Westlake Truck Accident Attorneys: Fighting for Victims of 18-Wheeler and Commercial Vehicle Wrecks

The impact of an 80,000-pound commercial truck slamming into your car on Highway 114 or State Highway 170 is a catastrophic event that changes your life in an instant. You were likely just heading to work at the Charles Schwab campus or running errands near Solana when a driver’s split-second negligence turned your world upside down. In Westlake, we share our roads with a constant stream of massive vehicles—from interstate 18-wheelers and Amazon delivery vans to the heavy dump trucks fueling our local construction boom. When one of these giants causes a wreck, you aren’t just facing a traffic ticket; you’re facing a legal emergency against a multi-billion dollar corporation.

At Attorney911, led by managing partner Ralph Manginello, we have spent over 25 years holding trucking companies accountable for the devastation they cause on Westlake roads. We understand the physical pain, the mounting medical bills, and the sheer terror of not knowing if you’ll ever work again. Since 1998, Ralph Manginello has brought federal court experience and a relentless “fighter” mentality to every case. Our team includes associate attorney Lupe Peña, a former insurance defense lawyer who used to represent the very companies we now sue. We know their internal playbook, we know how they try to lowball Westlake families, and we use that insider knowledge to maximize your recovery.

If you or a loved one has been injured, the clock is already ticking. Trucking companies deploy rapid-response teams to Westlake crash scenes before the ambulance even leaves. You need a team that moves just as fast. Call us 24/7 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, confidential consultation. As client Chad Harris said, “You are NOT a pest to them and you are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.” Let our family fight for yours.

Why Trucking Accidents in Westlake Are Fundamentally Different

A collision involving a commercial vehicle in Westlake is not a “glorified car accident.” The physics alone set these cases apart. A fully loaded semi-truck is 20 to 25 times heavier than a standard passenger vehicle, carrying enough kinetic energy at 65 mph to pulverize steel and glass. But the complexity goes deeper than physics. These cases involve a web of federal regulations, multiple layers of corporate insurance, and sophisticated electronic data that requires an expert to decipher.

In Westlake, we see a unique mix of commercial traffic. We are situated at a crossroads of commerce near the Alliance Global Logistics Hub, which funnels thousands of trucks through our region daily. Whether it was a Walmart tractor-trailer on I-35W near Westlake or a Sysco food delivery truck at a local business, the legal hurdles are immense. We’ve gone toe-to-toe with global giants like BP and major retailers, recovering over $50 million for our clients. We aren’t intimidated by their armies of lawyers because we’ve beaten them before.

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

Navigating the FMCSA Regulations: Proving Negligence in Westlake

Every commercial truck driver and motor carrier operating in Westlake must comply with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations. These are found in Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations (49 CFR) and they exist for one reason: to keep you safe. When we investigate a Westlake truck wreck, we look for violations of these federal laws. A violation isn’t just a technicality; it is evidence of negligence.

49 CFR Part 395: Hours of Service and Driver Fatigue

Fatigued driving is one of the most common causes of 18-wheeler accidents on Westlake highways. Federal law under 49 CFR § 395.3 strictly limits how long a driver can be behind the wheel. A property-carrying driver is limited to 11 hours of driving after 10 consecutive hours off duty. They cannot drive past the 14th hour after coming on duty and must take a 30-minute break after 8 hours. When drivers feel the pressure of delivery windows in Westlake, they often “push through,” leading to micro-sleeps and delayed reaction times. We subpoena Electronic Logging Device (ELD) data to prove when these limits were ignored.

49 CFR Part 391: Driver Qualification and Negligent Hiring

Trucking companies have a duty to ensure their drivers are qualified. Under 49 CFR § 391.11, a driver must be 21, possess a valid CDL, and pass a rigorous medical examination. We examine the Driver Qualification File for every Westlake case. If a carrier hired a driver with a history of DUIs or medical conditions that prevent safe operation, that carrier is liable for negligent hiring.

49 CFR Part 393 & 396: Maintenance and Equipment Safety

An 80,000-pound truck with failing brakes is a lethal weapon. 49 CFR § 396.3 requires systematic inspection, repair, and maintenance. We look for failures in brake adjustments (Part 393.47) and tire tread depth (Part 393.75). In Westlake, where stop-and-go traffic is common on busy corridors, a brake failure is almost always catastrophic. If a trucking company skipped an annual inspection to save money, they must pay for the harm they caused.

Common Types of Truck Accidents on Westlake Roads

The way a truck crashes determines the evidence we need to win. We tailor our investigation to the specific mechanics of the collision.

Rear-End Collisions and Stopping Distance

Because of the weight disparity, a truck at highway speed in Westlake needs nearly two football fields to stop. When a driver is distracted by a cell phone or dispatch device—violating 49 CFR § 392.82—they often slam into the back of stopped traffic. These impacts cause violent whiplash and herniated discs. For more on this, watch “Compensation for Rear-End Collisions” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RzSg1oJmbPo.

Jackknife and Rollover Accidents

A jackknife occurs when the trailer’s momentum exceeds the cab’s braking force, causing the vehicle to fold like a pocketknife. This often happens on the curved ramps connecting Highways 114 and 170. Rollovers are equally common when cargo is improperly secured—a violation of 49 CFR § 393.100. A shifting load changes the truck’s center of gravity, causing it to tip during a turn. These wrecks often cause multi-vehicle pileups across all lanes of Westlake traffic.

Underride Collisions: Westlake’s Deadliest Scenarios

An underride occurs when a passenger car slides beneath the trailer of a truck. These are the most immediately lethal accidents we see in the Westlake area. While 49 CFR § 393.86 requires rear impact guards, side underride guards are not yet federally mandated. This height mismatch often leads to catastrophic TBI or wrongful death.

Blind Spot and Wide Turn “Squeeze” Accidents

Trucks have massive “No-Zones” on all four sides. If a driver changes lanes on an Westlake highway without verifying their blind spots, they can crush a smaller vehicle. Similarly, wide turns require the driver to check their mirrors constantly. A “squeeze play” accident happens when a truck swings left to make a right turn, trapping a car between the trailer and the curb.

Our associate, Lupe Peña, uses his former insurance defense experience to anticipate how companies will try to blame you for these blind-spot crashes. Don’t let them. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 now.

Specialized Commercial Vehicle Wrecks in Westlake

Beyond the standard 18-wheeler, Westlake sees high volumes of other commercial vehicles that carry unique risks and legal challenges.

Amazon, FedEx, and UPS Delivery Van Accidents

As a major corporate hub, Westlake’s residential and business districts are flooded with delivery vans. Amazon uses a complex “Delivery Service Partner” (DSP) model to try and shield themselves from liability by claiming the driver is an independent contractor. We know how to pierce this shield. Amazon controls the routes, the uniforms, and monitors the drivers with Netradyne cameras. We argue that this level of control makes them the employer. UPS drivers, meanwhile, are direct employees, making respondeat superior liability straightforward.

Westlake Construction: Dump Trucks and Concrete Mixers

Westlake is growing, and that development means heavy trucks. A loaded dump truck weighs 65,000 pounds and often carries an unsecured load that can spill onto your windshield. Concrete mixers are even more dangerous; the rotating liquid concrete creates a “slosh effect” that leads to frequent rollovers. If you were hit by a construction truck near a new Westlake development, we investigate the hiring contractor and the property developer, not just the driver.

Rental and Moving Trucks (U-Haul, Penske)

Unlike professional truckers, anyone with a standard driver’s license can rent a 26-foot U-Haul and drive it through Westlake. They have zero training in handling the massive stopping distances of these vehicles. While the Graves Amendment protects rental companies from vicarious liability, we can still sue them for negligent maintenance or negligent entrustment if they rented a dangerous truck to an unfit driver.

Finding Every Liable Party for Your Westlake Injuries

Most lawyers stop at the driver. We don’t. To ensure you receive maximum compensation, we cast a wide net to identify every party that contributed to the wreck.

• The Driver: For direct negligence like speeding or distraction.
• The Trucking Company: Under respondeat superior for the acts of their employees.
• The Shipping Company/Cargo Owner: If they loaded the trailer improperly or pressured the driver to violate safety laws.
• The Maintenance Company: If a third party failed to repair brakes or replace worn tires.
• The Freight Broker: For negligent selection of an unsafe carrier.
• Corporate Parent Companies: When a branded truck like Coca-Cola or Walmart is involved, we hold the corporate giant accountable.

If your accident involved an oilfield truck or a vehicle serving the energy sector—common in North Texas—we also examine the role of the oil company (the operator). They often set the brutal schedules that cause driver fatigue.

Our firm is currently litigating a $10 million lawsuit against a major university and fraternity members, proving our ability to handle complex, multi-party litigation against large institutions. We bring that same tenacity to your Westlake truck accident case.

The 48-Hour Evidence Preservation Window

In a Westlake trucking case, evidence is perishable. The trucking company’s insurance adjuster isn’t your friend; they are there to find reasons to deny your claim. They may “accidentally” overwrite the black box data or lose the driver’s personnel file if you don’t act.

The Spoliation Letter: Our First Move

The moment you retain us, we send a formal spoliation letter. This legal notice demands the immediate preservation of all evidence, including:

• ECM (Engine Control Module): The “black box” that records speed, braking, and throttle position.
• ELD Logs: To prove hours-of-service violations.
• Dashcam Footage: Both forward-facing and driver-facing video.
• Maintenance Files: To see if they ignored pre-existing defects.

Black box data can be overwritten in as little as 30 days. We move within 24–48 hours to ensure this vital proof is locked down. If they destroy it after receiving our letter, we can ask for “adverse inference” sanctions, where the jury is told to assume the destroyed evidence was bad for the trucking company.

Learn more in our video: “I’ve Had an Accident — What Should I Do First?” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OCox4Lq7zBM.

Catastrophic Injuries and the Cost of Recovery

Trucking accidents don’t cause “fender benders.” They cause life-altering traumas. We have recovered multi-million dollar settlements for traumatic brain injury (TBI) victims, with settlements typically ranging from $1.5 million to over $9.8 million depending on the severity.

• Brain Injuries (TBI): The force of a truck hit causes the brain to strike the skull (coup-contrecoup), causing cognitive deficits and personality changes. Watch “The Ultimate Guide to Brain Injury Lawsuits” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GBYAHi5aiEQ.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: Paralysis from high-energy impacts. These cases often require lifetime care plans in the $4 million to $25 million range.
• Amputations: Often occurring when a driver is pinned in the wreckage. Settlements for limb loss range from $1.9 million to over $8.6 million.
• Internal Organ Damage: Deceleration forces can rupture the spleen or lacerate the liver, leading to life-threatening internal bleeding.

We also understand the “invisible” injuries. PTSD, driving anxiety, and depression are fully compensable under Texas law. As client Glenda Walker said, “They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.” We include these non-economic damages to ensure your family is truly made whole.

Understanding Texas Insurance and Damage Laws

Federal law requires interstate trucks to carry high insurance minimums: $750,000 for general freight and $5 million for hazardous materials. Large corporate fleets often carry far more through excess and umbrella policies. We know how to navigate these “stacked” policies to find the money needed for your recovery.

In Texas, we follow a modified comparative negligence rule (the 51% bar). This means that as long as you are 50% or less at fault for the accident, you can recover damages. However, your payout is reduced by your fault percentage. If a truck driver claims you cut them off, we use the black box data to prove they were speeding or distracted, shifting the fault back to them.

We also fight for punitive damages. If we can prove a trucking company knowingly sent a driver onto Westlake roads with a falsified logbook or failing brakes, we will ask the jury to punish them for their gross negligence.

Frequently Asked Questions for Westlake Truck Accident Victims

How long do I have to file a claim in Westlake?
Under Texas law, you generally have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, waiting this long is a mistake. Evidence like the truck’s black box data and witness memories start disappearing within days.

What if the insurance company offers me a quick check?
Never sign a release or accept a check until you’ve spoken to us. Those early offers are “lowballs” designed to make you go away before you realize you need surgery or have a permanent disability. Once you sign, you can never ask for more.

Can I still sue if the accident happened on a private road or wellsite?
Yes. In Westlake and the surrounding areas, accidents on private lease roads or wellsites fall under a mix of FMCSA and OSHA regulations. These “dual-jurisdiction” cases are complex, but we have extensive experience in refinery and industrial litigation, including the BP Texas City Refinery disaster.

What if I can’t afford a lawyer?
You pay us nothing upfront. Attorney911 works on a contingency fee basis, meaning our fee is a percentage of what we recover for you. We advance all costs for experts, medical reviews, and filing fees. If we don’t win, you don’t owe us an attorney fee.

Hablamos Español?
Sí. Nuestra firma incluye a Lupe Peña, quien habla español fluido y puede representarlo directamente sin necesidad de intérpretes. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911.

Why Choose Ralph Manginello and Attorney911?

When you call 1-888-ATTY-911, you aren’t getting a case manager; you’re getting a dedicated legal team. We take pride in our 4.9-star Google rating and the testimonials from over 250 verified clients. As Donald Wilcox noted, “One company said they would not accept my case. Then I got a call from Manginello… I got a call to come pick up this handsome check.”

We are not just a high-volume law firm. We are a boutique practice that provides personalized attention to Westlake families. Ralph Manginello is admitted to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas and has dual-state licensure. We use our federal court experience to take on national carriers that think they are above the law.

Watch our video on how to negotiate with these companies: “How to Negotiate a Car Accident Settlement” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OV0VC5-1CJ8.

Contact Your Westlake Truck Accident Fighters Today

The trucking company has already started their investigation. Their lawyers are already looking for ways to pay you zero. It is time to level the playing field. Whether you were hit by an 18-wheeler, an Amazon van, or a construction truck, we are ready to fight for you.

Westlake residents deserve an attorney who treats them like family and has the proven results to back it up. We’ve recovered tens of millions of dollars for victims of brain injuries, amputations, and wrongful death. We know Westlake’s roads, we know the federal laws, and we know how to make corporations pay.

Don’t wait for the evidence to disappear or your medical bills to pile up any higher. Your future and your family’s security are too important to leave to chance.

Call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 or (888) 288-9911 right now. We are available 24/7 to answer your call and begin protecting your rights. Free consultation. No fee unless we win. We are the firm insurers fear—and the allies you need.