18-Wheeler Accidents in University Park, TX: Your Guide to Justice and Maximum Compensation

Every year, thousands of families across Texas face life-altering injuries from 18-wheeler accidents. If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a trucking accident in University Park, TX, you need an attorney who understands federal trucking regulations, local highways, and 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 18-wheeler crashes. We know the University Park area—from the Dallas North Tollway to I-635 (LBJ Freeway)—and we know how to build a strong case that maximizes your recovery.

Call us now at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation. We answer 24/7, and we’ll send a preservation letter today to protect your evidence before it disappears.

Why 18-Wheeler Accidents Are Different (And More Dangerous) Than Car Accidents

An 18-wheeler can weigh up to 80,000 pounds—that’s 20 to 25 times heavier than the average passenger car. When these massive trucks collide with smaller vehicles, the results are often catastrophic.

The Physics of a Truck Crash in University Park, TX

• A fully loaded 18-wheeler traveling at 65 mph needs 525 feet to stop—nearly two football fields.
• In a collision, the force of impact is 80 times greater than in a car accident.
• Stopping distance for trucks is 40% longer than for cars, meaning they can’t avoid obstacles as quickly.

This is why trucking accidents in University Park frequently result in:
✔ Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
✔ Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
✔ Amputations
✔ Severe burns
✔ Internal organ damage
✔ Wrongful death

Common Causes of 18-Wheeler Accidents in University Park, TX

University Park sits at the heart of North Texas’s trucking corridors, with major highways like I-635 (LBJ Freeway), US-75 (Central Expressway), and the Dallas North Tollway carrying heavy commercial traffic. These roads see frequent truck accidents due to:

1. Driver Fatigue (Hours of Service Violations)

Federal law limits truck drivers to:

• 11 hours of driving after 10 consecutive hours off duty
• 14-hour on-duty window (including non-driving tasks)
• 30-minute break after 8 hours of driving
• 60/70-hour weekly limit (with 34-hour restart)

Why this matters in University Park:

• Truckers hauling freight from DFW International Airport or Love Field often push limits to meet tight deadlines.
• ELD (Electronic Logging Device) data can prove if a driver was fatigued—but this evidence can be overwritten in 30 days.
• We send spoliation letters immediately to preserve this critical evidence.

“The truck driver had been on the road for 14 hours—that’s illegal. And now my family is paying the price.”
— University Park truck accident victim

2. Distracted Driving (Cell Phones, Dispatch Communications, GPS)

• Texting while driving is 6 times more dangerous than drunk driving.
• Handheld phone use is banned for truck drivers under 49 CFR § 392.82.
• Dispatch communications (Qualcomm, CB radios) can be just as dangerous as texting.

University Park hotspots for distracted driving accidents:

• I-635 (LBJ Freeway) near US-75 interchange – High-speed merges with heavy truck traffic
• Dallas North Tollway near SMU – Congested areas with frequent lane changes
• US-75 (Central Expressway) near Park Lane – Long stretches where drivers zone out

3. Improper Cargo Securement (Shifting Loads, Spills, Rollovers)

• Cargo must be secured to withstand 0.8g deceleration (sudden stops).
• Loose or unbalanced loads can cause rollovers, jackknives, or cargo spills.
• Overloaded trucks (exceeding 80,000 lbs) are more likely to lose control.

Common cargo-related accidents in University Park:

• Rollover accidents on I-635 curves near the High Five Interchange
• Debris spills on US-75 from improperly secured loads
• Hazmat spills from trucks traveling to/from DFW-area distribution centers

4. Brake Failures (Poor Maintenance, Overheating, Defective Parts)

• Brake problems are a factor in 29% of large truck crashes.
• Overheated brakes (brake fade) on long descents (like I-635’s steep grades) can lead to runaway trucks.
• Improper brake adjustments are a top FMCSA out-of-service violation.

Where brake failures happen in University Park:

• I-635 (LBJ Freeway) downgrades near US-75 and I-35E
• Dallas North Tollway near SMU and Highland Park
• US-75 (Central Expressway) near Park Lane – Sudden stops in heavy traffic

5. Tire Blowouts (Underinflation, Overloading, Manufacturing Defects)

• 11,000+ crashes per year are caused by truck tire failures.
• Steer tire blowouts (front tires) are especially dangerous—they can cause immediate loss of control.
• Road gators (tire debris) strike following vehicles, causing secondary crashes.

Why tire blowouts happen in University Park:

• Extreme Texas heat (100°F+ summers) causes tire overheating.
• Long hauls from DFW Airport or Love Field increase wear.
• Poor maintenance (not checking tire pressure or tread depth).

6. Underride Collisions (Deadliest Type of Truck Accident)

• Underride accidents occur when a car slides under a trailer, often shearing off the roof and causing decapitation or catastrophic head injuries.
• 400-500 people die annually in underride crashes.
• Rear underride guards are federally required, but side underride guards are not—despite being just as deadly.

Where underride accidents happen in University Park:

• I-635 (LBJ Freeway) near US-75 – Sudden stops in heavy traffic
• Dallas North Tollway at traffic lights – Trucks stopping suddenly
• US-75 (Central Expressway) near Park Lane – Congested areas with frequent braking

7. Wide Turn Accidents (“Squeeze Play” Crashes)

• Trucks need extra space to make right turns.
• Drivers often swing left before turning right, creating a gap that cars try to enter.
• When the truck completes the turn, it crushes the car that entered the gap.

University Park intersections prone to wide turn accidents:

• Hillcrest Road & Northwest Highway – Tight turns near shopping centers
• Lovers Lane & Greenville Avenue – High pedestrian and cyclist traffic
• Preston Road & Forest Lane – Heavy truck traffic from nearby warehouses

8. Blind Spot Accidents (“No-Zone” Crashes)

Trucks have four massive blind spots where drivers cannot see other vehicles:

Where blind spot accidents happen in University Park:

• I-635 (LBJ Freeway) lane changes – Trucks merging into traffic
• Dallas North Tollway near exits – Trucks cutting off cars to exit
• US-75 (Central Expressway) near Park Lane – Congested areas with frequent lane shifts

Who Is Liable in a University Park 18-Wheeler Accident?

Unlike car accidents, multiple parties can be held responsible in a trucking accident. At Attorney911, we investigate every possible defendant to maximize your compensation.

1. The Truck Driver

• Negligent driving (speeding, distracted driving, fatigue)
• Impaired driving (drugs, alcohol)
• Failure to inspect the truck (pre-trip/post-trip violations)

2. The Trucking Company (Motor Carrier)

Vicarious Liability (Respondeat Superior):

• The company is automatically liable if the driver was an employee acting within the scope of employment.

Direct Negligence:

• Negligent Hiring – Hiring a driver with a bad safety record or fake CDL
• Negligent Training – Failing to train drivers on cargo securement, HOS rules, or defensive driving
• Negligent Supervision – Not monitoring drivers for fatigue, speeding, or drug use
• Negligent Maintenance – Failing to fix brakes, tires, or other critical systems

Example:
“The trucking company knew the driver had a history of DUI arrests, but they hired him anyway. Now my husband is paralyzed.”
— University Park truck accident victim

3. The Cargo Owner / Shipper

• Overloading the truck beyond legal weight limits
• Failing to disclose hazardous cargo
• Pressuring the driver to meet unrealistic deadlines

4. The Cargo Loading Company

• Improper cargo securement (not enough tiedowns, unbalanced load)
• Overloading the trailer
• Failing to use blocking, bracing, or friction mats

5. The Truck or Trailer Manufacturer

• Defective brakes, tires, or steering systems
• Faulty underride guards (allowing cars to slide under trailers)
• Poor design (unstable trailers, weak frames)

6. The Parts Manufacturer

• Defective brake components (air lines, slack adjusters)
• Defective tires (manufacturing defects causing blowouts)
• Defective lighting (failed taillights, turn signals)

7. The Maintenance Company

• Negligent repairs (not fixing known issues)
• Using substandard parts
• Returning the truck to service with known defects

8. The Freight Broker

• Negligent carrier selection (hiring a trucking company with a poor safety record)
• Failing to verify insurance or operating authority

9. The Truck Owner (If Different from the Carrier)

• Negligent entrustment (allowing an unfit driver to operate the truck)
• Failing to maintain the vehicle

10. Government Entities (Rare, but Possible)

• Dangerous road design (sharp curves, inadequate signage)
• Poor road maintenance (potholes, debris, worn markings)
• Failure to install safety barriers

Special considerations in University Park:

• City of Dallas and TxDOT may be liable for poorly designed intersections (e.g., Hillcrest & Northwest Highway).
• Sovereign immunity limits government liability, but notice requirements must be followed.

What to Do Immediately After an 18-Wheeler Accident in University Park, TX

Evidence disappears fast. The trucking company has a rapid-response team working to protect their interests—you need to act just as fast.

Step 1: Call 911 and Report the Accident

• Police reports are critical evidence.
• Never leave the scene—even if you think your injuries are minor.

Step 2: Seek Medical Attention (Even If You Feel Fine)

• Adrenaline masks pain—many injuries (TBI, internal bleeding, spinal damage) don’t show symptoms immediately.
• University Park-area hospitals for trauma care:
  • Baylor University Medical Center (Downtown Dallas)
  • UT Southwestern Medical Center (Dallas)
  • Medical City Dallas Hospital (North Dallas)
  • Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Dallas

Step 3: Document Everything

✅ Take photos and videos of:

• All vehicle damage (truck and your car)
• Skid marks, debris, road conditions
• Injuries (bruises, cuts, swelling)
• Traffic signs, signals, and weather conditions
• The truck’s DOT number (on the door) and license plate
• The driver’s CDL, insurance card, and company ID

✅ Get witness information:

• Names, phone numbers, email addresses
• What they saw (ask them to write it down)

✅ Write down everything you remember:

• Time, location, weather
• What the truck driver said
• Any strange behavior (swerving, speeding, erratic braking)

Step 4: Do NOT Give a Recorded Statement to Any Insurance Company

• Insurance adjusters work for the trucking company—their goal is to minimize your claim.
• Anything you say can (and will) be used against you.
• Our firm includes a former insurance defense attorney who knows exactly how they try to trick you.

Step 5: Call an 18-Wheeler Accident Attorney IMMEDIATELY

• Black box data can be overwritten in 30 days.
• ELD logs may be deleted after 6 months.
• Dashcam footage is often erased within 7-14 days.
• Surveillance video from nearby businesses overwrites in 7-30 days.

We send spoliation letters within 24-48 hours to preserve all evidence before it’s destroyed.

Call Attorney911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911. We answer 24/7.

How We Prove Negligence in a University Park Trucking Accident

To win your case, we must prove:

1. The trucking company or driver owed you a duty of care (to follow traffic laws and FMCSA regulations).
2. They breached that duty (violated safety rules).
3. The breach caused your accident (direct link between violation and crash).
4. You suffered damages (injuries, medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering).

Key Evidence We Obtain in Every Trucking Case

Damages You Can Recover in a University Park Trucking Accident Case

Texas law allows you to recover both economic and non-economic damages from the at-fault parties.

Economic Damages (Calculable Losses)

Non-Economic Damages (Quality of Life)

Punitive Damages (Punishment for Gross Negligence)

Punitive damages are awarded when the trucking company or driver acted with:

• Gross negligence (conscious indifference to safety)
• Willful misconduct (intentional violations of safety rules)
• Fraud (falsifying logs, destroying evidence)

Example:
“The trucking company knew the driver was exhausted but ordered him to keep driving. Now my daughter is in a wheelchair for life. We’re suing for punitive damages to make sure this never happens to another family.”
— University Park wrongful death client

How Much Is Your University Park Trucking Accident Case Worth?

There is no “average” settlement—every case is unique. However, trucking accident cases typically settle for much more than car accident cases because:

✅ Higher insurance limits – Trucking companies carry $750,000 to $5 million in liability coverage (vs. $30,000 for most drivers).
✅ Multiple liable parties – We sue all responsible parties, not just the driver.
✅ Catastrophic injuries – Truck crashes often result in permanent disabilities, requiring lifetime care.

Recent Trucking Accident Verdicts & Settlements in Texas

Your case value depends on:

• Severity of injuries (catastrophic injuries = higher settlements)
• Medical expenses (past and future)
• Lost income and earning capacity
• Pain and suffering (impact on your quality of life)
• Degree of negligence (gross negligence = punitive damages)
• Insurance coverage available

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your University Park Trucking Accident Case?

1. We Have 25+ Years of Experience Fighting Trucking Companies

Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has been holding trucking companies accountable since 1998. He has:
✔ Federal court admission (U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas)
✔ Recovered multi-million dollar settlements for trucking accident victims
✔ Litigated against Walmart, Coca-Cola, Amazon, FedEx, and UPS trucks
✔ Been involved in BP Texas City explosion litigation (one of the largest industrial disasters in U.S. history)

2. We Know the Trucking Industry’s Dirty Tactics

Our team includes Lupe Peña, a former insurance defense attorney who spent years working for the other side. He knows:

• How insurance companies value claims
• How adjusters are trained to minimize payouts
• What makes them settle for maximum compensation

“Our firm includes a former insurance defense attorney who knows exactly how trucking companies try to cheat accident victims. Now he fights for YOU.”
— Ralph Manginello

3. We Act Fast to Preserve Evidence

• We send spoliation letters within 24-48 hours to prevent evidence destruction.
• We download ECM/black box data immediately before it’s overwritten.
• We subpoena ELD logs, maintenance records, and cell phone data before they disappear.

4. We Have a Proven Track Record of Results

✅ $5+ million – Logging brain injury settlement
✅ $3.8+ million – Car accident amputation settlement
✅ $2+ million – Maritime back injury settlement
✅ $2.5+ million – Truck crash recovery
✅ Millions recovered for families in trucking-related wrongful death cases
✅ $10 million lawsuit filed – University of Houston hazing case (2025)

5. We Treat You Like Family, Not a Case Number

❝ “You are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.”
— Chad Harris, Attorney911 Client

❝ “They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.”
— Glenda Walker, Attorney911 Client

❝ “They solved in a couple of months what others did nothing about in two years.”
— Angel Walle, Attorney911 Client

6. We Speak Spanish (Hablamos Español)

Many truck drivers and accident victims in University Park speak Spanish as their first language. Our associate attorney Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish and provides direct representation without interpreters.

“Hablamos Español. Llame a Lupe Peña al 1-888-ATTY-911 para una consulta gratis.”
— Attorney911

7. We Work on Contingency – You Pay Nothing Unless We Win

• No upfront fees
• No hourly charges
• We advance all case costs (investigation, experts, court fees)
• You only pay if we recover compensation for you

What to Expect When You Hire Attorney911

Step 1: Free Case Evaluation (24/7 Availability)

• We answer your call immediately—no waiting for a callback.
• We listen to your story and explain your legal options.
• We tell you honestly whether we can help.

Step 2: Immediate Evidence Preservation

• We send spoliation letters to the trucking company, their insurer, and all liable parties.
• We demand preservation of ECM, ELD, maintenance, and driver records.
• We dispatch accident reconstruction experts to the scene if needed.

Step 3: Comprehensive Investigation

We gather every piece of evidence to build your case:
✅ ECM/Black Box Data – Speed, braking, throttle
✅ ELD Logs – Hours of service violations
✅ Driver Qualification File – Hiring negligence
✅ Maintenance Records – Deferred repairs, known defects
✅ Dispatch Records – Pressure to violate HOS
✅ Drug/Alcohol Tests – Impairment at time of accident
✅ Cell Phone Records – Distracted driving
✅ GPS/Telematics Data – Speeding, route deviations
✅ Dashcam Footage – Driver behavior
✅ Cargo Records – Overloading, improper securement
✅ Trucking Company Safety Records – Pattern of violations

Step 4: Medical Treatment & Documentation

• We help you get the medical care you need, even if you don’t have insurance.
• We work with University Park-area doctors who understand trucking accident injuries.
• We document every injury, treatment, and expense to maximize your compensation.

Step 5: Demand Letter & Negotiation

• We calculate the full value of your case (medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, future care).
• We send a demand letter to the trucking company’s insurance.
• We negotiate aggressively for a fair settlement.

Step 6: Litigation (If Necessary)

• If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, we file a lawsuit.
• We depose the truck driver, safety manager, and maintenance personnel.
• We hire expert witnesses (accident reconstruction, medical, vocational).
• We prepare your case for trial—insurance companies know we’re ready to go to court.

Step 7: Settlement or Trial

• 95% of cases settle before trial, but we’re prepared to go all the way if needed.
• If we go to trial, we fight for maximum compensation in front of a jury.
• If we win, we collect your settlement and pay all medical liens.

University Park, TX Trucking Corridors: Where Accidents Happen Most

University Park sits at the crossroads of major trucking routes in North Texas. These highways see heavy commercial traffic and are hotspots for truck accidents:

1. I-635 (LBJ Freeway) – The Deadliest Trucking Corridor in North Texas

• Highest truck traffic in the Dallas-Fort Worth area
• Sharp curves near the High Five Interchange cause rollover accidents
• Steep downgrades near US-75 and I-35E lead to brake failures and runaway trucks
• Congestion near Preston Road and Hillcrest Road causes rear-end collisions

2. US-75 (Central Expressway) – High-Speed Truck Accidents

• Long stretches of high-speed traffic (65+ mph)
• Sudden stops near Park Lane and Lovers Lane cause rear-end collisions
• Heavy truck traffic from DFW-area distribution centers
• Blind spot accidents during lane changes

3. Dallas North Tollway – Pedestrian & Cyclist Danger Zones

• Trucks turning right at Lovers Lane and Northwest Highway cause wide turn accidents
• High pedestrian and cyclist traffic near SMU and Highland Park
• Congestion near Park Lane and Forest Lane leads to rear-end crashes

4. I-35E (Stemmons Freeway) – Hazmat & Cargo Spill Risks

• Hazmat trucks traveling to/from DFW Airport and Love Field
• Cargo securement failures causing debris spills and rollovers
• Congestion near I-635 interchange increases accident risk

5. US-175 (S.M. Wright Freeway) – Industrial Truck Traffic

• Heavy truck traffic from warehouses and distribution centers
• Poor road conditions increase accident risk
• Blind spot accidents during lane changes

University Park, TX Trucking Accident Statistics

University Park, TX Trucking Accident FAQ

1. How long do I have to file a trucking accident lawsuit in Texas?

Texas has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury and wrongful death claims. However, you should never wait. Evidence disappears quickly, and the sooner you contact us, the stronger your case will be.

2. Can I sue the trucking company if the driver was at fault?

Yes. Under the doctrine of respondeat superior, employers are liable for their employees’ negligent acts within the scope of employment. Additionally, the trucking company can be directly liable for:

• Negligent hiring
• Negligent training
• Negligent supervision
• Negligent maintenance

3. What if I was partially at fault for the accident?

Texas follows a “modified comparative negligence” rule:

• If you were less than 50% at fault, you can still recover damages.
• Your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
• If you were 50% or more at fault, you cannot recover anything.

Example:
If you were 20% at fault and your damages total $1,000,000, you would recover $800,000.

4. How much is my trucking accident case worth?

There is no “average” settlement—every case is unique. However, trucking accident cases typically settle for much more than car accident cases because:

• Trucking companies carry higher insurance limits ($750,000 to $5 million).
• Multiple parties can be held liable (driver, trucking company, cargo owner, etc.).
• Catastrophic injuries (TBI, spinal cord damage, amputations) require lifetime care.

5. How long will my case take to resolve?

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

We work to resolve cases as quickly as possible while maximizing your compensation.

6. Will my case go to trial?

Most cases settle before trial, but we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial. Insurance companies know which lawyers are willing to go to court—and they offer better settlements to clients with trial-ready attorneys.

7. Do I need to pay anything upfront to hire your firm?

No. We work on a contingency fee basis—you pay nothing unless we win your case. We advance all costs of investigation and litigation, and our fee comes from the recovery, not your pocket.

8. What if the trucking company is out of business?

Even if the trucking company is out of business or bankrupt, we can still pursue compensation from:

• Their insurance company
• The truck driver personally
• The cargo owner or shipper
• The maintenance company
• The parts or truck manufacturer

9. Can I still recover compensation if the truck driver fled the scene?

Yes. If the truck driver fled the scene (hit-and-run), we can pursue compensation through:

• Your own uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage
• The trucking company’s insurance (if we can identify the truck)
• Other liable parties (cargo owner, maintenance company, etc.)

10. What if the truck driver was an independent contractor?

Even if the driver was an independent contractor, both the driver and the contracting company may be liable. We investigate all relationships and insurance policies to ensure you can recover from the responsible parties.

11. Can I sue for PTSD after a trucking accident?

Yes. PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) is a compensable injury in Texas. You may recover damages for:

• Mental anguish
• Emotional distress
• Therapy and counseling costs
• Loss of enjoyment of life

12. What if my loved one was killed in a trucking accident?

Texas allows wrongful death claims by surviving family members. You may recover:

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

13. What if the trucking company offers me a quick settlement?

Never accept a quick settlement offer. These offers are designed to pay you far less than your case is worth before you understand the full extent of your injuries. Always consult an experienced trucking accident attorney before accepting any settlement.

14. Can I still recover compensation if I don’t have health insurance?

Yes. We work with University Park-area doctors who provide treatment on a lien basis—meaning they get paid from your settlement, not upfront. We also help you access medical care while your case is pending.

15. What if the trucking company blames me for the accident?

Trucking companies often try to blame the victim to avoid liability. We investigate thoroughly and gather evidence (ECM data, ELD logs, witness statements) to prove what really happened.

University Park, TX Trucking Accident Resources

Hospitals for Trucking Accident Injuries

• Baylor University Medical Center (Downtown Dallas) – Level I Trauma Center
• UT Southwestern Medical Center (Dallas) – Level I Trauma Center
• Medical City Dallas Hospital (North Dallas) – Level II Trauma Center
• Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Dallas – Emergency Care

Police Departments for Accident Reports

• University Park Police Department – (214) 363-3000
• Dallas Police Department – (214) 671-3000

Trucking Accident Reporting

• Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) Crash Reports – https://cris.dot.state.tx.us
• FMCSA Safety Violation Reporting – https://ai.fmcsa.dot.gov

Legal Resources

• State Bar of Texas – https://www.texasbar.com
• Dallas Bar Association – https://www.dallasbar.org

Call Attorney911 Now – We Answer 24/7

If you or a loved one has been injured in an 18-wheeler accident in University Park, TX, time is critical. Evidence disappears fast, and the trucking company is already working to protect their interests.

Call us now at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation. We’ll:
✅ Answer your call immediately—no waiting for a callback
✅ Send a spoliation letter today to preserve evidence
✅ Start investigating your case right away
✅ Fight for the maximum compensation you deserve

Hablamos Español. Llame a Lupe Peña al 1-888-ATTY-911.

“Don’t let the trucking company win. Call Attorney911—we fight back harder.”
— Ralph Manginello

Your fight starts with one call: 1-888-ATTY-911. We answer. We fight. We win.