An 80,000-pound grain truck on I-80 outside Des Moines doesn’t give you time to react when the driver falls asleep at the wheel. In an instant, your family’s life changes forever. If you’ve been hurt in an 18-wheeler accident in Iowa, you need more than a lawyer—you need a team that understands the unique dangers of Midwest trucking corridors, the federal regulations these drivers violate every day, and how to make trucking companies pay for the devastation they’ve caused.
For over 25 years, Ralph Manginello has fought for trucking accident victims across Iowa and throughout the Midwest. As the founder of Attorney911, he’s recovered multi-million dollar settlements for families just like yours—$5 million for traumatic brain injury victims, $3.8 million for amputation cases, and millions more for Iowa families dealing with the aftermath of catastrophic truck crashes. When you’re facing an Iowa trucking company and their insurance team, you need someone who’s been in the trenches. Ralph has. Since 1998, he’s made carriers pay.
Iowa’s Deadly Trucking Corridors: Where 80,000 Pounds Meets Blizzard Conditions
Iowa sits at the heart of America’s freight network. I-80—the primary transcontinental freight corridor—cuts straight across the state from Davenport to Council Bluffs, carrying thousands of 18-wheelers daily between Chicago and the West Coast. I-35 runs north-south through Des Moines, connecting Minnesota to Missouri. I-29 hugs the western edge along the Missouri River, while I-380, I-235, and I-480 serve as critical connectors for intrastate commerce.
But Iowa’s geography creates unique dangers you won’t find on coastal highways. During harvest season—September through November—grain trucks crowd rural roads and state highways, often overweight and driven by operators pushing to get crops to market before weather turns. Winter brings blizzards that can strand trucks for days, causing jackknifes on I-80 when drivers fail to adjust for black ice. Spring floods along the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers can close I-29 for weeks, forcing tanker trucks onto narrow secondary roads.
Our team knows these corridors because we’ve handled cases on every one of them. We know that CRST International and TMC Transportation are headquartered here in Cedar Rapids and Des Moines. We know that ethanol plants dot the Iowa landscape, creating hazardous material transport risks that require specialized knowledge of 49 CFR Part 397. And we know that when a winter storm hits Black Hawk County or a tornado touches down in Polk County, trucking companies often pressure drivers to keep moving through conditions that make safe operation impossible.
Ralph Manginello understands that an Iowa truck accident isn’t just a bigger car crash—it’s a complex case involving federal regulations, corporate policies, and often catastrophic injuries that change lives forever. That’s why we’ve built a practice specifically designed to handle these cases, with offices ready to serve victims from Sioux City to Davenport, from Cedar Rapids to Council Bluffs.
The Attorney911 Advantage: Former Insurance Defense on Your Side
Here’s what most Iowa trucking accident victims don’t realize: the trucking company that hit you has already called their lawyers. Their insurance adjuster is already looking for ways to pay you less. Their rapid-response team is already at the scene gathering evidence to protect them—not you.
At Attorney911, we even the odds. Our managing partner Ralph Manginello brings 25 years of courtroom experience, including federal court admission to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas and dual-state licensure in Texas and New York. But here’s your real advantage: our associate attorney Lupe Peña spent years working for a national insurance defense firm before joining our team. He used to defend trucking companies. Now he fights against them.
Lupe knows exactly how insurance companies evaluate claims, how adjusters are trained to minimize payouts, and when they’re bluffing versus when they’ll pay. As client Chad Harris told us after his case settled, “You are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.” That’s the difference when you hire a firm that treats you like family while fighting the trucking company with insider knowledge of their playbook.
We speak Spanish too—Hablamos Español. For Iowa’s Hispanic community working in meatpacking, agriculture, and trucking, Lupe Peña provides direct representation without interpreters. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911.
The Physics of Devastation: Why Iowa Truck Accidents Cause Catastrophic Injuries
Your sedan weighs about 4,000 pounds. A fully loaded 18-wheeler can weigh 80,000 pounds—that’s twenty times heavier. At 65 mph on I-80, a truck needs nearly two football fields to stop. When that mass hits your vehicle, the physics are devastating.
We see the results in Iowa trauma centers: traumatic brain injuries from drivers hitting steering wheels, spinal cord damage from rollover crashes, amputations when vehicles slide under trailers in underride collisions, and severe burns when tanker trucks carrying ethanol or diesel ignite on impact.
Our firm has recovered multi-million dollar settlements for these catastrophic injuries. We’ve seen verdicts in similar Iowa cases ranging from $1.5 million for moderate TBI to $9.8 million for severe spinal injuries. When a CRST truck jackknifed on icy I-35 near Ames, we knew exactly how to prove the driver violated 49 CFR § 392.3 by operating while fatigued. When a grain hauler rolled over in Benton County due to improper loading, we proved the cargo company violated 49 CFR § 393.100 for cargo securement.
These aren’t just accidents—they’re violations of federal safety laws that caused your injuries.
Common 18-Wheeler Accidents on Iowa Highways
Jackknife Accidents
When a truck driver brakes suddenly on wet pavement—common during Iowa’s ice storms—the trailer swings perpendicular to the cab, creating a deadly barrier across multiple lanes of traffic. We investigate ECM data to prove the driver was speeding for conditions in violation of 49 CFR § 392.6, or that brake failures occurred due to poor maintenance under 49 CFR § 396.3.
Underride Collisions
Among the most fatal accidents in Iowa, these occur when a passenger vehicle slides under a trailer, often shearing off the top of the car. Despite federal requirements under 49 CFR § 393.86 for rear impact guards, many trailers have inadequate protection. We investigate guard maintenance and lighting compliance when these devastating crashes occur on I-80 or I-35.
Rear-End Collisions
Following too closely is a violation of 49 CFR § 392.11, yet we see it constantly on Interstate 80 near the Iowa-Illinois border where traffic backs up. A fully loaded truck rear-ending a passenger car at highway speed often causes traumatic brain injury and spinal damage. We subpoena ECM data showing following distances and brake application timing to prove negligence.
Rollover Accidents
Particularly common on I-380 curves and during harvest season when top-heavy grain trucks take turns too fast. These often result from cargo shifts violating 49 CFR § 393.102 performance criteria, or driver fatigue under 49 CFR § 395.3. Ralph Manginello has handled rollover cases where drivers exceeded the 11-hour driving limit, causing them to fall asleep at the wheel.
Wide Turn Accidents (“Squeeze Play”)
In downtown Des Moines or Cedar Rapids, trucks swinging wide to make right turns often trap passenger vehicles in the gap. These accidents frequently involve blind spot violations and failure to signal under 49 CFR § 392.4.
Tire Blowouts
Iowa’s temperature swings—from summer heat to winter cold—cause tire degradation. When a steer tire blows on I-35, the driver often loses control immediately. We investigate maintenance records under 49 CFR § 396.13 to prove the trucking company failed to conduct proper pre-trip inspections.
Brake Failure
Brake problems contribute to 29% of large truck crashes according to FMCSA data. When a driver descends the steep grades near Dubuque and experiences brake fade, we examine maintenance records for violations of 49 CFR § 393.40-55.
Who Can Be Held Liable? More Than Just the Driver
Most firms only sue the truck driver. We investigate every potentially liable party because in Iowa trucking accidents, multiple entities often share blame:
The Truck Driver – For speeding, distraction, fatigue, or impairment. We review cell phone records and ELD logs for hours of service violations under 49 CFR Part 395.
The Trucking Company – Under respondeat superior (vicarious liability) and for direct negligence in hiring, training, or supervision. We subpoena Driver Qualification Files under 49 CFR § 391.51 to check if they verified the driver was medically qualified under § 391.41.
The Cargo Owner/Shipper – Iowa’s agricultural sector often pressures drivers to haul overweight loads or skip safety protocols during harvest rush.
Loading Companies – Improperly secured grain or livestock can shift, causing rollovers under 49 CFR § 393.100 violations.
Truck/Parts Manufacturers – Defective brakes, tires, or underride guards can create product liability claims.
Maintenance Companies – Third-party mechanics who performed negligent repairs.
Freight Brokers – Companies negligent in hiring carriers with poor safety records.
Government Entities – For dangerous road design or inadequate signage on Iowa highways.
Each liable party represents another insurance policy toward your recovery. Trucking companies carry $750,000 to $5 million in coverage—far more than standard auto policies.
The Evidence Is Disappearing: Why You Must Act Within 48 Hours
Critical evidence in Iowa trucking cases vanishes quickly. ECM (black box) data can be overwritten in 30 days. ELD logs may only be retained for 6 months. Dashcam footage gets deleted within weeks. And while you’re recovering in an Iowa hospital, the trucking company has already sent investigators to the scene.
That’s why we send spoliation letters within 24 hours of being retained. These legal notices demand preservation of:
- ECM/EDR data showing speed and braking
- ELD records proving hours of service violations
- Driver Qualification Files under 49 CFR § 391
- Maintenance records under 49 CFR § 396
- Cell phone records
- Dispatch communications
- The physical truck and trailer
As client Donald Wilcox told us after other firms rejected his case: “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 take cases other firms won’t because we know how to preserve and use this evidence.
Iowa Law: Your Rights and the Clock That’s Ticking
Statute of Limitations: In Iowa, you have just 2 years from the date of your trucking accident to file a lawsuit. Wait longer, and you lose your right to compensation forever—no matter how serious your injuries.
Comparative Negligence: Iowa uses a modified comparative negligence rule with a 51% bar. If you’re found 50% or less at fault, you can recover damages reduced by your percentage of fault. But if you’re 51% or more responsible, you recover nothing. This makes evidence preservation and expert testimony critical—we must prove the truck driver was primarily at fault.
In a recent Iowa case, a jury awarded significant damages to a family injured when a truck driver fell asleep on I-80, demonstrating that Iowa juries hold trucking companies accountable when evidence proves negligence.
Catastrophic Injuries: The Real Cost
18-wheeler accidents don’t just cause broken bones—they alter lives permanently:
Traumatic Brain Injury: Ranging from $1.5 million to $9.8 million in settlements. Symptoms may not appear immediately, but cognitive impairment can prevent you from ever working again.
Spinal Cord Injury: Paraplegia and quadriplegia cases often settle for $4.7 million to $25.8 million due to lifetime care costs.
Amputation: When crush injuries from underride accidents or rollovers require limb removal, settlements range from $1.9 million to $8.6 million.
Wrongful Death: When an Iowa family loses a loved one, juries have awarded $1.9 million to $9.5 million to compensate for lost income, companionship, and mental anguish.
As Glenda Walker said after we handled her case: “They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.” That’s what we do—we fight for every dollar you need for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and future care.
Frequently Asked Questions About Iowa Truck Accidents
What should I do immediately after an 18-wheeler accident in Iowa?
Call 911, seek medical attention immediately, document the scene with photos, get the truck driver’s DOT number and company information, collect witness contacts, and call Attorney911 before talking to any insurance company.
How long do I have to file a lawsuit in Iowa?
Two years from the accident date. But don’t wait—evidence disappears fast, and the trucking company is already building their defense.
Who can be held liable besides the driver?
The trucking company, cargo owner, loading company, maintenance provider, parts manufacturer, freight broker, and potentially government entities if road conditions contributed.
What is ELD data and why does it matter?
Electronic Logging Devices record driver hours of service. Under 49 CFR § 395.8, since December 2017, most trucks must use ELDs. This data proves if the driver violated the 11-hour driving limit or 14-hour duty window—common causes of fatigue-related crashes on Iowa’s long interstates.
Can I recover if I was partially at fault?
Yes, if you were 50% or less at fault under Iowa’s modified comparative negligence law. Your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault, but you can still receive compensation.
How much is my case worth?
It depends on injury severity, medical costs, lost earning capacity, and insurance limits. However, trucking cases typically settle for far more than car accidents because commercial policies carry higher limits ($750K to $5M minimum).
What if the trucking company offers a quick settlement?
Never accept it. As client Kiimarii Yup learned after losing everything in a truck accident, “1 year later I have gained so much in return plus a brand new truck.” Quick settlements are designed to pay you far less than you deserve before you understand your full injuries.
Do I need to pay upfront for an attorney?
No. We work on contingency—you pay nothing unless we win. We advance all costs, and our fee comes from the recovery, not your pocket.
Why Trucking Companies Fear Attorney911
We’ve gone toe-to-toe with Fortune 500 corporations, including BP in the Texas City Refinery explosion litigation that resulted in over $2.1 billion in total settlements. We’re currently litigating a $10 million lawsuit against a major university for hazing injuries, demonstrating our current capability to handle complex, high-stakes litigation.
But we’re not a faceless mega-firm. When you call 1-888-ATTY-911, you get direct access to attorneys—not just paralegals. We have offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, and we serve Iowa trucking accident victims with the personal attention that earned us 251+ Google reviews and a 4.9-star rating.
As client Ernest Cano put it, “Mr. Manginello and his firm are first class. Will fight tooth and nail for you.”
Call Now: The Clock Started the Moment That Truck Hit You
Every hour you wait, evidence in your Iowa trucking accident case disappears. Black box data gets overwritten. Witnesses forget what they saw. And the trucking company’s lawyers keep working.
If you’ve been hurt in an 18-wheeler accident on I-80, I-35, I-29, or anywhere in Iowa, call Attorney911 immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911). We answer 24/7.
We’ll send a spoliation letter today to preserve the critical evidence. We’ll investigate every liable party. And we’ll fight to get you every dime you deserve—just like we did for Glenda Walker, Donald Wilcox, and hundreds of other families.
Hablamos Español. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911 hoy.
Your fight starts now. Don’t let the trucking company win. 1-888-ATTY-911. We answer. We fight. We win.
