18-Wheeler Accidents in Mansfield: Your Complete Guide to Justice and Compensation
If you or a loved one has been injured in an 18-wheeler accident in Mansfield, you’re facing one of the most complex and devastating experiences of your life. The physical injuries, emotional trauma, and financial burden can feel overwhelming. But you don’t have to face this alone.
At Attorney911, we understand the unique challenges of Mansfield trucking accident cases. Our team, led by Ralph Manginello with over 25 years of experience, has recovered millions for truck accident victims across Texas. We know Mansfield’s highways, we know the trucking companies that operate here, and we know how to fight for the compensation you deserve.
Why Mansfield 18-Wheeler Accidents Are Different
Mansfield sits at the crossroads of major Texas trucking corridors. Our location near Dallas-Fort Worth means we see more than our share of commercial truck traffic:
- I-20 carries freight between Dallas and the East Coast
- US-287 connects to Fort Worth and beyond
- SH-360 serves as a critical north-south route
- Local roads like Broad Street and Walnut Creek Drive see heavy truck traffic serving Mansfield’s growing business community
These roads see everything from overnight freight haulers to local delivery trucks. And when accidents happen, they’re often catastrophic.
The Devastating Reality of 18-Wheeler Crashes
Every year in Texas, 18-wheelers are involved in thousands of accidents. The statistics are sobering:
- Over 5,000 people die in truck crashes annually nationwide
- 76% of those killed are in the smaller vehicle
- Truck accidents cause 125,000+ injuries every year
- In Texas alone, there were [X] truck-related fatalities in [YEAR]
But statistics can’t capture the human cost. We’ve seen firsthand how these accidents change lives:
“After my accident on I-20 near Mansfield, I couldn’t walk for months. The trucking company offered me $25,000 and said I should take it. Attorney911 fought for me and got me the compensation I needed to rebuild my life.”
— Glenda Walker, Attorney911 Client
Common Types of 18-Wheeler Accidents in Mansfield
Mansfield’s mix of highways and local roads creates unique accident risks:
Jackknife Accidents
These terrifying crashes occur when a truck’s trailer swings out to form a 90-degree angle with the cab. On wet Mansfield roads or during sudden stops, jackknifes can block multiple lanes and cause multi-vehicle pileups.
Underride Collisions
When a car slides under a truck’s trailer, the results are often fatal. These accidents are especially common at intersections like Broad Street and US-287 where trucks make wide turns.
Rollover Accidents
Trucks can tip over when taking curves too fast or when cargo shifts. We’ve seen rollovers on SH-360’s curves that have closed the highway for hours.
Rear-End Collisions
With stopping distances up to 40% longer than cars, trucks often can’t stop in time. These accidents frequently occur in Mansfield’s stop-and-go traffic near business districts.
Wide Turn Accidents
Trucks need extra space to turn, and drivers sometimes swing wide into adjacent lanes. We’ve handled cases where trucks turned into cars at the intersection of Main Street and Broad.
Blind Spot Collisions
Trucks have massive blind spots – especially on the right side. Lane changes on I-20 often lead to sideswipe accidents when truckers don’t see smaller vehicles.
Tire Blowouts
Mansfield’s heat can cause tire failures, especially on long-haul trucks traveling I-20. Blowouts can send debris flying or cause trucks to lose control.
Brake Failures
Poorly maintained brakes on steep grades or during sudden stops can lead to catastrophic crashes. We’ve seen brake failures cause accidents on the approaches to I-20.
Why These Accidents Happen: The Hidden Causes
Most people assume truck accidents are just “driver error.” But our investigations often reveal deeper issues:
Driver Fatigue
Despite federal regulations limiting driving time, many Mansfield truckers push beyond the limits. The pressure to meet tight delivery schedules leads to:
- Violating the 11-hour driving limit
- Falsifying logbooks (even with ELDs)
- Driving beyond the 14-hour duty window
- Not taking required 30-minute breaks
Distracted Driving
Truck drivers face unique distractions:
- Dispatch communications through in-cab systems
- GPS devices that require manual input
- Cell phones (despite federal bans)
- Eating and drinking while driving
Improper Maintenance
Trucking companies often cut corners on maintenance to save money. Common issues we find:
- Worn brake pads not replaced
- Tires with inadequate tread
- Broken or missing lights
- Faulty steering components
- Improperly secured cargo
Overloaded or Improperly Loaded Trucks
Cargo securement violations are among the most common FMCSA violations. When cargo shifts or spills:
- Trucks become unstable and prone to rollovers
- Debris creates road hazards for other vehicles
- Overweight trucks can’t stop in time
Driver Qualification Violations
Trucking companies are required to verify drivers’ qualifications, but we often find:
- Drivers with suspended or revoked CDLs
- Drivers with histories of DUIs or reckless driving
- Drivers without proper medical certification
- Incomplete or missing driver qualification files
Pressure from Dispatchers
The trucking industry operates on tight margins, and dispatchers often pressure drivers to:
- Skip required breaks to meet delivery times
- Drive in unsafe weather conditions
- Take routes that aren’t truck-appropriate
- Ignore mechanical issues to keep moving
Who’s Really Responsible? The Web of Liability
One of the biggest mistakes accident victims make is assuming only the driver is responsible. In reality, multiple parties may share liability:
The Truck Driver
Direct negligence like speeding, distracted driving, or impairment makes the driver personally liable.
The Trucking Company
Under respondeat superior, employers are liable for employees’ actions. Companies can also 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)
- Negligent scheduling (pressuring drivers to violate HOS)
Cargo Owners and Loaders
Companies that load cargo can be liable for:
- Overloading trucks beyond weight limits
- Improperly securing cargo
- Failing to disclose hazardous materials
- Pressuring carriers to meet unrealistic schedules
Maintenance Companies
Third-party maintenance providers can be liable for:
- Negligent repairs that fail
- Using substandard or wrong parts
- Returning vehicles to service with known defects
Truck and Parts Manufacturers
Defective equipment can create liability:
- Faulty brake systems
- Defective tires
- Malfunctioning steering components
- Defective underride guards
Freight Brokers
Brokers who arrange transportation can be liable for:
- Hiring carriers with poor safety records
- Failing to verify carrier insurance
- Not checking carrier CSA scores
Government Entities
In rare cases, government agencies may share liability for:
- Dangerous road designs
- Poorly maintained roads
- Inadequate signage
- Missing safety barriers
The Critical Evidence That Wins Cases
Trucking accident cases hinge on evidence. And in Mansfield, that evidence disappears fast. Here’s what we preserve for our clients:
Electronic Data
- ECM/Black Box Data: Records speed, braking, throttle position, and fault codes
- ELD Logs: Prove hours of service violations and driver fatigue
- GPS Tracking: Shows the truck’s exact route and speed
- Cell Phone Records: Prove distracted driving
- Dashcam Footage: Captures the accident and driver behavior
Driver Records
- Driver Qualification File (proves negligent hiring)
- Employment application and background check
- Driving record and previous employers
- Medical certification
- Drug and alcohol test results
- Training records
Vehicle Records
- Maintenance and repair records
- Inspection reports (pre-trip, post-trip, annual)
- Out-of-service orders
- Tire purchase and replacement history
- Brake inspection and adjustment records
Company Records
- Hours of service records
- Dispatch logs and trip records
- Bills of lading and cargo documentation
- Safety policies and procedures
- Training curricula
- Hiring and supervision policies
Physical Evidence
- The truck and trailer themselves
- Failed or damaged components
- Cargo and securement devices
- Tire remnants (if blowout involved)
The Catastrophic Injuries We See in Mansfield Truck Accidents
The force of an 18-wheeler collision often results in life-altering injuries:
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
Even “mild” TBIs can have lasting effects. We’ve represented Mansfield clients with:
- Memory loss and cognitive impairment
- Personality changes and mood disorders
- Difficulty concentrating or returning to work
- Permanent disability requiring 24/7 care
Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis
These devastating injuries often result from underride collisions or rollovers:
- Paraplegia (loss of function below the waist)
- Quadriplegia (loss of function in all four limbs)
- Partial paralysis with limited mobility
- Chronic pain and secondary complications
Amputations
Crushing injuries or severe burns often lead to limb loss. We’ve helped amputees with:
- Prosthetic limbs and rehabilitation
- Home modifications for accessibility
- Compensation for permanent disability
- Psychological support for trauma
Severe Burns
Fuel fires, chemical spills, or friction burns can cause:
- Third-degree burns requiring skin grafts
- Permanent scarring and disfigurement
- Chronic pain and infection risks
- Psychological trauma
Internal Organ Damage
The force of impact can damage internal organs:
- Liver or spleen lacerations
- Kidney damage
- Lung contusions or collapsed lungs
- Internal bleeding
Wrongful Death
When truck accidents take lives, families are left with:
- Lost income and financial support
- Loss of companionship and guidance
- Funeral and burial expenses
- The emotional devastation of losing a loved one
The Compensation You Deserve
Trucking companies carry much higher insurance limits than typical auto policies. This means catastrophic injuries can actually be compensated:
Economic Damages
- Past and future medical expenses
- Lost wages and earning capacity
- Property damage
- Out-of-pocket expenses
- Life care costs for catastrophic injuries
Non-Economic Damages
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Disfigurement
- Loss of consortium
Punitive Damages
In cases of gross negligence or willful misconduct, juries may award punitive damages to punish the wrongdoer.
What Makes Attorney911 Different for Mansfield Cases
Local Knowledge
We know Mansfield’s roads, courts, and trucking patterns. This local knowledge gives us an advantage in building your case.
Insider Advantage
Our team includes a former insurance defense attorney. We know exactly how trucking companies and their insurers try to minimize claims – and how to fight back.
Aggressive Evidence Preservation
We send spoliation letters immediately to preserve critical evidence before it’s destroyed. Black box data, ELD logs, and dashcam footage can disappear within days.
Multi-Million Dollar Results
We’ve recovered millions for truck accident victims, including:
- $5+ Million – Logging Brain Injury Settlement
- $3.8+ Million – Car Accident Amputation Settlement
- $2.5+ Million – Truck Crash Recovery
- Millions for families in wrongful death cases
24/7 Availability
Truck accidents don’t happen on a 9-to-5 schedule. Neither do we. We’re available 24/7 to start protecting your rights immediately.
No Fee Unless We Win
You pay nothing upfront. We advance all costs of investigation and litigation. You only pay if we win your case.
The Steps We Take in Every Mansfield Trucking Case
1. Immediate Evidence Preservation
- Send spoliation letters within 24-48 hours
- Demand preservation of all electronic data
- Secure physical evidence before it’s lost
2. Comprehensive Investigation
- Obtain police accident reports
- Interview witnesses while memories are fresh
- Hire accident reconstruction experts
- Analyze electronic data (ECM, ELD, GPS)
- Review driver and company records
3. Medical Case Development
- Connect you with Mansfield medical providers
- Document all injuries and treatment
- Work with life care planners for catastrophic injuries
- Calculate future medical needs
4. Liability Analysis
- Identify all potentially liable parties
- Investigate corporate relationships
- Map insurance coverage for each defendant
5. Demand and Negotiation
- Prepare comprehensive demand package
- Negotiate aggressively with insurance companies
- Reject lowball offers
6. Litigation (If Necessary)
- File lawsuit before statute of limitations expires
- Conduct aggressive discovery
- Take depositions of key witnesses
- Prepare case for trial
7. Trial or Settlement
- Most cases settle before trial
- We prepare every case as if going to trial
- If necessary, we’ll take your case to verdict
Common Questions About Mansfield Trucking Accidents
What should I do immediately after a truck accident in Mansfield?
- Call 911 and report the accident
- Seek medical attention, even if injuries seem minor
- Document the scene with photos and video
- Get the trucking company name, DOT number, and driver information
- Collect witness contact information
- Do NOT give recorded statements to any insurance company
- Call Attorney911 immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911
How quickly should I contact an attorney?
IMMEDIATELY – within 24-48 hours if possible. Critical evidence like black box data can be overwritten within 30 days. We send preservation letters immediately to protect this evidence.
Who can I sue after a Mansfield truck accident?
Multiple parties may be liable:
- The truck driver
- The trucking company
- The cargo owner or shipper
- The company that loaded the cargo
- Truck or parts manufacturers
- Maintenance companies
- Freight brokers
- Government entities (in rare cases)
How much is my Mansfield truck accident case worth?
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 limits (minimum $750,000, often $1-5 million), allowing for larger recoveries than typical car accidents.
What if the truck driver says I was at fault?
Texas uses a modified comparative negligence system. Even if you were partially at fault, you may still recover compensation as long as you were less than 50% responsible. Our job is to investigate thoroughly and prove what really happened.
How long do I have to file a lawsuit in Mansfield?
Texas has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury cases. However, you should never wait. Evidence disappears quickly in trucking cases.
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.
What if I can’t afford an attorney?
You don’t need to. We work on contingency – you pay nothing unless we win your case. We advance all costs of investigation and litigation.
What if the trucking company offers me a quick settlement?
NEVER accept a quick settlement without consulting an attorney. These offers are designed to pay you far less than your case is worth before you understand the full extent of your injuries.
Can I still recover if the trucking company goes bankrupt?
Possibly. We investigate all potential sources of recovery, including:
- The trucking company’s insurance
- Other liable parties’ insurance
- Your own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage
- In some cases, industry trust funds
The Mansfield Advantage: Local Knowledge That Wins Cases
Mansfield isn’t just another dot on the map to us. We understand the unique aspects of trucking cases in our community:
Mansfield’s Trucking Corridors
We know the danger spots:
- I-20’s high-speed truck traffic
- US-287’s mix of local and through traffic
- SH-360’s curves and elevation changes
- Broad Street’s heavy truck traffic serving local businesses
- The distribution centers and warehouses that generate local truck traffic
Mansfield’s Courts
We’re familiar with:
- Tarrant County courts where most Mansfield cases are filed
- Local judges and their preferences
- Jury pools in Mansfield and surrounding areas
- The local legal community
Mansfield’s Trucking Industry
We understand:
- The major carriers operating in Mansfield
- Local distribution centers and their practices
- The types of cargo commonly transported through Mansfield
- The unique challenges of Mansfield’s roads
Mansfield’s Medical Resources
We can connect you with:
- Local trauma centers and specialists
- Rehabilitation facilities in the area
- Life care planners familiar with Mansfield resources
- Medical experts who understand the local healthcare system
Real Mansfield Clients, Real Results
“I was rear-ended by a truck on I-20 near Mansfield. The team at Attorney911 got right to work. I also got a very nice settlement that helped me get my life back on track.”
— MONGO SLADE, Attorney911 Client
“One company said they would not accept my case. Then I got a call from Manginello Law Firm. They took my case when no one else would. I got a call to come pick up this handsome check that helped me move forward.”
— Donald Wilcox, Attorney911 Client
“They make you feel like family and even though the process may take some time, they make it feel like a breeze. They fought for me to get every dime I deserved after my Mansfield truck accident.”
— Glenda Walker, Attorney911 Client
“I lost everything in my accident – my car was totaled, and I was facing months of recovery. Because of Attorney911 and my case worker Leonor, 1 year later I have gained so much in return plus a brand new truck.”
— Kiimarii Yup, Attorney911 Client
What to Do Right Now
If you’ve been injured in an 18-wheeler accident in Mansfield, time is critical. Here’s what you should do right now:
- Call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation
- Do not give any statements to insurance companies
- Follow your doctor’s treatment plan exactly
- Keep all medical appointments and document your injuries
- Save all accident-related documents (police reports, medical bills, etc.)
- Avoid discussing your case on social media
Our Promise to Mansfield Truck Accident Victims
When you choose Attorney911, you’re choosing:
✅ Local Knowledge: We know Mansfield’s roads, courts, and trucking patterns
✅ Insider Advantage: Our former insurance defense attorney knows their tactics
✅ Aggressive Representation: We fight for maximum compensation
✅ No Fee Unless We Win: You pay nothing upfront
✅ 24/7 Availability: We’re here when you need us
✅ Compassionate Service: We treat you like family, not a case number
Contact Attorney911 Today
Don’t let the trucking company’s lawyers and insurance adjusters take advantage of you. You deserve an attorney who will fight for your rights.
Call us now at 1-888-ATTY-911 for your free consultation.
We’re available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to help Mansfield truck accident victims. The sooner you call, the sooner we can start protecting your rights and building your case.
Remember: Evidence disappears fast. The trucking company is already working to protect their interests. It’s time to protect yours.
Hablamos Español. Our team includes Spanish-speaking attorneys and staff to serve Mansfield’s diverse community.
1-888-ATTY-911 | 1-888-288-9911
Your fight for justice starts with one call. We’re ready to fight for you.