An 80,000-pound truck changes everything. In an instant, your health, your livelihood, and your family’s security hang in the balance. If you’ve been injured in an 18-wheeler accident on Swains Island or anywhere in American Samoa, you need more than legal representation—you need a team that treats your crisis as urgently as a medical emergency. We answer calls 24 hours a day because evidence doesn’t wait for business hours, and neither do we.
Since 1998, Ralph Manginello has fought for injury victims against the largest trucking companies in America. Our firm’s founder brings federal court experience and a track record of multi-million dollar verdicts to every case we accept. When a Swains Island family faces the aftermath of a catastrophic truck collision, they deserve an attorney who has already beaten Fortune 500 corporations like BP and secured settlements ranging from $1.5 million to $9.8 million for traumatic brain injury victims.
Call 1-888-ATTY-911 now. The consultation is free, and you pay nothing unless we win.
When Trucks Crash on Swains Island, Lives Change Forever
Trucking accidents aren’t oversized car wrecks. They’re catastrophic events governed by federal law, complex insurance policies, and massive corporations determined to minimize your claim. On Swains Island and throughout the Pacific territories, the unique challenges of remote location and limited medical facilities can compound the devastation when a commercial truck causes injury.
We’ve seen what happens when trucking companies cut corners. A driver pushing past the 11-hour federal driving limit falls asleep at the wheel. A maintenance crew skips a brake inspection to save time. A cargo loader fails to secure a load properly on winding coastal roads. These aren’t accidents—they’re predictable outcomes of negligence, and Swains Island victims deserve accountability.
The physics alone are terrifying. Your average passenger vehicle weighs 4,000 pounds. A fully loaded 18-wheeler can reach 80,000 pounds. That’s twenty times the mass, requiring nearly two football fields to stop from highway speed. When that force impacts a smaller vehicle, the results are rarely minor.
The clock started ticking the moment the crash occurred. Black box data—the electronic evidence that proves exactly how fast the truck was going and whether the driver hit the brakes—can be overwritten in as little as 30 days. Trucking companies have rapid-response investigators who arrive while the wreckage is still warm. You need a team that moves just as fast.
Hablamos Español. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911. Our associate attorney Lupe Peña provides fluent Spanish representation without interpreters, and he brings something else: years of experience working inside the insurance industry. He knows exactly how adjusters minimize claims because he used to be one of them. Now he fights for you.
The 18-Wheeler Accident Types We Handle
Every trucking accident tells a story of negligence. On Swains Island’s limited roadways or connecting routes throughout American Samoa, certain crash types appear more frequently due to terrain and traffic patterns, though federal regulations govern safety nationwide.
Jackknife Accidents
A jackknife occurs when the trailer swings perpendicular to the cab, creating an uncontrolled barrier that sweeps across traffic lanes. This often happens when a driver brakes improperly on wet surfaces or takes a curve too quickly for conditions. Under 49 CFR § 392.6, truckers must adjust speed for conditions, yet violations are common. When a jackknife blocks Swains Island roadways or connecting territorial routes, multiple vehicles often collide in secondary impacts.
Jackknives frequently indicate underlying violations of 49 CFR § 393.48 regarding brake system maintenance or 49 CFR § 393.100 governing cargo securement. We investigate the maintenance records and loading procedures to determine whether the trucking company prioritized profit over safety.
Rollover Crashes
High center of gravity plus speed equals disaster. Rollovers occur when drivers fail to respect the physics of an 80,000-pound vehicle on curved terrain. 49 CFR § 392.6 prohibits operating at speeds unsafe for conditions, yet pressure to meet delivery deadlines leads to tragic shortcuts.
Rollovers cause some of the most severe injuries we see: crushing damage when the trailer lands on smaller vehicles, fuel fires causing severe burns, and cargo spills that create additional hazards. Our investigation includes ECM data showing exact speed through the curve and loading records that might reveal uneven weight distribution violating 49 CFR § 393.100-136.
Underride Collisions
Among the deadliest trucking accidents, underrides occur when a smaller vehicle slides beneath the trailer, often shearing off the passenger compartment. Rear underrides at stopped traffic and side underrides during lane changes both cause catastrophic head and neck trauma.
While 49 CFR § 393.86 mandates rear impact guards on trailers manufactured after January 26, 1998, these guards often fail in high-speed impacts. Currently, no federal mandate requires side underride guards, though we pursue claims against manufacturers and carriers for failing to install optional safety equipment that could have prevented decapitation injuries.
Rear-End Impacts
An 18-wheeler requires 525 feet to stop from 65 mph—40% more distance than a passenger car. When truckers follow too closely, drive distracted by cell phones (violating 49 CFR § 392.82), or operate while fatigued in violation of 49 CFR § 392.3, they cause devastating rear-end collisions.
The force of an 80,000-pound impact typically causes traumatic brain injury, spinal cord damage, and internal organ trauma. We immediately subpoena ECM data to prove following distances and ELD records to identify hours-of-service violations under 49 CFR § 395.
Wide Turn and “Squeeze Play” Accidents
Trucks swinging wide to complete a right turn create deadly gaps that passenger vehicles enter. When the truck completes its turn, it crushes the vehicle in the blind spot. These accidents violate 49 CFR § 392.11 regarding unsafe lane changes and often indicate inadequate driver training under 49 CFR § 391.
Tire Blowouts and Brake Failures
Mechanical failures cause nearly a third of truck accidents. 49 CFR § 396 requires systematic inspection and maintenance, yet companies defer repairs to save money. Tire blowouts create “road gators”—shredded tire debris that causes secondary accidents—while brake failures lead to high-speed collisions that are rarely survivable.
We preserve maintenance records and subpoena inspection reports to prove 49 CFR § 396.3 violations. When a Swains Island accident involves equipment failure, we bring in mechanical engineers to analyze whether substandard parts or deferred maintenance caused the crash.
Cargo Spills and Shifts
Improperly secured cargo shifts during transit, changing the truck’s center of gravity and causing rollovers or jackknifes. 49 CFR § 393.100-136 establishes rigorous securement standards, including working load limits for tiedowns and specific requirements for different cargo types. When loaders cut corners, we hold them accountable under federal safety regulations.
Who Can Be Held Liable?
Most firms only sue the driver. We investigate every potentially responsible party because more defendants means more insurance coverage means higher compensation for your recovery.
The Truck Driver
Individual drivers face liability for speeding, distracted driving, fatigue, impairment, or traffic violations. We secure cell phone records to prove 49 CFR § 392.82 violations and drug test results to identify impairment under 49 CFR § 392.4-5.
The Trucking Company (Motor Carrier)
Under respondeat superior, employers answer for their employees’ negligence. Beyond vicarious liability, carriers face direct liability for:
- Negligent hiring (violating 49 CFR § 391 driver qualification standards)
- Negligent training (failing to teach safety protocols)
- Negligent supervision (ignoring hours-of-service violations)
- Negligent maintenance (violating 49 CFR § 396)
Our team includes a former insurance defense attorney, Lupe Peña, who knows exactly how motor carriers try to hide their liability. He spent years inside the system watching adjusters minimize claims; now he exposes those tactics to maximize your recovery.
Cargo Owners and Loaders
Third-party loading companies and shippers who fail to secure cargo under 49 CFR § 393.100 share liability for resulting accidents. We pursue bills of lading and loading contracts to identify all responsible parties.
Maintenance Companies
Third-party mechanics who perform negligent repairs or return vehicles to service with known defects violate 49 CFR § 396.3. We analyze work orders and parts records to prove maintenance failures.
Manufacturers
Defective brakes, tires, steering components, or underride guards create product liability claims against manufacturers. We research recall notices and similar defect complaints through NHTSA databases.
Freight Brokers
Brokers who negligently select carriers with poor safety records—ignoring FMCSA CSA scores—face liability for putting dangerous drivers on roads serving Swains Island and American Samoa.
The Evidence That Wins Cases (And Why It Disappears Fast)
You have approximately 48 hours to preserve critical evidence. After that, the trucking company’s advantage grows exponentially.
Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs)
Since December 18, 2017, 49 CFR § 395.8 mandates ELDs that automatically record driving hours, speed, and GPS location. These devices prove hours-of-service violations—fatigued driving that violates the 11-hour driving limit and 14-hour duty window under 49 CFR § 395.3.
ECM/Black Box Data
Engine Control Modules record speed, brake application, throttle position, and fault codes in the moments before impact. This objective data contradicts driver claims of “I wasn’t speeding” or “I braked immediately.”
Driver Qualification Files
49 CFR § 391.51 requires carriers to maintain files proving their drivers are qualified, including medical certifications, driving records, and training documentation. Missing files prove negligent hiring.
The problem: FMCSA only requires 6-month retention for ELD data, and ECM data can overwrite in 30 days. Once we send a spoliation letter—a formal legal notice demanding preservation—the destruction of evidence becomes a serious legal violation. But we must send that letter immediately.
Call 1-888-ATTY-911 today. We send preservation letters within hours, not days.
Catastrophic Injuries and Your Recovery
Trucking accidents don’t cause bruises—they cause life-altering trauma. Our firm has recovered multi-million dollar settlements for catastrophic injuries because we understand the lifetime costs these injuries impose.
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
From concussions to severe diffuse axonal injury, TBI affects cognition, personality, and independence. Our documented settlements for TBI victims range from $1,548,000 to $9,838,000, reflecting the cost of long-term care and lost earning capacity.
Spinal Cord Injury
Paraplegia and quadriplegia require lifetime medical care, home modifications, and vocational rehabilitation. These cases often command $4.7 million to $25.8 million to cover decades of care.
Amputation
Whether traumatic amputation at the scene or surgical removal due to crushing injuries, lost limbs require prosthetics ($5,000-$50,000 each), rehabilitation, and psychological counseling. We’ve secured $1.9 million to $8.6 million for amputation victims.
Wrongful Death
When negligence kills, surviving families suffer economic losses (lost income) and non-economic damages (loss of consortium, mental anguish). Our wrongful death recoveries range from $1.9 million to $9.5 million.
As client Glenda Walker said, “They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.” That’s the standard we apply to every Swains Island case.
Insurance Requirements and Your Rights
Federal law mandates commercial carriers carry far more insurance than passenger vehicles:
| Cargo Type | Federal Minimum |
|---|---|
| Non-hazardous freight | $750,000 |
| Oil/petroleum | $1,000,000 |
| Hazardous materials | $5,000,000 |
Yet accessing these policies requires understanding complex commercial insurance structures including MCS-90 endorsements and excess coverage policies. Ralph Manginello’s 25+ years of experience navigating these complexities ensures we identify every available dollar of coverage.
We’re currently litigating a $10 million lawsuit against the University of Houston involving hazing allegations that caused kidney failure—demonstrating our willingness to take on powerful institutions when they harm vulnerable people. And our involvement in the BP Texas City Refinery explosion litigation—where we fought alongside victims of the 2005 disaster that killed 15 workers—proves we’ll stand up to Fortune 500 companies.
Client Donald Wilcox put it best: “One company said they would not accept my case. Then I got a call from Manginello… I got a call to come pick up this handsome check.” We take the cases other firms reject.
Frequently Asked Questions About Swains Island Trucking Accidents
How long do I have to file a claim in Swains Island?
In American Samoa, where Swains Island is located, personal injury claims are subject to territorial statutes of limitations. Consult local counsel immediately—evidence preservation matters more than statutory deadlines in trucking cases.
What if the trucking company is based outside American Samoa?
Federal regulations apply nationwide, and our federal court admission allows us to pursue cases against carriers regardless of their headquarters location. Ralph Manginello is admitted to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas and licensed in New York, giving us broad jurisdictional reach.
Can I afford an attorney?
Absolutely. We work on a contingency fee basis—33.33% pre-trial, 40% if trial is necessary. You pay nothing upfront. We advance all investigation costs. If we don’t win, you owe us nothing.
What if I was partially at fault?
American Samoa follows a “slight vs. gross” comparative negligence standard. If your negligence was slight compared to the defendant’s gross negligence, you may still recover. We analyze fault allocation to maximize your recovery under local law.
Do you handle cases in remote locations like Swains Island?
Yes. With offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we serve clients throughout Texas and maintain the capability to handle cases in American Samoa and other jurisdictions. We offer remote consultations and travel as necessary for your case.
What’s the first thing I should do after a truck accident?
- Seek immediate medical attention
- Photograph the scene, vehicles, and your injuries
- Obtain the driver’s DOT number and insurance information
- Do not give recorded statements to insurers
- Call 1-888-ATTY-911 immediately
Will my case go to trial?
Most settle, but we prepare every case for trial. Insurance companies offer better settlements when they know your attorney will go to court—and Ralph Manginello has the federal court experience and 25-year track record to make that threat credible.
How much is my case worth?
Values depend on injury severity, medical costs, lost wages, and insurance limits. Given the $750,000 to $5 million federal insurance minimums for commercial trucks, catastrophic injury cases often merit seven-figure settlements. We’ve recovered over $50 million for clients across all practice areas.
Your Fight Starts Now
Trucking companies have lawyers working right now to minimize your claim. They have rapid-response teams, claims adjusters, and bottomless legal budgets. You need a fighter who levels the playing field.
Ralph Manginello has spent over two decades making trucking companies pay for negligence. Our 4.9-star rating across 251+ Google reviews reflects our commitment to treating clients like family, not file numbers. As Chad Harris told us, “You are NOT a pest to them and you are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.”
When Angel Walle needed help, “They solved in a couple of months what others did nothing about in two years.”
When Kiimarii Yup lost everything in a crash, our team delivered: “1 year later I have gained so much in return plus a brand new truck.”
You don’t pay unless we win. You get 24/7 access to our team. You get an attorney who knows insurance company tactics from the inside.
Call 1-888-ATTY-911 now. The consultation is free. The advice is immediate. Your recovery can’t wait, and neither should you.
Hablamos Español. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911 hoy.
Attorney911—The Manginello Law Firm. Serving Swains Island and American Samoa with offices at 1177 West Loop S, Suite 1600, Houston, TX 77027; 316 West 12th Street, Suite 311, Austin, TX 78701; and available for meetings in Beaumont.
