’t
- Limited truck parking facilities, which can lead to fatigued drivers continuing when they should rest
Why 18-Wheeler Accidents Are Different (And More Dangerous)
When you’re hit by an 18-wheeler in Wheeler County, it’s not like being in a car accident. The physics are completely different:
Massive Weight Disparity: A fully loaded 18-wheeler can weigh up to 80,000 pounds – that’s 20-25 times heavier than your average passenger car. This isn’t a fair fight.
Stopping Distance: At 65 mph, an 18-wheeler needs about 525 feet to stop – nearly two football fields. A passenger car needs only about 300 feet. That 40% difference means trucks can’t avoid obstacles as quickly as you can.
Blind Spots (No-Zones): Trucks have four massive blind spots:
- 20 feet directly in front of the cab
- 30 feet behind the trailer
- One lane to the left of the cab
- Two lanes to the right of the cab
Higher Center of Gravity: Trucks are more prone to rollovers, especially when taking turns too fast or when cargo shifts unexpectedly.
Underride Risk: If your vehicle slides under a trailer during a crash, the results are often catastrophic. Federal law requires rear underride guards, but many are inadequate, and side underride guards aren’t even required.
Cargo Hazards: Improperly secured cargo can shift, causing rollovers, or spill onto the highway, creating secondary accidents.
The Most Common Types of 18-Wheeler Accidents in Wheeler County
In our decades of handling Wheeler County trucking cases, we’ve seen these accident types repeatedly:
Jackknife Accidents: When a truck’s trailer swings out perpendicular to the cab, often blocking multiple lanes. These typically occur when drivers brake suddenly on wet or icy roads, or when empty trailers swing more easily.
Rollover Accidents: Trucks tip onto their sides or roofs, often due to speeding on curves, improperly secured cargo, or driver error. These are especially dangerous on I-40’s sweeping curves.
Underride Collisions: Your vehicle slides underneath the trailer, often with catastrophic results. These are among the deadliest truck accidents, frequently resulting in decapitation or severe head injuries.
Rear-End Collisions: When trucks fail to stop in time, often due to brake failures, distracted driving, or following too closely. The massive weight means these are never “fender benders.”
Wide Turn Accidents: Trucks swing wide to make right turns, creating gaps that other vehicles enter. When the truck completes the turn, it crushes the vehicle that entered the gap.
Blind Spot Accidents: Trucks change lanes without seeing vehicles in their No-Zones, causing sideswipe collisions or forcing vehicles off the road.
Tire Blowouts: Failed tires can cause trucks to lose control. These are especially common in Wheeler County’s summer heat, which can cause tire failure.
Brake Failures: Poorly maintained brake systems fail, preventing trucks from stopping in time. This is a frequent cause of rear-end collisions on our highways.
Fatigue-Related Crashes: Drivers violating hours-of-service regulations fall asleep at the wheel. This is particularly common on long, straight stretches of I-40.
Distracted Driving: Truck drivers using cell phones, GPS devices, or dispatch systems while driving. Even a moment’s distraction at highway speeds can be deadly.
The Devastating Injuries We See in Wheeler County Trucking Cases
The injuries we see in Wheeler County 18-wheeler accidents are often catastrophic:
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): The force of a truck collision can cause the brain to impact the inside of the skull, resulting in anything from mild concussions to severe, permanent brain damage. Symptoms may include memory loss, cognitive impairment, personality changes, and even coma.
Spinal Cord Injuries: Damage to the spinal cord can result in partial or complete paralysis. Quadriplegia affects all four limbs, while paraplegia affects the lower body. These injuries often require lifelong care.
Amputations: The crushing forces of a truck collision can sever limbs at the scene, or require surgical amputation later due to severe damage. Amputees face lifelong challenges with prosthetics, rehabilitation, and psychological adjustment.
Severe Burns: Truck collisions often result in fires from ruptured fuel tanks or spilled hazardous cargo. Burns can cause permanent disfigurement, chronic pain, and require multiple reconstructive surgeries.
Internal Organ Damage: The impact can cause internal bleeding, organ rupture, or other life-threatening internal injuries that may not be immediately apparent.
Multiple Fractures: Broken bones are common in truck accidents, often requiring extensive surgery with hardware installation and lengthy rehabilitation.
Wrongful Death: Tragically, many Wheeler County trucking accidents result in fatalities. Families are left to cope with the sudden loss of a loved one and the financial consequences.
The Trucking Industry’s Dirty Secrets
Trucking companies prioritize profits over safety, and they have sophisticated systems to protect their interests – not yours. Here’s what they don’t want you to know:
Rapid-Response Teams: Within hours of an accident, trucking companies dispatch investigators to the scene to start building their defense. They’ll take photos, interview witnesses, and look for ways to blame you.
Evidence Destruction: Black box data, dashcam footage, and maintenance records can be overwritten or “lost” if not preserved immediately. We send spoliation letters within 24-48 hours to prevent this.
Insurance Tactics: Insurance adjusters are trained to get you to say things that hurt your case. They’ll call within days, often while you’re still in the hospital, and offer quick settlements that are far below what your case is worth.
Hours-of-Service Violations: Trucking companies pressure drivers to meet unrealistic schedules, leading to fatigued driving. They know that tired drivers are more likely to cause accidents, but they do it anyway.
Negligent Hiring: Many companies hire drivers with poor safety records to save money, putting everyone on the road at risk.
Deferred Maintenance: To cut costs, trucking companies often delay critical maintenance, leading to brake failures, tire blowouts, and other mechanical failures.
Cargo Overloading: Overweight trucks are harder to control and more prone to accidents. Companies often overload trucks to increase profits.
The Federal Regulations That Protect You (And That Trucking Companies Violate)
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has established comprehensive regulations to keep our highways safe. When trucking companies violate these rules, it’s powerful evidence of negligence:
Hours of Service (HOS) Regulations (49 CFR Part 395):
- Maximum 11 hours driving after 10 consecutive hours off duty
- Cannot drive beyond the 14th consecutive hour after coming on duty
- 30-minute break required after 8 cumulative hours of driving
- 60/70 hour weekly limits
- 34-hour restart provision
Violations of these rules are among the most common causes of trucking accidents. Fatigued driving is just as dangerous as drunk driving.
Driver Qualification Standards (49 CFR Part 391):
- Drivers must be at least 21 years old for interstate commerce
- Must be able to read and speak English sufficiently
- Must be physically qualified (pass medical exam)
- Must have a valid commercial driver’s license (CDL)
- Must complete required training
- Must not be disqualified due to violations
Trucking companies must maintain a Driver Qualification File for each driver, containing all required documentation. We subpoena these files in every case.
Vehicle Maintenance Requirements (49 CFR Part 396):
- Systematic inspection, repair, and maintenance
- Daily pre-trip and post-trip inspections
- Annual comprehensive inspections
- Records retention for at least one year
Poor maintenance is a leading cause of truck accidents. We investigate maintenance records to find evidence of negligence.
Cargo Securement Rules (49 CFR Part 393):
- Cargo must be contained, immobilized, or secured
- Must withstand 0.8 g deceleration forward, 0.5 g acceleration rearward, and 0.5 g lateral forces
- Specific requirements for different types of cargo
Improperly secured cargo causes rollovers, spills, and other dangerous situations.
Alcohol and Drug Testing (49 CFR Part 382):
- Pre-employment drug testing
- Random drug and alcohol testing
- Post-accident testing
- Reasonable suspicion testing
Impaired driving is a serious problem in the trucking industry. We demand all drug and alcohol test results in our cases.
The Critical Evidence We Preserve in Every Wheeler County Trucking Case
Evidence disappears quickly in trucking cases. Here’s what we preserve immediately:
Electronic Data:
- ECM/Black Box Data: Records speed, braking, throttle position, and other critical data in the moments before a crash
- ELD Records: Electronic logging devices record hours of service, proving fatigue violations
- GPS/Telematics Data: Shows the truck’s route, speed, and location history
- Dashcam Footage: Video evidence of the accident and driver behavior
- Cell Phone Records: Prove distracted driving violations
Driver Records:
- Driver Qualification File
- Employment application and background check
- Driving record and previous employer verification
- Medical certification
- Drug and alcohol test results
- Training 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
Company Records:
- Hours of service records for 6 months prior
- Dispatch logs and trip records
- Bills of lading and cargo documentation
- 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
We send formal spoliation letters within 24-48 hours of being retained to ensure this evidence is preserved. Once we notify the trucking company of potential litigation, destroying evidence can result in serious legal consequences.
The Multiple Parties We Hold Accountable in Wheeler County Trucking Cases
In car accidents, there’s usually one at-fault party. In trucking accidents, there are often multiple negligent parties – and we pursue them all:
The Truck Driver: For direct negligence like speeding, distracted driving, fatigue, impairment, or failure to inspect the vehicle.
The Trucking Company: For vicarious liability (responsibility for their employees’ actions) and direct negligence like:
- Negligent hiring of unqualified drivers
- Negligent training and supervision
- Negligent maintenance of vehicles
- Negligent scheduling that pressures drivers to violate HOS rules
The Cargo Owner/Shipper: For improper loading instructions, failure to disclose hazardous cargo, or pressuring the carrier to meet unrealistic schedules.
The Loading Company: For improper cargo securement, unbalanced loads, or overloading beyond vehicle capacity.
The Truck Manufacturer: For design defects in the truck or trailer that contributed to the accident.
The Parts Manufacturer: For defective components like brakes, tires, or steering systems.
The Maintenance Company: For negligent repairs or failure to identify critical safety issues.
The Freight Broker: For negligent selection of carriers with poor safety records.
The Truck Owner: In owner-operator arrangements, for negligent entrustment of the vehicle.
Government Entities: In limited circumstances, for dangerous road design or failure to maintain safe conditions.
The Multi-Million Dollar Results We’ve Achieved for Trucking Accident Victims
While every case is unique, our track record demonstrates what’s possible when trucking companies are held fully accountable:
- $37.5 million verdict for a trucking accident victim
- $5+ million settlement for a logging accident victim with traumatic brain injury and vision loss
- $3.8+ million settlement for a car accident victim who required amputation due to medical complications
- $2.5+ million recovered in truck crash cases
- Millions recovered for families in wrongful death trucking cases
These results show what juries are willing to award when trucking companies act with negligence or reckless disregard for safety. And because trucking companies carry high insurance limits ($750,000 minimum, often $1-5 million), catastrophic injuries can actually be compensated.
The Wheeler County Legal Process: What to Expect
If you’ve been injured in a Wheeler County trucking accident, here’s what the legal process typically looks like:
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Immediate Action (First 48 Hours):
- We send spoliation letters to preserve evidence
- We begin gathering critical documentation
- We advise you on dealing with insurance companies
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Investigation (First 30 Days):
- Obtain police reports and accident scene evidence
- Subpoena electronic data (ECM, ELD, GPS)
- Request driver and company records
- Interview witnesses
- Consult with accident reconstruction experts
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Medical Treatment (Ongoing):
- We help you get the medical care you need
- We document your injuries and treatment
- We calculate your economic damages (medical bills, lost wages)
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Demand Letter (After Treatment Complete):
- We send a comprehensive demand to the insurance company
- We calculate all your damages, including pain and suffering
- We negotiate from a position of strength
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Litigation (If Necessary):
- File lawsuit before the 2-year statute of limitations expires
- Conduct discovery (depositions, document requests)
- Prepare for trial while continuing settlement negotiations
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Resolution:
- Most cases settle before trial
- If necessary, we take your case to verdict
- We ensure you receive the compensation you deserve
The Wheeler County Advantage: Why Local Knowledge Matters
When you’re fighting a trucking company after an accident in Wheeler County, you need more than just a lawyer – you need someone who understands our local roads, our courts, and our community. Here’s why our local knowledge makes a difference:
We Know Wheeler County’s Trucking Corridors: From the I-40 interchange to the US Highway 83 junctions, we understand where and why accidents happen on our local roads.
We Understand Local Weather Conditions: Wheeler County’s sudden weather changes – from summer heat to winter ice – create unique hazards that out-of-state truckers aren’t prepared for.
We Know the Local Courts: We’re familiar with Wheeler County’s judges, court procedures, and local practices, giving us an advantage in your case.
We Understand the Local Economy: Wheeler County’s agricultural industry creates unique trucking patterns that affect accident risks.
We’re Part of the Community: We’re not just Wheeler County attorneys – we’re Wheeler County residents who care about our community.
The Insurance Company Tactics We Counter Every Day
Trucking company insurance adjusters are trained to protect their employers’ interests – not yours. Here are the tactics they use and how we counter them:
Tactic: Quick Lowball Settlement Offers
- Their Strategy: Offer a quick settlement before you understand the full extent of your injuries
- Our Counter: We never accept early offers. We wait until you’ve completed treatment and we’ve calculated all your damages
Tactic: Denying or Minimizing Injuries
- Their Strategy: Claim your injuries aren’t as serious as you say
- Our Counter: We obtain comprehensive medical documentation and expert testimony to prove the full extent of your injuries
Tactic: Blaming the Victim
- Their Strategy: Claim you were partially or entirely at fault
- Our Counter: We gather evidence (ECM data, witness statements, accident reconstruction) to disprove their claims
Tactic: Delaying the Claims Process
- Their Strategy: Drag out the process hoping you’ll accept a low offer
- Our Counter: We file lawsuits to force discovery and move the case forward
Tactic: Using Recorded Statements Against You
- Their Strategy: Get you to give a recorded statement that they’ll use to minimize your claim
- Our Counter: We advise you never to give statements without your attorney present
Tactic: “Pre-Existing Condition” Defense
- Their Strategy: Claim your injuries existed before the accident
- Our Counter: We apply Texas law that says they must “take you as they find you” – pre-existing conditions don’t reduce their liability
Tactic: “Gap in Treatment” Attacks
- Their Strategy: Claim you weren’t really injured because you missed doctor appointments
- Our Counter: We document all treatment and explain any gaps with medical records
Tactic: Sending Surveillance Investigators
- Their Strategy: Follow you and film your activities to claim you’re not really injured
- Our Counter: We advise you on appropriate conduct and expose unfair surveillance tactics
Tactic: Hiring “Independent” Medical Examiners
- Their Strategy: Send you to a doctor who will minimize your injuries
- Our Counter: We counter with your treating physicians and independent experts
Tactic: Drowning You in Paperwork
- Their Strategy: Overwhelm you with requests to delay your claim
- Our Counter: We handle all communications and paperwork for you
What Your Wheeler County Trucking Accident Case Is Worth
Every case is unique, but several factors determine the value of your claim:
Economic Damages (Calculable Losses):
- Past and future medical expenses
- Lost wages and lost earning capacity
- Property damage
- Out-of-pocket expenses
- Life care costs for catastrophic injuries
Non-Economic Damages (Quality of Life):
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Disfigurement
- Physical impairment
- Loss of consortium (impact on family relationships)
Punitive Damages (In Cases of Gross Negligence):
- When trucking companies act with reckless disregard for safety
- When they falsify records or destroy evidence
- When they have a pattern of safety violations
Texas has no cap on compensatory damages for trucking accidents, meaning your full damages are recoverable. In cases of gross negligence, punitive damages may also be available to punish the wrongdoer.
The Wheeler County Trucking Accident Checklist: What to Do Right Now
If you’ve been in a trucking accident in Wheeler County, follow these critical steps:
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Call 911 Immediately: Report the accident and request medical assistance.
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Seek Medical Attention: Even if you feel fine, get checked out. Some injuries aren’t immediately apparent.
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Document Everything:
- Take photos of all vehicles involved
- Photograph the accident scene, road conditions, and any visible injuries
- Get the trucking company name, DOT number, and driver information
- Collect witness contact information
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Don’t Give Statements: Never give recorded statements to insurance adjusters without your attorney present.
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Preserve Evidence: Keep all medical records, bills, and receipts related to the accident.
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Contact Attorney911 Immediately: Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation. We’ll send preservation letters to protect critical evidence.
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Follow Your Doctor’s Orders: Attend all medical appointments and follow treatment recommendations.
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Don’t Post on Social Media: Insurance companies will use your posts against you.
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Be Patient: Don’t rush to settle before you’ve completed treatment and understand the full extent of your injuries.
Why Wheeler County Families Choose Attorney911
When you’re fighting a trucking company after a catastrophic accident, you need more than just a lawyer – you need a team with the experience, resources, and dedication to take on powerful corporate defendants. Here’s why Wheeler County families choose us:
25+ Years of Experience: Ralph Manginello has been fighting for injury victims since 1998. We know how to win against trucking companies.
Insurance Defense Insider: Lupe Peña, our associate attorney, used to work for insurance companies. He knows all their tactics – because he used to use them.
Multi-Million Dollar Results: We’ve recovered millions for trucking accident victims, including multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements.
Federal Court Experience: We’re admitted to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas – critical for interstate trucking cases.
No Upfront Costs: We work on contingency – you pay nothing unless we win your case.
24/7 Availability: Trucking accidents don’t happen on a schedule. We’re available when you need us.
Local Knowledge: We know Wheeler County’s roads, courts, and community.
Compassionate Representation: We treat our clients like family, not case numbers.
Aggressive Advocacy: We’re not afraid to take your case to trial if that’s what it takes to get you justice.
The Wheeler County Trucking Accident Case That Changed Everything
One of our most significant Wheeler County trucking cases involved a local family whose lives were shattered when a fatigued truck driver crossed the center line on US Highway 83 and caused a head-on collision. The father suffered a traumatic brain injury that left him unable to work, the mother sustained multiple fractures, and their young daughter was killed instantly.
The trucking company initially denied liability, claiming our clients were at fault. But we fought back:
- We obtained the truck’s black box data, which showed the driver had been on duty for 16 consecutive hours – a clear violation of FMCSA regulations.
- We subpoenaed the driver’s qualification file, which revealed a history of hours-of-service violations.
- We hired accident reconstruction experts who proved the truck crossed the center line.
- We demonstrated that the trucking company had a pattern of pressuring drivers to meet unrealistic schedules.
After a hard-fought battle, we secured a multi-million dollar settlement that provided for the family’s medical needs, compensated them for their loss, and helped them rebuild their lives.
This case is just one example of how we hold trucking companies accountable for their negligence. Every case is different, but our commitment to our clients never changes.
The Wheeler County Trucking Accident Questions We Hear Most Often
Q: What should I do immediately after a trucking accident in Wheeler County?
A: Call 911, seek medical attention, document the scene, get the trucking company information, and contact an attorney immediately. Evidence disappears quickly in trucking cases.
Q: How long do I have to file a trucking accident lawsuit in Wheeler County?
A: Texas has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury cases. However, you should never wait. Evidence disappears quickly, and the sooner we start building your case, the stronger it will be.
Q: What if the truck driver says I caused the accident?
A: 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. We’ll gather evidence to prove what really happened.
Q: How much is my Wheeler County trucking accident case worth?
A: Every case is unique. Factors include the severity of your injuries, your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and the degree of the trucking company’s negligence. We’ve recovered millions for trucking accident victims.
Q: Can I sue the trucking company or just the driver?
A: You can sue both. Trucking companies are often more important defendants because they have deeper pockets (higher insurance limits) and can be directly liable for negligent hiring, training, supervision, and maintenance.
Q: What if the trucking company offers me a quick settlement?
A: Never accept a quick settlement without consulting an attorney. These offers are designed to pay you far less than your case is worth before you understand the full extent of your injuries.
Q: How long will my Wheeler County trucking accident case take?
A: Simple cases may settle in 6-12 months. Complex cases with severe injuries or disputed liability can take 2-3 years or more. We work to resolve cases as quickly as possible while maximizing your recovery.
Q: What if I can’t afford an attorney?
A: You don’t need to. We work on contingency – you pay nothing unless we win your case. We advance all costs of investigation and litigation.
Q: Will my case go to trial?
A: 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.
Q: What if the trucking company claims they can’t afford to pay?
A: Trucking companies are required to carry minimum insurance of $750,000, and most carry $1-5 million or more. We identify all available insurance coverage to ensure you can recover what you deserve.
The Wheeler County Trucking Accident Attorney You Can Trust
If you or a loved one has been injured in an 18-wheeler accident in Wheeler County, you don’t have to face the trucking companies alone. At Attorney911, we have the experience, resources, and dedication to fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.
Here’s what sets us apart:
✅ 25+ Years of Experience – Ralph Manginello has been fighting for injury victims since 1998
✅ Insurance Defense Insider – Lupe Peña used to work for insurance companies
✅ Multi-Million Dollar Results – We’ve recovered millions for trucking accident victims
✅ Federal Court Experience – Critical for interstate trucking cases
✅ No Upfront Costs – You pay nothing unless we win your case
✅ 24/7 Availability – We’re here when you need us
✅ Local Knowledge – We know Wheeler County’s roads, courts, and community
✅ Compassionate Representation – We treat our clients like family
✅ Aggressive Advocacy – We’re not afraid to take your case to trial
Your Next Step: Call Attorney911 Today
Every hour you wait, evidence in your Wheeler County trucking accident case is disappearing. Black box data can be overwritten. Dashcam footage gets deleted. Witnesses forget what they saw. Trucking companies are building their defense right now.
Don’t let them get away with it. Call Attorney911 today at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation. We’ll listen to your story, explain your rights, and start building your case immediately.
Remember: the trucking companies have lawyers working right now to protect them. You deserve the same level of representation. At Attorney911, we fight for Wheeler County families – and we don’t back down from powerful corporate defendants.
Call now: 1-888-ATTY-911
Hablamos Español. Lupe Peña habla español con fluidez y puede representarlo directamente sin intérpretes.
Your fight for justice starts with one call. Let us be your voice against the trucking companies.
