18-Wheeler Accidents in Coppell: Your Guide to Justice and Maximum Compensation

Every year, thousands of families in North Texas have their lives changed forever by 18-wheeler accidents. If you or someone you love has been seriously injured in a trucking accident in Coppell, you need more than just a lawyer—you need a team that understands the unique dangers of our local highways and knows how to hold negligent trucking companies fully accountable.

At Attorney911, we’ve been fighting for truck accident victims across Texas for over 25 years. Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has federal court experience and has secured multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements for families devastated by catastrophic 18-wheeler crashes. When you call us at 1-888-ATTY-911, you’re not just getting a Coppell trucking accident attorney—you’re getting a team that includes a former insurance defense attorney who knows exactly how trucking companies try to minimize your claim.

The Hidden Dangers of Coppell’s Highways

Coppell sits at the crossroads of some of Texas’s busiest trucking corridors. Our city’s proximity to major distribution centers, DFW International Airport, and the I-35/I-635 interchange means we see more than our share of commercial truck traffic. Some of the most dangerous areas for 18-wheeler accidents in our region include:

• I-35E near the Denton County line – A major north-south route carrying heavy freight traffic between Dallas, Denton, and beyond
• I-635 (LBJ Freeway) through Coppell – One of the most congested highways in Texas, where trucks mix with commuter traffic
• FM 1938 (MacArthur Boulevard) – Connects to major distribution centers and sees significant truck traffic
• Belt Line Road – A busy thoroughfare with numerous commercial facilities
• The I-35E/I-635 interchange – A complex junction where lane changes and merging create significant accident risks

These aren’t just roads—they’re the arteries of our regional economy, carrying everything from Amazon packages to construction materials to hazardous chemicals. When trucking companies cut corners on safety, it’s Coppell families who pay the price.

Why 18-Wheeler Accidents Are Different

Trucking accidents aren’t like regular car crashes. The physics of an 80,000-pound truck colliding with a 4,000-pound passenger vehicle create forces that often result in catastrophic injuries or death. The legal landscape is different too:

• Higher insurance limits – Trucking companies carry $750,000 to $5 million in insurance coverage
• Multiple liable parties – We investigate the driver, trucking company, cargo loaders, maintenance providers, and manufacturers
• Federal regulations – FMCSA rules create specific duties that trucking companies often violate
• Rapid evidence destruction – Black box data can be overwritten in 30 days if we don’t act fast

Our team understands these differences. We’ve handled cases against major commercial carriers like Walmart, Coca-Cola, Amazon, FedEx, and UPS. We know how to navigate the complex web of insurance policies and corporate structures that these companies use to protect themselves.

Common Causes of 18-Wheeler Accidents in Coppell

Driver Fatigue and Hours of Service Violations

One of the most common—and deadly—violations we see involves truck drivers operating beyond federal hours of service limits. FMCSA regulations are designed to prevent fatigued driving:

• 11-hour driving limit – Drivers can’t drive more than 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty
• 14-hour on-duty window – Drivers can’t drive beyond the 14th consecutive hour after coming on duty
• 30-minute break requirement – Drivers must take a 30-minute break after 8 cumulative hours of driving
• 60/70-hour weekly limits – Drivers can’t drive after 60 hours in 7 days or 70 hours in 8 days

Despite these clear rules, we regularly see cases where drivers and trucking companies falsify logbooks or pressure drivers to meet unrealistic delivery schedules. In Coppell, where trucks often pass through on long-haul routes between Dallas, Fort Worth, and points north, fatigue-related crashes are particularly common.

Case Example: In one recent case, we represented a family whose loved one was killed when a truck driver fell asleep at the wheel on I-35E near Coppell. Our investigation revealed the driver had been on duty for 18 hours straight and falsified his electronic logging device records. The trucking company had a history of hours of service violations but continued to pressure drivers to meet delivery deadlines.

Distracted Driving

Distracted driving is dangerous for any driver, but when an 80,000-pound truck is involved, the consequences can be catastrophic. Common distractions we see in Coppell trucking accidents include:

• Cell phone use – Texting, talking, or using apps while driving
• Dispatch communications – Using onboard messaging systems
• Navigation systems – Programming GPS while driving
• Eating and drinking – Taking hands off the wheel
• External distractions – Looking at accidents, billboards, or scenery

Federal regulations specifically prohibit commercial drivers from using hand-held mobile phones while driving. Despite this, we frequently see drivers texting or talking on phones when accidents occur.

Improper Maintenance and Equipment Failures

Trucking companies have a legal duty to maintain their vehicles in safe operating condition. When they fail to do so, the results can be deadly. Some of the most common maintenance-related causes of accidents we see in Coppell include:

• Brake failures – Worn brake pads, improper adjustment, or air system leaks
• Tire blowouts – Underinflated, overloaded, or worn tires
• Steering failures – Worn components or improper lubrication
• Lighting failures – Missing or non-functional lights and reflectors
• Coupling failures – Improperly secured trailers

Local Concern: With the extreme Texas heat, tire blowouts are a particular concern on Coppell highways. We’ve seen multiple cases where overheated tires failed on I-635, causing loss-of-control accidents that injured multiple vehicles.

Improper Cargo Loading

When cargo isn’t properly secured or is unevenly distributed, it can cause trucks to become unstable. Common cargo-related issues include:

• Overloaded trucks – Exceeding weight limits
• Improperly secured cargo – Inadequate tiedowns or bracing
• Shifting loads – Liquid cargo or improperly balanced loads that shift during transit
• Overhanging loads – Cargo extending beyond the trailer without proper markings

In Coppell, we see many trucks carrying construction materials, retail goods, and even hazardous materials. When these loads aren’t properly secured, they can fall onto the highway or cause the truck to roll over.

Aggressive Driving and Speeding

Truck drivers under pressure to meet delivery deadlines sometimes engage in aggressive driving behaviors:

• Following too closely – Not leaving adequate stopping distance
• Unsafe lane changes – Cutting off other vehicles
• Speeding – Exceeding posted limits or driving too fast for conditions
• Failure to yield – Not giving right-of-way when required

The I-635 corridor through Coppell is particularly prone to aggressive driving incidents, where trucks and passenger vehicles compete for space in heavy traffic.

Wide Turn Accidents (“Squeeze Play”)

One of the most dangerous maneuvers for large trucks is making a wide turn. Because trailers track inside the path of the cab, drivers often swing wide to the left before making a right turn. This creates a gap that other drivers sometimes try to fill—only to be crushed when the truck completes its turn.

These “squeeze play” accidents are common at intersections throughout Coppell, particularly on Belt Line Road and MacArthur Boulevard where trucks frequently turn into commercial facilities.

The Catastrophic Injuries We See in Coppell Trucking Accidents

The size and weight disparity between 18-wheelers and passenger vehicles means that trucking accidents often result in life-altering injuries:

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

TBI is one of the most common and devastating injuries in trucking accidents. The extreme forces involved can cause the brain to impact the inside of the skull, leading to:

• Concussions (mild TBI)
• Moderate to severe brain injuries
• Permanent cognitive impairment
• Memory loss and personality changes
• Increased risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s

Local Resource: Coppell residents with TBI often receive treatment at nearby facilities like Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Grapevine or UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas.

Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis

Damage to the spinal cord can result in partial or complete 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

These injuries often require lifetime medical care and home modifications. The lifetime cost of care for a spinal cord injury can exceed $5 million.

Amputations

The crushing forces in trucking accidents can result in traumatic amputations or require surgical amputation of limbs that are too severely damaged to save. Amputees face:

• Multiple surgeries
• Prosthetic limbs ($5,000-$50,000 each)
• Physical and occupational therapy
• Psychological trauma
• Permanent disability

Severe Burns

Trucking accidents often result in fires due to:

• Fuel tank ruptures
• Hazardous material spills
• Electrical system failures

Burn injuries require extensive treatment including:

• Multiple skin graft surgeries
• Physical therapy
• Psychological counseling
• Permanent scarring and disfigurement

Internal Organ Damage

The forces in a trucking accident can cause severe internal injuries:

• Liver and spleen lacerations
• Kidney damage
• Lung contusions or collapse
• Internal bleeding
• Bowel and intestinal damage

These injuries may not be immediately apparent but can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.

Wrongful Death

When a trucking accident claims a life, surviving family members may pursue a wrongful death claim. In Texas, wrongful death damages can include:

• Lost future income
• Loss of companionship and guidance
• Mental anguish
• Funeral and burial expenses
• Medical expenses before death
• Pain and suffering experienced by the deceased

Who’s Really Responsible for Your Coppell Trucking Accident?

One of the most important aspects of trucking accident cases is identifying all potentially liable parties. Unlike car accidents where typically only one driver is at fault, trucking accidents often involve multiple responsible parties:

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 or alcohol)
• Failure to conduct proper pre-trip inspections
• Traffic law violations

The Trucking Company

Trucking companies are often the primary defendants because:

1. Vicarious Liability – They’re responsible for their drivers’ actions within the scope of employment
2. Direct Negligence – They can be directly liable for:
   • Negligent hiring – Failing to properly vet drivers
   • Negligent training – Inadequate safety training
   • Negligent supervision – Failing to monitor driver performance
   • Negligent maintenance – Poor vehicle upkeep
   • Negligent scheduling – Pressuring drivers to violate hours of service

Cargo Owners and Shippers

The company that owns the cargo may be liable for:

• Providing improper loading instructions
• Failing to disclose hazardous nature of cargo
• Requiring overweight loading
• Pressuring carriers to expedite beyond safe limits

Cargo Loading Companies

Third-party loading companies may be liable for:

• Improper cargo securement
• Unbalanced load distribution
• Exceeding vehicle weight ratings
• Failure to train loaders on securement requirements

Truck and Trailer Manufacturers

Manufacturers may be liable for:

• Design defects in vehicle systems
• Manufacturing defects in components
• Failure to warn of known dangers
• Defective safety systems

Parts Manufacturers

Companies that manufacture specific parts may be liable for:

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

Maintenance Companies

Third-party maintenance providers 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

Freight Brokers

Freight brokers who arrange transportation may be liable for:

• Negligent selection of carriers with poor safety records
• Failure to verify carrier insurance and authority
• Failure to check carrier CSA scores

Government Entities

In some cases, government entities may share liability for:

• Dangerous road design
• Failure to maintain roads
• Inadequate signage
• Failure to install safety barriers

Coppell-Specific Consideration: With the ongoing construction on I-635 and surrounding roads, we’ve seen cases where improper work zone setup contributed to accidents. Government liability in these cases can be complex but is worth investigating.

The Critical Evidence in Your Coppell Trucking Case

Evidence in trucking accident cases disappears quickly. Here’s what we preserve to build your strongest case:

Electronic Data

• ECM/Black Box Data – Records speed, braking, throttle position, and fault codes
• ELD Logs – Prove hours of service compliance or violations
• GPS/Telematics – Shows route, speed, and location history
• Dashcam Footage – Video evidence of the accident and driver behavior
• Cell Phone Records – Prove distracted driving

Urgent Action Required: This data can be overwritten or deleted within 30-180 days. We send spoliation letters immediately to preserve it.

Driver and Company Records

• Driver Qualification File – Proves hiring and training standards
• Medical Certification – Shows driver fitness to operate
• Drug and Alcohol Tests – Proves impairment or compliance
• Training Records – Documents safety training
• Dispatch Records – Shows schedule pressure and route information

Vehicle Records

• Maintenance Records – Prove proper or negligent upkeep
• Inspection Reports – Show pre-existing defects
• Out-of-Service Orders – Document previous safety violations
• Tire Records – Show age and maintenance history
• The Physical Truck and Trailer – For expert inspection

Accident Scene Evidence

• Police Reports – Official documentation of the accident
• Photographs and Video – Visual evidence of damage and conditions
• Witness Statements – Independent accounts of what happened
• Skid Mark Analysis – Shows braking and evasive maneuvers
• Road Conditions – Weather, lighting, and surface conditions

How We Build Your Coppell Trucking Accident Case

Phase 1: Immediate Response (0-72 Hours)

• Accept your case and send preservation letters same day
• Deploy accident reconstruction expert to the scene if needed
• Obtain police crash report
• Photograph your injuries with medical documentation
• Photograph all vehicles before they’re repaired or scrapped
• Identify all potentially liable parties

Phase 2: Evidence Gathering (Days 1-30)

• Subpoena ECM/black box data downloads
• Request driver’s paper log books (backup documentation)
• Obtain complete Driver Qualification File from carrier
• Request all truck maintenance and inspection records
• Obtain carrier’s CSA safety scores and inspection history
• Order driver’s complete Motor Vehicle Record (MVR)
• Subpoena driver’s cell phone records
• Obtain dispatch records and delivery schedules

Phase 3: Expert Analysis

• Accident reconstruction specialist creates crash analysis
• Medical experts establish causation and future care needs
• Vocational experts calculate lost earning capacity
• Economic experts determine present value of all damages
• Life care planners develop comprehensive care plans
• FMCSA regulation experts identify all violations

Phase 4: Litigation Strategy

• File lawsuit before statute of limitations expires (2 years in Texas)
• Pursue aggressive discovery against all potentially liable parties
• Depose truck driver, dispatcher, safety manager, maintenance personnel
• Build case for trial while negotiating settlement from position of strength
• Prepare every case as if going to trial – This creates leverage in negotiations

What Your Coppell Trucking Accident Case Is Worth

Case values depend on many factors, but trucking cases typically have higher potential values than regular car accidents because:

1. Higher insurance limits – Trucking companies carry $750,000 to $5 million in coverage
2. Multiple liable parties – More defendants mean more insurance coverage
3. Catastrophic injuries – The severe injuries in trucking cases justify higher compensation

Types of Compensation Available