The Impact Was Catastrophic. Now What?
An 80,000-pound truck slammed into your vehicle on the highway. Maybe it was I-69 near the Wells County line, or perhaps on one of the rural routes connecting Bluffton to the interstate corridor. In that split second, your life changed. While you’re dealing with hospital visits, insurance calls, and the overwhelming reality of your injuries, the trucking company that hit you has already deployed its rapid-response team. They’re photographing the scene, downloading data from their truck’s black box, and coaching their driver on what to say.
We know because we’ve spent 25 years fighting these battles. Attorney911 has recovered over $50 million for families devastated by trucking accidents across Indiana and beyond. Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has been holding trucking companies accountable since 1998, and our team includes Lupe Peña—a former insurance defense attorney who spent years inside the system learning exactly how carriers minimize claims. Now he uses that insider knowledge to fight for victims like you.
If you’ve been hurt in an 18-wheeler accident in Wells County, time isn’t just money—it’s evidence. Black box data can be overwritten in 30 days. Driver logs disappear. Witness memories fade. The trucking company hopes you wait. Don’t. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 immediately for a free consultation. We answer 24/7, and we send preservation letters within hours to secure the evidence that wins cases.
Why Wells County Trucking Accidents Are Different
When a commercial truck collides with a passenger vehicle in Wells County, the physics alone create catastrophic results. A fully loaded 18-wheeler can weigh up to 80,000 pounds—roughly 20 to 25 times the weight of your average sedan. That disparity transforms what might be a simple fender-bender between two cars into a life-altering event.
But the complexity extends far beyond the crash itself. Unlike typical car accidents where you might exchange insurance cards with a neighbor, trucking accidents involve multiple layers of liability, federal regulations, and corporate defense teams working to protect their bottom line. The driver who hit you may be from out of state, employed by a carrier headquartered in Texas or California, hauling cargo loaded by a third party at the Port of Indiana or a distribution hub.
Wells County sits at a critical junction in Indiana’s transportation network. With I-69 running nearby and serving as a major corridor connecting Michigan to Kentucky, and with I-70 and I-74 accessible within a short drive, our community sees significant commercial truck traffic. Whether it’s FedEx freight heading toward the Indianapolis hub, agricultural products moving from Wells County farms to processors, or manufacturing components traveling between Fort Wayne and Indianapolis, these massive vehicles share our roads daily.
The question isn’t whether you’ve seen these trucks—you’ve shared the highway with them countless times. The question is what happens when one of them makes a mistake, and how you protect your family’s future in the aftermath.
The Brutal Reality: Common 18-Wheeler Accident Types in Indiana
Not all truck accidents are the same, and in Wells County, certain types pose heightened risks due to our geography and climate. When winter hits northeastern Indiana, the combination of lake-effect snow from Lake Michigan and the flat terrain that characterizes our county creates treacherous conditions for tractor-trailers.
Jackknife Accidents on Icy Wells County Roads
Jackknife accidents occur when a truck’s trailer swings out perpendicular to the cab, folding like a pocket knife. These are particularly common during Indiana’s harsh winters when roads freeze. When a driver brakes suddenly on ice near the Wells County line, the trailer can swing across multiple lanes, creating an impassable barrier that incoming traffic cannot avoid.
These accidents often violate 49 CFR § 393.48 regarding brake system maintenance and 49 CFR § 392.6 regarding driving too fast for conditions. When we investigate these crashes, we immediately subpoena the ECM (Electronic Control Module) data to determine if the driver exceeded safe speeds given the weather conditions.
Rollover Accidents on Rural Routes
Rollovers happen when a truck tips onto its side or roof, often due to taking curves too quickly or overcorrecting. Given Wells County’s agricultural heritage, we see many tanker trucks and grain haulers navigating the rural roads connecting farms to processing facilities. When these vehicles take corners too fast—particularly on county roads with sharp turns—their high center of gravity causes them to tip.
Under 49 CFR § 393.100-136, cargo must be properly secured to prevent shifting that affects vehicle stability. When grain or liquid cargo shifts suddenly, it can cause a rollover that crushes anything in its path.
Underride Collisions: The Deadliest Impacts
Perhaps the most horrific trucking accidents involve underrides—when a smaller vehicle slides underneath the trailer of a semi-truck. The height of the trailer often shears off the roof of the passenger vehicle, resulting in decapitation or catastrophic head and neck trauma.
While 49 CFR § 393.86 mandates rear impact guards on trailers manufactured after January 26, 1998, these guards often fail in high-speed collisions or may be missing entirely on older equipment. Side underride guards are not federally mandated, despite being equally deadly. Wells County families deserve better protection from these preventable tragedies.
Rear-End Collisions: The Physics of Stopping
A fully loaded truck traveling at 65 miles per hour needs approximately 525 feet to stop—nearly the length of two football fields. When truck drivers follow too closely or become distracted while navigating I-69 or US-116 through Wells County, they simply cannot stop in time to prevent devastating rear-end impacts.
These accidents frequently involve violations of 49 CFR § 392.11 (following too closely) and 49 CFR § 395 (hours of service violations leading to fatigue). We often find that drivers who cause these crashes have exceeded their legally mandated driving hours, creating a dangerous situation where reflexes are slowed and judgment is impaired.
Brake Failures on Steep Grades
While Wells County doesn’t have mountain passes, the gradual grades on our interstate access ramps and the heavy stopping required at intersections near industrial zones can cause brake systems to overheat and fail. Under 49 CFR § 396.3, trucking companies must systematically inspect and maintain their brake systems. When they defer maintenance to save money, catastrophic brake failures result.
FMCSA Regulations: The Rules They Broke
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) governs every aspect of commercial trucking. When trucking companies violate these regulations, they endanger everyone on Wells County roads. Here are the critical violations we look for in every case:
Hours of Service (HOS) Violations – 49 CFR Part 395
Federal law limits how long truck drivers can operate without rest:
- 11-hour driving limit after 10 consecutive hours off duty
- 14-hour on-duty window—driving cannot continue beyond the 14th consecutive hour
- 30-minute break required after 8 cumulative hours of driving
- 60/70-hour weekly limits with a mandatory 34-hour restart
Since December 18, 2017, 49 CFR § 395.8 requires Electronic Logging Devices (ELD) that automatically record driving time. These devices provide objective proof of fatigue, yet we still see drivers and companies attempting to circumvent these rules. When an 18-wheeler crashes into a Wells County family because the driver was on his 16th hour behind the wheel, that’s not just negligence—it’s a violation of federal law.
Driver Qualification Failures – 49 CFR Part 391
Before a driver can operate a commercial vehicle, the motor carrier must verify:
- Valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)
- Medical certification (49 CFR § 391.41)
- Driving history from previous employers
- Background checks and drug testing (49 CFR § 382)
We often find that trucking companies failed to maintain proper Driver Qualification Files or hired drivers with histories of violations, DUIs, or medical conditions that should have disqualified them. This constitutes negligent hiring under federal regulations.
Vehicle Maintenance Negligence – 49 CFR Part 396
Trucking companies must maintain their vehicles according to strict standards:
- Pre-trip and post-trip inspections required daily (49 CFR § 396.13)
- Annual comprehensive inspections (49 CFR § 396.17)
- Brake system maintenance (49 CFR § 393.40-55)
- Tire safety standards (49 CFR § 393.75)
When a truck causes an accident on State Road 1 or US-224 because of worn brakes or bald tires, the maintenance records often reveal a pattern of deferred repairs and ignored safety violations.
Cargo Securement Violations – 49 CFR Part 393
Improperly loaded cargo causes accidents when it shifts during transit, changing the truck’s center of gravity and causing rollovers, or when it spills onto Wells County highways, creating hazards for other drivers. Federal regulations require specific securement methods with working load limits adequate for the cargo weight.
Who Can Be Held Liable? More Than Just the Driver
One of the most critical aspects of 18-wheeler accident litigation is understanding that multiple parties may share responsibility for your injuries. While the driver who caused the crash is an obvious defendant, the web of liability often extends much further.
The Trucking Company (Motor Carrier)
Under the doctrine of respondeat superior, employers are responsible for the negligent acts of their employees committed within the scope of employment. But trucking companies can also be directly liable for:
- Negligent hiring—failing to verify driver qualifications or hiring someone with a poor safety record
- Negligent training—inadequate instruction on safety procedures, cargo securement, or hours of service compliance
- Negligent supervision—failing to monitor driver performance or ELD compliance
- Negligent maintenance—ignoring vehicle defects or deferring repairs
Many carriers operating through Wells County pressure drivers to violate hours of service to meet delivery deadlines, or they hire unqualified drivers to fill staffing shortages. When profit trumps safety, we hold them accountable.
The Cargo Owner and Loading Company
If the accident was caused by improperly secured cargo or an overweight load, the shipper or loading company may be liable. Wells County’s agricultural economy means we see many accidents involving grain trucks and livestock carriers. When loaders fail to distribute weight properly or secure tarps and load coverings, they create dangerous conditions that lead to rollovers and spills.
Vehicle and Parts Manufacturers
Defective brakes, tire blowouts caused by manufacturing defects, or steering system failures can give rise to product liability claims against manufacturers. 49 CFR § 393 specifies equipment standards, and when manufacturers produce components that fail to meet these standards, they share responsibility for the carnage.
Maintenance Companies
Third-party maintenance providers who negligently repair trucks—such as mechanics who improperly adjust brakes or use substandard parts—can be held liable when their shoddy work causes accidents on Indiana highways.
Freight Brokers
Brokers who arrange transportation but don’t own the trucks may be liable if they negligently select carriers with poor safety records or fail to verify insurance and operating authority. When a broker chooses the cheapest carrier without regard for safety, and that carrier injures a Wells County resident, the broker shares the blame.
The Truck Owner (If Different from Carrier)
In owner-operator arrangements, the individual who owns the truck may be liable for negligent entrustment or failure to maintain the vehicle, separate from the carrier’s liability.
The 48-Hour Evidence Preservation Protocol
Critical evidence in trucking cases disappears fast. While you’re focusing on medical treatment and family, the trucking company is already building their defense. That’s why our Wells County truck accident attorneys act immediately.
Electronic Data at Risk
- ECM/Black Box Data: Records speed, braking, throttle position, and engine performance. Can be overwritten in as little as 30 days or with subsequent driving events.
- ELD Data: Proves hours of service violations. FMCSA requires 6-month retention, but we demand preservation immediately.
- Dashcam Footage: Often deleted within 7-14 days if not preserved.
Document Destruction Risks
- Driver Qualification Files: Must be kept for 3 years after employment ends, but without a spoliation letter, key documents may “go missing.”
- Maintenance Records: Required retention is only 1 year—far shorter than the statute of limitations.
- Dispatch and Load Records: Prove scheduling pressures that lead to HOS violations.
The Spoliation Letter
Within hours of being retained, we send formal spoliation letters to all potentially liable parties—drivers, carriers, maintenance companies, and insurers—demanding preservation of all evidence. Once this letter is received, destruction of evidence becomes spoliation, which can result in court sanctions, adverse jury instructions, or even default judgment.
We also immediately:
- Photograph the accident scene before weather or traffic changes conditions
- Interview witnesses while memories are fresh
- Subpoena cell phone records to prove distracted driving
- Obtain police crash reports and 911 call recordings
- Review traffic camera footage from private businesses near the crash site
Catastrophic Injuries: The Human Cost
The physics of an 80,000-pound truck striking a 4,000-pound passenger vehicle inevitably lead to severe, life-changing injuries. In Wells County, where emergency services may need to travel significant distances to reach rural accident scenes, the injuries are often compounded by delayed treatment.
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
Even “minor” truck accidents can cause traumatic brain injuries when the brain impacts the inside of the skull. Symptoms include:
- Memory loss and confusion
- Persistent headaches
- Mood changes and depression
- Difficulty concentrating
- Sleep disturbances
Mild TBIs (concussions) may resolve, but moderate to severe TBIs can result in permanent cognitive impairment requiring lifelong care. Our firm has recovered between $1.5 million and $9.8 million for TBI victims—funds necessary to cover years of rehabilitation, lost earning capacity, and home care.
Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis
The force of a trucking collision can fracture vertebrae or sever the spinal cord, resulting in:
- Paraplegia: Loss of use of legs and lower body
- Quadriplegia: Loss of use of all four limbs, potentially requiring ventilator support
- Incomplete injuries: Partial loss of function with some nerve pathways remaining
Lifetime care costs for spinal cord injuries range from $4.7 million to $25.8 million, depending on the level of injury and age of the victim. These figures represent only direct medical costs—not the incalculable loss of quality of life.
Amputations
Crushing injuries from truck accidents often necessitate limb amputation. Whether traumatic (occurring at the scene) or surgical (required due to irreparable damage), amputations require:
- Multiple surgeries
- Prosthetic limbs ($5,000 to $50,000+ each, requiring replacement every few years)
- Extensive physical therapy
- Psychological counseling for body image and trauma
Our amputation cases have resulted in recoveries ranging from $1.9 million to $8.6 million.
Wrongful Death
When a Wells County family loses a loved one to a trucking accident, the surviving spouse, children, or parents may bring a wrongful death claim. Damages include:
- Lost future income and benefits
- Loss of consortium (companionship, guidance, and support)
- Mental anguish
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Medical costs incurred before death
While no amount of money replaces a life, Indiana juries have shown willingness to hold trucking companies accountable, with verdicts in similar cases reaching $1.9 million to $9.5 million and beyond in cases of gross negligence.
Indiana Law: Your Rights and Time Limits
Understanding Indiana’s specific legal framework is crucial for Wells County accident victims.
Statute of Limitations
In Indiana, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit (Indiana Code § 34-11-2-4). For wrongful death claims, the two-year clock runs from the date of death. While this seems like ample time, waiting endangers your case—evidence disappears, witnesses become unavailable, and trucking companies build defenses.
Modified Comparative Negligence
Indiana follows a modified comparative fault system with a 51% bar (Indiana Code § 34-51-2-5). This means:
- If you are 50% or less at fault, you can recover damages reduced by your percentage of fault
- If you are 51% or more at fault, you cannot recover anything
- The trucking company will attempt to blame you—this is why evidence preservation and aggressive legal representation matter
For example, if a Wells County jury awards you $1 million but finds you 20% at fault for the accident, your recovery would be $800,000. However, if they find you 51% at fault, you recover nothing.
Damage Caps
Indiana caps punitive damages at the greater of three times compensatory damages or $50,000 (Indiana Code § 34-51-3-4). However, there are no caps on economic damages (medical bills, lost wages) or non-economic damages (pain and suffering) in standard personal injury cases. In claims against government entities (such as if a city truck caused the accident), damages may be capped at $300,000 per individual or $5 million per occurrence under the Indiana Tort Claims Act.
Why Wells County Families Choose Attorney911
When you’re choosing a law firm to handle a catastrophic trucking accident, you need more than a billboard—you need a team with the resources, experience, and tenacity to take on Fortune 500 trucking companies and win.
Ralph Manginello: 25+ Years of Fighting for Victims
Ralph Manginello has represented injury victims since 1998. With admission to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas and over two decades of courtroom experience, he has secured multi-million dollar settlements for families devastated by trucking accidents. His approach combines aggressive litigation with genuine compassion for clients.
As client Chad Harris shared, “You are NOT a pest to them and you are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.”
Lupe Peña: Former Insurance Defense Attorney
Our associate attorney, Lupe Peña, brings a unique advantage—he used to work for insurance companies defending trucking claims. He knows exactly how adjusters evaluate claims, what tactics they use to minimize settlements, and when they’re bluffing. Now he uses that insider knowledge exclusively for injury victims.
This means when the insurance adjuster for the trucking company that hit you in Wells County tries their usual tricks—denying liability, minimizing your injuries, or offering a quick lowball settlement—we see through it immediately. Lupe knows their playbook because he helped write it.
Track Record of Results
While past results don’t guarantee future outcomes, our documented settlements demonstrate our capability:
- $5+ Million for a traumatic brain injury victim struck by a falling log
- $3.8+ Million for a car accident victim who suffered leg amputation due to medical complications
- $2.5+ Million in truck crash recoveries
- Multi-million dollar results for spinal cord and catastrophic injury cases
Client Glenda Walker said it best: “They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.”
Federal Court Experience
Trucking accidents often involve interstate commerce, meaning cases can be filed in federal court. Ralph Manginello’s federal court admission allows us to pursue your case in the venue that provides the best opportunity for full recovery, whether that’s Indiana state court or federal court.
Three Offices Serving Indiana and Beyond
While our roots are in Texas, we handle 18-wheeler cases nationwide. With offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we have the resources to represent Wells County families while maintaining the personal attention of a boutique firm. We’re not a case mill—we’re a team that treats you like family.
Spanish Language Services
Hablamos Español. Lupe Peña provides fluent Spanish representation for Wells County’s Hispanic community. No interpreters needed, no communication barriers—just direct, effective legal advocacy. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911.
What to Do After a Truck Accident in Wells County
If you’re reading this in the aftermath of a crash, here’s your immediate action plan:
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Seek Medical Attention – Even if you feel fine, adrenaline masks injuries. Internal bleeding, TBI, and spinal injuries may not show symptoms for days. Documentation starts at the hospital.
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Document Everything – Photograph all vehicles involved, the accident scene, road conditions, weather, and your injuries. Get contact information from witnesses and the truck driver’s license, insurance, and DOT number.
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Do Not Speak to the Trucking Company’s Insurance – They will request a recorded statement. Do not give one. Anything you say will be used to minimize your claim.
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Call Attorney911 Immediately – 1-888-ATTY-911. We answer 24/7. The sooner we can send spoliation letters, the better we can preserve critical evidence.
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Follow Medical Advice – Gaps in treatment give insurance companies ammunition to claim you’re not really injured.
Frequently Asked Questions About Wells County Truck Accidents
How long do I have to file a lawsuit after a trucking accident in Indiana?
You have two years from the date of the accident (or date of death in wrongful death cases). However, you should contact an attorney immediately to preserve evidence.
What if the truck driver was from out of state?
We handle that. Because commercial trucking involves interstate commerce, the driver could be from anywhere. We have the resources to pursue claims regardless of where the driver or company is headquartered.
Can I still recover if I was partially at fault?
Yes, under Indiana’s modified comparative negligence law, you can recover as long as you are 50% or less at fault. Your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault.
How much is my case worth?
It depends on the severity of your injuries, medical costs, lost wages, and available insurance coverage. Trucking companies carry $750,000 to $5 million in coverage—far more than individual drivers. We’ve recovered millions for clients with catastrophic injuries.
What if I can’t afford a lawyer?
We work on contingency. You pay nothing unless we win. We advance all costs, and there are no upfront fees. Call 888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation.
Do I really need a lawyer, or can I handle this myself?
Trucking companies have teams of attorneys, investigators, and adjusters working against you from day one. As one client, Donald Wilcox, told us: “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 go it alone.
How long will my case take?
Simple cases with clear liability and moderate injuries may settle in 6-12 months. Complex cases with catastrophic injuries or disputed liability can take 1-3 years. We prepare every case as if it’s going to trial, which often leads to faster, better settlements.
What is a spoliation letter, and why does it matter?
It’s a formal legal notice demanding preservation of evidence. Once sent, destroying evidence becomes a serious legal violation that can result in court sanctions.
My loved one was killed in a truck accident. Can I sue?
Yes. Indiana law allows surviving spouses, children, and parents to bring wrongful death claims. Damages include lost income, loss of consortium, mental anguish, and funeral expenses.
The trucking company is offering a quick settlement. Should I take it?
Never accept a settlement before consulting an attorney. Early offers are designed to pay you far less than your case is worth, often before you understand the full extent of your injuries. Hablamos Español. Llame ahora: 1-888-288-9911.
You Don’t Have to Face This Alone
The trucking company that changed your life has lawyers working right now to minimize what they owe you. You deserve the same level of representation fighting for you.
At Attorney911, we’ve spent 25 years standing up to the largest trucking companies in America. From the BP Texas City explosion to complex multi-vehicle pileups, we’ve proven that we won’t back down when families need us most.
If you’ve been injured in an 18-wheeler accident anywhere in Wells County—whether on I-69, State Road 116, or a rural county road—we’re here to help. We understand the local courts, the Indiana statutes that govern your case, and the federal regulations that trucking companies violated to cause your injuries.
Call 1-888-ATTY-911 today. We’re available 24/7, and your consultation is free. Tell us what happened, and let us start fighting for the recovery you deserve while you focus on healing.
Remember: The clock is ticking on your evidence, and the trucking company is already building their defense. What are you doing to protect your family?
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