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Floyd County 18-Wheeler Accident Attorneys Attorney911 Brings 25+ Years of Multi-Million Dollar Trucking Verdicts Led by Managing Partner Ralph Manginello with $50+ Million Recovered Including $5+ Million Brain Injury and $3.8+ Million Amputation Settlements, Former Insurance Defense Attorney Lupe Peña Knows Every Insurer Denial Tactic From Inside, Federal Court Admitted FMCSA Regulation Masters 49 CFR Parts 390-399 Hours of Service Violation Hunters Black Box ELD Data Extraction Specialists, Jackknife Rollover Underride Wide Turn Blind Spot Tire Blowout Brake Failure Cargo Spill Hazmat Overloaded and Fatigued Driver Crash Experts, Traumatic Brain Injury Spinal Cord Paralysis Amputation Severe Burn Internal Damage Wrongful Death Catastrophic Injury Specialists, 4.9 Star Google Rating 251 Reviews Trial Lawyers Achievement Association Million Dollar Member ABC13 KHOU Houston Chronicle Featured Trae Tha Truth Recommended Legal Emergency Lawyers, Hablamos Español Three Texas Offices Personal Attention Not Case Mill Free 24/7 Consultation No Fee Unless We Win We Advance All Investigation Costs 1-888-ATTY-911

February 23, 2026 28 min read
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18-Wheeler Accident Attorneys in Floyd County: Your Fight for Justice Starts Now

The impact was catastrophic. 80,000 pounds of agricultural equipment and steel against your sedan on a rural Floyd County highway. In an instant, everything changed.

If you’re reading this from a hospital bed in Cedar Rapids, or if you’re picking up the pieces after a loved one was taken by a commercial truck on one of Floyd County’s agricultural corridors, you need to know something critical: the trucking company already has lawyers working to protect them. Their insurance adjuster is already looking for ways to pay you less. And at Attorney911, we’re already preparing to fight for every dime you deserve.

We’ve been handling 18-wheeler accident cases for over 25 years. Ralph Manginello, our Managing Partner, has been fighting for injury victims since 1998. He’s admitted to federal court and has gone toe-to-toe with Fortune 500 corporations. Our associate attorney Lupe Peña used to defend insurance companies—now he fights against them, and he knows exactly how they evaluate claims from the inside. When you combine federal court experience with insider knowledge of insurance company tactics, you get a team that trucking companies fear.

But right now, you don’t need a history lesson. You need immediate action. Evidence in Floyd County trucking accidents disappears fast. Black box data can be overwritten in 30 days. Dashcam footage gets deleted. And the truck driver who caused your crash has already given their version of events to their company’s rapid-response team.

Call 1-888-ATTY-911 today for a free consultation. We answer 24/7. And we send spoliation letters within hours, not days, to preserve the evidence that will win your case.

Why 18-Wheeler Accidents in Floyd County Are Different

Every year, thousands of trucks hauling corn, soybeans, and processed goods traverse through Floyd County and the surrounding Cedar Rapids-Waterloo corridor. These aren’t just big cars—they’re 40-ton machines governed by federal regulations that most personal injury attorneys barely understand.

When a fully loaded grain truck loses control on a rural Floyd County road during harvest season, or when a commercial hauler hits black ice on Route 14, the physics are devastating. A Ford F-150 weighs roughly 5,000 pounds. An 80,000-pound 18-wheeler is 20 times heavier. When that mass collides with a family sedan at 55 miles per hour, the results are predictably catastrophic.

But here’s what most people don’t realize: 18-wheeler accidents aren’t just bigger car wrecks. They’re an entirely different species of legal case. While a standard car accident might involve a single negligent driver and a $30,000 insurance policy, commercial trucking cases involve:

  • Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations (49 CFR Parts 390-399)
  • Multiple liable parties—including the driver, trucking company, cargo loader, maintenance provider, and even the broker who arranged the shipment
  • Electronic evidence—ELD logs, ECM black box data, and telematics that record every brake application and acceleration
  • Higher insurance minimums—frequently $750,000 to $5 million or more

As client Chad Harris told us after we handled his case, “You are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.” That’s the approach we take with every Floyd County trucking accident victim who calls our offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont. But distance doesn’t matter—we handle cases across Iowa and throughout the United States.

The Unique Dangers of Floyd County Agricultural Trucking

Floyd County sits in the heart of Iowa’s agricultural belt. That means our roads see a unique mix of commercial traffic that urban attorneys simply don’t understand. We’re talking about:

  • Harvest season spikes—From September through November, grain haulers, equipment transporters, and livestock carriers flood local routes like IA-14 and US-218, creating dangerous congestion on narrow rural roads
  • Farm machinery meets semis—When combines and tractors share narrow shoulders with 18-wheelers on Floyd County’s rural highways, the margin for error disappears
  • Winter weather catastrophes—Iowa’s blizzards and ice storms create conditions where 80,000-pound trucks can’t stop. We see jackknife accidents every winter when drivers fail to adjust for black ice on routes near Charles City and Waterloo
  • CRST and TMC presence—With CRST International headquartered in nearby Cedar Rapids and TMC Transportation in Des Moines, our local highways see heavy traffic from major national carriers whose drivers may be pushing hours-of-service limits

The trucking corridors serving Floyd County—including connections to I-380, I-80, and I-35—create a perfect storm for serious accidents. These aren’t just busy roads; they’re lifelines for America’s food supply, which means trucking companies push their drivers hard to meet delivery schedules. And when profit pressure meets Iowa’s unpredictable winter weather, people get hurt.

Types of 18-Wheeler Accidents We Handle in Floyd County

Not all trucking accidents are created equal. Each type involves different FMCSA violations, different liable parties, and different investigative approaches. Here are the accidents we’re seeing on Floyd County roads:

Jackknife Accidents

A jackknife occurs when the trailer swings out perpendicular to the cab, often sweeping across multiple lanes. On icy Floyd County roads, these accidents frequently block both directions of traffic, causing multi-vehicle pileups.

Why they happen: Sudden braking, empty or light trailers (more prone to swing), improperly loaded cargo, or speed that’s too fast for winter conditions.

The evidence we gather: ECM data showing exactly when and how hard the driver braked, cargo manifest proving improper loading, and weather reports showing the driver should have reduced speed under 49 CFR § 392.6.

FMCSA violations: 49 CFR § 393.48 (brake system malfunction), 49 CFR § 393.100 (cargo securement failures).

The human cost: Vehicles struck by the swinging trailer experience catastrophic impact forces leading to traumatic brain injuries and spinal cord damage. Client Glenda Walker came to us after a similar accident, and we fought for her to get “every dime” she deserved.

Rollover Accidents

When a truck tips onto its side or roof, the results are devastating. Floyd County’s rural highways often have soft shoulders that can trigger rollovers when drivers overcorrect or take turns too fast.

Why they happen: Speeding on curves, taking turns too sharply, improperly secured cargo that shifts during transit (particularly liquid “slosh” in tankers), or overcorrection after a tire blowout.

The evidence we gather: ECM speed data through the curve, loading records showing uneven weight distribution, and driver qualification files proving inadequate training on rollover prevention.

FMCSA violations: 49 CFR § 393.100-136 (cargo securement standards), 49 CFR § 392.6 (exceeding safe speed).

The human cost: Vehicles crushed beneath the trailer, fuel fires causing severe burns, and multi-vehicle involvement when rollover debris blocks the highway.

Underride Collisions

These are among the most fatal accidents we see. When a smaller vehicle crashes into the rear or side of a trailer and slides underneath, the trailer height often shears off the passenger compartment at windshield level.

Why they happen: Inadequate or missing underride guards, sudden stops without warning, low visibility conditions during Iowa’s winter fog, or wide turns that cut off traffic.

The evidence we gather: Underride guard inspection records, rear lighting compliance documentation, and post-crash guard deformation analysis.

FMCSA/NHTSA requirements: 49 CFR § 393.86 requires rear impact guards on trailers manufactured after January 26, 1998. Critically, there is NO federal requirement for side underride guards—a gap in safety regulations that has led to hundreds of deaths.

The human cost: These accidents are almost always fatal or result in decapitation and severe head trauma. When we handle underride cases, we’re fighting for families who’ve lost everything.

Rear-End Collisions

Because 18-wheelers require 40% more stopping distance than passenger vehicles—a fully loaded truck needs nearly two football fields to stop from highway speeds—rear-end collisions are tragically common on Floyd County’s busy agricultural routes.

Why they happen: Following too closely (tailgating), driver distraction from cell phones or dispatch communications, driver fatigue, or brake failures from poor maintenance.

The evidence we gather: ECM data showing following distance and speed, ELD records proving hours-of-service violations, and cell phone records showing distraction at the moment of impact.

FMCSA violations: 49 CFR § 392.11 (following too closely), 49 CFR § 392.3 (operating while fatigued), 49 CFR § 392.82 (mobile phone use).

The human cost: Whiplash, spinal cord injuries, and crushing injuries when vehicles are pushed into other traffic or obstacles.

Wide Turn Accidents (“Squeeze Play”)

When an 18-wheeler swings wide before making a right turn, they create a gap that other vehicles enter. Then the truck completes its turn, crushing the vehicle that entered the gap. We see these frequently at rural intersections near Floyd County’s agricultural processing facilities.

Why they happen: Failure to properly signal, inadequate mirror checks, improper turn technique, or driver inexperience with trailer tracking on narrow rural roads.

The evidence we gather: Turn signal activation data from the ECM, mirror adjustment records, and driver training documentation showing inadequate instruction on turning procedures.

The human cost: Crushing injuries, amputations, and fatalities when vehicles are caught between the truck and curbs or buildings.

Blind Spot Accidents (“No-Zone”)

An 18-wheeler has four major blind spots—front (20 feet), rear (30 feet), and large areas on both sides. The right-side blind spot is particularly dangerous and extends across multiple lanes.

Why they happen: Failure to check mirrors before lane changes, improperly adjusted or damaged mirrors, or driver distraction during maneuvers.

The evidence we gather: Mirror condition reports, lane change data from ECM/telematics, and driver training records.

FMCSA requirements: 49 CFR § 393.80 requires mirrors that provide clear view to the rear on both sides. Proper mirror adjustment is part of every pre-trip inspection.

The human cost: Sideswipe injuries causing loss of vehicle control, rollover of passenger vehicles, and crushing injuries.

Tire Blowout Accidents

Iowa’s extreme temperatures—scorching heat in summer and freezing cold in winter—create perfect conditions for tire failures. When an 18-wheeler loses a tire at highway speed, the driver often loses control, creating a hazard for everyone nearby.

Why they happen: Underinflated tires causing overheating, overloaded vehicles exceeding tire capacity, worn or aging tires not replaced, or road debris punctures.

The evidence we gather: Tire maintenance and inspection records, tire age documentation, and vehicle weight records from Iowa weigh stations.

FMCSA requirements: 49 CFR § 393.75 mandates minimum tread depths—4/32″ on steer tires, 2/32″ on other positions. Drivers must inspect tires during every pre-trip inspection under 49 CFR § 396.13.

The human cost: Tire debris striking following vehicles, resulting jackknife or rollover crashes, and loss of control multi-vehicle accidents.

Brake Failure Accidents

Brake problems contribute to approximately 29% of large truck crashes. On Floyd County’s rolling hills and during busy harvest seasons when trucks are overloaded, brake failures cause devastating rear-end collisions.

Why they happen: Worn brake pads, improper brake adjustment, air brake system leaks, overheated brakes (brake fade) on long descents, or deferred maintenance to save costs.

The evidence we gather: Brake inspection and maintenance records, out-of-service inspection history, and ECM data showing brake application and effectiveness.

FMCSA requirements: 49 CFR §§ 393.40-55 (brake system requirements), 49 CFR § 396.3 (systematic inspection and maintenance), 49 CFR § 396.11 (driver post-trip reports).

The human cost: High-speed rear-end collisions, multi-vehicle pileups, and fatal crushing injuries.

Cargo Spill and Shift Accidents

During harvest season, Floyd County sees an influx of grain haulers and equipment transporters. When cargo shifts during transport or spills onto the roadway, the results can be catastrophic.

Why they happen: Inadequate tiedowns, improper loading distribution, failure to use blocking and bracing, or overloading beyond securement capacity.

The evidence we gather: Cargo securement inspection photos, bills of lading, loading company records, and tiedown specifications.

FMCSA requirements: 49 CFR §§ 393.100-136 establish complete cargo securement standards, including performance criteria requiring securement systems to withstand specific deceleration and lateral forces.

The human cost: Vehicles struck by falling cargo, chain-reaction accidents from spilled loads on narrow rural roads, and rollover injuries when cargo shifts suddenly.

Head-On Collisions

When an 18-wheeler crosses into oncoming traffic—often due to driver fatigue or distraction—the closing speed combines both vehicles’ velocities, creating impact forces that are almost always fatal.

Why they happen: Driver fatigue causing lane departure, falling asleep at the wheel, distraction from cell phones or GPS, or impaired driving.

The evidence we gather: ELD data for hours-of-service compliance, ECM data showing lane departure, and post-accident drug and alcohol test results.

FMCSA violations: 49 CFR § 395 (hours of service violations), 49 CFR § 392.3 (fatigued operation), 49 CFR § 392.4/5 (drug and alcohol violations).

The Federal Regulations That Prove Negligence

Every 18-wheeler on Floyd County highways must comply with federal FMCSA regulations. When trucking companies break these rules, they create dangerous conditions that cause accidents. Here are the critical regulations we use to prove negligence:

49 CFR Part 390 – General Applicability

Establishes that FMCSA regulations apply to all commercial motor vehicles with GVWR over 10,001 pounds, all vehicles designed to transport 16 or more passengers, and all vehicles transporting hazardous materials requiring placards. Violations of Part 390 establish that the carrier was operating outside federal safety standards.

49 CFR Part 391 – Driver Qualification Standards

This is where we find evidence of negligent hiring. Motor carriers must maintain a Driver Qualification (DQ) File for every driver containing:

  • Employment application and background check
  • Motor vehicle record from state licensing authority
  • Road test certificate or equivalent
  • Current medical examiner’s certificate (valid maximum 2 years)
  • Annual driving record review
  • Previous employer inquiries covering 3-year driving history
  • Drug and alcohol test records

When trucking companies hire drivers with poor safety records or fail to maintain these files, we hold them liable for negligent hiring under § 391.11.

49 CFR Part 392 – Driving of Commercial Motor Vehicles

This part contains the rules of the road for truckers:

§ 392.3 – Ill or Fatigued Operation: No driver shall operate when their ability is impaired by fatigue, illness, or any other cause. This makes both the driver AND the trucking company liable when a fatigued driver causes an accident.

§ 392.4/5 – Drug and Alcohol Prohibitions: Drivers cannot use alcohol within 4 hours before duty, possess alcohol while on duty, or operate under the influence (.04 BAC or higher). Positive drug tests create automatic liability.

§ 392.11 – Following Too Closely: Drivers must not follow other vehicles more closely than is reasonable and prudent—a regulation violated in most rear-end truck accidents.

§ 392.82 – Mobile Phone Use: Prohibits hand-held mobile phone use and texting while driving.

49 CFR Part 393 – Parts and Accessories for Safe Operation

This part governs equipment safety:

§§ 393.100-136 – Cargo Securement: Establishes that cargo must be contained, immobilized, or secured to prevent shifting, leaking, or falling. Cargo securement systems must withstand:

  • 0.8 g deceleration (sudden stop)
  • 0.5 g rearward acceleration
  • 0.5 g lateral forces

§§ 393.40-55 – Brake Systems: Requires properly functioning service brakes on all wheels, parking brake systems, and air brake systems meeting specific adjustment requirements.

§ 393.86 – Rear Impact Guards: Mandates underride guards on trailers manufactured after January 26, 1998, capable of preventing underride at 30 mph impact.

49 CFR Part 395 – Hours of Service (HOS)

These are the most commonly violated regulations in trucking accidents. For property-carrying drivers:

  • 11-hour driving limit: Cannot drive more than 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty
  • 14-hour duty window: Cannot drive beyond the 14th consecutive hour after coming on duty
  • 30-minute break: Required after 8 cumulative hours of driving
  • 60/70-hour weekly limit: Cannot drive after 60 hours in 7 days or 70 hours in 8 days
  • 34-hour restart: Can restart the weekly clock with 34 consecutive hours off duty

The ELD Mandate (§ 395.8): Since December 18, 2017, most drivers must use Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) that automatically record driving time and cannot be altered like paper logs. This data is objective evidence of HOS violations.

49 CFR Part 396 – Inspection, Repair, and Maintenance

§ 396.3: Every motor carrier must systematically inspect, repair, and maintain all vehicles.

§ 396.11: Drivers must prepare written post-trip inspection reports covering at minimum:

  • Service brakes and parking brake
  • Steering mechanism
  • Lighting devices and reflectors
  • Tires
  • Wheels and rims
  • Emergency equipment

§ 396.17: Requires annual comprehensive inspections covering 16+ systems, with records retained for 14 months.

The 10 Potentially Liable Parties in Your Floyd County Trucking Case

Most personal injury 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.

1. The Truck Driver

The driver who caused the accident may be personally liable for negligent conduct including speeding, distracted driving, fatigued operation, or impaired driving. We gather their driving record, ELD data, cell phone records, and training history.

2. The Trucking Company/Motor Carrier

This is often the primary defendant because they carry the highest insurance limits. Under the doctrine of respondeat superior, employers are liable for employees’ negligent acts within the scope of employment. Additionally, companies can be directly liable for:

  • Negligent hiring (failure to check backgrounds)
  • Negligent training (inadequate safety instruction)
  • Negligent supervision (failure to monitor driver behavior)
  • Negligent maintenance (poor vehicle upkeep)
  • Negligent scheduling (pressuring drivers to violate HOS)

We subpoena Driver Qualification Files, CSA safety scores, dispatch records, and maintenance logs.

3. The Cargo Owner/Shipper

The company that owned the cargo may be liable for improper loading instructions, failure to disclose hazardous materials, or requiring overweight loading that exceeds safe limits.

4. The Cargo Loading Company

Third-party loaders who physically loaded the truck may be liable for improper securement under 49 CFR § 393, unbalanced load distribution, or failure to use proper blocking and bracing.

5. The Truck and Trailer Manufacturer

Defects in design or manufacturing—faulty brake systems, stability control failures, or dangerous fuel tank placement—create product liability claims against manufacturers.

6. Parts Manufacturers

Companies that manufactured specific components—brakes, tires, steering mechanisms—may be liable when their defective products fail and cause accidents.

7. The Maintenance Company

Third-party mechanics who negligently repaired vehicles, failed to identify critical safety issues, or used substandard parts may share liability.

8. Freight Brokers

Brokers who arrange transportation may be liable for negligent carrier selection—choosing carriers with poor safety records or inadequate insurance to maximize their own profits.

9. The Truck Owner (If Different from Carrier)

In owner-operator arrangements, the entity that owns the equipment may be liable for negligent entrustment or failure to maintain owned equipment.

10. Government Entities

Federal, state, or local governments may be liable for dangerous road design, failure to maintain roads (potholes, ice removal), or inadequate signage for known hazards. Note: Iowa’s statute of limitations for claims against government entities may have shorter notice requirements.

The 48-Hour Evidence Preservation Protocol

Here’s what the trucking company doesn’t want you to know: they’re already building their defense. While you’re in the hospital or planning a funeral, their rapid-response team is at the scene, downloading data, interviewing witnesses, and preparing to blame you.

Critical evidence disappears fast:

Evidence Type Destruction Risk
ECM/Black Box Data Overwrites in 30 days or with new driving events
ELD Data May be retained only 6 months per FMCSA minimums
Dashcam Footage Often deleted within 7-14 days
Surveillance Video Business cameras typically overwrite in 7-30 days
Witness Memory Fades significantly within weeks
Physical Evidence Vehicles repaired, sold, or scrapped

When you call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911, we send spoliation letters within 24 hours—not days. These formal legal notices put the trucking company on notice that destroying evidence will result in serious legal consequences, including:

  • Adverse inference instructions (jury told to assume destroyed evidence was unfavorable)
  • Monetary sanctions
  • Default judgment in extreme cases
  • Punitive damages for intentional destruction

The spoliation letter demands preservation of:

  • Electronic data: ECM, EDR, ELD records, GPS/telematics, dashcam footage, dispatch communications, cell phone records
  • Driver records: Complete Driver Qualification File, medical certifications, drug test results, training records, performance reviews
  • Vehicle records: Maintenance and repair logs, inspection reports, tire records, brake adjustment history
  • Company records: Hours of service records for 6 months prior, dispatch logs, bills of lading, safety policies

This is why time is critical. Every hour you wait, evidence vanishes. As client Donald Wilcox learned when he came to us after another firm rejected his case, having the right attorney who acts fast makes all the difference between getting a “handsome check” and getting nothing.

Catastrophic Injuries: The Real Cost of Trucking Accidents

The physics of 80,000 pounds versus 4,000 pounds doesn’t favor the occupants of the smaller vehicle. We handle the most devastating injuries, and we understand that “compensation” doesn’t heal wounds—but it does provide resources for the best possible recovery.

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)

TBI occurs when trauma causes the brain to impact the inside of the skull. Symptoms include confusion, headaches, memory loss, difficulty concentrating, mood changes, and personality changes. Severe TBI can result in permanent cognitive impairment requiring 24/7 care.

Lifetime care costs: $85,000 to $3,000,000+ depending on severity
Settlement range: $1,548,000 – $9,838,000+ (based on our firm’s experience)

Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis

Damage to the spinal cord disrupts communication between the brain and body. Paraplegia (loss of function below the waist) and quadriplegia (loss of function in all four limbs) require lifetime care and accommodation.

Lifetime care costs: $1.1 million to $5 million+
Settlement range: $4,770,000 – $25,880,000+

Amputations

Whether traumatic (severed at the scene) or surgical (required due to crush injuries), amputations require prosthetics ($5,000-$50,000+ per unit, replaced throughout life), extensive rehabilitation, and career limitations.

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

Severe Burns

Fuel tank ruptures and hazmat spills cause thermal and chemical burns requiring multiple skin grafts, reconstructive surgeries, and psychological treatment for disfigurement.

Wrongful Death

When a loved one is taken by a trucking company’s negligence, surviving family members may recover:

  • Lost future income and benefits
  • Loss of consortium (companionship and guidance)
  • Mental anguish
  • Funeral expenses
  • Settlement range: $1,910,000 – $9,520,000

Hablamos Español. Si usted o un ser querido sufrió lesiones en un accidente de camión en Floyd County, llame a Lupe Peña al 1-888-ATTY-911 para una consulta gratuita.

Insurance Coverage: Why Trucking Cases Are High-Value

Federal law mandates much higher insurance minimums for commercial trucks than for passenger vehicles:

Cargo Type Minimum Coverage
Non-Hazardous Freight $750,000
Oil/Petroleum $1,000,000
Hazardous Materials $5,000,000

Many carriers carry $1-5 million or more in coverage. Unlike car accidents where you might be limited to a $30,000 policy, trucking accidents typically have substantial insurance available—if you know how to access it.

Insurance companies are for-profit corporations. Their adjusters are trained to minimize payouts. They’ll offer quick, lowball settlements before you understand the full extent of your injuries. They’ll twist your words from recorded statements. They’ll hire “independent” medical examiners to claim your injuries aren’t serious.

Our firm includes Lupe Peña, a former insurance defense attorney. He spent years inside the system watching adjusters minimize claims and train rookies to lowball victims. Now he uses that insider knowledge to fight for maximum compensation. He knows exactly when they’re bluffing and when they’ll pay.

We don’t accept first offers. We calculate full damages—including future medical costs, lost earning capacity, and non-economic damages like pain and suffering. And we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial, because insurance companies offer better settlements when they know your lawyer is willing to go to court.

Frequently Asked Questions About 18-Wheeler Accidents in Floyd County

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

Call 911 and seek medical attention immediately. Document the scene with photos if you’re able. Get the trucking company name, DOT number, and driver information. Do NOT give recorded statements to insurance companies. Then call 1-888-ATTY-911.

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

Iowa has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury and wrongful death claims. However, you should never wait that long. Evidence disappears quickly, and the trucking company is building their defense now.

What if I was partially at fault for the accident?

Iowa follows modified comparative negligence with a 51% bar. This means you can recover damages as long as you were 50% or less at fault. However, your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault. If you were 20% at fault, you recover 80% of your damages.

Who can be sued besides the truck driver?

Multiple parties may be liable: the trucking company, cargo owner, loading company, truck manufacturer, parts maker, maintenance company, freight broker, and even government entities for dangerous road conditions.

What is a truck’s “black box” and why does it matter?

The ECM (Engine Control Module) and EDR (Event Data Recorder) record speed, braking, throttle position, and other operational data. This objective evidence often contradicts driver claims and proves HOS violations. But it can be overwritten in 30 days—that’s why immediate legal action is critical.

How much is my case worth?

It depends on injury severity, medical costs, lost wages, and available insurance. Trucking accidents typically have higher values than car accidents due to larger insurance policies and catastrophic injuries. We’ve recovered millions for clients, including over $5 million for a traumatic brain injury case.

Will my case go to trial?

Most cases settle, but we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial. Insurance companies know which lawyers are willing to go to court—and they offer better settlements to those attorneys’ clients. Ralph Manginello has federal court admission and isn’t afraid to take cases to verdict.

How much does it cost to hire a trucking accident attorney?

Nothing upfront. We work on contingency—33.33% pre-trial, 40% if trial is necessary. You pay nothing unless we win. We advance all investigation costs. No recovery means no fee.

What if the trucking company offers me a settlement quickly?

Don’t accept it. Quick offers are designed to pay you far less than your case is worth before you understand your full injuries. Once you accept, you waive your right to additional compensation. Consult an attorney first.

Can I still recover if I didn’t go to the emergency room immediately?

Yes, but you should seek medical treatment as soon as possible. Adrenaline masks pain, and some injuries (like TBI and internal bleeding) may not show symptoms immediately. Delayed treatment won’t bar your claim, but prompt medical documentation strengthens your case.

What if the truck driver was an independent contractor?

Both the owner-operator and the contracting company may be liable. We investigate all relationships and insurance policies to ensure you can recover from every responsible party.

How do you prove the driver was fatigued?

We obtain ELD data showing hours of service, analyze ECM data for driving patterns, review dispatch records for schedule pressure, and examine driver logbooks for falsification.

What are punitive damages?

Punitive damages may be available when the trucking company acted with gross negligence, willful misconduct, or conscious indifference to safety—such as knowingly hiring a dangerous driver or falsifying maintenance records. Iowa does not cap punitive damages in trucking cases.

Why do I need a lawyer who knows trucking law specifically?

Trucking cases involve federal regulations, electronic evidence preservation, multiple liable parties, and complex insurance issues. A lawyer who handles fender-benders doesn’t have the expertise to handle an 18-wheeler case. You need someone who understands 49 CFR and has experience taking on major carriers like CRST and TMC.

What if my loved one was killed in the accident?

You may file a wrongful death claim to recover lost income, loss of consortium, mental anguish, and funeral expenses. In Iowa, the statute of limitations is 2 years from the date of death. Contact us immediately to preserve evidence and protect your family’s rights.

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Floyd County Trucking Case

When you’re facing the aftermath of an 18-wheeler accident, you need more than a lawyer—you need a fighter. Here’s why families in Floyd County and across Iowa choose Attorney911:

Real Experience: Ralph Manginello has been fighting for injury victims since 1998. He has 25+ years of experience, federal court admission to the Southern District of Texas, and multi-million dollar verdicts against Fortune 500 companies like BP.

Insider Advantage: Lupe Peña, our associate attorney, used to defend insurance companies. He knows their playbooks, their valuation software, and their tricks. Now he uses that knowledge against them.

Proven Results: We’ve recovered over $50 million for clients, including $5+ million for a traumatic brain injury, $3.8+ million for an amputation case, and $2.5+ million for truck crash victims.

Family Treatment: As Chad Harris said, “You are NOT a pest to them and you are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.” We take rejected cases and fight for maximum recovery. Glenda Walker put it simply: we fight for “every dime” you deserve.

Immediate Action: We answer calls 24/7 at 1-888-ATTY-911. We send spoliation letters within hours. We preserve evidence before it disappears.

No Risk Representation: You pay nothing unless we win. We advance all costs. Your focus should be on healing—we’ll handle the fight.

The trucking company has teams of lawyers. They have rapid-response investigators. They have millions in insurance. You need someone who pushes back harder.

Call Attorney911 Today: Your Free Consultation Awaits

The clock started ticking the moment that truck hit you. Within 48 hours, critical evidence can be overwritten. Within days, witnesses’ memories fade. And the trucking company’s insurance adjuster is already working to minimize your claim.

Don’t let them win. Don’t settle for less than you deserve. Don’t try to face a billion-dollar trucking corporation alone.

Call Attorney911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911). We’re available 24/7, and we offer free consultations with no obligation. If we take your case, you pay nothing unless we win.

From our offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we serve trucking accident victims across Floyd County, throughout Iowa, and nationwide. We know these cases. We know the federal regulations. And we know how to make trucking companies pay.

Your family has been through enough. Let us handle the fight. Call now: 1-888-ATTY-911.

Hablamos Español. Llame hoy.

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