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18-Wheeler Accident Attorneys in Clark County, Indiana

When 80,000 Pounds of Steel Changes Your Life Forever

The sound is unmistakable. The impact is catastrophic. One moment you’re driving along I-65 through Clark County, heading toward Louisville or Indianapolis, and the next moment your life is changed forever. An 80,000-pound semi-truck doesn’t give you a fair fight. It doesn’t wait for you to react. And it definitely doesn’t care about your family, your job, or your future.

If you’re reading this because an 18-wheeler accident in Clark County has left you injured, overwhelmed, or grieving the loss of a loved one, you need to know something critical: the trucking company already has lawyers working to protect them. They’re sending rapid-response teams to the scene. They’re downloading black box data. They’re building their defense while you’re still in the hospital. Every hour you wait gives them an advantage.

We don’t think that’s right. At Attorney911, we’ve spent over 25 years fighting for trucking accident victims. Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has been holding trucking companies accountable since 1998. We’ve recovered multi-million dollar settlements for families just like yours—$5 million for a traumatic brain injury victim, $3.8 million for an amputation case, and millions more for families throughout Indiana and across the country who found themselves in the same devastating position you’re in right now.

The clock is already ticking. In Indiana, you have just two years to file your claim, but critical evidence can disappear in days. Call us now at 1-888-ATTY-911 before the trucking company has time to hide what really happened.

Why Clark County’s Highways Are Especially Dangerous for Trucking Accidents

Clark County sits at a dangerous intersection of America’s freight corridors. We’re not just talking about local roads—though Jeffersonville and New Albany see plenty of commercial traffic. We’re talking about I-65, one of the deadliest stretches of interstate in the Midwest, cutting right through the heart of our county. This corridor connects the Great Lakes to the Gulf of Mexico, carrying massive tonnage of freight through Indiana every single day.

Think about what this means for Clark County drivers:

• I-65 runs north-south through the county, handling freight moving between Indianapolis, Louisville, Nashville, and beyond. It’s a primary route for time-sensitive deliveries, which means pressured drivers and tight schedules.
• I-64 cuts east-west nearby, connecting St. Louis to Louisville, creating heavy truck traffic through the Ohio River Valley.
• I-70 and I-74 are within reach, making Clark County a crossroads for transcontinental shipping.
• The Port of Indiana-Jeffersonville and nearby Louisville’s UPS Worldport create massive local trucking volumes as cargo transfers between rail, air, and road.

But it’s not just the volume of trucks that makes Clark County dangerous. It’s the conditions. Indiana winters bring ice storms and sudden snow squalls that turn I-65 into a sheet of glass. Summer thunderstorms roll through the Ohio River Valley with little warning. Fog settles into the river valleys around New Albany and Jeffersonville, reducing visibility to near zero. When you combine 80,000 pounds of steel with slick roads and drivers pushing hour limits, you get catastrophic results.

We know these roads. We know the weigh stations where violations get overlooked. We know the distribution centers where schedules get prioritized over safety. And we know how to investigate when a trucking company tries to claim “it was just an accident.”

The 25-Year Difference: Why Our Experience Matters in Clark County

You might be wondering why a Texas firm is the right choice for your Clark County case. Here’s the truth: federal trucking law is federal trucking law. An 18-wheeler operating in Indiana is governed by the same Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations that govern trucks in Texas. And Ralph Manginello—our managing partner—is admitted to federal court, including the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas, giving him the authority to handle interstate trucking cases nationwide.

For 25 years, Ralph has been fighting for accident victims. He started Attorney911 in 2001 with one goal: to provide immediate, aggressive help for people facing legal emergencies. He doesn’t just talk about being tough on trucking companies—he’s done it. He was part of the litigation team following the BP Texas City Refinery explosion in 2005, fighting against one of the largest corporations on earth after 15 workers were killed and 170 more injured. If he can stand up to BP, he can stand up to the trucking company that hit you.

But here’s what really sets us apart: we have a former insurance defense attorney on our team. Lupe Peña, our associate attorney, used to work for the insurance companies. He defended trucking companies and their insurers. He knows exactly how they evaluate claims, train adjusters to minimize payouts, and use software to lowball settlements. Now he uses that insider knowledge to fight against them. As client Chad Harris said about our firm: “You are NOT a pest to them and you are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.”

We also understand the Hispanic community in Clark County. Lupe is a third-generation Texan who speaks fluent Spanish. Hablamos Español. If Spanish is your first language, you don’t need an interpreter—you need an attorney who can fight for you directly. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 and ask for Lupe Peña.

The Seven Deadly Accident Types We See on Clark County Roads

Not all trucking accidents are the same, and in Clark County, certain types happen more often due to our geography and weather. Here are the seven most common—and most deadly—accidents we handle:

1. Jackknife Accidents on I-65

When a truck driver slams on the brakes during an Indiana ice storm, the trailer swings out perpendicular to the cab, creating a 53-foot wall of steel across the interstate. These accidents often involve multiple vehicles and catastrophic pileups. Under 49 CFR § 392.6, drivers must reduce speed for weather conditions. When they don’t, and jackknifing results, we prove negligence by analyzing ECM data showing speed and brake application timing.

2. Underride Collisions (The Silent Killer)

Perhaps the most horrifying trucking accident occurs when a passenger vehicle slides underneath a trailer, shearing off the roof of the car and decapitating occupants. These happen at night on I-65 when trailers lack proper rear guards or reflective tape. Under 49 CFR § 393.86, trailers must have rear impact guards, but many are defective or improperly maintained. We subpoena maintenance records to prove the trucking company knew their guards were inadequate.

3. Rollover Accidents on Ramps

The cloverleaf interchanges around Jeffersonville and the ramps connecting I-65 to I-265 are notorious for rollovers. Truckers taking these curves too fast—often because they’re rushing to meet delivery windows—tip their rigs. 49 CFR § 392.6 prohibits speeds that cause loss of control. When cargo shifts due to improper loading under 49 CFR § 393.100, rollover risks multiply. We investigate loading company liability alongside driver negligence.

4. Tire Blowouts on Summer Highways

Indiana’s summer heat causes tire failures, especially when trucking companies defer maintenance to save money. A blowout at 70 mph on I-65 causes immediate loss of control. Under 49 CFR § 393.75, tires must meet specific tread depth and condition standards. We inspect failed tires for heat damage and maintenance logs to prove the company knew they were putting dangerous vehicles on the road.

5. Brake Failure on Descents

While Clark County doesn’t have mountain passes, the bridges over the Ohio River and certain overpasses require careful braking. When brake systems fail due to poor maintenance (49 CFR § 396.3), 80,000 pounds of truck becomes an unstoppable missile. Brake problems contribute to 29% of truck crashes. We demand pre-trip and post-trip inspection reports (49 CFR § 396.11) to find the smoking gun.

6. Blind Spot Collisions

The “No-Zones” around trucks are deadly. When a trucker merges into your lane on I-65 without checking blind spots—which extend 30 feet behind and alongside the trailer—catastrophic sideswipe accidents occur. 49 CFR § 393.80 requires proper mirrors. We check if mirrors were adjusted and if the driver was properly trained on blind spot awareness.

7. Wide Turn Squeeze Play Crashes

Downtown Jeffersonville and New Albany have narrow streets designed long before modern trucking. When 18-wheelers swing wide to make right turns, they trap passenger vehicles in the “squeeze play.” These accidents often crush cars against curbs or buildings. Drivers are required to check mirrors and signal properly under 49 CFR § 392.11.

FMCSA Violations That Prove Negligence in Your Clark County Case

Federal regulations exist to prevent these accidents. When trucking companies break these rules, they become liable for the damage they cause. Here are the critical violations we look for in every Clark County case:

Hours of Service Violations (49 CFR Part 395)

• 11-hour driving limit: Drivers 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: Required after 8 cumulative hours of driving.
• ELD Mandate: Electronic Logging Devices must track compliance. We subpoena ELD data immediately—before it’s overwritten in 30 days.

Driver Qualification Failures (49 CFR Part 391)

• Medical certification required every 2 years.
• Pre-employment background checks mandatory.
• CDL verification required.

Vehicle Maintenance Negligence (49 CFR Part 396)

• Annual inspections required (49 CFR § 396.17).
• Pre-trip and post-trip inspections mandatory (49 CFR § 396.13).
• Brake systems must meet specific standards (49 CFR § 393.40).

Cargo Securement Failures (49 CFR Part 393)

• Tiedowns must withstand specific force tests.
• Load distribution requirements.
• Hazmat placarding rules.

When we find these violations, we don’t just use them to prove negligence—we use them to demand punitive damages for reckless disregard of human life.

Who Can We Sue? The Hidden Defendants Most Lawyers Miss

Most law firms sue the driver and trucking company, then settle for the policy limits. That’s not good enough when you’ve suffered catastrophic injuries. We investigate every potentially liable party because more defendants means more insurance coverage means full compensation for you.

1. The Truck Driver
Direct liability for speeding, distraction, fatigue, or impairment. We demand cell phone records and drug test results.

2. The Trucking Company (Motor Carrier)
Vicarious liability under “respondeat superior” doctrine. Plus direct liability for:

• Negligent hiring: Failed background checks revealing prior DUIs or accidents.
• Negligent training: No winter weather training for Indiana driving.
• Negligent supervision: Pressure to violate hours of service.
• Negligent maintenance: Deferred brake repairs, ignored recall notices.

3. The Cargo Owner (Shipper)
Companies loading at Clark County distribution centers who demanded impossible delivery times, creating pressure to speed or skip breaks.

4. The Loading Company
Third-party warehouses that failed to secure cargo properly, causing shifts that lead to rollovers.

5. Truck Manufacturer
Defective brakes, steering systems, or underride guards that failed during the crash.

6. Parts Manufacturers
Defective tires or brake components that caused the accident.

7. Maintenance Companies
Third-party mechanics who performed negligent repairs or signed off on unsafe vehicles.

8. Freight Brokers
Intermediaries who hired the cheapest carrier without checking safety ratings. We subpoena broker-carrier agreements to prove they ignored red flags.

9. Government Entities
Indiana Department of Transportation or Clark County officials if dangerous road design or lack of signage contributed to the crash.

Evidence That Disappears in 48 Hours (Or Less)

Here’s what the trucking company doesn’t want you to know: critical evidence can be legally destroyed if we don’t act immediately.

• ECM/Black Box Data: Overwrites in 30 days or with the next “hard brake” event.
• ELD Records: Only required to be kept for 6 months—unless we demand preservation.
• Dashcam Footage: Often deleted within 7-14 days.
• Driver’s Duty Status: Can be falsified if we don’t lock it down immediately.
• Cell Phone Records: Must be subpoenaed before the carrier purges them.

We send spoliation letters within 24 hours. These legal notices put the trucking company on notice that destroying evidence will result in court sanctions, adverse jury instructions, or default judgment. We’ve had cases where the judge instructed the jury to assume destroyed evidence would have proven our case—because it would have.

If you’re in Clark County and you’ve been hit by a truck, call 1-888-ATTY-911 now. Don’t wait until Monday. Don’t wait until you’re “feeling better.” The trucking company is working right now to protect themselves. You need someone working just as hard for you.

Catastrophic Injuries: The Real Cost of Trucking Accidents

We don’t handle fender-benders. We handle cases where lives are shattered. The injuries from 18-wheeler accidents aren’t just serious—they’re life-altering.

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
From concussions to severe brain damage requiring 24/7 care. Symptoms include memory loss, personality changes, inability to work. Settlement range: $1.5 million to $9.8 million+.

Spinal Cord Injuries
Paraplegia and quadriplegia from crushed vertebrae. Lifetime care costs exceed $4.7 million to $25.8 million. We calculate every future medical expense to ensure you’re not bankrupted by care costs.

Amputations
Crushing injuries often require limb removal. Prosthetics cost $50,000+ per limb, with replacements needed every few years. Settlement range: $1.9 million to $8.6 million.

Severe Burns
Fuel tank ruptures cause disfigurement requiring years of painful grafts and reconstructive surgery.

Wrongful Death
When trucking accidents take loved ones, we fight for the family. Indiana allows recovery for lost income, loss of consortium, and mental anguish. Settlement range: $1.9 million to $9.5 million+.

As client Glenda Walker told us: “They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.” That’s what we do. We don’t let trucking companies lowball you with an early settlement that doesn’t cover your future needs.

Indiana Law: What You Must Know for Your Clark County Case

Statute of Limitations: Under Indiana Code § 34-11-2-4, you have just two years from the date of the accident to file your lawsuit. Miss this deadline, and you lose your rights forever—no matter how severe your injuries.

Comparative Fault (Modified 51% Rule): Indiana follows a modified comparative negligence standard. If you’re found more than 50% at fault, you recover nothing. If you’re 50% or less at fault, your damages are reduced by your percentage of fault. This means the trucking company will try to blame you. We fight back with ECM data and accident reconstruction to prove their driver caused the crash.

Punitive Damages: Indiana allows punitive damages (up to three times compensatory damages or $50,000, whichever is greater) under Indiana Code § 34-52-0.5-5 when the trucking company acted with “malice, fraud, gross negligence, or oppressiveness.” This applies when companies knowingly put dangerous drivers on the road or falsify safety records.

Government Claims: If a government vehicle was involved, you must file a Tort Claims Notice within 180 days (or 270 days for state agencies) under Indiana law—much shorter than the general statute of limitations.

The Insurance Minimums: Why Trucking Cases Are Different

Unlike car accidents where the other driver might carry Indiana’s minimum $25,000 liability coverage, commercial trucks carry far more:

• $750,000 minimum for general freight (non-hazmat)
• $1,000,000 for oil, equipment, and motor vehicles
• $5,000,000 for hazardous materials

But here’s the secret: these are just minimums. Many carriers carry $1 million to $5 million in coverage. And when we find multiple liable parties—say, the trucking company, the broker, and the maintenance company—we can stack coverage for full compensation.

We recently settled a case for a client who had been rejected by another firm. As client Donald Wilcox said: “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.” Don’t let an attorney tell you your case isn’t worth pursuing before we’ve investigated the insurance coverage.

Frequently Asked Questions: Clark County 18-Wheeler Accidents

How do I know if I have a case?
If a truck hit you and you were injured, you likely have a case. Indiana requires only that the truck driver or company was negligent (failed to exercise reasonable care). Because trucks are dangerous by nature, the standard is higher. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free evaluation.

Should I talk to the trucking company’s insurance adjuster?
Absolutely not. They record everything you say to use against you. Politely decline and give them our number. As client Ernest Cano said, we “will fight tooth and nail for you”—but we can’t if you’ve already given a statement that hurts your case.

What if I was partially at fault?
Under Indiana’s 51% rule, you can recover damages if you’re not more than 50% at fault. Even if you were speeding, if the truck driver was exhausted or distracted, they may bear the majority of blame. We investigate thoroughly to minimize your fault percentage.

How much is my case worth?
It depends on injury severity, insurance coverage, and liability clarity. We don’t give false promises, but we can say we’ve recovered $50+ million for clients across all practice areas, including multi-million dollar trucking settlements.

Will I have to go to court?
Most cases settle, but we prepare every case for trial. Insurance companies know which lawyers are willing to go to court—and they offer better settlements to those lawyers. With our federal court experience and 25-year track record, they know we mean business.

How long will my case take?
Simple cases: 6-12 months. Complex trucking litigation with catastrophic injuries: 1-3 years. While you wait, we handle the legal heavy lifting so you can focus on healing.

Do you handle cases in Spanish?
Sí. Hablamos Español. Lupe Peña provides direct representation in Spanish without interpreters. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911.

What if I can’t afford a lawyer?
You pay nothing unless we win. We work on contingency—33.33% pre-trial, 40% if we go to trial. We advance all costs. If we don’t recover money for you, you owe us nothing.

Why Trucking Companies Fear Us (And Why Clark County Residents Trust Us)

We’re not a billboard firm that churns cases. We’re not afraid to go to trial. And we’re definitely not afraid of big trucking companies.

Consider what we’re currently handling: a $10 million lawsuit against the University of Houston for hazing that caused rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure. If we’re willing to take on a major university and national fraternity, we’re ready for your trucking company.

We’ve gone toe-to-toe with Fortune 500 companies in the BP litigation. We’ve represented victims against Walmart, Amazon, FedEx, UPS, and Coca-Cola fleets. We know their playbooks because Lupe Peña used to write them—from the other side.

But mostly, trucking companies fear us because we treat clients like family. Client Kiimarii Yup told us: “I lost everything… my car was at a total loss, and because of Attorney Manginello and my case worker Leonor, 1 year later I have gained so much in return plus a brand new truck.”

That’s what justice looks like. Not just a check—your life back.

Call Now: The Evidence Is Disappearing

If you’re reading this from a hospital bed in Clark County, or if you’re at home recovering while the medical bills pile up, listen carefully:

The trucking company has already assigned your case to their insurer. They’ve dispatched their investigator. They’re downloading black box data right now.

You have 48 hours to preserve critical evidence. After that, the data may be gone forever.

Don’t let them get away with it. Don’t let them claim “it was just an accident” when their driver had been awake for 18 hours straight. Don’t let them say the brakes “just failed” when they skipped inspections for six months.

Call Attorney911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911 (that’s 1-888-288-9911). We’re available 24/7 because trucking accidents don’t wait for business hours.

Hablamos Español. Call and ask for Lupe Peña.

Your consultation is free. You pay nothing unless we win. And we don’t stop fighting until you get every dime you deserve—because that’s what family does for each other.

1-888-ATTY-911