18-Wheeler Accident Lawyers in Huntington County, Indiana
When 80,000 Pounds Changes Your Life on a Rural Highway
The cornfields of Huntington County stretch for miles along US-24, a critical east-west corridor connecting Fort Wayne to the Indiana-Ohio border. Every day, massive 18-wheelers carrying agricultural equipment, manufacturing loads, and retail freight traverse these rural highways. When one of those 80,000-pound trucks collides with your vehicle near the intersection of US-69 and State Road 9, physics isn’t on your side.
Your car weighs roughly 4,000 pounds. That truck carries twenty times that weight. At 65 miles per hour on an icy stretch near Roanoke, the truck driver needs nearly two football fields to stop—far more than the rural intersection visibility allows. In that split second, your life changes forever.
We get it. We’ve spent over 25 years fighting for families devastated by commercial truck accidents across Indiana and beyond. Ralph Manginello, our managing partner, has been holding trucking companies accountable since 1998. Our team includes Lupe Peña, an associate attorney who spent years defending insurance companies before joining our side—now he uses that insider knowledge to fight against them. When you call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911, you’re not getting a general practice lawyer. You’re getting a team that knows federal trucking regulations inside and out, understands the rural highways of Northeast Indiana, and has recovered multi-million dollar settlements for catastrophic injuries.
Why Huntington County Truck Accidents Require Specialized Legal Knowledge
Trucking accidents in Huntington County differ from standard car crashes in three critical ways that demand immediate legal action.
First, the evidence disappears fast. Unlike a simple fender-bender on Jefferson Street in downtown Huntington, 18-wheeler accidents generate electronic data that trucking companies can legally destroy within months. That black box recorder capturing the driver’s speed and brake application before the crash? It can overwrite data in 30 days. The Electronic Logging Device (ELD) showing whether the driver violated Hours of Service regulations? Federal law only requires six months retention. We send spoliation letters within 24 hours of your call to freeze this evidence before it’s gone.
Second, multiple parties share liability. The driver might have been fatigued, but did you know the loading company in Fort Wayne might have improperly secured the cargo that shifted and caused the rollover on SR-5? The freight broker who hired an uninsured carrier could be liable. The maintenance shop that skipped brake inspections might share responsibility. We investigate every potential defendant because more liable parties mean more insurance coverage for your recovery.
Third, Indiana’s comparative negligence laws create traps for the unwary. Under Indiana’s modified comparative fault rule (Indiana Code § 34-51-2), if you’re found more than 50% responsible for the accident, you recover nothing. Even if you’re only 30% at fault, your compensation gets reduced by 30%. Trucking companies and their insurers know this. They’ll try to shift blame to you—claiming you were speeding on that rural stretch or failed to yield at an unmarked intersection. We know how to fight back with hard data from ECM downloads and FMCSA violation records.
FMCSA Regulations: The Rules Trucking Companies Break
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations govern every 18-wheeler on Huntington County roads. When companies violate these rules, they put everyone at risk. Here are the critical violations we see in rural Indiana trucking accidents:
Hours of Service Violations (49 CFR § 395.8)
Drivers cannot operate beyond 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off-duty. They can’t drive past the 14th hour on duty. Yet we frequently see logbooks showing drivers pushing from Indianapolis to Fort Wayne and back without proper rest, pressured by tight delivery schedules. These violations cause fatigue-related crashes on dark rural stretches of US-24.
Driver Qualification Failures (49 CFR § 391.11)
Every commercial driver must hold a valid CDL, pass medical examinations, and complete proper training. We recently handled a case where a trucking company hired a driver with a history of DUIs that should have disqualified him under § 391.15. The company failed to check his Motor Vehicle Record—classic negligent hiring under federal standards.
Vehicle Maintenance Neglect (49 CFR § 396.3)
Trucking companies must systematically inspect, repair, and maintain their fleets. Brake failures cause 29% of truck crashes. Under § 396.11, drivers must complete post-trip inspection reports. When these reports show recurring brake defects that the company ignored, we use that evidence to prove negligence.
Cargo Securement Violations (49 CFR § 393.100-136)
Indiana’s agricultural economy means trucks hauling grain, equipment, and livestock. Federal law requires cargo securement systems to withstand 0.8g deceleration forward and 0.5g lateral force. When loaders at rural grain elevators in Huntington County fail to properly tie down equipment, the shifting load causes rollovers on curves.
Drug and Alcohol Testing Failures (49 CFR § 382)
Drivers must pass pre-employment drug screens and random testing. Post-accident testing is mandatory for fatal accidents or those requiring medical treatment. When companies skip these tests or ignore positive results, they endanger everyone on the road.
Types of 18-Wheeler Accidents on Huntington County Roads
Jackknife Accidents on Icy Rural Highways
When a truck driver brakes suddenly on an icy stretch of SR-9 near Huntington, the trailer swings perpendicular to the cab, forming a 90-degree angle that blocks multiple lanes. These accidents spike during Indiana winters when drivers fail to adjust speed for conditions under 49 CFR § 392.14, which requires extreme caution in hazardous weather. Empty trailers—common after deliveries to manufacturing plants in Roanoke—are particularly prone to jackknifing.
Rollovers on Agricultural Routes
Huntington County’s rural roads include tight curves and soft shoulders. When trucks hauling grain from local farms take these turns too fast, or when improperly secured cargo shifts, 80,000 pounds of steel and freight tips over. We’ve seen rollovers on US-69 near the Allen County line where drivers exceeded safe speeds for curves—violating § 392.6’s prohibition on speeds unsafe for conditions.
Underride Collisions at Rural Intersections
Rural intersections with limited lighting—like those connecting county roads to US-24—create deadly underride risks. When a passenger vehicle rear-ends a truck whose rear impact guard failed under § 393.86, the smaller vehicle slides underneath the trailer. These accidents often cause decapitation or catastrophic head trauma. Side underride guards aren’t federally mandated, making T-bone collisions equally devastating.
Rear-End Collisions on US-24
US-24 carries heavy truck traffic between Fort Wayne and Ohio. Following distances become critical here. Under § 392.11, drivers must maintain distance “reasonable and prudent” for speed and traffic. A loaded truck needs 525 feet to stop from 65 mph—distance that doesn’t exist when drivers tailgate through the rolling hills near Huntington.
Wide Turn Accidents in Small Towns
When 18-wheelers navigate tight turns in Huntington’s historic downtown or at rural intersections without dedicated turn lanes, they swing wide into opposing traffic. Drivers unfamiliar with rural roads often cut corners, crushing vehicles in the “squeeze play” zone. Proper § 392.2 compliance requires signaling and safe turning techniques.
Blind Spot Crashes on Two-Lane Roads
Huntington County’s two-lane highways leave no room for error. Trucks have massive blind spots—20 feet in front, 30 feet behind, and significant zones alongside the cab. Lane changes on US-69 without proper mirror checks per § 393.80 cause sideswipe accidents that push smaller vehicles into ditches or oncoming traffic.
Tire Blowouts During Temperature Swings
Indiana’s weather fluctuates wildly—90°F summers to below-zero winters. These temperature swings degrade tires. When drivers skip pre-trip inspections required by § 396.13, worn tires blow out on SR-5 at 60 mph, causing loss of control.
Brake Failures on Downgrades
While Huntington County lacks mountain passes, the gentle grades on US-24 can still cause brake fade if drivers ride brakes improperly. Under § 393.40, trucks must have adequate braking systems. Deferred maintenance—common with fly-by-night carriers operating without proper authority—leads to catastrophic brake failure.
Who Pays for Your Injuries? All Liable Parties in Indiana Trucking Cases
Most people think you can only sue the truck driver. That’s wrong. We pursue every party responsible for putting that dangerous vehicle on Huntington County roads:
The Truck Driver
Direct negligence includes speeding, texting while driving (violating § 392.80), driving under the influence, or fatigue. We subpoena cell phone records and ELD data to prove violations.
The Motor Carrier (Trucking Company)
Under Indiana’s vicarious liability doctrine and federal motor carrier regulations, companies are responsible for their drivers’ actions. But we also pursue direct negligence: negligent hiring (failing to check driving records), negligent training (inadequate safety instruction), and negligent supervision (ignoring HOS violations). Companies with offices in Fort Wayne or Indianapolis often pressure drivers to meet impossible schedules.
The Cargo Owner and Loading Company
When grain elevators or manufacturing facilities in Huntington County overload trucks or fail to secure cargo properly, they become liable for the resulting accidents. We investigate bills of lading and loading manifests.
Maintenance Companies
Third-party shops that perform brake work or tire replacements in Huntington and Fort Wayne may use substandard parts or skip inspections. Their negligence causes mechanical failures.
Freight Brokers
Brokers connecting shippers to carriers must verify insurance and safety ratings. When they hire carriers with terrible FMCSA safety scores to save money, they share liability.
Manufacturers
Defective brake systems, faulty tires, or malfunctioning steering components can cause accidents regardless of driver skill. Product liability claims against manufacturers often yield significant settlements.
Government Entities
Indiana’s Department of Transportation maintains rural highways. When they fail to warn of known hazards—like dangerous intersections on county roads—or when road design creates blind spots, they may share liability.
The Evidence We Preserve Within 48 Hours
The trucking company has lawyers and investigators on the scene before the ambulance leaves. You need equal firepower. When you call 888-ATTY-911, we immediately:
- Send spoliation letters to preserve ECM/EDR data, ELD logs, and maintenance records
- Download black box data showing speed, braking, and throttle position before impact
- Secure driver qualification files to check for unqualified operators or falsified medical certificates
- Analyze drug test results for post-accident screening violations
- Photograph the scene before weather or traffic changes evidence
- Interview witnesses while memories are fresh
Catastrophic Injuries and Real Settlement Values
18-wheeler accidents don’t cause minor whiplash. They cause life-altering trauma. We’ve recovered:
- $5+ million for a traumatic brain injury victim struck by a logging truck
- $3.8+ million for a client who lost a limb after a car crash led to medical complications
- $2.5+ million in trucking accident settlements
- $2+ million for a maritime worker’s back injury
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
Settlement range: $1.5 million to $9.8 million. Even “mild” concussions can cause permanent cognitive deficits. We work with neurologists to document long-term impacts on memory, personality, and executive function.
Spinal Cord Injury
Settlement range: $4.7 million to $25.8 million. Paraplegia and quadriplegia require lifetime care, home modifications, and lost earning capacity. We calculate these long-term costs using life care planners and economists.
Amputation
Settlement range: $1.9 million to $8.6 million. Losing a limb affects every aspect of life—from prosthetics costing $50,000+ to vocational retraining when you can no longer work in manufacturing or agriculture.
Wrongful Death
Settlement range: $1.9 million to $9.5 million. When trucking accidents kill loved ones on Huntington County roads, we pursue compensation for lost income, loss of consortium, and the family’s mental anguish under Indiana’s wrongful death statute.
Indiana Law: Your Rights and Deadlines
Two-Year Statute of Limitations (Indiana Code § 34-11-2-4)
You have two years from the accident date to file suit. But waiting is dangerous. Evidence disappears, witnesses relocate, and trucking companies hide records. Contact us immediately.
Modified Comparative Fault (51% Bar)
Indiana follows a “51% fault” rule. If you’re 50% or less responsible, you recover damages reduced by your percentage. If you’re 51% at fault, you get nothing. Insurance companies exploit this rule aggressively. Our job is to prove the truck driver or company was primarily responsible.
Punitive Damages
Indiana caps punitive damages at the greater of three times compensatory damages or $50,000 (Indiana Code § 34-51-3). These damages apply when trucking companies act with “malice, fraud, gross negligence, or oppressiveness.” We pursue these when companies knowingly put dangerous drivers on the road or destroy evidence.
Frequently Asked Questions for Huntington County Truck Accident Victims
How much does it cost to hire Attorney911?
Nothing upfront. We work on contingency—33.33% if we settle pre-trial, 40% if we go to trial. You pay nothing unless we win. As 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.”
Can I recover if I was partially at fault for the accident on US-24?
Yes, if you were less than 51% responsible. Your recovery gets reduced proportionally. If you’re entitled to $100,000 but were 20% at fault, you receive $80,000.
What if the trucking company claims the accident was unavoidable due to Indiana weather?
Federal regulations require drivers to adjust speed for conditions under § 392.14. “Acts of God” don’t excuse negligence. If the driver was going too fast for rain or ice, they’re liable.
How long will my case take?
Simple cases settle in 6-12 months. Complex litigation involving multiple defendants or catastrophic injuries may take 18-36 months. As Angel Walle noted, “They solved in a couple of months what others did nothing about in two years.”
Will my case go to trial?
Most settle, but we prepare every case for trial. Insurance companies offer better settlements when they know you’re ready to go to court. We’re admitted to federal court—the Northern District of Indiana and Southern District of Texas—giving us leverage against interstate carriers.
What if the truck driver was an independent owner-operator, not a company employee?
We sue both the driver and the company that contracted them. Federal regulations often make the carrier responsible for owner-operators’ compliance.
Do you handle Spanish-speaking clients in Huntington County?
Yes. Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish. Hablamos Español. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911.
What if I can’t travel to your office due to my injuries?
We travel to you. Whether you’re recovering at Parkview Huntington Hospital or at home in Warren or Roanoke, we come to Huntington County. Virtual consultations are also available.
Can I sue for PTSD after a truck accident?
Absolutely. PTSD is compensable as non-economic damage under Indiana law. You can claim past, present, and future mental anguish with proper documentation from psychologists or therapists.
Why Trucking Companies Fear Us
We’ve taken on Fortune 500 companies and won. Our involvement in the BP Texas City Refinery litigation—where 15 workers died and the industry paid over $2.1 billion—shows we don’t back down from corporate giants. Currently, we’re litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against a major university, demonstrating our capacity for complex, high-stakes litigation.
Our 4.9-star Google rating from 251+ reviews reflects how we treat clients. As Glenda Walker said, “They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.” Donald Wilcox noted how other firms rejected his case, but we “got a call to come pick up this handsome check.”
We know Huntington County. We know US-24’s traffic patterns, the agricultural freight that traverses your roads, and the local courts where your case may be filed. When an 18-wheeler changes your life on a rural Indiana highway, you need more than a lawyer. You need a fighter who knows federal trucking law inside and out.
The trucking company is already building their defense. Every day you wait, evidence disappears. Black box data overwrites. Witnesses forget. Medical bills pile up.
Call Attorney911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911 or (888) 288-9911. Free consultation. No fee unless we win. We’ll send a spoliation letter today to preserve the evidence that proves your case. Your family deserves every dime you’re owed—and we’ll fight to get it.
