18-Wheeler Accident Attorneys in Saint Joseph County, Indiana

When 80,000 Pounds Changes Everything, We’re Here to Fight for You

It happened fast. Too fast. One moment, you’re driving down the I-80/I-90 Toll Road through Saint Joseph County, heading toward South Bend or Mishawaka. The next moment, an 80,000-pound tractor-trailer is jackknifing across three lanes, or barreling through a snow-slicked curve without proper braking distance. In an instant, your life changes forever.

If you’re reading this from a hospital bed in Saint Joseph County—whether that’s at Memorial Hospital of South Bend, Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center, or IU Health Goshen—we’re sorry this happened to you. You’re likely facing mounting medical bills, time away from work, and uncertainty about your future. You’re wondering how you’ll pay for the surgeries, the physical therapy, or how you’ll support your family while you recover.

That’s where we come in. At Attorney911, we don’t just handle trucking accident cases—we fight for families whose lives have been devastated by negligent trucking companies and their drivers. Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has spent over 25 years taking on the largest trucking corporations in America, and he’s admitted to federal court, giving him the ability to handle complex interstate trucking cases that cross state lines. We’ve gone toe-to-toe with Fortune 500 corporations, including BP in the Texas City explosion litigation, and we’ve recovered multi-million dollar settlements for traumatic brain injury victims, amputation cases, and families who’ve lost loved ones in fatal 18-wheeler crashes.

Right now, you need more than a lawyer—you need a fighter. The trucking company that hit you has already called their lawyers. Their insurance adjuster is already looking for ways to minimize your claim. They’re hoping you don’t know your rights under Indiana law. Let’s change that.

Call us 24/7 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation. We work on contingency—you pay nothing unless we win your case.

Why Trucking Accidents in Saint Joseph County Are Different

Indiana isn’t just any state when it comes to trucking—it’s the “Crossroads of America,” and Saint Joseph County sits at the heart of one of the busiest freight corridors in the nation. The Indiana Toll Road (I-80/I-90) cuts through the northern part of the county, carrying thousands of commercial trucks daily between Chicago and the East Coast. I-94 runs parallel, serving as a major artery for freight moving between Detroit and Chicago. Then there’s I-69, which heads south toward Indianapolis, and U.S. 31, a critical north-south route that sees heavy truck traffic serving the manufacturing plants and distribution centers throughout the region.

This isn’t just traffic—it’s an 80,000-pound gamble with your safety. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), over 5,000 people die annually in large truck crashes across America, with another 125,000+ suffering injuries. Here in Saint Joseph County, the mix of extreme winter weather, heavy industrial freight, and high-speed interstate traffic creates a perfect storm for catastrophic accidents.

The Physics Working Against Saint Joseph County Drivers

Your car weighs roughly 4,000 pounds. A fully loaded semi-truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds under federal law (49 CFR § 658.17). That’s twenty times the mass of your vehicle. When that truck is traveling at 65 mph on the Toll Road during one of our notorious Indiana lake-effect snowstorms, it needs nearly 525 feet to stop—that’s almost two football fields. Even in perfect conditions, a truck needs 20-40% more stopping distance than a passenger car.

When drivers violate hours-of-service regulations or trucking companies fail to maintain brake systems, that stopping distance becomes a death sentence for innocent motorists.

Ralph Manginello: 25+ Years Fighting for Trucking Accident Victims

Since 1998, Ralph Manginello has built a reputation as one of the most aggressive trucking litigation attorneys in the country. He doesn’t just understand personal injury law—he understands the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (49 CFR Parts 390-399) that govern every 18-wheeler on Indiana highways.

Here’s why that matters for your Saint Joseph County case:

Ralph is admitted to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas, which means he can handle cases involving interstate commerce—critical when your accident involves a truck that crossed state lines. Ralph has litigated against the world’s largest corporations, including BP in the 2005 Texas City Refinery explosion that killed 15 workers and injured 170 more. That case resulted in over $2.1 billion in total settlements across all defendants.

But Ralph doesn’t stand alone. Our firm includes associate attorney Lupe Peña, who spent years working as an insurance defense attorney for national trucking insurance companies before joining Attorney911. Think about that advantage—we have an attorney who used to defend trucking companies, who knows exactly how they evaluate claims, what their settlement formulas are, and every trick they use to deny legitimate claims. Now he uses that insider knowledge to fight for victims right here in Saint Joseph County.

Our track record speaks for itself:

• $5+ Million recovered for a traumatic brain injury victim struck by a falling log
• $3.8+ Million for a car accident victim who suffered amputation due to medical complications
• $2.5+ Million recovered in commercial trucking accidents
• $2+ Million for maritime back injury cases under the Jones Act
• $10+ Million lawsuit currently active against the University of Houston for hazing-related injuries (demonstrating our ability to take on institutional defendants)

And we didn’t accomplish this alone. As our client Glenda Walker said, “They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.” Chad Harris put it this way: “You are NOT a pest to them and you are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.”

Indiana Law: What You Need to Know After a Saint Joseph County Trucking Accident

The Clock Is Ticking: Indiana’s Statute of Limitations

In Indiana, you have two years from the date of your trucking accident to file a personal injury lawsuit (Indiana Code § 34-11-2-4). For wrongful death claims, you also have two years from the date of death.

But waiting is dangerous. Every hour you delay, evidence disappears. Black box data from the truck’s Electronic Control Module (ECM) can be overwritten in as little as 30 days. Electronic Logging Device (ELD) records, which prove whether the driver violated hours-of-service regulations, might be purged after six months. Witness memories fade. Dashcam footage gets deleted. And the trucking company? They’re already building their defense.

We recommend contacting an attorney within 24-48 hours of your Saint Joseph County accident.

Modified Comparative Negligence: Don’t Let Them Blame You

Indiana follows a modified comparative negligence rule with a 51% bar (Indiana Code § 34-51-2). This means you can recover damages even if you were partially at fault—as long as you were not more than 50% responsible. However, your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

Trucking companies and their insurers will try to shift blame onto you. They’ll claim you were speeding, or following too closely, or that you failed to adjust for weather conditions. This is why we immediately dispatch our own investigators to the scene on the Toll Road or U.S. 31 to preserve evidence before the trucking company can spin their narrative.

The Federal Regulations That Protect You (And That Trucking Companies Violate)

Every 18-wheeler operating in Saint Joseph County must comply with strict federal regulations under Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations. When trucking companies cut corners to save money, they violate these rules—and we use those violations to prove negligence.

Hours of Service (49 CFR Part 395): The Anti-Fatigue Rules

Truck drivers cannot legally drive more than 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off-duty. They cannot drive beyond the 14th consecutive hour after coming on duty. They must take a 30-minute break after 8 cumulative hours of driving. And they cannot exceed 60 hours in 7 days or 70 hours in 8 days (the weekly limits).

Why this matters in Saint Joseph County: The Toll Road and I-94 are major long-haul corridors. Drivers push through our area to make Chicago or Detroit by deadline, often violating these rules. We subpoena ELD data to prove it.

Driver Qualification (49 CFR Part 391)

Trucking companies must verify that drivers:

• Are at least 21 years old for interstate commerce
• Possess a valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)
• Pass a physical exam every 2 years (medical certificate required)
• Have their driving record checked annually
• Are properly trained on cargo securement and vehicle operation

When companies hire unqualified drivers—perhaps those with suspended licenses, medical conditions, or histories of drug use—they commit negligent hiring, and we hold them liable.

Vehicle Maintenance (49 CFR Part 396)

Trucks require systematic inspection and maintenance. Drivers must conduct pre-trip inspections, and companies must maintain records for 14 months. Brake systems must meet specific standards (49 CFR § 393.40-55), and cargo must be secured according to strict performance criteria (49 CFR § 393.100-136).

In Indiana’s harsh winters, brake failures and tire blowouts are catastrophic. If the trucking company skipped inspections to keep the truck rolling, that’s negligence.

The Types of 18-Wheeler Accidents We Handle in Saint Joseph County

Not all trucking accidents are the same, and each type requires specific legal expertise. Here are the accidents we see most frequently on Saint Joseph County roads:

Jackknife Accidents

A jackknife occurs when the trailer swings out at a 90-degree angle to the cab, often sweeping across multiple lanes of the Toll Road or I-94. These typically happen when a driver brakes too hard on slippery surfaces—common during our harsh Indiana winters when lake-effect snow blankets the region.

Causes: Improper braking technique, equipment failure, empty trailers (which are lighter and more prone to swing), or following too closely for conditions.

Injuries: Multi-vehicle pileups, crushing injuries, traumatic brain injuries.

Rollover Accidents

With an 80,000-pound vehicle,重心 is everything. Rollovers frequently occur on the entrance and exit ramps of the Toll Road, particularly where curves tighten near Mishawaka or around the South Bend metro area. Speeding on these curves, especially with improperly secured cargo, causes the truck to tip.

Causes: Speeding on curves, unbalanced cargo loads (common with Michigan manufacturing freight), driver fatigue, overcorrection.

Injuries: Catastrophic crushing, spinal cord injuries, burns from fuel spills, wrongful death.

Underride Collisions

Perhaps the most horrifying type of trucking accident, underrides occur when a passenger vehicle slides underneath the trailer from the rear or side. The trailer height often shears off the vehicle’s roof at windshield level. Despite federal requirements for rear impact guards (49 CFR § 393.86), many guards fail in crashes above 35 mph, and there is no federal requirement for side underride guards.

Causes: Inadequate or missing underride guards, sudden stops without warning, low visibility in Indiana fog or snow.

Injuries: Decapitation, traumatic brain injury, death.

Rear-End Collisions

A loaded truck needs 40% more stopping distance than your car. When truck drivers are distracted by cell phones, fatigued from hours-of-service violations, or simply following too closely on the Toll Road during rush hour, they rear-end smaller vehicles with devastating force.

Causes: Distracted driving (49 CFR § 392.82 prohibits hand-held phone use), fatigue, speeding, brake failure.

Injuries: Whiplash, spinal cord damage, traumatic brain injury, internal organ damage.

Wide Turn Accidents (“Squeeze Play”)

Trucks making right turns must swing wide left first, creating a dangerous gap. When passenger vehicles in South Bend or Mishawaka try to squeeze through that gap on narrow city streets, the truck crushes them against the curb.

Causes: Inadequate signaling, driver failing to check blind spots, impatience in tight urban quarters.

Blind Spot Accidents (“No-Zone”)

Trucks have massive blind spots on all four sides—20 feet in front, 30 feet behind, and significant areas on both sides. When drivers change lanes without checking these zones on I-69 or U.S. 31, they sideswipe vehicles or push them off the road.

Tire Blowouts

Indiana’s extreme temperature swings—scorching summer pavement and freezing winter conditions—cause tire failures. When a steer tire blows at 65 mph on the Toll Road, the driver loses control instantly. “Road gators” (shredded tire debris) left on the highway cause secondary accidents.

Causes: Inadequate tread depth (49 CFR § 393.75 requires 4/32″ on steer tires), overloading, improper inflation, aging tires.

Brake Failure Accidents

Brake problems contribute to approximately 29% of large truck crashes. In Indiana’s rolling terrain, brake fade on descents or failure to maintain adjustment can lead to runaway trucks.

Causes: Deferred maintenance, adjustment failures, air brake system leaks.

Cargo Spills and Hazmat Incidents

Saint Joseph County sees heavy freight from manufacturing, agriculture, and chemical transport. When cargo isn’t secured properly (49 CFR § 393.100-136), it spills onto the Toll Road, causing chain-reaction crashes. Hazardous materials add the risk of chemical exposure and fires.

Who Can Be Held Liable? (Hint: It’s Not Just the Driver)

One of the biggest mistakes victims make is assuming only the truck driver is responsible. In reality, multiple parties can be liable in a trucking accident, and each represents a potential source of insurance coverage.

1. The Truck Driver

Direct negligence for speeding, distraction, fatigue, or impairment. We obtain cell phone records, ELD data, and toxicology reports to prove it.

2. The Trucking Company (Motor Carrier)

Under respondeat superior (employer liability), companies are responsible for their drivers’ actions. Additionally, we pursue negligent hiring (failure to check driving records), negligent training (inadequate safety instruction), and negligent supervision (failure to monitor HOS compliance).

3. The Cargo Owner/Shipper

Companies shipping goods from the dozens of warehouses around South Bend and Elkhart can be liable if they demanded unsafe delivery schedules, failed to disclose hazardous materials, or pressured drivers to violate weight limits.

4. The Loading Company

Third-party warehouses that loaded the cargo improperly—creating unbalanced weight that caused a rollover—can be liable under 49 CFR § 393 cargo securement violations.

5. Truck and Parts Manufacturers

Defective brake systems, faulty tires, or design flaws in the trailer can support product liability claims against manufacturers.

6. Maintenance Companies

Third-party mechanics who performed negligent repairs or failed to identify critical safety issues during inspections.

7. Freight Brokers

Brokers who arranged the shipment but failed to verify the carrier’s safety record, insurance, or authority may face liability for negligent selection.

8. The Truck Owner (If Different from Carrier)

In owner-operator arrangements, the individual truck owner may share liability for maintenance failures.

9. Government Entities

In limited circumstances, Indiana counties or the state may be liable for dangerous road design, inadequate signage, or failure to maintain safe conditions (though sovereign immunity limits apply).

The 48-Hour Evidence Emergency: Why You Must Act Now

We’ve said it before, but it bears repeating: evidence in trucking cases disappears at lightning speed.

Within hours of a crash on the Toll Road, the trucking company dispatches a “rapid response team”—investigators and lawyers whose sole job is to protect the company’s interests, not yours. They’re taking photos, collecting measurements, and coaching the driver before police even finish their report.

Critical evidence we must secure immediately:

Electronic Control Module (ECM) / “Black Box” Data

Records speed, braking, throttle position, and fault codes. Overwrites in 30 days or with new engine cycles.

Electronic Logging Devices (ELD)

Proves hours-of-service violations. Federal law requires retention for only 6 months, but we send spoliation letters immediately to prevent deletion.

Driver Qualification Files

Contains the driver’s application, background check, medical certification, and training records. Federal law requires retention for 3 years after termination.

Maintenance Records

Show whether the company deferred brake repairs or ignored tire wear. Must be kept for 14 months under 49 CFR § 396.

Dashcam Footage

Often deleted within 7-14 days if not preserved.

Surveillance Video

Traffic cameras or nearby businesses (like those along Lincoln Way or Grape Road in Mishawaka) may have footage, but systems typically overwrite every 7-30 days.

The Spoliation Letter
Within 24 hours of retaining us, we send formal preservation demands to the trucking company, their insurer, and all potential defendants. This puts them on legal notice that destroying evidence will result in court sanctions, adverse jury instructions, or default judgment.

As our client Donald Wilcox 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.” We know how to gather the evidence other firms miss.

Catastrophic Injuries: When “Recovery” Means a New Normal

Trucking accidents don’t cause simple fender-benders—they cause life-altering trauma. In our 25+ years representing Saint Joseph County victims, we’ve seen injuries that require lifetime care.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

When an 80,000-pound truck hits a 4,000-pound car, the brain slams against the skull. Symptoms may include memory loss, personality changes, chronic headaches, and cognitive impairment. Lifetime care costs can exceed $3 million. We’ve secured settlements ranging from $1.5 million to $9.8 million for TBI cases.

Spinal Cord Injury and Paralysis

Partial or complete paralysis (paraplegia or quadriplegia) results from crushing forces or severe whiplash. Lifetime costs range from $1.1 million to $5+ million. Our firm has recovered $4.7 million to $25.8 million in spinal cord cases.

Amputation

When the passenger compartment is crushed or when severe burns require surgical removal of limbs, victims face prosthetics ($5,000-$50,000+ per device), rehabilitation, and permanent disability. We’ve recovered $1.9 million to $8.6 million for amputation victims.

Severe Burns

Fuel fires and hazmat spills cause devastating thermal injuries requiring skin grafts, multiple surgeries, and psychological trauma.

Wrongful Death

When a trucking accident takes a loved one, families face not just emotional devastation but loss of income, loss of guidance for children, and funeral expenses. Indiana allows recovery for these damages, and we’ve secured $1.9 million to $9.5 million in wrongful death settlements.

As Kiimarii Yup told us, “I lost everything… my car was at a total loss, and because of Attorney Manginello and my case worker Leonor, 1 year later I have gained so much in return plus a brand new truck.”

Insurance Coverage: The Money Is There (But They Won’t Offer It Fairly)

Federal law requires trucking companies to carry substantial insurance:

• $750,000 minimum for non-hazardous freight
• $1,000,000 minimum for oil, large equipment, or vehicles
• $5,000,000 minimum for hazardous materials

Many carriers carry $1-5 million in coverage, far exceeding the $25,000 minimum for Indiana passenger vehicles. But having insurance doesn’t mean they’ll pay it fairly.

Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize your claim. They’ll offer quick, low settlements before you know the full extent of your injuries. They’ll use your recorded statements against you. They’ll claim your injuries were pre-existing or that you were partially at fault.

Our associate attorney Lupe Peña knows these tactics because he used to work for the other side. He knows exactly how they value claims, when they’re bluffing, and when they’ll pay. That insider knowledge is your advantage in negotiations.

What to Expect When You Hire Attorney911

Free Consultation, 24/7 Availability

Call 1-888-ATTY-911 anytime. We answer after hours because trucking accidents don’t happen on business hours. Hablamos Español—Lupe Peña provides fluent Spanish representation without interpreters.

Immediate Investigation

Within 24 hours, we:

• Send spoliation letters to preserve evidence
• Deploy investigators to the accident scene on the Toll Road or U.S. 31
• Obtain police reports from the Saint Joseph County Sheriff’s Office or local departments
• Interview witnesses while memories are fresh
• Photograph vehicle damage before it’s repaired

No Upfront Costs

We work on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing—no retainer, no hourly fees, no upfront costs. We advance all investigation expenses. Our fee is 33.33% if we settle pre-trial, 40% if we go to trial. If we don’t recover money for you, you owe us nothing.

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

Aggressive Negotiation or Trial

We prepare every case as if it’s going to trial. Insurance companies know which lawyers are willing to go to court—and they offer better settlements to clients with trial-ready attorneys. With federal court admission and 25+ years of courtroom experience, Ralph Manginello has the credibility to force fair offers.

Frequently Asked Questions About Saint Joseph County Trucking Accidents

Q: How long do I have to file a lawsuit after a trucking accident in Indiana?
A: Indiana’s statute of limitations is two years from the date of the accident (or date of death for wrongful death claims). However, waiting even a few weeks can be disastrous for evidence preservation. Call us immediately.

Q: What if I was partially at fault for the accident?
A: Under Indiana’s modified comparative negligence rule, you can recover damages as long as you were 50% or less at fault. Your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault. Don’t let the trucking company convince you that you were mostly at fault without legal representation.

Q: Should I talk to the trucking company’s insurance adjuster?
A: No. Do not give recorded statements. Insurance adjusters are trained to get you to say things that minimize your claim. Refer them to your attorney. We’re available 24/7 at 1-888-ATTY-911 to handle these communications.

Q: What if the truck driver was an independent contractor?
A: Even owner-operators may be covered by the trucking company’s insurance, or we can pursue the driver’s individual policy. Additionally, we investigate whether the company exercised control over the driver (which would make them liable).

Q: How much is my case worth?
A: There’s no “average” settlement. Factors include injury severity, medical costs (past and future), lost wages, pain and suffering, and available insurance. Trucking cases often settle for higher amounts than car accidents due to larger insurance policies and catastrophic injuries. We’ve recovered multi-million dollar settlements for clients in cases similar to yours.

Q: What if the trucking company is from out of state?
A: Most trucking accidents involve interstate commerce. Ralph Manginello’s federal court admission and dual-state licensure (Texas and New York) allow us to handle cases involving carriers from anywhere in the country. The FMCSA regulations apply nationwide.

Q: Can I afford an attorney?
A: Absolutely. We work on contingency. You pay nothing upfront. We only get paid if you win. As Angel Walle told us, “They solved in a couple of months what others did nothing about in two years.”

Q: What if I don’t have health insurance to cover my medical bills?
A: We can help you find medical providers who work on a Letter of Protection (LOP)—meaning they get paid when your case settles. Don’t let lack of insurance delay your treatment.

Q: How long will my case take?
A: Straightforward cases may settle in 6-12 months. Complex litigation involving multiple defendants or catastrophic injuries may take 1-3 years. We work to resolve cases as quickly as possible while maximizing recovery.

Q: What if the trucking company destroys evidence?
A: Once we send a spoliation letter, destroying evidence is a serious legal violation called “spoliation.” Courts can sanction the company, instruct the jury to assume the destroyed evidence was unfavorable to the defense, or even enter default judgment. We act fast to prevent this.

Saint Joseph County’s Most Dangerous Trucking Corridors

While trucking accidents can happen anywhere, certain roads in Saint Joseph County present higher risks:

I-80/I-90 Indiana Toll Road: High-speed limit (70 mph for cars, 65 mph for trucks), heavy commercial traffic, and severe winter weather conditions create dangerous conditions, especially near the state line.

I-94: Connects to Chicago and Detroit. Heavy freight traffic combined with lake-effect snow from Lake Michigan creates frequent whiteouts and slippery conditions.

U.S. 31: Major north-south route through South Bend and Mishawaka. Frequent stops, tight turns, and heavy industrial traffic from distribution centers.

I-69: Rural stretches lead to driver fatigue and inattention.

U.S. 20: Historic route parallel to the Toll Road with frequent intersections and truck traffic diverting to avoid tolls.

Your Next Steps

If you or a loved one has been injured in an 18-wheeler accident in Saint Joseph County—whether in South Bend, Mishawaka, Granger, or anywhere along the Toll Road—you need to act now to protect your rights.

The trucking company is already building their defense. Their insurance adjuster is already calculating how to pay you as little as possible. You deserve a team that will fight for every dime you deserve.

With offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we serve clients throughout Indiana and across the nation. Ralph Manginello’s 25+ years of experience, federal court admission, and track record of multi-million dollar verdicts give you the firepower to take on the largest trucking companies.

Call Attorney911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911). Available 24/7. Free consultation. No fee unless we win.

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

Don’t let them push you around. Don’t let them destroy the evidence. Don’t let them minimize your suffering. We’re here to fight for you, your family, and your future.

Attorney911. Because trucking companies shouldn’t get away with it.

Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome. Each case is unique and must be evaluated on its own facts and circumstances. The information on this page is not legal advice and should not be relied upon as such. Contacting us does not create an attorney-client relationship.

Contact Information:

• Toll-Free: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
• Direct Houston Office: (713) 528-9070
• Email: ralph@atty911.com
• Website: attorney911.com
• Office Locations: Houston (Main), Austin, and Beaumont