Union County 18-Wheeler Accident Attorneys: When 80,000 Pounds of Steel Changes Everything

The Devastating Reality of Trucking Accidents in Union County

The impact was catastrophic. One moment you’re driving along I-57 through Union County, heading toward Jonesboro or perhaps catching the junction with I-64 near the Missouri line. The next moment, an 80,000-pound semi-truck has crossed the centerline, blown a tire on the agricultural routes near Anna, or jackknifed across the interstate during one of Southern Illinois’ notorious ice storms. In Union County, where the convergence of major freight corridors meets challenging rural highways and unpredictable weather patterns, 18-wheeler accidents aren’t just crashes—they’re life-altering events that leave families devastated and victims facing years of recovery.

We’re Attorney911, and we’ve spent over 25 years fighting for trucking accident victims across Illinois and beyond. Ralph Manginello, our managing partner, has been holding trucking companies accountable since 1998, securing multi-million dollar settlements for families just like yours in Union County and throughout the state. When an 18-wheeler accident happens in Union County—whether on the busy stretches of I-57, the county roads near Cobden, or the state highways connecting to Cairo—you need an attorney who understands not just federal trucking regulations, but the specific challenges of Union County litigation.

Union County sits at a critical junction in Southern Illinois. With I-57 serving as a primary north-south freight corridor connecting Chicago to Memphis and the Gulf Coast, and proximity to I-64 connecting St. Louis to Kentucky, our county sees thousands of commercial trucks daily. These aren’t just big cars—they’re 20 to 25 times heavier than passenger vehicles, require nearly two football fields to stop at highway speeds, and carry insurance policies worth up to $5 million. Yet trucking companies hope you don’t know your rights under Illinois law or the federal regulations designed to keep these massive vehicles safe.

Why Union County 18-Wheeler Accidents Demand Specialized Legal Experience

Union County presents unique challenges for trucking accident victims. The combination of high-speed interstate traffic, agricultural trucking operations transporting goods from the surrounding farmland, and the county’s position as a gateway to the Shawnee National Forest creates distinct accident patterns. When a truck driver falls asleep on I-57 near Jonesboro, or a poorly maintained semi loses its brakes approaching the hilly terrain near Alto Pass, the consequences are devastating.

Ralph Manginello understands Union County’s trucking corridors. With federal court admission to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Illinois and 25 years of experience litigating against Fortune 500 corporations—including involvement in the BP Texas City refinery explosion litigation that resulted in over $2.1 billion in settlements—he brings courtroom firepower to Union County families. Our associate attorney Lupe Peña adds another critical advantage: he used to work for insurance companies defending trucking claims. He knows exactly how insurers evaluate Union County accidents, what delays they use, and how to counter their lowball tactics. That’s your advantage when you call Attorney911.

Every 16 minutes, someone in America is injured in a commercial truck crash. In Union County, the risk is heightened by the sheer volume of freight traffic moving through our community. These aren’t simple fender-benders. The physics of an 80,000-pound truck striking a 4,000-pound passenger vehicle at 65 miles per hour creates catastrophic forces that cause traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, amputations, and wrongful death.

The 13 Types of 18-Wheeler Accidents We See in Union County

Not all trucking accidents are the same, and in Union County, certain types occur with troubling frequency due to our geography and traffic patterns. Our firm has handled every type of 18-wheeler accident, from the jackknifes that occur when truckers brake too hard on I-57’s curves to the underride collisions that happen when trucks make wide turns on Union County’s rural intersections.

Jackknife Accidents on I-57 and County Highways

A jackknife occurs when a truck’s trailer swings perpendicular to the cab, often sweeping across multiple lanes of traffic. On Union County’s I-57 corridor—particularly near the Anna and Jonesboro exits where traffic merges and diverges—these accidents create multi-vehicle pileups. They typically happen when truckers brake improperly on wet pavement or when improperly secured cargo shifts during transport.

Federal regulations under 49 CFR § 393.100 require proper cargo securement, yet we frequently find trucking companies violated these rules. When a jackknife occurs in Union County, we’re immediately investigating whether the driver exceeded the 11-hour driving limit under 49 CFR § 395.8, whether the brakes were properly maintained per 49 CFR § 396.3, and whether the cargo was secured according to federal standards. Our client Kiimarii Yup knows the devastation of these crashes—we helped them recover after losing everything in a trucking accident, getting them not just compensation but a “brand new truck” and so much more.

Rollover Accidents in Union County’s Hilly Terrain

Union County’s proximity to the Shawnee National Forest means our roads have elevation changes that challenge even experienced truckers. Rollovers occur when truckers take curves too fast, when cargo shifts in transit, or when drivers overcorrect after drifting off the road. These accidents often result in the truck crushing smaller vehicles or spilling hazardous cargo across Union County highways.

We investigate whether the driver was properly trained for Union County’s terrain under 49 CFR § 391.11, whether the cargo was properly secured under 49 CFR § 393.102, and whether the trucking company pressured the driver to maintain speeds unsafe for the curves near Cobden or the winding routes toward Balcom.

Underride Collisions: The Deadliest Union County Truck Accidents

Underride accidents occur when a passenger vehicle slides under the trailer of an 18-wheeler. These are among the most fatal accidents on Union County roads, often resulting in decapitation or catastrophic head injuries. They happen when trucks cut off traffic while making wide turns on Union County’s rural intersections, when trucks stop suddenly on I-57 without proper lighting, or when trailers lack adequate rear guards.

Federal law under 49 CFR § 393.86 requires rear impact guards on trailers, yet many trucks on Union County roads have inadequate or damaged guards. We inspect these immediately because trucking companies often “fix” the guards after accidents to hide violations.

Rear-End Collisions on Union County’s Interstates

An 18-wheeler needs approximately 525 feet to stop from 65 mph—nearly two football fields. On Union County’s I-57, where traffic often slows unexpectedly near the Jonesboro exits or during agricultural transport seasons, rear-end collisions occur when fatigued or distracted truckers fail to stop in time. These accidents cause devastating crushing injuries and traumatic brain injuries.

Our team immediately subpoenas ECM (electronic control module) data to prove the truck’s speed at impact, ELD logs to determine if the driver violated hours-of-service regulations under 49 CFR § 395, and cell phone records to check for distracted driving violations under 49 CFR § 392.82.

Wide Turn Accidents at Union County Intersections

Trucks making right turns often swing wide into left lanes before completing the turn—a maneuver called “squeeze play” that traps unsuspecting motorists. In Union County’s downtown Jonesboro area, at intersections near Anna, and along the state routes connecting to Cairo, these accidents occur when truckers fail to check blind spots or signal properly. We hold drivers accountable for violating 49 CFR § 392.11’s requirement to operate safely and maintain proper lookout.

Blind Spot Accidents on Union County Highways

18-wheelers have massive blind spots—20 feet in front, 30 feet behind, and large zones on both sides. When truckers change lanes on I-57 without checking these “no-zones,” they sideswipe passenger vehicles or force them off the road. These accidents are particularly common near the Interstate 64 junction where traffic patterns shift rapidly.

We investigate whether the truck’s mirrors met federal standards under 49 CFR § 393.80 and whether the driver was properly trained to check blind spots under 49 CFR § 391.15.

Tire Blowouts and RunawayDebris

Union County’s hot summers and cold winters stress truck tires, yet trucking companies often defer maintenance to save money. When a tire blows at highway speeds, the trucker loses control, causing jackknifes or rollovers. Debris from blowouts—called “road gators”—also causes secondary accidents when passenger vehicles swerve to avoid them.

Federal regulations under 49 CFR § 393.75 mandate minimum tread depths and tire conditions, yet we frequently find violations in Union County accident investigations.

Brake Failure Accidents

Brake problems contribute to approximately 29% of large truck crashes. On Union County’s downhill grades and at the approaches to stoplights on busy routes, brake failures cause devastating rear-end collisions. Trucking companies must maintain brake systems under 49 CFR § 396.3, yet many violate these rules.

We send spoliation letters immediately to preserve brake inspection records before they can be altered or destroyed.

Cargo Spills and Hazardous Material Accidents

Union County’s position as an agricultural hub means trucks carry heavy loads of grain, equipment, and occasionally hazardous materials. When cargo spills on I-57 or onto county roads, it creates chain-reaction accidents and environmental hazards. Federal cargo securement rules under 49 CFR § 393.100 through 393.136 establish strict requirements for tiedowns and load distribution—requirements often ignored by companies prioritizing speed over safety.

Head-On Collisions

These occur when fatigued truckers cross centerlines on Union County’s two-lane highways or when impaired drivers lose control. The closing speed of two vehicles traveling 55 mph or faster creates unsurvivable forces. We investigate hours-of-service violations under 49 CFR § 395 and drug/alcohol testing under 49 CFR § 382.

T-Bone Intersection Accidents

At Union County’s rural intersections—many lacking traffic lights—trucks fail to yield or run stop signs, striking passenger vehicles broadside. These accidents often result from truckers rushing to make delivery deadlines on tight schedules that violate federal driving limits.

Sideswipe Accidents

Common on I-57’s narrow shoulders and during lane changes near the county’s agricultural processing facilities, sideswipes occur when truckers drift out of lanes or fail to account for their vehicle’s width on Union County’s narrower state highways.

Runaway Truck Accidents

On Union County’s steeper grades, particularly near the Shawnee National Forest boundaries, brake fade causes trucks to lose control on descents. Federal regulations require proper brake maintenance and driver training for mountain driving—standards often neglected by companies cutting corners.

Who Can Be Held Liable in Your Union County Trucking Accident?

Unlike car accidents where typically only one driver is at fault, 18-wheeler accidents involve multiple liable parties—and each may carry separate insurance policies. In Union County, we investigate every potential defendant to maximize your recovery.

The Truck Driver: The individual operator may be liable for speeding, distracted driving, fatigue, or impairment. We subpoena their driving records, ELD logs, and cell phone data immediately.

The Trucking Company (Motor Carrier): Under Illinois law and the doctrine of respondeat superior, companies are responsible for their drivers’ negligence. Additionally, we pursue direct negligence claims for negligent hiring (failing to verify CDL qualifications under 49 CFR § 391.11), negligent training (violating 49 CFR § 391.15), negligent supervision (ignoring HOS violations), and negligent maintenance (violating 49 CFR § 396.3).

The Cargo Owner/Shipper: Companies loading goods onto trucks in Union County may share liability for overweight loads or improper loading instructions that caused stability issues.

The Loading Company: Third-party loaders who failed to secure cargo under 49 CFR § 393.100 may be liable when shifting loads cause rollovers or jackknifes.

Truck and Trailer Manufacturers: Defective brakes, tires, or stability control systems that contributed to your Union County accident create product liability claims against manufacturers.

Parts Manufacturers: Companies producing defective brake components or tires that failed on Union County highways share responsibility.

Maintenance Companies: Third-party mechanics who performed negligent brake repairs or missed critical safety issues during inspections may be liable under 49 CFR § 396.17.

Freight Brokers: Brokers who arranged transportation using carriers with poor safety records (available on FMCSA’s SAFER system) may face negligent selection liability.

Truck Owner (Owner-Operators): In lease situations, the owner may share liability for negligent entrustment or maintenance failures.

Government Entities: While sovereign immunity limits claims against government in Union County, dangerous road designs or inadequate signage may create liability under Illinois law.

Critical Evidence Preservation: The 48-Hour Rule

In Union County 18-wheeler accident cases, evidence disappears fast. Trucking companies have rapid-response teams that arrive at crash scenes before the ambulance leaves—working to protect their interests, not yours. If you don’t act immediately, critical evidence will be lost forever.

Black Box Data: ECM (electronic control module) data records speed, braking, and throttle position before impact. This data can be overwritten within 30 days or with subsequent driving events.

ELD Logs: Electronic Logging Devices track hours of service under 49 CFR § 395.8. FMCSA only requires 6-month retention, and violations of the 11-hour driving limit or 14-hour duty window prove fatigue.

Driver Qualification Files: Under 49 CFR § 391.51, trucking companies must maintain files containing driver applications, medical certifications, and previous employer inquiries. These prove whether the company properly vetted the driver who hit you in Union County.

Maintenance Records: 49 CFR § 396.3 requires systematic inspection records. We frequently find Union County trucking companies claimed they inspected brakes “yesterday” but can’t produce documentation.

Dashboard Cameras: Many Union County trucks have forward-facing cameras that recorded the accident. Footage often gets “accidentally” deleted within days.

Drug and Alcohol Tests: Under 49 CFR § 382, post-accident testing must occur within specific windows. Delayed testing allows substances to clear the driver’s system.

When you call Attorney911 after a Union County trucking accident, we send spoliation letters within 24 hours demanding preservation of all evidence. We don’t wait—because the trucking company isn’t waiting.

FMCSA Regulations That Protect Union County Drivers

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) establishes strict rules governing commercial trucking. When trucking companies violate these regulations, they create the dangerous conditions that cause Union County accidents.

Hours of Service Violations (49 CFR Part 395)

The most common cause of Union County trucking accidents is driver fatigue. Federal law limits property-carrying drivers to:

• 11 hours maximum driving after 10 consecutive hours off duty
• 14-hour maximum duty window from the time the driver comes on duty
• 30-minute mandatory break after 8 cumulative hours of driving
• 60/70-hour weekly limits (60 hours in 7 days OR 70 hours in 8 days)

When we investigate Union County accidents, we immediately subpoena ELD data to prove violations. Client Donald Wilcox knows our tenacity—when other firms rejected his case, we fought and won a “handsome check” by proving exactly how the trucking company violated these rules.

Driver Qualification Standards (49 CFR Part 391)

Before any driver operates an 18-wheeler in Union County, trucking companies must verify:

• Valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)
• Medical examiner’s certificate proving physical fitness
• Clean driving record (no disqualifying offenses under 49 CFR § 391.15)
• Previous employment verification for the past 3 years
• Pre-employment drug testing under 49 CFR § 382

Failure to maintain these Driver Qualification Files constitutes negligent hiring—a direct basis for liability against the trucking company.

Vehicle Inspection and Maintenance (49 CFR Part 396)

Trucking companies must systematically inspect, repair, and maintain vehicles. Drivers must complete pre-trip inspections checking brakes, tires, lights, and cargo securement. Post-trip reports under 49 CFR § 396.11 require drivers to note defects like brake problems or tire wear.

Annual inspections under 49 CFR § 396.17 require certified mechanics to examine 16+ vehicle systems. When companies defer maintenance to save money—common among Union County carriers cutting costs—they violate federal law and endanger lives.

Cargo Securement (49 CFR Part 393)

Federal rules require cargo to withstand 0.8g deceleration forces—meaning loads must stay secured during emergency braking. Tiedowns must have aggregate working load limits equal to half the cargo weight for loose items. When improperly secured grain, farm equipment, or manufactured goods shift on Union County’s curves, rollovers and jackknifes result.

Drug and Alcohol Prohibitions (49 CFR §§ 392.4-392.5)

Drivers cannot operate commercial vehicles with a blood alcohol concentration of 0.04% or higher (half the legal limit for passenger vehicles). They cannot use Schedule I substances or any drug that impairs driving ability. Yet we frequently find Union County drivers with positive tests or prescription medication impairments.

Catastrophic Injuries and Wrongful Death in Union County

The forces involved in Union County 18-wheeler accidents cause catastrophic injuries requiring lifetime care. We’ve recovered multi-million dollar settlements for:

Traumatic Brain Injuries ($1.5M – $9.8M+ range): From concussions to severe TBIs requiring 24/7 care. Symptoms include memory loss, personality changes, cognitive impairment, and loss of executive function. Our $5+ million settlement for a logging accident victim with TBI and vision loss demonstrates our capacity to handle these complex cases.

Spinal Cord Injuries ($4.7M – $25.8M+ range): Paraplegia and quadriplegia resulting from Union County trucking accidents require wheelchairs, home modifications, and lifelong medical care. Life care plans for these injuries often exceed $5 million.

Amputations ($1.9M – $8.6M range): Whether traumatic amputation at the scene or surgical removal due to crush injuries, prosthetics, rehabilitation, and vocational retraining create massive costs. Our $3.8+ million settlement for a car accident amputation victim shows our commitment to maximum recovery.

Severe Burns: Fuel fires from ruptured tanks or hazardous material spills cause third and fourth-degree burns requiring skin grafts, reconstructive surgery, and years of treatment.

Internal Organ Damage: Blunt force trauma from Union County trucking accidents causes liver lacerations, spleen ruptures, kidney damage, and internal bleeding requiring emergency surgery.

Wrongful Death ($1.9M – $9.5M range): When trucking accidents kill Union County residents, surviving spouses, children, and parents may recover lost income, loss of consortium, mental anguish, and funeral expenses under Illinois law.

Why Union County Families Choose Attorney911

When your family’s future is on the line after an 18-wheeler accident in Union County, you need more than a billboard lawyer—you need a fighter with federal court experience and a track record of multi-million dollar victories.

Ralph Manginello’s 25+ Years of Experience: Since 1998, Ralph has been holding trucking companies accountable. He’s fought Fortune 500 corporations like BP in the Texas City refinery litigation and secured settlements ranging from $1.5 million to $9.8 million for catastrophic injury victims. His federal court admission means he can handle complex interstate trucking cases that other Union County attorneys must refer out.

Lupe Peña’s Insurance Defense Insider Advantage: Our associate attorney spent years working for national insurance defense firms. He knows the playbook—how adjusters evaluate claims, what delays they use, and when they’re bluffing. As client Chad Harris said, “You are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.” That family treatment combined with insider knowledge gives Union County victims an edge.

Current Major Litigation: We’re not resting on past victories. Our firm is currently litigating a $10 million lawsuit against the University of Houston and Pi Kappa Phi fraternity, demonstrating our capacity to take on well-funded institutional defendants. We bring this same aggression to Union County trucking cases.

$50+ Million Recovered: Across all practice areas, we’ve recovered over $50 million for families. This includes multi-million dollar settlements for TBI, amputations, spinal injuries, and wrongful death.

Three Office Locations: While we’re based in Texas with offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, our federal court admission and interstate capabilities allow us to serve Union County, Illinois trucking accident victims with the same dedication we show our Texas clients.

Spanish Language Services: Hablamos Español. For Union County’s Hispanic community—and for Spanish-speaking truck drivers injured on Illinois roads—Lupe Peña provides fluent representation without interpreters. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911.

Illinois Law and Your Union County Trucking Case

Understanding Illinois law is crucial for Union County victims. You have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit (735 ILCS 5/13-202). For wrongful death claims, you have two years from the date of death (740 ILCS 180/2).

Illinois follows modified comparative negligence with a 51% bar rule. This means you can recover damages if you were 50% or less at fault, but your recovery reduces by your percentage of fault. If you’re 51% or more at fault, you recover nothing. This makes evidence preservation and aggressive investigation critical—and it’s why you need attorneys like Ralph Manginello who will fight to minimize any attributed fault.

Unlike some states, Illinois does not cap non-economic damages like pain and suffering in trucking accident cases. Punitive damages are also available when trucking companies act with willful and wanton disregard for safety—such as knowingly keeping dangerous drivers on the road or falsifying maintenance records.

Union County cases typically proceed through the First Judicial Circuit Court, with potential for federal court jurisdiction if the trucking company is from another state and damages exceed $75,000. Ralph Manginello’s federal court admission ensures seamless handling regardless of where litigation occurs.

50+ Frequently Asked Questions About Union County Trucking Accidents

Q: What should I do immediately after an 18-wheeler accident in Union County?
Call 911, seek medical attention immediately (even if you feel fine—adrenaline masks injuries), photograph everything including the truck’s DOT number, get witness information, and contact Attorney911 before speaking to insurance adjusters. Do not give recorded statements.

Q: How long do I have to file a lawsuit in Union County?
Two years from the accident date under Illinois law. However, evidence disappears much faster—black box data may overwrite in 30 days. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 immediately.

Q: Can I recover if I was partially at fault?
Yes, under Illinois’ modified comparative negligence law, as long as you were 50% or less at fault. Your recovery reduces by your fault percentage. Ralph Manginello knows how to minimize attributed fault using ECM data and accident reconstruction.

Q: Who can be sued besides the driver?
The trucking company, cargo owner, loading company, maintenance providers, freight brokers, manufacturers, and potentially government entities if road conditions contributed. We investigate all liable parties to maximize your Union County recovery.

Q: How much is my case worth?
It depends on injury severity, medical costs, lost income, and available insurance. Trucking companies carry $750,000 to $5 million in coverage. We’ve recovered settlements from $1.5 million to $9.8 million for severe injuries.

Q: What is a spoliation letter?
A legal notice demanding preservation of evidence like black box data, ELD logs, and maintenance records. We send these within 24 hours of being retained for Union County accidents to prevent evidence destruction.

Q: How do I pay for medical care while my case is pending?
We help Union County clients find medical providers willing to work on liens—meaning they get paid when your case settles. We also advance case costs so you pay nothing upfront.

Q: What if the trucking company is from out of state?
We can file in federal court or Illinois state court. Ralph Manginello’s dual-state licensure (Texas and New York) and federal court admission means we can pursue out-of-state defendants effectively.

Q: How long will my case take?
Simple Union County cases may settle in 6-12 months. Complex cases involving catastrophic injuries or multiple defendants may take 18-36 months. We work efficiently while ensuring maximum recovery.

Q: Do I need to pay anything upfront?
No. We work on contingency—33.33% pre-trial, 40% if trial is necessary. You pay nothing unless we win. Glenda Walker appreciated that we “fought for me to get every dime I deserved” without upfront costs.

Q: Can undocumented immigrants file claims?
Yes. Immigration status does not affect your right to compensation after a Union County trucking accident.

Q: What if the trucking company destroyed evidence?
Courts can impose sanctions, instruct juries to assume the evidence was unfavorable, or enter default judgment. Our immediate spoliation letters prevent this.

Q: How do you prove driver fatigue?
We subpoena ELD data showing hours-of-service violations under 49 CFR § 395, analyze cell phone records, and review dispatch records showing unrealistic schedules.

Q: What are “no-zones” on trucks?
Blind spots—20 feet in front, 30 feet behind, and large areas on both sides. If the truck driver failed to check these before changing lanes on I-57, they violated safety regulations.

Q: Can I sue for PTSD after a Union County trucking accident?
Yes. Mental anguish, PTSD, and emotional distress are compensable damages under Illinois law. We work with psychologists to document these injuries.

Q: What if my child was injured?
Parents can file claims for minors. Settlement amounts for children are typically placed in protected accounts until age 18.

Q: How do I know if the truck had maintenance violations?
We obtain FMCSA inspection records and the carrier’s CSA scores. Poor maintenance histories prove the company knew its vehicles were dangerous.

Q: What is the MCS-90 endorsement?
A federal insurance provision ensuring minimum damages are covered even if the policy has exclusions. We know how to access these federal guarantees.

Q: Should I accept the insurance company’s first offer?
Absolutely not. First offers are always lowball amounts designed to close cases cheaply. Ernest Cano noted we “fight tooth and nail”—we don’t accept inadequate offers.

Q: How do I document pain and suffering?
Keep a daily journal describing your pain, limitations, and emotional state. Photograph visible injuries. We use this to justify non-economic damages.

Q: What if the truck was carrying hazardous materials?
These cases involve additional federal regulations under 49 CFR Part 397 and require specialized handling. We have experience with hazmat trucking accidents.

Q: Can I recover for lost wages if I’m self-employed?
Yes, though calculating lost income for Union County business owners requires economic experts. We work with vocational specialists to prove these damages.

Q: What if the accident aggravated a pre-existing condition?
The “eggshell plaintiff” rule means defendants take victims as they find them. You can recover for the aggravation of prior injuries.

Q: How do I choose the right Union County trucking attorney?
Look for federal court experience (Ralph Manginello has this), former insurance defense background (Lupe Peña provides this), multi-million dollar results, and 24/7 availability. Ask how quickly they send spoliation letters.

Q: What is a nuclear verdict?
Multi-million or billion-dollar jury awards becoming more common in trucking cases. While most Union County cases settle, our willingness to trial—and our track record with major verdicts—drives better settlements.

Q: Can I get punitive damages?
Yes, if the trucking company acted with gross negligence—such as knowingly keeping a dangerous driver, falsifying logs, or destroying evidence.

Q: What if the driver was an independent contractor?
We investigate whether the trucking company exercised control over the driver. If so, vicarious liability still applies. We also pursue the owner-operator’s insurance.

Q: How do you handle Union County’s winter weather accidents?
We investigate whether the driver adjusted speed for conditions under 49 CFR § 392.14, whether tires were appropriate for winter, and whether the company pressured drivers to drive in unsafe conditions.

Q: What if the trucking company files bankruptcy?
Federal law makes certain trucking insurance policies bankruptcy-remote. We pursue direct action against insurers when necessary.

Q: Do I need to attend every medical appointment?
Yes. Gaps in treatment allow insurance companies to argue you weren’t seriously injured. Follow all doctor recommendations.

Q: Can I recover for future medical expenses?
Yes. We use life care planners and medical experts to project future costs for catastrophic injuries.

Q: What if I was injured while working?
You may have both workers’ compensation and third-party claims against the trucking company. We coordinate these to maximize recovery.

Q: How do I prove the truck was overweight?
We subpoena weight tickets, bills of lading, and loading records. Overweight trucks violate 49 CFR § 393 and state laws.

Q: What is loss of consortium?
Compensation for the impact on your marital relationship—loss of companionship, affection, and support—available to spouses in Union County wrongful death and severe injury cases.

Q: Can I sue for a loved one’s death?
Yes. Illinois allows wrongful death claims by surviving spouses, children, and parents within two years of death.

Q: What if the truck had defective parts?
We pursue product liability claims against manufacturers under Illinois strict liability law.

Q: How do Union County’s rural roads affect my case?
Rural roads may lack traffic cameras, making witness testimony and black box data more crucial. Our immediate investigation preserves this evidence.

Q: What if the driver didn’t have a CDL?
This constitutes negligent hiring by the trucking company under 49 CFR § 391.11—automatic liability for the company.

Q: How do I handle social media during my case?
Stay off it. Insurance companies monitor posts and will use photos of you smiling to argue you aren’t injured.

Q: What if the trucking company is denying everything?
We prepare every case for trial. Our reputation for aggressive litigation—backed by Ralph Manginello’s federal court experience—often brings unreasonable companies to the negotiating table.

Q: Can I get my vehicle replaced immediately?
Insurance should provide rental coverage. We help expedite property damage claims while litigating injury claims.

Q: What is the difference between economic and non-economic damages?
Economic damages are calculable costs (medical bills, lost wages). Non-economic damages are quality-of-life losses (pain, suffering, loss of enjoyment). Illinois allows full recovery for both.

Q: How do I know you’re the right firm for my Union County case?
Client Angel Walle said we “solved in a couple of months what others did nothing about in two years.” We offer free consultations—call 1-888-ATTY-911 and judge for yourself.

Call Attorney911 Today: Your Union County Recovery Starts Now

The clock is already ticking. Evidence from your Union County trucking accident is disappearing—black box data overwrites, witnesses forget, and the trucking company is already building their defense. You don’t have to face this alone.

Ralph Manginello has spent 25 years making trucking companies pay for the devastation they’ve caused. From the BP Texas City explosion to the $10 million hazing litigation we’re currently handling, we don’t back down from corporate giants. And we won’t back down from the trucking company that injured you in Union County.

With Lupe Peña’s insider knowledge of insurance company tactics and our firm’s 4.9-star rating from 251+ reviews, you get the dual advantage of insider strategy and proven results. We treat you like family—not a case number. As Chad Harris said, “You are FAMILY to them.”

You pay nothing unless we win. No upfront costs. No hourly fees. Just aggressive, experienced representation focused on maximizing your recovery.

If you’ve been injured in an 18-wheeler accident anywhere in Union County—from Jonesboro to Anna, from the I-57 corridor to the rural roads near Cobden—call Attorney911 immediately.

1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)

Hablamos Español. Llame a Lupe Peña al 1-888-ATTY-911.

Don’t let the trucking company win. Your fight starts with one call. We answer. We fight. We win.