18-Wheeler Accidents in Carrollton: Your Complete Legal Guide

If you’ve been injured in an 18-wheeler accident in Carrollton, Texas, you’re facing one of the most complex and high-stakes legal situations imaginable. The massive size and weight of commercial trucks create devastating consequences when accidents occur. At Attorney911, we’ve been fighting for trucking accident victims across Texas for over 25 years, and we know exactly how to hold negligent trucking companies accountable.

Why Carrollton Trucking Accidents Are Different

Carrollton sits at a critical junction of major trucking corridors in North Texas. With I-35E running through the heart of the city and connecting to major highways like the President George Bush Turnpike and I-635, Carrollton sees heavy commercial truck traffic daily. These highways serve as vital arteries for:

Distribution centers in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex
Manufacturing facilities in the surrounding industrial zones
Retail and warehouse operations serving North Texas
Cross-country freight moving through the region

The unique combination of high truck volume, urban congestion, and major highway intersections creates specific risks for Carrollton drivers. When accidents happen here, they often involve complex liability issues that require specialized legal expertise.

The Devastating Reality of 18-Wheeler Accidents

Every year, thousands of Americans are killed or seriously injured in trucking accidents. The statistics are sobering:

Over 5,100 people die in large truck crashes annually
76% of those killed are occupants of the smaller vehicle
Trucking accidents cause 125,000+ injuries each year
In Texas alone, commercial trucks are involved in thousands of crashes annually

The physics of these accidents make catastrophic injuries the norm, not the exception. A fully loaded 18-wheeler can weigh 80,000 pounds – 20 to 25 times more than the average passenger car. At highway speeds, this creates forces that often result in:

Traumatic brain injuries
Spinal cord damage and paralysis
Amputations
Severe burns
Internal organ damage
Wrongful death

“They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.”
— Glenda Walker, Attorney911 Client

Common Causes of Trucking Accidents in Carrollton

Our experience handling Carrollton trucking cases has revealed several recurring causes:

1. Driver Fatigue and Hours of Service Violations

Federal regulations limit how long truck drivers can operate without rest:

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

Yet fatigue remains a leading cause of trucking accidents. Trucking companies often pressure drivers to meet unrealistic delivery schedules, leading to violations of these critical safety rules.

2. Distracted Driving

Despite federal prohibitions, many truck drivers continue to use mobile devices while driving. In Carrollton, we frequently see accidents caused by:

Texting while driving
Using dispatch devices
Adjusting GPS systems
Eating or drinking while operating the vehicle

3. Improper Maintenance and Equipment Failures

Poorly maintained trucks create serious hazards. Common maintenance failures include:

Brake system deficiencies (responsible for 29% of truck accidents)
Tire blowouts (11,000+ crashes annually)
Faulty lighting and reflectors
Steering system failures
Coupling device failures

4. Cargo Securement Violations

Improperly secured cargo causes rollovers, jackknife accidents, and spills that create hazards for other motorists. Federal regulations require specific securement methods based on cargo type, but violations remain common.

5. Speeding and Reckless Driving

Trucks require significantly longer stopping distances than passenger vehicles. At 65 mph, a fully loaded truck needs approximately 525 feet to stop – nearly two football fields. Speeding reduces this margin of safety dramatically.

6. Intoxicated or Impaired Driving

Despite strict federal regulations, some truck drivers operate under the influence of:

Alcohol
Illegal drugs
Prescription medications
Over-the-counter medications

7. Inadequate Training and Supervision

Many trucking companies cut corners on driver training to save costs. This results in drivers who lack the skills to:

Safely navigate Carrollton’s highways and intersections
Handle emergency situations
Properly secure cargo
Comply with hours of service regulations

The Most Dangerous Trucking Accident Types in Carrollton

Jackknife Accidents

Jackknife accidents occur when the trailer swings out perpendicular to the cab, often sweeping across multiple lanes of traffic. These are particularly dangerous on Carrollton’s highways where multiple lanes of fast-moving traffic create limited escape routes.

Common causes in Carrollton:

Sudden braking on wet or icy roads
Speeding on curves and ramps
Empty or lightly loaded trailers
Brake system failures
Improper cargo loading

Rollover Accidents

Rollover accidents are especially common in Carrollton due to:

The presence of major highway interchanges with sharp curves
High-speed limits on surrounding highways
Top-heavy loads from distribution centers
Driver inexperience with handling curves

These accidents often result in crushing injuries to vehicles beneath the trailer or catastrophic injuries to truck occupants.

Underride Collisions

Underride accidents occur when a smaller vehicle crashes into the rear or side of a trailer and slides underneath. The trailer height often shears off the passenger compartment at windshield level.

Carrollton-specific risks:

Poorly lit trailers on highways at night
Sudden stops on highway entrance ramps
Wide right turns at intersections
Lack of side underride guards (not federally required)

Rear-End Collisions

Due to their massive weight, 18-wheelers require significantly longer stopping distances. Rear-end collisions are common on Carrollton highways where:

Traffic patterns change rapidly
Construction zones create sudden slowdowns
Distracted drivers fail to notice stopped traffic
Fatigued drivers have slower reaction times

Wide Turn Accidents (“Squeeze Play”)

These occur when a truck swings wide (often to the left) before making a right turn, creating a gap that other vehicles enter. The truck then completes its turn, crushing the vehicle in the gap.

Common locations in Carrollton:

Intersections along I-35E
Major arterial roads connecting to highways
Distribution center entrances
Shopping center parking lots

Blind Spot Accidents (“No-Zone”)

Trucks have massive blind spots where the driver cannot see other vehicles:

20 feet directly in front of the cab
30 feet behind the trailer
One lane on the left side
Two lanes on the right side (most dangerous)

These accidents are particularly common on Carrollton’s multi-lane highways where vehicles may linger in blind spots during lane changes.

Tire Blowout Accidents

Texas’ extreme heat and long highway stretches make tire blowouts a significant risk. When a truck tire fails:

The driver may lose control
Debris can strike following vehicles
The truck may swerve into other lanes

Brake Failure Accidents

Brake failures are responsible for nearly 30% of truck accidents. These are particularly dangerous on Carrollton’s highways where:

Long downhill grades exist
Traffic patterns change rapidly
Construction zones create sudden slowdowns

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Carrollton Trucking Accident?

Unlike typical car accidents where usually only one driver is at fault, trucking accidents often involve multiple liable parties:

1. The Truck Driver

The driver may be personally liable for:

Speeding or reckless driving
Distracted driving
Fatigued driving
Impaired driving
Failure to conduct proper pre-trip inspections
Traffic law violations

2. The Trucking Company/Motor Carrier

Trucking companies can be held liable through:

Respondeat Superior: Liability for employee actions within the scope of employment
Direct Negligence:
- Negligent hiring (hiring unqualified drivers)
- Negligent training (inadequate safety training)
- Negligent supervision (failing to monitor driver behavior)
- Negligent maintenance (poor vehicle upkeep)
- Negligent scheduling (pressuring drivers to violate HOS)

3. Cargo Owner/Shipper

The company that owns the cargo may be liable for:

Providing improper loading instructions
Failing to disclose hazardous cargo
Requiring overweight loading
Pressuring carriers to expedite shipments

4. Cargo Loading Company

Third-party loading companies may be liable for:

Improper cargo securement
Unbalanced load distribution
Exceeding vehicle weight ratings
Failure to use proper blocking and bracing

5. Truck and Trailer Manufacturer

Manufacturers may be liable for:

Design defects
Manufacturing defects
Failure to warn of known dangers
Defective safety systems

6. Parts Manufacturer

Companies that manufacture specific components may be liable for:

Defective brakes
Defective tires
Defective steering mechanisms
Defective lighting components
Defective coupling devices

7. Maintenance Company

Third-party maintenance providers may be liable for:

Negligent repairs
Failure to identify critical safety issues
Improper brake adjustments
Using substandard or wrong parts

8. Freight Broker

Freight brokers who arrange transportation may be liable for:

Negligent selection of carriers with poor safety records
Failure to verify carrier insurance and authority
Failure to check carrier CSA scores

9. Truck Owner (If Different from Carrier)

In owner-operator arrangements, the truck owner may be liable for:

Negligent entrustment
Failure to maintain owned equipment
Knowledge of driver’s unfitness

10. Government Entity

In limited circumstances, government entities may be liable for:

Dangerous road design
Failure to maintain roads
Inadequate signage
Improper work zone setup

“Our firm includes Lupe Peña, a former insurance defense attorney who spent years inside the system. He watched adjusters minimize claims. He saw how they train their people to lowball victims. Now he exposes those tactics and uses his insider knowledge to fight for you.”

The Critical 48-Hour Evidence Preservation Protocol

In 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.

Why 48 Hours Matters

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

The Spoliation Letter: Your First Line of Defense

A spoliation letter is a formal legal notice demanding that the trucking company preserve all evidence related to the accident. We send these within 24-48 hours of being retained.

What we demand preserved:

Engine Control Module (ECM) data
Electronic Logging Device (ELD) records
GPS and telematics data
Dashcam and forward-facing camera footage
Dispatch communications
Cell phone records
Driver Qualification File
Maintenance and repair records
Inspection reports
Drug and alcohol test results
The physical truck and trailer

ECM/Black Box Data: The Truth Machine

Commercial trucks have sophisticated electronic systems that record operational data:

System	What It Records
ECM (Engine Control Module)	Engine performance, speed, throttle, RPM, cruise control, fault codes
EDR (Event Data Recorder)	Pre-crash data triggered by sudden deceleration or airbag deployment
ELD (Electronic Logging Device)	Driver hours, duty status, GPS location, driving time
Telematics	Real-time GPS tracking, speed, route, driver behavior
Dashcam	Video of road ahead, some record cab interior

Critical data points we recover:

Speed before and during the crash
Brake application timing and force
Throttle position
Following distance
Hours of service compliance
GPS location and route
Fault codes and known mechanical issues

This objective data often contradicts what drivers claim happened and can be the key to winning your case.

Proving Negligence: FMCSA Violations That Win Cases

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulates commercial trucking through Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations (49 CFR). When trucking companies violate these regulations, it creates powerful evidence of negligence.

1. Hours of Service Violations (49 CFR Part 395)

Fatigued driving causes approximately 31% of fatal truck crashes. Common violations include:

Driving more than 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty
Driving beyond the 14th consecutive hour on duty
Failing to take required 30-minute breaks
Exceeding 60/70 hour weekly limits
Falsifying log entries

2. Driver Qualification Violations (49 CFR Part 391)

Trucking companies must maintain a Driver Qualification (DQ) File for each driver containing:

Employment application and background check
Driving record from state licensing authority
Road test certificate
Medical examiner’s certificate
Annual driving record review
Previous employer inquiries
Drug and alcohol test records

Missing or incomplete files prove negligent hiring.

3. Vehicle Inspection and Maintenance Violations (49 CFR Part 396)

Drivers must conduct pre-trip and post-trip inspections. Companies must maintain:

Annual inspection records
Maintenance and repair records
Driver vehicle inspection reports (DVIRs)

Brake system deficiencies are among the most common violations.

4. Cargo Securement Violations (49 CFR Part 393.100-136)

Cargo must be secured to prevent:

Leaking, spilling, or falling from the vehicle
Shifting that affects vehicle stability
Blocking the driver’s view

Securement systems must withstand:

0.8 g deceleration forward
0.5 g acceleration rearward
0.5 g lateral forces

5. Drug and Alcohol Testing Violations (49 CFR Part 382)

Drivers must undergo:

Pre-employment drug testing
Random drug and alcohol testing
Post-accident testing
Reasonable suspicion testing

Operating under the influence creates liability for both driver and company.

6. Cell Phone Use Violations (49 CFR § 392.82)

Drivers are prohibited from:

Using hand-held mobile phones while driving
Reaching for mobile phones in a manner requiring leaving the seated position
Texting while driving

The Catastrophic Injuries We See in Carrollton Trucking Cases

The physics of trucking accidents make catastrophic injuries common:

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

TBI occurs when the brain impacts the inside of the skull due to sudden acceleration or deceleration. Severity ranges from:

Mild (Concussion): Temporary confusion, headaches, brief loss of consciousness
Moderate: Extended unconsciousness, memory problems, cognitive deficits
Severe: Extended coma, permanent cognitive impairment

Lifetime care costs: $85,000 to $3,000,000+

Spinal Cord Injury and Paralysis

Spinal cord damage disrupts communication between the brain and body:

Paraplegia: Loss of function below the waist
Quadriplegia: Loss of function in all four limbs
Incomplete Injury: Some nerve function remains
Complete Injury: Total loss of sensation and movement

Lifetime care costs:

Paraplegia: $1.1 million to $2.5 million+
Quadriplegia: $3.5 million to $5 million+

Amputations

Amputations occur due to:

Crushing forces from truck impact
Entrapment requiring surgical removal
Severe burns
Infections from open wounds

Ongoing needs:

Prosthetic limbs ($5,000-$50,000+ each)
Replacement prosthetics throughout lifetime
Physical and occupational therapy
Psychological counseling

Severe Burns

Burns occur from:

Fuel tank ruptures and fires
Hazmat cargo spills and ignition
Electrical fires
Friction burns from road contact

Classification:

First degree: Epidermis only
Second degree: Epidermis and dermis
Third degree: Full thickness
Fourth degree: Through skin to muscle/bone

Internal Organ Damage

Common internal injuries:

Liver laceration or rupture
Spleen damage requiring removal
Kidney damage
Lung contusion or collapse
Internal bleeding

Wrongful Death

When trucking accidents kill, surviving family members can pursue wrongful death claims for:

Lost future income
Loss of companionship and guidance
Mental anguish
Funeral expenses
Punitive damages if gross negligence

What Your Carrollton Trucking Accident Case Is Worth

Case values depend on many factors, but trucking companies carry higher insurance limits than typical auto policies:

Federal minimum liability coverage: $750,000
Many carriers carry $1-5 million or more
Additional umbrella policies may apply

Types of Compensation Available

Economic Damages (Calculable Losses):

Past and future medical expenses
Lost wages and benefits
Lost earning capacity
Property damage
Out-of-pocket expenses
Life care costs

Non-Economic Damages (Quality of Life):

Pain and suffering
Mental anguish
Loss of enjoyment of life
Disfigurement
Physical impairment
Loss of consortium

Punitive Damages (Punishment for Gross Negligence):
Available when the trucking company acted with:

Gross negligence
Willful misconduct
Conscious indifference to safety
Fraud (falsifying logs, destroying evidence)

Recent Nuclear Verdicts in Trucking Cases

The trucking industry is seeing unprecedented jury verdicts:

Amount	Year	Location	Case Details
$1 Billion	2021	Florida	18-year-old killed; $100M compensatory + $900M punitive
$730 Million	2021	Texas	Navy propeller oversize load killed 73-year-old woman
$462 Million	2024	Missouri	Two men decapitated in underride crash
$160 Million	2024	Alabama	Rollover left driver quadriplegic
$150 Million	2022	Texas	Werner settlement for two children killed on I-30
$141.5 Million	2023	Florida	Nuclear verdict against defunct carrier

These verdicts demonstrate what’s possible when trucking companies are held fully accountable for their negligence.

The Attorney911 Advantage: Why Choose Us for Your Carrollton Trucking Case

1. 25+ Years of Trucking Litigation Experience

Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has been fighting for injury victims since 1998. He has:

Recovered multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts
Federal court admission to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas
Experience in BP explosion litigation against multinational corporations
Deep familiarity with Carrollton’s trucking corridors and accident patterns

2. Insider Knowledge of Insurance Company Tactics

Our team includes Lupe Peña, a former insurance defense attorney who spent years working for a national defense firm. He knows:

How insurance companies value claims
How adjusters are trained to minimize payouts
What makes them settle
How they deny claims
The claims valuation software they use

“Lupe Peña, our associate attorney, worked for a national defense firm before joining Attorney911. He knows exactly how insurance companies minimize trucking accident claims—and now he uses that knowledge to fight for you.”

3. Aggressive Evidence Preservation

We act immediately to preserve critical evidence:

Send spoliation letters within 24-48 hours
Demand immediate download of ECM and ELD data
Subpoena cell phone records
Obtain police crash reports
Canvass accident scene for surveillance footage
Photograph all damage before vehicles are moved
Interview witnesses before memories fade
Hire accident reconstruction experts

4. Comprehensive Investigation Process

Phase 1: Immediate Response (0-72 Hours)

Accept case and send preservation letters same day
Deploy accident reconstruction expert to scene if needed
Obtain police crash report
Photograph client injuries with medical documentation
Photograph all vehicles before they are repaired or scrapped
Identify all potentially liable parties

Phase 2: Evidence Gathering (Days 1-30)

Subpoena ELD/black box data downloads
Request driver’s paper log books
Obtain complete Driver Qualification File
Request all truck maintenance and inspection records
Obtain carrier’s CSA safety scores and inspection history
Order driver’s complete Motor Vehicle Record (MVR)
Subpoena driver’s cell phone records
Obtain dispatch records and delivery schedules

Phase 3: Expert Analysis

Accident reconstruction specialist creates crash analysis
Medical experts establish causation and future care needs
Vocational experts calculate lost earning capacity
Economic experts determine present value of all damages
Life care planners develop comprehensive care plans
FMCSA regulation experts identify all violations

Phase 4: Litigation Strategy

File lawsuit before statute of limitations expires (2 years in Texas)
Pursue aggressive discovery against all potentially liable parties
Depose truck driver, dispatcher, safety manager, maintenance personnel
Build case for trial while negotiating settlement from position of strength
Prepare every case as if going to trial

5. Proven Track Record Against Major Trucking Companies

We have successfully litigated against:

Walmart trucking operations
Coca-Cola distribution vehicles
Amazon delivery trucks
FedEx trucks
UPS trucks
Various commercial trucking companies

6. Bilingual Services for Carrollton’s Diverse Community

Carrollton has a significant Hispanic population, and we’re proud to serve this community directly:

Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish
Zulema, our Spanish translator, is praised for her kindness
We provide direct representation without interpreters
Hablamos Español

“Especially Miss Zulema, who is always very kind and always translates.”
— Celia Dominguez, Attorney911 Client

7. Contingency Fee Representation

We work on contingency – you pay nothing unless we win your case. Our fee comes from the recovery, not your pocket. This means:

No upfront costs
No hourly fees
No bills from us
We advance all investigation and litigation costs

What to Do After a Trucking Accident in Carrollton

If you’ve been injured in an 18-wheeler accident in Carrollton, take these steps immediately:

Call 911 and report the accident
- Request police and emergency medical services
- Even if injuries seem minor, get checked out
Document the scene thoroughly
- Take photos of all vehicle damage (inside and out)
- Photograph the accident scene, road conditions, skid marks
- Get the trucking company name, DOT number, and driver information
- Collect witness contact information
- Take photos of your injuries
Seek medical attention immediately
- Adrenaline masks pain – injuries may not be apparent
- Internal injuries can be life-threatening
- Medical records create critical evidence
Do NOT give recorded statements to any insurance company
- Insurance adjusters work for the trucking company
- Anything you say will be used to minimize your claim
Call Attorney911 immediately
- Critical evidence disappears quickly
- We send preservation letters within hours
- We begin building your case immediately

“The trucking company has lawyers working right now to protect them. You deserve the same level of representation. Call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for your free consultation.”

Carrollton-Specific Trucking Corridors and Risks

Carrollton’s location at the intersection of major highways creates unique trucking accident risks:

I-35E Corridor

Primary north-south route through Carrollton
Connects to I-635 and President George Bush Turnpike
Heavy truck traffic serving regional distribution centers
Common accident types: rear-end collisions, jackknife accidents, tire blowouts

President George Bush Turnpike

Major east-west toll road with heavy truck traffic
Connects to I-35E and Dallas North Tollway
Common accident types: rollover accidents, cargo spills, speed-related crashes

I-635 (LBJ Freeway)

Connects to I-35E and serves as major east-west corridor
Heavy truck traffic from distribution centers
Common accident types: blind spot accidents, wide turn accidents, rear-end collisions

Dallas North Tollway

Connects Carrollton to major business centers
Mix of passenger and commercial traffic
Common accident types: sudden stops, lane change accidents, distracted driving

Local Arterial Roads

Frankford Road
Josey Lane
Hebron Parkway
Common accident types: intersection collisions, wide turn accidents, pedestrian accidents

Distribution Center Zones

Carrollton has several industrial and distribution center zones that generate significant truck traffic:

North Carrollton Industrial Area: Along I-35E and President George Bush Turnpike
South Carrollton: Near the intersection of I-35E and Belt Line Road
East Carrollton: Along the Dallas North Tollway corridor

These areas experience high volumes of truck traffic during peak hours, creating congestion and accident risks.

Common Carrollton Trucking Accident Scenarios

1. Highway Entrance and Exit Ramp Accidents

Carrollton’s numerous highway interchanges create dangerous merging situations where:

Trucks have limited visibility of smaller vehicles
Passenger vehicles misjudge truck speeds
Trucks fail to adjust speed for merging traffic
Sudden stops create rear-end collisions

2. Construction Zone Accidents

With ongoing infrastructure improvements in the DFW area, construction zones create hazards:

Sudden lane shifts
Reduced speed limits that trucks ignore
Confusing signage
Narrow lanes that challenge truck maneuverability

3. Intersection Collisions

Major intersections in Carrollton see frequent trucking accidents:

Wide right turns at intersections
Red light running
Failure to yield right-of-way
Blind spot accidents during turns

4. Parking Lot and Distribution Center Accidents

Trucks maneuvering in tight spaces create risks for:

Pedestrians
Other vehicles
Loading dock workers
Forklift operators

5. Weather-Related Accidents

Texas weather creates unique hazards:

Sudden thunderstorms reduce visibility
Wet roads increase stopping distances
High winds affect high-profile trailers
Extreme heat causes tire blowouts

The Carrollton Legal Landscape for Trucking Cases

Statute of Limitations

Texas has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury and wrongful death claims. This means you have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. However, you should never wait this long. Evidence disappears quickly, and the sooner you contact an attorney, the stronger your case will be.

Comparative Negligence Rules

Texas follows a modified comparative negligence system with a 51% bar rule:

If you’re 50% or less at fault, you can recover damages
Your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault
If you’re 51% or more at fault, you cannot recover anything

This makes thorough investigation critical to minimize any fault attributed to you.

Damage Caps

Texas has specific rules regarding damage caps:

No cap on economic damages (medical expenses, lost wages)
No cap on non-economic damages for personal injury (pain and suffering)
Punitive damages cap: Greater of (2x economic damages + non-economic damages up to $750,000) OR $200,000

Local Courts

Carrollton trucking accident cases may be filed in:

Denton County District Courts
Denton County Justice of the Peace Courts (for smaller claims)
U.S. District Court, Eastern District of Texas (for interstate cases)

Frequently Asked Questions About Carrollton Trucking Accidents

What should I do immediately after an 18-wheeler accident in Carrollton?

If you’re able, take these steps:

Call 911 and report the accident
Seek medical attention, even if injuries seem minor
Document the scene with photos and video
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

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. Carrollton hospitals like Medical City Lewisville and Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Carrollton 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?

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 (inside and out)
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 Carrollton?

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.

What is a spoliation letter and why is it important?

A spoliation letter is a legal notice demanding that the trucking company preserve all evidence related to the accident. This includes ECM/black box data, ELD logs, maintenance records, driver files, and more. Sending this letter immediately puts the trucking company on notice that destroying evidence will result in serious legal consequences.

Who can I sue after an 18-wheeler accident in Carrollton?

Multiple parties may be liable:

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 as long as you’re not more than 50% at fault. 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 an owner-operator and does that affect my case?

An owner-operator is a driver who owns their own truck and contracts with trucking companies. This can complicate liability, but both the owner-operator and the contracting company may be liable. We investigate all relationships and insurance policies to ensure you can recover from the responsible parties.

How do I find out if the trucking company has a bad safety record?

FMCSA maintains public safety data at safer.fmcsa.dot.gov. We obtain the carrier’s:

CSA (Compliance, Safety, Accountability) scores
Inspection history and out-of-service rates
Crash history
Safety rating

A poor safety record can prove the company knew it was putting dangerous drivers on the road.

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. 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
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:

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.

What injuries are common in 18-wheeler accidents?

Due to the massive size and weight disparity, trucking accidents often cause catastrophic injuries:

Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
Amputations
Severe burns
Internal organ damage
Multiple fractures
Wrongful death

How much are 18-wheeler accident cases worth in Carrollton?

Case values depend on many factors:

Severity of injuries
Medical expenses (past and future)
Lost income 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.

What if my loved one was killed in a trucking accident in Carrollton?

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 Carrollton?

The statute of limitations in Texas is 2 years from the date of the accident. However, you should never wait this long. 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.

What if multiple insurance policies apply to my accident?

Trucking cases often involve multiple policies:

Motor carrier’s liability policy
Trailer interchange coverage
Cargo insurance
Owner-operator’s policy
Excess/umbrella coverage

We identify all available coverage to maximize your recovery.

Will the trucking company’s insurance try to settle quickly?

Often yes – and that’s a red flag. Quick settlement offers are designed to pay you far less than your case is worth before you understand the full extent of your injuries. Never accept any settlement without consulting an experienced trucking accident attorney first.

The Attorney911 Difference: Why Carrollton Residents Choose Us

1. Local Knowledge Combined with National Experience

We’re not just Texas attorneys – we’re Carrollton attorneys. We know:

The specific trucking corridors that serve Carrollton
The local courts and judges
The unique accident patterns in the area
The distribution centers and industrial zones that generate heavy truck traffic
The local trauma centers and medical providers

But we also bring national experience fighting the largest trucking companies in the country.

2. Former Insurance Defense Attorney on Staff

Lupe Peña spent years working for a national insurance defense firm. He knows:

How insurance companies evaluate claims
How adjusters are trained to minimize payouts
What makes them settle
How they deny claims
The claims valuation software they use

This insider knowledge gives our clients a significant advantage.

3. Aggressive Evidence Preservation

We act immediately to preserve critical evidence:

Send spoliation letters within 24-48 hours
Demand immediate download of ECM and ELD data
Subpoena cell phone records
Obtain police crash reports
Canvass accident scene for surveillance footage
Photograph all damage before vehicles are moved
Interview witnesses before memories fade
Hire accident reconstruction experts

4. Comprehensive Investigation Process

We leave no stone unturned in building your case:

Immediate Response (0-72 Hours)

Accept case and send preservation letters same day
Deploy accident reconstruction expert to scene if needed
Obtain police crash report
Photograph client injuries with medical documentation
Photograph all vehicles before they are repaired or scrapped
Identify all potentially liable parties

Evidence Gathering (Days 1-30)

Subpoena ELD/black box data downloads
Request driver’s paper log books
Obtain complete Driver Qualification File
Request all truck maintenance and inspection records
Obtain carrier’s CSA safety scores and inspection history
Order driver’s complete Motor Vehicle Record (MVR)
Subpoena driver’s cell phone records
Obtain dispatch records and delivery schedules

Expert Analysis

Accident reconstruction specialist creates crash analysis
Medical experts establish causation and future care needs
Vocational experts calculate lost earning capacity
Economic experts determine present value of all damages
Life care planners develop comprehensive care plans
FMCSA regulation experts identify all violations

Litigation Strategy

File lawsuit before statute of limitations expires
Pursue aggressive discovery against all potentially liable parties
Depose truck driver, dispatcher, safety manager, maintenance personnel
Build case for trial while negotiating settlement from position of strength
Prepare every case as if going to trial

5. Proven Track Record Against Major Trucking Companies

We have successfully litigated against:

Walmart trucking operations
Coca-Cola distribution vehicles
Amazon delivery trucks
FedEx trucks
UPS trucks
Various commercial trucking companies

6. Multi-Million Dollar Results

Our track record speaks for itself:

$5+ Million – Logging Brain Injury Settlement
$3.8+ Million – Car Accident Amputation Settlement
$2+ Million – Maritime Back Injury Settlement
$2.5+ Million – Truck Crash Recovery
Millions recovered for families in trucking-related wrongful death cases
$10M Lawsuit Filed – Hazing Litigation
$50+ Million recovered for Texas families

“They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.”
— Glenda Walker, Attorney911 Client

7. Bilingual Services for Carrollton’s Diverse Community

Carrollton has a significant Hispanic population, and we’re proud to serve this community directly:

Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish
Zulema, our Spanish translator, is praised for her kindness
We provide direct representation without interpreters
Hablamos Español

8. Contingency Fee Representation

We work on contingency – you pay nothing unless we win your case. Our fee comes from the recovery, not your pocket. This means:

No upfront costs
No hourly fees
No bills from us
We advance all investigation and litigation costs

What Carrollton Residents Say About Attorney911

“You are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.”
— Chad Harris, Attorney911 Client

“They solved in a couple of months what others did nothing about in two years.”
— Angel Walle, Attorney911 Client

“In the beginning I had another attorney but he dropped my case although Mangiello law firm were able to help me out.”
— Greg Garcia, Attorney911 Client

“They make you feel like family and even though the process may take some time, they make it feel like a breeze. They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.”
— Glenda Walker, Attorney911 Client

“Especially Miss Zulema, who is always very kind and always translates.”
— Celia Dominguez, Attorney911 Client

“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, Attorney911 Client

Take Action Now: Your Carrollton Trucking Accident Lawyers

If you or a loved one has been injured in an 18-wheeler accident in Carrollton, time is critical. Evidence disappears quickly, and the trucking company’s legal team is already working to protect their interests.

Call Attorney911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911 for your free consultation.

We offer:

24/7 availability
Free case evaluation
No fee unless we win
Bilingual services (Hablamos Español)
Aggressive representation against trucking companies
Local Carrollton knowledge combined with national experience

“Every hour you wait, evidence in your Carrollton 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.”

Don’t let the trucking company take advantage of you. You deserve an attorney who will fight aggressively for the compensation you need to recover and move forward with your life. Call Attorney911 today.