18-Wheeler Accident Lawyers in Cooke County, Texas

Every year, thousands of families in Cooke County face life-changing devastation when an 80,000-pound commercial truck collides with their passenger vehicle. If you or someone you love has been injured in an 18-wheeler accident on US-82, I-35, or any of Cooke County’s busy highways, you need more than just legal representation—you need a team that understands the unique challenges of trucking litigation and knows how to hold negligent trucking companies fully accountable.

At Attorney911, we’ve been fighting for truck accident victims across North Texas for over 25 years. Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has federal court experience and has secured multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements for families devastated by catastrophic 18-wheeler crashes. We know the Cooke County court system, we understand the trucking corridors that serve our community, and we have the resources to take on the largest trucking companies in America.

Why Cooke County Trucking Accidents Are Different

Cooke County sits at a critical crossroads for North Texas freight movement. US-82 runs east-west through Gainesville, connecting to Sherman and Wichita Falls, while I-35 provides a vital north-south corridor linking Dallas-Fort Worth to Oklahoma. These highways see heavy commercial traffic from major carriers transporting goods between distribution centers, manufacturing facilities, and retail hubs throughout the region.

The trucking corridors serving Cooke County include:

• US-82: The primary east-west route carrying freight between Sherman, Gainesville, and Wichita Falls
• I-35: The major north-south interstate connecting Dallas-Fort Worth to Oklahoma
• US-377: Connecting Denton to Bowie, serving local distribution needs
• FM 678 and FM 922: Important regional routes for agricultural and industrial freight
• The Gainesville Industrial Park: A growing hub for manufacturing and distribution

These routes create unique risks for local drivers. The mix of long-haul trucks traveling at highway speeds with local traffic entering and exiting creates dangerous conditions. Add in the occasional severe weather—ice storms in winter, heavy rains in spring, and high winds year-round—and you have a recipe for catastrophic trucking accidents.

The Devastating Reality of 18-Wheeler Accidents

An 80,000-pound truck doesn’t give you time to react. The physics are simple but brutal:

• A fully loaded 18-wheeler is 20-25 times heavier than your car
• At 65 mph, an 18-wheeler needs 525 feet to stop—nearly two football fields
• Your car needs only 300 feet to stop at the same speed
• That 40% difference in stopping distance means trucks can’t avoid obstacles as quickly

When these massive vehicles collide with passenger cars, the results are often catastrophic:

Traumatic Brain Injuries

The extreme forces in trucking accidents frequently cause traumatic brain injuries (TBI). Even a “mild” concussion can have lasting effects:

• Memory problems and cognitive deficits
• Personality changes and mood disorders
• Chronic headaches and dizziness
• Sleep disturbances and fatigue
• Increased risk of dementia later in life

Severe TBIs can leave victims in a coma or with permanent cognitive impairment, requiring lifelong care that can cost millions of dollars.

Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis

Spinal cord damage is common in trucking accidents due to the crushing forces involved. These injuries can result in:

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

The lifetime cost of caring for a spinal cord injury victim can exceed $5 million, with annual expenses ranging from $250,000 to $1 million depending on the level of injury.

Amputations

The sheer force of a truck collision can sever limbs at the scene. More commonly, severe crush injuries require surgical amputation of:

• Arms or hands
• Legs or feet
• Fingers or toes

Amputation victims face:

• Multiple surgeries and hospitalizations
• Prosthetic limbs ($5,000-$50,000 each, replaced every 3-5 years)
• Physical and occupational therapy
• Psychological counseling for trauma and body image issues
• Home and vehicle modifications

Severe Burns

Trucking accidents frequently result in fires and explosions, especially when:

• Fuel tanks rupture
• Hazardous materials spill and ignite
• Electrical systems short-circuit
• Friction creates sparks

Burn injuries require:

• Immediate emergency treatment
• Multiple skin graft surgeries
• Long-term rehabilitation
• Pain management
• Psychological support for disfigurement

Wrongful Death

When trucking accidents kill, surviving family members can pursue wrongful death claims to recover:

• Lost future income and benefits
• Loss of companionship and guidance
• Mental anguish and emotional suffering
• Funeral and burial expenses
• Medical expenses before death
• Punitive damages in cases of gross negligence

Common Causes of 18-Wheeler Accidents in Cooke County

Our experience handling trucking cases throughout North Texas has revealed patterns in how these accidents occur. In Cooke County, we frequently see:

Driver Fatigue (Hours of Service Violations)

Federal regulations limit truck drivers to:

• 11 hours of driving after 10 consecutive hours off duty
• A 14-hour on-duty window after coming on duty
• A 30-minute break after 8 cumulative hours of driving
• 60/70-hour weekly limits with 34-hour restarts

Despite these rules, fatigue causes approximately 31% of fatal truck crashes. Drivers and trucking companies violate these regulations because:

• Delivery deadlines create pressure to drive longer
• Some carriers pay by the mile, incentivizing longer hours
• Drivers falsify logbooks (even with ELDs)
• Companies fail to monitor compliance

FMCSA Violation: 49 CFR § 395 – Hours of Service

Improper Cargo Securement

Cargo securement violations are among the top 10 most common FMCSA violations. Improperly secured loads can:

• Shift during transit, destabilizing the truck
• Fall onto roadways, creating hazards for other vehicles
• Cause rollover accidents on curves
• Overload axles, making braking difficult

FMCSA Violation: 49 CFR § 393.100-136 – Cargo Securement Standards

Brake Failures

Brake problems contribute to 29% of large truck crashes. Common brake issues include:

• Worn brake pads or shoes not replaced
• Improper brake adjustments (too loose)
• Air brake system leaks or failures
• Overheated brakes on long descents
• Contaminated brake fluid
• Defective brake components

FMCSA Violation: 49 CFR § 393.40-55 – Brake System Requirements

Tire Blowouts

Tire failures cause thousands of truck accidents annually. Common causes in Cooke County include:

• Underinflated tires causing overheating
• Overloaded vehicles exceeding tire capacity
• Worn or aging tires not replaced
• Road debris punctures
• Manufacturing defects
• Improper tire matching on dual wheels

FMCSA Violation: 49 CFR § 393.75 – Tire Requirements

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is a growing problem in the trucking industry. Common distractions include:

• Cell phone use (texting, talking, GPS)
• Dispatch communications (Qualcomm, satellite messaging)
• Eating and drinking while driving
• Adjusting in-cab electronics
• External distractions (billboards, scenery)

FMCSA Violation: 49 CFR § 392.82 – Prohibition on Texting While Driving
FMCSA Violation: 49 CFR § 392.80 – Prohibition on Hand-Held Mobile Phone Use

Impaired Driving

Despite strict regulations, some truck drivers operate under the influence of:

• Alcohol (BAC of .04 or higher is illegal for CMV drivers)
• Illegal drugs (Schedule I substances)
• Prescription medications that impair driving
• Over-the-counter medications with side effects

FMCSA Violation: 49 CFR § 392.4 – Drugs and Other Substances
FMCSA Violation: 49 CFR § 392.5 – Alcohol Prohibition

Jackknife Accidents

Jackknifing occurs when the trailer swings out perpendicular to the cab, often blocking multiple lanes. Common causes:

• Sudden or improper braking
• Speeding, especially on curves or in adverse conditions
• Empty or lightly loaded trailers (more prone to swing)
• Improperly loaded or unbalanced cargo
• Brake system failures

Underride Collisions

Underride accidents are among the most deadly truck crashes. They occur when:

• A passenger vehicle slides under the rear of a trailer (rear underride)
• A vehicle impacts the side of a trailer during lane changes or turns (side underride)

Federal law requires rear impact guards on trailers manufactured after January 26, 1998, but:

• Many older trailers lack proper guards
• Guards often fail under impact
• No federal requirement for side underride guards
• Guards may be damaged or improperly maintained

FMCSA Violation: 49 CFR § 393.86 – Rear Impact Guards

Wide Turn Accidents (“Squeeze Play”)

Trucks need significant space to complete turns. Wide turn accidents occur when:

• A truck swings wide (often to the left) before making a right turn
• A passenger vehicle enters the gap created by the swing
• The truck completes its turn, crushing the smaller vehicle

These accidents frequently injure:

• Passenger vehicles in adjacent lanes
• Pedestrians and cyclists
• Vehicles attempting to pass on the right

Who Is Liable in a Cooke County Trucking Accident?

Unlike car accidents where typically only one driver is at fault, trucking accidents often involve multiple liable parties. At Attorney911, we investigate every potential defendant to maximize your recovery.

The Truck Driver

The driver may be personally liable for:

• Speeding or reckless driving
• Distracted driving (cell phone, dispatch communications)
• Fatigued driving beyond legal limits
• Impaired driving (drugs, alcohol)
• Failure to conduct proper pre-trip inspections
• Traffic law violations

The Trucking Company / Motor Carrier

The trucking company is often the most important defendant because they have:

• The deepest pockets
• The highest insurance coverage
• The most responsibility for safety

Bases for Trucking Company Liability:

Vicarious Liability (Respondeat Superior):

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

Direct Negligence:

• Negligent Hiring: Failed to check driver’s background, driving record, or qualifications
• Negligent Training: Inadequate training on safety, cargo securement, hours of service
• Negligent Supervision: Failed to monitor driver performance, ELD compliance
• Negligent Maintenance: Failed to maintain vehicle in safe condition
• Negligent Scheduling: Pressured drivers to violate HOS regulations

The Cargo Owner / Shipper

The company that owns the cargo may be liable for:

• Providing improper loading instructions
• Failing to disclose hazardous nature of cargo
• Requiring overweight loading
• Pressuring carrier to expedite beyond safe limits
• Misrepresenting cargo weight or characteristics

The Cargo Loading Company

Third-party loading companies may be liable for:

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

Truck and Trailer Manufacturers

Manufacturers may be liable for defects in:

• Brake systems
• Tires
• Steering mechanisms
• Underride guards
• Stability control systems
• Electronic safety systems (ABS, ESC, collision warning)

Bases for Manufacturer Liability:

• Design defects
• Manufacturing defects
• Failure to warn of known dangers

Parts Manufacturers

Companies that manufacture specific components may be liable for:

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

Maintenance Companies

Third-party maintenance providers may be liable for:

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

Freight Brokers

Freight brokers who arrange transportation may be liable for:

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

The Truck Owner (If Different from Carrier)

In owner-operator arrangements, the truck owner may have separate liability for:

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

Government Entities

Federal, state, or local government may be liable in limited circumstances for:

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

Special Considerations for Government Liability:

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

The 48-Hour Evidence Preservation Protocol

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

At Attorney911, we have a 48-hour evidence preservation protocol that we activate immediately when we’re retained:

1. Immediate Spoliation Letters

Within 24-48 hours, we send formal legal notices to:

• The trucking company
• Their insurance carrier
• All potentially liable parties

Our spoliation letters demand preservation of:

• Electronic Data:

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

• Driver Records:

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

• Vehicle Records:

  • Maintenance and repair records
  • Inspection reports (pre-trip, post-trip, annual)
  • Out-of-service orders and repairs
  • Tire records and replacement history
  • Brake inspection and adjustment records
  • Parts purchase and installation records
  • The physical truck and trailer themselves
  • Failed or damaged components

• Company Records:

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

2. ECM/Black Box Data Preservation

Commercial trucks have electronic systems that continuously record operational data – similar to an airplane’s black box but for trucks.

Types of Electronic Recording Systems:

Critical Data Points We Preserve:

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

Why This Data Wins Cases:
ECM/ELD data is objective and tamper-resistant. It directly contradicts driver claims of “I wasn’t speeding” or “I hit my brakes immediately.” This data has led to multi-million dollar verdicts in trucking cases.

3. Physical Evidence Collection

We deploy investigators to:

• Photograph all vehicles before they’re moved or repaired
• Document the accident scene, road conditions, skid marks
• Collect tire remnants if blowout involved
• Preserve failed components for expert analysis
• Interview witnesses before memories fade
• Canvass nearby businesses for surveillance footage

4. Expert Deployment

Depending on the accident type, we may engage:

• Accident reconstruction specialists
• Trucking industry experts
• Mechanical engineers
• Human factors experts
• Medical experts to document injuries
• Vocational experts to assess earning capacity

How We Prove Liability in Cooke County Trucking Cases

Building a strong trucking accident case requires more than just showing the truck hit your car. We must prove negligence and establish the full extent of your damages.

Proving Negligence

To win your case, we must prove:

1. The trucking company or driver owed you a duty of care

   • All drivers have a duty to operate safely
   • Trucking companies have additional duties under FMCSA regulations

2. They breached that duty

   • Violated traffic laws
   • Violated FMCSA regulations
   • Failed to exercise reasonable care

3. The breach caused your accident

   • Their negligence was a direct cause of the crash
   • The accident wouldn’t have happened but for their negligence

4. You suffered damages

   • Physical injuries
   • Financial losses
   • Pain and suffering

Common Evidence We Use to Prove Negligence

Proving Damages

To recover full compensation, we must document:

Economic Damages:

• Medical expenses (past, present, and future)
• Lost wages and benefits
• Lost earning capacity
• Property damage
• Out-of-pocket expenses
• Home and vehicle modifications
• Life care costs for catastrophic injuries

Non-Economic Damages:

• Pain and suffering
• Mental anguish
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Disfigurement
• Physical impairment
• Loss of consortium (impact on marriage/family relationships)

Punitive Damages:
In cases of gross negligence or willful misconduct, we may pursue punitive damages to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar conduct. This requires proving the trucking company or driver acted with:

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

Cooke County’s Comparative Negligence Rules

Texas follows a “modified comparative negligence” system with a 51% bar rule. This means:

• If you are 50% or less at fault, you can recover damages
• Your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault
• If you are 51% or more at fault, you recover NOTHING

Example:

• Total damages: $1,000,000
• Your fault: 20%
• Your recovery: $800,000 ($1,000,000 – 20%)

This makes it crucial to thoroughly investigate the accident and gather evidence to minimize any fault attributed to you. Our team knows how to counter the trucking company’s attempts to shift blame onto victims.

The Statute of Limitations in Texas

In Texas, you have 2 years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. For wrongful death claims, the 2-year period begins on the date of death.

Important Exceptions:

• If the victim is a minor, the 2-year period begins when they turn 18
• If the defendant leaves the state, the clock may pause
• Government claims have shorter notice periods (sometimes 6 months)

While 2 years may seem like a long time, evidence disappears quickly in trucking cases. The sooner you contact us, the stronger your case will be.

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Cooke County Trucking Case

When you’re up against trucking companies with teams of lawyers and millions in insurance coverage, you need a law firm with:

1. Deep Trucking Industry Knowledge

Our team includes Lupe Peña, a former insurance defense attorney who spent years working for a national defense firm. He knows exactly how trucking companies and their insurers evaluate, minimize, and deny claims. Now he uses that insider knowledge to fight for accident victims.

“Our firm includes Lupe Peña, a former insurance defense attorney who spent years INSIDE the system. He watched adjusters minimize claims. He saw how they train their people to lowball victims. Now he exposes those tactics and uses his insider knowledge to fight for maximum compensation.”

2. Proven Track Record of Results

We’ve recovered $50+ million for Texas families and secured multi-million dollar settlements for trucking accident victims. Our documented results include:

• $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 trucking-related wrongful death cases

3. Federal Court Experience

We’re admitted to practice in the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas. This federal court access is critical for:

• Interstate trucking cases
• Complex multi-party litigation
• Cases involving federal regulations

4. Former Insurance Defense Advantage

Our team’s insurance defense background gives us unique insights into:

• How insurance companies value claims
• The tactics adjusters use to minimize payouts
• What makes them settle for maximum amounts
• How to counter their strategies

5. Aggressive Evidence Preservation

We send spoliation letters within 24-48 hours of being retained to preserve:

• ECM/Black Box data (can be overwritten in 30 days)
• ELD records (may be retained only 6 months)
• Dashcam footage (often deleted within 7-14 days)
• Maintenance records
• Driver qualification files

6. Comprehensive Investigation Resources

We have the resources to thoroughly investigate your case:

• Accident reconstruction experts
• Trucking industry specialists
• Mechanical engineers
• Human factors experts
• Medical experts
• Vocational experts
• Life care planners

7. Local Knowledge of Cooke County

We understand:

• The trucking corridors serving Cooke County
• The local court system and judges
• The unique challenges of trucking cases in North Texas
• The types of trucking accidents common in our area

8. Bilingual Services

Our associate attorney Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish, allowing us to serve Cooke County’s Hispanic community directly without interpreters. We also have bilingual staff including Zulema, who is specifically praised in client reviews for her kindness and translation services.

“Especially Miss Zulema, who is always very kind and always translates.”
— Celia Dominguez, Attorney911 Client

9. Contingency Fee Representation

We work on contingency – you pay nothing unless we win your case. We advance all costs of investigation and litigation. When we win, our fee comes from the recovery, not your pocket.

10. Compassionate Client Service

Our clients consistently praise our communication and personal attention:

“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

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

What to Do After an 18-Wheeler Accident in Cooke County

If you’ve been injured in a trucking accident in Cooke County, follow these steps:

1. Seek Medical Attention Immediately

• Adrenaline masks pain – internal injuries may not be immediately apparent
• Some injuries (TBI, internal bleeding) can become life-threatening if untreated
• Medical records create critical evidence linking your injuries to the accident

2. Call 911 and Report the Accident

• Texas law requires reporting accidents involving injury, death, or vehicles that can’t be safely driven
• A police report creates an official record of the accident
• The officer’s determination of fault is persuasive evidence

3. Document the Scene

• Take photos of:
  • All vehicles involved (exterior and interior damage)
  • The accident scene from multiple angles
  • Road conditions, skid marks, debris patterns
  • Traffic signs and signals
  • Your injuries
  • The truck’s DOT number and license plates
• Get contact information from:
  • The truck driver
  • Any witnesses
  • Responding officers

4. Do NOT Give Statements to Insurance Companies

• Insurance adjusters work for the trucking company, not you
• Anything you say can be used to minimize your claim
• Never give a recorded statement without consulting an attorney

5. Contact an 18-Wheeler Accident Attorney Immediately

• Critical evidence disappears quickly
• We send spoliation letters within 24-48 hours
• The sooner we start investigating, the stronger your case will be

Frequently Asked Questions About Cooke County Trucking Accidents

What should I do immediately after an 18-wheeler accident in Cooke County?

If you’ve been in a trucking accident in Cooke County, take these steps immediately if you’re able:

• Call 911 and report the accident
• Seek medical attention, even if injuries seem minor
• Document the scene with photos and video if possible
• Get the trucking company name, DOT number, and driver information
• Collect witness contact information
• Do NOT give recorded statements to any insurance company
• Call an 18-wheeler accident attorney immediately

Should I go to the hospital after a truck accident even if I feel okay?

YES. Adrenaline masks pain after traumatic accidents. Internal injuries, TBI, and spinal injuries may not show symptoms for hours or days. Cooke County hospitals like Gainesville Memorial Hospital and North Texas Medical Center can identify injuries that will become critical evidence in your case. Delaying treatment also gives insurance companies ammunition to deny your claim.

What information should I collect at the truck accident scene?

Document everything possible:

• Truck and trailer license plates
• DOT number (on truck door)
• Trucking company name and logo
• Driver’s name, CDL number, and contact info
• Photos of all vehicle damage
• Photos of the accident scene, road conditions, skid marks
• Photos of your injuries
• Witness names and phone numbers
• Responding officer’s name and badge number
• Weather and road conditions

Should I talk to the trucking company’s insurance adjuster?

NO. Do not give any recorded statements. Insurance adjusters work for the trucking company, not you. Anything you say will be used to minimize your claim. Our firm includes a former insurance defense attorney who knows exactly how these adjusters are trained to protect the trucking company’s interests.

How quickly should I contact an 18-wheeler accident attorney?

IMMEDIATELY – within 24-48 hours if possible. Critical evidence in trucking cases (black box data, ELD records, dashcam footage) can be destroyed or overwritten quickly. We send spoliation letters within hours of being retained to preserve this evidence before it’s lost forever.

Who can I sue after an 18-wheeler accident in Cooke County?

Multiple parties may be liable in trucking accidents:

• The truck driver
• The trucking company/motor carrier
• The cargo owner or shipper
• The company that loaded the cargo
• Truck or parts manufacturers
• Maintenance companies
• Freight brokers
• The truck owner (if different from carrier)
• Government entities (for road defects)

We investigate every possible defendant to maximize your recovery.

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

Usually YES. Under the doctrine of respondeat superior, employers are liable for employees’ negligent acts within the scope of employment. Additionally, trucking companies can be directly liable for:

• Negligent hiring (hiring unqualified drivers)
• Negligent training (inadequate safety training)
• Negligent supervision (failing to monitor driver behavior)
• Negligent maintenance (poor vehicle upkeep)

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. Our job is to investigate thoroughly, gather evidence (especially ECM and ELD data), and prove what really happened. Drivers often lie to protect their jobs – the data tells the true story.

What is an owner-operator and does that affect my case?

An owner-operator is a driver who owns their own truck and contracts with trucking companies. This can complicate liability, but both the owner-operator and the contracting company may be liable. We investigate all relationships and insurance policies to ensure you can recover from the responsible parties.

How do I find out if the trucking company has a bad safety record?

FMCSA maintains public safety data at safer.fmcsa.dot.gov. We obtain the carrier’s:

• CSA (Compliance, Safety, Accountability) scores
• Inspection history and out-of-service rates
• Crash history
• Safety rating

A poor safety record can prove the company knew it was putting dangerous drivers on the road.

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

Commercial trucks have Electronic Control Modules (ECM) and Event Data Recorders (EDR) that record operational data – similar to airplane black boxes. This data can show:

• Speed before and during the crash
• Brake application timing
• Engine RPM and throttle position
• Whether cruise control was engaged
• GPS location

This objective data often contradicts what drivers claim happened.

What is an ELD and why is it important?

Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) are federally mandated devices that record driver hours of service. ELD data proves whether the driver violated federal rest requirements and was driving while fatigued. Hours of service violations are among the most common causes of trucking accidents.

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 – once we notify them of litigation, they must preserve everything.

What records should my attorney get from the trucking company?

We pursue:

• ECM/Black box data
• ELD records
• Driver Qualification File
• Maintenance records
• Inspection reports
• Dispatch logs
• Drug and alcohol test results
• Training records
• Cell phone records
• Insurance policies
• 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
• Enter default judgment in extreme cases
• Award punitive damages

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
• 60/70-hour weekly limits

Fatigued driving causes approximately 31% of fatal truck crashes. Drivers who violate these rules are too tired to react safely.

What FMCSA regulations are most commonly violated in accidents?

The top violations we find:

• Hours of service violations (driving too long)
• False log entries (lying about driving time)
• Brake system deficiencies
• Cargo securement failures
• Drug and alcohol violations
• Unqualified drivers (no valid CDL or medical certificate)
• Failure to inspect vehicles

What is a Driver Qualification File and why does it matter?

FMCSA requires trucking companies to maintain a file for every driver containing:

• Employment application
• Driving record check
• Previous employer verification
• Medical certification
• Drug test results
• Training documentation

Missing or incomplete files prove negligent hiring.

How do pre-trip inspections relate to my accident case?

Drivers must inspect their trucks before every trip. If they failed to conduct inspections or ignored known defects (bad brakes, worn tires, lighting problems), both the driver and company may be liable for negligence.

What injuries are common in 18-wheeler accidents in Cooke County?

Due to the massive size and weight disparity, trucking accidents often cause catastrophic injuries:

• Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
• Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
• Amputations
• Severe burns
• Internal organ damage
• Multiple fractures
• Wrongful death

How much are 18-wheeler accident cases worth in Cooke County?

Case values depend on many factors:

• Severity of injuries
• Medical expenses (past and future)
• Lost income and earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Degree of defendant’s negligence
• Insurance coverage available

Trucking companies carry higher insurance ($750,000 minimum, often $1-5 million), allowing for larger recoveries than typical car accidents. 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 Cooke County?

Texas allows wrongful death claims by surviving family members. You may recover:

• Lost future income
• Loss of companionship and guidance
• Mental anguish
• Funeral expenses
• Punitive damages if gross negligence

Time limits apply – contact us immediately to protect your rights.

How long do I have to file an 18-wheeler accident lawsuit in Cooke County?

The statute of limitations in Texas is 2 years from the date of the accident. However, you should never wait. Evidence disappears quickly in trucking cases. The sooner you contact us, the stronger your case will be.

How long do trucking accident cases take to resolve?

Timelines vary:

• Simple cases with clear liability: 6-12 months
• Complex cases with multiple parties: 1-3 years
• Cases that go to trial: 2-4 years

We work to resolve cases as quickly as possible while maximizing your recovery.

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. We have the resources and experience to take your case all the way if necessary.

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. When we win, our fee comes from the recovery, not your pocket.

Recent Trucking Verdicts and Settlements

The trucking industry is seeing unprecedented jury verdicts as juries hold companies accountable for negligence. Recent examples demonstrate what’s possible when trucking companies are held fully accountable:

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 settlement negotiations.

Contact Attorney911 Today

If you or a loved one has been injured in an 18-wheeler accident in Cooke County, don’t wait. Evidence is disappearing right now. The trucking company has lawyers working to protect their interests. You need someone protecting yours.

Call Attorney911 today at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, no-obligation consultation. We’ll review your case, explain your rights, and discuss how we can help you recover the compensation you deserve.

Hablamos Español. Llame a Lupe Peña al 1-888-ATTY-911 para una consulta gratis.

Remember: We work on contingency. You pay nothing unless we win your case. The trucking company won’t wait to build their defense – don’t wait to build yours.

“You’re not just another case number—you’re family.”
— Chad Harris, Attorney911 Client

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

“Our firm includes a former insurance defense attorney who spent years INSIDE the system. He watched adjusters minimize claims. Now he exposes those tactics and uses his insider knowledge to fight for maximum compensation.”

Call 1-888-ATTY-911 now. We answer 24/7. Your fight starts with one call.