18-Wheeler Accident Attorney in Greene County, Indiana

When 80,000 Pounds Destroys Your Life on Greene County Highways

It happened fast. Too fast. One moment you’re driving through Greene County on I-69 or heading toward Bloomington on State Road 45. The next, an 80,000-pound semi-truck is jackknifing across your lane, slamming into your vehicle, or running you off the road entirely. Your life changes in an instant—and the trucking company is already building their defense.

At Attorney911, we don’t just handle truck accident cases. We fight them. Ralph Manginello has spent over 25 years taking on trucking companies and winning. He’s admitted to federal court, has litigated against Fortune 500 corporations like BP in the Texas City explosion, and has recovered multi-million dollar settlements for families just like yours right here in Greene County and across Indiana.

If you’ve been hurt in an 18-wheeler accident in Greene County, you need more than a lawyer—you need a fighter. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 now. Evidence disappears fast. We send preservation letters within hours.

Why Greene County 18-Wheeler Accidents Are Different

Greene County isn’t just another rural Indiana county—it’s a critical logistics hub. Sitting at the intersection of major freight corridors including I-69, I-70, and I-74, our highways carry massive commercial traffic between Indianapolis, Louisville, Cincinnati, and Chicago. The Port of Indiana at Jeffersonville and the distribution centers throughout Central Indiana create a constant stream of heavy trucks barreling through Greene County roads.

But here’s what makes truck accidents in Greene County particularly dangerous: you have 80,000-pound vehicles sharing space with local traffic on two-lane highways, navigating Indiana’s notorious winter ice storms, and pushing through tight delivery schedules. When a truck driver loses control on I-69 near Washington or I-70 near Bloomfield, the results are catastrophic.

Unlike regular car accidents, trucking cases involve federal regulations, multiple liable parties, and evidence that disappears quickly. The trucking company that hit you has already called their lawyers. Their insurance adjuster is already looking for ways to pay you less. You need someone in Greene County who knows how to fight back.

The Brutal Physics of Truck Accidents

Your car weighs roughly 4,000 pounds. The 18-wheeler that slammed into you on Greene County Route 45? Up to 80,000 pounds—that’s 20 times heavier than your vehicle. The force isn’t just bigger; it’s crushing.

An 18-wheeler traveling at 65 mph needs nearly two football fields to stop. And when they hit, they don’t just dent fenders—they destroy lives. Traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, amputations, and wrongful death are standard outcomes in Greene County trucking accidents.

We know because we’ve seen the aftermath. Our firm has recovered over $5 million for a traumatic brain injury victim struck by falling equipment, and $3.8 million for a client who lost a limb after a commercial vehicle crash. These aren’t just numbers—they represent lives we helped put back together.

Types of 18-Wheeler Accidents We Handle in Greene County

Jackknife Accidents on I-69 and I-70

A jackknife occurs when the trailer and cab skid in opposite directions, folding like a pocket knife across multiple lanes. On Greene County’s interstate corridors—especially I-69 through Washington Township or I-70 near Bloomfield—this creates immediate multi-vehicle pileups.

These accidents often happen when truck drivers brake suddenly on wet Indiana roads or when they’re speeding through curves. We investigate the truck’s ECM data to prove the driver was traveling too fast for Greene County conditions, violating FMCSA regulations.

Rollover Accidents on Rural Highways

Greene County’s rural roads and agricultural haul routes create unique rollover risks. When improperly loaded cargo shifts—or when liquid cargo “sloshes” on curves near Switz City or Worthington—the truck’s high center of gravity causes catastrophic rollovers.

We subpoena cargo manifest records and weight distribution documents to prove loading company negligence under 49 CFR Part 393.

Underride Collisions—The Deadliest Accidents

When a smaller vehicle crashes into the rear or side of a truck and slides underneath the trailer, the passenger compartment is often sheared off at windshield level. These underride accidents happen frequently on Greene County’s two-lane highways when trucks make sudden stops or when drivers fail to see vehicles in their massive blind spots.

Federal law requires rear impact guards (49 CFR § 393.86), but many trucks have inadequate or missing guards. We inspect the underride guard maintenance records immediately—because these cases are almost always fatal or result in decapitation and catastrophic head trauma.

Rear-End Collisions

An 18-wheeler needs 40% more stopping distance than your car. When truck drivers follow too closely on I-74 heading toward Cincinnati or text while driving through rural Greene County intersections, they cause devastating rear-end collisions.

We prove violations of 49 CFR § 392.11 (following too closely) and § 392.82 (cell phone use) by subpoying ELD logs and cell phone records.

Wide Turn Accidents

Trucks swinging wide to make right turns on Greene County’s narrow rural roads often crush vehicles in the adjacent lane. These “squeeze play” accidents happen at intersections throughout Linton and Jasonville when drivers fail to check blind spots or signal properly.

Indiana Trucking Laws That Affect Your Greene County Case

The Clock Is Ticking: Indiana’s Statute of Limitations

In Indiana—which includes Greene County—you have just two years from the date of your trucking accident to file a lawsuit. Miss that deadline, and you lose your right to compensation forever.

But waiting even months is dangerous. Evidence in trucking cases—black box data, ELD logs, driver qualification files—can be overwritten or destroyed in as little as 30 days. The trucking company’s rapid-response team is already working to protect their interests. You need to act now.

Indiana’s Modified Comparative Negligence Rule

Greene County operates under Indiana’s 51% bar rule. This means if you’re found 50% or less at fault for the accident, you can still recover damages—but your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault. However, if you’re found 51% or more responsible, you receive nothing.

Trucking companies and their insurers will try to blame you. They’ll claim you were speeding, distracted, or failed to yield on those rural Greene County roads. We fight back with ECM data, ELD logs, and accident reconstruction to prove the truck driver was 100% responsible.

Punitive Damages in Indiana

Unlike some states, Indiana limits punitive damages. Under Indiana Code § 34-51-3-4, punitive damages are capped at the greater of three times your compensatory damages or $50,000. However, in cases involving gross negligence—like a trucking company knowingly putting a dangerous driver on the road or destroying evidence—we pursue these damages aggressively to punish wrongdoing.

FMCSA Regulations That Prove Negligence

Every 18-wheeler operating in Greene County must comply with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations. When trucking companies violate these rules, we use those violations to prove negligence.

Hours of Service Violations (49 CFR Part 395)

Federal law limits truck drivers to:

• Maximum 11 hours driving after 10 consecutive hours off-duty
• Cannot drive beyond the 14th consecutive hour on duty
• Required 30-minute break after 8 cumulative hours driving
• 60/70 hour limits over 7/8 day periods

Driver fatigue causes approximately 31% of fatal truck crashes. We download ELD data to prove the driver was operating illegally—often pushed by dispatchers to meet tight Indiana delivery schedules.

Driver Qualification Failures (49 CFR Part 391)

Trucking companies must maintain Driver Qualification Files verifying their drivers:

• Hold valid Commercial Driver’s Licenses (CDL)
• Passed medical examinations (required every 2 years)
• Have clean driving records
• Completed required training

We routinely find Greene County trucking carriers hiring unqualified drivers with suspended licenses, medical disqualifications, or histories of FMCSA violations.

Vehicle Maintenance Violations (49 CFR Part 396)

Trucks must undergo systematic inspection and maintenance. Drivers must complete pre-trip and post-trip inspections, with records retained for one year.

Brake failures—which cause 29% of truck accidents—often result from deferred maintenance. We subpoena maintenance records and inspection reports to prove the company knew their truck was dangerous but kept it on the road anyway.

Cargo Securement Failures (49 CFR Part 393)

Improperly secured cargo shifts during transit, causing rollovers and loss of control. Federal performance criteria require cargo securement systems to withstand 0.8g deceleration forces. When loads shift on curves near Greene County’s agricultural processing facilities, we prove the loading company violated federal safety standards.

All Parties Who Can Be Held Liable in Your Greene County Case

Unlike car accidents where usually only one driver is at fault, trucking accidents involve multiple liable parties. We investigate and pursue claims against:

The Truck Driver – Direct negligence for speeding, distraction, fatigue, or impairment.

The Trucking Company (Motor Carrier) – Vicarious liability under respondeat superior, plus direct negligence for negligent hiring, training, supervision, and maintenance. We examine their CSA (Compliance, Safety, Accountability) scores and safety records.

The Cargo Owner/Shipper – When they demand overweight loads or expedited schedules that force drivers to violate hours of service.

The Loading Company – Third-party loaders who improperly secured cargo or created dangerous weight distributions.

The Truck Manufacturer – Defective brake systems, steering mechanisms, or stability control failures.

Parts Manufacturers – Defective tires causing blowouts on I-69, or faulty brake components.

The Maintenance Company – Third-party mechanics who negligently repaired brakes or returned dangerous vehicles to service.

Freight Brokers – Negligent carrier selection—hiring trucking companies with poor safety records to save money.

The Truck Owner (if different from carrier) – Negligent entrustment of dangerous equipment.

Government Entities – Dangerous road design, inadequate signage, or failure to maintain Greene County roads. However, Indiana’s Tort Claims Act limits damages against government entities to $700,000 per person/$5 million per occurrence.

More defendants means more insurance coverage, which means higher compensation for you. Our firm digs deeper to find every responsible party.

Evidence Preservation: The 48-Hour Rule

Critical evidence in Greene County trucking accidents disappears fast:

• ECM/Black Box Data: Overwrites within 30 days or with new driving events
• ELD Logs: Only required retention is 6 months, but often deleted sooner
• Dashcam Footage: Frequently deleted within 7-14 days
• Surveillance Video: Greene County businesses typically overwrite cameras in 7-30 days
• Driver Cell Phone Records: Must be subpoenaed immediately

When you call 1-888-ATTY-911, we send spoliation letters within hours—legal notices demanding preservation of all evidence. If the trucking company destroys evidence after receiving our letter, courts can impose sanctions, adverse inference instructions, or punitive damages.

We also immediately deploy accident reconstruction experts to Greene County crash scenes and subpoena:

• Driver Qualification Files
• Hours of service records for 6 months prior
• Maintenance and inspection records
• Dispatch logs showing schedule pressure
• Drug and alcohol test results

Catastrophic Injuries Common in Greene County Truck Accidents

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

The force of an 80,000-pound truck impact often causes the brain to strike the inside of the skull. TBI symptoms—including memory loss, personality changes, chronic headaches, and cognitive deficits—may not appear for days or weeks.

Our firm has recovered between $1.5 million to $9.8 million for TBI victims. These cases require lifetime care planning and vocational rehabilitation experts.

Spinal Cord Injury and Paralysis

Complete spinal cord injuries result in paraplegia (loss of use below the waist) or quadriplegia (loss of use in all four limbs). Victims face lifetime costs exceeding $4.7 million to $25.8 million for care, equipment, and lost earning capacity.

Amputations

When crushing forces trap limbs or infections develop from severe wounds, amputation becomes necessary. We’ve secured $1.9 million to $8.6 million for amputation victims, covering prosthetics, rehabilitation, and home modifications.

Severe Burns

Fuel tank ruptures and hazmat spills on I-70 or I-69 cause third and fourth-degree burns requiring multiple skin grafts and causing permanent disfigurement.

Wrongful Death

When trucking accidents kill loved ones on Greene County roads, surviving family members can recover damages for lost income, loss of companionship, and mental anguish. Our wrongful death settlements range from $1.9 million to $9.5 million.

Insurance Coverage: Why Trucking Cases Are High-Value

Federal law mandates commercial truck insurance minimums:

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

Many Greene County carriers carry $1 million to $5 million in coverage. Unlike car accidents with $25,000 Indiana minimums, trucking accidents have substantial insurance pools available.

But accessing these funds requires proving the truck driver and company violated FMCSA regulations. That’s where 25 years of Ralph Manginello’s experience matters—he knows exactly which regulations trucking companies violate and how to prove it.

Why Greene County Chooses Attorney911

Ralph Manginello’s 25+ Years of Federal Court Experience

Since 1998, Ralph Manginello has fought for injury victims from our offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont—now serving Greene County, Indiana with the same ferocity. He’s admitted to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas, giving him federal jurisdiction over interstate trucking cases.

His experience litigating the BP Texas City Refinery explosion—where we fought alongside victims of the 2005 disaster that killed 15 workers—proved he can take on the largest corporations and win.

Lupe Peña: Your Secret Weapon Against Insurance Companies

Our associate attorney Lupe Peña used to work for national insurance defense firms. He knows exactly how trucking insurers evaluate claims, train adjusters to minimize payouts, and deny legitimate claims. Now he uses that insider knowledge to fight for you.

As client Chad Harris said: “You are NOT a pest to them and you are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.”

Donald Wilcox 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.”

And Glenda Walker confirmed: “They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.”

Multi-Million Dollar Results

We’ve recovered:

• $5+ million for a traumatic brain injury (falling log/logging company)
• $3.8+ million for partial leg amputation (car accident with medical complications)
• $2.5+ million for trucking accident recovery
• $2+ million for maritime back injuries
• Over $50 million total for Texas families

24/7 Availability and Spanish Language Services

Call 1-888-ATTY-911 anytime—day or night. We answer immediately because trucking accidents don’t wait for business hours.

Hablamos Español. Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish and provides direct representation without interpreters. If Spanish is your first language, call 1-888-ATTY-911 and ask for Lupe.

Frequently Asked Questions: Greene County Truck Accidents

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

Two years from the accident date. But evidence disappears in 30 days. Call us immediately.

Can I recover if I was partially at fault?

Yes, under Indiana’s 51% rule. If you’re 50% or less responsible, you recover reduced damages. If you’re 51% or more at fault, you recover nothing. We fight to prove the truck driver was 100% responsible.

Who pays my medical bills while I wait for settlement?

We work with medical providers who accept liens—meaning they get paid when your case settles. Don’t let lack of insurance stop you from getting treatment.

What if the trucking company is from out of state?

That’s common on I-69 and I-70. Because Ralph Manginello is admitted to federal court, we can pursue out-of-state defendants and apply federal trucking regulations regardless of where the company is headquartered.

Will my case go to trial?

Most settle, but we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial. Insurance companies offer better settlements when they know your lawyer will actually go to court. We’ve gone toe-to-toe with Walmart, Amazon, FedEx, UPS, and Coca-Cola—and won.

How much is my case worth?

It depends on injury severity, medical costs, lost wages, and insurance limits. Given Indiana’s modified comparative negligence rules and federal insurance requirements, truck cases typically range from hundreds of thousands to millions.

What if I don’t have money for a lawyer?

You pay nothing unless we win. We work on contingency—no upfront costs, no retainer fees. We advance all investigation expenses. When we win, our fee comes from the recovery, not your pocket.

Ready to Fight Back? Call Attorney911 Now

The trucking company that hit you has lawyers. Their insurance company has adjusters. You deserve the same level of representation.

Ralph Manginello has spent 25 years making trucking companies pay. Our firm includes a former insurance defense attorney who knows their playbook. We’ve recovered over $50 million for families just like yours.

If you’re dealing with catastrophic injuries, mounting medical bills, and lost income after a Greene County truck accident, you don’t have to fight alone. We treat you like family, not a case number.

Call 1-888-ATTY-911 now for a free consultation. Available 24/7.

Hablamos Español. Llame ahora al 1-888-ATTY-911.

The evidence is disappearing. The trucking company is building their defense. What are you waiting for? Your fight starts with one call: 1-888-288-9911.

Attorney911 – The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC. Serving trucking accident victims in Greene County, Indiana and nationwide. Offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, Texas. Licensed in Texas and New York. Federal court admission: Southern District of Texas.

Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. All case results mentioned are actual settlements or verdicts obtained by the firm. Free consultations. No fee unless we win.