18-Wheeler & Trucking Accident Lawyers in Rowlett, TX
Every year, thousands of devastating 18-wheeler accidents occur on Rowlett’s highways and interstates. If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a trucking accident in Rowlett, you need an attorney who understands federal trucking regulations, Texas negligence laws, and how to hold negligent trucking companies fully 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 catastrophic 18-wheeler crashes.
We know Rowlett’s trucking corridors, from I-30 and President George Bush Turnpike (SH 190) to the local distribution centers and truck stops where drivers may be violating federal hours-of-service regulations. This local knowledge, combined with our deep understanding of FMCSA regulations, gives us a powerful advantage in building your case.
Why Rowlett Trucking Accidents Are So Dangerous
Rowlett sits at a critical juncture in the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex, with major freight routes passing through the city:
- I-30 (East-West Corridor) – Connects Dallas to Texarkana and beyond, carrying heavy truck traffic
- President George Bush Turnpike (SH 190) – A major toll road with high-speed truck traffic
- Lake Ray Hubbard area – Popular for boat and recreational traffic, increasing truck-pedestrian risks
- Local distribution centers – Warehouses and logistics hubs generate significant truck traffic in and out of Rowlett
Trucking companies often cut corners on safety to meet tight delivery deadlines, leading to:
✅ Fatigued driving (violating federal hours-of-service rules)
✅ Poorly maintained trucks (worn brakes, bald tires, faulty lights)
✅ Improperly loaded cargo (shifting loads causing rollovers)
✅ Distracted or impaired drivers (cell phone use, drugs, alcohol)
When these violations cause accidents, the results are often catastrophic—leaving victims with traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, amputations, or wrongful death.
Common Types of 18-Wheeler Accidents in Rowlett
1. Jackknife Accidents
A jackknife occurs when the trailer swings out at a sharp angle, often blocking multiple lanes. These accidents are especially common on I-30’s sharp curves and during sudden braking in wet or icy conditions.
Causes:
- Speeding on curves
- Sudden braking (especially with empty trailers)
- Brake failures
- Improper cargo loading
2. Underride Collisions (Deadliest Truck Accidents)
An underride collision happens when a smaller vehicle slides underneath the trailer of an 18-wheeler, often shearing off the top of the car and causing decapitation or fatal head injuries.
Rowlett’s underride risks increase at:
- Intersections (trucks making wide turns)
- Highway on/off ramps (sudden stops)
- Low-light conditions (poorly lit trailers)
Federal law requires rear underride guards, but side underride guards are NOT mandatory—leaving vehicles vulnerable to side impacts.
3. Rollover Accidents
Due to their high center of gravity, 18-wheelers are prone to rollovers, especially on I-30’s curves and SH 190’s high-speed ramps.
Causes:
- Taking turns too fast
- Shifting liquid cargo (tanker trucks)
- Tire blowouts
- Wind gusts (common in North Texas)
4. Rear-End Collisions (Most Common Truck Accident)
A fully loaded 18-wheeler can weigh 80,000 lbs—20 times heavier than a passenger car. At highway speeds, a truck needs over 500 feet to stop—nearly two football fields.
Causes:
- Tailgating
- Distracted driving (cell phones, dispatch communications)
- Fatigued driving (violating HOS rules)
- Brake failures
5. Wide Turn Accidents (“Squeeze Play” Crashes)
Trucks need extra space to make turns, often swinging wide before turning right. This creates a dangerous gap that smaller vehicles may try to enter—only to be crushed when the truck completes its turn.
Common in Rowlett at:
- Intersections with tight turns (e.g., near shopping centers)
- Highway exit ramps where trucks cut off cars
6. Blind Spot Accidents (“No-Zone” Crashes)
18-wheelers have four massive blind spots where the driver cannot see smaller vehicles:
- Front No-Zone (20+ feet in front of the cab)
- Rear No-Zone (30+ feet behind the trailer)
- Left Side No-Zone (extends from the cab door backward)
- Right Side No-Zone (largest blind spot—extends from the cab door backward and out several lanes)
Rowlett’s high-speed highways make blind spot accidents especially deadly.
7. Tire Blowouts (Common on I-30 & SH 190)
Texas’s extreme heat and long stretches of highway increase the risk of tire blowouts, which can cause loss of control, rollovers, or debris striking other vehicles.
Causes:
- Underinflated tires
- Overloaded trucks
- Worn or old tires
- Road debris
8. Brake Failures (Especially on Steep Grades)
Poorly maintained brakes can overheat and fail, especially on I-30’s long descents near Rowlett.
Causes:
- Worn brake pads/shoes
- Improper brake adjustments
- Air brake system leaks
- Overheating on long downgrades
Who Is Liable in a Rowlett Trucking Accident?
Unlike car accidents, multiple parties can be held responsible in a trucking crash. At Attorney911, we investigate every potentially liable party to maximize your compensation.
1. The Truck Driver
The driver may be liable for:
- Speeding or reckless driving
- Distracted driving (cell phone use, texting, dispatch communications)
- Fatigued driving (violating FMCSA hours-of-service rules)
- Impaired driving (drugs, alcohol, prescription medications)
- Failure to conduct pre-trip inspections
- Traffic violations (running red lights, improper lane changes)
2. The Trucking Company (Motor Carrier)
Trucking companies are vicariously liable for their drivers’ negligence, but they can also be directly liable for:
✅ Negligent Hiring – Failing to check the driver’s background, driving record, or qualifications
✅ Negligent Training – Inadequate safety training on cargo securement, hours-of-service, or emergency maneuvers
✅ Negligent Supervision – Failing to monitor driver performance, ELD compliance, or safety violations
✅ Negligent Maintenance – Deferred repairs, ignored inspection reports, or using substandard parts
✅ Negligent Scheduling – Pressuring drivers to meet unrealistic deadlines, leading to HOS violations
Trucking companies carry much higher insurance limits than individual drivers—often $1 million to $5 million—making them the primary target for recovery.
3. Cargo Owner / Shipper
The company that owns the cargo and arranged for its shipment may be liable if:
- They provided improper loading instructions
- They failed to disclose hazardous cargo
- They required overweight loading
- They pressured the carrier to expedite delivery
4. Cargo Loading Company
Third-party loading companies can be liable for:
- Improper cargo securement (violating 49 CFR 393)
- Unbalanced load distribution (causing rollovers)
- Overloaded trucks (exceeding weight limits)
5. Truck & Trailer Manufacturer
If a defective part contributed to the crash, the manufacturer may be liable for:
- Faulty brakes
- Defective tires
- Unstable trailer design
- Malfunctioning safety systems (ABS, ESC, collision warning)
6. Parts Manufacturer
Companies that manufacture specific components (brakes, steering, lighting) can be liable if:
- A defective brake system failed
- A tire defect caused a blowout
- A faulty coupling device failed
7. Maintenance Company
Third-party mechanics can be liable for:
- Negligent repairs (failing to fix known issues)
- Improper brake adjustments
- Using substandard or wrong parts
- Returning a truck to service with known defects
8. Freight Broker
Freight brokers (who arrange transportation but don’t own trucks) can be liable for:
- Negligent carrier selection (hiring unsafe trucking companies)
- Failure to verify carrier insurance and authority
- Ignoring carrier safety records
9. Truck Owner (If Different from Carrier)
In owner-operator arrangements, the truck owner may be liable for:
- Negligent entrustment (allowing an unsafe driver to operate the truck)
- Failure to maintain the truck
10. Government Entity (Rare, but Possible)
If poor road design or maintenance contributed to the crash, a government entity (TxDOT, City of Rowlett) may be liable for:
- Dangerous road design (sharp curves, inadequate signage)
- Poor road maintenance (potholes, debris, worn markings)
- Inadequate safety barriers
- Improper work zone setup
Note: Government liability is limited by sovereign immunity, and strict notice requirements apply—so act fast if you suspect road conditions played a role.
FMCSA Regulations: How They Prove Negligence in Your Case
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulates every commercial truck on U.S. highways. When trucking companies violate these rules, they create dangerous conditions that lead to catastrophic accidents.
Key FMCSA Violations We Investigate
| Regulation | Requirement | How Violations Cause Accidents |
|---|---|---|
| 49 CFR § 395 (Hours of Service) | Drivers limited to 11 hours driving after 10 hours off, 14-hour duty window, 30-minute break after 8 hours driving | Fatigued driving causes delayed reaction times, falling asleep at the wheel |
| 49 CFR § 391 (Driver Qualification) | Drivers must pass background checks, medical exams, and training | Unqualified drivers (with poor records or health issues) cause preventable crashes |
| 49 CFR § 392 (Driving Rules) | No distracted driving, speeding, or impaired operation | Cell phone use, drugs, or alcohol impair judgment and reaction time |
| 49 CFR § 393 (Vehicle Safety) | Trucks must have proper brakes, lights, tires, and cargo securement | Brake failures, tire blowouts, and shifting cargo cause loss of control |
| 49 CFR § 396 (Inspection & Maintenance) | Pre-trip inspections and regular maintenance required | Ignored defects (bad brakes, worn tires) lead to mechanical failures |
Proving FMCSA violations is often the key to winning your case.
Evidence We Preserve in Rowlett Trucking Cases
Evidence disappears fast in trucking cases. 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 We Secure Immediately
| Evidence Type | What It Proves | How We Preserve It |
|---|---|---|
| ECM/Black Box Data | Speed, braking, throttle position, GPS location | Spoliation letter within 24-48 hours |
| ELD (Electronic Logging Device) Logs | Hours of service, driving time, rest breaks | Subpoena ELD records |
| Driver Qualification File | Hiring negligence, training gaps, safety violations | Demand file from trucking company |
| Maintenance Records | Deferred repairs, known defects, ignored inspections | Subpoena maintenance logs |
| Dispatch Records | Schedule pressure, unrealistic deadlines | Demand dispatch communications |
| Drug & Alcohol Test Results | Impairment at time of accident | Subpoena test records |
| Cell Phone Records | Distracted driving (texts, calls, app usage) | Subpoena phone records |
| Dashcam Footage | Driver behavior, road conditions, accident sequence | Demand video preservation |
| GPS/Telematics Data | Route, speed, location history | Subpoena telematics records |
| Cargo Securement Records | Improper loading, shifting cargo | Demand loading documentation |
| The Truck & Trailer | Mechanical defects, brake condition, tire wear | Inspection before repair/scrapping |
We send spoliation letters within 24-48 hours to ensure this evidence is preserved before it’s destroyed.
Catastrophic Injuries from Rowlett Trucking Accidents
Due to the massive size and weight disparity, 18-wheeler accidents often result in life-altering injuries that require millions in medical care and lifelong support.
Common Catastrophic Injuries
| Injury Type | Description | Lifetime Care Costs |
|---|---|---|
| Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) | Severe head trauma causing cognitive impairment, memory loss, or permanent disability | $1.5M – $9.8M+ |
| Spinal Cord Injury (Paralysis) | Damage to the spinal cord resulting in paraplegia or quadriplegia | $1.1M – $5M+ |
| Amputation | Loss of limb due to crushing injuries or surgical removal | $1.9M – $8.6M+ |
| Severe Burns | Thermal, chemical, or electrical burns requiring skin grafts and reconstructive surgery | $1M – $10M+ |
| Internal Organ Damage | Ruptured spleen, liver laceration, kidney damage, internal bleeding | $500K – $3M+ |
| Multiple Fractures | Broken bones requiring surgery, hardware, and extensive rehab | $200K – $1M+ |
| Wrongful Death | Fatalities leaving families without a loved one | $1M – $10M+ |
Trucking companies carry high insurance limits, making it possible to recover full compensation for catastrophic injuries.
Damages You Can Recover in a Rowlett Trucking Case
Texas law allows you to recover full compensation for all losses caused by a trucking accident.
Economic Damages (Calculable Losses)
- Medical expenses (past, current, and future)
- Lost wages (time missed from work)
- Lost earning capacity (if unable to return to work)
- Property damage (vehicle repair/replacement)
- Out-of-pocket expenses (medical equipment, home modifications)
- Life care costs (ongoing care for catastrophic injuries)
Non-Economic Damages (Quality of Life)
- Pain and suffering (physical pain from injuries)
- Mental anguish (PTSD, anxiety, depression)
- Loss of enjoyment of life (inability to do hobbies, activities)
- Disfigurement (scarring, permanent injuries)
- Loss of consortium (impact on marriage/family relationships)
Punitive Damages (Punishment for Gross Negligence)
If the trucking company acted with gross negligence (reckless disregard for safety), you may recover punitive damages to punish the wrongdoer.
Examples of gross negligence:
- Falsifying hours-of-service logs
- Pressuring drivers to violate safety rules
- Ignoring repeated maintenance violations
- Hiring drivers with dangerous records
- Destroying evidence after an accident
Rowlett Trucking Accident Case Results
While every case is unique, our firm has recovered millions for trucking accident victims across Texas. Here are some documented results (not specific to Rowlett, but demonstrating our capability):
- $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
Recent nuclear verdicts in trucking cases nationwide show what’s possible when companies are held accountable:
| Verdict | Year | Location | Case Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| $730 Million | 2021 | Texas | Navy propeller oversize load killed 73-year-old woman |
| $462 Million | 2024 | Missouri | Two men decapitated in underride crash |
| $160 Million | 2024 | Alabama | Rollover left driver quadriplegic |
| $141.5 Million | 2023 | Florida | Defunct carrier crash |
These verdicts show that juries are willing to award massive damages when trucking companies act with gross negligence.
Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Rowlett Trucking Case?
1. 25+ Years of Trucking Litigation Experience
Ralph Manginello has been fighting trucking companies since 1998. He understands the tactics they use to avoid liability and knows how to counter them effectively.
2. Former Insurance Defense Attorney on Staff
Our team includes Lupe Peña, a former insurance defense attorney who spent years inside the system. He knows exactly how insurance companies evaluate, minimize, and deny claims—and now he uses that knowledge to fight for you.
3. Federal Court Experience
Ralph Manginello is admitted to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas, giving us the ability to handle complex interstate trucking cases that may require federal litigation.
4. Proven Multi-Million Dollar Results
We’ve secured millions in verdicts and settlements for trucking accident victims, including cases against Walmart, Coca-Cola, Amazon, FedEx, and UPS.
5. Immediate Evidence Preservation
We send spoliation letters within 24-48 hours to ensure black box data, ELD records, and maintenance logs are preserved before they’re destroyed.
6. Deep Knowledge of FMCSA Regulations
We know every federal trucking regulation and how to prove violations that establish negligence.
7. Local Rowlett Knowledge
We understand Rowlett’s trucking corridors, courts, and accident patterns, giving us an advantage in building your case.
8. No Fee Unless We Win
We work on contingency—you pay nothing upfront, and we only get paid if we win your case.
9. Bilingual Services (Hablamos Español)
Our associate attorney Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish, and our staff includes bilingual team members like Zulema, who is praised in client reviews for her kindness and translation services.
“Especially Miss Zulema, who is always very kind and always translates.”
— Celia Dominguez, Attorney911 Client
What to Do After a Trucking Accident in Rowlett
✅ At the Scene:
- Call 911 and report the accident
- Seek medical attention immediately (even if injuries seem minor)
- Document everything (photos of vehicles, road conditions, injuries)
- Get the trucking company’s name, DOT number, and driver info
- Collect witness contact information
- Do NOT give recorded statements to any insurance company
✅ After the Accident:
- Call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation
- We’ll send a spoliation letter immediately to preserve evidence
- We’ll investigate the trucking company’s safety record
- We’ll gather all critical evidence (ECM data, ELD logs, maintenance records)
- We’ll handle all communications with insurance companies
- We’ll fight for maximum compensation—whether through settlement or trial
Rowlett Trucking Accident FAQ
1. How long do I have to file a lawsuit after a Rowlett trucking accident?
Texas has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims. However, you should contact an attorney immediately—evidence disappears quickly, and the sooner we act, the stronger your case will be.
2. What if I was partially at fault for the accident?
Texas follows modified comparative negligence rules. You can still recover compensation as long as you were less than 50% at fault. Your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
3. How much is my Rowlett trucking accident case worth?
Case value depends on:
- Severity of injuries
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost wages and earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Degree of negligence (punitive damages possible?)
- Insurance coverage available
Trucking companies carry much higher insurance limits than car drivers, allowing for larger recoveries.
4. Will my 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.
5. What if the trucking company goes bankrupt?
We investigate all potentially liable parties, including:
- Freight brokers
- Cargo owners
- Maintenance companies
- Manufacturers
We also explore all available insurance policies to ensure you can recover compensation.
6. Can I afford a trucking accident attorney?
Yes! We work on contingency—you pay nothing upfront, and we only get paid if we win your case. We also advance all case costs, so you never receive a bill from us.
7. What if the truck driver was an independent contractor?
Even if the driver is an owner-operator, the trucking company may still be liable for:
- Negligent hiring
- Negligent supervision
- Negligent maintenance
- Schedule pressure
We investigate all relationships and insurance policies to ensure you can recover from the responsible parties.
8. How do I prove the truck driver was fatigued?
We use:
- ELD data (proving HOS violations)
- Dispatch records (showing unrealistic schedules)
- Witness testimony (driver falling asleep, yawning)
- Cell phone records (late-night calls/texts)
- ECM data (erratic driving patterns)
Rowlett Trucking Accident Resources
Local Hospitals & Trauma Centers
- Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Lake Pointe (Rockwall) – (469) 698-1000
- Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Rockwall – (469) 698-1000
- Baylor University Medical Center (Dallas) – (214) 820-0111
- Parkland Memorial Hospital (Dallas) – (214) 590-8000
Texas DOT Crash Reporting
- Texas Crash Records Information System (CRIS) – https://cris.dot.state.tx.us
FMCSA Safety Resources
- FMCSA Company Safety Records – https://safer.fmcsa.dot.gov
- FMCSA Inspection Reports – https://ai.fmcsa.dot.gov
Rowlett Police Department
- Non-Emergency Line: (972) 412-6200
- Accident Reports: Request through Rowlett Police Department Records
Contact Attorney911 Today – 24/7 Help for Rowlett Trucking Accidents
Evidence disappears fast. The trucking company has lawyers working to protect their interests—you need someone to protect yours.
Call us now at 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911) for a free, no-obligation consultation. We’ll:
✅ Send a spoliation letter immediately to preserve evidence
✅ Investigate the trucking company’s safety record
✅ Gather all critical evidence (ECM data, ELD logs, maintenance records)
✅ Handle all communications with insurance companies
✅ Fight for maximum compensation—whether through settlement or trial
Hablamos Español. Llame a Lupe Peña al 1-888-ATTY-911 para una consulta gratis.
“You are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.”
— Chad Harris, Attorney911 Client
Don’t wait. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 now. We answer 24/7.
