18-Wheeler Accidents in Tarrant County: Your Complete Legal Guide

If you or a loved one has been injured in an 18-wheeler accident in Tarrant County, you’re facing one of the most complex and high-stakes legal situations imaginable. The aftermath of a trucking accident isn’t just about medical bills and vehicle repairs—it’s about confronting powerful trucking companies with teams of lawyers working to minimize your claim. At Attorney911, we’ve been fighting for Tarrant County truck accident victims for over 25 years, and we know exactly how to hold these companies accountable.

Why Tarrant County Trucking Accidents Are Different

Tarrant County’s unique position at the crossroads of major trucking corridors creates specific risks for local drivers. With I-30, I-20, and I-820 running through our communities, plus the busy distribution centers in Fort Worth, Arlington, and surrounding areas, our roads see some of the heaviest commercial traffic in Texas. These aren’t just highways—they’re economic lifelines that bring thousands of 80,000-pound trucks through our neighborhoods every day.

The statistics tell a sobering story:

Over 5,100 people die in truck crashes nationally each year
76% of those killed are in the smaller vehicle
In Texas alone, truck crashes cause thousands of serious injuries annually
Tarrant County sees more than its share of these devastating accidents

When you’re hit by an 18-wheeler on I-30 near downtown Fort Worth or on I-20 in Arlington, the physics of the collision are brutal. Your 4,000-pound car doesn’t stand a chance against an 80,000-pound truck. The injuries we see in Tarrant County trucking cases are often catastrophic: traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, amputations, and wrongful death.

The Trucking Company’s Playbook—and How We Counter It

Within hours of your accident, the trucking company’s rapid-response team springs into action. Their goals are simple:

Control the narrative
Destroy evidence
Minimize your claim

They’ll send investigators to the scene, have their lawyers contact you with lowball settlement offers, and begin “preparing” their defense. What they won’t tell you is that critical evidence like black box data can be overwritten in as little as 30 days. That’s why time is not on your side.

At Attorney911, we move just as fast as they do. Our team includes a former insurance defense attorney who knows every tactic these companies use because he used to work for them. This insider knowledge gives us an unfair advantage in building your case.

What to Do Immediately After a Tarrant County Truck Accident

Your actions in the first 48 hours after an 18-wheeler accident in Tarrant County can make or break your case. Here’s exactly what you need to do:

Call 911 immediately – Even if injuries seem minor, get police and emergency responders to the scene. Tarrant County law enforcement understands the unique dynamics of trucking accidents and will document critical details.
Seek medical attention – Many serious injuries don’t show symptoms immediately. Tarrant County hospitals like John Peter Smith Hospital in Fort Worth and Texas Health Arlington Memorial Hospital are equipped to handle trauma cases. Get checked out even if you feel okay.
Document everything – Use your phone to:
- Photograph all vehicles involved (including the truck’s DOT number)
- Capture the accident scene from multiple angles
- Document road conditions, weather, and traffic signs
- Take pictures of your injuries
- Get contact information from witnesses
Preserve the truck’s information – Write down:
- The trucking company name (look for logos on the truck)
- The truck’s license plate number
- The driver’s name and CDL number
- The trailer number (if different from the truck)
Don’t give statements – The trucking company’s insurance adjuster will call you quickly. Politely decline to give any recorded statements. Anything you say can and will be used against you.
Call Attorney911 immediately – We’ll send preservation letters to the trucking company within hours, demanding they save all evidence before it’s destroyed. Our Tarrant County trucking accident attorneys are available 24/7 at 1-888-ATTY-911.

The Most Dangerous Trucking Accidents in Tarrant County

Tarrant County’s unique geography and traffic patterns create specific types of trucking accidents that we see repeatedly:

Jackknife Accidents on I-30 and I-20

These terrifying accidents occur when a truck’s trailer swings out perpendicular to the cab, often blocking multiple lanes of traffic. Tarrant County’s mix of urban congestion and high-speed interstate driving creates perfect conditions for jackknife accidents, especially during sudden weather changes.

Common causes in Tarrant County:

Sudden braking on wet roads (common in our unpredictable Texas weather)
Speeding through Fort Worth’s downtown interchanges
Improperly loaded trailers (especially from local distribution centers)
Brake failures (common with our extreme temperature swings)

Underride Collisions on Highway 360

These deadly accidents occur when a passenger vehicle slides underneath a truck’s trailer. The trailer’s height often shears off the top of the smaller vehicle, causing catastrophic head and neck injuries. Tarrant County’s mix of local roads and highways creates dangerous underride risks, particularly at intersections and during lane changes.

Tarrant County-specific risks:

Poorly marked intersections in Arlington and Fort Worth
Inadequate lighting on rural stretches of Highway 360
Wide right turns by trucks at busy intersections
Missing or damaged underride guards on older trailers

Rollover Accidents in Fort Worth’s Distribution Corridors

With major distribution centers for companies like Amazon, Walmart, and local manufacturers, Fort Worth sees a high volume of cargo trucks. These top-heavy vehicles are prone to rollovers when taking curves too fast or when cargo shifts during transport.

Common locations in Tarrant County:

I-35W near the Alliance Airport area
I-820 near the North Fort Worth distribution hubs
Highway 183 in the Hurst-Euless-Bedford area
Loop 820 near the Stockyards

Brake Failure Accidents on I-20’s Steep Grades

The long descents on I-20 west of Fort Worth create ideal conditions for brake failures. When truck brakes overheat (a condition called “brake fade”), the driver loses stopping power and can’t slow down. These accidents often result in devastating multi-vehicle pileups.

Tarrant County brake failure hotspots:

The I-20 descent approaching Fort Worth from the west
Highway 360’s steep grades near Arlington
I-35W’s inclines near downtown Fort Worth

Tire Blowout Accidents on Our Hot Texas Roads

Tarrant County’s extreme heat (regularly exceeding 100°F in summer) causes tire rubber to degrade faster. When these weakened tires fail at highway speeds, the results are often catastrophic. We see these accidents frequently on I-30 during summer months.

Common blowout locations:

I-30 between Fort Worth and Arlington
I-820’s high-speed stretches
Highway 183 in the summer months

Who’s Really Responsible for Your Tarrant County Truck Accident?

One of the biggest mistakes accident victims make is assuming only the truck driver is responsible. In reality, multiple parties may share liability for your injuries:

The Truck Driver – For negligent actions like speeding, fatigue, distraction, or impairment
The Trucking Company – For negligent hiring, training, supervision, and maintenance
The Cargo Owner – For improper loading or failure to disclose hazardous cargo
The Loading Company – For improper cargo securement (a major issue in Tarrant County’s distribution hubs)
The Truck Manufacturer – For defective components like brakes, tires, or steering systems
The Parts Manufacturer – For defective parts that contributed to the accident
The Maintenance Company – For negligent repairs or failure to identify safety issues
The Freight Broker – For negligent selection of unsafe carriers
The Truck Owner – If different from the carrier (common in owner-operator arrangements)
Government Entities – For dangerous road conditions that contributed to the accident

Our Tarrant County trucking accident attorneys investigate every potential defendant to maximize your recovery. We’ve taken on Fortune 500 companies like Walmart, Amazon, and Coca-Cola—and we’ve won.

The Evidence That Wins Tarrant County Trucking Cases

Trucking accident cases are won or lost based on evidence. The trucking company knows this, which is why they move quickly to destroy evidence. Here’s what we preserve to build your case:

Electronic Evidence (Must Be Preserved Immediately)

ECM/Black Box Data – Records speed, braking, throttle position, and fault codes
ELD Logs – Prove hours of service violations and driver fatigue
GPS/Telematics – Shows the truck’s exact location and route history
Dashcam Footage – Captures the moments leading up to the crash
Cell Phone Records – Prove distracted driving

Paper Records

Driver Qualification File – Proves negligent hiring, training, or supervision
Maintenance Records – Shows deferred repairs and known defects
Inspection Reports – Documents pre-trip and post-trip inspections
Dispatch Records – Reveals schedule pressure and HOS violations
Drug/Alcohol Test Results – Proves impairment at the time of the accident

Physical Evidence

The truck and trailer themselves (for inspection)
Failed components (brakes, tires, steering parts)
Cargo and securement devices
Roadway evidence (skid marks, debris patterns)

How We Prove the Trucking Company’s Negligence

To win your Tarrant County trucking accident case, we must prove the trucking company was negligent. We do this by establishing four key elements:

Duty – The trucking company owed you a duty of care to operate safely
Breach – They violated that duty through negligent actions or inactions
Causation – Their breach directly caused your accident and injuries
Damages – You suffered actual harm as a result

Our Tarrant County trucking accident attorneys use multiple strategies to prove negligence:

Proving Hours of Service Violations

FMCSA regulations limit driving time to prevent fatigue-related accidents:

Maximum 11 hours driving after 10 consecutive hours off duty
Cannot drive beyond the 14th consecutive hour on duty
30-minute break required after 8 cumulative hours of driving
60/70 hour weekly limits

We prove violations by:

Analyzing ELD data for falsified logs
Reviewing dispatch records for schedule pressure
Examining GPS data for impossible travel times
Checking fuel receipts and toll records for inconsistencies

Establishing Negligent Hiring, Training, or Supervision

Trucking companies must:

Conduct thorough background checks
Verify driving records and employment history
Provide proper safety training
Monitor driver performance

We prove negligence by:

Reviewing the Driver Qualification File for missing or incomplete records
Checking the driver’s safety history for prior violations
Examining training records for adequacy
Analyzing company policies for safety culture

Demonstrating Maintenance Failures

Trucking companies must:

Conduct systematic inspections and maintenance
Perform pre-trip and post-trip inspections
Keep detailed maintenance records
Address known defects promptly

We prove negligence by:

Reviewing maintenance records for deferred repairs
Inspecting the truck for known defects
Analyzing ECM data for fault codes
Consulting with maintenance experts

Showing Cargo Securement Violations

Improperly secured cargo causes rollovers and spills. The FMCSA requires:

Proper tiedowns based on cargo weight and type
Regular inspections during transport
Proper load distribution

We prove violations by:

Inspecting cargo securement devices
Reviewing loading procedures
Consulting with cargo experts
Analyzing accident reconstruction data

The Catastrophic Injuries We See in Tarrant County Trucking Cases

The size and weight disparity between 18-wheelers and passenger vehicles means trucking accidents often result in catastrophic injuries:

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

TBI occurs when the brain impacts the inside of the skull due to sudden acceleration/deceleration. Symptoms may include:

Headaches, dizziness, and nausea
Memory loss and confusion
Difficulty concentrating
Mood changes and depression
Speech and language problems
Sensory issues (vision, hearing, taste)

Tarrant County TBI resources:

Baylor Scott & White Institute for Rehabilitation (Fort Worth)
Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Fort Worth
Cook Children’s Medical Center (for pediatric TBI)

Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis

Damage to the spinal cord disrupts communication between the brain and body, often resulting in:

Paraplegia (loss of function below the waist)
Quadriplegia (loss of function in all four limbs)
Incomplete injuries (some nerve function remains)
Complete injuries (total loss of function below injury)

Tarrant County spinal cord injury resources:

Texas Health Resources Spine Center (Arlington)
John Peter Smith Hospital (Fort Worth)
Tarrant County Adaptive Recreation Programs

Amputations

Amputations occur when limbs are severed in the accident or must be surgically removed due to severe damage. Common in Tarrant County accidents involving:

Underride collisions
Crushing injuries
Severe burns
Infections from open wounds

Tarrant County amputation resources:

Texas Health Fort Worth Limb Preservation Program
Hanger Clinic (prosthetics)
Tarrant County Veterans Services (for veteran amputees)

Severe Burns

Burns occur in trucking accidents due to:

Fuel tank ruptures and fires
Hazmat cargo spills and ignition
Electrical fires from damaged wiring
Friction burns from road contact

Tarrant County burn treatment centers:

Parkland Memorial Hospital Burn Center (Dallas – regional referral center)
Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Fort Worth
Cook Children’s Medical Center (pediatric burns)

Internal Organ Damage

The forces involved in trucking accidents often cause internal injuries that may not be immediately apparent:

Liver lacerations or ruptures
Spleen damage requiring removal
Kidney damage
Lung contusions or pneumothorax
Internal bleeding (hemorrhage)
Bowel and intestinal damage

What Your Tarrant County Trucking Accident Case Is Worth

The value of your case depends on multiple factors, but trucking cases typically result in higher settlements than car accidents due to:

Higher insurance limits – Trucking companies carry $750,000 to $5 million in coverage
More severe injuries – The catastrophic nature of trucking accidents increases damages
Multiple liable parties – More defendants mean more insurance coverage
Punitive damages potential – When companies act with gross negligence

Types of Compensation Available in Tarrant County Trucking Cases

Economic Damages (Calculable Losses):

Past and future medical expenses
Lost wages and 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
Loss of consortium (for spouses)

Punitive Damages (Punishment for Gross Negligence):
Available when the trucking company acted with:

Gross negligence
Willful misconduct
Conscious indifference to safety
Fraud (such as falsifying logs)

Recent Tarrant County Trucking Verdicts and Settlements

While every case is unique, recent verdicts in Texas and Tarrant County demonstrate what’s possible when trucking companies are held accountable:

$730 Million – Ramsey v. Landstar Ranger (2021 Texas case) – Navy propeller oversize load killed 73-year-old woman
$150 Million – Werner Settlement (2022 Texas case) – Two children killed on I-30
$37.5 Million – Tarrant County trucking verdict (2024)
$35 Million – Fort Worth trucking accident settlement (2025 – largest in Tarrant County history)
$2.5 Million – Attorney911 truck crash recovery (documented case result)

The Attorney911 Advantage in Tarrant County Trucking Cases

When you choose Attorney911 to handle your Tarrant County 18-wheeler accident case, you’re getting more than just a law firm—you’re getting a team with unique advantages:

1. Our Insurance Defense Background

Our team includes a former insurance defense attorney who knows exactly how trucking companies and their insurers operate. He spent years working for the other side, learning their tactics for minimizing claims. Now he uses that insider knowledge to fight for you.

This means:

We know how adjusters evaluate claims
We understand their negotiation strategies
We anticipate their defenses before they even raise them
We know when they’re bluffing and when they’re serious

2. Immediate Evidence Preservation

We don’t wait to start building your case. Within hours of being retained, we:

Send spoliation letters to the trucking company and all potential defendants
Demand immediate download of ECM/black box data
Subpoena ELD logs and cell phone records
Secure dashcam footage before it’s deleted
Preserve the physical truck and trailer for inspection

3. Federal Court Experience

With admission to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas, we can handle complex trucking cases that cross state lines. This federal court experience gives us an advantage in cases involving:

Interstate trucking companies
Multi-state defendants
Complex federal regulations
High-stakes litigation

4. Spanish-Language Services

Tarrant County has a large Hispanic population, and we’re proud to serve this community directly. Our associate attorney Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish and provides representation without interpreters. This direct communication builds trust and ensures nothing is lost in translation.

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

5. Proven Track Record of Results

Our Tarrant County trucking accident attorneys have recovered millions for accident victims, including:

$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

The Tarrant County Trucking Accident Legal Process

When you hire Attorney911, here’s what you can expect:

Free Consultation – We’ll evaluate your case and explain your legal options
Case Acceptance – If we take your case, we’ll begin work immediately
Investigation – We’ll preserve evidence, interview witnesses, and gather documentation
Medical Care Facilitation – We’ll help you get the treatment you need
Demand Letter – We’ll send a comprehensive demand to the insurance company
Negotiation – We’ll negotiate aggressively for maximum compensation
Litigation (if needed) – If the insurance company won’t offer a fair settlement, we’ll file a lawsuit
Resolution – Most cases settle, but we’re prepared to take your case to trial if necessary

Common Questions About Tarrant County Trucking Accidents

How long do I have to file a lawsuit after a truck accident in Tarrant County?

Texas has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury cases. However, you should never wait this long to contact an attorney. Evidence disappears quickly in trucking cases, and the sooner we start building your case, the stronger it will be.

What if I was partially at fault for the accident?

Texas follows a modified comparative negligence rule. As long as you were less than 51% at fault, you can still recover damages. Your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you were 20% at fault, you would recover 80% of your damages.

How much does it cost to hire a Tarrant County trucking accident attorney?

At Attorney911, we work on contingency. This means:

No upfront costs
No hourly fees
You pay nothing unless we win your case
Our fee comes from the settlement, not your pocket

Will my case go to trial?

Most cases settle before trial, but we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial. This preparation gives us leverage in settlement negotiations and ensures we’re ready to fight for you in court if necessary.

What if the trucking company claims they don’t have enough insurance?

Trucking companies are required to carry minimum insurance limits of $750,000 for non-hazardous freight. Many carry $1-5 million or more. Additionally, we investigate all potential defendants to maximize available insurance coverage.

Can I still recover compensation if the truck driver was an independent contractor?

Yes. Even if the driver was an owner-operator, both the driver and the trucking company may be liable. We investigate all relationships and insurance policies to ensure you can recover from all responsible parties.

Tarrant County-Specific Trucking Accident Resources

Local Hospitals and Trauma Centers

John Peter Smith Hospital (Fort Worth) – Level I Trauma Center
Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Fort Worth – Level II Trauma Center
Texas Health Arlington Memorial Hospital – Emergency and trauma care
Baylor Scott & White All Saints Medical Center (Fort Worth) – Comprehensive care
Cook Children’s Medical Center (Fort Worth) – Pediatric trauma center

Tarrant County Courts

Tarrant County District Courts – Handle civil cases with damages over $200,000
Tarrant County Courts at Law – Handle cases with damages between $200 and $200,000
Tarrant County Justice of the Peace Courts – Handle cases with damages under $20,000

Local Support Services

Tarrant County Victim Assistance Program – Provides support for crime victims, including accident victims
United Way of Tarrant County – Connects individuals with local resources
Tarrant County Adaptive Recreation Programs – Offers recreation opportunities for individuals with disabilities
North Texas Legal Aid – Provides free legal services for low-income individuals

Why Tarrant County Trucking Cases Are So Complex

Tarrant County trucking cases present unique challenges that require specialized legal expertise:

Multiple Defendants – Unlike car accidents, trucking cases often involve multiple liable parties, each with their own insurance coverage and legal teams.
Complex Regulations – Trucking companies must comply with thousands of federal and state regulations. Violations of these regulations can prove negligence.
High-Stakes Insurance – Trucking companies carry massive insurance policies, which means their insurers fight aggressively to minimize payouts.
Sophisticated Defenses – Trucking companies use rapid-response teams, expert witnesses, and aggressive legal strategies to defend claims.
Evidence Preservation Challenges – Critical evidence like black box data can be destroyed quickly if not preserved immediately.
Catastrophic Injuries – The severe injuries common in trucking cases require extensive medical documentation and expert testimony to prove damages.
Tarrant County-Specific Factors – Our local trucking corridors, weather conditions, and court system create unique challenges that require local knowledge.

The Attorney911 Difference: What Sets Us Apart

When you’re choosing a Tarrant County trucking accident attorney, you have options. Here’s what makes Attorney911 different:

We Treat You Like Family

We understand that after a trucking accident, you’re not just a case number—you’re a person who’s been through a traumatic experience. Our clients consistently tell us we treat them like family. Here’s what one client said:

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

We Take Cases Other Firms Reject

Many law firms won’t take cases they consider “difficult” or “low value.” We believe everyone deserves quality legal representation, regardless of their case’s complexity or value. Here’s what one client said about our willingness to take challenging cases:

“In the beginning I had another attorney but he dropped my case although Manginello law firm were able to help me out.”
— Greg Garcia, Attorney911 Client

We Solve Cases Faster Than Our Competitors

While some firms let cases drag on for years, we work efficiently to resolve your case as quickly as possible without sacrificing your recovery. Here’s what one client said about our speed:

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

We Have Direct Attorney Access

Unlike large firms where you’re passed off to paralegals and case managers, at Attorney911 you’ll have direct access to your attorney. Here’s what one client said about our communication:

“Consistent communication and not one time did I call and not get a clear answer… Ralph reached out personally.”
— Dame Haskett, Attorney911 Client

We Fight for Every Dime You Deserve

We don’t settle for lowball offers. We fight aggressively to maximize your recovery. Here’s what one client said about our determination:

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

What to Do Right Now

If you’ve been injured in a Tarrant County 18-wheeler accident, here’s what you need to do right now:

Call Attorney911 immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911 – The sooner we start working on your case, the stronger it will be.
Don’t give statements to insurance adjusters – Politely decline to give any recorded statements until you’ve spoken with us.
Keep all medical appointments – Follow your doctor’s treatment plan and keep all follow-up appointments.
Document everything – Keep a journal of your pain levels, how your injuries affect your daily life, and any conversations with insurance companies.
Don’t post on social media – Insurance companies will use your social media posts against you. Stay off social media until your case is resolved.

Our Promise to You

When you choose Attorney911 to handle your Tarrant County trucking accident case, we promise:

We’ll treat you like family – You’ll never be just a case number to us.
We’ll fight for every dime you deserve – We won’t settle for lowball offers.
We’ll preserve critical evidence – We’ll send spoliation letters immediately to protect your case.
We’ll handle all communications with the insurance company – You won’t have to deal with adjusters or their tactics.
We’ll keep you informed every step of the way – You’ll always know what’s happening with your case.
We’ll work on contingency – You pay nothing unless we win your case.

Contact Attorney911 Today

If you or a loved one has been injured in an 18-wheeler accident in Tarrant County, don’t wait to get the legal help you need. Every hour that passes puts your case at risk. Call Attorney911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation with our Tarrant County trucking accident attorneys.

We’re available 24/7 to answer your questions and start building your case. Remember: the trucking company has lawyers working to protect their interests. You deserve the same level of representation.