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Town of Bullard 18-Wheeler Accident Attorneys: Attorney911 Delivers 25+ Years of Courtroom-Proven Trucking Litigation, Led by Ralph Manginello’s Multi-Million Dollar Verdicts and Lupe Peña’s Former Insurance Defense Insider Tactics – FMCSA 49 CFR Masters Specializing in Hours of Service Violations, Black Box Data Extraction, and Jackknife, Rollover, Underride, Tire Blowout, and Hazmat Crash Cases – Catastrophic Injury Experts for TBI, Spinal Cord Damage, Amputations, and Wrongful Death – Federal Court Admitted with Houston, Austin, and Beaumont Offices Serving Town of Bullard – Free 24/7 Consultation, No Fee Unless We Win, Same-Day Evidence Preservation, Hablamos Español, Call 1-888-ATTY-911 Now

February 10, 2026 31 min read
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18-Wheeler Accident Lawyers in Bullard, Texas | Trucking Accident Attorneys

When an 18-Wheeler Changes Your Life in Bullard, Texas

The impact was catastrophic. Eighty thousand pounds of steel against your sedan. One moment you were driving home from work on FM 2493 in Bullard, Texas. The next moment, an 18-wheeler was jackknifing across all three lanes of Highway 69. In an instant, everything changed.

If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in an 18-wheeler accident in Bullard, Texas, you’re not alone. Our team of experienced trucking accident attorneys at Attorney911 understands exactly what you’re going through. We’ve seen how these catastrophic crashes devastate Bullard families – the traumatic brain injuries, the spinal cord damage, the amputations, the wrongful deaths. We know the trucking companies will have teams of lawyers working immediately to protect their interests. That’s why we move just as fast to protect yours.

Why Bullard, Texas Trucking Accidents Are Different

Bullard sits at a critical crossroads of East Texas trucking corridors. Interstate 20 runs just south of town, connecting Tyler to Longview and beyond. Highway 69 cuts through the heart of Bullard, serving as a major freight route between Jacksonville and Tyler. FM 2493 and FM 344 are well-traveled by logging trucks hauling timber from the Piney Woods. The Bullard Independent School District’s bus routes share these roads with massive commercial vehicles every day.

This means Bullard residents face unique risks:

  • High-speed truck traffic mixing with local commuters on Highway 69
  • Logging trucks with heavy, shifting loads navigating rural roads
  • Oversized loads traveling through town to reach construction sites
  • Fatigued drivers pushing through Bullard on long hauls between Dallas and Shreveport
  • Tight turns at intersections like Highway 69 and FM 2493 that challenge big rigs

When these factors combine with Texas-sized trucks, the results are often catastrophic.

The Bullard, Texas Trucking Corridors We Know

Our attorneys know Bullard’s trucking corridors like the back of our hands:

  • Highway 69 – The main north-south artery through Bullard, carrying heavy truck traffic between Tyler and Jacksonville. This highway sees frequent rear-end collisions, blind spot accidents, and wide turn crashes at intersections.
  • Interstate 20 – Just 15 minutes south of Bullard, this major east-west interstate carries transcontinental freight. We’ve handled numerous jackknife and rollover accidents on I-20’s tight curves near the Smith County line.
  • FM 2493 – This rural route sees heavy logging truck traffic, creating unique hazards from shifting loads and tire blowouts. The intersection with Highway 69 is particularly dangerous.
  • FM 344 – Connecting Bullard to Lindale, this route carries agricultural and construction equipment that often exceeds size and weight limits.
  • Loop 49 – The Tyler Outer Loop brings increased truck traffic through Bullard’s outskirts, particularly during construction projects.

We understand how these specific roads and intersections create unique accident risks for Bullard residents.

Common Causes of 18-Wheeler Accidents in Bullard, Texas

Jackknife Accidents on Bullard’s Highways

Jackknife accidents are particularly common on Bullard’s highways. These terrifying crashes occur when the trailer and cab skid in opposite directions, with the trailer folding at an angle like a pocket knife. The trailer swings out perpendicular to the cab, often sweeping across multiple lanes of traffic.

In Bullard, jackknife accidents frequently happen on:

  • Highway 69 during sudden stops at intersections
  • I-20 when trucks brake hard on wet pavement
  • FM 2493 when logging trucks take curves too fast
  • FM 344 when agricultural equipment loses traction

The results are often multi-vehicle pileups that block all lanes, making these accidents especially dangerous for Bullard commuters.

Underride Collisions – Among the Deadliest Truck Accidents

Underride collisions are among the most fatal types of 18-wheeler accidents in Bullard. These occur when a smaller vehicle crashes into the rear or side of a trailer and slides underneath. The trailer height often causes the smaller vehicle’s passenger compartment to be sheared off at windshield level.

We’ve seen far too many of these horrific crashes on Bullard’s roads, particularly:

  • Highway 69 at night when trucks have inadequate rear lighting
  • Intersection approaches where trucks make wide right turns
  • Highway 69 near the Bullard High School during school hours
  • FM 2493 where logging trucks turn into mills

Federal law requires rear impact guards on trailers, but there’s no requirement for side underride guards – despite these being just as deadly.

Tire Blowouts on Bullard’s Rural Roads

Texas heat takes a toll on truck tires, and Bullard’s rural roads are particularly hard on them. We see frequent tire blowout accidents on:

  • FM 2493 where logging trucks carry heavy loads
  • FM 344 with its rough pavement and debris
  • Highway 69 where long-haul trucks travel at high speeds
  • I-20 where trucks carry maximum weight loads

When a steer tire (front tire) blows out, the driver can lose complete control of the vehicle. We’ve handled cases where blown tires caused trucks to cross the center line into oncoming traffic on Highway 69.

Brake Failures – A Preventable Danger

Brake problems are a factor in approximately 29% of large truck crashes nationwide, and we see this all too often in Bullard. The long descents on Highway 69 and FM 2493 can cause brake fade when drivers don’t properly use engine braking.

Common brake failure scenarios in Bullard include:

  • Highway 69 southbound approaching the FM 2493 intersection
  • FM 2493 descending toward the Neches River valley
  • I-20 where trucks descend from the Smith County line
  • Logging trucks on FM 344 with improperly adjusted brakes

When brakes fail, the results are often catastrophic for Bullard families.

Driver Fatigue – The Invisible Killer

Truck drivers passing through Bullard on long hauls between Dallas and Shreveport often push their hours-of-service limits. The FMCSA regulations are designed to prevent this, but violations are common:

  • 11-hour driving limit after 10 consecutive hours off duty
  • 14-hour on-duty window – cannot drive beyond 14th consecutive hour
  • 30-minute break required after 8 cumulative hours of driving
  • 60/70-hour weekly limits – 60 hours in 7 days or 70 hours in 8 days

We’ve seen cases where drivers falsify their electronic logs to hide these violations. The ELD mandate was supposed to prevent this, but our investigation often uncovers discrepancies.

Distracted Driving – A Growing Problem

With the rise of smartphones and in-cab technology, distracted driving has become a major issue among commercial truck drivers in Bullard. Federal regulations prohibit:

  • Using a hand-held mobile telephone while driving
  • Reaching for a mobile phone in a manner requiring leaving the seated position
  • Texting while driving

Despite these rules, we still see drivers using phones, eating, or interacting with dispatch systems while driving through Bullard.

The Catastrophic Injuries We See in Bullard Trucking Accidents

The size and weight disparity between 18-wheelers and passenger vehicles makes these accidents particularly devastating. A fully loaded truck can weigh 20-25 times more than a passenger car. The physics of these collisions often result in catastrophic injuries:

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)

TBI is one of the most common and devastating injuries we see in Bullard trucking accidents. The extreme forces cause the brain to impact the inside of the skull, resulting in:

  • Mild TBI (Concussion): Confusion, headaches, brief loss of consciousness
  • Moderate TBI: Extended unconsciousness, memory problems, cognitive deficits
  • Severe TBI: Extended coma, permanent cognitive impairment

Many Bullard residents don’t realize they’ve suffered a TBI until days or weeks after the accident. Symptoms may include persistent headaches, dizziness, memory loss, difficulty concentrating, mood changes, and sleep disturbances.

Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis

Spinal cord injuries are tragically common in Bullard trucking accidents. These injuries can result in permanent paralysis:

  • 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 sensation and movement below the injury

The level of injury determines the extent of paralysis. Higher injuries (cervical spine) affect more body functions, while lower injuries (lumbar) primarily affect the legs.

Amputations

Amputations occur in Bullard trucking accidents due to:

  • Crushing forces from the truck impact
  • Entrapment requiring amputation for extraction
  • Severe burns requiring surgical removal
  • Infections from open wounds

These life-altering injuries require extensive medical treatment, including prosthetic limbs that can cost $5,000 to $50,000 each and need replacement throughout the victim’s lifetime.

Severe Burns

Burns occur in Bullard trucking accidents from:

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

Burn injuries require multiple surgeries, skin grafts, and long-term rehabilitation. The psychological trauma can be as devastating as the physical injuries.

Wrongful Death

When a trucking accident kills a loved one in Bullard, the surviving family members can bring a wrongful death claim. Texas law allows recovery for:

  • Lost future income and benefits
  • Loss of companionship and guidance
  • Mental anguish and emotional suffering
  • Funeral and burial expenses
  • Medical expenses incurred prior to death
  • Pain and suffering experienced by the decedent before death

Why You Need a Bullard, Texas 18-Wheeler Accident Attorney Immediately

Evidence Disappears Fast in Trucking Cases

In 18-wheeler accident cases, evidence 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:

  • ECM/Black Box Data: Overwrites in 30 days or with new driving events
  • ELD Data: May be retained only 6 months
  • Dashcam Footage: Often deleted within 7-14 days
  • Surveillance Video: Business cameras typically overwrite in 7-30 days
  • Physical Evidence: Vehicle may be repaired, sold, or scrapped
  • Witness Memory: Fades significantly within weeks

The Spoliation Letter – Your First Line of Defense

A spoliation letter is a formal legal notice sent to the trucking company, their insurer, and all potentially liable parties demanding preservation of all evidence related to the accident.

We send these letters IMMEDIATELY – within 24-48 hours of being retained. This puts the trucking company on legal notice that destroying evidence will result in serious consequences, including:

  • Adverse inference instructions (jury told to assume destroyed evidence was unfavorable)
  • Monetary sanctions
  • Default judgment in extreme cases
  • Punitive damages for intentional destruction

What We Demand in Our Spoliation Letters

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

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

Physical Evidence:

  • The truck and trailer themselves
  • Failed or damaged components
  • Cargo and securement devices
  • Tire remnants if blowout involved

The Bullard Trucking Companies We’ve Fought Against

Our attorneys have extensive experience handling trucking accident cases against major commercial entities operating in Bullard and throughout East Texas:

  • Walmart trucking operations – We’ve handled cases involving Walmart’s private fleet that serves their stores in Tyler and Longview
  • Coca-Cola distribution vehicles – The local Coca-Cola bottling plant in Tyler generates significant truck traffic through Bullard
  • Amazon delivery trucks – Amazon’s Tyler fulfillment center creates increased delivery truck traffic
  • FedEx trucks – The FedEx Ground hub in Tyler serves the entire region
  • UPS trucks – UPS operates a major facility in Tyler
  • Swift Transportation – One of the largest carriers in the nation, with significant presence in East Texas
  • Werner Enterprises – Major carrier with terminals in Tyler
  • Heartland Express – Operates throughout East Texas
  • Local logging companies – Numerous timber haulers operate on Bullard’s rural roads
  • Oilfield trucking companies – Supporting the oil and gas industry in East Texas
  • Grocery distributors – Serving Brookshire’s, H-E-B, and other regional chains

The FMCSA Regulations That Protect Bullard Residents

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulates all commercial motor vehicles operating in interstate commerce. These regulations are designed to protect Bullard residents from dangerous trucking practices.

Hours of Service Regulations – Preventing Fatigued Driving

FMCSA regulations limit how long truck drivers can operate to prevent fatigue-related accidents:

  • 11-Hour Driving Limit: Maximum 11 hours driving after 10 consecutive hours off duty
  • 14-Hour On-Duty Window: Cannot drive beyond 14th consecutive hour after coming on duty
  • 30-Minute Break Rule: Mandatory break after 8 cumulative hours of driving
  • 60/70-Hour Weekly Limit: 60 hours in 7 days or 70 hours in 8 days
  • 34-Hour Restart: Can restart 60/70-hour clock with 34 consecutive hours off

Fatigued driving causes approximately 31% of fatal truck crashes. When drivers violate these rules, they’re too tired to react safely to Bullard’s changing road conditions.

Driver Qualification Standards – Keeping Unsafe Drivers Off the Road

FMCSA regulations establish minimum qualifications for commercial drivers:

  • Must be at least 21 years old for interstate driving
  • Must be able to read and speak English sufficiently
  • Must be physically qualified under medical standards
  • Must have a valid commercial driver’s license (CDL)
  • Must complete a road test or equivalent
  • Must not be disqualified for violations or suspensions

Trucking companies must maintain a Driver Qualification (DQ) File for every driver containing:

  • Employment application
  • Motor vehicle record from state licensing authority
  • Road test certificate or equivalent
  • Medical examiner’s certificate
  • Annual driving record review
  • Previous employer inquiries (3-year driving history)
  • Drug and alcohol test records

When we investigate Bullard trucking accidents, we subpoena these files to look for negligent hiring practices.

Vehicle Safety and Cargo Securement – Preventing Equipment Failures

FMCSA regulations establish equipment and cargo securement standards:

Cargo Securement (49 CFR § 393.100-136):

  • Cargo must be contained, immobilized, or secured to prevent shifting
  • Must withstand 0.8g deceleration forward, 0.5g rearward and lateral
  • Aggregate working load limit must be at least 50% of cargo weight
  • Specific requirements for different cargo types (logs, metal coils, machinery, etc.)

Brake Requirements (49 CFR § 393.40-55):

  • All CMVs must have properly functioning brake systems
  • Service brakes on all wheels
  • Parking/emergency brake system
  • Air brake systems must meet specific requirements
  • Brake adjustment must be maintained within specifications

Lighting Requirements (49 CFR § 393.11-26):

  • Headlamps, tail lamps, stop lamps
  • Clearance and side marker lamps
  • Reflectors and retroreflective sheeting
  • Turn signal lamps

Violations of these regulations are common in Bullard trucking accidents and provide strong evidence of negligence.

The Bullard, Texas Courts That Handle Trucking Cases

When we file trucking accident lawsuits for Bullard residents, cases are typically handled in:

  • Smith County District Courts – For cases involving serious injuries or wrongful death
  • Smith County Courts at Law – For cases with damages under $250,000
  • Bullard Municipal Court – For traffic citations and minor claims
  • U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Texas – For cases involving federal regulations or interstate commerce

Our attorneys are familiar with all the courts serving Bullard and understand how to navigate the local legal system effectively.

What to Do After an 18-Wheeler Accident in Bullard, Texas

If you’ve been involved in a trucking accident in Bullard, follow these critical steps:

  1. Call 911 immediately – Report the accident and request medical assistance
  2. Seek medical attention – Even if injuries seem minor, get checked out at a Bullard-area hospital
  3. Document the scene – Take photos and video of:
    • All vehicle damage (inside and out)
    • The accident scene and road conditions
    • Skid marks and debris patterns
    • Injuries (yours and others)
    • Traffic signs and signals
  4. Get truck and driver information:
    • Truck and trailer license plates
    • DOT number (on truck door)
    • Trucking company name and logo
    • Driver’s name, CDL number, and contact info
    • Insurance information
  5. Collect witness information – Names and phone numbers of anyone who saw the accident
  6. Report to police – Make sure a police report is filed (required in Texas for accidents with injury, death, or vehicles that can’t be safely driven)
  7. Do NOT give recorded statements – Insurance adjusters will call quickly – don’t speak to them without an attorney
  8. Call an 18-wheeler accident attorney immediately – Time is critical to preserve evidence

Why Bullard Residents Choose Attorney911

We’re Not Just Texas Attorneys – We’re Bullard Attorneys

While many law firms claim to handle trucking cases across Texas, Attorney911 has deep roots in Bullard and East Texas. Our team understands:

  • Bullard’s unique trucking corridors – We know the specific risks on Highway 69, FM 2493, and the other roads that matter to Bullard residents
  • The local courts and judges – We’re familiar with the Smith County legal system and how to navigate it effectively
  • The Bullard community – We understand the values and priorities of Bullard juries
  • The local economy – From the logging industry to the oilfield support services, we understand how Bullard’s industries create unique trucking hazards

Our Managing Partner’s 25+ Years of Experience

Ralph Manginello has been fighting for injury victims across Texas for over 25 years. As the founding Managing Partner of Attorney911, he has built a reputation for aggressive representation of clients suffering catastrophic injuries. His credentials include:

  • Federal Court Admission: U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas
  • Multi-Million Dollar Settlements: Recovered substantial verdicts and settlements for trucking accident victims
  • Former Insurance Defense Knowledge: Our team includes attorneys who previously worked for insurance companies, giving us insider knowledge of their tactics
  • Trial Experience: Prepared to take your case to trial if necessary to secure maximum compensation

Our Insider Advantage Against Trucking Companies

Our firm includes Lupe Peña, a former insurance defense attorney who spent years working for a national defense firm. This gives us a unique advantage in your Bullard trucking accident case:

  • We know how insurance companies evaluate claims – He understands their formulas and can maximize your recovery
  • We know how adjusters are trained – He recognizes their manipulation tactics immediately
  • We know what makes them settle – He understands when they’re bluffing and when they’ll pay
  • We know how they minimize payouts – He counters every tactic they use against you
  • We know how they deny claims – He knows how to fight wrongful denials
  • We know their claims valuation software – He understands how algorithms undervalue your suffering

This insider knowledge allows us to build stronger cases and negotiate from a position of strength.

Our Proven Track Record in Trucking Cases

Attorney911 has recovered millions of dollars for victims of 18-wheeler accidents across Texas, including:

  • $5+ Million – Logging brain injury settlement
  • $3.8+ Million – Car accident amputation settlement (with staph infection complications)
  • $2.5+ Million – Truck crash recovery
  • $2+ Million – Maritime back injury settlement
  • Millions recovered for families in trucking-related wrongful death cases

While every case is unique and past results don’t guarantee future outcomes, these settlements demonstrate our ability to secure substantial compensation for catastrophic injuries.

Our Contingency Fee Approach – No Risk to You

We understand that after a serious trucking accident in Bullard, you’re facing medical bills, lost wages, and financial uncertainty. That’s why we work on a contingency fee basis:

  • No upfront costs – You pay nothing to hire us
  • No hourly fees – We don’t send you bills for our time
  • No fee unless we win – We only get paid if we recover compensation for you
  • We advance all case expenses – We cover the costs of investigation, experts, and litigation

This means you can get the experienced legal representation you need without adding to your financial burden.

The Bullard, Texas Trucking Accident Case Process

When you hire Attorney911 for your Bullard trucking accident case, here’s what you can expect:

1. Free Initial Consultation

We offer a free, no-obligation consultation to evaluate your case. During this meeting, we’ll:

  • Listen to your story and understand what happened
  • Review any evidence you’ve gathered
  • Explain your legal rights and options
  • Answer your questions about the process
  • Provide an honest assessment of your case

2. Immediate Evidence Preservation

Within 24-48 hours of being retained, we’ll:

  • Send spoliation letters to all potentially liable parties
  • Demand preservation of ECM/black box data
  • Secure ELD records before they’re overwritten
  • Obtain dashcam footage before it’s deleted
  • Preserve physical evidence before it’s repaired or destroyed

3. Comprehensive Investigation

Our investigation includes:

  • Accident Reconstruction: We work with expert engineers to determine exactly how the accident occurred
  • ECM/ELD Data Analysis: We obtain and analyze the truck’s electronic data to prove violations
  • Driver Qualification File Review: We subpoena the driver’s complete employment and safety record
  • Maintenance Record Review: We examine the truck’s maintenance history for deferred repairs
  • Cargo Securement Analysis: We investigate whether improper loading contributed to the crash
  • Hours of Service Review: We analyze ELD data for fatigue-related violations
  • Cell Phone Record Analysis: We subpoena records to prove distracted driving
  • Toxicology Review: We obtain drug and alcohol test results
  • Witness Interviews: We locate and interview witnesses before memories fade
  • Scene Documentation: We photograph the accident scene, road conditions, and any contributing factors

4. Medical Treatment Coordination

We help you get the medical care you need:

  • Connecting you with Bullard-area medical providers
  • Arranging treatment with specialists
  • Documenting your injuries and treatment for your case
  • Ensuring you receive appropriate care for your specific injuries

5. Demand Package Preparation

Once your medical treatment is complete or we have a clear picture of your future needs, we’ll:

  • Calculate your total damages (medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, etc.)
  • Prepare a comprehensive demand package
  • Send the demand to the trucking company’s insurance carrier
  • Begin settlement negotiations

6. Litigation (If Necessary)

If we can’t reach a fair settlement, we’re prepared to file a lawsuit and take your case to trial. This includes:

  • Filing the lawsuit in the appropriate Bullard-area court
  • Conducting discovery (interrogatories, requests for production, depositions)
  • Retaining expert witnesses
  • Preparing for trial
  • Presenting your case to a jury

7. Resolution

The vast majority of cases settle before trial. When we reach a settlement or win a verdict, we’ll:

  • Review the offer with you and explain your options
  • Handle all negotiations to maximize your recovery
  • Ensure all medical bills and liens are properly addressed
  • Distribute your settlement proceeds
  • Provide guidance on financial planning for your future needs

Common Questions About Bullard, Texas 18-Wheeler Accidents

How long do I have to file a trucking accident lawsuit in Bullard, Texas?

Texas has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including trucking accidents. This means you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. However, there are important exceptions:

  • Government entities: If a government vehicle was involved, you may have as little as 6 months to file a claim
  • Minors: The statute of limitations is tolled until the minor turns 18
  • Wrongful death: The 2-year period begins on the date of death, not the accident date

It’s critical to contact an attorney as soon as possible. Evidence disappears quickly in trucking cases, and the sooner we begin investigating, the stronger your case will be.

How much is my Bullard trucking accident case worth?

The value of your case depends on many factors:

  • Severity of your injuries – More severe injuries generally result in higher settlements
  • Medical expenses – Both past and future medical costs
  • Lost wages – Income lost due to your injuries
  • Lost earning capacity – If you’re unable to return to your previous occupation
  • Pain and suffering – The physical and emotional impact of your injuries
  • Degree of the trucking company’s negligence – More egregious violations result in higher awards
  • Insurance coverage available – Trucking companies carry higher insurance limits than typical drivers
  • Impact on your quality of life – How your injuries affect your daily activities and relationships

While we can’t predict the exact value of your case without a thorough evaluation, we’ve recovered millions for clients with injuries similar to those we see in Bullard trucking accidents.

Will my case go to trial?

Most trucking accident cases settle before trial, but we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial. This approach:

  • Creates leverage in settlement negotiations
  • Shows the insurance company we’re serious about going to court
  • Allows us to be ready if the case doesn’t settle
  • Often results in better settlement offers

Our trial experience and willingness to go to court often lead to better settlements without the need for a trial.

What if I was partially at fault for the accident?

Texas follows a modified comparative negligence rule. This means:

  • You can recover damages as long as you’re not more than 50% at fault
  • Your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault
  • If you’re 51% or more at fault, you cannot recover anything

For example, if you’re found to be 20% at fault and your total damages are $1,000,000, you would recover $800,000.

Trucking companies and their insurance carriers will often try to blame the victim to reduce their liability. Our job is to investigate thoroughly and prove what really happened.

What if the truck driver was an independent contractor?

Even if the driver was an independent contractor, both the driver and the trucking company may be liable. We investigate:

  • The nature of the relationship between the driver and company
  • Who controlled the driver’s schedule and routes
  • Who provided the truck and equipment
  • Who was responsible for maintenance and inspections
  • Insurance coverage available from both the driver and company

How long will my case take to resolve?

The timeline varies depending on:

  • Severity of your injuries – More severe injuries require longer treatment periods
  • Complexity of the case – Cases with multiple liable parties take longer
  • Willingness to settle – Some insurance companies drag out cases unnecessarily
  • Court schedules – Bullard-area courts have varying case backlogs

Generally:

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

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

What if the trucking company goes bankrupt?

We investigate all potentially liable parties to ensure there are multiple sources of recovery. Even if the primary trucking company goes bankrupt, we may be able to recover from:

  • The driver personally
  • Other companies involved in the transportation (brokers, shippers, etc.)
  • Equipment manufacturers
  • Maintenance companies
  • Insurance companies

Can I still recover if the truck driver fled the scene?

Yes. In hit-and-run trucking accidents, we pursue:

  • Uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage from your own auto policy
  • The trucking company’s insurance if we can identify the truck
  • Other liable parties (cargo owners, maintenance companies, etc.)

We use all available evidence (witness statements, surveillance video, paint transfer analysis) to identify the truck and driver.

What if I don’t have health insurance?

We can help you get the medical care you need through:

  • Letters of Protection (LOP): We can arrange treatment with doctors who agree to be paid from your settlement
  • Medical liens: Some providers will treat you with the understanding they’ll be paid from your settlement
  • Health insurance: If you have health insurance, we’ll help you use it while protecting your right to reimbursement

How much does it cost to hire an 18-wheeler accident attorney in Bullard?

We work on a contingency fee basis, which means:

  • You pay nothing upfront
  • We advance all case expenses
  • We only get paid if we win your case
  • Our fee comes from the settlement, not your pocket

Typical contingency fees range from 33% to 40% depending on the complexity of the case and whether it goes to trial.

The Bullard, Texas Trucking Accident Attorneys You Can Trust

If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in an 18-wheeler accident in Bullard, Texas, you need attorneys who:

  • Understand Bullard’s unique trucking corridors
  • Know the local courts and judges
  • Have experience fighting major trucking companies
  • Understand the catastrophic injuries these accidents cause
  • Are prepared to go to trial if necessary
  • Will treat you like family, not just another case

At Attorney911, we offer all this and more. Our team includes:

  • Ralph Manginello – 25+ years of experience fighting for injury victims
  • Lupe Peña – Former insurance defense attorney who knows their tactics
  • Experienced paralegals and case managers – Dedicated to keeping your case moving forward
  • Expert witnesses – Accident reconstructionists, medical experts, vocational specialists

We’ve recovered millions for Texas families devastated by trucking accidents, and we’re ready to fight for you.

Contact Us Today for a Free Consultation

Every hour you wait, evidence in your Bullard trucking accident case is disappearing. Black box data can be overwritten. Dashcam footage gets deleted. Witnesses forget what they saw. Trucking companies in Bullard and nationwide hire rapid-response teams to protect their interests. You need attorneys who move just as fast.

If you’ve been hurt in a trucking accident anywhere in Bullard, Texas, call Attorney911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911). Our Bullard trucking accident attorneys offer free consultations and work on contingency – you pay nothing unless we win your case.

Hablamos Español. Our associate attorney Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish and provides direct representation without interpreters. If you or a loved one has been injured in a trucking accident in Bullard and Spanish is your primary language, we can help.

Don’t wait. Call us today at 1-888-ATTY-911. We answer 24/7, and we’re ready to fight for you.

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