Mansfield Truck Accident Guide: Fighting for Your Future After a Commercial Vehicle Crash
One moment, you are driving home from work along US-287 in Mansfield, perhaps thinking about dinner or your children’s soccer practice at the Mansfield National Golf Club. The next, your rearview mirror is filled with the grill of an 80,000-pound 18-wheeler. There is a screech of air brakes, the smell of burning rubber, and then—impact. Your car, weighing barely 4,000 pounds, is no match for the massive kinetic energy of a commercial vehicle. In that single instant, your life in Mansfield changes forever.
We understand the terror of that moment. We know the silence that follows the crash, the sound of sirens approaching Heritage Parkway, and the overwhelming confusion that sets in as you are rushed to a trauma center. At Attorney911, we don’t just see you as a case number on a Tarrant County court docket. Since 1998, Ralph Manginello has viewed our clients as family. With over 25 years of experience in the courtroom and admission to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas, Ralph has dedicated his career to making sure that “David” has the strength to take down “Goliath.”
When you’re hit by a truck in Mansfield, you’re not just fighting a driver. You’re fighting a multi-billion dollar trucking corporation, a team of aggressive insurance adjusters, and an army of defense lawyers. They are already working to minimize your pain. We are here to maximize your recovery.
If you or a loved one has been injured, the clock is already ticking. Evidence in Mansfield trucking cases can disappear in as little as 30 days. Call us 24/7 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, no-obligation consultation. You pay nothing unless we win.
Why Mansfield Truck Accidents Are a Critical Legal Emergency
Mansfield is one of the fastest-growing cities in the DFW Metroplex. While that growth brings opportunity, it also brings a staggering volume of commercial traffic. With the expansion of SH-360 and the constant flow of freight along US-287 and FM-157, Mansfield has become a hub for 18-wheelers, delivery vans, and construction vehicles.
A truck accident in Mansfield isn’t a “glorified car wreck.” It is a complex legal battle involving federal regulations, electronic data, and multiple layers of corporate insurance. Most personal injury firms in North Texas handle car accidents and “dabble” in trucks. At The Manginello Law Firm, we are truck accident specialists.
Our team includes associate attorney Lupe Peña, who brings a unique “insider” advantage to your case. Before joining our side of the aisle, Lupe worked for a national insurance defense firm. He knows their playbook because he helped write it. He understands exactly how adjusters in Tarrant County evaluate claims and where they hide the money you deserve. When we walk into negotiations, they know we have a former “insider” who can see right through their lowball offers.
Hablamos Español. Llame a Lupe Peña al 1-888-ATTY-911 para una consulta gratuita.
The Physics of Devastation: Why 18-Wheelers Kill
Think an 18-wheeler is just a big car? Think again. The physics of a collision on a Mansfield highway are brutal. A fully loaded semi-truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds. Your sedan or SUV likely weighs between 3,000 and 5,000 pounds. That 20-to-1 weight ratio means that in any conflict between a truck and a car, the car—and the people inside it—always lose.
Consider the stopping distances. If a driver is speeding on the SH-360 frontage road at 65 mph, a passenger car can come to a stop in about 300 feet. A fully loaded 18-wheeler needs over 525 feet—nearly two full football fields. If that driver is fatigued, distracted by a dispatch device, or hauling an overweight load from a Mansfield construction site, they simply cannot stop in time to avoid the traffic backup ahead.
We have seen the results of these physics firsthand. Our firm has recovered over $50 million for Texas families, including multi-million dollar settlements for traumatic brain injuries ($1.5M – $9.8M range) and amputations ($1.9M – $8.6M range). We know that your medical bills aren’t just numbers; they are the weight of your future. We fight to lift that weight.
Major Accident Types on Mansfield Roads
Every trucking accident has a unique mechanical fingerprint. To win your case, we must understand the specific physics of how the crash occurred. We work with top-tier accident reconstruction engineers to analyze the scene before the Mansfield Police Department clears the debris.
Jackknife Accidents on US-287
A jackknife occurs when a truck’s drive wheels lock up, but the trailer continues forward, swinging out at a 90-degree angle. On the high-speed stretches of US-287, a jackknifing trailer can sweep across three lanes of traffic, creating a wall of steel that no Mansfield driver can escape. These are often caused by improper braking or equipment failure, violations of 49 CFR Part 393.
Rollover Crashes Near SH-360
Trucks have a high center of gravity. If a driver takes the cloverleaf exit onto SH-360 too fast, or if a load of gravel from a Mansfield quarry shifts, the truck will tip. Rollovers often lead to secondary accidents, including cargo spills and fires. Under 49 CFR § 392.6, trucking companies are forbidden from scheduling runs that require drivers to exceed safe speeds to meet deadlines. We find the evidence that proves they pushed the driver too hard.
Underride Collisions: The Most Lethal Danger
Perhaps the most horrifying accident we handle in Mansfield is the underride collision. This occurs when a smaller vehicle slides underneath the back or side of a trailer. Because the trailer bed is at head-height for a car passenger, these accidents are frequently fatal and often involve decapitation. While “Mansfield bars” (rear impact guards) are required by law, they often fail. If a faulty guard contributed to your loss, we pursue the manufacturer for product liability.
Wide Turn “Squeeze Play” at Mansfield Intersections
We all see trucks swinging wide to the left before making a right turn at intersections like Debbie Lane and Mouser Way. If a driver fails to check their blind spots or use proper signaling—violations of 49 CFR § 392.11—they can crush a smaller vehicle against the curb. As client Chad Harris said, “You are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.” We treat your wide-turn case with the scrutiny a family member would, ensuring the driver’s “blind spot” doesn’t become a blind spot for justice.
The 48-Hour Evidence Preservation Rule
If you’ve been hit by an 18-wheeler in Mansfield, you are in a race against time. The trucking company’s insurance team is likely at the scene before the tow truck arrives. Their job is to protect the company’s profit. Our job is to protect your rights.
Every hour you wait, evidence is disappearing.
Inside that truck is an Engine Control Module (ECM), often called a “Black Box.” This device records critical data:
- Exact speed at the moment of impact.
- When and if the driver hit the brakes.
- Throttle position and RPMs.
- Hard-braking events leading up to the crash.
In most cases, this data can be overwritten in as little as 30 days or simply by the truck being driven again. We send formal “Spoliation Letters” within 24 to 48 hours of being hired. This legal notice mandates that the company preserve the ECM data, the Electronic Logging Device (ELD) records, and the driver’s qualification file. If they destroy evidence after receiving our letter, we can ask the court for “adverse inference” sanctions, essentially telling the jury to assume the missing evidence proved the company’s guilt.
Don’t let them hide the truth. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 right now so we can lock down the evidence in your case.
FMCSA Regulations: The Laws They Broke to Hurt You
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has established a massive body of law known as the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (49 CFR 390-399). These aren’t suggestions; they are federal requirements. When a trucking company violates these rules in Mansfield, it is evidence of negligence.
Hours of Service (49 CFR Part 395)
Driver fatigue is a silent killer on Mansfield long-haul corridors. Federal law limits drivers to 11 hours of driving after 10 consecutive hours off. However, the pressure to deliver goods to DFW distribution centers is immense. Drivers often “fudge” their logs. We analyze the ELD data and cell phone pings to prove the driver was awake and behind the wheel for 14, 16, or even 20 hours. A fatigued driver has the same reaction time as a drunk driver.
Driver Qualification (49 CFR Part 391)
Trucking companies are required to thoroughly vet their drivers. This includes background checks, drug testing, and reviewing their motor vehicle record (MVR). If a company puts a driver on the road who has a history of accidents or a suspended CDL, they are liable for negligent hiring. Our founder, Ralph Manginello, has over two decades of experience subpoenaing these personnel files to expose companies that prioritize cheap labor over Mansfield’s safety.
Maintenance and Inspection (49 CFR Part 396)
Every truck must be systematically inspected and maintained. Brake failure is cited in nearly 30% of commercial crashes. If a trucking firm skipped a mandatory annual inspection to keep a rig on the road during a Mansfield construction boom, we will find the maintenance gap and hold them accountable.
Targeting Large Corporate Defendants in Mansfield
Mansfield’s proximity to the DFW regional hubs means you are often sharing the road with the world’s largest corporations. These aren’t just trucks; they are moving corporate assets.
Walmart Truck Accidents
Walmart operates one of the largest private fleets in the world. They are a “Self-Insured” giant. This means when a Walmart truck hits you on SH-360, their own internal risk management team handles the claim. They don’t have to answer to an outside insurance company; they answer to their own bottom line. We’ve gone toe-to-toe with the world’s largest corporations, and we don’t blink. We know their internal safety sets—like the Smith System—and we use their own standards to prove their negligence.
Amazon Delivery Van Wrecks
Amazon’s “last-mile” delivery vans are everywhere in Mansfield. Amazon often tries to shield itself from liability by using a “Delivery Service Partner” (DSP) model, claiming the driver is an independent contractor. We know how to pierce that shield. Amazon controls the route, the pace of delivery, and monitors the driver with Netradyne AI cameras. If Amazon’s algorithm pressured that driver to speed through your neighborhood, Amazon is responsible.
FedEx and UPS Accidents
While UPS drivers are typically employees, FedEx Ground uses a contractor model similar to Amazon. Regardless of the label on the paycheck, if the truck has the logo, we find the path to recovery. We’ve litigated against Walmart, Amazon, FedEx, and UPS. Their fleet of lawyers doesn’t intimidate us.
Whether you were hit by a Big Rig or an Amazon van, call 1-888-ATTY-911 for a fighter who knows the corporate playbook.
Beyond the 18-Wheeler: Every Commercial Vehicle in Mansfield
While 18-wheelers cause the most headlines, Mansfield roads are filled with other heavy commercial vehicles that are just as dangerous.
Dump Trucks and Concrete Mixers
Mansfield is a city of expansion. This means a constant flow of dump trucks and concrete mixers. A loaded concrete mixer can weigh 66,000 pounds. The rotating drum creates a dynamic weight shift that makes these vehicles incredibly prone to rollovers. If a construction truck left a site near Heritage Parkway and caused a wreck because of an unsecured tailgate or overloaded axles, we investigate the site owner and the hauling company.
Garbage Trucks and Waste Management
Garbage trucks operate in our quietest residential streets. They have massive blind spots and are often backing up in areas where children are walking to school. These vehicles are top-heavy and difficult to maneuver. If a waste management vehicle struck you or a loved one, we look for violations of municipal safety protocols and equipment failure.
Rental Moving Trucks (U-Haul/Penske)
This is a terrifying reality: anyone with a standard driver’s license can rent a 26,000-pound moving truck and drive it through Mansfield with zero training. These drivers don’t understand braking distances or height clearances. If a rental company “negligently entrusted” a massive vehicle to a driver who was clearly incapable or unlicensed, they may be liable.
Vulnerable Road Users: Pedestrians, Cyclists, and Motorcyclists
If you were hit by a truck while on a motorcycle or bicycle, there is no such thing as a “minor” injury. 80,000 pounds of steel against a human frame is a recipe for tragedy.
Motorcyclists vs. Trucks
Truckers often claim they “didn’t see” the motorcycle. Legally, that is not an excuse. Trucks are required by 49 CFR § 393.80 to have side and rear-view mirrors that eliminate blind spots. If a driver merged into you on US-287, they violated their duty of care. We have recovered millions for motorcyclists who were victims of truck driver inattention.
Pedestrians and Cyclists in Mansfield
The “Right Hook” is the most common way trucks kill cyclists. The truck turns right at an intersection, and the trailer sweeps over the cyclist legally in the bike lane. Because we know the physics of “off-tracking”—where the trailer tracks a tighter path than the cab—we can prove the driver should have known you were there.
Catastrophic Injuries: Protecting Your Quality of Life
A truck accident in Mansfield doesn’t just result in “soreness.” It results in life-altering trauma.
- Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): The brain is the body’s computer. A TBI can change your personality, your memory, and your ability to earn a living. Our firm has secured settlements as high as $9.8 million for brain injury victims.
- Spinal Cord Injury and Paralysis: A “complete” spinal cord injury means life in a wheelchair. We calculate the cost of 40 years of specialized medical equipment, home modifications, and 24/7 caregiving so you are never a burden on your family.
- Amputations: Crush injuries in 18-wheeler accidents often lead to surgical or traumatic loss of limbs. We fight for the cost of advanced robotic prosthetics and the painful rehabilitation that follows.
- Severe Burns: Fuel fires and chemical spills (HAZMAT) cause excruciating 3rd and 4th-degree burns. These require years of skin grafts and plastic surgery.
Every injury has a price. We make sure the trucking company pays it. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for an empathetic consultation.
Economic and Non-Economic Damages: What You Are Owed
In Mansfield, we pursue three categories of damages:
- Economic Damages: These are the calculable losses. Hospital bills from Mansfield Methodist, lost wages from your job at Mouser Electronics or local schools, and the cost of every future surgery you will ever need.
- Non-Economic Damages: This is the pain and suffering. As Glenda Walker said, “They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.” This includes the mental anguish of knowing your life will never be the same and the loss of companionship with your spouse.
- Punitive Damages: If we prove the trucking company acted with “gross negligence”—such as knowingly letting a driver operate with failed brakes—we can ask the jury to punish them with additional millions in damages to send a message.
Mansfield Truck Accident FAQ
How much is my case worth in Mansfield?
There is no “average” settlement. However, because commercial trucks carry $750,000 to $5,000,000 in insurance, the recovery is often much higher than a car accident. We look at your medical bills, your lifetime lost earnings, and the degree of the company’s negligence.
How long do I have to file a claim in Texas?
In Mansfield, you have exactly two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. If you miss this deadline, your right to compensation is gone forever. But remember: the evidence disappears in 30 days. Don’t wait for the two-year mark.
What if I was partially at fault?
Texas is a “51% bar” state. This means as long as you were 50% or less at fault, you can still recover money. If you were 20% at fault, your settlement is simply reduced by 20%. We fight to minimize any fault attributed to you.
What is a “Nuclear Verdict”?
A nuclear verdict is an award exceeding $10 million. It happens when a jury in Tarrant County sees a trucking company that clearly valued profit over human life. We use a strategy called the “Reptile Theory” to show the jury that by letting this company off easy, they are making Mansfield’s roads more dangerous for their own families.
Can I sue the company whose logo was on the truck?
Yes. Under the doctrine of “Ostensible Agency,” a company like Amazon or FedEx can be held liable if they led the public to believe the driver was their employee, even if they were technically a contractor. We have the experience to cut through these corporate masks.
Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Mansfield Case?
When 80,000 pounds of steel changes your life, you don’t need a lawyer who settles for the first offer. You need a fighter.
- 25+ Years of Front-Line Experience: Ralph Manginello has been litigating since 1998. He knows the courts, he knows the experts, and he knows how to win.
- The Defense Insider Advantage: With Lupe Peña on our team, we know exactly what the trucking company is saying about you behind closed doors. We anticipate their defenses before they even make them.
- The “One Company Said No” Advantage: As client Donald Wilcox said, “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.” We take the hard cases that other firms are too afraid to handle.
- Direct Attorney Access: You are not a file number. You will have your attorney’s direct cell phone. As Dame Haskett noted, “Ralph reached out personally.” That is the Attorney911 difference.
Your Journey to Justice Starts with One Call
The trucking company has already made its first move. Their lawyers are working. Their adjusters are reviewing the police reports. Their investigators are at the intersection where you almost lost your life.
What are you doing to protect yourself?
At the Manginello Law Firm, we treat you like family. We pride ourselves on our 4.9-star Google rating and the over 251 clients who have trusted us with their futures. Whether you were hit on US-287, SH-360, or a residential street in Mansfield, we are ready to stand by your side.
Hablamos Español. Consulta Gratis. 24/7.
Call 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911) right now. No fee unless we win. Zero upfront costs. Your fight is our fight.
Detailed Liable Parties Scenarios in Tarrant County
Most Mansfield firms only look at the driver. We go deeper. Here are the 16 parties we investigate for your recovery:
- The Driver: For speed, fatigue, or distraction.
- The Trucking Company: For negligent training and supervision.
- The Cargo Owner: If the freight itself (steel, chemicals) caused the crash.
- The Loading Company: For unbalanced loads that caused a rollover.
- The Truck Manufacturer: For defective brake or steering systems.
- The Parts Manufacturer: If a tire blowout was caused by a manufacturing defect.
- The Maintenance Shop: If the brakes weren’t adjusted during the last service.
- The Freight Broker: For hiring a carrier with a known “Unsatisfactory” safety rating.
- The Truck Owner: If they leased a dangerous vehicle to the company.
- Government Entities: If a road defect on a Tarrant County road contributed to the crash.
- The Corporate Parent: If the driver was an Amazon DSP or FedEx contractor.
- The Oilfield Operator: If the accident involved a haul from an active wellsite.
- The Staffing Agency: If they provided a driver who didn’t actually have a valid CDL.
- The Rental Company: If U-Haul or Penske rented to an obviously unfit driver.
- Public Transit Agency: If you were hit by a Tarrant County bus.
- The Federal Government: If a USPS mail truck or military vehicle was involved.
By identifying all 16 parties, we “stack” insurance policies. Instead of $750,000, we find millions. This is how we ensure your lifetime care is fully funded.
Protecting Mansfield Families Since 1998
We are proud of our roots and our results. We have handled cases against the biggest names in the business: Walmart, Coca-Cola, Amazon, FedEx, and UPS. We’ve been involved in massive litigation like the BP Refinery explosion. We have the resources and the tenacity to see your case through to the end.
As Ernest Cano said, “Mr. Manginello and his firm are first class. Will fight tooth and nail for you.”
Call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 today. Let’s make them pay for what they’ve done.
Mansfield Commercial Vehicle Accident Overview
| Vehicle Type | Weight Class | Primary Hazards | FMCSA Requirement |
|---|---|---|---|
| Semi-Truck | 80,000 lbs | Jackknife, Underride | 49 CFR Part 395 (HOS) |
| Dump Truck | 65,000 lbs | Overload, Rollover | 49 CFR Part 396 (Maint) |
| Amazon Van | 10,000 lbs | Speeding, Distraction | 49 CFR Part 391 (Quals) |
| Concrete Mixer | 70,000 lbs | Dynamic Slosh, Rollover | 49 CFR Part 393 (Cargo) |
| U-Haul/Rental | 26,000 lbs | Inexperience, Braking | Graves Amendment Issues |
Whether it was a massive 18-wheeler or a small delivery van, if it was a commercial vehicle, the rules are different. You need an attorney who speaks the language of truck litigation.
Hablamos Español. Llame al (888) 288-9911 para una consulta informativa y gratuita.
Your health and your family’s future are worth more than an insurance company’s bottom line. Let us show you why we are “Legal Emergency Lawyers™.”
Attorney911: Powerful & Proven. Because when disaster strikes, y’all need a fighter in your corner. Let’s get to work.
Final Mansfield Safety Reminder
Evidence in Mansfield trucking cases can be overwritten in 30 days.
Trucking companies start building their defense in 2 hours.
You have 2 years to file, but your case is won or lost in the first 48 hours.
Call 1-888-ATTY-911 now. We answer. We fight. We win.
