Dalilah’s Law: How a Texas Father’s Fight Could Close the Trucking Industry’s Deadliest Loopholes
Every year, thousands of families are devastated by 18-wheeler accidents caused by unqualified drivers and shady trucking companies exploiting regulatory loopholes. One Texas father’s fight is about to change that—forever.
On June 20, 2024, a first-grade girl named Dalilah was airlifted to a hospital after a multi-car pileup in San Bernardino County, California. The crash left her unable to walk, talk, or eat orally. She spent six months in the hospital before returning home—now living with cerebral palsy and developmental delays. The driver who caused this catastrophe? Partap Singh, an Indian national who entered the U.S. illegally in October 2022, was released into the country by the Biden administration, and later obtained a commercial driver’s license (CDL) from California officials.
The trucking company involved? A so-called “chameleon carrier”—a company that changes its name, DOT number, and ownership structure to avoid accountability. In Dalilah’s case, the company had already cycled through five or six different identities in the two to three years before the crash. After the accident, it changed its name again.
This isn’t just a tragedy—it’s a systemic failure. And now, Dalilah’s father, Marcus Coleman, is fighting to fix it.
At Attorney911, we’ve spent over 25 years holding trucking companies accountable for exactly these kinds of preventable disasters. We know how these loopholes work—and we know how to close them. If you or a loved one has been injured in a trucking accident in Glen Rose, Glen Rose County, Texas, this fight is about your safety too. Call us now at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation.
The Two Deadliest Loopholes in Trucking: How the Industry Exploits the System
Dalilah’s accident exposed two of the trucking industry’s most dangerous loopholes:
- Illegal Immigrants Obtaining CDLs
- “Chameleon Carriers” Evading Accountability
Let’s break down how each one works—and how they’re putting Glen Rose, Glen Rose County, Texas drivers at risk every day.
Loophole #2: Chameleon Carriers—The Trucking Industry’s Shell Game
What Is a Chameleon Carrier?
A “chameleon carrier” is a trucking company that rotates through DOT registration numbers, names, or ownership structures to avoid enforcement actions. When regulators shut them down, they simply reopen under a new name—using the same trucks, the same drivers, and the same unsafe practices.
How It Works
- A trucking company racks up violations (hours-of-service violations, brake failures, unqualified drivers).
- Regulators shut them down for safety violations.
- The company reopens under a new name (often within days or weeks).
- The cycle repeats—same trucks, same drivers, same dangers.
In Dalilah’s case, the trucking company had already changed identities five or six times in the two to three years before the crash. After the accident, it changed its name again.
Why It’s Dangerous
- No accountability: When a chameleon carrier causes an accident, victims can’t sue the “new” company for the “old” company’s negligence.
- No insurance coverage: Many chameleon carriers operate without proper insurance, leaving victims with no way to recover damages.
- No safety improvements: Because they’re constantly rebranding, these companies have no incentive to improve safety—they just keep exploiting the system.
The Government’s Crackdown (And Why It’s Failing)
The Trump administration and GOP lawmakers have pushed federal regulators to do more to stop chameleon carriers. But as Marcus Coleman noted, the problem persists because the system is designed to fail victims.
“The person that hit Dalilah was a chameleon carrier. They had, if I’m not mistaken, five or six different companies under that one truck.”
This isn’t just a California problem—it’s happening right here in Texas.
Dalilah’s Law: The Solution Texas Families Need
In his 2026 State of the Union address, President Donald Trump unveiled “Dalilah’s Law”—a legislative proposal named after Dalilah that would:
- Block illegal immigrants from obtaining CDLs
- Close loopholes that allow chameleon carriers to evade accountability
- Require CDL tests to be administered in English only
- Revoke trucking licenses issued to illegal migrants
- Crack down on “CDL mills” that hand out licenses like candy
Indiana Senator Jim Banks introduced the legislation the following day. The bill would:
– Limit trucking licenses to American citizens, lawful permanent residents, and certain work visa holders
– Launch a trucker tipline for insiders to report industry malfeasance
– Direct the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) to crack down on chameleon carriers
Will It Work?
Marcus Coleman supports the bill but warns: “Real reform would need to do so much more to keep American highways safer—including the elimination of so-called ‘chameleon carriers.’”
At Attorney911, we agree. While Dalilah’s Law is a critical first step, it doesn’t go far enough. Here’s what else needs to happen:
✅ Stricter background checks for all CDL applicants (not just immigrants)
✅ Mandatory ELD data audits to catch hours-of-service violations
✅ Higher penalties for chameleon carriers (including permanent bans)
✅ Federal funding for state-level enforcement to catch fraudulent CDL mills
✅ Mandatory side underride guards on all trailers (currently only rear guards are required)
2. Proving Negligence: The FMCSA Violations That Win Cases
Trucking companies must follow strict federal regulations (49 CFR Parts 390-399). When they don’t, they’re negligent by law.
In Dalilah’s case, we would investigate violations like:
| FMCSA Regulation | What It Requires | How It Applies to Dalilah’s Case |
|---|---|---|
| 49 CFR § 391.11 | Driver must be qualified (valid CDL, medical certification, English proficiency) | Singh was an illegal immigrant with no proper vetting |
| 49 CFR § 391.23 | Motor carriers must investigate driver’s 3-year driving history | Did the trucking company check Singh’s record in India? |
| 49 CFR § 392.3 | Drivers cannot operate while fatigued | Did Singh violate hours-of-service rules? |
| 49 CFR § 392.5 | No alcohol or drugs while driving | Was Singh impaired at the time of the crash? |
| 49 CFR § 393.100-136 | Cargo must be properly secured | Did shifting cargo contribute to the crash? |
| 49 CFR § 396.3 | Systematic vehicle maintenance | Were the truck’s brakes, tires, or lights defective? |
Every violation we find strengthens your case—and increases your compensation.
4. Fighting for Maximum Compensation
Trucking companies carry much higher insurance limits than typical car drivers—often $1 million to $5 million or more. This means catastrophic injuries can actually be compensated.
In Dalilah’s case, we would pursue damages for:
– Medical expenses (past, present, and future)
– Lost wages and earning capacity (if parents had to quit jobs to care for her)
– Pain and suffering (physical and emotional trauma)
– Permanent disability and disfigurement (cerebral palsy, developmental delays)
– Loss of enjoyment of life (inability to attend school, play, or live normally)
– Punitive damages (if the trucking company acted with gross negligence)
Recent Texas trucking verdicts show what’s possible when companies are held accountable:
| Case | Verdict/Settlement | Key Factors |
|---|---|---|
| Ramsey v. Landstar Ranger (2021) | $730 million | Oversize load killed a 73-year-old woman |
| Werner Enterprises Settlement (2022) | $150 million | Two children killed on I-30 |
| Multiple Texas Underride Cases | $10M-$50M | Fatal underride collisions |
These verdicts prove one thing: Juries will hold trucking companies accountable when they cut corners.
2. Never Talk to the Trucking Company’s Insurance Adjuster
Insurance adjusters work for the trucking company—not you. Their job is to minimize your claim. Anything you say can (and will) be used against you.
Our firm includes a former insurance defense attorney—we know all their tactics.
4. Know Your Rights Under Texas Law
Texas follows modified comparative negligence (51% bar rule). This means:
– If you’re less than 50% at fault, you can recover damages.
– If you’re 50% or more at fault, you cannot recover anything.
– Your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault.
Example: If you’re found 20% at fault, you recover 80% of your damages.
The Bigger Picture: Why This Fight Matters for Texas
Dalilah’s story isn’t just about one family—it’s about all of us.
Texas Highways Are Among the Deadliest in the U.S.
- Over 5,000 people die in truck crashes annually in the U.S. (NHTSA)
- 76% of those killed are in passenger vehicles (not the truck)
- Texas consistently ranks #1 in trucking fatalities (NHTSA)
The Same Loopholes Are Being Exploited in Texas Right Now
- Chameleon carriers operate in Texas, rebranding after violations.
- Illegal immigrant drivers obtain CDLs in Texas.
- CDL mills hand out licenses without proper vetting.
What’s at Stake for Glen Rose, Glen Rose County, Texas Families
- Your safety on I-35, I-10, and I-45
- Your right to compensation if you’re injured
- Your ability to hold negligent companies accountable
This isn’t just a legal issue—it’s a public safety crisis.
What Happens Next for Dalilah’s Family?
Dalilah’s father, Marcus Coleman, is working with lawmakers to strengthen Dalilah’s Law. He’s pushing for:
✅ Stricter penalties for chameleon carriers (including permanent bans)
✅ Mandatory side underride guards on all trailers
✅ Federal funding for state-level enforcement of CDL mills
✅ Higher insurance requirements for trucking companies
“The person that hit Dalilah was a chameleon carrier. They had, if I’m not mistaken, five or six different companies under that one truck. So there was, like, a total of six companies already built up within, I want to say, two years or three years prior to her accident and one year after her accident.”
This fight isn’t over—and neither is Dalilah’s recovery.
Final Thought: Justice for Dalilah—and for Texas Families
Dalilah’s story is heartbreaking—but it doesn’t have to be in vain.
Every time a trucking company hires an unqualified driver, ignores safety regulations, or rebrands to avoid accountability, they’re gambling with lives.
We won’t let them get away with it.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a trucking accident in Glen Rose, Glen Rose County, Texas, call us now at 1-888-ATTY-911. We’ll fight for the justice you deserve.
Because no family should have to go through what Dalilah’s family is enduring.
And no trucking company should be allowed to keep exploiting these loopholes.
Call Attorney911 today. We’re ready to fight for you.
📞 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
📧 ralph@atty911.com
🌐 https://attorney911.com
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