Fatal 18-Wheeler and Tractor-Trailer Crashes in Dallas County: What Families Need to Know After a Tragedy

You’re reading this because someone you love didn’t come home.

Maybe it was a father driving home from work on I-30, a mother taking the kids to school on I-20, or a young professional commuting to downtown Dallas on US-75. Maybe it was a truck driver from Dallas County who was killed in a crash while hauling freight across Texas. Maybe it was a family member who was hit by an 18-wheeler while crossing a street in Garland, Mesquite, or Richardson.

Whatever the circumstances, a fully loaded tractor-trailer—weighing up to 80,000 pounds—changed everything in an instant. The physics of a collision at highway speeds doesn’t leave time for reaction. The aftermath doesn’t leave time for grief.

Texas law gives surviving families a two-year window to file a wrongful death claim under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 16.003. That clock started the day of the crash—not the day of the funeral, not the day the police report was finalized, not the day the insurance adjuster called. Two years. After that, the case dies procedurally, and the trucking company walks away from a claim that could have held them accountable.

We’ve represented families in Dallas County and across Texas in these cases for over 24 years. We know the corridors where these crashes happen most often. We know the trucking companies that operate in this region. We know the federal safety rules they’re supposed to follow—and how often they ignore them. And we know how to build a case that forces them to answer for what they did.

Here’s what you need to know in the first 48 hours, the first 30 days, and beyond.

The Reality of Truck Crashes in Dallas County: What the Data Shows

Dallas County recorded 46,257 crashes in 2024, with 305 of them fatal—nearly one fatal crash every day. The county’s freight corridors—I-30, I-20, I-35E, I-635 (LBJ Freeway), US-75 (Central Expressway), and the President George Bush Turnpike—carry some of the highest commercial truck traffic in Texas. These aren’t just numbers. These are the roads where Dallas County families drive every day.

Where Truck Crashes Happen Most in Dallas County

• I-30 (East/West Freeway) – A major freight route connecting Dallas to Fort Worth and beyond, with high volumes of long-haul trucks, local delivery vehicles, and oilfield service trucks.
• I-20 (South of Dallas) – Heavy truck traffic from the Permian Basin and East Texas, including tankers, flatbeds, and sand haulers.
• I-35E (North/South Freeway) – A critical route for cross-border freight from Laredo and San Antonio, with high volumes of Mexican-domiciled carriers and intermodal drayage trucks.
• I-635 (LBJ Freeway) – A congested loop with constant stop-and-go traffic, where rear-end collisions and lane-change crashes involving trucks are common.
• US-75 (Central Expressway) – A major commuter route with heavy truck traffic, particularly during rush hours, where distracted driving and speeding contribute to crashes.
• President George Bush Turnpike (PGBT) – A tollway with high-speed truck traffic, where tire blowouts and rollovers occur due to heat-stressed asphalt.

These corridors aren’t just where crashes happen—they’re where fatal crashes happen. The Texas Department of Transportation’s Crash Records Information System (CRIS) shows that rural stretches of US highways and interstates—like the I-20 corridor between Dallas and Fort Worth—have some of the highest fatality rates in the state. Rural crashes are 2.66 times more likely to be fatal than urban crashes, often due to higher speeds, longer EMS response times, and limited trauma access.

What Texas Law Gives Surviving Families After a Fatal Truck Crash

When a loved one is killed in a truck crash in Dallas County, Texas law provides two separate legal claims:

1. Wrongful Death Claim (Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code § 71.001 et seq.)

   • Who can file? The surviving spouse, children, and parents of the deceased.
   • What does it cover?
     • Pecuniary loss (financial support the deceased would have provided)
     • Loss of companionship and society (emotional loss of the relationship)
     • Mental anguish (emotional pain and suffering of survivors)
     • Loss of inheritance (what the deceased would have saved and passed on)

2. Survival Action (Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code § 71.021)

   • Who files? The estate of the deceased.
   • What does it cover?
     • Pain and suffering the deceased endured before death (conscious pain, fear, distress)
     • Medical expenses incurred before death
     • Funeral and burial expenses

The Two-Year Clock You Can’t Afford to Miss

Under Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code § 16.003, families have two years from the date of the fatal injury to file a wrongful death lawsuit. If the crash happened today, the clock is already running.

• What happens if you miss the deadline?
  • The case is barred forever. The trucking company’s insurance carrier has no legal obligation to negotiate, even if liability is clear.
  • The adjuster’s first offer is designed to be accepted before you realize what your case is worth.
  • Evidence disappears—ELD data overwrites, dashcam footage is deleted, maintenance records are “lost.”

We send preservation letters within 24 hours of taking a case to lock down this evidence before the carrier can destroy it.

The Federal Safety Rules Trucking Companies Are Supposed to Follow (And How They Break Them)

Commercial trucking is one of the most heavily regulated industries in the U.S. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR, 49 C.F.R. Parts 390–399) set strict rules for:

1. Hours of Service (HOS) – Preventing Driver Fatigue (49 C.F.R. Part 395)

Truck drivers are limited to:

• 11 hours of driving after 10 consecutive hours off duty.
• 14-hour duty window (including non-driving work like loading/unloading).
• 30-minute break after 8 hours of driving.
• 60/70-hour limit over 7/8 days.

How carriers break these rules:

• Falsifying logbooks (even with ELDs, drivers manipulate “on-duty not driving” time).
• Dispatching drivers on unrealistic schedules (Amazon DSP, FedEx Ground, and other last-mile carriers are notorious for this).
• Ignoring fatigue warnings (many carriers have internal policies that pressure drivers to keep moving).

What we do:

• Subpoena ELD data and cross-reference it with fuel receipts, toll records, and GPS data to catch falsified logs.
• Pull the carrier’s CSA Hours-of-Service BASIC score (if they’re in the red, it’s proof of a pattern).
• Depose dispatchers and safety managers to prove they knew (or should have known) the driver was fatigued.

“I’ve reviewed hundreds of ELD logs as a defense attorney. Here’s the truth: most carriers know when a driver is running illegal hours. They just don’t care—until someone dies.”
— Lupe Peña, Former Insurance Defense Attorney, Attorney 911

2. Driver Qualification – Who They Hire (49 C.F.R. Part 391)

Before hiring a driver, carriers must:

• Check their driving record (MVR) for past violations.
• Verify their medical certification (DOT physical).
• Contact prior employers (last 3 years) to check for accidents, violations, or drug/alcohol issues.
• Run a background check (criminal history, drug test results).

How carriers break these rules:

• Hiring drivers with suspended CDLs (we’ve seen cases where drivers had multiple DUIs before being hired).
• Ignoring prior preventable crashes (if a driver has a history of rear-end collisions, the carrier should retrain them—not keep dispatching them).
• Failing to verify medical certifications (some drivers fake their DOT physicals).

What we do:

• Pull the driver’s Pre-Employment Screening Program (PSP) report (FMCSA record of past crashes and violations).
• Subpoena the carrier’s hiring files to see if they ignored red flags.
• Check the FMCSA Drug & Alcohol Clearinghouse for failed tests.

3. Vehicle Maintenance – Keeping Trucks Safe (49 C.F.R. Part 396)

Carriers must:

• Inspect trucks before every trip (pre-trip inspections).
• Perform regular maintenance (brakes, tires, lights, steering).
• Keep records of all repairs (if they don’t, it’s negligence per se under Texas law).

How carriers break these rules:

• Ignoring brake violations (brakes are the #1 out-of-service violation in Texas).
• Running bald tires (FMCSA requires 4/32″ tread depth—many carriers ignore this).
• Skipping post-accident inspections (if a truck is in a crash, the carrier must inspect it before putting it back on the road).

What we do:

• Subpoena maintenance records to find ignored inspection reports.
• Hire accident reconstruction experts to determine if mechanical failure caused the crash.
• Check the carrier’s CSA Vehicle Maintenance BASIC score (if they’re in the warning or alert zone, it’s proof of a pattern).

4. Cargo Securement – Preventing Spills and Rollovers (49 C.F.R. Part 393, Subpart I)

Improperly secured cargo causes:

• Truck rollovers (especially with high-center-of-gravity loads like tankers or flatbeds).
• Cargo spills (logs, steel coils, pipes, and other loads can crush passenger vehicles).
• Underride crashes (when a car slides under a trailer because the load shifted).

How carriers break these rules:

• Overloading trucks (many carriers exceed weight limits to save on trips).
• Using damaged or inadequate tie-downs (straps, chains, and tarps must meet federal standards).
• Failing to secure hazardous materials (tankers carrying fuel, chemicals, or waste must follow 49 C.F.R. Parts 100–185).

What we do:

• Inspect the truck’s load securement (if it wasn’t done properly, the shipper and loader may also be liable).
• Check the carrier’s cargo securement training records (if they didn’t train the driver, it’s negligent training).

Who Is Really Responsible? The Defendants Beyond the Driver

Most families assume the truck driver is the only one at fault. But in reality, multiple parties can share liability:

The Amazon, FedEx, and Walmart Problem: Independent Contractor Loopholes

Many carriers try to avoid liability by claiming their drivers are “independent contractors”—not employees. But under Texas law, we can pierce that defense using three tests:

1. The ABC Test – If the company controls how the work is done, the driver is an employee.
2. The Economic Reality Test – If the driver’s work is essential to the company’s business, they’re an employee.
3. The Right-to-Control Test – If the company sets routes, schedules, and performance metrics, they’re controlling the driver.

Amazon DSP drivers, FedEx Ground contractors, and Walmart’s private fleet all meet these tests. We’ve successfully held these companies liable in past cases.

What Is Your Case Worth? The Damages Families Can Recover

Texas law allows families to recover full compensation for the losses caused by a fatal truck crash. These damages are submitted to a jury under the Texas Pattern Jury Charges (PJC).

1. Economic Damages (Past & Future)

• Medical expenses (ambulance, ER, surgery, hospital stays, rehab)
• Funeral and burial costs
• Lost earning capacity (what the deceased would have earned over their lifetime)
• Loss of household services (childcare, home maintenance, etc.)

2. Non-Economic Damages (Pain, Suffering, Emotional Loss)

• Mental anguish (emotional pain of survivors)
• Loss of companionship and society (for spouses, children, parents)
• Physical pain and suffering (if the deceased was conscious before death)
• Disfigurement and physical impairment (if applicable)

3. Exemplary (Punitive) Damages (If Gross Negligence Is Proven)

If the trucking company’s conduct was reckless, intentional, or grossly negligent, families can recover punitive damages to punish the company and deter future misconduct.

Examples of gross negligence in trucking cases:

• Hiring a driver with a suspended CDL or multiple DUIs
• Forcing a driver to violate HOS rules
• Ignoring repeated maintenance violations
• Destroying evidence after a crash

Case Result: “Multi-million dollar settlement for client who suffered brain injury with vision loss when log dropped on him at logging company.”
Every case is unique. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.

The Insurance Company’s Playbook (And How We Counter It)

Insurance adjusters follow a script—and they start working it the day after the crash. Here’s what they’ll do, and how we fight back:

Tactic #1: The Quick Lowball Offer

• What they do: Call within days with a small offer, hoping you’ll accept before talking to a lawyer.
• How we counter: First offers are always a fraction of what the case is worth. We calculate full damages—including future medical care and lost earning capacity—before responding.

Tactic #2: The Recorded Statement Trap

• What they do: “We just need a quick recorded statement for our files.”
• How we counter: Never give a recorded statement without your lawyer present. The adjuster’s questions are designed to minimize your claim.

Tactic #3: Blaming You (Comparative Negligence)

• What they do: “You were speeding / not wearing a seatbelt / changed lanes.”
• How we counter: Texas follows modified comparative negligence (51% bar). Even if you were 50% at fault, you can still recover. We gather evidence to push fault back where it belongs.

Tactic #4: The “Pre-Existing Condition” Excuse

• What they do: “Your back problems existed before this accident.”
• How we counter: The eggshell skull rule says the defendant takes you as they find you. If the crash worsened a pre-existing condition, they’re liable for the aggravation.

Tactic #5: Delaying Until the Statute of Limitations Runs Out

• What they do: Drag out the case, hoping you’ll miss the two-year deadline.
• How we counter: We file lawsuit early to force discovery. We set depositions. We make the carrier carry the cost of delay.

Tactic #6: Destroying Evidence (Spoliation)

• What they do: “Accidentally” delete ELD data, dashcam footage, or maintenance records.
• How we counter: We send preservation letters within 24 hours to lock down evidence. If they destroy it, we argue spoliation and seek an adverse inference from the jury.

“I’ve reviewed hundreds of surveillance videos as a defense attorney. Here’s the truth: insurance companies take innocent activity out of context. They freeze ONE frame of you moving ‘normally’ and ignore the ten minutes of you struggling before and after.”
— Lupe Peña, Former Insurance Defense Attorney, Attorney 911

What Happens Next? The 48-Hour Evidence Preservation Protocol

Evidence in truck crash cases has a half-life measured in days. Here’s what we do in the first 48 hours to protect your case:

Within 24 Hours:

✅ Send preservation letters to the trucking company, broker, shipper, and telematics providers (ELD, dashcam, GPS data).
✅ Pull the FMCSA Safety Measurement System (SMS) profile on the carrier (CSA scores, inspection history).
✅ Pull the driver’s Pre-Employment Screening Program (PSP) report (past crashes, violations).
✅ Identify all potentially liable parties (driver, carrier, broker, shipper, maintenance company, manufacturer).

Within 48 Hours:

✅ Subpoena ELD and black-box data (electronic control module).
✅ Request the driver’s qualification file (hiring records, medical certification, training).
✅ Obtain the truck’s maintenance records (inspections, repairs).
✅ Pull surveillance footage from nearby businesses (gas stations, traffic cameras, Ring doorbells).

Within 30 Days:

✅ Hire an accident reconstruction expert to analyze the crash.
✅ Work with medical experts to document injuries and future care needs.
✅ File a lawsuit (if necessary) to preserve the claim before the two-year deadline.

Why Choose Attorney 911 for Your Dallas County Truck Crash Case?

We don’t just handle truck crash cases—we specialize in dismantling the trucking industry’s defense playbook.

1. We Know the Carriers Operating in Dallas County

We’ve gone up against:

• Long-haul carriers (Werner, J.B. Hunt, Schneider, Swift, PAM Transport)
• Last-mile delivery (Amazon DSP, FedEx Ground, UPS)
• Oilfield service trucks (Halliburton, Schlumberger, Patterson-UTI)
• Refinery and chemical haulers (Quality Carriers, Groendyke, Trimac)
• Food and beverage distributors (Sysco, US Foods, HEB, Coca-Cola)
• Government and municipal fleets (TxDOT, Dallas County Sheriff, DART buses)

2. We Have a Former Insurance Defense Attorney on Our Team

Lupe Peña spent years working for insurance companies, learning their tactics from the inside. Now, he uses that knowledge to fight for victims.

• He knows which IME doctors they’ll send you to (and how to counter them).
• He knows how Colossus (the insurance industry’s claim valuation software) works.
• He knows how to push past the algorithm’s lowball offers.

3. We Don’t Stop at the Driver—We Sue the Trucking Companies

Most personal injury firms file a lawsuit against the driver and stop there. We name:

• The motor carrier (for negligent hiring, training, supervision)
• The freight broker (for negligent selection of an unsafe carrier)
• The shipper (for unsafe loading or unrealistic deadlines)
• The maintenance company (for negligent repairs)
• The manufacturer (for defective parts)
• The parent corporation (if alter-ego or single-business-enterprise applies)

4. We Have a 4.9-Star Google Rating from 251+ Reviews

“Melanie was excellent. She kept me informed and when she said she would call me back, she did. I got to speak with Ralph Manginello once and knew quickly the way his firm was ran.”
— Brian Butchee

“Leonor is the best!!! She was able to assist me with my case within 6 months.”
— Tymesha Galloway

“Hablamos Español. Lupe Peña maneja su caso personalmente. Su estatus migratorio NO importa—usted tiene derechos.”
— Celia Dominguez

5. We’ve Recovered $50+ Million for Injury Victims

• $5+ Million – Brain injury from a logging truck crash
• $3.8+ Million – Amputation after a car accident led to infection
• $2+ Million – Maritime back injury under the Jones Act
• Millions more in trucking, wrongful death, and catastrophic injury cases

Every case is unique. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dallas County Truck Crash Cases

1. How long do I have to file a wrongful death lawsuit in Texas?

You have two years from the date of the fatal injury under Texas Civil Practice & Remedies Code § 16.003. The clock starts the day of the crash—not the funeral, not the autopsy report, not when you feel ready.

2. What if the truck driver was also killed? Can I still sue?

Yes. The trucking company, broker, and other defendants can still be held liable for negligent hiring, training, or dispatching.

3. What if the trucking company says the driver was an “independent contractor”?

Many carriers try to avoid liability by calling drivers “independent contractors.” We use three legal tests to prove they’re actually employees:

• The ABC Test (control over how the work is done)
• The Economic Reality Test (is the work essential to the company?)
• The Right-to-Control Test (does the company set routes, schedules, and performance metrics?)

4. What if the crash happened on a rural road in Dallas County?

Rural crashes are 2.66 times more likely to be fatal due to higher speeds, longer EMS response times, and limited trauma access. We work with accident reconstruction experts to prove liability, even in remote areas.

5. What if the trucking company is based out of state?

We can still sue them in Dallas County District Court if the crash happened here. Many out-of-state carriers have Texas operations and can be held accountable in Texas courts.

6. What if the truck driver was arrested for DWI or manslaughter?

A criminal conviction can strengthen your civil case under the doctrine of collateral estoppel. We work with prosecutors to use criminal evidence in your civil claim.

7. How much does a truck accident lawyer cost in Texas?

We work on a contingency fee—33.33% pre-trial, 40% if the case goes to trial. You pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if we win for you.

You may still be responsible for court costs and case expenses.

8. What if I already talked to the insurance adjuster?

Do not sign anything or accept any offers without talking to us first. Adjusters are trained to minimize payouts. We’ll review any offers and negotiate for full compensation.

9. What if I’m undocumented? Can I still file a claim?

Yes. Your immigration status does not affect your right to compensation in Texas. Hablamos Español. Your case and your information stay confidential.

10. What if I don’t know if my case is worth anything?

Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free case evaluation. In 15 minutes, we’ll tell you:

• Whether you have a valid claim
• Who the liable parties are
• What your case may be worth

If You’re Reading This, the Clock Is Already Running

The trucking company has lawyers working on your case right now. The evidence is disappearing every day.

• ELD data overwrites in 30–180 days.
• Dashcam footage is deleted in 7–14 days.
• Surveillance footage from businesses is gone in 7–14 days.
• The two-year deadline under § 16.003 is ticking.

We don’t wait. We act.

What We Do Next:

✅ Send preservation letters to lock down evidence.
✅ Pull the carrier’s FMCSA records (CSA scores, inspection history).
✅ Hire accident reconstruction experts to analyze the crash.
✅ File a lawsuit (if necessary) to preserve your claim.

What You Need to Do Next:

📞 Call 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911) for a free, no-obligation consultation.
📝 Gather any evidence you have (photos, police report, medical records).
⏳ Don’t wait—the longer you delay, the harder it becomes to prove your case.

We Live in Dallas County. We Drive These Roads. When an Unsafe Truck Threatens Our Community, It’s Personal.

We’ve been fighting for Texas families since 2001. We know the corridors where these crashes happen. We know the trucking companies that cut corners. And we know how to make them answer for what they did.

If you’ve lost a loved one in a Dallas County truck crash, you don’t have to face this alone. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 now—we’re available 24/7.

“One of Houston’s Great Men Trae Tha Truth has recommended this law firm. So if he is vouching for them, then I know they do good work.”
— Jacqueline Johnson

“The best lawyers in the city… fast return, and they really care about their clients.”
— Dean Jones

We don’t just fight for compensation. We fight for justice.