Crowley Truck Accident & Commercial Vehicle Injury Guide
The impact of an 80,000-pound steel machine slamming into a passenger vehicle is a life-altering event. One moment, you are driving through the streets of Crowley, perhaps heading down FM 731 or merging onto the busy lanes of I-35W. The next, your world is a blur of shattered glass, twisted metal, and agonizing pain. When an 18-wheeler or a heavy commercial vehicle causes an accident, it isn’t just a traffic mishap—it is a legal and medical emergency.
At Attorney911, we know exactly what you are facing because we have been in the trenches for over 25 years. Led by our founding partner Ralph Manginello, who has been fighting for injury victims since 1998, we have built a reputation for making trucking companies pay for their negligence. We have recovered over $50 million for families across Texas, including multi-million dollar settlements for traumatic brain injuries, amputations, and wrongful death.
If you or a loved one has been hurt in a Crowley truck accident, you aren’t just looking for a lawyer; you are looking for a fighter who knows the playbook of the corporate giants. We have gone toe-to-toe with Fortune 500 fleets like Walmart, Amazon, and FedEx. We understand how they hide evidence and how they try to shield themselves from liability. Our associate attorney, Lupe Peña, brings a unique advantage to our team—he used to defend insurance companies. He knows their internal strategies, their valuation software, and exactly how they try to minimize your suffering. We use that insider knowledge to fight for jeden “handsome check,” as our client Donald Wilcox described his recovery.
The clock is already ticking on your Crowley trucking case. Evidence like black box data and electronic logs can be overwritten in as little as 30 days. You need a team that moves as fast as the trucking company’s rapid-response investigators. We are available 24/7 at 1-888-ATTY-911 to start the fight for your family. Hablamos Español.
The 48-Hour Critical Window for Crowley Truck Accidents
The moments immediately following a truck crash in Crowley are the most vital for the success of your claim. While you are focused on medical treatment at a Tarrant County trauma center, the trucking company is already building its defense. They often have investigators at the scene before the sirens have faded.
We implement an aggressive 48-hour evidence preservation protocol for every Crowley client. The most important tool in this process is the spoliation letter. This is a formal legal notice we send to the trucking company, their parent corporation, and their insurance carriers. This letter legally requires them to stop their normal data-deletion cycles and preserve every shred of evidence related to the crash.
Why You Must Act Now to Preserve Evidence
Trucking companies are sophisticated operations. They know that if they can delay your legal action for a few weeks, key evidence will “disappear.”
- ECM/Black Box Data: Most 18-wheelers on I-35W are equipped with an Engine Control Module. This records speed, braking, and throttle position in the seconds before impact. This data is often overwritten after 30 days of normal driving.
- ELD Logs: Federal law requires electronic logging devices to track a driver’s hours. These logs prove whether a driver was exhausted and violating safety rules. Carriers only have to keep these for six months by law, but they can be altered if not secured immediately.
- In-Cab Video: Many corporate fleets, including Amazon and Walmart trucks serving the Crowley area, use AI-powered cameras like Netradyne or DriveCam. This footage can show exactly what the driver was doing—texting, nodding off, or looking away—at the moment of the collision.
- Physical Scene Evidence: Crowley’s weather—from torrential North Texas rain to scorching heat—can erase skid marks and wash away debris within days.
If you’ve been hit by an 18-wheeler or delivery van, call 1-888-ATTY-911 immediately. We send our own investigators to the Crowley scene to gather the proof before the trucking company can bury it. As client Angel Walle said, we solve in a couple of months what others do nothing about in two years.
Holding Trucking Companies Accountable via FMCSA Regulations
The trucking industry is governed by a strict set of federal laws known as the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations. These are found in 49 CFR Parts 300-399. When a truck driver or a carrier violates these rules in Crowley, it is powerful evidence of negligence.
Our team has spent over two decades mastering these regulations to build winning cases. Since 1998, Ralph Manginello has used these federal standards to prove that what carriers call “accidents” are actually preventable disasters caused by broken laws.
Critical Safety Violations in Crowley Trucking Cases
We scrutinize every logbook and maintenance file to find where the company cut corners:
- 49 CFR Part 395 (Hours of Service): This is the most common violation we see on the I-35W corridor through Crowley. Drivers are limited to 11 hours of driving after 10 consecutive hours off-duty. When companies pressure drivers to “push through” to meet a delivery deadline at a nearby distribution hub, they are creating a 40-ton hazard that is too tired to react to Crowley traffic.
- 49 CFR Part 391 (Driver Qualification): Commercial carriers must maintain a thorough Driver Qualification File. If a trucking company hired a driver with a history of DUIs, multiple crashes, or no valid CDL, they are liable for “negligent hiring.”
- 49 CFR Part 396 (Inspection and Maintenance): Every Crowley commercial vehicle must be inspected daily. If a brake failure or tire blowout caused your wreck, we look for evidence that the company skipped maintenance to save money.
- 49 CFR Part 393 (Cargo Securement): If you were hit by falling debris or if a truck rolled over on a curve near Crowley because the load shifted, the company likely violated these strict securement standards.
- 49 CFR Part 382 (Drug and Alcohol Testing): Federal law requires random testing and post-accident testing. We subpoena these results to see if impaired driving played a role in your Crowley accident.
Knowing these laws is one thing; knowing how to prove they were broken is another. That is where our experience in Federal Court (Southern District of Texas) and our $50 million+ recovery history becomes your greatest asset.
18-Wheeler Accident Types on Crowley Highways
Crowley is uniquely positioned near some of the most dangerous trucking routes in North Texas. The convergence of I-35W and I-20 means that Crowley residents are constantly sharing the road with multi-axle behemoths. These vehicles have unique physics that lead to specific, devastating crash patterns.
Jackknife Accidents
A jackknife occurs when a truck’s drive wheels lock up, causing the trailer to swing out at an angle like a folding knife. On a slick I-35W bridge during a Crowley storm, a jackknifing trailer can clear all lanes of traffic, leaving you with nowhere to go. These are often caused by improper braking or 49 CFR Part 393 brake malfunctions.
Underride Collisions
Underride crashes are among the most lethal. This happens when a passenger car slides underneath the rear or side of a trailer because the truck doesn’t have proper guards or has stopped suddenly without warning. The result is often decapitation or severe traumatic brain injury. We have recovered millions for TBI victims, with settlements in the $1.5M to $9.8M range.
Rollover Crashes
Trucks have a high center of gravity. If a driver takes a turn too fast onto Crowley Rd or if their cargo shift (a violation of 49 CFR 393.100), the truck can roll onto its side. When an 80,000-pound truck rolls over your vehicle, the survival rate is tragically low. We help families pursue wrongful death claims, which frequently range from $1.9M to $9.5M.
Blind Spot (No-Zone) Accidents
Commercial trucks have four massive “No-Zones” where the driver is effectively blind. If a trucker changes lanes without checking these areas on a congested Crowley highway, they can crush your vehicle before they even realize you are there. We prove negligence by showing the driver failed the safety standard required by 49 CFR 392.9.
Rear-End Collisions
A loaded semi-truck traveling at 65 mph needs the length of nearly two football fields to stop. If a driver is distracted by a dispatch device or a cell phone (violating 49 CFR 392.82), they will slam into the back of Crowley commuters with a force that snaps spines and shatters bones. As client Mongo Slade said, his team “got right to work” and secured a “very nice settlement” after he was rear-ended.
If your life has been turned upside down by any of these wrecks, call 888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation. Ralph Manginello is ready to put his 25 years of trial experience to work for you.
Corporate Fleet and Delivery Van Accidents in Crowley
In recent years, the nature of trucking accidents in Crowley has changed. While 18-wheelers remain a constant threat, we are seeing a massive surge in accidents involving last-mile delivery vans and corporate fleets. Companies like Amazon, Walmart, FedEx, and UPS have thousands of vehicles on Crowley streets every single day.
These cases are legally complex. Great corporations often use independent contractor models to shield themselves from liability. They will tell the court, “That wasn’t our driver; they worked for a small local contractor.” At Attorney911, we know how to pierce that corporate shield. We have litigated against these giants and recovered substantial settlements for our clients.
Amazon and Last-Mile Delivery Accidents
Amazon uses a Delivery Service Partner (DSP) model. While the van may have the Amazon logo, the driver is technically an employee of a small LLC. However, Amazon controls the route, the timing, and even monitors the driver with AI cameras. We argue that this level of control makes Amazon liable for your injuries when their drivers rush to meet quotas on Crowley residential streets.
Walmart Fleet Accidents
Walmart operates one of the largest private trucking fleets in the nation. Because they employ their drivers directly, the doctrine of respondeat superior (employer liability) is often more straightforward. However, Walmart is world-class at defending claims. They utilize deep pockets and self-insurance to fight every dime. This is where Lupe Peña’s former defense background is critical. He knows how Walmart’s risk management teams think, and we don’t let them push our Crowley clients around.
FedEx and UPS Crashes
FedEx Ground drivers are often contractors, while FedEx Express and UPS drivers are typically employees. These distinctions determine whether we sue the local delivery company or the global parent corporation. No matter who is behind the wheel, we investigate the history of safety violations and pressure-cooker scheduling that leads to these Crowley crashes.
Whether you were hit by an 18-wheeler or a blue Amazon van, you deserve a lawyer who treats you like family. As Chad Harris said, “You are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.” Call (888) 288-9911 today.
Specialized Commercial Vehicle Wrecks: Dump Trucks and Garbage Trucks
Truck accidents in Crowley aren’t limited to the interstates. Many of the most catastrophic injuries happen right in our neighborhoods and construction zones involving specialized commercial vehicles.
Dump Truck and Construction Vehicle Accidents
Crowley is a growing area, which means constant construction. Dump trucks hauling gravel or asphalt are staples on local roads. These vehicles often weigh 60,000 pounds or more when fully loaded. Unlike interstate trucking fleets, many local dump truck operations have poor maintenance records and hire inexperienced drivers. We look for violations of 49 CFR Part 396 to prove that “brake failure” was actually “maintenance neglect.”
Garbage and Sanitation Truck Crashes
Garbage trucks operate in a high-risk environment: early morning darkness, frequent stops, and constant backing up on narrow Crowley residential streets. They have massive blind spots. We have seen tragic cases where pedestrians or cyclists were struck because a sanitation driver failed to use a spotter or ignored backup alarms.
Concrete Mixers and Heavy Equipment
Concrete mixers are uniquely dangerous because they are top-heavy and the cargo is constantly rotating. This “slosh effect” makes them incredibly prone to rollovers. If a cement truck rolls over your car on a Crowley street, the weight is usually fatal. We hold the concrete company, the job site contractor, and the driver accountable for these preventable tragedies.
If a specialized commercial vehicle has injured you, you pay nothing unless we win. We advance all costs for the expert engineers and accident reconstructionists needed to prove your case. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for 24/7 help.
Vulnerable Road Users: Pedestrians, Cyclists, and Motorcyclists
When a heavy truck strikes someone who isn’t protected by a car’s steel frame, the results are almost always catastrophic. At Attorney911, we represent the most vulnerable people on Crowley’s roads.
Pedestrians Struck by Trucks
A person walking near a Crowley shopping center or school zone has no chance against a delivery van or box truck. These accidents often occur because of “distracted driving” (49 CFR 392.82) or a truck driver failing to yield in a crosswalk. We have recovered multi-million dollar settlements for victims of internal organ damage and spinal cord injuries.
Cyclists and the “Right Hook”
Cyclists in Crowley are often victims of the “right hook” accident. This happens when a truck overtakes a cyclist and then turns right directly into their path, or when a truck makes a wide right turn and “squeezes” the cyclist against the curb. We prove that the driver failed to check their mirrors as required by federal safety rules.
Motorcyclists in Truck Accidents
Truckers on I-35W often claim they “never saw” the motorcyclist. We know that “I didn’t see them” is not a legal defense—it is a confession of negligence. Motorcyclists often suffer traumatic amputations or severe road rash in truck crashes. We have secured amputation settlements in the $1.9 million to $8.6 million range, ensuring our clients can afford the best prosthetics and lifelong care.
No matter how you were injured, Ralph Manginello and the team at Attorney911 bring 25+ years of focus to your Crowley case. Hablamos Español. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911.
The Oilfield Trucking Factor in North Texas
While the Permian Basin gets most of the headlines, the energy sector is a massive part of the North Texas landscape. Crowley’s proximity to the Barnett Shale means our roads are shared with oilfield service vehicles, water tankers, and heavy equipment haulers.
Oilfield trucking is notoriously dangerous. These drivers often work 14-to-16-hour shifts in an industry that moves at breakneck speed. When a fatigued driver operating for a company like Halliburton or Schlumberger causes a wreck on a Crowley-area road, it is a complex litigation matter.
Dual Jurisdiction: FMCSA and OSHA
Oilfield accidents are unique because they often involve dual regulation. When the truck is on a public road near Crowley, FMCSA rules apply. When the accident happens at a wellsite or on a lease road, OSHA workplace safety regulations (29 CFR 1910) may also be triggered. We are one of the few firms with experience in massive industrial litigation like the BP Texas City refinery explosion case. We understand how to navigate the web of subcontractors and operators to find every liable party.
In oilfield cases, we aren’t just looking for the driver’s insurance. We are looking for the oil company’s $50 million umbrella policy. We know these companies have “deep pockets,” and we make sure they use them to compensate the families they have harmed.
Identifying the 16 Liable Parties in a Crowley Truck Accident
Most lawyers only sue the driver. We know better. In 25 years of trucking litigation, Ralph Manginello has learned that to maximize a Crowley client’s recovery, you must cast a wide net. There are often as many as 16 different parties who may share responsibility for your injuries.
Who Truly Paid the Price for Your Wreck?
By identifying every liable party, we access multiple insurance policies, often totaling millions of dollars:
- The Truck Driver: For speeding, fatigue, or distraction.
- The Trucking Company: For negligent hiring or vicarious liability.
- The Cargo Owner: If the cargo itself was hazardous or improperly described.
- The Loading Company: For failing to secure the load according to 49 CFR 393.
- Truck Manufacturer: For design defects like faulty underride guards or ABS systems.
- Parts Manufacturer: For defective tires (blowouts) or brakes.
- Maintenance Company: If a third-party mechanic failed to fix a known defect.
- Freight Broker: For hiring a carrier with a “conditional” or “unsatisfactory” safety rating.
- The Truck Owner: If the truck was leased to an unfit operator.
- Government Entity: If a poorly designed Crowley road or intersection contributed to the crash.
- Corporate Parent Company: Breaking through the “independent contractor” shell.
- Oilfield Operator: If production pressure led to driver fatigue.
- Staffing Company: If they supplied an unqualified driver to the carrier.
- Rental Company (U-Haul/Penske): For negligent maintenance of rental fleets.
- Transit Agency: For bus accidents involving local government entities.
- Federal Government: If a USPS or military vehicle was involved (requires FTCA knowledge).
More defendants mean more insurance pools. We don’t stop until we have found every dollar available to help you recover. As Glenda Walker said, “They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.”
Catastrophic Injuries and the Cost of Lifelong Care
A Crowley truck accident doesn’t just leave you with a few medical bills; it leaves you with a different life. Our firm focuses on catastrophic injuries because we know the stakes. We don’t just calculate your current hospital bill—we calculate what you will need for the next 40 years.
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
A TBI can change your personality, your memory, and your ability to earn a living. We have seen TBI settlements reach as high as $9.8 million. We work with neurologists and life care planners to ensure your settlement covers cognitive therapy, home assistance, and specialized medical equipment.
Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis
If a Crowley truck crash has left you in a wheelchair, your financial needs are immense. A high-level spinal cord injury can cost over $5 million in the first year alone. We seek compensation for home modifications, adaptive vehicles, and 24/7 nursing care to ensure you maintain your dignity and quality of life.
Amputations and Crush Injuries
Losing a limb is both a physical and psychological trauma. Our amputation settlements, which range from $1.9 million to $8.6 million, are designed to provide for the most advanced prosthetics and the physical therapy needed to use them.
Wrongful Death
If you have lost a parent, child, or spouse in a Crowley truck accident, our hearts go out to you. No check can replace them, but it can provide security for the children they left behind and hold the negligent company accountable. We have recovered up to $9.5 million in wrongful death cases because we know how to prove the true value of a lost life.
Don’t let the trucking company’s insurance adjuster tell you what your life is worth. Let 25+ years of experience speak for you. Call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, compassionate case review.
Understanding Texas Trucking Insurance and Damages
Trucking cases in Crowley are subject to specific Texas laws and federal insurance requirements that make them very different from regular car accidents.
Federal Minimums are Only the Starting Point
While federal law (49 CFR 387) requires most trucks to carry at least $750,000 in insurance—and $5 million for hazardous materials—this is rarely enough to cover a catastrophic injury. We look for “umbrella” and “excess” policies that can provide $10 million, $25 million, or even $50 million in coverage. Large corporate defendants like Walmart often self-insure, meaning they have the assets to pay any jury verdict.
The Problem of Comparative Negligence
Texas follows a “Modified Comparative Negligence” rule. This means that in Crowley, you can still recover money as long as you are 50% or less at fault. However, your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault. If the trucking company tries to blame you for a “split-second error,” we use expert accident reconstruction to prove they were the primary cause of the harm.
Non-Economic Damages in Crowley
Unlike some other states, Texas does not cap non-economic damages (pain and suffering, mental anguish, physical impairment) in general trucking accidents. This is vital because the human toll of an 18-wheeler crash is often far greater than the medical bills. We use our “Powerful & Proven” litigation style to show a Crowley jury exactly how your life has been diminished.
Whether your case results in a settlement or a “nuclear verdict,” we prepare every file for the courtroom. Our firm’s founder, Ralph Manginello, is a member of the Trial Lawyers Achievement Association Million Dollar Member group, proof that we have the skill to go the distance.
Crowley Truck Accident FAQ
How long do I have to file a claim in Crowley?
In Texas, the statute of limitations is generally two years from the date of the accident. However, if a government vehicle or a federal postal truck was involved, much shorter “notice of claim” deadlines may apply—sometimes as short as six months. Do not wait; call 888-ATTY-911 now.
Can I recover money if the driver wasn’t an employee of the company?
Yes. Through theories like “ostensible agency” or “joint enterprise,” we can often hold the parent company (like Amazon or an oil company) liable even if the driver was technically an independent contractor.
What if the insurance company offers me a settlement right away?
Never sign anything without a lawyer’s review. Initial offers are always “lowballs” designed to get you to waive your rights before you know the full extent of your brain injury or spinal damage. As Donald Wilcox put it, other companies might reject your case, but we see the true value.
How much does it cost to hire Attorney911?
Zero dollars upfront. We work on a 100% contingency fee basis. This means we only get paid if we win your case. We advance every penny of the heavy investigation costs. You are not a case number here; you are family.
Do I have to go to court?
The majority of our cases settle without a trial because we prepare them so thoroughly that insurance companies realize it is cheaper to pay fairly than to face us in front of a jury. However, we are ready and willing to take your Crowley case to trial if that is what justice requires.
Crowley’s “Legal Emergency Lawyers™” are Ready to Fight
Trucking companies have teams of lawyers, rapid-response investigators, and unlimited resources. They have already started their fight. What are you doing?
You deserve a Crowley attorney who has spent a career taking on the giants. You deserve a team that includes a former insurance defense insider. You deserve to be treated like family while your case is treated with the aggressiveness it demands.
For 25+ years, Ralph Manginello and Attorney911 have been the “First Responders to a Legal Emergency.” Our $50 million+ recovery record and 4.9-star Google rating prove that we deliver results when it matters most.
Don’t let the evidence disappear. Don’t let the insurance company write the story of your accident. Call Attorney911 right now at 1-888-ATTY-911. We answer 24/7. We fight for Crowley families. We win.
Hablamos Español. Llame hoy para su consulta gratuita.
Attorney911 | The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC
Toll-Free: 1-888-ATTY-911
Attorney Ralph Manginello — Fighting for Texas Families Since 1998.