DFW 18-Wheeler Accident Attorney — Catastrophic Cases Demand an Attorney Who Knows the Other Side
18-wheeler accidents are among the most devastating crashes on Texas roads. The sheer size and weight of a fully loaded semi-truck — up to 80,000 pounds — means the injuries are frequently catastrophic, life-altering, or fatal. If you or a loved one was seriously injured in an 18-wheeler crash in the Dallas-Fort Worth area, you need an attorney with real experience handling these cases — not just from the plaintiff’s side, but from the inside of the insurance defense system that will be working against you from the moment the crash happens.
Reilly T. McAfee Handled 18-Wheeler Cases for the Insurance Industry — Now He Fights for You
Before founding RTM PLLC, attorney Reilly T. McAfee worked at an acclaimed insurance defense firm handling 18-wheeler and commercial trucking accident claims on behalf of insurance companies across Texas. He knows their investigation playbook. He knows how they value — and undervalue — catastrophic injury claims. He knows what evidence they look for and what arguments their attorneys make in court. That inside knowledge now works exclusively for injured victims and their families throughout DFW. When RTM PLLC takes on your 18-wheeler case, the insurance company is not facing a typical plaintiff’s attorney — they are facing someone who has sat at their table and knows every move they will make.
Why 18-Wheeler Accidents Are Different From Every Other Crash
- Federal motor carrier regulations (FMCSA) govern trucking companies and create additional layers of liability
- Multiple parties are often responsible — the driver, the trucking company, the cargo loader, the maintenance company, and more
- Commercial trucking policies carry significantly higher coverage limits — often $1,000,000 or more — meaning more compensation is available for serious injuries
- Critical evidence including black box data, electronic logging device (ELD) records, and dash cam footage must be preserved immediately or it disappears
- Trucking companies deploy rapid response teams and attorneys to accident scenes within hours — you need an attorney acting just as fast
- The injuries are frequently catastrophic and require lifetime medical care that must be fully accounted for in your claim
Common Causes of 18-Wheeler Accidents in DFW
- Driver fatigue and hours-of-service violations — federal law limits how long truckers can drive but violations are common
- Distracted driving — phone use, GPS, and in-cab devices
- Speeding and following too closely on DFW highways
- Improper lane changes and blind spot failures
- Brake failures and inadequate vehicle maintenance
- Overloaded or improperly secured cargo causing shifts or spills
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
- Inadequate driver training or hiring unqualified drivers
- Tire blowouts from worn or defective tires
- Dangerous weather driving on wet or icy Texas roads
Catastrophic Injuries That Demand Urgent Attention
The injuries caused by 18-wheeler accidents often require immediate and aggressive medical intervention. Do not delay treatment — and do not settle your case before the full extent of your injuries is understood. RTM PLLC connects clients with trusted specialists and ensures every injury is fully documented.
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and concussions — require urgent neurological evaluation even when symptoms seem mild
- Spinal cord injuries — including partial and complete paralysis
- Broken bones and crush injuries — often requiring multiple surgeries
- Internal organ damage and internal bleeding — frequently not apparent immediately after the crash
- Severe burns from fires or fuel spills
- Amputations and permanent limb loss
- Wrongful death — when an 18-wheeler crash takes a loved one’s life
⚠️ Concussions and Traumatic Brain Injuries Must Be Evaluated Immediately
Traumatic brain injuries are among the most commonly missed injuries after 18-wheeler crashes. Symptoms including headaches, dizziness, confusion, memory issues, mood changes, and fatigue may not appear for hours or days after the accident. A TBI that goes undiagnosed and untreated can have permanent consequences. RTM PLLC urges every 18-wheeler accident victim to seek immediate emergency medical evaluation regardless of how they feel at the scene — and connects clients with neurological specialists who can identify and document these injuries properly.
More Coverage Means More Comprehensive Recovery for You
Federal law requires most 18-wheelers operating in interstate commerce to carry a minimum of $750,000 in liability coverage — and many carry $1,000,000 or more, with additional excess and umbrella policies on top. This larger coverage exists because these crashes cause more serious harm and require more comprehensive medical care. RTM PLLC pursues every available dollar of coverage to ensure your medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and future care needs are fully compensated — not just your immediate bills.
What RTM PLLC Does the Moment You Call Us
Send immediate legal preservation letters to the trucking company to protect black box data, ELD records, dash cam footage, driver logs, and maintenance records
Identify every insurance policy and responsible party
Connect you with trusted medical specialists for urgent evaluation and treatment
Begin a full independent accident investigation
Shut down all communication between you and the insurance company — we handle it from here
Frequently Asked Questions — 18-Wheeler Accident Claims in Texas
How long do I have to file an 18-wheeler accident lawsuit in Texas? Two years from the date of the accident under Texas law. However, critical trucking evidence disappears fast — contact RTM PLLC immediately so we can begin preserving evidence right away.
The trucking company’s insurance already called me — what do I do? Do not give a recorded statement and do not accept any offer. Call RTM PLLC immediately. Trucking companies deploy rapid response teams specifically trained to minimize your claim from the first moments after a crash.
Can I still recover if the 18-wheeler driver says the accident was my fault? Yes. Texas comparative fault law allows you to recover as long as you were not more than 50% responsible. Do not accept a fault determination from the trucking company’s insurer — let RTM PLLC conduct an independent investigation.
How much is my 18-wheeler accident case worth? Every case is different but 18-wheeler cases typically involve the highest value claims in personal injury law due to the severity of injuries and the size of available insurance policies. RTM PLLC provides a free case evaluation and gives you an honest assessment of your case’s value.
Seriously Injured in an 18-Wheeler Crash in DFW? Call RTM PLLC Now.
Time is critical. Evidence disappears. The trucking company is already working against you. Call RTM PLLC today at (254) 421-4442 for a free confidential consultation. No fee unless we win — and we bring insider knowledge to every 18-wheeler case we take.