McHenry County 18-Wheeler Accident Attorneys: When Trucking Companies Cause Catastrophic Harm

The ice on I-90 outside Crystal Lake didn’t give you any warning. One moment you’re navigating your morning commute through McHenry County, and the next, 80,000 pounds of steel is jackknifing across three lanes of black ice. In that split second, everything changes. Your car weighs 4,000 pounds. The truck that hit you? Twenty times heavier. That’s not a collision—that’s physics stacked against you, and now you’re paying the price.

If you’re reading this from a hospital bed in McHenry County, or if you’re caring for a loved one who can’t work after a trucking accident in Woodstock, Crystal Lake, or anywhere across our county, you need to know something critical: the trucking company that hit you has already called their lawyers. Their insurance adjuster is already looking for ways to minimize your claim. And somewhere in their system, the black box data that proves what really happened is ticking toward automatic deletion.

We’ve seen this story before. At Attorney911, we’ve spent over 25 years fighting for families across McHenry County and beyond who’ve had their lives shattered by negligent trucking companies. Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has been holding these corporations accountable since 1998. And here’s what we know—the difference between a lowball settlement and the multi-million dollar recovery you actually deserve often comes down to what you do in the next 48 hours.

Understanding the 80,000-Pound Threat on McHenry County Highways

Every year, thousands of 18-wheelers barrel through McHenry County on I-90, I-94, US-20, and US-14. These aren’t just big cars. A fully loaded commercial truck weighs up to 80,000 pounds under federal law (49 CFR § 658.17), and when that mass hits a 4,000-pound passenger vehicle at highway speeds, the physics are devastating. The force generated isn’t just twenty times greater—it’s exponentially catastrophic.

In McHenry County, we face unique dangers that make trucking accidents particularly deadly. Our winters bring black ice to the Fox River Valley, sudden whiteouts across rural Route 47, and lake-effect snow that turns I-90 into a skating rink. Spring brings construction zones with narrowed lanes. Autumn brings early darkness and deer migration near the Chain O’Lakes. Every season presents conditions where a negligent truck driver—or a trucking company that prioritized profit over safety—can turn a routine drive into a life-altering tragedy.

The numbers tell a sobering story. Nationally, over 5,000 people die annually in trucking accidents, with another 125,000+ suffering serious injuries. Here in McHenry County, our position at the edge of the Chicago metropolitan area means heavy freight traffic moving between Wisconsin, Illinois, and Indiana. The intersection of agricultural haulers, suburban delivery trucks, and long-haul semis creates a perfect storm for catastrophic collisions.

The Most Devastating Types of Truck Accidents in McHenry County

Not all 18-wheeler accidents are the same. The specific type of crash often determines both the severity of injuries and the legal strategy required to hold the responsible parties accountable. In McHenry County, our specific geography and weather patterns make certain accident types more prevalent—and more deadly.

Jackknife Accidents on Ice

A jackknife occurs when the truck’s trailer swings out perpendicular to the cab, folding like a pocket knife and sweeping across entire lanes of traffic. In McHenry County, where temperatures regularly plunge below freezing and black ice forms unexpectedly on I-90 and US-14, jackknife accidents spike during winter months.

When a truck driver hits ice and panics, slamming the brakes instead of easing off, the trailer swings wide. We’ve seen these accidents block the entire interstate, causing multi-vehicle pileups that shut down McHenry County highways for hours. The injuries are catastrophic—TBI from impacts with the swinging trailer, spinal cord injuries when vehicles get crushed against guardrails, and wrongful death when smaller vehicles get pinned.

Federal regulations under 49 CFR § 392.3 prohibit drivers from operating when their ability is impaired by fatigue, illness, or—in McHenry County’s case—failure to adjust for weather conditions. When a driver doesn’t respect ice warnings or drives too fast for winter conditions, they’ve violated FMCSA safety rules, and that violation creates liability.

Rollover Accidents on Rural Routes

McHenry County’s rural highways and the curves near the Fox River create prime conditions for rollover accidents. These occur when a truck’s high center of gravity combines with speed—often around curves or on-ramps—and the entire rig tips onto its side or roof.

The cargo shift is often the culprit. Under 49 CFR § 393.100, cargo must be secured to prevent shifting that affects vehicle stability. When a McHenry County trucking company rushes loading to meet delivery deadlines, and that cargo shifts on a curve near Huntley or Ringwood, the result is a 40-ton vehicle lying on its side, often spilling hazardous materials or blocking the road for emergency responders.

Underride Collisions: The Deadliest Impact

Perhaps no trucking accident is more terrifying than an underride collision, where a smaller vehicle slides underneath the trailer, shearing off the roof at windshield level. Rear underride guards are required under 49 CFR § 393.86, but many trailers have inadequate or damaged guards. Side underride guards aren’t even federally mandated, despite lobbying efforts.

On McHenry County’s busy highways, when a truck makes a sudden stop or changes lanes without checking blind spots, passenger vehicles can slide underneath with fatal results. These accidents are almost always fatal or result in traumatic brain injuries and decapitations. The trucking companies know this danger exists, yet many resist installing adequate guards to save costs.

Rear-End Collisions: The Long Stop Distance

An 18-wheeler traveling at 65 mph needs approximately 525 feet to stop—nearly two football fields. In McHenry County’s stop-and-go traffic on Randall Road or during sudden slowdowns on I-90, truck drivers following too closely create deadly scenarios.

Under 49 CFR § 392.11, drivers must maintain a distance that is “reasonable and prudent” for the speed and traffic conditions. When a distracted, fatigued, or simply reckless truck driver slams into stopped traffic near the McHenry County Courthouse or downtown Woodstock, the results are catastrophic crush injuries, traumatic brain injuries from the sudden deceleration, and multiple vehicle pileups.

Wide Turn Accidents in Crystal Lake and Woodstock

The narrow streets of historic Woodstock and the busy intersections of Crystal Lake force 18-wheelers to make wide right turns, often swinging left before cutting right. When drivers fail to check their mirrors or signal properly, they trap passenger vehicles in the “squeeze play”—crushing them between the truck and the curb.

These accidents are particularly common during McHenry County’s summer festival season when downtown streets are crowded with pedestrians and vehicles. The injuries include crushing trauma, amputations when limbs are caught, and fatal injuries to cyclists and pedestrians caught in the truck’s blind spot.

Brake Failures on Descents

While McHenry County doesn’t have mountain passes, the elevation changes near the Fox River Valley and the weight of fully loaded trucks create brake heating issues. Under 49 CFR § 396, trucks must undergo systematic maintenance and pre-trip inspections. When trucking companies defer brake maintenance to save money, those brakes fail when they’re needed most—on descents or in emergency stops.

Who Can Be Held Liable: The Web of Responsibility

Unlike a simple car accident where usually only one driver is at fault, 18-wheeler accidents involve multiple potentially liable parties. This complexity is actually an advantage for victims—it means multiple insurance policies and deeper pockets to fund your recovery. At Attorney911, we investigate every possible defendant because more defendants mean better compensation for our McHenry County clients.

The Truck Driver

The driver who caused your accident may be personally liable for negligent driving—speeding, distracted driving, fatigue, or impairment. But individual drivers rarely have sufficient assets to cover catastrophic injuries. That’s why we look deeper, examining their driving history, training records, and whether they were pressured to violate federal hours-of-service regulations under 49 CFR Part 395.

The Trucking Company (Motor Carrier)

The trucking company is often the primary target for recovery. Under the legal doctrine of respondeat superior—”let the master answer”—employers are responsible for their employees’ negligent acts within the scope of employment.

But trucking companies can also be directly negligent through:

• Negligent hiring: Failing to vet the driver’s history (49 CFR § 391.51 requires complete Driver Qualification Files)
• Negligent training: Inadequate safety instruction for winter driving in McHenry County conditions
• Negligent supervision: Failing to monitor ELD data for hours-of-service violations
• Negligent maintenance: Deferring brake or tire repairs to save costs (49 CFR § 396)

Our firm handles cases against major carriers operating in McHenry County, and we’ve secured multi-million dollar settlements by proving corporate negligence.

Cargo Owners and Loading Companies

The company that owned the cargo and the third-party loaders who secured it may share liability. Under 49 CFR § 393.100, cargo must be secured to withstand 0.8g deceleration forces. When improperly secured cargo shifts on I-94, causing a rollover, the loading company shares blame.

McHenry County’s position as a distribution hub means many trucks are loaded at local warehouses before heading to Chicago or Milwaukee. We investigate loading records, weight distribution documentation, and whether the cargo was properly blocked and braced for Illinois winter conditions.

Truck and Parts Manufacturers

When brake systems fail, steering mechanisms lock up, or tires blow out due to manufacturing defects, the manufacturers become liable. We work with engineers to analyze failed components and determine if design defects or manufacturing errors contributed to your McHenry County accident.

Freight Brokers

Third-party freight brokers who arrange transportation but don’t own trucks may be liable for negligent carrier selection. If a broker hired a carrier with a poor safety record—visible in FMCSA’s SAFER database—to haul goods through McHenry County, and that negligent hiring caused your accident, the broker shares liability.

Maintenance Companies

Third-party mechanics who serviced the truck may be liable if their negligent repairs—improper brake adjustments, faulty tire installations, or missed safety issues—contaminated the vehicle’s safety systems.

Government Entities

In limited circumstances, McHenry County or the State of Illinois may share liability if dangerous road design, inadequate signage, or failure to maintain safe road conditions contributed to the accident. However, sovereign immunity limits these claims, and strict notice requirements apply.

The 48-Hour Evidence Crisis: Why Time Destroys Truck Accident Cases

Here’s the truth that trucking companies hope you don’t know: critical evidence in 18-wheeler accident cases disappears fast. While you’re focused on medical treatment and family, the trucking company is working to protect themselves.

Black Box Data Overwrites in 30 Days

Commercial trucks carry Electronic Control Modules (ECMs) and Event Data Recorders (EDRs) similar to airplane black boxes. These devices record:

• Speed before and during the crash
• Brake application timing and pressure
• Throttle position
• Cruise control status
• Hours of service data
• GPS location history

This data can be overwritten in as little as 30 days—or sooner if the truck returns to service. Once gone, it’s gone forever, and with it goes objective proof of what really happened.

Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs)

Since December 18, 2017, federal law requires most trucks to use ELDs under 49 CFR § 395.8. These devices automatically record driving hours, preventing drivers from falsifying paper logs. ELD data proves whether the driver violated the 11-hour driving limit, the 14-hour duty window, or the mandatory 30-minute break requirement.

But FMCSA only requires carriers to retain ELD data for six months. After that, it’s legally permissible to delete. If we don’t send a preservation letter immediately, that evidence vanishes.

The Spoliation Letter: Your Legal Shield

We send spoliation letters within 24 hours of being retained in McHenry County cases. These formal legal notices demand preservation of:

• ECM/Black box data and ELD records
• Driver Qualification Files (49 CFR § 391.51)
• Vehicle maintenance and inspection records (49 CFR § 396)
• Drug and alcohol test results (49 CFR § 382)
• Dispatch records and communications
• Dashcam footage
• GPS tracking data

Once a trucking company receives our spoliation letter, they face severe consequences for destroying evidence—including court sanctions, adverse inference instructions (the jury is told to assume destroyed evidence was unfavorable), and punitive damages.

If you’ve been in a trucking accident in McHenry County, every hour you wait makes proving your case harder. Call Attorney911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911.

FMCSA Regulations: The Rules Trucking Companies Break

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sets strict standards for commercial trucking. When trucking companies violate these rules, they create dangerous conditions that cause accidents. Proving these violations is often the key to establishing negligence and securing maximum compensation for McHenry County victims.

Part 390: General Applicability

These regulations define who must comply with federal trucking laws—all motor carriers operating in interstate commerce, all drivers of commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) over 10,001 pounds, and all vehicles transporting hazardous materials. When a truck hits you on I-90 in McHenry County, these rules apply.

Part 391: Driver Qualification Standards

Before any driver can operate a commercial truck, they must meet strict federal qualifications under 49 CFR § 391.11:

• Be at least 21 years old for interstate commerce
• Speak and read English sufficiently
• Possess a valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)
• Pass a physical exam qualifying them per § 391.41 (no disqualifying medical conditions, vision of at least 20/40, adequate hearing)
• Complete entry-level driver training

Trucking companies must maintain a Driver Qualification File for every driver per § 391.51, including employment applications, driving record checks, previous employer verification, medical certificates, and drug test results. When we find incomplete DQ files or evidence the company hired an unqualified driver, that’s negligent hiring—and it wins cases.

Part 392: Driving Rules

These operational rules protect everyone on McHenry County roads. Critical violations include:

• § 392.3: Prohibits driving while ability is impaired by fatigue, illness, or any cause making operation unsafe
• § 392.4: Bans drug use while on duty
• § 392.5: Prohibits alcohol use within 4 hours of duty or having a BAC of .04 or higher
• § 392.6: Bans scheduling routes that require speeding to meet deadlines
• § 392.11: Requires following distance be “reasonable and prudent”
• § 392.80 and § 392.82: Prohibit texting and hand-held mobile phone use while driving

When a truck driver is texting while crossing the Fox River Bridge, or driving fatigued after violating hours-of-service rules, they’ve broken federal law—and that violation creates strict liability.

Part 393: Parts and Accessories Safe Operation

This section mandates vehicle safety equipment. Key requirements include:

• § 393.40-55: Brake system requirements including adequate adjustment and functioning air brakes
• § 393.75: Tire standards (minimum 4/32″ tread on steer tires, 2/32″ on others)
• § 393.80: Mirror requirements providing clear view to rear on both sides
• § 393.86: Rear underride guards on trailers manufactured after 1998
• § 393.100-136: Cargo securement standards requiring tiedowns withstand 0.8g deceleration forces

When inadequate brakes cause a crash on McHenry County’s icy hills, or improperly secured cargo shifts causing a rollover, these regulations prove negligence.

Part 395: Hours of Service

This is the most commonly violated regulation—and the most deadly. For property-carrying drivers:

• 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: Mandatory break after 8 cumulative hours of driving
• 60/70-hour weekly limits: Cannot drive after 60 hours in 7 days or 70 hours in 8 days

ELDs track these hours automatically. When we download ELD data showing violations, we prove the driver was fatigued—and that fatigue caused your accident.

Part 396: Inspection and Maintenance

Trucking companies must systematically inspect, repair, and maintain vehicles per § 396.3. Drivers must conduct pre-trip inspections (§ 396.13) and prepare written post-trip reports covering brakes, tires, lighting, and steering (§ 396.11). Annual inspections are mandatory (§ 396.17).

Deferred maintenance kills. Worn brake shoes, underinflated tires, and cracked air lines—all documented in maintenance records we subpoena—prove the trucking company chose profit over your safety.

Catastrophic Injuries: When “Accident” Doesn’t Capture the Horror

In McHenry County, the outcomes of 18-wheeler accidents aren’t simple fender-benders. The massive force transfer creates catastrophic, life-altering injuries that require millions in lifetime care.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

The violent forces in a truck accident cause the brain to impact the inside of the skull, resulting in TBI. Symptoms include memory loss, confusion, personality changes, chronic headaches, and cognitive impairment. Moderate to severe TBIs typically settle between $1.5 million to $9.8 million, reflecting the lifetime of care required.

We’ve represented McHenry County TBI victims who can never return to work, who need 24-hour supervision, and whose families have been devastated by the loss of the person they knew. As client Kiimarii Yup told us after we secured resources for his recovery, “I lost everything… 1 year later I have gained so much in return.”

Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis

The crushing forces of truck accidents frequently damage the spinal cord, resulting in paraplegia (loss of function below the waist) or quadriplegia (loss of function in all four limbs). These injuries require wheelchairs, home modifications, vehicle adaptations, and lifelong personal care.

Settlement ranges for spinal cord injuries typically run from $4.7 million to $25.8 million. Why so high? Because over a lifetime, medical costs, lost wages, and necessary care can exceed $10 million for a young quadriplegic victim.

Amputations

When a truck crushes a vehicle or pins a limb, traumatic amputation may occur at the scene, or surgical amputation may be required due to irreparable damage. Prosthetics cost $5,000 to $50,000 each and require replacement every few years. Phantom limb pain, body image trauma, and permanent disability affect every aspect of life.

Our firm has secured settlements ranging from $1.9 million to $8.6 million for amputation victims, including one case where a car accident led to a staph infection requiring partial leg amputation—a tragic chain of events resulting in a $3.8 million recovery.

Wrongful Death

When a trucking accident kills a McHenry County resident, the family is left with funeral expenses, lost income, and devastating emotional trauma. Illinois law allows wrongful death claims for loss of consortium, mental anguish, and the deceased’s pain and suffering before death.

We’ve recovered between $1.9 million and $9.5 million for families who’ve lost loved ones to trucking negligence. While money can never replace a life, it can provide financial stability and hold the trucking company accountable for their carelessness.

Insurance Realities: Why Trucking Cases Are Different

Trucking accidents aren’t car accidents with bigger vehicles—they involve different insurance structures and higher stakes.

Federal Minimum Insurance Requirements

Unlike the $25,000 minimum for private cars in Illinois, federal law requires:

• $750,000 for non-hazardous freight
• $1,000,000 for oil, petroleum, and large equipment transport
• $5,000,000 for hazardous materials

Many carriers carry $1-5 million or more in coverage. This means catastrophic injuries can actually be compensated, rather than leaving victims with unpaid medical bills and bankruptcy.

Multiple Insurance Policies

McHenry County trucking accidents often involve stacked coverage:

• The motor carrier’s liability policy
• The trailer interchange coverage
• The cargo insurance
• The owner-operator’s individual policy
• Umbrella/excess coverage

We identify and access every available policy to maximize your recovery.

The Insurance Defense Playbook

Here’s where our firm offers something unique: our associate attorney Lupe Peña spent years working as an insurance defense attorney. He knows exactly how adjusters are trained to minimize your claim—because he used to do that work. Now he uses that insider knowledge to fight for you.

Insurance companies deploy the same tactics in McHenry County they use everywhere:

• Recorded statements: They call immediately after the accident when you’re vulnerable, asking leading questions designed to make you admit fault or minimize injuries
• Quick lowball offers: Hoping you’ll accept before understanding the full extent of damages
• “Independent” medical exams: Sending you to doctors paid by the insurance company who downplay your injuries
• Surveillance: Following you with cameras hoping to catch you doing something inconsistent with your claimed injuries

Lupe knows these tactics because he helped develop them. That insider advantage helps us counter every move they make.

Illinois Law: What McHenry County Victims Need to Know

While federal FMCSA regulations govern trucking nationwide, Illinois state law determines how you recover damages in McHenry County.

Statute of Limitations

In Illinois, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. For wrongful death claims, the clock starts running from the date of death, not the accident. Missing this deadline means losing your right to sue forever—no matter how severe your injuries or how clear the trucking company’s fault.

The clock is already ticking. Don’t wait.

Modified Comparative Negligence

Illinois follows a modified comparative negligence rule with a 51% bar. This means:

• If you are 50% or less at fault, you can recover damages reduced by your percentage of fault
• If you are 51% or more at fault, you recover nothing

Trucking companies and their insurers love to shift blame to victims. They’ll claim you were speeding, following too closely, or failed to avoid the collision. We fight these allegations with ECM data, ELD logs, and accident reconstruction to prove where fault truly lies.

No Caps on Damages

Unlike some states, Illinois imposes no caps on economic or non-economic damages in trucking accident cases. There are no limits on pain and suffering awards. For catastrophic injuries in McHenry County, this means juries can award the full amount needed to compensate for a lifetime of disability.

What to Do After a Truck Accident in McHenry County

If you’re able to take action immediately after a McHenry County trucking accident, these steps protect your health and your legal rights:

At the Scene:

• Call 911 immediately and request both police and EMS
• Photograph everything—vehicle damage, the truck’s DOT number (usually on the door), license plates, road conditions, skid marks, traffic signals, and your injuries
• Get the truck driver’s name, CDL number, insurance information, and employer details
• Collect witness contact information—memories fade fast
• Do not admit fault or apologize
• Do not give a recorded statement to anyone

In the Days Following:

• Seek immediate medical attention, even if you feel “okay”—adrenaline masks serious injuries
• Follow all doctor’s orders—insurance companies use missed appointments against you
• Do not post about the accident on social media—insurance investigators monitor your accounts
• Keep a pain journal documenting your symptoms, treatments, and limitations
• Contact an experienced trucking accident attorney before speaking with any insurance adjuster

Critical Evidence We Preserve:

• ECM/Black box data (before it’s overwritten)
• ELD logs showing hours of service
• Driver Qualification Files
• Maintenance and inspection records
• Cell phone records (to prove distracted driving)
• Dashcam footage
• Cargo loading documentation

Frequently Asked Questions About McHenry County Truck Accidents

How much is my McHenry County trucking accident case worth?

Case values depend on injury severity, medical costs, lost wages, and insurance coverage. With trucking companies carrying $750,000 to $5 million in coverage, catastrophic injury cases often settle in the millions. We’ve recovered $5+ million for brain injury victims and $3.8+ million for amputation cases. Your specific value depends on your unique circumstances.

Who can I sue after an 18-wheeler accident in McHenry County?

Potentially liable parties include the driver, trucking company, cargo owner, loading company, parts manufacturers, maintenance companies, freight brokers, and in limited cases, government entities. We investigate every potential defendant to maximize your recovery.

What if the trucking company offers me a quick settlement?

Never accept an early offer. Insurance companies make quick, lowball offers hoping you’ll settle before understanding the full extent of your injuries or speaking with an attorney. Once you accept, you waive your right to additional compensation—even if your injuries worsen.

How long do I have to file a lawsuit in Illinois?

Two years from the accident date for personal injury, two years from the date of death for wrongful death. However, evidence disappears much sooner. We recommend contacting an attorney within days, not months.

What does it cost to hire Attorney911?

Nothing upfront. We work on contingency—you pay no attorney fees unless we win your case. We advance all costs of investigation and litigation. As client Glenda Walker said, “They fought for me to get every dime I deserved,” and she didn’t pay a penny until we won.

Can I still recover if I was partially at fault?

Yes, under Illinois law, as long as you are 50% or less at fault, you can recover damages reduced by your percentage of negligence. Even if you think you contributed to the accident, call us. We’ve taken cases other firms rejected and won.

What if the truck driver was an independent contractor?

Both the driver and the contracting company may be liable. We investigate lease agreements, insurance coverage, and the degree of control the company exerted over the driver.

How do you prove the driver was fatigued?

We download ELD data showing hours of service violations, review dispatch records showing unrealistic schedules, and analyze ECM data for erratic driving patterns consistent with fatigue.

What is the MCS-90 endorsement?

This federal insurance endorsement guarantees minimum damages will be covered when a federally regulated truck is involved in an accident. It applies even if the standard policy has exclusions.

Do you handle cases for Spanish-speaking clients in McHenry County?

Sí. Hablamos Español. Our associate attorney Lupe Peña provides fluent Spanish representation without interpreters. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 to speak directly with Lupe.

Why McHenry County Families Choose Attorney911

We know you have choices for legal representation in McHenry County. Here’s why families across Crystal Lake, Woodstock, Huntley, and McHenry choose us:

Ralph Manginello’s 25+ Years of Federal Court Experience

Since 1998, Ralph has been fighting for injury victims. He’s admitted to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas (and can handle federal cases affecting McHenry County), and he’s taken on Fortune 500 corporations like BP in the Texas City Refinery litigation. When a trucking company sees Ralph’s name on the lawsuit, they know they’re in for a fight.

Lupe Peña: The Insurance Defense Insider

Most firms tout their experience. We offer something better—an attorney who used to work for insurance companies. Lupe knows exactly how they evaluate claims, train adjusters to minimize payouts, and when they’re bluffing about “policy limits.” That insider knowledge translates to higher settlements for you.

Multi-Million Dollar Results

We’ve recovered over $50 million for our clients, including:

• $5+ million for traumatic brain injury victims
• $3.8+ million for amputation cases
• $2+ million for maritime and offshore injuries
• Millions for families devastated by wrongful death

These aren’t just numbers—they’re resources that allow our clients to rebuild their lives.

Family Treatment, Not Case Numbers

As client Chad Harris told us: “You are NOT a pest to them and you are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.” We return calls within 24 hours. Ralph reaches out personally. You’re never handed off to a paralegal and forgotten.

Three Offices, Local Presence

With offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we have the resources to handle complex McHenry County cases while maintaining the personal attention of a boutique firm. We travel to you—whether you’re recovering at Centegra Hospital in McHenry or at home in Crystal Lake.

4.9-Star Reputation

Our 251+ Google reviews speak for themselves. Clients like Mongo Slade (“I also got a very nice settlement”), Donald Wilcox (“I got a call to come pick up this handsome check”), and Ernest Cano (“Will fight tooth and nail for you”) have experienced the Attorney911 difference.

McHenry County Trucking Corridors: Local Knowledge Matters

Understanding McHenry County’s specific trucking landscape helps us build better cases:

Interstate 90 (Jane Addams Memorial Tollway): The primary east-west corridor carrying freight between Wisconsin, Illinois, and Indiana. Heavy truck traffic combined with winter weather makes this a hotspot for jackknife and pileup accidents near the Marengo and Union weigh stations.

US Route 14 (Northwest Highway): Historic route through Crystal Lake and Woodstock with mixed residential and commercial traffic. Truck drivers unfamiliar with local traffic patterns cause frequent wide-turn and blind-spot accidents.

US Route 20: Major east-west arterial connecting Rockford to Chicago suburbs. Industrial areas near Marengo see heavy freight traffic serving distribution centers.

Route 47: North-south corridor through the county’s agricultural heart. Farm equipment and trucking traffic mix dangerously, especially during harvest seasons when 18-wheelers haul grain commodities.

The Chain O’Lakes Area: Summer tourism brings increased delivery truck traffic to Antioch and Fox Lake, while winter ice and snow create treacherous conditions for freight moving between Chicago and Wisconsin.

The Attorney911 Difference: We Prepare Every Case for Trial

Here’s something insurance companies know about us: we’re not settlement mill lawyers looking for a quick payout. We prepare every McHenry County trucking case as if it’s going to trial. That means:

• Immediate spoliation letters to preserve evidence
• Aggressive discovery of all liable parties
• Depositions of the driver, dispatcher, safety manager, and corporate representatives
• Accident reconstruction by engineers
• Economic analysis of lifetime damages

When the trucking company knows we’re ready for the courtroom, they offer better settlements. And if they don’t? Ralph Manginello has been trying cases since 1998. We’re not afraid to take your case to a McHenry County jury.

Video Resources: Learn More About Truck Accident Law

We believe in educating our clients. Watch these Attorney911 videos to learn more about your rights:

• “The Victim’s Guide to 18-Wheeler Accident Injuries” (wxEHIxZTbK8): Understanding the legal emergency after a truck crash
• “Can I Sue for Being Hit by a Semi Truck?” (J0MT3CKbUb4): Steps to take immediately after a trucking accident
• “The Definitive Guide To Commercial Truck Accidents” (iEEeZf-k8Ao): Insurance requirements and why you need an attorney
• “Truck Tire Blowouts and When You Need a Lawyer” (RCTumr1looc): When maintenance failures cause accidents
• “The Definitive Guide To MCS 90 Auto Endorsements” (auB5NWcwyag): Federal insurance guarantees

Available at youtube.com/@Manginellolawfirm.

Call Today: The Trucking Company Already Has Lawyers

Right now, while you’re reading this, the trucking company that hit you has already contacted their insurer. Their rapid-response team has already visited the scene. Their lawyers are already building a defense strategy to minimize what they pay you.

What are you doing to protect yourself?

You have two years to file a lawsuit in Illinois, but you only have days—or hours—to preserve critical evidence. The black box data that proves the driver was speeding or texting. The ELD records showing he violated hours-of-service rules. The maintenance records proving the company knew the brakes were failing.

That evidence is disappearing while you wait.

Call Attorney911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911).

We answer calls 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We offer free consultations. We work on contingency—you pay nothing unless we win. And we send spoliation letters immediately to preserve the evidence that wins cases.

Don’t let the trucking company get away with it. Don’t settle for less than you deserve. Don’t wait until it’s too late.

From McHenry County to the courtroom, we’ve got your back. Let us fight for the justice your family deserves.

Hablamos Español. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911 para hablar con Lupe Peña.

Attorney911 / The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC

Houston Office: 1177 West Loop S, Suite 1600 | Austin Office: 316 West 12th Street | Available for meetings in McHenry County

1-888-ATTY-911 | ralph@atty911.com | attorney911.com