18-Wheeler Accident Attorneys in Hancock County, Iowa

When 80,000 Pounds Changes Everything

The cornfields of Hancock County stretch for miles along Interstate 35, creating one of Iowa’s busiest agricultural trucking corridors. When an 80,000-pound semi-truck collides with a passenger vehicle on these rural highways, the physics are brutal and the consequences are often catastrophic. We’ve seen it happen on I-35 near Garner, on US-18 outside Britt, and on the county roads connecting Kanawha to the grain elevators. If you’re reading this, you or someone you love has likely experienced the terrifying reality of a Hancock County trucking accident.

We’re Attorney911, and we’ve spent over 25 years fighting for people just like you. Ralph Manginello, our managing partner, has been holding trucking companies accountable since 1998. Our team includes Lupe Peña, a former insurance defense attorney who spent years inside the system working for big trucking insurers—now he uses that insider knowledge to fight for Hancock County families like yours. That’s the Attorney911 advantage: we know exactly how the trucking companies and their insurers will try to minimize your claim, and we know how to stop them.

The clock is already ticking. Black box data from the truck that hit you could be overwritten in 30 days. The trucking company has already called their lawyers. Evidence is disappearing while you focus on healing. In Hancock County, Iowa, you have just two years from the accident date to file a lawsuit—but waiting even a few weeks can destroy your case. Call us now at 1-888-ATTY-911 while the evidence is still fresh.

Why Hancock County Truck Accidents Are Different

The Agricultural Factor

Hancock County isn’t just another rural Iowa county—it’s a hub for agricultural freight. From the grain elevators in Garner to the livestock haulers on US-69, our roads see a unique mix of long-haul interstate traffic and heavy farm equipment. This creates specific dangers you won’t find in urban areas:

Grain Season Hazards: During harvest, trucks hauling corn and soybeans overflow with cargo. We’ve seen cases where overloaded grain trailers caused catastrophic cargo spills on Hancock County Road B60, creating multi-car pileups. Under 49 CFR § 393.100, federal law requires proper cargo securement, but during peak season, corner-cutting can lead to tragedy.

Farm Vehicle Interactions: Combines, tractors, and slow-moving equipment share Hancock County roads with impatient truck drivers. When an 18-wheeler driver fails to adjust for rural traffic conditions on County Road 105, the results are devastating.

Weather Extremes: Iowa winters hit Hancock County hard. Black ice on the I-35 corridor near the County Road 120 exit has caused countless jackknife accidents. Spring flooding on the Winnebago River affects US-18. These aren’t excuses for truck drivers—under 49 CFR § 392.3, drivers cannot operate when their ability is impaired by fatigue or weather conditions.

Federal Trucking Corridors Through Hancock County

Interstate 35 runs right through the heart of Hancock County, carrying freight from Minnesota to Texas. US-18 connects to I-35 near Clear Lake, creating a junction where we’ve seen numerous intersection accidents. These aren’t just local roads—they’re part of the federal interstate commerce system regulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), meaning the trucking companies that travel through Garner and Britt must follow strict federal safety regulations found in Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations (49 CFR).

When a truck driver violates these federal rules on Hancock County roads, they’re not just breaking the law—they’re endangering your family. And we make them pay for it.

The 10 Potentially Liable Parties in Your Hancock County Trucking Case

Most law firms look only at the truck driver. We dig deeper. In Hancock County trucking accidents, we’ve identified up to ten different parties who may owe you compensation:

1. The Truck Driver: Distracted driving, fatigue, or impairment on I-35. The driver who caused your Hancock County accident may have violated hours-of-service rules under 49 CFR Part 395.

2. The Trucking Company (Motor Carrier): Under the doctrine of respondeat superior, companies are liable for their drivers’ negligence. But they may also be directly negligent—did they hire an unqualified driver? Skip background checks? Ignore maintenance? We subpoena their Driver Qualification Files under 49 CFR § 391.51 to find out.

3. The Cargo Owner/Shipper: Was the load properly secured? Did they overload the truck with Hancock County grain? Under 49 CFR § 393.100-136, cargo must be secured to withstand 0.8g deceleration forces.

4. The Loading Company: The crew that loaded the trailer at the distribution center may have failed to use proper tiedowns or blocking, violating federal cargo securement standards.

5. Truck/Trailer Manufacturer: Defective brakes, steering systems, or underride guards could create product liability claims against manufacturers.

6. Parts Manufacturers: Defective tires that blow out on US-18 or faulty brake components can lead to catastrophic failures.

7. Maintenance Companies: Third-party mechanics who performed negligent repairs on the truck before it entered Hancock County may share liability.

8. Freight Brokers: These middlemen sometimes negligently hire carriers with poor safety records to save money on Hancock County routes.

9. The Truck Owner: In owner-operator situations, the owner may have separate liability for negligent entrustment.

10. Government Entities: If dangerous road design on the I-35 interchange or inadequate signage contributed to your Hancock County accident, we pursue claims against responsible government agencies.

Every liable party represents a potential insurance policy. While individual drivers might carry minimum coverage, commercial trucking companies must maintain $750,000 to $5 million in liability insurance under federal requirements. More defendants means more coverage means better recovery for your Hancock County family.

Types of 18-Wheeler Accidents We Handle in Hancock County

Jackknife Accidents on Icy Roads

Jackknifes occur when the trailer swings perpendicular to the cab, often blocking multiple lanes of traffic. On Hancock County’s I-35 corridor, winter weather creates perfect conditions for these disasters. When a truck jackknifed near the County Road 120 overpass last winter, it shut down traffic for hours and caused a multi-vehicle pileup.

These accidents often trace back to 49 CFR violations—speeding for conditions (§ 392.6), brake failures (§ 393.48), or improper cargo securement (§ 393.100) causing imbalance. We investigate the ECM data to prove exactly what happened.

Rollover Accidents on Rural Curves

Hancock County’s rural highways feature tight curves and rolling terrain. When drivers take Highway 69 too fast or carry top-heavy loads of grain from Britt to the ethanol plants, rollovers happen. The physics are terrifying—an 80,000-pound truck crushing a 4,000-pound car.

Rollovers often indicate cargo loading negligence or driver error. We examine loading records and ELD data to prove violations of 49 CFR Part 393 and Part 395.

Underride Collisions

Some of the most horrific Hancock County accidents involve underrides—when a passenger vehicle slides under the trailer. The trailer height often shears off the car’s roof, causing decapitation or catastrophic head injuries. While federal law requires rear impact guards under 49 CFR § 393.86, many trailers lack adequate protection, and there’s no federal requirement for side underride guards (though legislation is pending).

Rear-End Collisions on US-18

US-18 through Garner and Kanawha sees heavy truck traffic. A fully loaded semi traveling at 65 mph needs 525 feet to stop—nearly two football fields. When truck drivers follow too closely or get distracted on their phones (violating 49 CFR § 392.82), they can’t stop in time.

These cases often involve violations of the hours-of-service regulations in 49 CFR Part 395. We download the ELD data to prove the driver was fatigued or had exceeded the 11-hour driving limit.

Wide Turn (“Squeeze Play”) Accidents

Downtown Garner and Britt feature intersections where 18-wheelers must swing wide to make right turns. When they signal left then turn right, unsuspecting Hancock County drivers get caught in the “squeeze,” leading to crushing injuries.

Blind Spot Accidents

Trucks have massive blind spots—20 feet in front, 30 feet behind, and massive zones on both sides. When drivers change lanes on I-35 without checking mirrors (violating § 392.11), they crush vehicles they never saw coming.

Brake Failures

Brake problems contribute to approximately 29% of large truck crashes. Under 49 CFR Part 396, carriers must systematically inspect and maintain brake systems. When Hancock County trucking companies defer maintenance to save money, catastrophic accidents happen on the hills of US-69.

Tire Blowouts

Iowa’s extreme temperatures—from summer heat to winter cold—age tires prematurely. A blowout on I-35 can cause a driver to lose control, sending debris flying into traffic. Federal law requires minimum tread depth (4/32″ for steer tires under § 393.75)—we inspect the failed tire to prove violations.

Cargo Spills and Hazmat Incidents

When grain trucks spill their loads on Hancock County roads, the resulting slick surface causes chain-reaction crashes. Hazardous materials transport requires $5 million in insurance under federal law—if a tanker spilled chemicals near the Winnebago River, multiple parties may be liable under 49 CFR Part 397.

Federal Regulations That Prove Negligence

Every 18-wheeler on Hancock County roads must comply with strict federal safety regulations. When trucking companies violate these rules, they create automatic liability:

49 CFR Part 391—Driver Qualification Standards

Before a driver can legally operate a commercial vehicle on I-35 through Hancock County, the trucking company must maintain a Driver Qualification File containing:

• Valid CDL and medical certification (§ 391.11)
• Three-year driving history investigation (§ 391.23)
• Annual driving record review (§ 391.25)
• Pre-employment drug test (§ 391.11)

We subpoena these files. If the company hired a driver with a history of DUIs or suspended licenses, that’s negligent hiring under Iowa law.

49 CFR Part 395—Hours of Service

These rules prevent the fatigue that kills Hancock County families:

• Maximum 11 hours driving after 10 consecutive hours off
• Cannot drive beyond the 14th hour on duty
• Mandatory 30-minute break after 8 hours driving
• 60/70 hour weekly limits

Since December 2017, drivers must use Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) that record this data automatically. We preserve this evidence immediately—trucking companies can overwrite it within 30 days.

49 CFR Part 392—Driving Rules

Section 392.3 prohibits driving while impaired by “fatigue, illness, or any other cause.” Section 392.4 bans drug use; § 392.5 prohibits alcohol use within 4 hours of driving. Section 392.11 requires safe following distances—the “assured clear distance ahead.”

49 CFR Part 393—Vehicle Safety

Brake systems must meet specifications in §§ 393.40-55. Cargo must be secured per §§ 393.100-136. Lighting must work (§ 393.11). Tires must have adequate tread (§ 393.75).

49 CFR Part 396—Inspection and Maintenance

Motor carriers must “systematically inspect, repair, and maintain” all vehicles (§ 396.3). Drivers must perform pre-trip inspections (§ 396.13) and prepare post-trip reports (§ 396.11). Maintenance records must be kept for 14 months.

When a Hancock County truck crash reveals deferred brake maintenance or ignored defect reports, we use these violations to prove the company’s conscious disregard for safety—opening the door to punitive damages under Iowa law.

The 48-Hour Evidence Preservation Protocol

Here’s what the trucking company doesn’t want you to know: they’re already building their defense. Within hours of your Hancock County accident, their rapid-response team is gathering evidence to protect them, not you.

Critical Evidence Timeline:

• ECM/Black Box Data: Overwrites in 30 days or with new driving events
• ELD Records: FMCSA requires only 6-month retention
• Dashcam Footage: Often deleted within 7-14 days
• Surveillance Video: Local businesses near the I-35 Hancock County rest stops overwrite cameras in 7-30 days
• Witness Memories: Fade within weeks

That’s why we send spoliation letters within 24 hours of being retained. This formal legal notice demands preservation of:

• ECM/EDR data showing speed and braking
• ELD logs proving hours-of-service violations
• Driver Qualification Files
• Maintenance and inspection records
• Dispatch communications
• Cell phone records
• The physical truck and trailer

Once we send this letter, destroying evidence is spoliation—a serious legal violation that can result in adverse jury instructions or sanctions against the trucking company.

We also immediately deploy investigators to the Hancock County accident scene, photograph skid marks before rain or snow obliterates them, and interview witnesses while memories are fresh. In rural Hancock County, where the nearest major trauma center might be in Mason City or Fort Dodge, accident reconstruction is critical—we hire engineers to download the black box before the trucking company can access it.

Catastrophic Injuries and Maximum Recovery

The physics of an 80,000-pound truck versus a 4,000-pound car create specific injury patterns. In Hancock County, we’ve seen:

Traumatic Brain Injuries ($1.5M-$9.8M+ range)
The force of impact causes the brain to strike the inside of the skull. Symptoms may include confusion, memory loss, personality changes, and cognitive impairment. TBI victims often cannot return to work and require lifelong care. We’ve recovered multi-million dollar settlements for TBI victims, including a $5+ million settlement for a logging accident victim with vision loss.

Spinal Cord Injuries ($4.7M-$25.8M+ range)
Paralysis from Hancock County truck accidents changes everything. Whether paraplegia or quadriplegia, victims face millions in lifetime medical costs, home modifications, and lost earning capacity. We work with life care planners to calculate the true cost of these injuries.

Amputations ($1.9M-$8.6M range)
Crushing injuries from underride accidents or rollovers sometimes require surgical amputation. We secured $3.8+ million for a client who lost a partial leg after a car crash led to infection. Prosthetics, rehabilitation, and phantom limb pain create lifelong challenges.

Severe Burns
Fuel tank ruptures or hazmat spills on I-35 can cause catastrophic burns requiring skin grafts and reconstructive surgery.

Wrongful Death ($1.9M-$9.5M range)
When a Hancock County family loses a loved one—perhaps a spouse commuting on US-18 or a parent picking up children in Garner—we pursue wrongful death claims covering lost future income, loss of consortium, mental anguish, and funeral expenses. Texas law provides specific guidelines, and Iowa law allows recovery for the “pecuniary injuries” suffered by survivors.

Internal Organ Damage
The blunt force trauma of truck accidents damages livers, spleens, and kidneys—injuries that may not show symptoms for hours but require emergency surgery.

In Hancock County, these injuries require specialized trauma care, often requiring transfer to larger facilities in Mason City or Iowa City. We ensure your medical costs—including air ambulance if needed—are documented and included in your claim.

Iowa Law and Your Hancock County Case

Iowa’s Statute of Limitations

In Hancock County, Iowa, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit (Iowa Code § 614.1). For wrongful death, the clock starts at the date of death. Miss this deadline, and you lose your right to compensation forever—regardless of how severe your injuries or how clear the liability.

Modified Comparative Fault (51% Bar Rule)

Iowa follows a “modified comparative negligence” rule. If you’re found 50% or less at fault, your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault. But if you’re found 51% or more responsible, you recover nothing. This makes evidence preservation in Hancock County cases even more critical—we need to prove the truck driver was primarily responsible for the I-35 crash or the County Road 105 collision.

Trucking companies love to blame victims. They’ll claim you were speeding, distracted, or failed to yield. That’s why we download the ECM data—it objectively proves what really happened, regardless of what the truck driver claims.

Damage Caps

Unlike some states, Iowa does not cap non-economic damages (pain and suffering) in personal injury cases. However, punitive damages are capped at specific ratios in some contexts, though gross negligence can still support substantial awards when trucking companies knowingly violate safety rules.

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Hancock County Case

25+ Years of Federal Court Experience

Ralph Manginello has been fighting for injury victims since 1998. He’s admitted to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas and handles interstate trucking cases affecting Hancock County residents. This federal experience matters because trucking law often involves federal regulations and interstate commerce issues.

The Insurance Defense Advantage

Lupe Peña, our associate attorney, used to work for a national insurance defense firm. He knows exactly how trucking insurers evaluate claims, train their adjusters to minimize payouts, and use software like Colossus to lowball victims. Now he uses that insider knowledge against them. When an adjuster calls you from Des Moines or Omaha trying to settle your Hancock County case for pennies, Lupe knows their playbook.

Multi-Million Dollar Results

Our track record speaks volumes:

• $5+ Million for a traumatic brain injury victim (logging accident)
• $3.8+ Million for an amputation victim (car accident with staph infection)
• $2.5+ Million for a commercial truck crash victim
• $2+ Million for a maritime back injury under the Jones Act
• $10 Million lawsuit currently pending against the University of Houston (hazing litigation showing our capacity for major institutional cases)

We’ve gone toe-to-toe with Fortune 500 companies, including our involvement in the BP Texas City Refinery litigation after the 2005 explosion that killed 15 workers and injured 170 more. When trucking companies see we’re on your Hancock County case, they know we mean business.

Three Offices Serving Hancock County and Beyond

While Hancock County is in Iowa, our offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont give us the resources to handle complex interstate trucking cases. We offer remote consultations and travel to Hancock County for your case. Our managing partner Ralph Manginello holds dual licensure in Texas and New York, providing unique capabilities for cross-border trucking incidents.

4.9 Stars from Real Clients

Don’t take our word for it. Our Google Reviews average 4.9 stars from 251+ clients:

Chad Harris said: “You are NOT a pest to them and you are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.”

Donald Wilcox: “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.”

Glenda Walker: “They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.”

Kiimarii Yup: “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.”

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

Hablamos Español

Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish. For Hancock County’s Hispanic community—many of whom work in agricultural processing and trucking—this means direct representation without interpreters. No lost meaning, no confusion, just clear communication about your rights.

Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911 para una consulta gratuita.

No Fee Unless We Win

We work on contingency—33.33% if settled before trial, 40% if we go to court. You pay nothing upfront. We advance all investigation costs, expert fees, and litigation expenses. If we don’t win, you owe us nothing.

What To Do After Your Hancock County Truck Accident

If you’ve just been in an 18-wheeler accident in Hancock County, here’s your immediate action plan:

1. Call 911 – Request emergency medical response even if injuries seem minor
2. Document Everything – Photograph all vehicles, license plates, the truck’s DOT number, skid marks, road conditions, and your injuries
3. Get Information – Truck driver’s CDL, insurance, company name, and witness contacts
4. Seek Medical Care – Go to the ER in Garner or, for severe trauma, request transfer to MercyOne North Iowa or University of Iowa Hospitals
5. Don’t Talk to Insurance – The trucking company’s insurer will call—refer them to us
6. Call Attorney911 Immediately – Dial 1-888-ATTY-911 or (888) 288-9911

Frequently Asked Questions About Hancock County Truck Accidents

How long do I have to file a lawsuit in Hancock County?
Iowa law gives you two years from the accident date. But evidence disappears in days, not years. Call us immediately.

What if I was partially at fault?
Under Iowa’s 51% bar rule, you can recover if you’re 50% or less at fault, but your award is reduced by your percentage of responsibility. We fight to minimize any attributed fault.

How much is my case worth?
Trucking companies carry $750,000 to $5 million in insurance. Your recovery depends on injury severity, medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering. We’ve recovered millions for Hancock County-area clients.

Will I have to go to court?
Most cases settle, but we prepare every case for trial. Insurance companies offer better settlements when they know your lawyer will go to court—and Ralph Manginello has 25 years of trial experience.

What about medical bills while I wait?
We can help you find medical providers who work on liens—they get paid when your case settles. Don’t let lack of insurance stop you from getting treated.

Can undocumented immigrants file claims?
Yes. Immigration status does not affect your right to compensation after a Hancock County truck accident. We protect your rights regardless of status.

The Time to Act is Now

The truck that hit you on I-35 near Garner or US-18 outside Britt has already started its defense protocol. Electronic data is recording over itself. Witnesses are forgetting details. The trucking company has lawyers working to minimize your claim while you focus on healing.

You need someone fighting for you with equal urgency. Ralph Manginello and the team at Attorney911 have the experience, the insider knowledge, and the track record to get you every dollar you deserve.

Don’t let the trucking company push you around. Don’t let their insurance adjuster tell you what your Hancock County case is worth. Don’t wait until critical evidence is gone.

Call Attorney911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911 or (888) 288-9911.

We’re available 24/7. We’re fluent in Spanish. We’ll come to you in Hancock County—whether you’re recovering in Garner, Britt, or Kanawha. And we don’t get paid unless you win.

Your family has been through enough. Let us handle the trucking company. You focus on getting better.

Hablamos Español. Llame hoy al 1-888-ATTY-911 o envíe un correo a ralph@atty911.com para una consulta gratuita sobre su accidente de camiones en Hancock County.

Attorney911—The Manginello Law Firm. Fighting for Hancock County families since 1998.