18-Wheeler Accident Attorneys in Mesquite, Texas
Every year, thousands of 18-wheeler accidents occur on Mesquite’s highways and trucking corridors. If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a trucking accident in Mesquite, you need an attorney who understands federal trucking regulations and how to hold negligent trucking companies accountable. At Attorney911, we’ve been fighting for truck accident victims across Texas for over 25 years, and we’re ready to fight for you.
Why Mesquite Trucking Accidents Are Different
Mesquite sits at a critical juncture of major trucking routes. Interstate 635 runs through the heart of the city, connecting to I-30 and I-20 just minutes away. These highways carry massive freight volumes between Dallas, Fort Worth, and points beyond. The distribution centers along I-635 and the industrial areas near the Dallas County line create a perfect storm of truck traffic and passenger vehicles sharing the road.
We know Mesquite’s trucking corridors intimately. From the I-635 interchange to the distribution hubs near the Dallas County line, we understand where and why truck accidents happen in our community. This local knowledge, combined with our deep understanding of FMCSA regulations, gives us an advantage in building your case.
The Devastating Reality of Trucking Accidents
The physics of 18-wheeler accidents make catastrophic injuries the norm, not the exception. A fully loaded truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds – that’s 20 to 25 times heavier than the average passenger car. When these massive vehicles collide with smaller cars, the results are often devastating.
In an instant, your life can change forever. The injuries we commonly see in Mesquite trucking accidents include:
- Traumatic brain injuries that alter personality and cognitive function
- Spinal cord damage leading to paralysis
- Amputations from crushing injuries
- Severe burns from fuel fires or hazardous cargo
- Internal organ damage from the force of impact
- Wrongful death of family members
These aren’t just injuries – they’re life-altering events that affect every aspect of your existence. The medical bills pile up quickly, and the road to recovery can be long and uncertain. That’s why you need an attorney who understands both the legal complexities and the human impact of these accidents.
The Attorney911 Difference
When you call Attorney911, you’re getting more than just a trucking accident attorney – you’re getting a team that includes a former insurance defense attorney. Lupe Peña spent years working for a national defense firm before joining our team. He knows exactly how insurance companies evaluate, minimize, and deny trucking accident claims. Now, he uses that insider knowledge to fight for you.
Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, brings 25+ years of experience fighting trucking companies. He’s secured multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts for families devastated by 18-wheeler crashes. With federal court admission to the Southern District of Texas, we have the capability to handle complex interstate trucking cases that other firms can’t.
The Evidence Disappears Fast
One of the most critical aspects of trucking accident cases is the rapid disappearance of evidence. The trucking company has 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.
Black box data can be overwritten in as little as 30 days. ELD records may be retained for only 6 months. Dashcam footage is often deleted within 7-14 days. Surveillance video from nearby businesses typically overwrites in 7-30 days. Witness memories fade significantly within weeks.
That’s why we act immediately. Within 24-48 hours of being retained, we send formal spoliation letters to the trucking company, their insurer, and all potentially liable parties. This legal notice demands preservation of all evidence related to the accident, including:
- ECM/Black Box data
- ELD records
- GPS and telematics data
- Dashcam and forward-facing camera footage
- Dispatch communications
- Cell phone records
- Driver Qualification File
- Maintenance records
- Inspection reports
- Drug and alcohol test results
- The physical truck and trailer
Destroying evidence after receiving our letter can result in serious legal consequences, including court sanctions, monetary penalties, and even default judgment in extreme cases.
FMCSA Violations: The Key to Proving Negligence
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulates every aspect of commercial trucking operations. When trucking companies and drivers violate these regulations, they create dangerous conditions that cause accidents. Proving FMCSA violations is often the key to establishing negligence and securing maximum compensation.
The most common violations we find in Mesquite trucking accidents include:
- Hours of Service Violations – Driving beyond the 11-hour limit or failing to take required breaks
- False Log Entries – Falsifying ELD or paper log records to hide driving time
- Brake System Deficiencies – Worn brakes or improper adjustments
- Cargo Securement Failures – Inadequate tiedowns or improper load distribution
- Drug and Alcohol Violations – Operating under the influence
- Unqualified Drivers – No valid CDL or medical certificate
- Failure to Inspect – No pre-trip inspections or ignored defects
Each of these violations represents a breach of the trucking company’s duty to operate safely. When we can prove these violations, we can show that the trucking company was negligent and should be held accountable for your injuries.
Multiple Parties Can Be Liable
Unlike car accidents where usually only one driver is at fault, trucking accidents often involve multiple parties who all contributed to the dangerous conditions that caused the crash. We investigate every possible defendant to maximize your recovery.
Potentially liable parties in Mesquite trucking accidents include:
- The Truck Driver – For speeding, distraction, fatigue, or other negligent conduct
- The Trucking Company – For negligent hiring, training, or supervision
- The Cargo Owner – For improper loading instructions or hazardous cargo
- The Loading Company – For improper cargo securement
- Truck/Trailer Manufacturer – For design or manufacturing defects
- Parts Manufacturer – For defective components like brakes or tires
- Maintenance Company – For negligent repairs or inspections
- Freight Broker – For negligent selection of unsafe carriers
- Government Entity – For dangerous road design or maintenance
Each of these parties may have separate insurance coverage. We identify all available insurance policies to ensure you receive full compensation for your injuries.
Common Types of Mesquite Trucking Accidents
Our experience with Mesquite’s trucking corridors has shown us the specific types of accidents that occur most frequently in our area:
Jackknife Accidents on I-635
Jackknife accidents occur when the trailer and cab skid in opposite directions, with the trailer folding at an angle similar to a pocket knife. On I-635’s tight curves and during sudden traffic slowdowns, these accidents are particularly common. They often result in multi-vehicle pileups when the trailer blocks multiple lanes.
Underride Collisions at Intersections
Mesquite’s intersections, particularly along I-635 and major thoroughfares like Belt Line Road, are hotspots for underride collisions. These occur when a smaller vehicle crashes into the rear or side of an 18-wheeler and slides underneath the trailer. The trailer height often causes the smaller vehicle’s passenger compartment to be sheared off at windshield level.
Tire Blowouts on Highway 80
The extreme Texas heat combined with the heavy loads carried through Mesquite creates perfect conditions for tire blowouts. When a steer tire (front tire) blows out, the driver can lose control immediately. Debris from blown tires – known as “road gators” – also causes secondary accidents when they strike following vehicles.
Brake Failures on Long Descents
While Mesquite doesn’t have mountainous terrain, the gradual descents on I-635 and I-20 can still cause brake fade when trucks are heavily loaded. Brake system failures are a factor in approximately 29% of large truck crashes.
Wide Turn Accidents in Urban Areas
The tight turns required in Mesquite’s commercial districts, particularly around distribution centers, create opportunities for wide turn accidents. These occur when a truck swings wide (often to the left) before making a right turn, creating a gap that other vehicles enter. The truck then completes its turn, crushing the vehicle that entered the gap.
Blind Spot Collisions on I-30
The large blind spots on 18-wheelers – particularly the massive right-side No-Zone – create dangerous conditions on I-30 where traffic merges and changes lanes frequently. Many blind spot accidents occur during lane changes on this busy corridor.
Cargo Spills from Overloaded Trucks
Mesquite’s distribution hubs generate significant cargo traffic. When cargo is improperly secured or trucks are overloaded, spills can occur. These create hazards for following vehicles and can lead to multi-vehicle pileups.
What to Do After a Mesquite Trucking Accident
If you’ve been involved in a trucking accident in Mesquite, follow these critical steps:
- Call 911 and report the accident – This creates an official record and ensures emergency responders are dispatched
- Seek medical attention immediately – Even if you feel fine, adrenaline masks pain and internal injuries may not be apparent
- Document the scene – Take photos of all vehicle damage, the accident scene, road conditions, skid marks, and your injuries
- Get the trucking company information – Record the company name, DOT number, and driver information
- Collect witness contact information – Independent witnesses can provide crucial testimony
- Do NOT give recorded statements – Insurance adjusters work for the trucking company, not you
- Call Attorney911 immediately – Time is critical to preserve evidence
Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Mesquite Trucking Accident Case
We’re Not Just Texas Attorneys – We’re Mesquite Attorneys
We understand Mesquite’s roads, its trucking patterns, and its legal landscape. We know the local courts, the judges, and the common defense tactics used by trucking companies operating in our area.
We Have Insider Knowledge of Insurance Company Tactics
Our team includes Lupe Peña, a former insurance defense attorney who spent years working for a national defense firm. He knows exactly how insurance companies evaluate, minimize, and deny claims. Now, he uses that knowledge to fight for you.
We’ve Recovered Millions for Trucking Accident Victims
Our track record speaks for itself:
- $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
We’re Trucking Accident Specialists
Trucking cases require specialized knowledge of FMCSA regulations, commercial insurance policies, and the trucking industry. We have the expertise to handle complex trucking litigation against major corporations.
We Offer Free Consultations and Work on Contingency
You pay nothing unless we win your case. We advance all costs of investigation and litigation. There are no upfront fees, no hidden costs, and no financial risk to you.
The Mesquite Trucking Corridors We Know Best
Our deep familiarity with Mesquite’s trucking corridors helps us build stronger cases:
I-635 (LBJ Freeway)
This critical east-west corridor carries massive freight volumes through Mesquite. The tight curves, frequent merges, and heavy traffic create dangerous conditions. We’ve handled numerous accidents at the I-635/I-30 interchange and along the stretch near the Dallas County line.
I-30 Corridor
Connecting Dallas to Fort Worth, I-30 sees significant truck traffic. The mix of local and through traffic creates complex driving conditions. We’re familiar with the accident patterns at the I-30/I-635 interchange and along the corridor through Mesquite.
Highway 80 (East Main Street)
This major thoroughfare carries trucks to and from Mesquite’s industrial areas. The combination of highway speeds and local traffic creates unique hazards. We’ve seen numerous tire blowout accidents on this stretch.
Distribution Centers and Industrial Areas
Mesquite’s distribution hubs along I-635 and near the Dallas County line generate significant truck traffic. The tight turns, loading docks, and congested parking areas create unique accident risks.
Intersection Hotspots
Certain intersections in Mesquite see more trucking accidents than others:
- I-635 and Belt Line Road
- I-635 and Galloway Avenue
- Highway 80 and Galloway Avenue
- I-30 and Belt Line Road
The Mesquite-Specific Challenges We Address
Heat-Related Tire Failures
Mesquite’s extreme summer temperatures create unique challenges for truck tires. The heat causes rubber to degrade faster and increases the risk of blowouts. We investigate whether the trucking company properly maintained tires and followed replacement schedules appropriate for our climate.
Distribution Center Congestion
The distribution hubs in Mesquite create traffic congestion that mixes large trucks with passenger vehicles. We investigate whether the trucking company properly trained drivers on navigating these congested areas and whether dispatchers created unrealistic delivery schedules.
Local Road Design Issues
Some of Mesquite’s roads and intersections have design features that contribute to trucking accidents. We work with accident reconstruction experts to determine whether road design played a role in your accident and whether government entities share liability.
Seasonal Traffic Patterns
Mesquite experiences seasonal traffic fluctuations that affect trucking safety. During holiday seasons, truck traffic increases significantly. We consider these patterns when investigating accident causes.
Our Comprehensive Investigation Process
When you hire Attorney911 for your Mesquite trucking accident case, we launch a comprehensive investigation:
Immediate Evidence Preservation
- Send spoliation letters within 24-48 hours
- Demand preservation of all electronic data
- Secure physical evidence before it’s repaired or destroyed
Electronic Data Collection
- Obtain ECM/Black Box data showing speed, braking, and engine performance
- Download ELD records proving hours of service compliance
- Secure GPS and telematics data showing route and driving behavior
- Obtain dashcam footage if available
Driver and Company Records
- Subpoena the complete Driver Qualification File
- Obtain the driver’s complete driving record
- Review drug and alcohol test results
- Examine training records and company safety policies
Vehicle Inspection
- Inspect the truck and trailer for defects
- Analyze brake system performance
- Examine tire condition and maintenance history
- Review cargo securement documentation
Accident Reconstruction
- Work with expert engineers to reconstruct the accident
- Analyze skid marks and debris patterns
- Determine vehicle speeds and braking distances
- Identify contributing factors
Medical Documentation
- Obtain complete medical records
- Work with medical experts to establish causation
- Develop comprehensive life care plans for catastrophic injuries
The Compensation You Deserve
Trucking companies carry much higher insurance limits than typical passenger vehicles. The federal minimum is $750,000, but many carriers carry $1-5 million or more in coverage. This higher coverage means catastrophic injuries can actually be compensated.
We pursue all available compensation for our Mesquite clients:
Economic Damages
- Past, present, and future medical expenses
- Lost wages and income
- Loss of earning capacity
- Property damage
- Out-of-pocket expenses
- Life care costs
Non-Economic Damages
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Disfigurement
- Physical impairment
- Loss of consortium
Punitive Damages
When trucking companies act with gross negligence or reckless disregard for safety, we may pursue punitive damages to punish the wrongdoer and deter future misconduct.
The Mesquite Legal Landscape
As part of Dallas County, Mesquite falls under Texas state law. This means:
- 2-Year Statute of Limitations – You have two years from the accident date to file a lawsuit
- Modified Comparative Negligence – You can recover damages as long as you’re not more than 50% at fault
- No Cap on Non-Economic Damages – Unlike some states, Texas doesn’t cap pain and suffering damages in most personal injury cases
- Punitive Damages Cap – Texas caps punitive damages at the greater of (2x economic damages + non-economic damages capped at $750,000) or $200,000
We understand how these laws apply to your Mesquite trucking accident case and how to maximize your recovery within this legal framework.
Our Commitment to Mesquite
At Attorney911, we’re proud to serve the Mesquite community. We understand the unique challenges faced by Mesquite residents injured in trucking accidents. Our commitment goes beyond legal representation – we’re your neighbors fighting for justice in our community.
We know Mesquite’s roads, its people, and its values. When you hire us, you’re not just getting a lawyer – you’re getting a team that cares about our community and is committed to making it safer.
Hablamos Español
Many trucking accident victims in Mesquite speak Spanish as their primary language. Our associate attorney Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish and provides direct representation without interpreters. Hablamos Español. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911.
The Time to Act Is Now
Evidence in Mesquite 18-wheeler accident cases disappears quickly. Black box data can be overwritten. Trucking companies hire rapid-response teams to protect their interests. You need an attorney who moves just as fast.
If you’ve been hurt in a trucking accident anywhere in Mesquite, call Attorney911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911. Our Mesquite trucking accident attorneys offer free consultations and work on contingency – you pay nothing unless we win your case.
“They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.”
— Glenda Walker, Attorney911 Client
Don’t let the trucking company win. Call Attorney911 today and let us fight for the justice you deserve.
