Johnson County, Iowa 18-Wheeler Accident Attorneys

When 80,000 Pounds Changes Everything on I-80

One moment you’re driving through Johnson County on Interstate 80, heading past Coralville or making your way toward Iowa City. The next, an 80,000-pound tractor-trailer is jackknifing across three lanes, or a grain hauler is blowing through a stop sign, or a fatigued driver is drifting into your lane near North Liberty. In an instant, your life changes.

If you’re reading this, you or someone you love has likely been hurt in a trucking accident somewhere in Johnson County, Iowa. You’re dealing with hospital bills, missed work, and phone calls from insurance adjusters who seem more interested in protecting the trucking company than helping you heal. You need more than just a lawyer—you need a team that understands how to fight these specific battles.

We’re Attorney911, The Manginello Law Firm, and we’ve spent over 25 years making trucking companies pay for the devastation they’ve caused. Ralph Manginello, our managing partner, has been fighting for injury victims since 1998. Our associate attorney Lupe Peña spent years working inside insurance defense firms before joining our team—so he knows exactly how trucking insurers try to minimize your claim, and he knows how to stop them.

We don’t handle fender-benders. We handle catastrophic injury and wrongful death cases involving 18-wheelers, commercial haulers, and big rigs. From Interstate 80 accidents near Tiffin to crashes on Highway 6 through Iowa City, we know the trucking corridors serving Johnson County—and we know how to build cases that win.

Call us today at 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911). The consultation is free, and you pay nothing unless we win your case.

Why Our Firm Includes a Former Insurance Defense Attorney

Here’s something most firms won’t tell you: the trucking company started building their defense before the ambulance even arrived. They have rapid-response teams, accident reconstruction specialists, and lawyers on retainer. Their insurance adjusters are trained specifically to minimize payouts to injured people like you.

That’s why we hired Lupe Peña. Before joining Attorney911, Lupe worked for a national insurance defense firm. He sat in meetings where adjusters discussed how to deny claims. He learned their playbook—every tactic they use to lowball victims, delay payments, and find ways to blame you for the accident.

Now he uses that insider knowledge against them. When the trucking company’s lawyer tries to claim their driver wasn’t fatigued, Lupe knows exactly which ELD records to subpoena. When they argue the brakes were fine, he knows which maintenance records reveal the truth. That’s your advantage when you hire Attorney911.

As client Chad Harris put it: “You are NOT a pest to them and you are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.” We treat you like family because we know what you’re going through. We’ve helped hundreds of families navigate these exact situations, including recovering multi-million dollar settlements for catastrophic injuries.

The 48-Hour Evidence Crisis in Johnson County Trucking Cases

Here’s what most people don’t realize: trucking accident evidence disappears fast. Really fast.

That truck’s “black box”—the Electronic Control Module that recorded speed, braking, and engine data—can overwrite critical information within 30 days. The Electronic Logging Device (ELD) that proves whether the driver violated federal Hours of Service regulations might only be retained for six months. Dashcam footage? Often deleted within a week. Surveillance video from nearby businesses along I-80 or at that Coralville intersection? Usually overwritten in 7 to 30 days.

And while you’re in the hospital in Iowa City or Cedar Rapids, the trucking company has already dispatched their team to the scene. They’re photographing the vehicles from angles that favor their defense. They’re interviewing witnesses before you even know their names. They’re building a case against you.

That’s why we act immediately. When you call 1-888-ATTY-911, we send spoliation letters to the trucking company, their insurer, and all potentially liable parties within 24 hours. These letters put them on legal notice that they must preserve all evidence—or face serious consequences. We’ve had judges sanction trucking companies for destroying evidence after receiving our letters. That aggressive approach from day one is how we build cases that result in significant recoveries for Johnson County families.

As our client Angel Walle told us: “They solved in a couple of months what others did nothing about in two years.” Speed matters in these cases—not just for your peace of mind, but because evidence doesn’t wait.

Types of 18-Wheeler Accidents We Handle in Johnson County

Jackknife Accidents on I-80

A jackknife occurs when the truck’s cab and trailer fold at angles to each other—like a pocket knife—often sweeping across all lanes of traffic. On I-80 through Johnson County, where semi traffic is constant and winter weather can hit without warning, jackknives are particularly deadly.

These accidents usually happen because the driver was speeding for conditions, the cargo was improperly secured, or the brakes failed. Under 49 CFR § 393.100, trucking companies must ensure cargo is secured to prevent shifting that affects vehicle stability. When they fail, and a jackknife covers the interstate, we hold them accountable.

We’ve seen jackknife cases where the trailer swung into oncoming traffic near the I-380 interchange, causing multi-vehicle pileups and catastrophic injuries. The physics are simple: 80,000 pounds sliding sideways creates devastation no passenger vehicle can survive.

Rollover Accidents on Rural Routes

Johnson County’s mix of interstate highways and rural agricultural roads creates unique rollover risks. Tanker trucks carrying liquid cargo experience “slosh” that shifts the center of gravity. Grain haulers on Highway 1 or County Road F28 taking turns too quickly can tip over, spilling tons of corn or soybeans and crushing any vehicle nearby.

Rollovers often result from 49 CFR § 392.6 violations—driving too fast for conditions—or cargo securement failures under Part 393. The injuries are typically catastrophic: traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, or wrongful death.

Underride Collisions: The Most Deadly

An underride occurs when a passenger vehicle slides underneath the trailer of an 18-wheeler. The trailer height often shears off the roof of the car at windshield level. Rear underrides happen when trucks stop suddenly on I-80; side underrides occur during lane changes near Iowa City.

While 49 CFR § 393.86 requires rear impact guards on trailers made after 1998, these guards often fail in real-world crashes, and there’s no federal requirement for side underride guards. We’ve handled cases where inadequate underride guards turned a survivable rear-end collision into a fatal decapitation. These cases often result in significant settlements because the regulatory violations are so clear.

Tire Blowouts and Brake Failures

Iowa’s temperature extremes—freezing winters and hot summers—create stress on truck tires. A blowout on I-80 can cause a driver to lose control, swerving into traffic or causing a rollover. Under 49 CFR § 393.75, tires must have adequate tread depth (4/32″ on steer tires), and under 49 CFR § 396.3, trucking companies must systematically inspect and maintain their fleets.

Brake failures are equally devastating. A fully loaded truck traveling at 65 mph needs roughly 525 feet to stop—that’s nearly two football fields. When brakes fail because a company deferred maintenance to save money, we pursue them aggressively under Part 396 for negligent maintenance.

Fatigue-Related Crashes

Iowa’s position along I-80—the primary transcontinental freight corridor—means thousands of trucks pass through Johnson County daily. Many drivers are pushing the limits of the 49 CFR Part 395 Hours of Service regulations: maximum 11 hours driving after 10 hours off, no driving beyond the 14th hour on duty, and mandatory 30-minute breaks.

When drivers violate these rules—often because trucking companies pressure them to meet unrealistic delivery schedules—they cause fatigue-related crashes. ELD data proves these violations, and we know how to get that data before it disappears.

Catastrophic Injuries: The Reality of 18-Wheeler Physics

The numbers are brutal. An 80,000-pound truck is twenty times heavier than your passenger vehicle. In a collision, that disparity translates to forces that crush steel and destroy human bodies.

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)

Even with seatbelts and airbags, the violent force of a truck collision causes the brain to impact the inside of the skull. TBI symptoms might not appear immediately—you could have headaches, confusion, or mood changes weeks later. But the long-term consequences are life-altering: cognitive impairment, personality changes, inability to work, and the need for lifelong care.

We’ve recovered between $1,548,000 and $9,838,000 for TBI victims in trucking cases. These aren’t just numbers—they represent the cost of decades of medical care, lost earning capacity, and diminished quality of life. Your word alone isn’t enough; you need medical documentation linking the injury to the crash, which is why immediate treatment at facilities like the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics is critical.

Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis

The impact forces in trucking accidents often damage the spinal cord, resulting in paraplegia or quadriplegia. These injuries require wheelchairs, home modifications, and 24/7 care. Lifetime costs can exceed $4.7 million to $25.8 million, depending on the level of injury.

We work with life care planners who project these costs over decades, ensuring your settlement accounts for every future medical need—not just today’s bills.

Amputations

When an 80,000-pound truck crushes a passenger vehicle, limbs are often trapped or so severely damaged that surgical amputation is necessary. The physical and psychological trauma is immense. Prosthetics cost $5,000 to $50,000 each and need replacement throughout your life. We’ve secured between $1,945,000 and $8,630,000 for amputation victims, ensuring they can afford the best prosthetic technology and rehabilitation available.

Wrongful Death

When a trucking accident takes a loved one, the loss is immeasurable. Under Iowa law, you have two years from the date of death to file a wrongful death claim. Damages include lost future income, loss of consortium and guidance, mental anguish, funeral expenses, and punitive damages if the trucking company’s conduct was grossly negligent.

We’ve recovered between $1,910,000 and $9,520,000 in wrongful death trucking cases. While no amount brings back your loved one, these recoveries provide financial security for families and send a message that negligent trucking operations have consequences.

Ten Parties Who May Be Liable for Your Johnson County Accident

Most people think you just sue the driver. That’s exactly what the trucking company wants you to think.

In reality, 18-wheeler accidents often involve multiple liable parties, each with their own insurance coverage. The more defendants we identify, the more insurance coverage is available for your recovery. That’s how we maximize settlements for clients in Johnson County.

1. The Truck Driver
Direct liability for speeding, distracted driving, Hours of Service violations, or impaired driving under 49 CFR § 392.3.

2. The Trucking Company (Motor Carrier)
Vicarious liability under respondeat superior doctrine, plus direct negligence for:

• Negligent Hiring: Failing to check the driver’s CDL status, medical certification, or accident history
• Negligent Training: Inadequate safety training (violating 49 CFR Part 391)
• Negligent Supervision: Failing to monitor ELD compliance
• Negligent Maintenance: Violating 49 CFR Part 396 systematic inspection requirements

3. The Cargo Owner/Shipper
If you’re hauling grain from Johnson County farms or manufactured goods from Iowa City businesses, the cargo owner may be liable for improper loading instructions or requiring overweight loads that violate 49 CFR § 393.100.

4. The Loading Company
Third-party warehouses or agricultural facilities that load trucks may be liable for improper cargo securement or unbalanced distribution that caused the crash.

5. Truck and Trailer Manufacturers
Defective brakes, steering systems, or stability control that contributed to the accident trigger product liability claims.

6. Parts Manufacturers
Defective tires, brake components, or lighting systems that failed under 49 CFR Part 393.

7. Maintenance Companies
Third-party mechanics who performed negligent repairs or failed to identify critical safety issues during required inspections.

8. Freight Brokers
Brokers who arranged the shipment but negligently selected a carrier with a poor safety record or inadequate insurance.

9. The Truck Owner
In owner-operator arrangements, the owner may be liable for negligent entrustment or failure to maintain equipment.

10. Government Entities
If dangerous road design, inadequate signage, or poor maintenance of I-80 or Johnson County roads contributed to the accident, government liability may apply—though Iowa’s sovereign immunity laws create special challenges requiring immediate action.

We investigate every possible defendant because every additional liable party means additional insurance coverage. While the minimum federal insurance requirement is $750,000 for general freight, many carriers carry $1 million to $5 million in coverage, and multiple defendants can stack coverage even higher.

Federal Regulations That Prove Negligence

Trucking companies must follow Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations codified in Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations. When they violate these rules, they prove their own negligence.

49 CFR Part 391 – Driver Qualification Standards

Before a driver can operate a commercial motor vehicle, the trucking company must verify:

• Valid CDL and medical certification (§ 391.11)
• Clean driving record through Motor Vehicle Record checks (§ 391.23)
• Previous employer inquiries for the past three years (§ 391.23)
• Drug and alcohol testing (§ 391.89)

Failure to maintain a proper Driver Qualification File is negligent hiring—and we subpoena these files in every case.

49 CFR Part 392 – Driving of Commercial Motor Vehicles

Prohibits:

• Operating while fatigued or ill (§ 392.3)
• Using Schedule I substances or alcohol (§ 392.4-5)
• Speeding or following too closely (§ 392.6, 392.11)
• Hand-held mobile phone use (§ 392.82)

49 CFR Part 393 – Parts and Accessories for Safe Operation

Requires:

• Proper cargo securement with adequate tiedowns (§ 393.100-136)
• Working brakes, lights, and reflectors
• Minimum tire tread depths (4/32″ on steer tires)

49 CFR Part 395 – Hours of Service (HOS)

The most commonly violated regulations:

• Maximum 11 hours driving after 10 consecutive hours off-duty
• Maximum 14-hour on-duty window
• Mandatory 30-minute break after 8 cumulative hours of driving
• 60/70-hour weekly limits

Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) record this data automatically since December 2017. This data proves fatigue but overwrites quickly—another reason for our immediate spoliation letters.

49 CFR Part 396 – Inspection, Repair, and Maintenance

Requires systematic inspection programs:

• Pre-trip inspections by drivers (§ 396.13)
• Post-trip reports documenting vehicle condition (§ 396.11)
• Annual inspections by qualified mechanics (§ 396.17)
• Maintenance records retained for 14 months

Brake failures cause 29% of trucking accidents. When companies skip these inspections to save money, we prove it through their own records—or the lack thereof.

Iowa State Law: What Johnson County Accident Victims Need to Know

While trucking is federally regulated, your case is governed by Iowa state law in Johnson County courts.

Statute of Limitations: Don’t Miss the Deadline

In Iowa, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit (Iowa Code § 614.1(2)). For wrongful death claims, you have two years from the date of death.

This sounds like plenty of time, but trucking cases require extensive investigation. We need to:

• Subpoena ELD and ECM data before it’s overwritten
• Preserve physical evidence before trucks are repaired or sold
• Interview witnesses before memories fade
• Obtain medical records and expert opinions

Waiting even a few months can destroy your case. Contact us immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911.

Iowa’s Modified Comparative Fault Rule

Iowa follows modified comparative negligence with a 51% bar (Iowa Code § 668.3). This means:

• If you’re 50% or less at fault, you can recover damages reduced by your percentage of fault
• If you’re 51% or more at fault, you recover nothing

This is critical in “he said-she said” accidents common on I-80. The trucking company will try to blame you. We fight back with ECM data, ELD logs, and accident reconstruction to prove their driver was at fault.

Iowa’s Damage Caps

Unlike some states, Iowa does not cap compensatory damages (economic and non-economic) in personal injury cases. However, punitive damages are capped at the greater of:

• Two times the amount of compensatory damages awarded, or
• $250,000 (Iowa Code § 668A.1)

Punitive damages apply only when the trucking company acted with “willful and wanton disregard” for safety—such as knowingly keeping a dangerous driver on the road or falsifying maintenance records.

The Investigation Process: How We Build Your Johnson County Case

When you hire Attorney911 for your Johnson County trucking accident, we immediately deploy our investigation protocol:

Phase 1: Immediate Evidence Preservation (0-72 Hours)

• Accept case and send spoliation letters same day
• Deploy accident reconstruction expert to the scene if needed
• Obtain police crash reports from Johnson County Sheriff or Iowa State Patrol
• Photograph client injuries and vehicle damage before repair
• Identify all potentially liable parties

Phase 2: Evidence Gathering (Days 1-30)

• Subpoena ELD/black box data downloads from the trucking company’s servers
• Request complete Driver Qualification Files
• Obtain all maintenance and inspection records (Part 396 compliance)
• Subpoena driver’s cell phone records for distraction evidence
• Analyze the trucking company’s CSA (Compliance, Safety, Accountability) scores for patterns of violations

Phase 3: Expert Analysis

• Accident reconstruction specialist creates crash analysis using physics and ECM data
• Medical experts establish causation and future care needs
• Vocational experts calculate lost earning capacity if you can’t return to your Johnson County job
• Economic experts determine present value of all damages

Phase 4: Litigation Strategy

• File lawsuit before the 2-year Iowa statute of limitations expires
• Depose the truck driver, dispatcher, safety manager, and maintenance personnel
• Build case for trial while negotiating from a position of strength
• Prepare every case as if it’s going to trial—this creates leverage in settlement negotiations

Why Cases Like Yours Result in Significant Settlements

You might have seen news stories about massive trucking verdicts. In 2024, a Missouri jury awarded $462 million to victims of an underride crash. In 2021, a Florida jury awarded $1 billion in a trucking accident case involving gross negligence in hiring.

These “nuclear verdicts” aren’t flukes—they represent juries holding trucking companies accountable when evidence proves the company prioritized profit over safety.

We’ve secured multi-million dollar settlements for trucking accident victims, ranging from $1.5 million to over $9.8 million depending on injury severity. While we can’t promise specific results—every case is unique—we can promise this: we fight for every dollar you’re owed.

As client Glenda Walker said: “They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.” That’s our commitment to you.

FAQ: Johnson County 18-Wheeler Accident Questions

How long do I have to file a lawsuit after a trucking accident in Johnson County?
Two years from the accident date under Iowa law. But evidence disappears within weeks, so call 1-888-ATTY-911 immediately.

What if the trucking company claims I was partially at fault?
Under Iowa’s modified comparative negligence rule, as long as you’re 50% or less at fault, you recover damages reduced by your percentage. We fight to minimize any fault attributed to you using ECM data and reconstruction.

Can I afford an attorney?
Yes. We work on contingency—you pay nothing unless we win. We advance all investigation costs. The trucking company has lawyers working right now; you deserve the same without upfront costs.

What if the driver was an independent contractor, not an employee?
We still sue both the driver and the motor carrier. Federal leasing regulations (49 CFR § 376) often make the carrier responsible regardless of employment status. We investigate all insurance policies.

Will my case go to trial?
Most cases settle before trial, but we prepare every case for court. Insurance companies offer better settlements when they know your lawyer will go to trial. Ralph Manginello has 25+ years of federal court experience in the Southern District of Texas, and we handle Iowa cases with the same aggressive approach.

What if I don’t have health insurance?
We work with medical providers who treat clients under Letters of Protection—meaning they get paid when your case settles. Don’t let lack of insurance delay your treatment.

Hablamos Español?
Sí. Our associate attorney Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish and provides direct representation without interpreters. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911 para una consulta gratis.

What makes Attorney911 different from other firms?
We have a former insurance defense attorney on staff who knows the industry’s tactics. We’ve recovered over $50 million for clients. We offer 24/7 availability, and we treat you like family, not a case number.

Call Attorney911 Today: Your Fight Starts Now

The trucking company that hit you has already called their lawyers. Their insurance adjuster is already looking for ways to pay you less. Evidence is disappearing while you read this.

You need a fighter. You need a team that understands both the federal regulations governing trucking and the Iowa state laws that will govern your Johnson County case. You need Ralph Manginello’s 25 years of experience and Lupe Peña’s insider knowledge of insurance defense tactics.

With offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we handle trucking accident cases across the United States, including Johnson County, Iowa. We offer remote consultations and will travel to Iowa for your case. Federal court admission allows us to represent you regardless of state lines.

Call 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911) right now. We’re available 24/7 because trucking accidents don’t wait for business hours. The consultation is free, and you pay nothing unless we win.

Don’t let the trucking company win. Don’t let them destroy evidence. Don’t let them blame you for their driver’s negligence.

Your fight starts with one call: 1-888-ATTY-911.

As client Donald Wilcox told us: “One company said they would not accept my case. Then I got a call from Manginello… I got a call to come pick up this handsome check.”

Let us fight for you. Call now.