18-Wheeler Accidents in Thorndale: Your Complete Legal Guide

If you or a loved one has been injured in an 18-wheeler accident in Thorndale, you’re facing one of the most challenging experiences of your life. The physical pain, emotional trauma, and financial uncertainty can feel overwhelming. But here’s what you need to know right now: Thorndale trucking accident victims have rights, and we’re here to fight for them.

At Attorney911, we’ve been protecting Thorndale families from negligent trucking companies for over 25 years. Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has secured multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements for trucking accident victims across Texas. We know Thorndale’s highways, we know the trucking corridors that serve our community, and we know how to hold trucking companies accountable when they put profits over people.

Why Thorndale Trucking Accidents Are Different

Thorndale sits at the crossroads of critical Texas freight routes. Our community is served by:

• State Highway 36 – A major north-south corridor connecting to I-35
• US Highway 79 – Running east-west through Thorndale
• FM 486 and FM 696 – Local routes that see significant truck traffic
• Nearby I-35 corridor – One of the busiest trucking routes in America

These routes carry everything from agricultural products to manufactured goods, oilfield equipment to consumer products headed to Thorndale’s distribution centers and retail stores. The Thorndale area also sees specialized trucking for:

• Agricultural products from Milam County farms
• Oilfield equipment servicing the Eagle Ford Shale region
• Construction materials for Thorndale’s growing community
• Consumer goods bound for local businesses and distribution centers

This heavy truck traffic means Thorndale residents face higher risks of catastrophic trucking accidents than many other Texas communities. When these accidents happen, the results are often devastating.

The Physics of 18-Wheeler Accidents

Understanding why trucking accidents cause such severe injuries starts with basic physics:

• Weight: A fully loaded 18-wheeler can weigh up to 80,000 pounds – that’s 20-25 times heavier than your passenger vehicle
• Stopping Distance: At 65 mph, an 18-wheeler needs approximately 525 feet to stop – nearly two football fields
• Impact Force: An 80,000-pound truck traveling at highway speeds carries approximately 80 times the kinetic energy of a typical car

When these massive vehicles collide with passenger cars on Thorndale’s highways, the results are often catastrophic. The injuries we see in Thorndale trucking accident cases include:

• Traumatic brain injuries from the extreme forces involved
• Spinal cord injuries that may result in paralysis
• Amputations when limbs are crushed or severed
• Severe burns from fuel fires or hazardous cargo
• Internal organ damage from the crushing forces
• Wrongful death when the impact proves fatal

Common Types of Thorndale 18-Wheeler Accidents

Our experience with Thorndale trucking accidents shows that certain types of crashes occur with alarming frequency on our local roads:

Jackknife Accidents on Thorndale Highways

Jackknife accidents occur when the trailer swings out perpendicular to the cab, creating a dangerous barrier across multiple lanes. These are particularly common on Thorndale’s highways during:

• Sudden braking on wet or icy roads
• Sharp turns at high speeds
• Empty or lightly loaded trailers that are more prone to swing
• Improperly secured cargo that shifts during transit

Thorndale’s mix of rural highways and urban intersections creates conditions where jackknife accidents often lead to multi-vehicle pileups.

Underride Collisions – The Deadliest Thorndale Truck Accidents

Underride collisions occur when a passenger vehicle slides underneath a trailer, often shearing off the roof of the smaller vehicle. These are among the most deadly trucking accidents we see in Thorndale.

Types of underride collisions:

• Rear underride: When a vehicle strikes the back of a trailer
• Side underride: When a vehicle impacts the side of a trailer during lane changes or turns

Why underride accidents are so deadly in Thorndale:

• Trailers are often the same height as passenger vehicle windshields
• The impact often decapitates or severely injures occupants
• Many Thorndale-area trucks lack adequate underride guards

Federal regulations require rear underride guards on trailers manufactured after 1998, but there are NO federal requirements for side underride guards. This regulatory gap puts Thorndale drivers at risk every day.

Tire Blowouts on Thorndale Roads

Tire blowouts are a significant hazard on Thorndale’s highways, particularly:

• On US 79 and SH 36 where trucks travel at high speeds
• During Thorndale’s hot summers when tires overheat
• When trucks are overloaded beyond tire capacity
• When tire maintenance is deferred to save costs

When a truck tire blows out at highway speeds, the driver often loses control, and the flying debris can strike following vehicles. We’ve handled multiple Thorndale cases where tire debris caused secondary accidents with severe injuries.

Rollover Accidents in the Thorndale Area

Rollover accidents occur when trucks tip onto their sides or roofs, often due to:

• Taking curves too fast on Thorndale’s rural highways
• Top-heavy loads that shift during transit
• Overcorrection after tire blowouts or lane departures
• Driver fatigue causing delayed reactions

These accidents are particularly dangerous when they occur on Thorndale’s two-lane highways, where the overturned truck can block both directions of traffic.

Blind Spot Collisions – Thorndale’s “No-Zone” Dangers

Commercial trucks have massive blind spots – what the industry calls “No-Zones” – where the driver cannot see other vehicles. The four No-Zones around 18-wheelers are:

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 the cab door backward
4. Right Side No-Zone: The largest blind spot, extending from the cab door backward

Thorndale’s mix of local traffic and through-trucks creates numerous opportunities for blind spot collisions, particularly when trucks:

• Change lanes without adequate mirror checks
• Make wide right turns at Thorndale intersections
• Travel on multi-lane highways like US 79

Brake Failures on Thorndale’s Hills and Highways

Brake failures are a leading cause of Thorndale trucking accidents, particularly:

• On the rolling hills of SH 36 where trucks descend long grades
• When maintenance is deferred to save costs
• When brake systems are improperly adjusted
• When brake components are worn beyond safe limits

Brake problems account for approximately 29% of all large truck crashes. When brakes fail on Thorndale’s highways, the results are often catastrophic rear-end collisions.

Cargo Spills and Shifts on Thorndale Roads

Improperly secured cargo creates multiple hazards on Thorndale’s highways:

• Shifting loads can destabilize trucks, causing rollovers
• Falling cargo can strike following vehicles
• Hazardous material spills create additional dangers

The agricultural products, oilfield equipment, and construction materials common on Thorndale’s roads create unique cargo securement challenges.

Why Thorndale Trucking Accidents Happen

Our experience with Thorndale trucking cases reveals several common causes:

Driver Fatigue – Thorndale’s Long-Haul Problem

Thorndale sits along major freight corridors where long-haul drivers often push their limits. Federal hours of service regulations are frequently violated in our cases:

• 11-hour driving limit: Drivers may exceed this after 10 consecutive hours off duty
• 14-hour on-duty window: Drivers often work beyond this limit
• 30-minute break rule: Many drivers skip required breaks
• 60/70-hour weekly limits: Carriers often pressure drivers to exceed these

Fatigue-related crashes are particularly common among drivers passing through Thorndale on long-haul routes where they may be nearing the end of their legal driving limits.

Distracted Driving on Thorndale Highways

Distracted driving is a growing problem among Thorndale-area truckers:

• Cell phone use while driving is strictly prohibited but still occurs
• Dispatch communications through onboard systems
• GPS devices that require manual input
• Eating and drinking while driving
• Fatigue-related inattention from long hours on the road

Federal regulations specifically prohibit hand-held mobile phone use by CMV drivers, but we continue to see violations in Thorndale accident cases.

Speeding and Aggressive Driving

Speeding is a factor in approximately 23% of all large truck crashes. On Thorndale’s highways, we see:

• Drivers exceeding speed limits to meet tight delivery schedules
• Aggressive lane changes without proper mirror checks
• Tailgating smaller vehicles
• Failure to adjust speed for Thorndale’s weather conditions

The combination of speed and a vehicle’s massive size makes these accidents particularly deadly.

Improper Maintenance and Thorndale’s Deferred Repairs

Maintenance violations are among the most common FMCSA violations we find in Thorndale trucking cases:

• Brake system deficiencies – Worn pads, improper adjustments
• Tire failures – Underinflation, worn treads, age-related deterioration
• Lighting problems – Non-functioning headlights, brake lights, turn signals
• Steering system failures – Worn components, fluid leaks
• Suspension problems – Affecting vehicle stability

Many Thorndale-area carriers defer maintenance to save costs, putting all road users at risk.

Thorndale’s Unique Weather Challenges

Thorndale’s weather creates unique challenges for truck drivers:

• Heavy rains that reduce visibility and create hydroplaning hazards
• Fog that limits visibility on rural roads
• High winds that can affect high-profile trailers
• Extreme heat that increases tire failure risks
• Occasional ice that creates black ice hazards

Truck drivers must adjust their driving for these conditions, but we often see violations in Thorndale accident cases.

Thorndale’s Rural Road Hazards

Thorndale’s mix of rural highways and urban roads creates unique hazards:

• Narrow roads with limited shoulder space
• Sharp curves that require speed reduction
• Railroad crossings that may not have active warning systems
• Wildlife crossings that create sudden hazards
• Limited lighting on rural routes
• Poor signage at some intersections

These conditions require extra caution from truck drivers, but we often see violations in our Thorndale cases.

Who’s Liable in Thorndale Trucking Accidents?

Thorndale trucking accidents often involve multiple liable parties:

The Truck Driver

The driver may be liable for:

• Speeding or reckless driving
• Distracted driving (cell phone use, etc.)
• Fatigued driving beyond legal limits
• Impaired driving (drugs or alcohol)
• Failure to conduct proper pre-trip inspections
• Violation of traffic laws

The Trucking Company (Motor Carrier)

Trucking companies are often the most important defendants because they carry the highest insurance limits. They may be liable for:

Vicarious Liability:

• The driver was an employee (not an independent contractor)
• The driver was acting within the scope of employment
• The accident occurred while performing job duties

Direct Negligence:

• Negligent Hiring: Failed to check the driver’s background or qualifications
• Negligent Training: Inadequate safety training
• Negligent Supervision: Failed to monitor driver performance
• Negligent Maintenance: Failed to maintain vehicles in safe condition
• Negligent Scheduling: Pressured drivers to violate hours of service regulations

The Cargo Owner or Shipper

The company that owns the cargo may be liable for:

• Providing improper loading instructions
• Failing to disclose hazardous nature of cargo
• Requiring overweight loading
• Pressuring carriers to expedite beyond safe limits
• Misrepresenting cargo weight or characteristics

The Cargo Loading Company

Third-party loading companies may be liable for:

• Improper cargo securement (49 CFR 393 violations)
• Unbalanced load distribution
• Exceeding vehicle weight ratings
• Failure to use proper blocking, bracing, or tiedowns
• Not training loaders on securement requirements

Truck and Trailer Manufacturers

Manufacturers may be liable for:

• Design defects in truck or trailer systems
• Manufacturing defects in components
• Failure to warn of known dangers
• Defective safety systems (brakes, stability control, etc.)

Parts Manufacturers

Companies that manufacture specific parts may be liable for:

• Defective brake components
• Defective tires causing blowouts
• Defective steering mechanisms
• Defective lighting components
• Defective coupling devices

Maintenance Companies

Third-party maintenance providers may be liable for:

• Negligent repairs that failed to fix problems
• Failure to identify critical safety issues
• Improper brake adjustments
• Using substandard or wrong parts
• Returning vehicles to service with known defects

Freight Brokers

Freight brokers who arrange transportation may be liable for:

• Negligent selection of carriers with poor safety records
• Failure to verify carrier insurance and authority
• Failure to check carrier CSA scores
• Selecting the cheapest carrier despite safety concerns

The Truck Owner (If Different from Carrier)

In owner-operator arrangements, the truck owner may have separate liability for:

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

Government Entities

Federal, state, or local government may be liable in limited circumstances for:

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

Thorndale-Specific Liability Considerations

Thorndale’s unique characteristics create specific liability considerations:

Thorndale’s Trucking Corridors

The specific highways serving Thorndale create unique accident patterns:

• US 79: East-west corridor with significant truck traffic, particularly agricultural and manufactured goods
• SH 36: North-south route connecting to I-35, carrying diverse freight
• FM 486 and FM 696: Local routes with truck traffic serving Thorndale businesses
• I-35 corridor: Major freight route with heavy truck traffic passing near Thorndale

Each of these corridors has specific accident risks that we consider in Thorndale cases.

Thorndale’s Agricultural Trucking

Milam County’s agricultural industry creates specialized trucking risks:

• Seasonal harvest traffic that increases truck volumes
• Agricultural equipment transport with unique securement requirements
• Grain and livestock transport with shifting cargo hazards
• Farm-to-market routes with unique road conditions

Thorndale’s Oilfield Trucking

The Eagle Ford Shale region creates specialized oilfield trucking:

• Oversize and overweight loads requiring special permits
• Hazardous material transport with additional regulations
• Specialized equipment transport for drilling operations
• Increased truck traffic on rural routes not designed for heavy vehicles

Thorndale’s Distribution Centers

Thorndale’s growing role as a distribution hub creates:

• Increased local truck traffic serving warehouses and distribution centers
• Dock operations with unique accident risks
• Forklift and material handling accidents in warehouse environments
• Last-mile delivery with increased urban truck traffic

The Evidence We Preserve in Thorndale Trucking Cases

Thorndale trucking accident evidence disappears quickly. We act immediately to preserve:

Electronic Data

• ECM/Black Box Data: Records speed, braking, throttle position, fault codes
• ELD Records: Prove hours of service violations and fatigue
• GPS/Telematics Data: Shows route, speed, location history
• Dashcam Footage: Video of the accident and driver behavior
• Dispatch Records: Communications about routes and deadlines

Driver Records

• Driver Qualification File: Employment application, background check, medical certification
• Driving Record: Previous violations and accidents
• Training Records: Safety and operational training
• Drug/Alcohol Test Results: Pre-employment and random testing
• Previous Employer Records: Work history and safety record

Vehicle Records

• Maintenance Records: Repair history and known defects
• Inspection Reports: Pre-trip, post-trip, and annual inspections
• Out-of-Service Orders: Previous safety violations
• Tire Records: Purchase, rotation, and replacement history
• Brake Inspection Records: Adjustment and component replacement

Company Records

• Hours of Service Records: For 6 months prior to accident
• Safety Policies: Company safety procedures
• Hiring Practices: Background check procedures
• Supervision Records: Driver performance monitoring
• CSA Scores: Company safety record with FMCSA

Physical Evidence

• The Truck and Trailer: For inspection and analysis
• Failed Components: For defect analysis
• Cargo and Securement Devices: For securement violation analysis
• Tire Remnants: For blowout analysis
• Scene Evidence: Skid marks, debris patterns, road conditions

Why Thorndale Trucking Cases Require Immediate Action

Thorndale trucking accident evidence disappears quickly. Here’s what happens if you wait:

• ECM/Black Box Data: Can be overwritten in 30 days or with new driving events
• ELD Data: May be retained only 6 months under FMCSA requirements
• Dashcam Footage: Often deleted within 7-14 days
• Surveillance Video: Business cameras typically overwrite in 7-30 days
• Witness Memory: Fades significantly within weeks
• Physical Evidence: Vehicle may be repaired, sold, or scrapped
• Drug/Alcohol Tests: Must be conducted within specific windows

We send spoliation letters within 24-48 hours of being retained to preserve this evidence before it’s lost forever.

Thorndale Trucking Accident Injuries

The injuries we see in Thorndale trucking cases are often catastrophic:

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

TBI occurs when the brain impacts the inside of the skull due to extreme forces. In Thorndale trucking accidents, we see:

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

Lifetime care costs for TBI can exceed $3 million.

Spinal Cord Injury

Spinal cord damage disrupts communication between the brain and body:

• Paraplegia: Loss of function below the waist
• Quadriplegia: Loss of function in all four limbs
• Incomplete Injury: Some nerve function remains
• Complete Injury: Total loss of sensation and movement below injury

Lifetime care costs:

• Paraplegia: $1.1 million to $2.5 million+
• Quadriplegia: $3.5 million to $5 million+

Amputation

Amputations occur when limbs are crushed or severed:

• Traumatic Amputation: Limb severed at the scene
• Surgical Amputation: Limb so severely damaged it must be removed

Ongoing needs include prosthetics ($5,000-$50,000+ each), rehabilitation, and psychological counseling.

Severe Burns

Burns occur from fuel fires or hazardous cargo:

• First Degree: Epidermis only
• Second Degree: Epidermis and dermis
• Third Degree: Full thickness, requiring skin grafts
• Fourth Degree: Through skin to muscle/bone

Treatment often requires multiple reconstructive surgeries and long-term care.

Internal Organ Damage

Internal injuries may not show immediate symptoms:

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

These injuries often require emergency surgery and have life-threatening complications.

Wrongful Death

When Thorndale trucking accidents prove fatal, surviving family members may recover:

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

Thorndale Wrongful Death Trucking Cases

Losing a loved one in a Thorndale trucking accident is devastating. Texas law allows certain family members to bring wrongful death claims:

• Surviving spouse
• Children (minor and adult)
• Parents (if no spouse or children survive)
• Estate representative (for survival action)

Damages available in Thorndale wrongful death cases:

• Economic Damages:

  • Lost future income and benefits
  • Loss of household services
  • Funeral and burial expenses
  • Medical expenses before death

• Non-Economic Damages:

  • Loss of consortium (companionship and love)
  • Loss of parental guidance (for surviving children)
  • Mental anguish and emotional suffering
  • Pain and suffering experienced by the decedent before death

• Punitive Damages:

  • Available if gross negligence or reckless disregard for safety is proven
  • Designed to punish the wrongdoer and deter similar conduct

Texas Statute of Limitations: 2 years from the date of death to file a wrongful death lawsuit.

Thorndale Trucking Accident Case Values

Case values in Thorndale trucking accidents 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
• Comparative fault (if any)
• Permanent impairment or disfigurement

Typical Thorndale trucking accident settlement ranges:

Why Thorndale trucking cases can be worth more:

• Trucking companies carry higher insurance limits ($750,000 minimum, often $1-5 million)
• Multiple liable parties may contribute to the settlement
• Catastrophic injuries and wrongful death create significant damages
• Punitive damages may be available for gross negligence

Thorndale Trucking Accident Insurance

Federal law requires commercial trucking companies to carry minimum liability insurance:

Why this matters for Thorndale victims:

• Unlike car accidents where insurance may be limited to $30,000-$100,000, trucking accidents typically have at least $750,000 available
• Many carriers carry $1-5 million or more in coverage
• This higher coverage means catastrophic injuries can actually be compensated

Additional insurance coverage in Thorndale trucking cases:

• Trailer interchange coverage
• Cargo insurance
• Owner-operator policies
• Excess/umbrella coverage
• MCS-90 endorsements (guarantees minimum damages will be covered)

Thorndale Trucking Accident Damages

Thorndale trucking accident victims may recover several types of damages:

Economic Damages (Calculable Losses)

• 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 to medical appointments, 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: 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 (Punishment for Gross Negligence)

Punitive damages may be available when the trucking company or driver acted with:

• Gross negligence
• Willful misconduct
• Conscious indifference to safety
• Fraud (falsifying logs, destroying evidence)

Texas punitive damages cap: Greater of (2x economic damages + non-economic damages up to $750,000) OR $200,000

Thorndale Trucking Accident Case Process

Our Thorndale trucking accident process:

1. Free Consultation: We evaluate your case at no cost
2. Case Acceptance: We agree to represent you on contingency
3. Immediate Investigation: We send preservation letters and deploy experts
4. Evidence Gathering: We subpoena records and preserve physical evidence
5. Medical Care Facilitation: We help you get the treatment you need
6. Demand Letter: We send a comprehensive demand to the insurance company
7. Negotiation: We negotiate aggressively for fair settlement
8. Litigation (if needed): We file lawsuit and prepare for trial
9. Resolution: We secure maximum compensation for you

Timeline:

• Simple cases: 6-12 months
• Complex cases: 1-3 years
• Trial cases: 2-4 years

Thorndale Trucking Accident Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do immediately after a trucking accident in Thorndale?

If you’ve been in a trucking accident in Thorndale:

1. Call 911 and report the accident
2. Seek medical attention immediately, even if injuries seem minor
3. Document the scene with photos and video if possible
4. Get the trucking company name, DOT number, and driver information
5. Collect witness contact information
6. Do NOT give recorded statements to any insurance company
7. Call an 18-wheeler accident attorney immediately

Should I go to the hospital after a Thorndale truck accident even if I feel okay?

YES. Adrenaline masks pain after traumatic accidents. Internal injuries, TBI, and spinal injuries may not show symptoms for hours or days. Thorndale hospitals and clinics can identify injuries that will become critical evidence in your case. Delaying treatment also gives insurance companies ammunition to deny your claim.

What information should I collect at the Thorndale truck accident scene?

Document everything possible:

• Truck and trailer license plates
• DOT number (on truck door)
• Trucking company name and logo
• Driver’s name, CDL number, and contact info
• Photos of all vehicle damage
• Photos of the accident scene, road conditions, skid marks
• Photos of your injuries
• Witness names and phone numbers
• Responding officer’s name and badge number
• Weather and road conditions

Should I talk to the trucking company’s insurance adjuster?

NO. Do not give any recorded statements. Insurance adjusters work for the trucking company, not you. Anything you say will be used to minimize your claim. Our firm includes a former insurance defense attorney who knows exactly how these adjusters are trained to protect the trucking company’s interests.

How quickly should I contact a Thorndale 18-wheeler accident attorney?

IMMEDIATELY – within 24-48 hours if possible. Critical evidence in trucking cases (black box data, ELD records, dashcam footage) can be destroyed or overwritten quickly. We send spoliation letters within hours of being retained to preserve this evidence before it’s lost forever.

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

Multiple parties may be liable in Thorndale trucking accidents:

• 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)

We investigate every possible defendant to maximize your recovery.

Is the trucking company responsible even if the driver caused the Thorndale 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 Thorndale accident was my fault?

Texas uses a modified comparative negligence system. Even if you were partially at fault, you may still recover compensation. Our job is to investigate thoroughly, gather evidence (especially ECM and ELD data), and prove what really happened. Drivers often lie to protect their jobs – the data tells the true story.

What is an owner-operator and does that affect my Thorndale case?

An owner-operator is a driver who owns their own truck and contracts with trucking companies. This can complicate liability, but both the owner-operator and the contracting company may be liable. We investigate all relationships and insurance policies to ensure you can recover from the responsible parties.

How do I find out if the Thorndale trucking company has a bad safety record?

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 Thorndale’s roads.

What is a truck’s “black box” and how does it help my Thorndale case?

Commercial trucks have Electronic Control Modules (ECM) and Event Data Recorders (EDR) that record operational data – similar to an airplane’s black box. 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.

What is an ELD and why is it important in my Thorndale case?

Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) are feder