18-Wheeler Accident Attorneys in Edwards County, Illinois

When an 80,000-Pound Truck Changes Everything on I-64

One moment you’re driving through Edwards County on Interstate 64, heading toward Grayville or Albion. The next, an 18-wheeler jackknifes across the highway, or a fatigued driver drifts into your lane near the Wabash River. In that split second, your life changes forever.

If you’ve been seriously injured in a trucking accident anywhere in Edwards County, Illinois, you need more than a general personal injury lawyer—you need a legal team that understands federal trucking regulations, knows how to preserve critical evidence before it disappears, and has the resources to stand up to major trucking companies and their insurers.

We’ve been fighting for truck accident victims since 1998. Ralph Manginello, our managing partner, brings over 25 years of courtroom experience to every case, including federal court admission to the Southern District of Texas for complex interstate trucking litigation. Our associate attorney, Lupe Peña, spent years working as an insurance defense lawyer before joining our firm—now he uses that insider knowledge to fight FOR victims, not against them. That’s your advantage when you call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911.

Why Edwards County Truck Accidents Are Different

Edwards County might be one of Illinois’ smaller counties by population, but our location along I-64 puts us right in the middle of major freight corridors connecting St. Louis to Evansville and beyond. When trucking accidents happen on rural Illinois highways like Illinois 1 or near the Edwards County line, they’re not just bigger car wrecks—they’re complex federal cases governed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations found in 49 CFR Parts 390-399.

The Federal Regulatory Framework That Protects You

Every commercial truck operating in Edwards County must comply with strict federal safety standards. When trucking companies violate these regulations, they create the dangerous conditions that lead to catastrophic accidents. Here are the critical regulations we investigate in every Edwards County trucking case:

49 CFR Part 391 – Driver Qualification Standards
Trucking companies must verify that their drivers are medically qualified, properly licensed with a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), and have clean driving records. We subpoena Driver Qualification Files to check if the company performed proper background checks or hired drivers with histories of safety violations.

49 CFR Part 395 – Hours of Service (HOS)
Federal law limits truck drivers to 11 hours of driving time after 10 consecutive hours off duty. They cannot drive beyond the 14th consecutive hour after coming on duty, and must take a 30-minute break after 8 cumulative hours of driving. Since December 2017, most trucks must use Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) that automatically record driving time. We demand these records immediately—because ELD data can show whether the driver was fatigued when they crossed into your lane on Highway 15.

49 CFR Part 393 – Parts and Accessories for Safe Operation
This section governs everything from brake systems to cargo securement. For example, § 393.48 requires proper brake adjustment, while §§ 393.100-136 mandate that cargo must be secured to withstand forces of 0.8g forward, 0.5g rearward, and 0.5g lateral. When cargo spills on I-64 near Bonpas Creek, it often means someone violated these federal securement requirements.

49 CFR Part 396 – Inspection and Maintenance
Trucking companies must systematically inspect, repair, and maintain their vehicles. Drivers must complete pre-trip inspections, and companies must keep maintenance records for at least one year. When a tire blows out on a tractor-trailer near West Salem, we check whether the company ignored worn tread depths in violation of § 393.75.

Understanding Liability in Edwards County Trucking Accidents

Unlike regular car accidents where usually only one driver is at fault, 18-wheeler crashes often involve multiple liable parties. In Edwards County and throughout Illinois, we investigate and pursue claims against:

The Truck Driver

Direct liability for negligent driving—speeding on I-64, distracted driving, fatigued operation, or impairment. We obtain cell phone records, drug test results, and ELD data to prove violations.

The Trucking Company (Motor Carrier)

Under the doctrine of respondeat superior, employers are responsible for their employees’ negligence. Additionally, we pursue direct claims for:

• Negligent Hiring: Failing to check if the driver had a history of FMCSA violations
• Negligent Supervision: Ignoring ELD warnings about HOS violations
• Negligent Maintenance: Putting trucks on Edwards County roads with bad brakes or worn tires

The Cargo Owner and Loading Company

When improperly secured cargo shifts on curves near the Little Wabash River, causing a rollover, the shipper and loader may be liable under § 393.100 for failing to properly immobilize the load.

Maintenance Companies

Third-party mechanics who performed negligent brake repairs or incorrectly installed tires can be held responsible when those failures cause accidents on Illinois 130.

Truck and Parts Manufacturers

Defective air brake systems, faulty steering components, or tire manufacturing defects can lead to product liability claims against manufacturers.

Freight Brokers

Brokers who arrange transportation but fail to verify carrier safety records or insurance coverage may face liability for negligent selection.

Critical Evidence That Disappears Fast in Edwards County Cases

Here’s what the trucking companies don’t want you to know: Critical evidence starts disappearing within hours of your accident.

That’s why we send spoliation letters within 24-48 hours of being retained. These formal legal notices put the trucking company on notice that they must preserve all evidence—including data showing whether the driver violated the 11-hour driving limit or failed to conduct pre-trip inspections required by § 396.13.

If you’re reading this from your hospital bed in Evansville or a clinic in Albion, or if you’re recovering at home in Edwards County, call us immediately at 888-ATTY-911. Every hour you wait gives the trucking company more time to “lose” the evidence that proves their negligence.

Common 18-Wheeler Accident Types in Edwards County

Jackknife Accidents on I-64

When a truck driver slams the brakes on Interstate 64 near the Illinois-Indiana line, especially in wet weather, the trailer can swing perpendicular to the cab, blocking multiple lanes. These accidents often violate § 392.6 (speeding for conditions) or § 393.48 (brake deficiencies). The swinging trailer creates a deadly wall of steel that smaller vehicles cannot avoid.

Rear-End Collisions

A fully loaded truck traveling at 65 mph needs approximately 525 feet to stop—nearly two football fields. When distracted or fatigued drivers follow too closely on Highway 1 or approach slowed traffic near Grayville, they rear-end smaller vehicles with devastating force. These cases often involve violations of § 392.11 (following too closely) or § 392.3 (operating while fatigued).

Underride Collisions

When a passenger vehicle slides under the trailer of a stopped or slowing truck, the results are often fatal decapitations. Federal law requires rear impact guards under § 393.86, but many trucks have inadequate guards or missing reflective tape that could have prevented the crash.

Rollover Accidents on Rural Highways

The curved rural roads of Edwards County, combined with the agricultural nature of the region, create risks for rollover accidents when tanker trucks or grain haulers take turns too fast. These often involve cargo securement violations under § 393.100-136.

Blind Spot (No-Zone) Accidents

18-wheelers have massive blind spots on all four sides—20 feet in front, 30 feet behind, and large areas on both sides. When truckers change lanes on I-64 without checking these “No-Zones,” they sideswipe passenger vehicles, violating § 392.11 and § 393.80 (mirror requirements).

Tire Blowouts and Brake Failures

Summer heat on Illinois highways can cause tire blowouts on poorly maintained trucks. When a steer tire blows on I-64 near the Edwards County Rest Area, the driver can lose control instantly. We investigate maintenance records to prove violations of § 393.75 (tire tread depth requirements) and § 396.3 (systematic inspection requirements).

Wide Turn Accidents (“Squeeze Play”)

When large trucks swing wide to make right turns in Albion or Edwards County’s smaller towns, they can trap passenger vehicles in the gap between the cab and trailer, crushing them against curbs or other vehicles.

Catastrophic Injuries and Your Future

The physics of an 80,000-pound truck colliding with a 4,000-pound passenger car are brutal. In Edwards County trucking accidents, we commonly see:

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
Even with seat belts and airbags, the violent jolt of a truck collision can cause the brain to strike the inside of the skull. Moderate to severe TBIs can result in settlements ranging from $1.5 million to $9.8 million+ depending on long-term care needs and cognitive impairment.

Spinal Cord Injuries
Paralysis from truck accidents can lead to some of the highest settlement values—$4.7 million to $25.8 million+—due to lifetime medical care, home modifications, and lost earning capacity.

Amputations
When crushing forces pin victims in their vehicles, traumatic amputations or surgical removals may be necessary. These cases typically range from $1.9 million to $8.6 million.

Wrongful Death
When a trucking accident takes a loved one on Edwards County roads, surviving family members may pursue wrongful death claims under Illinois law. These cases often range from $1.9 million to $9.5 million+, depending on the decedent’s age, earning capacity, and family circumstances.

Severe Burns and Internal Injuries
Fuel tank ruptures or hazmat spills can cause third-degree burns requiring multiple skin grafts, while blunt force trauma damages internal organs like the liver, spleen, or kidneys.

We understand these aren’t just medical terms—they’re life changes. As client Chad Harris told us after we handled his case, “You are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.” That’s how we treat every Edwards County family walking through this devastation.

Illinois Law and Your Edwards County Truck Accident Claim

Statute of Limitations
Under Illinois law, you generally have two years from the date of the trucking accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, waiting is dangerous—evidence disappears, witnesses become unavailable, and the trucking company builds its defense. Contact us immediately at (888) 288-9911 to protect your rights.

Modified Comparative Negligence (51% Bar Rule)
Illinois follows a modified comparative negligence system. You can recover damages as long as you are not more than 50% at fault for the accident. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. If you’re found 20% at fault, you recover 80% of your damages. But if you’re 51% at fault, you recover nothing. This makes thorough investigation and evidence preservation critical—we fight to minimize any attribution of fault to you.

Punitive Damages
Unlike some states, Illinois does not cap punitive damages in trucking accident cases. When trucking companies act with gross negligence—such as knowingly putting a driver with a suspended CDL on the road, destroying ELD records, or forcing drivers to violate hours-of-service regulations—juries may award additional damages to punish the wrongdoer.

The Insurance Battle: Why You Need a Fighter

Trucking companies carry minimum liability insurance of $750,000 for non-hazardous freight, $1 million for oil and large equipment, and $5 million for hazardous materials. Many carry $1-5 million or more in coverage. But accessing these policies requires knowing how to navigate complex commercial insurance structures.

Our Insider Advantage
Lupe Peña used to defend insurance companies. He knows their playbook: quick lowball offers, “independent” medical exams designed to minimize your injuries, surveillance investigators hoping to catch you doing activities that contradict your claimed disabilities, and computer algorithms (like Colossus) designed to undervalue your pain and suffering.

We don’t fall for these tactics. We prepare every case as if it’s going to trial, which gives us leverage in negotiations. As client Donald Wilcox said after another firm rejected his case, “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.”

Frequently Asked Questions for Edwards County Truck Accident Victims

How quickly should I contact an attorney after a truck accident in Edwards County?
Immediately—within 24-48 hours if possible. Critical evidence like ECM data and ELD logs can be overwritten or deleted. We send preservation letters to the trucking company the same day you hire us.

What if the truck driver claims I caused the accident?
Don’t panic. We download the truck’s black box data and ELD records to prove what really happened. Illinois comparative negligence law allows you to recover as long as you’re not more than 50% at fault.

Can I afford an attorney?
Yes. We work on contingency—you pay nothing upfront, and we only get paid if we win your case. Our standard fee is 33.33% pre-trial or 40% if the case goes to trial. We advance all investigation costs.

What if the trucking company is from out of state?
That actually helps your case. Interstate trucking companies must comply with federal FMCSA regulations, and we can pursue them in federal court if necessary. Ralph Manginello’s federal court admission gives us that capability.

Do you handle wrongful death cases in Edwards County?
Yes. We are deeply sorry for your loss. When a trucking company’s negligence takes a loved one in Edwards County, we fight to hold them fully accountable for lost income, loss of companionship, mental anguish, and funeral expenses.

Hablamos Español?
Sí. Lupe Peña habla español con fluidez. Si usted o un ser querido sufrió un accidente con un camión de 18 ruedas en Edwards County, llámenos al 1-888-ATTY-911 para una consulta gratuita.

Recent Trucking Verdicts Show What’s Possible

While every case is different, juries across the country are holding trucking companies accountable. In 2024, a Missouri jury awarded $462 million in an underride case where two men were decapitated. In 2024, an Alabama jury awarded $160 million to a driver left quadriplegic after a rollover. Earlier cases have reached $730 million and even $1 billion when trucking companies showed gross negligence in hiring or supervision.

These aren’t just numbers—they represent justice for families devastated by trucking company negligence. We’ve recovered multi-million dollar settlements for our clients, including a $5 million+ recovery for a traumatic brain injury victim and a $3.8 million+ settlement for a client who suffered amputation after a crash-related medical complication. While we can’t guarantee specific results, we guarantee we’ll fight for every dime you deserve, just as Glenda Walker said: “They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.”

Your Next Steps: Protect Your Edwards County Trucking Accident Claim

The trucking company that hit you has already called their lawyers. Their insurance adjuster has already started looking for ways to minimize your claim. Their rapid-response team may already be at the scene.

What are you doing?

If you’ve been hurt in an 18-wheeler accident anywhere in Edwards County—whether on I-64 near the Wabash River, on Highway 1 through Albion, or on the rural roads near Bone Gap—call Attorney911 now at 1-888-288-9911. We serve Edwards County from our offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, with the capability to handle your Illinois case through our network and federal court admissions.

With 25+ years of experience, a 4.9-star Google rating from over 251 reviews, and a team that includes a former insurance defense attorney who knows every trick the trucking companies use, we’re ready to fight for you.

Don’t let them push you around. Don’t sign anything. Don’t give recorded statements.

Call 888-ATTY-911. The consultation is free. The advice is priceless. And you pay nothing unless we win.

Ralph Manginello, Managing Partner, Attorney911. Admitted to practice in Texas and New York, and in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas. Your Edward County trucking accident case matters to us—because you’re family.