Overturned 18-Wheeler on I-35 in Dallas: Why This Crash Is a Legal Emergency for Fort Worth Families

The Incident: What Happened on Southbound I-35 at Illinois

Early morning on February 19, 2026, southbound Interstate 35 in Dallas became the scene of a dangerous trucking accident that shut down multiple lanes and required a hazardous materials response. According to initial reports:

• An 18-wheeler overturned at the Illinois Avenue interchange
• The trailer blocked all lanes of southbound I-35
• Officials reported a fuel leak, prompting a call to Dallas Fire-Rescue’s hazardous materials team
• Traffic was diverted to 12th Street while crews worked to clear the scene
• The truck driver was not injured in the crash

This wasn’t just another traffic delay. When an 80,000-pound commercial vehicle overturns on a major interstate, the potential for catastrophic consequences is always present. Even though no injuries were reported in this specific incident, the factors involved—fuel leaks, complete lane blockage, hazardous materials response—reveal systemic risks that threaten Fort Worth drivers every day.

The Legal Implications: Why This Crash Is a Warning for Fort Worth

The Trucking Company’s Responsibility

While the specific trucking company involved in this Dallas crash hasn’t been named, the incident reveals the types of violations that create liability:

Potential FMCSA Violations:
– 49 CFR § 392.3 – Operating while fatigued (common cause of rollovers)
– 49 CFR § 393.100-136 – Cargo securement failures (can cause rollovers)
– 49 CFR § 396.3 – Maintenance failures (brake issues, tire problems)
– 49 CFR § 392.6 – Speeding for conditions (wet roads, curves)

Legal Doctrines That Apply:
– Respondeat Superior – The trucking company is responsible for the driver’s actions
– Negligent Hiring – If the driver had a poor safety record
– Negligent Maintenance – If the truck wasn’t properly maintained
– Negligence Per Se – When FMCSA regulations are violated

The Role of Cargo Owners and Loading Companies

In rollover accidents, cargo-related factors are often to blame:

• Improper loading – Uneven weight distribution
• Overloading – Exceeding weight limits
• Inadequate securement – Failing to use proper tiedowns
• Hazardous materials violations – Improper placarding or containment

49 CFR § 393.100 requires that cargo be secured to prevent shifting that could affect vehicle stability. When cargo shifts during transit, it can cause the center of gravity to change suddenly, leading to rollovers.

Manufacturer Liability

If equipment failure contributed to the crash:

• Defective tires – Blowouts causing loss of control
• Brake system failures – Inadequate stopping power
• Stability control defects – Electronic systems that should prevent rollovers
• Fuel system defects – Leaks caused by manufacturing flaws

Landmark Case Example:
In Ramsey v. Landstar Ranger (2021), a Texas jury awarded $730 million after an oversize load killed a 73-year-old woman. The case involved multiple defendants including the trucking company, cargo owner, and equipment manufacturers.

What Fort Worth Drivers Need to Know About Their Rights

1. The Evidence Disappears Fast

In trucking cases, critical evidence can be lost within hours or days:

• Black box data – Can be overwritten in 30 days
• ELD records – May be retained for only 6 months
• Dashcam footage – Often deleted within 7-14 days
• Surveillance video – Business cameras typically overwrite in 7-30 days
• Physical evidence – Trucks may be repaired or sold quickly

Our firm sends spoliation letters within 24-48 hours to preserve this evidence before it’s destroyed.

2. Multiple Parties Can Be Liable

Unlike car accidents, trucking crashes often involve multiple responsible parties:

3. The Insurance Coverage Is Much Higher

Federal law requires commercial trucks to carry minimum liability insurance:

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

Many carriers carry $1-5 million or more in coverage. This means catastrophic injuries can actually be compensated, unlike car accidents where minimum policy limits often leave victims with unpaid medical bills.

What to Do If You’re Involved in a Similar Accident in Fort Worth

1. Immediate Steps at the Scene

• Call 911 – Report the accident and request emergency response
• Seek medical attention – Even if injuries seem minor
• Document everything – Take photos of vehicles, damage, road conditions, injuries
• Get truck information – Company name, DOT number, driver’s license
• Collect witness information – Names and contact details
• Do NOT give statements – Never speak to insurance adjusters without legal representation

2. Critical Evidence to Preserve

3. Why You Need an Attorney Immediately

Trucking companies have rapid-response teams that begin protecting their interests within hours of an accident. You need someone fighting for you just as quickly.

Our firm’s advantage:
– 25+ years of experience – Ralph Manginello has been fighting trucking companies since 1998
– Former insurance defense attorney – Lupe Peña knows exactly how insurers minimize claims
– Federal court admission – We can handle interstate trucking cases
– Immediate evidence preservation – We send spoliation letters within 24-48 hours
– Multi-million dollar results – We’ve recovered millions for trucking accident victims

How We Hold Trucking Companies Accountable

1. Our Investigation Process

When we take a trucking accident case, we immediately:

1. Send spoliation letters to preserve all evidence
2. Download ECM/ELD data before it’s overwritten
3. Subpoena driver qualification files to check for negligent hiring
4. Obtain maintenance records to identify deferred repairs
5. Analyze cargo documentation for securement violations
6. Review dispatch records for hours-of-service pressure
7. Consult accident reconstruction experts to determine causation

2. The Legal Strategies We Use

3. The Nuclear Verdict Trend

Juries are increasingly willing to hold trucking companies accountable with massive verdicts:

Why These Verdicts Matter:
These cases show what’s possible when trucking companies are held fully accountable. Insurance companies know juries are willing to award massive damages—which strengthens settlement negotiations.

The Warning Signs of a Dangerous Trucking Company

Not all trucking companies are equally dangerous. Here are red flags to watch for:

1. Poor Safety Ratings

Check a company’s safety record at safer.fmcsa.dot.gov:

• Unsatisfactory rating – Immediate red flag
• High out-of-service rates – Indicates maintenance problems
• Multiple crashes – Suggests systemic safety issues
• Pattern of violations – Shows disregard for regulations

2. Driver Complaints

Look for patterns in driver reviews:

• Pressure to violate HOS – “They want you to drive 14 hours”
• Poor maintenance – “Trucks are always breaking down”
• High turnover – “Drivers quit all the time”
• Safety culture – “They don’t care about safety”

3. Industry Reputation

Some companies have notorious reputations:

• Swift Transportation – Multiple large verdicts for safety violations
• Werner Enterprises – $150M Texas settlement in 2022
• J.B. Hunt – Numerous maintenance violation citations
• Knight Transportation – High out-of-service rates
• Landstar – $730M verdict for oversize load fatality

What This Means for Your Family

1. If You Drive on Fort Worth Highways

• Be hyper-aware of trucks around you
• Avoid blind spots – If you can’t see the driver’s mirrors, they can’t see you
• Never cut off trucks – They can’t stop quickly
• Give trucks space – Especially when they’re turning
• Report dangerous trucks – Call 911 if you see unsafe driving

2. If You’ve Been in a Trucking Accident

• Seek medical attention immediately – Even if you feel fine
• Document everything – Photos, witness statements, police reports
• Don’t talk to insurance adjusters – They work for the trucking company
• Contact an attorney immediately – Evidence disappears fast

3. If You’re Considering Legal Action

• Time is critical – Evidence disappears within days
• Multiple parties may be liable – Don’t settle for less than you deserve
• The insurance coverage is substantial – Trucking companies carry millions in insurance
• You need experienced representation – These cases are complex

Frequently Asked Questions About Fort Worth Trucking Accidents

1. What should I do immediately after a trucking accident in Fort Worth?

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
– Get the trucking company name, DOT number, and driver information
– Collect witness contact information
– Do NOT give recorded statements to any insurance company
– Call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for immediate legal help

2. How is a trucking accident different from a car accident?

Key differences:
– Multiple liable parties – Driver, company, cargo owner, manufacturers
– Higher insurance limits – $750,000 to $5,000,000 minimum
– More complex evidence – Black boxes, ELDs, maintenance records
– Federal regulations – FMCSA rules create additional liability
– Catastrophic injuries – More likely due to size and weight disparity

3. What evidence is most important in a trucking case?

Critical evidence includes:
– ECM/Black Box data – Speed, braking, throttle position
– ELD records – Hours of service compliance
– Driver Qualification File – Hiring, training, medical records
– Maintenance records – Repair history, known defects
– Cargo documentation – Loading, securement, hazardous materials
– Cell phone records – Distracted driving evidence
– Dashcam footage – Actual events leading to crash

4. How long do I have to file a lawsuit in Texas?

Texas has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury cases. However, you should never wait:

• Evidence disappears quickly
• Witness memories fade
• Insurance companies build their defenses
• Your legal rights weaken over time

5. What damages can I recover in a trucking accident case?

Potential damages include:
– Medical expenses – Past, present, and future
– Lost wages – Income lost due to injuries
– Lost earning capacity – Future income reduction
– Pain and suffering – Physical and emotional distress
– Mental anguish – Psychological trauma
– Disfigurement – Permanent scars or disabilities
– Loss of consortium – Impact on family relationships
– Punitive damages – For gross negligence or reckless disregard

6. How much is my trucking accident case worth?

Case value depends on many factors:
– Severity of injuries
– Medical expenses (past and future)
– Lost income and earning capacity
– Pain and suffering
– Degree of defendant’s negligence
– Insurance coverage available

Recent Texas verdicts have ranged from hundreds of thousands to hundreds of millions, with the largest Fort Worth verdict being $35.5 million in 2024.

7. Will my case go to trial?

Most cases settle before trial, but we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial. This approach:

• Creates leverage in settlement negotiations
• Shows insurance companies we’re willing to fight
• Results in better settlement offers
• Ensures we’re ready if trial becomes necessary

8. How long will my case take to resolve?

Timelines vary:
– Simple cases: 6-12 months
– Moderate cases: 12-24 months
– Complex cases: 2-4 years
– Cases that go to trial: 3-5 years

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

9. What if I was partially at fault for the accident?

Texas follows modified comparative negligence rules:

• If you’re less than 50% at fault, you can recover damages
• Your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault
• If you’re 50% or more at fault, you cannot recover anything

Example: If you’re 20% at fault and damages are $100,000, you recover $80,000.

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

We work on a contingency fee basis:

• You pay nothing upfront
• We advance all case costs
• You pay only if we win your case
• Our fee comes from the recovery, not your pocket

Typical contingency fees range from 33% to 40% depending on case complexity.

Take Action Now: Your Legal Emergency Response

This is your legal emergency response moment. Just as you would call 911 for a medical emergency, you need to call Attorney911 for a legal emergency.

We’re ready to help 24/7:

📞 Call: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
📞 Direct: (713) 528-9070
📧 Email: ralph@atty911.com
🌐 Website: https://attorney911.com

Hablamos Español. Lupe Peña, our associate attorney, is fluent in Spanish and can provide direct representation without interpreters.

The consultation is free. You pay nothing unless we win your case.

We answer calls immediately. No waiting for business hours.

We preserve evidence fast. Our spoliation letters go out within 24-48 hours.

We fight for maximum compensation. Our team includes a former insurance defense attorney who knows every tactic they’ll use against you.

The Choice Is Clear

When an 18-wheeler overturns on I-35, it’s not just a traffic problem—it’s a legal emergency. The same dangers exist on Fort Worth’s highways every day, and the next crash could involve you or someone you love.

You have a choice:

1. Do nothing – Let the trucking company get away with negligence
2. Handle it yourself – Try to navigate the complex legal system alone
3. Call Attorney911 – Get experienced legal representation that fights for maximum compensation

Ralph Manginello and our team have spent 25+ years holding trucking companies accountable. We know their tactics, we know the regulations, and we know how to win.

Don’t become another statistic. If you’ve been injured in a trucking accident in Fort Worth, call us now at 1-888-ATTY-911 for your free consultation.

The evidence won’t wait. Neither should you.