18-Wheeler Accident Attorneys in Tarrant County, Texas
If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in an 18-wheeler accident in Tarrant County, you need experienced legal representation to protect your rights and secure the compensation you deserve. At Attorney911, we understand the devastating impact these accidents have on families throughout Fort Worth, Arlington, Grapevine, Southlake, Keller, and all of Tarrant County.
Why Tarrant County Trucking Accidents Are Different
Tarrant County’s position in the heart of the Dallas-Fort Worth metroplex creates unique challenges for trucking accident victims. Our highways – including I-30, I-35W, I-20, and the busy SH-121 corridor – carry some of the highest truck traffic volumes in Texas. The convergence of major interstates, local delivery routes, and oil field traffic from the Barnett Shale region creates a perfect storm of risk factors.
The Tarrant County Trucking Landscape
Every day in Tarrant County:
- Over 20,000 commercial trucks travel through our interstates
- Hundreds of local delivery trucks navigate our city streets
- Oil field service vehicles operate in residential areas
- Cross-border freight moves through our logistics hubs
This high volume of commercial traffic, combined with Tarrant County’s rapid growth and urban sprawl, makes our roads particularly dangerous for passenger vehicles.
Common 18-Wheeler Accident Types in Tarrant County
Jackknife Accidents on I-35W and I-30
The congested interchanges at I-35W and I-30, particularly around downtown Fort Worth and the hospital district, are notorious for jackknife accidents. When trucks brake suddenly in heavy traffic, their trailers can swing out of control, blocking multiple lanes and causing catastrophic multi-vehicle collisions.
“The impact was catastrophic. The 80,000-pound truck jackknifed across all three lanes of I-30 near the hospital district. In seconds, my life changed forever.” – Tarrant County trucking accident survivor
Underride Collisions at Busy Intersections
Tarrant County’s growing population has led to increased traffic at major intersections like:
- I-30 and SH-360
- I-35W and I-20
- SH-121 and SH-183
- Loop 820 and I-30
These intersections are hotspots for underride accidents, where passenger vehicles slide underneath truck trailers. The results are often fatal, with victims suffering catastrophic head and neck injuries.
Rollovers on the SH-121 Corridor
The SH-121 corridor, connecting Fort Worth to DFW Airport and the Grapevine area, has seen a surge in rollover accidents. The combination of high-speed truck traffic, sharp curves near the airport, and sudden lane changes creates dangerous conditions. Improperly loaded cargo frequently contributes to these rollovers.
Rear-End Collisions on I-20
I-20 through Tarrant County is a critical east-west freight corridor. Rear-end collisions occur when truck drivers follow too closely or fail to react to slowing traffic. The massive weight disparity means these accidents often result in catastrophic injuries to occupants of passenger vehicles.
Wide Turn Accidents in Urban Areas
Fort Worth’s historic Stockyards district and downtown areas, with their narrow streets and heavy pedestrian traffic, are common locations for wide turn accidents. Trucks making right turns often swing wide, creating dangerous gaps that other vehicles – including cars, motorcycles, and pedestrians – try to enter.
Why Tarrant County Trucking Cases Are Complex
Multiple Potentially Liable Parties
In Tarrant County trucking accidents, multiple parties may share responsibility:
- The Truck Driver – For violations of FMCSA regulations, distracted driving, fatigue, or impairment
- The Trucking Company – For negligent hiring, training, or supervision; pressuring drivers to violate hours of service
- Cargo Loaders – For improper loading or securement (49 CFR 393 violations)
- Maintenance Companies – For negligent repairs or deferred maintenance
- Truck Manufacturers – For defective components (brakes, tires, steering systems)
- Parts Manufacturers – For faulty parts that failed
- Freight Brokers – For negligent carrier selection
- Government Entities – For dangerous road conditions (rare but possible in Tarrant County)
“They fought for me to get every dime I deserved. The trucking company tried to blame me, but Attorney911 proved their driver violated multiple federal regulations.” – Glenda Walker, Tarrant County client
Federal Regulations That Apply in Tarrant County
All commercial trucks operating in Tarrant County must comply with FMCSA regulations:
Hours of Service (49 CFR 395):
- 11-hour maximum driving limit
- 14-hour maximum on-duty window
- 30-minute break after 8 hours driving
- 60/70-hour weekly limits
Driver Qualification (49 CFR 391):
- Valid commercial driver’s license (CDL)
- Medical certification
- Clean driving record
- Proper training
Vehicle Maintenance (49 CFR 396):
- Pre-trip and post-trip inspections
- Annual inspections
- Immediate repair of defects
Cargo Securement (49 CFR 393):
- Proper tiedowns
- Load distribution
- Protection against shifting
Violations of these regulations can prove negligence and strengthen your case.
Insurance Complexities in Tarrant County
Trucking companies in Tarrant County typically carry:
- $750,000 minimum liability coverage
- $1 million or more for many carriers
- $5 million for hazardous materials
However, multiple policies may apply:
- Primary liability policy
- Trailer interchange coverage
- Cargo insurance
- Excess/umbrella policies
Our team understands how to navigate these complex insurance structures to maximize your recovery.
What To Do After a Tarrant County Trucking Accident
Immediate Steps
-
Call 911 – Report the accident and request medical assistance
-
Seek Medical Attention – Even if you feel fine, get checked at a Tarrant County hospital like:
- John Peter Smith Hospital (Fort Worth)
- Texas Health Harris Methodist Fort Worth
- Medical City Fort Worth
- Baylor Scott & White All Saints Medical Center
- Cook Children’s Medical Center (for injured children)
-
Document the Scene – Take photos of:
- All vehicle damage
- Skid marks and debris
- Road conditions
- Traffic signals and signs
- Your injuries
-
Collect Information – Get:
- Truck driver’s name, license, and contact info
- Trucking company name and DOT number
- Witness contact information
- Responding officer’s name and badge number
-
Avoid Giving Statements – Do NOT give recorded statements to insurance adjusters
-
Call Attorney911 Immediately – 1-888-ATTY-911
Critical Evidence Preservation
In Tarrant County trucking cases, evidence disappears quickly:
- Black Box Data – Can be overwritten in 30 days
- ELD Records – May be retained only 6 months
- Dashcam Footage – Often deleted within 7-14 days
- Surveillance Video – Business cameras typically overwrite in 7-30 days
- Physical Evidence – Vehicles may be repaired or scrapped
We send spoliation letters within 24-48 hours to preserve this critical evidence.
How We Investigate Tarrant County Trucking Accidents
Immediate Response (0-72 Hours)
- Accept your case and send preservation letters
- Deploy accident reconstruction experts to the scene
- Obtain police crash report
- Photograph your injuries with medical documentation
- Photograph all vehicles before they’re repaired or scrapped
- Identify all potentially liable parties
Evidence Gathering (Days 1-30)
- Subpoena ECM/black box data downloads
- Request driver’s paper log books (backup documentation)
- Obtain complete Driver Qualification File from carrier
- Request all truck maintenance and inspection records
- Obtain carrier’s CSA safety scores and inspection history
- Order driver’s complete Motor Vehicle Record (MVR)
- Subpoena driver’s cell phone records
- Obtain dispatch records and delivery schedules
Expert Analysis
- Accident reconstruction specialist creates crash analysis
- Medical experts establish causation and future care needs
- Vocational experts calculate lost earning capacity
- Economic experts determine present value of all damages
- Life care planners develop comprehensive care plans
- FMCSA regulation experts identify all violations
Litigation Strategy
- File lawsuit before statute of limitations expires (2 years in Texas)
- Pursue aggressive discovery against all potentially liable parties
- Depose truck driver, dispatcher, safety manager, maintenance personnel
- Build case for trial while negotiating settlement from position of strength
- Prepare every case as if going to trial – This creates maximum leverage in negotiations
Common Trucking Company Tactics in Tarrant County
Our team includes a former insurance defense attorney who knows exactly how trucking companies try to minimize claims:
| Insurance Company Tactic | Our Counter-Strategy |
|---|---|
| Quick Lowball Settlement Offers | NEVER accept early offers; we calculate full future damages first |
| Denying or Minimizing Injuries | Obtain comprehensive medical documentation and expert testimony |
| Blaming the Victim | Investigate fully; gather evidence disproving fault allegations |
| Delaying the Claims Process | File lawsuit to force discovery; set depositions |
| Using Recorded Statements Against You | Advise clients NEVER to give statements without attorney present |
| “Pre-Existing Condition” Defense | Apply Texas “Eggshell Skull” doctrine (take plaintiff as found) |
| “Gap in Treatment” Attacks | Document all treatment; explain gaps with medical records |
| Sending Surveillance Investigators | Advise clients on appropriate conduct; expose unfair surveillance |
| Hiring “Independent” Medical Examiners | Counter with client’s treating physicians and independent experts |
| Drowning You in Paperwork | Aggressive litigation and motion practice to force resolution |
Tarrant County Trucking Accident Statistics
While national statistics show the severity of trucking accidents, Tarrant County faces its own challenges:
- Tarrant County averages 1,200-1,500 commercial vehicle crashes annually
- 2023 Data showed 47 fatal truck crashes in Tarrant County
- I-35W is consistently ranked among Texas’s most dangerous highways
- I-30 through Fort Worth has seen a 15% increase in truck-related crashes since 2020
- The SH-121 corridor has experienced a 22% increase in rollover accidents
- Tarrant County’s truck crash fatality rate is 18% higher than the national average
These statistics demonstrate the urgent need for experienced legal representation when trucking accidents occur in our community.
Tarrant County-Specific Challenges
The Barnett Shale Effect
Tarrant County sits atop the Barnett Shale formation, creating unique trucking challenges:
- Increased oil field truck traffic on rural roads
- Heavy equipment transport through residential areas
- Specialized hazmat transportation
- Pressure on drivers to meet tight deadlines
These factors contribute to accidents involving:
- Overweight vehicles
- Improperly secured loads
- Fatigued drivers
- Inadequately trained operators
DFW Airport Logistics Hub
As part of the DFW metroplex, Tarrant County serves as a major logistics hub:
- Thousands of daily air cargo shipments
- Massive warehouse and distribution centers
- High-pressure delivery schedules
- Complex intermodal freight transfers
This creates:
- Increased truck traffic on SH-121 and SH-183
- More fatigued drivers working long hours
- Pressure to meet tight delivery windows
- Complex liability issues with multiple carriers
Historic Fort Worth Infrastructure
Fort Worth’s historic downtown and Stockyards district present unique challenges:
- Narrow streets not designed for modern trucks
- Limited turning radii
- Pedestrian and tourist traffic
- Limited visibility at historic intersections
These factors contribute to:
- Wide turn accidents
- Pedestrian strikes
- Urban delivery vehicle collisions
- Complex liability scenarios
Types of Compensation Available in Tarrant County Trucking Cases
Economic Damages
- Medical Expenses – Past, present, and future medical costs
- Lost Wages – Income lost due to injury and recovery
- Lost Earning Capacity – Reduction in future earning ability
- Property Damage – Vehicle repair or replacement
- Out-of-Pocket Expenses – Transportation to medical appointments, home modifications
- Life Care Costs – Ongoing care for catastrophic injuries
Non-Economic Damages
- Pain and Suffering – Physical pain from injuries
- Mental Anguish – Psychological trauma, anxiety, depression
- Loss of Enjoyment – Inability to participate in activities
- Disfigurement – Scarring, visible injuries
- Loss of Consortium – Impact on marriage/family relationships
- Physical Impairment – Reduced physical capabilities
Punitive Damages
Available when the trucking company or driver acted with:
- Gross negligence
- Willful misconduct
- Conscious indifference to safety
- Fraud (falsifying logs, destroying evidence)
Texas law allows punitive damages up to the greater of:
- (2 × economic damages) + (non-economic damages up to $750,000)
- OR $200,000
Tarrant County Trucking Accident Case Results
While we cannot guarantee specific results, our firm has achieved significant recoveries for trucking accident victims:
- $5+ Million – Logging brain injury settlement
- $3.8+ Million – Car accident amputation settlement
- $2.5+ Million – Truck crash recovery
- $2+ Million – Maritime back injury settlement
- Millions recovered for families in trucking-related wrongful death cases
“They treated me like family. The trucking company offered $50,000, but Attorney911 fought for me and got a settlement that changed my life.” – Chad Harris, Tarrant County client
Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Tarrant County Trucking Case
Local Knowledge
We know Tarrant County’s:
- Trucking corridors and accident hotspots
- Local courts and judges
- Jury composition and tendencies
- Insurance company tactics in our area
- Medical providers and treatment options
Proven Experience
- 25+ years handling trucking accident cases
- Federal court admission to U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas
- Former insurance defense attorney on staff – knows their tactics
- Multi-million dollar settlements for trucking accident victims
- Experience against major carriers – Walmart, Amazon, FedEx, UPS, Coca-Cola
Comprehensive Resources
- Immediate accident scene investigation
- Accident reconstruction experts
- Medical specialists for all injury types
- Vocational rehabilitation experts
- Economic damage experts
- Life care planners
- FMCSA regulation specialists
Client-Focused Approach
- 24/7 availability – We answer calls immediately
- No upfront costs – You pay nothing unless we win
- Direct attorney access – You work with Ralph Manginello, not just case managers
- Spanish language services – Hablamos Español con Lupe Peña
- Compassionate representation – We treat you like family
“You are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.” – Chad Harris, Attorney911 client
Tarrant County Trucking Accident FAQ
What should I do immediately after a trucking accident in Tarrant County?
Call 911, seek medical attention, document the scene, collect information, and call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911. Evidence disappears quickly in trucking cases – we send preservation letters within 24-48 hours.
How long do I have to file a trucking accident lawsuit in Tarrant County?
Texas has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury cases. However, you should contact an attorney immediately to preserve evidence and protect your rights.
Who can be held responsible for my Tarrant County trucking accident?
Multiple parties may be liable:
- The truck driver
- The trucking company
- Cargo loaders
- Maintenance companies
- Truck manufacturers
- Parts manufacturers
- Freight brokers
- Government entities (in rare cases)
What is a truck’s “black box” and how does it help my case?
Commercial trucks have Electronic Control Modules (ECM) and Event Data Recorders (EDR) that record operational data including:
- Speed before and during the crash
- Brake application timing
- Throttle position
- GPS location
- Hours of service compliance
This objective data often contradicts what drivers claim happened.
How much are Tarrant County trucking accident cases worth?
Case values depend on:
- Severity of injuries
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost income and earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Degree of defendant’s negligence
- Insurance coverage available
Trucking companies carry higher insurance ($750,000 minimum, often $1-5 million), allowing for larger recoveries than typical car accidents.
Will my 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.
What if I was partially at fault for the accident?
Texas follows modified comparative negligence rules. You can recover damages as long as you’re not more than 50% at fault. Your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
How long does a Tarrant County trucking accident case take?
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 the trucking company offers me a quick settlement?
Never accept any settlement without consulting an attorney. Quick settlement offers are designed to pay you far less than your case is worth before you understand the full extent of your injuries.
Can I afford an attorney for my Tarrant County trucking accident case?
Yes. We work on contingency – you pay nothing unless we win your case. We advance all costs of investigation and litigation. When we win, our fee comes from the recovery, not your pocket.
Tarrant County Trucking Corridors We Know
Our team understands the unique challenges of Tarrant County’s major trucking routes:
I-35W Corridor
- Connects Fort Worth to Denton and the Oklahoma border
- Heavy truck traffic serving DFW Airport and logistics hubs
- Congested interchanges with I-30 and I-20
- High risk of rear-end and jackknife accidents
I-30 Corridor
- Critical east-west freight route
- Hospital district creates dense traffic patterns
- Multiple accident hotspots near downtown Fort Worth
- High volume of local delivery trucks
I-20 Corridor
- Major east-west freight corridor
- Connects to I-820 and Loop 820
- Heavy truck traffic serving Arlington and Grand Prairie
- Increased risk during rush hours
SH-121 Corridor
- Connects Fort Worth to DFW Airport
- Sharp curves near the airport create rollover risks
- High-speed truck traffic mixed with local commuters
- Warehouse and distribution center traffic
SH-183 Corridor
- Connects Fort Worth to Irving and Dallas
- High truck volume serving logistics centers
- Complex interchanges with SH-121 and Loop 820
- Increased accident risk during construction
Loop 820 Corridor
- Encircles Fort Worth
- Heavy truck traffic bypassing downtown
- Multiple accident hotspots at interchanges
- High volume of local delivery vehicles
I-820 Corridor
- Connects to I-35W and I-20
- Serves industrial areas of Fort Worth
- High truck volume from manufacturing facilities
- Increased accident risk in construction zones
Local Delivery Routes
- Fort Worth Stockyards district
- Downtown Fort Worth
- Arlington entertainment district
- Grapevine tourist areas
- Southlake upscale shopping areas
We know these corridors, their accident patterns, and how to build cases based on their unique characteristics.
Catastrophic Injuries in Tarrant County Trucking Accidents
The massive size and weight of 18-wheelers (up to 80,000 pounds) compared to passenger vehicles (average 4,000 pounds) means trucking accidents often result in catastrophic injuries:
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
- Common in Tarrant County trucking accidents due to high-impact forces
- Can result from direct impact or violent shaking
- Symptoms may include headaches, memory loss, cognitive impairment
- Lifetime care costs can exceed $3 million
Spinal Cord Injury
- Often results in paralysis (paraplegia or quadriplegia)
- Higher injuries (cervical spine) may require ventilator assistance
- Lifetime care costs range from $1.1 million to $5 million+
- Tarrant County hospitals like JPS and Texas Health Resources specialize in spinal injury treatment
Amputation
- Can occur at the scene from crushing forces
- May be required surgically after severe crush injuries
- Prosthetics can cost $5,000-$50,000 each
- Lifetime costs include multiple prosthetic replacements
Severe Burns
- Common in Tarrant County due to fuel tank ruptures
- Oil field traffic increases hazmat spill risks
- May require multiple reconstructive surgeries
- Can result in permanent scarring and disfigurement
Internal Organ Damage
- Liver lacerations
- Spleen damage
- Kidney injuries
- Lung contusions
- Internal bleeding
Wrongful Death
- Tarrant County averages 40-50 trucking-related fatalities annually
- Families may recover:
- Lost future income
- Loss of companionship
- Mental anguish
- Funeral expenses
- Punitive damages in cases of gross negligence
Tarrant County Trucking Companies We’ve Faced
Our experience includes cases against major carriers operating in Tarrant County:
- Walmart trucking operations
- Amazon delivery vehicles
- FedEx trucks
- UPS trucks
- Coca-Cola distribution vehicles
- Swift Transportation (major presence in Fort Worth)
- Werner Enterprises (Dallas hub)
- J.B. Hunt terminals
- Heartland Express operations
- Local oil field service companies
- Regional delivery carriers
This experience gives us insider knowledge of how these companies operate and how to build strong cases against them.
What Tarrant County Clients Say About Attorney911
“They made me feel like family. The trucking company tried to lowball me, but Attorney911 fought for every dime I deserved.” – Glenda Walker
“I had another attorney but he dropped my case. Attorney911 took it and got me a settlement that changed my life.” – Greg Garcia
“They solved in a couple of months what other lawyers couldn’t do in two years.” – Angel Walle
“Ralph reached out personally. That’s when I knew I had the right team.” – Dame Haskett
“You are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.” – Chad Harris
“Leonor got me into the doctor the same day. The settlement was amazing.” – Chavodrian Miles
Contact Attorney911 Today
If you or a loved one has been injured in a Tarrant County 18-wheeler accident, don’t wait. Evidence disappears quickly, and the trucking company’s team is already working to protect their interests.
Call us now at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation.
We offer:
- 24/7 availability
- Free case evaluation
- No upfront costs
- Spanish language services (Hablamos Español)
- Direct attorney access
- Aggressive representation against trucking companies
Our Tarrant County offices are ready to serve you throughout Fort Worth, Arlington, Grapevine, Southlake, Keller, North Richland Hills, and all of Tarrant County.
“Every hour you wait, evidence in your Tarrant County trucking accident case is disappearing. Black box data can be overwritten. Dashcam footage gets deleted. Witnesses forget what they saw. Call Attorney911 NOW at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation. We’ll send a preservation letter today to protect your evidence.”
Don’t let the trucking company take advantage of you. You deserve experienced legal representation that knows how to fight – and win – against these powerful corporate defendants. Contact Attorney911 today.