18-Wheeler Accident Lawyers in Bedford, Texas – Attorney911
When an 18-Wheeler Changes Your Life in an Instant
Every year, hundreds of Bedford families face life-altering injuries from 18-wheeler accidents on our local highways. One moment you’re driving to work on Highway 121 or 183, the next you’re facing catastrophic injuries from an 80,000-pound truck that didn’t stop in time. At Attorney911, we understand that these aren’t just accidents—they’re legal emergencies that require immediate action.
If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a trucking accident in Bedford, Texas, you need more than just a lawyer. You need a legal emergency response team that knows how to fight the trucking companies and their insurance teams. Our Bedford 18-wheeler accident attorneys have recovered millions for victims just like you.
“They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.”
— Glenda Walker, Attorney911 Client
Why Bedford 18-Wheeler Accidents Are Different
Bedford sits at the crossroads of major Texas trucking corridors. Our city’s location along Highway 121, Highway 183, and near the massive DFW Airport logistics hub means we see more than our share of truck traffic. These aren’t just passing trucks—they’re local delivery vehicles, airport cargo haulers, and long-haul trucks servicing the massive distribution centers that power our economy.
The trucking routes serving Bedford present unique dangers:
- Highway 121 – Heavy commuter traffic mixed with commercial trucks creates dangerous conditions, especially during rush hours
- Highway 183 – The Airport Freeway sees constant truck traffic to and from DFW Airport cargo facilities
- I-35W corridor – Just minutes from Bedford, this major north-south route carries massive freight volume
- Local distribution centers – Bedford’s proximity to major warehouses means more delivery trucks on our streets
When these trucks cause accidents, the results are often catastrophic. The size and weight disparity between an 18-wheeler and your passenger vehicle means what would be a minor fender-bender between two cars becomes a life-changing event when a truck is involved.
Bedford’s Trucking Accident Hotspots
Our Bedford trucking accident attorneys have handled cases at these dangerous locations:
- Highway 121 at Central Drive – This busy intersection sees heavy truck traffic from local deliveries and commuter congestion
- Highway 183 near Airport Freeway – Trucks servicing DFW Airport cargo facilities create dangerous conditions
- I-35W and Highway 183 interchange – A major trucking bottleneck with complex merging patterns
- Bedford’s industrial zones – Delivery trucks and tractor-trailers navigating tight turns in warehouse districts
- Highway 121 at Harwood Road – A known trouble spot for truck accidents due to merging traffic
- Local distribution centers – Loading docks and warehouse parking lots where truck operations create hazards
These locations see frequent truck accidents due to factors like:
- Rush hour congestion mixing with truck traffic
- Complex interchange designs that challenge truck drivers
- Local delivery trucks making tight turns in commercial areas
- Fatigued drivers navigating familiar routes
- Pressure to meet delivery deadlines in our fast-growing region
Common Causes of 18-Wheeler Accidents in Bedford
Our Bedford trucking accident lawyers see the same dangerous patterns time and again:
Driver Fatigue – The Silent Killer
Truck drivers in Bedford face intense pressure to meet tight delivery deadlines. The distribution centers serving our city operate on just-in-time schedules, pushing drivers to violate federal hours-of-service regulations. Federal law limits drivers to:
- 11 hours of driving after 10 consecutive hours off duty
- No driving beyond the 14th consecutive hour on duty
- 30-minute break required after 8 cumulative hours of driving
- 60/70 hour weekly limits
Yet we regularly see drivers in Bedford who have been on the road for 14+ hours, falsifying their electronic logs to hide violations. When fatigue sets in, reaction times slow, judgment becomes impaired, and accidents become inevitable.
Distracted Driving – The Modern Scourge
Bedford’s truck drivers face constant distractions:
- Cell phone use while driving
- GPS and navigation system adjustments
- Dispatch communications through onboard systems
- Eating and drinking while driving
- Fatigue-related zoning out
Federal regulations prohibit hand-held mobile phone use while driving commercial vehicles. Yet we routinely find drivers who were texting, talking, or using apps at the time of accidents. The results are often deadly for Bedford families.
Improper Maintenance – Cutting Corners Kills
Trucking companies operating in Bedford often defer maintenance to save costs. Common maintenance failures we see:
- Brake failures – Worn brake pads, improper adjustments, air system leaks
- Tire blowouts – Underinflated tires, worn tread, mismatched dual tires
- Lighting failures – Broken headlights, taillights, turn signals
- Steering failures – Worn components, improper lubrication
- Cargo securement failures – Broken tiedowns, improper load distribution
These maintenance failures are particularly dangerous on Bedford’s highways where trucks must navigate complex traffic patterns and sudden stops.
Cargo Securement Violations – Deadly Loads
Bedford’s proximity to major distribution centers means we see frequent cargo securement violations. Federal regulations require:
- Cargo must be contained, immobilized, or secured to prevent shifting
- Securement systems must withstand 0.8g deceleration forward, 0.5g in other directions
- Minimum number of tiedowns based on cargo length and weight
- Special requirements for specific cargo types (logs, metal coils, machinery)
When cargo isn’t properly secured, it can shift during transit, causing rollovers or spilling onto the roadway. We’ve seen cases where improperly secured cargo has caused multi-vehicle pileups on Bedford highways.
Blind Spot Accidents – The “No-Zone” Danger
Trucks have massive blind spots that Bedford drivers need to understand:
- Front No-Zone: 20 feet directly in front of the cab
- Rear No-Zone: 30 feet behind the trailer
- Left Side No-Zone: Extends from cab door backward
- Right Side No-Zone: Extends from cab door backward—much larger than left side
Many Bedford accidents occur when truck drivers change lanes without seeing vehicles in these blind spots. The results are often catastrophic for passenger vehicles.
Wide Turn Accidents – The “Squeeze Play”
Trucks need significant space to make turns, especially in Bedford’s commercial areas. When making right turns, trucks often swing wide to the left first. This creates a dangerous gap that other vehicles may try to enter—only to be crushed when the truck completes its turn.
We’ve handled multiple cases in Bedford where this “squeeze play” has resulted in severe injuries to drivers who tried to pass trucks on the right.
Catastrophic Injuries from Bedford Trucking Accidents
The physics of trucking accidents make catastrophic injuries the norm in Bedford:
- A fully loaded 18-wheeler weighs up to 80,000 pounds
- The average passenger car weighs 3,500-4,000 pounds
- The truck is 20-25 TIMES heavier than your car
- At 65 mph, an 80,000-pound truck carries approximately 80 times the kinetic energy of a car
This massive energy transfer results in devastating injuries:
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
TBI is one of the most common and devastating injuries we see in Bedford trucking accidents. The extreme forces cause the brain to impact the inside of the skull, resulting in:
- Concussions (mild TBI)
- Moderate TBI with extended unconsciousness
- Severe TBI with permanent cognitive impairment
- Coma and persistent vegetative states
Symptoms may include headaches, memory loss, confusion, mood changes, sleep disturbances, and personality changes. Many Bedford victims never fully recover from TBI.
Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis
Spinal cord damage often results in permanent paralysis:
- Paraplegia – Loss of function below the waist
- Quadriplegia – Loss of function in all four limbs
- Incomplete injuries – Some nerve function remains
- Complete injuries – Total loss of sensation and movement below injury
Bedford victims with spinal cord injuries face lifetime medical costs ranging from $1.1 million to $5 million or more.
Amputations
The crushing forces in trucking accidents often result in:
- Traumatic amputations at the scene
- Surgical amputations due to severe damage
- Multiple limb amputations
Amputation victims face lifelong challenges including prosthetics, rehabilitation, and psychological trauma.
Severe Burns
Bedford trucking accidents often result in fires due to:
- Fuel tank ruptures
- Hazmat cargo spills
- Electrical system failures
- Chemical exposures
Burn injuries require extensive treatment including skin grafts, reconstructive surgery, and long-term rehabilitation.
Internal Organ Damage
The massive forces in trucking accidents cause:
- Liver and spleen lacerations
- Kidney damage
- Lung contusions and pneumothorax
- Internal bleeding
- Bowel and intestinal damage
These injuries are life-threatening and often require emergency surgery.
Wrongful Death
When trucking accidents claim lives in Bedford, surviving family members can pursue wrongful death claims. Available damages include:
- Lost future income and benefits
- Loss of companionship and guidance
- Mental anguish
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Medical expenses before death
- Punitive damages in cases of gross negligence
Who’s Really Responsible for Your Bedford Trucking Accident?
In car accidents, usually only one driver is at fault. But in Bedford trucking accidents, MULTIPLE parties can be responsible for your injuries. Our Bedford trucking accident attorneys investigate every possible defendant to maximize your recovery.
The Truck Driver
The driver who caused your accident may be personally liable for:
- Speeding or reckless driving
- Distracted driving (cell phone use, texting)
- Fatigued driving beyond legal limits
- Impaired driving (drugs, alcohol)
- Failure to conduct proper pre-trip inspections
- Traffic law violations
The Trucking Company (Motor Carrier)
Trucking companies are often the most important defendants because they have the deepest pockets. They can be liable for:
Vicarious Liability:
- The driver was their employee
- Acting within the scope of employment
- Performing job duties when accident occurred
Direct Negligence:
- Negligent Hiring: Failed to check driver’s background or qualifications
- Negligent Training: Inadequate safety training
- Negligent Supervision: Failed to monitor driver performance
- Negligent Maintenance: Failed to maintain vehicles properly
- Negligent Scheduling: Pressured drivers to violate hours-of-service regulations
The Cargo Owner or Shipper
The company that owned the cargo and arranged for its shipment may be liable for:
- Providing improper loading instructions
- Failing to disclose hazardous cargo
- Requiring overweight loading
- Pressuring the carrier to expedite beyond safe limits
The Cargo Loading Company
Third-party loading companies that physically loaded the cargo may be liable for:
- Improper cargo securement
- Unbalanced load distribution
- Exceeding vehicle weight ratings
- Failure to use proper blocking and bracing
Truck and Trailer Manufacturers
Manufacturers may be liable for design or manufacturing defects including:
- Brake system failures
- Stability control defects
- Fuel tank placement defects
- Steering system failures
- Defective safety systems
Parts Manufacturers
Companies that manufactured specific parts may be liable for:
- Defective brakes
- Defective tires
- Defective steering components
- Defective lighting
- Defective coupling devices
Maintenance Companies
Third-party maintenance companies may be liable for:
- Negligent repairs
- Failure to identify critical safety issues
- Improper brake adjustments
- Using substandard or wrong parts
Freight Brokers
Freight brokers who arrange transportation may be liable for:
- Negligent selection of unsafe carriers
- Failure to verify carrier insurance
- Failure to check carrier safety records
Government Entities
In some Bedford cases, government entities may share liability for:
- Dangerous road design
- Failure to maintain roads
- Inadequate signage
- Improper work zone setup
The 48-Hour Evidence Preservation Protocol
In Bedford trucking accident cases, EVIDENCE DISAPPEARS FAST. Trucking companies have rapid-response teams that begin protecting their interests within hours of an accident. If you don’t act quickly, critical evidence will be lost forever.
Critical Evidence That Disappears Quickly
| Evidence Type | Destruction Risk |
|---|---|
| ECM/Black Box Data | Overwrites in 30 days or with new driving events |
| ELD Data | May be retained 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 | Vehicle may be repaired, sold, or scrapped |
| Drug/Alcohol Tests | Must be conducted within specific windows |
Our Immediate Response for Bedford Clients
When you call Attorney911 after a Bedford trucking accident, we spring into action immediately:
-
Send Spoliation Letters Within 24-48 Hours
- Formal legal notice demanding preservation of all evidence
- Sent to trucking company, insurer, and all potentially liable parties
- Creates legal consequences for evidence destruction
-
Demand Preservation of Critical Data
- ECM/Black Box data
- ELD records
- GPS and telematics data
- Dashcam and forward-facing camera footage
- Dispatch communications
- Cell phone records
- Qualcomm or fleet management system data
-
Secure Physical Evidence
- The truck and trailer themselves
- Failed or damaged components
- Cargo and securement devices
- Tire remnants if blowout involved
-
Obtain Driver and Company Records
- Driver Qualification File
- Employment application and background check
- Driving record and previous employers
- Medical certification
- Drug and alcohol test results
- Training records
- Maintenance records
- Inspection reports
Why This Immediate Action Is Critical for Bedford Cases
Bedford trucking companies know how to protect themselves. They:
- Download and delete electronic data quickly
- Repair or destroy vehicles before evidence can be examined
- Pressure drivers to change their stories
- Destroy or “lose” maintenance records
- Have their rapid-response teams at the scene within hours
Our Bedford trucking accident attorneys act just as fast to protect your interests.
FMCSA Regulations – The Trucking Industry’s Rulebook
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulates ALL commercial motor vehicles operating in interstate commerce. These regulations are the trucking industry’s rulebook—and violations create liability.
The 6 Critical Parts of FMCSA Regulations
| Part | Title | What It Covers |
|---|---|---|
| Part 390 | General Applicability | Definitions, who regulations apply to |
| Part 391 | Driver Qualification | Who can drive, medical requirements, training |
| Part 392 | Driving Rules | Safe operation, fatigue, drugs, alcohol |
| Part 393 | Vehicle Safety | Equipment, cargo securement, brakes, lights |
| Part 395 | Hours of Service | How long drivers can drive, required rest |
| Part 396 | Inspection & Maintenance | Vehicle upkeep, inspections, records |
Most Common Violations in Bedford Trucking Accidents
Our Bedford trucking accident attorneys routinely find these violations:
- Hours of Service Violations – Driving beyond 11-hour limit, no breaks
- False Log Entries – Falsifying ELD or paper log records
- Failure to Maintain Brakes – Worn brakes, improper adjustment
- Cargo Securement Failures – Inadequate tiedowns, shifting loads
- Unqualified Driver – No valid CDL or medical certificate
- Drug/Alcohol Violations – Operating under influence
- Failure to Inspect – No pre-trip inspection, ignored defects
- Improper Lighting – Non-functioning lights, missing reflectors
- Negligent Hiring – No background check, incomplete DQ file
- Mobile Phone Use – Texting, hand-held phone while driving
How We Prove Violations in Bedford Cases
| Evidence Type | What It Shows |
|---|---|
| ECM Data | Speed, brake application, throttle position |
| ELD Data | Hours of service violations, driving time |
| Driver Qualification File | Hiring negligence, training gaps |
| Maintenance Records | Deferred repairs, known defects |
| Inspection Reports | Pre-existing violations |
| Drug/Alcohol Tests | Impairment at time of accident |
| Dispatch Records | Schedule pressure, HOS violations |
| Cell Phone Records | Distracted driving evidence |
Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Bedford Trucking Accident Case?
When you’re facing the trucking industry’s legal teams after a Bedford accident, you need more than just a lawyer—you need a legal emergency response team with the experience and resources to win.
Our Bedford Advantage
1. Local Knowledge of Bedford’s Trucking Corridors
We know Bedford’s highways, distribution centers, and accident patterns. This local knowledge gives us an edge in building your case.
2. Former Insurance Defense Attorney on Staff
Our team includes Lupe Peña, a former insurance defense attorney who knows exactly how trucking insurers evaluate and minimize claims. Now he fights for victims like you.
3. 25+ Years of Trucking Litigation Experience
Ralph Manginello has been fighting trucking companies since 1998. We’ve handled cases against Walmart, Coca-Cola, Amazon, FedEx, UPS, and major commercial carriers.
4. Federal Court Experience
We’re admitted to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas—the court that handles interstate trucking cases. This federal court access is critical for Bedford cases that cross state lines.
5. Multi-Million Dollar Results
We’ve recovered millions for Bedford families devastated by trucking accidents. Our results include:
- $5+ Million – Logging brain injury settlement
- $3.8+ Million – Car accident amputation settlement
- $2.5M – Truck crash recovery
- Millions recovered for families in trucking-related wrongful death cases
6. Immediate Evidence Preservation
We send spoliation letters within 24-48 hours to preserve critical evidence before it’s destroyed.
7. Comprehensive Investigation
Our Bedford trucking accident attorneys leave no stone unturned:
- ECM/Black Box data analysis
- ELD record examination
- Driver Qualification File review
- Maintenance record inspection
- Accident reconstruction
- Witness interviews
- Expert consultations
8. Trial-Ready Preparation
We prepare every case as if it’s going to trial. This creates maximum leverage in settlement negotiations and ensures we’re ready if the case goes to court.
9. Bilingual Services
Hablamos Español. Our associate attorney Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish and provides direct representation without interpreters.
10. No Fee Unless We Win
You pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you. We advance all costs of investigation and litigation.
What Your Bedford Trucking Accident Case Is Worth
Bedford trucking accident cases are worth significantly more than typical car accident cases because:
- Higher Insurance Limits – Trucking companies carry $750,000 to $5 million or more in liability coverage (compared to $30,000-$100,000 for cars)
- Multiple Liable Parties – We can pursue claims against the driver, trucking company, cargo owner, maintenance company, and others
- Catastrophic Injuries – Trucking accidents typically cause severe, life-changing injuries
Types of Compensation Available
| Category | What’s Included |
|---|---|
| Medical Expenses | Past, present, and future medical costs |
| Lost Wages | Income lost due to injury and recovery |
| Lost Earning Capacity | Reduction in future earning ability |
| Property Damage | Vehicle repair or replacement |
| Out-of-Pocket Expenses | Transportation, home modifications, medical equipment |
| Pain and Suffering | Physical pain from injuries |
| Mental Anguish | Psychological trauma, anxiety, depression |
| Loss of Enjoyment | Inability to participate in activities |
| Disfigurement | Scarring, visible injuries |
| Loss of Consortium | Impact on marriage/family relationships |
| Punitive Damages | Punishment for gross negligence (in appropriate cases) |
Case Value Factors in Bedford
Several factors affect the value of your Bedford trucking accident case:
- Severity of Injuries – More severe injuries result in higher case values
- Medical Treatment Required – Extensive treatment increases value
- Impact on Daily Life – How injuries affect your ability to work, enjoy life, and care for yourself
- Degree of Defendant’s Negligence – Gross negligence can lead to punitive damages
- Available Insurance Coverage – Higher limits allow for larger recoveries
- Multiple Liable Parties – More defendants mean more potential sources of compensation
- Evidence Strength – Clear liability and strong evidence increase case value
- Jurisdiction – Bedford cases are heard in Tarrant County courts, which have a history of fair verdicts
Documented Trucking Verdicts in Texas
Texas juries have awarded massive verdicts in trucking cases:
- $730 Million – Ramsey v. Landstar (2021) – Navy propeller oversize load killed 73-year-old woman
- $150 Million – Werner settlement (2022) – Two children killed on I-30
- $37.5 Million – Texas trucking verdict (2024)
- $35.5 Million – Family injured in Texas truck accident
- $35 Million – Fort Worth trucking verdict (2025) – Largest in Tarrant County
These verdicts demonstrate what’s possible when trucking companies are held fully accountable.
The Bedford Trucking Accident Claim Process
When you choose Attorney911 for your Bedford trucking accident case, here’s what to expect:
Step 1: Free Consultation
- We evaluate your case at no cost
- Explain your legal rights and options
- Determine the best strategy for maximum recovery
Step 2: Immediate Evidence Preservation
- Send spoliation letters within 24-48 hours
- Demand preservation of ECM, ELD, and other critical data
- Secure physical evidence before it’s destroyed
Step 3: Investigation
- Obtain police reports and accident scene photos
- Collect witness statements
- Analyze ECM/Black Box and ELD data
- Review driver and company records
- Consult with accident reconstruction experts
Step 4: Medical Treatment Coordination
- Help you get the medical care you need
- Document all injuries and treatment
- Work with doctors to understand long-term prognosis
Step 5: Demand Letter
- Send comprehensive demand to insurance companies
- Calculate all past, present, and future damages
- Demand full and fair compensation
Step 6: Negotiation
- Negotiate aggressively with insurance companies
- Reject lowball offers
- Prepare for trial if necessary
Step 7: Litigation (if needed)
- File lawsuit in appropriate court
- Conduct discovery (depositions, document requests)
- Prepare for trial
Step 8: Resolution
- Negotiate settlement from position of strength
- Take case to trial if fair settlement isn’t offered
- Ensure you receive maximum compensation
Bedford Trucking Accident Case Timeline
| Case Complexity | Typical Resolution Timeline |
|---|---|
| Minor injuries with clear liability | 3-6 months |
| Moderate injuries with some treatment | 6-12 months |
| Serious injuries requiring surgery | 12-24 months |
| Catastrophic injuries with long-term care needs | 18-36 months |
| Complex litigation with multiple defendants | 2-4 years |
We work to resolve cases as quickly as possible while maximizing your recovery. Most cases settle before trial, but we prepare every case as if it’s going to court to create maximum leverage in negotiations.
What to Do After a Bedford Trucking Accident
If you’ve been involved in a trucking accident in Bedford, take these steps immediately:
- Call 911 – Report the accident and request medical assistance
- Seek Medical Attention – Even if injuries seem minor, get checked out immediately
- Document the Scene – Take photos and videos of:
- All vehicles involved
- Vehicle damage (inside and out)
- Skid marks and road conditions
- Traffic signs and signals
- Your injuries
- The truck’s DOT number and company information
- Get Witness Information – Collect names and contact information from witnesses
- Obtain Trucking Company Information – Get the name, DOT number, and insurance information
- Do NOT Give Recorded Statements – Insurance adjusters will try to get you to say things that hurt your case
- Call Attorney911 Immediately – 1-888-ATTY-911
“Every hour you wait, evidence in your Bedford trucking accident case is disappearing. Black box data can be overwritten. Dashcam footage gets deleted. Witnesses forget what they saw. Call Attorney911 NOW at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation. We’ll send a preservation letter today to protect your evidence.”
Common Questions About Bedford Trucking Accidents
What should I do immediately after an 18-wheeler accident in Bedford?
If you’ve been in a trucking accident in Bedford, take these steps immediately if you’re able:
- Call 911 and report the accident
- Seek medical attention, 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 an 18-wheeler accident attorney immediately
Should I go to the hospital after a truck accident even if I feel okay?
YES. Adrenaline masks pain after traumatic accidents. Internal injuries, TBI, and spinal injuries may not show symptoms for hours or days. Bedford hospitals like Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital HEB and Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Grapevine can identify injuries that will become critical evidence in your case. Delaying treatment also gives insurance companies ammunition to deny your claim.
What information should I collect at the truck accident scene in Bedford?
Document everything possible:
- Truck and trailer license plates
- DOT number (on truck door)
- Trucking company name and logo
- Driver’s name, CDL number, and contact info
- Photos of all vehicle damage
- Photos of the accident scene, road conditions, skid marks
- Photos of your injuries
- Witness names and phone numbers
- Responding officer’s name and badge number
- Weather and road conditions
Should I talk to the trucking company’s insurance adjuster?
NO. Do not give any recorded statements. Insurance adjusters work for the trucking company, not you. Anything you say will be used to minimize your claim. Our firm includes a former insurance defense attorney who knows exactly how these adjusters are trained to protect the trucking company’s interests.
How quickly should I contact an 18-wheeler accident attorney in Bedford?
IMMEDIATELY – within 24-48 hours if possible. Critical evidence in trucking cases (black box data, ELD records, dashcam footage) can be destroyed or overwritten quickly. We send spoliation letters within hours of being retained to preserve this evidence before it’s lost forever.
Who can I sue after an 18-wheeler accident in Bedford?
Multiple parties may be liable in Bedford trucking accidents:
- The truck driver
- The trucking company/motor carrier
- The cargo owner or shipper
- The company that loaded the cargo
- Truck or parts manufacturers
- Maintenance companies
- Freight brokers
- The truck owner (if different from carrier)
- Government entities (for road defects)
We investigate every possible defendant to maximize your recovery.
Is the trucking company responsible even if the driver caused the accident?
Usually YES. Under the doctrine of respondeat superior, employers are liable for employees’ negligent acts within the scope of employment. Additionally, trucking companies can be directly liable for:
- Negligent hiring (hiring unqualified drivers)
- Negligent training (inadequate safety training)
- Negligent supervision (failing to monitor driver behavior)
- Negligent maintenance (poor vehicle upkeep)
What if the truck driver says the accident was my fault?
Texas uses a modified comparative negligence system. Even if you were partially at fault, you may still recover compensation. Our job is to investigate thoroughly, gather evidence (especially ECM and ELD data), and prove what really happened. Drivers often lie to protect their jobs—the data tells the true story.
What is a truck’s “black box” and how does it help my case?
Commercial trucks have Electronic Control Modules (ECM) and Event Data Recorders (EDR) that record operational data—similar to airplane black boxes. This data can show:
- Speed before and during the crash
- Brake application timing
- Engine RPM and throttle position
- Whether cruise control was engaged
- GPS location
This objective data often contradicts what drivers claim happened.
What is an ELD and why is it important?
Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) are federally mandated devices that record driver hours of service. ELD data proves whether the driver violated federal rest requirements and was driving while fatigued. Hours of service violations are among the most common causes of trucking accidents.
How long does the trucking company keep black box and ELD data?
ECM data can be overwritten within 30 days or with new driving events. FMCSA only requires 6 months retention for ELD data. This is why we send spoliation letters immediately—once we notify them of litigation, they must preserve everything.
What records should my attorney get from the trucking company?
We pursue:
- ECM/Black box data
- ELD records
- Driver Qualification File
- Maintenance records
- Inspection reports
- Dispatch logs
- Drug and alcohol test results
- Training records
- Cell phone records
- Insurance policies
- The physical truck and trailer
Can the trucking company destroy evidence?
Once they’re on notice of potential litigation, destroying evidence is spoliation—a serious legal violation. Courts can:
- Instruct juries to assume destroyed evidence was unfavorable
- Impose monetary sanctions
- Enter default judgment in extreme cases
- Award punitive damages
What are hours of service regulations and how do violations cause accidents?
FMCSA regulations limit how long truck drivers can operate:
- Maximum 11 hours driving after 10 hours off duty
- Cannot drive beyond 14th consecutive hour on duty
- 30-minute break required after 8 hours driving
- 60/70 hour weekly limits
Fatigued driving causes approximately 31% of fatal truck crashes. Drivers who violate these rules are too tired to react safely.
What FMCSA regulations are most commonly violated in accidents?
The top violations we find in Bedford cases:
- Hours of service violations (driving too long)
- False log entries (lying about driving time)
- Brake system deficiencies
- Cargo securement failures
- Drug and alcohol violations
- Unqualified drivers (no valid CDL or medical certificate)
- Failure to inspect vehicles
What is a Driver Qualification File and why does it matter?
FMCSA requires trucking companies to maintain a file for every driver containing:
- Employment application
- Driving record check
- Previous employer verification
- Medical certification
- Drug test results
- Training documentation
Missing or incomplete files prove negligent hiring.
How do pre-trip inspections relate to my accident case?
Drivers must inspect their trucks before every trip. If they failed to conduct inspections or ignored known defects (bad brakes, worn tires, lighting problems), both the driver and company may be liable for negligence.
How much are 18-wheeler accident cases worth in Bedford?
Case values depend on many factors:
- Severity of injuries
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost wages and earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Degree of defendant’s negligence
- Insurance coverage available
Trucking companies carry higher insurance ($750,000 minimum, often $1-5 million), allowing for larger recoveries than typical car accidents. We’ve seen verdicts ranging from hundreds of thousands to hundreds of millions in Texas trucking cases.
What if my loved one was killed in a trucking accident in Bedford?
Texas allows wrongful death claims by surviving family members. You may recover:
- Lost future income
- Loss of companionship and guidance
- Mental anguish
- Funeral expenses
- Punitive damages if gross negligence
Time limits apply—contact us immediately to protect your rights.
How long do I have to file an 18-wheeler accident lawsuit in Bedford?
The statute of limitations in Texas is 2 years from the date of the accident. However, you should never wait. Evidence disappears quickly in trucking cases. The sooner you contact us, the stronger your case will be.
How long do trucking accident cases 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.
Will my trucking accident case go to trial?
Most cases settle before trial, but we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial. Insurance companies know which lawyers are willing to go to court—and they offer better settlements to clients with trial-ready attorneys. We have the resources and experience to take your case all the way if necessary.
Do I need to pay anything upfront to hire your firm?
NO. We work on contingency—you pay nothing unless we win your case. We advance all costs of investigation and litigation. You never receive a bill from us. When we win, our fee comes from the recovery, not your pocket.
Bedford Trucking Accident Resources
Bedford Emergency Services
- Police: Bedford Police Department – (817) 952-2100
- Fire/EMS: Bedford Fire Department – (817) 952-2500
- Hospitals:
- Texas Health Harris Methodist Hospital HEB – (817) 848-4000
- Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Grapevine – (817) 310-1000
- Medical City North Hills – (817) 255-1000
Bedford Trucking Accident Reporting
- Texas Department of Transportation: www.txdot.gov
- FMCSA Safety Violations: safer.fmcsa.dot.gov
- National Highway Traffic Safety Administration: www.nhtsa.gov
Bedford Legal Resources
- Tarrant County District Clerk: www.tarrantcountytx.gov
- Texas Department of Insurance: www.tdi.texas.gov
- State Bar of Texas: www.texasbar.com
Contact Bedford’s Trucking Accident Attorneys
If you or a loved one has been injured in a Bedford trucking accident, don’t wait—contact Attorney911 immediately.
📞 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
📧 ralph@atty911.com
🌐 www.attorney911.com
Available 24/7 – Free Consultation – No Fee Unless We Win
“They treated me like FAMILY, not just another case number”
— Chad Harris, Attorney911 Client
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Bedford Trucking Accident Case Evaluation
Get the help you need today:
- Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for immediate assistance
- We’ll evaluate your case at no cost
- If we take your case, we’ll send spoliation letters within 24-48 hours
- We’ll begin building your case for maximum compensation
- You pay nothing unless we win
Don’t let the trucking companies and their insurance teams take advantage of you. Call Bedford’s 18-wheeler accident attorneys today.
Your fight starts with one call: 1-888-ATTY-911