Insurers Judged By The Trucking “Company” They Keep: How Forney, Texas Trucking Accidents Reveal a Broken Safety System

When Insurance Becomes the Problem, Not the Solution

Every year, thousands of families across Texas are devastated by 18-wheeler accidents. In Forney and Forney County, these crashes happen on I-20, US-67, and the local roads that connect our community to the nation’s freight network. But there’s a hidden factor that makes these accidents even more tragic: the insurance companies that are supposed to protect victims often enable the very trucking companies that cause the crashes.

The recent investigation into trucking industry insurance practices reveals a disturbing pattern. Insurance companies – the very entities we rely on to compensate victims – are systematically failing to act as the gatekeepers they’re supposed to be. Instead of weeding out dangerous trucking operations, they’re insuring them, renewing their policies, and putting profits over safety. This isn’t just bad business – it’s a legal emergency for Forney families.

At Attorney911, we’ve seen this pattern firsthand. Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has spent over 25 years holding trucking companies accountable in Texas courtrooms. What we’ve learned is shocking: the insurance history of a trucking company tells you more about their safety record than almost any other document in their file. And right now, that system is broken.

The Forney Connection: How This Affects Our Community

While the recent investigation focused on incidents across the country, the same patterns exist right here in Forney and Forney County. Our position along I-20 and US-67 makes us a critical link in the national freight network. Every day, hundreds of 18-wheelers pass through our community, carrying everything from consumer goods to industrial equipment.

The investigation revealed that dangerous trucking companies often “reappear” under new names and USDOT numbers after crashes – a practice known as “chameleon carriers.” This is happening right here in Texas. The Hope Trans case mentioned in the investigation is particularly relevant to Forney residents:

• Hope Trans LLC was involved in a fatal crash on I-20 near Terrell (just 20 miles from Forney)
• The driver admitted falling asleep at the wheel
• The company was a documented chameleon operation
• After the crash, Hope Trans reappeared under a different USDOT number in Forney

This isn’t just a national problem – it’s happening in our backyard. The same insurance companies that covered Hope Trans are insuring trucking companies operating on Forney’s roads today.

The Insurance Descent: How Trucking Companies Fall Through the Cracks

The investigation uncovered a disturbing pattern we call the “insurance descent.” This is how it works:

1. Clean Start: A new trucking company begins with standard insurance coverage from reputable insurers
2. Performance Decline: As crashes and violations accumulate, the company’s safety record deteriorates
3. Market Contraction: Standard insurers start refusing to renew policies
4. Subprime Tier: The company moves to non-standard, high-cost insurance markets
5. Bottom of the Barrel: Eventually, only Risk Retention Groups (RRGs) and other questionable insurers will cover them
6. Freight Descent: As insurance gets worse, the company can only haul the cheapest, most dangerous freight

This descent isn’t just about insurance – it’s about safety. Companies at the bottom of the insurance barrel are also at the bottom of the freight barrel. They’re hauling the most dangerous loads, for the least reputable shippers, on the tightest schedules.

The Forney Example: Hope Trans LLC

The Hope Trans case perfectly illustrates this descent:

• June 28, 2025: Five people killed on I-20 near Terrell when a Hope Trans semi hauling U.S. mail slammed into stopped traffic
• Driver Admission: Alexis Osmani Gonzalez-Companioni admitted he fell asleep at the wheel
• Team Driver Violation: He was driving solo on a route that required team drivers under USPS policy
• Falsified Documents: The truck’s cab card was falsified
• Company Culture: Former drivers described a culture of falsified logs, backdated shipping documents, and coded language (“coffee” meant they needed more illegal drive time)
• Insurance History: Insured through State National Specialty Insurance Company (same insurer that covered other dangerous carriers)
• Policy Cancellation: After the Terrell crash, public pressure mounted and the policy was eventually cancelled in October 2025
• Chameleon Operation: Investigators traced 45 trucks moving through Kardan Trucking (shut down after two fatal crashes in Iowa) to Bee Zone Logistics to Hope Trans
• Forney Reappearance: Hope Trans reappeared under a different USDOT number in Forney, currently insured through Benchmark Insurance Company

This is exactly the kind of operation that should never be allowed back on the roads – yet insurance companies keep enabling them.

The Legal Emergency: Why This Matters for Forney Accident Victims

When a trucking company is insured by a reputable company like Great West Casualty, there’s at least some assurance that someone with actual underwriting authority has reviewed their operation. But when a company is insured by a Risk Retention Group (RRG) with no state guaranty fund backstop, there’s no real accountability.

This creates a legal emergency for Forney families in several ways:

1. Insolvency Risk: If the RRG goes bankrupt (like Spirit Commercial Auto RRG or Global Hawk RRG), crash victims may get nothing
2. No Guaranty Fund: Unlike standard insurance, RRGs have no state guaranty fund to pay claims if they become insolvent
3. Regulatory Arbitrage: Many RRGs are domiciled in Vermont (85 RRGs wrote $2.92 billion in premiums in 2023) to avoid stricter state regulations
4. No Real Underwriting: Some RRGs will insure any carrier, no matter how dangerous
5. Limited Capital: Thinly capitalized RRGs may not have enough money to pay large claims

Ralph Manginello has seen this firsthand in Texas courtrooms. “We’ve had cases where the trucking company’s insurance was through an RRG that went bankrupt,” he explains. “The victims got nothing. That’s why we always investigate the insurance company as much as the trucking company itself.”

The Forney Pattern: Insurance Companies That Keep Bad Company

The investigation identified several insurance companies that repeatedly insure dangerous trucking operations. These same insurers are active in Texas and cover carriers operating in Forney and Forney County:

These aren’t just names on a list – they’re the companies that insure the trucks driving through Forney every day. And they’re making a deliberate choice to cover dangerous operations.

The Forney Cases: Real Incidents, Real Victims

The investigation highlighted several tragic cases that could easily happen here in Forney:

Indiana: Four Amish Men Killed (February 3, 2026)

• Victims: Henry Eicher (50), his sons Menno (25) and Paul (19), family friend Simon Girod (23)
• Location: State Road 67 in Jay County
• Cause: Freightliner driven by Bekzhan Beishekeev failed to stop for slowed traffic
• Carrier: AJ Partners LLC, part of the Sam Express chameleon network
• Network Details: Operating roughly 800 trucks across more than 20 interconnected Illinois-based authorities sharing equipment, drivers, and officers
• Insurer: Ace Property and Casualty Insurance Company

This case is particularly relevant to Forney because:
– State Road 67 in Indiana is similar to US-67 in Texas – a rural highway with heavy truck traffic
– The Sam Express network operated across multiple states, just like many carriers in Texas
– The crash involved a failure to stop for slowed traffic – a common cause of rear-end collisions on I-20

Texas: Five Killed on I-20 (June 28, 2025)

• Location: I-20 near Terrell (just 20 miles from Forney)
• Victims: Five people
• Cause: Hope Trans LLC semi hauling U.S. mail slammed into stopped traffic
• Driver: Alexis Osmani Gonzalez-Companioni
• Driver Admission: Fell asleep at the wheel
• Policy Violation: Driving solo on a route that required team drivers under USPS policy
• Documentation Issues: Truck’s cab card was falsified
• Company Culture: Former drivers described falsified logs, backdated shipping documents, coded language (“coffee” meant more illegal drive time)
• Insurer: State National Specialty Insurance Company
• Aftermath: Policy cancelled in October 2025 after public pressure
• Chameleon Operation: 45 trucks traced through Kardan Trucking (shut down after two fatal crashes in Iowa) to Bee Zone Logistics to Hope Trans
• Forney Connection: Hope Trans reappeared under a different USDOT number in Forney, currently insured through Benchmark Insurance Company

This case is especially important for Forney residents because:
– It happened on I-20, the same highway that runs through Forney
– The company reappeared in Forney after the crash
– It involved a USPS contract – many mail trucks operate in our area
– The driver fatigue issue is a major concern on long-haul routes through Texas

Florida: Three Killed on Florida Turnpike (August 12, 2025)

• Victims: Three people
• Location: Florida Turnpike in St. Lucie County
• Cause: White Hawk Carriers driver Harjinder Singh made an illegal U-turn at an official-use-only median opening
• Impact: Minivan slammed into the side of his trailer at highway speed in an underride crash
• Driver Issues: Singh failed an English Language Proficiency assessment after the crash, correctly answering only two of 12 verbal questions and identifying only one of 4 highway signs
• Charges: Three counts of vehicular homicide
• Insurer: Great West Casualty (policy pending cancellation at time of crash)
• Insurance History: Before Great West, insured through American Transportation Group (RRG), National Wilshire, and other non-standard markets
• Chameleon Connection: Principal linked to White Star Trucking out of Modesto (closed in 2013)
• Aftermath: FMCSA revoked White Hawk’s operating authority after the crash

While this crash occurred in Florida, it’s relevant to Forney because:
– Great West Casualty is a major insurer in Texas
– The English language proficiency issue affects many Texas truck drivers
– The underride crash is a major concern on Texas highways
– The chameleon carrier pattern exists in Texas

Virginia: Ashley Chapman Killed (August 24, 2023)

• Victim: Ashley Chapman, 25 years old
• Location: Route 17 in Gloucester County
• Cause: Lucky Dog Industries waste hauler failed to slow down for stopped traffic
• Impact: Tractor-trailer slammed into the back of a Chevrolet Beretta
• Carrier: Lucky Dog Industries (waste hauling operation in Washington metropolitan area)
• Safety Record: Poorly run, high crash frequency
• Insurance History: Switching insurance nearly every year, insurer pool got smaller each renewal
• Final Outcome: Eventually, nobody would write them – but they kept operating

This case demonstrates a critical point for Forney residents:
– Even local and regional carriers (not just long-haul) have these insurance problems
– Waste haulers operate in Forney and Forney County
– The “insurance descent” affects all types of trucking operations

The Forney Legal Framework: Holding Insurance Companies Accountable

At Attorney911, we don’t just sue trucking companies – we hold the entire system accountable. This includes the insurance companies that enable dangerous operations. Here’s how we approach these cases:

1. Insurance Company Liability Theories

Negligent Underwriting:
Insurance companies have a duty to properly underwrite the risks they insure. When they fail to investigate a carrier’s safety record or ignore red flags, they can be held liable for negligent underwriting.

Bad Faith:
Texas law requires insurance companies to act in good faith when handling claims. When they unreasonably deny or delay claims, they can be sued for bad faith.

Negligent Entrustment:
If an insurance company knows a carrier is dangerous but continues to insure them, they may be liable under negligent entrustment theories.

Aiding and Abetting:
In extreme cases, insurance companies can be held liable for aiding and abetting a carrier’s safety violations.

2. Key Evidence We Pursue

Insurance Underwriting Files:
We subpoena the insurance company’s underwriting files to see what they knew about the carrier’s safety record.

Policy Renewal History:
The pattern of renewals and cancellations tells the real story of a carrier’s safety record.

Claims History:
We examine how the insurance company handled previous claims from the same carrier.

Regulatory Filings:
Insurance companies file reports with state regulators – these can reveal patterns of misconduct.

Expert Testimony:
We work with insurance industry experts to explain how proper underwriting should work.

3. FMCSA Regulations That Apply

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations provide critical evidence in these cases. Key regulations include:

49 CFR § 387.7 – Financial Responsibility:
Requires motor carriers to maintain minimum levels of financial responsibility (insurance). This regulation makes insurance mandatory, but doesn’t ensure the insurance is from a reputable company.

49 CFR § 390.3 – General Applicability:
“The rules in this subchapter are applicable to all employers, employees, and commercial motor vehicles that transport property or passengers in interstate commerce.” This means the regulations apply to virtually all trucking companies operating in Forney.

49 CFR § 391.11 – Driver Qualifications:
Requires drivers to be properly qualified, including English language proficiency. The Florida case involving Harjinder Singh violated this regulation.

49 CFR § 392.3 – Ill or Fatigued Operator:
“No driver shall operate a commercial motor vehicle, and a motor carrier shall not require or permit a driver to operate a commercial motor vehicle, while the driver’s ability or alertness is so impaired, or so likely to become impaired, through fatigue, illness, or any other cause, as to make it unsafe for him/her to begin or continue to operate the commercial motor vehicle.” This regulation was violated in the Hope Trans case.

49 CFR § 395 – Hours of Service:
The HOS regulations were violated in multiple cases, including Hope Trans where the driver fell asleep at the wheel.

The Forney Solution: What We’re Doing About It

At Attorney911, we’re not just reacting to this crisis – we’re actively working to fix it. Ralph Manginello has been at the forefront of this fight for years.

1. The Insurance Intelligence Project

We built the Insurance Intelligence module on theteaintel.com to expose this problem. Here’s how it works:

• We took every motor carrier in the federal FMCSA census data
• We paired each carrier with their insurance company
• We reviewed historical compliance profiles, crashes, violations, out-of-service rates, and revocations
• We ranked the insurers based on the company they keep
• We assigned a 0-100 composite risk score to every carrier using five FMCSA-linked indicators
• We aggregated those scores by insurer

The results are shocking. For example:
– Omnia Risk Retention Group insures 14 carriers with an average risk score of 47
– Those 14 carriers have been involved in over 6,000 crashes, 200 fatalities, and 3,580 injuries
– That’s 14 carriers responsible for 6,000 crashes

This data is now available to the public, making it harder for dangerous carriers to operate in the dark.

2. Legislative Advocacy

The federal minimum liability for motor carriers has been $750,000 since 1980. Adjusted for medical cost inflation, that’s roughly $4.9 million in today’s dollars. The purchasing power has eroded by approximately 85% over the past 4 decades.

Ralph Manginello has been advocating for increasing these minimums. “The $750,000 minimum was set in 1980,” he explains. “Today, that doesn’t even cover the medical bills for a single catastrophic injury case. We’re seeing verdicts in the tens of millions – the insurance minimums need to reflect that reality.”

3. Public Education

We’re using our platform to educate the public about this issue. Our YouTube channel features videos explaining these complex issues in simple terms:

• The Definitive Guide To Commercial Truck Accidents explains how trucking accidents differ from car accidents
• The Definitive Guide To MCS 90 Auto Endorsements covers how trucking insurance works
• Truck Tire Blowouts and When You Need a Lawyer explains common trucking accident causes

4. Legal Action

When we take on a trucking accident case in Forney, we don’t just sue the trucking company – we investigate the entire system that enabled the crash. This includes:

• The trucking company
• The driver
• The cargo owner
• The maintenance company
• The insurance company
• Any brokers involved

We’ve recovered millions for Texas families by holding all responsible parties accountable.

The Forney Verdict: What These Cases Are Really Worth

Trucking accident cases involving dangerous carriers and questionable insurers often result in significant verdicts and settlements. Here’s what Forney families need to know about case values:

Recent Trucking Verdicts and Settlements

Forney-Specific Factors That Increase Case Value

1. Chameleon Carrier Status: When a company reappears under a new name after crashes, it shows a pattern of evading accountability
2. Insurance Company History: Carriers insured by RRGs or companies with a history of covering dangerous operations
3. Regulatory Violations: Multiple FMCSA violations show systemic safety failures
4. Falsified Records: When companies falsify logs, cab cards, or other documents
5. Driver History: Drivers with poor safety records or language proficiency issues
6. Cargo Type: Hazardous materials or mail contracts can increase liability
7. Location: Crashes on I-20 or US-67 may involve higher speeds and more severe impacts

Types of Damages Available in Forney Trucking Cases

The Forney Legal Process: What to Do After a Trucking Accident

If you or a loved one has been injured in a trucking accident in Forney or Forney County, here’s what you need to do:

1. Immediate Steps (First 48 Hours)

Call 911: Report the accident and request medical assistance.

Document the Scene: Take photos and videos of:
– All vehicles involved
– License plates and DOT numbers
– Damage to vehicles
– Road conditions
– Traffic signs and signals
– Your injuries
– Witnesses

Get Information:
– Truck driver’s name, CDL number, and contact information
– Trucking company name and contact information
– Insurance information for all parties
– Witness names and contact information

Seek Medical Attention: Even if you feel fine, get checked out. Many injuries don’t show symptoms immediately.

Call Attorney911: Time is critical. We send spoliation letters within 24-48 hours to preserve evidence.

2. Evidence Preservation

Black Box Data: The truck’s Electronic Control Module (ECM) records critical data that can prove speeding, brake failure, or other violations.

ELD Records: Electronic Logging Devices show hours of service compliance and can prove driver fatigue.

Driver Qualification File: This file contains the driver’s employment history, training records, and safety violations.

Maintenance Records: These show whether the truck was properly maintained.

Insurance Records: We investigate the trucking company’s insurance history to identify patterns of covering dangerous operations.

3. Investigation

Our team conducts a thorough investigation, including:

• Accident reconstruction
• FMCSA compliance review
• Insurance company investigation
• Driver background check
• Company safety history analysis
• Witness interviews

4. Legal Action

We file claims against all responsible parties, including:
– The trucking company
– The driver
– The cargo owner
– The maintenance company
– The insurance company
– Any brokers involved

We negotiate aggressively with insurance companies and are prepared to take your case to trial if necessary.

The Forney Difference: Why Choose Attorney911

When you’re facing a trucking accident case in Forney, you need more than just a lawyer – you need a team with specific expertise in these complex cases. Here’s what sets Attorney911 apart:

1. Ralph Manginello’s Experience

Ralph Manginello has been fighting for Texas trucking accident victims for over 25 years. His experience includes:

• Recovering multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts
• Federal court admission to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas
• Experience in BP explosion litigation against multinational corporations
• Deep familiarity with Forney, Forney County, and Texas trucking corridors

“These cases are different from car accidents,” Ralph explains. “The trucking companies have rapid-response teams that show up at crash scenes within hours. They have investigators, lawyers, and insurance adjusters working to protect them. You need someone on your side who knows how to fight back.”

2. Insurance Defense Expertise

Our team includes attorneys who previously worked for insurance defense firms. This gives us an insider’s view of how insurance companies evaluate and minimize claims.

Lupe Peña, our associate attorney, spent years working at a national insurance defense firm. “I know exactly how they train their adjusters to lowball victims,” he says. “I know the software they use to undervalue claims. Now I use that knowledge to fight for our clients.”

3. Federal Court Experience

Many trucking cases involve federal regulations and can be filed in federal court. Our federal court admission gives us the flexibility to pursue your case in the most advantageous venue.

4. Spanish Language Services

Forney and Forney County have a significant Spanish-speaking population. Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish and provides direct representation without interpreters.

“Hablamos Español,” Lupe says. “Many trucking accident victims in Forney speak Spanish as their primary language. We provide direct communication to ensure nothing gets lost in translation.”

5. Proven Results

We’ve recovered millions for Texas trucking accident victims, including:

• Multi-million dollar settlements for catastrophic injuries
• Significant recoveries for wrongful death cases
• Substantial verdicts against major trucking companies

The Forney Warning: What Trucking Companies Don’t Want You to Know

Trucking companies and their insurance providers rely on several tactics to minimize claims. Here’s what they don’t want you to know:

1. Evidence Disappears Fast

• Black box data can be overwritten in 30 days
• Dashcam footage is often deleted within 7-14 days
• Witness memories fade quickly
• Physical evidence can be repaired or destroyed

2. Quick Settlements Are Lowball Offers

Insurance companies often make quick settlement offers that are far below what your case is worth. They hope you’ll accept before you understand the full extent of your injuries.

3. They’ll Blame You

Even if the truck driver was clearly at fault, the insurance company will try to blame you. They’ll argue you were speeding, distracted, or somehow contributed to the crash.

4. They Have Teams of Lawyers

Before you even hire an attorney, the trucking company has a team of lawyers working to protect them. You need someone on your side who can level the playing field.

5. They’ll Use Your Words Against You

Insurance adjusters are trained to get you to say things that hurt your case. They’ll call you while you’re still in the hospital and ask how you’re feeling. If you say “I’m fine,” they’ll use that to argue you weren’t really injured.

The Forney Future: How We’re Fighting Back

At Attorney911, we’re not just handling individual cases – we’re working to change the system. Here’s what we’re doing:

1. Exposing Dangerous Insurers

Through our Insurance Intelligence project, we’re making it harder for dangerous carriers to operate in the dark. We’ve created a database that scores insurers based on the safety records of the carriers they cover.

2. Advocating for Stronger Regulations

We’re working with legislators to:
– Increase the federal minimum insurance requirements
– Close loopholes that allow chameleon carriers to operate
– Strengthen oversight of Risk Retention Groups
– Improve data sharing between states

3. Educating the Public

We’re using our platform to educate Forney residents about trucking safety issues. Our YouTube channel features videos on:

• The Victim’s Guide to 18-Wheeler Accident Injuries
• Can I Sue for Being Hit by a Semi Truck?
• The Definitive Guide To Commercial Truck Accidents

4. Supporting Victims

We provide comprehensive support to trucking accident victims, including:
– Medical care coordination
– Financial assistance during recovery
– Emotional support resources
– Community connections

The Forney Bottom Line: What This Means for You

If you or a loved one has been injured in a trucking accident in Forney or Forney County, here’s what you need to know:

1. The insurance company covering the truck may be part of the problem – not the solution
2. Time is critical – evidence disappears quickly in trucking cases
3. You need an attorney with specific trucking experience – these cases are different from car accidents
4. Multiple parties may be liable – including the trucking company, driver, cargo owner, maintenance company, and insurance company
5. Your case may be worth more than you think – especially if the trucking company has a history of safety violations

Forney Families Deserve Justice

The recent investigation reveals a broken system where insurance companies enable dangerous trucking operations. But at Attorney911, we’re fighting back.

Ralph Manginello and our team have been holding trucking companies accountable for over 25 years. We know how to investigate these complex cases, preserve critical evidence, and fight for maximum compensation.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a trucking accident in Forney or Forney County, don’t wait. Every hour counts when it comes to preserving evidence.

Call Attorney911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation. We’re available 24/7 to help you understand your rights and options.

Hablamos Español. Si usted o un ser querido ha sido lesionado en un accidente de camión en Forney o el condado de Forney, llame a Lupe Peña al 1-888-ATTY-911 para una consulta gratuita.

Don’t let the trucking company’s insurance adjuster take advantage of you. You need someone on your side who knows how to fight back.

The trucking company has lawyers working to protect them. Shouldn’t you have someone fighting for you? Call Attorney911 today at (713) 528-9070.

Remember: Evidence disappears fast. The black box data, dashcam footage, and other critical evidence can be gone within days. Call now before it’s too late: 1-888-288-9911.

At Attorney911, we don’t just handle cases – we fight for justice. Let us fight for you.