18-Wheeler & Trucking Accident Lawyers in Marshall County, Indiana

Attorney911 | Fighting for Commercial Trucking Victims Across Northern Indiana

The impact was catastrophic. One moment you’re driving on US-31 through Marshall County, heading toward Plymouth or passing through Bremen. The next, an 80,000-pound semi-truck changes everything. The physics aren’t fair—your 4,000-pound sedan versus twenty tons of steel and cargo. In that instant, medical bills start mounting, income stops, and the trucking company’s insurance adjusters are already working to minimize what they owe you.

If you or a loved one suffered catastrophic injuries in an 18-wheeler accident anywhere in Marshall County, Indiana, you need more than a standard car accident attorney. You need a law firm with federal court experience, deep knowledge of FMCSA trucking regulations, and a proven track record of multi-million dollar verdicts against Fortune 500 trucking companies. You need Attorney911.

Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has spent over 25 years fighting for injury victims since 1998. He’s admitted to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas and has gone toe-to-toe with the world’s largest corporations, including BP in the Texas City explosion litigation that killed 15 workers and injured 170 more. We’ve recovered over $50 million for families across multiple states, including multi-million dollar settlements for traumatic brain injuries, amputations, and wrongful death.

But here’s what matters most right now: Evidence in your Marshall County trucking accident case is disappearing today. Black box data can be overwritten in 30 days. Dashcam footage gets deleted within weeks. The trucking company has already called their lawyers—have you called yours? Call 1-888-ATTY-911 right now for a free consultation. We answer 24/7.

Why 18-Wheeler Accidents in Marshall County Are Fundamentally Different

Marshall County sits at the crossroads of northern Indiana’s agricultural and manufacturing economy. US-31 cuts through the heart of the county, carrying freight from Indianapolis up to South Bend and into Michigan. US-30 runs east-west through Bremen, connecting the agricultural heartland to industrial centers. Interstate 80/90—the Indiana Toll Road—skims the northern edge near La Paz, serving as a critical corridor for cross-country freight.

This mix creates unique dangers. You have tanker trucks hauling agricultural chemicals to farms, flatbeds carrying manufactured goods from Elkhart County’s RV industry, and long-haul 18-wheelers rushing to meet delivery deadlines on tight schedules. When these massive vehicles collide with passenger cars on rural highways like US-6 or State Road 17, the results are devastating.

Unlike regular car accidents where you’re typically dealing with a $30,000 insurance policy, commercial trucking companies are required by federal law to carry between $750,000 and $5 million in liability coverage. That’s because the injuries are catastrophic. The average 18-wheeler settlement in Indiana exceeds $500,000 when handled by experienced trial attorneys—but only if you know how to access those policies and prove federal violations.

Indiana Law & Marshall County Trucking Accidents

In Indiana, you have two years from the date of your accident to file a personal injury lawsuit against a trucking company. Wait longer, and you lose your right to compensation forever—no matter how serious your injuries or how clear the trucking company’s fault.

Indiana follows a “modified comparative negligence” rule with a 51% bar. This means if you’re found 50% or less at fault for the accident, you can still recover damages, though your award is reduced by your percentage of fault. However, if you’re found 51% or more at fault, you recover nothing. Trucking companies and their insurers know this rule, and they’ll try to shift blame onto you. That’s why immediate investigation is critical to preserve evidence that proves the trucker was solely responsible.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations That Trucking Companies Break

Every commercial truck operating in Marshall County must comply with strict federal regulations codified in Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations (49 CFR). When trucking companies violate these rules, they endanger everyone on Indiana’s highways—and we use these violations to prove negligence in court.

49 CFR Part 390 establishes who must comply with federal trucking regulations, covering all commercial motor vehicles weighing over 10,001 pounds or transporting hazardous materials.

49 CFR Part 391 governs driver qualifications. Before hiring a driver, trucking companies must:

• Verify the driver is at least 21 years old for interstate commerce
• Confirm valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)
• Conduct thorough background checks including three years of driving history
• Verify medical certification showing the driver is physically qualified
• Maintain complete Driver Qualification Files

We’ve seen Marshall County cases where trucking companies hired drivers with suspended licenses or failed medical exams. That’s not just negligence—that’s reckless disregard for human life.

49 CFR Part 392 sets driving rules. Under §392.3, “No driver shall operate a commercial motor vehicle… while the driver’s ability or alertness is so impaired, or so likely to become impaired, through fatigue, illness, or any other cause, as to make it unsafe.” This regulation makes both the driver and company liable for fatigue-related crashes.

49 CFR Part 393 covers vehicle safety and cargo securement. Cargo must be secured to prevent shifting that affects vehicle stability, with tiedowns meeting specific working load limits. Brake systems must be properly maintained according to §393.40-55.

49 CFR Part 395 creates Hours of Service (HOS) rules—the most commonly violated regulations in fatal trucking accidents:

• Maximum 11 hours driving after 10 consecutive hours off duty
• Cannot drive beyond the 14th consecutive hour after coming on duty
• Mandatory 30-minute break after 8 cumulative hours of driving
• 60/70 hour weekly limits with 34-hour restart

Since December 18, 2017, most trucks must use Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) that automatically record these hours. This data is objective evidence we subpoena to prove violations.

49 CFR Part 396 mandates systematic inspection and maintenance. Drivers must conduct pre-trip inspections, and companies must keep maintenance records for at least one year. Brake failures cause 29% of truck crashes, and they’re almost always due to maintenance neglect.

The 18-Wheeler Accident Types We See on Marshall County Highways

Jackknife Accidents on I-80/90

When a truck driver brakes suddenly on the Indiana Toll Road—especially during winter when black ice forms—the trailer can swing perpendicular to the cab, creating a deadly barrier across multiple lanes. These accidents often involve multiple vehicles and occur when drivers exceed safe speeds for conditions or fail to maintain brakes. We investigate ECM data to prove speed violations and maintenance records to show neglected brake systems.

Rollover Accidents on US-31 Curves

US-31 winds through Marshall County with varying speed limits. Tanker trucks carrying agricultural chemicals or liquid cargo face rollover risks when drivers take curves too fast or load weights shift. Under 49 CFR §393.100, cargo must be secured to prevent shifting that affects stability. When loaders fail to properly secure liquid cargo that “sloshes” and changes the center of gravity, both the loading company and trucking company may be liable.

Underride Collisions at Rural Intersections

Rural Marshall County intersections with limited visibility—like those along State Road 17—create deadly underride risks. When a passenger vehicle collides with the rear or side of a trailer and slides underneath, the roof shears off at windshield level. While federal law requires rear impact guards on trailers manufactured after January 26, 1998 (49 CFR §393.86), many older trailers lack adequate protection, and side underride guards remain unregulated despite advocacy efforts.

Rear-End Collisions on US-30

A loaded semi traveling at 65 mph needs approximately 525 feet—nearly two football fields—to stop. That’s 40% more distance than your car needs. When truckers follow too closely on US-30 through Bremen or tailgate through construction zones, they violate 49 CFR §392.11. Following-too-closely violations cause devastating spinal cord injuries and traumatic brain injuries when 80,000 pounds slam into stopped traffic.

Wide Turn Accidents in Plymouth and Bremen

18-wheelers making right turns onto narrow county roads often swing left first to accommodate the trailer’s tracking. This “squeeze play” traps passenger vehicles in the gap. These accidents occur when drivers fail to signal properly, check mirrors, or account for trailer swing. Local businesses along Michigan Street in Plymouth see these accidents when trucks deliver to industrial facilities.

Blind Spot Accidents on Agricultural Routes

The “No-Zone” around trucks includes 20 feet in front, 30 feet behind, and large areas on both sides—particularly the right side. When trucks change lanes on two-lane highways carrying farm equipment or make wide turns onto rural roads, they often strike vehicles invisible to them. Under 49 CFR §393.80, mirrors must provide clear views to the rear, but poor adjustment and driver inattention still cause these crashes.

Tire Blowouts in Extreme Temperatures

Indiana’s hot summers and cold winters create tire stress. Underinflated tires overheat; overloading exceeds capacity. When tires blow on US-31, the driver often loses control, causing jackknife or rollover accidents. FMCSA requires minimum tread depths (4/32″ on steer tires, 2/32″ on others) under §393.75, yet we constantly find trucking companies running bald tires to save costs.

Brake Failure on Long Descents

While Marshall County lacks mountain passes, the gradual grades on overpasses and the Toll Road require proper braking systems. Brake fade from overheating or poorly adjusted air brakes causes rear-end collisions. Federal law mandates systematic maintenance under §396.3, yet deferred maintenance remains epidemic in the trucking industry.

All Liable Parties in Marshall County Trucking Accidents

Most law firms only sue the driver and trucking company. We investigate all ten potentially liable parties because more defendants mean more insurance coverage and higher compensation for you:

1. The Truck Driver – For speeding, distraction, fatigue, or impairment violations
2. The Trucking Company/Motor Carrier – Under respondeat superior (employer liability) and for negligent hiring, training, supervision, or maintenance
3. The Cargo Owner/Shipper – When they demand overloaded trucks or fail to disclose hazardous cargo
4. The Loading Company – For improper cargo securement violating 49 CFR §393.100-136
5. The Truck/Trailer Manufacturer – For defective brakes, stability control, or fuel tank designs
6. Parts Manufacturers – For defective tires, brake components, or steering mechanisms
7. Maintenance Companies – For negligent repairs that return dangerous vehicles to service
8. Freight Brokers – For negligently selecting carriers with poor safety records
9. Truck Owners – In owner-operator arrangements where owners negligently entrust vehicles
10. Government Entities – For dangerous road design or inadequate signage at known hazardous intersections

In Marshall County, we’ve seen cases where agricultural cooperatives overloaded trucks with grain, brokers hired uninsured carriers, and maintenance shops signed off on unsafe brakes. We subpoena every record and hold everyone accountable.

The Evidence Preservation Crisis: Act Within 48 Hours

Marshall County trucking accident victims face an immediate crisis: evidence destruction. The trucking company isn’t waiting to protect itself, and neither should you.

Within hours of a crash, trucking companies deploy rapid-response teams to the scene. Their lawyers arrive before your ambulance reaches the hospital. They have one goal: minimize liability.

Critical Evidence That Disappears Fast:

• ECM/Black Box Data: Records speed, braking, throttle position, and fault codes. Can be overwritten in 30 days with new driving events.
• ELD Data: Proves Hours of Service violations. FMCSA only requires 6-month retention.
• Dashcam Footage: Often deleted within 7-14 days.
• Driver Qualification Files: Show hiring negligence, medical certifications, and previous violations.
• Maintenance Records: Reveal deferred brake repairs and tire replacements.
• Dispatch Communications: Show pressure to violate HOS regulations.
• Cell Phone Records: Prove distracted driving.
• Surveillance Video: From nearby businesses along US-31 that overwrite footage weekly.

Our Immediate Response:

When you call 1-888-ATTY-911 within 24-48 hours, we immediately send spoliation letters to the trucking company, their insurer, and all potentially liable parties. These letters legally obligate them to preserve all evidence or face court sanctions, adverse jury instructions, and even default judgments for destruction.

We download ECM data before it’s gone. We photograph the truck before repairs. We interview witnesses before memories fade. We secure the physical evidence that wins cases.

Catastrophic Injuries: The Human Cost

The physics of 80,000 pounds versus 4,000 pounds creates catastrophic, life-altering injuries:

Traumatic Brain Injuries ($1.5M – $9.8M Range)
TBIs occur when the brain impacts the skull during violent collisions. Symptoms include memory loss, confusion, personality changes, and permanent cognitive impairment. Moderate to severe TBI cases often require lifetime care costing millions. Our firm has secured multi-million dollar settlements for TBI victims, including a $5+ million recovery for a logging accident victim who suffered brain trauma and vision loss.

Spinal Cord Injuries ($4.7M – $25.8M Range)
Paralysis from spinal damage requires wheelchairs, home modifications, and lifelong medical care. We recently handled cases involving paraplegia and quadriplegia resulting from trucking accidents on Indiana highways.

Amputations ($1.9M – $8.6M Range)
Crushing forces often require traumatic amputation at the scene or surgical amputation due to irreparable damage. Our $3.8 million car accident amputation settlement involved a client who developed infections after initial treatment, requiring limb removal. These cases account for prosthetics, rehabilitation, and permanent disability.

Severe Burns
Tanker trucks hauling fuel or chemicals create fire hazards. Third and fourth-degree burns require skin grafts, reconstructive surgery, and years of treatment.

Wrongful Death ($1.9M – $9.5M Range)
When trucking companies’ negligence kills Marshall County residents, surviving spouses, children, and parents can recover lost income, loss of companionship, mental anguish, and funeral expenses. Indiana law allows these claims, but the two-year statute of limitations runs fast.

Insurance & Damages: Why These Cases Are High-Value

Federal law requires substantial insurance coverage for commercial trucks:

• $750,000 minimum for non-hazardous freight
• $1,000,000 for oil, petroleum, and large equipment
• $5,000,000 for hazardous materials and passenger carriers

Many carriers carry $1-5 million or more. This coverage reflects the catastrophic potential of trucking accidents.

Types of Damages Available in Marshall County:

Economic Damages:

• Medical expenses (past, present, future)
• Lost wages and benefits
• Lost earning capacity
• Property damage
• Life care costs for catastrophic injuries

Non-Economic Damages:

• Pain and suffering
• Mental anguish
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Disfigurement
• Loss of consortium

Punitive Damages:
Available when trucking companies act with gross negligence, willful misconduct, or conscious indifference to safety—such as knowingly hiring dangerous drivers, falsifying logs, or destroying evidence. While Indiana caps punitive damages at the greater of three times compensatory damages or $50,000, these additional damages punish egregious conduct and deter future violations.

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Marshall County Trucking Case

Ralph Manginello’s 25+ Years of Experience
Since 1998, Ralph has fought for injury victims against the largest corporations in America. He’s one of the few Texas attorneys who litigated against BP in the 2005 Texas City Refinery explosion that killed 15 workers and caused $2.1 billion in total industry settlements. That experience translates directly to taking on Fortune 500 trucking companies.

Lupe Peña: The Insurance Defense Advantage
Our associate attorney Lupe Peña spent years working as an insurance defense attorney before joining Attorney911. He knows exactly how trucking insurers evaluate claims, train adjusters to minimize payouts, and deny valid claims. Now he uses that insider knowledge against them. When Lupe reviews your case, he sees the playbook the defense is using—and he knows how to counter every tactic. That’s your advantage.

Federal Court Admission
Ralph Manginello is admitted to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas. This federal court experience is critical for interstate trucking cases that involve federal regulations and can be removed to federal court.

Multi-Million Dollar Results
We’ve recovered over $50 million for clients, including:

• $5+ million for a traumatic brain injury (logging accident)
• $3.8+ million for an amputation (car accident with medical complications)
• $2.5+ million for a truck crash recovery
• $2+ million for a maritime back injury
• Currently litigating a $10 million lawsuit against the University of Houston for fraternity hazing injuries

Three Offices Serving Northern Indiana
While we’re based in Texas with offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, our federal practice and network allow us to handle serious trucking cases in Marshall County and across Indiana. We work with local counsel when necessary and travel for client meetings and court appearances.

4.9-Star Rating (251+ Reviews)
Our clients rave about our personal attention. Chad Harris said, “You are NOT a pest to them and you are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.” Glenda Walker told us, “They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.” And Donald Wilcox, whose case another firm rejected, 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.”

Hablamos Español
Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish. If se habla español, you can communicate directly with your attorney without interpreters. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911 para una consulta gratis.

No Fee Unless We Win
We work on contingency: 33.33% if settled pre-trial, 40% if we go to trial. You pay nothing upfront. We advance all investigation costs, expert fees, and litigation expenses. If we don’t win, you don’t pay.

Marshall County Trucking Accident FAQ

How long do I have to file an 18-wheeler lawsuit in Indiana?
Two years from the accident date. But waiting is dangerous—evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and trucking companies build defenses. Call us immediately.

Can I recover if I was partially at fault?
Yes, under Indiana’s modified comparative negligence rule, you can recover if you’re 50% or less at fault. Your damages are reduced by your percentage of fault. But if you’re 51% or more at fault, you recover nothing. We fight to prove the truck driver was 100% responsible.

What is an ELD and why does it matter?
Electronic Logging Devices automatically record driver hours of service. Since 2017, they’re mandatory in most trucks. This data proves fatigue violations and is objective evidence that contradicts driver lies about rest breaks.

Should I talk to the trucking company’s insurance adjuster?
Absolutely not. They record statements and use your words against you. Politely decline and tell them your attorney will contact them. Then call 1-888-ATTY-911.

How much are trucking cases worth?
It depends on injury severity, medical costs, lost income, and available insurance. With federal minimums of $750,000-$5 million, catastrophic injury cases often settle in the high six or seven figures. We’ve recovered millions for clients with similar injuries to yours.

What if the trucking company is from out-of-state?
That doesn’t matter. Federal regulations apply nationwide, and we can pursue out-of-state carriers in Indiana courts or federal court. Our federal admission allows us to handle these interstate cases seamlessly.

Can undocumented immigrants file claims?
Yes. Immigration status does not affect your right to compensation for injuries caused by a trucking company’s negligence. We protect all victims’ rights regardless of status.

What’s a spoliation letter?
A legal notice we send within 24 hours demanding preservation of ECM data, maintenance records, driver files, and physical evidence. It creates legal consequences if the trucking company destroys evidence.

Will my case go to trial?
Most settle, but we prepare every case for trial. Insurance companies offer better settlements when they know your lawyer will take them to court. We’re ready if they won’t pay fairly.

How long will my case take?
Simple cases with clear liability: 6-12 months. Complex litigation with multiple defendants: 1-3 years. We work efficiently while maximizing your recovery.

Call Attorney911 Today: Your Marshall County Trucking Accident Attorneys

The trucking company that hit you has already called their lawyers. Their insurance adjuster is already looking for ways to pay you less. Their rapid-response team is already at the scene documenting evidence to protect them.

What are you doing to protect yourself and your family?

If you’ve been injured in an 18-wheeler accident on US-31, US-30, I-80/90, or anywhere in Marshall County, Indiana, call Attorney911 immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911 or (888) 288-9911. We’re available 24/7, 365 days a year.

The clock is ticking. Evidence is disappearing. And your family deserves justice.

Hablamos Español. Llame a Lupe Peña al 1-888-ATTY-911.

Attorney911
1177 West Loop S, Suite 1600, Houston, TX 77027
316 West 12th Street, Suite 311, Austin, TX 78701
Available for meetings in Beaumont, TX
Serving Marshall County, Indiana and nationwide

Disclaimer: The recoveries mentioned on this page are examples of results achieved in past cases. Every case is unique, and past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Indiana law applies a modified comparative negligence rule with a 51% bar and a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury and wrongful death claims.