Rowlett Truck Accident Lawyers: Fighting for Victims of 18-Wheeler and Commercial Vehicle Wrecks

The impact was catastrophic. On a busy stretch of the President George Bush Turnpike near Rowlett, 80,000 pounds of steel slammed into your sedan. In an instant, your plans for the weekend, your ability to work, and your physical health were stripped away. When an 18-wheeler or a heavy commercial truck enters the picture in Rowlett, it isn’t a fair fight. These massive machines are up to 25 times heavier than the average car, and when they collide with families on our local roads, the results are life-altering.

If you are reading this, you are likely in the middle of a legal emergency. In the Rowlett area, trucking companies and their insurers don’t wait for you to heal before they begin building their defense. Within hours of a crash on I-30 or SH 66, “rapid-response teams” are dispatched to the scene by corporate giants to control the narrative and minimize their liability. We believe you deserves an even stronger response. At Attorney911, led by managing partner Ralph Manginello, we have spent over 25 years holding these companies and their drivers accountable for the damage they cause in Rowlett and throughout Texas.

We don’t just handle car accidents; we are commercial vehicle litigation specialists. Our firm founder, Ralph Manginello, brings federal court experience in the Southern District of Texas and a documented track record of taking on the world’s largest corporations. We have gone toe-to-toe with Fortune 500 defendants, including BP following one of the largest industrial disasters in history. We apply that same “David vs. Goliath” tenacity to every truck accident case in Rowlett. Whether you were hit by a Walmart 18-wheeler, an Amazon delivery van, or a corporate dump truck, we have the resources to fight back.

One of our greatest advantages for Rowlett victims is our insider knowledge of the insurance industry. Our associate attorney, Lupe Peña, spent years working at a national insurance defense firm. He used to defend the very companies we now sue. He knows their playbook, their valuation formulas, and the tactics they use to delay and deny claims. We use this “insider advantage” to ensure our Rowlett clients receive every dime they deserve. As our client Glenda Walker said, “They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.”

If you’ve been hurt, the clock is already ticking. Evidence in Rowlett truck accidents disappears fast. Call Attorney911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, no-obligation consultation. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless we win your case. [Learn more in our video guide: The Definitive Guide To Commercial Truck Accidents at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iEEeZf-k8Ao]

Why Rowlett Truck Accidents Demand Specialized Legal Expertise

Truck accidents in Rowlett are not just “larger car wrecks.” They are complex legal battles governed by a massive framework of federal and state laws. When a collision occurs near Lake Ray Hubbard or along the industrial corridors of Rockwall County, the litigation involves multiple layers of evidence that standard personal injury firms might overlook.

Rowlett sits as a gateway for logistics in the DFW metroplex. This means our roads are shared with a diverse array of commercial traffic. From long-haul 18-wheelers carrying freight across the country via I-30 to last-mile delivery vans rushing packages to Rowlett residential neighborhoods, the risk is constant. Because Rowlett is a rapidly expanding community, we also see a high volume of heavy construction vehicles. A loaded dump truck or a concrete mixer can weigh over 60,000 pounds—far more than a typical SUV—and requires far more stopping distance.

When we investigate a Rowlett truck accident, we aren’t just looking at the police report. We are looking for violations of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations (49 CFR 390-399). These federal laws dictate how long a driver can be behind the wheel, how often the truck must be inspected, and what qualifications the driver must possess. We have recovered over $50 million for Texas families because we know how to use these regulations to prove corporate negligence. Whether it’s a TBI settlement ranging from $1.5M to nearly $10M or a wrongful death case reaching $9.5M, our firm has the experience to handle the most severe outcomes.

The 48-Hour Evidence Preservation Protocol in Rowlett

The most critical mistake a truck accident victim in Rowlett can make is waiting too long to hire an attorney. In a standard car accident, the evidence might consist of photos of the cars and witness statements. In a Rowlett trucking case, the most valuable evidence is electronic, and it is in the hands of the company that hit you.

Black Box Data and ECM

Most modern trucks on Rowlett roads are equipped with an Engine Control Module (ECM), often called a “black box.” This device records critical data points in the seconds leading up to a crash, including:

• Speed at the time of impact.
• Brake application (or lack thereof).
• Throttle position and engine RPM.
• Whether the driver was using cruise control.
• Sudden deceleration events.

CRITICAL WARNING: This data can be overwritten in as little as 30 days of normal driving, or it can be “lost” if the truck is repaired or scrapped. In Rowlett cases, we move within 24 to 48 hours to send formal spoliation letters. These are legal demands that force the trucking company, the insurer, and the driver to preserve every byte of data related to the collision. If they destroy evidence after receiving our letter, we can ask the court for severe sanctions against them.

ELD Logs and Hours of Service

Since 2017, federal law has required Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) in most commercial trucks. These devices record exactly how many hours a driver has been working. In Rowlett and Rockwall County, driver fatigue is a leading cause of accidents. The ELD data is much harder to falsify than old-fashioned paper logs. We subpoena this data to see if the driver was in violation of 49 CFR Part 395—the federal Hours of Service rules. If a driver was pushed by their carrier to exceed an 11-hour driving limit to make a Rowlett delivery, the company is directly liable for the resulting exhaustion that led to the crash.

Types of Commercial Vehicles and Trucks We Litigate in Rowlett

Our expertise extends beyond the standard 18-wheeler. Any vehicle used for business purposes in Rowlett can create a commercial liability claim. We handle cases involving:

18-Wheelers and Semi-Trucks

The backbone of Rowlett commerce, but also the greatest threat. We focus on jackknife accidents, underride collisions where cars slide under the trailer, and rollover wrecks on the sharp interchanges of the PGBT.

Delivery Vans (Amazon, FedEx, UPS)

Rowlett residential streets are filled with blue Amazon vans and brown UPS trucks. These drivers often face extreme delivery quotas that pressure them to speed, park illegally, and take risks in our neighborhoods. If an Amazon Delivery Service Partner (DSP) driver hit you, they may try the “independent contractor” defense to shield Amazon from liability. We know how to pierce those corporate shells.

Dump Trucks and Construction Vehicles

With the ongoing growth in Rockwall County, dump trucks are everywhere. These vehicles are often top-heavy, prone to tire blowouts from being overloaded, and have massive blind spots. A dump truck accident in Rowlett often reveals a failure to conduct pre-trip inspections required under 49 CFR § 396.13.

Rental and Moving Trucks (U-Haul, Penske)

Rental trucks are uniquely dangerous because they allow untrained drivers to operate 26,000-pound vehicles with a standard driver’s license. If an inexperienced driver in a U-Haul rolls over on a Rowlett street because of improper loading or lack of training, we investigate the rental company for negligent entrustment.

Public Transit and School Buses

Wrecks involving Rowlett city transit or DART buses involve “sovereign immunity” issues. There are very short notice requirements (sometimes as little as six months) and specific damage caps. If your child was injured in a Rowlett school bus accident, we move immediately to navigate the complex government tort claim procedures.

Common Rowlett Truck Accident Scenarios and Liability

Who is responsible when an 80,000-pound truck causes a catastrophe in Rowlett? Most people think it’s just the driver. We dig deeper. To maximize your recovery, we investigate 16 potential liable parties, including:

1. The Truck Driver: For direct negligence like distraction or fatigue.
2. The Trucking Company: For negligent hiring or scheduling.
3. The Cargo Owner/Loader: For improperly secured loads (49 CFR § 393.100).
4. The Manufacturer: If a tire blowout (E.7) or brake failure (E.8) was caused by a defect.
5. The Corporate Parent: If a Walmart or Amazon branded truck was involved, we look at the parent company’s control over the driver.

Jackknife Accidents on Rowlett Highways

When a truck’s trailer swings out perpendicular to the cab, it often sweeps across three or four lanes of Rowlett traffic. This is frequently caused by improper braking on wet roads or empty trailer handling. In these cases, we look at 49 CFR § 393.48 to see if the brake system was malfunctioning.

Wide Turn “Squeeze Play”

A truck driver making a wide right turn in downtown Rowlett or near shopping centers can easily crush a smaller vehicle or a cyclist (E.15.2) caught between the trailer and the curb. We prove that the driver failed to check their “No-Zone” or mirrors as required by federal law.

Blind Spot (No-Zone) Collisions

If an 18-wheeler merged into you on the President George Bush Turnpike, they will likely claim they couldn’t see you. Federal law (49 CFR § 393.80) requires specific mirror adjustment. If the driver failed to maintain visibility, they are liable. [Learn more in our video: Truck Tire Blowouts and When You Need a Lawyer at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RCTumr1looc]

Understanding the FMCSA Regulations: Your Ammunition Against Negligent Carriers

At Attorney911, we treat the FMCSA “Green Book” as our roadmap to victory. Proving a violation of these rules is often “negligence per se,” meaning the carrier is automatically considered negligent because they broke a safety law.

• Part 391: Driver Qualifications. Did the company hire a driver with a history of DUIs or multiple crashes? If they didn’t check the Driver Qualification File, they are liable for negligent hiring.
• Part 392: Driving Rules. This prohibits driving while ill or fatigued. If a driver in Rowlett was on the road for 14 hours straight, they violated 49 CFR § 392.3.
• Part 395: Hours of Service. The strict 11-hour driving limit exists to save lives. We cross-reference ELD data with fuel receipts and toll records on the PGBT to catch drivers who “cook the books.”
• Part 396: Maintenance. 29% of truck crashes involve brake failure. If the Rowlett carrier deferred maintenance to save a few dollars, we hold them accountable for the resulting mechanical failure.

Catastrophic Injuries and Their Life Impact in Rowlett

A truck accident in Rowlett shouldn’t just be treated as a physical injury; it is a financial and emotional disaster for the whole family. We represent victims suffering from:

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

A TBI can occur even without a direct blow to the head if the force of the truck impact is violent enough. We have secured settlements ranging from $1.5M to over $9.8M for TBI victims. These injuries disrupt cognitive function, memory, and emotional regulation. Our firm works with neuropsychologists to document the full lifetime cost of your care. [Video guide: The Ultimate Guide to Brain Injury Lawsuits at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GBYAHi5aiEQ]

Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis

When a truck’s weight crushes a car, the spine often takes the brunt of the force. A C-level injury can lead to quadriplegia, while lumbar injuries can result in paraplegia. The lifetime care cost for a spinal injury in Rowlett can exceed $5 million. We fight to ensure every dollar for home modifications, 24/7 nursing care, and specialized medical equipment is included in your recovery.

Amputation and Crush Injuries

Losing a limb is common in underride or rollover wrecks. We’ve recovered $1.9M to $8.6M for amputation victims. We don’t just look at the initial surgery; we look at the cost of prosthetic replacements and the psychological toll of disfigurement.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

Many victims are “afraid to drive after an accident” or experience nightmares. In Rowlett courts, PTSD is a fully compensable injury. If you have been diagnosed with an anxiety disorder following a truck crash, we include that in your non-economic damages. [Video guide: Can I Get a PTSD Payout After a Car Accident? at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9803X_jnR4A]

Commercial Truck Insurance and Damages in Rowlett

The insurance policies involved in a Rowlett truck accident are much larger than a typical car policy. While Texas minimums for cars are only $30,000, federal law requires:

• $750,000 for general freight.
• $1,000,000 for oil or heavy equipment.
• $5,000,000 for hazardous materials.

Because these policies are so large, insurance defense lawyers are even more aggressive. This is where Lupe Peña’s background is vital. He knows how adjusters use software to undervalue your “pain and suffering.” We help you recover:

• Economic Damages: Emergency room bills, future surgeries, lost wages if you can’t work, and the loss of earning capacity if you can never return to your career.
• Non-Economic Damages: Physical pain, mental anguish, and loss of enjoyment of life. As client Chad Harris said, at our firm “You are FAMILY to them.” We treat your suffering as if it were our own.
• Punitive Damages: In cases of gross negligence, such as a Walmart truck driver being kept on the road for 28 hours, we may pursue punitive damages to punish the company and prevent it from happening again.

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Rowlett Case?

You have many choices for a lawyer, but when 80,000 pounds changes your life, you need a firm that specializes in the complexities of the trucking industry.

• 25+ Years of Front-Line Experience: Ralph Manginello has been taking on corporate giants since 1998. He isn’t intimidated by their fleet of lawyers.
• The Insurance Defense Advantage: We have an attorney who knows the “dark side” of insurance. We use their internal strategies against them.
• Federal Court Admission: Most big trucking cases end up in federal court. Ralph is admitted to the Southern District of Texas and has the high-level litigation background required for these venues.
• Personal Attention: You aren’t just a case number to us. As client Donald Wilcox shared, when another firm rejected his case, he called Manginello and eventually got a call “to come pick up this handsome check.”
• No Risk Representation: We pay for the accident reconstruction experts, the medical specialists, and the investigators. If we don’t win, you don’t owe us a dime.

Rowlett Truck Accident FAQ

How long do I have to file a claim in Rowlett?
In Texas, the statute of limitations is generally two years from the date of the accident. However, if the accident involved a Rowlett city vehicle or a government bus, the timeframe to give notice may be much shorter.

What if I was partially at fault for the crash?
Texas follows a modified comparative negligence rule (51% bar). As long as you are not 51% or more responsible for the accident, you can still recover damages, although your award will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

The insurance company offered me a settlement today. Should I take it?
NO. Early offers are almost always “lowball” offers designed to close the case before you know the full extent of your herniated discs or TBI. Never sign a release without a free consultation from us. [Video: What Should You Not Say to an Insurance Adjuster? at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9UKRbFprB0E]

Who pays my medical bills after a truck hits me?
While the trucking company’s insurance is ultimately responsible, they won’t pay your bills as they come in. They pay a lump sum at the end. We work with leading medical providers in the Rowlett area who can treat you on a “Letter of Protection” basis, ensuring you get care now with no out-of-pocket costs.

Can I sue the company whose logo was on the truck?
Yes. Whether it’s an Amazon, Walmart, or Coca-Cola truck, the corporate parent often shares responsibility under “respondeat superior” or “independent contractor” piercing theories.

Contact a Rowlett Truck Accident Attorney Today

Don’t let a trucking company’s negligence determine your future. The lawyers at Attorney911 are ready to fight for you today. We are available 24/7, and we answer Rowlett trucking calls immediately. Whether it’s a T-bone accident at a Rowlett intersection or a catastrophic underride crash on I-30, we have the experience, the resources, and the tenacity to win.

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

Your future depends on the actions you take in the next 48 hours. Protect your evidence. Protect your family. Call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 or contact managing partner Ralph Manginello directly at ralph@atty911.com.

Attorney911: Your Legal Emergency Responders.

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Ready to take the first step toward justice? Call (888) 288-9911 now. We fight. We win. You heal.