18-Wheeler Accident Attorneys in Scott County, Indiana

When 80,000 Pounds Changes Everything

One moment you’re driving home on I-65 near Scottsburg. The next, an 18-wheeler is jackknifing across the highway or blowing through a red light on US-31. In an instant, your life changes forever.

At Attorney911, we know what happens next because we’ve spent over 25 years helping families in Scott County and across Indiana pick up the pieces after catastrophic trucking accidents. We’ve seen what happens when trucking companies cut corners—when they push drivers past federal limits, skip brake inspections, or hire unqualified operators to save a buck.

If you or someone you love has been hurt in an 18-wheeler accident anywhere in Scott County—from Scottsburg to Austin, from the I-65 corridor to the rural roads connecting our communities—you need more than just a lawyer. You need a fighter who understands federal trucking regulations, who knows how to extract black box data before it disappears, and who has recovered multi-million dollar settlements for families just like yours.

Call us immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911. Evidence in Scott County trucking accident cases vanishes fast. Black box data can be overwritten in 30 days. The trucking company already has lawyers working to protect them. You need someone protecting you, starting today.

Why 18-Wheeler Accidents in Scott County Are Different

There’s nothing ordinary about a crash involving an 80,000-pound tractor-trailer. While a typical car weighs about 4,000 pounds, a fully loaded semi-truck can weigh twenty times that much. When that much mass hits a passenger vehicle at highway speed, the physics are devastating.

The Numbers Tell the Story:

• An 18-wheeler traveling at 65 mph needs approximately 525 feet to stop—nearly two football fields
• That’s 40% more stopping distance than a passenger car requires
• When trucks jackknife on I-65 during an Indiana winter storm, they block multiple lanes with zero warning
• Underride collisions—where a car slides under the trailer—often result in catastrophic head injuries or death

But the physical devastation is just the beginning. Unlike car accidents involving private citizens, trucking accidents bring corporate legal armies to the table within hours. While you’re still in the emergency room at Scott Memorial Hospital or being transferred to a trauma center in Louisville, the trucking company has already dispatched rapid-response investigators to the scene. They’re photographing evidence, interviewing witnesses, and coaching their driver on what to say.

As client Chad Harris told us after we handled his case, “You are NOT a pest to them and you are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.” That’s the difference when you hire a firm that treats you like flesh and blood, not just another file number.

Our Experience Fighting for Scott County Families

Ralph Manginello has made trucking companies pay for their negligence since 1998. With over 25 years of courtroom experience and admission to federal court in the Southern District of Texas—and with dual licensure in Texas and New York—he brings a depth of knowledge that few Scott County attorneys can match. When trucking accidents cross state lines or involve interstate commerce (which most do on I-65), federal court experience becomes critical.

But credentials on paper only tell part of the story. Our firm includes Associate Attorney Lupe Peña, who spent years defending insurance companies before joining Attorney911. “If this prevents harm to another person, that’s what we’re hoping to do,” Lupe told ABC13 Houston when discussing how we hold institutions accountable. That insider knowledge matters. Lupe knows exactly how commercial trucking insurers evaluate claims, how they train adjusters to minimize payouts, and what makes them nervous enough to offer fair settlements. Now he uses that playbook against them—for you.

We’ve gone toe-to-toe with the world’s largest corporations, including BP during the Texas City Refinery explosion litigation that killed 15 workers and injured 170 more. While that case involved industrial negligence, the same principles apply: corporations only respect power. When you hire Attorney911, you’re bringing power to the negotiating table.

Our Track Record Speaks for Itself:

• $5+ million for a traumatic brain injury victim struck by a falling log
• $3.8+ million for a client who lost a limb after a car crash
• $2.5+ million in truck crash recoveries
• Millions more for families devastated by wrongful death in commercial vehicle accidents

And we’re currently litigating a $10 million lawsuit against the University of Houston for hazing-related injuries—a case that shows we’re not afraid to take on powerful institutions when they harm innocent people.

Understanding Federal Trucking Regulations (FMCSA)

Every 18-wheeler on Indiana highways must comply with strict federal regulations enforced by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). These aren’t guidelines—they’re laws. When trucking companies break them, they create deadly conditions.

The Six Critical Parts of FMCSA Regulations:

Part 390: General Applicability

This establishes who must follow the rules. If a vehicle has a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) over 10,001 pounds, transports hazardous materials requiring placards, or carries 16 or more passengers, federal law applies. Most 18-wheelers operating through Scott County on I-65 fall under these rules.

Part 391: Driver Qualification Standards

Before a driver can legally operate a commercial motor vehicle in interstate commerce, they must:

• Be at least 21 years old (interstate) or 18 (intrastate)
• Hold a valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)
• Pass a physical exam every two years maximum
• Speak and read English sufficiently
• Complete entry-level driver training

The Driver Qualification File (DQ File): Trucking companies must maintain detailed files on every driver containing employment applications, driving records from previous states, road test certificates, medical certifications, and drug test results. When we take your case, we subpoena these files immediately. Missing documents or falsified records prove negligent hiring—a direct path to holding the company liable.

Part 392: Rules of the Road

This section governs how drivers must operate their vehicles. Critical violations include:

Fatigue Restrictions (§392.3): No driver shall operate a commercial vehicle when their ability or alertness is impaired through fatigue, illness, or any cause. This means both the driver AND the trucking company are liable when a drowsy driver causes a crash.

Drug and Alcohol Prohibitions (§392.4-392.5): Drivers cannot use Schedule I substances, amphetamines, narcotics, or alcohol while on duty. The four-hour rule prohibits alcohol consumption within four hours of driving. Violations create automatic liability.

Following Distance (§392.11): Drivers must maintain distance “reasonable and prudent” for speed and traffic conditions. Tailgating by an 18-wheeler on I-65 through Scott County isn’t just dangerous—it’s a federal violation.

Cell Phone Ban (§392.82): Handheld mobile phone use while driving is prohibited. We subpoena cell records to prove distracted driving.

Part 393: Parts and Accessories Safety

This covers vehicle equipment standards. Key areas:

Cargo Securement (§393.100-136): Cargo must be secured to withstand forces of 0.8g forward, 0.5g rearward, and 0.5g lateral. Improperly secured loads cause rollovers when weight shifts on curves—common on the ramps connecting US-31 to Indiana 56.

Brake Systems (§393.40-55): All CMVs must have functioning service brakes on all wheels, proper parking brakes, and air brake systems meeting specific standards. Brake violations are cited in approximately 29% of truck crashes.

Lighting (§393.11-26): Required lighting includes functioning headlamps, tail lamps, stop lamps, clearance lights, and reflectors. Missing lights contribute to underride accidents at night on rural Scott County roads.

Part 395: Hours of Service (HOS) – The Fatigue Rules

This is where we find the violations that cause the most accidents on I-65 and US-31 through Scott County.

The Rules for Property-Carrying Drivers:

• 11-hour driving limit: Cannot drive more than 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty
• 14-hour duty window: Cannot drive beyond the 14th consecutive hour after coming on duty
• 30-minute break: Mandatory after 8 cumulative hours of driving
• 60/70-hour weekly limits: Cannot drive after 60 hours in 7 days or 70 hours in 8 days
• 34-hour restart: Can restart the weekly clock with 34 consecutive hours off duty

Electronic Logging Devices (ELD): Since December 18, 2017, most drivers must use ELDs that automatically record driving time and synchronize with the engine. Unlike paper logs that can be falsified, ELD data is tamper-resistant evidence of HOS violations.

Part 396: Inspection and Maintenance

Systematic Maintenance Required: Every motor carrier must “systematically inspect, repair, and maintain” all vehicles. This includes:

• Daily pre-trip inspections by drivers
• Post-trip inspection reports noting defects
• Annual comprehensive inspections by qualified mechanics
• Maintenance records kept for 14 months minimum

When trucking companies defer brake repairs or ignore tire wear to keep trucks rolling on the I-65 corridor, they violate federal law—and create deadly hazards for Scott County families.

Types of 18-Wheeler Accidents We Handle in Scott County

Not all trucking accidents are the same. The type of accident often reveals which federal regulations were violated and who can be held liable.

Jackknife Accidents

A jackknife occurs when the trailer swings out perpendicular to the cab, creating an acute angle like a folding pocket knife. On I-65 during an Indiana winter storm, these accidents often block all lanes of traffic, causing catastrophic multi-vehicle pileups.

Common Causes:

• Sudden braking on wet or icy pavement (common on Indiana’s freeze-thaw roads)
• Empty or lightly loaded trailers lacking weight for traction
• Improperly loaded cargo creating unbalanced weight distribution
• Worn brake systems causing uneven braking

FMCSA Violations: 49 CFR §393.48 (brake malfunction), §393.100 (improper cargo securement), §392.6 (speeding for conditions)

Rollover Accidents

Given Scott County’s mix of interstate highways and rural routes with curves, rollovers pose serious risks. When a truck’s center of gravity shifts—whether from cargo movement or taking a ramp too fast—the 80,000-pound vehicle tips.

Common Causes:

• Speeding on highway ramps (like the I-65/US-31 interchange)
• Liquid cargo “slosh” changing weight distribution
• Overcorrection after a tire blowout
• Driver fatigue causing delayed reactions

Injuries: Crushing injuries, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord damage, often fatal for occupants of vehicles trapped beneath the trailer.

Underride Collisions

Among the most deadly accidents, underrides occur when a passenger vehicle slides under the trailer from the rear or side. The roof of the car is often sheared off at windshield level, causing decapitation or catastrophic head trauma.

Common Causes:

• Inadequate or missing rear impact guards
• Truck stopping suddenly without warning
• Low visibility conditions (fog, heavy rain, night driving on rural Indiana roads)
• Inadequate reflectors or lighting

FMCSA Requirements: 49 CFR §393.86 requires rear impact guards on trailers manufactured after January 26, 1998, capable of preventing underride at 30 mph. Shockingly, there is NO federal requirement for side underride guards, despite these being equally deadly.

Rear-End Collisions

An 18-wheeler weighing 80,000 pounds striking a passenger vehicle from behind transfers devastating kinetic energy. Because trucks need 525 feet to stop from highway speed, distracted or fatigued drivers often cannot stop in time when traffic slows on I-65 near Scottsburg.

Common Causes:

• Following too closely (tailgating in violation of §392.11)
• Driver distraction (texting, dispatch communications, GPS)
• Hours of service violations causing fatigue
• Brake failures from poor maintenance

Wide Turn Accidents (“Squeeze Play”)

When trucks swing wide to the left before making a right turn—necessary because trailers track inside the cab’s path—they create dangerous gaps. Cars entering this gap get crushed when the truck completes its turn.

Common Locations: Downtown Scottsburg intersections, shopping center parking lots along US-31, construction zones on SR-56.

Blind Spot Accidents (“No-Zone” Crashes)

18-wheelers have massive blind spots on all four sides:

• Front: 20 feet directly ahead
• Rear: 30 feet behind the trailer
• Left side: Extends back from the cab door
• Right side: Largest blind spot, extending from cab door backward

When truckers change lanes on I-65 without checking mirrors—or when mirror systems are improperly maintained—vehicles in these “No-Zones” get hit, often forcing them off the road or into other lanes.

Tire Blowouts

Indiana’s fluctuating temperatures—from summer heat to winter cold—cause tire stress. When truck tires fail, the driver often loses control, sending 80,000 pounds of metal and cargo across lanes.

FMCSA Requirements: 49 CFR §393.75 requires minimum tread depth (4/32″ for steer tires, 2/32″ for others). Drivers must check tires during pre-trip inspections under §396.13.

Brake Failure Accidents

Brake problems contribute to roughly 29% of large truck crashes. When air brake systems leak, pads wear thin, or “brake fade” occurs from overheating on long descents (like the gentle grades on I-65 entering Scott County from the north), the truck becomes an unstoppable missile.

Maintenance Records: We subpoena brake inspection logs, mechanic work orders, and post-trip reports showing when deficiencies were noted but ignored.

Cargo Spills and Shifts

Improperly secured cargo creates two hazards: it can spill onto the highway causing secondary accidents, or shift during transit causing the driver to lose control. Indiana’s agricultural and manufacturing economy means trucks carrying heavy equipment, grain, or industrial components pass through Scott County daily.

FMCSA Rules: 49 CFR §393.100-136 establishes specific securement requirements based on cargo type. Load shift often indicates violations of these rules or improper loading by third parties.

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Scott County Trucking Accident?

Most people assume only the truck driver is responsible. This is wrong. 18-wheeler accidents involve multiple parties, each with separate insurance policies. Finding every liable party means finding every available dollar to compensate you.

The 10 Potentially Liable Parties:

1. The Truck Driver

Direct negligence includes speeding, distracted driving, fatigue, impairment, or violations of traffic laws. We examine the driver’s cell phone records, drug test results, and driving history.

2. The Trucking Company (Motor Carrier)

Under the doctrine of respondeat superior (let the master answer), employers are liable for employees’ negligent acts within the scope of employment. But we also look for:

• Negligent Hiring: Did they check the driver’s background? Verify his CDL? Review previous accidents?
• Negligent Training: Was the driver trained on cargo securement for Indiana’s agricultural loads? Winter driving on icy interstates?
• Negligent Supervision: Did they monitor ELD data for HOS violations? Ignore complaints about unsafe driving?
• Negligent Maintenance: Did they skip brake inspections to keep trucks moving?

Trucking companies carry $750,000 to $5 million in insurance—far more than individual drivers. They’re our primary target.

3. The Cargo Owner/Shipper

Companies loading goods onto trucks may be liable if they:

• Required overweight loading (exceeding 80,000 pounds)
• Failed to disclose hazardous materials
• Provided unsafe loading instructions
• Pressured drivers to speed or skip breaks

4. The Loading Company

Third-party warehouses or distribution centers that physically load trucks can be liable for:

• Improper weight distribution
• Inadequate tiedowns (violating 49 CFR §393)
• Failure to use blocking, bracing, or friction mats
• Overloading beyond the vehicle’s capacity

5. The Truck Manufacturer

Defective designs in brake systems, steering mechanisms, fuel tank placement (causing fires), or stability control can cause accidents even with proper maintenance. We check recall notices and defect databases.

6. Parts Manufacturers

Defective tires, brake components, or steering systems may trigger product liability claims against manufacturers. We preserve failed components for expert analysis.

7. Maintenance Companies

Third-party mechanics who negligently repair trucks—using wrong parts, improperly adjusting brakes, or returning vehicles with known defects—share liability for resulting crashes.

8. Freight Brokers

Brokers who arrange transportation but don’t own trucks may be liable for negligent selection of carriers—hiring trucking companies with poor safety records, no insurance, or known regulatory violations.

9. The Truck Owner (If Different from Carrier)

In owner-operator arrangements, the owner may be liable for negligent entrustment or failure to maintain equipment.

10. Government Entities

When dangerous road design contributes to accidents—poorly banked curves, inadequate signage, lack of guardrails, or failure to clear ice and snow—governmental entities may share liability. Note: Claims against Indiana governmental entities require specific notice procedures and have damage caps under Indiana law.

The 48-Hour Evidence Preservation Protocol

Critical Warning: Evidence in trucking accidents disappears fast. While you’re recovering at home or in the hospital, the trucking company is already working to minimize their exposure.

Evidence Destruction Timeline:

• ECM/Black Box Data: Can be overwritten in 30 days or with new driving events
• ELD Logs: FMCSA only requires 6-month retention
• Dashcam Footage: Often deleted within 7-14 days unless preserved
• Surveillance Video: Business cameras typically overwrite in 7-30 days
• Driver Logs: Paper logs can be “lost” or falsified after the fact
• Physical Evidence: The truck itself may be repaired, sold, or scrapped

Our Immediate Response:
When you call 1-888-ATTY-911, we act immediately:

1. Spoliation Letters Sent Within 24 Hours: Formal legal notices to the trucking company, their insurer, and all potentially liable parties demanding preservation of:

   • ECM/Black box data (speed, braking, throttle position)
   • ELD records (hours of service compliance)
   • Complete Driver Qualification Files
   • Maintenance and inspection records
   • Cell phone records and dispatch communications
   • GPS and telematics data
   • Dashcam footage
   • The physical truck and trailer

2. Black Box Data Download: We demand immediate download of electronic data before it can be overwritten. This objective data often contradicts the driver’s version of events.

3. Accident Scene Investigation: We deploy investigators to photograph the scene, document skid marks, gather witness statements, and locate surveillance cameras from nearby businesses along US-31 or Indiana 56.

4. Drug and Alcohol Testing: Federal law requires post-accident testing. We ensure results are preserved and demand testing if not done.

As client Glenda Walker said, “They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.” Part of that fight is getting the evidence before it disappears.

Indiana State Law: What Scott County Accident Victims Must Know

Statute of Limitations

In Indiana, you have two years from the date of your trucking accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. For wrongful death claims, the clock starts on the date of death, which may differ from the accident date.

But waiting is dangerous. Two years passes quickly when you’re recovering from catastrophic injuries. Moreover, evidence preservation (discussed above) requires immediate action. The trucking company isn’t waiting—they’re building their defense right now.

Indiana’s Comparative Fault System

Indiana follows modified comparative negligence with a 51% bar. This means:

• 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

Insurance companies and trucking defense attorneys routinely try to shift blame onto accident victims. They’ll claim you were speeding, following too closely, or failed to yield on US-31. We fight these allegations with hard evidence—ECM data, ELD logs, and accident reconstruction.

Caps on Damages

Unlike some states, Indiana does not cap compensatory damages (economic and non-economic) in truck accident cases. However:

• Punitive Damages: Indiana caps punitive damages at the greater of three times compensatory damages or $50,000 (Indiana Code § 34-51-3-4)
• Government Claims: Claims against governmental entities face strict damage caps under Indiana’s Tort Claims Act ($700,000 per person/$5 million per occurrence for claims against the state)

Indiana’s “Dram Shop” Law

If a truck driver was intoxicated at the time of the crash, and a bar or restaurant served him alcohol while visibly intoxicated, that establishment may share liability under Indiana’s Dram Shop Act (§ 7.1-5-10-15.5). This creates another source of recovery for victims.

Catastrophic Injuries and Their Long-Term Impact

The physics of 80,000 pounds against 4,000 pounds creates catastrophic injuries requiring lifelong care.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

Even “moderate” brain injuries can cause:

• Memory loss and cognitive impairment
• Personality changes and mood disorders
• Inability to concentrate or perform complex tasks
• Seizures and increased dementia risk

Lifetime Care Costs: $85,000 to $3,000,000+ depending on severity. We’ve secured settlements in the $1.5 million to $9.8 million range for TBI victims.

Spinal Cord Injury

Paralysis (paraplegia or quadriplegia) results from damage to the spinal column. Victims face:

• Permanent wheelchair dependence
• Home and vehicle modifications ($50,000+)
• Lost earning capacity
• Medical complications (pressure sores, infections, respiratory issues)

Lifetime Costs: $1.1 million to $5 million+ depending on severity and age at injury.

Amputation

When crush injuries necessitate limb removal or when limbs are traumatically severed at the scene, victims need:

• Multiple surgeries
• Prosthetics ($5,000-$50,000+ per device, replaced every 3-5 years)
• Extensive physical therapy
• Career retraining or total disability

Our firm has secured $1.9 million to $8.6 million for amputation victims.

Wrongful Death

When trucking accidents kill—often in underride or head-on collisions—surviving family members suffer:

• Lost financial support (future income, benefits)
• Loss of consortium (companionship, guidance, care)
• Mental anguish
• Funeral and burial expenses

Indiana Wrongful Death Recoveries: We’ve secured $1.9 million to $9.5 million for families who lost loved ones to trucking negligence.

Frequently Asked Questions for Scott County Truck Accident Victims

What should I do immediately after an 18-wheeler accident in Scott County?

Call 911 immediately. Seek medical attention at Scott Memorial Hospital or the nearest trauma center—even if you feel “okay” due to adrenaline shock. Photograph the truck’s DOT number (on the door), license plates, damage to all vehicles, and the accident scene. Get witness contact information. Do not speak to the trucking company’s insurance adjuster. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 immediately.

Who can I sue after a trucking accident?

Multiple parties: the driver, trucking company, cargo owner, loading company, truck manufacturer, parts manufacturers, maintenance companies, freight brokers, and potentially government entities if road conditions contributed. We investigate all avenues to maximize your recovery.

Is the trucking company liable even if the driver caused the accident?

Yes. Under respondeat superior and direct negligence theories (hiring, training, supervision), the company is often the primary defendant. They carry the big insurance policies—$750,000 to $5 million.

How much are Scott County 18-wheeler accident cases worth?

Values depend on injury severity, medical costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and available insurance. Trucking accidents typically settle for significantly more than car accidents because commercial policies are larger. We’ve recovered settlements from hundreds of thousands to multi-millions for serious injuries.

How long do I have to file a lawsuit?

Two years from the accident date under Indiana law. But do not wait. Evidence preservation is time-sensitive, and trucking companies start building defenses immediately.

Will my case go to trial?

Most settle before trial, but we prepare every case as if going to trial. Insurance companies offer better settlements when they know your attorney can and will take the case to a jury. With 25+ years of trial experience, Ralph Manginello creates leverage that gets results.

Do I need money to hire Attorney911?

No. We work on contingency fee—you pay nothing unless we win. We advance all investigation costs, expert witness fees, and litigation expenses. You never receive a bill from us. Our fee comes from the settlement, not your pocket.

Do you handle Spanish-speaking clients in Scott County?

Yes. Associate Attorney Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish. “Hablamos Español. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911.” We provide direct representation without interpreters for our Hispanic community members.

Why Trucking Companies Fear Us

Trucking companies and their insurers have one goal: pay you as little as possible. They use sophisticated tactics to achieve this:

• Sending adjusters to the scene before the ambulance leaves
• Taking recorded statements to twist your words
• Offering quick “lowball” settlements before you know the full extent of injuries
• Destroying or hiding evidence (logs, ECM data)
• Claiming you were at fault ( contributory negligence)

We counter every tactic. Our team includes a former insurance defense attorney (Lupe Peña) who knows their playbook. We send spoliation letters immediately to block evidence destruction. We subpoena ELD data, cell phone records, and driver qualification files. We hire accident reconstruction experts to prove what really happened on that Scott County highway.

As client Ernest Cano said, “Mr. Manginello and his firm are first class. Will fight tooth and nail for you.”

Video Resources: Learn More

Our firm believes in educating clients. View our educational videos:

• “The Victim’s Guide to 18-Wheeler Accident Injuries” (wxEHIxZTbK8)
• “Can I Sue for Being Hit by a Semi Truck?” (J0MT3CKbUb4)
• “The Definitive Guide To Commercial Truck Accidents” (iEEeZf-k8Ao)
• “Truck Tire Blowouts and When You Need a Lawyer” (RCTumr1looc)
• “I’ve Had an Accident — What Should I Do First?” (OCox4Lq7zBM)
• “What Should You Not Say to an Insurance Adjuster?” (9UKRbFprB0E)

Visit our YouTube channel @Manginellolawfirm for 290+ educational videos on personal injury law.

Call Attorney911 Today: Your Scott County Advocates

If you’ve been injured in an 18-wheeler accident anywhere in Scott County—Scottsburg, Austin, Blocher, or along the I-65 corridor—you need attorneys who understand federal trucking regulations, who know Indiana law, and who have the resources to take on national trucking corporations.

The trucking company has lawyers. So should you.

Call 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911) today for a free consultation. Mention this page for priority handling. Available 24/7 because trucking accidents don’t happen on business hours.

Or reach us at our main Houston office: 1177 West Loop S, Suite 1600, Houston, TX 77027. We serve clients throughout Indiana, Texas, and nationwide, with offices also in Austin and Beaumont, Texas.

Don’t let the trucking company push you around. We push back harder.

Attorney911 / The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC. 25+ years fighting for trucking accident victims. Multi-million dollar results. Insurance defense experience on your side. Hablamos Español.

Disclaimer: The information on this page is for educational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Every case is unique. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Indiana statutes of limitations apply; consult an attorney immediately to protect your rights.