18-Wheeler Accident Attorneys in Fayette County, Iowa
When an 80,000-Pound Truck Changes Everything
One moment you’re driving home on US-20 through Fayette County. The next, an 18-wheeler is jackknifing across the highway or running a red light at the intersection of US-52 and State Highway 3. The impact isn’t just metal against metal—it’s your life turning upside down. If you’ve been hurt in a trucking accident in Fayette County, you need more than just a lawyer. You need a fighter who knows how to make trucking companies pay.
We’ve seen what happens after these crashes. Ralph Manginello has spent over 25 years standing up to trucking companies and their insurers. Since 1998, he’s been holding negligent drivers and carriers accountable for the devastation they cause on Fayette County roads. Our firm includes an attorney who used to work for insurance companies—now he fights against them. That’s your advantage.
The physics aren’t fair. Your car weighs about 4,000 pounds. A fully loaded semi can hit 80,000 pounds. That’s twenty times heavier. Twenty times the force. Twenty times the damage. And when that happens on the rolling hills of I-380 or the rural highways connecting West Union to Oelwein, the results are catastrophic.
Why Trucking Accidents in Fayette County Are Different
Trucking cases aren’t like regular car accidents. In Fayette County, you’ve got unique challenges that make these cases more complex. The agricultural traffic on US-20 during harvest season creates dangerous congestion. The steep grades and curves on county roads in the Driftless Area test driver skill and truck maintenance. Winter weather brings black ice and whiteout conditions that semi-trucks can’t navigate safely.
But the biggest difference? Trucking companies have teams of lawyers. They have rapid-response investigators who show up at the scene before the ambulance leaves. They have insurance adjusters trained specifically to minimize your claim. They have systems designed to protect their profits—not your family.
You need someone who knows how to fight back. We’ve gone toe-to-toe with Fortune 500 corporations. We’ve handled cases against Walmart, Coca-Cola, Amazon, FedEx, and UPS shipping operations. We’ve recovered multi-million dollar settlements for traumatic brain injury victims, amputees, and families who’ve lost loved ones to wrongful death.
Just ask Donald Wilcox, who 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.” Or Glenda Walker, who said, “They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.” That’s what we do for Fayette County families.
Understanding Iowa’s 2-Year Deadline (And Why You Can’t Wait)
Here’s the hard truth: In Fayette County and throughout Iowa, you have just two 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 or how clearly the truck driver was at fault.
But two years is an eternity compared to how quickly evidence disappears in trucking cases. Black box data can be overwritten in 30 days. Dashcam footage gets deleted in weeks. The truck itself might be repaired and put back on the road, destroying physical evidence. Witnesses forget what they saw. The trucking company is building their defense right now, while you’re trying to heal.
That’s why we send spoliation letters within 24 hours of taking your case. These legal notices prevent the trucking company from destroying critical evidence like ELD logs, maintenance records, and driver qualification files. Every hour you wait makes your case harder to prove.
How Iowa’s Comparative Fault Rules Affect Your Fayette County Case
Iowa uses modified comparative negligence with a 51% bar rule. What does that mean for you? As long as you’re not more than 50% at fault for the accident, you can recover damages. But your compensation gets reduced by your percentage of fault.
Here’s an example: If a jury awards you $500,000 but finds you 20% at fault because you were speeding slightly, you recover $400,000. But if they find you 51% at fault, you get nothing. Zero.
Insurance companies know this rule. They’ll try to shift blame onto you—claiming you stopped too fast, didn’t signal properly, or were distracted. That’s why evidence preservation is critical. The ECM data from the truck’s computer can prove the driver was speeding or following too closely. The ELD records can show he was driving beyond legal hours. Cell phone records can prove he was texting.
Our associate attorney, Lupe Peña, spent years working for national insurance defense firms. He knows exactly how adjusters are trained to minimize claims using comparative fault arguments. Now he uses that insider knowledge to protect Fayette County victims.
The FMCSA Regulations That Protect You (And Prove Negligence When Violated)
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration regulations apply to every truck on Fayette County highways. These aren’t suggestions—they’re federal law. When trucking companies break these rules, they put your family at risk. And when we prove violations, we prove negligence.
Hours of Service Violations (49 CFR Part 395)
Federal law limits truck drivers to 11 hours of driving time after 10 consecutive hours off duty. They can’t drive beyond the 14th consecutive hour after coming on duty. They must take a 30-minute break after 8 cumulative hours of driving. And they can’t exceed 60 hours in 7 days or 70 hours in 8 days.
Fatigue causes approximately 31% of fatal truck crashes. On Fayette County’s long rural stretches—like US-20 between Waterloo and Dubuque or I-380 between Cedar Rapids and Waterloo—tired drivers cause devastating head-on collisions and run-off-road accidents. ELD (Electronic Logging Device) data proves whether the driver violated these rules.
Driver Qualification Standards (49 CFR Part 391)
Trucking companies must verify their drivers are qualified. This means checking driving records, verifying CDL credentials, conducting medical exams, and investigating previous employers. When they skip these steps—hiring a driver with a history of DUIs or failed drug tests—they’re liable for negligent hiring.
We subpoena Driver Qualification Files in every case. If the file is incomplete or missing, that’s evidence of negligence.
Vehicle Maintenance Requirements (49 CFR Part 396)
Brake problems factor into approximately 29% of large truck crashes. Federal law requires systematic inspection, repair, and maintenance. Drivers must conduct pre-trip inspections. Companies must keep maintenance records for at least a year.
In Fayette County’s harsh winters, brake systems take a beating. Salt and corrosion create dangerous conditions. If a trucking company deferred maintenance to save money, and that caused your accident, they’re liable.
Cargo Securement Rules (49 CFR Part 393)
Iowa’s agricultural economy means trucks hauling grain, ethanol, and livestock traverse Fayette County daily. Federal rules require cargo to be secured to prevent shifting, spilling, or falling. Improperly loaded grain trucks can tip on curves. Shifting livestock can cause rollovers.
The rules specify working load limits for tiedowns and require specific securement for different cargo types. Violations prove negligence.
Drug and Alcohol Testing (49 CFR Part 382)
Commercial drivers face strict drug and alcohol prohibitions. They cannot use alcohol within 4 hours of driving. They must submit to random testing. After an accident, they must be tested for drugs and alcohol. Positive results create automatic liability.
Common 18-Wheeler Accident Types in Fayette County
Jackknife Accidents
A jackknife occurs when the trailer swings out perpendicular to the cab, folding like a pocket knife. On Fayette County’s rolling hills and curved highways—particularly on I-380 near the Fayette County line or US-20 through the Driftless Area—these accidents often block multiple lanes and cause multi-vehicle pileups.
Jackknives usually result from sudden braking on slick surfaces, brake failure, or excessive speed for conditions. The ECM data shows exactly what happened seconds before the crash.
Rollover Accidents
Fayette County’s terrain creates rollover risks. The combination of steep grades, curves near the Little Turkey River valley, and high-profile vehicles means rollovers happen frequently. These are especially common with grain trucks during harvest season when drivers rush between fields and elevators.
Rollovers often result from speeding on curves, improper load distribution, or tire blowouts. The truck’s Event Data Recorder captures speed, steering angle, and brake application—evidence we preserve immediately.
Underride Collisions
The most fatal type of trucking accident. When a passenger vehicle slides under the trailer, the roof gets sheared off. Federal law requires rear impact guards, but many are defective or improperly maintained. Side underride guards aren’t federally mandated yet, making side impacts particularly deadly on narrow rural roads like County Road W20 or Highway 93.
Rear underrides often occur when a truck stops suddenly on US-20 or changes lanes without proper notice. We inspect the underride guards and lighting to prove violations of 49 CFR § 393.86.
Rear-End Collisions
A loaded 18-wheeler needs nearly two football fields to stop from highway speed. When tailgating on I-380 or US-20 through Fayette County, truckers can’t stop in time. These crashes cause catastrophic injuries to occupants of smaller vehicles.
FMCSA regulations prohibit following too closely (49 CFR § 392.11). ECM data proves the truck was following too closely or failed to brake in time.
Tire Blowout Accidents
Iowa’s extreme temperature variations—scorching summer heat on asphalt and brutal winter cold—cause tire failures. When a truck tire explodes on US-52 near West Union or US-63 near Fayette, the driver often loses control. Debris strikes following vehicles, causing secondary crashes.
Federal law requires minimum tread depth (4/32″ on steer tires) and proper inflation. Maintenance records reveal whether the company ignored worn tires.
Wide Turn Accidents
Downtown West Union or Fayette have narrow streets designed for horse-drawn wagons, not 53-foot trailers. When trucks swing wide making right turns, they crush vehicles in the “squeeze play” zone. These accidents often involve improper turning technique or failure to check blind spots.
Blind Spot Accidents
18-wheelers have massive blind spots—20 feet in front, 30 feet behind, and extending backward on both sides. The right-side blind spot is particularly dangerous. When trucks change lanes on I-380 without checking mirrors, they sideswipe passenger vehicles.
Federal law requires trucks to have proper mirrors (49 CFR § 393.80). Failure to use them is negligence.
Every Liable Party We’ll Hold Accountable
Most law firms only sue the driver and trucking company. That’s a mistake. We investigate every potentially liable party because more defendants mean more insurance coverage means higher compensation for you.
The Truck Driver: Personally liable for speeding, distraction, fatigue, or impairment.
The Trucking Company: Vicariously liable for their employee’s actions. Directly liable for negligent hiring, training, supervision, or maintenance. They carry the big insurance policies—$750,000 to $5 million in coverage.
The Cargo Owner/Shipper: If they demanded overloaded trucks or pressured drivers to violate hours-of-service rules to meet delivery deadlines at Fayette County’s processing facilities.
The Loading Company: Third-party loaders who improperly secured cargo at grain elevators or distribution centers.
The Truck/Trailer Manufacturer: If defective brakes, steering systems, or safety equipment contributed to the crash.
Parts Manufacturers: Companies that made defective tires, brake components, or lighting systems.
The Maintenance Company: Third-party repair shops that performed negligent brake repairs or inspections.
The Freight Broker: Middlemen who arranged transport but negligently selected carriers with poor safety records.
Government Entities: If dangerous road design or lack of signage on Fayette County roads contributed to the accident (though sovereign immunity limits these claims).
The Catastrophic Injuries We See
The force of an 80,000-pound truck causes devastation. We’ve represented Fayette County clients suffering from:
Traumatic Brain Injuries: From concussions to severe cognitive impairment requiring lifelong care. TBI settlements often exceed $1.5 million to $9.8 million depending on severity.
Spinal Cord Injuries: Paraplegia and quadriplegia from crushed vertebrae. Lifetime care costs can exceed $4.7 million to $25 million.
Amputations: When vehicles are crushed or occupants trapped. We’ve secured $1.9 million to $8.6 million for amputation victims.
Severe Burns: From fuel tank ruptures or hazmat spills. These require multiple surgeries and cause permanent disfigurement.
Internal Organ Damage: Lacerated livers, ruptured spleens, kidney damage—these injuries often aren’t immediately apparent but can be fatal.
Wrongful Death: When trucking accidents take loved ones from Fayette County families. These cases demand justice for the economic and emotional loss.
As Kiimarii Yup told us after we helped her following a devastating crash, “I lost everything… 1 year later I have gained so much in return plus a brand new truck.” That’s the kind of recovery we fight for.
Evidence We Preserve Immediately
Within 24 hours of taking your case, we send preservation letters to prevent destruction of:
- ECM/Black Box Data: Speed, braking, throttle position, and fault codes
- ELD Records: Electronic logs proving hours-of-service violations
- Driver Qualification Files: Employment history, medical certifications, drug tests
- Maintenance Records: Brake inspections, tire logs, repair orders
- Dispatch Communications: Proof of schedule pressure or route demands
- Cell Phone Records: Evidence of distracted driving
- Dashcam Footage: Video of the crash and driver behavior
- GPS/Telematics: Location history proving route violations
Without an attorney sending spoliation letters, this evidence disappears. Trucking companies have no legal duty to preserve it unless put on notice.
What to Do After a Fayette County Trucking Accident
If you’re able, these steps protect your case:
- Call 911—police reports are crucial evidence
- Get medical treatment immediately—adrenaline masks serious injuries
- Photograph everything—vehicles, scene, skid marks, your injuries
- Get the truck’s DOT number and company information
- Collect witness contact information
- Do NOT give recorded statements to insurance companies
- Call Attorney911 immediately: 1-888-ATTY-911
If you can’t do these things because of your injuries, don’t worry. We investigate thoroughly regardless.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is my Fayette County trucking accident case worth?
It depends on injury severity, medical costs, lost income, and available insurance. Trucking companies carry $750,000 to $5 million in coverage. We’ve recovered settlements from thousands to millions.
Will my case go to trial?
Most settle, but we prepare every case for trial. Insurance companies offer better settlements when they know you’re willing to go to court. With 25+ years of trial experience, Ralph Manginello has the courtroom skills to maximize your recovery.
How long will my case take?
Simple cases settle in 6-12 months. Complex cases involving catastrophic injuries may take 18-36 months. We balance thoroughness with efficiency—we know you need compensation sooner, not later.
What if I was partially at fault?
Under Iowa’s comparative fault rules, you can recover as long as you’re not more than 50% responsible. Your award gets reduced by your fault percentage. Don’t let the insurance company convince you that you were mostly at fault without talking to us first.
How much does a truck accident lawyer cost?
We work on contingency. You pay nothing—zero—unless we win. We advance all investigation costs. When we win, our standard fee is 33.33% pre-trial, 40% if trial is necessary. Hablamos Español—llame a Lupe Peña al 1-888-ATTY-911.
What if the trucking company denies liability?
That’s normal. We start with the evidence, not their word. ECM data, ELD logs, and physical evidence often prove they were at fault regardless of what they claim.
The Insurance Company Is Not Your Friend
Within hours of your accident, the trucking company’s insurer will call. They’ll act friendly. They’ll say they want to “help.” They’ll offer a quick settlement.
Don’t take it.
That offer is calculated to pay you the minimum you’ll accept before you understand the full extent of your injuries. Before you know whether you’ll need surgery. Before you know if you’ll ever work again.
Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize claims. They use delay tactics, surveillance, and leading questions to hurt your case. Our associate Lupe Peña spent years inside that system. He knows their playbook. He knows when they’re bluffing and when they’ll pay.
As Ernest Cano said about our firm, “Mr. Manginello and his firm are first class. Will fight tooth and nail for you.” That’s exactly what we do against insurance companies.
Serving Fayette County and Beyond
With offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we handle 18-wheeler cases throughout Iowa and across the United States. For Fayette County clients, we offer remote consultations and travel to you for meetings. We know the Fayette County court system, the local judges, and the trucking corridors that run through your community.
We’ve recovered over $50 million for clients, including multi-million dollar settlements for brain injuries, amputations, and wrongful death. Our 4.9-star Google rating from 251+ reviews reflects how we treat clients like family. As Chad Harris told us, “You are NOT a pest to them and you are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.”
Call Attorney911 Today
The trucking company has lawyers working right now to protect their interests. What are you doing to protect yours?
Call 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911) or (713) 528-9070. We’re available 24/7 because trucking accidents don’t wait for business hours.
Free consultation. No fee unless we win. Ralph Manginello has been fighting for accident victims since 1998. Let him fight for you.
1-888-ATTY-911
Attorney911 serves Fayette County, Iowa including West Union, Oelwein, Fayette, Clermont, Elgin, and all surrounding areas.
