When an 80,000-pound truck slams into a passenger vehicle on I-80 outside Logan, the devastation is instantaneous. You’re not just dealing with a fender-bender—you’re facing a life-altering catastrophe that leaves families in Harrison County grappling with catastrophic injuries, mounting medical bills, and trucking companies that mobilize their defense teams before the ambulance even arrives.
We’ve seen it too many times. At Attorney911, we’ve spent over two decades fighting for families across America, including right here in Harrison County, Iowa. Ralph Manginello, our managing partner, has secured multi-million dollar verdicts against the largest carriers in the nation since 1998. When a truck driver runs a family off US-30 near Woodbine or jackknives on I-80 during a January blizzard, we know exactly how to hold these companies accountable.
Most personal injury firms handle car accidents. We specialize in 18-wheeler disasters. Our team includes Lupe Peña, a former insurance defense attorney who spent years working for the trucking insurers. He knows their playbook—their lowball tactics, their evidence destruction schemes, their settlement algorithms. Now he fights against them. That’s your advantage.
Harrison County’s Trucking Crisis: Why These Roads Are Dangerous
Harrison County sits at the crossroads of America’s agricultural heartland. I-80, the nation’s primary transcontinental freight corridor, slices through the southern portion of the county near Missouri Valley and Logan. When you combine that constant commercial traffic with Iowa’s brutal winters, agricultural harvest surges, and the convergence of US-30—the historic Lincoln Highway—you’ve created a perfect storm for catastrophic trucking accidents.
The Numbers Don’t Lie.
Nationwide, over 5,000 people die annually in trucking accidents. Seventy-six percent of those deaths are occupants of the smaller vehicle—the cars, pickups, and SUVs that share Harrison County roads with 80,000-pound behemoths. In Iowa specifically, the Missouri and Mississippi River corridors create unique hazards. Flooding can close I-29 and reroute heavy truck traffic onto smaller county roads near Dunlap and Pisgah. Winter blizzards strand trucks for days, creating dangerous conditions where exhausted drivers push through white-knuckle conditions to meet impossible delivery deadlines.
These aren’t hypotheticals. They’re the realities Ralph Manginello has confronted for 25 years. We’ve represented victims of crashes on I-80 near Council Bluffs, rollover accidents on rural Highway 30 during harvest season, and underride collisions on county roads where oversized agricultural equipment meets impatient truckers.
Why 18-Wheeler Accidents Are Fundamentally Different
Think a truck is just a bigger car? Think again.
The Physics Are Brutal. An 80,000-pound fully loaded tractor-trailer is twenty times heavier than your average sedan. When that mass hits you at 70 mph on I-80, the force is catastrophic. Stopping distances tell the story—a truck needs nearly two football fields (525 feet) to stop from highway speed. In a sudden slowdown near Logan or during a whiteout near Mondamin, that truck isn’t stopping in time.
The Regulations Are Complex. Unlike fender-benders between two personal vehicles, commercial trucking involves layers of federal oversight. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulates everything from how long a driver can legally operate (Hours of Service rules under 49 CFR Part 395) to how cargo must be secured (49 CFR Part 393) to how often brakes must be inspected (49 CFR Part 396).
When truckers violate these regulations—which happens far more often than the industry admits—they create deadly hazards. And proving those violations requires a legal team that understands the technical nuances of electronic logging devices (ELDs), engine control modules (ECMs), and driver qualification files.
The Insurance Battles Are War. While your personal auto policy might carry $50,000 or $100,000 in coverage, commercial carriers are required by federal law to carry minimums of $750,000 to $5,000,000 depending on cargo type. That sounds like good news for victims, but it means you’re fighting sophisticated insurance adjusters who are trained—literally trained—to minimize your claim. As client Chad Harris told us after we resolved his case, “You are NOT a pest to them and you are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.” That’s the difference between a mill settlement factory and a firm that fights for every dime you deserve.
The 18-Wheeler Accidents We See in Harrison County
Every geography creates its own accident patterns. In Harrison County, we see specific types of trucking disasters that reflect our location in America’s agricultural supply chain.
Jackknife Accidents on I-80
When a truck driver hits their brakes too hard on the interstate—especially during one of Iowa’s infamous ice storms—the trailer swings perpendicular to the cab, creating an impassable barrier across all lanes. These accidents often trigger multi-vehicle pileups. We investigate whether the driver failed to adjust for weather conditions (violating 49 CFR § 392.6) or whether the trucking company neglected brake maintenance (49 CFR § 393.48). In Harrison County’s harsh winters, these cases require immediate evidence preservation before black box data is overwritten.
Rollover Accidents on County Roads
Harrison County’s rural highways weren’t designed for modern 80-foot-long trailers. When drivers take curves too fast near Little Sioux or Magnolia—often while hauling heavy agricultural equipment or ethanol—rollover accidents occur. These are frequently caused by improperly secured cargo shifting weight (49 CFR § 393.100 violations) or drivers operating beyond their Hours of Service limits (49 CFR § 395.3). The results are catastrophic for any passenger vehicle caught beneath the trailer.
Underride Collisions: The Silent Killer
One of the deadliest crashes we handle involves a passenger vehicle sliding underneath the trailer. Rear underride guards are supposed to prevent this (49 CFR § 393.86), too often they’re poorly maintained or missing entirely. Side underride—where a car hits the trailer broadside—has no federal mandate for protection, making these cases particularly horrific. We’ve seen these accidents on US-30 near Woodbine where visibility factors and tight traffic patterns create deadly intersections.
Rear-End Collisions due to Fatigue
I-80 runs straight and flat through Harrison County—deceptively monotonous. Truckers pushing through the night to reach their next delivery point in Des Moines or Council Bluffs often violate the 11-hour driving limit (49 CFR § 395.8). When a fatigued driver rear-ends a family vehicle at highway speed, the results are devastating. We immediately subpoena ELD data to prove Hours of Service violations.
Wide Turn Accidents in Rural Intersections
Trucks making deliveries to grain elevators near Dunlap or ethanol plants in the county must swing wide to navigate turns. When drivers fail to check blind spots or improperly signal, they crush passenger vehicles in the “squeeze play.” These cases often involve negligent training claims against the trucking company—did they properly teach this driver how to handle wide loads on narrow county roads?
Tire Blowouts and Brake Failures
Iowa’s extreme temperature swings—brutal winters followed by scorching summers—cause accelerated tire degradation. When a retread tire explodes on I-80, the driver loses control, creating chaos. Similarly, brake failures on the steep grades near the Missouri River (though Harrison County is relatively flat, nearby terrain can be challenging) require investigation into maintenance records. Under 49 CFR § 396.3, carriers must systematically inspect and maintain brakes. When they don’t, we prove negligence.
Cargo Spills from Agricultural Operations
During harvest season, Harrison County roads see an influx of trucks hauling grain, ethanol, and agricultural chemicals. When these loads shift or spill—often because drivers violated cargo securement rules under 49 CFR § 393.100—they create immediate hazards for following vehicles. These cases often involve the cargo owner and loading company as additional defendants, increasing available insurance coverage.
Everyone Who Could Be Liable: Maximizing Your Recovery
Most lawyers look at a trucking accident and see one defendant: the driver. That’s incompetence. At Attorney911, we investigate every potentially liable party because more defendants mean more insurance coverage means higher compensation for your family.
The Driver. Obviously, we examine the operator’s conduct. Were they texting? (49 CFR § 392.82 prohibits hand-held mobile use). Were they fatigued? Had they been drinking? (49 CFR § 392.5 sets a .04 BAC limit—half the standard for passenger vehicles). We obtain their complete driving history and cell phone records.
The Trucking Company (Motor Carrier). This is where the deep pockets usually hide. Under respondeat superior, employers are liable for their employees’ negligent acts. But we go further—we investigate negligent hiring (did they verify this driver’s CDL and medical certification under 49 CFR § 391?), negligent training (did they teach him how to handle Iowa winters?), and negligent supervision (did they monitor ELD compliance or pressure him to violate Hours of Service?).
The Cargo Owner and Loading Company. When a grain elevator near Logan overloads a truck or fails to properly secure a load, they become liable. We examine bills of lading and loading dock footage to prove securement violations under 49 CFR § 393.106.
The Maintenance Company. Third-party mechanics who performed faulty brake repairs or tire installations can be sued for negligent repair. We subpoena all work orders and parts invoices.
The Truck and Parts Manufacturers. Defective brake systems, tire failures, or steering defects trigger product liability claims against manufacturers like Freightliner, Peterbilt, or component suppliers.
The Freight Broker. Companies like C.H. Robinson or Landstar who arrange transportation but don’t own the trucks can be liable for negligent selection—did they hire a carrier with a terrible safety record just because they were cheap?
Government Entities. When poorly designed intersections or lack of signage contributes to accidents on county roads, we pursue claims against the responsible agency (subject to Iowa’s tort claim notice requirements).
As client Glenda Walker said, “They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.” That means leaving no stone unturned, no insurance policy unexamined.
Critical Evidence: The 48-Hour Rule
This cannot be stressed enough: Evidence in trucking accidents disappears in days, not months.
We send spoliation letters within 24 hours of being retained to preserve:
- ECM/Black Box Data: Shows speed, braking, throttle position, and fault codes. Overwrites in as little as 30 days or with subsequent driving events.
- ELD Data: Proves Hours of Service violations. FMCSA only requires 6-month retention, but our letters extend preservation obligations indefinitely once litigation is anticipated.
- Driver Qualification Files: Employment applications, medical certifications, drug tests, and training records under 49 CFR § 391.51.
- Maintenance Records: Brake inspections, tire replacements, repair logs under 49 CFR § 396.3.
- Dashcam Footage: Often deleted within 7-14 days unless preserved.
- Cell Phone Records: Proves distracted driving.
- Dispatch Communications: Shows pressure to violate safety rules.
In Harrison County, where truck traffic on I-80 is constant, evidence preservation is urgent. We’ve seen cases where trucking companies “lost” critical data within days of crashes. Once we send our preservation letter, destruction of evidence triggers sanctions and adverse jury instructions—sometimes resulting in default judgments or punitive damages.
Catastrophic Injuries and What They’re Worth
The physics of trucking accidents don’t forgive. We regularly handle cases involving:
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI). From mild concussions to severe diffuse axonal injury. Settlements range from $1,548,000 to $9,838,000+ depending on cognitive impairment and future care needs. As one client told us after we secured a multi-million dollar brain injury settlement, “I lost everything… 1 year later I have gained so much in return.”
Spinal Cord Injury and Paralysis. Complete or incomplete paraplegia/quadriplegia. Lifetime care costs can exceed $25 million. These cases require life care planners and economic experts to project future medical needs.
Amputations. Whether traumatic (severed at scene) or surgical (due to crush injuries). Settlements typically range $1,945,000 to $8,630,000 accounting for prosthetics, rehabilitation, and vocational retraining.
Severe Burns. From fuel tank ruptures or hazmat incidents. These require plastic surgery, skin grafts, and psychological counseling for disfigurement.
Wrongful Death. When families lose loved ones on highways near Logan or Missouri Valley, we pursue claims for lost income, loss of consortium, mental anguish, and funeral expenses. Recent trucking wrongful death verdicts nationally have reached into the hundreds of millions when gross negligence is proven.
Iowa Law: What Harrison County Victims Must Know
Statute of Limitations: Iowa gives you just two years from the date of your trucking accident to file suit. Miss this deadline, and you lose your rights forever—regardless of how catastrophic your injuries.
Comparative Fault: Iowa follows modified comparative negligence with a 51% bar (Iowa Code § 668.3). You can recover damages if you’re 50% or less at fault for the accident. However, your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault. If you’re found 51% or more at fault, you recover nothing. This makes early investigation and evidence preservation critical to rebutting the trucking company’s inevitable attempts to blame the victim.
Punitive Damages: Unlike some states, Iowa does not cap punitive damages in trucking cases. When we prove the trucking company knowingly put a dangerous driver on the road or falsified logs to hide Hours of Service violations, juries can award unlimited punitive damages to punish and deter such conduct.
Frequently Asked Questions: Harrison County Trucking Accidents
How quickly should I contact an attorney after a trucking accident near Logan or Missouri Valley?
Immediately—within 24-48 hours. Our Harrison County clients benefit from our instant response team. We send spoliation letters the same day you hire us to preserve black box data before it’s overwritten. The trucking company has already called their lawyers. You need someone fighting for you.
Can I still recover if I was partially at fault for the accident on I-80?
Yes, under Iowa law, as long as you were not more than 50% at fault. However, your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault. Insurance companies will try to inflate your fault percentage to minimize payouts. We counter with ECM data, witness statements, and accident reconstruction experts.
What if the truck driver was an independent owner-operator, not an employee?
We sue both the driver and the motor carrier. Under federal regulations, trucking companies are responsible for the safety of all vehicles operating under their authority, including leased owner-operators. Additionally, we investigate whether the company negligently entrusted the vehicle to an unqualified driver.
How much is my Harrison County trucking case worth?
That depends on injury severity, medical costs, lost earning capacity, and available insurance. However, trucking companies carry much higher limits ($750K-$5M) than passenger vehicles. We’ve recovered multi-million dollar settlements for traumatic brain injuries and amputations. As client Donald Wilcox told us after we won his case when another firm had rejected him: “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.”
Will my case go to trial?
Most settle, but we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial. Insurance companies pay more to lawyers they know will take cases to verdict. With Ralph Manginello’s 25+ years of experience and federal court admission to the Southern District of Texas (allowing him to handle interstate trucking cases nationwide), we’re ready for the courtroom if that’s what it takes to get you justice.
Do you handle cases in Harrison County if you’re based in Texas?
Absolutely. Our federal court experience allows us to represent clients nationwide, and we regularly handle Iowa trucking accident cases. We partner with local Iowa counsel when necessary to ensure compliance with state-specific procedural rules, but you get the full benefit of our trucking litigation expertise, our former insurance defense attorney’s insider knowledge, and our resources developed handling major cases like the BP Texas City explosion litigation.
Do you offer services in Spanish for Harrison County’s Hispanic community?
Sí. Hablamos Español. Associate Attorney Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish and provides direct representation without interpreters. Many agricultural workers in Harrison County’s farming communities speak Spanish as their primary language. We ensure nothing is lost in translation when your future is on the line.
What does “contingency fee” mean?
You pay nothing unless we win. Zero upfront costs. We advance all investigation expenses. Our standard fee is 33.33% if settled before trial, 40% if litigation is required. We also offer bilingual services—Lupe Peña can assist Spanish-speaking clients directly.
Call Attorney911 Today: Your Harrison County Trucking Accident Lawyers
When an 80,000-pound truck changes your life on I-80 near Logan or US-30 outside Woodbine, you need more than a lawyer—you need a fighter who understands the complexity of federal trucking regulations and the specific dangers of Iowa’s agricultural highways.
Ralph Manginello has spent 25 years taking on trucking companies and winning. From multi-million dollar brain injury settlements to complex wrongful death cases, we have the track record, the resources, and the insider knowledge—thanks to Lupe Peña’s insurance defense background—to maximize your recovery.
Don’t let the trucking company get away with it. Don’t let critical evidence disappear. The clock started ticking the moment that truck hit you.
Call Attorney911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911). Free consultation. Available 24/7. No fee unless we win.
Hablamos Español. Llame ahora.
Offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont—serving Harrison County, Iowa and nationwide.
Your family deserves justice. Your future deserves protection. Call the firm that insurance companies fear—the firm that treats you like family, not a file number. Call Attorney911.
