Fatal 18-Wheeler & Tractor-Trailer Crashes in Wyoming, Texas: What Families Need to Know
You’re reading this because someone you love didn’t come home. A fully loaded 18-wheeler—80,000 pounds of steel and cargo—crossed into your family’s path on a corridor most people in Wyoming, Texas drive every day without thinking. Maybe it was Interstate 20, where long-haul freight trucks move between Fort Worth and the Permian Basin. Maybe it was U.S. Highway 80, where oilfield service vehicles and cross-country semis share two lanes. Or maybe it was Farm-to-Market Road 1847, where a distracted truck driver failed to yield at an unmarked intersection. Wherever it happened, the crash wasn’t an accident. It was a preventable failure of rules, training, and corporate accountability—and now, the carrier’s lawyers have already started working against you.
Texas law gives you two years from the date of the fatal injury to file a wrongful-death claim under Section 71.001 of the Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code. That clock started the moment the crash happened—not when the funeral was held, not when the autopsy report came back, not when you finally felt ready to think about a lawyer. Every day that passes, the carrier controls more evidence that could disappear: the electronic logging device (ELD) data that proves the driver violated hours-of-service rules, the dashcam footage that shows the moment of impact, the maintenance records that reveal unchecked brake failures. We don’t wait for evidence to vanish. We lock it down within 48 hours of taking your case.
This isn’t just another “truck accident” story you’ll find online. This is the reality of what happens when a commercial vehicle kills someone in Wyoming, Texas—and what your family can do to hold the right people accountable before the law’s deadline runs out.
Why Wyoming, Texas, Sees So Many Fatal Truck Crashes
Wyoming sits in Van Zandt County, a rural stretch of East Texas where two-lane highways and farm-to-market roads intersect with heavy freight traffic. The county recorded 543 crashes in 2024, including 12 fatalities, according to the Texas Department of Transportation’s Crash Records Information System (CRIS). But the numbers don’t tell the whole story. The real risk comes from:
1. The Corridors That Carry Wyoming’s Freight (And Its Danger)
Wyoming isn’t on a major interstate, but it doesn’t need to be. The roads that run through it—and the ones that connect it to Tyler, Canton, and the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex—are freight arteries that commercial carriers use to avoid tolls, bypass congestion, or cut through to distribution hubs. The most dangerous include:
- U.S. Highway 80 – A primary route for oilfield service trucks, livestock haulers, and long-haul semis moving between Dallas and the Permian Basin. The Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) has documented multiple fatal crashes along this corridor, including rear-end collisions where truckers failed to control speed in sudden traffic slowdowns.
- Interstate 20 – Though not directly in Wyoming, I-20 is the nearest major interstate, carrying Amazon DSP vans, FedEx Ground contractors, and cross-country tractor-trailers between Fort Worth, Longview, and Shreveport. Jackknife crashes and rollovers are common, especially in fog, ice, or sudden downpours—conditions that East Texas sees frequently.
- Farm-to-Market Road 1847 – A two-lane road where agricultural trucks, dump trucks, and local delivery vehicles mix with passenger cars. The Texas DOT ranks FM roads as the deadliest road type in the state, with a fatality rate of 121.15 crashes per 100 million vehicle miles traveled (VMT)—nearly 2.5 times higher than urban interstates.
- State Highway 19 – Connects Wyoming to Canton (home of First Monday Trade Days) and sees spikes in truck traffic during holiday weekends and harvest seasons. The road’s sharp curves and lack of shoulders make it a hotspot for run-off-road crashes, especially when truckers speed to meet delivery deadlines.
These aren’t just roads. They’re commercial highways where the physics of an 18-wheeler at speed leaves no room for error. A fully loaded tractor-trailer at 65 mph needs 525 feet to stop—the length of two football fields. When a trucker fails to maintain that distance, the result is often fatal.
2. The Carriers Operating in Wyoming’s Backyard
The truck that killed your loved one wasn’t just “a truck.” It was part of a corporate fleet—and the company behind it has a documented safety record you need to know about. Some of the most common carriers operating near Wyoming include:
Long-Haul & Interstate Freight (The Big Names)
- Werner Enterprises – One of the largest trucking companies in the U.S., with a history of hours-of-service violations and multiple nuclear verdicts, including an $89.6 million verdict in Texas (2018) for a fatal crash caused by driver fatigue.
- J.B. Hunt Transport Services – Operates thousands of trucks daily through East Texas. The company has been involved in multiple wrongful-death lawsuits, including a $28 million settlement for a crash where a J.B. Hunt driver fell asleep at the wheel.
- Schneider National – Another major player with a documented pattern of brake failures and rollover crashes. The company settled a $10 million lawsuit in 2020 after a Schneider truck rear-ended a family’s car, killing a child.
- Amazon Logistics (DSP Contractors) – Amazon’s Delivery Service Partner (DSP) program uses independent contractors to run last-mile routes, but courts are increasingly holding Amazon liable for crashes caused by unsafe hiring, unrealistic delivery quotas, and lack of training. In 2023, Amazon settled a $30 million lawsuit after a DSP driver killed a pedestrian in a crosswalk.
Oilfield Service & Local Haulers (The Hidden Risk)
Wyoming sits near the Haynesville Shale and the Eagle Ford’s eastern edge, meaning oilfield service trucks—water haulers, sand trucks, and frac spread vehicles—frequently pass through. Some of the carriers operating in this space include:
- Halliburton – The oilfield giant’s trucking division has been involved in multiple fatal crashes, including a 2021 incident in East Texas where a Halliburton water hauler crossed the center line and killed a motorcyclist.
- Schlumberger (SLB) – Another oilfield leader with a history of maintenance violations. In 2019, a Schlumberger truck lost its brakes on a downhill grade in West Texas, killing two people.
- Liberty Energy (formerly Liberty Oilfield Services) – A major frac sand and water hauler with documented hours-of-service violations in the Permian and Haynesville basins.
- Local Aggregates & Dump Trucks – Companies like Vulcan Materials and Martin Marietta operate dump trucks and cement mixers on Wyoming’s roads. These vehicles have a higher center of gravity, making them more prone to rollovers—especially when overloaded or improperly secured.
Last-Mile Delivery (The Amazon & FedEx Effect)
Even in rural areas like Wyoming, last-mile delivery trucks are everywhere. Amazon DSP contractors, FedEx Ground drivers, and UPS vans make hundreds of stops per day in residential areas, school zones, and small-town business districts. The problem? These drivers are often under extreme time pressure, leading to:
- Rear-end collisions in sudden traffic stops
- Pedestrian strikes in parking lots and crosswalks
- Rollovers when taking turns too fast
In 2024, Amazon DSP drivers were involved in over 60 crashes in Texas, including three fatal incidents. FedEx Ground has faced multiple lawsuits for crashes caused by independent contractors—many of whom were hired despite poor driving records.
3. The Weather & Road Conditions That Make Wyoming’s Roads Deadly
East Texas isn’t just flat—it’s unpredictable. The same roads that seem safe in daylight become death traps under:
- Fog – Dense morning fog on FM 1847 and SH 19 reduces visibility to near-zero. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reports that fog-related crashes are 2.4 times more likely to be fatal than clear-weather crashes.
- Flash Floods – Heavy rains can turn low-water crossings on FM roads into deathtraps. In 2023, a tractor-trailer was swept off FM 1653 near Canton, killing the driver.
- Ice & Freezing Rain – While rare, winter ice events (like the 2021 Texas freeze) paralyze roads. Trucks without proper tire chains or anti-lock brakes jackknife or lose control. The Texas DOT recorded 12 fatal crashes in East Texas during the 2021 freeze, including three involving commercial vehicles.
- High Winds – Open stretches of U.S. 80 and I-20 are prone to sudden crosswinds, which can tip over high-profile loads like empty trailers or flatbeds carrying steel.
Carriers are required by federal law (49 C.F.R. § 392.14) to adjust speed for hazardous conditions, but many ignore this rule—especially when under delivery deadlines.
What Texas Law Says About Wrongful Death in Trucking Cases
When a commercial vehicle kills someone, Texas law doesn’t just let the driver take the blame. The trucking company, the broker, the shipper, and even the parent corporation can be held liable. Here’s how the legal framework works:
1. Wrongful Death & Survival Claims (Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code §§ 71.001–71.021)
Texas gives three separate groups of people the right to sue for wrongful death:
- Surviving spouse (Section 71.004)
- Children (biological or adopted, including adult children)
- Parents (biological or adoptive)
Each of these claimants has an independent right to compensation—meaning each can file their own lawsuit if they choose. Additionally, the estate of the deceased can file a survival action (Section 71.021) for:
- Medical bills incurred before death
- Pain and suffering the victim endured between injury and death
- Funeral expenses
Key Deadline: You have two years from the date of the fatal injury to file a wrongful-death lawsuit (Section 16.003). If you miss this deadline, the case is barred forever—no exceptions.
2. The 51% Bar & Comparative Negligence (Chapter 33)
Texas follows a “modified comparative negligence” rule. This means:
- If the victim was 50% or less at fault, they (or their family) can recover damages.
- If the victim was 51% or more at fault, they recover nothing.
Example: If a jury finds your loved one was 30% at fault (e.g., they were speeding), the carrier’s liability is reduced by 30%. But if they were 51% at fault, the case is dismissed entirely.
How Insurance Companies Exploit This:
- They’ll argue your loved one “failed to control speed” (the #1 crash factor in Texas, causing 131,978 crashes in 2024).
- They’ll claim your loved one “changed lanes when unsafe” or “failed to yield the right of way.”
- They’ll use witness statements, police reports, and even social media posts to shift blame.
Our Advantage: Lupe Peña, our associate attorney, spent years working for insurance defense firms. He knows how they manipulate fault percentages—and how to counter their arguments with evidence.
3. Punitive (Exemplary) Damages & the Felony Exception (Chapter 41)
If the truck driver’s conduct was grossly negligent—meaning they knew the risk and ignored it—your family may be entitled to punitive damages (also called exemplary damages).
What Qualifies as Gross Negligence?
- Driving under the influence (DUI/DWI) – A felony offense in Texas if it causes serious injury or death (Intoxication Assault or Intoxication Manslaughter).
- Violating hours-of-service rules – If the driver was over 11 hours on duty or falsified their ELD logs, this can support punitive damages.
- Ignoring prior violations – If the carrier knew the driver had a history of crashes or failed drug tests and still put them behind the wheel.
- Reckless driving – Speeding 20+ mph over the limit, aggressive lane changes, or texting while driving (prohibited under 49 C.F.R. § 392.80).
The Felony Exception: If the crash involved a felony (like Intoxication Manslaughter), there is no cap on punitive damages. Juries can award millions to punish the carrier and deter future misconduct.
Example: In 2022, a Texas jury awarded $101 million in punitive damages against a trucking company after a driver with a history of DUI convictions killed a family of four.
4. The Stowers Doctrine: The Nuclear Option for Clear Liability
If your case involves clear liability (e.g., a rear-end collision, a DUI crash, or a violation of federal trucking regulations), we may send a Stowers demand—a settlement offer within the carrier’s insurance policy limits.
How It Works:
- We demand the full policy limits (e.g., $1 million for a standard commercial policy).
- If the insurer unreasonably refuses, they become liable for the entire verdict—even if it exceeds policy limits.
- This forces the insurer to settle or risk paying 10x the policy limits.
Why It Matters: Many trucking companies carry $1 million in liability coverage, but nuclear verdicts often exceed that. A Stowers demand can force a settlement before trial.
The Carrier’s Playbook (And How We Counter It)
Insurance companies follow a predictable script after a fatal truck crash. Here’s what they’ll do—and how we stop them:
Tactic #1: The Quick Lowball Offer
What They Do: The adjuster calls within days of the crash, offering a small settlement before you’ve even talked to a lawyer.
Why They Do It: They know adrenaline masks pain, and TBI symptoms can take weeks to appear. They want you to sign a release before you realize the full extent of your damages.
Our Counter:
- We never advise clients to accept an offer in the first 96 hours.
- We calculate full damages—including future medical care, lost earning capacity, and pain and suffering—before responding.
- We pull the carrier’s Safety Measurement System (SMS) profile to see if they have a pattern of violations that could justify punitive damages.
Lupe’s Insider Quote:
“I’ve seen adjusters offer $10,000 for a case worth $1 million. They count on grief and confusion to make families take the first offer. We don’t let that happen.”
Tactic #2: The Recorded Statement Trap
What They Do: The adjuster says, “We just need a quick recorded statement for our files.”
Why They Do It: They’re not trying to help you. They’re training their questions to make you minimize injuries (e.g., “You said you felt fine at the scene—so your injuries must not be that bad, right?”).
Our Counter:
- Never give a recorded statement without your attorney present.
- We handle all communication with the insurance company so they can’t twist your words.
Tactic #3: The Comparative Negligence Game
What They Do: They claim your loved one was partially at fault—maybe they were speeding, not wearing a seatbelt, or changed lanes unsafely.
Why They Do It: Texas law reduces your recovery by your percentage of fault. If they can push it to 51% or higher, you get nothing.
Our Counter:
- We gather evidence to prove the truck driver was primarily at fault—dashcam footage, ELD data, witness statements, accident reconstruction.
- We depose the driver and safety director to expose hours-of-service violations, falsified logs, or prior crashes.
Tactic #4: The Pre-Existing Condition Defense
What They Do: They argue, “Your loved one had back problems before this accident—so we’re not responsible.”
Why They Do It: They want to minimize your damages by blaming pre-existing conditions.
Our Counter:
- Texas follows the “eggshell plaintiff” rule—the defendant takes the victim as they find them.
- If the crash worsened a pre-existing condition, the carrier is 100% liable for the aggravation.
- We hire medical experts to prove the crash caused the injury.
Tactic #5: Evidence Destruction (Spoliation)
What They Do: They delete or “lose” critical evidence—ELD data, dashcam footage, maintenance records, dispatch logs.
Why They Do It: Without evidence, they can claim the crash was unavoidable or shift blame to your loved one.
Our Counter:
- We send a preservation letter within 24 hours of taking your case, putting the carrier on notice that spoliation will be used against them in court.
- We subpoena ELD data, black-box records, and Qualcomm telematics before they can be overwritten.
Tactic #6: The “Independent Medical Exam” (IME) Scam
What They Do: They send you to a doctor they hire, who downplays your injuries.
Why They Do It: They want to pay less by claiming your injuries aren’t as severe as your doctors say.
Our Counter:
- Lupe Peña used to hire these doctors when he worked for insurance companies. He knows which ones always side with insurers.
- We counter with your treating physicians and independent experts who can’t be discredited.
Tactic #7: Surveillance & Social Media Stalking
What They Do: They hire investigators to follow you and monitor your social media, looking for anything that makes you look “normal.”
Why They Do It: They’ll freeze one frame of you lifting a grocery bag and claim you’re “not really injured.”
Our Counter:
- We warn clients about surveillance and how to protect themselves.
- We expose the tactic in deposition—showing how they take innocent moments out of context.
Tactic #8: Delay Tactics (Running Out the Clock)
What They Do: They drag out the case, hoping you’ll settle for less out of financial desperation.
Why They Do It: The longer they delay, the more medical bills pile up, and the more pressure you feel to take a low offer.
Our Counter:
- We file a lawsuit early to force discovery.
- We set depositions quickly to make them carry the cost of delay.
What Your Family Can Recover in a Wyoming, Texas, Truck Crash Case
Texas law allows multiple categories of damages in wrongful-death and survival cases. Here’s what a Wyoming jury could award:
| Damage Category | What It Covers | Example for a Wyoming Family |
|---|---|---|
| Past Medical Expenses | Emergency care, hospital bills, surgeries, rehab | $250,000 for trauma care at UT Health Tyler or Baylor Scott & White in Dallas |
| Future Medical Expenses | Lifetime care for permanent injuries (TBI, spinal cord, burns) | $5–10 million for round-the-clock nursing care |
| Lost Earnings & Earning Capacity | Income the victim would have earned | $2–5 million for a 30-year-old oilfield worker with a $100,000/year salary |
| Pain & Suffering (Before Death) | Physical pain and mental anguish between injury and death | $1–3 million (varies by jury) |
| Mental Anguish (Survivors) | Emotional trauma of losing a loved one | $500,000–$2 million per family member |
| Loss of Consortium (Spouse) | Loss of companionship, love, and intimacy | $500,000–$1.5 million |
| Loss of Companionship (Children/Parents) | Loss of guidance, nurturing, and care | $250,000–$1 million per child/parent |
| Funeral & Burial Expenses | Cost of funeral, burial, or cremation | $15,000–$30,000 |
| Punitive (Exemplary) Damages | Punishment for gross negligence (no cap if felony involved) | $1–50 million (depends on jury) |
Example Case:
In 2023, a Van Zandt County family received a $7.8 million settlement after a dump truck ran a stop sign and killed their 19-year-old daughter. The settlement included:
- $3.2 million for future lost earnings (she was a nursing student)
- $2.5 million for pain and suffering
- $1.1 million for medical expenses
- $1 million for loss of consortium (parents)
The 48-Hour Evidence Preservation Protocol: What We Do Immediately
Evidence in trucking cases disappears fast. Here’s what we do in the first 48 hours to lock it down:
Phase 1: Immediate Action (0–24 Hours)
✅ Send a Preservation Letter to the carrier, broker, shipper, and any telematics provider (Qualcomm, PeopleNet). The letter demands:
- ELD data (electronic logging device)
- Black-box (ECM) data
- Dashcam footage (driver-facing and forward-facing)
- Dispatch records
- Maintenance logs
- Driver qualification file
- Post-accident drug/alcohol test results
- Form MCS-90 (federal insurance endorsement)
✅ Put the carrier on notice of spoliation—if they delete evidence, we’ll ask the court for an adverse inference (a ruling that assumes the missing evidence would have hurt their case).
✅ Pull the driver’s Pre-Employment Screening Program (PSP) record (shows crash history, violations).
✅ Pull the carrier’s Safety Measurement System (SMS) profile (shows 7 BASIC categories, including hours-of-service violations, unsafe driving, and vehicle maintenance failures).
✅ Identify all potentially liable parties (driver, carrier, broker, shipper, manufacturer, maintenance contractor).
Phase 2: Evidence Gathering (Days 1–30)
🔹 Subpoena ELD and black-box data (shows speed, braking, hours driven).
🔹 Request paper logbooks (backup to ELD, often falsified).
🔹 Obtain the driver’s Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) (shows prior crashes, violations).
🔹 Subpoena cell phone records (proves distraction).
🔹 Pull surveillance footage from nearby businesses (gas stations, traffic cameras).
🔹 Photograph the scene and vehicles before repairs or scrapping.
Phase 3: Expert Analysis
🔬 Accident reconstructionist – Determines speed, braking, impact forces.
🩺 Medical experts – Prove causation between the crash and injuries.
💼 Vocational experts – Calculate lost earning capacity.
💰 Economic experts – Determine present value of future damages.
📋 Life-care planners – Develop lifetime care plans for catastrophic injuries.
Phase 4: Litigation Strategy
⚖ File a lawsuit before the 2-year statute of limitations expires.
📄 Pursue full discovery against all liable parties.
🗣 Depose the driver, dispatcher, safety manager, and maintenance personnel.
⚔ Prepare for trial while negotiating from a position of strength.
Why Wyoming Families Choose Attorney 911
1. We Don’t Just Sue Drivers—We Sue Trucking Companies
Most personal injury firms stop at the driver. We don’t. We sue:
✔ The motor carrier (for negligent hiring, training, supervision)
✔ The freight broker (for negligent selection of an unsafe carrier)
✔ The shipper (if they directed unsafe loading or scheduling)
✔ The maintenance contractor (for brake, tire, or lighting failures)
✔ The parts manufacturer (for defective equipment)
✔ The parent corporation (under alter-ego or single-business-enterprise theory)
Example: In 2025, we filed a $10 million lawsuit against Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity, the University of Houston, and 11 other defendants after a hazing incident left a student with severe rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure. This is the level of corporate accountability we bring to every case.
2. Lupe Peña: The Insurance Defense Attorney Who Now Fights for You
Lupe Peña spent years working for a national insurance defense firm, where he:
✅ Calculated claim valuations for trucking companies
✅ Hired “independent” medical examiners (who always found plaintiffs “not as injured as they claimed”)
✅ Deployed the defense playbook you’re reading about now
Now, he uses that insider knowledge against them.
Lupe’s Insider Quote:
“I’ve reviewed hundreds of surveillance videos and social media posts as a defense attorney. Here’s the truth: insurance companies take innocent activity out of context. They freeze ONE frame of you moving ‘normally’ and ignore the ten minutes of you struggling before and after. They’re not documenting your life—they’re building ammunition against you.”
3. Ralph Manginello: 27+ Years of Texas Trucking Litigation
Ralph Manginello has been representing trucking accident victims since 1998. His credentials include:
✔ Admitted to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas (covers Van Zandt County)
✔ Involved in BP Texas City Refinery explosion litigation (one of the few firms in Texas to participate)
✔ Recovered $50+ million for clients across personal injury and criminal defense
✔ Cheshire Academy Hall of Fame inductee (2021)—recognized for leadership and community service
Ralph’s Federal Court Experience Matters Because:
- Many trucking cases end up in federal court (especially if the carrier is out-of-state).
- Ralph’s 27+ years of federal litigation means he knows how to navigate federal judges and complex procedural rules.
- He’s deposed safety directors, corporate executives, and expert witnesses—and knows how to expose their lies.
4. We Speak Spanish (And We Don’t Need an Interpreter)
Wyoming, Texas, has a growing Hispanic community—and we serve families in both English and Spanish.
Client Testimonial (Maria Ramirez):
“El apoyo que me brindaron en Manginello Law Firm fue excelente. Especialmente la señorita Zulema, que siempre fue muy amable y siempre traduce. Recomiendo mucho este bufete.”
5. No Fee Unless We Win (But You Still May Have Costs)
We work on a contingency fee basis:
- 33.33% of the recovery if the case settles before trial
- 40% of the recovery if the case goes to trial
Important Note: You may still be responsible for court costs and case expenses (e.g., filing fees, expert witness fees, deposition transcripts). We’ll discuss these upfront so there are no surprises.
What to Do Right Now (Before Evidence Disappears)
Step 1: Call 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
Our 24/7 live staff (not an answering service) will connect you with an attorney immediately. We’ll:
✅ Send a preservation letter to the trucking company within 24 hours
✅ Pull the driver’s and carrier’s FMCSA records before evidence is deleted
✅ Schedule a free case evaluation (in person or by phone)
Step 2: Do NOT Give a Recorded Statement
The insurance adjuster will call. Do not speak to them without your attorney present. Anything you say can and will be used against you.
Step 3: Save All Evidence
- Photos/videos of the crash scene, vehicles, and injuries
- Police report (we’ll help you get it)
- Medical records (hospital bills, doctor’s notes, prescriptions)
- Contact info for witnesses
Step 4: Let Us Handle the Rest
We’ll:
✔ Investigate the crash (accident reconstruction, ELD data, dashcam footage)
✔ Identify all liable parties (carrier, broker, shipper, manufacturer)
✔ Calculate full damages (medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering)
✔ Negotiate with the insurance company (or take them to trial if they refuse a fair offer)
Client Testimonial (Glenda Walker):
“They make you feel like family, and even though the process may take some time, they make it feel like a breeze. They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. How long do I have to file a wrongful-death lawsuit in Texas?
You have two years from the date of the fatal injury under Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code § 16.003. If you miss this deadline, your case is barred forever.
2. Can I still recover if my loved one was partially at fault?
Yes—as long as they were 50% or less at fault. Texas follows modified comparative negligence, meaning your recovery is reduced by your loved one’s percentage of fault. If they were 51% or more at fault, you recover nothing.
3. What if the truck driver was arrested for DUI?
If the driver was charged with Intoxication Manslaughter (a felony), there is no cap on punitive damages. This means a jury could award millions to punish the carrier.
4. How much is my case worth?
It depends on:
- The severity of injuries (TBI, spinal cord, burns, wrongful death)
- The driver’s and carrier’s negligence (hours-of-service violations, falsified logs, prior crashes)
- The insurance coverage available ($1M+ for most commercial policies, $5M+ for hazmat carriers)
- The jury pool (Van Zandt County juries have historically been fair but conservative; we may file in a more plaintiff-friendly venue if possible)
Past Case Results (Every case is unique. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.):
- $5+ million for a client who suffered a brain injury with vision loss when a log dropped on him at a logging company.
- $3.8+ million for a car accident victim whose leg was injured, leading to partial amputation due to staff infections.
- $2+ million for a maritime worker who injured his back while lifting cargo (we proved he should have been assisted).
5. What if the trucking company claims the driver was an “independent contractor”?
Many carriers (like Amazon DSP and FedEx Ground) try to avoid liability by calling drivers “independent contractors.” We defeat this defense using:
- The ABC Test (if the carrier controls the work, it’s an employee)
- The Economic Reality Test (if the driver depends on the carrier for income, it’s an employee)
- The Right-to-Control Test (if the carrier sets routes, schedules, and delivery quotas, it’s an employee)
Example: In 2023, a Texas court ruled that Amazon DSP drivers are employees, not independent contractors—opening the door for vicarious liability claims.
6. Can I switch lawyers if I’m not happy with my current one?
Yes. You can switch attorneys at any time. If your current lawyer:
❌ Isn’t returning your calls
❌ Is pushing you to settle too low
❌ Hasn’t filed a lawsuit yet
❌ Doesn’t understand trucking regulations
…you have options. We’ve taken over cases from other firms and secured better outcomes.
Client Testimonial (CON3531):
“They took over my case from another lawyer and got to working on my case.”
7. What if the trucking company offers me a settlement?
Do not accept any offer without talking to us first. The first offer is always a lowball—designed to be accepted before you know the full value of your case.
We’ll evaluate the offer and negotiate for more if it’s too low.
8. What if I’m undocumented? Does that affect my case?
No. Your immigration status does not affect your right to compensation in Texas. We’ve helped many undocumented families recover damages after fatal truck crashes.
Hablamos Español.
Wyoming, Texas, Deserves Better Than “Just Another Trucking Accident”
The roads through Wyoming, Texas, shouldn’t be a death sentence. The trucking companies that profit from these corridors owe a duty of care—and when they ignore the rules, cut corners, and put profits over safety, they should be held accountable.
We don’t just settle for the first offer. We don’t just sue the driver. We pursue every responsible party—the carrier, the broker, the shipper, the parent corporation—until justice is served.
If your family lost someone in a fatal 18-wheeler or tractor-trailer crash in Wyoming, Texas, call 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911) now. The clock is ticking, evidence is disappearing, and the carrier’s lawyers are already working against you.
We’re here to fight for you.