18-Wheeler Accidents in Southlake: Your Complete Legal Guide

If you or a loved one has been involved in an 18-wheeler accident in Southlake, you’re facing one of the most traumatic experiences of your life. The massive size and weight of commercial trucks make accidents with these vehicles particularly devastating. At Attorney911, we’ve been fighting for truck accident victims across Texas for over 25 years, and we understand the unique challenges you’re facing in Southlake.

Why Southlake 18-Wheeler Accidents Are Different

Southlake’s position in the heart of the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex means our highways and interstates see heavy commercial truck traffic. The I-35 corridor, which runs through nearby Fort Worth, is one of the busiest trucking routes in the country, connecting major distribution hubs and serving as a critical NAFTA corridor. When accidents happen on Southlake’s roads, they often involve:

• Long-haul trucks traveling through our area
• Local delivery vehicles serving Southlake’s growing business community
• Construction and service trucks supporting our city’s development
• Oilfield equipment moving through the region

The trucking companies responsible for these accidents have teams of lawyers working to protect their interests. You need a Southlake trucking accident attorney who knows how to fight back.

Common Causes of 18-Wheeler Accidents in Southlake

Driver Fatigue and Hours of Service Violations

The FMCSA’s hours of service regulations (49 CFR § 395) are designed to prevent fatigued driving, but violations are common in Southlake accidents. Drivers are limited 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

When drivers violate these rules, they become dangerously fatigued. We’ve seen cases where drivers falsified their electronic logging device (ELD) records to hide their violations. Our team knows how to obtain and analyze this critical evidence.

Distracted Driving

With the proliferation of smartphones and in-cab technology, distracted driving has become a major issue on Southlake roads. The FMCSA prohibits hand-held mobile phone use (49 CFR § 392.82) and texting while driving (49 CFR § 392.80), but many drivers ignore these rules. We subpoena cell phone records to prove distraction at the time of your accident.

Improper Maintenance and Brake Failures

Brake problems are a factor in approximately 29% of large truck crashes. The FMCSA requires systematic inspection, repair, and maintenance of all commercial motor vehicles (49 CFR § 396.3). When trucking companies cut corners on maintenance to save money, the results can be catastrophic. We’ve handled cases where:

• Worn brake pads weren’t replaced
• Brake systems weren’t properly adjusted
• Air brake leaks went unrepaired
• Faulty brake components were installed

Cargo Securement Failures

Improperly secured cargo causes rollover accidents and spills that can lead to multi-vehicle collisions. The FMCSA’s cargo securement regulations (49 CFR § 393.100-136) require:

• Cargo must be contained, immobilized, or secured
• Securement systems must withstand specific forces
• Different cargo types have specific requirements
• Loads must be properly distributed

We investigate loading practices, tiedown equipment, and weight distribution to prove cargo securement violations.

Speeding and Aggressive Driving

Southlake’s mix of urban and suburban roads creates dangerous conditions when truck drivers exceed safe speeds. The FMCSA prohibits motor carriers from scheduling runs that would require speeding (49 CFR § 392.6). We use black box data to prove excessive speed at the time of your accident.

Types of 18-Wheeler Accidents We Handle in Southlake

Jackknife Accidents

Jackknife accidents occur when the trailer swings out perpendicular to the cab, often blocking multiple lanes of traffic. These are particularly dangerous on Southlake’s highways and interchanges. Common causes include:

• Sudden braking on wet or icy roads
• Speeding on curves
• Empty or lightly loaded trailers
• Improperly loaded cargo
• Brake system failures

Underride Collisions

Underride collisions are among the most deadly truck accidents. They occur when a smaller vehicle slides underneath the trailer, often shearing off the top of the vehicle. There are two types:

1. Rear underride: When a vehicle strikes the back of a trailer
2. Side underride: When a vehicle strikes the side of a trailer

Federal regulations require rear impact guards (49 CFR § 393.86), but no federal requirement exists for side underride guards. We fight to hold trucking companies accountable when inadequate guards contribute to these horrific accidents.

Rollover Accidents

Rollover accidents are particularly dangerous in Southlake due to our mix of highway and local road traffic. They often occur when:

• Drivers take curves or ramps too fast
• Cargo shifts during transit
• Liquid cargo sloshes, changing the center of gravity
• Drivers overcorrect after a tire blowout

Tire Blowouts

Southlake’s hot Texas summers make tire blowouts a common hazard. Blowouts can cause the driver to lose control, leading to jackknife or rollover accidents. Common causes include:

• Underinflated tires
• Overloaded vehicles
• Worn or aging tires
• Road debris
• Manufacturing defects

Brake Failures

Brake failures are particularly dangerous on Southlake’s roads where trucks must navigate both highway speeds and local traffic. When brakes fail, drivers cannot stop in time to avoid collisions. We investigate:

• Brake maintenance records
• Pre-trip inspection reports
• Brake adjustment records
• Component failure analysis

Wide Turn Accidents (“Squeeze Play”)

Wide turn accidents occur when a truck swings wide to make a right turn, creating a gap that other vehicles enter. The truck then completes its turn, crushing the vehicle that entered the gap. These are common at Southlake intersections and shopping centers.

Blind Spot Accidents (“No-Zone”)

Trucks have four major blind spots where the driver cannot see other vehicles:

1. Front No-Zone: 20 feet directly in front of the cab
2. Rear No-Zone: 30 feet behind the trailer
3. Left Side No-Zone: Extends from the cab door backward
4. Right Side No-Zone: Extends from the cab door backward, much larger than the left side

Accidents occur when trucks change lanes without seeing vehicles in these blind spots.

Who Can Be Held Liable in Your Southlake Trucking Accident

Unlike car accidents where typically only one driver is at fault, trucking accidents often involve multiple liable parties. We investigate all potentially responsible parties to maximize your recovery.

The Truck Driver

The driver may be personally liable for:

• Speeding or reckless driving
• Distracted driving (cell phone use, texting)
• Fatigued driving beyond legal limits
• Impaired driving (drugs, alcohol)
• Failure to conduct proper pre-trip inspections
• Violation of traffic laws

The Trucking Company (Motor Carrier)

The trucking company is often the most important defendant because they have the deepest pockets. They can be liable for:

Vicarious Liability:

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

Direct Negligence:

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

Cargo Owner/Shipper

The company that owns the cargo and arranged for its shipment may be liable for:

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

Cargo Loading Company

Third-party loading companies that physically load cargo onto trucks 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 Manufacturer

The manufacturer of the truck, trailer, or major components may be liable for defects:

• Design defects (brake systems, stability control, fuel tank placement)
• Manufacturing defects (faulty welds, component failures)
• Failure to warn of known dangers
• Defective safety systems (ABS, ESC, collision warning)

Parts Manufacturer

Companies that manufacture specific parts (brakes, tires, steering components) may be liable for:

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

Maintenance Company

Third-party maintenance companies that service trucking fleets 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 Broker

Freight brokers who arrange transportation but don’t own trucks 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 the cheapest carrier despite safety concerns

Truck Owner (If Different from Carrier)

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

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

Government Entity

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

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

Why Evidence Disappears Fast in Southlake Trucking Cases

Evidence in trucking accident cases disappears quickly. Trucking companies have rapid-response teams that begin protecting their interests within hours of an accident. If you don’t act fast, critical evidence will be lost forever.

Critical Evidence and Destruction Timelines

Our 48-Hour Evidence Preservation Protocol

We act immediately to preserve evidence in your Southlake trucking accident case:

1. Send Spoliation Letters

   • Formal legal notice demanding preservation of all evidence
   • Sent within 24-48 hours of being retained
   • Puts defendants on legal notice of their preservation obligation
   • Creates serious consequences if evidence is destroyed

2. Demand 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

3. Obtain 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
   • Training records and certifications
   • Previous accident and violation history
   • Performance reviews and disciplinary records

4. Secure 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

5. Preserve 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

What to Do After an 18-Wheeler Accident in Southlake

Immediate Steps

1. Call 911 and Report the Accident

   • Request police and emergency medical services
   • Report all injuries, even if they seem minor

2. Seek Medical Attention

   • Adrenaline masks pain after traumatic accidents
   • Internal injuries may not show symptoms immediately
   • Southlake Hospital and local trauma centers can identify injuries

3. Document the Scene

   • Take photos of all vehicle damage
   • Photograph the accident scene, road conditions, skid marks
   • Take photos of your injuries
   • Document weather and lighting conditions

4. Collect Information

   • Truck and trailer license plates
   • DOT number (on truck door)
   • Trucking company name and logo
   • Driver’s name, CDL number, and contact information
   • Witness names and phone numbers
   • Responding officer’s name and badge number

5. Do NOT Give Recorded Statements

   • Insurance adjusters work for the trucking company
   • Anything you say will be used to minimize your claim

6. Call an 18-Wheeler Accident Attorney Immediately

   • Critical evidence disappears quickly
   • We send preservation letters within hours

In the Days Following Your Accident

1. Follow Your Doctor’s Orders

   • Attend all medical appointments
   • Follow treatment recommendations
   • Document all symptoms and limitations

2. Keep a Journal

   • Record your pain levels
   • Document how your injuries affect daily activities
   • Track missed work and lost income

3. Preserve Evidence

   • Save all medical records and bills
   • Keep receipts for out-of-pocket expenses
   • Document property damage

4. Avoid Social Media

   • Insurance companies will use your posts against you
   • Even innocent photos can be misinterpreted

5. Stay in Communication with Your Attorney

   • Provide updates on your medical condition
   • Report any contact from insurance companies
   • Respond promptly to requests for information

Common Injuries in Southlake 18-Wheeler Accidents

The massive size and weight disparity between trucks and passenger vehicles makes catastrophic injuries the norm in trucking accidents.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

TBI occurs when a sudden trauma causes damage to the brain. In 18-wheeler accidents, the extreme forces cause the brain to impact the inside of the skull.

Severity Levels:

Common Symptoms:

• Headaches and dizziness
• Memory loss and confusion
• Difficulty concentrating
• Mood changes, depression, anxiety
• Sleep disturbances
• Sensory problems (vision, hearing, taste)
• Speech difficulties
• Personality changes

Long-Term Consequences:

• Permanent cognitive impairment
• Inability to work
• Need for ongoing care and supervision
• Increased risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s
• Depression and emotional disorders

Spinal Cord Injury

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

Types of Paralysis:

Level of Injury Matters:

• Higher injuries (cervical spine) affect more body functions
• C1-C4 injuries may require ventilator for breathing
• Lower injuries (lumbar) affect legs but not arms

Amputation

Amputations occur when limbs are severed at the scene or must be surgically removed due to severe damage.

Types:

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

Ongoing Medical Needs:

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

Impact on Life:

• Permanent disability
• Career limitations or total disability
• Phantom limb pain
• Body image and psychological trauma
• Need for home modifications
• Dependency on others for daily activities

Severe Burns

Burns occur from fuel tank ruptures, hazmat cargo spills, electrical fires, or friction burns.

Burn Classification:

Long-Term Consequences:

• Permanent scarring and disfigurement
• Multiple reconstructive surgeries
• Skin graft procedures
• Chronic pain
• Infection risks
• Psychological trauma

Internal Organ Damage

Internal injuries are particularly dangerous because they may not show immediate symptoms.

Common Internal Injuries:

• Liver laceration or rupture
• Spleen damage requiring removal
• Kidney damage
• Lung contusion or collapse (pneumothorax)
• Internal bleeding (hemorrhage)
• Bowel and intestinal damage

Why Dangerous:

• May not show immediate symptoms
• Internal bleeding can be life-threatening
• Requires emergency surgery
• Organ removal affects long-term health

Wrongful Death

When a trucking accident kills a loved one, surviving family members can bring wrongful death claims.

Who Can Bring a Claim in Texas:

• Surviving spouse
• Children (minor and adult)
• Parents (especially if no spouse or children)
• Estate representative

Types of Claims:

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

Damages Available:

• Lost future income and benefits
• Loss of consortium (companionship, care, guidance)
• Mental anguish and emotional suffering
• Funeral and burial expenses
• Medical expenses before death
• Punitive damages if gross negligence

How Much Is Your Southlake 18-Wheeler Accident Case Worth?

Case values depend on many factors, and trucking companies carry much higher insurance limits than typical car accidents.

Types of Damages Recoverable

Economic Damages (Calculable Losses):

• Medical expenses (past, present, and future)
• Lost wages
• Lost earning capacity
• Property damage
• Out-of-pocket expenses
• Life care costs

Non-Economic Damages (Quality of Life):

• Pain and suffering
• Mental anguish
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Disfigurement
• Loss of consortium
• Physical impairment

Punitive Damages (Punishment for Gross Negligence):
May be available when the trucking company or driver acted with:

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

Factors Affecting Case Value

1. Severity of Injuries

   • Catastrophic injuries command higher settlements
   • Permanent disabilities increase case value
   • Need for future medical care adds to damages

2. Medical Expenses

   • Past, present, and future medical costs
   • Rehabilitation and therapy expenses
   • Home modifications and assistive devices

3. Lost Income and Earning Capacity

   • Time missed from work
   • Reduced earning ability
   • Career limitations

4. Pain and Suffering

   • Physical pain from injuries
   • Emotional trauma
   • Impact on quality of life

5. Degree of Defendant’s Negligence

   • Clear liability increases case value
   • Gross negligence may support punitive damages

6. Insurance Coverage Available

   • Federal minimum: $750,000 for non-hazardous freight
   • Many carriers carry $1-5 million or more
   • Umbrella policies provide additional coverage

Recent Trucking Verdicts and Settlements

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

• $730 Million – Texas (2021) – Ramsey v. Landstar Ranger: Navy propeller oversize load killed 73-year-old woman
• $462 Million – Missouri (2024) – St. Louis underride case: Two men decapitated
• $160 Million – Alabama (2024) – Street v. Daimler: Rollover left driver quadriplegic
• $150 Million – Texas (2022) – Werner settlement: Two children killed on I-30
• $141.5 Million – Florida (2023) – Defunct carrier case
• $37.5 Million – Texas (2024) – Trucking verdict
• $35.5 Million – Texas – Family injured in truck accident
• $35 Million – Fort Worth, TX (2025) – Largest in Tarrant County

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Southlake 18-Wheeler Accident Case

Experience You Can Trust

Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has been fighting for truck accident victims since 1998. With over 25 years of experience, he has secured multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements for families devastated by 18-wheeler crashes.

Insider Knowledge of Insurance Tactics

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

Federal Court Experience

Ralph Manginello is admitted to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas. This federal court access is critical for interstate trucking cases, which often involve federal regulations and can be filed in federal court.

Proven Track Record

We’ve recovered over $50 million for our clients across all practice areas. Our 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

Comprehensive Investigation

We leave no stone unturned in investigating your case:

• Send spoliation letters within 24-48 hours
• Obtain and analyze ECM/black box data
• Subpoena ELD records and cell phone data
• Review maintenance and inspection records
• Investigate driver qualification files
• Hire accident reconstruction experts
• Analyze cargo securement practices
• Examine dispatch records for HOS violations

Aggressive Representation

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. When necessary, we take your case all the way to verdict.

Personal Attention

Unlike large firms where you’re just a case number, we treat our clients like family. You’ll have direct access to your attorney, and we’ll keep you informed every step of the way.

No Fee Unless We Win

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.

Southlake-Specific Considerations

Southlake’s Trucking Corridors

Southlake is served by several major trucking corridors:

• I-35W: Connects to the national I-35 corridor, carrying heavy truck traffic
• Highway 114: Major east-west route through Southlake
• Highway 170: Connects to Alliance Airport and major distribution centers
• FM 1938 (Southlake Boulevard): Local route with commercial traffic
• FM 1709 (Tatum Boulevard): Another local route serving businesses

These roads see a mix of long-haul trucks, local delivery vehicles, and construction traffic. Our knowledge of these corridors helps us build stronger cases for Southlake residents.

Local Courts and Judges

Southlake is served by Tarrant County courts. Understanding local court procedures, judges, and jury pools gives us an advantage in your case.

Southlake’s Growing Business Community

Southlake’s position as a business hub means we see accidents involving:

• Delivery trucks serving retail centers
• Service vehicles for corporate offices
• Construction trucks supporting development
• Oilfield equipment moving through the region

We understand the unique liability issues these different vehicle types present.

Seasonal Considerations

Southlake’s weather patterns create unique trucking hazards:

• Summer: Extreme heat causes tire blowouts and brake fade
• Spring/Fall: Severe thunderstorms create hazardous driving conditions
• Winter: Occasional ice storms create dangerous conditions, particularly on bridges and overpasses

Frequently Asked Questions About Southlake 18-Wheeler Accidents

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

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

1. Call 911 and report the accident
2. Seek medical attention, even if injuries seem minor
3. Document the scene with photos and video if possible
4. Get the trucking company name, DOT number, and driver information
5. Collect witness contact information
6. Do NOT give recorded statements to any insurance company
7. 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. Southlake Hospital and local trauma centers 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 information
• 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 in Southlake?

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 Southlake?

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
• 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 Southlake?

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 Southlake?

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 Southlake?

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 Southlake?

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.

Contact Attorney911 Today

If you or a loved one has been injured in an 18-wheeler accident in Southlake, don’t wait. Evidence disappears fast, and the trucking company’s team is already working to protect their interests. You need a Southlake trucking accident attorney who knows how to fight back.

Call Attorney911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation. Our Southlake 18-wheeler accident attorneys offer free consultations and work on contingency – you pay nothing unless we win your case.

“Every hour you wait, evidence in your Southlake trucking accident case is disappearing. Black box data can be overwritten. Dashcam footage gets deleted. Witnesses forget what they saw. Call Attorney911 NOW at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation. We’ll send a preservation letter today to protect your evidence.”

Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has over 25 years of experience fighting trucking companies in Southlake and across Texas. Our team includes a former insurance defense attorney who knows every tactic the trucking company will use against you. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 to put that experience to work for your case.

“Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has been fighting for truck accident victims since 1998. Our team includes 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. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 to put that advantage to work for you.”

Worried about affording an attorney? Don’t be. Attorney911 works on contingency – you pay absolutely nothing unless we win your case. We advance all investigation costs. The trucking company has lawyers working right now to protect them. You deserve the same level of representation.

“Worried about affording an attorney? Don’t be. Attorney911 works on contingency – you pay absolutely nothing unless we win your case. We advance all costs of investigation and litigation. The trucking company has lawyers working right now to protect their interests. You deserve a Southlake trucking accident attorney who will fight for yours. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for your free case evaluation.”

If you or a loved one suffered catastrophic injuries in a Southlake 18-wheeler accident – traumatic brain injury, spinal cord damage, amputation, or worse – you need an attorney who has recovered multi-million dollar verdicts for families just like yours. Call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 today.

“If you or a loved one suffered catastrophic injuries in a Southlake 18-wheeler accident – traumatic brain injury, spinal cord damage, amputation, or worse – you need an attorney who has the experience and resources to fight for maximum compensation. Our Southlake trucking accident attorneys have recovered millions for families devastated by these accidents. Call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 today.”

We are deeply sorry for your loss. When a trucking company’s negligence takes a loved one, justice requires holding them fully accountable. Our Southlake wrongful death attorneys have the experience and resources to fight for your family. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for a compassionate, confidential consultation.

“We are deeply sorry for your loss. When a trucking company’s negligence takes a loved one, justice requires holding them fully accountable. Our Southlake wrongful death attorneys have the experience and resources to fight for your family. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for a compassionate, confidential consultation. We’ll help you understand your rights and options during this difficult time.”

Hablamos Español. Many trucking accident victims in Southlake speak Spanish as their primary language. Our associate attorney Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish and provides direct representation without interpreters.

“At Attorney911, we understand that many trucking accident victims in Southlake speak Spanish as their primary language. Our associate attorney Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish and provides direct representation without interpreters. Hablamos Español. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911 para una consulta gratis.”

Don’t let the trucking company push you around. Call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 today. We answer calls 24/7, and we’re ready to fight for you.