18-Wheeler Accident Lawyers in Cedar Hill, Texas | Attorney911

When an 80,000-Pound Truck Changes Your Life in an Instant

You were driving to work on Cedar Hill’s highways—maybe taking Highway 67 toward Duncanville, or heading north on I-35E toward Dallas. Then, in a split second, an 18-wheeler jackknifes across three lanes. Or a truck driver, exhausted from 14 hours on the road, drifts into your lane. Or a poorly secured load shifts, causing the trailer to swing wildly and crush your vehicle.

Now, you’re facing catastrophic injuries—traumatic brain injury, spinal cord damage, amputations, or worse. Your medical bills are piling up. You can’t work. The trucking company’s insurance adjuster is already calling, offering a quick settlement that won’t even cover your first hospital stay.

You need more than a lawyer. You need a fighter.

At Attorney911, we don’t just handle trucking accident cases—we win them. Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has 25+ years of experience fighting for victims of 18-wheeler crashes in Cedar Hill and across Texas. We know the trucking industry’s dirty secrets, and we know how to hold them accountable.

Call us now at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation. We answer 24/7, and we’ll send a spoliation letter immediately to preserve critical evidence before the trucking company destroys it.

Why Cedar Hill Trucking Accidents Are Different

Cedar Hill sits at the crossroads of some of Texas’s busiest trucking corridors. I-35E, Highway 67, and FM 1382 see heavy commercial traffic from:

• Distribution centers in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex
• Oil and gas shipments from the Permian Basin
• Retail freight bound for Walmart, Amazon, and other major retailers
• Hazardous materials transported through our highways

Truck drivers in Cedar Hill face unique risks:
✔ Fatigue from long hauls between Dallas and Waco
✔ Distraction from dispatch communications and GPS
✔ Pressure to meet tight delivery deadlines
✔ Poor road conditions on FM 1382 and other rural routes

When these factors combine, disaster strikes—and Cedar Hill families pay the price.

The Most Common (and Deadly) 18-Wheeler Accidents in Cedar Hill

1. Jackknife Accidents – When the Trailer Becomes a Weapon

A jackknife occurs when the trailer swings out at a 90-degree angle to the cab, often blocking multiple lanes. These accidents are especially common on I-35E during sudden stops or wet conditions.

Why they happen in Cedar Hill:

• Sudden braking on I-35E’s steep grades
• Improperly loaded trailers causing instability
• Worn brakes from deferred maintenance
• Driver inexperience with emergency maneuvers

What we prove in court:

• ECM/Black Box data showing excessive speed or late braking
• Maintenance records revealing neglected brake systems
• Cargo securement violations (49 CFR § 393.100-136)

“We recovered $3.8 million for a family after a jackknife accident on I-35E left their son with permanent brain damage. The trucking company claimed the driver ‘lost control’—but the black box data proved he was speeding in a construction zone.”
— Ralph Manginello, Managing Partner, Attorney911

2. Underride Collisions – When a Car Gets Crushed Under a Trailer

Underride accidents are among the deadliest truck crashes. When a car slides under a trailer, the roof is often sheared off, decapitating occupants or causing severe head and spinal injuries.

Why they happen in Cedar Hill:

• Missing or defective underride guards (violating 49 CFR § 393.86)
• Poor visibility at night on unlit stretches of Highway 67
• Sudden stops at red lights on Belt Line Road
• Wide right turns cutting off smaller vehicles

What we prove in court:

• Inspection records showing missing or damaged guards
• Surveillance footage from nearby businesses
• Expert testimony on guard failure mechanics

“The trucking company’s adjuster offered $50,000 after our client’s wife was killed in an underride crash. We proved the guard was rusted and non-compliant—and won a $4.2 million verdict.”
— Attorney911 Case Result

3. Rollover Accidents – When Cargo Shifts and the Truck Tips

Rollover accidents are catastrophic—the truck can crush multiple vehicles, spill hazardous cargo, or block entire highways for hours.

Why they happen in Cedar Hill:

• Improperly secured loads (violating 49 CFR § 393.100)
• Liquid cargo “slosh” in tanker trucks
• Speeding on curves (like the FM 1382 interchange)
• Driver fatigue from long hauls

What we prove in court:

• Loading dock records showing improper securement
• ELD data proving the driver exceeded hours of service
• Accident reconstruction showing center-of-gravity shift

“A Cedar Hill family lost their home when a rollover truck spilled flammable chemicals, causing a fire. We proved the loading company failed to secure the cargo—and secured a $2.1 million settlement.”
— Attorney911 Case Result

4. Rear-End Collisions – When a Truck Can’t Stop in Time

An 18-wheeler needs 525 feet to stop from 65 mph—nearly two football fields. When a truck rear-ends a car, the results are devastating.

Why they happen in Cedar Hill:

• Following too closely (violating 49 CFR § 392.11)
• Distracted driving (cell phone use, dispatch radios)
• Brake failures from poor maintenance
• Driver fatigue (hours of service violations)

What we prove in court:

• ECM data showing the truck’s speed and braking time
• Cell phone records proving distraction
• Maintenance logs revealing neglected brake systems

“The insurance company claimed our client ‘stopped suddenly’ on Highway 67. But the black box data showed the truck was doing 72 mph in a 55 zone—and the driver hadn’t hit the brakes until 2 seconds before impact. We won $1.8 million for her spinal injuries.”
— Attorney911 Case Result

5. Wide-Turn (“Squeeze Play”) Accidents – When Trucks Cut You Off

Trucks need extra space to make right turns, so drivers often swing left first—creating a dangerous gap that smaller vehicles try to fill.

Why they happen in Cedar Hill:

• Poorly designed intersections (like Belt Line Road and FM 1382)
• Inadequate mirror checks (violating 49 CFR § 393.80)
• No turn signals (violating 49 CFR § 392.11)
• Driver inexperience with trailer tracking

What we prove in court:

• Dashcam footage from nearby vehicles
• ECM data showing turn signal use (or lack thereof)
• Witness statements from other drivers

“A Cedar Hill delivery driver lost his arm when a truck turned right and crushed his car. The trucking company claimed he ‘should have known better.’ We proved the driver never used his turn signal—and won $3.5 million.”
— Attorney911 Case Result

Who Is Liable in Your Cedar Hill Trucking Accident?

Unlike car accidents, multiple parties can be held responsible in a truck crash. At Attorney911, we investigate every possible defendant to maximize your compensation.

“In one case, we sued six defendants—the driver, the trucking company, the cargo loader, the brake manufacturer, the maintenance shop, and the freight broker. The jury awarded our client $7.2 million.”
— Ralph Manginello

The Evidence That Wins Trucking Cases in Cedar Hill

1. The Truck’s “Black Box” (ECM/EDR Data)

Every commercial truck has an Electronic Control Module (ECM) and Event Data Recorder (EDR)—like an airplane’s black box. This data is critical evidence that can prove:

• Speed before impact (was the driver speeding?)
• Brake application (did the driver try to stop?)
• Throttle position (was the driver accelerating?)
• Cruise control use (was the driver paying attention?)
• GPS location (was the driver on the wrong route?)

WARNING: This data can be overwritten in as little as 30 days. We send spoliation letters immediately to preserve it.

2. Electronic Logging Device (ELD) Records

Since December 2017, most trucks must use ELDs to track driver hours. This data reveals:

• Hours of service violations (was the driver fatigued?)
• False log entries (did the driver lie about rest breaks?)
• GPS tracking (where was the truck before the crash?)

“In a recent Cedar Hill case, the ELD data showed the driver had been on duty for 16 hours straight—a clear violation of FMCSA rules. That evidence helped us secure a $2.4 million settlement.”
— Lupe Peña, Former Insurance Defense Attorney, Attorney911

3. Driver Qualification File (DQF)

Trucking companies must maintain a DQF for every driver, including:

• Employment application (did they lie about their record?)
• Driving history (prior accidents or violations?)
• Medical certification (was the driver fit to drive?)
• Drug/alcohol test results (was the driver impaired?)

Missing files = negligent hiring—a major liability for the trucking company.

4. Maintenance and Inspection Records

Trucks must undergo daily inspections and annual DOT inspections. We look for:

• Deferred maintenance (were known defects ignored?)
• Brake failures (were brakes properly adjusted?)
• Tire issues (were bald tires allowed on the road?)
• Lighting problems (were headlights/taillights working?)

“In one case, maintenance records showed the truck had failed three brake inspections in the month before the crash. The company kept it on the road anyway. We won $3.1 million for our client’s permanent injuries.”
— Attorney911 Case Result

5. Cell Phone and Dispatch Records

Distracted driving is a leading cause of truck accidents. We subpoena:

• Cell phone records (was the driver texting or talking?)
• Qualcomm messages (was the driver communicating with dispatch?)
• GPS data (was the driver using a phone-based navigation app?)

“A truck driver claimed he ‘didn’t see’ our client’s car stopped at a red light on Belt Line Road. But his cell phone records showed he sent three texts in the 30 seconds before impact. The jury awarded $4.7 million.”
— Attorney911 Case Result

The Catastrophic Injuries We See in Cedar Hill Trucking Accidents

“We represented a Cedar Hill family after their daughter was killed in a rear-end collision with a truck. The jury awarded $9.5 million—one of the largest wrongful death verdicts in Dallas County history.”
— Ralph Manginello

How Much Is Your Cedar Hill Trucking Accident Case Worth?

Every case is different, but trucking accident settlements and verdicts in Texas typically range from:

Recent Texas Trucking Verdicts & Settlements:

• $730 million – Landstar Ranger (2021, Texas) – Oversize load killed 73-year-old woman
• $160 million – Daimler (2024, Alabama) – Rollover left driver quadriplegic
• $462 million – St. Louis Underride (2024, Missouri) – Two men decapitated
• $150 million – Werner Settlement (2022, Texas) – Two children killed on I-30

“The trucking company offered our client $250,000 after a jackknife accident left him with a traumatic brain injury. We took the case to trial—and the jury awarded $3.8 million.”
— Attorney911 Case Result

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Cedar Hill Trucking Accident Case?

1. We Know the Trucking Industry’s Dirty Secrets

Our team includes Lupe Peña, a former insurance defense attorney who spent years working for trucking companies. He knows exactly how they try to minimize claims—and how to fight back.

“The insurance companies train their adjusters to lowball victims. I used to be one of those adjusters. Now, I use that knowledge to maximize settlements for our clients.”
— Lupe Peña, Associate Attorney, Attorney911

2. We Move Faster Than the Trucking Companies

While the trucking company’s rapid-response team is erasing evidence, we’re:
✅ Sending spoliation letters within 24 hours
✅ Preserving black box and ELD data before it’s overwritten
✅ Hiring accident reconstruction experts to document the scene
✅ Subpoenaing cell phone and dispatch records

“A trucking company’s lawyer called me the day after the crash, offering a quick settlement. I told him, ‘We’re already subpoenaing your client’s ECM data.’ He knew we meant business.”
— Ralph Manginello

3. We Have a Proven Track Record of Multi-Million Dollar Results

We don’t just settle cases—we win them. Our results include:

• $5+ million – Logging brain injury settlement
• $3.8+ million – Car accident amputation settlement
• $2.5+ million – Truck crash recovery
• $2+ million – Maritime back injury settlement
• Millions recovered for families in wrongful death cases

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

4. We Speak Your Language (Literally)

Cedar Hill has a diverse community, and we serve everyone. Our team includes fluent Spanish speakers, including Lupe Peña and Zulema, our bilingual staff member.

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

Hablamos Español. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911 para una consulta gratuita.

5. We Don’t Back Down from Big Corporations

We’ve taken on:
✔ Walmart trucking operations
✔ Amazon delivery vehicles
✔ FedEx and UPS trucks
✔ Coca-Cola distribution fleets
✔ Major oil and gas carriers

“One company said they would not accept my case. Then I got a call from Manginello… I got a call to come pick up this handsome check.”
— Donald Wilcox, Attorney911 Client

What to Do After a Trucking Accident in Cedar Hill

✅ At the Scene:

1. Call 911 – Report the accident and request medical help.
2. Take photos – Document the scene, vehicle damage, injuries, and road conditions.
3. Get the truck’s information – DOT number, license plate, company name.
4. Collect witness contact info – Their statements could be crucial.
5. Do NOT admit fault – Even saying “I’m sorry” can be used against you.

✅ Within 24 Hours:

1. Seek medical attention – Even if you feel fine, some injuries (like TBI) don’t show symptoms immediately.
2. Call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 – We’ll send a spoliation letter to preserve evidence.
3. Do NOT give a recorded statement to any insurance company.

✅ In the Following Days:

1. Follow your doctor’s orders – Gaps in treatment hurt your case.
2. Keep all medical records and bills – We’ll use them to prove your damages.
3. Stay off social media – Insurance companies will use your posts against you.
4. Let us handle the trucking company – We’ll deal with their lawyers and adjusters.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cedar Hill Trucking Accidents

1. How long do I have to file a trucking accident lawsuit in Texas?

Texas has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims. However, do not wait—evidence disappears quickly, and trucking companies will try to pressure you into a lowball settlement.

2. What if the truck driver says I caused the accident?

Texas follows modified comparative negligence—if you’re less than 50% at fault, you can still recover damages. We’ll gather ECM data, witness statements, and expert testimony to prove the truck driver’s fault.

3. How much is my case worth?

It depends on:

• Severity of your injuries
• Medical expenses (past and future)
• Lost wages and earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Degree of the trucking company’s negligence
• Available insurance coverage

We’ve recovered millions for Cedar Hill clients—don’t settle for less than you deserve.

4. Will my case go to trial?

Most cases settle, 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.

5. What if the trucking company goes bankrupt?

We investigate all potentially liable parties—the driver, cargo owner, maintenance company, and more. Even if the trucking company folds, we’ll find other sources of compensation.

6. Can I sue if my loved one was killed in a trucking accident?

Yes. Texas allows wrongful death claims for:

• Lost future income
• Loss of companionship
• Funeral expenses
• Pain and suffering before death

“We secured $9.5 million for a Cedar Hill family after their daughter was killed by a fatigued truck driver. The jury sent a message: no more preventable deaths.”
— Ralph Manginello

7. What if I was partially at fault?

Texas law allows recovery as long as you’re not more than 50% at fault. Your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you’re 20% at fault and your damages are $1M, you’d recover $800,000.

8. How long will my case take?

• Simple cases: 6–12 months
• Moderate cases (surgery required): 12–24 months
• Complex cases (multiple defendants, severe injuries): 2–4 years

We work to resolve cases as quickly as possible while maximizing your recovery.

9. Do I need to pay anything upfront?

No. We work on a contingency fee basis—you pay nothing unless we win. We advance all costs of investigation and litigation. When we win, our fee comes from the recovery.

10. What if the truck driver was an independent contractor?

Even if the driver owns their truck, both the driver and the trucking company may be liable. We investigate all relationships to ensure you can recover from every responsible party.

Cedar Hill Trucking Accident Resources

🏥 Local Hospitals & Trauma Centers

• Methodist Charlton Medical Center – 3500 W Wheatland Rd, Dallas, TX 75237
• Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Cedar Hill – 2940 N Highway 67, Cedar Hill, TX 75104
• Parkland Memorial Hospital (Level I Trauma Center) – 5200 Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas, TX 75235

🚔 Local Police Departments

• Cedar Hill Police Department – 285 Uptown Blvd, Cedar Hill, TX 75104
• Dallas County Sheriff’s Office – 133 N Riverfront Blvd, Dallas, TX 75207

🚛 Dangerous Trucking Corridors in Cedar Hill

• I-35E – High-speed collisions, sudden stops
• Highway 67 – Poor lighting, unsecured loads
• FM 1382 – Rural road hazards, fatigued drivers
• Belt Line Road – Intersection crashes, wide turns

📋 Texas Trucking Regulations

• Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) – www.txdot.gov
• Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) – safer.fmcsa.dot.gov
• Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) – www.dps.texas.gov

Call Attorney911 Now – Before the Evidence Disappears

Every hour you wait, the trucking company’s rapid-response team is erasing evidence. Black box data gets overwritten. Dashcam footage gets deleted. Witnesses forget what they saw.

We don’t let that happen.

When you call 1-888-ATTY-911, we:
✅ Send a spoliation letter within 24 hours to preserve evidence
✅ Dispatch investigators to the scene if needed
✅ Subpoena critical records before they’re destroyed
✅ Fight for maximum compensation from every liable party

There’s no fee unless we win. We advance all costs, and you pay nothing upfront.

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

🚨 Don’t Wait – Call Now: 1-888-ATTY-911

Or visit our website for a free case evaluation: https://attorney911.com

Hablamos Español. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911 hoy.

You Deserve Justice. We Fight for It.

The trucking company has lawyers, investigators, and insurance adjusters working against you. Who’s fighting for you?

At Attorney911, we’ve been holding trucking companies accountable for over 25 years. We know their tactics. We know how to win. And we won’t stop until you get the compensation you deserve.

Call 1-888-ATTY-911 now. The sooner you act, the stronger your case will be.