When an 80,000-pound semi-truck collides with a passenger vehicle on I-35 outside Franklin County, the result is never minor. If you’re searching for answers after a trucking accident turned your life upside down in Franklin County, Iowa, you need a law firm that understands the unique dangers of agricultural trucking corridors and the federal regulations that govern every 18-wheeler on the road.
At Attorney911, we’ve spent over 25 years fighting for families devastated by commercial trucking accidents. Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has recovered multi-million dollar verdicts against the largest transportation companies in America. We know that grain haulers and livestock transports on Franklin County’s rural highways pose different risks than interstate traffic, and we’ve built a team that includes former insurance defense attorneys who know exactly how trucking companies hide evidence.
The clock is already ticking after your Franklin County trucking accident. Black box data can be overwritten in 30 days. The trucking company has already called their rapid-response team. You need an advocate who moves just as fast. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 right now for a free consultation.
Why 18-Wheeler Accidents in Franklin County Aren’t Like Regular Car Crashes
There’s a reason we say trucking accidents are their own breed of litigation. When you’re hit by a commercial vehicle on U.S. Highway 65 or I-35 near Franklin County, you’re not just dealing with another driver—you’re facing a web of federal regulations, multiple insurance policies, and corporations with teams of lawyers dedicated to paying you as little as possible.
The Physics Are Brutal
Your average sedan weighs about 3,500 pounds. A loaded grain hauler or livestock transport can weigh 80,000 pounds. That’s not just heavy—that’s catastrophic. The force generated when an 80,000-pound truck hits a passenger vehicle at highway speed transfers approximately 20 times the kinetic energy of a typical car accident. In Franklin County, where I-35 cuts through agricultural land and rural routes like Highway 69 carry heavy farm equipment, these weight disparities create deadly scenarios.
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations found in 49 CFR Parts 390 through 399 govern every aspect of commercial trucking, from how long a driver can stay on the road to how cargo must be secured. When trucking companies violate these rules—and they often do—innocent people in Franklin County pay the price.
Ralph Manginello: 25 Years Fighting for Trucking Accident Victims
We’ve built Attorney911 on a foundation of real results and real experience. Ralph Manginello has been practicing personal injury law since 1998, and during that time, he’s secured multi-million dollar settlements for catastrophic injury victims across the country, including here in Iowa.
Federal Court Power
Ralph is admitted to practice in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas, which gives our firm the capability to handle interstate trucking cases that span multiple jurisdictions. When a trucking company based in Texas, Illinois, or California causes carnage on Franklin County’s roadways, we have the federal court experience to hold them accountable wherever they operate.
Major Litigation Track Record
Our firm doesn’t just handle fender-benders. We’re currently litigating a $10 million lawsuit against the University of Houston involving severe hazing injuries, and we were involved in the BP Texas City Refinery explosion litigation that resulted in over $2.1 billion in total industry settlements. When corporations cause harm, we have the resources and tenacity to fight them.
Multi-Million Dollar Results
Our results speak for themselves. We’ve recovered over $50 million for our clients, including:
- $5+ million for a traumatic brain injury victim struck by a falling log at a logging operation
- $3.8+ million for a client who suffered a partial leg amputation after a car accident led to staph infections during treatment
- $2.5+ million in commercial truck crash recoveries
- $2+ million for a Jones Act maritime back injury
These aren’t lucky breaks—they’re the results of systematic investigation and aggressive litigation.
The Attorney911 Advantage: We Know Insurance Company Tricks
Here’s what separates us from other personal injury firms serving Franklin County: Our associate attorney, Lupe Peña, spent years working as an insurance defense attorney. He sat in the rooms where adjusters strategize about how to deny legitimate claims. He knows exactly how commercial trucking insurers evaluate cases, minimize payouts, and pressure vulnerable victims into accepting pennies on the dollar.
Now Lupe uses that insider knowledge against them. When the trucking company’s insurance adjuster calls with a “friendly” settlement offer or tries to get you to give a recorded statement, we know what they’re doing. We know their algorithms, their lowball tactics, and exactly when they’re bluffing.
Hablamos Español
We also understand that many agricultural workers and truck drivers in Franklin County speak Spanish as their primary language. Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish and provides direct representation without interpreters. If you or a loved one prefers Spanish, call us at 1-888-ATTY-911 and ask for Lupe—no translation barriers, no confusion.
Iowa Law and Your Franklin County Trucking Accident
Every state has its own rules about how long you have to file a lawsuit and how fault affects your recovery. In Iowa, these rules can make or break your case.
The Clock Is Ticking: Iowa’s Statute of Limitations
In Iowa, you have two years from the date of your trucking accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Miss that deadline, and your claim disappears forever—no matter how severe your injuries or how clear the trucking company’s negligence.
But waiting isn’t just risky because of the calendar. In Franklin County trucking cases, critical evidence like ECM data (the truck’s black box) and Electronic Logging Device records can be overwritten or deleted within 30 days. We send spoliation letters immediately upon being retained to prevent this destruction.
Modified Comparative Fault: Iowa’s 51% Bar Rule
Iowa follows a modified comparative negligence system with a 51% bar. This means you can recover damages as long as you weren’t more than 50% at fault for the accident. However, your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault.
Insurance companies love to blame victims, especially in rural areas like Franklin County where they might claim you were speeding on a county road or didn’t yield to farm equipment. We fight these allegations with hard evidence—ECM data, GPS tracking, and witness testimony—to keep your fault percentage as low as possible.
No Caps on Punitive Damages
Unlike some states, Iowa doesn’t cap punitive damages in trucking cases. When a trucking company knowingly puts a dangerous driver on the road or falsifies maintenance records, we can pursue additional damages to punish them and deter future misconduct.
Franklin County’s Trucking Corridors and Unique Hazards
Franklin County sits in north-central Iowa where agricultural freight dominates the highways. Understanding these local factors is crucial to investigating your accident.
I-35: The North-South Artery
Interstate 35 cuts through the eastern portion of Franklin County, carrying massive volumes of freight between Minnesota and Missouri. This corridor sees everything from refrigerated produce haulers to flatbeds carrying heavy equipment. The mix of high-speed interstate traffic with agricultural vehicles entering from rural routes creates dangerous merging situations.
U.S. Highway 65 and Highway 69
These federal highways carry significant truck traffic through Hampton and other Franklin County communities. They feature frequent stops, intersections with farm roads, and during harvest season, an influx of grain trucks that may be overloaded or improperly maintained.
Agricultural-Specific Risks
Franklin County’s economy runs on agriculture, which means our roads see:
- Grain haulers that may be overweight or have shifting cargo
- Livestock transports with high centers of gravity prone to rollover
- Farm equipment sharing narrow county roads with commercial trucks
- Seasonal spikes in traffic during planting and harvest that strain driver schedules
Winter Weather Realities
Iowa winters bring ice, snow, and high winds that create treacherous conditions for 18-wheelers. FMCSA regulations under 49 CFR § 392.6 require truck drivers to reduce speed for conditions, yet pressure to deliver often leads to violations. Jackknife accidents on icy stretches of I-35 and rollovers on wind-buffeted Highway 20 are common here and require immediate investigation to prove negligence.
The 15 Types of 18-Wheeler Accidents We Handle
Not all truck accidents are created equal. Each type involves different mechanics, different liable parties, and different investigative needs.
Jackknife Accidents
A jackknife occurs when the truck’s trailer slides perpendicular to the cab, creating a devastating barrier that sweeps across multiple lanes. These often happen when a driver brakes suddenly on wet or icy roads—common during Franklin County winters—a situation made worse by empty trailers that lack weight for traction.
Why They Happen: Sudden braking, improper brake maintenance, speed violations under 49 CFR § 392.6, or improperly loaded cargo that shifts weight distribution.
Who’s Liable: The driver for improper braking technique, the trucking company for negligent maintenance under 49 CFR Part 396, or the cargo loader for improper weight distribution.
Evidence We Gather: ECM data showing brake application timing, maintenance records for brake systems, and weather conditions at the time of the crash.
Rollover Accidents
Rollovers are particularly deadly in agricultural areas like Franklin County where livestock haulers and tanker trucks have high centers of gravity. When these vehicles take curves too fast—especially on rural county roads or highway ramps—the cab or trailer tips.
Why They Happen: Excessive speed on curves, improperly loaded or top-heavy cargo, driver fatigue violating 49 CFR Part 395 Hours of Service regulations, or overcorrection after a tire blowout.
Who’s Liable: The driver for speed violations, the trucking company for scheduling that forces fatigue, the cargo loader for unbalanced loads, or the maintenance company for worn suspension components.
Franklin County Context: The agricultural nature of Franklin County means we see many tanker rollovers from liquid cargo “slosh” that shifts weight during turns. These cases require analysis of cargo securement compliance under 49 CFR § 393.100-136.
Underride Collisions
Among the most horrific trucking accidents, underrides occur when a passenger vehicle slides under the trailer, often shearing off the roof and causing decapitation or catastrophic head injuries. Rear underride guards are required under 49 CFR § 393.86 for trailers manufactured after 1998, but side underride guards remain unregulated despite causing hundreds of deaths annually.
Why They Happen: Missing or inadequate underride guards, sudden stops without warning, or low visibility conditions common during Iowa winters.
Who’s Liable: The trucking company for inadequate guards, the driver for sudden stops, or the trailer manufacturer for defective guard design.
Rear-End Collisions
An 80,000-pound truck traveling at 65 mph needs approximately 525 feet to stop—nearly two football fields. When truck drivers follow too closely or drive distracted through Hampton or along I-35, they can’t stop in time to avoid crushing smaller vehicles.
Why They Happen: Following too closely under 49 CFR § 392.11, distracted driving violating 49 CFR § 392.82 (cell phone prohibitions), brake failure from poor maintenance, or driver fatigue slowing reaction times.
Who’s Liable: The driver for traffic violations, the trucking company for negligent supervision of log violations, or the maintenance company for brake failures.
Wide Turn Accidents (“Squeeze Play”)
Tractor-trailers need significant space to turn. Drivers often swing wide left before making a right turn—a maneuver that traps passenger vehicles in the “squeeze play” between the truck and the curb. We see these frequently at intersections in Franklin County’s small towns where narrow streets meet heavy truck traffic.
Why They Happen: Failure to signal, inadequate mirror checks, or driver inexperience with trailer tracking.
Who’s Liable: The driver for improper turn technique, the trucking company for inadequate training under 49 CFR Part 391, or the freight broker for hiring an unqualified carrier.
Blind Spot Accidents
18-wheelers have massive “No-Zones” where the driver cannot see passenger vehicles. The right-side blind spot is particularly dangerous and extends across multiple lanes. When a truck changes lanes into a vehicle in these zones, the results are devastating sideswipes or rollovers.
Why They Happen: Failure to check mirrors, improperly adjusted mirrors violating 49 CFR § 393.80, or driver distraction.
Who’s Liable: The driver for unsafe lane changes, the trucking company for negligent hiring of drivers who can’t operate the vehicle safely, or the manufacturer for inadequate mirror systems.
Tire Blowout Accidents
Heavy agricultural loads and extreme temperature fluctuations in Iowa stress truck tires. When a steer tire (front tire) blows out, the driver often loses immediate control, causing jackknifes or rollovers. “Road gators”—shredded tire remnants—also cause secondary accidents when they strike following vehicles.
Why They Happen: Underinflated tires overheating, overloading beyond tire capacity, use of retreads on steer axles (prohibited by 49 CFR § 393.75), or failure to conduct pre-trip inspections under 49 CFR § 396.13.
Who’s Liable: The driver for inspection failures, the maintenance company for improper tire maintenance, or the tire manufacturer for defective products.
Brake Failure Accidents
Brake problems contribute to approximately 29% of large truck crashes. In Franklin County’s hilly terrain and during winter weather, properly maintained brakes are critical. When companies defer maintenance to save money, tragedies happen.
Why They Happen: Worn brake shoes, air brake system leaks, improper brake adjustment contaminating brake fluid, or deferred maintenance violating 49 CFR Part 396.
Who’s Liable: The trucking company for negligent maintenance, the maintenance contractor for faulty repairs, or the parts manufacturer for defective components.
Cargo Spill and Shift Accidents
Franklin County’s agricultural economy means we see many cargo shift accidents involving grain, livestock feed, or equipment. When cargo isn’t properly secured under 49 CFR § 393.100-136, it shifts during transit, causing the trailer to tip or spill onto the roadway.
Why They Happen: Inadequate tiedowns, failure to use blocking and bracing, overloading, or failure to re-inspect cargo during the trip.
Who’s Liable: The cargo loading company, the shipper who provided improper loading instructions, or the driver for failing to inspect.
Head-On Collisions
When a fatigued or distracted truck driver drifts across the centerline on Highway 65 or 69, the resulting head-on collision is often fatal for the occupants of the smaller vehicle. These accidents frequently involve Hours of Service violations under 49 CFR Part 395.
Why They Happen: Driver fatigue, impairment, medical emergencies, or distraction from electronic devices.
Who’s Liable: The driver for negligence, the trucking company for scheduling violations or negligent hiring under 49 CFR Part 391, or the shipper for unreasonable delivery deadlines.
Additional Accident Types
We also handle T-bone collisions at rural intersections where trucks run stop signs, sideswipe accidents on narrow county roads, override accidents where the truck drives over a smaller vehicle, lost wheel accidents from improper maintenance, and runaway truck accidents on steep grades.
The Ten Liable Parties in Your Franklin County Trucking Case
Most law firms only sue the driver and the trucking company. We dig deeper. In commercial trucking cases, multiple parties may share responsibility, and uncovering them maximizes your compensation.
1. The Truck Driver
The driver who caused your accident may be personally liable for negligent operation: speeding, distracted driving, hours of service violations, or impairment. We subpoena their driving record, cell phone records, and drug test results. If they have a history of violations that the trucking company ignored, punitive damages may be available.
2. The Trucking Company/Motor Carrier
Under the doctrine of respondeat superior, employers are responsible for their employees’ negligent acts. Additionally, trucking companies face direct liability for:
- Negligent Hiring: Failing to verify CDL validity or check driving history under 49 CFR § 391.51
- Negligent Training: Inadequate safety instruction on cargo securement or winter driving
- Negligent Supervision: Ignoring ELD violations or driver complaints
- Negligent Maintenance: Failing to maintain brake systems under 49 CFR Part 396
3. The Cargo Owner/Shipper
The company that owned the grain, livestock, or equipment being transported may be liable if they required overweight loading, failed to disclose hazardous materials, or demanded delivery schedules that forced drivers to violate hours of service regulations.
4. The Cargo Loading Company
Third-party loaders who physically placed cargo on the trailer may be liable for improper securement. In agricultural areas like Franklin County, grain elevators and livestock facilities often load trucks, and their negligence in weight distribution or tie-downs causes accidents.
5. The Truck and Trailer Manufacturer
If defective brakes, steering systems, or underride guards contributed to your injuries, the manufacturer may be liable under product liability theories. We investigate recall notices and similar defect complaints.
6. The Parts Manufacturer
Companies that manufactured the specific tires that blew out or the brake components that failed may be liable for defective products.
7. The Maintenance Company
Third-party mechanics who serviced the fleet may be liable for negligent repairs—such as improper brake adjustments or installing substandard parts—that directly caused the crash.
8. The Freight Broker
Brokers who arranged the shipment may be liable if they negligently selected a carrier with a poor safety record, failed to verify insurance, or chose the cheapest bidder despite safety concerns.
9. The Truck Owner (If Different)
In owner-operator arrangements, the individual who owns the truck may be liable for negligent entrustment or failure to maintain equipment they own but lease to carriers.
10. Government Entities
State or local government agencies may be liable for dangerous road design, inadequate signage, or failure to maintain highways. Iowa has strict notice requirements for government claims, so immediate legal consultation is critical.
The 48-Hour Evidence Race: Why Time Destroys Trucking Cases
In Franklin County trucking accidents, evidence disappears fast—faster than you might think. The trucking company has already dispatched its rapid-response team to the scene. They’ve photographed the crash, interviewed their driver, and contacted their insurance lawyers. They’re building their defense while you’re still in the hospital.
Critical Evidence That Vanishes:
| Evidence Type | Destruction Timeline | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| ECM/Black Box Data | 30 days or less | Records speed, braking, throttle position before impact |
| ELD Electronic Logs | 6 months minimum | Proves hours of service violations |
| Dashcam Footage | 7-30 days | Shows driver’s actions and road conditions |
| Driver Qualification File | Can be “lost” | Contains hiring records, drug tests, training history |
| Maintenance Records | Often destroyed | Shows deferred repairs and known defects |
| Witness Memory | Weeks to months | Critical for establishing fault |
Our Immediate Response
When you call 1-888-ATTY-911, we act within hours—not weeks. We send spoliation letters to the trucking company, their insurer, and any third parties demanding preservation of all evidence. Under Iowa law and federal regulations, once notified of litigation, destruction of evidence can result in sanctions, adverse jury instructions, or default judgments.
We immediately:
- Download ECM and EDL data before it overwrites
- Subpoena the driver’s hours of service records for the past 6 months
- Secure the truck for inspection before repairs
- Interview witnesses while memories are fresh
- Photograph the scene before weather or traffic changes conditions
If the trucking company destroys evidence after receiving our notice, courts can instruct the jury to assume the destroyed evidence was favorable to your case. This “adverse inference” often forces settlements.
Catastrophic Injuries and Compensation Ranges
The physics of 80,000-pound trucks hitting 4,000-pound cars predict catastrophic results. Our experience handling these cases in Iowa and nationwide has shown consistent patterns in compensation for serious injuries.
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
TBI occurs when the brain impacts the skull during the crash. Symptoms include memory loss, personality changes, cognitive impairment, and headaches. Our firm has recovered $1.5 million to $9.8 million for TBI victims, with lifetime care costs often exceeding $3 million for severe cases.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Paraplegia and quadriplegia from truck accidents require lifetime care. We’ve secured settlements ranging from $4.7 million to $25.8 million for spinal cord injuries, accounting for wheelchairs, home modifications, personal care attendants, and lost earning capacity.
Amputations
Whether traumatic (occurring at the scene) or surgical (required later due to crushing injuries), amputations devastate lives. Our recent $3.8 million amputation settlement covered prosthetics, rehabilitation, and career retraining for a Franklin County client.
Wrongful Death
When trucking companies’ negligence kills, Iowa law allows recovery for lost income, loss of consortium, mental anguish, and funeral expenses. We’ve recovered $1.9 million to $9.5 million in wrongful death trucking cases, with recent nuclear verdicts nationwide exceeding $100 million in egregious cases.
Severe Burns
Tanker explosions or fuel fires cause disfigurement requiring multiple skin grafts and reconstructive surgeries. These cases often involve both negligence and product liability claims against tanker manufacturers.
Federal Insurance Requirements and Your Recovery
Unlike passenger vehicles that may carry only $30,000 in Iowa liability coverage, commercial trucks carry federal minimums:
- $750,000 for general freight (non-hazardous)
- $1,000,000 for oil, equipment, or motor vehicles
- $5,000,000 for hazardous materials
Many carriers carry umbrella policies exceeding these minimums. However, accessing these funds requires proving liability and damages through systematic investigation—exactly what we do.
Iowa allows recovery for:
- Economic Damages: Medical bills (past and future), lost wages, property damage, out-of-pocket expenses
- Non-Economic Damages: Pain and suffering, mental anguish, loss of enjoyment of life, disfigurement, loss of consortium
- Punitive Damages: Available when trucking companies act with reckless disregard for safety, such as knowingly hiring dangerous drivers or falsifying maintenance records
Frequently Asked Questions About Franklin County Trucking Accidents
How long do I have to file a lawsuit after a trucking accident in Iowa?
You have two years from the accident date. However, evidence preservation demands action within 48 hours. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 immediately.
What if I was partially at fault for the accident in Franklin County?
Iowa uses modified comparative fault. If you were 50% or less at fault, you can recover damages reduced by your fault percentage. If you’re 51% or more at fault, you cannot recover. We work to minimize your assigned fault through ECM data and accident reconstruction.
How much is my trucking accident case worth?
It depends on injury severity, medical costs, lost income, and available insurance. Franklin County trucking accidents typically range from $300,000 for moderate injuries to $10+ million for catastrophic injuries or death. Our firm has recovered multi-million dollar settlements in similar cases.
Should I talk to the trucking company’s insurance adjuster?
No. Never give recorded statements. Adjusters are trained to minimize your claim. As client Chad Harris told us after his case settled, “You are NOT a pest to them and you are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them”—that’s how we treat you, not how the insurance company treats you.
What if the truck driver was from another state?
Federal jurisdiction applies. We’re admitted to federal court and can pursue out-of-state drivers and companies in Iowa courts or federal court.
How do you prove the truck driver was fatigued?
We subpoena Electronic Logging Device (ELD) data under 49 CFR § 395.8, which shows exactly how long they drove versus rested. Paper logs are often falsified—ELD data doesn’t lie.
Can I afford an attorney?
Yes. We work on contingency—you pay nothing unless we win. We advance all investigation costs. As client Glenda Walker said, “They fought for me to get every dime I deserved,” and she paid nothing upfront.
What if I don’t have health insurance for my injuries?
We work with medical providers who accept liens against your settlement, so you get treatment now and pay when we win your case.
How long will my case take?
Simple cases: 6-12 months. Complex litigation involving multiple defendants: 18-36 months. Catastrophic injury cases requiring extensive medical treatment: 24-48 months. We move as fast as possible while maximizing your recovery.
Do you handle cases for Spanish-speaking clients in Franklin County?
Absolutely. Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish. Hablamos Español. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911 para hablar con Lupe directamente.
Why Clients Choose Attorney911 for Franklin County Trucking Accidents
Don’t just take our word for it. Here’s what real clients have said after we fought for them:
Donald Wilcox said it best: “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 the cases other firms reject—and we win.
Ernest Cano noted: “Mr. Manginello and his firm are first class. Will fight tooth and nail for you.”
Angel Walle appreciated our efficiency: “They solved in a couple of months what others did nothing about in two years.”
Kiimarii Yup, who lost everything in an accident, told us: “I lost everything… my car was at a total loss, and because of Attorney Manginello and my case worker Leonor, 1 year later I have gained so much in return plus a brand new truck.”
We have over 251 Google Reviews with a 4.9-star average because we treat clients like family, not case numbers.
The Next Step: Protect Your Rights Today
The trucking company is already working to protect their interests. They have lawyers. They have insurance adjusters. They have rapid-response teams preserving evidence—for them.
You need someone preserving evidence for you. You need a team that knows federal trucking regulations and Iowa injury law. You need advocates who will fight for every dime you deserve, just as Glenda Walker described.
Call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911) right now. We’re available 24/7 because trucking accidents don’t wait for business hours. We offer free consultations, and you pay nothing unless we win your case.
Don’t let the trucking company dictate the outcome. Don’t settle for less than you deserve. Don’t wait until evidence disappears.
Call 1-888-ATTY-911 today. Let us fight for you.
Learn more about trucking accident injuries in our video guide: The Victim’s Guide to 18-Wheeler Accident Injuries
Discover how we handle commercial truck cases: The Definitive Guide To Commercial Truck Accidents
Watch our guide on what to do after an accident: I’ve Had an Accident — What Should I Do First?
Understand truck tire blowouts: Truck Tire Blowouts and When You Need a Lawyer
Learn about suing after a semi-truck crash: Can I Sue for Being Hit by a Semi Truck?
Hablamos Español. For Spanish-speaking clients in Franklin County, ask for Lupe Peña when you call 1-888-ATTY-911.
Attorney911 | The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC
Serving Franklin County, Iowa and Nationwide
Houston • Austin • Beaumont
1-888-ATTY-911 | (888) 288-9911
ralph@atty911.com
