18-Wheeler Accident Attorneys in Coppell, TX | Attorney911

When an 18-Wheeler Changes Your Life in Coppell

Every year, thousands of 18-wheeler accidents occur on Coppell’s highways and interstates. If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a trucking accident in Coppell, you need an attorney who understands federal trucking regulations and how to hold negligent trucking companies accountable.

The aftermath of a commercial truck crash leaves families facing overwhelming medical bills, lost income, and life-altering injuries. At Attorney911, we know the devastating impact these accidents have on Coppell families. Our experienced 18-wheeler accident attorneys are here to fight for the compensation you deserve.

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

Why Coppell Trucking Accidents Are Different

Coppell’s unique position in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex creates specific trucking accident risks:

High-volume truck traffic from nearby distribution centers and warehouses
I-635 (LBJ Freeway) corridor connecting to major interstates I-35E and I-30
George Bush Turnpike (SH 161) serving as a major freight route
Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport cargo operations generating heavy truck traffic
Local delivery trucks serving Coppell’s growing business community

The mix of local delivery trucks, long-haul semis, and airport cargo vehicles creates complex traffic patterns that increase accident risks for Coppell drivers.

Common Causes of 18-Wheeler Accidents in Coppell

Fatigue and Hours of Service Violations

Truck drivers working for Coppell-based carriers or passing through our city often violate federal hours of service regulations. The FMCSA limits drivers to:

11 hours of driving after 10 consecutive hours off duty
14-hour duty window after coming on duty
30-minute break after 8 cumulative hours of driving
60/70-hour weekly limits

When drivers violate these rules to meet delivery deadlines, fatigue impairs their judgment and reaction time. We’ve seen cases where Coppell truck drivers falsified their electronic logging device (ELD) records to hide hours of service violations.

Improper Maintenance and Brake Failures

Coppell’s stop-and-go traffic on I-635 and the George Bush Turnpike puts tremendous stress on truck braking systems. Federal regulations (49 CFR § 393.40-55) require systematic inspection and maintenance of all braking components. When trucking companies cut corners on maintenance to save costs, brake failures can lead to catastrophic rear-end collisions.

Cargo Securement Violations

Improperly secured cargo causes rollover accidents and road debris hazards. The FMCSA cargo securement regulations (49 CFR § 393.100-136) require:

Cargo must be contained, immobilized, or secured to prevent shifting
Securement systems must withstand 0.8g deceleration forward, 0.5g acceleration rearward and laterally
Specific tiedown requirements based on cargo type and weight

We’ve handled cases involving cargo spills on Coppell roads that caused multi-vehicle accidents and significant injuries.

Distracted and Impaired Driving

With the proliferation of smartphones and in-cab technology, distracted driving has become a major issue for Coppell truck drivers. Federal regulations prohibit:

Hand-held mobile phone use while driving (49 CFR § 392.82)
Texting while driving (49 CFR § 392.80)
Operating under the influence of drugs or alcohol (49 CFR § 392.4-5)

Despite these regulations, we continue to see cases where Coppell truck drivers were distracted by dispatch communications, GPS devices, or personal phone use at the time of accidents.

The Catastrophic Injuries We See in Coppell Trucking Cases

The size and weight disparity between 18-wheelers and passenger vehicles makes trucking accidents particularly devastating:

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

The extreme forces involved in Coppell trucking accidents often cause TBI, ranging from mild concussions to severe brain damage. Symptoms may include:

Headaches and dizziness
Memory loss and confusion
Mood changes and personality shifts
Cognitive impairment
Permanent disability

Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis

The impact of an 80,000-pound truck can sever the spinal cord, resulting in:

Paraplegia (loss of function below the waist)
Quadriplegia (loss of function in all four limbs)
Incomplete injuries with partial function
Complete injuries with total loss of sensation and movement

Amputations

Crushing injuries from Coppell truck accidents often require surgical amputation of:

Arms
Legs
Hands
Feet

Severe Burns

Fuel tank ruptures and hazmat cargo spills can cause third and fourth-degree burns requiring:

Multiple skin graft surgeries
Extensive rehabilitation
Permanent scarring and disfigurement

Wrongful Death

When a Coppell family loses a loved one in a trucking accident, we pursue wrongful death claims to recover:

Lost future income
Loss of companionship
Funeral expenses
Pain and suffering before death
Punitive damages in cases of gross negligence

Who Is Liable for Your Coppell Trucking Accident?

Multiple parties may share responsibility for your injuries:

The Truck Driver

The driver may be personally liable for:

Speeding or reckless driving
Distracted driving
Fatigue violations
Impaired driving
Failure to conduct proper pre-trip inspections

The Trucking Company

Trucking companies are often the primary defendants because:

They have the deepest pockets and highest insurance limits
They’re vicariously liable for their drivers’ negligence
They can be directly liable for:
- Negligent hiring of unqualified drivers
- Negligent training and supervision
- Pressuring drivers to violate hours of service
- Deferred maintenance and inadequate inspections

Cargo Owners and Loading Companies

When improperly secured or overweight cargo contributes to an accident, the:

Cargo owner
Shipper
Loading company

may share liability for failing to comply with FMCSA securement regulations.

Maintenance Companies

Third-party maintenance providers may be liable when:

Negligent repairs fail to fix safety issues
Improper brake adjustments cause failures
Substandard parts are used in repairs
Vehicles are returned to service with known defects

Truck and Parts Manufacturers

When defective equipment contributes to an accident, manufacturers may be liable for:

Brake system defects
Tire defects causing blowouts
Steering component failures
Lighting system defects
Underride guard failures

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

The Evidence We Preserve in Coppell Trucking Cases

Critical evidence disappears quickly in trucking cases. Within 48 hours, we:

Send spoliation letters to all potentially liable parties demanding preservation of:
- ECM/Black box data
- ELD records
- Driver qualification files
- Maintenance records
- Dispatch logs
- Drug and alcohol test results
- Cell phone records
- Dashcam footage
Obtain ECM data showing:
- Speed before and during the crash
- Brake application timing
- Throttle position
- Following distance
- GPS location history
Secure ELD records proving:
- Hours of service compliance
- Driving time violations
- Rest break violations
- False log entries
Preserve physical evidence including:
- The truck and trailer
- Failed components
- Cargo securement devices
- Tire remnants
Document the scene with:
- Photographs of vehicle damage
- Skid mark analysis
- Road condition documentation
- Weather data

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Coppell Trucking Case?

25+ Years of Experience Fighting Trucking Companies

Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has been fighting for truck accident victims across Texas since 1998. With over 25 years of experience, he has secured multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements against major trucking companies.

Former Insurance Defense Attorney on Our Team

Our firm includes Lupe Peña, a former insurance defense attorney who knows exactly how trucking insurers evaluate and minimize claims. He spent years on the other side, learning their tactics. Now he uses that insider knowledge to fight for you.

“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 maximum compensation.”

Federal Court Experience

Ralph Manginello is admitted to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas, giving us the ability to handle interstate trucking cases that may be filed in federal court.

Documented Multi-Million Dollar Results

We’ve recovered millions for Coppell families devastated by 18-wheeler crashes:

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

4.9-Star Client Satisfaction

With 251+ Google reviews and a 4.9-star average rating, our clients consistently praise our:

Personal attention and family treatment
Fast case resolution
Maximum compensation results
Spanish-language services

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

Local Knowledge of Coppell Trucking Corridors

We know Coppell’s highways, interstates, and trucking patterns:

I-635 (LBJ Freeway) – High-risk interchange with I-35E
George Bush Turnpike (SH 161) – Major freight route
Dallas Parkway – Local delivery truck traffic
Denton Tap Road – Connects to major distribution centers
MacArthur Boulevard – Heavy truck traffic serving businesses

This local knowledge helps us build stronger cases for Coppell accident victims.

24/7 Availability When You Need Us Most

Trucking accidents don’t happen on a 9-to-5 schedule. We’re available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to:

Answer your emergency questions
Send preservation letters immediately
Begin investigating your case right away

What to Do After an 18-Wheeler Accident in Coppell

Immediate Steps

Call 911 – Report the accident and request medical assistance
Seek medical attention – Even if injuries seem minor, get checked at a Coppell hospital or urgent care
Document the scene – Take photos and videos of:
- Vehicle damage (all vehicles involved)
- Road conditions and skid marks
- Traffic signs and signals
- Your injuries
- The accident scene from multiple angles
Collect information including:
- Truck driver’s name, CDL number, and contact information
- Trucking company name and DOT number
- License plate numbers for all vehicles
- Witness names and contact information
Do NOT give recorded statements to any insurance company
Call Attorney911 immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911

Within 24-48 Hours

Contact our Coppell trucking accident attorneys
We’ll send spoliation letters to preserve critical evidence
We’ll begin investigating all potentially liable parties
We’ll help you get the medical care you need

Long-Term Recovery

Follow all medical treatment recommendations
Keep records of all medical visits and expenses
Document how your injuries affect your daily life
Stay in communication with our legal team
Let us handle all negotiations with insurance companies

Coppell Trucking Accident Case Results

Recent verdicts in Texas demonstrate what’s possible when trucking companies are held accountable:

$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 – Trucking verdict (2024)
$35.5 Million – Family injured in truck accident (Texas)
$35 Million – Fort Worth trucking verdict (2025)

While these cases aren’t ours, they show the level of compensation juries award when trucking companies act with gross negligence.

Coppell-Specific Trucking Accident Concerns

I-635 Corridor Risks

The I-635 corridor through Coppell is one of the most dangerous stretches of highway in the Dallas-Fort Worth area. The combination of:

Heavy truck traffic
Congested interchanges (especially with I-35E)
High speeds
Frequent lane changes
Construction zones

creates a perfect storm for trucking accidents. We’ve handled numerous cases involving rear-end collisions, jackknife accidents, and rollovers on this corridor.

George Bush Turnpike Challenges

The George Bush Turnpike (SH 161) serves as a major freight route connecting Coppell to the DFW metroplex. The:

Steep grades
Sharp curves
High truck volume
Toll plaza congestion

create unique accident risks. We’ve seen cases involving brake failures on descents, rollovers from improperly secured cargo, and collisions at toll plazas.

Local Delivery Truck Dangers

Coppell’s growing business community means more local delivery trucks on our roads. These vehicles:

Make frequent stops
Often park illegally
Have tight delivery schedules
May have less experienced drivers

We’ve handled cases involving delivery truck accidents at intersections, in parking lots, and during loading/unloading operations.

Airport Cargo Operations

Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport’s cargo operations generate significant truck traffic in Coppell. These trucks:

Operate on tight schedules
Often carry time-sensitive cargo
May have drivers unfamiliar with local roads
Create congestion near airport access points

We understand the unique pressures faced by airport cargo carriers and how those pressures can lead to safety violations.

The Attorney911 Difference for Coppell Families

Personal Attention from Day One

Unlike large billboard firms that treat you like a case number, we provide personal attention throughout your case. When you call Attorney911, you’ll speak directly with our attorneys, not case managers or paralegals.

“Ralph reached out personally.”
— Dame Haskett, Attorney911 Client

We Take Cases Other Firms Reject

Many Coppell trucking accident victims come to us after being turned away by other firms. We evaluate each case on its merits and are willing to fight for clients that other attorneys won’t accept.

“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

Faster Resolution Than Competitors

While some firms take years to resolve cases, we work efficiently to get you compensation as quickly as possible without sacrificing value.

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

Direct Access to Your Attorney

At Attorney911, you’ll have direct access to your attorney throughout your case. We’re available to answer your questions and provide updates whenever you need us.

Spanish-Language Services

Coppell’s diverse community includes many Spanish-speaking residents. Our associate attorney Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish and provides direct representation without interpreters.

Hablamos Español. Llame a Lupe Peña al 1-888-ATTY-911.

Coppell Trucking Accident FAQ

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

If you’ve been in a trucking accident in Coppell, 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. Coppell hospitals like Medical City Las Colinas 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 Coppell?

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 Coppell?

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 Coppell?

Multiple parties may be liable in 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 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.

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 but for trucks. 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 in Coppell?

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 Coppell?

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 Coppell?

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 Coppell?

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.

How much insurance do trucking companies carry?

Federal law requires minimum liability coverage:

$750,000 for non-hazardous freight
$1,000,000 for oil, large equipment
$5,000,000 for hazardous materials

Many carriers carry $1-5 million or more. This higher coverage means catastrophic injuries can actually be compensated.

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.

Don’t Let the Trucking Company Win

If you’ve been injured in an 18-wheeler accident in Coppell, time is critical. Evidence is disappearing every hour. The trucking company has lawyers working right now to protect their interests. You deserve the same level of representation.

Call Attorney911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation. Our Coppell trucking accident attorneys offer:

Free case evaluations
No upfront costs
Contingency fee – you pay nothing unless we win
24/7 availability
Spanish-language services

“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

Contact Attorney911 Today

Toll-Free: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
Direct: (713) 528-9070
Email: ralph@atty911.com
Website: https://attorney911.com