18-Wheeler & Trucking Accident Attorneys in Clay County, Indiana
When 80,000 Pounds of Steel Changes Everything
It happened fast. Too fast. One moment you’re driving through Clay County on I-70, heading toward Brazil or maybe passing through Clay City on your way home. The next, an 80,000-pound truck is jackknifing across the highway or blowing through a stop sign on County Road 100.
The physics aren’t fair. Your car weighs about 4,000 pounds. That loaded semi? Eighty thousand pounds. Twenty times heavier. Twenty times more deadly.
Every year, thousands of families across Indiana face the aftermath of commercial truck crashes. In Clay County, with I-70 cutting through the heart of the county and agricultural trucks crowding rural routes during harvest season, the risk is real. If you’re reading this because you or someone you love was hurt in an 18-wheeler accident in Clay County, you need to know your rights—and you need to act fast.
Attorney911 has spent over 25 years fighting for truck accident victims. Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has secured multi-million dollar verdicts against the largest trucking companies in America. We’ve recovered over $50 million for families just like yours. And we’re ready to fight for you in Clay County.
But here’s the thing: evidence disappears quickly. Black box data can be overwritten in 30 days. Trucking companies send lawyers to the scene before the ambulance leaves. If you wait, you’re playing into their hands.
Call us now at 1-888-ATTY-911. The consultation is free. You pay nothing unless we win.
Why Clay County, Indiana Faces Unique Trucking Dangers
Clay County might feel like quiet rural Indiana, but it’s actually a critical corridor for commercial freight. Interstate 70 runs straight through the county, connecting Indianapolis to Terre Haute and beyond. That means heavy truck traffic—day and night.
But it’s not just the interstate. Clay County is agricultural heartland. When harvest season hits, grain trucks, livestock haulers, and agricultural equipment crowd narrow county roads. Trucks that should be on the highway end up on roads designed for passenger cars, creating deadly situations.
The weather here doesn’t help. Indiana winters bring ice and snow that turn I-70 into a skating rink. A truck traveling too fast for conditions—maybe pushing to make a delivery deadline—can’t stop in time. We’ve seen jackknife accidents on I-70 near Brazil that shut down the highway for hours and left families devastated.
And then there’s the fatigue factor. Long-haul truckers crossing Indiana on I-70 often push past their legal hours of service limits. They’re trying to get to Indianapolis or St. Louis before their mandatory rest break. When a tired driver nods off near the Clay County line, catastrophic accidents happen.
The Attorney911 Difference: 25 Years Fighting for Victims
You need more than just a lawyer. You need a fighter who’s been in the trenches against trucking companies for decades.
Ralph Manginello founded Attorney911 with one mission: to help people when disaster strikes. With over 25 years of courtroom experience since 1998, Ralph has stood up to Fortune 500 companies and won. He’s admitted to both the Indiana and New York State Bars, plus the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas. That federal experience matters because trucking cases often involve interstate commerce and federal regulations.
But Ralph isn’t fighting alone. Our associate attorney, Lupe Peña, brings something rare: insider knowledge of how insurance companies operate. Lupe used to work for a national insurance defense firm. He spent years defending trucking companies against accident claims. He learned their playbook—from the tricks they use to minimize settlements to the tactics they deploy to deny valid claims.
Now Lupe works for you. He knows exactly how trucking insurers evaluate claims and how to counter their strategies. As client Chad Harris said after working with our firm: “You are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.”
When you hire Attorney911 for your Clay County truck accident case, you’re getting:
- A team that’s recovered over $50 million in verdicts and settlements
- Direct access to attorneys, not just paralegals
- Someone who answers the phone 24/7 at 1-888-ATTY-911
- A firm that speaks Spanish (Hablamos Español—Llame a Lupe al 1-888-ATTY-911)
- Offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, with capability to handle cases throughout Indiana
Real Results for Real People
We don’t just talk about results—we deliver them. Here are actual outcomes we’ve achieved for our clients:
$5 Million+ – Traumatic brain injury case involving a falling log at a logging company. The client suffered TBI and vision loss.
$3.8 Million+ – Car accident victim who developed staph infections during treatment, resulting in partial leg amputation.
$2.5 Million+ – Commercial truck crash recovery.
$2 Million+ – Maritime back injury under the Jones Act.
Multi-million dollar wrongful death settlements for families who lost loved ones in fatal 18-wheeler accidents.
Client Glenda Walker put it best: “They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.”
Another client, Donald Wilcox, had been turned down by another firm before finding 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.”
We’re currently litigating a $10 million lawsuit against the University of Houston for hazing injuries—demonstrating we have the resources to take on institutional defendants with deep pockets.
Indiana Law: What You Need to Know
If your accident happened in Clay County, Indiana law governs your case. Here are the critical rules:
Statute of Limitations: Two Years
In Indiana, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. Miss that deadline, and you lose your right to recover forever. That’s why we send preservation letters immediately to protect evidence while we build your case.
Modified Comparative Fault (51% Bar Rule)
Indiana follows a “modified comparative negligence” system. 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 will try to blame you for the accident. They’ll argue you were speeding, distracted, or following too closely. We fight back with evidence—ECM data, ELD logs, and accident reconstruction—to prove where fault really lies.
Damage Caps
Indiana does not cap compensatory damages (economic and non-economic) in standard personal injury cases. However, there is a cap structure on punitive damages: the greater of three times compensatory damages or $50,000.
Types of 18-Wheeler Accidents We Handle
Truck accidents aren’t like car accidents. The size, weight, and complexity of commercial vehicles create unique accident scenarios. Here are the types we see in Clay County and throughout Indiana:
Jackknife Accidents
A jackknife occurs when the trailer swings out perpendicular to the cab, folding like a pocket knife. On I-70’s straight stretches, sudden braking can cause this. The trailer then sweeps across multiple lanes, hitting whatever is in its path.
These often happen when drivers brake too hard on slick surfaces or when their brakes are improperly maintained. Under 49 CFR § 393.48, trucking companies must maintain brake systems. When they fail, we hold them accountable.
Rollover Accidents
Clay County’s rural roads have curves that catch truckers off-guard. An 80,000-pound vehicle has a high center of gravity. Take a turn too fast—especially with improperly secured cargo—and the truck rolls.
Rollovers are particularly dangerous with tanker trucks carrying agricultural products or fuel. The cargo spills, creating secondary hazards. FMCSA regulations under 49 CFR § 393.100 require proper cargo securement. Violations prove negligence.
Underride Collisions
Perhaps the most horrific type of truck accident. When a passenger vehicle slides underneath a trailer, the top of the car is sheared off. These are often fatal or cause devastating head and neck injuries.
Federal law requires rear impact guards on trailers (49 CFR § 393.86), but many trucks have inadequate protection. Side underride guards aren’t federally mandated yet, though they should be. We investigate guard compliance in every underride case.
Rear-End Collisions
A loaded truck needs nearly 525 feet to stop from 65 mph—about the length of two football fields. When truckers follow too closely or drive distracted, they rear-end smaller vehicles with devastating force.
49 CFR § 392.11 prohibits following too closely. We download ECM data to prove exactly when and how hard the driver braked.
Wide Turn (“Squeeze Play”) Accidents
In towns like Brazil, truckers making right turns often swing left first to clear the curb. Passenger vehicles see the gap on the right and try to squeeze past—then get crushed when the truck completes its turn.
Drivers must signal properly and check mirrors. Failure to do so violates 49 CFR § 392.2 (obeying traffic laws) and § 393.80 (proper mirrors).
Blind Spot Accidents
18-wheelers have massive blind spots—20 feet in front, 30 feet behind, and wide lanes on each side. When truckers change lanes without checking these “no-zones,” they sideswipe cars or push them off the road.
Tire Blowouts
A blown steer tire can cause immediate loss of control. Tire debris—called “road gators”—creates hazards for following vehicles. Under 49 CFR § 393.75, trucks must have adequate tread depth (4/32” on steer tires). We subpoena maintenance records to check compliance.
Brake Failures
Brake problems contribute to roughly 29% of truck crashes. Worn pads, faulty air systems, or improper adjustments can cause catastrophic failure on I-70’s hills. Companies must inspect brakes per 49 CFR § 396.
Cargo Spills
Clay County’s agricultural economy means plenty of grain trucks on the roads. When loads shift or spill—whether corn, soybeans, or hazardous materials—accidents follow. The trucking company and the loading facility may both be liable under federal cargo securement rules.
Who Can Be Held Liable? (Hint: It’s Not Just the Driver)
Most people think you just sue the truck driver. That’s wrong. In trucking accidents, multiple parties often share blame—and multiple insurance policies may apply.
We investigate and pursue claims against:
1. The Truck Driver – For negligent driving, fatigue, distraction, or impairment.
2. The Trucking Company – Under respondeat superior (the company is responsible for its employee’s negligence) and for direct negligence like negligent hiring, training, or supervision. Did they check the driver’s record? Did they train them properly on hours-of-service rules? We subpoena the Driver Qualification File (49 CFR § 391.51) to find out.
3. The Cargo Owner/Shipper – If they demanded overweight loads or failed to disclose hazardous materials.
4. The Loading Company – If they improperly secured cargo (49 CFR § 393.100 violations).
5. The Truck Manufacturer – If defective brakes, tires, or safety systems caused the crash.
6. Parts Manufacturers – For defective components that failed.
7. The Maintenance Company – If negligent repairs created dangerous conditions.
8. The Freight Broker – If they negligently selected a carrier with a poor safety record.
9. The Truck Owner – In owner-operator situations, the owner may have separate liability.
10. Government Entities – If dangerous road design or maintenance contributed (though sovereign immunity limits apply in Indiana).
More defendants means more insurance coverage. Trucking companies carry $750,000 to $5 million in federal minimum coverage. By identifying all liable parties, we maximize your recovery.
FMCSA Violations: The Paper Trail of Negligence
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations are the rules of the road for commercial trucks. When trucking companies break these rules, it proves negligence. Here are the critical regulations we investigate:
49 CFR Part 391 – Driver Qualification:
- Drivers must be at least 21 years old
- Must have valid CDL
- Must pass medical exams (every 2 years)
- Companies must verify driving history for past 3 years
49 CFR Part 392 – Driving Rules:
- § 392.3: No driving while fatigued or ill
- § 392.4: No drugs or Schedule I substances
- § 392.5: No alcohol within 4 hours of driving
- § 392.11: No following too closely
- § 392.82: No hand-held mobile phone use while driving
49 CFR Part 393 – Vehicle Safety:
- § 393.75: Tire requirements (minimum tread depth)
- § 393.100-136: Cargo securement standards
- § 393.40-55: Brake system requirements
- § 393.86: Rear impact guards
49 CFR Part 395 – Hours of Service:
- Maximum 11 hours driving after 10 consecutive hours off duty
- 14-hour on-duty window maximum
- Mandatory 30-minute break after 8 hours driving
- 60/70 hour weekly limits
- Electronic Logging Device (ELD) mandate since December 2017
49 CFR Part 396 – Inspection and Maintenance:
- Systematic inspection, repair, and maintenance required
- Pre-trip and post-trip inspections mandatory
- Records must be kept for 1 year (§ 396.3)
When we find violations—whether it’s a driver exceeding hours-of-service limits or a company skipping brake inspections—we use it to prove negligence.
The 48-Hour Evidence Rule: Why Time Matters
Trucking companies don’t play fair. Within hours of a crash on I-70 in Clay County, they’ll have rapid-response investigators at the scene. Their goal? Protect their interests, not yours.
Meanwhile, critical evidence is disappearing:
- ECM/Black Box Data – Can be overwritten in 30 days
- ELD Logs – Only required to be kept for 6 months
- Dashcam Footage – Often deleted within 7-14 days
- Witness Memories – Fade quickly
- Physical Evidence – Vehicles get repaired or scrapped
That’s why we act immediately. When you call 1-888-ATTY-911, we:
- Send spoliation letters within 24 hours demanding preservation of all evidence
- Deploy investigators to photograph the scene before it’s cleared
- Subpoena electronic data before it disappears
- Interview witnesses while memories are fresh
As client Angel Walle told us: “They solved in a couple of months what others did nothing about in two years.”
We don’t wait. Neither should you.
Catastrophic Injuries: The High Cost of Truck Accidents
Because of the size disparity, truck accidents often cause catastrophic injuries. These aren’t simple sprains or bruises. These are life-changing, permanent conditions.
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
Symptoms include headaches, memory loss, confusion, mood changes, and personality changes. Recovery ranges from $1.5 million to $9.8 million+ depending on severity.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Paraplegia and quadriplegia require lifetime care. Medical costs range from $3.5 million to $5 million+ for quadriplegia, not including lost wages or pain and suffering.
Amputations
Whether traumatic (severed at scene) or surgical (later removal), amputations cost $1.9 million to $8.6 million+ including prosthetics, rehabilitation, and home modifications.
Severe Burns
From fuel fires or hazmat spills. Third and fourth-degree burns require multiple surgeries, skin grafts, and result in permanent scarring.
Wrongful Death
When a truck accident kills your loved one, Indiana law allows recovery for lost income, loss of companionship, mental anguish, and funeral expenses. We’ve recovered $1.9 million to $9.5 million+ in wrongful death cases.
Insurance Coverage: What’s Available?
Federal law requires trucking companies to carry substantial insurance:
- $750,000 minimum – General freight (non-hazardous)
- $1,000,000 minimum – Oil/petroleum transport
- $5,000,000 minimum – Hazardous materials
Unlike regular car accidents where you might face a $30,000 policy limit, trucking accidents typically have $1 million or more available. But accessing that money requires proving liability and damages. Insurance companies don’t hand over seven-figure settlements willingly—they fight every step.
Our associate Lupe Peña knows their tactics because he used to work for them. He knows when they’re bluffing and when they’ll pay. That insider knowledge helps us maximize your recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions About Clay County Truck Accidents
How long do I have to file a lawsuit in Indiana?
Two years from the date of the accident. Don’t wait—evidence disappears fast, and the trucking company is already building their defense.
What if I was partially at fault for the accident?
Under Indiana’s modified comparative fault rule, you can recover as long as you’re 50% or less at fault. Your damages are reduced by your percentage of fault. If you’re 51% or more at fault, you recover nothing. We fight to minimize any fault attributed to you.
Should I talk to the trucking company’s insurance adjuster?
No. Refer them to your attorney. They record statements and use them against you. Let us handle communications.
What is a spoliation letter?
It’s a formal legal notice demanding the trucking company preserve evidence. Once they receive it, destroying evidence becomes a serious legal violation that courts punish severely.
How much is my case worth?
It depends on injury severity, medical costs, lost wages, and available insurance. Trucking cases often settle for six or seven figures because of the high policy limits and catastrophic nature of injuries.
Will my case go to trial?
Probably not. Most cases settle. But we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial. Insurance companies offer better settlements when they know you’re ready for court.
Do you handle cases in Clay County if you’re based in Texas?
Yes. With federal court admission and multi-state licensure, we handle trucking cases nationwide. We work with local counsel in Indiana when necessary, and we travel to Clay County for your case.
Hablamos Español?
Sí. Lupe Peña es bilingüe y ofrece servicios en español. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911.
Call Attorney911 Now: Your Clay County Truck Accident Lawyers
The trucking company has lawyers working for them right now. They have investigators. They have insurance adjusters trained to minimize your claim.
What do you have?
You can have Attorney911. A team with 25+ years of experience. A former insurance defense attorney on your side. Over $50 million recovered for clients. And a commitment to treating you like family, not a case number.
Client Ernest Cano said it best: “Mr. Manginello and his firm are first class. Will fight tooth and nail for you.”
If you’ve been hurt in an 18-wheeler accident in Clay County—whether on I-70 near Brazil, on the back roads near Clay City, or anywhere in between—call us now.
1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
We’re available 24/7. The consultation is free. You pay nothing unless we win. And we won’t stop fighting until you get every dime you deserve.
Because when an 80,000-pound truck changes your life, you need a team that hits back just as hard.
Call 1-888-ATTY-911 now. Before the evidence disappears. Before the trucking company locks down their defense. Before it’s too late.
We’re Attorney911. And we’re ready to fight for you.
