Coppell Truck Accident and Commercial Vehicle Injury Guide

The impact of an 80,000-pound truck hitting your car on a Coppell highway is a life-altering event. In a single second, your health, your bank account, and your family’s future are put at risk. When you are staring down a multi-billion dollar trucking company or a corporate giant like Amazon or Walmart, the deck is stacked against you. They have rapid-response teams on the scene before the ambulance even leaves for the hospital. You need a team that moves even faster.

Since 1998, Ralph Manginello has been the fighter that Coppell families turn to when disaster strikes. With over 25 years of experience in the courtroom and admission to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas, our founder has spent his career holding the world’s largest corporations accountable. We aren’t just another law firm; we are the team that went toe-to-toe with BP after the Texas City Refinery explosion and won.

At Attorney911, we believe you shouldn’t have to pay for a trucker’s mistake. Whether you were hit by an 18-wheeler on I-635, a delivery van near the Coppell Town Center, or a dump truck in a construction zone on Sandy Lake Road, we provide the aggressive, immediate legal help you need. Our team includes former insurance defense attorney Lupe Peña, who knows the exact playbook these companies use to minimize your pain. We use that insider knowledge to break their defense and maximize your check.

If you’ve been hurt, the clock is already ticking. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 right now for a free consultation. Hablamos Español.

Why Choose a Coppell Truck Accident Lawyer with 25+ Years of Experience?

Trucking litigation is not the same as a standard car wreck case. The regulations are denser, the evidence is more technical, and the insurance policies are much larger. Ralph Manginello has spent more than two decades navigating the complex web of federal and state laws that govern Coppell’s trucking industry. When your life is on the line, experience is the only thing that levels the playing field.

Our firm brings a unique perspective to every Coppell case because our associate attorney, Lupe Peña, used to work for the insurance companies. He spent years inside those national defense firms, seeing exactly how they train their adjusters to lowball victims and deny legitimate claims. Today, he uses that “insider” knowledge to help Coppell families beat the insurance companies at their own game. We know their formulas, we know their tactics, and we know when they are bluffing.

We have a proven track record of securing multi-million dollar results for our clients. From Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) settlements reaching up to $9.8 million to wrongful death recoveries as high as $9.5 million, we play for keeps. As our client Chad Harris said, “You are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.” We treat your case with the urgency and respect your family deserves.

The Reality of Trucking on Coppell’s Major Highways

Coppell sits at a critical crossroads in the North Texas logistics landscape. Being located immediately north of DFW International Airport and surrounded by major freight corridors like I-635 (the LBJ Freeway), the President George Bush Turnpike (PGBT), State Highway 121, and I-35E makes our city a “trucking mega-hub.”

The sheer volume of 18-wheelers, box trucks, and delivery vans moving through the Royal Lane and Belt Line Road corridors every hour is staggering. Many of these trucks are heading to the massive fulfillment centers and distribution hubs that call Coppell home, including major operations for Amazon, Samsung, and dozens of third-party logistics providers. This high density of commercial traffic makes Coppell one of the most dangerous areas in Denton County for truck crashes.

We know these roads. We know how a fatigued driver merging from the PGBT onto I-635 can cause a multi-car pileup that shuts down traffic for hours. We know how the time pressure of delivering air cargo from DFW Airport leads drivers to violate federal safety rules. Whether your accident happened on Denton Tap Road or in a neighborhood near Andy Brown Park, we have the local familiarity to prove how the crash occurred.

If a truck changed your life in Coppell, don’t wait for their insurance company to call. Call us first at 888-ATTY-911.

The 48-Hour Urgency: Why You Must Act Now

In a Coppell truck accident case, evidence starts disappearing the moment the police clear the scene. Trucking companies are legally allowed to destroy or overwrite certain types of evidence after a short period unless a formal legal “hold” is placed on it.

The Engine Control Module (ECM) “Black Box”

Most modern 18-wheelers are equipped with an ECM, often called a “black box.” This device records critical data points leading up to the crash, including speed, brake application, throttle position, and steering input. This data is the most objective proof of what really happened. However, this data can be overwritten in as little as 30 days or even sooner if the truck is put back into service.

Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs)

Under 49 CFR § 395.8, almost all commercial drivers are required to use ELDs to track their driving hours. This prevents “driver fatigue,” which is the leading cause of fatal crashes on Texas highways. We demand these logs immediately to see if the driver was operating illegally or if the trucking company was pressuring them to skip required rest breaks.

The Manginello Spoliation Protocol

The moment you hire us, we send a formal “spoliation letter” to the trucking company, the driver, and their insurer. This letter puts them on legal notice that they must preserve every scrap of evidence, from the black box and dashcam footage to the driver’s phone records and the truck’s maintenance logs. Since 1998, Ralph Manginello has used this protocol to catch trucking companies trying to hide the truth.

Don’t let the evidence of their negligence be erased. Call (888) 288-9911 now to lock down your case.

How Lupe Peña’s Insurance Defense Background Protects You

When you take on a corporation like Walmart, Amazon, or FedEx, you are fighting a defendant that often self-insures for millions of dollars. They don’t want to pay you, and they have an army of lawyers dedicated to making sure they don’t.

Our associate attorney Lupe Peña provides an “unfair advantage” for our Coppell clients. Having worked inside those national defense firms, he knows that insurance adjusters are evaluated based on how much they can save the company—not how fairly they treat the victim. He recognizes their distraction techniques, their “gap in treatment” attacks, and their attempts to use the Texas “modified comparative negligence” rule to blame you for the crash.

Because Lupe Peña knows the defense playbook, we are always three steps ahead. We don’t accept lowball offers that barely cover your current ER bills. Instead, we calculate your lifetime needs, from future surgeries and home modifications to lost earning capacity. We negotiate from a position of strength because the insurance companies know that Ralph Manginello and his firm are ready to take them to trial.

Complex Liability: Who is Really Responsible for Your Coppell Crash?

One of the biggest mistakes Coppell victims make is assuming only the truck driver can be sued. At Attorney911, we investigate the entire chain of command. Under Texas law and federal regulations, there are often 16 or more parties who may share liability for your injuries.

1. The Truck Driver: For direct negligence like speeding, distraction, or driving while impaired.
2. The Trucking Company: Under the doctrine of respondeat superior, the employer is responsible for the driver’s actions.
3. The Corporate Parent: If a branded truck (like Amazon or UPS) hit you, the parent corporation may be liable for negligent safety systems or delivery quotas.
4. The Cargo Loader: If the load shifted because it was improperly secured, the third-party loading company is responsible for the resulting rollover or jackknife.
5. The Maintenance Provider: Many fleets outsource their repairs. If a brake failure on Highway 121 was caused by a negligent mechanic, they are a primary defendant.
6. The Freight Broker: Brokers who hire “bottom-of-the-barrel” carriers with bad safety records can be sued for negligent selection.
7. The Manufacturer: If a defective tire or steering component failed, we pursue a product liability claim against the manufacturer.

By identifying every liable party, we access multiple insurance pools. More defendants mean more policies, and more policies mean a higher total recovery for your family. We dig deeper so you get the full compensation you are owed.

Understanding Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) Regulations

Every commercial truck on Coppell’s roads must comply with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (49 CFR Parts 300-399). These laws exist to prevent the very accident that hurt you. When a company breaks these rules to save time or money, they are negligent per se.

Driver Qualifications (49 CFR Part 391)

Did the company check the driver’s background? Do they have a valid medical certificate? If a company puts an unqualified or medically unfit driver on I-35E, they are liable for any harm that follows.

Hours of Service (49 CFR Part 395)

Driver fatigue kills. Federal law limits driving to 11 hours after a 10-hour break. We look for “ghost logs” or ELD falsifications that show a driver was pushing through exhaustion to meet a Coppell distribution deadline.

Maintenance and Inspections (49 CFR Part 396)

Brake problems contribute to 29% of all large truck crashes. Every truck must be systematically inspected and maintained. If the trucking company deferred maintenance to keep the truck on the road, they are legally responsible for the brake failure or tire blowout that followed.

We cite these regulations to prove the trucking company broke the law. Discuss your case with an expert today by calling 888-ATTY-911.

Types of Coppell Truck and Commercial Vehicle Accidents We Handle

Truck accidents in the Coppell area involve everything from massive 18-wheelers to local delivery vans. Each has its own legal nuances and mechanical causes.

18-Wheeler Jackknife and Rollover

A jackknife happens when the trailer swings out at an angle, often because of improper braking on wet Coppell roads. These accidents frequently cause multi-car pileups on I-635. Rollovers are equally deadly and often occur on the sharp interchanges between PGBT and SH 121, especially if the cargo was top-heavy or improperly loaded.

Underride Collisions

Perhaps the most lethal accident type, an underride occurs when a passenger vehicle slides beneath a trailer. Under 49 CFR § 393.86, trucks must have rear impact guards, but they often fail at highway speeds. Side underride guards are not yet federally mandated, which is why underride crashes on Coppell’s fast-moving turnpikes are often fatal.

Amazon and Corporate Delivery Van Wrecks

Coppell is a hub for Amazon last-mile delivery. Amazon often claims their drivers are “independent contractors” to try to avoid liability. We know how to pierce that shield. We use the “right to control” test to prove that because Amazon dictates the route, monitors the driver with AI cameras (Netradyne), and sets the delivery windows, they are the true employer and are responsible when their vans strike Coppell residents.

Construction and Dump Truck Accidents

With the constant development and roadwork in North Dallas, dump trucks and concrete mixers are everywhere. A loaded dump truck on Belt Line Road can weigh 65,000 pounds. These trucks have massive blind spots and often lose cargo, causing road hazards and severe impacts. We hold the construction companies and the aggregate haulers accountable.

Vulnerable Road Users: Pedestrians and Cyclists

Because Coppell has many parks and walkable neighborhoods, we also represent pedestrians and cyclists hit by turning commercial vehicles. The “right hook” accident is common when a truck makes a wide turn and doesn’t see a cyclist in their blind spot. These victims have zero protection, and the injuries are almost always catastrophic.

Catastrophic Injuries and Their True Cost

In an 18-wheeler crash, the weight disparity is the enemy. A loaded truck is 20 times heavier than your car. This means the force applied to your body on impact is catastrophic.

• Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): The ranges for TBI settlements at our firm are between $1.5 million and $9.8 million. These injuries change who you are—your memory, your mood, and your ability to work.
• Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis: A C4 spinal injury can cost over $5 million in the first year alone. We fight for settlements that range from $4.7 million to $25 million to ensure you have 24/7 care for life.
• Amputations: Crushing injuries in a truck wreck often lead to limb loss. Our amputation settlements range from $1.9 million to $8.6 million, covering medical costs and the lifetime replacement of advanced prosthetics.
• Internal Organ Damage: Deceleration injuries from a high-speed crash on the Bush Turnpike can tear the aorta or rupture the spleen. These are surgical emergencies that lead to long-term health complications.

If you’ve suffered a life-altering injury, you need an attorney who understands the medical and financial reality of your future. Call 1-888-ATTY-911.

What Your Coppell Truck Accident Claim is Worth: Recoverable Damages

Don’t let an insurance adjuster tell you what your life is worth. We perform a complete economic and non-economic evaluation of your losses to ensure every dime is recovered.

Economic Damages (The Calculable Losses)

We pursue every dollar for your hospital stays, surgeries (past and future), physical therapy, lost paychecks, and loss of future earning capacity. For Coppell professionals, lost benefits like health insurance, 401(k) matches, and stock options are often “hidden” losses that we proactively include in our demands.

Non-Economic Damages (The Personal Toll)

How do you put a price on the pain of a herniated disc that prevents you from picking up your child? How do you calculate the trauma of nightmares and flashbacks from PTSD? Under Texas law, you are entitled to compensation for pain and suffering, mental anguish, disfigurement, and the loss of enjoyment of your life.

Punitive Damages

In cases involving “gross negligence”—such as a trucking company that knowingly hired a driver with multiple DUIs or forced a driver to work 18 hours straight—we pursue punitive damages. These are designed to punish the company and prevent them from hurting another Coppell family.

Fighting for Families in Wrongful Death Cases

We are deeply sorry for your loss. When a truck accident in Coppell takes the life of a family member, the pain is compounded by the knowledge that it was preventable. Ralph Manginello and our compassionate team represent survivors in wrongful death and survival actions.

We have recovered millions for grieving families, with settlement ranges from $1.9 million to $9.5 million. While no amount of money can bring your loved one back, it can provide the financial security your children need and hold the corporate giant accountable for the hole they left in your family.

Texas law gives you two years to file a wrongful death claim, but evidence in these fatal cases is at the highest risk of being lost. Call us today at (888) 288-9911 for a confidential evaluation.

Coppell Truck Accident FAQ: Get the Answers You Need

How long do I have to file a truck accident lawsuit in Texas?

In Texas, the statute of limitations is two years from the date of the accident. However, in the trucking industry, do not wait. The trucking company’s defense team is working right now. Waiting even a month can mean the difference between winning and losing because black box data and witness memories disappear.

What if I was partially at fault for the accident on I-635?

Texas is a modified comparative negligence state with a 51% bar rule. This means you can still recover compensation as long as you were 50% or less at fault. Your total recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault. We excel at investigating these “he-said, she-said” crashes to minimize your fault and maximize your pocketbook.

How much insurance money is available after a truck wreck?

The federal minimum for general freight is $750,000, but for trucks hauling oil or hazardous materials through Coppell, the minimum is $5 million. Large corporate fleets like Walmart and Amazon often have layers of excess insurance and umbrella coverage that can reach $50 million or more. We find the money, wherever it is hidden.

Does the truck driver have to be drug tested after an accident in Coppell?

Under FMCSA 49 CFR Part 382, a driver must be drug and alcohol tested after a fatal crash or after any crash where they receive a citation and a vehicle is towed. We subpoena these results immediately to see if impairment was a factor in your crash.

I was hit by an Amazon van; why are they saying it’s not their fault?

Amazon uses a Delivery Service Partner (DSP) model to try to insulate themselves from liability. They will tell you to sue the small local DSP, which may only have a $1 million policy. We pierce this defense by showing that Amazon’s control over the DSP makes them a joint employer.

Do I have to pay anything to start my case?

No. We work on a contingency fee basis. You pay us nothing upfront, and we advance all the costs of the investigation, the experts, and the court filings. We only get paid if we win your case. If we don’t recover money for you, you owe us nothing.

Put a Proven Fighter in Your Corner

When an 80,000-pound truck slams into your world, you aren’t just fighting a driver; you’re fighting an industry that values speed over safety. You need a lawyer who isn’t intimidated by Fortune 500 fleets.

Ralph Manginello has over 25 years of trial experience. Our firm has recovered multi-million dollar settlements for victims of Traumatic Brain Injuries, amputations, and wrongful deaths. We have litigated against Walmart, Amazon, Coca-Cola, FedEx, UPS, and BP. We know their tactics, and we know how to beat them.

As client Donald Wilcox said, “One company said they would not accept my case. Then I got a call from Manginello… I got a call to come pick up this handsome check.” We take the difficult cases that other firms drop, and we fight until our clients get every dime they deserve.

The trucking company is already building their case against you. Start building yours with the legal emergency lawyers at Attorney911.

Call 1-888-ATTY-911 or (888) 288-9911 today for your free, no-obligation consultation. Hablamos Español. Your future depends on what you do in the next 48 hours.

Additional Resource: Evidence Preservation Checklist for Coppell Victims

If you are physically able at the scene of a crash in Coppell, follow this checklist to help us win your case later:

• Take Photos of the Truck DOT Number: Found on the side of the cab door. This identifies the motor carrier.
• Photograph the License Plates: Both the truck (tractor) and the trailer. They often belong to different companies.
• Get Witness Contact Info: Independent witnesses on I-635 or the Turnpike are critical before they drive away.
• Photo the Scene: Not just the cars, but the skid marks, road signs, and any debris in the road.
• Call the Coppell Police: Ensure a formal crash report (CR-3) is filed.
• Say Nothing to the Adjuster: If a corporate adjuster calls your hospital room, hang up and call Ralph Manginello.

Our Offices Serving Coppell and Beyond

While our main headquarters is in the heart of Houston, we have a heavy presence and offices in Austin and Beaumont, effectively serving all major trucking corridors in Texas. Our federal court admission allows us to represent Coppell families in any court where the trucking company is based. We treat every client like family, ensuring you have direct access to your attorney throughout the entire process.

Call 1-888-ATTY-911. 24/7 Availability. Powerful & Proven.