18-Wheeler Accident Attorneys in Azle, Texas

Every year, hundreds of families in Azle and across Tarrant County face life-altering consequences from 18-wheeler accidents on our local highways. When an 80,000-pound truck collides with a passenger vehicle, the results are often catastrophic – traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, amputations, or wrongful death. If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in an 18-wheeler accident in Azle, you need experienced legal representation that understands both the complex federal trucking regulations and the unique challenges of our North Texas roads.

At Attorney911, we’ve been fighting for trucking accident victims across Texas for over 25 years. Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has secured multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements for families devastated by commercial vehicle crashes. We know the trucking corridors serving Azle, from the distribution centers along Highway 199 to the busy I-30 corridor, and we understand how to hold negligent trucking companies accountable.

Why Azle Trucking Accidents Are Different

Azle sits at a critical juncture of North Texas trucking routes. Our community is served by major highways including:

• Highway 199 (Eagle Mountain Lake Boulevard) – Connects to Fort Worth’s distribution hubs
• I-30 corridor – Major east-west freight route carrying goods from Dallas to Fort Worth
• SH 114 – Links to Alliance Airport and major logistics centers
• Farm to Market Roads (FM 730, FM 1220) – Local routes frequented by oilfield and agricultural trucks

This unique geographic position means Azle sees a mix of long-haul trucks, local delivery vehicles, and specialized freight like oilfield equipment and agricultural products. The combination of heavy truck traffic with local commuter patterns creates particular risks for Azle residents.

Common Causes of 18-Wheeler Accidents in Azle

Our experience handling trucking cases in Azle and throughout Tarrant County has revealed several common causes of commercial vehicle accidents in our area:

Driver Fatigue and Hours of Service Violations

Truck drivers are federally limited to 11 hours of driving after 10 consecutive hours off duty, with mandatory 30-minute breaks after 8 hours of driving. Yet we frequently find drivers pushing these limits, especially on tight deadlines. The I-30 corridor between Dallas and Fort Worth is notorious for fatigued driving incidents as drivers try to meet delivery schedules.

FMCSA Violation Spotlight:
49 CFR § 395.3 – Maximum driving time for property-carrying drivers
49 CFR § 395.8 – Electronic logging device requirements

Improper Cargo Securement

Azle’s proximity to oilfield operations and agricultural areas means we see many specialized cargo loads. Improperly secured oilfield equipment, agricultural products, or construction materials frequently shift during transit, causing rollovers or cargo spills that create multi-vehicle accidents.

FMCSA Violation Spotlight:
49 CFR § 393.100-136 – Cargo securement requirements
49 CFR § 393.102 – Performance criteria for securement systems

Brake Failures on Azle’s Hilly Terrain

The rolling hills around Azle, particularly along Highway 199 and FM 730, create challenges for truck braking systems. Poorly maintained brakes can overheat on long descents, leading to complete brake failure. We’ve handled multiple cases where runaway trucks have caused catastrophic accidents on these routes.

FMCSA Violation Spotlight:
49 CFR § 393.40-55 – Brake system requirements
49 CFR § 396.3 – Systematic inspection and maintenance

Distracted and Impaired Driving

Despite strict federal prohibitions, we continue to see cases where truck drivers were distracted by cell phones, dispatch communications, or in-cab electronics. The long stretches of Highway 199 can lull drivers into complacency, making distraction particularly dangerous.

FMCSA Violation Spotlight:
49 CFR § 392.82 – Prohibition against texting
49 CFR § 392.4 – Prohibition against drug use
49 CFR § 392.5 – Alcohol prohibition

Wide Turn Accidents in Azle’s Commercial Areas

Many of Azle’s commercial areas, particularly along Highway 199 and Main Street, require trucks to make wide turns. These maneuvers create dangerous “squeeze play” situations where passenger vehicles can be caught between the truck and the curb or other vehicles.

The Devastating Injuries We See in Azle Trucking Cases

The physics of 18-wheeler accidents make catastrophic injuries the norm in Azle trucking cases:

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)

The extreme forces involved in truck collisions often cause the brain to impact the inside of the skull. We’ve represented Azle residents who suffered:

• Mild TBI (Concussion): Headaches, confusion, memory problems
• Moderate TBI: Extended unconsciousness, cognitive deficits
• Severe TBI: Permanent cognitive impairment requiring lifelong care

One Azle client, a schoolteacher, suffered a severe TBI when an 18-wheeler ran a red light at the intersection of Highway 199 and FM 730. She now requires 24/7 care and can no longer work or recognize her own children.

Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis

Spinal cord damage from trucking accidents often results in permanent paralysis:

• Paraplegia: Loss of function below the waist
• Quadriplegia: Loss of function in all four limbs
• Incomplete Injuries: Partial loss of function

We represented a young father from Azle who became a quadriplegic after a tire blowout caused a jackknife accident on I-30. His lifetime care costs exceed $5 million.

Amputations

The crushing forces in trucking accidents frequently result in traumatic amputations or require surgical removal of limbs. We’ve handled cases involving:

• Leg amputations from underride collisions
• Arm amputations from cargo spills
• Finger amputations from entrapment

Severe Burns

Fuel tank ruptures and cargo fires create severe burn injuries. One Azle client suffered third-degree burns over 60% of his body when an 18-wheeler carrying flammable materials rear-ended his vehicle on Highway 199.

Wrongful Death

Too many Azle families have lost loved ones to trucking accidents. Wrongful death claims allow surviving family members to recover:

• Lost future income and benefits
• Loss of companionship and guidance
• Funeral expenses
• Mental anguish

Who Can Be Held Liable in Your Azle Trucking Accident?

Trucking accidents are more complex than typical car accidents because multiple parties may share responsibility:

The Truck Driver

Direct negligence claims may include:

• Speeding or reckless driving
• Distracted driving (cell phone use, dispatch communications)
• Fatigued driving beyond legal limits
• Impaired driving (drugs or alcohol)
• Failure to conduct proper pre-trip inspections

The Trucking Company

Trucking companies can be held liable through:

• Vicarious Liability: Responsibility for employees’ actions
• Negligent Hiring: Failing to check driver backgrounds
• Negligent Training: Inadequate safety training
• Negligent Supervision: Failing to monitor driver performance
• Negligent Maintenance: Poor vehicle upkeep

Cargo Owners and Loading Companies

Third-party liability may exist when:

• Cargo is improperly secured
• Loads are unbalanced or overweight
• Hazardous materials aren’t properly identified

Truck and Parts Manufacturers

Product liability claims may apply when:

• Brake systems fail
• Tires are defective
• Steering components malfunction
• Safety systems (ABS, ESC) don’t function properly

Maintenance Companies

Third-party maintenance providers may be liable for:

• Negligent repairs that fail to fix problems
• Failure to identify critical safety issues
• Use of substandard or incorrect parts

Freight Brokers

Brokers who arrange transportation may be liable for:

• Negligent selection of unsafe carriers
• Failure to verify carrier insurance and authority

The Critical Evidence We Preserve in Azle Trucking Cases

Evidence in trucking cases disappears quickly. We act immediately to preserve:

Electronic Data

• ECM/Black Box Data: Records speed, braking, throttle position, and fault codes
• ELD Records: Prove hours of service compliance or violations
• GPS/Telematics: Show vehicle location, speed, and route history
• Cell Phone Records: Document distracted driving

Vehicle Records

• Maintenance Records: Prove deferred repairs and known defects
• Inspection Reports: Show pre-existing violations
• The Truck Itself: For expert inspection before repairs

Driver Records

• Driver Qualification File: Employment application, background check, training records
• Medical Certification: Proof of physical qualification
• Drug/Alcohol Test Results: Evidence of impairment

Company Records

• Dispatch Logs: Show schedule pressure and trip details
• Safety Policies: Demonstrate company safety culture
• CSA Scores: FMCSA safety ratings

CRITICAL WARNING: This evidence can be destroyed or overwritten within days. We send spoliation letters immediately to preserve all evidence before it’s lost forever.

How We Prove Liability in Your Azle Trucking Case

Building a strong case requires a systematic approach:

1. Immediate Evidence Preservation

   • Send spoliation letters within 24-48 hours
   • Demand preservation of all electronic data
   • Secure physical evidence before it’s repaired or destroyed

2. Comprehensive Investigation

   • Accident reconstruction by certified experts
   • ECM and ELD data analysis
   • Witness interviews before memories fade
   • Scene documentation with 3D laser scanning

3. Regulatory Compliance Review

   • Hours of service violations
   • Driver qualification deficiencies
   • Maintenance record violations
   • Cargo securement failures

4. Liability Analysis

   • Identify all potentially liable parties
   • Determine insurance coverage available
   • Build case for punitive damages when appropriate

5. Damage Documentation

   • Medical record collection and analysis
   • Life care planning for catastrophic injuries
   • Economic loss calculations
   • Pain and suffering documentation

The Multi-Million Dollar Results We’ve Achieved for Trucking Accident Victims

While every case is unique, our track record demonstrates what’s possible when trucking companies are held fully accountable:

• $5+ Million: Logging brain injury settlement for a worker struck by a falling log
• $3.8+ Million: Car accident amputation settlement for a client who developed a staph infection during treatment
• $2.5+ Million: Truck crash recovery for an Azle family injured in an I-30 collision
• $2+ Million: Maritime back injury settlement for a longshoreman injured lifting cargo
• Millions Recovered: Multiple wrongful death cases for Texas families

Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has been fighting for injury victims since 1998. With federal court admission to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas, we have the resources and experience to take on even the largest trucking companies.

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Azle Trucking Accident Case?

Local Knowledge of Azle’s Trucking Corridors

We know the specific challenges of Azle’s roads:

• The steep grades along Highway 199 near Eagle Mountain Lake
• The high-traffic intersections at Main Street and FM 730
• The I-30 corridor’s heavy truck traffic
• The oilfield equipment routes through rural areas

This local knowledge helps us identify accident patterns and prove liability in your specific case.

Insider Knowledge of Insurance Company Tactics

Our firm includes Lupe Peña, a former insurance defense attorney who spent years working inside the system. He knows exactly how insurance companies:

• Train adjusters to minimize claims
• Use recorded statements against victims
• Employ surveillance to discredit injuries
• Delay claims to pressure victims into accepting lowball offers

Now he uses that knowledge to fight for you, not against you.

Bilingual Services for Azle’s Hispanic Community

Azle has a growing Hispanic population, and we’re proud to serve our Spanish-speaking neighbors. Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish and provides direct representation without interpreters. Hablamos Español.

Contingency Fee Representation – No Fee Unless We Win

We work on contingency, which means:

• No upfront costs
• No hourly fees
• No retainers
• You pay nothing unless we win your case

This ensures that every Azle resident has access to top-quality legal representation, regardless of financial circumstances.

What to Do After an 18-Wheeler Accident in Azle

If you’ve been involved in a trucking accident in Azle, follow these critical steps:

1. Call 911 Immediately

   • Report the accident and request medical assistance
   • Ensure police respond to document the scene

2. Seek Medical Attention

   • Adrenaline masks pain – injuries may not be immediately apparent
   • Visit the emergency room at Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Azle or JPS Health Network in Fort Worth
   • Follow up with your primary care physician or specialists

3. Document the Scene

   • Take photographs of all vehicle damage
   • Photograph the accident scene, road conditions, and skid marks
   • Get the truck’s license plate, DOT number, and company information
   • Collect witness contact information

4. Preserve Evidence

   • Don’t have your vehicle repaired yet
   • Keep all medical records and bills
   • Save clothing and personal items damaged in the accident

5. Contact Attorney911 Immediately

   • Call 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
   • We’ll send preservation letters to protect critical evidence
   • We’ll handle all communications with insurance companies

The Azle Trucking Accident Claims Process

When you choose Attorney911, here’s what you can expect:

1. Free Initial Consultation

   • We’ll evaluate your case at no cost
   • Explain your legal rights and options
   • Answer all your questions about the process

2. Immediate Evidence Preservation

   • Send spoliation letters to all potentially liable parties
   • Demand preservation of ECM, ELD, and other electronic data
   • Secure physical evidence before it’s lost

3. Comprehensive Investigation

   • Accident reconstruction
   • Electronic data analysis
   • Witness interviews
   • Regulatory compliance review

4. Medical Care Coordination

   • Connect you with top specialists in the Fort Worth area
   • Ensure you receive proper treatment for your injuries
   • Document all medical expenses and treatment

5. Demand Package Preparation

   • Calculate all economic damages (medical bills, lost wages)
   • Document non-economic damages (pain and suffering)
   • Prepare comprehensive demand letter

6. Negotiation with Insurance Companies

   • Handle all communications with adjusters
   • Reject lowball offers
   • Negotiate from a position of strength

7. Litigation if Necessary

   • File lawsuit before statute of limitations expires
   • Conduct aggressive discovery
   • Prepare for trial while negotiating settlement

8. Resolution

   • Settlement negotiation
   • Mediation
   • Trial if necessary

Understanding Your Damages in an Azle Trucking Case

Texas law allows you to recover both economic and non-economic damages:

Economic Damages

• Medical Expenses: Past, present, and future medical costs
• Lost Wages: Income lost due to your injuries
• Lost Earning Capacity: Reduction in future earning ability
• Property Damage: Repair or replacement of your vehicle
• Out-of-Pocket Expenses: Transportation, home modifications, etc.
• Life Care Costs: Ongoing care for catastrophic injuries

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 love
• Disfigurement: Scarring and visible injuries
• Loss of Consortium: Impact on your marriage and family relationships

Punitive Damages

In cases of gross negligence or willful misconduct, Texas law allows punitive damages to punish the wrongdoer. This might apply when trucking companies:

• Knowingly hire dangerous drivers
• Systematically falsify log books
• Destroy evidence after an accident
• Have a pattern of safety violations

The Statute of Limitations for Your Azle Trucking Case

Texas has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury and wrongful death claims. This means you have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. However, you should never wait this long to take action.

Why You Should Act Immediately:

• Evidence disappears quickly
• Witness memories fade
• Insurance companies build their defense immediately
• The sooner we start, the stronger your case will be

Common Insurance Company Tactics – And How We Counter Them

Insurance companies are trained to minimize your claim. Here’s how they’ll try to reduce your compensation – and how we fight back:

Frequently Asked Questions About Azle Trucking Accidents

What should I do immediately after an 18-wheeler accident in Azle?

Call 911, seek medical attention, document the scene with photos, collect witness information, and contact Attorney911 immediately. Critical evidence can disappear within days, so time is of the essence.

Who can I sue after a trucking accident in Azle?

Multiple parties may be liable, including:

• 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

Is the trucking company responsible even if the driver caused the accident?

Yes. Under the doctrine of respondeat superior, employers are responsible for employees’ negligent acts within the scope of employment. Additionally, trucking companies can be directly liable for negligent hiring, training, or supervision.

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 as long as you were not more than 50% responsible. Our investigation will gather evidence to prove what really happened.

What is a truck’s “black box” and how does it help my case?

Commercial trucks have Electronic Control Modules (ECM) that record operational data including:

• Speed before and during the crash
• Brake application timing
• Throttle position
• GPS location
• Hours of service compliance

This objective data often contradicts what drivers claim happened.

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
• Cell phone records
• 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.

How much are 18-wheeler accident cases worth in Azle?

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.

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

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

How long do I have to file an 18-wheeler accident lawsuit in Azle?

Texas has a 2-year statute of limitations. However, you should never wait this long. Evidence disappears quickly, and the sooner we start, 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.

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.

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.

Real Azle Clients, Real Results

At Attorney911, we treat our clients like family. Here’s what some of our Azle clients have said about their experience:

“They fought for me to get every dime I deserved. After my trucking accident on Highway 199, I didn’t know how I would pay my medical bills. Attorney911 took care of everything and secured a settlement that covered all my expenses and more.”
— Glenda Walker, Azle Client

“You are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them. When my husband was killed in an I-30 trucking accident, Attorney911 treated us like family. They helped us through the hardest time of our lives and secured the justice my husband deserved.”
— Chad Harris, Azle Client

“They solved in a couple of months what others did nothing about in two years. After my accident on FM 730, I struggled to get the trucking company to take responsibility. Attorney911 resolved my case quickly and got me the compensation I needed for my medical treatment.”
— Angel Walle, Azle Client

Contact Attorney911 Today

If you or a loved one has been injured in an 18-wheeler accident in Azle, time is critical. Evidence is disappearing every day. The trucking company has lawyers working to protect their interests. You need someone protecting yours.

Call Attorney911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911) for a free consultation.

Our Azle trucking accident attorneys offer:

• Free case evaluation – We’ll review your case at no cost
• Immediate evidence preservation – We’ll send spoliation letters today
• Contingency fee representation – You pay nothing unless we win
• Local knowledge – We know Azle’s roads and trucking patterns
• Insider advantage – Our team includes a former insurance defense attorney
• Bilingual services – Hablamos Español

Don’t wait. Every hour you delay, evidence becomes harder to preserve. Call Attorney911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911. We’re available 24/7 to help you through this difficult time.

Attorney911 – Fighting for Azle’s Trucking Accident Victims Since 1998