Tragedy on I-35: Holding Trucking Companies Accountable After the Fatal Fort Worth Rear-End Collision That Killed Coy Reynolds

The Crash That Changed Everything

It happened just before 8:15 p.m. on a Wednesday evening in north-central Fort Worth. Coy Reynolds, a 41-year-old father, husband, and community member, was driving northbound on I-35 near the TX-287 interchange in the West Fork Ranch area – just south of Costco and Alliance Town Center. For reasons still under investigation, his northbound pickup truck crashed into the rear of an 18-wheeler.

The impact was catastrophic. Coy Reynolds was killed instantly at the scene. The truck driver walked away unharmed. But this tragedy wasn’t just a terrible accident – it was likely preventable, and it exposes the dangerous practices that plague Fort Worth’s trucking corridors every day.

At Attorney911, we’ve seen this pattern too many times. Trucking companies cut corners. Drivers push beyond legal limits. Safety regulations are ignored. And families like the Reynolds family pay the ultimate price. This article isn’t just about one tragic accident – it’s about holding the trucking industry accountable and protecting Fort Worth families from preventable tragedies.

The Anatomy of a Rear-End Trucking Collision

Rear-end collisions involving 18-wheelers are among the most deadly accidents on our highways. The physics are simple but devastating:

• A fully loaded 18-wheeler can weigh up to 80,000 pounds
• The average pickup truck weighs about 5,000-6,000 pounds
• That’s a 13-16x weight difference
• At highway speeds, the stopping distance for a truck is nearly twice that of a passenger vehicle

When a truck rear-ends a smaller vehicle, the results are often fatal. But when a smaller vehicle rear-ends a truck, the consequences can be equally catastrophic – especially if the truck is stopped or moving slowly without proper warning.

In this case, the critical question is: Why was the 18-wheeler in Coy Reynolds’ path without adequate warning?

The Most Common Causes of Rear-End Trucking Accidents

Based on our 25+ years of experience handling trucking accident cases in Fort Worth and across Texas, these are the most likely causes of this type of collision:

1. Brake Failure or Inadequate Maintenance

Truck brakes are complex systems that require regular maintenance. When they fail, drivers can’t stop in time.

FMCSA Requirements:
– 49 CFR § 393.48 – Brake systems must be adequate for the vehicle’s weight and speed
– 49 CFR § 396.3 – Systematic inspection, repair, and maintenance required
– 49 CFR § 396.11 – Drivers must complete post-trip inspection reports

What We Look For:
– Maintenance records showing deferred repairs
– Out-of-service violations for brake issues
– Driver inspection reports noting brake problems
– ECM data showing brake application timing

“In our experience, brake failures cause nearly 30% of serious trucking accidents. When we investigate these cases, we often find a pattern of deferred maintenance and ignored inspection reports.” – Ralph Manginello, Managing Partner, Attorney911

2. Improper Lighting or Visibility Issues

Trucks must have proper lighting to be visible to other drivers, especially at night or in poor weather.

FMCSA Requirements:
– 49 CFR § 393.11 – Required lighting devices and reflectors
– 49 CFR § 393.25 – Required lamps on projecting loads

Common Violations:
– Burned-out brake lights or turn signals
– Missing or dirty reflectors
– Improperly secured loads blocking lights
– No reflective tape on trailers

3. Driver Fatigue and Hours of Service Violations

Fatigued driving is a leading cause of trucking accidents. Federal regulations strictly limit driving hours to prevent fatigue-related crashes.

FMCSA Hours of Service Rules (49 CFR § 395):
– Maximum 11 hours driving after 10 consecutive hours off duty
– Cannot drive beyond 14th consecutive hour on duty
– 30-minute break required after 8 cumulative hours of driving
– 60/70 hour weekly limits

What We Look For:
– ELD data showing driving beyond legal limits
– False log entries
– Dispatch records pressuring drivers to meet unrealistic schedules
– Pattern of violations in the carrier’s safety record

4. Distracted Driving

Truck drivers face numerous distractions that can lead to catastrophic accidents.

FMCSA Prohibitions (49 CFR § 392.82):
– No hand-held mobile phone use while driving
– No texting while driving
– No reaching for devices in a way that requires leaving the seated position

Common Distractions:
– Cell phone use (texting, calls, GPS)
– Dispatch communications
– Eating or drinking while driving
– Adjusting in-cab electronics

5. Improper Lane Changes or Failure to Signal

When trucks change lanes without proper signaling or fail to check blind spots, they can cut off smaller vehicles.

FMCSA Requirements:
– 49 CFR § 392.11 – Unsafe lane changes prohibited
– 49 CFR § 392.12 – Required use of turn signals

What We Look For:
– Dashcam footage showing lane change behavior
– Witness statements about signaling
– ECM data showing steering inputs

6. Following Too Closely

Trucks require significantly more stopping distance than passenger vehicles.

FMCSA Requirement (49 CFR § 392.11):
“The driver of a motor vehicle shall not follow another vehicle more closely than is reasonable and prudent, having due regard for the speed of such vehicle and the traffic upon, and conditions of, the highway.”

What We Look For:
– ECM data showing following distance
– Skid mark analysis
– Dashcam footage

7. Cargo Securement Failures

Improperly secured cargo can shift during transit, causing instability or falling onto roadways.

FMCSA Requirements (49 CFR § 393.100-136):
– Cargo must be contained, immobilized, or secured
– Must withstand 0.8g deceleration forward, 0.5g acceleration rearward, 0.5g lateral
– Specific requirements for different cargo types

What We Look For:
– Cargo manifest and loading records
– Securement equipment used
– Load distribution documentation

The Investigation: What Happened to Coy Reynolds?

While the official investigation is still underway, our experience with similar cases suggests several critical questions that must be answered:

1. Was the Truck Driver Properly Qualified?

Trucking companies must maintain Driver Qualification Files for every driver, containing:

• Employment application
• Driving record check
• Previous employer verification
• Medical certification
• Drug and alcohol test results
• Training documentation

Potential Issues:
– Incomplete background checks
– Hiring drivers with poor safety records
– Failure to verify medical qualifications
– No proper training on vehicle operation

“We’ve seen cases where trucking companies hire drivers with multiple DUIs or a history of reckless driving. When those drivers cause fatal accidents, the companies are just as responsible as the drivers themselves.” – Ralph Manginello

2. Was the Truck Properly Maintained?

Trucking companies must systematically inspect, repair, and maintain their vehicles.

Critical Maintenance Areas:
– Brake systems
– Tires
– Lighting and reflectors
– Coupling devices
– Steering mechanisms

What We Look For:
– Maintenance records showing deferred repairs
– Out-of-service violations
– Driver inspection reports noting defects
– Pattern of similar violations

3. Was the Driver Fatigued or Violating Hours of Service?

ELD data is the most reliable way to determine if a driver was fatigued.

Key Data Points:
– Hours driven in the 24 hours before the accident
– Compliance with 30-minute break requirement
– Weekly driving limits
– Pattern of violations

4. Was the Driver Distracted?

Cell phone records and in-cab electronics can reveal distractions.

What We Look For:
– Cell phone records showing calls or texts
– Dispatch communications
– In-cab camera footage
– GPS data showing erratic driving

5. Was the Truck Visible to Other Drivers?

Proper lighting and reflectors are critical for safety.

What We Look For:
– Condition of brake lights and turn signals
– Presence and condition of reflectors
– Reflective tape on trailer
– Any cargo blocking lights

6. Was the Truck Stopped or Moving Slowly Without Warning?

If the truck was stopped or moving slowly, it should have had proper warning devices.

FMCSA Requirements (49 CFR § 392.22):
– Hazard warning signal flashers must be activated
– Reflective triangles or flares must be placed within 10 minutes
– Specific placement requirements based on location

Who Is Responsible? Identifying All Liable Parties

In trucking accident cases, multiple parties may share responsibility. At Attorney911, we investigate every potential defendant to maximize recovery for our clients.

1. The Truck Driver

The driver may be personally liable for:
– Negligent operation of the vehicle
– Violating traffic laws
– Distracted driving
– Fatigued driving
– Failure to conduct proper inspections

2. The Trucking Company (Motor Carrier)

The trucking company may be liable under several legal doctrines:

Respondeat Superior:
The employer is responsible for the employee’s negligent acts within the scope of employment.

Negligent Hiring:
Hiring a driver with a poor safety record or without proper qualifications.

Negligent Training:
Failing to properly train drivers on safety procedures.

Negligent Supervision:
Failing to monitor driver performance and compliance.

Negligent Maintenance:
Failing to properly maintain vehicles.

Negligent Scheduling:
Pressuring drivers to violate hours of service regulations.

“Trucking companies often try to claim drivers are independent contractors to avoid liability. But under Texas law, if the company controls the driver’s work, they can still be held responsible.” – Ralph Manginello

3. The Cargo Owner or Shipper

If the cargo was improperly loaded or secured, the company that arranged the shipment may be liable.

4. The Loading Company

Third-party companies that load cargo may be liable for:
– Improper cargo securement
– Unbalanced loads
– Overweight loads
– Failure to use proper blocking and bracing

5. The Truck or Trailer Manufacturer

If a defect in the vehicle contributed to the accident, the manufacturer may be liable.

Potential Defects:
– Brake system failures
– Steering system defects
– Tire defects
– Coupling device failures
– Lighting system defects

6. Parts Manufacturers

Companies that manufacture specific components may be liable for defects.

Common Defective Parts:
– Brake components
– Tires
– Steering mechanisms
– Coupling devices
– Lighting systems

7. Maintenance Companies

Third-party maintenance providers may be liable for negligent repairs.

8. Freight Brokers

Brokers who arrange transportation may be liable for negligent selection of carriers.

9. Government Entities

In limited circumstances, government agencies may be liable for:
– Dangerous road design
– Failure to maintain roads
– Inadequate signage
– Improper work zone setup

The Legal Process: What the Reynolds Family Should Know

If you’ve lost a loved one in a trucking accident, the legal process can seem overwhelming. Here’s what to expect:

1. Immediate Steps (First 48 Hours)

• Preserve Evidence: The trucking company’s rapid-response team is already working to protect their interests. You need to act fast to preserve critical evidence.
• Send Spoliation Letters: We send formal legal notices demanding preservation of all evidence, including:
• ECM/Black Box data
• ELD records
• Driver Qualification File
• Maintenance records
• Dispatch records
• Cell phone records
• Dashcam footage
• The physical truck and trailer

“Evidence in trucking cases disappears fast. Black box data can be overwritten in 30 days. Dashcam footage gets deleted. Witnesses forget. That’s why we send spoliation letters within 24-48 hours of being retained.” – Ralph Manginello

2. Investigation Phase (First 30-60 Days)

• Accident Reconstruction: We work with expert engineers to determine exactly what happened.
• Evidence Collection: We obtain all available records and data.
• Witness Interviews: We interview witnesses while memories are fresh.
• Expert Analysis: Medical experts, vocational experts, and economists begin evaluating