18-Wheeler Accident Lawyers in Keller, TX | Attorney911

When an 18-Wheeler Changes Your Life in Keller, TX, You Need a Fighter on Your Side

The moment a massive 80,000-pound truck slams into your vehicle on Keller’s highways, your life changes forever. The crushing impact, the chaos of the scene, the overwhelming medical bills—it’s all too much to handle alone. But here’s the hard truth: the trucking company already has a team of lawyers working to protect their interests, not yours.

At Attorney911, we level the playing field. Our Keller 18-wheeler accident attorneys don’t just fight for compensation—we fight for justice. With 25+ years of experience, a former insurance defense attorney on our team, and a track record of multi-million dollar recoveries, we know how to hold trucking companies accountable.

If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a trucking accident in Keller, TX, call us now at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, no-obligation consultation. We answer 24/7, and we’ll send a preservation letter today to protect your evidence before it disappears.

Why Keller Trucking Accidents Are Different (And More Dangerous)

Keller sits at the crossroads of major Texas trucking corridors, including:

• I-35W – The lifeline connecting Fort Worth to Denton, carrying massive freight volumes
• Highway 114 – A critical east-west route for commercial traffic
• FM 1709 & FM 2499 – High-traffic local roads where trucks mix with commuter traffic
• Nearby distribution hubs – Including Alliance Airport and Fort Worth’s logistics centers

These roads see heavy truck traffic daily, increasing the risk of catastrophic accidents. And when a crash happens, the consequences are devastating:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) from the sheer force of impact
• Spinal cord damage and paralysis when vehicles are crushed
• Amputations when victims are trapped in wreckage
• Severe burns from fuel fires or hazardous cargo spills
• Wrongful death – far too common in Keller trucking accidents

The trucking industry knows these risks—but they prioritize profits over safety. That’s why you need a Keller trucking accident lawyer who understands the unique dangers of our local roads and knows how to fight back.

The Shocking Truth About Keller Trucking Accidents

1. Trucking Companies Will Destroy Evidence—Unless You Act Fast

Within 48 hours of your accident, critical evidence can disappear:

✅ Black box data (ECM/EDR) – Overwrites in 30 days or with new driving events
✅ ELD logs – Only required to be kept for 6 months
✅ Dashcam footage – Often deleted within 7-14 days
✅ Surveillance video – Businesses typically overwrite footage in 7-30 days
✅ Maintenance records – Can be “lost” or altered

We send spoliation letters immediately to freeze this evidence before the trucking company can destroy it. If they ignore our demand, we’ll ask the court to sanction them—and juries punish companies that hide evidence.

2. Keller’s Trucking Corridors Are Among the Most Dangerous in Texas

The Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) reports that Tarrant County sees thousands of trucking accidents every year, many resulting in serious injuries or fatalities.

High-risk zones in Keller include:

• I-35W at Highway 114 – A major interchange where trucks merge with fast-moving traffic
• Highway 114 near Keller High School – Heavy truck traffic mixed with school zones
• FM 1709 & Bear Creek Parkway – Poor lighting and high speeds increase crash risks
• Nearby weigh stations – Trucks often speed to avoid delays, creating hazards

Common causes of Keller trucking accidents:

• Fatigued driving (hours-of-service violations)
• Distracted driving (cell phones, dispatch communications)
• Brake failures (poor maintenance, worn components)
• Tire blowouts (underinflation, old tires)
• Improper cargo securement (shifting loads, rollovers)
• Speeding (especially in work zones)
• Drunk/drugged driving (failed drug tests)

3. The Trucking Company’s Insurance Will Lowball You—Unless You Have a Lawyer

Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize claims. Their first offer is almost always a lowball settlement designed to pay you as little as possible before you understand the full extent of your injuries.

Their tactics include:

• Pressuring you to accept a quick settlement before you’ve finished medical treatment
• Downplaying your injuries (“It’s just whiplash—you’ll be fine”)
• Blaming you for the accident (“You cut him off!”)
• Delaying your claim to wear you down
• Twisting your words in recorded statements

Our former insurance defense attorney knows all their tricks—and how to counter them. We don’t let trucking companies take advantage of Keller accident victims.

Who Can Be Held Liable in Your Keller Trucking Accident?

Unlike car accidents, multiple parties can share fault in a trucking crash. At Attorney911, we investigate every possible defendant to maximize your compensation.

1. The Truck Driver

• Speeding or reckless driving
• Distracted driving (cell phone use, texting, dispatch communications)
• Fatigued driving (violating hours-of-service rules)
• Impaired driving (drugs, alcohol, prescription medications)
• Failure to inspect the vehicle (pre-trip/post-trip violations)

2. The Trucking Company (Motor Carrier)

Under respondeat superior, employers are liable for employees’ negligence. But trucking companies can also be directly liable for:

• Negligent hiring (hiring unqualified or dangerous drivers)
• Negligent training (failing to train drivers on safety protocols)
• Negligent supervision (not monitoring driver performance)
• Negligent maintenance (ignoring known vehicle defects)
• Pressuring drivers to violate HOS rules (forcing drivers to meet unrealistic deadlines)

Example: If a trucking company hires a driver with a history of DUIs and that driver causes a crash, the company can be sued for negligent hiring.

3. The Cargo Owner or Shipper

• Overloading the truck (exceeding weight limits)
• Improperly loading cargo (uneven distribution, shifting loads)
• Failing to disclose hazardous materials (leading to explosions or chemical exposure)

4. The Cargo Loading Company

• Failing to secure cargo properly (violating 49 CFR § 393.100-136)
• Using defective or worn tiedowns
• Not following industry securement standards

Example: If a load shifts during transit and causes a rollover, the loading company can be held liable.

5. The Truck or Trailer Manufacturer

• Defective brakes (failure to stop in time)
• Faulty tires (blowouts causing loss of control)
• Defective steering systems (sudden loss of control)
• Poorly designed underride guards (allowing vehicles to slide underneath)

Example: If a brake system fails due to a manufacturing defect, the manufacturer can be sued under product liability laws.

6. The Parts Manufacturer

• Defective brake components
• Faulty suspension systems
• Defective lighting or reflectors

7. The Maintenance Company

• Negligent repairs (failing to fix known issues)
• Improper brake adjustments (leading to brake failure)
• Using substandard or wrong parts
• Returning vehicles to service with known defects

8. The Freight Broker

• Negligent selection of carrier (hiring a company with a poor safety record)
• Failing to verify insurance coverage
• Not checking the carrier’s FMCSA safety rating

9. The Truck Owner (If Different from the Carrier)

• Negligent entrustment (allowing an unfit driver to operate the truck)
• Failure to maintain the vehicle

10. Government Entities (Rare, But Possible)

• Dangerous road design (poor signage, lack of guardrails)
• Failure to maintain roads (potholes, debris, worn markings)
• Inadequate traffic controls (malfunctioning signals)

Note: Suing a government entity in Texas is complex due to sovereign immunity laws. You must file a notice of claim within 6 months of the accident, and damages may be capped.

The Most Common (And Deadly) 18-Wheeler Accidents in Keller

1. Jackknife Accidents

What happens: The trailer swings out at a 90-degree angle to the cab, often blocking multiple lanes.

Why they’re deadly:

• The trailer can sweep across lanes, hitting multiple vehicles
• Other drivers can’t avoid the swinging trailer
• Often results in multi-vehicle pileups

Common causes in Keller:

• Sudden braking on wet or icy roads (especially on I-35W)
• Speeding on curves (Highway 114 near Keller High School)
• Empty or lightly loaded trailers (more prone to swing)
• Brake failures (poor maintenance, worn components)

FMCSA violations often involved:

• 49 CFR § 393.48 – Brake system deficiencies
• 49 CFR § 392.6 – Speeding for conditions
• 49 CFR § 392.3 – Operating while fatigued

2. Underride Collisions (The Most Fatal Trucking Accident)

What happens: A passenger vehicle slides underneath the trailer, often shearing off the roof and decapitating occupants.

Why they’re so deadly:

• No crumple zone – The trailer’s height means the vehicle’s safety features don’t engage
• Almost always fatal for front-seat occupants
• Side underride (when a truck turns in front of you) has no federal guard requirement

Common causes in Keller:

• Missing or defective underride guards (violating 49 CFR § 393.86)
• Trucks stopping suddenly (especially at intersections)
• Low visibility conditions (fog on Highway 114, nighttime crashes)
• Trucks making wide turns (cutting off traffic)

FMCSA violations often involved:

• 49 CFR § 393.86 – Missing or defective rear impact guards
• 49 CFR § 392.2 – Failure to obey traffic signals
• 49 CFR § 393.9 – Inadequate lighting or reflectors

3. Rollover Accidents

What happens: The truck tips onto its side or roof, often spilling cargo and crushing nearby vehicles.

Why they’re catastrophic:

• Cargo spills can cause secondary accidents
• Fuel fires are common due to ruptured tanks
• Multiple vehicles are often involved

Common causes in Keller:

• Speeding on curves (I-35W ramps, Highway 114 near Keller Town Center)
• Improperly secured cargo (shifting loads destabilize the truck)
• Liquid cargo “slosh” (tankers carrying fuel or chemicals)
• Driver overcorrection (after a tire blowout or lane departure)

FMCSA violations often involved:

• 49 CFR § 393.100-136 – Cargo securement violations
• 49 CFR § 392.6 – Exceeding safe speed for conditions
• 49 CFR § 392.3 – Operating while fatigued

4. Rear-End Collisions

What happens: A truck crashes into the back of another vehicle—or a vehicle crashes into the back of a truck.

Why they’re devastating:

• Trucks need 40% more stopping distance than cars
• A fully loaded truck at 65 mph needs 525 feet to stop (nearly two football fields)
• Underride risks if the truck isn’t equipped with proper guards

Common causes in Keller:

• Following too closely (tailgating on I-35W)
• Driver distraction (cell phones, dispatch communications)
• Brake failures (poor maintenance, worn components)
• Fatigued driving (violating hours-of-service rules)

FMCSA violations often involved:

• 49 CFR § 392.11 – Following too closely
• 49 CFR § 392.82 – Mobile phone use while driving
• 49 CFR § 393.48 – Brake system deficiencies

5. Wide Turn Accidents (“Squeeze Play”)

What happens: A truck swings wide (often to the left) before making a right turn, creating a gap that smaller vehicles try to enter. The truck then completes the turn, crushing the vehicle in the gap.

Why they’re common in Keller:

• Narrow intersections (FM 1709 & Bear Creek Parkway)
• High traffic volumes (near Keller Town Center)
• Poor visibility (especially at night)

Common causes:

• Failure to signal (not warning other drivers of the turn)
• Improper mirror checks (not seeing vehicles in the “no-zone”)
• Driver inexperience (not understanding trailer tracking)

FMCSA violations often involved:

• 49 CFR § 392.11 – Unsafe lane changes
• 49 CFR § 392.2 – Failure to obey traffic signals
• State traffic laws – Improper turns

6. Blind Spot Accidents (“No-Zone” Crashes)

What happens: A truck changes lanes or turns without seeing a vehicle in its blind spot, causing a collision.

The Four “No-Zones” Around an 18-Wheeler:

1. Front No-Zone – 20 feet directly in front of the cab (driver can’t see low vehicles)
2. Rear No-Zone – 30 feet behind the trailer (no rear-view mirror visibility)
3. Left Side No-Zone – Extends from the cab door backward (smaller than right side)
4. Right Side No-Zone – Extends from the cab door backward, much larger than left side (most dangerous)

Common causes in Keller:

• Failure to check mirrors before lane changes
• Improperly adjusted mirrors (not set up correctly)
• Driver distraction (not paying attention to surroundings)
• Vehicles lingering in blind spots (especially on highways)

FMCSA violations often involved:

• 49 CFR § 393.80 – Mirror requirements (must provide clear rear view)
• 49 CFR § 392.11 – Unsafe lane changes

7. Tire Blowout Accidents

What happens: A tire suddenly fails, causing the driver to lose control.

Why they’re dangerous:

• Steer tire blowouts (front tires) can cause immediate loss of control
• Debris from blowouts can strike other vehicles (“road gators”)
• Rollover risks increase with sudden tire failures

Common causes in Keller:

• Underinflated tires (leading to overheating)
• Overloaded vehicles (exceeding tire capacity)
• Worn or old tires (not replaced as required)
• Manufacturing defects (defective tires)
• Road debris (nails, metal fragments)

FMCSA violations often involved:

• 49 CFR § 393.75 – Tire requirements (minimum tread depth: 4/32″ on steer tires, 2/32″ on others)
• 49 CFR § 396.13 – Pre-trip inspection violations (must check tires)

8. Brake Failure Accidents

What happens: The truck’s brakes fail or underperform, preventing the driver from stopping in time.

Why they’re catastrophic:

• Brake problems are a factor in 29% of large truck crashes (FMCSA)
• Brake violations are among the most common FMCSA out-of-service violations
• Complete brake failure often results from systematic maintenance neglect

Common causes in Keller:

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

FMCSA violations often involved:

• 49 CFR § 393.40-55 – Brake system requirements
• 49 CFR § 396.3 – Systematic inspection and maintenance violations
• 49 CFR § 396.11 – Driver post-trip report of brake condition

9. Cargo Spill/Shift Accidents

What happens: Improperly secured cargo falls from the truck or shifts during transit, causing instability.

Why they’re deadly:

• Shifting cargo can cause rollovers
• Falling debris can strike other vehicles
• Hazmat spills create additional dangers (explosions, chemical exposure)

Common causes in Keller:

• Inadequate tiedowns (insufficient number or strength)
• Improper loading distribution (unbalanced loads)
• Failure to use blocking, bracing, or friction mats
• Tiedown failure (worn or damaged straps/chains)
• Overloading (exceeding securement capacity)

FMCSA violations often involved:

• 49 CFR § 393.100-136 – Cargo securement standards
• Working load limits – Must be at least 50% of cargo weight for loose cargo
• Specific requirements by cargo type (logs, metal coils, machinery, etc.)

10. Head-On Collisions

What happens: A truck crosses into oncoming traffic and strikes a vehicle head-on.

Why they’re almost always fatal:

• Combined speed of both vehicles increases impact force
• No time to react for either driver
• High fatality rate for passenger vehicle occupants

Common causes in Keller:

• Driver fatigue (falling asleep at the wheel)
• Driver distraction (cell phone use, GPS, dispatch communications)
• Impaired driving (drugs, alcohol, prescription medications)
• Medical emergencies (heart attack, seizure)
• Wrong-way entry onto divided highways
• Passing on two-lane roads (Highway 114, FM 1709)

FMCSA violations often involved:

• 49 CFR § 395 – Hours-of-service violations (fatigued driving)
• 49 CFR § 392.4/5 – Drug or alcohol violations
• 49 CFR § 392.82 – Mobile phone use while driving

The Devastating Injuries Keller Trucking Accidents Cause

When an 80,000-pound truck collides with a 4,000-pound car, the physics don’t lie. The force of impact is 20-25 times greater than a typical car accident. That’s why trucking accidents in Keller so often result in catastrophic, life-altering injuries.

1. Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

What it is: A sudden trauma to the brain caused by the violent impact of a trucking accident.

Severity levels:

Common symptoms:

• Headaches and dizziness
• Memory loss and confusion
• Difficulty concentrating
• Mood changes (depression, anxiety, irritability)
• Sleep disturbances
• Sensory problems (blurred vision, ringing in ears, sensitivity to light/sound)
• Speech difficulties
• Personality changes

Long-term consequences:

• Permanent cognitive impairment (memory, problem-solving, decision-making)
• Inability to work (especially in jobs requiring focus or physical labor)
• Need for lifelong care and supervision
• Increased risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s disease
• Depression, anxiety, and emotional disorders

Lifetime care costs: $85,000 to $3,000,000+ depending on severity

2. Spinal Cord Injury & Paralysis

What it is: Damage to the spinal cord that disrupts communication between the brain and body, often resulting in paralysis.

Types of paralysis:

Level of injury matters:

• C1-C4 (Cervical) – May require ventilator for breathing; affects arms, hands, trunk, legs
• C5-C8 (Cervical) – May have some arm/hand function; affects trunk and legs
• T1-T12 (Thoracic) – Affects trunk and legs; may have arm/hand function
• L1-L5 (Lumbar) – Affects legs; may have limited walking ability
• S1-S5 (Sacral) – Affects bowel/bladder function and sexual function

Lifetime care costs:

• Paraplegia (low): $1.1 million+
• Paraplegia (high): $2.5 million+
• Quadriplegia (low): $3.5 million+
• Quadriplegia (high): $5 million+

These figures represent direct medical costs only—not lost wages, pain and suffering, or loss of quality of life.

3. Amputation

What it is: Loss of a limb due to traumatic injury at the scene or surgical removal after the accident.

Types of amputation in trucking accidents:

• Traumatic amputation: Limb severed at the scene due to crushing forces
• Surgical amputation: Limb so severely damaged it must be surgically removed

Common causes in Keller trucking accidents:

• Crushing forces from truck impact
• Entrapment requiring amputation for extraction
• Severe burns requiring surgical removal
• Infections from open wounds (especially in farm equipment accidents)

Ongoing medical needs:

• Initial surgery and hospitalization
• Prosthetic limbs ($5,000 – $50,000+ per prosthetic)
• Replacement prosthetics throughout lifetime (every 3-5 years)
• Physical therapy and rehabilitation
• Occupational therapy for daily living skills
• Psychological counseling for trauma and adjustment

Impact on life:

• Permanent disability (career limitations or total disability)
• Phantom limb pain (sensation of pain in the missing limb)
• Body image and psychological trauma
• Need for home modifications (wheelchair ramps, bathroom adaptations)
• Dependency on others for daily activities

4. Severe Burns

How they occur in Keller trucking accidents:

• Fuel tank ruptures leading to fires
• Hazmat cargo spills and ignition
• Electrical fires from damaged battery/wiring
• Friction burns from road contact
• Chemical burns from hazmat exposure

Burn classification:

Long-term consequences:

• Permanent scarring and disfigurement
• Multiple reconstructive surgeries
• Skin graft procedures
• Chronic pain
• Infection risks
• Psychological trauma (PTSD, depression, anxiety)

5. Internal Organ Damage

Common internal injuries in Keller trucking accidents:

• Liver laceration or rupture (life-threatening bleeding)
• Spleen damage (often requires removal)
• Kidney damage (may require dialysis)
• Lung contusion or collapse (pneumothorax)
• Internal bleeding (hemorrhage – can be fatal if untreated)
• Bowel and intestinal damage (requires emergency surgery)

Why they’re dangerous:

• May not show immediate symptoms (internal bleeding can be silent)
• Can be life-threatening if not treated immediately
• Organ removal affects long-term health (e.g., spleen removal increases infection risk)

6. Wrongful Death

When a trucking accident kills a loved one, surviving family members can file a wrongful death claim.

Who can bring a wrongful death claim in Texas?

• Surviving spouse
• Children (minor and adult)
• Parents (if no spouse or children)
• Estate representative (for the benefit of heirs)

Types of wrongful death claims:

• Wrongful Death Action: Compensation for survivors’ losses
• Survival Action: Compensation for decedent’s pain/suffering before death

Damages available in Texas:

• Lost future income and benefits (what the deceased would have earned)
• Loss of consortium (companionship, care, guidance for spouse)
• Loss of parental guidance and nurturing (for surviving children)
• Mental anguish and emotional suffering (for surviving family)
• Funeral and burial expenses
• Medical expenses incurred before death
• Pain and suffering experienced by decedent before death
• Punitive damages (if gross negligence or malice is proven)

Texas statute of limitations for wrongful death: 2 years from the date of death

How Much Is Your Keller Trucking Accident Case Worth?

There’s no “average” settlement for trucking accident cases—the value depends on many factors, including:

1. Severity of Injuries

• Catastrophic injuries (TBI, paralysis, amputation, severe burns) = higher value
• Permanent disability = higher value
• Long-term medical needs = higher value

2. Medical Expenses (Past and Future)

• Emergency room visits
• Hospital stays
• Surgeries and procedures
• Rehabilitation and physical therapy
• Medications
• Medical equipment (wheelchairs, prosthetics, home modifications)
• Future medical care (lifetime costs for catastrophic injuries)

3. Lost Wages and Earning Capacity

• Income lost due to injury and recovery
• Reduction in future earning ability (if unable to return to work)
• Loss of career opportunities (promotions, advancements)

4. Pain and Suffering

• Physical pain from injuries
• Mental anguish (depression, anxiety, PTSD)
• Loss of enjoyment of life (inability to participate in activities)
• Disfigurement (scarring, amputations)
• Physical impairment (reduced mobility, chronic pain)

5. Degree of Defendant’s Negligence

• Simple negligence (e.g., driver made a mistake)
• Gross negligence (e.g., company pressured driver to violate HOS rules)
• Willful misconduct (e.g., company destroyed evidence)
• Punitive damages may be available for gross negligence or willful misconduct

6. Insurance Coverage Available

• Federal minimum: $750,000 for non-hazardous freight
• Many carriers carry $1-5 million or more
• Multiple policies may apply (trucking company, cargo owner, maintenance company)

7. Texas Comparative Negligence Rules

Texas follows a “modified comparative negligence” system:

• If you’re 50% or less at fault, you can recover damages reduced by your percentage of fault
• If you’re more than 50% at fault, you cannot recover anything

Example:

• Total damages: $1,000,000
• You’re found 20% at fault
• Your recovery: $800,000 ($1,000,000 – 20%)

Documented Trucking Accident Settlements & Verdicts (What’s Possible in Keller)

While every case is unique, recent trucking accident verdicts and settlements show what’s possible when companies are held accountable:

What these verdicts prove:

• Juries are willing to award massive damages when trucking companies act with gross negligence
• Punitive damages can exceed compensatory damages in egregious cases
• Even defunct companies can be held accountable through their insurers

The Keller Trucking Accident Claim Process: What to Expect

Step 1: Free Consultation (Within 24 Hours of Your Call)

• We’ll listen to your story and evaluate your case
• Explain your legal rights and options
• Answer all your questions—no pressure, no obligation
• If we take your case, we’ll send a spoliation letter immediately to preserve evidence

Step 2: Investigation (First 30 Days)

• Send spoliation letters to all potentially liable parties
• Obtain police report and accident scene photos
• Download ECM/black box data (speed, braking, throttle position)
• Secure ELD records (hours of service, GPS location)
• Subpoena cell phone records (to prove distracted driving)
• Obtain maintenance records (to prove brake/tire failures)
• Interview witnesses before memories fade
• Hire accident reconstruction experts (if needed)

Step 3: Medical Treatment & Documentation (Ongoing)

• Follow all doctor’s orders (critical for your case)
• Attend all follow-up appointments
• Keep records of all medical bills and prescriptions
• Document your pain levels and how injuries affect daily life
• We can help connect you with medical providers if you don’t have insurance

Step 4: Demand Letter (After Maximum Medical Improvement)

• Calculate all damages (medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering)
• Send demand letter to trucking company’s insurance
• Negotiate aggressively for fair settlement

Step 5: Negotiation or Litigation (3-12 Months)

• Most cases settle before trial (95%+)
• If the insurance company refuses a fair offer, we file a lawsuit
• Discovery phase (depositions, document requests, interrogatories)
• Mediation (attempt to settle with neutral mediator)
• Trial (if necessary, we’re prepared to go to court)

Step 6: Resolution (6 Months to 3+ Years)

• Settlement: Most cases resolve within 6-12 months
• Trial: Complex cases may take 2-3 years
• Appeal: If the verdict is appealed, resolution may take 3-5 years

Important: We prepare every case as if it’s going to trial. This gives us leverage in negotiations and ensures the insurance company knows we’re serious.

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Keller Trucking Accident Case?

1. 25+ Years of Experience Fighting Trucking Companies

Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has been holding trucking companies accountable since 1998. He’s secured multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements for clients across