18-Wheeler Accident Lawyers in Fairview, TX | Attorney911

When an 80,000-Pound Truck Changes Your Life Forever

The moment an 18-wheeler crashes into your vehicle on Fairview’s highways, your life changes in an instant. One minute you’re driving to work on US-75 or Preston Road. The next, you’re facing catastrophic injuries, mounting medical bills, and a future that looks nothing like what you planned. The trucking company already has their legal team working to protect their interests. Who’s protecting yours?

At Attorney911, we’re the Fairview 18-wheeler accident attorneys who fight for victims like you. Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has over 25 years of experience holding trucking companies accountable. We know every tactic they’ll use to minimize your claim – because our team includes a former insurance defense attorney who used to work for them. Now he works against them, using that insider knowledge to maximize your recovery.

Why Fairview Trucking Accidents Are Different

Fairview sits at the crossroads of major trucking corridors. US-75 carries north-south freight between Dallas and Sherman. The Sam Rayburn Tollway (SH 121) handles east-west traffic through Collin County. The President George Bush Turnpike connects to distribution centers across the Metroplex. These aren’t just roads – they’re the arteries of America’s supply chain, and they’re filled with 18-wheelers every hour of every day.

The trucking companies that operate on Fairview’s highways know these routes intimately. They know where the traffic bottlenecks form during rush hour. They know which exits have dangerous curves. They know where drivers are most likely to speed to make up time. And too often, they cut corners on safety to meet impossible delivery deadlines.

When those corners lead to catastrophic accidents, the results are devastating. The average passenger vehicle weighs about 4,000 pounds. A fully loaded 18-wheeler can weigh 80,000 pounds – twenty times more. That kind of weight disparity doesn’t just cause accidents. It causes tragedies.

The Most Dangerous Trucking Accidents in Fairview

Every trucking accident is dangerous, but some types are particularly common – and particularly deadly – on Fairview’s roads:

Jackknife Accidents on US-75

When a truck’s trailer swings out perpendicular to the cab, it becomes an unstoppable force sweeping across multiple lanes. These often happen when drivers brake suddenly on wet roads or take curves too fast. The Sam Rayburn Tollway’s sharp curves near Custer Road are notorious for jackknife accidents.

Underride Collisions at Busy Intersections

When a car slides underneath a trailer, the results are almost always fatal. These happen when trucks stop suddenly or make wide turns at intersections like US-75 and Stacy Road. Fairview’s growing population means more traffic at these dangerous crossings.

Rollovers on Highway Ramps

The interchange between US-75 and the Sam Rayburn Tollway sees frequent rollovers when trucks take the ramps too fast. Improperly loaded cargo or worn tires make these accidents more likely.

Rear-End Collisions on Congested Highways

Trucks need 525 feet to stop from 65 mph – nearly two football fields. When traffic slows suddenly on US-75 during rush hour, trucks often can’t stop in time. These accidents cause severe whiplash, spinal injuries, and traumatic brain injuries.

Wide Turn Accidents in Commercial Areas

Trucks making right turns from left lanes often cut off cars in the right lane. This is especially dangerous in Fairview’s commercial areas along Stacy Road and FM 544, where trucks frequently turn into shopping centers and distribution facilities.

Tire Blowouts on High-Speed Highways

Fairview’s summer heat causes tire failures, and our highways see frequent blowouts. When a steer tire fails, the driver can lose control completely. The debris from these blowouts also causes secondary accidents.

Brake Failures on Steep Grades

While Fairview is relatively flat, trucks coming down from the hills of northern Collin County can experience brake fade. This is particularly dangerous on US-75’s northbound lanes approaching the Sam Rayburn Tollway.

Why You Need a Fairview 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyer Immediately

Evidence disappears fast in trucking accident cases. The trucking company’s rapid-response team is already working to protect their interests. You need someone working just as aggressively to protect yours.

The 48-Hour Evidence Preservation Window

Black box data can be overwritten in 30 days – or with the next driving event
ELD records may only be retained for 6 months
Dashcam footage is often deleted within 7-14 days
Surveillance video from nearby businesses typically overwrites in 7-30 days
Witness memories fade significantly within weeks

We send spoliation letters within hours of being retained, putting the trucking company on legal notice that destroying evidence will have serious consequences.

What We Preserve for Your Case

Our immediate investigation includes:

ECM/Black Box Data: Speed, braking, throttle position, GPS location
ELD Records: Hours of service, driving time, rest breaks
Driver Qualification File: Hiring practices, training records, violation history
Maintenance Records: Brake inspections, tire replacements, repair history
Cargo Documentation: Loading records, weight certificates, securement logs
Cell Phone Records: Distracted driving evidence
Dashcam Footage: Video of the accident and driver behavior
Dispatch Records: Delivery schedules, route instructions
Drug/Alcohol Test Results: Impairment evidence
Physical Evidence: The truck itself, failed components, tire debris

The Trucking Companies We’ve Fought – And Beaten

Our firm has gone up against the biggest names in trucking – and won:

Walmart’s private fleet – We know their safety shortcuts
Amazon delivery trucks – We understand their time pressure culture
FedEx and UPS – We’ve handled their complex insurance structures
Swift Transportation – Based in Arizona but operates heavily in Texas
Werner Enterprises – Major presence in the Dallas-Fort Worth area
J.B. Hunt – Arkansas-based but runs routes through Fairview daily
Heartland Express – Iowa-based with significant Texas operations
Covenant Transportation – Tennessee-based but serves Fairview businesses
Knight Transportation – Arizona-based with local terminals
Local Fairview carriers – We know the smaller companies that cut the most corners

These companies have teams of lawyers, investigators, and adjusters working to minimize your claim. You need a legal team with the experience and resources to go toe-to-toe with them.

The Catastrophic Injuries We See in Fairview Trucking Accidents

The injuries from 18-wheeler accidents aren’t like typical car accident injuries. They’re life-altering. We’ve helped clients with:

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)

The force of a truck collision can cause the brain to impact the inside of the skull. Even “mild” TBIs can result in:

Memory problems
Difficulty concentrating
Personality changes
Depression and anxiety
Sleep disturbances
Permanent cognitive impairment

Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis

Damage to the spinal cord can result in:

Paraplegia – Loss of function below the waist
Quadriplegia – Loss of function in all four limbs
Incomplete injuries – Partial loss of sensation or movement
Complete injuries – Total loss of function below the injury site

These injuries often require lifetime care costing millions of dollars.

Amputations

The crushing force of a truck collision can sever limbs at the scene. Other times, injuries are so severe that surgical amputation is required. Prosthetics can cost $5,000 to $50,000 each and need replacement every few years.

Severe Burns

Trucks carry large fuel tanks that can rupture in collisions. Hazmat cargo can cause chemical burns. Electrical fires from damaged wiring create additional hazards. Burn injuries often require:

Multiple skin graft surgeries
Long hospital stays
Physical therapy
Psychological counseling
Permanent scarring and disfigurement

Internal Organ Damage

The force of a collision can cause:

Liver lacerations
Spleen damage requiring removal
Kidney injuries
Lung contusions
Internal bleeding
Bowel perforations

These injuries often require emergency surgery and can be life-threatening.

Wrongful Death

When trucking accidents take lives, we help families pursue wrongful death claims. Under Texas law, you may recover:

Lost future income
Loss of companionship and guidance
Mental anguish
Funeral expenses
Medical expenses before death
Punitive damages in cases of gross negligence

The Fairview-Specific Factors That Affect Your Case

Fairview’s unique characteristics shape every trucking accident case we handle:

Local Trucking Corridors

US-75: The primary north-south route through Fairview carries heavy truck traffic between Dallas and Sherman. The interchange with the Sam Rayburn Tollway is particularly dangerous.
Sam Rayburn Tollway (SH 121): This east-west toll road handles significant freight traffic through Collin County. The curves near Custer Road and Stacy Road are accident hotspots.
President George Bush Turnpike (SH 190): Connects to major distribution centers and sees frequent truck traffic.
Stacy Road: A major east-west route through Fairview with numerous commercial driveways and intersections that create turning hazards.
FM 544: Connects Fairview to McKinney and sees truck traffic serving local businesses.

Local Weather Conditions

Fairview’s weather creates unique trucking hazards:

Summer heat: Temperatures routinely exceed 100°F, increasing the risk of tire blowouts
Sudden thunderstorms: Heavy rain creates slick roads and reduced visibility
Winter ice: While rare, ice storms can create treacherous conditions
Fog: Morning fog on US-75 reduces visibility for trucks and passenger vehicles alike

Local Industry Factors

Fairview’s growing economy means more trucks on the road:

Retail distribution: Fairview’s proximity to Dallas and Frisco makes it a prime location for distribution centers
Manufacturing: Local manufacturers rely on trucking for raw materials and finished products
Construction: Fairview’s growth means more construction trucks on the roads
Agriculture: While less than in rural areas, agricultural trucking still occurs on Fairview’s roads

Local Legal Landscape

Collin County Courts: We know the judges, the procedures, and what it takes to win in local courts
2-Year Statute of Limitations: Texas gives you two years to file a personal injury lawsuit, but you should never wait that long
Modified Comparative Negligence: Texas follows a 51% bar rule – if you’re more than 50% at fault, you recover nothing
Punitive Damage Caps: Texas caps punitive damages at the greater of $200,000 or 2x economic damages plus non-economic damages (up to $750,000)

The Trucking Company Tactics We Counter

Trucking companies and their insurers use the same tactics in every case. We know them all – because our team includes a former insurance defense attorney who used to work for them.

The Quick Lowball Offer

They’ll call within days of the accident offering a quick settlement. These offers are always far below what your case is worth. They know you’re facing medical bills and lost wages, and they’re counting on you accepting before you understand the full extent of your injuries.

The “Pre-Existing Condition” Defense

They’ll dig through your medical records looking for any prior injury, no matter how minor or unrelated. We counter with medical experts who can distinguish between pre-existing conditions and accident-related injuries.

The “You Were Partially at Fault” Argument

Texas comparative negligence rules mean they only have to prove you were 51% at fault to deny your claim completely. We gather evidence to prove the truck driver’s negligence was the primary cause.

The “Independent Contractor” Loophole

If the driver was an owner-operator, they’ll argue they’re not responsible. We investigate the relationship to prove the trucking company still controlled the driver’s operations.

The “Missing Evidence” Excuse

They’ll claim records were lost, data was overwritten, or evidence was destroyed. Our immediate spoliation letters prevent this tactic from working.

The “Expert” Who Always Blames the Victim

Insurance companies have doctors, engineers, and accident reconstructionists on retainer who always find a way to blame the victim. We bring in our own experts who are truly independent.

The Multi-Million Dollar Results We’ve Achieved

Our track record speaks for itself:

$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
$10M+ – University of Houston hazing lawsuit (active litigation)

These results demonstrate what’s possible when trucking companies are held fully accountable. Insurance companies know which lawyers will go to trial – and which ones will accept lowball offers. They know we’re willing to take cases all the way to verdict.

The Attorney911 Difference

When you’ve been injured in a Fairview 18-wheeler accident, you need more than just a lawyer. You need a legal team with:

25+ Years of Trucking Litigation Experience

Ralph Manginello has been fighting trucking companies since 1998. He knows every regulation, every defense tactic, and every way to maximize your recovery.

Federal Court Experience

We’re admitted to practice in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas. This is crucial for interstate trucking cases that can be filed in federal court.

Former Insurance Defense Attorney on Staff

Our associate attorney, Lupe Peña, spent years working for a national insurance defense firm. He knows exactly how insurance companies evaluate claims – because he used to do it for them. Now he uses that knowledge to fight against them.

Spanish-Language Services

Fairview has a growing Hispanic community, and many truck drivers are Spanish-speaking. Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish and can communicate directly with Spanish-speaking clients. Hablamos español.

Three Texas Office Locations

While we’re based in Houston, we have offices in Austin and Beaumont, allowing us to serve clients across Texas. We regularly handle cases in Collin County and throughout the Metroplex.

24/7 Availability

Trucking accidents don’t happen on a 9-to-5 schedule. We answer calls 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. When you need us, we’re here.

Contingency Fee Representation

You pay nothing unless we win your case. We advance all costs of investigation and litigation. You never receive a bill from us.

The Fairview Trucking Accident Case Process

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

1. Free Initial Consultation

We’ll evaluate your case, explain your rights, and answer your questions. There’s no obligation and no upfront cost.

2. Immediate Evidence Preservation

We send spoliation letters within hours to preserve:

Black box data
ELD records
Dashcam footage
Maintenance records
Driver qualification files
And more

3. Comprehensive Investigation

Our team investigates every aspect of your case:

Accident reconstruction
Driver history analysis
Company safety record review
FMCSA violation identification
Medical record collection
Witness interviews

4. Medical Care Coordination

We help you get the medical treatment you need, even if you don’t have insurance. We work with doctors who will treat you on a lien basis, meaning they get paid when your case settles.

5. Demand Package Preparation

We compile all evidence and prepare a comprehensive demand package for the insurance company. This includes:

Medical records and bills
Lost wage documentation
Pain and suffering analysis
Liability evidence
Expert reports

6. Aggressive Negotiation

We negotiate from a position of strength. Insurance companies know we’re prepared to go to trial if they don’t offer fair compensation.

7. Litigation if Necessary

If we can’t reach a fair settlement, we file a lawsuit and take your case to court. We prepare every case as if it’s going to trial.

8. Resolution

Most cases settle before trial, but we’re fully prepared to take your case to verdict if necessary. We don’t back down from tough cases.

The FMCSA Violations We Find in Fairview Trucking Cases

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations exist to keep our roads safe. When trucking companies violate these rules, accidents happen. We investigate every case for FMCSA violations, including:

Hours of Service Violations (49 CFR Part 395)

Driving more than 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty
Driving beyond the 14th consecutive hour on duty
Failing to take required 30-minute breaks
Violating 60/70-hour weekly limits
Falsifying log books or ELD records

Fatigued driving causes approximately 31% of fatal truck crashes. When we find hours of service violations, we can prove the driver was too tired to operate safely.

Driver Qualification Violations (49 CFR Part 391)

Hiring drivers without proper CDLs
Failing to conduct background checks
Employing drivers with suspended licenses
Not verifying previous employment
Ignoring medical certification requirements

A proper driver qualification file should contain:

Employment application
Motor vehicle record
Road test certificate
Medical examiner’s certificate
Previous employer inquiries
Drug and alcohol test results

When trucking companies cut corners on driver qualifications, they put dangerous drivers on the road.

Vehicle Maintenance Violations (49 CFR Part 396)

Failing to conduct pre-trip inspections
Ignoring known mechanical defects
Not maintaining proper brake adjustments
Using worn or damaged tires
Operating with faulty lighting or reflectors

Brake problems are a factor in approximately 29% of large truck crashes. Proper maintenance is required by law, but many companies defer repairs to save money.

Cargo Securement Violations (49 CFR Part 393)

Inadequate tiedowns
Improper load distribution
Failure to use blocking or bracing
Overloading beyond securement capacity
Not re-inspecting cargo during trips

Cargo securement violations cause rollovers, spills, and debris accidents. The regulations specify exact requirements for different types of cargo.

Drug and Alcohol Violations (49 CFR Part 382)

Operating under the influence of drugs or alcohol
Failing pre-employment drug tests
Refusing random drug tests
Using controlled substances while on duty
Possessing alcohol while on duty

Truck drivers are subject to strict drug and alcohol testing requirements. Violations can result in immediate disqualification.

Cell Phone and Distraction Violations (49 CFR Part 392)

Using hand-held mobile phones while driving
Texting while driving
Reaching for phones in a way that requires leaving the seated position
Using dispatch devices that distract from driving

Distracted driving is a growing problem in the trucking industry. Cell phone records can prove distraction at the time of the accident.

The Fairview-Specific Evidence We Gather

Every Fairview trucking accident case requires evidence specific to our area:

Local Traffic Camera Footage

We identify and obtain footage from:

TxDOT traffic cameras on US-75 and other major highways
City of Fairview traffic cameras
Private business security cameras
Residential doorbell cameras

Local Weather Data

Fairview’s weather conditions at the time of the accident can be crucial. We obtain:

National Weather Service data
Local radar information
Road condition reports
Witness statements about visibility

Local Road Condition Reports

We investigate whether road conditions contributed to the accident:

Construction zone setups
Temporary traffic control devices
Road surface conditions
Signage visibility
Lighting adequacy

Local Witness Statements

Fairview residents who witnessed the accident can provide valuable testimony. We:

Identify witnesses at the scene
Interview them promptly before memories fade
Obtain written statements
Prepare them for depositions if necessary

Local Medical Records

We work with Fairview medical providers to document your injuries:

Medical City McKinney
Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – McKinney
Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Allen
Local urgent care centers
Physical therapy clinics
Specialists throughout the Metroplex

Local Employment Records

If you’ve missed work due to your injuries, we document:

Lost wages
Lost earning capacity
Benefits you would have received
Promotions or raises you missed

The Damages You Can Recover in a Fairview Trucking Accident Case

Trucking companies carry higher insurance limits than typical drivers. This means more compensation is available for your injuries. We pursue all available damages, including:

Economic Damages

Medical expenses: Past, present, and future medical costs
Lost wages: Income lost due to your injuries
Lost earning capacity: Reduction in your ability to earn in the future
Property damage: Repair or replacement of your vehicle
Out-of-pocket expenses: Transportation to medical appointments, home modifications, etc.
Life care costs: Ongoing care for catastrophic injuries

Non-Economic Damages

Pain and suffering: Physical pain from your injuries
Mental anguish: Psychological trauma, anxiety, depression
Loss of enjoyment: Inability to participate in activities you enjoyed
Disfigurement: Scarring, visible injuries
Loss of consortium: Impact on your marriage and family relationships
Physical impairment: Reduced physical capabilities

Punitive Damages

In cases of gross negligence, recklessness, or intentional misconduct, we may pursue punitive damages to punish the wrongdoer. Texas caps punitive damages at the greater of:

$200,000, or
Two times economic damages plus non-economic damages (up to $750,000)

The Fairview Trucking Accident Cases We Handle

We handle all types of trucking accident cases in Fairview, including:

Commercial Truck Accidents

18-wheeler crashes
Tractor-trailer collisions
Semi-truck accidents
Delivery truck accidents
Box truck crashes

Specialized Truck Accidents

Tanker truck accidents
Flatbed truck crashes
Refrigerated truck accidents
Dump truck collisions
Garbage truck accidents
Cement mixer crashes
Tow truck accidents

Industry-Specific Cases

Oil field trucking accidents
Construction truck crashes
Agricultural truck accidents
Retail distribution accidents
Amazon delivery truck accidents

Catastrophic Injury Cases

Traumatic brain injury cases
Spinal cord injury and paralysis cases
Amputation cases
Severe burn cases
Wrongful death cases

The Fairview Trucking Companies We’ve Investigated

We’ve investigated accidents involving numerous trucking companies that operate in Fairview:

National Carriers

Swift Transportation
Werner Enterprises
J.B. Hunt
Schneider National
Heartland Express
Covenant Transportation
Knight Transportation
CRST International
TMC Transportation
Groendyke Transport

Regional Carriers

Central Freight Lines
Averitt Express
Old Dominion Freight Line
Estes Express Lines
Saia Motor Freight
AAA Cooper Transportation
Southeastern Freight Lines

Local Fairview Carriers

Numerous smaller trucking companies serving local businesses
Owner-operators contracted with larger carriers
Local delivery services

The Fairview Courts Where We Practice

We’re familiar with the courts that handle trucking accident cases in Fairview:

Collin County Courts

Collin County District Courts: Where most personal injury lawsuits are filed
Collin County Courts at Law: Handle some personal injury cases
Collin County Justice of the Peace Courts: Handle smaller claims

Federal Courts

U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas: Handles interstate trucking cases
U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Texas: Some Fairview cases may be filed here

Surrounding Counties

Denton County Courts: Some Fairview cases may be filed here
Grayson County Courts: For cases near the Sherman area
Dallas County Courts: Some cases may be filed in Dallas

The Fairview-Specific Resources We Use

Our local knowledge gives us an advantage in Fairview trucking cases:

Local Law Enforcement

Fairview Police Department
Collin County Sheriff’s Office
Texas Department of Public Safety
Commercial Vehicle