18-Wheeler Accident Attorneys in McLendon-Chisholm, Texas

If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in an 18-wheeler accident in McLendon-Chisholm, Texas, you need experienced legal representation that understands the complexities of commercial trucking cases. At Attorney911, we specialize in holding trucking companies accountable when their negligence causes catastrophic accidents on Rockwall County roads and highways.

Why McLendon-Chisholm Trucking Accidents Are Different

McLendon-Chisholm sits at the intersection of major Texas trucking corridors, with I-20 running just south of the city and US-80 providing access to the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. The area’s mix of rural roads, suburban development, and heavy commercial traffic creates unique risks:

High-speed collisions on rural stretches of FM 548 and FM 740
Blind spot accidents at busy intersections like FM 548 and County Road 2604
Rollover crashes on curves near the Rockwall County line
Cargo spills from trucks hauling materials to and from distribution centers
Fatigue-related crashes involving long-haul drivers passing through the area

Our team understands the specific challenges of trucking accidents in McLendon-Chisholm, from the local courts in Rockwall County to the unique traffic patterns on area roads.

The Devastating Impact of 18-Wheeler Accidents

When an 80,000-pound truck collides with a passenger vehicle, the results are often catastrophic. Unlike car accidents, trucking crashes frequently cause:

Traumatic brain injuries from the extreme forces involved
Spinal cord damage leading to paralysis
Amputations from crushing injuries
Severe burns from fuel tank ruptures
Internal organ damage from the impact
Wrongful death of vehicle occupants

The medical bills, lost wages, and long-term care needs after these accidents can be overwhelming. That’s why you need an attorney who knows how to fight for maximum compensation.

How Trucking Companies Try to Avoid Responsibility

After an accident, trucking companies and their insurers move quickly to protect their interests. They may:

Send rapid-response teams to the scene to control evidence
Pressure you to give recorded statements that hurt your case
Offer quick settlements that don’t cover your full damages
Claim you were partially at fault to reduce their liability
Destroy or “lose” critical evidence like black box data

At Attorney911, we act just as fast to protect your rights. Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has over 25 years of experience fighting trucking companies in Texas courts. We know all their tactics because our team includes a former insurance defense attorney who understands exactly how these companies operate.

The Evidence That Wins Trucking Cases

Winning an 18-wheeler accident case requires preserving and analyzing critical evidence:

Electronic Data

Black box/ECM data – Shows speed, braking, and engine performance in the moments before the crash
ELD logs – Electronic logging devices that track driver hours and prove fatigue violations
GPS/telematics – Reveals the truck’s route, speed, and location history
Dashcam footage – Video evidence of what happened

Driver Records

Driver Qualification File – Proves whether the driver was properly vetted and trained
Hours of service records – Shows if the driver violated federal rest requirements
Drug and alcohol tests – Determines if impairment contributed to the crash
Previous violations – Reveals patterns of unsafe driving

Vehicle Records

Maintenance logs – Documents whether the truck was properly maintained
Inspection reports – Shows any pre-existing mechanical issues
Cargo securement records – Proves whether the load was properly secured

Accident Scene Evidence

Police reports – Official documentation of the crash
Witness statements – Independent accounts of what happened
Photographs – Visual evidence of vehicle damage and road conditions
Skid marks – Shows braking patterns and speed

We send spoliation letters immediately to preserve this evidence before it’s destroyed. In trucking cases, evidence disappears fast – black box data can be overwritten in as little as 30 days.

Common Causes of Trucking Accidents in McLendon-Chisholm

Our investigation often reveals that trucking accidents are caused by:

Driver Fatigue

Federal hours of service regulations limit drivers to:

11 hours of driving after 10 consecutive hours off duty
A 14-hour duty window
A 30-minute break after 8 hours of driving
60/70-hour weekly limits

When drivers violate these rules, they become dangerously fatigued. Fatigue slows reaction times and impairs judgment – just like alcohol. We use ELD data to prove when drivers exceeded their legal limits.

Improper Maintenance

Trucking companies must systematically inspect, repair, and maintain their vehicles. Common maintenance failures include:

Brake failures – Worn or improperly adjusted brakes
Tire blowouts – Underinflated or worn tires
Lighting failures – Non-functioning headlights, taillights, or turn signals
Steering failures – Worn or damaged components

When maintenance records show deferred repairs or ignored inspection reports, we can prove the company knew about the dangerous condition.

Distracted Driving

Truck drivers face many distractions:

Cell phone use – Texting or talking while driving
Dispatch communications – Using onboard systems while moving
GPS devices – Programming routes while driving
Eating/drinking – Taking hands off the wheel
Fatigue-related zoning out – Failing to pay attention

Federal regulations prohibit hand-held phone use while driving commercial vehicles. We subpoena cell phone records to prove distraction.

Improper Loading

When cargo isn’t properly secured, it can:

Shift during transit, causing rollovers
Fall onto the roadway, creating hazards
Make the truck unstable and harder to control

Cargo securement violations are among the most common FMCSA violations we find in accident cases.

Speeding and Reckless Driving

Trucks need significantly more distance to stop than cars:

At 65 mph, a truck needs approximately 525 feet to stop
That’s nearly two football fields of stopping distance
Speeding reduces the driver’s ability to react to traffic changes

We use black box data to prove when trucks were traveling too fast for conditions.

Who Can Be Held Liable in a McLendon-Chisholm Trucking Accident?

In trucking cases, multiple parties may share responsibility:

The Truck Driver

The driver may be liable for:

Speeding or reckless driving
Distracted driving
Fatigue from violating hours of service rules
Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
Failure to conduct proper pre-trip inspections

The Trucking Company

The motor carrier may be 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 HOS rules

Under the legal doctrine of respondeat superior, employers are responsible for their employees’ actions within the scope of employment.

Cargo Owners and Loaders

The company that loaded the cargo may be liable for:

Improper cargo securement
Overloading the vehicle
Failing to properly balance the load
Not disclosing hazardous materials

Truck and Parts Manufacturers

Manufacturers may be liable for:

Defective brakes
Faulty tires
Malfunctioning steering components
Design defects that make trucks unstable

Maintenance Companies

Third-party maintenance providers may be liable for:

Negligent repairs
Failure to identify safety issues
Using substandard parts
Returning vehicles to service with known defects

Freight Brokers

Freight brokers who arrange transportation may be liable for:

Negligent selection of unsafe carriers
Failure to verify carrier insurance
Ignoring carrier safety records

Government Entities

In some cases, government agencies may share liability for:

Dangerous road design
Poor road maintenance
Inadequate signage
Malfunctioning traffic signals

Our investigation identifies all potentially liable parties to maximize your recovery.

The Types of Trucking Accidents We Handle

We represent clients injured in all types of commercial truck accidents:

Jackknife Accidents

When a truck’s trailer swings out to form a 90-degree angle with the cab, often blocking multiple lanes of traffic. Common causes include sudden braking, speeding on curves, and improperly loaded cargo.

Underride Collisions

When a passenger vehicle slides underneath a truck’s trailer, often shearing off the roof. These accidents are frequently fatal. Federal regulations require rear underride guards, but side underride guards are not mandated.

Rollover Accidents

When a truck tips onto its side, often due to taking curves too fast, improper loading, or sudden maneuvers to avoid hazards. Rollovers frequently spill cargo onto the roadway.

Rear-End Collisions

When a truck strikes the back of another vehicle. Due to their size, trucks need significantly more stopping distance than cars. Brake failures and distracted driving are common causes.

Wide Turn Accidents

When a truck swings wide to make a right turn, creating a gap that other vehicles enter. The truck then completes its turn, crushing the vehicle in the gap.

Blind Spot Accidents

Trucks have large blind spots (No-Zones) where the driver can’t see other vehicles:

20 feet in front of the cab
30 feet behind the trailer
One lane to the left of the cab
Two lanes to the right of the trailer

Accidents often occur when trucks change lanes without seeing vehicles in their blind spots.

Tire Blowout Accidents

When a truck tire fails suddenly, causing the driver to lose control. Common causes include underinflation, overloading, and worn tires.

Brake Failure Accidents

When a truck’s braking system fails, often due to poor maintenance or overheating on long descents. Brake problems are a factor in approximately 29% of truck crashes.

Cargo Spill Accidents

When improperly secured cargo falls from a truck or shifts during transit, causing accidents. Hazardous material spills create additional dangers.

Head-On Collisions

When a truck crosses into oncoming traffic, often due to driver fatigue, distraction, or medical emergencies. These are among the deadliest types of truck accidents.

The Catastrophic Injuries We See in Trucking Cases

The massive size and weight of 18-wheelers mean accidents often cause life-altering injuries:

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

TBI occurs when the brain is damaged by sudden trauma. Symptoms may include:

Headaches and dizziness
Memory loss and confusion
Difficulty concentrating
Mood changes and depression
Sleep disturbances
Sensory problems
Speech difficulties

Severe TBI can cause permanent cognitive impairment, requiring lifelong care.

Spinal Cord Injury

Damage to the spinal cord can cause 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

Spinal cord injuries often require extensive rehabilitation and home modifications.

Amputation

Traumatic amputations occur when limbs are severed in the accident. Surgical amputations may be necessary when limbs are too damaged to save. Amputees face:

Multiple surgeries
Prosthetic limbs (costing $5,000-$50,000+ each)
Physical therapy
Occupational therapy
Psychological counseling

Severe Burns

Burns occur from fuel fires, chemical spills, or friction. They’re classified by severity:

First-degree – Epidermis only (minor)
Second-degree – Epidermis and dermis (may scar)
Third-degree – Full thickness (requires skin grafts)
Fourth-degree – Through skin to muscle/bone

Burn treatment often requires multiple reconstructive surgeries.

Internal Organ Damage

The forces involved in trucking accidents can cause:

Liver lacerations
Spleen damage requiring removal
Kidney injuries
Lung contusions or collapse
Internal bleeding

These injuries may not show immediate symptoms but can be life-threatening.

Wrongful Death

When a trucking accident kills a loved one, surviving family members may bring a wrongful death claim. Damages may include:

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

The Compensation You May Be Entitled To

In Texas trucking accident cases, you may recover:

Economic Damages

Past and future medical expenses – All reasonable and necessary medical treatment
Lost wages – Income lost due to your injuries
Lost earning capacity – Reduction in your ability to earn in the future
Property damage – Repair or replacement of your vehicle
Out-of-pocket expenses – Transportation to medical appointments, home modifications

Non-Economic Damages

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

Punitive Damages

In cases of gross negligence or willful misconduct, you may recover punitive damages to punish the wrongdoer. Texas caps punitive damages at the greater of:

(2 × economic damages) + (non-economic damages up to $750,000), or
$200,000

The Insurance Coverage Available in Trucking Cases

Federal law requires commercial trucking companies to carry minimum liability insurance:

Non-hazardous freight – $750,000
Oil and large equipment – $1,000,000
Hazardous materials – $5,000,000
Passenger carriers (16+ passengers) – $5,000,000

Many carriers carry $1-5 million or more in coverage. This higher coverage means catastrophic injuries can actually be compensated, unlike in typical car accidents.

Our Proven Track Record in Trucking Cases

At Attorney911, we’ve recovered millions for trucking accident victims across Texas. Our results include:

Multi-million dollar settlements for catastrophic injury cases
Significant recoveries in wrongful death cases
Successful litigation against major trucking companies
Experience with complex liability issues involving multiple defendants

Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has been fighting for injury victims since 1998. He’s secured multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements, including involvement in the BP Texas City explosion litigation – one of the few Texas firms to handle this complex industrial disaster case.

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your McLendon-Chisholm Trucking Case?

Local Knowledge

We understand McLendon-Chisholm’s roads, courts, and legal landscape. Our familiarity with Rockwall County and the surrounding area gives us an advantage in building your case.

Federal Court Experience

Ralph Manginello is admitted to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas, which handles many interstate trucking cases.

Insider Knowledge

Our team includes a former insurance defense attorney who knows exactly how trucking companies and their insurers operate. He understands their tactics from the inside and uses that knowledge to fight for you.

Aggressive Representation

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.

Compassionate Service

We treat our clients like family. You’re not just another case number to us. We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll a trucking accident takes on victims and their families.

No Fee Unless We Win

We work on contingency – you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you. We advance all costs of investigation and litigation.

What to Do After a Trucking Accident in McLendon-Chisholm

If you’ve been injured in a trucking accident, take these steps to protect your rights:

Call 911 – Report the accident and request medical assistance
Seek medical attention – Even if injuries seem minor, get checked out
Document the scene – Take photos of all vehicles, road conditions, and your injuries
Get information – Collect the truck driver’s name, CDL number, and insurance information
Identify witnesses – Get names and contact information for anyone who saw the accident
Don’t give statements – Never give recorded statements to insurance companies without legal representation
Call Attorney911 – Contact us immediately to preserve evidence and protect your rights

The Urgency of Acting Quickly

In trucking cases, evidence disappears fast:

Black box data can be overwritten in 30 days
ELD logs may be retained for only 6 months
Dashcam footage is often deleted within 7-14 days
Witness memories fade over time
Physical evidence may be repaired or destroyed

We send spoliation letters within hours of being retained to preserve this critical evidence before it’s lost forever.

The Legal Process for Your Trucking Accident Case

Free Consultation – We evaluate your case and explain your options
Case Acceptance – We agree to represent you, usually on a contingency basis
Investigation – We gather evidence, send preservation letters, and identify all liable parties
Medical Care Facilitation – We help you get the treatment you need
Demand Letter – We send a comprehensive demand to the insurance company
Negotiation – We negotiate aggressively for a fair settlement
Litigation (if needed) – If a fair settlement can’t be reached, we file a lawsuit
Resolution – Your case is resolved through settlement or trial

Most cases settle before trial, but we prepare every case as if it’s going to court to create maximum leverage in negotiations.

Common Questions About McLendon-Chisholm Trucking Accidents

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

Texas has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury cases. However, you should never wait. Evidence disappears quickly in trucking cases, and the sooner we start investigating, the stronger your case will be.

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. Your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

How much is my trucking accident case worth?

Case values depend on many factors:

Severity of your injuries
Medical expenses (past and future)
Lost income and earning capacity
Pain and suffering
Degree of the trucking company’s negligence
Available insurance coverage

Trucking companies carry higher insurance limits than typical drivers, allowing for larger recoveries in catastrophic injury cases.

Will my case go to trial?

Most cases settle before trial, but we prepare every case as if it’s going to court. Insurance companies know we’re willing to take cases to trial if necessary, which strengthens our position in settlement negotiations.

How long will my case take?

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.

Do I need to pay anything upfront?

No. We work on contingency – you pay nothing unless we win your case. We advance all costs of investigation and litigation.

Real Client Experiences

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

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

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

“Ralph reached out personally.”
— Dame Haskett, Attorney911 Client

Contact Attorney911 Today

If you or a loved one has been injured in an 18-wheeler accident in McLendon-Chisholm, Texas, don’t wait. Critical evidence is disappearing every day. Call Attorney911 now for a free consultation:

1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)

Our McLendon-Chisholm trucking accident attorneys are available 24/7 to help you. We offer free consultations and work on contingency – you pay nothing unless we win your case.

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

Don’t let the trucking company’s lawyers take advantage of you. Call Attorney911 – the firm insurers fear.