Dallas 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyers

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• 18-Wheeler Accident
• Dallas 18 -Wheeler Accidents

Dallas 18-Wheeler Accident Attorneys

Commercial trucks like semis and 18-wheelers make up a large part of the Dallas economy. In fact, the DFW metroplex employs over 60,000 drivers of heavy tractor-trailer trucks, the third highest employment level nationwide.

But the sheer size, weight, and momentum of a fully loaded 18-wheeler rumbling past smaller vehicles poses serious risks. These trucks often race down highways at top speed to meet tough delivery deadlines. Passengers in nearby cars face the threat of serious injury or even death in the event of an 18-wheeler accident.

Trucking companies and drivers — both in Dallas and everywhere else — have an increased responsibility in keeping roads and highways safe. They are breaching state and federal trucking regulations when they prioritize speed and profit over safety.

Even seemingly small choices like driving while fatigued or skipping routine maintenance can have deadly consequences. When a trucker’s careless mistakes injure you or a loved one, legal representation becomes important.

Our Dallas 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyers can help you and your family secure compensation to cover critical medical expenses and treatment. We know how to prove negligence, hold parties accountable, and pursue full and fair compensation that goes toward your recovery.

Contact 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyers in Dallas
(214) 987-0005

We Are the Leaders in Truck Accident Litigation

Over the years, our Dallas 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyers have secured $1.3 Billion in settlements for victims of personal injuries. We also represent victims of work injuries, construction accidents, medical malpractice, and families mourning a loved one’s wrongful death.

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Board-Certified 18-Wheeler Attorneys

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Our Dallas 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyers understand how commercial vehicles operate and the type of upkeep they require. We know about the specific and detailed FMSCA regulations that trucking companies and their employees must uphold. We regularly speak at legal conferences to share our expertise in litigating complex commercial trucking wrecks.

If you suffered injuries from an accident, our top rated Dallas 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyers can help. We will provide you with the legal representation you need to prove your claim and take on large trucking and insurance companies to obtain maximum compensation.

Our Dallas 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyers have built up an impressive track record of legal victories that speaks for itself.

In one of our recent cases, we represented two individuals killed by a driver who fell asleep at the wheel. We settled the case for $8,250,000 during jury selection before the trial began.

18 Wheeler Results

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What Is an 18-Wheeler?

An 18-wheeler is a type of commercial motor vehicle designed to carry heavy loads. It consists of two parts:

• Tractor: front part of the truck containing the engine and the cab where the trucker drives
• Trailer: large back part of the truck storing and carrying the cargo loads

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sets strict standards for the size and carrying capacity of 18-wheelers. Among their regulations are limits on:

• Weight: 18-wheelers on Dallas roads must not be heavier than 40 tons (approximately 80,000 lbs.). This is typically 20 times heavier than the weight of an average automobile.

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• Length: A typical 18-wheeler in Dallas can have a trailer length up to 59 ft. Including the tractor, the vehicle’s total length usually cannot go over 80 ft. without additional permits or restrictions. However, if the truck is a single motor vehicle, it may not go past.

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• Height: 18-wheelers in Texas may not exceed 14 ft. in height. This can also apply to the combined height of the vehicle and the load it’s carrying.

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• Axles and Gears: Standard 18-wheeler has five axles and about 10 gears on average. Axle groups must have a minimum spacing of 40 inches between one another.

Our Dallas 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyers have a detailed understanding of the mechanical and technical aspects of commercial vehicles. Having this knowledge strengthens our ability to prove when 18-wheeler drivers and trucking companies are negligent in accident cases.

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Where Are 18-Wheeler Accidents Happening in Dallas?

The Texas Crash Records Information System (CRIS) query tool shows over 2400 commercial vehicle accidents occurred in Dallas in 2025. This makes up over 10% of all accidents that occurred in the city that year.

Our Dallas 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyers found that the most common highways where these accidents take place include:

• Central Expressway (from LBJ Freeway to I-30): This portion of US Highway 75 is particularly dangerous as the lanes narrow and merge frequently. This increases congestion and encourages aggressive driving tactics, leading to a higher incidence of 18-wheeler accidents.

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• LBJ Freeway (from I-35E to Dallas North Tollway): Also known as Interstate 635, the portion of this freeway running through Dallas sees many accidents each year. Among the most dangerous parts is the five-level stack interchange (known as the “High Five”) connecting LBJ to US 75.

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• Woodall Rodgers Freeway (from Stemmons to Central Expressway): this road sees intense congestion and weaving traffic patterns during rush hours. As an elevated freeway, this road is more prone to freezing and can have harsher conditions during the winter season.

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• I-45: This highway stretches all the way down Texas from Dallas to Galveston. However, the portion of the road running from I-30 to Lamar accounts for many 18-wheeler accidents in Dallas.

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• I-20: Running through the DFW Metroplex, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration called I-20 the second deadliest highway nationwide.

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• I-35: This highway crosses through the DFW metroplex and is the de facto route for many 18-wheelers. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration ranked I-35 as the fifth deadliest highway in the U.S.

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What Are Common 18-Wheeler Accidents in Dallas?

Not all 18-wheeler crashes look the same. These heavy commercial vehicles can twist and turn in many ways, with each accident posing different risks to nearby vehicles.

The following accidents are the ones our Dallas 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyers see most often in the cases they take on:

18-Wheeler Jackknife Accidents

An 18-wheeler “jackknifes” when its cab and trailer skid in different directions. This type of accident gets its name from the vehicle’s position looking similar to the shape of a folded pocketknife.

In a jackknife accident, the trailer continues to skid until it reaches a 90-degree angle with the cab. The driver has no control while the truck skids. They may collide with neighboring cars or even drag them along the road with them.

Once the 18-wheeler comes to a stop, it often rolls over onto its side. Jackknife accidents claimed over 160 lives and caused over 1000 injury crashes in the United States in 2020.

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18-Wheeler Rollover Accidents

18-Wheelers often roll over because their height and weight give them a high center of gravity. This means that they have less stability when making turns or sudden movements.

Truck drivers may cause their rig to roll over if they attempt any of the following risky maneuvers:

• Braking too quickly after driving at high speeds
• Traversing steep inclines or down steep declines
• Turning too quickly or abruptly jerking the wheel
• Tripping over a curb
• Attempting to correct a drifting truck
• Hitting an obstruction on the road, such as a large construction cone

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18-Wheeler Tire Blowout Accidents

An 18-Wheeler’s tire blowout can make the trucker lose control and swerve into the path of other cars. Tire blowouts can happen for many different reasons, with some of the most common causes being:

• Underinflation
• Overheating (which is sometimes a byproduct of underinflation)
• Small punctures in the tire that the trucker doesn’t spot
• Hitting potholes or other road hazards that cause a puncture
• Overloading the trailer
• Using worn-out tires

Many semi-truck tire blowouts stem from subpar tire equipment that trucking companies should have repaired or replaced beforehand. These types of accidents occur much more often when companies fail to conduct routine tire inspections.

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18-Wheeler Rear-End Collisions

Rear-end collisions are an unfortunate consequence of the truck driver following another vehicle too closely. Common reasons why these accidents arise include:

• Excessive Speeding
• Driving while distracted, fatigued, or under the influence
• Having faulty brakes that needed further inspection

The FMCSA recommends that fully loaded 18-wheelers have at least 196 feet to come to a complete stop. This is far more space than the average passenger vehicle needs. When truck drivers follow too closely and miscalculate their stopping distance, the risk of a rear-end collision increases.

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18-Wheeler T-Bone Accidents

A T-bone accident occurs when one vehicle slams directly into the side of the other vehicle. Whether it’s the truck striking the passenger car or vice versa, these accidents are often fatal for the smaller car.

T-bone crashes are more likely to occur when:

• Truckers run a red light or a stop sign
• The trucker fails to yield the right of way when merging or changing lanes
• The trucker drives while impaired, distracted, or fatigued

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18-Wheeler Underride Accidents

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) requires all commercial 18-wheelers to have rear underride protection. This means that trucking companies must install metal rails on the back of the vehicle's undercarriage.

These guards stop vehicles from slipping underneath the trailer if they slam into the back of the 18-wheeler. Underride accidents almost always cause fatalities when trucking companies fail to provide underride protection.

About Underride Accidents

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Trucking Industry Continues to Ignore Side Underride Guards

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) does not yet mandate side underride guards for 18-wheelers. As a result, many trucking companies refuse to implement them despite evidence supporting their effectiveness in preventing fatal underride accidents. The American Truckers Association publicly denounced a 2019 bill that would have instated such a mandate. They cast doubt upon side underrides in an open letter to Congress, calling them “expensive and unproven collision mitigation equipment.” However, this goes against other research on side underrides from the Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), who championed their use.

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Any of these 18-wheeler accidents can have fatal repercussions for the passenger vehicles sharing the road. Our Dallas 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyers can help victims and their families to recover damages and afford treatment or related expenses.

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What Are Common Injuries In an 18-wheeler Accident?

Considering the weight and dimensions of 18-wheelers, any crash can result in a victim’s catastrophic injuries or wrongful death. Typical injuries may include:

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

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Spinal Cord Injury

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Amputation Injury

Losing a limb in an 18-wheeler crash can happen immediately or as a complication during surgery. These injuries often come with lifelong disabilities as well as physical and emotional suffering.

A Water Transport Truck hit our client head-on while working in the Barnett Shale region of Texas. Her vascular system sustained severe damage, which compromised her lower leg’s blood flow over the course of a month. The injury became so serious that gangrene set in, which forced doctors to amputate the leg.

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Burn Injury

A collision with an 18-wheeler may cause a fire, especially when they are carrying loads with hazardous or flammable material. When the accident results in combustion, victims may sustain second to third degree burns or complications from smoke inhalation.

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Fractures

Fractures are among the most common injuries in 18-wheeler accidents because of the high-speed impact with a large vehicle. Common fractures occur in the ribs, legs (femur, fibula, and tibia), arms (humerus, radius, and ulna), pelvis, and clavicle (collarbone).

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Internal Organ Damage

Sharp objects in the car or even sheer force of the impact can rupture or damage the victim’s internal organs. Injuries to the lungs, kidneys, liver, spleen, or bladder may cause dangerous internal bleeding that can risk the victim’s life.

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Other common 18-wheeler injuries can include concussions, neck and back injuries, cuts, lacerations, or even disfigurement. All types of collisions with a vehicle of that size automatically increase the odds of a fatal accident.

No matter the circumstances, our Dallas 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyers can assist with filing a catastrophic injury or wrongful death claim.

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What Should I Do Right After an 18-Wheeler Accident?

In the event you are in an 18-wheeler accident, always remember that your health and safety matter the most.

Call for Help

If you’ve witnessed an accident or been in one yourself, immediately alert the authorities by calling 911.

When first responders arrive, give them a detailed and accurate version of what you witnessed. Be careful with your words to ensure you don’t make any incriminating comments that may suggest you are at fault.

If Necessary, Receive Medical Attention

Once they arrive, first responders will assess your physical status for any critical injuries. They should conduct a field test for concussions and ask you if you feel any noticeable pain anywhere.

If they recommend you go to the hospital for further treatment, heed their advice. It can sometimes take several days for trucking accident injury symptoms to surface. You give yourself the best chance at full recovery when you give medical professionals a head start on treating injuries.

Gather Initial Evidence

If possible, try obtaining contact information and insurance cards from anyone involved in the 18-wheeler accident. It is also helpful for your case to obtain a copy of any police reports.

If you or someone you are with can take pictures, be sure to capture the following:

• Road Conditions (wet, dry, icy, etc.)
• Tire Marks
• Damage to all vehicles involved
• Street Names / Highway Mile Markers
• License Plates of vehicles involved (if possible)

Finally, it is beneficial to get contact information for any witnesses of the accident. Their first-hand accounts can be very useful when determining faults or the original cause.

Dallas Insurance Companies Aren’t on Your Side

It is easy to fall prey to the tactics of insurance companies when you are most vulnerable after an accident. Be wary of them attempting to extract out-of-context statements from you when speaking with an insurance adjuster. Also look out for their attempts to blame you by using unfair surveillance tactics or claiming you are at fault. If you feel anxious or unsure, don’t hesitate to consult our Dallas 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyers with any questions. We can help reassure you when these companies use manipulative tactics to twist your mind.

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What Rules and Restrictions Apply to Dallas 18-Wheelers?

18-wheeler truckers in Dallas have strict rules and regulations they must follow when operating their vehicles. Among these requirements are:

FMSCA Regulations

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) implements and enforces regulations for all commercial vehicles operating in the United States This includes 18-wheeler semi-trucks, hazardous materials (hazmat) trucks, tanker trucks, flatbeds trucks, buses, commercial delivery trucks, and more. The FMSCA’s regulations include:

• Licensing: Anyone driving an 18-wheeler must have the proper commercial driver’s license (CDL). Each CDL requires training for that specific vehicle with examinations to test the trucker’s knowledge.

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• Health conditions: CDL applicants must receive medical clearing from an approved healthcare professional before operating the vehicle.

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• Truck inspections: By law, drivers must inspect certain aspects of their truck’s pre-shift. Companies are responsible for inspecting and maintaining the trucks in their fleet (and documenting it in writing).

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• Size and weight: The FMCSA sets strict maximum weight limits for loads an 18-wheeler may carry. The current maximum weight for any type of commercial vehicle is 80,000 pounds.

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• Distracted driving: Commercial drivers break the law whenever they engage in text-based messaging or read on a smartphone. They also must adhere to stricter rules regarding hands-free communication.

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• Intoxicated driving: Commercial drivers must abide by stricter intoxicated driving laws than regular drivers. While the typical legal limit for blood alcohol content, CDL-holding truckers must be below a legal limit of 0.04. Trucking companies reserve the right to conduct random and post-accident drug and alcohol testing on their employees.

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• Hours of service: All 18-wheeler truckers must keep a detailed log of how many hours they have driven without breaks. Keeping track of these hours helps prevent fatigued driving, which is a serious issue in the trucking industry.

The Importance of Hours-of-Service Logs

Driver HOS logs must be accurate. Unfortunately, many truck drivers keep fraudulent logs to allow them to drive more hours than they are legally allowed. This leads to more accidents from fatigued driving. Truck companies only need to keep driving logs for a limited time. Without them, it can be difficult to prove fatigued driving caused your wreck. Contacting a Dallas 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyers quickly can give you a head start on collecting evidence and proving driver fatigue.

18-Wheeler Insurance Rules

Trucking companies must have minimum liability insurance coverage on all vehicles in their fleet as a safeguard for injured victims. There are different insurance minimums based on the vehicle type; the guidelines are as follows:

• Commercial trucks < 10,001 pounds & transporting non-hazardous cargo: Minimum insurance coverage of $300,000.
• Commercial trucks Image≥ 10,001 pounds & transporting non-hazardous cargo: Minimum insurance coverage of $750,000.
• Commercial trucks transporting oil: Minimum insurance coverage of $1 million.
• Commercial trucks transporting hazardous cargo: Minimum insurance coverage of $5 million.

Texas Traffic Laws

Just like everyone else on the road, 18-wheeler truck drivers must follow all state and local traffic laws. Common traffic errors that cause accidents include:

• Speeding: driving over the speed limit or going too fast in unsafe conditions
• Tailgating: following the vehicle in front too closely
• Reckless driving: which can include a variety of unsafe behaviors
• Violating traffic signals: Running a stop sign, running a red light, failing to yield
• DUI: Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Other Issues: improper passing, failing to signal, failing to merge, etc.

18-wheeler drivers are legally liable for injuries when they violate Texas traffic laws. Our Dallas 18-wheeler accident lawyers are experts at proving any breaches of the established rules of the road.

Who Is Responsible for My 18-Wheeler Accident Injuries?

The driver is not always the party at fault in an 18-wheeler accident. Depending on the circumstances, one or more of the following parties may be liable:

• The Trucker: The trucker's reckless driving, speeding, disregarding traffic rules, or driving under the influence all qualify as negligence. Evidence like dashcam footage, logs from the vehicle’s event data recorder, or empty alcoholic beverage cans can support these claims.

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• Trucking Company: Companies can be responsible for multiple different errors that contributed to the crash. They may engage in negligent hiring practices and employ drivers with poor records who are prone to accidents. Or they may pressure their drivers to meet unreasonable deadlines and travel while fatigued, which violates federal and state laws.

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• Cargo Loader: Overloading cargo or improperly securing it can put the cargo loading contractor at fault for accidents. Dallas 18-wheeler accident lawyers may use freight or cargo logs as valid evidence to prove negligence occurred during loading.

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• Truck Manufacturer: Defects in tires, braking systems, steering systems, or other truck parts can result from manufacturing or design flaws. These faults can increase the risk for tire blowouts, braking failures, or other malfunctions.

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• Maintenance Company: Improper or faulty inspection, repair, or maintenance can result in malfunctions and accidents. Attorneys will carefully inspect maintenance logs and testimonies from mechanics or workshops when determining the fault of maintenance companies.

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• Road Construction Company: Contractors and companies sometimes maintain an unsafe work zone during road construction. This poses risks and hazards that could lead to severe 18-wheeler accidents. Physical evidence from the crash site like photographs, videos, and damaged construction equipment can prove liability in these cases.

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Our top rated Dallas 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyers are committed to identifying all liable parties involved. We will tirelessly pursue the maximum financial compensation on your behalf from each responsible entity.

What Is the Statute of Limitations in an 18-Wheeler Case?

Texas Civil Practice and Remedies Code Section 16.003 allows claims up to two years from the date of the accident. The same time limit applies in cases of wrongful death, giving claimants two years after the date of the death.

For minors injured in an 18-wheeler accident, you have until the child’s 18th birthday before the clock starts ticking. This means that you may generally file a valid claim up to the child’s 20th birthday.

However, timelines may look different if the 18-wheeler is a government-owned vehicle. In these cases, you may need to file under the Texas Tort Claims Act. These cases require plaintiffs to file an additional notice of claim within 6 months of the accident.

By reaching out to our Dallas 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyers promptly after the accident, we can immediately take action. We can help you navigate legal timelines and ensure you don’t miss any important deadlines to file.

How Can Our Dallas 18-Wheeler Accident Attorneys Help?

At Miller Weisbrod Olesky, we are committed to holding negligent trucking companies and truck drivers accountable for their actions. Our team of Dallas 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyers has over 30 years of experience securing justice and financial compensation for victims. We help families set up accounts to use this compensation for:

• Immediate and long-term medical expenses like surgery, therapy, and appointments with specialists
• Economic losses, such as replacing a totaled vehicle or compensating for lost income
• Disability and impairment, such as a traumatic brain injury or spinal cord injury
• The pain and suffering you and your family endure during and after the accident
• Funeral planning and other end-of-life expenses in cases of wrongful death

Our Dallas 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyers have seen insurance teams manipulate facts, tamper with evidence, and give dishonest accounts to law enforcement. But over the years, we have learned how to beat these insurance companies at their own game.

We will immediately deploy our in-house private investigator, attorneys, and accident reconstructionist to gather important evidence before it mysteriously “disappears.” While you and your family focus on recovering, our team will focus on building the strongest possible case.

We will move aggressively to obtain truck data recorder evidence, driver logs, witness information, and evidence from the crash site.

If you think you have a case, contact one of our top rated Dallas 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyers today. We offer free consultations and case reviews, and we won’t charge a single legal fee until we win your case. We only receive payment once you do.

We are available to schedule consultations at our office in Dallas at (214) 987-0005. You may also reach us through our online request form.