18-Wheeler Accident Attorneys in Adams County, Iowa

When an 80,000-Pound Truck Changes Everything

The combines were already pulling into the fields just north of Corning when the Peterbilt crossed the centerline on US-34. One moment, you’re driving home from work; the next, an 80,000-pound machine is crushing your sedan. In Adams County, where the highways cut through agricultural heartland and trucks haul grain, ethanol, and equipment across southwest Iowa, these accidents happen fast—but the consequences last forever.

If you’re reading this from a hospital bed in Creston, or if you’re a family member trying to make sense of a catastrophic crash near the Missouri border, you need to know something critical: the trucking company already has lawyers working to protect them. They dispatched a rapid-response team while the ambulance was still en route. They’re downloading black box data, interviewing witnesses, and building a defense strategy designed to pay you as little as possible.

We’re here to stop them.

At Attorney911, we’ve spent over two decades fighting for truck accident victims across the Midwest. Ralph Manginello, our managing partner, has secured multi-million dollar verdicts against the largest trucking companies in America—including Fortune 500 giants like BP after the Texas City explosion that killed 15 workers. We’ve recovered more than $50 million for families devastated by catastrophic injuries. And we know exactly how Iowa’s modified comparative negligence laws work here in Adams County, where a single percentage point of fault determination can mean the difference between a full recovery and walking away with nothing.

Call 1-888-ATTY-911 right now. The clock started ticking the moment that truck hit you.

The Physics of Devastation: Why 18-Wheeler Accidents in Adams County Are Different

Out here on the rural highways of Adams County—whether you’re on US-34 cutting through the farmlands or navigating the county roads connecting Corning to Prescott—you’re sharing space with machines that weigh twenty-five times more than your car. A fully loaded semi can weigh 80,000 pounds. Your sedan? About 3,500 pounds. That’s not a fair fight.

The math is brutal:

• An 18-wheeler traveling at 55 mph needs nearly two football fields to stop—40% more distance than your car
• The force of impact increases exponentially with weight
• A jackknife or rollover on these narrow rural roads leaves nowhere to escape
• Agricultural trucks hauling grain or ethanol tankers create unique hazards on the very routes you travel daily

Adams County sits at the intersection of major agricultural trucking corridors. During harvest season, the roads see a surge in grain haulers, equipment transporters, and livestock carriers. Winter brings its own nightmares—black ice on US-34, whiteout conditions on country roads, and truck drivers pushing through fatigue to meet delivery deadlines at the ethanol plants.

When these giants lose control, they don’t just crash. They destroy.

Federal Regulations Every Trucking Company Must Follow (And Often Violate)

Commercial trucking isn’t like regular driving. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulates every aspect of the industry under Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations. When trucking companies violate these rules in Adams County, they create the conditions for catastrophic accidents. We use these violations to prove negligence and hold them accountable.

49 CFR Part 391: Driver Qualification Standards

Before a driver can legally operate an 18-wheeler in Iowa, they must meet strict federal qualifications under 49 CFR § 391.11. They must:

• Be at least 21 years old for interstate commerce
• Possess a valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)
• Pass a Department of Transportation medical examination (renewed every 24 months maximum)
• Speak and read English sufficiently
• Have a clean driving record—or the trucking company must document why they hired them anyway

The Driver Qualification File (DQ File) requirement under § 391.51 mandates that trucking companies maintain detailed records for every driver, including:

• Employment applications and background checks
• Three-year driving history from previous employers
• Medical examiner’s certificates
• Drug and alcohol test results
• Annual driving record reviews

When we investigate your Adams County accident, we subpoena these files immediately. If the trucking company hired a driver with a history of DUIs, or failed to verify their medical fitness, or skipped background checks to fill a seat during harvest rush, that’s negligent hiring—and it makes them liable for your injuries.

49 CFR Part 392: Driving of Commercial Motor Vehicles

§ 392.3 states: “No driver shall operate a commercial motor vehicle… while the driver’s ability or alertness is so impaired, or so likely to become impaired, through fatigue, illness, or any other cause, as to make it unsafe.”

This regulation prohibits:

• Driving while fatigued beyond federal limits
• Operating under the influence of drugs or alcohol (§ 392.4, § 392.5)
• Using handheld mobile devices while driving (§ 392.82)
• Speeding or following too closely for conditions (§ 392.6, § 392.11)

49 CFR Part 393: Vehicle Safety and Cargo Securement

§ 393.100-136 establishes strict cargo securement rules. Cargo must be secured to withstand:

• 0.8 g deceleration forward (sudden stops)
• 0.5 g acceleration rearward
• 0.5 g laterally (sideswipe forces)

When grain haulers overload trailers to maximize harvest profits, or when equipment loaders fail to properly secure heavy machinery heading to Adams County farms, they violate these regulations. The result? Rollovers, jackknifes, and debris scattered across Iowa highways.

§ 393.40-55 mandates functioning brake systems. Brake problems contribute to 29% of truck crashes nationally—a statistic we’ve seen play out on I-80 and US-34 right here in Adams County.

49 CFR Part 395: Hours of Service (HOS) Regulations

This is where we find the violations that kill people. Under § 395.3 and § 395.5, property-carrying drivers may NOT:

• Drive more than 11 hours following 10 consecutive hours off duty
• Drive beyond the 14th consecutive hour after coming on duty
• Drive after 60/70 hours on duty in 7/8 consecutive days
• Skip the 30-minute break required after 8 cumulative hours of driving

The Electronic Logging Device (ELD) Mandate (§ 395.8) requires commercial trucks (with few exceptions) to use electronic devices that automatically record driving time. Unlike the old paper logbooks that drivers could falsify, ELDs sync with the truck’s engine and cannot be altered after the fact.

Critical Evidence: ELD data proves whether the driver was fatigued, violating federal rest requirements, or falsifying records. This data can be overwritten in as little as 30 days. That’s why we send spoliation letters immediately to preserve it.

49 CFR Part 396: Inspection, Repair, and Maintenance

Under § 396.3, trucking companies must systematically inspect, repair, and maintain all vehicles. Drivers must conduct pre-trip inspections (§ 396.13) and submit post-trip reports (§ 396.11) noting any defects. Companies must retain maintenance records for 12 months.

When a truck’s brakes fail on a slippery Adams County road in January, or when a tire blowout causes a rollover near the ethanol plant, we examine these records. Deferred maintenance to save money isn’t just negligence—it’s potentially gross negligence warranting punitive damages.

The Types of 18-Wheeler Accidents We See in Adams County

Every region has its unique trucking hazards. In Adams County, we see specific patterns tied to agricultural cycles, rural road conditions, and the convergence of interstate traffic with farm equipment.

Jackknife Accidents

A jackknife occurs when the trailer swings perpendicular to the cab, folding like a pocket knife. On icy stretches of US-34 or during sudden braking on the county roads connecting Corning to the surrounding farmland, these accidents often block multiple lanes with catastrophic results.

Jackknifes typically result from:

• Improper braking technique on slippery surfaces
• Equipment failure (brake malfunctions under § 393.48 violations)
• Empty or lightly loaded trailers (common with grain haulers returning from elevator)
• Driver inexperience with winter conditions

The swinging trailer sweeps across the road, collecting passenger vehicles in its path. Injuries include traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, and wrongful death.

Rollover Accidents

Rollovers are devastatingly common in Adams County due to the combination of:

• High center of gravity on grain trailers and tankers
• Soft shoulders on rural highways
• Sudden swerves to avoid farm equipment or wildlife
• Speeding on curves (violating § 392.6)

When a truck carrying 80,000 pounds of corn or soybeans rolls, the cargo shifts violently, often crushing smaller vehicles. FMCSA data shows that 50% of rollovers result from failure to adjust speed on curves—a particular hazard on the winding county roads near the Missouri border.

Underride Collisions

Underrides occur when a passenger vehicle slides under the trailer, shearing off the roof and causing immediate decapitation or catastrophic head trauma. Rear underride guards are required under 49 CFR § 393.86, but many are poorly maintained or insufficient for the speeds traveled on Iowa highways.

Side underride guards are not federally mandated, creating a deadly gap in protection when trucks make wide turns at rural intersections—a common scenario in Adams County where farm roads meet state highways.

Rear-End Collisions

An 18-wheeler needs 525 feet to stop from highway speeds—nearly two football fields. When a truck driver is fatigued (violating Part 395), distracted by a cell phone (violating § 392.82), or following too closely (violating § 392.11), they cannot stop in time.

These accidents often occur on I-80, where long-haul truckers push through Iowa on transcontinental routes, or on US-34 where traffic slows for agricultural equipment. The result is crushing force that causes spinal cord injuries, internal organ damage, and fatalities.

Wide Turn Accidents (“Squeeze Play”)

Trucks swinging wide to make right turns create deadly traps for passenger vehicles. In Adams County, where farm trucks enter and exit fields alongside state highways, these accidents occur when:

• Drivers fail to signal properly
• Mirrors are poorly adjusted (violating § 393.80)
• Drivers lack training on truck maneuvering

A car caught between the truck and curb is crushed. These accidents often cause traumatic amputations and crushing chest injuries.

Tire Blowouts

Adams County’s temperature swings—from summer heat to winter cold—stress truck tires. When companies defer maintenance (violating Part 396) or overload vehicles (violating cargo weight limits), tires fail. A “road gator” (shredded tire debris) causes following vehicles to swerve, while a steer tire blowout can cause immediate loss of control.

49 CFR § 393.75 requires minimum tread depth (4/32″ on steer tires). Post-trip inspection reports (§ 396.11) should document tire condition. When they don’t, we prove the company knew or should have known about the hazard.

Brake Failure Accidents

Brake problems contribute to 29% of truck crashes. In the hills of southwest Iowa, brake fade on long descents can be catastrophic. Federal law requires:

• Proper adjustment (§ 393.40-55)
• Pre-trip inspections (§ 396.13)
• Maintenance records showing brake service

When a truck can’t stop at the bottom of a grade and crashes into stopped traffic on US-34, we examine the maintenance records to prove the company prioritized profits over safety.

Cargo Spill and Shift Accidents

Adams County’s economy runs on agriculture, and trucks haul grain, ethanol, and equipment across the county. When loaders fail to secure cargo properly (violating § 393.100-136), or when grain shifts suddenly in a turn, the trailer becomes unstable.

Ethanol tankers add chemical exposure risks to the physical trauma of a crash. When hazardous materials spill on Adams County roads, the danger extends far beyond the initial collision.

Catastrophic Injuries: The Human Cost of Trucking Negligence

The injuries from 18-wheeler accidents aren’t like car crash injuries. The sheer mass and height of trucks cause catastrophic, life-altering trauma. At Attorney911, we’ve helped Adams County families navigate recoveries from:

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)

Even “mild” concussions can cause lasting cognitive deficits. Moderate to severe TBI can result in:

• Permanent memory loss
• Personality changes
• Inability to work or live independently
• Seizure disorders
• Early-onset dementia

Settlement Range: $1,548,000 – $9,838,000+ (based on our firm’s documented results)

Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis

A severed spinal cord means permanent paralysis. Costs include:

• Emergency surgery and stabilization
• Rehabilitation ($100,000+ annually)
• Wheelchairs and home modifications ($50,000+)
• Lifetime care ($3.5 million+ for quadriplegia)
• Lost earning capacity

Settlement Range: $4,770,000 – $25,880,000+

Traumatic Amputations

When a truck crushes a limb beyond repair, or when infection sets in after the accident, amputation becomes necessary. Prosthetics cost $5,000 to $50,000 per unit and require replacement every 3-5 years. Phantom limb pain, psychological trauma, and loss of earning capacity follow.

Settlement Range: $1,945,000 – $8,630,000

Severe Burns

Tanker explosions and fuel fires cause third and fourth-degree burns requiring:

• Multiple skin graft surgeries
• Months in burn units
• Permanent scarring and disfigurement
• Loss of sensation and mobility

Wrongful Death

When a trucking accident takes a loved one in Adams County, surviving family members face:

• Funeral and burial expenses ($10,000+)
• Lost future income and benefits
• Loss of companionship and guidance
• Mental anguish and emotional distress

Settlement Range: $1,910,000 – $9,520,000

As client Glenda Walker told us after we recovered maximum compensation for her family: “They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.”

Who Can Be Held Liable? (Hint: It’s More Than Just the Driver)

One of the most critical differences between car accidents and trucking accidents is the web of liability. We investigate and pursue claims against every potentially responsible party:

1. The Truck Driver

Direct negligence includes:

• Speeding or reckless driving
• Distracted driving (texting, GPS, eating)
• Driving while fatigued (Hours of Service violations)
• Operating under the influence
• Failure to inspect equipment

2. The Trucking Company (Motor Carrier)

Under respondeat superior (let the master answer), companies are vicariously liable for their employees’ negligence. Additionally, we pursue direct negligence claims for:

• Negligent Hiring: Failing to check the driver’s record or hiring someone with a history of accidents
• Negligent Training: Sending drivers onto Iowa roads without proper training on winter conditions or cargo securement
• Negligent Supervision: Failing to monitor ELDs for Hours of Service violations
• Negligent Maintenance: Deferring brake repairs or tire replacements to save money

3. The Cargo Owner/Shipper

When grain elevators overload trailers to maximize profit, or when shippers fail to disclose hazardous cargo characteristics, they share liability for resulting accidents.

4. The Loading Company

Third-parties who load cargo at Adams County elevators or ethanol facilities may be liable for improper securement under 49 CFR § 393.100-136.

5. Truck and Parts Manufacturers

Defective brakes, tire blowouts caused by manufacturing flaws, and faulty steering systems create product liability claims against manufacturers.

6. Maintenance Companies

Third-party mechanics who improperly repair brakes or return trucks to service with known safety violations share liability.

7. Freight Brokers

Brokers who arrange transportation but fail to verify carrier safety records (CSA scores) or insurance may be liable for negligent selection.

8. The Truck Owner (If Different)

In owner-operator arrangements, the party owning the equipment may share liability for maintenance failures.

9. Government Entities

Poor road design, inadequate signage, or failure to maintain safe conditions on county roads may create liability for Adams County or the State of Iowa—though sovereign immunity limits apply and strict notice requirements exist.

The 48-Hour Rule: Evidence Disappears Fast

Critical Truth: You have less than 48 hours to secure evidence before it starts disappearing.

Trucking companies don’t wait. They dispatch rapid-response teams to the scene immediately—often arriving before the tow trucks. Their goal? Protect their interests, not yours.

What We’re Racing Against:

Our Immediate Response:

When you call 1-888-ATTY-911, we:

1. Send Spoliation Letters within 24 hours demanding preservation of all electronic data, maintenance records, and driver files
2. Subpoena ELD and ECM Data before it can be overwritten
3. Secure the Physical Truck before it’s repaired or destroyed
4. Interview Witnesses while memories are fresh
5. Photograph the Scene before weather changes destroy evidence

As client Chad Harris said: “You are NOT a pest to them and you are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.” We treat your case with the urgency it deserves from minute one.

Iowa Law: How It Affects Your Adams County Case

Statute of Limitations

Iowa Code § 614.1 gives you 2 years from the date of your trucking accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. For wrongful death, you have 2 years from the date of death.

Don’t wait. Two years sounds like a long time, but evidence disappears quickly. We need to act immediately to preserve black box data, secure maintenance records, and document the scene.

Modified Comparative Negligence (51% Bar Rule)

Iowa follows modified comparative negligence. 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 recover nothing

Trucking companies and their insurers love to blame victims. They’ll claim you were speeding, distracted, or failed to yield. We fight these allegations with hard evidence from ECM data, ELD logs, and accident reconstruction.

Example: If a jury awards $1,000,000 but finds you 20% at fault, you recover $800,000. If they find you 51% at fault, you recover $0.

This makes hiring an experienced attorney critical. Our associate attorney, Lupe Peña, used to work for insurance companies. He knows exactly how they calculate comparative fault—and how to counter their arguments with data.

Why Adams County Families Choose Attorney911

Ralph Manginello: 25+ Years of Experience

Since 1998, Ralph Manginello has fought for injury victims. He’s admitted to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas, giving him federal court experience that’s crucial for interstate trucking cases. He was involved in the BP Texas City Refinery explosion litigation—a $2.1 billion disaster that killed 15 workers. He’s currently litigating a $10 million lawsuit against the University of Houston for fraternity hazing that caused rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure.

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

Lupe Peña: The Former Insurance Defense Attorney

This is your advantage. Lupe spent years working for national insurance defense firms. He knows:

• How insurance companies use algorithms (Colossus) to devalue claims
• The lowball tactics adjusters are trained to deploy
• When companies are bluffing vs. when they’ll pay
• How to expose their strategies to maximize your recovery

Hablamos Español. For Adams County’s Spanish-speaking families, Lupe provides direct representation without interpreters. “Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911.”

Multi-Million Dollar Results

We’ve recovered:

• $5+ Million for traumatic brain injury victims
• $3.8+ Million for amputation cases
• $2.5+ Million for trucking accident victims
• $2+ Million for maritime injuries

As Donald Wilcox put it: “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.”

4.9★ Google Reviews (251+)

Client Angel Walle told us: “They solved in a couple of months what others did nothing about in two years.”

Three Offices, Iowa Focus

While our physical offices are in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, Texas, we handle trucking accident cases nationwide. For Adams County families, this means you get big-firm resources with small-firm attention. We know Iowa’s courts, its agricultural trucking patterns, and the specific hazards of southwest Iowa highways.

Frequently Asked Questions for Adams County Trucking Accident Victims

What should I do immediately after a truck accident in Adams County?

Call 911, seek immediate medical attention even if you feel “okay” (adrenaline masks injuries), photograph everything (vehicles, scene, skid marks, road conditions), get the truck’s DOT number and driver information, collect witness names, and call an attorney before speaking to any insurance company.

How long do I have to file a lawsuit in Iowa?

You have 2 years from the accident date for personal injury, and 2 years from the date of death for wrongful death claims. However, evidence preservation must happen within days. Call immediately.

Can I recover damages if I was partially at fault?

Yes, under Iowa’s modified comparative negligence rule, you can recover if you were 50% or less at fault. However, your damages are reduced by your fault percentage. If you’re found 51% or more at fault, you recover nothing—so having an attorney who can prove the truck driver’s negligence is essential.

How much insurance do trucking companies carry?

Federal law requires:

• $750,000 for non-hazardous freight
• $1,000,000 for oil/equipment
• $5,000,000 for hazardous materials

Many carriers carry $1-5 million in coverage.

What is a spoliation letter and why does it matter?

It’s a legal notice demanding the trucking company preserve evidence. Once sent, destroying evidence becomes “spoliation,” which courts punish with sanctions, adverse jury instructions, or default judgments. We send these within 24 hours of being retained.

What if the truck was hauling grain or farm equipment?

Agricultural exemptions exist, but they don’t apply to most commercial trucking operations. If the truck crossed state lines, was driven by a paid driver (not the farmer), or exceeded certain weight limits, federal regulations apply. We analyze the specific circumstances to determine applicable laws.

Can undocumented workers file claims?

Yes. Immigration status does not affect your right to compensation for injuries caused by someone else’s negligence. We protect your privacy while pursuing your case.

How much does it cost to hire you?

Nothing upfront. We work on contingency (33.33% pre-trial, 40% if trial is necessary). You pay nothing unless we win. We advance all costs, and you never receive a bill.

Will my case go to trial?

Most settle, but we prepare every case for trial. Insurance companies know which attorneys will go to court—and they pay more to clients represented by trial-ready firms. Ralph Manginello has the federal court experience and trial track record that forces settlement offers.

What if the trucking company is from out of state?

We handle cases against trucking companies nationwide. Federal regulations apply regardless of where the company is headquartered. Our admission to federal court allows us to pursue these cases aggressively.

The Call That Changes Everything

You’ve been through enough. The medical bills are piling up. The insurance adjuster keeps calling. You’re wondering how you’ll pay for the next surgery, or how you’ll modify your home for accessibility, or how you’ll replace the income you lost while recovering.

You don’t have to figure this out alone.

At Attorney911, we don’t just handle cases—we fight for families. As Kiimarii Yup told us after we recovered compensation for his total loss: “I lost everything… 1 year later I have gained so much in return plus a brand new truck.”

We can’t undo the accident. But we can make sure you get every dollar you need for medical care, lost wages, pain and suffering, and your future.

The trucking company has lawyers. So should you.

Call 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911) right now. We’re available 24/7 for Adams County families. Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña are ready to fight for you.

Hablamos Español. Llame hoy para una consulta gratis.

Attorney911
Legal Emergency Lawyers™
Serving Adams County and all of Iowa
Offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont
1-888-ATTY-911