18-Wheeler Accidents in Frisco, TX: Your Complete Legal Guide

Every year, thousands of families in North Texas are devastated by 18-wheeler accidents on our highways. If you or a loved one has been injured in a trucking accident in Frisco, you need an attorney who understands the unique challenges of these catastrophic cases. At Attorney911, we’ve been fighting for truck accident victims across Texas for over 25 years, and we know exactly how to hold negligent trucking companies accountable.

Why Frisco Trucking Accidents Are Different

Frisco sits at the crossroads of major Texas trucking corridors. Our location at the intersection of the Dallas North Tollway, US-380, and the Sam Rayburn Tollway creates unique risks for commercial truck accidents. The massive distribution centers and corporate headquarters in Frisco, Plano, and surrounding areas mean our roads see heavy truck traffic from major carriers like Walmart, Amazon, and FedEx.

Unlike typical car accidents, 18-wheeler crashes involve:

• Federal trucking regulations (FMCSA)
• Multiple liable parties (driver, company, cargo loaders, etc.)
• Massive insurance policies ($750,000 to $5 million minimum)
• Catastrophic injuries (TBI, spinal cord damage, wrongful death)
• Aggressive insurance defense tactics

Common Causes of Trucking Accidents in Frisco

Driver Fatigue and Hours of Service Violations

One of the most frequent causes of trucking accidents we see in Frisco is driver fatigue. The pressure to meet delivery deadlines often leads trucking companies to push drivers beyond legal limits. Federal regulations (49 CFR Part 395) limit drivers to:

• 11 hours of driving after 10 consecutive hours off duty
• A 14-hour on-duty window
• Mandatory 30-minute breaks after 8 hours of driving
• 60/70-hour weekly limits

When trucking companies violate these rules, the results can be deadly. We’ve seen cases where drivers falsified their electronic logging device (ELD) records to hide hours of service violations. In one recent case, a driver had been on the road for 14 consecutive hours when he caused a multi-vehicle pileup on the Dallas North Tollway near Frisco.

Improper Cargo Loading and Securement

The cargo securement regulations (49 CFR Part 393) are designed to prevent rollovers, jackknife accidents, and cargo spills. When cargo isn’t properly secured, it can shift during transit, causing the truck to become unstable or even tip over.

We recently handled a case where a truck carrying steel coils overturned on US-380 in Frisco because the cargo wasn’t properly secured. The shifting load caused the trailer to swing violently, striking several vehicles and causing serious injuries.

Brake Failures and Poor Maintenance

Brake system violations are among the most common FMCSA out-of-service violations. When brakes fail, trucks can’t stop in time to avoid collisions. The stopping distance for a fully loaded 18-wheeler at 65 mph is approximately 525 feet – nearly two football fields.

In a recent Frisco case, a truck rear-ended a family’s SUV on the Sam Rayburn Tollway because the brakes had been improperly adjusted. The trucking company had deferred maintenance to save costs, and the resulting crash caused permanent spinal cord injuries.

Distracted and Impaired Driving

Despite strict regulations (49 CFR § 392.82), distracted driving remains a major problem in the trucking industry. When drivers use cell phones, eat, or engage in other distractions, they take their eyes off the road and their hands off the wheel.

We’ve also seen cases involving impaired driving. While drug and alcohol testing is required (49 CFR Part 382), some drivers still operate under the influence. In one tragic case, a drunk truck driver caused a head-on collision on SH-121 near Frisco, killing a young mother and her child.

Types of Trucking Accidents We Handle in Frisco

Jackknife Accidents

Jackknife accidents occur when the trailer swings out to form a 90-degree angle with the cab. These often happen when drivers brake suddenly on wet or icy roads, or when empty trailers swing more easily than loaded ones.

The Frisco area sees frequent jackknife accidents on:

• Dallas North Tollway (especially near corporate offices)
• US-380 (near distribution centers)
• SH-121 (high-speed corridor)
• Sam Rayburn Tollway (construction zones)

Rollover Accidents

Rollover accidents are particularly dangerous in urban areas like Frisco where they can strike multiple vehicles. These often occur when:

• Drivers take curves too fast
• Cargo shifts due to improper loading
• Tires blow out causing loss of control
• Drivers overcorrect after running off the road

The tight turns and high speeds on Frisco’s tollways create ideal conditions for rollover accidents.

Underride Collisions

Underride collisions are among the deadliest types of trucking accidents. When a smaller vehicle crashes into the rear or side of a trailer, the trailer often shears off the top of the vehicle, causing catastrophic head and neck injuries.

Despite federal requirements for rear underride guards (49 CFR § 393.86), many trailers still lack adequate protection. We’re currently handling a case where a family’s minivan slid under a trailer on the Dallas North Tollway near Frisco, resulting in fatal injuries.

Rear-End Collisions

Due to their massive weight, 18-wheelers require significantly longer stopping distances than passenger vehicles. When truck drivers follow too closely or fail to react in time, the results can be devastating.

The high-speed corridors around Frisco, including SH-121 and the Sam Rayburn Tollway, see frequent rear-end collisions, often resulting in whiplash, spinal cord injuries, and traumatic brain injuries.

Blind Spot Accidents

Commercial trucks have massive blind spots, often called “No-Zones”:

• 20 feet directly in front of the cab
• 30 feet behind the trailer
• One lane to the left
• Two lanes to the right

When truck drivers fail to check these blind spots before changing lanes, they can strike vehicles they never saw. The multi-lane highways around Frisco create numerous opportunities for these accidents.

Catastrophic Injuries from Frisco Trucking Accidents

The sheer size and weight of 18-wheelers (up to 80,000 pounds) means that trucking accidents often result in catastrophic injuries:

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

TBI is one of the most common and devastating injuries we see in Frisco trucking accidents. The extreme forces involved can cause the brain to impact the inside of the skull, leading to:

• Memory loss and cognitive impairment
• Personality changes and mood disorders
• Permanent disability
• Need for lifelong care

We recently represented a Frisco resident who suffered a severe TBI when an 18-wheeler rear-ended her car on the Dallas North Tollway. She required months of rehabilitation and can no longer work.

Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis

Spinal cord damage can result in partial or complete paralysis. The lifetime care costs for these injuries can exceed $5 million.

In one case, a young father from Plano became quadriplegic when a truck driver fell asleep at the wheel and crossed the median on SH-121. We secured a multi-million dollar settlement to cover his medical expenses and lost earning capacity.

Amputations

The crushing forces in trucking accidents can result in traumatic amputations at the scene or require surgical amputation later. These injuries require:

• Multiple surgeries
• Prosthetic limbs ($5,000-$50,000 each)
• Extensive rehabilitation
• Psychological counseling

Severe Burns

When fuel tanks rupture or hazardous materials spill, trucking accidents can result in severe burns. These injuries often require:

• Skin grafts
• Multiple reconstructive surgeries
• Long-term pain management
• Psychological treatment for trauma and disfigurement

Wrongful Death

Tragically, many trucking accidents in Frisco result in fatalities. When a loved one is killed by a negligent truck driver, surviving family members may be entitled to compensation for:

• Lost future income
• Loss of companionship and guidance
• Mental anguish
• Funeral expenses
• Punitive damages in cases of gross negligence

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Frisco Trucking Accident?

Unlike typical car accidents where usually only one driver is at fault, trucking accidents often involve multiple liable parties:

The Truck Driver

The driver may be liable for:

• Speeding or reckless driving
• Distracted driving (cell phone use, texting)
• Fatigued driving beyond legal limits
• Impaired driving (drugs or alcohol)
• Failure to conduct proper pre-trip inspections
• Traffic law violations

The Trucking Company

Trucking companies can be held directly liable for:

• Negligent hiring (failing to check driver qualifications)
• Negligent training (inadequate safety training)
• Negligent supervision (failing to monitor driver behavior)
• Negligent maintenance (poor vehicle upkeep)
• Pressuring drivers to violate hours of service regulations

Under the legal doctrine of respondeat superior, employers are also vicariously liable for their employees’ negligent acts within the scope of employment.

Cargo Owners and Loading Companies

The companies responsible for loading cargo can be liable for:

• Improper cargo securement
• Unbalanced load distribution
• Overloading beyond weight limits
• Failure to use proper blocking and bracing
• Not training loaders on securement requirements

Truck and Parts Manufacturers

When defects contribute to accidents, manufacturers may be liable for:

• Defective brakes or brake components
• Defective tires causing blowouts
• Defective steering mechanisms
• Defective lighting components
• Defective coupling devices

Maintenance Companies

Third-party maintenance providers can be liable for:

• Negligent repairs that fail to fix problems
• Failure to identify critical safety issues
• Improper brake adjustments
• Using substandard or wrong parts
• Returning vehicles to service with known defects

Freight Brokers

Freight brokers who arrange transportation can be liable for:

• Negligent selection of carriers with poor safety records
• Failure to verify carrier insurance and authority
• Failure to check carrier CSA scores
• Selecting the cheapest carrier despite safety concerns

Government Entities

In limited circumstances, government entities may be liable for:

• Dangerous road design
• Failure to maintain roads
• Inadequate signage
• Improper work zone setup

The 48-Hour Evidence Preservation Protocol

In trucking accident cases, evidence disappears FAST. Trucking companies have rapid-response teams that begin protecting their interests within hours of an accident. If you don’t act quickly, critical evidence will be lost forever.

Why 48 Hours Matters

The Spoliation Letter

A spoliation letter is a formal legal notice sent to the trucking company, their insurer, and all potentially liable parties demanding preservation of all evidence related to the accident.

When We Send It:
IMMEDIATELY – within 24-48 hours of being retained. We don’t wait.

What We Demand:

• Engine Control Module (ECM) / Electronic Control Unit (ECU) data
• Event Data Recorder (EDR) data
• Electronic Logging Device (ELD) records
• GPS and telematics data
• Dashcam and forward-facing camera footage
• Dispatch communications and messaging
• Cell phone records and text messages
• Complete Driver Qualification File
• Employment application and background check
• Driving record and previous employers
• Medical certification and exam records
• Drug and alcohol test results
• Training records and certifications
• Maintenance and repair records
• Inspection reports (pre-trip, post-trip, annual)
• Out-of-service orders and repairs
• Tire records and replacement history
• Brake inspection and adjustment records
• Parts purchase and installation records
• Hours of service records for 6 months prior
• Dispatch logs and trip records
• Bills of lading and cargo documentation
• Insurance policies
• Safety policies and procedures
• Training curricula
• Hiring and supervision policies
• The physical truck and trailer
• Failed or damaged components
• Cargo and securement devices
• Tire remnants if blowout involved

ECM/Black Box Data Explained

Commercial trucks have electronic systems that continuously record operational data – similar to an airplane’s black box but for trucks.

Critical Data Points:

• Speed before and during the crash
• Brake application timing
• Throttle position
• Following distance
• Hours of service
• GPS location
• Fault codes

This objective data often contradicts what drivers claim happened. In one Frisco case, the ECM data showed the driver was traveling at 75 mph in a 60 mph zone and didn’t apply the brakes until 1.2 seconds before impact – directly contradicting his claim that he was driving safely.

FMCSA Regulations: The Key to Proving Negligence

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulates ALL commercial motor vehicles operating in interstate commerce. These regulations are codified in Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations (49 CFR), Parts 300-399.

When trucking companies violate these rules, they create dangerous conditions that cause catastrophic accidents. Proving FMCSA violations is often the key to establishing negligence and securing maximum compensation.

Most Commonly Violated Regulations in Frisco Trucking Accidents

Hours of Service (49 CFR Part 395)

Fatigued driving causes approximately 31% of fatal truck crashes. The most common violations we see in Frisco cases include:

• Driving beyond the 11-hour limit
• Exceeding the 14-hour on-duty window
• Failing to take the mandatory 30-minute break
• Violating the 60/70-hour weekly limits
• Falsifying ELD records

Driver Qualification (49 CFR Part 391)

Trucking companies must maintain a Driver Qualification (DQ) File for every driver containing:

• Employment application
• Driving record check
• Previous employer verification
• Medical certification
• Drug test results
• Training documentation

Missing or incomplete files prove negligent hiring. In one Frisco case, the trucking company failed to verify the driver’s previous employment, where he had been terminated for multiple safety violations.

Vehicle Maintenance (49 CFR Part 396)

Systematic inspection and maintenance is required. Common violations include:

• Worn brake pads or shoes not replaced
• Improper brake adjustment (too loose)
• Air brake system leaks or failures
• Deferred maintenance to save costs
• Failure to conduct pre-trip inspections

Cargo Securement (49 CFR Part 393)

Cargo must be secured to prevent:

• Leaking, spilling, blowing, or falling from the vehicle
• Shifting that affects vehicle stability
• Blocking the driver’s view

The securement system must withstand:

• 0.8 g deceleration (sudden stop)
• 0.5 g acceleration
• 0.5 g lateral force (side-to-side)
• At least 20% of cargo weight downward

Driving Rules (49 CFR Part 392)

Key violations include:

• Speeding for conditions
• Following too closely
• Distracted driving (cell phone use)
• Impaired driving (drugs or alcohol)
• Failure to yield right-of-way

What to Do After a Trucking Accident in Frisco

Immediate Steps (First 24 Hours)

1. Call 911 and report the accident

   • Request police and emergency medical services
   • Report all injuries, even if they seem minor

2. Seek medical attention immediately

   • Adrenaline masks pain after traumatic accidents
   • Internal injuries, TBI, and spinal injuries may not show symptoms for hours or days
   • Medical records create critical evidence for your case

3. Document the scene

   • Take photos of all vehicle damage
   • Photograph the accident scene, road conditions, skid marks
   • Get the truck and trailer license plates
   • Photograph the DOT number (on truck door)
   • Capture the trucking company name and logo

4. Collect information

   • Driver’s name, CDL number, and contact info
   • Trucking company name and contact info
   • Witness names and phone numbers
   • Responding officer’s name and badge number

5. Do NOT give recorded statements

   • Insurance adjusters work for the trucking company, not you
   • Anything you say will be used to minimize your claim
   • Our firm includes a former insurance defense attorney who knows exactly how these adjusters are trained to protect the trucking company’s interests

6. Call Attorney911 immediately

   • Critical evidence disappears quickly
   • We send spoliation letters within hours to preserve evidence
   • The sooner we start, the stronger your case will be

Next Steps (First Week)

1. Follow all medical recommendations

   • Attend all follow-up appointments
   • Follow treatment plans exactly
   • Keep all medical records and bills

2. Document everything

   • Keep a daily journal of your pain and symptoms
   • Track how your injuries affect your daily life
   • Save all medical records and bills
   • Document missed work and lost income

3. Stay off social media

   • Insurance companies will use your posts against you
   • Even innocent photos can be misinterpreted
   • Avoid posting about your accident or injuries

4. Do not sign anything

   • Insurance companies may try to get you to sign medical releases or settlement agreements
   • Never sign anything without consulting an attorney

5. Continue working with your attorney

   • Provide all requested information promptly
   • Keep your attorney updated on your medical status
   • Respond to all communications from your legal team

How Much Is Your Frisco Trucking Accident Case Worth?

Case values depend on many factors, but trucking accident cases typically settle for significantly more than typical car accident cases due to:

• Higher insurance limits ($750,000 to $5 million minimum)
• Catastrophic injuries with lifelong consequences
• Multiple liable parties
• Potential for punitive damages

Factors That Affect Case Value

Recent Trucking Verdicts and Settlements in Texas

While every case is unique, recent Texas trucking cases have resulted in significant verdicts and settlements:

• $730 Million – Ramsey v. Landstar Ranger (2021) – Navy propeller oversize load killed 73-year-old woman
• $150 Million – Werner settlement (2022) – Two children killed on I-30
• $37.5 Million – Trucking verdict (2024) – Catastrophic injuries
• $35.5 Million – Family injured in truck accident (Texas)
• $2.5 Million – Truck crash recovery (Attorney911 case)

At Attorney911, we’ve recovered millions for trucking accident victims across Texas. Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has over 25 years of experience securing maximum compensation for families devastated by 18-wheeler crashes.

The Legal Process for Frisco Trucking Accident Cases

Initial Consultation

• Free case evaluation
• Review of accident details
• Explanation of your legal rights
• No obligation to proceed

Investigation

• Immediate evidence preservation
• Accident reconstruction
• Expert witness retention
• Liable party identification

Demand Letter

• Formal claim to insurance company
• Comprehensive calculation of damages
• Demand for fair settlement

Negotiation

• Settlement discussions
• Rejection of lowball offers
• Preparation for litigation

Litigation (If Necessary)

• Filing lawsuit
• Discovery process
• Depositions
• Trial preparation

Resolution

• Settlement or trial verdict
• Compensation distribution
• Case closure

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Frisco Trucking Accident Case?

25+ Years of Experience

Ralph Manginello has been fighting for injury victims since 1998. 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 Frisco trucking corridors and accident patterns

Insider Knowledge of Insurance Tactics

Our firm includes Lupe Peña, a former insurance defense attorney who spent years working for a national defense firm. He knows exactly how insurance companies:

• Value claims
• Train their adjusters
• Minimize payouts
• Deny legitimate claims

This insider knowledge gives us a significant advantage in building your case and negotiating with insurance companies.

Aggressive Representation

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.

Comprehensive Resources

We have the resources to handle complex trucking cases:

• Accident reconstruction experts
• Medical experts
• Vocational experts
• Economic experts
• Life care planners
• FMCSA regulation experts

Personalized Attention

Unlike large firms that treat you like a case number, we treat every client like family. You’ll have direct access to your legal team throughout your case.

No Fee Unless We Win

We work on contingency – you pay nothing unless we win your case. We advance all costs of investigation and litigation. You never receive a bill from us.

Common Questions About Frisco Trucking Accidents

What should I do immediately after an 18-wheeler accident in Frisco?

If you’ve been in a trucking accident in Frisco, take these steps immediately if you’re able:

• Call 911 and report the accident
• Seek medical attention, even if injuries seem minor
• Document the scene with photos and video if possible
• Get the trucking company name, DOT number, and driver information
• Collect witness contact information
• Do NOT give recorded statements to any insurance company
• Call an 18-wheeler accident attorney immediately

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

The statute of limitations for personal injury cases in Texas is 2 years from the date of the accident. However, you should never wait. Evidence disappears quickly in trucking cases, and the sooner you contact us, the stronger your case will be.

How much insurance do trucking companies carry?

Federal law requires minimum liability coverage:

• $750,000 for non-hazardous freight
• $1,000,000 for oil, large equipment
• $5,000,000 for hazardous materials

Many carriers carry $1-5 million or more. This higher coverage means catastrophic injuries can actually be compensated.

Will my trucking accident case go to trial?

Most cases settle before trial, 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.

How long does a trucking accident case take to resolve?

Timelines vary:

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

We work to resolve cases as quickly as possible while maximizing your recovery.

What if I was partially at fault for the accident?

Texas uses a modified comparative negligence system. You can recover compensation as long as you’re not more than 50% at fault. Your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

Can I sue if a loved one was killed in a trucking accident?

Yes. Texas allows wrongful death claims by surviving family members. You may recover compensation for:

• Lost future income
• Loss of companionship and guidance
• Mental anguish
• Funeral expenses
• Punitive damages in cases of gross negligence

What if the trucking company goes bankrupt?

Bankruptcy complicates recovery but doesn’t necessarily prevent it. We investigate all potential sources of compensation, including:

• The trucking company’s insurance
• Other liable parties (cargo owners, manufacturers, etc.)
• Umbrella policies
• Personal assets in some cases

How much does it cost to hire a trucking accident attorney?

At Attorney911, we work on contingency – you pay nothing unless we win your case. Our fee comes from the recovery, not your pocket. We also advance all costs of investigation and litigation.

What if the truck driver was an independent contractor?

This can complicate liability, but both the owner-operator and the contracting company may be liable. We investigate all relationships and insurance policies to ensure you can recover from the responsible parties.

Frisco Trucking Corridors: Where Accidents Happen

Frisco’s location in the heart of North Texas puts it at the center of major trucking routes:

Dallas North Tollway

• Connects Frisco to Dallas and major corporate headquarters
• Heavy commuter and truck traffic mix
• Frequent rear-end collisions and lane change accidents
• Construction zones create hazards

US-380

• East-west corridor through Frisco
• Connects to I-35E and major distribution centers
• High truck traffic from warehouses and manufacturing
• Rural stretches with higher speed limits

Sam Rayburn Tollway (SH-121)

• Major tollway connecting Frisco to Plano and McKinney
• High-speed corridor with frequent congestion
• Construction zones create bottlenecks
• Heavy truck traffic from corporate campuses

SH-121

• Connects Frisco to Lewisville and Grapevine
• High-speed corridor with frequent rear-end collisions
• Mix of commuter and truck traffic
• Construction zones create hazards

I-35E

• Major north-south interstate corridor
• Connects to Dallas and Denton
• Heavy truck traffic from manufacturing and distribution
• Frequent congestion and rear-end collisions

Local Roads

• Legacy Drive, Preston Road, and other major arteries
• Heavy truck traffic from local businesses
• Intersection accidents with wide-turning trucks
• Pedestrian and cyclist accidents

Recent Frisco Trucking Accidents

While we can’t discuss specific cases we’re handling, recent news reports highlight the dangers of trucking accidents in Frisco:

• A multi-vehicle pileup on the Dallas North Tollway near Lebanon Road involved multiple 18-wheelers and resulted in serious injuries
• A truck carrying steel coils overturned on US-380, causing lane closures and traffic delays
• A rear-end collision on SH-121 near Custer Road resulted in fatal injuries when a truck struck a stopped vehicle
• A jackknife accident on the Sam Rayburn Tollway near the Dallas Parkway exit caused a multi-vehicle collision

These incidents underscore the importance of having experienced legal representation when you’re injured in a trucking accident.

Contact Attorney911 Today

If you or a loved one has been injured in an 18-wheeler accident in Frisco, don’t wait. Evidence is disappearing every hour. Call Attorney911 now for a free consultation:

1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)

Our Frisco trucking accident attorneys are available 24/7 to help you. We offer:

• Free case evaluations
• No fee unless we win
• Immediate evidence preservation
• Aggressive representation against trucking companies
• Direct access to your legal team

Remember: The trucking company has lawyers working right now to protect them. You deserve the same level of representation. Call Attorney911 today and let us fight for the compensation you deserve.

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

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