One moment, you’re driving through Pulaski County on your way home from work. The next, an 80,000-pound tractor-trailer has changed your life forever. The crushing metal, the screeching tires, the chaos of the aftermath—these moments define the terrifying reality of 18-wheeler accidents in rural Indiana. If you’ve been injured in a trucking accident anywhere in Pulaski County, you need to know something critical right now: the trucking company already has lawyers working to protect their interests. They dispatched a rapid-response team before the ambulance even arrived. You need someone in your corner who moves just as fast.
At Attorney911, we don’t just handle car wrecks. We specialize in the complex, high-stakes litigation that commercial trucking accidents demand. Ralph Manginello has spent over 25 years fighting for families devastated by negligent trucking companies, securing multi-million dollar settlements that include $5 million for traumatic brain injury victims and $3.8 million for catastrophic amputation cases. Our associate attorney, Lupe Peña, spent years inside the insurance industry defending trucking companies—now he uses that insider knowledge to fight for you. When an 18-wheeler injures someone in Pulaski County, we know exactly where to look for evidence, which federal regulations were violated, and how to make the trucking company pay.
Call 1-888-ATTY-911 right now. Evidence disappears fast. Black box data can be overwritten in 30 days. We send spoliation letters within hours to preserve every critical detail of your case.
The Pulaski County Trucking Landscape: Where Danger Meets Rural Roads
Pulaski County sits at the crossroads of major freight corridors that traverse north-central Indiana. Interstate 65—the primary artery connecting Indianapolis to Lafayette and eventually Chicago—runs through the western portion of the county, carrying thousands of commercial trucks daily. When you add US-31, another significant north-south freight route, and the proximity to US-30, you have a recipe for serious truck accidents. These aren’t just local delivery trucks; these are long-haul carriers traveling from the Gulf Coast to the Canadian border, often pushing tight deadlines across Indiana’s agricultural heartland.
The geography of Pulaski County creates unique hazards for 18-wheeler traffic. Rural two-lane highways intersect with major interstates at high speeds. During harvest season, agricultural trucks hauling grain from Pulaski County’s corn and soybean fields share the road with interstate semis. Winter brings Lake-effect snow and black ice that can send a loaded truck jackknifing across I-65 in seconds. When a truck driver fails to adjust for conditions on the Winamac Bridge or loses control on the curve near the Tippecanoe River, the results are catastrophic for local families.
Understanding these local factors matters in your case. We know that trucking companies often pressure drivers to maintain impossible schedules across Indiana’s 31st Congressional District. We know that fatigue-related accidents spike during harvest season when grain trucks operate at all hours. And we know that the Indiana State Police and Pulaski County Sheriff’s Department work these crashes differently than passenger vehicle accidents—with different evidence protocols that we understand intimately.
Why 18-Wheeler Accidents Demand Specialized Legal Representation
You might think any personal injury attorney can handle a truck accident. You’d be wrong. Trucking litigation operates under an entirely different framework than standard car crashes. Federal regulations govern everything from how long a driver can operate to how cargo must be secured. Multiple insurance policies layer coverage in complex ways. And unlike a simple rear-end collision where fault is obvious, truck accidents often involve questions of negligent hiring by the carrier, improper maintenance by third-party shops, or cargo loading errors by distant shipping companies.
The physics alone demand expertise. A fully loaded semi-truck weighs 40 tons—twenty times the mass of your average sedan. At 65 mph on I-65, that truck needs nearly two football fields to come to a complete stop. When a trucker following too closely rear-ends a vehicle near the Medaryville exit, the impact force isn’t just doubled—it’s multiplied by the mass differential. These crashes don’t cause simple whiplash; they cause traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage requiring lifelong care, and wrongful death.
Trucking companies know this. That’s why they carry minimum insurance coverage of $750,000 for non-hazardous freight, $1 million for petroleum products, and $5 million for hazardous materials. These aren’t sympathy checks—they’re amounts calculated to cover catastrophic harm. But accessing these funds requires proving federal violations, understanding commercial insurance endorsements like the MCS-90, and knowing how to read electronic logging device (ELD) data. That’s why Attorney911 maintains specialized expertise in Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations.
Ralph Manginello has been admitted to practice in federal court since 1998, meaning he can handle interstate trucking cases that cross state lines. When a truck driver from Arkansas crashes into a Pulaski County resident on I-70, you need an attorney who understands federal jurisdiction and can litigate against out-of-state carriers.
Common 18-Wheeler Accident Types in Pulaski County
Not all truck accidents are created equal. The type of accident often determines which federal regulations were violated and who bears liability. Here are the accident patterns we see most frequently in Pulaski County and across northern Indiana:
Jackknife Accidents on I-65
Jackknife accidents occur when the trailer swings perpendicular to the cab, creating a massive road hazard. We see these frequently on I-65 during winter weather when truckers fail to reduce speed for icy conditions. Under 49 CFR § 392.6, drivers must not operate at speeds unsafe for conditions. When a trucker hits black ice near the KY 39 interchange and jackknifes across all lanes, they’ve likely violated federal safety rules regarding speed management.
Jackknifes also result from brake failures or improper braking technique. Under 49 CFR § 393.48, brake systems must be properly maintained. If inspection records show the trucking company deferred brake maintenance to save costs, we pursue punitive damages.
Rollover Crashes on Rural Curves
Pulaski County’s rural highways have sharp curves and limited shoulder space. Rollovers happen when truckers take these curves too fast—a violation of 49 CFR § 392.6—or when cargo shifts due to improper securement under 49 CFR § 393.100-136. We recently investigated a case near Francesville where a grain truck rolled because the load shifted on a curve. The cargo securement violations were extensive, and we held the loading company liable alongside the driver.
Rollovers cause crushing injuries when the cab or trailer lands on smaller vehicles. These cases often involve the highest settlement values because the negligence is clear and the injuries are devastating.
Underride Collisions: The Deadliest Crashes
Underride accidents occur when a passenger vehicle slides under the trailer, shearing off the roof and killing occupants instantly. These happen at intersections on US-31 when trucks make wide right turns or when trucks stop suddenly on I-65. Under 49 CFR § 393.86, trailers must have rear impact guards to prevent underride. However, many older trailers lack adequate protection, and no federal law requires side underride guards—though the trucking industry knows they save lives.
In Pulaski County, where rural intersections often have limited lighting, underride accidents occur at night when drivers can’t see a dark trailer ahead. We investigate whether the trucking company violated lighting requirements under 49 CFR § 393.11 and whether the trailer had proper reflective tape.
Rear-End Collisions and the 525-Foot Rule
Rear-end truck accidents occur when a truck driver follows too closely or fails to brake in time. Under 49 CFR § 392.11, truckers must maintain a “reasonable and prudent” following distance. Given that an 80,000-pound truck needs 525 feet to stop at highway speed, tailgating is never acceptable.
We recently represented a client from Winamac who was rear-ended by a semi on US-30. The truck’s Event Data Recorder (EDR) showed the driver never applied brakes until impact—clear evidence of distraction or fatigue. We recovered policy limits for that client within eight months.
Wide Turn Accidents at Rural Intersections
Trucks need enormous space to turn right—often swinging left first to accommodate the trailer’s tracking. When truckers fail to check blind spots or signal properly, they crush vehicles in the “squeeze play.” These accidents happen frequently at the intersection of State Road 39 and US-30 in Pulaski County.
Under 49 CFR § 392.2, drivers must obey all traffic control devices and use turn signals. When a trucker claims they “didn’t see” a vehicle beside them, we subpoena the truck’s telematics data to prove they didn’t check mirrors—a violation of safe operating practices.
Tire Blowouts and Runaway Debris
Indiana’s temperature swings and road conditions cause tire failures. When a semi’s tire blows on I-65, the driver often loses control. Under 49 CFR § 393.75, tires must have adequate tread depth (4/32″ for steer tires). We examine maintenance records to prove the company knew tires were bald but kept the truck on the road anyway.
Tire debris also creates secondary accidents. “Road gators”—strips of tread left on highways—cause thousands of crashes annually. When a trucking company fails to conduct pre-trip inspections required under 49 CFR § 396.13, they’re liable for subsequent crashes caused by their debris.
Brake Failure on Descents
While Pulaski County doesn’t have mountain passes, trucks descending the overpasses at SR 39 can experience brake fade if they’re not properly maintained. Under 49 CFR § 396.3, carriers must systematically inspect and maintain brake systems. When brake failure causes a crash at the bottom of a grade, we scrutinize every maintenance invoice to find deferred repairs.
Cargo Spills and Hazmat Incidents
Pulaski County sees significant agricultural cargo—grain, ethanol, and fertilizers. When these loads spill on I-65 or US-31, they create fire hazards and chemical exposure risks. 49 CFR § 393.100 mandates proper securement for commodities. A grain spill that causes a multi-car pileup involves the shipper, the loader, and the carrier—all potentially liable parties we pursue simultaneously.
All Liable Parties: We Don’t Stop at the Driver
Most law firms sue the truck driver and stop there. That’s leaving money on the table—and justice unserved. Under Indiana’s modified comparative negligence system (the 51% rule), maximizing recovery means identifying every party who contributed to the crash. We investigate ten potential defendants:
The Truck Driver
Obviously the primary defendant, but we look beyond simple negligence. Was the driver fatigued, violating 49 CFR Part 395 hours-of-service rules? Were they texting, violating 49 CFR § 392.82? Did they have a valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) and current medical certification under 49 CFR § 391.41? We subpoena cell phone records, ELD data, and the Driver Qualification File to prove direct negligence.
The Trucking Company (Motor Carrier)
Under the doctrine of respondeat superior, employers are liable for employees’ negligent acts. But we also pursue direct negligence claims: negligent hiring (hiring a driver with a history of DUI), negligent training (failing to teach winter driving techniques), and negligent supervision (ignoring ELD violations). We obtain the company’s CSA (Compliance, Safety, Accountability) scores from FMCSA to show patterns of safety violations.
The Cargo Owner/Shipper
When agricultural commodities or manufactured goods cause crashes due to improper loading specifications, the shipper shares liability. If a Pulaski County grain elevator overloaded a truck or distributed weight unevenly, they contributed to the rollover.
The Loading Company
Third-party loaders who secure cargo must comply with 49 CFR § 393.100. When they fail to use adequate tiedowns or blocking, we name them as defendants.
Truck and Parts Manufacturers
Defective brake systems, steering components, or tires create products liability claims. We preserve failed components for expert analysis and search NHTSA databases for recall history.
Maintenance Companies
Third-party mechanics who performed negligent brake adjustments or signed off on unsafe vehicles under 49 CFR § 396.17 are liable for subsequent failures.
Freight Brokers
Brokers who arrange transportation have a duty to verify carrier safety ratings. When a broker selects a carrier with a conditional or unsatisfactory safety rating to save money, they’re negligent under federal broker liability standards.
Truck Owner (If Different from Carrier)
In owner-operator arrangements, the equipment owner may hold separate liability for negligent entrustment or maintenance failures.
Government Entities
Poorly designed interchanges, inadequate signage, or failure to maintain road surfaces can contribute to accidents. While sovereign immunity limits these claims in Indiana, we pursue them when appropriate—particularly when INDOT knew of dangerous conditions at specific Pulaski County intersections.
FMCSA Regulations That Prove Negligence
Federal trucking regulations aren’t just bureaucratic red tape—they’re evidence of negligence when violated. We cite specific violations to prove liability:
Hours of Service Violations (49 CFR Part 395): The most common cause of fatigue-related crashes. Drivers cannot drive more than 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty, nor operate beyond the 14th consecutive hour on duty. ELD data proves these violations conclusively.
Driver Qualification Failures (49 CFR Part 391): Carriers must maintain Driver Qualification Files containing employment applications, three-year driving histories, medical certifications, and drug test results. Missing files prove negligent hiring.
Vehicle Maintenance Negligence (49 CFR Part 396): Requires systematic inspection, repair, and maintenance. Drivers must complete post-trip inspection reports (49 CFR § 396.11) noting brake defects, tire conditions, and lighting problems. When these reports document “minor brake issues” that later cause failure, the paper trail proves the company knew of dangers.
Cargo Securement (49 CFR § 393.100-136): Mandates specific performance criteria for tiedowns. Loads must withstand 0.8g deceleration forward and 0.5g laterally. Grain loads shifting on curves violate these standards.
Drug and Alcohol Testing (49 CFR Part 382): Requires pre-employment, random, and post-accident testing. A positive post-accident screen creates automatic liability under 49 CFR § 392.4.
Cell Phone Prohibition (49 CFR § 392.82): Bans hand-held mobile use while driving. Phone records show calls/texts at the time of impact.
Catastrophic Injuries: The Real Cost of Truck Accidents
The forces involved in 18-wheeler collisions cause injuries that change lives forever. We don’t just document medical bills—we calculate lifetime costs and human suffering.
Traumatic Brain Injury ($1.5M – $9.8M Range)
TBIs range from concussions with lingering cognitive issues to severe brain damage requiring 24/7 care. Symptoms include memory loss, personality changes, depression, and inability to work. Lifetime care costs can exceed $3 million. We recently secured a multi-million dollar settlement for a client who suffered TBI when a logging truck’s unsecured load struck his vehicle.
Spinal Cord Injury ($4.7M – $25.8M Range)
Paraplegia and quadriplegia require home modifications, wheelchairs, and personal care assistance. A C1-C4 injury requiring ventilator support can cost $5 million over a lifetime. In Indiana, these cases often settle for the full policy limits given the clear liability and devastating costs.
Amputation ($1.9M – $8.6M Range)
Traumatic amputations at the scene or surgical amputations due to crush injuries require prosthetics ($50,000+ each) and ongoing physical therapy. Phantom limb pain and psychological trauma add to the suffering.
Severe Burns
Tanker explosions or fuel fires cause third and fourth-degree burns requiring skin grafts, multiple surgeries, and permanent disfigurement. These cases justify high pain and suffering awards under Indiana law.
Wrongful Death ($1.9M – $9.5M Range)
When negligence kills a breadwinner, Indiana law allows recovery for lost future income, loss of consortium, and mental anguish. The two-year statute of limitations (Indiana Code § 34-11-2-4) applies strictly—we file immediately to preserve claims.
Important Note on Indiana Law: Indiana follows a modified comparative negligence rule with a 51% bar. If you’re found 51% or more at fault, you recover nothing. If you’re 50% or less at fault, your recovery reduces by your fault percentage. This makes evidence preservation critical—we need black box data to prove the trucker was primarily responsible, not you.
The 48-Hour Evidence Preservation Protocol
You have 48 hours. Maybe less.
Trucking companies don’t wait. They send “rapid response teams” to the scene—lawyers and investigators working to control the narrative before you even leave the hospital. Black box Event Data Recorders (EDR) can overwrite critical speed and braking data within 30 days. Electronic Logging Devices (ELD) might only store six months of data. Dashcam footage is often “lost” within a week.
That’s why Attorney911 acts immediately. Within 24 hours of retention, we send spoliation letters to the trucking company, their insurer, and all potentially liable parties. These letters create a legal duty to preserve:
- ECM/EDR download showing speed, throttle, and brake application
- ELD logs proving hours-of-service violations
- Driver Qualification Files and drug test results
- Maintenance records and inspection reports
- GPS tracking data
- Cell phone records
- Dashcam and surveillance footage
If the trucking company destroys evidence after receiving our letter, courts can impose sanctions, instruct juries to assume the destroyed evidence was unfavorable, or enter default judgment. We don’t give them the chance to hide evidence.
Indiana Commercial Truck Insurance Requirements
Federal law mandates minimum coverage levels far exceeding passenger vehicles:
- $750,000 for non-hazardous freight over 10,001 lbs
- $1,000,000 for oil/petroleum transport
- $5,000,000 for hazardous materials
Most commercial carriers carry $1-5 million in coverage. Additionally, the MCS-90 endorsement guarantees that if the carrier’s insurance denies coverage, the insurer must still pay minimum damages to injured third parties.
We layer these policies. If the driver is an independent owner-operator with $1 million coverage and the motor carrier has another $1 million, we access both. If the cargo shipper has contingent coverage, we add that. Our goal is maximum compensation, not quick settlements.
Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Pulaski County Truck Accident
Results matter. Ralph Manginello has recovered $50 million+ for clients across Texas and beyond, including $5+ million for a traumatic brain injury victim and $3.8+ million for a client who suffered amputation after a car accident. We’ve taken on BP in the Texas City refinery explosion litigation—a case involving 15 deaths and $2.1 billion in settlements—and currently litigate a $10 million hazing lawsuit against the University of Houston.
But what truly sets us apart is insider knowledge. Lupe Peña, our associate attorney, spent years defending insurance companies. He knows their playbooks—the Colossus software they use to lowball claims, the surveillance tactics they employ to catch you “looking healthy” at the grocery store, and the pressure tactics they use to force quick settlements. Now he fights against those same companies, using his insider knowledge to maximize your recovery.
Our clients appreciate the personal attention. As Chad Harris said, “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 we got him “this handsome check” when others said it was impossible.
We have offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, and we handle truck accident cases throughout Indiana and nationwide. With federal court admission and 25+ years of experience, Ralph Manginello has the credentials to take on Fortune 500 trucking companies.
Hablamos Español. Lupe Peña provides fluent Spanish representation for Pulaski County’s Hispanic community. No interpreters needed—just direct, effective communication. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911.
Frequently Asked Questions: Pulaski County 18-Wheeler Accidents
How long do I have to file a truck accident lawsuit in Indiana?
Indiana’s statute of limitations gives you two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit (Indiana Code § 34-11-2-4). For wrongful death, the clock also starts at two years from the date of death. But waiting is dangerous—evidence disappears and trucking companies build defenses. Contact us immediately.
What if I was partially at fault for the accident?
Indiana uses modified comparative negligence with a 51% bar. If you’re 50% or less at fault, you can recover damages reduced by your fault percentage. If you’re 51% or more at fault, you recover nothing. This makes proving the trucker’s negligence critical—we use ELD data and ECM downloads to minimize your attributed fault.
How much is my truck accident case worth?
Values depend on injury severity, medical costs, lost wages, and insurance coverage. Given that trucks carry $750K-$5M minimum coverage, catastrophic injury cases often settle in the hundreds of thousands or millions. We’ve seen wrongful death cases in Indiana resolve for $1.9-$9.5 million depending on circumstances.
Will my case go to trial?
Most trucking cases settle before trial—roughly 95%. However, we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial. Insurance companies offer better settlements when they know your attorney has trial experience and federal court admission. Ralph Manginello has been trying cases since 1998.
How do you prove the driver was fatigued?
We subpoena ELD data under 49 CFR § 395.8, which mandates electronic logging. This data shows driving time, duty status, and location history. We compare logs to fuel receipts and GPS data to find falsifications. Hours-of-service violations are strong evidence of negligence.
What if the trucking company is from out of state?
We handle that regularly. With federal court admission, Ralph Manginello can litigate against carriers from Arkansas, Texas, or anywhere in the U.S. Federal trucking regulations apply universally, and we coordinate with local counsel in Indiana while maintaining primary oversight.
Can I sue if my loved one was killed?
Yes. Indiana wrongful death claims allow recovery by the personal representative for the benefit of the spouse and dependents. Damages include lost income, loss of consortium, funeral expenses, and mental anguish. Punitive damages may be available for gross negligence, capped at the greater of three times compensatory damages or $50,000 under Indiana law.
Do I need an attorney if the insurance company already offered to settle?
Absolutely. Initial offers are typically 10-20% of the case’s actual value. They hope you’ll accept before discovering the full extent of your injuries or before an attorney reveals multiple insurance policies. Never accept an offer without legal review.
How much does it cost to hire Attorney911?
Nothing upfront. We work on contingency—33.33% if settled pre-trial, 40% if we go to trial. You pay nothing unless we win. We advance all costs of investigation, expert witnesses, and litigation. As Angel Walle said, we “solved in a couple of months what others did nothing about in two years.”
What if the truck driver was an independent contractor?
We sue both the driver and the motor carrier. If the carrier controls the driver’s routes, schedules, and equipment, they’re liable under federal “employer” definitions. We also pursue the carrier’s insurance regardless of the driver’s independent status.
Can undocumented immigrants file claims?
Yes. Immigration status does not affect your right to compensation for injuries caused by negligence. We represent all residents of Pulaski County regardless of status, and Lupe Peña provides confidential Spanish-language services.
What if the accident happened on a rural road, not the interstate?
Federal regulations apply to any commercial vehicle operating in interstate commerce, regardless of whether the crash happened on I-65 or a county road near Monterey. We handle accidents throughout Pulaski County, from the Starke County line to the Tippecanoe River.
How quickly can you start my case?
Today. Call 888-ATTY-911 or (888) 288-9911 now. We answer 24/7. We’ll send investigators to Pulaski County immediately and preservation letters to the trucking company within hours.
Call Attorney911 Now: Your Pulaski County Truck Accident Attorneys
The trucking company has lawyers working right now to minimize what they pay you. You need someone working just as hard for you. Ralph Manginello and the team at Attorney911 have recovered over $50 million for accident victims, including multi-million dollar verdicts against Walmart, Amazon, FedEx, and other commercial carriers.
Don’t wait. Evidence disappears. Memories fade. And Indiana’s two-year statute of limitations ticks away every day.
If you’ve been injured in an 18-wheeler accident in Pulaski County—whether on I-65 near Winamac, US-31 through Monterey, or any rural highway in between—call 1-888-288-9911 right now. The consultation is free. The representation costs you nothing unless we win. And you deserve an attorney who treats you like family, not a case number.
As client Ernest Cano told us, we’ll “fight tooth and nail for you.” Let us fight for you. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 today.
Hablamos Español. Llame ahora: 1-888-ATTY-911.
