Fatal Fort Worth Truck Crash: Pickup Driver Killed in I-35 Collision with Semi-Truck
The Crash That Changed Lives in an Instant
It happened fast. Too fast.
Just after 9 p.m. on a Monday night in February 2026, a pickup truck traveling northbound on I-35 in Fort Worth struck the rear of a tractor-trailer. The impact was catastrophic. The pickup driver was pronounced dead at the scene. The crash occurred at the ramp connecting I-35W to U.S. Highway 287, forcing authorities to close all northbound lanes for several hours while crews cleared the wreckage.
This wasn’t just another traffic accident. This was an 80,000-pound commercial vehicle against a 4,000-pound pickup. The physics don’t lie. When an 18-wheeler and a passenger vehicle collide, the results are often deadly.
At Attorney911, we’ve seen this scenario too many times. Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has been fighting for trucking accident victims for over 25 years. He knows the patterns. He knows the tactics trucking companies use to avoid responsibility. And he knows how to hold them accountable.
What We Know About This Fort Worth Truck Accident
The Basic Facts
- Location: Northbound I-35 at the ramp to U.S. Highway 287, Fort Worth, Texas
- Time: Just after 9 p.m., Monday night
- Vehicles Involved: Pickup truck and semi-trailer
- Outcome: Pickup driver killed at the scene
- Impact: All northbound lanes of I-35W closed for several hours
The Sequence of Events
According to Fort Worth police:
1. A pickup truck was traveling northbound on I-35
2. The pickup struck the rear of a semi-trailer
3. The pickup then lost control
4. The driver was pronounced dead at the scene
5. All northbound lanes were closed while crews cleared the wreckage
What We Don’t Know (Yet)
The cause of this tragic crash remains under investigation. Critical questions remain unanswered:
- Why did the pickup truck strike the rear of the trailer?
- Was the truck driver fatigued, distracted, or impaired?
- Were there mechanical failures on either vehicle?
- Was the trailer properly marked with reflective tape and lights?
- Were there visibility issues due to weather or road conditions?
- Did the trucking company pressure the driver to meet unrealistic deadlines?
These aren’t just academic questions. They’re the difference between justice and injustice for the victim’s family.
The Dangers of I-35 in Fort Worth
A Corridor of Risk
I-35 is one of the most dangerous highways in Texas. It’s a critical NAFTA corridor, carrying massive truck traffic between Mexico, Texas, and the Midwest. In Fort Worth, I-35 intersects with major routes like I-20, I-30, and U.S. 287, creating complex interchanges where accidents frequently occur.
The ramp from I-35W to U.S. 287 where this crash occurred is particularly hazardous. It’s a high-speed merge point where trucks and passenger vehicles interact at close quarters. The geometry of the ramp requires careful speed management, especially for large commercial vehicles.
Why This Location Matters
This wasn’t just any stretch of road. This was a known danger zone. The I-35/U.S. 287 interchange has seen multiple serious crashes over the years. Its design forces trucks to navigate tight curves while merging with high-speed traffic. When accidents happen here, they’re often severe.
For Fort Worth families, this crash is a stark reminder of the risks we face every day on our highways. The same dangers exist on I-20, I-30, and Loop 820. When you’re sharing the road with 80,000-pound trucks, one moment of inattention can be fatal.
The Most Common Causes of Rear-End Truck Accidents
Why Pickup Trucks Strike the Back of Trailers
Rear-end collisions involving 18-wheelers are among the most deadly truck accidents. When a passenger vehicle strikes the rear of a trailer, the results are often catastrophic. Here’s why these accidents happen:
1. Following Too Closely
Trucks have massive blind spots. If a driver can’t see the truck’s mirrors, the truck driver can’t see them. Following too closely means there’s no time to react if the truck slows or stops suddenly.
FMCSA Regulation: 49 CFR § 392.11 requires drivers to maintain a safe following distance. The rule states: “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.”
2. Driver Fatigue
Truck drivers work long hours. Federal regulations limit driving time, but violations are common. Fatigued drivers have slower reaction times and may fall asleep at the wheel.
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
3. Distracted Driving
Cell phones, dispatch communications, GPS devices, eating, and other distractions take a driver’s attention off the road.
FMCSA Regulation: 49 CFR § 392.82 prohibits hand-held mobile phone use while driving. The rule states: “No driver shall use a hand-held mobile telephone while driving a commercial motor vehicle.”
4. Brake Failures
Trucks require much longer stopping distances than passenger vehicles. A fully loaded truck traveling at 65 mph needs approximately 525 feet to stop – nearly two football fields. Brake failures make this distance even longer.
FMCSA Brake Requirements (49 CFR § 393.40-55):
– All commercial vehicles must have properly functioning brake systems
– Air brake systems must meet specific performance standards
– Brake adjustment must be maintained within specifications
5. Poor Visibility
Trailers must be properly marked with reflective tape and lights. If these are missing or dirty, the trailer can be nearly invisible at night or in poor weather conditions.
FMCSA Lighting Requirements (49 CFR § 393.11-26):
– Trailers must have proper clearance and side marker lamps
– Reflective tape must be applied to make the trailer visible
– All lighting must be functional and clean
6. Improper Lane Changes
Trucks have large blind spots on all sides. If a truck changes lanes into a vehicle in its blind spot, the passenger vehicle may be forced to swerve and strike the rear of another trailer.
7. Sudden Stops
Trucks may stop suddenly due to traffic conditions, mechanical issues, or cargo shifts. Passenger vehicles following too closely don’t have time to react.
8. Underride Risks
When a passenger vehicle strikes the rear of a trailer, it can slide underneath the trailer. This is called an underride collision and is often fatal.
FMCSA Underride Protection (49 CFR § 393.86):
– Rear impact guards are required on trailers manufactured after January 26, 1998
– Guards must prevent underride at 30 mph impact
– No federal requirement for side underride guards
The Deadly Physics of Rear-End Truck Collisions
The physics of these collisions explain why they’re so deadly:
- Weight Disparity: An 18-wheeler can weigh up to 80,000 pounds. A pickup truck weighs about 4,000-6,000 pounds. The truck is 13-20 times heavier.
- Height Difference: The trailer bed is typically 4-5 feet off the ground. When a passenger vehicle strikes the rear, it can slide underneath.
- Stopping Distance: A truck needs 40% more distance to stop than a car. At 65 mph, that’s 525 feet – nearly two football fields.
- Impact Force: The force of impact is proportional to the weight of the vehicles. An 80,000-pound truck carries 20 times the kinetic energy of a 4,000-pound car.
The Trucking Company’s Responsibility
Who Was Operating the Semi-Trailer?
The article doesn’t name the trucking company involved in this crash. But we know this: every trucking company operating on Fort Worth’s highways has legal responsibilities to ensure safety.
At Attorney911, we’ve handled cases against major trucking companies operating in Texas:
- Werner Enterprises – Major presence in Fort Worth
- Swift Transportation – Significant operations on I-35
- J.B. Hunt – Major carrier with Fort Worth terminals
- Heartland Express – Common on Texas highways
- Schneider National – Major hub operations
- FedEx Freight – Significant local presence
- UPS Freight – Common on local routes
These companies – and the one involved in this crash – have legal obligations under federal regulations.
FMCSA Regulations Every Trucking Company Must Follow
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sets strict rules for trucking companies. These regulations are designed to prevent exactly this type of tragedy.
1. Driver Qualification (49 CFR Part 391)
Trucking companies must:
– Verify driver’s commercial driver’s license (CDL)
– Check driving record for violations
– Verify medical certification
– Conduct background checks
– Maintain a Driver Qualification File for each driver
Why This Matters: If the trucking company failed to properly vet their driver, they can be held liable for negligent hiring.
2. Hours of Service (49 CFR Part 395)
Truck drivers are limited in how long they can drive:
– 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
Why This Matters: Fatigue is a leading cause of truck accidents. If the driver was over his hours, the company may be liable.
3. Vehicle Maintenance (49 CFR Part 396)
Trucking companies must:
– Systematically inspect, repair, and maintain all vehicles
– Keep maintenance records
– Conduct pre-trip and post-trip inspections
– Address any defects noted in inspections
Why This Matters: Brake failures, tire blowouts, and lighting issues are common causes of accidents. Proper maintenance prevents these failures.
4. Cargo Securement (49 CFR Part 393)
Cargo must be properly secured to prevent:
– Shifting that affects vehicle stability
– Falling cargo that creates road hazards
– Overloading that exceeds weight limits
Why This Matters: Improperly secured cargo can cause rollovers or create road debris that leads to accidents.
5. Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs)
Since December 18, 2017, most commercial trucks must use ELDs that:
– Automatically record driving time
– Synchronize with the vehicle engine
– Record GPS location and speed
– Cannot be altered after the fact
Why This Matters: ELD data provides objective evidence of hours of service compliance and driver behavior.
The Trucking Company’s Playbook After an Accident
We’ve seen this before. When a fatal accident occurs, trucking companies follow a predictable playbook:
- Rapid Response Team: They dispatch investigators to the scene within hours to protect their interests.
- Evidence Control: They secure the truck, download black box data, and preserve evidence – but only what helps them.
- Driver Protection: They coach the driver on what to say (and not say) to police and investigators.
- Insurance Tactics: Their insurance company contacts victims’ families with lowball settlement offers.
- Legal Strategy: They hire defense attorneys to minimize liability.
This is why you need your own rapid response team. Evidence in trucking cases disappears quickly. Black box data can be overwritten. Dashcam footage gets deleted. Witnesses forget what they saw. You need an attorney who moves just as fast as the trucking company.
The Investigation: What Happens Next
The Critical First 48 Hours
In trucking accident cases, the first 48 hours are critical. Evidence disappears quickly:
- Black Box Data: Can be overwritten in 30 days or with new driving events
- ELD Records: May be retained for only 6 months
- Dashcam Footage: Often deleted within 7-14 days
- Surveillance Video: Business cameras typically overwrite in 7-30 days
- Witness Memory: Fades significantly within weeks
- Physical Evidence: The truck may be repaired, sold, or scrapped
What Investigators Will Look For
The investigation into this crash will focus on several key areas:
1. The Truck’s Electronic Data
- ECM/Black Box: Records speed, brake application, throttle position, RPM, and fault codes
- ELD: Records hours of service, driving time, and GPS location
- Telematics: Real-time GPS tracking and driver behavior data
- Dashcam: Video footage of the road ahead and sometimes the cab interior
2. The Driver’s Records
- Driver Qualification File: Employment application, background check, medical certification
- Hours of Service Records: ELD logs for the past 6 months
- Drug and Alcohol Tests: Pre-employment and random test results
- Training Records: Safety training and cargo securement training
- Previous Accident History: Any prior crashes or violations
3. The Truck’s Maintenance History
- Maintenance Records: Inspection and repair history
- Pre-Trip Inspection Reports: Driver’s daily vehicle checks
- Post-Trip Inspection Reports: Driver’s end-of-day vehicle checks
- Annual Inspection Records: Comprehensive annual inspections
- Brake Inspection Records: Brake adjustments and repairs
- Tire Records: Tire age, tread depth, and replacement history
4. The Trucking Company’s Safety Culture
- CSA Scores: The company’s Compliance, Safety, Accountability scores
- Inspection History: Previous roadside inspections and violations
- Crash History: Previous accidents involving the company
- Safety Policies: Company policies on hours of service, maintenance, and driver conduct
- Training Programs: Driver training curricula and frequency
5. The Accident Scene Evidence
- Skid Marks: Can show braking and evasive maneuvers
- Debris Field: Can indicate point of impact and vehicle positions
- Vehicle Damage: Can show angle and force of impact
- Road Conditions: Surface conditions, visibility, signage
- Weather Conditions: Rain, fog, wind, or other factors
- Witness Statements: Accounts from other drivers and bystanders
The Role of Accident Reconstruction
Accident reconstruction experts play a crucial role in determining what happened. They use:
- Physics Principles: To calculate speeds, forces, and trajectories
- Computer Modeling: To simulate the crash sequence
- Vehicle Inspection: To analyze damage patterns
- Electronic Data Analysis: To interpret black box and ELD data
- Scene Documentation: To recreate the accident environment
Their findings can prove critical in establishing liability and demonstrating the full extent of the forces involved.
Legal Rights of the Victim’s Family
Wrongful Death Claims in Texas
When a loved one is killed in a trucking accident, Texas law allows surviving family members to pursue a wrongful death claim. This is a civil lawsuit seeking compensation for the losses suffered due to the death.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Texas?
Under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 71.004, the following family members can bring a wrongful death claim:
- Surviving spouse
- Children (including adult children)
- Parents
If none of these family members file within three months of the death, the executor or administrator of the estate may file on behalf of the estate.
Types of Damages Available
Wrongful death claims in Texas can seek several types of damages:
1. Economic Damages
- Lost Income: The income the deceased would have earned over their working lifetime
- Lost Benefits: Pension benefits, health insurance, and other employment benefits
- Funeral and Burial Expenses: Reasonable costs of funeral and burial
- Medical Expenses: Medical bills incurred before death
2. Non-Economic Damages
- Loss of Consortium: The loss of love, companionship, comfort, and society
- Mental Anguish: The emotional pain and suffering of the survivors
- Loss of Inheritance: The amount the deceased would have saved and left to heirs
3. Punitive Damages
In cases of gross negligence or willful misconduct, punitive damages may be available to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar conduct.
Texas Punitive Damages Cap:
– Greater of (2x economic damages + non-economic damages up to $750,000) OR $200,000
The Statute of Limitations
Texas has a strict deadline for filing wrongful death claims:
- 2 years from the date of death
This means the family has two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. If they miss this deadline, they lose the right to pursue compensation forever.
Holding the Trucking Company Accountable
Potential Liable Parties
In trucking accident cases, multiple parties may share responsibility:
- The Truck Driver: For negligent driving, fatigue, distraction, or impairment
- The Trucking Company: For negligent hiring, training, supervision, or maintenance
- The Truck Owner: If different from the trucking company
- The Cargo Owner: For improper loading or hazardous cargo
- The Loading Company: For improper cargo securement
- The Truck Manufacturer: For defective vehicle components
- The Parts Manufacturer: For defective brakes, tires, or other parts
- The Maintenance Company: For negligent repairs or inspections
- The Freight Broker: For negligent carrier selection
- Government Entities: For dangerous road design or maintenance
Proving Negligence
To hold these parties accountable, we must prove negligence. This requires showing:
- Duty: The defendant owed a duty of care to the victim
- Breach: The defendant breached that duty through action or inaction
- Causation: The breach caused the accident and injuries
- Damages: The victim suffered actual damages
In trucking cases, we often prove negligence through:
- FMCSA Violations: Hours of service violations, maintenance failures, etc.
- Electronic Evidence: ELD data, black box data, GPS records
- Maintenance Records: Showing deferred repairs or known defects
- Driver Records: Showing poor driving history or training deficiencies
- Company Policies: Showing pressure to violate safety regulations
Recent Trucking Verdicts Show What’s Possible
Juries are holding trucking companies accountable with massive verdicts:
- $730 Million (2021, Texas): Ramsey v. Landstar Ranger – Navy propeller oversize load killed 73-year-old woman
- $462 Million (2024, Missouri): St. Louis underride case – two men decapitated
- $160 Million (2024, Alabama): Street v. Daimler – rollover left driver quadriplegic
- $150 Million (2022, Texas): Werner settlement – two children killed on I-30
- $141.5 Million (2023, Florida): Defunct carrier case
These verdicts show that when trucking companies prioritize profit over safety, juries respond with massive awards.
What the Victim’s Family Should Do Now
Immediate Steps
- Consult an Attorney Immediately: Evidence disappears quickly in trucking cases. The sooner you contact an attorney, the better we can preserve critical evidence.
- Do Not Speak to Insurance Adjusters: The trucking company’s insurance will contact you with lowball settlement offers. Do not give any statements without legal representation.
- Preserve Evidence: If you have any photos, videos, or documents related to the accident, preserve them.
- Document Everything: Keep records of all medical expenses, funeral costs, and other accident-related expenses.
- Avoid Social Media: Do not post about the accident or your loved one on social media. Insurance companies will use this against you.
How Attorney911 Can Help
At Attorney911, we have a proven process for handling fatal trucking accidents:
-
Immediate Evidence Preservation:
– Send spoliation letters within 24 hours
– Demand preservation of black box, ELD, and maintenance records
– Secure physical evidence before it’s destroyed -
Comprehensive Investigation:
– Obtain all electronic data from the truck
– Subpoena driver qualification and maintenance records
– Analyze the trucking company’s safety history
– Interview witnesses and first responders
– Work with accident reconstruction experts -
Identify All Liable Parties:
– The truck driver
– The trucking company
– The cargo owner
– The loading company
– The truck manufacturer
– The maintenance company
– The freight broker -
Build a Strong Case:
– Prove negligence through FMCSA violations
– Document the full extent of damages
– Calculate future economic losses
– Prepare for trial if necessary -
Fight for Maximum Compensation:
– Negotiate aggressively with insurance companies
– Be prepared to take the case to trial if needed
– Pursue all available insurance coverage
– Seek punitive damages when appropriate
Our Track Record
Ralph Manginello and the team at Attorney911 have recovered millions for trucking accident victims:
- $5+ Million: Logging brain injury settlement
- $3.8+ Million: Car accident amputation settlement
- $2.5+ Million: Truck crash recovery
- $2+ Million: Maritime back injury settlement
- Millions recovered for families in trucking-related wrongful death cases
We’ve handled cases against major trucking companies:
– Walmart
– Amazon
– FedEx
– UPS
– Coca-Cola
– Werner Enterprises
– J.B. Hunt
The Fort Worth Community Deserves Better
This Crash Was Preventable
Every fatal truck accident is a tragedy. But when that tragedy is preventable, it’s an outrage.
Trucking companies have a responsibility to:
– Hire qualified, well-trained drivers
– Maintain their vehicles in safe condition
– Follow federal safety regulations
– Prioritize safety over profits
When they fail in these responsibilities, people die. Families are destroyed. Communities are left to pick up the pieces.
The Human Cost
Behind every fatal truck accident statistic is a real person with a real family:
- A spouse who loses their partner
- Children who grow up without a parent
- Parents who outlive their child
- Friends who lose someone they loved
The human cost extends beyond the immediate family. It affects coworkers, neighbors, and the entire community.
What Fort Worth Can Do
As a community, we can demand better:
- Stronger Enforcement: We need more roadside inspections and stricter penalties for violations.
- Better Infrastructure: Our highways need better lighting, signage, and truck-specific lanes.
- Public Awareness: Drivers need to understand the dangers of sharing the road with large trucks.
- Corporate Accountability: Trucking companies must be held responsible when their negligence causes harm.
Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Fort Worth Trucking Accident Case
25+ Years of Experience
Ralph Manginello has been fighting for trucking accident victims since 1998. He knows the industry. He knows the regulations. He knows how to win.
Federal Court Experience
We’re admitted to practice in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas. This is crucial for interstate trucking cases that may be filed in federal court.
Insider Knowledge
Our team includes a former insurance defense attorney. We know exactly how trucking companies and their insurers evaluate claims. We know their tactics. And we know how to counter them.
Aggressive Representation
We don’t back down from big trucking companies. We’ve taken on Walmart, Amazon, FedEx, and UPS. We know how to fight – and win – against corporate defendants.
Compassionate Service
We understand the trauma you’re going through. We treat every client like family. We’re here to support you through this difficult time.
No Fee Unless We Win
We work on contingency. You pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you. We advance all costs of investigation and litigation.
What to Do If You’ve Lost a Loved One in a Trucking Accident
The Time to Act Is Now
If you’ve lost a loved one in a trucking accident in Fort Worth or anywhere in Texas, here’s what you should do:
- Call Attorney911 Immediately: 1-888-ATTY-911. We answer 24/7.
- Don’t Speak to Insurance Companies: Let us handle all communications.
- Preserve All Evidence: Photos, videos, documents, clothing, etc.
- Document Everything: Medical bills, funeral expenses, lost income.
- Avoid Social Media: Don’t post about the accident or your loved one.
We’ll Handle the Rest
When you call Attorney911, we’ll:
- Send spoliation letters to preserve evidence
- Launch a comprehensive investigation
- Identify all liable parties
- Calculate the full extent of your damages
- Fight for maximum compensation
- Be there for you every step of the way
The Bottom Line
This fatal crash on I-35 in Fort Worth was preventable. Trucking companies have a responsibility to operate safely. When they fail in that responsibility, they must be held accountable.
If you’ve lost a loved one in a trucking accident, you don’t have to face this alone. The team at Attorney911 is here to help. We have the experience, the resources, and the determination to fight for you.
Call Us Now: 1-888-ATTY-911
The evidence in this case is disappearing every day. Black box data can be overwritten. Dashcam footage gets deleted. Witnesses forget what they saw. The time to act is now.
Don’t let the trucking company get away with it. Call Attorney911 today for a free, confidential consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fatal Trucking Accidents
Q: How long do I have to file a wrongful death claim in Texas?
A: Texas has a 2-year statute of limitations for wrongful death claims. This means you have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. If you miss this deadline, you lose the right to pursue compensation forever.
Q: Who can file a wrongful death claim in Texas?
A: Under Texas law, the following family members can file a wrongful death claim:
– Surviving spouse
– Children (including adult children)
– Parents
If none of these family members file within three months, the executor or administrator of the estate may file on behalf of the estate.
Q: What types of compensation are available in a wrongful death claim?
A: Wrongful death claims in Texas can seek:
– Lost income and benefits
– Loss of consortium (companionship, guidance)
– Mental anguish and emotional suffering
– Funeral and burial expenses
– Medical expenses before death
– Punitive damages (in cases of gross negligence)
Q: How much is my wrongful death claim worth?
A: The value of a wrongful death claim depends on many factors:
– The deceased’s age and earning capacity
– The number and ages of dependents
– The degree of the defendant’s negligence
– Available insurance coverage
– The skill of your attorney
Every case is unique. We’ve seen verdicts ranging from hundreds of thousands to hundreds of millions of dollars.
Q: Should I accept the insurance company’s settlement offer?
A: Never accept the first settlement offer. Insurance companies start with lowball offers hoping you’ll accept before you understand the full extent of your damages. Consult an experienced trucking accident attorney before accepting any offer.
Q: What if the trucking company claims the accident was my loved one’s fault?
A: Texas follows a “modified comparative negligence” rule. This means:
– If your loved one was less than 50% at fault, you can recover damages reduced by their percentage of fault
– If your loved one was 50% or more at fault, you cannot recover anything
We’ll investigate thoroughly to prove what really happened.
Q: How long will my case take to resolve?
A: Timelines vary:
– Simple cases with clear liability: 6-12 months
– Complex cases with multiple parties: 1-3 years
– Cases that go to trial: 2-4 years
We work to resolve cases as quickly as possible while maximizing your recovery.
Q: Do I need to pay anything upfront to hire an attorney?
A: No. At Attorney911, we work on contingency. You pay nothing unless we win your case. We advance all costs of investigation and litigation.
Q: What if the trucking company goes bankrupt?
A: Even if the trucking company goes bankrupt, there may be other sources of compensation:
– The truck driver’s personal insurance
– The cargo owner’s insurance
– The loading company’s insurance
– The truck manufacturer’s insurance
– Your own uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage
We’ll identify all available insurance coverage to maximize your recovery.
Q: Can I still file a claim if the police report says my loved one was at fault?
A: Yes. Police reports are not the final word on liability. We conduct our own independent investigation and often find evidence that contradicts the police report. Don’t assume the police got it right.
Hablamos Español. Our associate attorney Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish and provides direct representation without interpreters. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911 para una consulta gratuita.