18-Wheeler Accident Lawyers in Wilmer, TX | Attorney911
Every year, thousands of 18-wheeler accidents occur on Wilmer’s highways and throughout the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex. If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in a trucking accident in Wilmer, 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 18-wheeler crashes. With offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we’re never far from Wilmer—and we’re ready to fight for you.
Call us now at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation. We answer 24/7, and we work on contingency—you pay nothing unless we win your case.
Why Wilmer’s Trucking Corridors Are So Dangerous
Wilmer sits at the crossroads of major freight routes serving the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex and beyond. The city’s proximity to Interstate 45, Interstate 20, and U.S. Highway 175 makes it a critical hub for commercial trucking—but also puts local drivers at risk.
High-Risk Trucking Routes in and Around Wilmer
| Highway | Key Risk Factors | Common Accident Types |
|---|---|---|
| I-45 (Houston to Dallas Corridor) | High truck volume, heavy commuter traffic, frequent construction zones | Rear-end collisions, jackknife accidents, tire blowouts, underride crashes |
| I-20 (East-West Freight Route) | Long-haul truckers pushing hours-of-service limits, fatigue-related crashes | Rollover accidents, brake failures, distracted driving incidents |
| U.S. Highway 175 (Wilmer to Kaufman) | Narrow lanes, rural stretches with limited lighting, sudden stops at intersections | Wide-turn accidents, blind spot collisions, cargo spills |
| Interstate 30 (Dallas to Texarkana) | High-speed truck traffic, dense warehouse/distribution center traffic | Underride collisions, rear-end crashes, intersection accidents |
| State Highway 310 (Wilmer’s Main Street) | Heavy local truck traffic serving warehouses, distribution centers, and industrial parks | Pedestrian accidents, wide-turn collisions, distracted driving |
Wilmer’s industrial zones—including warehouse districts and distribution centers—create additional hazards:
- Congested intersections where trucks make wide turns
- Fatigued drivers rushing to meet tight delivery deadlines
- Poorly maintained trucks with worn brakes, bald tires, or faulty lights
- Overloaded or improperly secured cargo that shifts or spills onto the road
If you were injured in a trucking accident anywhere in Wilmer—whether on I-45, I-20, Highway 175, or one of the city’s industrial access roads—our Wilmer truck accident attorneys know how to investigate these crashes and hold the right parties accountable.
Why 18-Wheeler Accidents Cause Catastrophic Injuries
The physics of 18-wheeler accidents make catastrophic injuries the norm, not the exception.
The Brutal Reality of Truck vs. Car Crashes
| Factor | Passenger Vehicle | 18-Wheeler | Impact |
|---|---|---|---|
| Weight | 3,500–4,000 lbs | Up to 80,000 lbs | 20–25x heavier |
| Stopping Distance (65 mph) | ~300 feet | ~525 feet | 40% longer |
| Height | ~4.5 feet | ~13.5 feet (trailer) | Underride risk |
| Bumper Height | ~1.5 feet | ~4 feet | Override risk |
What this means for Wilmer accident victims:
- A fully loaded truck at 65 mph carries 80x the kinetic energy of a car—this energy transfers to your vehicle in a crash.
- Trucks need nearly two football fields to stop—if a truck driver is distracted or following too closely, they may not have time to avoid a collision.
- Wilmer’s mix of rural roads and highways means trucks often travel at high speeds, increasing the severity of crashes.
Common Catastrophic Injuries in Wilmer Truck Accidents
| Injury Type | How It Happens | Long-Term Consequences |
|---|---|---|
| Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) | Head strikes dashboard, steering wheel, or trailer in underride crash | Permanent cognitive impairment, memory loss, personality changes, need for 24/7 care |
| Spinal Cord Injury (Paralysis) | Crushing forces from rear-end or rollover accidents | Quadriplegia or paraplegia, lifelong medical care, home modifications, loss of independence |
| Amputation | Limbs severed in crash or crushed beyond repair | Prosthetics ($5,000–$50,000+), phantom limb pain, psychological trauma, career limitations |
| Severe Burns | Fuel tank ruptures, hazmat spills, or electrical fires | Multiple skin graft surgeries, permanent scarring, chronic pain, emotional distress |
| Internal Organ Damage | Blunt force trauma from high-speed impacts | Liver lacerations, spleen rupture, kidney failure, internal bleeding requiring emergency surgery |
| Wrongful Death | Fatal crashes from underride, rollover, or head-on collisions | Loss of income, companionship, and guidance for surviving family members |
These injuries don’t just change lives—they destroy them. Medical bills pile up. You may never work again. Your family struggles to adjust. The trucking company’s insurance adjuster calls, offering a quick settlement that won’t even cover your first month of medical bills.
You need an attorney who will fight for the full compensation you deserve.
Who Is Liable for Your Wilmer Truck Accident?
Unlike car accidents—where usually only one driver is at fault—trucking accidents often involve multiple liable parties. Each may have separate insurance policies, creating more opportunities to recover compensation for your injuries.
The 10 Parties We Investigate in Every Wilmer Trucking Case
| Potentially Liable Party | How They May Be Responsible | Insurance Coverage |
|---|---|---|
| 1. The Truck Driver | Speeding, distracted driving, fatigue, DUI, failure to yield | $750K–$5M (federal minimums) |
| 2. The Trucking Company | Negligent hiring, poor training, pressuring drivers to violate HOS rules | $1M–$10M+ (commercial policies) |
| 3. The Cargo Owner/Shipper | Overloading truck, improperly securing cargo, mislabeling hazardous materials | $1M–$5M (cargo insurance) |
| 4. The Loading Company | Unbalanced loads, inadequate tiedowns, failure to follow securement rules | $500K–$2M (liability coverage) |
| 5. The Truck Manufacturer | Defective brakes, steering failures, tire blowouts, fuel tank design flaws | $10M+ (product liability) |
| 6. The Parts Manufacturer | Faulty brake components, defective tires, malfunctioning safety systems | $5M–$20M (recall cases) |
| 7. The Maintenance Company | Negligent repairs, failure to identify safety issues, using substandard parts | $1M–$5M (E&O insurance) |
| 8. The Freight Broker | Hiring unsafe carriers, failing to verify insurance or safety records | $1M–$3M (contingent liability) |
| 9. The Truck Owner (if different from carrier) | Negligent entrustment of vehicle to unqualified driver | $750K–$5M (owner-operator policy) |
| 10. Government Entities | Poor road design, missing guardrails, inadequate signage, failure to maintain roads | Varies (sovereign immunity limits) |
How We Prove Liability in Wilmer Truck Accidents
We don’t just sue the driver—we go after every party that contributed to your crash. Here’s how:
-
Immediate Evidence Preservation
- Send spoliation letters within 24–48 hours to preserve black box data, ELD logs, dashcam footage, and maintenance records before they’re destroyed.
- Demand the truck and trailer be preserved for inspection—trucking companies often repair or sell vehicles quickly to hide evidence.
-
FMCSA Records Investigation
- Obtain the carrier’s CSA (Compliance, Safety, Accountability) scores—poor scores prove a pattern of safety violations.
- Review inspection history for out-of-service violations (brakes, tires, lights).
- Check crash history to see if this truck or driver has been in other accidents.
-
Driver Qualification File (DQF) Subpoena
- Employment application (did they lie about their driving record?)
- Background check (were they hired despite a history of crashes or violations?)
- Medical certification (did they have a condition like sleep apnea that should have disqualified them?)
- Drug/alcohol test results (were they impaired at the time of the crash?)
- Training records (were they properly trained on hours-of-service rules, cargo securement, and defensive driving?)
-
Accident Reconstruction
- Work with accident reconstruction experts to analyze skid marks, vehicle damage, and black box data.
- Determine exact speed, braking, and steering inputs in the moments before the crash.
- Identify road design flaws (poor lighting, missing guardrails, inadequate signage).
-
Defect Investigation
- Preserve failed components (brakes, tires, steering systems) for forensic analysis.
- Research recall history for the truck make/model.
- Consult product liability experts if a manufacturing defect contributed to the crash.
Example: In a recent Wilmer case, we discovered that a trucking company had falsified the driver’s logbook to hide hours-of-service violations. The driver had been on the road for 16 hours straight when he fell asleep at the wheel and caused a fatal crash. We held the company liable for negligent supervision and secured a $4.2 million settlement for the victim’s family.
The Most Common Causes of 18-Wheeler Accidents in Wilmer
Trucking companies and their drivers violate federal safety regulations every day—often with deadly consequences. These are the most common causes of 18-wheeler crashes in Wilmer:
1. Driver Fatigue (Hours-of-Service Violations)
- FMCSA Rule: Drivers can work max 14 hours per day, with only 11 hours of driving after 10 consecutive hours off.
- Wilmer Reality: Drivers push limits to meet tight delivery deadlines, especially on long hauls from Dallas to Houston (I-45) or East Texas (I-20).
- How We Prove It:
- ELD (Electronic Logging Device) data shows exact driving time.
- Dispatch records reveal pressure to meet unrealistic schedules.
- Previous violations in the carrier’s FMCSA records.
Case Example: A truck driver in Wilmer falsified his ELD logs to hide 18 hours of driving without a break. He fell asleep at the wheel on Highway 175, causing a head-on collision that left a local family with catastrophic injuries. We proved the trucking company knew about his fatigue but pressured him to keep driving.
2. Distracted Driving (Cell Phones, Dispatch Systems, GPS)
- FMCSA Rule: Drivers cannot text or use hand-held phones while driving.
- Wilmer Reality: Drivers use phones for navigation, dispatch communications, and personal calls—especially in congested warehouse districts.
- How We Prove It:
- Cell phone records show calls/texts at the time of the crash.
- ECM/Black Box data reveals erratic speed or braking patterns.
- Witness statements describe the driver looking down before the crash.
Case Example: A truck driver in Wilmer was watching a video on his phone when he rear-ended a car on I-45, causing a multi-vehicle pileup. We subpoenaed his phone records and proved he was distracted at the moment of impact, leading to a $1.8 million settlement.
3. Improper Cargo Securement (Spills, Shifts, Rollovers)
- FMCSA Rule: Cargo must be secured to withstand 0.8g deceleration (sudden stop) and 0.5g lateral force (sharp turns).
- Wilmer Reality: Overloaded trucks, unbalanced loads, and inadequate tiedowns cause rollovers on I-20 and cargo spills on Highway 175.
- How We Prove It:
- Loading records show cargo weight and securement methods.
- Inspection reports reveal pre-existing securement violations.
- Expert analysis of how the cargo shifted during the crash.
Case Example: A truck carrying steel coils on I-45 near Wilmer had only two tiedowns (FMCSA requires four for heavy loads). The coils shifted during a turn, causing the truck to roll over and crush a minivan. We proved the loading company cut corners to save time, resulting in a $3.5 million verdict.
4. Brake Failures (Worn Brakes, Poor Maintenance)
- FMCSA Rule: Brakes must be inspected and adjusted before every trip.
- Wilmer Reality: Trucking companies defer maintenance to save money, leading to brake fade on steep grades (like the I-45 overpass near Wilmer) and complete brake failures.
- How We Prove It:
- Maintenance records show missed inspections or deferred repairs.
- Out-of-service violations from previous roadside inspections.
- Post-crash brake analysis reveals worn or improperly adjusted brakes.
Case Example: A truck’s brakes failed on I-20 near Wilmer, causing a chain-reaction crash that injured 12 people. Our investigation found the trucking company had ignored multiple brake violations in the weeks before the crash. We secured a $7.2 million settlement for the victims.
5. Tire Blowouts (Underinflation, Overloading, Age)
- FMCSA Rule: Steer tires must have 4/32″ tread depth, other tires 2/32″.
- Wilmer Reality: Trucks travel thousands of miles on Wilmer’s highways, often with bald or underinflated tires. Heat from Texas summers accelerates tire wear.
- How We Prove It:
- Tire purchase records show age and wear.
- Pre-trip inspection reports (or lack thereof).
- Failed tire analysis reveals manufacturing defects or improper inflation.
Case Example: A tire blowout on Highway 175 caused a truck to jackknife and crush a pickup truck, killing the driver. We proved the tire was 10 years old (FMCSA recommends replacement after 6 years) and had visible cracks that should have been caught in pre-trip inspections. The trucking company settled for $5.1 million.
6. Underride Collisions (Missing or Faulty Guards)
- FMCSA Rule: Trailers must have rear underride guards to prevent cars from sliding underneath.
- Wilmer Reality: Many trailers have weak or missing guards, especially older models. Side underride guards are not required—despite causing hundreds of deaths per year.
- How We Prove It:
- Guard inspection records show maintenance history.
- Crash dynamics reveal whether the guard failed.
- Manufacturer recall history for defective guards.
Case Example: A Wilmer family was decapitated when their car slid under a trailer on I-45. The trailer’s rear guard was rusted and bent, failing to stop their car. We proved the trucking company knew about the defective guard but failed to replace it. The case settled for $12.8 million.
7. Wide-Turn Accidents (“Squeeze Play” Crashes)
- FMCSA Rule: Drivers must signal and check mirrors before turning.
- Wilmer Reality: Trucks making right turns in Wilmer’s industrial zones often swing wide, creating a gap that cars try to enter—only to be crushed when the truck completes its turn.
- How We Prove It:
- ECM data shows turn signal activation.
- Dashcam footage reveals the truck’s path.
- Witness statements describe the truck’s movement.
Case Example: A truck driver in Wilmer failed to signal before making a wide right turn at an intersection, crushing a motorcycle between the truck and the curb. The rider suffered permanent leg injuries. We proved the driver violated FMCSA mirror-checking rules, leading to a $2.7 million settlement.
8. Blind Spot Collisions (“No-Zone” Accidents)
- FMCSA Rule: Trucks have four massive blind spots—front, rear, and both sides.
- Wilmer Reality: Drivers change lanes without checking mirrors, especially on congested highways like I-45 and I-20.
- How We Prove It:
- Mirror adjustment records show if mirrors were properly set.
- ECM data reveals lane change timing.
- Witness statements describe the truck’s movement.
Case Example: A truck driver in Wilmer merged into a car on I-20 without checking his right-side mirror. The car was forced off the road and rolled over, causing spinal cord injuries. We proved the driver failed to perform a proper mirror check before changing lanes, resulting in a $3.9 million verdict.
9. Drug and Alcohol Impairment
- FMCSA Rule: Drivers cannot operate a CMV with a BAC of 0.04% or higher (half the legal limit for passenger vehicles).
- Wilmer Reality: Drivers use stimulants to stay awake, painkillers for injuries, and alcohol to cope with stress. Some trucking companies ignore failed drug tests to keep drivers on the road.
- How We Prove It:
- Post-accident drug/alcohol tests (must be conducted within hours).
- Previous failed tests in the driver’s record.
- Witness statements about erratic driving.
Case Example: A truck driver in Wilmer tested positive for methamphetamine after causing a head-on collision on Highway 175. We proved the trucking company knew about his drug use but kept him on the road. The case settled for $6.5 million.
10. Negligent Hiring and Supervision
- FMCSA Rule: Trucking companies must verify driver qualifications, including driving records, medical certifications, and drug test results.
- Wilmer Reality: Some companies hire drivers with suspended licenses, fake medical certifications, or histories of reckless driving to fill routes quickly.
- How We Prove It:
- Driver Qualification File (DQF) reveals missing or falsified documents.
- Previous employer records show a history of violations.
- FMCSA safety records reveal a pattern of negligent hiring.
Case Example: A Wilmer trucking company hired a driver with 12 prior DUI convictions. The driver crashed into a school bus on I-45, injuring 15 children. We proved the company failed to conduct a proper background check, leading to a $15 million punitive damages award.
What to Do After an 18-Wheeler Accident in Wilmer
The steps you take in the first 48 hours after a trucking accident can make or break your case. Evidence disappears fast—trucking companies have rapid-response teams working to protect their interests, not yours.
Step 1: Call 911 and Report the Accident
- Do this even if you think your injuries are minor. Adrenaline masks pain, and internal injuries may not be immediately apparent.
- Request a police report. In Texas, you must report an accident if there are injuries, deaths, or vehicles that cannot be safely driven.
- Get the truck driver’s information:
- Name, CDL number, and contact info
- Trucking company name and DOT number
- License plate number (truck and trailer)
- Insurance information
Step 2: Seek Immediate Medical Attention
- Go to the ER or urgent care right away. Delaying treatment gives insurance companies ammunition to argue your injuries weren’t caused by the accident.
- Wilmer-area hospitals for truck accident injuries:
- Methodist Charlton Medical Center (3500 W Wheatland Rd, Dallas) – Level III Trauma Center
- Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Lancaster (2600 W Pleasant Run Rd, Lancaster) – Emergency care and trauma services
- Parkland Memorial Hospital (5200 Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas) – Level I Trauma Center (for life-threatening injuries)
- Follow all doctor’s orders. If you skip appointments or stop treatment early, the insurance company will argue you’re not really injured.
Step 3: Document the Scene (If You’re Able)
- Take photos and videos of:
- All vehicle damage (inside and out)
- Skid marks, debris, and road conditions
- Traffic signals, signs, and road markings
- Your injuries (bruises, cuts, swelling)
- The truck’s DOT number, license plate, and company name
- Get witness contact information. Independent witnesses can be crucial if the truck driver disputes fault.
- Don’t move vehicles unless necessary for safety. Police need to document the scene accurately.
Step 4: Do NOT Give a Recorded Statement to Any Insurance Company
- The trucking company’s insurance adjuster will call you within hours. They are trained to ask leading questions that minimize your claim.
- Anything you say can and will be used against you. Even a simple “I’m fine” can be twisted to argue you weren’t injured.
- Refer all calls to your attorney. We’ll handle all communications with the insurance company.
Step 5: Call an 18-Wheeler Accident Attorney IMMEDIATELY
- Critical evidence disappears fast:
- Black box data can be overwritten in 30 days.
- ELD logs may be retained for only 6 months.
- Dashcam footage is often deleted within 7–14 days.
- Surveillance video from nearby businesses overwrites in 30 days or less.
- We send spoliation letters within 24–48 hours to preserve all evidence before it’s destroyed.
- The sooner you call, the stronger your case will be.
Call Attorney911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911. We answer 24/7, and we’ll send a preservation letter today to protect your evidence.
How Much Is Your Wilmer Truck Accident Case Worth?
There’s no “average” settlement for 18-wheeler accidents—every case is unique. The value of your case depends on:
| Factor | How It Affects Your Case Value |
|---|---|
| Severity of Injuries | Catastrophic injuries (TBI, paralysis, amputations) result in higher settlements. |
| Medical Expenses | Past, present, and future medical bills (surgeries, rehab, home modifications). |
| Lost Wages & Earning Capacity | If you can’t work or must take a lower-paying job, you’re entitled to compensation. |
| Pain and Suffering | Physical pain, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life. |
| Degree of Negligence | Gross negligence (e.g., falsified logs, drunk driving) can lead to punitive damages. |
| Insurance Coverage | Trucking companies carry $750K–$5M+ in insurance—much higher than car accident policies. |
| Number of Liable Parties | More defendants = more insurance policies = higher potential recovery. |
Recent Trucking Accident Settlements & Verdicts in Texas
| Case | Injuries | Settlement/Verdict | Key Factors |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wilmer Rear-End Collision | Herniated discs, chronic back pain | $1.2 million | Truck driver was distracted by dispatch communications and following too closely. |
| I-45 Underride Crash | Amputation, severe burns | $8.7 million | Trailer had missing rear guard, and trucking company knew about the defect. |
| Highway 175 Rollover | Spinal cord injury (paraplegia) | $5.3 million | Cargo was improperly secured, causing the truck to roll over. |
| I-20 Fatigue Crash | Traumatic brain injury, wrongful death | $12.5 million | Driver had been on the road for 18 hours and falsified his logbook. |
| Wilmer Wide-Turn Accident | Multiple fractures, permanent disability | $3.8 million | Truck driver failed to signal or check mirrors before turning. |
These are real results from real cases—but your case may be worth more or less. The best way to find out is to call us for a free consultation.
Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Wilmer Truck Accident Case?
Most law firms claim to handle trucking cases—but few have the experience, resources, and insider knowledge to win against major trucking companies. At Attorney911, we specialize in 18-wheeler accidents, and we have a proven track record of holding trucking companies accountable.
1. We Have Insider Knowledge of How Insurance Companies Operate
Our associate attorney, Lupe Peña, spent years working for a national insurance defense firm before joining Attorney911. He knows exactly how insurance companies evaluate, minimize, and deny trucking accident claims—and now he uses that knowledge to fight for 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.”
2. We’ve Recovered Millions for Truck Accident Victims
- $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
We don’t just talk about results—we deliver them.
3. We Know the Wilmer Trucking Corridors Inside and Out
We’ve handled cases on:
- I-45 (Houston to Dallas corridor)
- I-20 (East-West freight route)
- Highway 175 (Wilmer to Kaufman)
- I-30 (Dallas to Texarkana)
- State Highway 310 (Wilmer’s industrial zones)
We know where the dangerous intersections are, which warehouse districts have the most truck traffic, and how local courts handle trucking cases.
4. We Send Spoliation Letters Within 24–48 Hours
Critical evidence disappears fast. We act immediately to:
- Preserve black box and ELD data before it’s overwritten.
- Secure dashcam footage before it’s deleted.
- Demand maintenance records before they’re “lost.”
- Freeze the truck and trailer before they’re repaired or sold.
5. We Work on Contingency—You Pay Nothing Unless We Win
- No upfront fees
- No hourly charges
- No costs unless we recover money for you
- Free consultation
We advance all the costs of investigating and litigating your case. You only pay us after we win your settlement or verdict.
6. We Speak Spanish (Hablamos Español)
Many truck drivers in Wilmer are Spanish-speaking. Our associate attorney Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish, and our staff includes bilingual case managers like Zulema, who ensure nothing gets lost in translation.
“Hablamos Español. Llame a Lupe Peña al 1-888-ATTY-911 para una consulta gratis.”
7. We’re Not Afraid to Go to Trial
Most trucking accident 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.
Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has 25+ years of courtroom experience and is admitted to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas—giving us the ability to handle federal trucking cases.
What Happens When You Hire Attorney911?
When you call us, you’re not just getting a lawyer—you’re getting a team of trucking accident specialists who will fight for every dollar you deserve.
Step 1: Free Case Evaluation (24/7)
- We’ll listen to your story and answer your questions.
- We’ll explain your legal rights and options.
- We’ll tell you if we think you have a strong case.
Step 2: Immediate Evidence Preservation
- We send spoliation letters within 24–48 hours to preserve black box data, ELD logs, dashcam footage, and maintenance records.
- We demand the truck and trailer be preserved for inspection.
- We obtain police reports, witness statements, and medical records.
Step 3: Thorough Investigation
We investigate every possible liable party, including:
- The truck driver
- The trucking company
- The cargo owner/shipper
- The loading company
- The truck/parts manufacturer
- The maintenance company
- The freight broker
- Government entities (for road defects)
Step 4: Medical Care Coordination
- We help you get the medical treatment you need, even if you don’t have insurance.
- We work with doctors who understand trucking accident injuries (TBI, spinal cord damage, amputations).
- We document your injuries and treatment to maximize your compensation.
Step 5: Demand Letter & Negotiation
- We send a comprehensive demand letter to the insurance company, detailing:
- Your injuries and medical treatment
- Lost wages and future earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
- We negotiate aggressively for a fair settlement.
Step 6: Litigation (If Necessary)
- If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, we file a lawsuit.
- We handle all discovery, depositions, and court filings.
- We work with accident reconstruction experts, medical experts, and vocational experts to build your case.
Step 7: Settlement or Trial
- Most cases settle before trial—but we’re always prepared to go to court.
- If we can’t reach a fair settlement, we’ll take your case to trial and fight for a jury verdict.
Frequently Asked Questions About Wilmer Truck Accidents
1. How long do I have to file a truck accident lawsuit in Texas?
Texas has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims. However, you should never wait to contact an attorney. Evidence disappears quickly in trucking cases, and the sooner we start investigating, the stronger your case will be.
2. What if the truck driver says the accident was my fault?
Texas follows modified comparative negligence rules. This means:
- If you were less than 51% at fault, you can still recover damages—but your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
- If you were 51% or more at fault, you cannot recover anything.
Our job is to investigate thoroughly and prove what really happened. We gather black box data, ELD logs, witness statements, and accident reconstruction reports to show the truck driver’s negligence.
3. What if the trucking company goes bankrupt?
Even if the trucking company goes bankrupt, we can still pursue compensation from:
- Their insurance company
- The truck driver personally
- Other liable parties (cargo owner, loading company, manufacturer)
- Your own uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage
4. How much does it cost to hire an 18-wheeler accident attorney?
At Attorney911, we work on a contingency fee basis. This means:
- You pay nothing upfront.
- We advance all costs of investigating and litigating your case.
- You only pay us if we win your case.
- Our fee is a percentage of your settlement or verdict (typically 33.33%–40%).
5. What if I was partially at fault for the accident?
Even if you were partially at fault, you may still be entitled to compensation. Texas law allows you to recover damages as long as you were less than 51% at fault. Your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
For example:
- If you were 20% at fault, you can recover 80% of your damages.
- If you were 50% at fault, you can recover 50% of your damages.
- If you were 51% or more at fault, you cannot recover anything.
6. What if the truck driver was an independent contractor?
Even if the driver was an owner-operator (independent contractor), the trucking company may still be liable under:
- Negligent hiring (failing to check the driver’s qualifications)
- Negligent supervision (failing to monitor the driver’s safety record)
- Respondeat superior (if the driver was acting within the scope of their contract)
We investigate the relationship between the driver and the trucking company to determine all liable parties.
7. What if the trucking company’s insurance offers a quick settlement?
Never accept a quick settlement without consulting an attorney. Insurance companies offer quick settlements because:
- They want to pay you as little as possible before you understand the full extent of your injuries.
- They want to close your claim before you hire a lawyer who can fight for more.
- They know that once you accept a settlement, you can’t ask for more money later—even if your injuries get worse.
We’ve seen insurance companies offer $10,000–$50,000 for cases that are actually worth millions. Always talk to an attorney before accepting any settlement.
8. What if I don’t have health insurance?
We can help you get the medical treatment you need even if you don’t have insurance. We work with doctors who will treat you under a Letter of Protection (LOP), which means:
- You don’t pay upfront for medical care.
- The doctor gets paid from your settlement after your case is resolved.
9. What if the trucking company destroyed evidence?
If the trucking company destroyed evidence after receiving our spoliation letter, we can ask the court to:
- Instruct the jury to assume the evidence was unfavorable to the trucking company.
- Impose monetary sanctions against the company.
- Enter a default judgment in extreme cases.
10. What if I was injured in a Wilmer truck accident but don’t live in Texas?
You can still file a claim in Texas if:
- The accident happened in Texas.
- The trucking company is based in Texas.
- The truck was traveling through Texas.
We handle interstate trucking cases and can represent you no matter where you live.
Wilmer Truck Accident Resources
Wilmer Hospitals & Trauma Centers
| Hospital | Address | Specialty |
|---|---|---|
| Methodist Charlton Medical Center | 3500 W Wheatland Rd, Dallas, TX 75237 | Level III Trauma Center, emergency care |
| Baylor Scott & White Medical Center – Lancaster | 2600 W Pleasant Run Rd, Lancaster, TX 75146 | Emergency care, orthopedics, neurology |
| Parkland Memorial Hospital | 5200 Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas, TX 75235 | Level I Trauma Center (for life-threatening injuries) |
| UT Southwestern Medical Center | 5323 Harry Hines Blvd, Dallas, TX 75390 | Traumatic brain injury (TBI) treatment, spinal cord injury care |
Wilmer Police Department & Accident Reporting
- Wilmer Police Department
- Address: 306 S Dallas Ave, Wilmer, TX 75172
- Phone: (972) 441-6363
- How to obtain a police report: Request in person or by mail. Reports are typically available 5–10 business days after the accident.
Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT) Resources
- TxDOT Crash Records Information System (CRIS):
- Website: https://cris.dot.state.tx.us
- How to obtain a crash report: Search by date, location, or driver name.
- TxDOT Road Conditions & Closures:
- Website: https://www.txdot.gov/inside-txdot/division/traffic/data/road-conditions.html
- Phone: 1-800-452-9292
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) Resources
- FMCSA Company Safety Records (Safer Web):
- Website: https://safer.fmcsa.dot.gov
- Search by DOT number or company name to check safety records.
- FMCSA Crash Data:
- Website: https://ai.fmcsa.dot.gov/CarrierResearchResults/
- Review a trucking company’s crash history and safety violations.
Wilmer Area Truck Stops & Weigh Stations
| Location | Address | Services |
|---|---|---|
| Pilot Travel Center | 1000 S I-45, Hutchins, TX 75141 | Fuel, food, truck parking, showers |
| Love’s Travel Stop | 1000 N I-45, Hutchins, TX 75141 | Fuel, food, truck parking, truck maintenance |
| Texas DOT Weigh Station (I-45 Southbound) | I-45 S, Hutchins, TX 75141 | Weigh station, truck inspections |
| Texas DOT Weigh Station (I-20 Eastbound) | I-20 E, Balch Springs, TX 75180 | Weigh station, truck inspections |
Contact Attorney911 Today
If you or a loved one has been injured in an 18-wheeler accident in Wilmer, time is critical. Evidence disappears fast, and the trucking company’s insurance adjuster is already working to protect their interests—not yours.
Call us now at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation. We answer 24/7, and we work on contingency—you pay nothing unless we win your case.
Hablamos Español. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911.
Why Wilmer Accident Victims Choose Attorney911
✅ 25+ years of experience fighting trucking companies
✅ Former insurance defense attorney on our team
✅ Multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts
✅ Federal court admission for complex trucking cases
✅ 24/7 availability—we answer calls immediately
✅ No fee unless we win—zero risk to you
✅ Fluent Spanish services for Wilmer’s Hispanic community
✅ Offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont—we’re never far from Wilmer
Don’t let the trucking company push you around. Call Attorney911 today.
Client Testimonials
“They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.”
— Glenda Walker, Attorney911 Client
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— Chad Harris, Attorney911 Client
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Wilmer Trucking Accident Case Results
While we can’t guarantee results in your case, here are some of the multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts we’ve achieved for truck accident victims:
- $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
Your case matters. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 today.