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

When an 18-Wheeler Changes Your Life in an Instant

Every year, thousands of Texans are seriously injured in 18-wheeler accidents on City of Valley View’s highways and rural roads. If you or a loved one has been hurt in a trucking accident in City of Valley View, Cooke County, or anywhere in North Texas, you need an attorney who understands the unique dangers of commercial trucks and how to hold negligent trucking companies accountable.

At Attorney911, we’ve been fighting for 18-wheeler accident victims across Texas for over 25 years. Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has federal court experience and has secured multi-million dollar verdicts for families devastated by truck crashes. We know City of Valley View’s trucking corridors, from US-82 to I-35, and we know how to build a case that maximizes your recovery.

Why 18-Wheeler Accidents Are Different (And More Dangerous)

When an 18-wheeler hits a passenger vehicle, the results are almost always catastrophic. Here’s why:

1. The Physics of Destruction

• A fully loaded 18-wheeler can weigh 80,000 pounds—20 to 25 times heavier than your car.
• At 65 mph, an 80,000-pound truck needs 525 feet to stop—nearly two football fields.
• The force of impact is 80 times greater than a car-to-car collision.

2. The Human Cost

Trucking accidents in City of Valley View and Cooke County often result in:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) – Memory loss, personality changes, permanent disability
• Spinal cord injuries – Paralysis (quadriplegia or paraplegia)
• Amputations – Lost limbs due to crushing injuries
• Severe burns – Fuel fires from ruptured tanks
• Wrongful death – Families left without their loved ones

3. The Trucking Company’s Playbook

After an accident, trucking companies and their insurers:

• Send rapid-response teams to the scene within hours to protect their interests
• Destroy evidence – Black box data can be overwritten in 30 days
• Lowball settlements – First offers are almost always far below what your case is worth
• Blame the victim – They’ll claim you were at fault to reduce your compensation

You need a lawyer who moves just as fast—and fights just as hard.

The Most Common 18-Wheeler Accidents in City of Valley View

City of Valley View sits at the crossroads of major trucking routes, including US-82 and I-35, which carry heavy commercial traffic. Here are the most dangerous types of trucking accidents we see in North Texas:

1. Jackknife Accidents

What Happens: The trailer swings out at a 90-degree angle, blocking multiple lanes.
Common Causes in City of Valley View:

• Sudden braking on wet or icy roads
• Speeding on curves (especially near US-82 exits)
• Empty or improperly loaded trailers
• Brake failures on steep grades

Why They’re Deadly: Jackknifed trailers create instant roadblocks, leading to multi-vehicle pileups.

2. Underride Collisions

What Happens: A car slides underneath the trailer, shearing off the roof.
Common Causes in City of Valley View:

• Missing or defective underride guards
• Poor lighting or visibility at night
• Sudden stops by trucks without warning
• Wide right turns cutting off traffic

Why They’re Deadly: Underride accidents are almost always fatal—the trailer shears through the passenger compartment.

3. Rollover Accidents

What Happens: The truck tips onto its side, spilling cargo and crushing vehicles.
Common Causes in City of Valley View:

• Speeding on rural highways (especially US-82)
• Improperly secured loads (farm equipment, livestock)
• Sharp turns at high speeds
• Driver fatigue or distraction

Why They’re Deadly: Rollover accidents often involve cargo spills, creating hazards for other drivers.

4. Rear-End Collisions

What Happens: A truck plows into the back of a car, causing severe whiplash or crushing injuries.
Common Causes in City of Valley View:

• Following too closely on I-35
• Brake failures (especially on long downgrades)
• Driver distraction (cell phones, dispatch systems)
• Fatigue from long hauls

Why They’re Deadly: Even at low speeds, an 80,000-pound truck can total a car and cause life-altering injuries.

5. Blind Spot (No-Zone) Accidents

What Happens: A truck changes lanes and collides with a vehicle in its blind spot.
Common Causes in City of Valley View:

• Failure to check mirrors before lane changes
• Improperly adjusted mirrors
• Driver distraction

Why They’re Deadly: The right-side blind spot is especially large—trucks can’t see vehicles in the adjacent lane.

6. Tire Blowouts

What Happens: A tire explodes, causing the driver to lose control.
Common Causes in City of Valley View:

• Underinflated tires (common in Texas heat)
• Worn or old tires (not replaced per FMCSA rules)
• Overloaded trailers
• Road debris (common on rural highways)

Why They’re Deadly: A blowout can cause the truck to swerve into oncoming traffic or roll over.

7. Brake Failures

What Happens: The truck can’t stop in time, leading to a high-speed collision.
Common Causes in City of Valley View:

• Poor maintenance (worn brake pads, air leaks)
• Overheated brakes on long descents
• Improper brake adjustments

Why They’re Deadly: Brake failures are a leading cause of runaway truck accidents on steep grades.

8. Cargo Spills & Hazmat Incidents

What Happens: Improperly secured cargo falls onto the roadway, creating hazards.
Common Causes in City of Valley View:

• Overloaded trailers
• Inadequate tiedowns
• Liquid cargo shifting (fuel, chemicals)
• Improperly secured farm equipment

Why They’re Deadly: Spilled cargo can cause chain-reaction crashes, and hazmat spills create toxic exposure risks.

Who’s Really Responsible for Your 18-Wheeler Accident?

In a car accident, there’s usually just one at-fault driver. In a trucking accident, multiple parties can share liability. We investigate every possible defendant to maximize your compensation.

1. The Truck Driver

The driver may be liable for:

• Speeding or reckless driving
• Distracted driving (cell phone use, texting)
• Fatigued driving (violating hours-of-service rules)
• Impaired driving (drugs, alcohol)
• Failure to inspect the truck (pre-trip violations)

2. The Trucking Company (Motor Carrier)

The company may be liable for:

• Negligent hiring – Hiring unqualified or dangerous drivers
• Negligent training – Failing to train drivers on safety
• Negligent supervision – Not monitoring driver behavior
• Negligent maintenance – Poor vehicle upkeep
• Negligent scheduling – Pressuring drivers to violate HOS rules

3. The Cargo Owner / Shipper

The company that loaded the cargo may be liable for:

• Overloading the truck
• Improper loading instructions
• Failing to disclose hazardous materials

4. The Cargo Loading Company

Third-party loaders may be liable for:

• Improper securement (49 CFR 393 violations)
• Unbalanced load distribution
• Failure to use proper tiedowns

5. The Truck or Trailer Manufacturer

Manufacturers may be liable for:

• Defective brakes, tires, or steering
• Poorly designed underride guards
• Faulty safety systems (ABS, ESC, collision warning)

6. The Parts Manufacturer

Companies that make components may be liable for:

• Defective brake pads or shoes
• Faulty tires
• Malfunctioning coupling devices

7. The Maintenance Company

Third-party maintenance providers may be liable for:

• Negligent repairs (failed to fix known issues)
• Improper brake adjustments
• Using the wrong parts

8. The Freight Broker

Freight brokers who arrange shipments may be liable for:

• Hiring unsafe carriers (poor safety records)
• Failing to verify insurance coverage

9. The Truck Owner (If Different from Carrier)

If the truck is leased, the owner may be liable for:

• Negligent entrustment (allowing an unfit driver to operate the truck)

10. Government Entities

In rare cases, the government may be liable for:

• Dangerous road design (sharp curves, inadequate signage)
• Poor road maintenance (potholes, debris)
• Inadequate truck parking (forcing drivers to park in unsafe areas)

How We Prove the Trucking Company Was Negligent

Trucking companies have teams of lawyers and investigators working to minimize your claim. We fight back with hard evidence that proves their negligence.

1. Electronic Evidence (The Truck’s “Black Box”)

Every modern 18-wheeler has an Electronic Control Module (ECM) and Event Data Recorder (EDR)—the truck’s version of a black box. This data can prove:

⚠️ WARNING: This data can be overwritten in 30 days. We send spoliation letters immediately to preserve it.

2. Driver Qualification File (DQ File)

FMCSA requires trucking companies to maintain a Driver Qualification File for every driver. This file must include:

• Employment application and background check
• Driving record (MVR)
• Medical certification
• Drug and alcohol test results
• Training records
• Previous employer verification

If the DQ file is missing or incomplete, the company may be liable for negligent hiring.

3. Hours of Service (HOS) Records

Truck drivers are limited to:

• 11 hours of driving after 10 consecutive hours off duty
• 14-hour on-duty window (cannot drive beyond the 14th hour)
• 30-minute break after 8 hours of driving
• 60/70-hour weekly limit (60 hours in 7 days or 70 hours in 8 days)

Violations prove driver fatigue—a leading cause of trucking accidents.

4. Maintenance and Inspection Records

Trucking companies must:

• Conduct pre-trip and post-trip inspections
• Maintain annual inspection records
• Keep repair and maintenance logs

If the truck had known mechanical issues, the company may be liable for negligent maintenance.

5. Drug and Alcohol Test Results

FMCSA requires:

• Pre-employment drug tests
• Random drug and alcohol testing
• Post-accident testing (within 8 hours for alcohol, 32 hours for drugs)

If the driver was impaired, this is strong evidence of negligence.

6. Cell Phone Records

We subpoena:

• Call logs
• Text messages
• App usage data

Distracted driving is a leading cause of trucking accidents.

7. Dashcam and Surveillance Footage

We obtain:

• Forward-facing dashcam footage (shows the accident)
• Cab-facing footage (shows driver behavior)
• Business security cameras (nearby stores, gas stations)

Video evidence is often the most powerful proof of negligence.

8. Witness Statements

We interview:

• Other drivers who saw the accident
• Passengers in your vehicle
• Nearby residents or workers

Independent witnesses can corroborate your version of events.

9. Accident Reconstruction

We hire expert engineers to:

• Analyze skid marks, debris patterns, and vehicle damage
• Reconstruct the sequence of events
• Determine speed, braking, and impact forces

This expert testimony is critical for proving liability.

What’s Your 18-Wheeler Accident Case Worth?

The value of your case depends on many factors, including:

Typical Settlement Ranges for 18-Wheeler Accidents in Texas

Punitive Damages: When Trucking Companies Pay Extra for Recklessness

If the trucking company acted with gross negligence or willful misconduct, you may be entitled to punitive damages—extra compensation meant to punish the wrongdoer.

Examples of conduct that may warrant punitive damages:

• Falsifying logbooks to hide hours-of-service violations
• Destroying evidence (black box data, maintenance records)
• Hiring unqualified drivers with poor safety records
• Pressuring drivers to violate safety regulations
• Ignoring known mechanical issues

Texas caps punitive damages at the greater of:

• 2x economic damages + $750,000 in non-economic damages, OR
• $200,000

What to Do After an 18-Wheeler Accident in City of Valley View

At the Scene:

✅ Call 911 immediately – Report the accident and request medical assistance.
✅ Seek medical attention – Even if you feel fine, get checked out. Adrenaline masks pain, and some injuries (like TBI) may not show symptoms for hours or days.
✅ Document the scene – Take photos and videos of:

• All vehicles involved (damage, license plates, DOT numbers)
• The accident scene (skid marks, road conditions, traffic signs)
• Your injuries
• Witness contact information
  ✅ Get the truck driver’s information – Name, CDL number, trucking company, insurance details.
  ✅ Do NOT admit fault – Even saying “I’m sorry” can be used against you.

In the Days After:

✅ Follow your doctor’s orders – Attend all follow-up appointments and keep records of your treatment.
✅ Do NOT give a recorded statement to the trucking company’s insurance adjuster. They will use your words to minimize your claim.
✅ Do NOT post on social media – Insurance companies will use your posts to argue you’re not really injured.
✅ Contact an 18-wheeler accident attorney – The sooner you call, the sooner we can preserve evidence and build your case.

Why You Need an Attorney Immediately

• Black box data can be overwritten in 30 days
• Dashcam footage may be deleted within 7-14 days
• Witness memories fade quickly
• Trucking companies have rapid-response teams protecting their interests

Call Attorney911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation. We’ll send a spoliation letter immediately to preserve critical evidence.

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your City of Valley View 18-Wheeler Accident Case?

1. We’re Trucking Accident Specialists

• We’ve handled hundreds of 18-wheeler cases against major carriers like Walmart, Amazon, FedEx, and UPS.
• We know FMCSA regulations inside and out—and how to prove violations.
• We have federal court experience, which is critical for interstate trucking cases.

2. We Have an Insider Advantage Against Insurance Companies

• Our team includes Lupe Peña, a former insurance defense attorney who knows exactly how trucking insurers operate.
• We know their tactics for minimizing claims—and how to counter them.
• We don’t back down from lowball offers—we fight for maximum compensation.

3. We’ve Recovered Millions for Texas Trucking Accident Victims

While we can’t guarantee results, our track record speaks for itself:

• $5+ million – Logging brain injury settlement
• $3.8+ million – Car accident amputation settlement
• $2.5+ million – Truck crash recovery
• $2+ million – Maritime back injury settlement
• Millions recovered for families in trucking-related wrongful death cases

4. We Treat You Like Family

• Direct attorney access – You’ll work directly with Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña.
• 24/7 availability – We answer calls immediately, even on weekends and holidays.
• No upfront costs – We work on contingency—you pay nothing unless we win.

5. We Know City of Valley View’s Trucking Corridors

• US-82 – Heavy commercial traffic from Gainesville to Sherman
• I-35 – Major north-south freight corridor
• FM 902 & FM 372 – Rural routes with high truck traffic
• Local weigh stations – Where we obtain critical evidence
• Cooke County courts – We know the judges, the juries, and the local legal landscape

6. We Speak Spanish (Hablamos Español)

Many trucking accident victims in City of Valley View and North Texas speak Spanish as their primary language. Our associate attorney Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish and provides direct representation without interpreters.

Llame a Lupe Peña al 1-888-ATTY-911 para una consulta gratis.

What Our Clients Say About Us

“They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.”
— Glenda Walker, Attorney911 Client

“You are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.”
— Chad Harris, Attorney911 Client

“They solved in a couple of months what others did nothing about in two years.”
— Angel Walle, Attorney911 Client

“Ralph reached out personally to make sure I was okay.”
— Dame Haskett, Attorney911 Client

“I had another attorney but he dropped my case although Manginello law firm were able to help me out.”
— Greg Garcia, Attorney911 Client

Frequently Asked Questions About 18-Wheeler Accidents in City of Valley View

1. How long do I have to file a lawsuit after an 18-wheeler accident in Texas?

Texas has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury and wrongful death claims. However, you should contact an attorney immediately—critical evidence can disappear in days.

2. What if the truck driver says I caused the accident?

Texas follows modified comparative negligence rules. If you’re found to be less than 51% at fault, you can still recover damages (reduced by your percentage of fault). If you’re 51% or more at fault, you cannot recover anything.

3. How much is my 18-wheeler accident case worth?

Every case is unique, but factors that increase case value include:

• Catastrophic injuries (TBI, paralysis, amputations)
• Clear liability (the trucking company was obviously at fault)
• High insurance limits (trucking companies carry $750K–$5M in coverage)
• Gross negligence (reckless behavior that justifies punitive damages)

4. Will my case go to trial?

Most cases settle out of court, 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. How long does an 18-wheeler accident case take?

• Simple cases with clear liability: 6–12 months
• Complex cases with multiple parties: 1–3 years
• Cases that go to trial: 2–4 years

6. Do I have to pay anything upfront?

No. We work on a contingency fee basis—you pay nothing unless we win your case. We advance all costs of investigation and litigation.

7. What if the trucking company goes bankrupt?

Even if the trucking company goes out of business, we can still pursue:

• Their insurance policy
• The driver’s personal insurance
• Other liable parties (maintenance companies, manufacturers, brokers)

8. Can I still recover compensation if I was partially at fault?

Yes. As long as you’re less than 51% at fault, you can still recover damages. Your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

9. What if the truck driver was an independent contractor?

Even if the driver is an owner-operator, the trucking company may still be liable under:

• Vicarious liability (if the driver was acting as their agent)
• Negligent hiring (if the company failed to vet the driver)
• Negligent supervision (if the company failed to monitor the driver)

10. What if the trucking company’s insurance offers me a quick settlement?

Never accept the first offer. Quick settlements are designed to pay you far less than your case is worth. Always consult an attorney before accepting any settlement.

Don’t Let the Trucking Company Win

After an 18-wheeler accident, the trucking company has:
✅ Teams of lawyers working to minimize your claim
✅ Insurance adjusters trained to lowball settlements
✅ Rapid-response investigators protecting their interests

You deserve the same level of representation.

At Attorney911, we level the playing field. We:
✅ Preserve critical evidence before it’s destroyed
✅ Investigate every liable party to maximize your recovery
✅ Fight aggressive insurance tactics with insider knowledge
✅ Prepare every case for trial to force fair settlements

Call Attorney911 Now – 24/7

If you or a loved one has been hurt in an 18-wheeler accident in City of Valley View, Cooke County, or anywhere in North Texas, call us now at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation.

We answer calls immediately—even on nights, weekends, and holidays.

Hablamos Español. Llame a Lupe Peña al 1-888-ATTY-911.

No fee unless we win. Zero risk. Maximum recovery.