18-Wheeler Accident Lawyers in Euless, Texas

Every year, thousands of trucking accidents occur on Euless highways and throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in an 18-wheeler accident in Euless, you need an attorney who understands federal trucking regulations and knows how to hold negligent trucking companies accountable.

At Attorney911, we’ve been fighting for truck accident victims across Texas for over 25 years. Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has federal court experience and has secured multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements for families devastated by 18-wheeler crashes. We know Euless’s trucking corridors, from Highway 183 to the nearby I-820 and I-35W interchanges, where commercial traffic converges with local commuters.

Why Euless Trucking Accidents Are Different

Euless sits at the heart of the DFW transportation network, with major distribution centers, truck stops, and freight corridors that see heavy commercial traffic. The city’s position near Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport and major highways creates unique challenges:

• Highway 183 corridor – A major east-west route connecting DFW Airport to Fort Worth
• I-820 interchange – Heavy truck traffic from distribution centers and manufacturing facilities
• Industrial zones – Numerous warehouses and logistics operations
• Airport-related freight – Significant cargo trucking serving DFW Airport
• Construction zones – Ongoing infrastructure projects create hazardous conditions

This concentration of truck traffic means Euless sees more than its share of catastrophic trucking accidents. The size and weight disparity between 80,000-pound trucks and passenger vehicles makes these collisions particularly devastating.

Common Causes of 18-Wheeler Accidents in Euless

Our experience with Euless trucking cases has revealed several recurring causes:

Driver Fatigue and Hours of Service Violations

Federal regulations limit truck 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 consistently find Euless trucking companies pressuring drivers to violate these rules. Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) now provide objective evidence of these violations, which we use to prove negligence.

Improper Maintenance and Equipment Failures

Euless’s trucking corridors see heavy use, and poorly maintained vehicles are a major hazard. Common maintenance failures we investigate:

• Brake failures – Worn brake pads, improper adjustment, or air system leaks
• Tire blowouts – Underinflated, overloaded, or aged tires
• Lighting failures – Non-functioning headlights, brake lights, or turn signals
• Coupling failures – Defective fifth wheels or hitches causing trailer separation
• Steering failures – Worn or defective steering components

Distracted and Impaired Driving

Despite strict regulations, we find Euless truck drivers distracted by:

• Cell phone use – Texting or talking while driving
• In-cab electronics – GPS devices, dispatch systems, or entertainment
• Fatigue – Driving beyond legal limits
• Drugs and alcohol – Despite mandatory testing requirements

Cargo-Related Accidents

Euless’s position as a logistics hub means many trucks carry specialized cargo that creates unique hazards:

• Overloaded trailers – Exceeding weight limits affects stopping distance
• Improperly secured loads – Shifting cargo causes rollovers
• Hazardous materials – Spills create additional dangers
• Liquid loads – “Slosh” effect destabilizes trucks during turns
• Oversized loads – Wide or tall loads create visibility issues

Euless-Specific Factors

Several local factors contribute to trucking accidents in our community:

• Construction zones – Highway 183 and other major routes often have lane closures and reduced speed limits
• Airport-related traffic – Trucks serving DFW Airport create congestion
• Distribution center traffic – Peak delivery times create heavy truck flows
• Weather conditions – North Texas heat causes tire blowouts, while sudden storms create hazardous conditions
• Driver unfamiliarity – Out-of-state drivers unfamiliar with Euless roads and traffic patterns

Catastrophic Injuries from Euless Trucking Accidents

The physics of 18-wheeler accidents make catastrophic injuries the norm in Euless collisions:

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

TBI occurs when the brain impacts the inside of the skull due to extreme forces. In Euless trucking accidents, we see:

• Mild TBI (concussion) – Headaches, confusion, brief loss of consciousness
• Moderate TBI – Extended unconsciousness, memory problems
• Severe TBI – Extended coma, permanent cognitive impairment

Many TBI victims require lifelong care, with costs ranging from $85,000 to $3 million or more.

Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis

The force of a truck collision can sever or damage the spinal cord, resulting in:

• Paraplegia – Loss of function below the waist
• Quadriplegia – Loss of function in all four limbs
• Incomplete injuries – Partial loss of sensation or movement

Lifetime care costs for spinal cord injuries range from $1.1 million to $5 million or more.

Amputations

Crushing forces from truck impacts often result in traumatic amputations or require surgical removal of limbs. Victims face:

• Prosthetic costs ($5,000-$50,000 per limb)
• Ongoing rehabilitation
• Career limitations
• Psychological trauma

Severe Burns

Fuel tank ruptures, hazmat spills, and electrical fires cause devastating burns:

• First-degree – Minor, heals without scarring
• Second-degree – May scar, may need grafting
• Third-degree – Requires skin grafts, permanent scarring
• Fourth-degree – Extends to muscle/bone, may require amputation

Internal Organ Damage

The force of truck collisions can cause:

• Liver lacerations
• Spleen damage
• Kidney injuries
• Lung contusions
• Internal bleeding

Wrongful Death

When a trucking accident kills a loved one, Texas law allows surviving family members to pursue wrongful death claims for:

• Lost future income
• Loss of companionship
• Mental anguish
• Funeral expenses
• Punitive damages (in cases of gross negligence)

Who Is Liable in Your Euless Trucking Accident?

Unlike car accidents, trucking cases often involve multiple liable parties. We investigate every potential defendant to maximize your recovery:

The Truck Driver

The driver may be liable for:

• Speeding or reckless driving
• Distracted driving
• Fatigued driving beyond legal limits
• Impaired driving (drugs or alcohol)
• Failure to conduct proper inspections
• Violation of traffic laws

The Trucking Company

Trucking companies are often the primary defendants because they have the deepest pockets. They may be liable for:

Vicarious Liability:

• The driver was an employee acting within the scope of employment

Direct Negligence:

• Negligent hiring – Failing to check the driver’s background
• Negligent training – Inadequate safety training
• Negligent supervision – Failing to monitor driver performance
• Negligent maintenance – Poor vehicle upkeep
• Negligent scheduling – Pressuring drivers to violate HOS regulations

Cargo Owners and Shippers

The company that owned the cargo may be liable for:

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

Cargo Loading Companies

Third-party loading companies may be liable for:

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

Truck and Parts Manufacturers

Manufacturers may be liable for defective products:

• Brake system failures
• Tire defects
• Steering component failures
• Defective safety systems
• Design flaws

Maintenance Companies

Third-party maintenance providers may be liable for:

• Negligent repairs
• Failure to identify safety issues
• Improper brake adjustments
• Using substandard 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 limited circumstances, government agencies may be liable for:

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

Evidence Preservation: The 48-Hour Rule

In Euless 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

Our Immediate Response Protocol

When you call Attorney911 after an Euless trucking accident, we:

1. Send spoliation letters within 24-48 hours – Formal legal notices demanding preservation of all evidence
2. Demand ECM/Black Box data – Engine Control Module records speed, braking, and throttle position
3. Secure ELD records – Electronic Logging Device data proves hours of service violations
4. Obtain dashcam footage – Video evidence of the crash and driver behavior
5. Preserve physical evidence – The truck, trailer, and failed components
6. Collect witness statements – Before memories fade
7. Photograph the scene – Road conditions, skid marks, vehicle positions

Why Spoliation Letters Are Critical

A spoliation letter is a formal legal notice that:

• Puts defendants on legal notice of their preservation obligation
• Creates serious consequences if evidence is destroyed
• Allows courts to impose sanctions, adverse inferences, or default judgment
• Extends the duty to preserve beyond minimum FMCSA requirements

The sooner we send these letters, the more weight they carry.

FMCSA Regulations: Your Key to Proving Negligence

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulates all commercial motor vehicles operating in interstate commerce. These regulations are your key to proving negligence in Euless trucking cases.

The 6 Critical Parts of FMCSA Regulations

Common FMCSA Violations in Euless Cases

Hours of Service Violations (49 CFR Part 395):

• Driving beyond 11-hour limit
• Exceeding 14-hour duty window
• No 30-minute breaks
• Falsifying log entries
• No 34-hour restart

Driver Qualification Violations (49 CFR Part 391):

• No valid CDL
• Expired medical certificate
• No background check
• Incomplete Driver Qualification File
• Hiring drivers with poor safety records

Vehicle Maintenance Violations (49 CFR Part 396):

• No pre-trip inspections
• Ignored post-trip reports
• Deferred maintenance
• No annual inspection
• No maintenance records

Cargo Securement Violations (49 CFR Part 393):

• Inadequate tiedowns
• Improper load distribution
• No blocking or bracing
• Exceeding weight limits
• No cargo re-inspection

Driving Rule Violations (49 CFR Part 392):

• Speeding for conditions
• Following too closely
• Distracted driving
• Impaired driving
• No seatbelt use

Electronic Evidence: The Black Box of Trucks

Commercial trucks have sophisticated electronic systems that record operational data – similar to an airplane’s black box. This data is often the key to proving your case.

Types of Electronic Recording Systems

Critical Data Points We Obtain

• Speed before crash – Proves speeding or excessive speed for conditions
• Brake application – Shows when and how hard brakes were applied
• Throttle position – Reveals if driver was accelerating or coasting
• Following distance – Calculated from speed and deceleration data
• Hours of service – Proves fatigue and HOS violations
• GPS location – Confirms route and timing
• Fault codes – May reveal known mechanical issues

Why This Data Wins Cases

ECM/ELD data is objective and tamper-resistant. It directly contradicts driver claims of “I wasn’t speeding” or “I hit my brakes immediately.” This data has led to multi-million dollar verdicts in trucking cases.

The Insurance Battle: How We Fight Back

Our firm includes Lupe Peña, a former insurance defense attorney who knows exactly how large insurance companies evaluate, minimize, and deny trucking accident claims. Now he uses that knowledge to fight FOR accident victims, not against them.

Common Insurance Tactics and Our Counter-Strategies

What Your Euless Trucking Accident Case Is Worth

Case values depend on many factors specific to your situation:

Economic Damages (Calculable Losses)

Non-Economic Damages (Quality of Life)

Punitive Damages

Punitive damages may be available when the trucking company acted with:

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

Texas-Specific Considerations

• No cap on compensatory damages for trucking accidents
• Punitive damages capped at the greater of:
  • 2x economic damages + non-economic damages (capped at $750,000)
  • OR $200,000
• Comparative negligence – You can recover if less than 50% at fault
• 2-year statute of limitations – Must file lawsuit within 2 years

Recent Trucking Verdicts and Settlements in Texas

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
• $90 Million – Houston truck driver burned in explosion
• $37.5 Million – Texas trucking verdict (2024)
• $35.5 Million – Texas family injured in truck accident
• $35 Million – Fort Worth, Texas – Largest verdict in Tarrant County

These verdicts show that Texas juries are willing to hold trucking companies accountable for negligence.

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Euless Trucking Case

25+ Years of Experience

Ralph Manginello has been fighting for injury victims since 1998. His experience includes:

• 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
• 251+ Google reviews with a 4.9-star average

Insider Knowledge of Insurance Tactics

Our associate attorney Lupe Peña spent years working at a national insurance defense firm. He knows:

• How insurance companies value claims
• How adjusters are trained to minimize payouts
• What makes them settle
• How they deny claims
• Their claims valuation software (Colossus, etc.)

Aggressive Evidence Preservation

We move fast 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 video
• Photograph all damage before repair

Proven Track Record

We’ve recovered millions for Texas trucking accident victims, including:

• $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 trucking-related wrongful death cases

Local Knowledge

We know Euless’s:

• Trucking corridors and accident hotspots
• Local courts and judges
• Distribution centers and truck stops
• Weather patterns affecting trucking
• Juror attitudes toward trucking cases

No Fee Unless We Win

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.

What to Do After an 18-Wheeler Accident in Euless

If you’ve been in a trucking accident in Euless, take these steps immediately:

1. Call 911 – Report the accident and request medical assistance
2. Seek medical attention – Even if injuries seem minor, get checked out
3. Document the scene – Take photos of:
   • All vehicle damage
   • The accident scene
   • Road conditions
   • Skid marks
   • Traffic signs and signals
   • Your injuries
4. Collect information – Get:
   • Truck driver’s name and contact information
   • Trucking company name and DOT number
   • Insurance information
   • Witness names and contact information
5. Do NOT give statements – Never give recorded statements to any insurance company
6. Call Attorney911 immediately – Critical evidence disappears quickly

Common Questions About Euless Trucking Accidents

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

If you’ve been in a trucking accident in Euless, 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. Euless hospitals like Medical City Healthcare 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 Euless?

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 Euless?

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 Euless?

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 responsible 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.

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 – 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
• 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 Euless?

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 Euless?

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 Euless?

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 Euless?

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.

Contact Attorney911 Today

If you or a loved one has been injured in an 18-wheeler accident in Euless, don’t wait. Critical evidence is disappearing every hour.

Call us now at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation.

We’re available 24/7 to help Euless trucking accident victims. Our team includes a former insurance defense attorney who knows every tactic the trucking company will use against you. With 25+ years of experience and millions recovered for Texas families, we have the knowledge and resources to fight for the compensation you deserve.

Hablamos Español. Our associate attorney Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish and provides direct representation without interpreters. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911.

Don’t let the trucking company push you around. Call Attorney911 today.