Fatal 18-Wheeler and Tractor-Trailer Crashes in Fort Worth, Texas: What Families Need to Know
The interstate corridors that crisscross Fort Worth—Interstate 35W, Interstate 30, Interstate 20, and the sprawling Loop 820—carry some of the heaviest commercial truck traffic in North Texas. These roads connect Fort Worth to Dallas, Houston, and the major freight hubs of the Southwest, making them essential arteries for the region’s economy. But when an 80,000-pound tractor-trailer loses control on these highways, the consequences are often devastating. If you’re reading this because someone you love didn’t come home from one of these corridors, we want you to know: Texas law gives you a clear, structured path to hold the trucking company accountable. The clock is already running.
The Reality of a Fatal Truck Crash on Fort Worth’s Freight Corridors
Fort Worth sits at the heart of a freight network that moves goods across Texas and beyond. Interstate 35W, which runs through the city’s core, is one of the busiest trucking routes in the state, carrying everything from consumer goods to industrial equipment. Interstate 30 connects Fort Worth to Dallas and the eastern U.S., while Interstate 20 serves as a critical link to the Permian Basin and the West. Loop 820, the city’s major beltway, funnels commercial traffic around Fort Worth’s industrial and residential areas, including the Alliance Airport logistics hub and the Stockyards district.
When a fully loaded 18-wheeler crashes on one of these corridors, the physics are unforgiving. At highway speeds, a tractor-trailer needs more than 500 feet to come to a complete stop—nearly the length of two football fields. If the driver is fatigued, distracted, or the truck’s brakes fail, there’s often no time for the vehicles around it to react. The result is a catastrophic collision that frequently produces fatalities, life-altering injuries, and multi-vehicle pileups.
In 2024 alone, Tarrant County recorded 149 fatal crashes, many of them involving commercial vehicles. The Texas Department of Transportation’s Crash Records Information System (CRIS) shows that these crashes are not isolated incidents—they are part of a documented pattern of risk that families in Fort Worth face every day. The carriers that operate on these corridors know the statistics. They also know that most families don’t understand the legal framework that protects them until it’s too late.
What Texas Law Gives Surviving Families After a Fatal Truck Crash
Texas law provides two distinct legal claims for families who lose a loved one in a fatal truck crash:
- Wrongful Death Claim (Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 71.001 et seq.) – This claim is brought by the surviving spouse, children, and parents of the deceased. It compensates for the loss of love, companionship, support, and the emotional pain of losing a family member.
- Survival Action (Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 71.021) – This claim is brought by the estate of the deceased and compensates for the pain and suffering the victim endured between the time of the crash and their death, as well as any medical expenses incurred during that period.
Under Texas law, each of these claims is independent, meaning the surviving family members and the estate can pursue both simultaneously. However, there’s a critical time limit: Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 16.003 gives families only two years from the date of the fatal injury to file a lawsuit. This clock starts ticking immediately, whether or not the trucking company’s insurance adjuster is returning your calls. Once the two-year window closes, the case is barred forever—no exceptions, no extensions.
Who Can File a Wrongful Death Claim in Texas?
Under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 71.004, the following family members can file a wrongful death claim:
- The surviving spouse
- The surviving children (including adult children)
- The surviving parents
Each of these family members holds an independent claim, meaning they do not have to file jointly. For example, if a husband and father is killed in a truck crash, his wife and each of his children can file separate wrongful death claims. This structure ensures that every family member who depended on the deceased is protected under Texas law.
What Damages Can Families Recover?
Texas law allows families to recover several categories of damages in a wrongful death and survival action, including:
- Pecuniary Losses – This includes the financial support the deceased would have provided to their family, such as lost wages, benefits, and inheritance.
- Loss of Companionship and Society – Compensation for the emotional loss of a spouse, parent, or child.
- Mental Anguish – Compensation for the emotional pain and suffering endured by surviving family members.
- Funeral and Burial Expenses – Reimbursement for the costs associated with laying a loved one to rest.
- Exemplary (Punitive) Damages – If the trucking company’s conduct was grossly negligent—such as allowing a driver with a history of DUIs or hours-of-service violations to operate a commercial vehicle—the jury may award punitive damages to punish the company and deter future misconduct.
In cases involving catastrophic injuries or wrongful death, these damages can reach into the millions of dollars. For example, in a recent case, we secured a multi-million dollar settlement for a family whose loved one suffered a traumatic brain injury in a logging accident, resulting in permanent vision loss. In another case, a client who lost a leg due to complications from a car accident received a $3.8 million settlement. While every case is unique, these results reflect the depth of investigation and legal strategy we bring to every Fort Worth truck crash case.
The Federal Regulations Trucking Companies Are Supposed to Follow
Commercial trucking companies operate under a strict set of federal regulations designed to prevent crashes like the one that took your loved one. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR), found in 49 C.F.R. Parts 390–399, govern nearly every aspect of trucking operations, from driver qualifications to vehicle maintenance. When a trucking company violates these regulations, it creates a strong legal case for negligence.
Key Federal Regulations That Apply to Fort Worth Truck Crashes
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Hours of Service (49 C.F.R. Part 395) – Truck drivers are limited to 11 hours of driving within a 14-hour workday, followed by 10 consecutive hours off duty. They are also required to take a 30-minute break after 8 hours of driving. These rules are designed to prevent driver fatigue, a leading cause of truck crashes. Unfortunately, many trucking companies pressure drivers to exceed these limits, leading to preventable tragedies.
- Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) – Since 2017, commercial trucks have been required to use ELDs to track driving hours electronically. These devices create a digital record that can be used to prove whether a driver violated hours-of-service rules. We subpoena these records in every case to determine if the driver was fatigued at the time of the crash.
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Driver Qualifications (49 C.F.R. Part 391) – Trucking companies are required to verify that their drivers are qualified to operate commercial vehicles. This includes:
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Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Verification – Drivers must hold a valid CDL and any necessary endorsements (e.g., for hazardous materials).
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Medical Certification – Drivers must pass a medical exam and obtain a certification from a licensed medical examiner.
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Background Checks – Trucking companies must review a driver’s employment history, driving record, and any prior violations.
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Drug and Alcohol Testing – Drivers are subject to pre-employment, random, and post-accident drug and alcohol testing under 49 C.F.R. Part 382. A positive test can be grounds for gross negligence under Texas law.
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Pre-Employment Screening Program (PSP) – The FMCSA maintains a database of a driver’s crash and inspection history. We pull these records in every case to determine if the trucking company hired a driver with a history of violations.
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Vehicle Maintenance and Inspection (49 C.F.R. Part 396) – Trucking companies are required to inspect, repair, and maintain their vehicles regularly. This includes:
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Pre-Trip Inspections – Drivers must inspect their vehicles before every trip, checking brakes, tires, lights, and other critical systems.
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Periodic Maintenance – Trucks must undergo regular maintenance to ensure they are safe to operate.
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Brake System Requirements – Brakes must be adjusted and maintained to prevent failure. Brake violations are a leading cause of truck crashes.
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Tire Safety – Tires must have adequate tread depth (at least 4/32 of an inch) and be free of defects. A tire blowout at highway speeds can cause a driver to lose control of the vehicle.
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Cargo Securement (49 C.F.R. Part 393, Subpart I) – Improperly secured cargo can shift during transit, causing a truck to become unbalanced and crash. This is particularly dangerous for flatbed trucks carrying steel, lumber, or other heavy materials.
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Controlled Substances and Alcohol Use (49 C.F.R. Part 382) – Truck drivers are prohibited from operating a commercial vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol. A driver who tests positive for alcohol or controlled substances after a crash can be held liable for gross negligence, opening the door to punitive damages.
How We Use Federal Regulations to Prove Negligence
When a trucking company violates federal regulations, it creates a legal presumption of negligence under Texas Pattern Jury Charge 27.2 (Negligence Per Se). This means that if we can prove the trucking company broke a federal rule—such as allowing a driver to exceed hours-of-service limits or failing to maintain the truck’s brakes—we don’t have to prove that the company was careless. The violation itself is enough to establish liability.
For example, if a driver’s ELD records show that they were driving for 14 hours straight without a break, we can argue that the trucking company violated 49 C.F.R. § 395.3 and is therefore negligent. Similarly, if the truck’s maintenance records show that the brakes were not inspected in the months leading up to the crash, we can argue that the company violated 49 C.F.R. § 396.3 and is liable for the resulting damages.
The Investigation We Begin Within 48 Hours
Evidence in truck crash cases disappears quickly. Trucking companies control much of the critical evidence, including electronic logging device (ELD) data, dashcam footage, maintenance records, and driver qualification files. If we don’t act fast, this evidence can be lost forever.
What Evidence We Preserve Immediately
Within the first 48 hours of taking your case, we take the following steps to preserve evidence:
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Send a Preservation Letter to the Trucking Company – This letter notifies the trucking company that they must preserve all evidence related to the crash, including:
- Electronic logging device (ELD) data
- Dashcam and forward-facing camera footage
- Dispatch records and communication logs
- Driver qualification files
- Maintenance and inspection records
- Post-accident drug and alcohol test results
- Any Form MCS-90 endorsements on the company’s insurance policy
The letter also warns the trucking company that if they destroy or fail to preserve this evidence, we will argue spoliation of evidence—a legal doctrine that allows the jury to assume the missing evidence would have been harmful to the trucking company’s case.
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Pull the FMCSA Safety Measurement System (SMS) Profile – The FMCSA maintains a public database of every trucking company’s safety record, including their Compliance, Safety, Accountability (CSA) scores. These scores track violations in seven categories, known as Behavior Analysis and Safety Improvement Categories (BASICs):
- Unsafe Driving – Speeding, reckless driving, improper lane changes
- Hours-of-Service Compliance – Violations of driving time limits
- Driver Fitness – Unqualified or improperly licensed drivers
- Controlled Substances/Alcohol – Drug and alcohol violations
- Vehicle Maintenance – Brake, tire, and lighting violations
- Hazardous Materials Compliance – Improper handling of hazardous materials
- Crash Indicator – History of preventable crashes
We use these scores to identify patterns of negligence. For example, if a trucking company has a high Hours-of-Service Compliance score, it suggests they routinely pressure drivers to exceed federal limits, increasing the risk of fatigue-related crashes.
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Subpoena the Electronic Control Module (ECM) Data – Most commercial trucks are equipped with an electronic control module (ECM), which records data such as speed, braking, and engine performance in the moments leading up to a crash. This data can be critical in proving how the crash occurred. For example, if the ECM shows that the truck was traveling at an excessive speed or that the driver failed to brake before impact, it can help establish liability.
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Obtain the Driver’s Qualification File – Under 49 C.F.R. § 391.51, trucking companies are required to maintain a file for each driver that includes:
- The driver’s application for employment
- The driver’s CDL and medical certification
- The driver’s Motor Vehicle Record (MVR)
- Records of any prior violations or crashes
- Drug and alcohol test results
We review this file to determine if the trucking company hired an unqualified or dangerous driver.
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Preserve Dashcam and Surveillance Footage – Many commercial trucks are equipped with dashcams, and businesses near the crash site may have surveillance footage. This footage can provide critical evidence of how the crash occurred. However, most businesses overwrite their footage within 7–14 days, so we act quickly to preserve it.
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Conduct an Accident Reconstruction – In cases involving complex crashes, we work with accident reconstruction experts to determine how the crash occurred. These experts use physical evidence, such as skid marks and vehicle damage, as well as electronic data from the ECM and ELD, to recreate the sequence of events leading up to the crash.
What This Means for Your Case
The evidence we preserve in the first 48 hours can make or break your case. For example:
- If the ELD data shows that the driver exceeded hours-of-service limits, we can argue that the trucking company is liable for fatigue-related negligence.
- If the maintenance records show that the truck’s brakes were not inspected, we can argue that the company is liable for mechanical failure.
- If the dashcam footage shows that the driver was distracted or failed to brake, we can argue that the company is liable for the driver’s negligence.
By acting quickly, we ensure that the trucking company cannot hide or destroy evidence that could help your case.
The Defendants Beyond the Driver
In most fatal truck crashes, the driver is just one of several parties who may be liable. Trucking companies, brokers, shippers, maintenance contractors, and even government entities can share responsibility for the crash. We pursue every potentially liable party to maximize your recovery.
Potential Defendants in a Fort Worth Truck Crash Case
- The Truck Driver – The driver may be liable for negligent actions such as speeding, distracted driving, or driving under the influence.
- The Trucking Company – The trucking company can be held liable under the legal doctrine of respondeat superior, which holds employers responsible for the actions of their employees. Additionally, the company can be held directly liable for:
- Negligent Hiring – Hiring a driver with a history of violations or crashes.
- Negligent Training – Failing to properly train the driver.
- Negligent Supervision – Failing to monitor the driver’s compliance with federal regulations.
- Negligent Retention – Keeping a driver on the payroll after they commit violations.
- Negligent Maintenance – Failing to inspect and repair the truck.
- The Freight Broker – If the trucking company was hired through a broker (e.g., C.H. Robinson, Uber Freight), the broker may be liable for negligent selection—failing to vet the trucking company’s safety record. This theory was upheld in the landmark case Miller v. C.H. Robinson Worldwide, Inc. (9th Cir. 2020).
- The Shipper – If the shipper directed the trucking company to load the cargo in an unsafe manner or imposed unrealistic delivery deadlines, they may share liability.
- The Maintenance Contractor – If a third-party contractor was responsible for maintaining the truck, they may be liable for mechanical failures.
- The Parts Manufacturer – If a defective part (e.g., brakes, tires, steering system) contributed to the crash, the manufacturer may be liable under product liability laws.
- The Government Entity – If the crash was caused by a dangerous road condition, such as a missing guardrail or poorly designed intersection, the government entity responsible for maintaining the road may be liable under the Texas Tort Claims Act (Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code Chapter 101). However, there are strict notice requirements and damage caps in these cases.
Why Naming Multiple Defendants Matters
Trucking companies and their insurers often try to limit liability by blaming the driver or other parties. By naming multiple defendants, we ensure that every party responsible for the crash is held accountable. This also increases the available insurance coverage, as each defendant’s policy may contribute to the settlement.
For example, in a recent case, we represented a family whose loved one was killed in a crash involving a trucking company, a broker, and a shipper. By pursuing all three defendants, we were able to secure a significant settlement that fully compensated the family for their loss.
How Texas Pattern Jury Charges Submit Damages to a Jury
In Texas, a jury decides the outcome of a truck crash case by answering specific questions submitted under the Texas Pattern Jury Charges (PJC). These questions determine liability and the amount of damages the trucking company must pay.
Key Pattern Jury Charge Questions
- Negligence (PJC 27.1) – Was the truck driver negligent? Was the trucking company negligent?
- Negligence Per Se (PJC 27.2) – Did the trucking company violate a federal regulation, such as hours-of-service limits or vehicle maintenance requirements?
- Proximate Cause (PJC 4.1) – Was the trucking company’s negligence a proximate cause of the crash and the resulting injuries or death?
- Damages (PJC 9.1–9.10) – What is the amount of damages the family should receive for:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Past and future lost earning capacity
- Physical pain and mental anguish
- Physical impairment and disfigurement
- Loss of companionship and society
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Gross Negligence (PJC 5.1) – Did the trucking company act with gross negligence, entitling the family to exemplary (punitive) damages?
How We Build the Case for the Jury’s Questions
We prepare every case as if it is going to trial, even if we ultimately settle. This means gathering evidence to answer each of the jury’s questions definitively. For example:
- To prove negligence, we use ELD data, maintenance records, and dashcam footage to show that the trucking company violated federal regulations.
- To prove proximate cause, we work with accident reconstruction experts and medical professionals to establish that the trucking company’s negligence directly caused the crash and the resulting injuries or death.
- To prove damages, we work with economists, life care planners, and vocational experts to calculate the full financial impact of the loss, including future medical expenses, lost earning capacity, and emotional suffering.
By building a strong case for trial, we increase the likelihood of a favorable settlement. Most trucking companies prefer to settle rather than risk a jury verdict, especially in cases where the evidence of negligence is clear.
The Defense Playbook in Fort Worth Trucking Cases—and Our Answer
Trucking companies and their insurers follow a predictable playbook in fatal crash cases. They know that most families are overwhelmed in the aftermath of a tragedy and may not understand their legal rights. Their goal is to minimize the payout, often by shifting blame to the victim or delaying the case until the statute of limitations expires.
Common Defense Tactics and How We Counter Them
| Tactic | What They Do | How We Counter It |
|---|---|---|
| Quick Lowball Settlement | Offer a small settlement within days of the crash, before the family has time to consult an attorney. | We never advise clients to accept a settlement in the first 96 hours. We calculate the full value of the case, including future medical expenses and emotional suffering, before responding to any offer. |
| Recorded Statement Trap | Ask the victim or their family to give a recorded statement, using questions designed to minimize injuries or shift blame. | We never allow our clients to give a recorded statement without an attorney present. These statements are used against victims later in the case. |
| Comparative Negligence | Argue that the victim was partially at fault for the crash (e.g., “They were speeding” or “They didn’t wear a seatbelt”). | Texas follows modified comparative negligence under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 33.001. Even if the victim was 50% at fault, they can still recover damages. We gather evidence to push fault back onto the trucking company. |
| Pre-Existing Condition | Argue that the victim’s injuries existed before the crash. | The eggshell plaintiff doctrine holds that the defendant takes the victim as they find them. If the crash worsened a pre-existing condition, the trucking company is liable for the aggravation. |
| Delayed Treatment Defense | Argue that the victim didn’t seek medical treatment immediately, so their injuries must not be serious. | Adrenaline masks pain, and symptoms of traumatic brain injury (TBI) or whiplash can take days or weeks to appear. We use medical records to prove the connection between the crash and the injuries. |
| Spoliation of Evidence | “Lose” or destroy evidence, such as ELD data, dashcam footage, or maintenance records. | We send a preservation letter within 24 hours of taking the case, putting the trucking company on notice that they must preserve all evidence. If they destroy evidence, we argue spoliation and ask the jury to assume the missing evidence would have hurt their case. |
| Independent Medical Examiner (IME) | Send the victim to a doctor chosen by the insurance company, who will downplay their injuries. | Lupe Peña, our associate attorney, worked for years at a national insurance defense firm and knows how these doctors operate. We counter with the victim’s treating physicians and independent experts. |
| Surveillance | Hire investigators to photograph the victim doing everyday activities (e.g., carrying groceries, walking the dog). | Lupe’s insider quote: “Insurance companies take innocent activity out of context. They freeze one frame and ignore the ten minutes of struggling before and after.” We expose this tactic in depositions. |
| Delay Tactics | Drag out the case past the statute of limitations, hoping the family will give up or accept a low settlement. | We file a lawsuit early to force discovery and set depositions. We make the trucking company carry the cost of delay. |
| Drowning the Family in Paperwork | Send massive discovery requests to overwhelm the family and their attorney. | We staff the case appropriately and use motion practice to limit overbroad discovery while preserving the records we need. |
How We Use Lupe Peña’s Insurance Defense Experience to Your Advantage
Lupe Peña spent years working for a national insurance defense firm, where he learned how insurance companies value claims and deploy tactics to minimize payouts. He knows the playbook because he used it. Now, he uses that knowledge to fight for victims.
For example, Lupe knows that insurance companies use Colossus, a proprietary software program, to algorithmically value claims. Colossus considers factors such as:
- The severity of the injuries
- The length of medical treatment
- The venue (e.g., Tarrant County vs. a more conservative county)
- The victim’s age and occupation
Lupe also knows how to push the Colossus value up by developing evidence that the software weights heavily, such as:
- Detailed medical records showing the full extent of the injuries
- Expert testimony from life care planners and economists
- Evidence of gross negligence, which can trigger punitive damages
By understanding how insurance companies think, we can anticipate their tactics and build a stronger case for our clients.
The Two-Year Clock Under Texas Law
Texas law gives families only two years from the date of the fatal injury to file a wrongful death lawsuit under Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code § 16.003. This clock starts ticking immediately, whether or not the trucking company’s insurance adjuster is returning your calls. Once the two-year window closes, the case is barred forever—no exceptions, no extensions.
Why the Clock Is Running Against You
Trucking companies and their insurers know the statute of limitations better than most families do. Their strategy is to delay the case until the clock runs out, hoping that grief or financial pressure will force the family to accept a low settlement or miss the deadline entirely.
For example, the adjuster may:
- Delay returning your calls
- Request unnecessary paperwork
- Offer a low settlement and pressure you to accept it
- Wait until the last minute to respond to your attorney
We’ve seen cases where families waited too long to hire an attorney, only to learn that the two-year deadline had already passed. Don’t let this happen to your family.
What Happens If You Miss the Deadline?
If you miss the two-year deadline, the court will dismiss your case, and you will lose your right to compensation forever. This is why it’s critical to act quickly. The sooner you contact an attorney, the sooner we can:
- Send a preservation letter to the trucking company to lock down evidence
- Pull the FMCSA Safety Measurement System (SMS) profile on the trucking company
- Subpoena the electronic control module (ECM) data and dashcam footage
- File a lawsuit before the deadline expires
Exceptions to the Two-Year Rule
There are a few rare exceptions to the two-year statute of limitations, but they are difficult to prove and should not be relied upon. These exceptions include:
- Discovery Rule – If the injury or its cause was not immediately discoverable, the clock may start later. However, this exception is narrowly applied in Texas courts.
- Defendant Absence – If the defendant leaves Texas, the clock may be tolled (paused) until they return.
- Mental Incapacity – If the victim or a family member is mentally incapacitated, the clock may be tolled until they regain capacity.
- Fraudulent Concealment – If the trucking company actively hid evidence, the clock may be extended.
These exceptions are rare and require strong evidence. The safest course of action is to assume the two-year clock is running and act accordingly.
How Attorney 911 Approaches Your Fort Worth Truck Crash Case
At Attorney 911, we don’t just file lawsuits—we build cases. We know that the trucking company and its insurer have a team of lawyers working against you 24/7. We level the playing field by deploying the same depth of legal and investigative resources they use.
Our Process for Fort Worth Truck Crash Cases
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Free Case Evaluation – We offer a free, no-obligation consultation to review the details of your case and explain your legal options. During this call, we’ll:
- Listen to your story and answer your questions
- Explain the legal process in plain language
- Provide an initial assessment of your case’s value
- Outline the next steps
Call us at 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911) to schedule your free consultation.
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Immediate Evidence Preservation – Within 48 hours of taking your case, we:
- Send a preservation letter to the trucking company, broker, and any third-party telematics providers, putting them on notice that they must preserve all evidence
- Pull the FMCSA Safety Measurement System (SMS) profile on the trucking company
- Pull the Pre-Employment Screening Program (PSP) record on the driver
- Subpoena the electronic control module (ECM) data and dashcam footage
- Identify all potentially liable parties (driver, trucking company, broker, shipper, maintenance contractor, etc.)
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Comprehensive Investigation – We leave no stone unturned in investigating your case. Our investigation includes:
- Accident Reconstruction – We work with experts to determine how the crash occurred, using physical evidence, ECM data, and dashcam footage.
- Driver Qualification Review – We review the driver’s CDL, medical certification, employment history, and prior violations to determine if the trucking company hired an unqualified driver.
- Maintenance Record Review – We review the truck’s maintenance records to identify any mechanical failures that contributed to the crash.
- Hours-of-Service Audit – We cross-reference the driver’s ELD data with dispatch records to determine if the driver violated federal hours-of-service limits.
- Drug and Alcohol Testing – We review the results of the post-accident drug and alcohol test to determine if the driver was impaired.
- Surveillance Footage Retrieval – We obtain footage from nearby businesses, traffic cameras, and dashcams to document the crash.
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Building the Case for Trial – We prepare every case as if it is going to trial, even if we ultimately settle. This means:
- Working with medical experts to document the full extent of the injuries
- Working with economists to calculate lost earning capacity and future medical expenses
- Working with life care planners to develop a detailed care plan for catastrophic injuries
- Working with vocational experts to assess the impact of the injuries on the victim’s ability to work
- Preparing expert witnesses to testify at trial
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Negotiating with the Insurance Company – Most truck crash cases settle before trial. We negotiate from a position of strength, using the evidence we’ve gathered to demand full compensation for your loss. Our goal is to secure a settlement that fully compensates you for:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages and earning capacity
- Physical pain and mental anguish
- Physical impairment and disfigurement
- Loss of companionship and society
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Punitive damages (if the trucking company’s conduct was grossly negligent)
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Filing a Lawsuit (If Necessary) – If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, we file a lawsuit and take the case to trial. We have extensive experience trying truck crash cases in Tarrant County District Court and other Texas venues, and we are not afraid to go up against the largest trucking companies in the country.
Why Choose Attorney 911 for Your Fort Worth Truck Crash Case?
- 27+ Years of Experience – Ralph Manginello has been representing injury victims in Texas since 1998. He is admitted to practice in federal court and has handled some of the most complex truck crash cases in the state, including cases involving BP Texas City Refinery explosion litigation and the University of Houston Pi Kappa Phi hazing lawsuit.
- Insurance Defense Advantage – Lupe Peña, our associate attorney, spent years working for a national insurance defense firm, where he learned how insurance companies value claims and deploy tactics to minimize payouts. Now, he uses that knowledge to fight for victims.
- Multi-Million Dollar Results – We have recovered $50 million+ for our clients across a wide range of personal injury cases, including:
- $5+ million for a client who suffered a traumatic brain injury with vision loss in a logging accident
- $3.8+ million for a client whose leg was amputated due to complications from a car accident
- $2+ million for a client who injured his back while lifting cargo on a ship (Jones Act case)
- Federal Court Experience – Ralph Manginello is admitted to practice in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas, which covers Tarrant County and the surrounding area. This experience is critical in cases involving federal regulations, such as hours-of-service violations or hazardous materials transport.
- Bilingual Representation – Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish, and our staff includes bilingual team members. We provide full-service representation in Spanish, from the initial consultation to the final court hearing.
- Contingency Fee Structure – We work on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay nothing upfront. Our fee is 33.33% of the recovery if the case settles before trial and 40% if it goes to trial. You pay nothing unless we win your case. (You may still be responsible for court costs and case expenses.)
- 24/7 Availability – We are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to take your call. When you call 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911), you’ll speak to a live person—not an answering service.
What Our Clients Say About Us
We’ve helped hundreds of families in Fort Worth and across Texas recover the compensation they deserve after a catastrophic truck crash. Here’s what some of our clients have said about their experience with Attorney 911:
“Melanie was excellent. She kept me informed and when she said she would call me back, she did. I got to speak with Ralph Manginello once and knew quickly the way his Firm was ran.” — Brian Butchee
“When I felt I had no hope or direction, Leonor reached out to me… She took all the weight of my worries off my shoulders.” — Stephanie Hernandez
“Special thank you to my attorney, Mr. Pena, for your kindness and patience with my repeated questions.” — Chelsea Martinez
“Consistent communication and not one time did I call and not get a clear answer… Ralph reached out personally.” — Dame Haskett
“I never felt like ‘just another case’ they were working on.” — Ambur Hamilton
“You are NOT a pest to them and you are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.” — Chad Harris
“One company said they would not except my case. Then I got a call from Manginello… I got a call to come pick up this handsome check.” — Donald Wilcox
“Leonor is the best!!! She was able to assist me with my case within 6 months.” — Tymesha Galloway
“Mariela and Zulema have done such a fantastic job… gone above and beyond to get my case settled quickly!” — Hannah Garcia
“Highly recommend! They moved fast and handled my case very efficiently.” — Nina Graeter
“One of Houston’s Great Men Trae Tha Truth has recommended this law firm. So if he is vouching for them then I know they do good work.” — Jacqueline Johnson
“You know if TraeAbn tells you it’s the right way to go best attorney out here you can’t go wrong.” — Erica Perales
What to Do Next
If you’ve lost a loved one in a fatal truck crash in Fort Worth, the most important thing you can do right now is preserve the evidence. The trucking company and its insurer are already working to minimize their liability. Don’t let them control the evidence that could prove your case.
Call 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911) for a Free Consultation
During your free consultation, we’ll:
- Review the details of the crash
- Explain your legal rights under Texas law
- Outline the next steps in the legal process
- Answer any questions you have about your case
There’s no obligation, and everything you tell us is confidential. We’re here to help you understand your options and make the best decision for your family.
Don’t Wait—The Clock Is Ticking
Remember, Texas law gives you only two years from the date of the fatal injury to file a wrongful death lawsuit. The sooner you contact us, the sooner we can begin preserving evidence and building your case.
Call 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911) now to schedule your free consultation. We’re available 24/7 to take your call.