18-Wheeler Accident Lawyers in University Park, Texas
Every year, thousands of devastating 18-wheeler accidents occur on University Park’s highways and interstates. If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a trucking accident in University Park, Texas, you need an attorney who understands both federal trucking regulations and how to hold negligent trucking companies fully accountable.
At Attorney911, we’ve been fighting for truck accident victims across North 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 on University Park’s roads.
Why University Park Trucking Accidents Are Different
We know University Park’s trucking corridors intimately. From the I-635 corridor to the Dallas North Tollway, from US-75 to the bustling distribution centers along the city’s perimeter, we understand the unique challenges these routes present. This local knowledge, combined with our deep understanding of FMCSA regulations, gives us a powerful advantage when building your case.
University Park sits at the heart of one of the most congested trucking regions in Texas. The intersection of major highways with local roads creates dangerous conditions where truck accidents frequently occur. When an 80,000-pound truck collides with a passenger vehicle, the results are often catastrophic.
The Devastating Reality of University Park Trucking Accidents
The physics of 18-wheeler accidents make catastrophic injuries the norm, not the exception:
- Size and Weight Disparity: A fully loaded 18-wheeler can weigh up to 80,000 pounds – 20-25 times heavier than your car
- Impact Force: An 80,000-pound truck at 65 mph carries approximately 80 times the kinetic energy of a passenger vehicle
- Stopping Distance: A fully loaded truck at 65 mph needs approximately 525 feet to stop – nearly two football fields
These factors explain why University Park trucking accidents often result in:
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Amputations
- Severe burns
- Internal organ damage
- Wrongful death
“They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.”
— Glenda Walker, Attorney911 Client
What To Do After an 18-Wheeler Accident in University Park
If you’ve been involved in a trucking accident in University Park, take these steps immediately if you’re able:
- Call 911 and report the accident
- Seek medical attention – even if injuries seem minor, adrenaline masks pain
- Document the scene with photos and video if possible
- Get the trucking company name, DOT number, and driver information
- Collect witness contact information
- Do NOT give recorded statements to any insurance company
- Call an 18-wheeler accident attorney immediately – evidence disappears fast
Evidence in University Park 18-wheeler accident cases disappears quickly. Black box data can be overwritten in 30 days. Trucking companies in University Park and nationwide hire rapid-response teams to protect their interests. You need an attorney who moves just as fast.
The Attorney911 Advantage: Insider Knowledge of Insurance Tactics
Our firm includes Lupe Peña, a former insurance defense attorney who spent years working inside the system. He knows exactly how trucking insurance companies:
- Evaluate and minimize claims
- Train adjusters to lowball victims
- Use recorded statements against accident victims
- Deny legitimate claims
- Destroy or hide unfavorable evidence
Now he uses that insider knowledge to fight FOR you, not against you.
“Our firm includes Lupe Peña, a former insurance defense attorney who spent years INSIDE the system. He watched adjusters minimize claims. He saw how they train their people to lowball victims. Now he exposes those tactics and uses his insider knowledge to fight for maximum compensation.”
Common Causes of University Park Trucking Accidents
University Park’s unique geography and traffic patterns create specific accident risks:
Jackknife Accidents on I-635 and US-75
Jackknife accidents occur when the trailer swings out perpendicular to the cab, often blocking multiple lanes. These are particularly common on University Park’s congested highways where sudden braking is frequent.
Common causes:
- Sudden braking on wet or icy roads
- Speeding on curves
- Empty or lightly loaded trailers
- Improperly loaded cargo
- Brake system failures
Rollover Accidents on Highway Interchanges
University Park’s complex highway interchanges, like the I-635/US-75 junction, are hotspots for rollover accidents. The high speeds and tight curves create perfect conditions for trucks to tip over.
Common causes:
- Speeding on exit and entrance ramps
- Taking turns too sharply
- Improperly secured or unevenly distributed cargo
- Liquid cargo “slosh” shifting center of gravity
- Overcorrection after tire blowout or lane departure
Underride Collisions on Local Roads
Underride collisions 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.
University Park risk factors:
- Poorly lit intersections
- Inadequate underride guards
- Sudden stops on local roads
- Wide right turns cutting off traffic
Rear-End Collisions on Congested Corridors
University Park’s traffic congestion creates prime conditions for rear-end collisions, particularly during rush hours on US-75 and the Dallas North Tollway.
Common causes:
- Following too closely in stop-and-go traffic
- Driver distraction (cell phones, dispatch communications)
- Driver fatigue
- Excessive speed for conditions
- Brake failures from poor maintenance
Wide Turn Accidents in Commercial Areas
University Park’s commercial areas, particularly around the NorthPark Center and surrounding retail districts, see frequent wide turn accidents. Trucks swing wide to make right turns, creating gaps that other vehicles enter – only to be crushed when the truck completes its turn.
Blind Spot Accidents on Highway Merges
The large blind spots (“No-Zones”) around 18-wheelers create significant risks on University Park’s highways where frequent lane changes and merges are common.
The Four No-Zones:
- Front No-Zone: 20 feet directly in front of the cab
- Rear No-Zone: 30 feet behind the trailer
- Left Side No-Zone: Extends from cab door backward
- Right Side No-Zone: Extends from cab door backward – MOST DANGEROUS
Tire Blowouts on Long Hauls
University Park’s position along major trucking routes means many long-haul trucks pass through. The extreme Texas heat and long straight stretches create ideal conditions for tire blowouts.
Common causes:
- Underinflated tires causing overheating
- Overloaded vehicles
- Worn or aging tires
- Road debris
- Manufacturing defects
Brake Failures on Steep Grades
While University Park itself is relatively flat, many trucks traveling through the area come from or are headed to regions with steep grades. Brake systems can overheat and fail on long descents.
Common causes:
- Worn brake pads or shoes
- Improper brake adjustment
- Air brake system leaks
- Overheated brakes (brake fade)
- Contaminated brake fluid
FMCSA Violations: The Key to Proving Negligence
Every 18-wheeler on University Park’s roads must comply with strict federal regulations. When trucking companies and drivers violate these rules, they create dangerous conditions that cause catastrophic accidents. Proving FMCSA violations is often the key to establishing negligence and securing maximum compensation.
The 6 Critical Parts of FMCSA Regulations
| Part | Title | What It Covers | Common University Park Violations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Part 390 | General Applicability | Definitions, who regulations apply to | Operating without proper authority |
| Part 391 | Driver Qualification | Who can drive, medical requirements | Hiring unqualified drivers, missing medical certifications |
| Part 392 | Driving Rules | Safe operation, fatigue, drugs, alcohol | Distracted driving, hours of service violations |
| Part 393 | Vehicle Safety | Equipment, cargo securement | Inadequate underride guards, poor cargo securement |
| Part 395 | Hours of Service | How long drivers can drive | Driving beyond 11-hour limit, falsifying logs |
| Part 396 | Inspection & Maintenance | Vehicle upkeep | Deferred brake maintenance, missed inspections |
Most Common FMCSA Violations in University Park Accidents
- Hours of Service Violations – Driving beyond 11-hour limit, no breaks
- False Log Entries – Falsifying ELD or paper log records
- Failure to Maintain Brakes – Worn brakes, improper adjustment
- Cargo Securement Failures – Inadequate tiedowns, shifting loads
- Unqualified Driver – Operating without valid CDL or medical certificate
- Drug/Alcohol Violations – Operating under influence
- Mobile Phone Use – Texting, hand-held phone while driving
- Failure to Inspect – No pre-trip inspection, ignored defects
- Improper Lighting – Non-functioning lights, missing reflectors
- Negligent Hiring – No background check, incomplete DQ file
The 48-Hour Evidence Preservation Protocol
In 18-wheeler 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.
CRITICAL TIMELINES:
| Evidence Type | Destruction Risk |
|---|---|
| ECM/Black Box Data | Overwrites in 30 days or with new driving events |
| ELD Data | May be retained only 6 months |
| 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 |
What Is A Spoliation Letter?
A spoliation letter is a formal legal notice sent to the trucking company, their insurer, and all potentially liable parties demanding preservation of all evidence related to the accident.
Why It Matters:
- Puts defendants on legal notice of their preservation obligation
- Creates serious consequences if evidence is destroyed
- Courts can impose sanctions, adverse inferences, or even default judgment for spoliation
- The sooner sent, the more weight it carries
When We Send It:
IMMEDIATELY – within 24-48 hours of being retained. We don’t wait.
What the Spoliation Letter Demands
ELECTRONIC DATA:
- Engine Control Module (ECM) / Electronic Control Unit (ECU) data
- Event Data Recorder (EDR) data
- Electronic Logging Device (ELD) records
- GPS and telematics data
- Dashcam and forward-facing camera footage
- Dispatch communications and messaging
- Cell phone records and text messages
- Qualcomm or fleet management system data
DRIVER RECORDS:
- Complete Driver Qualification File
- Employment application and resume
- Background check and driving record
- Previous employer verification
- Medical certification and exam records
- Drug and alcohol test results (pre-employment and random)
- Training records and certifications
- Previous accident and violation history
- Performance reviews and disciplinary records
VEHICLE RECORDS:
- Maintenance and repair records
- Inspection reports (pre-trip, post-trip, annual)
- Out-of-service orders and repairs
- Tire records and replacement history
- Brake inspection and adjustment records
- Parts purchase and installation records
COMPANY RECORDS:
- Hours of service records for 6 months prior
- Dispatch logs and trip records
- Bills of lading and cargo documentation
- Insurance policies
- Safety policies and procedures
- Training curricula
- Hiring and supervision policies
PHYSICAL EVIDENCE:
- The truck and trailer themselves
- Failed or damaged components
- Cargo and securement devices
- Tire remnants if blowout involved
The Electronic Evidence That Wins Cases
ECM/Black Box Data
Commercial trucks have Electronic Control Modules (ECM) and Event Data Recorders (EDR) that continuously record operational data – similar to airplane black boxes but for trucks.
Critical Data Points:
- Speed Before Crash: Proves speeding or excessive speed for conditions
- Brake Application: Shows when and how hard brakes were applied
- Throttle Position: Reveals if driver was accelerating or coasting
- Following Distance: Calculated from speed and deceleration data
- Hours of Service: Proves fatigue and HOS violations
- GPS Location: Confirms route and timing
- Fault Codes: May reveal known mechanical issues driver ignored
ELD Data
Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) are federally mandated devices that record driver hours of service. ELD data proves whether the driver violated federal rest requirements and was driving while fatigued.
Why This Data Wins Cases:
ELDs prove:
- Exactly how long the driver was on duty
- Whether breaks were taken as required
- Speed before and during the accident
- GPS location history
- Any HOS violations
WE SEND SPOLIATION LETTERS IMMEDIATELY TO PRESERVE THIS DATA.
All Parties We Hold Accountable in University Park Trucking Cases
In addition to the truck driver, multiple parties may be liable for your injuries:
- The Truck Driver – Direct negligence: speeding, fatigue, distraction, impairment
- The Trucking Company (Carrier) – Vicarious liability, negligent hiring, negligent supervision
- The Truck Owner (if different from carrier) – Negligent entrustment of dangerous vehicle
- Maintenance Company – Failure to properly inspect or repair defective equipment
- Cargo Loaders – Improperly secured or overweight loads causing loss of control
- Truck/Trailer Manufacturer – Defective brakes, tires, steering, or safety systems
- Parts Manufacturer – Defective component parts that failed
- Freight Brokers – Negligent hiring of unqualified or unsafe carriers
- Shippers – Improper cargo loading or hazardous material handling
- Government Entity – Dangerous road design or inadequate signage
University Park-Specific Trucking Corridors and Accident Patterns
I-635 (LBJ Freeway) Corridor
Accident Patterns:
- High-speed rear-end collisions
- Lane change accidents in heavy traffic
- Jackknife accidents during sudden braking
- Underride collisions at poorly lit interchanges
Danger Zones:
- I-635/US-75 interchange
- I-635/Dallas North Tollway junction
- I-635/US-75 merge areas
- Construction zones
US-75 (Central Expressway)
Accident Patterns:
- Rear-end collisions during rush hours
- Blind spot accidents during lane changes
- Wide turn accidents at commercial exits
- Tire blowouts from long-haul trucks
Danger Zones:
- US-75/I-635 interchange
- US-75/NorthPark Center exits
- US-75/Lovers Lane merge areas
- US-75 construction zones
Dallas North Tollway
Accident Patterns:
- High-speed collisions
- Rollover accidents on exit ramps
- Underride collisions at toll plazas
- Brake failures from steep approaches
Danger Zones:
- Dallas North Tollway/I-635 interchange
- Dallas North Tollway/LBJ Freeway exits
- Toll plaza areas
- Construction zones
Local Roads and Commercial Areas
Accident Patterns:
- Wide turn accidents at intersections
- Pedestrian and cyclist accidents near shopping centers
- Rear-end collisions at traffic lights
- Cargo spills from improperly secured loads
Danger Zones:
- NorthPark Center and surrounding retail areas
- University Park’s central business district
- School zones during pickup/drop-off times
- Residential areas with heavy truck traffic
Catastrophic Injuries from University Park Trucking Accidents
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
What It Is:
TBI occurs when a sudden trauma causes damage to the brain. In 18-wheeler accidents, the extreme forces cause the brain to impact the inside of the skull.
Severity Levels:
| Level | Symptoms | Prognosis |
|---|---|---|
| Mild (Concussion) | Confusion, headache, brief loss of consciousness | Usually recovers, but may have lasting effects |
| Moderate | Extended unconsciousness, memory problems, cognitive deficits | Significant recovery possible with rehabilitation |
| Severe | Extended coma, permanent cognitive impairment | Lifelong disability, may require 24/7 care |
Lifetime Care Costs: $85,000 to $3,000,000+ depending on severity
Spinal Cord Injury
What It Is:
Damage to the spinal cord that disrupts communication between the brain and body, often resulting in paralysis.
Types of Paralysis:
| Type | Definition | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Paraplegia | Loss of function below the waist | Cannot walk, may affect bladder/bowel control |
| Quadriplegia | Loss of function in all four limbs | Cannot walk or use arms, may need breathing assistance |
| Incomplete Injury | Some nerve function remains | Variable – may have some sensation or movement |
| Complete Injury | No nerve function below injury | Total loss of sensation and movement |
Lifetime Care Costs:
- Paraplegia (low): $1.1 million+
- Paraplegia (high): $2.5 million+
- Quadriplegia (low): $3.5 million+
- Quadriplegia (high): $5 million+
Amputation
Types of Amputation:
- Traumatic Amputation: Limb severed at the scene due to crash forces
- Surgical Amputation: Limb so severely damaged it must be surgically removed
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
How Burns Occur in University Park Trucking Accidents:
- Fuel tank rupture and fire
- Hazmat cargo spills and ignition
- Electrical fires from battery/wiring damage
- Friction burns from road contact
- Chemical burns from hazmat exposure
Burn Classification:
| Degree | Depth | Treatment |
|---|---|---|
| First | Epidermis only | Minor, heals without scarring |
| Second | Epidermis and dermis | May scar, may need grafting |
| Third | Full thickness | Requires skin grafts, permanent scarring |
| Fourth | Through skin to muscle/bone | Multiple surgeries, amputation may be required |
Internal Organ Damage
Common Internal Injuries:
- 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:
Texas law allows surviving family members to recover compensation when a loved one is killed by another’s negligence.
Who Can Bring a Wrongful Death Claim:
- Surviving spouse
- Children (minor and adult)
- Parents (especially 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)
University Park Trucking Accident Case Values
Case values depend on many factors unique to University Park’s legal landscape:
- Severity of injuries
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost income and earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Degree of defendant’s negligence
- Insurance coverage available
- University Park jury tendencies
Trucking companies carry higher insurance limits than typical auto policies:
- Federal Minimum: $750,000 for non-hazardous freight
- Typical Coverage: $1,000,000 to $5,000,000
- Large Carriers: $10,000,000+
This higher coverage means catastrophic injuries can actually be compensated, rather than leaving victims with unpaid medical bills.
Documented Settlement Ranges for Texas Trucking Cases
| Injury Type | Settlement Range |
|---|---|
| Soft Tissue (Whiplash) | $15,000 – $60,000 |
| Herniated Disc (Non-Surgical) | $50,000 – $200,000 |
| Herniated Disc (With Surgery) | $346,000 – $1,205,000 |
| Traumatic Brain Injury (Mod-Severe) | $1,548,000 – $9,838,000+ |
| Spinal Cord Injury | $4,770,000 – $25,880,000+ |
| Amputation | $1,945,000 – $8,630,000 |
| Wrongful Death | $1,910,000 – $9,520,000 |
“$5+ Million – Logging Brain Injury Settlement”
“$3.8+ Million – Car Accident Amputation Settlement”
“$2+ Million – Maritime Back Injury Settlement”
“$2.5M – Truck Crash Recovery”
“Millions recovered for families in trucking-related wrongful death cases”
Why Choose Attorney911 for Your University Park Trucking Accident Case
1. University Park-Specific Experience
We know University Park’s trucking corridors, from I-635 to the Dallas North Tollway, from US-75 to the local roads where wide turn accidents frequently occur. This local knowledge gives us an advantage in building your case.
2. Insider Knowledge of Insurance Tactics
Our firm 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 trucking accident 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. This federal court access is critical for interstate trucking cases that often involve federal regulations and multiple jurisdictions.
4. Multi-Million Dollar Results
We’ve recovered millions for University Park families devastated by trucking accidents. Our track record includes:
- $5+ Million – Logging Brain Injury Settlement
- $3.8+ Million – Car Accident Amputation Settlement
- $2.5+ Million – Truck Crash Recovery
- Millions for wrongful death cases
5. Aggressive Evidence Preservation
We send spoliation letters within 24-48 hours to preserve critical evidence before it’s destroyed. Black box data, ELD records, and dashcam footage can disappear quickly if not preserved immediately.
6. Comprehensive Investigation
Our University Park trucking accident investigation includes:
- Immediate scene documentation
- ECM/Black box data retrieval
- ELD log analysis
- Driver Qualification File review
- Maintenance record inspection
- Cargo securement analysis
- Accident reconstruction
- Witness interviews
7. Spanish Language Services
Hablamos Español. Our associate attorney Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish and provides direct representation without interpreters. Many University Park trucking accident victims speak Spanish as their primary language, and we ensure they receive the same high-quality representation.
“Especially Miss Zulema, who is always very kind and always translates.”
— Celia Dominguez, Attorney911 Client
8. No Fee Unless We Win
We work on contingency – you pay nothing unless we win your case. We advance all costs of investigation and litigation. You never receive a bill from us.
The Attorney911 Process for University Park Trucking Cases
Step 1: Free Consultation
- 24/7 availability
- Immediate case evaluation
- No obligation
Step 2: Immediate Evidence Preservation
- Send spoliation letters within 24-48 hours
- Demand preservation of ECM, ELD, maintenance records
- Secure physical evidence before repair or disposal
Step 3: Comprehensive Investigation
- Obtain and analyze ECM/Black box data
- Review ELD logs for HOS violations
- Subpoena Driver Qualification File
- Inspect maintenance records
- Analyze cargo securement
- Interview witnesses
- Hire accident reconstruction experts
Step 4: Medical Care Facilitation
- Connect clients with University Park medical providers
- Arrange treatment even before settlement pays
- Document all injuries and treatment
Step 5: Demand Letter
- Calculate ALL damages (medical, lost wages, pain/suffering)
- Send comprehensive demand to insurance company
- Reject lowball offers
Step 6: Negotiation
- Use insider knowledge to counter insurance tactics
- Prepare for trial to strengthen negotiation position
- Fight for maximum compensation
Step 7: Litigation (if needed)
- File lawsuit before statute of limitations expires
- Conduct aggressive discovery
- Depose truck driver, dispatcher, safety manager
- Build case for trial
Step 8: Trial or Settlement
- Majority of cases settle before trial
- Fully prepared to take your case to verdict
- Maximum recovery through settlement or jury award
University Park Trucking Accident FAQ
What should I do immediately after an 18-wheeler accident in University Park?
If you’ve been in a trucking accident in University Park, take these steps immediately if you’re able:
- Call 911 and report the accident
- Seek medical attention, even if injuries seem minor
- Document the scene with photos and video if possible
- Get the trucking company name, DOT number, and driver information
- Collect witness contact information
- Do NOT give recorded statements to any insurance company
- Call an 18-wheeler accident attorney immediately
Should I go to the hospital after a 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. University Park hospitals like Texas Health Presbyterian Hospital Dallas and UT Southwestern Medical Center 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 truck accident scene in University Park?
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 an 18-wheeler accident attorney in University Park?
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 an 18-wheeler accident in University Park?
Multiple parties may be liable in 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 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 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 a truck’s “black box” and how does it help my case?
Commercial trucks have Electronic Control Modules (ECM) and Event Data Recorders (EDR) that record operational data – similar to airplane black boxes. 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?
Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) are federally mandated devices that record driver hours of service. ELD data proves whether the driver violated federal rest requirements and was driving while fatigued. Hours of service violations are among the most common causes of trucking accidents.
How long does the trucking company keep black box and ELD data?
ECM data can be overwritten within 30 days or with new driving events. FMCSA only requires 6 months retention for ELD data. This is why we send spoliation letters immediately – once we notify them of litigation, they must preserve everything.
What records should my attorney get from the trucking company?
We pursue:
- ECM/Black box data
- ELD records
- Driver Qualification File
- Maintenance records
- Inspection reports
- Dispatch logs
- Drug and alcohol test results
- Training records
- Cell phone records
- Insurance policies
- The physical truck and trailer
Can the trucking company destroy evidence?
Once they’re on notice of potential litigation, destroying evidence is spoliation – a serious legal violation. Courts can:
- Instruct juries to assume destroyed evidence was unfavorable
- Impose monetary sanctions
- Enter default judgment in extreme cases
- Award punitive damages
What are hours of service regulations and how do violations cause accidents?
FMCSA regulations limit how long truck drivers can operate:
- Maximum 11 hours driving after 10 hours off
- Cannot drive beyond 14th consecutive hour on duty
- 30-minute break required after 8 hours driving
- 60/70 hour weekly limits
Fatigued driving causes approximately 31% of fatal truck crashes. Drivers who violate these rules are too tired to react safely.
What FMCSA regulations are most commonly violated in accidents?
The top violations we find:
- Hours of service violations (driving too long)
- False log entries (lying about driving time)
- Brake system deficiencies
- Cargo securement failures
- Drug and alcohol violations
- Unqualified drivers (no valid CDL or medical certificate)
- Failure to inspect vehicles
What is a Driver Qualification File and why does it matter?
FMCSA requires trucking companies to maintain a file for every driver containing:
- Employment application
- Driving record check
- Previous employer verification
- Medical certification
- Drug test results
- Training documentation
Missing or incomplete files prove negligent hiring.
How do pre-trip inspections relate to my accident case?
Drivers must inspect their trucks before every trip. If they failed to conduct inspections or ignored known defects (bad brakes, worn tires, lighting problems), both the driver and company may be liable for negligence.
What injuries are common in 18-wheeler accidents in University Park?
Due to the massive size and weight disparity, trucking accidents often cause catastrophic injuries:
- Traumatic brain injury (TBI)
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Amputations
- Severe burns
- Internal organ damage
- Multiple fractures
- Wrongful death
How much are 18-wheeler accident cases worth in University Park?
Case values 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
Trucking companies carry higher insurance ($750,000 minimum, often $1-5 million), allowing for larger recoveries than typical car accidents. We’ve seen verdicts ranging from hundreds of thousands to hundreds of millions.
What if my loved one was killed in a trucking accident in University Park?
Texas law allows wrongful death claims by surviving family members. You may recover:
- Lost future income
- Loss of companionship and guidance
- Mental anguish
- Funeral expenses
- Punitive damages if gross negligence
Time limits apply – contact us immediately to protect your rights.
How long do I have to file an 18-wheeler accident lawsuit in University Park?
The statute of limitations in Texas is 2 years from the date of the accident. However, you should never wait. Evidence disappears quickly in trucking cases. The sooner you contact us, the stronger your case will be.
How long do trucking accident cases take to resolve?
Timelines vary:
- Simple cases with clear liability: 6-12 months
- Complex cases with multiple parties: 1-3 years
- Cases that go to trial: 2-4 years
We work to resolve cases as quickly as possible while maximizing your recovery.
Will my trucking accident 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. We have the resources and experience to take your case all the way if necessary.
Do I need to pay anything upfront to hire your firm?
NO. We work on contingency – you pay nothing unless we win your case. We advance all costs of investigation and litigation. You never receive a bill from us. When we win, our fee comes from the recovery, not your pocket.
University Park Trucking Accident Statistics
- Annual Truck Accidents in Texas: Over 35,000
- Fatal Truck Accidents in Texas: Approximately 600 per year
- Injury Truck Accidents in Texas: Over 10,000 per year
- Dallas County Truck Accidents: Over 2,000 annually
- University Park Area Truck Accidents: Approximately 100-150 per year
- Primary Causes: Driver fatigue (31%), speeding (29%), distracted driving (8%)
- Most Dangerous Times: Weekday rush hours (7-9 AM, 4-6 PM)
- Most Dangerous Locations: I-635/US-75 interchange, US-75/NorthPark exits
University Park Trucking Industry Facts
- Major Highways: I-635, US-75, Dallas North Tollway
- Key Industries: Retail distribution, food service, construction materials
- Major Carriers Operating in University Park: FedEx, UPS, Swift Transportation, Werner Enterprises, J.B. Hunt
- Distribution Centers: Multiple facilities along I-635 corridor
- Local Truck Traffic: Approximately 15,000 trucks daily through University Park
- Special Challenges: High-density retail areas, school zones, residential neighborhoods
Don’t Let the Trucking Company Get Away With It
If you’ve been hurt in a trucking accident anywhere in University Park, call Attorney911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911. Our University Park trucking accident attorneys offer free consultations and work on contingency – you pay nothing unless we win your case.
“You’re not just another case number—you’re family.”
— Chad Harris, Attorney911 Client
Every hour you wait, evidence in your University Park trucking accident case is disappearing. Black box data can be overwritten. Dashcam footage gets deleted. Witnesses forget what they saw. Call Attorney911 NOW at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation. We’ll send a preservation letter today to protect your evidence.
Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has over 25 years of experience fighting trucking companies in University Park and across North Texas. Our team includes a former insurance defense attorney who knows every tactic the trucking company will use against you. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 to put that experience to work for your case.
Worried about affording an attorney? Don’t be. Attorney911 works on contingency – you pay absolutely nothing unless we win your case. We advance all investigation costs. The trucking company has lawyers working right now to protect them. You deserve the same level of representation. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for your free case evaluation.
If you or a loved one suffered catastrophic injuries in a University Park 18-wheeler accident – traumatic brain injury, spinal cord damage, amputation, or worse – you need an attorney who has recovered multi-million dollar verdicts for families just like yours. Call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 today.
We are deeply sorry for your loss. When a trucking company’s negligence takes a loved one, justice requires holding them fully accountable. Our University Park wrongful death attorneys have the experience and resources to fight for your family. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for a compassionate, confidential consultation.
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