18-Wheeler Accident Attorneys in Cass County, Indiana

When an 80,000-Pound Truck Changes Everything

The corn trucks were running heavy that morning on US-24. You were on your way to work in Logansport, coffee still hot, when the trailer ahead didn’t stop for the red light. In an instant, your sedan was crushed beneath 80,000 pounds of steel and grain.

If you’re reading this, you’re likely living this nightmare right now. Maybe you’re recovering in a Cass County hospital. Maybe you’re dealing with the aftermath of a loved one’s fatal crash on I-65. Or perhaps you’re watching medical bills mount while the trucking company’s insurance adjuster keeps calling.

At Attorney911, we understand what you’re facing. Ralph Manginello has spent over 25 years fighting for trucking accident victims across America’s heartland, including right here in Cass County, Indiana. We’ve stood toe-to-toe with Fortune 500 shipping companies and recovered multi-million dollar settlements for families just like yours. And here’s the thing you need to know right now: evidence in your Cass County trucking accident case is disappearing every hour you wait.

Call us at 1-888-ATTY-911 before that evidence vanishes forever. We’re available 24/7, and we mean that. When we say we’re your legal emergency responders, we treat your Cass County crash with the same urgency we’d treat one in our Houston home office—because your family deserves nothing less.

Why Trucking Accidents in Cass County Are Different

Cass County sits at the agricultural heart of Indiana, surrounded by some of the busiest trucking corridors in the Midwest. US-35 runs right through Logansport, connecting the agricultural belts to manufacturing centers. US-24 carries freight east toward Fort Wayne and west toward the Illinois border. And just a short drive away, I-65 serves as the north-south spine of the Midwest, carrying trucks from the Gulf ports all the way to the Great Lakes.

This isn’t just dangerous—it’s deadly. When an 18-wheeler loaded with Indiana corn or soybeans collides with a passenger vehicle on these rural highways, the physics are brutal. Your vehicle weighs roughly 4,000 pounds. That truck? Up to 80,000 pounds. That’s not a fair fight. And when Cass County’s winter ice hits those brakes, or when a driver pushing past the 11-hour federal limit falls asleep on US-24, catastrophic injuries inevitably follow.

But here’s what makes Cass County trucking cases legally complex: Indiana’s “Crossroads of America” status means those trucks might be governed by Texas dispatchers, insured by companies in New York, and hauling cargo bound for California. That’s why you need attorneys with federal court experience. Ralph Manginello is admitted to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas—and that federal admission allows us to handle your Cass County case regardless of where the trucking company is headquartered.

Meet the Team Fighting for Cass County Families

Ralph Manginello founded Attorney911 in 1998 with a simple mission: treat clients like family, period. With over 25 years of courtroom experience and a track record that includes the BP Texas City Refinery explosion litigation (where we fought for victims of one of America’s deadliest industrial disasters), Ralph brings Fortune 500-sized firepower to your Cass County case.

But there’s a secret weapon in our arsenal that trucking companies fear: Lupe Peña, our associate attorney who spent years defending insurance companies before joining our team. You read that right. Lupe used to work for the big insurance defense firms—the very ones trying to minimize your settlement right now. He knows their playbook. He knows when they’re bluffing. And now, he uses that insider knowledge to fight for you. As client Chad Harris told us: “You are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.”

Our firm has recovered over $50 million for accident victims, including a $5+ million settlement for a traumatic brain injury victim struck by a falling log, and a $3.8+ million settlement for a client who suffered a partial leg amputation after a crash led to medical complications. We recently filed a $10 million lawsuit against the University of Houston for hazing-related injuries, demonstrating we’re not afraid to take on powerful institutions.

With offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we regularly travel to Cass County and throughout Indiana to serve trucking accident victims. And because Ralph maintains licensure in both Texas and New York, we can handle complex interstate cases that cross state lines—common in the trucking industry.

Hablamos Español. Si necesita ayuda después de un accidente de camión en Cass County, llame a Lupe Peña al 1-888-ATTY-911. Ofrecemos ayuda en español sin necesidad de interpretes.

The 48-Hour Evidence Crisis

If you’ve been hit by an 18-wheeler in Cass County, the trucking company already has lawyers working—right now. Before the ambulance even left the scene on US-35 or IN-25, the motor carrier likely dispatched a rapid-response team to protect their interests.

Critical evidence is disappearing as you read this:

• ECM/Black Box Data: Overwrites in as little as 30 days, sometimes with new driving events
• ELD Logs: Electronic logging device records showing hours-of-service violations may only be retained for 6 months
• Dashcam Footage: Often deleted within 7-14 days
• Driver Qualification Files: The trucking company “loses” these with alarming regularity after crashes
• Drug and Alcohol Tests: Must be conducted within specific windows, and results can vanish

Every hour you wait is an hour the trucking company uses to build their defense. That’s why we send spoliation letters within 24 hours of being retained. These legal notices demand preservation of all evidence and put the trucking company on notice that destroying records will result in serious legal sanctions—including adverse inference instructions to the jury.

Call 1-888-288-9911 right now. The consultation is free, and we work on contingency—you pay nothing unless we win.

Types of 18-Wheeler Accidents We Handle in Cass County

Jackknife Accidents on Indiana’s Rural Highways

When an empty or lightly loaded trailer swings across icy US-24 in January, blocking both lanes of traffic, it creates a deadly obstacle for unsuspecting Cass County drivers. Jackknives often occur when truckers brake too hard on the curve near the Wabash River or when speed doesn’t match winter conditions.

Why this matters for your case: Jackknives typically indicate driver error or equipment failure. Under 49 CFR § 392.6, truckers must adjust speed for conditions. When they don’t, and their trailer blocks Indiana highways, we prove negligence using ECM data showing speed and brake application timing.

Rollover Accidents and Agricultural Loads

Cass County’s agricultural economy means trucks loaded with grain, livestock, or equipment traverse our roads daily. When these loads shift—especially liquid loads like milk or fuel that “slosh” and change the center of gravity—rollover accidents occur. These are particularly common on the curves of IN-25 and rural county roads.

FMCSA Connection: 49 CFR § 393.100-136 governs cargo securement. If the loading company in Logansport failed to properly secure that grain shipment, or if the trucking company pressured the driver to take an unsafe route to avoid weigh stations, we hold them accountable.

Underride Collisions: The Most Fatal Truck Crashes

Underride accidents—where your vehicle slides under the trailer—are devastatingly common on Cass County’s high-speed rural routes like US-35. Because Indiana still sees significant traffic from older trailers, inadequate rear impact guards (required under 49 CFR § 393.86 for trailers manufactured after 1998) can mean the difference between a survivable crash and a fatal decapitation.

We investigate underride guard condition, rear lighting compliance, and whether the trucking company maintained proper reflective tape—required by federal law to make trailers visible on dark Indiana roads.

Rear-End Collisions: The Physics of Disaster

A fully loaded truck traveling at 65 mph needs nearly two football fields (525 feet) to stop. When a distracted trucker following you on I-65 near the Cass County line fails to brake in time, the resulting rear-end collision often causes traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, or wrongful death.

The Regulation: 49 CFR § 392.11 requires truckers maintain safe following distances. We download ELD data and ECM records to prove the driver was too close, too fast, or too distracted.

Wide Turn Accidents in Downtown Logansport

The tight intersections of Cass County’s county seat create perfect conditions for “squeeze play” accidents. When an 18-wheeler swings wide left to make a right turn onto Market Street or Main Street, unsuspecting drivers in the adjacent lane get crushed. These accidents often involve 49 CFR § 392.11 violations (unsafe lane changes) and failure to signal properly.

Blind Spot (No-Zone) Accidents

An 18-wheeler has massive blind spots: 20 feet directly in front, 30 feet behind, and extending diagonally back from the cab—particularly dangerous on the right side. When a trucker changes lanes on US-24 without checking these “no-zones,” your vehicle can be sideswiped into a ditch.

Federal law (49 CFR § 393.80) requires proper mirrors. If the trucking company failed to maintain adjustable mirrors or the driver didn’t use them, that’s negligence.

Tire Blowouts in Extreme Weather

Indiana’s summer heat and winter cold extremes stress truck tires. When a steer tire blows at highway speed, the driver loses control instantly. “Road gators”—shredded tire debris—littering US-35 and I-65 cause secondary accidents when drivers swerve to avoid them.

49 CFR § 393.75 mandates minimum tread depth (4/32″ on steer tires). We subpoena maintenance records to prove the trucking company knew these tires were bald and dangerous.

Brake Failures on Indiana’s Grades

While Cass County is relatively flat, nearby I-65 and US-24 have grades that test braking systems. Brake failures causing runaway trucks account for approximately 29% of large truck crashes. Under 49 CFR § 396.3, carriers must systematically inspect and maintain brakes. When they skip these inspections to save money, people die.

Cargo Spills and Hazmat Incidents

Cass County’s position as an agricultural hub means trucks carry fertilizers, chemicals, and grain. When these spill on Indiana highways—whether from improper loading under 49 CFR § 393.100 or defective containment systems—they create fire hazards, chemical exposure risks, and multi-vehicle pileups.

Head-On Collisions from Driver Fatigue

Truckers pushing past the 11-hour driving limit (49 CFR § 395.3) on long hauls through Indiana often drift across the center line on rural roads like IN-25. These head-on collisions, with combined speeds exceeding 130 mph, are almost always fatal or result in catastrophic spinal injuries.

All Liable Parties We Pursue in Cass County Cases

Unlike simple car accidents, trucking crashes involve multiple potentially liable parties. We investigate everyone:

1. The Truck Driver

• Direct negligence: speeding, distraction, fatigue, impairment
• 49 CFR § 391.11 violations: driving without proper qualifications
• Cell phone records proving distraction (49 CFR § 392.82 prohibits handheld phone use)

2. The Trucking Company/Motor Carrier

• Respondeat superior liability (employer responsible for employee negligence)
• Negligent hiring: failure to check driver history under 49 CFR § 391.51
• Negligent supervision: ignoring known HOS violations
• Negligent maintenance: skipping 49 CFR § 396.3 inspection requirements

3. Cargo Owner/Shipper

• Improper loading instructions causing weight imbalance
• Pressure to expedite delivery beyond safe limits
• Failure to disclose hazardous nature of cargo

4. Loading Companies

• Improper cargo securement under 49 CFR § 393.100-136
• Unbalanced load distribution causing rollovers
• Overloading beyond vehicle ratings

5. Truck/Trailer Manufacturers

• Defective brake systems
• Faulty underride guards
• Transmission or steering defects

6. Parts Manufacturers

• Defective tires causing blowouts
• Failed brake components
• Faulty lighting systems

7. Maintenance Companies

• Negligent repairs
• Failure to identify critical safety issues
• Improper brake adjustments

8. Freight Brokers

• Negligent carrier selection (hiring trucking companies with poor safety records)
• Failure to verify insurance and authority

9. Truck Owner (if different from carrier)

• Negligent entrustment
• Failure to maintain owned equipment

10. Government Entities

• Indiana DOT or Cass County highway departments for dangerous road design
• Failure to maintain safe road conditions
• Inadequate signage for known hazards

We file lawsuits against all responsible parties. Why? Because more defendants mean more insurance coverage, and more coverage means full compensation for your catastrophic injuries.

Indiana Law and Your Cass County Trucking Case

Understanding Indiana’s specific legal landscape is crucial for maximizing your recovery.

Statute of Limitations: The Clock Is Ticking

In Indiana, you have two years from the date of your trucking accident to file a personal injury lawsuit (Indiana Code § 34-11-2-4). For wrongful death claims, the deadline is also generally two years from the date of death.

Do not wait. Critical evidence begins disappearing immediately. We need to secure black box data, ELD logs, and maintenance records before they’re destroyed. Call us today at 888-ATTY-911.

Modified Comparative Negligence: The 51% Bar Rule

Indiana follows a modified comparative negligence rule with a 51% bar (Indiana Code § 34-51-2-6). This means:

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

Trucking companies and their insurers love to blame victims. They’ll claim you were speeding, failed to yield, or driving distracted. Our job is to prove what really happened using objective data—ECM downloads, GPS records, and ELD data that doesn’t lie.

No Caps on Damages

Unlike some states, Indiana does not cap compensatory damages for personal injury cases (except for specific medical malpractice claims). This means your full medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and future care costs are recoverable. Additionally, Indiana allows punitive damages in cases of “malice, fraud, gross negligence or willful misconduct” (Indiana Code § 34-51-3-2), though these are rare and require clear and convincing evidence.

Catastrophic Injuries and Their Lifetime Costs

The sheer physics of 80,000 pounds versus 4,000 pounds ensures that Cass County trucking accidents cause catastrophic injuries:

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

Settlement ranges: $1.5 million to $9.8 million+
Symptoms include headaches, memory loss, cognitive deficits, personality changes, and depression. Many TBI victims require lifelong cognitive rehabilitation and cannot return to work.

Spinal Cord Injury and Paralysis

Settlement ranges: $4.7 million to $25.8 million+
Paraplegia and quadriplegia require home modifications, wheelchairs, and 24/7 care. The lifetime cost for a 25-year-old quadriplegic can exceed $5 million in medical costs alone.

Amputation

Settlement ranges: $1.9 million to $8.6 million
Modern prosthetics cost $5,000-$50,000 and require replacement every few years. Phantom limb pain and psychological trauma add to the suffering.

Severe Burns

From fuel fires or chemical spills, third and fourth-degree burns require skin grafts, reconstructive surgery, and result in permanent scarring and disfigurement.

Wrongful Death

Settlement ranges: $1.9 million to $9.5 million+
When trucking accidents kill Cass County residents, surviving spouses, children, and parents may recover for lost income, loss of companionship, mental anguish, and funeral expenses.

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations: The Rulebook They Broke

Every 18-wheeler on Cass County roads must comply with strict federal regulations. When trucking companies violate these rules, they pay.

49 CFR Part 391 – Driver Qualifications: Requires valid CDL, medical certification, and proper background checks. We subpoena Driver Qualification Files to find violations.

49 CFR Part 392 – Driving Rules: Prohibits driving while fatigued (§ 392.3), texting (§ 392.82), and speeding (§ 392.6). ELD data proves violations.

49 CFR Part 393 – Vehicle Safety: Mandates working brakes, lights, underride guards, and cargo securement. Post-crash inspections often find violations.

49 CFR Part 395 – Hours of Service (HOS): Limits driving to 11 hours after 10 hours off duty. The 14-hour duty window and 30-minute break rules are frequently violated. ELDs electronically log these hours—tamper-proof evidence we download immediately.

49 CFR Part 396 – Inspection and Maintenance: Requires systematic maintenance programs. When trucking companies defer brake repairs or tire replacements to save money, they violate federal law.

Insurance Coverage: Why Trucking Cases Are Worth More

Federal law requires trucking companies carry minimum liability insurance far exceeding Indiana’s auto minimums:

• $750,000 for general freight (non-hazmat)
• $1,000,000 for oil, large equipment, and passenger carriers
• $5,000,000 for hazardous materials

Many carriers carry $1-5 million or more in coverage. This means there’s actually money available to pay for your catastrophic injuries—unlike typical car accidents where Indiana’s minimum coverage is only $25,000 per person.

But accessing these funds requires knowing how to navigate commercial insurance policies, MCS-90 endorsements, and self-insured retentions. Our former insurance defense attorney, Lupe Peña, knows exactly where to look and what exclusions the insurers are hiding.

Cass County’s Dangerous Trucking Corridors

Our experience with Cass County trucking accidents has identified high-risk areas specific to our community:

US-35 (Joplin Street/College Street through Logansport): Heavy truck traffic through downtown, frequent wide-turn accidents at intersections.

US-24 (East Market Street): High-speed corridor with limited visibility in winter weather. Site of numerous jackknife and rollover accidents involving agricultural loads.

IN-25 (Dividing line between Cass and Miami counties): Narrow shoulders and sharp curves create hazardous conditions for trucks that drift.

I-65 (Just west of Cass County line): The major north-south freight corridor connecting Indianapolis to Chicago. Extreme congestion and high speeds create deadly rear-end collision risks.

Rural County Roads: Unmarked private drives and agricultural crossings create unexpected hazards. Trucks exiting farm fields onto paved roads often fail to yield or properly signal.

Frequently Asked Questions for Cass County Trucking Accident Victims

Q: How long do I have to file a lawsuit after my Cass County trucking accident?
A: Indiana law gives you two years from the accident date. However, evidence disappears much faster. Call us immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911.

Q: What if the trucking company says I was partially at fault?
A: Under Indiana’s modified comparative negligence rule, you can recover as long as you’re 50% or less at fault. We use ECM data and accident reconstruction to prove the truck driver was primarily responsible.

Q: Will my case go to trial?
A: Most settle, but we prepare every case for trial. Insurance companies offer better settlements when they know your attorney will take them to court—and Ralph Manginello has 25+ years of trial experience.

Q: How much is my case worth?
A: It depends on injury severity, medical costs, lost wages, and insurance coverage. With trucking companies carrying $750,000 to $5 million in coverage, serious injury cases often settle for hundreds of thousands to millions.

Q: Can I afford an attorney?
A: Absolutely. We work on contingency—you pay nothing unless we win. We advance all costs for experts, depositions, and investigations.

Q: What if the truck driver was from another state?
A: That’s common in interstate trucking. Because Ralph Manginello is admitted to federal court, we can pursue your case regardless of where the driver or company is based.

Q: Do you handle Spanish-speaking clients in Cass County?
A: Sí. Lupe Peña es bilingüe y puede ayudarle directamente sin necesidad de intérpretes. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911.

Q: What should I do if the trucking company’s insurance calls me?
A: Do not give a recorded statement. Adjusters are trained to minimize your claim. Refer them to your attorney—call us first.

The Attorney911 Advantage: Why Cass County Chooses Us

When Donald Wilcox came to us after another firm rejected his case, we said yes. He later 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.”

When Glenda Walker needed someone to fight for “every dime” she deserved after her crash, we didn’t settle for the insurance company’s first lowball offer. She said: “They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.”

And when Angel Walle was frustrated by years of delays, we resolved his case in months. He said: “They solved in a couple of months what others did nothing about in two years.”

This is because we:

• Investigate deeper than other firms, finding all liable parties and insurance coverage
• Preserve evidence immediately with spoliation letters sent within 24 hours
• Include a former insurance defense attorney who knows exactly how adjusters think
• Have federal court experience to handle complex interstate cases
• Treat you like family, not a case number

Our 4.9-star Google rating from over 251 verified reviews reflects our commitment to client communication. As Dame Haskett noted: “Consistent communication and not one time did I call and not get a clear answer… Ralph reached out personally.”

Call Attorney911 Today: Your Cass County Legal Emergency Starts Here

The trucking company has lawyers. Their insurance company has adjusters. They have rapid-response teams investigating the scene while you’re still in the hospital.

What do you have?

You have Attorney911. And we’re ready to fight.

Call 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911) right now. The consultation is free. We work on contingency—you pay nothing unless we win. And we advance all investigation costs, including the ECM downloads and accident reconstruction experts necessary to prove your case.

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

From Logansport to the cornfields of rural Cass County, from the Wabash River crossings to the I-65 corridor, we fight for Indiana families hit by 18-wheelers.

Call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911. We answer. We fight. We win.

Attorney911 / The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC
Houston • Austin • Beaumont
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