18-Wheeler Accident Lawyers in City of Roanoke, Texas | Attorney911

If You’ve Been Hurt in a Trucking Accident in City of Roanoke, Time Is Running Out

Every year, hundreds of families in City of Roanoke and across Denton County are devastated by catastrophic 18-wheeler accidents. When an 80,000-pound truck collides with a passenger vehicle, the results are often life-altering—traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, amputations, or wrongful death. If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a trucking accident on City of Roanoke’s highways, you need an attorney who understands the unique challenges of trucking litigation and knows how to hold negligent trucking companies accountable.

At Attorney911, we’ve been fighting for truck accident victims in City of Roanoke and throughout 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 City of Roanoke’s trucking corridors, from I-35 to the local distribution centers, and we know how to build a winning case for you.

Call us now at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation. We answer 24/7, and you pay nothing unless we win your case.

Why 18-Wheeler Accidents in City of Roanoke Are Different

Trucking accidents aren’t like car accidents. The physics are different. The laws are different. The insurance is different. And the stakes are much, much higher.

The Physics of Trucking Accidents: Why They’re So Catastrophic

• 80,000 pounds vs. 4,000 pounds: A fully loaded 18-wheeler is 20-25 times heavier than your car. That’s not a fair fight.
• 525 feet to stop: At 65 mph, an 18-wheeler needs nearly two football fields to stop. Passenger vehicles need only 300 feet.
• No crumple zone protection: When a truck strikes your vehicle, there’s no energy-absorbing crumple zone. The full force of the impact transfers directly to you and your passengers.
• Underride dangers: City of Roanoke’s highways see frequent underride collisions where passenger vehicles slide under trailers, often resulting in decapitation or catastrophic head injuries.

The Legal Landscape: Why City of Roanoke Trucking Cases Are Complex

City of Roanoke sits at the heart of Texas’s bustling trucking industry, with I-35 serving as a major freight corridor connecting Dallas-Fort Worth to San Antonio and beyond. This means:

• Federal regulations apply: The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sets strict rules for trucking companies and drivers. Violations of these regulations can prove negligence.
• Multiple liable parties: In trucking cases, multiple companies may share responsibility—the driver, the trucking company, the cargo loader, the maintenance provider, even the truck manufacturer.
• Higher insurance limits: Trucking companies carry much higher insurance policies than typical drivers—$750,000 to $5 million or more. This means catastrophic injuries can actually be compensated.
• Texas comparative negligence rules: Even if you were partially at fault, you may still recover compensation. Texas uses a “modified comparative negligence” system—you can recover damages as long as you’re not more than 50% at fault.

Common Types of 18-Wheeler Accidents in City of Roanoke

City of Roanoke’s highways and distribution centers create unique risks for trucking accidents. Here are the most common types we see:

1. Jackknife Accidents

Jackknife accidents occur when the trailer swings out perpendicular to the cab, often blocking multiple lanes of traffic. These are especially common on I-35 during sudden braking or when drivers take curves too quickly.

Common causes in City of Roanoke:

• Sudden braking on wet or icy roads (especially during winter storms)
• Speeding on I-35’s curves near the City of Roanoke exits
• Empty or lightly loaded trailers (more prone to swing)
• Improperly loaded cargo shifting during transit
• Brake failures from poor maintenance

Evidence we gather:

• Skid mark analysis showing trailer angle
• Brake inspection and maintenance records
• Weather conditions at the time of the accident
• ELD data showing speed before braking
• ECM data for brake application timing

2. Underride Collisions

Underride collisions are among the deadliest trucking accidents. They occur when a passenger vehicle slides under the trailer, often shearing off the roof and causing catastrophic head and neck injuries.

City of Roanoke’s underride risks:

• Rear underride: When a truck stops suddenly and a following vehicle slides underneath. Common at intersections and during sudden traffic slowdowns on I-35.
• Side underride: When a truck turns or changes lanes and a vehicle slides under the side. Particularly dangerous at night when trailer visibility is low.

Federal safety requirements:

• Rear underride guards: Required on trailers manufactured after January 26, 1998. Must prevent underride at 30 mph impacts.
• No federal requirement for side underride guards: Despite advocacy, side underride guards are not federally mandated, leaving vehicles vulnerable during side impacts.

Evidence we gather:

• Underride guard inspection and maintenance records
• Rear lighting compliance documentation
• Crash dynamics showing underride depth
• Guard installation and certification records

3. Rollover Accidents

Rollover accidents occur when a truck tips onto its side or roof. Due to their high center of gravity, 18-wheelers are especially prone to rollovers.

Common causes in City of Roanoke:

• Speeding on I-35’s curves and exit ramps
• Taking turns too sharply at excessive speed
• Improperly secured or unevenly distributed cargo
• Liquid cargo “slosh” shifting center of gravity
• Overcorrection after tire blowouts or lane departures

Evidence we gather:

• ECM data for speed through curves
• Cargo manifest and securement documentation
• Load distribution records
• Driver training records on rollover prevention
• Road geometry and signage analysis

4. Rear-End Collisions

Rear-end collisions occur when an 18-wheeler strikes the back of another vehicle. Due to their massive weight and longer stopping distances, these accidents often cause devastating injuries.

Why they’re so dangerous in City of Roanoke:

• I-35’s heavy truck traffic creates frequent stop-and-go conditions
• Drivers distracted by dispatch communications or GPS
• Fatigued drivers with delayed reaction times
• Brake failures from poor maintenance

Evidence we gather:

• ECM data showing following distance and speed
• ELD data for driver fatigue analysis
• Cell phone records for distraction evidence
• Brake inspection and maintenance records

5. Wide Turn Accidents (“Squeeze Play”)

Wide turn accidents occur when an 18-wheeler 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 or striking the vehicle that entered the gap.

City of Roanoke’s wide turn dangers:

• Right turns at busy intersections like FM 407 and I-35
• Trucks swinging wide to avoid curbs, signs, or buildings
• Inadequate mirror checks before and during turns
• Failure to properly signal turning intention

Evidence we gather:

• Turn signal activation data from ECM
• Mirror condition and adjustment records
• Driver training records on turning procedures
• Intersection geometry analysis
• Surveillance camera footage from nearby businesses

6. Blind Spot Accidents (“No-Zone”)

18-wheelers have massive blind spots where drivers cannot see other vehicles. These are called “No-Zones.”

The four No-Zones in City of Roanoke trucking accidents:

1. Front No-Zone: 20 feet directly in front of the cab
2. Rear No-Zone: 30 feet behind the trailer
3. Left Side No-Zone: Extends from cab door backward
4. Right Side No-Zone: Extends from cab door backward—the largest and most dangerous blind spot

Common blind spot accidents in City of Roanoke:

• Lane changes on I-35 without proper mirror checks
• Right turns cutting off vehicles in the right-side blind spot
• Vehicles lingering in blind spots during lane changes

Evidence we gather:

• Mirror condition and adjustment at time of crash
• Lane change data from ECM/telematics
• Turn signal activation records
• Dashcam footage
• Witness statements on truck behavior

7. Tire Blowout Accidents

Tire blowouts are a significant hazard on City of Roanoke’s highways, especially during Texas’s extreme heat.

Common causes of tire blowouts:

• Underinflated tires causing overheating
• Overloaded vehicles exceeding tire capacity
• Worn or aging tires not replaced
• Road debris punctures
• Manufacturing defects
• Improper tire matching on dual wheels

Evidence we gather:

• Tire maintenance and inspection records
• Tire age and wear documentation
• Tire inflation records and pressure checks
• Vehicle weight records (weigh station)
• Failed tire for defect analysis

8. Brake Failure Accidents

Brake problems are a factor in approximately 29% of large truck crashes. In City of Roanoke, brake failures often occur due to deferred maintenance or inadequate inspections.

Common brake failure causes:

• Worn brake pads or shoes not replaced
• Improper brake adjustment (too loose)
• Air brake system leaks or failures
• Overheated brakes (brake fade) on long descents
• Contaminated brake fluid
• Defective brake components

FMCSA brake requirements:

• All CMVs must have properly functioning brake systems
• Air brake pushrod travel limits specified
• Systematic inspection and maintenance required

Evidence we gather:

• Brake inspection and maintenance records
• Out-of-service inspection history
• ECM data showing brake application and effectiveness
• Post-crash brake system analysis

9. Cargo Spill/Shift Accidents

Cargo securement violations are among the top 10 most common FMCSA violations. In City of Roanoke, cargo spills often occur on I-35 and local highways.

Types of cargo accidents:

• Cargo Shift: Load moves during transit, destabilizing truck
• Cargo Spill: Load falls from truck onto roadway
• Hazmat Spill: Hazardous materials leak or spill, creating additional dangers

FMCSA cargo securement requirements:

• Cargo must be contained, immobilized, or secured
• Working load limits for tiedowns specified
• Specific requirements by cargo type (logs, metal coils, machinery, etc.)

Evidence we gather:

• Cargo securement inspection photos
• Bill of lading and cargo manifest
• Loading company records
• Tiedown specifications and condition

10. Head-On Collisions

Head-on collisions are among the deadliest accident types. They occur when an 18-wheeler crosses into oncoming traffic and strikes vehicles traveling in the opposite direction.

Common causes in City of Roanoke:

• Driver fatigue causing lane departure
• Driver falling asleep at the wheel
• Driver distraction (phone, GPS, dispatch)
• Impaired driving (drugs, alcohol)
• Medical emergency (heart attack, seizure)
• Overcorrection after running off road
• Passing on two-lane roads
• Wrong-way entry onto divided highways

Evidence we gather:

• ELD data for HOS compliance and fatigue
• ECM data showing lane departure and steering
• Cell phone records for distraction
• Driver medical records and certification
• Drug and alcohol test results

Who Is Liable in Your City of Roanoke Trucking Accident?

In 18-wheeler accidents, multiple parties may share responsibility. Unlike car accidents where usually only one driver is at fault, trucking accidents often involve a web of companies and individuals who all contributed to the dangerous conditions that caused the crash.

The 10 Potentially Liable Parties in City of Roanoke Trucking Cases

1. The Truck Driver

   • Speeding or reckless driving
   • Distracted driving (cell phone, texting, dispatch communications)
   • Fatigued driving beyond legal limits
   • Impaired driving (drugs, alcohol)
   • Failure to conduct proper pre-trip inspections

2. The Trucking Company / Motor Carrier

   • Vicarious Liability: The company is responsible for the driver’s negligent acts within the scope of employment
   • Negligent Hiring: Failed to check driver’s background, driving record, or qualifications
   • Negligent Training: Inadequate safety training
   • Negligent Supervision: Failed to monitor driver performance or ELD compliance
   • Negligent Maintenance: Failed to maintain vehicle in safe condition
   • Negligent Scheduling: Pressured drivers to violate HOS regulations

3. The Cargo Owner / Shipper

   • Provided improper loading instructions
   • Failed to disclose hazardous nature of cargo
   • Required overweight loading
   • Pressured carrier to expedite beyond safe limits

4. The Cargo Loading Company

   • Improper cargo securement (49 CFR 393 violations)
   • Unbalanced load distribution
   • Exceeding vehicle weight ratings
   • Failure to use proper blocking, bracing, or tiedowns

5. Truck and Trailer Manufacturer

   • Design defects (brake systems, stability control, fuel tank placement)
   • Manufacturing defects (faulty welds, component failures)
   • Failure to warn of known dangers

6. Parts Manufacturer

   • Defective brakes or brake components
   • Defective tires causing blowouts
   • Defective steering mechanisms
   • Defective lighting components

7. Maintenance Company

   • Negligent repairs that failed to fix problems
   • Failure to identify critical safety issues
   • Improper brake adjustments
   • Using substandard or wrong parts

8. Freight Broker

   • Negligent selection of carrier with poor safety record
   • Failure to verify carrier insurance and authority
   • Failure to check carrier CSA scores

9. Truck Owner (If Different from Carrier)

   • Negligent entrustment of vehicle
   • Failure to maintain owned equipment
   • Knowledge of driver’s unfitness

10. Government Entity

    • Dangerous road design that contributed to accident
    • Failure to maintain roads (potholes, debris, worn markings)
    • Inadequate signage for known hazards
    • Failure to install safety barriers

Why You Need a City of Roanoke Trucking Accident Attorney Immediately

In 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.

The 48-Hour Evidence Preservation Protocol

At Attorney911, we move fast to preserve evidence before it’s destroyed:

1. Send Spoliation Letters Within 24-48 Hours

   • Formal legal notice demanding preservation of all evidence
   • Puts defendants on notice that destroying evidence will have serious consequences
   • Courts can impose sanctions, adverse inferences, or even default judgment for spoliation

2. Preserve Electronic Data

   • Engine Control Module (ECM) / Black Box Data: Records speed, braking, throttle position, fault codes
   • Electronic Logging Device (ELD) Records: Proves hours of service violations and driver fatigue
   • GPS and Telematics Data: Shows real-time location and route history
   • Dashcam Footage: Records video of the accident and driver behavior

3. Secure Physical Evidence

   • The truck and trailer themselves
   • Failed or damaged components (tires, brakes, etc.)
   • Cargo and securement devices
   • Tire remnants if blowout involved

4. Obtain Driver and Company Records

   • Driver Qualification File: Employment application, driving record, medical certification
   • Maintenance Records: Inspection reports, repair history
   • Dispatch Records: Trip logs, delivery schedules
   • Drug and Alcohol Test Results: Pre-employment and random testing

5. Document the Scene

   • Photograph all vehicle damage
   • Document road conditions, skid marks, debris patterns
   • Interview witnesses before memories fade
   • Obtain police crash reports

What Happens If Evidence Is Destroyed?

If the trucking company destroys evidence after receiving our spoliation letter, courts can:

• Instruct juries to assume destroyed evidence was unfavorable
• Impose monetary sanctions
• Enter default judgment in extreme cases
• Award punitive damages for intentional destruction

Catastrophic Injuries from City of Roanoke Trucking Accidents

Due to the massive size and weight disparity, trucking accidents often cause catastrophic injuries that change lives forever.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

TBI occurs when a sudden trauma causes damage to the brain. In trucking accidents, the extreme forces cause the brain to impact the inside of the skull.

Severity levels:

• Mild (Concussion): Confusion, headache, brief loss of consciousness
• Moderate: Extended unconsciousness, memory problems, cognitive deficits
• Severe: Extended coma, permanent cognitive impairment

Common symptoms:

• Headaches, dizziness, nausea
• Memory loss, confusion
• Difficulty concentrating
• Mood changes, depression, anxiety
• Sleep disturbances
• Sensory problems (vision, hearing, taste)
• Speech difficulties
• Personality changes

Lifetime care costs: $85,000 to $3,000,000+ depending on severity

Spinal Cord Injury

Damage to the spinal cord disrupts communication between the brain and body, often resulting in paralysis.

Types of paralysis:

• Paraplegia: Loss of function below the waist
• Quadriplegia: Loss of function in all four limbs
• Incomplete Injury: Some nerve function remains
• Complete Injury: No nerve function below injury

Lifetime care costs:

• Paraplegia (low): $1.1 million+
• Paraplegia (high): $2.5 million+
• Quadriplegia (low): $3.5 million+
• Quadriplegia (high): $5 million+

Amputation

Amputations occur when limbs are severed at the scene or when severe damage requires surgical removal.

Common causes in trucking accidents:

• Crushing forces from truck impact
• Entrapment requiring amputation for extraction
• Severe burns requiring surgical removal
• Infections from open wounds

Ongoing medical needs:

• Initial surgery and hospitalization
• Prosthetic limbs ($5,000 – $50,000+ per prosthetic)
• Replacement prosthetics throughout lifetime
• Physical therapy and rehabilitation
• Occupational therapy for daily living skills
• Psychological counseling

Severe Burns

Burns occur from fuel tank ruptures, hazmat cargo spills, electrical fires, or friction burns from road contact.

Burn classification:

• First Degree: Epidermis only (minor, heals without scarring)
• Second Degree: Epidermis and dermis (may scar, may need grafting)
• Third Degree: Full thickness (requires skin grafts, permanent scarring)
• Fourth Degree: Through skin to muscle/bone (multiple surgeries, amputation may be required)

Long-term consequences:

• Permanent scarring and disfigurement
• Multiple reconstructive surgeries
• Skin graft procedures
• Chronic pain
• Infection risks
• Psychological trauma

Internal Organ Damage

Common internal injuries include:

• Liver laceration or rupture
• Spleen damage requiring removal
• Kidney damage
• Lung contusion or collapse (pneumothorax)
• Internal bleeding (hemorrhage)
• Bowel and intestinal damage

Wrongful Death

When a trucking accident kills a loved one, surviving family members can bring a wrongful death claim.

Who can bring a wrongful death claim in Texas:

• Surviving spouse
• Children (minor and adult)
• Parents (if no spouse or children)

Damages available:

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

Texas statute of limitations: 2 years from date of death

How Much Is Your City of Roanoke Trucking Accident Case Worth?

Case values depend on many factors, but trucking cases typically have higher potential values than car accidents because:

1. Higher insurance limits: Trucking companies carry $750,000 to $5 million or more in liability coverage
2. More severe injuries: The catastrophic nature of trucking accidents means higher medical expenses and pain/suffering awards
3. Multiple liable parties: More defendants means more insurance coverage available
4. Federal regulation violations: Proving FMCSA violations can support punitive damages

Types of Damages Recoverable in City of Roanoke Trucking Cases

Recent Trucking Verdicts and Settlements

While every case is unique, these recent verdicts demonstrate what’s possible when trucking companies are held accountable:

At Attorney911, we’ve recovered millions for truck