18-Wheeler Accidents in Haslet, Texas: Your Complete Legal Guide

If you’ve been injured in an 18-wheeler accident in Haslet, Texas, you’re facing one of the most complex and high-stakes legal challenges of your life. The massive size difference between commercial trucks and passenger vehicles means these crashes often result in catastrophic injuries or wrongful death. At Attorney911, we’ve been fighting for Haslet truck accident victims for over 25 years, and we know exactly how to hold negligent trucking companies accountable.

Why Haslet’s Highways Are Particularly Dangerous for Truck Accidents

Haslet sits at a critical juncture in North Texas’s transportation network. The convergence of major highways creates unique risks for truck accidents:

Interstate 35W runs through the heart of Haslet, connecting to Fort Worth and beyond. This major north-south corridor carries heavy truck traffic from Mexico to Canada, including many cross-border shipments.
Highway 114 serves as an important east-west route linking Haslet to Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport and the Mid-Cities area, creating frequent merging and lane-change hazards.
Highway 287 provides access to Fort Worth and Arlington, with significant truck traffic serving the region’s manufacturing and distribution centers.
FM 156 and FM 114 are rural routes that trucks use to access industrial areas, often carrying oversized or hazardous loads.

These highways intersect near major distribution centers, creating congestion points where truck accidents frequently occur. The mix of local commuter traffic with long-haul trucking creates dangerous conditions, especially during rush hours and holiday shipping seasons.

The Most Common Types of 18-Wheeler Accidents in Haslet

Jackknife Accidents on Haslet’s Highways

Jackknife accidents are particularly common on Haslet’s highways, especially during wet weather or sudden traffic slowdowns. When a truck’s cab and trailer fold at an angle, the trailer can sweep across multiple lanes, causing devastating multi-vehicle collisions.

Haslet-Specific Risk Factors:

Sudden traffic slowdowns on I-35W near the Alliance Airport area
Wet conditions on Highway 114 during North Texas thunderstorms
Improperly loaded trailers from local distribution centers
Brake failures on steep grades approaching the Trinity River

Underride Collisions: Haslet’s Deadliest Truck Accidents

Underride accidents, where a passenger vehicle slides underneath a truck’s trailer, are among the most deadly truck accidents. In Haslet, these often occur:

At intersections where trucks make wide right turns
When trucks stop suddenly on highways without proper warning
In low-light conditions on rural routes like FM 156
When trailers lack proper underride guards

These accidents frequently result in decapitation or catastrophic head injuries. Despite federal safety regulations, many trailers operating in Haslet still lack adequate rear and side underride protection.

Rollover Accidents on Haslet’s Distribution Corridors

With numerous distribution centers and warehouses in the Haslet area, rollover accidents are a significant risk. These often occur:

When trucks take exit ramps too fast
During sudden lane changes to avoid traffic
When cargo shifts in transit from local loading docks
On Highway 114’s curves near the Haslet city limits

The high center of gravity on fully loaded trailers makes them particularly susceptible to rollovers, especially when drivers are rushing to meet delivery deadlines.

Rear-End Collisions: Haslet’s Most Common Truck Accident

Rear-end collisions are the most frequent type of truck accident in Haslet. These happen when:

Trucks follow too closely on congested I-35W
Drivers are distracted by dispatch communications
Brake systems fail due to poor maintenance
Drivers are fatigued from long hauls

A fully loaded 18-wheeler requires 40-50% more stopping distance than a passenger vehicle. At 65 mph, that means nearly 600 feet – about the length of two football fields – to come to a complete stop.

Tire Blowouts: A Growing Hazard on Haslet Roads

Texas’s extreme heat and long highway stretches make tire blowouts a serious concern. In Haslet, blowouts frequently occur:

On I-35W during summer months when temperatures exceed 100°F
When trucks are overloaded at local distribution centers
Due to inadequate tire maintenance
From road debris on Highway 287

Steer tire blowouts (front tires) are especially dangerous as they can cause immediate loss of control. The debris from blown truck tires – known as “road gators” – also creates hazards for other motorists.

Why Haslet Truck Accidents Are More Complex Than Car Accidents

Multiple Potentially Liable Parties

In a typical Haslet car accident, you might sue one other driver. In trucking accidents, multiple parties may share responsibility:

The Truck Driver – For violations of FMCSA regulations
The Trucking Company – For negligent hiring, training, or supervision
The Cargo Owner – For improper loading instructions
The Loading Company – For improper cargo securement
The Truck Manufacturer – For defective components
Parts Manufacturers – For defective brakes, tires, or other components
Maintenance Companies – For negligent repairs
Freight Brokers – For negligent carrier selection
Government Entities – For dangerous road conditions

Our team investigates every possible defendant to maximize your recovery. In one recent Haslet case, we identified seven potentially liable parties, significantly increasing our client’s settlement.

Federal Regulations Create Powerful Evidence

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations provide clear standards for truck safety. When trucking companies violate these rules, it creates strong evidence of negligence. Common violations in Haslet truck accidents include:

Hours of Service Violations (49 CFR Part 395) – Drivers exceeding 11-hour driving limits or 14-hour duty windows
False Log Entries – Falsifying electronic logging device (ELD) records
Brake System Deficiencies (49 CFR § 393.48) – Worn brakes or improper adjustments
Cargo Securement Failures (49 CFR § 393.100-136) – Inadequate tiedowns or unbalanced loads
Driver Qualification Violations (49 CFR Part 391) – Hiring unqualified drivers
Drug and Alcohol Violations (49 CFR § 392.4/5) – Operating under the influence

Higher Insurance Limits Mean More Compensation Is Available

While Texas only requires $30,000 in liability coverage for passenger vehicles, federal law mandates much higher limits for commercial trucks:

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

Many Haslet trucking companies carry $1-5 million in coverage. This means catastrophic injuries can actually be compensated, rather than leaving victims with unpaid medical bills.

What to Do Immediately After a Haslet Truck Accident

Critical First Steps at the Scene

If you’re able to do so after a Haslet truck accident:

Call 911 immediately – Report the accident and request medical assistance
Seek medical attention – Even if injuries seem minor, get checked out
Document the scene – Take photos of all vehicle damage, road conditions, skid marks, and injuries
Get truck information – Record the trucking company name, DOT number, license plate, and driver information
Collect witness information – Get names and contact information from any witnesses
Do NOT give recorded statements – Insurance adjusters will try to get you to say things that hurt your case
Call Attorney911 immediately – 1-888-ATTY-911

Why Time Is Critical in Haslet Truck Accident Cases

Evidence disappears quickly in trucking cases. Critical data that can be lost includes:

ECM/Black Box Data – Can be overwritten in 30 days
ELD Records – May be retained only 6 months
Dashcam Footage – Often deleted within 7-14 days
Surveillance Video – Business cameras typically overwrite in 7-30 days
Physical Evidence – Vehicles may be repaired, sold, or scrapped
Witness Memory – Fades significantly within weeks

We send spoliation letters within hours of being retained to preserve this evidence before it’s lost forever.

How We Investigate Haslet Truck Accidents

Immediate Evidence Preservation

Within 24-48 hours of being hired, we:

Send formal spoliation letters to all potentially liable parties
Demand immediate download of ECM and ELD data
Secure the physical truck and trailer for inspection
Obtain police crash reports
Canvass the accident scene for surveillance cameras

Comprehensive Investigation Process

Our Haslet truck accident investigation includes:

Electronic Data Analysis
- ECM/Black box data showing speed, braking, and throttle position
- ELD records proving hours of service violations
- GPS tracking data showing the truck’s route and speed
- Cell phone records proving distracted driving
Driver Qualification Review
- Employment application and background check
- Driving record and previous employers
- Medical certification and drug test history
- Training records
Maintenance and Inspection Records
- Pre-trip and post-trip inspection reports
- Annual inspection records
- Repair and maintenance history
- Out-of-service orders and corrections
Company Safety Records
- CSA (Compliance, Safety, Accountability) scores
- Inspection history and violation patterns
- Previous accident history
- Safety rating
Cargo and Loading Documentation
- Bill of lading and cargo manifest
- Loading instructions and procedures
- Weight tickets from scales
- Securement equipment used
Accident Reconstruction
- Skid mark analysis
- Vehicle damage patterns
- Crash dynamics modeling
- Visibility and sightline analysis

Common Injuries in Haslet 18-Wheeler Accidents

The massive size and weight of commercial trucks mean accidents often result in catastrophic injuries:

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)

TBI occurs when the brain impacts the inside of the skull due to sudden acceleration or deceleration. In Haslet truck accidents, we commonly see:

Mild TBI (Concussion) – Headaches, confusion, memory problems
Moderate TBI – Extended unconsciousness, cognitive deficits
Severe TBI – Coma, permanent cognitive impairment

Symptoms may not appear immediately, which is why seeking medical attention is critical. Lifetime care for severe TBI can exceed $3 million.

Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis

Spinal cord damage often results in permanent paralysis:

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

The level of injury determines the extent of paralysis. Injuries higher on the spinal cord (cervical spine) affect more body functions and may require ventilator support. Lifetime care costs for quadriplegia can exceed $5 million.

Amputations

Amputations occur when limbs are severed at the scene or so severely damaged they must be surgically removed. Haslet truck accidents often result in:

Traumatic amputations from crushing injuries
Surgical amputations due to severe fractures or infections
Multiple limb amputations

Amputees face ongoing medical needs including prosthetic limbs ($5,000-$50,000 each), physical therapy, and psychological counseling.

Severe Burns

Burns occur in Haslet truck accidents when:

Fuel tanks rupture and ignite
Hazardous materials spill and catch fire
Electrical systems short circuit
Friction burns occur from road contact

Burn injuries require extensive treatment including skin grafts, reconstructive surgery, and long-term rehabilitation. Severe burns often result in permanent scarring and disfigurement.

Internal Organ Damage

The extreme forces in truck accidents can cause internal injuries that may not be immediately apparent:

Liver lacerations or rupture
Spleen damage requiring removal
Kidney injuries
Lung contusions or pneumothorax
Internal bleeding
Bowel and intestinal damage

These injuries can be life-threatening and require emergency surgery.

Wrongful Death

When a Haslet truck accident kills a loved one, surviving family members may bring a wrongful death claim. Under Texas law, you may recover:

Lost future income and benefits
Loss of consortium (companionship and guidance)
Mental anguish and emotional suffering
Funeral and burial expenses
Medical expenses before death
Punitive damages if gross negligence is proven

How Haslet Truck Accident Cases Are Valued

The value of your Haslet truck accident case depends on multiple factors:

Economic Damages

Medical Expenses – Past, present, and future medical costs
Lost Wages – Income lost due to injury and recovery
Lost Earning Capacity – Reduction in future earning ability
Property Damage – Vehicle repair or replacement
Out-of-Pocket Expenses – Transportation, home modifications, etc.
Life Care Costs – Ongoing care for catastrophic injuries

Non-Economic Damages

Pain and Suffering – Physical pain from injuries
Mental Anguish – Psychological trauma, anxiety, depression
Loss of Enjoyment – Inability to participate in activities
Disfigurement – Scarring, visible injuries
Loss of Consortium – Impact on marriage/family relationships
Physical Impairment – Reduced physical capabilities

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 law caps punitive damages at the greater of:

$200,000, OR
Two times economic damages plus non-economic damages (up to $750,000)

Recent Haslet Truck Accident Cases and Trends

While we can’t discuss specific cases we’ve handled, recent truck accident trends in the Haslet area include:

A significant increase in accidents involving Amazon delivery trucks
Multiple crashes on I-35W involving fatigued drivers
Several rollover accidents near Haslet’s distribution centers
A pattern of brake failures on trucks operating in the area
Multiple underride accidents at intersections

These trends highlight the importance of thorough investigation and aggressive representation in Haslet truck accident cases.

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Haslet Truck Accident Case

25+ Years of Trucking Litigation Experience

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

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

Insider Knowledge of Insurance Company Tactics

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

Proven Track Record of Results

We’ve recovered millions for Haslet truck accident victims, including:

$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

Comprehensive Resources

We have the resources to handle complex trucking cases:

Immediate evidence preservation protocols
Access to top accident reconstruction experts
Medical experts to establish injury causation
Vocational experts to calculate lost earning capacity
Economic experts to determine present value of damages
Life care planners for catastrophic injury cases

Personalized Attention

Unlike large billboard firms that treat you like a number, we treat our Haslet clients like family. You’ll work directly with Ralph Manginello and our team, not be passed off to paralegals or junior associates.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions About Haslet Truck Accidents

What should I do immediately after a Haslet truck accident?

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 at 1-888-ATTY-911 immediately

Who can I sue after a Haslet 18-wheeler accident?

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)

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 were less than 50% responsible. Our job is to investigate thoroughly, gather evidence (especially ECM and ELD data), and prove what really happened.

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.

How long do I have to file a Haslet truck accident lawsuit?

Texas has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims. However, you should never wait. Evidence disappears quickly in trucking cases. The sooner you contact us, the stronger your case will be.

How much are Haslet truck accident cases worth?

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.

Will my Haslet truck 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.

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.

What if I was partially at fault for the Haslet truck accident?

Texas follows modified comparative negligence. As long as you were less than 50% at fault, you can still recover damages. Your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you were 20% at fault, you would recover 80% of your damages.

How do I prove the truck driver was fatigued?

We use multiple methods to prove fatigue:

ELD data showing hours of service violations
ECM data showing erratic driving patterns
Dispatch records showing unrealistic schedules
Cell phone records showing late-night communications
Witness testimony about driver behavior
Expert analysis of accident reconstruction

What if the trucking company goes bankrupt?

We investigate all potentially liable parties and their insurance coverage. Even if the trucking company goes bankrupt, other defendants (cargo owners, loading companies, manufacturers) may still be liable. We also explore all available insurance policies.

Can I access the trucking company’s safety record?

Yes. The 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 Haslet’s roads.

What if I don’t have health insurance?

We can help you get medical treatment through:

Letters of Protection (LOP) with medical providers
Medical payment coverage from your auto policy
Health insurance (if available)
Medicaid or Medicare (if eligible)

You won’t be denied medical care because of lack of insurance.

How long does a Haslet truck accident case take?

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.

Contact Haslet’s Trusted Truck Accident Attorneys

If you or a loved one has been injured in an 18-wheeler accident in Haslet, time is critical. Evidence is disappearing every day. The trucking company has lawyers working to protect their interests – you need someone protecting yours.

Call Attorney911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation. Our Haslet truck accident attorneys are available 24/7 to help you. We’ll send a preservation letter today to protect your evidence and start building your case.

Remember: We work on contingency – you pay nothing unless we win your case. Don’t face the trucking companies alone. Call Attorney911 – we’re here to fight for you.

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

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

Hablamos Español. Llame a Lupe Peña al 1-888-ATTY-911 para una consulta gratis.