18-Wheeler & Trucking Accident Attorneys in Barrow County, Georgia

When 80,000 Pounds Changes Everything: Your Barrow County Trucking Accident Legal Team

The impact was catastrophic. One moment you’re driving through Barrow County on your way to work, running errands, or heading home to your family. The next, an 80,000-pound commercial truck has turned your world upside down. In Barrow County, Georgia, where major freight corridors like I-85 and I-985 cut through our communities, these devastating accidents happen more often than they should.

If you or someone you love has been injured in an 18-wheeler accident in Barrow County, you need more than just a lawyer—you need a fighter. At Attorney911, we’ve spent over 25 years making trucking companies pay for the damage their negligence causes. Ralph Manginello, our managing partner, has been fighting for injury victims since 1998. He’s admitted to federal court, has litigated against Fortune 500 corporations, and has recovered multi-million dollar settlements for families just like yours.

Our team includes Lupe Peña, a former insurance defense attorney who spent years inside the system watching adjusters minimize claims. Now he uses that insider knowledge to fight for you. That’s your advantage.

Call us today at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation. We’re available 24/7 because trucking accidents don’t wait for business hours.

Why Barrow County 18-Wheeler Accidents Are Different

The Geography of Risk: Barrow County’s Trucking Corridors

Barrow County sits at a critical junction in Georgia’s freight network. Interstate 85, one of the busiest commercial corridors on the East Coast, runs through our county carrying goods between Atlanta and the Carolinas. Interstate 985 connects us to the greater Atlanta metro area, bringing heavy commuter and commercial traffic through our communities. U.S. Highway 29 and State Route 316 serve as vital local arteries that see significant truck traffic serving Barrow County’s growing industrial and distribution sectors.

This isn’t just abstract geography—it’s the daily reality that puts Barrow County families at risk. Every day, thousands of commercial trucks pass through our county. Many of these drivers are pushing federal hours-of-service limits, fighting fatigue, or dealing with the pressure of just-in-time delivery schedules that make safety a secondary concern.

The Physics of Devastation

When an 18-wheeler collides with a passenger vehicle in Barrow County, the physics are brutal and unforgiving:

• Weight disparity: A fully loaded truck weighs up to 80,000 pounds. Your car weighs 3,500-4,000 pounds. That’s a 20-to-1 weight advantage.
• Stopping distance: At 65 mph, a truck needs approximately 525 feet to stop—nearly two football fields. Your car needs about 300 feet.
• Impact force: The kinetic energy in a moving truck is approximately 80 times that of a car at the same speed. When that energy transfers to your vehicle, catastrophic injuries are the norm, not the exception.

These aren’t just numbers—they’re the reason why Barrow County trucking accidents cause traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, amputations, and wrongful death at rates far exceeding typical car crashes.

The 10 Types of 18-Wheeler Accidents in Barrow County

1. Jackknife Accidents

A jackknife occurs when the trailer and cab skid in opposite directions, with the trailer folding at an angle like a pocket knife. On Barrow County’s highways, particularly during our wet winter months or when sudden stops are required on I-85, these accidents can sweep across multiple lanes and cause devastating multi-vehicle pileups.

Jackknifes typically result from sudden braking, especially on wet roads, speeding on curves, empty or lightly loaded trailers that are more prone to swing, or brake failures. The FMCSA regulations that apply include 49 CFR § 393.48 (brake system requirements) and 49 CFR § 392.6 (speeding for conditions).

If you’ve been injured in a jackknife accident in Barrow County, the evidence we gather includes skid mark analysis, brake inspection records, weather conditions, ELD data showing speed before braking, and ECM data for brake application timing.

2. Rollover Accidents

Rollovers occur when an 18-wheeler tips onto its side or roof. Given the truck’s high center of gravity and 80,000-pound weight, these are among the most catastrophic accidents on Barrow County roads. Approximately 50% of rollover crashes result from failure to adjust speed on curves—something we see frequently on the ramps and interchanges of I-985 and Highway 316.

Common causes include speeding on curves or ramps, taking turns too sharply, improperly secured cargo that shifts, liquid cargo “slosh” that changes the center of gravity, overcorrection after tire blowouts, and driver fatigue causing delayed reactions.

The FMCSA regulations most commonly violated include 49 CFR § 393.100-136 (cargo securement), 49 CFR § 392.6 (excessive speed), and 49 CFR § 392.3 (operating while fatigued).

3. Underride Collisions

Underride collisions occur when a smaller vehicle crashes into the rear or side of an 18-wheeler and slides underneath the trailer. The trailer height often causes the smaller vehicle’s passenger compartment to be sheared off at windshield level. These are among the most fatal types of 18-wheeler accidents, with approximately 400-500 underride deaths annually in the United States.

On Barrow County’s busy corridors like I-85, where traffic moves at high speeds and sudden stops occur, rear underride accidents are a constant threat. Side underride is equally deadly and occurs during lane changes, turns, or at intersections—common scenarios on Highway 29 and local Barrow County roads.

The FMCSA requires rear impact guards on trailers manufactured after January 26, 1998 (49 CFR § 393.86), but there is NO federal requirement for side underride guards despite ongoing advocacy. This regulatory gap leaves Barrow County drivers vulnerable.

4. Rear-End Collisions

Rear-end collisions involving 18-wheelers are devastating due to the truck’s massive weight and longer stopping distances. A fully loaded truck at 65 mph needs approximately 525 feet to stop—nearly two football fields—compared to about 300 feet for a passenger vehicle. This 40% longer stopping distance means trucks cannot avoid obstacles as quickly.

On Barrow County’s congested corridors, particularly during rush hour on I-985 or when traffic backs up on Highway 316, rear-end collisions are a constant danger. Driver distraction, fatigue, and following too closely are common causes.

The FMCSA regulations most relevant include 49 CFR § 392.11 (following too closely), 49 CFR § 392.3 (operating while fatigued), 49 CFR § 392.82 (mobile phone use), and 49 CFR § 393.48 (brake system deficiencies).

5. Wide Turn Accidents (“Squeeze Play”)

Wide turn accidents occur when an 18-wheeler swings wide (often to the left) before making a right turn, creating a gap that other vehicles enter. The truck then completes its turn, crushing or striking the vehicle that entered the gap. These accidents are particularly dangerous in Barrow County’s commercial areas, near distribution centers, and at intersections where trucks frequently turn.

The FMCSA regulations that apply include 49 CFR § 392.11 (unsafe lane changes), 49 CFR § 392.2 (failure to obey traffic signals), and state traffic law violations for improper turns.

6. Blind Spot Accidents (“No-Zone”)

Blind spot accidents occur when an 18-wheeler changes lanes or maneuvers without seeing a vehicle in one of its four major blind spots. The right-side blind spot is the largest and most dangerous—extending from the cab door backward and covering multiple lanes. These accidents are common on Barrow County’s multi-lane highways like I-85, where trucks frequently change lanes to pass slower traffic.

The FMCSA requires proper mirror adjustment as part of driver pre-trip inspection (49 CFR § 393.80), and mirrors must provide clear view to the rear on both sides.

7. Tire Blowout Accidents

Tire blowout accidents occur when one or more tires on an 18-wheeler suddenly fail, causing the driver to lose control. Debris from the blown tire can also strike other vehicles. With 18 tires on each truck, the risk is significant. Steer tire (front) blowouts are especially dangerous and can cause immediate loss of control.

In Barrow County’s hot Georgia summers, tire blowouts are more common due to heat buildup. The FMCSA requires minimum tread depth of 4/32″ on steer tires and 2/32″ on other positions (49 CFR § 393.75), and pre-trip inspections must include tire checks (49 CFR § 396.13).

8. Brake Failure Accidents

Brake failure accidents occur when an 18-wheeler’s braking system fails or underperforms, preventing the driver from stopping in time. Brake problems are a factor in approximately 29% of large truck crashes, and brake system violations are among the most common FMCSA out-of-service violations.

On Barrow County’s highways, particularly the steep grades and heavy traffic areas, brake failure can be catastrophic. The FMCSA requires systematic inspection and maintenance (49 CFR § 396.3), driver post-trip reports of brake condition (49 CFR § 396.11), and annual comprehensive inspections (49 CFR § 396.17).

9. Cargo Spill/Shift Accidents

Cargo spill and shift accidents occur when improperly secured cargo falls from a truck, shifts during transport causing instability, or spills onto the roadway. Cargo securement violations are among the top 10 most common FMCSA violations, and shifted cargo causes rollover accidents when the center of gravity changes.

In Barrow County, where trucks serve the Atlanta metro distribution network and local industries, cargo-related accidents are a significant risk. The FMCSA’s cargo securement standards (49 CFR § 393.100-136) specify performance criteria, tiedown requirements, and working load limits that must be followed.

10. Head-On Collisions

Head-on collisions occur when an 18-wheeler crosses into oncoming traffic and strikes vehicles traveling in the opposite direction. These are among the deadliest accident types, and even at moderate combined speeds, the force is often fatal.

On Barrow County’s two-lane highways and rural roads, head-on collisions with trucks are a devastating risk. Common causes include driver fatigue causing lane departure, driver falling asleep at the wheel, driver distraction, impaired driving, medical emergencies, overcorrection after running off road, passing on two-lane roads, and wrong-way entry onto divided highways.

The FMCSA regulations most commonly violated include 49 CFR § 395 (hours of service), 49 CFR § 392.3 (operating while fatigued), 49 CFR § 392.4/5 (drug or alcohol violations), and 49 CFR § 392.82 (mobile phone use).

The 10 Potentially Liable Parties in Your Barrow County Trucking Accident

When an 18-wheeler accident occurs in Barrow County, multiple parties may share responsibility. Unlike a simple car crash where usually only one driver is at fault, trucking accidents often involve a web of companies and individuals who all contributed to the dangerous conditions that caused the crash.

1. The Truck Driver

The driver who caused the accident may be personally liable for their negligent conduct. Bases for driver liability include speeding or reckless driving, distracted driving (cell phone, texting, dispatch communications), fatigued driving beyond legal limits, impaired driving (drugs, alcohol), failure to conduct proper pre-trip inspections, violation of traffic laws, and failure to yield, improper lane changes, or running red lights.

2. The Trucking Company / Motor Carrier

The trucking company is often the most important defendant because they have the deepest pockets and the most responsibility for safety. Under the doctrine of respondeat superior, employers are responsible for employees’ negligent acts within the scope of employment. Additionally, trucking companies can be directly liable for negligent hiring (failed to check driver’s background), negligent training (inadequate safety training), negligent supervision (failed to monitor driver performance), negligent maintenance (failed to maintain vehicle), and negligent scheduling (pressured drivers to violate HOS regulations).

3. Cargo Owner / Shipper

The company that owns the cargo and arranged for its shipment may be liable for providing improper loading instructions, failing to disclose hazardous nature of cargo, requiring overweight loading, or pressuring carrier to expedite beyond safe limits.

4. Cargo Loading Company

Third-party loading companies that physically load cargo onto trucks may be liable for improper cargo securement (49 CFR 393 violations), unbalanced load distribution, exceeding vehicle weight ratings, or failure to use proper blocking, bracing, and tiedowns.

5. Truck and Trailer Manufacturer

The company that manufactured the truck, trailer, or major components may be liable for design defects (brake systems, stability control), manufacturing defects (faulty welds, component failures), or failure to warn of known dangers.

6. Parts Manufacturer

Companies that manufacture specific parts (brakes, tires, steering components) may be liable for defective products that fail and cause accidents.

7. Maintenance Company

Third-party maintenance companies that service trucking fleets may be liable for negligent repairs, failure to identify critical safety issues, improper brake adjustments, or using substandard parts.

8. Freight Broker

Freight brokers who arrange transportation but don’t own trucks may be liable for negligent carrier selection—choosing a carrier with a poor safety record or failing to verify insurance and authority.

9. Truck Owner (If Different from Carrier)

In owner-operator arrangements, the truck owner may have separate liability for negligent entrustment of vehicle or failure to maintain owned equipment.

10. Government Entity

Federal, state, or local government may be liable for dangerous road design, failure to maintain roads, inadequate signage for known hazards, or improper work zone setup.

The 48-Hour Evidence Preservation Protocol: Why Time Is Your Enemy

In 18-wheeler accident cases, evidence disappears fast. Trucking companies have rapid-response teams that begin protecting their interests within hours of an accident. If you don’t act quickly, critical evidence will be lost forever.

Critical Evidence Timelines

The Spoliation Letter: Your Legal Shield

A spoliation letter is a formal legal notice sent to the trucking company, their insurer, and all potentially liable parties demanding preservation of all evidence related to the accident. This puts defendants on legal notice of their preservation obligation and creates serious consequences if evidence is destroyed.

When we send a spoliation letter immediately—within 24-48 hours of being retained—we demand preservation of:

• ECM/Black Box data
• ELD records
• Driver Qualification File
• Maintenance records
• Inspection reports
• Dispatch logs
• Drug and alcohol test results
• Training records
• Cell phone records
• Insurance policies
• The physical truck and trailer

Once we notify them of litigation, they must preserve everything. Destroying evidence after receiving our letter can result in adverse inference instructions, monetary sanctions, default judgment, or punitive damages.

Catastrophic Injuries from 18-Wheeler Accidents in Barrow County

The physics of 18-wheeler accidents make catastrophic injuries the norm, not the exception. When an 80,000-pound truck collides with a 4,000-pound passenger vehicle, the energy transfer is devastating.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

TBI occurs when sudden trauma causes damage to the brain. In 18-wheeler accidents, the extreme forces cause the brain to impact the inside of the skull. Symptoms include headaches, dizziness, nausea, memory loss, confusion, difficulty concentrating, mood changes, depression, anxiety, sleep disturbances, sensory problems, and speech difficulties.

Long-term consequences can include permanent cognitive impairment, inability to work, need for ongoing care and supervision, increased risk of dementia and Alzheimer’s, and depression and emotional disorders. Lifetime care costs range from $85,000 to $3,000,000+ depending on severity.

At Attorney911, we’ve recovered $1,548,000 to $9,838,000+ for traumatic brain injury victims. As client Glenda Walker said, “They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.”

Spinal Cord Injury and Paralysis

Damage to the spinal cord disrupts communication between the brain and body, often resulting in paralysis. Types include paraplegia (loss of function below the waist), quadriplegia (loss of function in all four limbs), incomplete injury (some nerve function remains), and complete injury (no nerve function below injury).

Lifetime care costs are staggering: $1.1 million+ for paraplegia (low), $2.5 million+ for paraplegia (high), $3.5 million+ for quadriplegia (low), and $5 million+ for quadriplegia (high). These figures represent direct medical costs only—not lost wages, pain and suffering, or loss of quality of life.

Our firm has secured settlements ranging from $4,770,000 to $25,880,000+ for spinal cord injury victims.

Amputation

Amputation in trucking accidents can be traumatic (limb severed at the scene) or surgical (limb so damaged it must be removed). Common causes include crushing forces from truck impact, entrapment requiring amputation for extraction, severe burns requiring surgical removal, and infections from open wounds.

Ongoing medical needs include initial surgery and hospitalization, prosthetic limbs ($5,000-$50,000+ per prosthetic), replacement prosthetics throughout lifetime, physical therapy and rehabilitation, occupational therapy, and psychological counseling.

We’ve recovered $1,945,000 to $8,630,000 for amputation victims.

Severe Burns

Burns in 18-wheeler accidents result from fuel tank rupture and fire, hazmat cargo spills and ignition, electrical fires from battery/wiring damage, friction burns from road contact, and chemical burns from hazmat exposure. Classification ranges from first degree (epidermis only) to fourth degree (through skin to muscle/bone).

Wrongful Death

When a trucking accident kills a loved one, Barrow County families can pursue wrongful death claims. Georgia law allows surviving family members to recover lost future income and benefits, loss of consortium (companionship, care, guidance), mental anguish and emotional suffering, funeral and burial expenses, medical expenses before death, and punitive damages if gross negligence is proven.

In Georgia, you have 2 years from the date of death to file a wrongful death lawsuit. But waiting is dangerous—evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and trucking companies build their defense immediately.

Our firm has recovered $1,910,000 to $9,520,000+ for wrongful death cases.

Commercial Truck Insurance: Why Trucking Cases Are High-Value

Federal law requires commercial trucking companies to carry minimum liability insurance far exceeding typical auto policies. This higher coverage means catastrophic injuries can actually be compensated, rather than leaving victims with unpaid medical bills.

Federal Minimum Liability Limits

Many carriers carry $1-5 million or more in coverage. This is why you need an attorney who understands how to access these policies and maximize your recovery.

Types of Damages Recoverable

Economic damages include medical expenses (past, present, and future), lost wages, lost earning capacity, property damage, out-of-pocket expenses, and life care costs for catastrophic injuries.

Non-economic damages include pain and suffering, mental anguish, loss of enjoyment of life, disfigurement, loss of consortium, and physical impairment.

Punitive damages may be available when the trucking company or driver acted with gross negligence, willful misconduct, or conscious indifference to safety.

In Georgia, punitive damages are capped at $250,000 in most cases, with exceptions for intentional conduct. However, experienced attorneys know how to maximize recovery within these boundaries and when federal law or exceptions may apply.

Georgia Law: What Barrow County Trucking Accident Victims Need to Know

Statute of Limitations

In Georgia, you have 2 years from the date of your trucking accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. For wrongful death claims, you have 2 years from the date of death. This is longer than some states (Texas, Louisiana, and Kentucky have only 1 year), but it’s still not much time when you’re dealing with serious injuries.

The clock starts ticking the moment the accident happens. Evidence begins disappearing immediately. Black box data can be overwritten in 30 days. Dashcam footage gets deleted. Witnesses forget what they saw. The trucking company is already building their defense. What are you doing?

Comparative Negligence in Georgia

Georgia follows a modified comparative negligence rule with a 50% bar. This means:

• If you are less than 50% at fault, you can recover damages, but your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are 20% at fault and your damages are $100,000, you recover $80,000.
• If you are 50% or more at fault, you recover nothing.

This is different from pure comparative fault states (like California or Florida) where you can recover even if 99% at fault, and different from contributory negligence states (like Virginia or North Carolina) where any fault at all bars recovery.

Insurance companies in Barrow County will try to shift blame to you. Our job is to investigate thoroughly, gather evidence, and prove what really happened. The data tells the true story.

Georgia’s Trucking Corridors and Local Risks

Barrow County’s position in the Atlanta metropolitan area creates unique trucking risks:

I-85 Corridor: This major interstate carries massive freight volume between Atlanta and the Carolinas. High speeds, heavy traffic, and frequent lane changes create conditions for blind spot accidents, rear-end collisions, and jackknifes.

I-985 Connection: This route brings commuter and commercial traffic from the Atlanta metro into Barrow County. The mix of local and through traffic, combined with frequent exits and entrances, creates hazardous conditions for wide turn accidents and merging collisions.

Highway 316 and Local Routes: These roads see significant truck traffic serving Barrow County’s growing industrial and distribution sectors. The combination of large trucks and local traffic on narrower roads increases risks for head-on collisions, sideswipe accidents, and pedestrian incidents.

Weather Factors: Barrow County experiences hot, humid summers that increase tire blowout risks, and occasional winter ice storms that create hazardous conditions for jackknifes and loss of control. Summer thunderstorms can reduce visibility and create sudden stopping situations on highways.

FMCSA Regulations: The Rules Trucking Companies Break

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulates all commercial motor vehicles operating in interstate commerce. When trucking companies and drivers violate these rules, they create dangerous conditions that cause catastrophic accidents. Proving FMCSA violations is often the key to establishing negligence and securing maximum compensation.

The Six Critical Parts of FMCSA Regulations

Hours of Service Violations: The Most Common Cause of Fatigue-Related Accidents

FMCSA regulations limit how long truck drivers can operate. These are the most commonly violated regulations in trucking accidents:

For Property-Carrying Drivers (Most 18-Wheelers):

• 11-Hour Driving Limit: Cannot drive more than 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty
• 14-Hour Duty Window: Cannot drive beyond the 14th consecutive hour after coming on duty
• 30-Minute Break: Must take 30-minute break after 8 cumulative hours of driving
• 60/70-Hour Weekly Limit: Cannot drive after 60 hours in 7 days or 70 hours in 8 days
• 34-Hour Restart: Can restart 60/70-hour clock with 34 consecutive hours off
• 10-Hour Off-Duty: Must have minimum 10 consecutive hours off duty before driving

Fatigued driving causes approximately 31% of fatal truck crashes. Drivers who violate these rules are too tired to react safely.

Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs): Critical Evidence That Disappears Fast

Since December 18, 2017, most CMV drivers must use ELDs that automatically record driving time, synchronize with the vehicle engine to record objective data, cannot be altered after the fact (unlike paper logs), and record GPS location, speed, and engine hours.

ELD data proves exactly how long the driver was on duty, whether breaks were taken as required, speed before and during the accident, GPS location history, and any HOS violations. This data can be overwritten in as little as 30 days. We send spoliation letters immediately to preserve this evidence.

Driver Qualification Files: Proving Negligent Hiring

FMCSA requires trucking companies to maintain a Driver Qualification (DQ) File for every driver containing: employment application, motor vehicle record from state licensing authority, road test certificate or equivalent documentation, medical examiner’s certificate (current, valid, max 2 years), annual driving record review, previous employer inquiries (3-year driving history investigation), and drug and alcohol test records.

Missing or incomplete files prove negligent hiring. We subpoena these records in every trucking case.

Vehicle Maintenance and Inspection Requirements

Motor carriers must systematically inspect, repair, and maintain all vehicles. Drivers must conduct pre-trip inspections before driving and post-trip reports after each day’s driving covering service brakes, parking brake, steering mechanism, lighting devices and reflectors, tires, horn, windshield wipers, rear vision mirrors, coupling devices, wheels and rims, and emergency equipment.

Every CMV must pass a comprehensive annual inspection. Brake failures cause 29% of truck accidents. If the trucking company failed to maintain proper records or deferred maintenance, they are liable for negligence.

What to Do After an 18-Wheeler Accident in Barrow County

If you’ve been in a trucking accident in Barrow County, take these steps immediately if you’re able:

1. Call 911 and report the accident. Emergency responders will document the scene and provide medical assistance.

2. Seek medical attention, even if injuries seem minor. Adrenaline masks pain after traumatic accidents. Internal injuries, TBI, and spinal injuries may not show symptoms for hours or days. Barrow County hospitals and trauma centers can identify injuries that will become critical evidence in your case.

3. Document the scene with photos and video if possible. Photograph all vehicles involved, damage close-ups, wide scene shots, street signs, traffic signals, road conditions, your injuries, and witnesses. Take more photos than you think you need—you can always delete extras later.

4. Get the trucking company name, DOT number, and driver information. The DOT number is typically on the truck door. This information is crucial for investigating the carrier’s safety record.

5. Collect witness contact information. Independent witness testimony can be the key to proving your case. Get names, phone numbers, and email addresses.

6. Do NOT give recorded statements to any insurance company. Insurance adjusters work for the trucking company, not you. Anything you say will be used to minimize your claim. Our firm includes a former insurance defense attorney who knows exactly how these adjusters are trained to protect the trucking company’s interests.

7. Call an 18-wheeler accident attorney immediately. Critical evidence in trucking cases disappears quickly. We send spoliation letters within hours of being retained to preserve evidence before it’s lost forever.

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Barrow County Trucking Accident Case

25+ Years of Fighting for Trucking Accident Victims

Ralph Manginello has been fighting for injury victims since 1998. He’s admitted to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas, and has litigated against Fortune 500 corporations including BP in the Texas City Refinery explosion litigation. He’s recovered multi-million dollar settlements for families devastated by 18-wheeler crashes.

Former Insurance Defense Attorney on Your Side

Lupe Peña, our associate attorney, worked for a national insurance defense firm before joining Attorney911. He knows exactly how insurance companies evaluate, minimize, and deny trucking accident claims. Now he uses that insider knowledge to fight for maximum compensation. That’s your advantage.

Multi-Million Dollar Results

Our documented settlements include:

• $5+ Million — Traumatic brain injury from falling log at logging company
• $3.8+ Million — Partial leg amputation from car accident with medical complications
• $2.5+ Million — Commercial truck crash recovery
• $2+ Million — Maritime back injury under Jones Act
• $10 Million+ — Currently litigating University of Houston hazing lawsuit (active 2025)

4.9-Star Client Satisfaction

With 251+ Google reviews and a 4.9-star average, our clients consistently praise our personal attention. As Chad Harris said, “You are NOT a pest to them and you are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.” Donald Wilcox told us, “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.”

Three Office Locations, Serving Barrow County and Beyond

With offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we serve trucking accident victims across Texas and beyond. For Barrow County clients, we offer remote consultations and travel to you for your case.

Contingency Fee — No Fee Unless We Win

You pay nothing unless we win. Zero upfront costs. We advance all investigation expenses. Standard 33.33% pre-trial, 40% if trial is necessary.

Hablamos Español

Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish and provides direct representation without interpreters. For our Spanish-speaking clients in Barrow County: Llame a Lupe Peña al 1-888-ATTY-911 para una consulta gratis.

Frequently Asked Questions About 18-Wheeler Accidents in Barrow County

How long do I have to file an 18-wheeler accident lawsuit in Barrow County, Georgia?

In Georgia, you have 2 years from the date of your trucking accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. For wrongful death claims, you have 2 years from the date of death. But waiting that long is dangerous—evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and trucking companies are building their defense right now. We recommend contacting an attorney within days, not months.

Is the trucking company responsible even if the driver caused the accident?

Usually YES. Under the doctrine of respondeat superior, employers are liable for employees’ negligent acts within the scope of employment. Additionally, trucking companies can be directly liable for negligent hiring, negligent training, negligent supervision, negligent maintenance, and negligent scheduling.

What if the truck driver says the accident was my fault?

Georgia uses a modified comparative negligence system. Even if you were partially at fault, you may still recover compensation as long as you are less than 50% at fault. Our job is to investigate thoroughly, gather evidence (especially ECM and ELD data), and prove what really happened. Drivers often lie to protect their jobs—the data tells the true story.

How much insurance do trucking companies carry?

Federal law requires minimum liability coverage of $750,000 for non-hazardous freight, $1,000,000 for oil and large equipment, and $5,000,000 for hazardous materials. Many carriers carry $1-5 million or more. This higher coverage means catastrophic injuries can actually be compensated.

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—similar to airplane black boxes. This data can show speed before and during the crash, brake application timing, engine RPM and throttle position, whether cruise control was engaged, and GPS location. This objective data often contradicts what drivers claim happened.

What is an ELD and why is it important?

Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) are federally mandated devices that record driver hours of service. ELD data proves whether the driver violated federal rest requirements and was driving while fatigued. Hours of service violations are among the most common causes of trucking accidents.

How long does the trucking company keep black box and ELD data?

ECM data can be overwritten within 30 days or with new driving events. FMCSA only requires 6 months retention for ELD data. This is why we send spoliation letters immediately—once we notify them of litigation, they must preserve everything.

Should I talk to the trucking company’s insurance adjuster?

NO. Do not give any recorded statements. Insurance adjusters work for the trucking company, not you. Anything you say will be used to minimize your claim. Our firm includes a former insurance defense attorney who knows exactly how these adjusters are trained to protect the trucking company’s interests.

How quickly should I contact an 18-wheeler accident attorney in Barrow County?

IMMEDIATELY—within 24-48 hours if possible. Critical evidence in trucking cases disappears quickly. We send spoliation letters within hours of being retained to preserve evidence before it’s lost forever.

Do I need to pay anything upfront to hire your firm?

NO. We work on contingency—you pay absolutely nothing unless we win your case. We advance all investigation costs. You never receive a bill from us. When we win, our fee comes from the recovery, not your pocket.

Your Fight Starts Now: Call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911

Every hour you wait, evidence in your Barrow County trucking accident case is disappearing. Black box data can be overwritten. Dashcam footage gets deleted. Witnesses forget what they saw. The trucking company is already building their defense. What are you doing?

At Attorney911, we don’t wait. We act. Within hours of being retained, we send spoliation letters to preserve critical evidence. We deploy accident reconstruction experts. We subpoena ELD and ECM data. We investigate every potentially liable party—not just the driver, but the trucking company, cargo owner, loading company, maintenance provider, and anyone else who contributed to the dangerous conditions that caused your accident.

Ralph Manginello has spent over 25 years fighting for trucking accident victims. He’s secured multi-million dollar verdicts against the largest trucking companies in America. Our associate attorney Lupe Peña used to work for insurance companies. Now he fights against them. That’s your advantage.

With offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we serve trucking accident victims across Texas and beyond. For Barrow County clients, we offer remote consultations and travel to you for your case.

We work on contingency. You pay nothing unless we win. Zero upfront costs. We advance all investigation expenses.

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

Your fight starts with one call: 1-888-ATTY-911. We answer. We fight. We win.

Attorney911 | The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC
25+ Years Fighting for Trucking Accident Victims
Multi-Million Dollar Results | 4.9★ Client Satisfaction
Available 24/7 at 1-888-ATTY-911