18-Wheeler Accident Lawyers in Town of Lincoln Park, Texas
If you’ve been hurt in an 18-wheeler accident in Town of Lincoln Park, Texas, you’re facing one of the most challenging experiences of your life. These aren’t ordinary car crashes – they’re catastrophic collisions involving 80,000-pound trucks that can change everything in an instant. At Attorney911, we’ve been fighting for truck accident victims across Texas for over 25 years, and we know exactly what it takes to hold trucking companies accountable.
Understanding the Unique Dangers of Town of Lincoln Park Trucking Corridors
Town of Lincoln Park sits in the heart of Denton County’s growing transportation network. The area’s proximity to major highways like I-35 and US-380 creates significant truck traffic as commercial carriers transport goods between Dallas-Fort Worth and points north. Local distribution centers and industrial parks mean more trucks on our roads than ever before.
The intersection of these major routes with Town of Lincoln Park’s local roads creates dangerous conflict points where passenger vehicles and commercial trucks must share the road. Many of these intersections weren’t designed to handle today’s volume of truck traffic, making them particularly hazardous for local drivers.
Why 18-Wheeler Accidents Are Different
When an 80,000-pound truck collides with a 4,000-pound passenger vehicle, the physics don’t lie. The sheer size and weight disparity means:
- Stopping distance: A fully loaded truck needs nearly two football fields (525 feet) to stop from 65 mph
- Blind spots: Trucks have massive “No-Zones” where drivers can’t see smaller vehicles
- Rollovers: High center of gravity makes trucks prone to tipping on curves or during sudden maneuvers
- Underride risks: Cars can slide under trailers, often with fatal consequences
These factors make trucking accidents far more likely to cause catastrophic injuries or wrongful death than typical car accidents.
Common Causes of Trucking Accidents in Town of Lincoln Park
Our experience handling trucking cases in Denton County has revealed several recurring causes of accidents:
Driver Fatigue and Hours of Service Violations
Federal regulations limit truck drivers to 11 hours of driving after 10 consecutive hours off duty. Yet we consistently find drivers pushing these limits – sometimes driving 14, 16, or even 20 hours straight to meet tight delivery schedules. In Town of Lincoln Park, we’ve seen cases where drivers violate these rules on routes between local distribution centers and major highways.
“The driver had been on the road for 14 hours. That’s illegal. And now you’re paying the price.” – Ralph Manginello, Managing Partner
Distracted Driving
With the rise of smartphones and in-cab technology, distracted driving has become a major problem. We’ve handled cases where drivers were texting, using dispatch apps, or even watching videos while driving through Town of Lincoln Park. Federal law prohibits hand-held phone use by commercial drivers (49 CFR § 392.82), but violations remain common.
Improper Maintenance
Brake failures, tire blowouts, and other mechanical issues cause thousands of truck accidents each year. We’ve investigated cases where Town of Lincoln Park-area trucking companies deferred critical maintenance to save money, putting everyone on the road at risk.
Cargo Securement Failures
Improperly secured cargo can shift during transit, causing rollovers or spills that endanger other motorists. In one recent Town of Lincoln Park case, we proved that a trucking company failed to properly secure steel coils, leading to a catastrophic accident on US-380.
Speeding and Reckless Driving
Truck drivers often face pressure to meet tight delivery deadlines. We’ve seen cases where drivers exceeded speed limits on Town of Lincoln Park’s highways, particularly on the approach to distribution centers where they need to make up time.
The Most Dangerous Trucking Accidents We See in Town of Lincoln Park
Jackknife Accidents
Jackknife accidents occur when a truck’s trailer swings out to form a 90-degree angle with the cab. These often happen when:
- Drivers brake suddenly on wet or icy roads
- Empty trailers swing more easily
- Drivers take curves too fast
On Town of Lincoln Park’s highways, we’ve seen jackknife accidents block multiple lanes, causing devastating multi-vehicle pileups.
Underride Collisions
Underride accidents are among the deadliest truck crashes. When a car slides under a trailer, the trailer often shears off the car’s roof, causing catastrophic head and neck injuries. These accidents are particularly common at:
- Intersections where trucks make wide turns
- Highway on-ramps and off-ramps
- Areas with poor lighting or visibility
Town of Lincoln Park’s mix of local roads and highways creates numerous locations where underride accidents can occur.
Rollover Accidents
Trucks can roll over when:
- Taking curves too fast
- Carrying top-heavy loads
- Experiencing sudden tire blowouts
- Making abrupt lane changes
We’ve investigated rollover accidents on Town of Lincoln Park’s highway ramps and at local industrial parks where trucks navigate tight turns.
Rear-End Collisions
Due to their massive weight, trucks need much longer stopping distances. When truck drivers follow too closely or fail to react to traffic slowdowns, rear-end collisions can be devastating. These are particularly common on Town of Lincoln Park’s highways during rush hour.
Wide Turn Accidents
Trucks need extra space to make turns, often swinging wide to the left before turning right. This creates dangerous “squeeze play” situations where other vehicles can get caught between the truck and the curb. We’ve seen these accidents at several Town of Lincoln Park intersections where local roads meet major highways.
Who’s Really Responsible for Your Injuries?
One of the most important differences between trucking accidents and car accidents is that MULTIPLE parties may be liable for your injuries. In a typical car accident, you might only sue one driver. In trucking cases, we often pursue claims against:
The Truck Driver
Drivers can be personally liable for:
- Speeding or reckless driving
- Distracted driving (cell phone use, texting)
- Driving while fatigued
- Driving under the influence
- Failure to conduct proper pre-trip inspections
The Trucking Company (Motor Carrier)
Trucking companies are often the primary defendants because they have the deepest pockets. They can be liable for:
Vicarious Liability:
- The driver was an employee acting within the scope of employment
Direct Negligence:
- Negligent hiring (failing to check driver’s background)
- Negligent training (inadequate safety training)
- Negligent supervision (failing to monitor driver behavior)
- Negligent maintenance (poor vehicle upkeep)
- Negligent scheduling (pressuring drivers to violate HOS rules)
The Cargo Owner or Shipper
The company that owned the cargo may be liable for:
- Providing improper loading instructions
- Failing to disclose hazardous materials
- Requiring overweight loads
- Pressuring the carrier to expedite delivery
The Cargo Loading Company
Third-party loading companies can be liable for:
- Improper cargo securement
- Unbalanced load distribution
- Exceeding weight ratings
- Failure to train loaders on securement requirements
Truck and Trailer Manufacturers
Manufacturers may be liable for:
- Design defects (brake systems, stability control)
- Manufacturing defects (faulty welds, component failures)
- Failure to warn of known dangers
Parts Manufacturers
Companies that manufacture specific parts (brakes, tires, steering components) can be liable for defective products that fail and cause accidents.
Maintenance Companies
Third-party maintenance providers may be liable for:
- Negligent repairs that fail 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
The Truck Owner (If Different from Carrier)
In owner-operator arrangements, the truck owner may have separate liability for:
- Negligent entrustment of the vehicle
- Failure to maintain owned equipment
- Knowledge of the driver’s unfitness
Government Entities
In limited circumstances, government agencies may be liable for:
- Dangerous road design that contributed to the accident
- Failure to maintain roads (potholes, debris)
- Inadequate signage for known hazards
- Improper work zone setup
The Evidence That Can Make or Break Your Case
In trucking accident cases, evidence disappears quickly. Trucking companies have rapid-response teams that begin protecting their interests within hours of an accident. If you don’t act fast, critical evidence will be lost forever.
Electronic Evidence (Must Be Preserved Immediately)
ECM/Black Box Data:
Commercial trucks have Electronic Control Modules (ECM) and Event Data Recorders (EDR) that record operational data similar to an airplane’s black box. This data can show:
- Speed before and during the crash
- Brake application timing
- Throttle position
- Whether cruise control was engaged
- GPS location
ELD Data:
Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) are federally mandated devices that record driver hours of service. ELD data proves whether the driver violated federal rest requirements and was driving while fatigued.
“Black box data can be overwritten in 30 days. We send preservation letters immediately to protect this critical evidence.” – Lupe Peña, Associate Attorney
GPS and Telematics Data:
Many trucks have GPS tracking systems that record:
- Real-time location
- Speed history
- Route taken
- Driver behavior (hard braking, rapid acceleration)
Cell Phone Records:
We subpoena cell phone records to prove distracted driving. These records can show:
- Text messages sent/received
- Phone calls made/received
- App usage (dispatch apps, navigation, social media)
Dashcam Footage:
Many trucks have forward-facing and sometimes cab-facing cameras. This footage can show:
- What the driver was doing before the crash
- Road conditions
- Other vehicles’ behavior
- The moment of impact
Physical Evidence
The Truck and Trailer:
We inspect the actual vehicles involved to document:
- Brake condition and adjustment
- Tire condition and tread depth
- Lighting functionality
- Cargo securement devices
- Any mechanical defects
Failed Components:
If a mechanical failure caused the accident, we preserve:
- Failed tires
- Brake components
- Steering parts
- Coupling devices
Cargo and Securement Devices:
We examine:
- Cargo manifest
- Loading patterns
- Tiedown condition and capacity
- Blocking and bracing materials
Documentary Evidence
Driver Qualification File:
FMCSA requires trucking companies to maintain a file for every driver containing:
- Employment application
- Background check
- Driving record
- Medical certification
- Drug test results
- Training documentation
Hours of Service Records:
We obtain:
- ELD records for 6 months prior
- Paper logs (if used)
- Dispatch records
Maintenance Records:
We review:
- Pre-trip and post-trip inspection reports
- Annual inspection records
- Repair orders and work performed
- Parts purchase records
Drug and Alcohol Test Results:
We obtain:
- Pre-employment test results
- Random test results
- Post-accident test results
Dispatch Records:
We analyze:
- Trip schedules
- Delivery deadlines
- Communications between driver and dispatcher
Witness Evidence
Eyewitness Statements:
We interview:
- Other drivers who witnessed the accident
- Pedestrians or cyclists who saw what happened
- Local business employees who may have seen the accident
Expert Witnesses:
We work with:
- Accident reconstruction experts
- Trucking industry experts
- Medical experts
- Economic experts
- Life care planners
The Catastrophic Injuries We See in Trucking Accidents
The massive size and weight of 18-wheelers mean that when accidents happen, the injuries are often catastrophic. We’ve represented clients who suffered:
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
TBI occurs when a sudden trauma causes damage to the brain. In trucking accidents, this often happens when:
- The head strikes the steering wheel, dashboard, or window
- The brain impacts the inside of the skull due to sudden deceleration
- Objects penetrate 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
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
“Your life changed in an instant. We fight to make sure the trucking company pays for every consequence of their negligence.” – Ralph Manginello
Spinal Cord Injury and Paralysis
Spinal cord injuries disrupt communication between the brain and body, often resulting in paralysis. The level of injury determines the extent of paralysis:
Cervical (Neck) Injuries (C1-C8):
- C1-C4: May require ventilator for breathing
- C5-C8: May retain some arm function
Thoracic (Upper Back) Injuries (T1-T12):
- Typically result in paraplegia (loss of function below the waist)
Lumbar (Lower Back) Injuries (L1-L5):
- Affect legs but not arms
Sacral Injuries (S1-S5):
- May affect bowel/bladder control and sexual function
Lifetime Care Costs:
- Paraplegia: $1.1 million to $2.5 million+
- Quadriplegia: $3.5 million to $5 million+
Amputations
Amputations can occur:
- At the scene due to crushing forces
- During extraction from the vehicle
- Later when infections require surgical removal
Ongoing Medical Needs:
- Initial surgery and hospitalization
- Prosthetic limbs ($5,000 – $50,000+ each)
- Replacement prosthetics throughout lifetime
- Physical therapy and rehabilitation
- Occupational therapy for daily living skills
- Psychological counseling
Severe Burns
Burns occur in trucking accidents from:
- Fuel tank ruptures and fires
- Hazmat cargo spills and ignition
- Electrical fires from battery/wiring damage
- Friction burns from road contact
- Chemical burns from hazmat exposure
Burn 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)
Internal Organ Damage
Common internal injuries include:
- Liver laceration or rupture
- Spleen damage requiring removal
- Kidney damage
- Lung contusion or collapse (pneumothorax)
- Internal bleeding (hemorrhage)
- Bowel and intestinal damage
These injuries can be life-threatening and may not show immediate symptoms.
Wrongful Death
When a trucking accident kills a loved one, surviving family members can pursue wrongful death claims. Under Texas law, the following parties may bring claims:
- Surviving spouse
- Children (minor and adult)
- Parents (if no spouse or children exist)
Damages Available:
- Lost future income and benefits
- Loss of consortium (companionship, care, guidance)
- Mental anguish and emotional suffering
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Medical expenses incurred before death
- Pain and suffering experienced by decedent before death
- Punitive damages (in cases of gross negligence)
What Your Case Might Be Worth
Trucking accident cases typically have higher values than car accident cases because:
- Higher insurance limits: Federal law requires minimum liability coverage of $750,000 for non-hazardous freight (often $1-5 million)
- More severe injuries: Trucking accidents cause catastrophic injuries that require extensive medical treatment
- Multiple liable parties: More defendants mean more potential sources of compensation
- Punitive damages potential: When trucking companies act with gross negligence, juries may award punitive damages
Documented Settlement Ranges in Texas Trucking Cases:
| Injury Type | Settlement Range |
|---|---|
| Soft Tissue (Whiplash) | $15,000 – $60,000 |
| Herniated Disc (Non-Surgical) | $50,000 – $200,000 |
| Herniated Disc (With Surgery) | $346,000 – $1,205,000 |
| Traumatic Brain Injury (Mod-Severe) | $1,548,000 – $9,838,000+ |
| Spinal Cord Injury (Paraplegia) | $4,770,000 – $25,880,000+ |
| Amputation | $1,945,000 – $8,630,000 |
| Wrongful Death | $1,910,000 – $9,520,000+ |
Recent Nuclear Verdicts in Trucking Cases:
| Amount | Year | Location | Case Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| $730 Million | 2021 | Texas | Ramsey v. Landstar Ranger – Navy propeller oversize load killed 73-year-old woman |
| $150 Million | 2022 | Texas | Werner settlement – Two children killed on I-30 |
| $462 Million | 2024 | Missouri | Underride decapitation case |
| $160 Million | 2024 | Alabama | Rollover left driver quadriplegic |
| $141.5 Million | 2023 | Florida | Defunct carrier case |
“When trucking companies act with gross negligence or reckless disregard for safety, Texas law may allow punitive damages to punish the wrongdoer.” – Ralph Manginello
The Legal Process: What to Expect
Immediate Steps (First 48 Hours)
-
Preservation of Evidence:
- We send spoliation letters to all potentially liable parties
- Demand immediate download of ECM and ELD data
- Secure physical evidence before it’s repaired or destroyed
-
Accident Reconstruction:
- Deploy experts to the scene if necessary
- Photograph all vehicles and the accident scene
- Document skid marks, debris patterns, and road conditions
-
Witness Interviews:
- Identify and interview witnesses before memories fade
- Obtain statements from first responders
-
Medical Coordination:
- Help you get appropriate medical treatment
- Document all injuries with medical professionals
Investigation Phase (Days 1-30)
-
Electronic Data Collection:
- Obtain ECM/black box data downloads
- Request ELD records
- Subpoena cell phone records
- Obtain GPS/telematics data
-
Documentary Evidence:
- Subpoena Driver Qualification File
- Request maintenance and inspection records
- Obtain carrier’s CSA safety scores
- Review dispatch records and delivery schedules
-
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 damages
Litigation Phase (Months 1-24)
-
Filing the Lawsuit:
- File before the 2-year statute of limitations expires
- Identify all potentially liable parties
-
Discovery Process:
- Written interrogatories
- Requests for production of documents
- Depositions of truck driver, dispatcher, safety manager, maintenance personnel
-
Mediation and Settlement Negotiations:
- Many cases settle during this phase
- We negotiate from a position of strength with trial preparation complete
-
Trial Preparation:
- Prepare witnesses
- Develop trial exhibits
- Finalize expert testimony
- Prepare for jury selection
Trial or Settlement
- Settlement: Most cases settle before trial
- Trial: If necessary, we’re prepared to take your case to verdict
- Appeal: If needed, we handle appeals to protect your rights
Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Town of Lincoln Park Trucking Case
25+ Years of Experience Fighting Trucking Companies
Ralph Manginello has been representing trucking accident victims since 1998. Our firm has handled cases against major commercial carriers including:
- Walmart trucking operations
- Coca-Cola distribution vehicles
- Amazon delivery trucks
- FedEx trucks
- UPS trucks
- Various commercial trucking companies
Insider Knowledge of Insurance Company Tactics
Our team includes Lupe Peña, a former insurance defense attorney who spent years working for a national defense firm. He knows exactly how insurance companies:
- Evaluate claims
- Train their adjusters
- Minimize payouts
- Deny valid claims
“Our firm includes a former insurance defense attorney who knows commercial trucking insurer tactics from the inside.” – Ralph Manginello
Federal Court Experience
Ralph Manginello is admitted to practice in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas. This federal court admission is critical for interstate trucking cases that may be filed in federal court.
Multi-Million Dollar Results
We’ve recovered millions for trucking accident victims, including:
- $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
Local Knowledge of Town of Lincoln Park
We understand:
- The local trucking corridors and highways
- The distribution centers and industrial parks where truck traffic is heaviest
- The local courts and judges
- The unique challenges of Denton County trucking cases
Compassionate Representation
We treat our clients like family. As one client, Chad Harris, said:
“You are NOT a pest to them and you are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.” – Chad Harris, Attorney911 Client
Aggressive Litigation Approach
We prepare every case as if it’s going to trial. This approach:
- Creates leverage in settlement negotiations
- Shows insurance companies we’re serious
- Results in better settlements for our clients
No Fee Unless We Win
We work on a contingency fee basis:
- No upfront costs
- No hourly fees
- You pay nothing unless we win your case
- Our fee comes from the settlement, not your pocket
What to Do Right Now
If you or a loved one has been injured in an 18-wheeler accident in Town of Lincoln Park, time is critical. Evidence is disappearing every minute. The trucking company’s rapid-response team is already working to protect their interests.
Call Attorney911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation.
We’ll:
- Send preservation letters immediately to protect critical evidence
- Begin our investigation right away
- Help you get the medical treatment you need
- Deal with the insurance companies so you can focus on recovery
- Fight for the maximum compensation you deserve
Don’t wait. The trucking company has lawyers working right now. You deserve the same level of representation.
“Evidence in Town of Lincoln Park 18-wheeler accident cases disappears quickly. Black box data can be overwritten in 30 days. Trucking companies hire rapid-response teams to protect their interests. You need an attorney who moves just as fast.” – Ralph Manginello
Frequently Asked Questions About Town of Lincoln Park Trucking Accidents
What should I do immediately after an 18-wheeler accident in Town of Lincoln Park?
- Call 911 and report the accident
- Seek medical attention, even if injuries seem minor
- Document the scene with photos and video if possible
- Get the trucking company name, DOT number, and driver information
- Collect witness contact information
- Do NOT give recorded statements to any insurance company
- Call an 18-wheeler accident attorney immediately
Should I go to the hospital after a truck accident even if I feel okay?
YES. Adrenaline masks pain after traumatic accidents. Internal injuries, TBI, and spinal injuries may not show symptoms for hours or days. Local hospitals like Medical City Denton and Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Denton can identify injuries that will become critical evidence in your case. Delaying treatment also gives insurance companies ammunition to deny your claim.
What information should I collect at the truck accident scene?
Document everything possible:
- Truck and trailer license plates
- DOT number (on truck door)
- Trucking company name and logo
- Driver’s name, CDL number, and contact info
- Photos of all vehicle damage
- Photos of the accident scene, road conditions, skid marks
- Photos of your injuries
- Witness names and phone numbers
- Responding officer’s name and badge number
- Weather and road conditions
Should I talk to the trucking company’s insurance adjuster?
NO. Do not give any recorded statements. Insurance adjusters work for the trucking company, not you. Anything you say will be used to minimize your claim. Our firm includes a former insurance defense attorney who knows exactly how these adjusters are trained to protect the trucking company’s interests.
How quickly should I contact an 18-wheeler accident attorney?
IMMEDIATELY – within 24-48 hours if possible. Critical evidence in trucking cases (black box data, ELD records, dashcam footage) can be destroyed or overwritten quickly. We send spoliation letters within hours of being retained to preserve this evidence before it’s lost forever.
What is a spoliation letter and why is it important?
A spoliation letter is a legal notice demanding that the trucking company preserve all evidence related to the accident. This includes ECM/black box data, ELD logs, maintenance records, driver files, and more. Sending this letter immediately puts the trucking company on notice that destroying evidence will result in serious legal consequences.
Who can I sue after an 18-wheeler accident in Town of Lincoln Park?
Multiple parties may be liable:
- The truck driver
- The trucking company/motor carrier
- The cargo owner or shipper
- The company that loaded the cargo
- Truck or parts manufacturers
- Maintenance companies
- Freight brokers
- The truck owner (if different from carrier)
- Government entities (for road defects)
We investigate every possible defendant to maximize your recovery.
Is the trucking company responsible even if the driver caused the accident?
Usually YES. Under the doctrine of respondeat superior, employers are liable for employees’ negligent acts within the scope of employment. Additionally, trucking companies can be directly liable for:
- Negligent hiring (hiring unqualified drivers)
- Negligent training (inadequate safety training)
- Negligent supervision (failing to monitor driver behavior)
- Negligent maintenance (poor vehicle upkeep)
What if the truck driver says the accident was my fault?
Texas uses a modified comparative negligence system. Even if you were partially at fault, you may still recover compensation. Our job is to investigate thoroughly, gather evidence (especially ECM and ELD data), and prove what really happened. Drivers often lie to protect their jobs – the data tells the true story.
What is an owner-operator and does that affect my case?
An owner-operator is a driver who owns their own truck and contracts with trucking companies. This can complicate liability, but both the owner-operator and the contracting company may be liable. We investigate all relationships and insurance policies to ensure you can recover from the responsible parties.
How do I find out if the trucking company has a bad safety record?
FMCSA maintains public safety data at safer.fmcsa.dot.gov. We obtain the carrier’s:
- CSA (Compliance, Safety, Accountability) scores
- Inspection history and out-of-service rates
- Crash history
- Safety rating
A poor safety record can prove the company knew it was putting dangerous drivers on the road.
What is a truck’s “black box” and how does it help my case?
Commercial trucks have Electronic Control Modules (ECM) and Event Data Recorders (EDR) that record operational data – similar to airplane black boxes. This data can show:
- Speed before and during the crash
- Brake application timing
- Engine RPM and throttle position
- Whether cruise control was engaged
- GPS location
This objective data often contradicts what drivers claim happened.
What is an ELD and why is it important?
Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) are federally mandated devices that record driver hours of service. ELD data proves whether the driver violated federal rest requirements and was driving while fatigued. Hours of service violations are among the most common causes of trucking accidents.
How long does the trucking company keep black box and ELD data?
ECM data can be overwritten within 30 days or with new driving events. FMCSA only requires 6 months retention for ELD data. This is why we send spoliation letters immediately – once we notify them of litigation, they must preserve everything.
What records should my attorney get from the trucking company?
We pursue:
- ECM/Black box data
- ELD records
- Driver Qualification File
- Maintenance records
- Inspection reports
- Dispatch logs
- Drug and alcohol test results
- Training records
- Cell phone records
- Insurance policies
- The physical truck and trailer
Can the trucking company destroy evidence?
Once they’re on notice of potential litigation, destroying evidence is spoliation – a serious legal violation. Courts can:
- Instruct juries to assume destroyed evidence was unfavorable
- Impose monetary sanctions
- Enter default judgment in extreme cases
- Award punitive damages
What are hours of service regulations and how do violations cause accidents?
FMCSA regulations limit how long truck drivers can operate:
- Maximum 11 hours driving after 10 hours off
- Cannot drive beyond 14th consecutive hour on duty
- 30-minute break required after 8 hours driving
- 60/70 hour weekly limits
Fatigued driving causes approximately 31% of fatal truck crashes. Drivers who violate these rules are too tired to react safely.
What FMCSA regulations are most commonly violated in accidents?
The top violations we find:
- Hours of service violations (driving too long)
- False log entries (lying about driving time)
- Brake system deficiencies
- Cargo securement failures
- Drug and alcohol violations
- Unqualified drivers (no valid CDL or medical certificate)
- Failure to inspect vehicles
What is a Driver Qualification File and why does it matter?
FMCSA requires trucking companies to maintain a file for every driver containing:
- Employment application
- Driving record check
- Previous employer verification
- Medical certification
- Drug test results
- Training documentation
Missing or incomplete files prove negligent hiring.
How do pre-trip inspections relate to my accident case?
Drivers must inspect their trucks before every trip. If they failed to conduct inspections or ignored known defects (bad brakes, worn tires, lighting problems), both the driver and company may be liable for negligence.
What injuries are common in 18-wheeler accidents in Town of Lincoln Park?
Due to the massive size and weight disparity, trucking accidents often cause catastrophic injuries:
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Amputations
- Severe burns
- Internal organ damage
- Multiple fractures
- Wrongful death
How much are 18-wheeler accident cases worth in Town of Lincoln Park?
Case values depend on many factors:
- Severity of injuries
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost income and earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Degree of defendant’s negligence
- Insurance coverage available
Trucking companies carry higher insurance ($750,000 minimum, often $1-5 million), allowing for larger recoveries than typical car accidents. We’ve seen verdicts ranging from hundreds of thousands to hundreds of millions.
What if my loved one was killed in a trucking accident in Town of Lincoln Park?
Texas allows wrongful death claims by surviving family members. You may recover:
- Lost future income
- Loss of companionship and guidance
- Mental anguish
- Funeral expenses
- Punitive damages if gross negligence
Time limits apply – contact us immediately to protect your rights.
How long do I have to file an 18-wheeler accident lawsuit in Town of Lincoln Park?
The statute of limitations in Texas is 2 years from the date of the accident. However, you should never wait. Evidence disappears quickly in trucking cases. The sooner you contact us, the stronger your case will be.
How long do trucking accident cases take to resolve?
Timelines vary:
- 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 recovery.
Will my trucking accident 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. We have the resources and experience to take your case all the way if necessary.
Do I need to pay anything upfront to hire your firm?
NO. We work on contingency – you pay nothing unless we win your case. We advance all costs of investigation and litigation. You never receive a bill from us. When we win, our fee comes from the recovery, not your pocket.
How much insurance do trucking companies carry?
Federal law requires minimum liability coverage:
- $750,000 for non-hazardous freight
- $1,000,000 for oil, large equipment
- $5,000,000 for hazardous materials
Many carriers carry $1-5 million or more. This higher coverage means catastrophic injuries can actually be compensated.
What if multiple insurance policies apply to my accident?
Trucking cases often involve multiple policies:
- Motor carrier’s liability policy
- Trailer interchange coverage
- Cargo insurance
- Owner-operator’s policy
- Excess/umbrella coverage
We identify all available coverage to maximize your recovery.
Will the trucking company’s insurance try to settle quickly?
Often yes – and that’s a red flag. Quick settlement offers are designed to pay you far less than your case is worth before you understand the full extent of your injuries. Never accept any settlement without consulting an experienced trucking accident attorney first.
Don’t Let the Trucking Company Win
Right now, the trucking company has teams of lawyers working to protect their interests. They’re hoping you don’t know your rights. They’re hoping you’ll accept a quick, lowball settlement. They’re hoping you won’t fight back.
But you don’t have to face this alone. At Attorney911, we level the playing field. With 25+ years of experience, insider knowledge of insurance company tactics, and a track record of multi-million dollar results, we know how to fight for what you deserve.
Call us now at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation.
We’ll:
- Send preservation letters immediately to protect critical evidence
- Begin our investigation right away
- Help you get the medical treatment you need
- Deal with the insurance companies so you can focus on recovery
- Fight for the maximum compensation you deserve
“The trucking company is hoping you don’t know your rights. Let’s change that.” – Ralph Manginello
Hablamos Español. Llame a Lupe Peña al 1-888-ATTY-911.