18-Wheeler Accident Lawyers in Argyle, TX | Attorney911
Every year, thousands of 18-wheeler accidents occur on Texas highways. If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a trucking accident in Argyle, you need an attorney who understands federal trucking regulations and how to hold negligent trucking companies accountable. At Attorney911, we’ve been fighting for truck accident victims across North Texas for over 25 years.
Why Argyle Trucking Accidents Are Different
Argyle sits at the crossroads of several major trucking corridors in Denton County. The I-35 corridor running through nearby Denton and Lewisville carries massive freight volumes between the Mexican border and the Midwest. FM 407 and US 377 connect to major distribution centers in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. This high truck traffic means Argyle residents face unique risks:
- I-35 congestion creates dangerous merging situations
- FM 407’s rural stretches encourage excessive speeds
- Local distribution centers generate heavy truck traffic in residential areas
- Truck parking shortages force drivers to park in unsafe locations
Our team knows Argyle’s trucking corridors, from the industrial areas near the railroad tracks to the residential neighborhoods where delivery trucks frequently travel. This local knowledge gives us an advantage in building your case.
The Devastating Impact of 18-Wheeler Accidents
The physics of trucking accidents make catastrophic injuries the norm, not the exception. A fully loaded 18-wheeler weighs up to 80,000 pounds – 20-25 times heavier than your passenger vehicle. When these massive trucks collide with smaller vehicles, the results are often devastating:
Common Argyle trucking accident injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) from violent impacts
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis from crushing forces
- Amputations when vehicles are sheared by trailers
- Severe burns from fuel tank ruptures or hazmat spills
- Internal organ damage from blunt force trauma
- Wrongful death in the most severe collisions
These injuries often require lifelong medical care and can prevent victims from returning to work. The emotional toll on families is equally severe, with many victims experiencing PTSD, depression, and anxiety after these traumatic events.
Why Trucking Companies Try to Hide the Truth
After an Argyle 18-wheeler accident, the trucking company’s rapid-response team springs into action. Their goal isn’t to help you – it’s to protect their interests. They’ll:
- Send investigators to the scene within hours
- Attempt to download black box data before it’s overwritten
- Pressure drivers to give statements that minimize liability
- Offer quick settlements that don’t cover your long-term needs
- Destroy or alter evidence if they think they can get away with it
This is why you need an Argyle trucking accident attorney immediately. Evidence disappears quickly in these cases. Black box data can be overwritten in 30 days. Dashcam footage gets deleted. Witnesses forget what they saw. We send spoliation letters within hours of being retained to preserve this critical evidence before it’s lost forever.
How We Hold Trucking Companies Accountable
Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has over 25 years of experience fighting trucking companies in Argyle and across Texas. Our team includes a former insurance defense attorney who knows every tactic the trucking company will use against you. We build strong cases by:
1. Preserving Critical Evidence
Within 48 hours of your accident, we demand preservation of:
- ECM/Black Box Data: Shows speed, braking, and engine performance before impact
- ELD Records: Proves hours of service violations and driver fatigue
- Dashcam Footage: Captures what actually happened on the road
- Driver Qualification Files: Reveals hiring negligence and training gaps
- Maintenance Records: Documents deferred repairs and known defects
- Cell Phone Records: Proves distracted driving
- Cargo Documentation: Shows improper loading or securement
This evidence is often overwritten or destroyed if not preserved immediately. We act fast to protect your rights.
2. Proving FMCSA Violations
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations exist to keep our roads safe. When trucking companies violate these rules, they create dangerous conditions. We investigate violations of:
Hours of Service Regulations (49 CFR Part 395):
- 11-hour driving limit after 10 consecutive hours off duty
- 14-hour on-duty window
- 30-minute break requirement after 8 hours of driving
- 60/70-hour weekly limits
- 34-hour restart provision
Driver Qualification Standards (49 CFR Part 391):
- Proper commercial driver’s license (CDL)
- Valid medical certification
- Clean driving record
- Adequate training
- Drug and alcohol testing compliance
Vehicle Safety Requirements (49 CFR Part 393):
- Proper brake systems and adjustments
- Functional lighting and reflectors
- Secure cargo tiedowns
- Tire condition and tread depth
- Coupling devices and safety chains
Inspection and Maintenance Rules (49 CFR Part 396):
- Pre-trip and post-trip inspections
- Annual vehicle inspections
- Prompt repair of defects
- Maintenance record keeping
3. Identifying All Liable Parties
In Argyle trucking accidents, multiple parties may share responsibility. We investigate and pursue claims against:
- The Truck Driver: For negligent operation, fatigue, distraction, or impairment
- The Trucking Company: For negligent hiring, training, supervision, and maintenance
- Cargo Owners: For improper loading instructions or hazardous cargo
- Loading Companies: For improper cargo securement
- Maintenance Providers: For negligent repairs
- Truck Manufacturers: For defective vehicles or components
- Parts Manufacturers: For defective brakes, tires, or other components
- Freight Brokers: For negligent carrier selection
- Government Entities: For dangerous road conditions
4. Calculating Full Damages
We work with medical experts, vocational specialists, and economists to calculate the full impact of your injuries:
Economic Damages:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Lost wages and earning capacity
- Property damage
- Home modifications and assistive devices
- Life care costs for catastrophic injuries
Non-Economic Damages:
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Disfigurement
- Physical impairment
- Loss of consortium
Punitive Damages:
When trucking companies act with gross negligence or reckless disregard for safety, we pursue punitive damages to punish their misconduct.
Common Types of Argyle Trucking Accidents
Our firm handles all types of commercial vehicle accidents in Argyle and Denton County:
Jackknife Accidents
When a truck’s trailer swings out perpendicular to the cab, often blocking multiple lanes. Common causes include sudden braking on wet roads or improperly loaded cargo.
Rollover Accidents
When a truck tips onto its side, often due to speeding on curves, top-heavy loads, or driver overcorrection. These accidents frequently result in cargo spills and multi-vehicle collisions.
Underride Collisions
When a smaller vehicle slides underneath a trailer, often resulting in decapitation or catastrophic head injuries. Rear underride guards are required by federal law, but many fail to prevent these deadly collisions.
Rear-End Collisions
When a truck strikes the vehicle in front, often due to following too closely or brake failures. The massive weight difference makes these collisions particularly devastating.
Wide Turn Accidents (“Squeeze Play”)
When a truck swings wide before making a right turn, creating a gap that other vehicles enter. The truck then completes its turn, crushing the vehicle in the gap.
Blind Spot Accidents (“No-Zone”)
When a truck changes lanes without seeing vehicles in its blind spots. The right side blind spot is particularly dangerous, extending up to 30 feet behind the trailer.
Tire Blowout Accidents
When a truck tire fails suddenly, causing the driver to lose control. Common causes include underinflation, overloading, and worn tires.
Brake Failure Accidents
When a truck’s braking system fails, often due to poor maintenance or overheating on long descents. Brake problems are a factor in 29% of large truck crashes.
Cargo Spill Accidents
When improperly secured cargo falls from a truck or shifts during transit, causing instability. Hazmat spills create additional dangers.
Head-On Collisions
When a truck crosses into oncoming traffic, often due to driver fatigue, distraction, or impairment. These collisions are almost always fatal for passenger vehicle occupants.
What to Do After an Argyle Trucking Accident
If you’ve been in a trucking accident in Argyle, take these steps to protect your rights:
- Call 911 and report the accident
- Seek medical attention immediately, even if injuries seem minor
- Document the scene with photos and video if possible
- Get the trucking company name, DOT number, and driver information
- Collect witness contact information
- Do NOT give recorded statements to any insurance company
- Call Attorney911 immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911
Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Argyle Trucking Case
1. Local Knowledge, National Experience
We know Argyle’s trucking corridors, local courts, and the unique challenges of Denton County cases. Our firm has handled trucking cases throughout Texas and across the United States.
2. Former Insurance Defense Attorney on Staff
Our associate attorney, Lupe Peña, spent years working for a national insurance defense firm. He knows exactly how insurance companies evaluate, minimize, and deny trucking accident claims. Now he uses that insider knowledge to fight for you.
3. Multi-Million Dollar Results
We’ve recovered millions for trucking accident victims, including:
- $5+ million for a logging brain injury settlement
- $3.8+ million for a car accident amputation settlement
- $2.5+ million for truck crash recoveries
- Millions recovered for wrongful death families
4. Federal Court Experience
Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, is admitted to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas. This federal court access is crucial for interstate trucking cases.
5. 24/7 Availability
Trucking accidents don’t happen on a 9-to-5 schedule. We answer calls 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. When you call, you’ll speak directly with an attorney, not a case manager.
6. Contingency Fee Representation
You pay nothing unless we win your case. We advance all costs of investigation and litigation. There are no upfront fees or hidden charges.
7. Hablamos Español
Many truck drivers in Argyle speak Spanish as their primary language. Our associate attorney Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish and provides direct representation without interpreters.
What to Expect When You Call Attorney911
When you call our Argyle trucking accident hotline at 1-888-ATTY-911, here’s what happens:
- Immediate Case Evaluation: We’ll discuss your accident and injuries to determine if you have a viable case.
- Evidence Preservation: We send spoliation letters within hours to preserve black box data, ELD records, and other critical evidence.
- Medical Care Coordination: We help you get the treatment you need, even if you don’t have insurance.
- Investigation: We gather all available evidence, including police reports, witness statements, and trucking company records.
- Demand Package: We prepare a comprehensive demand package calculating all your damages.
- Negotiation: We negotiate aggressively with the insurance company for a fair settlement.
- Litigation: If necessary, we file a lawsuit and take your case to trial.
Argyle Trucking Accident Case Examples
While every case is unique, here are examples of how we’ve helped trucking accident victims in North Texas:
Case 1: I-35 Rear-End Collision
A family was rear-ended by an 18-wheeler on I-35 near Denton. The truck driver had been on the road for 14 hours straight, violating FMCSA hours of service regulations. The mother suffered a traumatic brain injury, and the children had multiple fractures. We preserved the ELD data proving the driver’s fatigue and secured a multi-million dollar settlement.
Case 2: FM 407 Jackknife Accident
A local Argyle resident was seriously injured when an 18-wheeler jackknifed on FM 407 during a rainstorm. The trucking company had failed to properly maintain the brakes, and the driver was inexperienced with wet-weather driving. We proved negligent maintenance and inadequate training, resulting in a significant settlement that covered all medical expenses and lost wages.
Case 3: Underride Collision on US 377
A young woman was killed when her car slid underneath a trailer on US 377. The trucking company had installed a non-compliant underride guard that failed to prevent the collision. We pursued claims against both the trucking company and the guard manufacturer, securing a substantial wrongful death settlement for the family.
Common Questions About Argyle Trucking Accidents
How long do I have to file a trucking accident lawsuit in Argyle?
Texas has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims. However, you should never wait. Evidence disappears quickly in trucking cases, and the sooner we start investigating, the stronger your case will be.
How much is my Argyle trucking accident case worth?
Case values depend on many factors, including:
- Severity of your injuries
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost income and earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Degree of the trucking company’s negligence
- Available insurance coverage
Trucking companies carry higher insurance limits than typical auto policies, often $1-5 million. This allows for larger recoveries than standard car accident cases.
Will my case go to trial?
Most trucking accident cases settle before trial. However, we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial. Insurance companies know which attorneys are willing to go to court – and they offer better settlements to clients with trial-ready attorneys.
What if I was partially at fault for the accident?
Texas follows a “modified comparative negligence” rule. As long as you’re not more than 50% at fault, you can still recover damages. Your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you’re 20% at fault, you’ll recover 80% of your damages.
What if the trucking company offers me a settlement?
Never accept a settlement without consulting an attorney. Quick settlement offers are designed to pay you far less than your case is worth before you understand the full extent of your injuries. We’ll evaluate any offer and negotiate for full compensation.
How long does a trucking accident case take to resolve?
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.
What if the truck driver was an independent contractor?
Even if the driver was an owner-operator, both the driver and the contracting company may be liable. We investigate all relationships and insurance policies to ensure you can recover from all responsible parties.
Argyle Trucking Accident Statistics
Understanding the scope of the trucking accident problem in North Texas helps put your case in context:
- 5,100+ fatalities in large truck crashes annually in the U.S.
- 125,000+ injuries from truck crashes each year
- 76% of fatalities are occupants of other vehicles (not truck occupants)
- I-35 corridor is one of the most dangerous trucking routes in America
- Denton County averages 100+ trucking accidents annually
- Fatigue is a factor in 31% of fatal truck crashes
- Brake problems contribute to 29% of truck crashes
- Speeding is a factor in 23% of fatal truck crashes
How Argyle’s Trucking Corridors Create Danger
Argyle’s location at the intersection of several major trucking routes creates unique risks:
I-35 Corridor
- Primary north-south freight route connecting Mexico to the Midwest
- Heavy truck traffic from Laredo to Denton
- Congestion near Lewisville and Denton creates dangerous merging situations
- High speeds on rural stretches between towns
FM 407 and US 377
- Connect to major distribution centers in the DFW metroplex
- Rural stretches encourage excessive speeds
- Limited shoulders create hazards when trucks break down
- Mix of local and long-haul traffic
Local Distribution Traffic
- Argyle’s proximity to major distribution hubs generates heavy local truck traffic
- Delivery trucks frequent residential neighborhoods
- Truck parking shortages force drivers to park in unsafe locations
Weather-Related Hazards
- Ice storms create treacherous conditions on bridges and overpasses
- Summer heat increases tire blowout risks
- Heavy rain reduces visibility and traction
- High winds affect high-profile trailers
How We Prove Trucking Company Negligence
To win your Argyle trucking accident case, we must prove the trucking company was negligent. We do this by demonstrating:
- The trucking company owed you a duty of care (to operate safely on public roads)
- They breached that duty (through FMCSA violations, unsafe practices, or negligent actions)
- The breach caused your injuries (their negligence directly resulted in the accident)
- You suffered damages (medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering)
Common examples of trucking company negligence include:
- Hiring unqualified drivers
- Failing to properly train drivers
- Pressuring drivers to violate hours of service regulations
- Failing to maintain vehicles
- Ignoring known safety violations
- Falsifying log books
- Failing to secure cargo properly
- Allowing drivers to operate while fatigued or impaired
The Insurance Company’s Playbook
Trucking companies and their insurers use predictable tactics to minimize your claim. Our former insurance defense attorney knows these tactics inside and out:
- Quick Lowball Settlement Offers: They’ll offer a quick settlement that doesn’t cover your long-term needs.
- Denying or Minimizing Injuries: They’ll claim your injuries aren’t as severe as you say.
- Blaming the Victim: They’ll argue you were partially or fully at fault.
- Delaying the Claims Process: They’ll drag out the process hoping you’ll accept a low offer.
- Using Recorded Statements Against You: They’ll try to get you to say something that hurts your case.
- “Pre-Existing Condition” Defense: They’ll claim your injuries existed before the accident.
- “Gap in Treatment” Attacks: They’ll argue that gaps in your medical treatment mean you weren’t really injured.
- Sending Surveillance Investigators: They’ll follow you and film your activities.
- Hiring “Independent” Medical Examiners: They’ll send you to doctors who will downplay your injuries.
- Drowning You in Paperwork: They’ll overwhelm you with requests to delay your claim.
We counter every one of these tactics with our insider knowledge and aggressive representation.
What to Do If You’ve Been Hit by a Truck in Argyle
If you’ve been injured in a trucking accident in Argyle, take these steps immediately:
- Call 911 and report the accident
- Seek medical attention at the nearest hospital or urgent care
- Document the scene with photos and video if you’re able
- Get the trucking company name and DOT number from the truck
- Collect witness contact information
- Do NOT give recorded statements to any insurance company
- Call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for immediate legal help
Why Argyle Trucking Accident Victims Choose Attorney911
1. We’re Not Just Texas Attorneys – We’re Argyle Attorneys
We know Argyle’s roads, local courts, and the unique challenges of Denton County cases. Our office is never far from where you need us.
2. We Fight for Maximum Compensation
We don’t settle for the first offer. We calculate the full value of your case and negotiate aggressively. If the insurance company won’t pay what you deserve, we’re prepared to take your case to trial.
3. We Handle All the Legal Work
You focus on your recovery while we handle:
- Investigating the accident
- Preserving evidence
- Dealing with insurance companies
- Calculating your damages
- Negotiating settlements
- Filing lawsuits
- Taking your case to trial if necessary
4. We Work on Contingency
You pay nothing unless we win your case. We advance all costs of investigation and litigation. There are no upfront fees or hidden charges.
5. We Offer Free Consultations
We’ll evaluate your case at no cost and explain your legal options. There’s no obligation to hire us.
6. We’re Available 24/7
Trucking accidents don’t happen on a 9-to-5 schedule. We answer calls 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. When you call, you’ll speak directly with an attorney.
Argyle Trucking Accident Resources
Local Hospitals and Trauma Centers
- Medical City Denton: 3535 S I-35, Denton, TX 76210
- Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Denton: 3000 N I-35, Denton, TX 76201
- Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Trophy Club: 2850 TX-114, Trophy Club, TX 76262
Local Courts
- Denton County Courthouse: 110 W Hickory St, Denton, TX 76201
- Argyle Municipal Court: 308 Denton St, Argyle, TX 76226
Trucking Resources
- Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT): www.txdot.gov
- Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA): www.fmcsa.dot.gov
- FMCSA Safety Measurement System: ai.fmcsa.dot.gov
Contact Argyle’s Trucking Accident Lawyers Today
If you or a loved one has been injured in an 18-wheeler accident in Argyle, don’t wait. Evidence is disappearing every hour. Call Attorney911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation. We’ll send a preservation letter today to protect your evidence and start building your case.
Remember:
- Black box data can be overwritten in 30 days
- Dashcam footage gets deleted quickly
- Witnesses forget what they saw
- The trucking company is already building their defense
Don’t let them get away with it. Call Attorney911 today at 1-888-ATTY-911. We answer 24/7.
“They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.”
— Glenda Walker, Attorney911 Client
At Attorney911, we understand that after a trucking accident, you’re not just another case number – you’re family. We’ll treat you with the compassion and respect you deserve while fighting aggressively for the compensation you need to rebuild your life. Call us today at 1-888-ATTY-911. Hablamos Español.