18-Wheeler Accident Attorney in North Richland Hills, Texas

If you’ve been seriously injured in an 18-wheeler accident in North Richland Hills, you’re facing one of the most complex and high-stakes legal battles of your life. The massive size and weight of commercial trucks create devastating forces that change lives in an instant. At Attorney911, we understand the unique challenges of North Richland Hills trucking accident cases, from the busy I-820 corridor to the distribution centers along Rufe Snow Drive. Our team has been fighting for truck accident victims across North Texas for over 25 years, and we’re ready to fight for you.

Why North Richland Hills Trucking Accidents Are Different

North Richland Hills sits at the heart of the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, where major trucking routes intersect with local traffic. The city’s position along I-820, Highway 26, and Highway 377 creates unique hazards:

• I-820 Congestion: This major loop around Fort Worth carries heavy commercial traffic, creating dangerous merge points and frequent lane-change accidents
• Distribution Hubs: North Richland Hills hosts numerous warehouses and distribution centers where truck traffic mixes with local commuters
• Rufe Snow Drive: This busy commercial corridor sees constant truck movements to and from businesses
• Highway 26 & 377: These routes connect to major freight corridors, bringing long-haul trucks through residential and commercial areas

The trucking companies responsible for these accidents have rapid-response teams that arrive at crash scenes within hours to protect their interests. They’ll be working against you from the moment the accident happens. That’s why you need an experienced North Richland Hills 18-wheeler accident attorney on your side immediately.

The Devastating Reality of Trucking Accidents

The physics of 18-wheeler accidents make catastrophic injuries the norm, not the exception:

• Size Disparity: A fully loaded truck can weigh 80,000 pounds – 20-25 times more than your passenger vehicle
• Stopping Distance: At 65 mph, an 18-wheeler needs nearly two football fields (525 feet) to stop
• Impact Force: The energy from an 80,000-pound truck traveling at highway speeds transfers to your much smaller vehicle
• Trailer Swing: Trucks can jackknife or lose control, sweeping across multiple lanes of traffic

These factors explain why trucking accidents often result in:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
• Spinal cord damage and paralysis
• Amputations
• Severe burns from fuel fires
• Multiple fractures and internal injuries
• Wrongful death

In North Richland Hills, we’ve seen these injuries firsthand at local hospitals like Medical City North Hills and Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Alliance. The medical bills can quickly reach hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars, while your ability to work and enjoy life may be permanently altered.

Who’s Really Responsible for Your Trucking Accident?

Unlike car accidents where typically only one driver is at fault, 18-wheeler crashes often involve multiple liable parties. In North Richland Hills cases, we’ve successfully pursued claims against:

1. The Truck Driver – For violations like speeding, fatigue, distraction, or impairment
2. The Trucking Company – For negligent hiring, training, supervision, or maintenance
3. Cargo Owners – For improper loading or hazardous material violations
4. Loading Companies – For failing to properly secure cargo
5. Truck Manufacturers – For defective brakes, tires, or other components
6. Parts Manufacturers – For faulty steering, suspension, or safety systems
7. Maintenance Companies – For negligent repairs or inspections
8. Freight Brokers – For hiring unsafe carriers
9. Government Entities – For dangerous road conditions (rare but possible)

In one notable North Richland Hills case, we discovered that a trucking company had hired a driver with multiple previous DUI convictions and failed to properly secure a load that shifted during transit, causing a rollover accident. By pursuing all responsible parties, we were able to secure compensation that covered our client’s lifetime medical needs.

The Critical 48-Hour Window

Time is your enemy after a trucking accident. Evidence disappears quickly:

• Black Box Data: Can be overwritten in as little as 30 days
• ELD Records: May be retained for only 6 months
• Dashcam Footage: Often deleted within 7-14 days
• Surveillance Video: Business cameras typically overwrite in 7-30 days
• Witness Memories: Fade significantly within weeks
• Physical Evidence: Vehicles may be repaired or scrapped

At Attorney911, we act immediately to preserve this critical evidence. Within 24-48 hours of being retained, we send formal spoliation letters to the trucking company, their insurer, and all potentially liable parties. These legal notices demand preservation of:

• ECM/Black Box data
• ELD records
• Driver Qualification Files
• Maintenance and inspection records
• Drug and alcohol test results
• Dispatch records
• Cell phone records
• The physical truck and trailer

Failure to preserve evidence after receiving our spoliation letter can result in court sanctions, adverse inferences, or even default judgment against the trucking company.

How We Prove Negligence in North Richland Hills Trucking Cases

Building a strong trucking accident case requires specialized knowledge and resources. Our North Richland Hills 18-wheeler accident attorneys use a comprehensive approach:

1. Immediate Evidence Preservation

• Send spoliation letters within 24-48 hours
• Demand immediate download of ECM and ELD data
• Secure dashcam and surveillance footage
• Photograph the accident scene and vehicles before they’re moved

2. FMCSA Regulation Analysis

We investigate violations of critical federal regulations:

Hours of Service (HOS) Violations (49 CFR Part 395):

• 11-hour driving limit after 10 consecutive hours off duty
• 14-hour on-duty window
• 30-minute break requirement
• 60/70-hour weekly limits
• 34-hour restart provision

Driver Qualification Violations (49 CFR Part 391):

• Missing or incomplete Driver Qualification File
• Hiring drivers with poor safety records
• Failure to verify previous employment
• Expired medical certification
• No valid CDL

Vehicle Maintenance Violations (49 CFR Part 396):

• Failure to conduct pre-trip inspections
• Deferred maintenance on critical systems
• Improper brake adjustments
• Worn or defective tires
• Non-functioning lights or reflectors

Cargo Securement Violations (49 CFR Part 393):

• Inadequate tiedowns
• Improper load distribution
• Failure to use blocking or bracing
• Overloaded vehicles

3. Accident Reconstruction

We work with expert accident reconstructionists who:

• Analyze skid marks and debris patterns
• Reconstruct the sequence of events
• Determine speeds and braking distances
• Identify contributing factors

4. Medical Documentation

We ensure comprehensive medical documentation of:

• Initial emergency treatment
• Hospitalization records
• Surgical reports
• Rehabilitation progress
• Long-term prognosis
• Future medical needs

5. Economic Damage Calculation

Our team calculates:

• Past and future medical expenses
• Lost wages and earning capacity
• Property damage
• Out-of-pocket expenses
• Life care costs for catastrophic injuries

Common Types of North Richland Hills Trucking Accidents

Our attorneys have handled every type of 18-wheeler accident that occurs on North Richland Hills roads:

Jackknife Accidents

These terrifying crashes occur when a truck’s trailer swings out perpendicular to the cab, often blocking multiple lanes. In North Richland Hills, we frequently see jackknife accidents on I-820 during wet conditions or when drivers brake suddenly.

Common Causes:

• Sudden braking on wet or icy roads
• Speeding on curves
• Empty or lightly loaded trailers
• Improperly loaded cargo
• Brake system failures
• Driver inexperience

Underride Collisions

These are among the deadliest trucking accidents, occurring when a smaller vehicle slides underneath the trailer. North Richland Hills has seen several fatal underride accidents at intersections along Rufe Snow Drive and Highway 26.

Types:

• Rear Underride: Vehicle strikes back of trailer
• Side Underride: Vehicle impacts side of trailer

Common Causes:

• Missing or inadequate underride guards
• Poor visibility due to weather or lighting
• Sudden truck stops
• Trucks making wide turns
• Non-functioning rear lights or reflectors

Rollover Accidents

Truck rollovers are particularly dangerous in North Richland Hills due to the mix of highway and local traffic. When a truck rolls over, it can spill cargo across multiple lanes, creating secondary accidents.

Common Causes:

• Speeding on curves (particularly on I-820 ramps)
• Top-heavy loads
• Improperly secured cargo
• Overcorrection after tire blowouts
• Driver fatigue
• Steep grades

Tire Blowouts

North Richland Hills’ hot Texas summers make tire blowouts a common hazard. When a truck’s tire fails, the driver may lose control, and debris can strike other vehicles.

Common Causes:

• Underinflated tires
• Overloaded vehicles
• Worn or aging tires
• Road debris
• Manufacturing defects
• Improper tire matching

Brake Failures

Brake problems are a factor in approximately 29% of large truck crashes. In North Richland Hills, we’ve seen brake failures on the long descents along Highway 26.

Common Causes:

• Worn brake pads or shoes
• Improper brake adjustments
• Air brake system leaks
• Overheated brakes (brake fade)
• Contaminated brake fluid
• Defective brake components

Cargo Spills

North Richland Hills’ position as a distribution hub means we see many cargo-related accidents. When cargo isn’t properly secured, it can shift during transit or spill onto the roadway.

Common Causes:

• Inadequate tiedowns
• Improper loading distribution
• Failure to use blocking or bracing
• Overloaded vehicles
• Failure to re-inspect cargo during trips

Blind Spot Accidents

Trucks have massive blind spots (No-Zones) where the driver can’t see other vehicles. In North Richland Hills, we frequently see blind spot accidents when trucks change lanes on I-820.

The Four No-Zones:

1. Front No-Zone: 20 feet directly in front of the cab
2. Rear No-Zone: 30 feet behind the trailer
3. Left Side No-Zone: Extends from cab door backward
4. Right Side No-Zone: Extends from cab door backward (largest blind spot)

Wide Turn Accidents (“Squeeze Play”)

These accidents occur when a truck swings wide before making a right turn, creating a gap that other vehicles enter. The truck then completes its turn, crushing the smaller vehicle. In North Richland Hills, we’ve seen these accidents at busy intersections along Rufe Snow Drive.

Common Causes:

• Failure to properly signal
• Inadequate mirror checks
• Improper turn technique
• Driver inexperience
• Failure to yield right-of-way

The Insurance Battle You’re Facing

Trucking companies carry massive insurance policies – at least $750,000 for most trucks, and up to $5 million for hazardous materials. But don’t expect the insurance company to offer fair compensation. Their adjusters are trained to minimize your claim.

At Attorney911, we have a unique advantage: our team includes a former insurance defense attorney who knows exactly how these companies operate. Lupe Peña spent years working for a national defense firm, learning their tactics from the inside. Now he uses that knowledge to fight for accident victims.

Common Insurance Tactics We Counter:

• Quick Lowball Offers: They’ll offer a fraction of what your case is worth before you understand the full extent of your injuries
• Recorded Statements: Adjusters will try to get you to say things that hurt your case
• Delaying Tactics: They’ll drag out the process hoping you’ll accept less
• Blaming You: They’ll claim you were partially at fault to reduce your compensation
• Surveillance: They may hire investigators to follow you and record activities
• “Independent” Medical Exams: They’ll send you to doctors who minimize your injuries

What Your North Richland Hills Trucking Accident Case Is Worth

The value of your case depends on many factors:

• Severity of Injuries: Catastrophic injuries command higher compensation
• Medical Expenses: Both past and future medical costs
• Lost Income: Wages lost during recovery and reduced earning capacity
• Pain and Suffering: Physical pain and emotional distress
• Degree of Negligence: Gross negligence can lead to punitive damages
• Insurance Coverage: Trucking companies carry higher limits than typical auto policies

Typical Settlement Ranges in North Texas:

• Soft Tissue Injuries: $15,000 – $60,000
• Herniated Disc (Non-Surgical): $50,000 – $200,000
• Herniated Disc (With Surgery): $346,000 – $1,205,000
• Traumatic Brain Injury (Moderate to 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 Texas Trucking Verdicts:

• $730 million – Ramsey v. Landstar Ranger (2021)
• $150 million – Werner settlement (2022)
• $37.5 million – Trucking verdict (2024)
• $35.5 million – Family injured in truck accident
• $35 million – Fort Worth trucking verdict (2025)

These verdicts show what’s possible when trucking companies are held fully accountable. Insurance companies know juries are willing to award massive damages – which strengthens our position in settlement negotiations.

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your North Richland Hills Trucking Case

When you’re fighting against trucking companies with unlimited resources, you need a law firm with:

1. Proven Experience

• 25+ years handling trucking accident cases
• Multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts
• Experience against major trucking companies (Walmart, Amazon, FedEx, UPS, Coca-Cola)
• Federal court admission in the Southern District of Texas

2. Unique Advantages

• Former insurance defense attorney on staff (Lupe Peña)
• Deep knowledge of FMCSA regulations
• Immediate evidence preservation protocols
• Access to top accident reconstruction experts

3. Local Knowledge

• Familiarity with North Richland Hills courts and judges
• Understanding of local trucking corridors and accident patterns
• Relationships with local medical providers
• Knowledge of North Texas jury tendencies

4. Compassionate Representation

• We treat you like family, not a case number
• 24/7 availability for your questions
• Spanish-language services available
• No fee unless we win your case

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

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

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

What to Do After a Trucking Accident in North Richland Hills

If you’ve been involved in an 18-wheeler accident in North Richland Hills, take these steps immediately:

1. Call 911 – Report the accident and request medical assistance
2. Seek Medical Attention – Even if you feel okay, get checked out at Medical City North Hills or Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Alliance
3. Document the Scene – Take photos of all vehicles, road conditions, and your injuries
4. Get Driver Information – Obtain the truck driver’s name, CDL number, and insurance information
5. Collect Witness Information – Get names and phone numbers of any witnesses
6. Preserve Evidence – Don’t let the trucking company take the truck until we’ve inspected it
7. Don’t Give Statements – Never give recorded statements to insurance adjusters
8. Call Attorney911 – Contact us immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911

The Attorney911 Difference

When you choose Attorney911 for your North Richland Hills trucking accident case, you get:

Immediate Action

• We send spoliation letters within 24-48 hours
• We preserve black box and ELD data before it’s lost
• We deploy accident reconstruction experts to the scene

Comprehensive Investigation

• We obtain the trucking company’s complete safety record
• We subpoena the Driver Qualification File
• We analyze maintenance and inspection records
• We review dispatch logs and hours of service records

Aggressive Representation

• We fight lowball settlement offers
• We prepare every case as if it’s going to trial
• We pursue all liable parties to maximize your recovery
• We have the resources to take on the largest trucking companies

Compassionate Support

• We help you get the medical care you need
• We keep you informed every step of the way
• We treat you with the respect and dignity you deserve
• We’re available 24/7 to answer your questions

North Richland Hills Trucking Corridors We Know Well

Our attorneys are intimately familiar with the trucking routes that traverse North Richland Hills:

I-820 (Loop 820)

This major highway carries heavy commercial traffic around the Fort Worth area. We’ve handled numerous accidents at:

• I-820 and Highway 26 interchange
• I-820 and Rufe Snow Drive
• I-820 and Highway 377
• I-820 and Iron Horse Boulevard

Highway 26 (Bedford-Euless Road)

This busy route connects to DFW Airport and sees significant truck traffic. Dangerous spots include:

• Highway 26 and Iron Horse Boulevard
• Highway 26 and Boulevard 26
• Highway 26 and Davis Boulevard

Highway 377 (Denton Highway)

This major north-south route carries trucks between Fort Worth and Denton. Problem areas include:

• Highway 377 and Iron Horse Boulevard
• Highway 377 and North Tarrant Parkway
• Highway 377 and Boulevard 26

Rufe Snow Drive

This busy commercial corridor sees constant truck movements to and from local businesses. We’ve handled accidents at:

• Rufe Snow and Davis Boulevard
• Rufe Snow and Iron Horse Boulevard
• Rufe Snow and North Tarrant Parkway

North Tarrant Parkway

This newer route has become a trucking thoroughfare. Dangerous intersections include:

• North Tarrant Parkway and Iron Horse Boulevard
• North Tarrant Parkway and Davis Boulevard

Common North Richland Hills Trucking Accident Scenarios

Distribution Center Accidents

North Richland Hills hosts numerous warehouses and distribution centers where truck traffic mixes with local commuters. These accidents often occur when:

• Trucks are backing into loading docks
• Drivers are rushing to meet delivery deadlines
• Local drivers are unfamiliar with truck blind spots
• Trucks are making wide turns into warehouse entrances

Highway Merge Accidents

The I-820 and Highway 26 interchange sees frequent accidents when:

• Trucks are merging onto the highway
• Passenger vehicles try to squeeze into gaps between trucks
• Trucks are changing lanes without proper mirror checks
• Drivers are fatigued from long hauls

Intersection Accidents

Busy North Richland Hills intersections like Rufe Snow and Davis Boulevard see accidents when:

• Trucks run red lights or stop signs
• Drivers misjudge the time needed to clear intersections
• Passenger vehicles enter the truck’s path during wide turns
• Visibility is limited by sun glare or weather conditions

Parking Lot Accidents

Trucks navigating North Richland Hills parking lots often strike smaller vehicles when:

• Making tight turns in crowded lots
• Backing out of spaces without proper spotting
• Drivers are distracted by dispatch communications
• Visibility is limited by trailers or cargo

Understanding Texas Trucking Laws

Texas has specific laws that affect trucking accident cases:

Statute of Limitations

• Personal Injury: 2 years from the date of the accident
• Wrongful Death: 2 years from the date of death
• Property Damage: 2 years from the date of the accident

Comparative Negligence

Texas follows a modified comparative negligence rule:

• If you’re 50% or less at fault, you can recover damages
• Your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault
• If you’re more than 50% at fault, you cannot recover anything

Damage Caps

• Economic Damages: No cap (medical expenses, lost wages)
• Non-Economic Damages: No cap in most personal injury cases
• Punitive Damages: Greater of (2x economic + non-economic capped at $750,000) or $200,000

The Legal Process for North Richland Hills Trucking Cases

When you hire Attorney911, we guide you through every step of the legal process:

1. Free Consultation – We evaluate your case and explain your options
2. Case Acceptance – We agree to represent you on a contingency basis
3. Investigation – We gather all evidence and build your case
4. Demand Letter – We send a comprehensive demand to the insurance company
5. Negotiation – We fight for a fair settlement
6. Litigation – If necessary, we file a lawsuit and go to court
7. Resolution – We recover maximum compensation for you

Most cases settle before trial, but we prepare every case as if it’s going to court. This preparation gives us leverage in negotiations and ensures we’re ready if the case does go to trial.

What to Expect During Your Case

Medical Treatment Phase

• We help you get the medical care you need
• We document all injuries and treatment
• We work with doctors to understand your prognosis

Investigation Phase

• We gather all evidence from the accident
• We obtain records from the trucking company
• We consult with accident reconstruction experts

Demand Phase

• We calculate your total damages
• We send a comprehensive demand letter
• We negotiate with the insurance company

Litigation Phase (If Necessary)

• We file a lawsuit in the appropriate North Richland Hills court
• We conduct discovery (interrogatories, depositions, document requests)
• We prepare for trial
• We present your case to a jury if necessary

Common Questions About North Richland Hills Trucking Accidents

Q: How long do I have to file a lawsuit after a trucking accident in North Richland Hills?
A: In Texas, you have 2 years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, you should contact an attorney immediately because evidence disappears quickly in trucking cases.

Q: What if the truck driver says I caused the accident?
A: Texas follows comparative negligence rules. Even if you were partially at fault, you may still recover compensation. Our job is to investigate thoroughly and prove what really happened.

Q: How much is my trucking accident case worth?
A: Every case is unique. Factors include the severity of your injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and the degree of the trucking company’s negligence. We’ve recovered millions for North Texas trucking accident victims.

Q: Do I need to pay anything upfront to hire your firm?
A: No. We work on a contingency fee basis – you pay nothing unless we win your case. We advance all costs of investigation and litigation.

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

Q: What if the trucking company goes bankrupt?
A: We investigate all potential sources of recovery, including the trucking company’s insurance, the driver’s personal assets, and any other liable parties. Even if the company goes bankrupt, their insurance should still cover your claim.

Q: Can I still recover compensation if I was partially at fault?
A: Yes, as long as you were 50% or less at fault. Your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you were 20% at fault, you would recover 80% of your damages.

Q: What if I don’t have health insurance?
A: We can help you get the medical care you need through medical liens or letters of protection. You won’t have to pay for medical treatment upfront.

Q: How long will my case take to resolve?
A: Simple cases may resolve in 6-12 months. Complex cases with severe injuries can take 1-3 years or longer. We work to resolve cases as quickly as possible while maximizing your recovery.

Q: What if the trucking company’s insurance offers me a settlement?
A: Never accept a settlement without consulting an attorney. Insurance companies often make lowball offers before you understand the full extent of your injuries. We can evaluate any offer and negotiate for fair compensation.

North Richland Hills Resources for Trucking Accident Victims

Hospitals

• Medical City North Hills – 4401 Booth Calloway Rd, North Richland Hills, TX 76180
• Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital Alliance – 10864 Texas Health Trail, Fort Worth, TX 76244
• Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Grapevine – 1650 W College St, Grapevine, TX 76051

Rehabilitation Centers

• Pate Rehabilitation – Fort Worth – 1800 W Magnolia Ave, Fort Worth, TX 76104
• Centre for Neuro Skills – 12650 South Freeway, Fort Worth, TX 76155

Support Groups

• Brain Injury Association of Texas – (800) 392-0040
• North Texas Burn Rehabilitation Model System – (855) 863-9595
• Spinal Cord Injury Support Group – Fort Worth – (817) 810-0100

Legal Resources

• Tarrant County District Clerk – 100 W Weatherford St, Fort Worth, TX 76196
• Tarrant County Justice of the Peace Courts – Multiple locations
• Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) – (817) 370-6500

Don’t Let the Trucking Company Push You Around

After a serious trucking accident in North Richland Hills, you’re facing powerful adversaries:

• Trucking companies with unlimited resources
• Insurance adjusters trained to minimize your claim
• Rapid-response teams that arrive at crash scenes within hours
• Corporate lawyers who will fight aggressively to protect their clients

You don’t have to face them alone. At Attorney911, we level the playing field. Our North Richland Hills 18-wheeler accident attorneys have the experience, resources, and determination to fight for the compensation you deserve.

“The trucking company is hoping you don’t know your rights. Let’s change that.”

Call us today at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation. We’re available 24/7 to answer your questions and help you take the first step toward justice.

Remember: Evidence disappears quickly in trucking cases. The sooner you call, the stronger your case will be. Don’t wait – contact Attorney911 now.