High-Stakes Trucking and Commercial Vehicle Litigation in Highland Village

The impact of an 18-wheeler collision is unlike any other road event. When 80,000 pounds of steel slams into a 4,000-pound passenger car on I-35E near Highland Village, the physics are unforgiving. In an instant, your car is crushed, your health is compromised, and your family’s future is thrown into uncertainty. We have seen this devastation firsthand. Since 1998, Ralph Manginello has been fighting for victims of catastrophic truck wrecks, bringing over 25 years of courtroom experience to every case we handle in Highland Village.

In the aftermath of a commercial vehicle crash, you aren’t just fighting a driver; you’re fighting a multi-billion-dollar corporate machine. Whether it was a Walmart tractor-trailer on its way to a distribution center or an Amazon delivery van rushing through a Highland Village neighborhood, these companies have rapid-response teams on-site before the ambulance even leaves the scene. You need a team that moves just as fast. At Attorney911, led by managing partner Ralph Manginello, we specialize in high-stakes trucking litigation. We understand that in Highland Village, the window to preserve evidence like black box data and electronic logs is narrow—often as little as 30 days.

Our firm offers a unique advantage that other personal injury lawyers in North Texas simply cannot match. Our associate attorney, Lupe Peña, spent years working at a national insurance defense firm. He used to defend the very companies we now sue. He knows the playbook they use to minimize your suffering, and he uses that insider knowledge to expose their tactics. When we take on a case in Highland Village, we prepare as if we are going to trial from day one. This aggressive stance is why we have recovered over $50 million for Texas families, including multi-million dollar settlements for traumatic brain injuries and amputations.

Learn more about the gravity of these cases in our video guide: “The Victim’s Guide to 18-Wheeler Accident Injuries” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wxEHIxZTbK8.

The Physics of Danger on Highland Village Roads

Highland Village sits in a unique position within the DFW metroplex. While our city offers beautiful residential areas and the serene backdrop of Lewisville Lake, we are surrounded by some of the heaviest trucking traffic in the United States. The proximity of Highland Village to the I-35E NAFTA corridor means our residents share the road with thousands of long-haul 18-wheelers daily.

The weight disparity is the primary reason why injuries in Highland Village truck accidents are so severe. A fully loaded semi-truck is 20 to 25 times heavier than a standard sedan or SUV. When a truck traveling at 65 mph on the I-35E bridge over Lake Lewisville needs to stop, it requires nearly 525 feet—the length of almost two football fields. A passenger car can stop in nearly half that distance. This disparity means that when a truck driver is distracted, fatigued, or following too closely, the vehicles in front have virtually no chance of escape.

Further complicating the safety of Highland Village residents is the rise of “last-mile” delivery traffic. With major fulfillment centers in nearby Coppell and Grapevine, Highland Village streets like Justin Road (FM 407) and FM 2499 are constantly occupied by Amazon, FedEx, and UPS vans. These drivers are often under extreme time pressure to meet delivery quotas, leading to reckless maneuvers in residential zones. Whether you were hit by a massive big rig or a high-speed delivery van, the force of the commercial vehicle is designed for cargo, not for the safety of the people in the cars they strike.

If you’ve been hurt in an accident, your first step should be documented. Watch: “I’ve Had an Accident — What Should I Do First?” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OCox4Lq7zBM.

Why 18-Wheeler Cases in Highland Village Are Legally Complex

A common mistake many victims make is treating a truck accident like a typical car crash. In Highland Village, a car accident usually involves two drivers and two insurance companies. A trucking accident is a web of federal regulations, corporate layers, and multiple layers of insurance.

To successfully recover a multi-million dollar settlement, your attorney must understand the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations. These are the rules that govern every 18-wheeler on Highland Village roads. Since 1998, Ralph Manginello has utilized these regulations to prove that trucking companies prioritized profit over the safety of Texans.

The legal battle often centers on 49 CFR Part 395, which governs Hours of Service (HOS). We frequently find that drivers in Highland Village crashes were pressured by their carriers to drive beyond the 11-hour limit. While the driver might claim they were alert, the Electronic Logging Device (ELD) data we subpoena often tells a different story of exhaustion and falsified logs.

Another layer of complexity is the corporate structure of defendants like Amazon or FedEx Ground. They often use “Independent Service Providers” or “Delivery Service Partners” to shield themselves from liability. They want you to believe that the driver who hit you in Highland Village doesn’t actually work for them. Our team, with Lupe Peña’s defense-side experience, knows how to pierce these shields. We look at the “right to control”—who set the route, who provided the scanner, and who monitored the driver’s speed via AI cameras? When we prove the corporate giant was pulling the strings, we access the massive insurance policies you deserve.

Hablamos Español. Llame a Lupe Peña al 1-888-ATTY-911 para una consulta gratuita sobre su caso en Highland Village.

Detailed Breakdown of Truck Accident Types in Highland Village

The mechanics of how a truck crashes determine the types of evidence we must secure immediately. In Highland Village, the geography of our highways and neighborhoods creates specific accident patterns.

Jackknife Accidents on I-35E

A jackknife occurs when the drive wheels of a tractor lock up, causing the trailer to swing out at a 90-degree angle. On wet or slick roads near Highland Village, especially during North Texas storm seasons, an 18-wheeler can easily lose traction. When a truck jackknifes across multiple lanes of I-35E, it creates a massive “sweep” that can crush dozens of cars. Proving liability here involves looking at 49 CFR § 393.48 regarding brake system malfunctions. Was the truck properly maintained, or did a mechanical failure cause the trailer to swing?

Underride Collisions

Perhaps the most terrifying type of accident for Highland Village families is the underride. This occurs when a car slides underneath the rear or side of a semi-trailer. Because of the height disparity, the car’s safety features—like crumple zones and airbags—are often bypassed, and the trailer shears off the top of the passenger vehicle. This is often fatal. We investigate whether the truck was equipped with proper underride guards (ICC bumpers) as required by 49 CFR § 393.86. If a guard was missing or poorly maintained, the trucking company is directly responsible for the resulting catastrophic injuries.

Wide Turn “Squeeze Play” in Grocery Parking Lots

Highland Village is home to busy shopping centers along FM 2499. Large delivery trucks often must swing wide to make right-hand turns. If a driver fails to check their blind spots or signal properly, they can “squeeze” a passenger car between the trailer and the curb. These low-speed accidents still cause massive property damage and serious orthopedic injuries. We use surveillance footage from Highland Village businesses to hold these delivery fleets accountable.

Blind Spot “No-Zone” Crashes

Every Highland Village driver should know the “No-Zone.” These are the massive blind spots directly in front, behind, and on both sides of an 18-wheeler. Drivers are trained to check their mirrors constantly, but fatigue and high-speed highway merging often lead to sideswipe collisions. If a driver merged into your lane on I-35E because they “didn’t see you,” it is a violation of their duty of care. Modern trucks are often equipped with blind-spot sensors; if the company failed to maintain these safety systems, they share the blame.

Highland Village Delivery Van Accidents (Amazon, FedEx, UPS)

The rise of e-commerce has flooded Highland Village residential streets with blue and white delivery vans. These vehicles are considered “commercial” but often don’t require the driver to have a CDL. This lack of specialized training, combined with high-volume delivery quotas, leads to significant danger for Highland Village pedestrians and children. Amazon’s Netradyne camera systems record driver behavior in real-time. We move to secure this video evidence before it is overwritten, as it often shows the driver was distracted by their mobile device or speeding to make their next stop.

Common Commercial Vehicle Types in Highland Village

While 18-wheelers get the most attention, any commercial vehicle in Highland Village is a potential source of catastrophic injury.

• Dump Trucks and Construction Vehicles: With ongoing development in Denton County, gravel and dump trucks are a constant presence. These trucks weigh 50,000+ pounds and often have unsecured loads that can fly off and crack windshields or cause multi-car swerves on FM 407.
• Garbage and Waste Trucks: Operating in every Highland Village neighborhood, these massive vehicles have limited visibility and constant backing maneuvers. Many residential Highland Village accidents involve backing garbage trucks striking pedestrians or cyclists.
• Concrete Mixers: The “slosh effect” of liquid concrete makes these trucks incredibly prone to rollovers. A concrete mixer on Justin Road that takes a turn too fast can easily tip onto a passenger car, leaving zero survivable space.
• Rental and Moving Trucks (U-Haul, Penske): The most dangerous vehicles in Highland Village are often rental trucks. They are the size of a bus but can be driven by anyone with a standard driver’s license and a credit card. An untrained driver operating a 26,000-pound U-Haul has no understanding of stopping distances, frequently leading to rear-end collisions.

Learn more in our video: “The Definitive Guide To Commercial Truck Accidents” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iEEeZf-k8Ao.

Vulnerable Road Users: Pedestrians and Cyclists

Highland Village takes pride in its trail systems and walkable neighborhoods. However, when a commercial truck enters these spaces, pedestrians and cyclists are at extreme risk. There is no such thing as a “minor” incident between a truck and a human body.

In Highland Village, “right-hook” accidents are a major concern. This happens when a truck turns right at an intersection (such as FM 407 and FM 2499) and fails to see a cyclist in the bike lane or a pedestrian in the crosswalk. The cyclist is literally swept under the turning rear wheels. Because pedestrians have no steel cage to protect them, the impact usually results in traumatic amputations, severe brain injuries, or death. Insurance companies will try to blame the victim for “not wearing bright clothes” or “stepping out too fast,” but we hold Highland Village truck drivers to their heightened duty to watch for the most vulnerable people on the road.

The 16 Liable Parties: Why We Cast a Wide Net

Most Highland Village law firms will only sue the truck driver. At Attorney911, we go deeper. We know that the more liable parties we identify, the more insurance coverage is available for your multi-million dollar recovery.

1. The Driver: Negligence in operation (speeding, distraction, fatigue).
2. The Trucking Company: Vicarious liability for the driver’s actions and direct negligence in hiring.
3. The Cargo Owner/Shipper: If they pushed for a dangerous schedule.
4. The Loading Company: Liability for an unbalanced load that caused a Highland Village rollover.
5. Truck Manufacturer: If a design defect in the steering or fuel system contributed to the crash.
6. Parts Manufacturer: Defective tires (leading to blowouts) or failed brakes.
7. Maintenance Company: If they signed off on an unsafe vehicle.
8. Freight Broker: Negligent selection of a carrier with a poor safety record.
9. Truck Owner: If they leased a dangerous vehicle to a carrier.
10. Government Entity: If poor road design on a Highland Village thoroughfare contributed to the wreck.
11. Corporate Parent (Amazon/Walmart): Holding the brand owner accountable for their system of control.
12. Oilfield Operator: Relevant if an oilfield service truck hit you on I-35E.
13. Staffing Company: If they provided an unqualified driver.
14. Rental Truck Company: Negligent entrustment of a massive vehicle to an untrained civilian.
15. Public Transit Agency: If a DCTA or school bus was involved (strict notice deadlines apply).
16. Federal Government: If a USPS mail truck caused the Highland Village crash (requires an FTCA claim).

By investigating all 16 parties, we ensure no stone is left unturned. For example, in our workplace logging settlement, we recovered over $5 million by holding multiple parties accountable, not just the single individual who caused the injury.

Spoliation: The 48-Hour Evidence Preservation Rule

In Highland Village, the evidence you need to win your case begins to disappear the moment the police clear the scene. Trucking companies are notorious for “losing” data or following rolling deletion policies for their camera systems.

We follow a 48-hour evidence preservation protocol. Within hours of being hired for a Highland Village case, Ralph Manginello and our team send a formal spoliation letter (litigation hold) to the trucking carrier and their insurer. This letter legally mandates that they preserve:

• ECM (Engine Control Module) Data: The truck’s “black box” that proves speed and braking 10 seconds before impact.
• ELD (Electronic Logging Device) Records: To prove the driver was violating federal rest rules.
• In-Cab Video: Many corporate fleets use AI-powered cameras (Netradyne or Lytx) that record driver distraction.
• Maintenance Files: To see if the truck should have even been on Highland Village roads.
• Driver Qualification Files: To see if the driver had a history of accidents or failed drug tests.

If a company destroys this evidence after receiving our letter, we ask the court for “spoliation sanctions.” This can include the judge telling the jury to assume the missing evidence was bad for the trucking company. This is a powerful tool in high-stakes Highland Village litigation.

Watch our guide on tire safety: “Truck Tire Blowouts and When You Need a Lawyer” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RCTumr1looc.

Understanding FMCSA Regulations (49 CFR)

When we sue a trucking company for a Highland Village resident, we aren’t just saying they were “careless.” We are proving they broke federal law.

• Part 391: Driver Qualifications. Trucking companies must verify that their drivers are physically fit and have a clean record. Hiring a driver with a disqualifying medical condition or a history of DWIs is negligent hiring.
• Part 392: Safe Operation. This prohibits operating a truck while ill or fatigued. If a driver was on the road for 15 hours straight before hitting you in Highland Village, the company is in direct violation.
• Part 393: Parts and Equipment. This governs everything from the strength of cargo tiedowns to the condition of the tires. If a flatbed truck on Justin Road loses its cargo because not enough straps were used, they have violated Part 393.
• Part 395: Hours of Service. This is the most critical regulation. Drivers are generally limited to 11 hours of driving. We find that many “nuclear verdicts”—the $10 million+ awards—are built on proving a company encouraged falsifying these logs to get cargo delivered to North Texas faster.
• Part 396: Inspection and Maintenance. Companies must systematically inspect their trucks. A “deferred repair” on a braking system that results in a Highland Village crash is evidence of gross negligence.

Catastrophic Injuries and Multi-Million Dollar Settlements

An 18-wheeler accident at speed rarely leads to minor injuries. For Highland Village families, these crashes are life-altering events. We specialize in representing clients with the most severe trauma.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

Even a “mild” concussion from a Highland Village truck wreck is a serious medical event. However, many victims suffer “Diffuse Axonal Injury” or axonal shearing, where the brain is violently rotated inside the skull. This results in permanent cognitive changes, memory loss, and personality shifts. We have recovered settlements in the $1.5 million to $9.8 million range for TBI victims, ensuring they have the resources for lifetime cognitive rehabilitation.

Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis

A truck’s impact can crush vertebrae or sever the spinal cord. Whether the result is paraplegia or quadriplegia, the cost of care over a lifetime is astronomical. A life care plan for a spinal cord injury can easily exceed $5 million in medical costs alone. We fight for settlements that cover home modifications, 24/7 care, and advanced mobility aids so our Highland Village clients can live with dignity.

Amputations and Crush Injuries

In Highland Village underride and rollover crashes, victims often have limbs trapped in the wreckage for long periods. This frequently leads to traumatic amputation or the need for surgical removal. We understand the phantom pain and psychological trauma that follows the loss of a limb. Our firm has achieved settlements ranging from $1.9 million to $8.6 million for amputation victims to cover high-end prosthetics and occupational therapy.

Psychological Injuries: PTSD and Driving Phobia

Not every injury shows on an MRI. Many of our Highland Village clients suffer from severe PTSD. They have nightmares about the crash and a paralyzing fear of driving next to commercial trucks. These emotional injuries are fully compensable under Texas law. We work with psychiatric experts to document the depth of this trauma.

Learn more about mental anguish claims: “Can I Get a PTSD Payout After a Car Accident?” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9803X_jnR4A.

Insurance Stacking: Making the Corporate Giant Pay

One thing that makes Attorney911 different in Highland Village is our ability to find the money. In a car accident, you might be capped at a $30,000 policy. In a commercial trucking case, the floor is much higher.

By federal law (49 CFR § 387), non-hazardous freight carriers must carry at least $750,000 in liability insurance. If the truck is carrying oil or hazardous materials through Highland Village, that minimum jumps to $1 million or $5 million.

However, major corporate defendants like Walmart and Amazon are “self-insured.” They have billions in assets and carry “umbrella” or “excess” layers of insurance that can reach $100 million or more. When you are hit by a Walmart truck on I-35E, you aren’t fighting an insurance adjuster; you’re fighting Walmart’s internal risk management team. They are professional, aggressive, and trained to pay you pennies on the dollar. With Lupe Peirce’s insurance defense background, we know exactly how these self-insured defendants calculate their risk. We don’t settle for “fair” offers; we demand maximum compensation.

Discover how MCS-90 endorsements protect you: “The Definitive Guide To MCS 90 Auto Endorsements” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=auB5NWcwyag.

Frequently Asked Questions for Highland Village Residents

How long do I have to file a truck accident lawsuit in Highland Village?
In Texas, the statute of limitations is 2 years from the date of the accident. However, if you wait even 6 months, the black box data and ELD logs may already be deleted. In Highland Village, you must call an attorney within the first 48 hours to preserve your rights.

The trucking company offered me a quick settlement. Should I take it?
Absolutely not. They want to pay you before you realize you have a herniated disc that requires surgery or TBI symptoms that won’t go away. Once you sign their release, you can NEVER ask for more money. Call us at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free evaluation of any offer you’ve received.

Do I have to pay anything upfront?
No. At Attorney911, we work on a contingency fee basis. As client Chad Harris said, “You are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.” We take the financial risk. We advance all costs for accident reconstruction and medical experts. We only get paid if we win your Highland Village case.

Who pays my medical bills while my Highland Village case is pending?
While the trucking company doesn’t pay until the settlement, we can help you find doctors who will treat you under a “Letter of Protection” (LOP). This allows you to get the surgeries and therapy you need now, with the bills being paid out of the final settlement.

What if the Highland Village police report says I was partially at fault?
Texas follows a 51% modified comparative negligence rule. As long as you are 50% or less at fault, you can still recover damages, though they will be reduced by your percentage of responsibility. Our investigation often finds that the trucker’s fatigue or mechanical failure played a much larger role than the initial police report suggests.

The Nuclear Verdict Trend: Why Experience Matters

In recent years, juries have grown tired of trucking companies cutting corners. This has led to “nuclear verdicts”—awards that exceed $10 million in compensatory and punitive damages. In 2021, a Florida jury awarded $1 billion in an 18-wheeler case involving negligent hiring. Right here in Texas, we’ve seen verdicts like the $730 million Ramsey v. Landstar case and the $150 million Werner Enterprises settlement.

These results are possible because experienced attorneys know how to focus on the company’s “systematic failures.” We don’t just show the jury a crash; we show them a history of the company ignoring HOS violations or skipping brake inspections to save a few dollars. When a jury in Highland Village or Denton County realizes a company put everyone on the road at risk, they use their verdict to send a message.

Explore case valuation in our video: “The Ultimate Guide to Car Accident Settlements” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=subYAvjsgk4.

Contact Attorney911 for Your Highland Village Truck Accident Case

When an 18-wheeler changes your family’s life, you don’t need a lawyer who handles “all sorts of things.” You need a fighter with 25+ years of experience in federal and state courts. You need Ralph Manginello and the team at Attorney911.

We have litigated against the largest corporations on the planet—including BP, Walmart, and Amazon. We have recovered over $50 million for Texans who thought they had no voice against corporate giants. Client Glenda Walker said it best: “They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.”

Do not let the trucking company’s lawyers determine your future. The insurance company is already working on their defense. It’s time for you to build your offense.

If you have been injured by a commercial truck or delivery van in Highland Village, call us 24/7. We are ready to listen, we are ready to investigate, and above all, we are ready to win.

Attorney911 | The Manginello Law Firm
Toll-Free: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
Houston Office: 1177 West Loop S, Suite 1600
Direct: (713) 528-9070
Email: ralph@atty911.com
Website: https://attorney911.com

One call. One number. One dedicated team for Highland Village. 888-ATTY-911. Hablamos Español. No fee unless we win. Your fight for justice starts now.