18-Wheeler Accident Lawyers in Allen, Texas | Attorney911

When an 80,000-Pound Truck Changes Your Life in an Instant

Every day on Allen’s highways and interstates, families just like yours drive to work, take their kids to school, and run errands — never expecting that a single moment could change everything. But when an 18-wheeler jackknifes across I-75, rolls over on US-75, or rear-ends your vehicle at a stoplight near Watters Creek, the consequences are catastrophic.

At Attorney911, we’ve seen what happens when trucking companies cut corners, when drivers violate federal safety regulations, and when profit takes priority over safety. We’ve recovered millions for Allen families devastated by preventable trucking accidents. And we’re ready to fight for you.

Why Allen’s Trucking Corridors Are So Dangerous

Allen sits at the crossroads of some of Texas’s busiest trucking routes. The I-75 corridor connects Dallas to the Gulf Coast, carrying massive freight volumes through Collin County. US-75 serves as a critical north-south artery for commercial traffic moving between Dallas and Sherman. The President George Bush Turnpike (SH 190) handles heavy distribution traffic serving Allen’s growing business community.

These aren’t just roads — they’re trucking superhighways where:

• Fully loaded 18-wheelers travel at 70+ mph
• Drivers face pressure to meet tight delivery deadlines
• Fatigue, distraction, and equipment failures become deadly hazards
• Allen’s mix of urban congestion and high-speed highway sections creates unique dangers

We know these corridors. We know the weigh stations, the distribution centers, the truck stops where drivers may be violating hours-of-service regulations. And we know how to hold negligent trucking companies accountable when their shortcuts cause Allen families to suffer.

The Physics of Trucking Accidents: Why They’re So Deadly

When your 3,500-pound sedan collides with an 80,000-pound 18-wheeler, the physics are unforgiving:

• Weight disparity: The truck is 20-25 times heavier than your car
• Stopping distance: A fully loaded truck at 65 mph needs 525 feet to stop — nearly two football fields
• Impact force: The kinetic energy is proportional to mass times velocity squared
• Trailer dynamics: The trailer can swing independently, creating jackknife or rollover hazards

This isn’t a fair fight. And when trucking companies violate federal safety regulations, the results are often catastrophic.

Common Types of 18-Wheeler Accidents in Allen

Jackknife Accidents: When 80,000 Pounds Becomes Uncontrollable

The screech of brakes. The sight of a trailer swinging perpendicular to the cab. The realization that you can’t avoid the oncoming wall of steel.

Jackknife accidents are among the most terrifying trucking crashes we see in Allen. They occur when the trailer swings out to form a 90-degree angle with the cab, often blocking multiple lanes of traffic. In the chaos, multiple vehicles can be struck by the swinging trailer.

Why they happen in Allen:

• Sudden braking on wet or icy roads (especially on I-75 during winter storms)
• Speeding around curves on US-75 or the Bush Turnpike
• Empty or lightly loaded trailers (more prone to swing)
• Worn brakes or improper brake adjustment
• Driver fatigue or distraction

The evidence we pursue:

• Skid mark analysis showing braking patterns
• ECM (black box) data showing speed and brake application
• Maintenance records showing brake condition
• Driver logs showing hours of service compliance
• Weather reports showing road conditions

Underride Collisions: When Your Car Slides Under a Trailer

There are few sights more horrifying than an underride collision. When a passenger vehicle strikes the rear or side of an 18-wheeler and slides underneath, the trailer often shears off the top of the car at windshield level.

These accidents are frequently fatal. In fact, they’re among the deadliest types of trucking accidents we see in Allen.

Two types of underride accidents:

1. Rear underride: Your vehicle strikes the back of a trailer
2. Side underride: Your vehicle strikes the side of a trailer during lane changes or turns

Federal regulations require rear underride guards on trailers manufactured after January 26, 1998. But these guards often fail during crashes. And there are no federal requirements for side underride guards — despite their proven ability to save lives.

Why they happen in Allen:

• Inadequate or missing underride guards
• Poorly maintained or damaged guards
• Trucks stopped in travel lanes without proper warnings
• Trucks making wide turns across multiple lanes
• Low visibility conditions (fog common in Allen’s low areas)
• Trucks with inadequate lighting or reflectors

The evidence we pursue:

• Underride guard inspection and maintenance records
• Guard installation and certification documentation
• Lighting compliance records
• Crash dynamics showing underride depth
• Visibility conditions at accident scene

Rollover Accidents: When Physics Takes Over

The sound of metal crumpling. The sight of an 18-wheeler toppling onto its side. The realization that the cargo may spill across the highway.

Rollover accidents are particularly dangerous in Allen because they often occur at highway speeds and can involve multiple vehicles. When a truck rolls over, it can crush vehicles beside it, spill cargo onto the roadway, or create chain-reaction crashes.

Why they happen in Allen:

• Speeding on curves (especially on I-75 and the Bush Turnpike)
• Improperly secured or unevenly distributed cargo
• Liquid cargo “slosh” shifting center of gravity
• Overcorrection after tire blowouts or lane departures
• Driver fatigue causing delayed reactions
• Road design issues on Allen’s highway ramps

The evidence we pursue:

• ECM data showing speed through curves
• Cargo manifest and securement documentation
• Load distribution records
• Driver training records on rollover prevention
• Road geometry and signage analysis

Rear-End Collisions: When 80,000 Pounds Can’t Stop in Time

The most common type of trucking accident — and one of the most dangerous. When an 18-wheeler rear-ends your vehicle, the impact is often catastrophic.

At 65 mph, a fully loaded truck needs approximately 525 feet to stop. That’s nearly two football fields. When drivers follow too closely, are distracted, or have poorly maintained brakes, they simply can’t stop in time.

Why they happen in Allen:

• Following too closely (tailgating)
• Driver distraction (cell phones, dispatch communications)
• Driver fatigue and delayed reaction times
• Excessive speed for traffic conditions
• Brake failures from poor maintenance
• Failure to anticipate traffic slowdowns
• Impaired driving (drugs, alcohol)

The evidence we pursue:

• ECM data showing following distance and speed
• ELD data for driver fatigue analysis
• Cell phone records for distraction evidence
• Brake inspection and maintenance records
• Dashcam footage (if available)
• Traffic conditions and speed limits

Wide Turn Accidents: When Trucks Cut You Off

Also known as “squeeze play” accidents, these occur when an 18-wheeler swings wide (often to the left) before making a right turn. The truck creates a gap that other vehicles may enter, only to be crushed when the truck completes its turn.

These accidents are particularly dangerous for pedestrians and cyclists in Allen’s urban areas, but also affect motorists on roads like Stacy Road and Exchange Parkway.

Why they happen in Allen:

• Failure to properly signal turning intention
• Inadequate mirror checks before and during turns
• Improper turn technique (swinging too early or too wide)
• Driver inexperience with trailer tracking
• Failure to yield right-of-way when completing turn
• Poor intersection design forcing wide turns

The evidence we pursue:

• Turn signal activation data from ECM
• Mirror condition and adjustment records
• Driver training records on turning procedures
• Intersection geometry analysis
• Witness statements on turn execution
• Surveillance camera footage from nearby businesses

Blind Spot Accidents: When Trucks Can’t See You

Commercial trucks have four massive blind spots — called “No-Zones” — 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 cab door backward
4. Right Side No-Zone: Extends from cab door backward — the largest and most dangerous blind spot

When trucks change lanes without seeing vehicles in these zones, the results are often catastrophic.

Why they happen in Allen:

• Failure to check mirrors before lane changes
• Improperly adjusted or damaged mirrors
• Inadequate mirror checking during sustained maneuvers
• Driver distraction during lane changes
• Failure to use turn signals
• Allen’s highway congestion increasing lane change frequency

The evidence we pursue:

• Mirror condition and adjustment at time of crash
• Lane change data from ECM/telematics
• Turn signal activation records
• Driver training on blind spot awareness
• Dashcam footage
• Witness statements on truck behavior

Tire Blowout Accidents: When Rubber Meets Road

With 18 tires on a typical 18-wheeler, the potential for failure is significant. When a tire blows out — especially a steer tire — the driver can lose control, causing the truck to veer into other lanes or roll over.

Tire debris, often called “road gators,” also creates hazards for following vehicles.

Why they happen in Allen:

• Underinflated tires causing overheating (especially in Texas heat)
• Overloaded vehicles exceeding tire capacity
• Worn or aging tires not replaced
• Road debris punctures
• Manufacturing defects
• Improper tire matching on dual wheels
• Inadequate pre-trip tire inspections

The evidence we pursue:

• Tire maintenance and inspection records
• Tire age and wear documentation
• Tire inflation records and pressure checks
• Vehicle weight records (weigh station)
• Tire manufacturer and purchase records
• Failed tire for defect analysis

Brake Failure Accidents: When Stopping Becomes Impossible

Brake problems are a factor in approximately 29% of large truck crashes. When an 18-wheeler’s braking system fails or underperforms, the driver cannot stop in time to avoid a collision.

Why they happen in Allen:

• Worn brake pads or 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
• Failure to conduct pre-trip brake inspections
• Deferred maintenance to save costs

The evidence we pursue:

• Brake inspection and maintenance records
• Out-of-service inspection history
• ECM data showing brake application and effectiveness
• Post-crash brake system analysis
• Driver vehicle inspection reports (DVIRs)
• Mechanic work orders and parts records

Cargo Spill Accidents: When Loads Become Hazards

When cargo isn’t properly secured, the results can be disastrous. Shifting loads cause rollovers. Falling cargo strikes other vehicles. Hazardous materials create additional dangers.

Why they happen in Allen:

• Inadequate tiedowns (insufficient number or strength)
• Improper loading distribution
• Failure to use blocking, bracing, or friction mats
• Tiedown failure due to wear or damage
• Overloading beyond securement capacity
• Failure to re-inspect cargo during trip
• Loose tarps allowing cargo shift

The evidence we pursue:

• Cargo securement inspection photos
• Bill of lading and cargo manifest
• Loading company records
• Tiedown specifications and condition
• 49 CFR 393 compliance documentation
• Driver training on cargo securement

The Allen-Specific Factors That Make Trucking Accidents Different

Allen’s Unique Trucking Landscape

Allen isn’t just another Dallas suburb — it’s a growing economic hub with unique trucking challenges:

• Distribution growth: Allen’s business-friendly environment has attracted distribution centers and logistics operations, increasing truck traffic on local roads
• Highway congestion: The mix of local commuter traffic and commercial trucks on I-75, US-75, and the Bush Turnpike creates dangerous conditions
• Urban-rural interface: Allen’s location means trucks transition between urban congestion and high-speed rural highway sections
• Construction zones: Ongoing development in Allen creates frequent lane shifts and temporary traffic patterns that confuse drivers
• Severe weather: Allen experiences sudden thunderstorms, hail, and occasional winter ice that create hazardous driving conditions

The Allen Trucking Corridors We Know Too Well

At Attorney911, we’ve handled trucking accident cases on every major corridor serving Allen:

• I-75: The primary north-south interstate carrying freight between Dallas and the Gulf Coast
• US-75: A critical artery for commercial traffic moving through Collin County
• President George Bush Turnpike (SH 190): A major toll road handling distribution traffic
• Stacy Road: A key east-west route with significant truck traffic
• Exchange Parkway: Serving Allen’s business community with frequent truck movements
• Watters Creek area: High pedestrian and vehicle traffic mixing with delivery trucks

We know these roads. We know the dangerous intersections. We know where trucks are most likely to cause accidents. And we know how to investigate accidents on each of these corridors.

Who’s Really Responsible? The Web of Liability in Allen Trucking Accidents

When an 18-wheeler causes a catastrophic accident in Allen, the truck driver is just one piece of a complex puzzle. Multiple parties may share responsibility — and we pursue them all.

The Truck Driver: More Than Just a Bad Apple

While individual driver error contributes to many accidents, we look deeper:

• Hours of service violations: Were they driving beyond federal limits?
• Distracted driving: Were they using a cell phone or dispatch device?
• Impaired driving: Did drugs or alcohol play a role?
• Medical conditions: Were they driving with an untreated condition?
• Training deficiencies: Were they properly trained for the cargo and route?

The Trucking Company: Where Negligence Often Starts

The trucking company is often the most important defendant because they have the deepest pockets and the most responsibility for safety.

We investigate:

• Negligent hiring: Did they hire unqualified drivers?
• Negligent training: Did they provide inadequate safety training?
• Negligent supervision: Did they fail to monitor driver performance?
• Negligent maintenance: Did they defer critical repairs?
• Negligent scheduling: Did they pressure drivers to violate HOS regulations?

The Cargo Owner/Shipper: Hidden Responsibility

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 carrier to expedite beyond safe limits
• Misrepresenting cargo weight or characteristics

The Loading Company: When Securement Fails

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, tiedowns
• Not training loaders on securement requirements

The Manufacturer: When Defects Cause Crashes

The companies that manufactured the truck, trailer, or major components may be liable for:

• 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)

The Maintenance Company: When Repairs Fail

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

The Freight Broker: When They Choose Unsafe Carriers

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 cheapest carrier despite safety concerns

The Government Entity: When Roads Are Unsafe

In limited circumstances, government entities may be liable for:

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

The 48-Hour Evidence Preservation Protocol

Why Time Is Your Enemy in Trucking Cases

In the hours and days after a trucking accident, critical evidence disappears:

• 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
• Witness Memory: Fades significantly within weeks
• Physical Evidence: Vehicle may be repaired, sold, or scrapped

Trucking companies have rapid-response teams that begin protecting their interests within hours. If you don’t act quickly, the evidence you need to prove your case will be lost forever.

Our Immediate Response Protocol

When you call Attorney911 after an Allen trucking accident, here’s what we do immediately:

1. Same-Day Case Acceptance: We evaluate your case and send preservation letters within hours
2. Spoliation Letters: Formal legal notices demanding preservation of all evidence
3. ECM/ELD Data Preservation: Demand immediate download of black box and electronic log data
4. Vehicle Preservation: Demand the truck and trailer be preserved in current condition
5. Scene Documentation: Dispatch investigators to photograph the scene if not already cleared
6. Witness Interviews: Contact witnesses while memories are fresh
7. Surveillance Video: Canvass area businesses for camera footage
8. Police Report: Obtain accident report and 911 call recordings

The Critical Evidence We Preserve

The FMCSA Regulations That Trucking Companies Violate

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulates every aspect of commercial trucking. When trucking companies violate these regulations, they create dangerous conditions that cause catastrophic accidents.

Part 391: Driver Qualification – Who’s Behind the Wheel?

Every trucking company must maintain a Driver Qualification (DQ) File for each driver containing:

• Employment application with 10-year employment history
• Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) from state licensing authority
• Road test certificate or equivalent
• Medical examiner’s certificate (valid for 2 years max)
• Annual driving record review
• Previous employer inquiries (3-year driving history)
• Drug and alcohol test records

Common violations we find in Allen cases:

• Missing or incomplete DQ files
• Drivers operating without valid CDLs
• Drivers with suspended or revoked licenses
• Drivers with untreated medical conditions
• Failure to conduct background checks
• Hiring drivers with poor safety records

Part 392: Driving Rules – How Trucks Should Operate

These regulations govern how drivers operate their vehicles:

• § 392.3: No driving while ill or fatigued
• § 392.4: No drug use while on duty
• § 392.5: No alcohol use within 4 hours of driving
• § 392.6: No scheduling that requires speeding
• § 392.11: No following too closely
• § 392.82: No hand-held mobile phone use while driving

Common violations we find in Allen cases:

• Drivers using cell phones while driving
• Drivers operating while fatigued
• Drivers under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• Speeding to meet delivery deadlines
• Following too closely in congested traffic

Part 393: Vehicle Safety – The Equipment That Fails

These regulations govern vehicle equipment and cargo securement:

• § 393.40-55: Brake system requirements
• § 393.75: Tire requirements (minimum tread depth)
• § 393.100-136: Cargo securement standards
• § 393.11-26: Lighting requirements

Common violations we find in Allen cases:

• Worn brakes or improper brake adjustment
• Bald or underinflated tires
• Inadequate cargo securement
• Missing or non-functional lights
• Defective coupling devices

Part 395: Hours of Service – The Fatigue Factor

These are the most commonly violated regulations — and among the most dangerous:

• 11-Hour Driving Limit: Max 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: 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

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

Part 396: Inspection & Maintenance – The Deferred Repairs

These regulations require systematic vehicle upkeep:

• § 396.3: Systematic inspection, repair, and maintenance
• § 396.13: Driver pre-trip inspection requirement
• § 396.11: Driver post-trip inspection report
• § 396.17: Annual inspection requirement

Common violations we find in Allen cases:

• Deferred maintenance to save costs
• Failure to conduct pre-trip inspections
• Ignoring known defects
• Using substandard parts
• Failure to conduct annual inspections

The Catastrophic Injuries Allen Families Face

When an 80,000-pound truck collides with a passenger vehicle, the injuries are often catastrophic. At Attorney911, we’ve represented Allen families facing life-altering injuries caused by negligent trucking companies.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): The Invisible Catastrophe

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

Severity levels:

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

Symptoms:

• Headaches and dizziness
• Memory loss and confusion
• Difficulty concentrating
• Mood changes, depression, anxiety
• Sleep disturbances
• 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

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

Spinal Cord Injury: When Movement Is Lost

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

Types of paralysis:

• Paraplegia: Loss of function below the waist
• Quadriplegia: Loss of function in all four limbs
• Incomplete Injury: Some nerve function remains
• Complete Injury: No nerve function below injury

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

Lifetime care costs:

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

Amputation: When Limbs Are Lost

Amputations occur when limbs are severed in the crash or so severely damaged they must be surgically removed.

Common in trucking accidents due to:

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

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: When Fire Engulfs the Scene

Burns occur when fuel tanks rupture, hazmat cargo ignites, or friction creates heat.

Burn classification:

• First Degree: Epidermis only (minor, heals without scarring)
• Second Degree: Epidermis and dermis (may scar, may need grafting)
• Third Degree: Full thickness (requires skin grafts, permanent scarring)
• Fourth Degree: Through skin to muscle/bone (multiple surgeries, amputation may be required)

Long-term consequences:

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

Internal Organ Damage: The Hidden Injuries

Internal injuries may not show immediate symptoms but can be life-threatening.

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 Families Lose Everything

When trucking negligence takes a life, surviving family members can pursue wrongful death claims.

Who can bring a wrongful death claim in Texas:

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

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
• Pain and suffering experienced by decedent before death
• Punitive damages (if gross negligence)

The Insurance Battle: Why Trucking Companies Fight So Hard

Trucking companies carry massive insurance policies — $750,000 to $5,000,000 or more. But that doesn’t mean they’ll pay fairly. In fact, they have teams of adjusters and lawyers working to minimize your claim from day one.

The Insurance Tactics We See in Allen Cases