18-Wheeler Accident Attorneys in Wabash County, Indiana

When 80,000 Pounds Changes Everything in an Instant

One moment, you’re driving along US-24 through Wabash County, headed toward Fort Wayne or maybe home to Denver after a long shift. The next, an 18-wheeler is drifting across the centerline, or its brakes have locked up on the wet pavement near the Wabash River crossing. You don’t have time to react. You can’t get out of the way.

That’s the reality of trucking accidents in Wabash County. While our Indiana communities—Wabash, North Manchester, Roann, and the rural stretches between—move at a slower pace than big cities, the trucks that barrel through here don’t slow down. On highways like US-24 and US-421, commercial trucks hauling grain, manufactured goods, and freight from Fort Wayne to Indianapolis create deadly risks for local families.

If you’ve been hit by an 18-wheeler anywhere in Wabash County, you’re facing a legal emergency. The trucking company already called their lawyers. Their insurance adjuster is already looking for ways to pay you less. And critical evidence—black box data, driver logs, maintenance records—is disappearing with every passing day.

We’re Attorney911, and we fight for trucking accident victims across Indiana and throughout the United States. Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has spent over 25 years holding trucking companies accountable for catastrophic crashes. We’ve recovered multi-million dollar settlements for families just like yours—$5 million for a traumatic brain injury victim, $3.8 million for a client who lost a limb after a crash, and millions more for families devastated by trucking negligence.

And here’s what gives our Wabash County clients an advantage: our associate attorney, Lupe Peña, used to work for insurance companies defending truck drivers. He knows exactly how they evaluate claims, how they train adjusters to minimize payouts, and when they’re bluffing. Now he uses that insider knowledge to fight for you.

Call us today at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation. Time is critical—evidence in trucking cases can be overwritten in 30 days. We answer 24/7, and we don’t get paid unless you win.

The Deadly Reality of Trucking Accidents in Wabash County

Wabash County isn’t just a dot on the map between Indianapolis and Fort Wayne. It’s a critical corridor for Midwest freight. US-24 runs east-west through the county, connecting Indiana to Ohio and Illinois. US-421 cuts north-south, carrying agricultural products from the heart of Indiana up to Michigan and down to Kentucky. State Roads 13, 15, and 114 feed into these arteries, carrying thousands of commercial trucks annually.

But here’s what makes Wabash County particularly dangerous for truck crashes:

Rural Highways Meet Heavy Commercial Traffic. Unlike urban interstates with multiple lanes and wide shoulders, many of Wabash County’s most traveled routes are two-lane highways. When an 18-wheeler drifts over the centerline—because the driver was exhausted from violating federal hours-of-service rules, or texting instead of watching the road—there’s nowhere for you to go. The narrow shoulders between Wabash and North Manchester have seen devastating head-on collisions because drivers couldn’t dodge an 80,000-pound truck.

Agricultural Freight Pressures Create Dangerous Driving. During harvest season, grain trucks and livestock haulers operate on tight schedules. Drivers push past their limits. We’ve seen cases where Wabash County farmers or their trucking contractors overloaded trailers, failed to secure loads properly, or hired drivers without proper commercial licenses. When a grain truck rolls over on US-24 near the Wabash-Miami County line, the resulting spill creates multi-car pileups.

Wabash’s Industrial Presence Demands Just-in-Time Delivery. The manufacturing facilities and distribution centers serving Wabash County rely on truck freight arriving exactly when scheduled. This pressure leads to speeding, skipped maintenance, and drivers falsifying logbooks to meet impossible deadlines. That truck driver who ran the red light on State Road 15 might have been trying to make up time after sitting in Fort Wayne traffic.

Winter Weather Kills. Indiana winters bring ice, snow, and fog to US-421 and US-24. Truck drivers who don’t adjust their speed for conditions—who don’t respect the fact that a loaded tractor-trailer needs nearly two football fields to stop on ice—cause catastrophic jackknife and rollover accidents every year in Wabash County.

The physics of these crashes are brutal. A fully loaded semi weighs 20-25 times more than your car or SUV. When that mass hits a passenger vehicle at highway speeds, the results are predictable: crushing injuries, traumatic brain damage, spinal cord injuries, and—in too many cases—wrongful death.

Why Trucking Cases in Indiana Are Different From Regular Car Accidents

If you’ve been injured in a truck crash somewhere in Wabash County—whether near the Paradise Springs Historical Park or out on County Road 300 East—you might think this works like any other car accident claim. You’d be wrong.

Indiana law applies a two-year statute of limitations to personal injury and wrongful death claims. That means you have exactly 24 months from the date of your crash to file a lawsuit, or you lose your right to compensation forever. In Kentucky or Louisiana, you’d only have one year. But in Indiana, those two years disappear faster than you think when you’re focused on surgeries, rehab, and putting your life back together.

More importantly, Indiana follows modified comparative negligence with a 51% bar. That means if you’re found 50% or less at fault for the accident, you can still recover damages—but your compensation gets reduced by your percentage of fault. If a trucking company can convince the court you were even 30% responsible (you were speeding slightly, you glanced at your phone), your $500,000 settlement becomes $350,000. And if they push you past that 51% threshold? You get nothing.

This is why evidence matters immediately. That driver who hit you on US-24? He’s already talked to his dispatch. The trucking company has already downloaded preliminary data from the Engine Control Module. Their insurance adjuster—trained specifically to minimize claims like yours—is already reviewing ways to shift blame onto you.

As client Chad Harris told us after we handled his trucking case: “You are NOT a pest to them and you are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.” That’s how we treat every Wabash County client. But the trucking company? They see you as a claim number they want to minimize or deny.

Types of 18-Wheeler Accidents We Handle in Wabash County

Every trucking accident is different, but crashes in Wabash County tend to follow patterns based on our geography, industries, and highway infrastructure. We’ve successfully handled every type of commercial vehicle crash, from jackknife accidents on icy US-421 to underride collisions on US-24.

Jackknife Accidents on Indiana Rural Highways

A jackknife occurs when a truck’s trailer swings perpendicular to the cab, folding across multiple lanes of traffic like a pocket knife. On Wabash County’s narrow two-lane highways—particularly on US-24 during winter weather—jackknifes block the entire road, creating chain-reaction pileups that drivers can’t avoid.

These crashes often stem from 49 CFR § 393.48 violations (brake system malfunctions) or 49 CFR § 392.6 (speeding for conditions). When a driver hits the brakes hard on wet pavement near the Wabash River, if the trailer is empty or lightly loaded, it can swing violently. The trailer then sweeps across the highway, hitting any vehicles in its path.

Injuries from these accidents are typically catastrophic. Unsuspecting drivers on US-24 have no warning when a jackknife begins. They’re suddenly facing a wall of steel across their lane with nowhere to go.

Underride Collisions: The Silent Killer

Some of the most horrific accidents in Wabash County involve underride collisions—when a passenger vehicle crashes under the rear or side of a trailer. The trailer shears off the roof of the car, causing decapitation or catastrophic head injuries.

Federal regulations under 49 CFR § 393.86 require rear underride guards on trailers manufactured after 1998. But guards can be defective, improperly maintained, or missing entirely. Side underride guards aren’t federally mandated, leaving a deadly gap where cars can slide under during lane changes or T-bone collisions at intersections like State Road 15 and US-24.

Rollover Accidents on Curves and Ramps

Wabash County’s rural roads include curves that can surprise out-of-state truck drivers unfamiliar with the terrain. When drivers take these curves too fast—violating 49 CFR § 392.6—or carry improperly secured cargo that shifts mid-turn, the truck rolls over.

Grain haulers are particularly prone to rollovers on the ramps connecting to US-421. Liquid cargo “slosh” is especially dangerous. As the truck turns, the liquid moves, suddenly shifting the center of gravity beyond the tires’ ability to maintain balance. The truck tips, often spilling cargo and creating secondary hazards for other drivers.

Rear-End Collisions: The Physics of 80,000 Pounds

A fully loaded tractor-trailer traveling at 65 mph needs approximately 525 feet to stop—nearly two football fields. On US-24, following distances of two seconds aren’t enough. That’s why [49 CFR § 392.11] prohibits following too closely.

When truck drivers are distracted by cell phones, fatigued from violating hours-of-service rules under [49 CFR § 395], or speeding, they can’t stop in time. The resulting rear-end collisions often cause whiplash, spinal cord injuries, and wrongful death. We’ve seen cases where the truck pushed the passenger car into the vehicle ahead, creating multi-vehicle pileups.

Client Glenda Walker experienced the devastation of a trucking accident firsthand. After we fought for her recovery, she said: “They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.” That’s what aggressive representation looks like when a truck driver’s negligence causes catastrophic harm.

Wide Turn Accidents (“Squeeze Play”)

18-wheelers need significant space to turn. On narrow county roads in Wabash County, trucks often swing left before making a right turn—a maneuver that can trap passenger vehicles in the “squeeze play.”

These accidents violate [49 CFR § 392.2] (failure to obey traffic signals) and state traffic laws regarding improper turns. Drivers fail to check mirrors properly or signal inadequately, leading to crushing injuries as the truck completes its turn over a smaller vehicle.

Tire Blowout Accidents

US-24 and US-421 see dozens of tire blowout accidents annually. When a steer tire (front tire) blows at highway speed, the driver loses immediate control. The resulting debris—often called “road gators”—creates hazards for following vehicles.

These accidents frequently violate [49 CFR § 393.75] (tire requirements) and § 396.13 (pre-trip inspection). Underinflated tires, worn tread below the 4/32″ minimum required for steer tires, or heat buildup from overloaded trailers cause sudden failures that lead to rollovers and multi-vehicle crashes.

Brake Failure Accidents

Brake problems contribute to approximately 29% of large truck crashes. Under [49 CFR §§ 393.40-55], all commercial vehicles must have properly functioning brake systems. But trucking companies defer maintenance to save money. Air brake systems leak. Drums overheat on long descents approaching the Wabash River valleys. Adjustments aren’t made.

When brakes fail on a downhill stretch of US-421, the truck becomes an unstoppable missile. Runaway ramps exist on some Indiana highways, but Wabash County’s rural routes often lack these safety features, making brake failures especially deadly.

Cargo Spill and Shift Accidents

Wabash County’s agricultural economy means trucks carrying grain, livestock feed, and heavy equipment traverse our highways daily. When loaders violate [49 CFR §§ 393.100-136] regarding cargo securement, the results are predictable: spills that shut down US-24 for hours, shifted loads that cause rollovers, and falling debris that strikes following vehicles.

We investigate loading company liability, cargo owner responsibility, and driver inspection duties to hold every party accountable when improper loading causes crashes.

Who Can Be Held Liable for Your Wabash County Trucking Accident?

Here’s what most law firms won’t tell you about trucking accidents: there isn’t just one defendant. While a car accident usually involves one negligent driver and their insurance company, 18-wheeler crashes often involve a web of companies and individuals who all contributed to the dangerous conditions.

We investigate every potentially liable party because more defendants means more insurance coverage means higher compensation for you and your family.

The Truck Driver

The driver who caused your accident may be personally liable for negligent conduct: speeding, distracted driving, fatigue, impairment, or failure to conduct pre-trip inspections. We pursue their personal assets when insurance is insufficient, and we examine their driving history through FMCSA databases and state records.

The Trucking Company (Motor Carrier)

This is where the real money is—and where the real negligence often hides. Under the doctrine of respondeat superior, employers are liable for employees’ negligent acts within the scope of employment. But we also look for direct negligence:

• Negligent Hiring: Did they fail to check the driver’s background? Under [49 CFR § 391.51], motor carriers must maintain Driver Qualification Files. If these files are missing, incomplete, or show red flags that were ignored, we prove the company put a dangerous driver on the road.

• Negligent Training: Did they teach proper brake inspection under [49 CFR § 396.11]? Did they train drivers on cargo securement?

• Negligent Supervision: Did they monitor hours-of-service compliance? Did they ignore ELD warnings about [49 CFR § 395] violations?

• Negligent Maintenance: Did they defer brake repairs to save money? Did they ignore out-of-service orders?

Ralph Manginello has spent 25 years dissecting trucking company records. When he takes on a Wabash County case, he subpoenas every maintenance log, every driver qualification file, and every dispatch record looking for patterns of negligence.

The Cargo Owner or Shipper

Companies loading goods in Fort Wayne or shipping agricultural products through Wabash County may share liability. If they demanded overweight loading, provided improper instructions, failed to disclose hazardous materials, or pressured the carrier to meet impossible deadlines, they contributed to the crash.

The Loading Company

Third-party warehouses and agricultural facilities that physically load trucks must follow [49 CFR §§ 393.100-136]. When they fail to use adequate tiedowns, properly distribute weight, or secure cargo against movement, they cause rollovers and spills on US-24.

Truck and Parts Manufacturers

Defective brake systems, faulty tires, steering mechanism failures, and design defects that contribute to rollovers create product liability claims against manufacturers. We preserve failed components for expert analysis and research recall histories through NHTSA databases.

Maintenance Companies

Third-party mechanics who serviced the truck may be liable for negligent repairs—improper brake adjustments, using substandard parts, or returning trucks to service with known defects. Under [49 CFR § 396.3], anyone maintaining commercial vehicles has duties to ensure safety.

Freight Brokers

Brokers who arranged the shipment may face liability for negligent carrier selection. If they hired a carrier with a poor safety record, failed to verify insurance and authority, or chose the cheapest option despite safety concerns, they share the blame.

The Truck Owner (If Different from Carrier)

In owner-operator arrangements, the individual or company owning the truck may have separate liability for negligent entrustment or failure to maintain equipment.

Government Entities

When dangerous road design contributes to crashes—poor sightlines, inadequate signage, or failure to maintain the roadway—the State of Indiana or Wabash County may bear partial responsibility. These claims face sovereign immunity limits and strict notice requirements, so immediate legal action is essential.

The 48-Hour Evidence Emergency: Why Time Kills Wabash County Trucking Cases

There’s something the trucking company doesn’t want you to know: critical evidence disappears fast.

Within 48 hours of your accident on US-421 or US-24, the trucking company has already dispatched their rapid-response team. They’ve photographed the scene, interviewed witnesses, and downloaded preliminary data from the truck’s systems. They’re building a defense while you’re still in the hospital.

That’s why we send spoliation letters immediately—sometimes within hours of being retained. A spoliation letter is a formal legal notice demanding preservation of all evidence. Once received, the trucking company has a legal duty to maintain:

• ECM/Black Box Data: Engine Control Modules record speed, brake application, throttle position, and fault codes. This data can be overwritten in 30 days or with subsequent driving events. It often proves the driver was speeding or never attempted to brake before hitting you.

• Electronic Logging Device (ELD) Records: Since December 2017, [49 CFR § 395.8] has mandated ELDs that automatically record driving time. This data proves hours-of-service violations—whether the driver was legally fatigued when they crossed into your lane on State Road 15.

• Driver Qualification Files: Under [49 CFR § 391.51], these files contain employment applications, background checks, medical certifications, and drug test results. They prove whether the company hired an unqualified driver.

• Maintenance Records: [49 CFR § 396.3] requires systematic inspection records. Was the brake system defective? Were tires bald? We find the smoking gun in these documents.

• Dashcam Footage: Many trucks have forward-facing cameras. The footage of your crash may be deleted within 7-14 days if not preserved.

• Dispatch Communications: Qualcomm messages, cell phone records, and GPS data show whether the company pressured the driver to violate safety rules.

Under Indiana law, destroying evidence after receiving a spoliation letter can result in sanctions, adverse inference instructions (where the jury is told to assume destroyed evidence was unfavorable), or even default judgment.

Every day you wait, evidence vanishes. The truck gets repaired or sold. Logs get “lost.” Witnesses’ memories fade.

Don’t let the trucking company destroy your case. Call 888-ATTY-911 immediately.

Catastrophic Injuries: The Human Cost of Trucking Negligence in Wabash County

The size and weight disparity between an 18-wheeler and a passenger vehicle means that when they collide, the occupants of the smaller vehicle suffer catastrophic trauma. We regularly see Wabash County clients facing life-altering injuries that require millions in lifetime care.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

The force of a truck impact often causes the brain to collide with the interior of the skull. Symptoms may not appear immediately—days or weeks later, you might experience memory problems, personality changes, or inability to concentrate.

TBI cases are among the highest-value claims we handle, with settlements ranging from $1.5 million to $9.8 million depending on severity. These funds cover lifelong cognitive therapy, round-the-clock care, and compensation for the victim’s inability to return to work or enjoy family life.

Spinal Cord Injury and Paralysis

When an 80,000-pound truck crushes a passenger compartment, spinal cord damage causes paraplegia or quadriplegia. The lifetime cost of spinal cord injury care can exceed $25 million in severe cases.

For Wabash County families, this means home modifications in rural areas, specialized transportation for narrow county roads, and 24-hour nursing care. We’ve secured settlements in the $4.7 million to $25.8 million range for spinal cord injury victims because we understand the full lifetime cost of care.

Amputation

Severe crushing injuries often require surgical amputation of limbs. Whether traumatic (severed at the scene) or surgical (removed later due to crush damage), amputation cases typically settle between $1.9 million and $8.6 million.

Prosthetics, rehabilitation, and psychological counseling for phantom limb pain represent ongoing expenses that settlement calculations must include.

Wrongful Death

When trucking negligence kills a loved one on US-24 or US-421, Indiana’s Wrongful Death Act allows families to recover:

• Lost future income and benefits
• Loss of consortium (companionship, guidance)
• Mental anguish
• Funeral expenses
• Medical costs incurred before death

We’ve recovered $1.9 million to $9.5 million for families in wrongful death cases against negligent trucking companies.

Donald Wilcox came to us after another firm rejected his case. After we fought for him, he 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.”

Don’t let an insurance adjuster tell you your case has no value. Get a second opinion from a team that has recovered millions for Indiana families.

Indiana Trucking Laws & Federal Regulations That Protect You

Understanding the regulatory framework helps you understand why truck accidents happen—and why trucking companies are so eager to hide evidence.

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSA)

All commercial trucks operating in Indiana must comply with Title 49, Code of Federal Regulations:

• Part 390: General applicability—defines commercial motor vehicles (10,001+ lbs) and who must comply
• Part 391: Driver qualification standards—minimum age 21 for interstate commerce, physical qualifications, CDL requirements, and Driver Qualification File maintenance
• Part 392: Driving rules—prohibits driving while fatigued (§ 392.3), under the influence (§§ 392.4-392.5), or while using hand-held mobile phones (§ 392.82)
• Part 393: Vehicle safety—cargo securement (§§ 393.100-136), brake requirements (§§ 393.40-55), lighting, and tire standards
• Part 395: Hours of service—eleven-hour driving limit after ten consecutive hours off-duty; fourteen-hour driving window; thirty-minute break after eight hours; 60/70-hour weekly limits
• Part 396: Inspection and maintenance—pre-trip inspections, post-trip reports, annual inspections, and record retention

Indiana State Law

Indiana’s ** modified comparative negligence** rule means you can recover if you’re 50% or less at fault, but your damages get reduced by your fault percentage. The two-year statute of limitations runs from the accident date for personal injury, or from the date of death for wrongful death cases.

Indiana also requires minimum auto insurance of $25,000/$50,000/$25,000, but trucking companies must carry federal minimums of $750,000 for non-hazardous freight, $1 million for oil and large equipment, and $5 million for hazardous materials.

Frequently Asked Questions: Wabash County 18-Wheeler Accidents

How long do I have to file a trucking accident lawsuit in Wabash County?

You have two years from the date of the accident under Indiana law. For wrongful death claims, you have two years from the date of death. However, waiting is dangerous. Evidence disappears within days, not years. Contact us immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911 to preserve your claim.

Who can be sued after a truck accident in Indiana?

Multiple parties: the driver, trucking company, cargo owner, loading company, truck or parts manufacturer, maintenance company, freight broker, and potentially government entities if road design contributed. We investigate every potential defendant to maximize your recovery.

What if the trucking company says the accident was my fault?

Indiana uses modified comparative negligence. As long as you’re not more than 50% at fault, you can recover, though your compensation gets reduced by your percentage of fault. We fight aggressively to disprove false allegations of fault using ECM data and accident reconstruction.

How much is my Wabash County trucking case worth?

It depends on injury severity, medical costs, lost wages, and available insurance. Trucking companies carry $750,000 to $5 million in coverage. We’ve recovered settlements from hundreds of thousands to millions for Indiana clients. Call for a free case evaluation.

What does “contingency fee” mean?

You pay nothing upfront. We advance all costs. We only get paid if we win your case—typically 33.33% pre-trial or 40% if litigation is required. As Kiimarii Yup said after working with us: “I lost everything… 1 year later I have gained so much in return.”

Can undocumented immigrants file truck accident claims in Indiana?

Yes. Immigration status does not affect your right to compensation after a negligence injury. We handle these cases with discretion and ensure all clients receive full protection under Indiana law. Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish and provides direct representation without interpreters—hablamos Español. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911.

What should I do if the insurance company calls me?

Do not give a recorded statement. Do not sign anything. Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize your claim. Refer them to your attorney. Call 888-ATTY-911 before speaking with any insurance representative.

How quickly can you start investigating my Wabash County accident?

Immediately. We send spoliation letters within 24 hours. We hire accident reconstruction experts and visit the scene on US-24, US-421, or wherever your crash occurred. The sooner you call, the stronger your case.

Call Attorney911: Fighting for Wabash County Trucking Accident Victims

An 18-wheeler accident leaves you facing mounting medical bills, lost income, and an uncertain future. Meanwhile, the trucking company has teams of lawyers working to minimize what they pay you. You need someone in your corner who knows how to fight and win against these corporations.

Ralph Manginello brings 25 years of courtroom experience, federal court admission, and a track record of multi-million dollar results. Lupe Peña brings insider knowledge from his years defending insurance companies—now he fights against them. Together, we’ve recovered $50 million plus for families across the country.

We treat you like family, not a case number. We return calls. We fight for every dime you deserve. And we don’t get paid unless you win.

If you’ve been hurt in a trucking accident anywhere in Wabash County—Wabash, North Manchester, Roann, or the rural areas in between—call 1-888-ATTY-911 now. The consultation is free. The advice is priceless. The clock is ticking on your evidence.

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

Attorney911 serves clients throughout Indiana, including Wabash County, and maintains offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, Texas. We handle trucking accident cases on a contingency fee basis. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.