18-Wheeler Accident Lawyer in Lubbock, TX

When a commercial truck strikes your vehicle, the consequences are often devastating. These massive vehicles—some weighing 80,000 pounds and stretching over 70 feet—can cause catastrophic injuries that forever change how you live, work, and provide for your family.

The aftermath brings not just physical pain, but overwhelming medical expenses, insurance battles, and legal complexity that most attorneys simply aren’t equipped to handle.

As an experienced Lubbock 18-wheeler accident lawyer, I understand the challenges you’re facing because I’ve spent decades fighting for truck accident victims across Texas. Commercial trucking cases demand specialized knowledge of federal regulations, industry practices, and the tactics these companies use to protect their bottom line.

At Perrin Law, my approach combines aggressive investigation with personal attention—I don’t hand your case to associates or paralegals. From preserving black box data to deposing safety directors, I handle every aspect personally to build the strongest possible case for your recovery.

The trucking company already has investigators and attorneys working to minimize their liability. You deserve equally powerful representation. Call me now at (806) 507-9097 for your free consultation, available 24/7. As your 18-wheeler accident attorney in Lubbock, Texas, I’ll review your case personally and explain exactly how I can help you secure the compensation and justice you deserve.

Why Hire Perrin Law for a Truck Accident Case?

Truck accident cases require specialized knowledge that general practice attorneys simply don’t possess. These cases involve federal regulations, multiple insurance policies, and corporate defendants with teams of lawyers working to minimize your claim.

When you hire me, you get direct access to an experienced Lubbock 18-wheeler accident lawyer who handles your case personally. I don’t pass your case off to paralegals or junior associates like larger firms do.

Here’s what sets my approach apart:

• Immediate investigation: I act within hours to preserve critical evidence before trucking companies can destroy or alter it.
• Trial preparation: Every case gets prepared as if it’s going to court, which often leads to better settlement offers.
• Personal attention: You work directly with me throughout the entire process.
• No upfront costs: You pay nothing unless I win your case.

What Makes 18-Wheeler Cases Different from Car Crashes?

Commercial truck accidents are far more complex than typical car crashes. The stakes are higher, the injuries more severe, and the legal landscape completely different.

Truck drivers must follow federal regulations that don’t apply to regular drivers. These rules cover everything from how long they can drive to how they maintain their vehicles. When trucking companies violate these regulations, it strengthens your case significantly.

The insurance coverage is also dramatically different. Although car accident insurance policies might cover $30,000 to $100,000, commercial truck policies often exceed $1 million. This means more money is available to compensate you for your injuries.

Multiple parties can be held responsible in truck accidents. You might have claims against the driver, trucking company, cargo loader, maintenance company, and truck manufacturer. Identifying all liable parties is crucial to maximizing your recovery.

Who Is Liable After a Texas 18-Wheeler Wreck?

Determining liability in truck accidents requires investigating every aspect of the trucking operation. The driver who caused your crash might just be one of several parties responsible for your injuries.

As your Lubbock truck accident lawyer, I examine the entire chain of responsibility to identify everyone who contributed to your accident:

• The truck driver: For violations like speeding, distracted driving, or driving while fatigued.
• The trucking company: For negligent hiring, inadequate training, or pressuring drivers to violate safety rules.
• The cargo company: For improper loading that made the truck unstable or overweight.
• Maintenance providers: For failing to properly inspect or repair safety-critical components.
• Truck manufacturers: For defective parts like faulty brakes, tires, or steering systems.

Trucking companies often try to claim their drivers are independent contractors to avoid liability. However, federal regulations make motor carriers responsible for crashes regardless of the driver’s employment status.

What Evidence Should Be Preserved After a Truck Crash

Critical evidence in truck accidents disappears quickly if not preserved immediately. Trucking companies have accident response teams that arrive at crash scenes to protect their interests, not yours.

I send spoliation letters within 24 hours of being hired. A spoliation letter is a legal demand that requires the trucking company to preserve all evidence related to your crash. This prevents them from destroying or altering crucial information.

The most important evidence includes:

• Electronic data recorder (EDR) information: This “black box” captures the truck’s speed, braking, and steering inputs before the crash.
• Electronic logging device (ELD) records: These show whether the driver violated hours-of-service rules designed to prevent drowsy driving.
• Driver qualification files: These contain the driver’s employment history, training records, and previous violations.
• Vehicle maintenance records: These reveal whether the truck was properly inspected and maintained.
• Dispatch communications: These can show if the company pressured the driver to violate safety regulations.

What to Do After an 18-Wheeler Accident in Lubbock

The actions you take immediately after a truck crash can significantly impact your ability to recover compensation. Here’s what you need to do to protect yourself and your legal rights.

Call 911 and Get Medical Attention

Your safety comes first. Call emergency services immediately, even if your injuries seem minor. Adrenaline can mask serious injuries that become apparent hours or days later.

If you’re seriously injured, Lubbock’s University Medical Center has a Level I Trauma Center equipped to handle the most severe injuries. Covenant Health also provides excellent emergency care throughout the area.

Document the Accident Scene

If you’re physically able, use your phone to photograph everything. Take pictures of all vehicles involved, property damage, skid marks, traffic signs, and any visible injuries.

Get contact information from witnesses. Their statements can be crucial if the trucking company disputes what happened. Also, note the truck’s DOT number, license plate, and company name.

Avoid Giving Recorded Statements

Insurance adjusters will contact you quickly after the accident. They may seem helpful, but their goal is to get you to say something that reduces their company’s liability.

Don’t provide recorded statements to any insurance company without speaking to an attorney first. What you say can be taken out of context and used against you later.

Contact an Experienced Truck Accident Attorney

Time is critical in truck accident cases. The sooner you have legal representation, the better chance you have of preserving evidence and building a strong case.

I’m available 24/7 to take your call and begin protecting your rights immediately. Don’t wait—call now for your free consultation.

What Compensation Can You Recover

Texas law allows truck accident victims to recover several types of damages. The goal is to make you as whole as possible by compensating you for all losses caused by the accident.

Medical Expenses and Future Care

You can recover all medical costs related to your injuries. This includes emergency room treatment, surgeries, hospital stays, prescription medications, physical therapy, and any future medical care you’ll need.

If your injuries require long-term care, home modifications, or medical equipment, these costs are also recoverable. I work with medical experts to document your future needs and ensure they’re included in your claim.

Lost Income and Earning Capacity

You’re entitled to compensation for wages lost while recovering from your injuries. This includes salary, bonuses, overtime, and benefits you would have earned.

If your injuries prevent you from returning to your previous job or limit your earning ability, you can also recover damages for lost future income. This is called loss of earning capacity.

Pain, Suffering, and Loss of Quality of Life

These non-economic damages compensate you for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by your injuries. They also account for how your injuries have impacted your ability to enjoy life.

Texas doesn’t cap these damages in truck accident cases, so the amount depends on the severity of your injuries and their impact on your daily life.

Property Damage and Other Losses

You can recover the cost to repair or replace your vehicle and any personal property damaged in the crash. This includes items like phones, laptops, or clothing that were destroyed.

Out-of-pocket expenses like rental cars, towing, and transportation to medical appointments are also recoverable.

How Much Is an 18-Wheeler Case Worth

Every truck accident case is unique, so there’s no standard settlement amount. The value depends on the specific facts of your case and the severity of your injuries.

However, truck accident settlements are typically much higher than car accident settlements because of the severe injuries involved and the larger insurance policies available.

Several factors influence your case’s value:

• Injury severity: More serious injuries that require extensive treatment result in higher settlements.
• Impact on your life: Permanent disabilities or limitations increase the value significantly.
• Lost income: Higher earners typically receive larger settlements for lost wages and earning capacity.
• Available insurance: Multiple insurance policies may apply, increasing the total available coverage.
• Strength of liability evidence: Clear proof of the trucking company’s fault leads to better outcomes.

I provide honest assessments of your case’s value during our free consultation. My goal is to secure the maximum compensation possible for your specific situation.

How Long Do You Have to File in Texas

Texas law gives you two years from the date of your accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. This deadline is called the statute of limitations.

Missing this deadline almost always means you lose the right to pursue compensation forever. Courts rarely grant extensions, even for good reasons.

However, waiting until the last minute is a mistake. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget details, and building a strong case takes time. The sooner you start, the better your chances of success.

Some situations can extend or shorten this deadline. If the trucking company hid evidence of their wrongdoing, the clock might not start until you discover their deception. Conversely, if a government entity is involved, you might have as little as six months to file a claim.

Will Your Case Settle or Go to Trial

Most truck accident cases settle without going to trial. However, I prepare every case as if it will be decided by a jury.

This trial-ready approach benefits you in several ways. Insurance companies know I’m willing and able to take cases to court, which motivates them to make fair settlement offers. It also ensures we’re prepared if negotiations fail.

Settlement negotiations typically begin after I’ve completed my investigation and you’ve reached maximum medical improvement. This process usually takes several months to over a year, depending on your injuries’ severity.

If we can’t reach a fair settlement, I’m fully prepared to present your case to a jury. My trial experience and reputation for thorough preparation often convince defendants to settle rather than risk a large jury verdict.

Common Causes of 18-Wheeler Wrecks in Lubbock

West Texas sees heavy truck traffic due to oil field activity, agriculture, and major highways like I-27. Unfortunately, this leads to numerous preventable accidents caused by driver negligence and company violations.

Driver Fatigue and Hours-of-Service Violations

Federal hours-of-service (HOS) rules limit how long truck drivers can operate their vehicles. These regulations exist because drowsy driving is extremely dangerous, especially with 80,000-pound vehicles.

Drivers are required to take mandatory rest breaks and cannot drive more than 11 hours in a 14-hour period. They also must take 34-hour restarts after working 70 hours in eight days.

Many accidents occur when drivers or companies violate these rules to meet tight delivery schedules. Electronic logging devices (ELDs) now track compliance, making it easier to prove violations.

Distracted and Impaired Driving

Truck drivers face numerous distractions while driving. Cell phones, GPS devices, dispatch communications, and CB radios all compete for their attention.

Eating, drinking, or adjusting controls while driving also causes accidents. Given a truck’s size and stopping distance, even momentary inattention can be deadly.

Impaired driving remains a serious problem. Some drivers use alcohol or drugs to cope with the stress and isolation of long-haul trucking. Others use stimulants to stay awake beyond legal driving limits.

Speeding and Reckless Driving

Speed limits exist for good reason, but they’re especially important for commercial trucks. An 18-wheeler needs much more distance to stop than a passenger car.

Speeding is particularly dangerous on Lubbock-area highways like Loop 289 and the Marsha Sharp Freeway, where traffic patterns change rapidly. Rural roads also pose risks when trucks travel too fast for conditions.

Reckless behaviors like tailgating, unsafe lane changes, and aggressive driving cause many serious accidents. Professional drivers should know better, but pressure to meet deadlines sometimes leads to poor decisions.

Improper Loading and Maintenance Failures

Cargo must be properly loaded and secured to keep trucks stable. Overweight loads stress braking systems and make trucks harder to control. Improperly secured cargo can shift during transport, causing rollovers or jackknife accidents.

Trucking companies must also maintain their vehicles according to federal standards. This includes regular inspections of brakes, tires, lights, and other safety systems.

When companies cut corners on maintenance to save money, critical components can fail at highway speeds. Brake failures, tire blowouts, and steering problems often result in catastrophic accidents.

Common Injuries in Semi-Truck Collisions

The size and weight difference between trucks and passenger cars means occupants of smaller vehicles face devastating injuries. Even “minor” truck accidents often result in serious harm.

Traumatic Brain Injuries

Head injuries occur when your brain strikes the inside of your skull during impact. These injuries can cause permanent cognitive problems, personality changes, and physical disabilities.

Even mild concussions can have lasting effects on your ability to work and enjoy life. Severe brain injuries may require lifelong care and rehabilitation.

Spinal Cord Injuries

Damage to your spinal cord can result in partial or complete paralysis. These injuries often require extensive medical treatment and long-term care.

Even incomplete spinal injuries can cause chronic pain, weakness, and loss of sensation. Many victims require wheelchairs, home modifications, and ongoing therapy.

Broken Bones and Crush Injuries

The force of truck accidents often causes multiple fractures and crush injuries. These injuries may require multiple surgeries and lengthy rehabilitation.

Some fractures heal poorly, leaving victims with permanent limitations. Crush injuries to hands, arms, or legs can result in amputation.

Internal Injuries and Burns

Blunt force trauma can damage internal organs like your liver, spleen, or kidneys. These injuries may not be immediately apparent but can be life-threatening.

If fuel spills and ignites, burn injuries can be severe and disfiguring. Treatment often requires skin grafts and reconstructive surgery.

Where Do Truck Wrecks Happen in Lubbock

Certain areas around Lubbock see higher rates of truck accidents due to traffic patterns, road design, and the volume of commercial vehicles.

I-27 and Loop 289 Intersections

The intersection of I-27 and Loop 289 handles enormous truck traffic heading to and from the Dallas-Fort Worth area. High speeds and heavy congestion create dangerous conditions.

Multiple entrance and exit ramps in this area require frequent lane changes. Trucks’ large blind spots and slow acceleration make these maneuvers particularly hazardous.

US 62/82 and Marsha Sharp Freeway

These highways carry significant truck traffic serving the Port of Lubbock and industrial areas. The mix of local and through traffic creates challenging driving conditions.

Construction zones along these routes add additional hazards. Reduced lanes and shifted traffic patterns increase accident risks, especially for large trucks.

Rural Farm-to-Market Roads

Agricultural operations throughout the region generate heavy truck traffic on rural roads. These roads often lack shoulders and have numerous intersections with limited visibility.

Grain trucks, cattle haulers, and equipment transporters frequently travel these routes. The combination of heavy loads and narrow roads increases accident severity.

Oil field traffic in surrounding counties also contributes to truck accidents. Service vehicles, water haulers, and equipment trucks often exceed safe speeds on rural roads not designed for such heavy use.

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I Accept the Trucking Company’s Settlement Offer?

No, you should never accept an initial settlement offer without consulting an experienced truck accident attorney. These early offers are typically far below what your case is actually worth.

Insurance companies hope you’ll accept quick settlements before you understand the full extent of your injuries and damages.

Can I Sue if the Truck Driver Was an Independent Contractor?

Yes, you can still pursue a claim even if the driver was an independent contractor. Federal regulations make motor carriers responsible for crashes involving trucks operating under their authority.

The trucking company’s insurance must cover accidents regardless of the driver’s employment classification.

What if the Truck Driver Doesn’t Have Insurance?

Commercial trucks are required to carry minimum insurance coverage, but policies can be complex. If the driver’s policy doesn’t apply, the trucking company’s insurance should cover your damages.

There may also be additional coverage through cargo insurers or umbrella policies that provide extra protection.

How Long Does a Truck Accident Case Take?

Most cases settle within 12 to 18 months, but complex cases can take longer. The timeline depends on the severity of your injuries, the strength of the evidence, and the defendants’ willingness to negotiate fairly.

I work efficiently to resolve cases as quickly as possible while ensuring you receive maximum compensation.

What Happens if I Was Partially at Fault?

Texas follows a modified comparative fault rule. You can still recover damages as long as you’re less than 51% responsible for the accident.

Do I Need to Go to Court?

Most truck accident cases settle without going to trial. However, I prepare every case for court to ensure we’re ready if negotiations fail.

If we do go to trial, I’ll guide you through the entire process and fight aggressively for the compensation you deserve.

Speak with a Lubbock 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyer Today

Truck accidents can devastate your life in an instant. The injuries are often severe, the medical bills overwhelming, and the legal process complex. You don’t have to face this challenge alone.

I’ve spent over 20 years helping truck accident victims throughout Texas secure the compensation they deserve. My personal approach means you work directly with me, not a paralegal or case manager.

Time is critical in truck accident cases. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget details, and there are strict deadlines for filing claims. The sooner you call, the stronger your case becomes.

Contact me now for your free consultation. I’m available 24/7 to discuss your case and explain your legal options. You pay nothing unless I win your case, so there’s no risk in calling today.