Tarrant County Truck Accident & Commercial Vehicle Injury Guide

The impact was catastrophic. One moment, you were driving through the heart of Tarrant County, perhaps heading toward the Fort Worth Stockyards or navigating the heavy morning flow on I-35W. The next, 80,000 pounds of steel slammed into your vehicle. In that instant, your life changed. When a fully loaded 18-wheeler, a speeding Amazon delivery van, or a massive concrete mixer involved in Tarrant County’s ongoing construction boom collides with a passenger car, it isn’t a fair fight. Your car weighs about 4,000 pounds; the truck that hit you weighs 20 times that.

At Attorney911, we know what you’re facing because we’ve been in the ring with these corporate giants for over 25 years. Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has spent more than two decades holding trucking companies accountable in Tarrant County and across Texas. We understand the physical pain, the mounting medical bills, and the overwhelming fear of an uncertain future. We also know that while you are focused on healing, the trucking company already has a rapid-response team on the scene in Fort Worth or Arlington, working to protect their profits by minimizing your claim.

You need a fighter who knows their playbook. Our team includes associate attorney Lupe Peña, who previously worked for a national insurance defense firm. He knows exactly how these companies evaluate, delay, and deny claims from the inside. Now, he uses that insider knowledge to fight for you. If you’ve been hurt in a trucking accident anywhere in Tarrant County, call Attorney911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, no-obligation consultation.

Why Tarrant County’s Highways Are a Battlefield for Truck Accidents

Tarrant County sits at the crossroads of some of the busiest freight corridors in the United States. Our roads are shared by thousands of commercial vehicles every single day. Between the massive logistics operations at North Fort Worth’s Alliance Gateway and the sprawling distribution centers in Arlington and Haslet, our local highways are often overwhelmed by heavy truck traffic.

Whether you were traveling on the I-30 “Tom Landry Freeway” through Arlington, navigating the complex “Mixmaster” interchange in downtown Fort Worth, or driving the high-speed stretches of I-20 or I-820, you’ve seen the danger. When an 18-wheeler driver is fatigued from a long-haul trip or an Amazon driver is rushing to meet a delivery quota in a crowded Tarrant County neighborhood, everyone on the road is at risk.

The Physics of a Tarrant County Big Rig Crash

At 80,000 pounds, a semi-truck traveling at highway speeds on I-35W carries an enormous amount of kinetic energy. Because of this mass, these vehicles require significantly more time and distance to stop—nearly 525 feet, or almost two football fields, at 65 mph. When a driver fails to account for Tarrant County’s stop-and-go traffic or sudden weather changes like our notorious North Texas ice storms, the results are often fatal.

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

We’ve seen the devastation these crashes cause firsthand. We’ve recovered multi-million dollar settlements for victims, including cases involving traumatic brain injuries and amputations. As client Chad Harris said after we handled his case, “You are NOT a pest to them and you are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.” We bring that same level of dedication to every Tarrant County resident we represent.

Don’t wait. Evidence disappears fast in Tarrant County. Call now: 1-888-ATTY-911.

The Insurance Company Playbook: How We Level the Playing Field

In the wake of a Tarrant County truck accident, you will likely receive a call from an insurance adjuster. They may seem cooperative and friendly, but their goal is to get you to settle for the lowest amount possible before you even know the full extent of your injuries. This is where Attorney911 provides an “unfair advantage.”

Because Lupe Peña spent years working for a national defense firm representing large insurers, we know their internal scoring systems and their manipulation tactics. We know they use algorithms like Colossus to undervalue your suffering. We also know they are terrified of trial-ready attorneys who have federal court experience. Ralph Manginello is admitted to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas and has gone head-to-head with the world’s largest corporations, including BP in the Texas City refinery litigation.

We don’t settle for less than you deserve. Ask client Glenda Walker; she’ll tell you “they fought for me to get every dime I deserved.” We are ready to do the same for you in Tarrant County.

Critical FMCSA Regulations: Proving Negligence in Tarrant County

Every 18-wheeler, tanker, and commercial hauler on Tarrant County roads is subject to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR). These are found in 49 CFR Parts 390-399. When a trucking company or driver violates these rules, it isn’t just a mistake—it is evidence of negligence.

49 CFR Part 395: Hours of Service (HOS)

The most common violation we see in Tarrant County involves driver fatigue. Under Part 395, property-carrying drivers are generally limited to 11 hours of driving following 10 consecutive hours off duty. They also cannot drive beyond the 14th consecutive hour after coming on duty.

In Tarrant County’s massive distribution hubs, drivers are often pressured to “push through” and falsify their logs to meet delivery windows at local fulfillment centers. A fatigued driver has decreased reaction times and impaired judgment, making them just as dangerous as a drunk driver. Since December 18, 2017, the ELD mandate (Electronic Logging Device) has made it harder to hide these violations, but companies still find ways to skirt the rules. We subpoena these digital records immediately to prove when a driver was illegally behind the wheel.

49 CFR Part 391: Driver Qualification

Trucking companies in Tarrant County have a non-delegable duty to ensure their drivers are qualified. Under Part 391, this includes:

• Maintaining a Driver Qualification File for every operator.
• Checking the driver’s Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) annually.
• Conducting a 3-year background check on previous employers.
• Ensuring the driver has a valid CDL and a current medical examiner’s certificate.

If a company like Walmart Transportation or a local Tarrant County hauling outfit puts an unqualified driver on the road, they are liable for “negligent hiring.” We look for red flags the company ignored—previous accidents, failed drug tests, or lack of training.

49 CFR Part 396: Inspection, Repair, and Maintenance

At 80,000 pounds, equipment must be perfect. Part 396 requires systematic inspection and maintenance of all commercial vehicles. This includes the mandatory “Pre-Trip Inspection” where the driver must ensure the brakes, lights, tires, and steering are functional. In Tarrant County, where extreme summer heat can reach triple digits, tire integrity is critical. A retread blowout on I-820 can cause a driver to lose control and jackknife across four lanes. If the maintenance logs show deferred repairs or if the driver skipped their pre-trip report, that’s negligence.

For more information, watch: “The Definitive Guide To Commercial Truck Accidents” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iEEeZf-k8Ao.

They hit you. We hit back. Call our Tarrant County team at (888) 288-9911.

18-Wheeler & Large Truck Accident Types in Tarrant County

The specific mechanics of your crash determine how we build your case. Tarrant County’s unique road designs and traffic volume contribute to specific types of collisions.

Jackknife Accidents on Tarrant County Interstates

A jackknife occurs when a truck’s drive wheels lock or lose traction, causing the trailer to swing out perpendicular to the cab. This often happens on Tarrant County overpasses during sudden North Texas storms. A jackknifing 18-wheeler acts as a massive scythe, sweeping across multiple lanes and striking every vehicle in its path. Under 49 CFR § 393.48, brake system malfunctions are often to blame. We look for evidence of improper braking technique or unbalanced cargo loads that contributed to the swing.

Rollover Crashes

With a high center of gravity, 18-wheelers are prone to rolling, especially on the winding interchanges of the Tarrant County “Spaghetti Bowl” or the on-ramps of SH-121. Speeding is the leading cause—especially when a driver entering Tarrant County is unfamiliar with the sharpness of our highway ramps. A rollover often leads to catastrophic “roof crush” injuries or ejections, resulting in traumatic brain injury or death.

Rear-End Collisions from Fatigue and Distraction

Because of Tarrant County’s congested traffic—especially near the Great Southwest Industrial District—trucks are constantly stopping and starting. When a driver is distracted by their dispatch app or fatigued from violating Part 395 HOS rules, they cannot stop their 40-ton vehicle in time. High-speed rear-end impacts into passenger cars often result in “underride,” where the car slides beneath the trailer, shearing off the roof and causing decapitation or severe TBI.

Wide Turn Emergencies (“The Squeeze Play”)

You’ll see this often in downtown Fort Worth or on the surface streets of Arlington. A truck driver swings left to make a right turn, creating a deceptive gap. When a smaller vehicle enters that gap, the truck turns, crushing the car against the curb. Proving the driver failed to properly signal or check their mirrors is key to these Tarrant County cases.

Tanker Spills and HAZMAT Incidents

Tarrant County is a hub for fuel and chemical transport. A crude oil tanker or chemical truck rollover on US-287 isn’t just a crash; it’s an environmental catastrophe. Under 49 CFR Part 397, these drivers must follow specific routes and have specialized training. If a spill causes chemical burns or respiratory damage to your family, we hold the carrier and the cargo owner strictly accountable.

1-888-ATTY-911: Your fight starts with one call. We answer. We fight. We win.

Specialized Tarrant County Commercial Vehicle Accidents

Truck accidents aren’t limited to 18-wheelers. Tarrant County’s roads are home to a variety of commercial vehicles, each carrying its own unique risks and legal complexities.

Amazon Delivery Van Accidents in Arlington and Fort Worth

With major fulfillment centers in the region, Amazon’s blue-branded vans are on every residential street in Tarrant County. These drivers are often under extreme pressure from Amazon’s algorithms to deliver hundreds of packages in a single shift. Amazon frequently tries to avoid liability by claiming these drivers work for “Delivery Service Partners” (DSPs) who are independent contractors.

However, we know how to pierce that defense. Amazon sets the routes, monitors the drivers via Netradyne AI cameras, and controls their uniforms. If an Amazon van hit you in Arlington or Fort Worth, we go after the “deep pockets” of the corporate parent, not just the small DSP.

Tarrant County Construction: Dump Trucks and Concrete Mixers

Go anywhere in Tarrant County, and you’ll see construction. Dump trucks hauling gravel for road projects or concrete mixers fueling the housing boom in Tarrant County are among the heaviest vehicles on our roads. A loaded cement mixer weighs 70,000 lbs, and the rotating drum creates a “slosh effect” that shifts the center of gravity, making them incredibly prone to rollovers. These drivers often work for multiple subcontractors, creates a complex web of liability that Ralph Manginello is uniquely qualified to navigate.

Garbage Truck and Waste Hauler Collisions

Waste Management and Republic Services operate massive fleets in Tarrant County. These trucks have huge blind spots and frequent stopping/backing patterns in residential neighborhoods. Many lack modern sensors or backup cameras. If a garbage truck backed into your vehicle or struck a pedestrian in your Tarrant County neighborhood, we investigate the driver training and the company’s maintenance profile.

Moving Trucks and Rental Truck Accidents (U-Haul, Penske)

Perhaps the most terrifying vehicles on our roads are 26-foot U-Haul or Penske trucks. Why? Because the person driving them often has ZERO commercial experience. You don’t need a CDL to rent a 26,000-pound truck. When an untrained driver misjudges the stopping distance on I-20 or fails to clear an overpass in Tarrant County, the rental company can sometimes be held liable for “negligent entrustment” if they rented to someone obviously incapable or impaired.

Hablamos Español. Llame a Lupe Peña al 1-888-ATTY-911.

16 Parties We Hold Accountable for Tarrant County Wrecks

Most firms only look at the driver. We look at the entire chain of command. In a Tarrant County trucking accident, there may be up to 16 different parties who owe you compensation. Identifying every insurance pool is how we maximize your recovery.

1. The Truck Driver: For direct negligence like speeding, distraction, or impairment.
2. The Trucking Company (Carrier): Liable under respondeat superior and for negligent hiring/supervision.
3. The Cargo Owner/Shipper: If they pressured the carrier to violate HOS rules or if the cargo was inherently dangerous.
4. The Loading Company: If improperly secured or unbalanced cargo caused a rollover or spill.
5. Truck/Trailer Manufacturers: If a design or manufacturing defect (like faulty underride guards) contributed to the injury.
6. Parts Manufacturers: For defective brakes, tires (blowouts), or steering components.
7. Maintenance Companies: If a third-party mechanic failed to identify or repair critical safety issues.
8. Freight Brokers: If they hired a carrier with a known bad safety record (negligent selection).
9. The Truck Owner: In some owner-operator leases, the owner is independent of the carrier.
10. Government Entities: If a dangerous road design or poorly marked Tarrant County construction zone caused the crash.
11. Corporate Parent Companies: Holding giants like Amazon, Walmart, or Coca-Cola accountable for the actions of their subsidiaries or contractors.
12. Oilfield Operators: In cases involving Tarrant County’s energy sector transport, the lease holder may share liability.
13. Staffing Agencies: If the driver was a temp or contractor provided by a third-party labor broker.
14. Rental Truck Companies: U-Haul, Penske, or Ryder for negligent maintenance or entrustment.
15. Public Transit/School Districts: If a Fort Worth “Fort Worth Lab” bus or school bus was involved (triggering special sovereign immunity rules).
16. The Federal Government: If a USPS mail truck or military vehicle from nearby Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth caused the accident (requiring an FTCA claim).

The trucking company has lawyers. So should you. Call 1-888-ATTY-911.

48-Hour Evidence Preservation: The Clock is Ticking

In Tarrant County, the trucking company will have an investigator at the scene before the wrecker arrives. By the time you get home from the hospital, they may have already begun “fixing” the truck or overwriting data. You must act within 48 hours to secure your case.

Our Spoliation Protocol

The moment you hire Attorney911, we send formal Spoliation Letters (litigation holds) to every liable party. This legally mandates that they preserve:

• ECM/Black Box Data: This records speed, braking, and engine data in the seconds before impact. Many systems overwrite this data in 30 days.
• ELD Logs: Digital hours-of-service records that prove driver fatigue.
• Netradyne/Dashcam Footage: Amazon and other corporate fleets have cameras facing the road and the driver. This footage is often deleted in as little as 7-14 days.
• Driver Qualification Files: The “life story” of the driver, including drug tests and background checks.
• Maintenance Logs: Proving if the truck was a “lemon” that should have been off the road.

As client Angel Walle noted, we move fast: “They solved in a couple of months what others did nothing about in two years.” In Tarrant County, speed is the difference between winning and losing.

Learn more about documenting your case: “Can You Use Your Cellphone to Document a Legal Case?” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LLbpzrmogTs.

Catastrophic Injuries and Life-Altering Loss

We understand that you aren’t just a case number. You are a Tarrant County neighbor whose life has been turned upside down. We represent clients facing the most difficult recoveries:

• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): The force of a truck impact can cause “diffuse axonal injury,” where brain fibers are torn. From “mild” concussions to severe comas, the cognitive and emotional impact is permanent. Our settlements for TBI often range from $1.5M to over $9.8M.
• Spinal Cord Injury: Paralysis—whether paraplegia or quadriplegia—requires a lifetime of care. We work with life care planners to ensure your settlement covers the $4.7M to $25M+ in lifetime costs you may face.
• Amputations: Crushing injuries in Tarrant County wide-turn accidents often lead to loss of limbs. We’ve secured settlements in the $1.9M to $8.6M range for amputation victims to provide for prosthetics and rehabilitation.
• Wrongful Death: If you lost a loved one on I-35W or I-20, our hearts go out to you. While money can’t bring them back, a wrongful death claim (settlements often $1.9M to $9.5M) provides financial security and accountability.

Your family’s been through enough. Let us handle the trucking company. 1-888-ATTY-911.

Texas Law: Statutes and Comparative Negligence in Tarrant County

Navigating the Texas courtroom requires local knowledge. Because we are based here, we know the Tarrant County courts and how Texas laws apply to your case.

Two-Year Statute of Limitations

In Texas, you generally have exactly two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. If you miss this deadline, your right to recover is gone forever. This is why you cannot wait for the insurance company to “do the right thing.” They will intentionally delay until the clock runs out.

The 51% Modified Comparative Negligence Rule

Texas follows a “51% bar” rule. This means you can recover damages as long as you are 50% or less at fault. However, your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault. If a jury finds you 20% at fault because you were slightly over the speed limit on I-30, and the truck driver 80% at fault for falling asleep, you would receive 80% of the award. If you are found 51% at fault, you get nothing. The trucking company’s lawyers will fight to shift every ounce of blame onto you. We fight back with black box data and accident reconstruction experts to prove the trucker was the primary cause.

Damages You Can Recover

• Economic Damages: PAST and FUTURE medical bills, lost wages, loss of earning capacity, and property damage.
• Non-Economic Damages: Pain and suffering, mental anguish (PTSD/Anxiety), disfigurement, and loss of consortium (impact on your relationship with your spouse).
• Punitive Damages: If we can prove “gross negligence”—that the company knew their driver was a danger and sent them out anyway—we may pursue punitive damages to punish the corporation.

Watch our guide: “How Do Car Insurance Companies Calculate Pain and Suffering?” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5EE9AWT12Kg.

No fee unless we win. Zero risk. Call Tarrant County’s team at 1-888-ATTY-911.

Tarrant County Truck Accident FAQs

1. Who pays my medical bills after a truck accident in Fort Worth?
Ultimately, the at-fault trucking company is responsible. However, they don’t pay “as you go.” We help you coordinate with your own health insurance or work with medical providers on a “Letter of Protection” (LOP), so you can get treated locally in Tarrant County now and have the bills paid from the final settlement.

2. What if an Amazon driver hit me in Arlington?
Amazon’s DSP model makes these cases complex. They will tell you the driver isn’t an Amazon employee. We use “control tests” to prove Amazon dictates the driver’s every move, making them liable. We investigate both the CSP’s $1M primary policy and Amazon’s massive excess coverage.

3. Is “whiplash” worth anything in a truck crash?
“Whiplash” is a term insurance adjusters use to minimize your pain. When the force comes from an 80,000-pound truck, there is nothing minor about it. What they call whiplash is often a herniated disc that may require spinal surgery. Our Herniated Disc settlements often start in the hundreds of thousands.

4. Can I sue Walmart for a crash in Tarrant County?
Yes. Walmart is a direct employer (they do not use the contractor model for freight). They are self-insured, which means they use their own money to pay claims. They fight aggressively, but we have 25 years of experience taking on Fortune 500 defendants.

5. I was walking and hit by a delivery truck in Fort Worth. Do I have a case?
Pedestrians are “vulnerable road users.” Because you have no protection, the injuries are almost always catastrophic. Tarrant County drivers have a heightened duty of care to watch for pedestrians. If a driver was backing up without a spotter or checking their phone, they are liable.

6. What is “Black Box” data and how do I get it?
The Engine Control Module (ECM) is the truck’s “brain.” It tells us if the driver hit the brakes before impact. You cannot get this on your own—it requires a specialized technician and a court order or spoliation letter to prevent the company from overwriting it.

7. How long will my Tarrant County case take?
Most cases resolve in 12-24 months. If the case involves clear liability and a smaller settlement, it may resolve faster. If we are fighting a corporate giant like Amazon for millions, we may litigate longer to ensure you get every dime you deserve.

8. Do I need to pay anything upfront?
Never. We work on a 100% contingency fee basis. We pay for the investigators, the experts, and the court filings. You only pay us if we win your case.

Our Results Speak for Themselves: Proven Tarrant County Advocates

We aren’t just a billboard firm. We are a boutique office that treats you like family. When you call 1-888-ATTY-911, you get Ralph Manginello’s experience and Lupe Peña’s insider knowledge. We’ve seen other firms reject difficult cases, only for us to step in and win. As Donald Wilcox recalls: “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.”

Whether your accident happened on the busiest stretch of I-35W or a quiet residential street in Tarrant County, you deserve a lawyer who will fight tooth and nail.

Fighting trucking companies since 1998. One number to remember: 1-888-ATTY-911.

Tarrant County Trucking Accident Resource Checklist:

• Emergency Services: Call 911 immediately.
• Hospitals: JPS Health Network, Texas Health Harris Methodist, and Baylor Scott & White serve Tarrant County’s trauma needs.
• Documentation: Use your phone to photograph EVERYTHING.
• Legal Action: Contact Attorney911 within 48 hours for evidence preservation.

Free consultation. No fee unless we win. 24/7 availability. Call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 today.

Accidente de camión en Tarrant County? Hablamos su idioma. Llame a Lupe Peña al 1-888-288-9911 para una consulta gratis.

Detailed Tarrant County High-Intent Search Integration

If you are searching for any of the following, we are ready to assist you right now:

• “who pays my medical bills after truck accident” — We hold the carrier and their insurer responsible.
• “loss of consortium truck accident” — We fight for the emotional and relational losses your spouse suffers.
• “herniated disc from truck accident” — We prove the accident caused your back injury, even if they call it “degenerative.”
• “Amazon delivery driver hit me” — We cut through the contractor defense to find the corporate insurance layers.
• “wrongful death on I-35W Fort Worth” — We provide compassionate representation to grieving families seeking justice.
• “hit by dump truck Tarrant County” — We investigate the construction company and the driver for overloading violations.

The trucking company’s lawyers are already working on their case. Who is working on yours?

Call Attorney911: Powerful & Proven. 1-888-ATTY-911.

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

Your journey to justice in Tarrant County starts with a single call. We are Tarrant County 18-wheeler accident specialists. We know the corridors, we know the rules, and we know how to win.

Attorney911 | The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC
Tarrant County Truck Accident Team
1-888-ATTY-911