18-Wheeler Accident Attorneys in Madison County, Iowa

When 80,000 Pounds Changes Everything

One moment, you’re driving along I-80 through Madison County, Iowa. The next, an 18-wheeler crosses the centerline, loses control on black ice, or jackknifes across the highway. In an instant, your life changes forever.

If you’ve been injured in a trucking accident anywhere in Madison County—whether on Interstate 80 near Winterset, on Highway 169, or on county roads connecting to the Des Moines metro—you need more than a lawyer. You need a fighter. You need a team that understands federal trucking regulations, Iowa’s modified comparative negligence laws, and the catastrophic nature of commercial vehicle collisions.

We’re Attorney911, and we’ve spent over 25 years making trucking companies pay for the devastation they cause. Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has recovered multi-million dollar settlements for victims just like you—including a $5 million traumatic brain injury verdict and a $3.8 million amputation settlement. We’ve fought Fortune 500 companies like Walmart, Amazon, and BP, and we’ve won. More importantly, we bring that experience to every case we handle in Madison County and across Iowa.

Why Madison County 18-Wheeler Accidents Are Different

Madison County isn’t just any stretch of highway. Located at the crossroads of major agricultural and industrial corridors, our county sees massive commercial truck traffic every day. Interstate 80—one of the nation’s primary transcontinental freight routes—cuts right through our community. Drivers heading to Des Moines, Kansas City, and beyond push through Madison County with heavy loads, tight deadlines, and sometimes dangerous fatigue.

The geography creates unique risks. Our rolling hills and rural stretches may seem peaceful, but when winter hits Madison County, I-80 becomes treacherous. Black ice, sudden blizzards, and whiteout conditions create deadly situations for trucks that require 40% more stopping distance than passenger vehicles. An 80,000-pound truck traveling at 65 mph needs nearly two football fields to stop—distance that doesn’t exist when ice coats the highway near Winterset.

Agricultural trucking adds another dimension of danger. During harvest season, Madison County roads see explosive growth in grain haulers, livestock transports, and equipment movers. These vehicles often carry uneven loads, travel on narrow county roads, and share space with passenger traffic. When a loaded grain truck loses control on a curve or an overloaded trailer rolls over on a rural highway, the consequences are catastrophic.

The Sobering Reality: 18-Wheeler Statistics in Iowa and Madison County

Every 16 minutes, someone in America is injured in a commercial truck crash. Here in Iowa, we see over 5,100 annual truck-related fatalities nationwide, with 125,000+ injuries. In Madison County specifically, while exact crash numbers fluctuate year to year, our position on I-80 places us at the intersection of some of the nation’s heaviest truck traffic.

Consider these facts:

• 76% of truck accident fatalities are occupants of the smaller vehicle (not the truck)
• Truck drivers are 10 times more likely to be fatigued than the general population
• Brake problems contribute to 29% of large truck crashes
• Driver fatigue causes approximately 31% of fatal truck accidents

These aren’t just numbers. They represent real families in Madison County—families who’ve lost loved ones on Highway 169 or suffered catastrophic injuries on Interstate 80. As Ernest Cano, one of our clients, said: “Mr. Manginello and his firm are first class. Will fight tooth and nail for you.”

Types of 18-Wheeler Accidents We Handle in Madison County

Jackknife Accidents

When a truck’s trailer swings perpendicular to the cab, it creates an impenetrable wall of steel across the highway. In Madison County, jackknifes frequently occur on I-80 during winter weather events or when drivers brake improperly on the curves near Winterset. These accidents block multiple lanes instantly, leaving nearby drivers with nowhere to go. We investigate whether the driver violated 49 CFR § 392.6 (speeding for conditions) or if the trucking company failed to maintain brakes per 49 CFR § 396.3.

Rollover Accidents

The rolling terrain of Madison County creates natural rollover risks, especially on Highway 169 and rural county roads. When improperly secured cargo shifts—common with agricultural loads—or when drivers take curves too fast, 80,000 pounds of truck can flip onto its side. These accidents often spill fuel, causing fires that result in severe burns. We examine loading records for 49 CFR § 393.100-136 violations (cargo securement) and verify maintenance logs for tire and suspension issues.

Underride Collisions

Among the deadliest accidents on Madison County highways, underride crashes occur when a passenger vehicle strikes a tractor-trailer and slides underneath. The trailer height shears off the passenger compartment at windshield level. While 49 CFR § 393.86 requires rear impact guards on trailers manufactured after 1998, many trailers lack adequate side underride protection. These accidents are almost always fatal or result in decapitation and traumatic brain injuries.

Rear-End Collisions

With Des Moines traffic backing up onto I-80 during rush hour, rear-end collisions involving 18-wheelers are common in Madison County. A fully loaded truck needs 525 feet to stop from 65 mph—nearly double what a passenger car needs. When truck drivers follow too closely (49 CFR § 392.11 violation) or drive distracted (49 CFR § 392.82 mobile phone prohibition), they simply cannot stop in time. We’ve seen these accidents cause crushing injuries, spinal damage, and wrongful death.

Wide Turn Accidents (“Squeeze Play”)

Trucks making deliveries to Madison County farms or businesses often swing wide before turning right. When they swing left to clear room for the trailer, they create a gap that tempts other drivers. When the truck completes its turn, unsuspecting vehicles get crushed between the trailer and the curb. These accidents often involve 49 CFR § 392.2 violations for improper turning technique.

Blind Spot Accidents

18-wheelers have massive blind spots—20 feet in front, 30 feet behind, and particularly dangerous zones along the right side. When truckers fail to check mirrors before changing lanes on I-80 or Highway 169, they sideswipe vehicles or push them off the road. 49 CFR § 393.80 mandates proper mirrors, but driver distraction or fatigue often leads to these devastating “no-zone” accidents.

Brake Failure Accidents

Brake problems contribute to 29% of truck crashes. On Madison County’s hills and during Iowa’s harsh winters, brake systems undergo extreme stress. When trucking companies defer maintenance to save money—violating 49 CFR § 396.3 (systematic inspection requirements)—brakes overheat, fade, or fail entirely. The result is a runaway truck that cannot stop before intersections or stopped traffic.

Tire Blowout Accidents

Iowa’s road conditions and temperature extremes cause tire failures. When a steer tire blows on an 18-wheeler, the driver often loses control immediately. “Road gators”—shredded tire debris—litter I-80 and cause secondary accidents when drivers swerve to avoid them. We examine 49 CFR § 393.75 compliance (minimum tread depth requirements) and maintenance records to prove the trucking company knew About dangerous tires.

Cargo Spill and Shift Accidents

During harvest season in Madison County, grain trucks and livestock haulers crowd our highways. When cargo shifts—grain settling unevenly or livestock moving unexpectedly—the trailer’s center of gravity changes instantly. Rollovers, jackknifes, and spill disasters follow. We investigate compliance with 49 CFR § 393.100-136 cargo securement regulations and determine if the cargo owner or loader shares liability.

Head-On Collisions

When a fatigued driver crosses the centerline on Highway 169 or a distracted trucker drifts across I-80, head-on collisions occur at closing speeds exceeding 130 mph. These accidents are almost always fatal for passenger vehicle occupants. We immediately subpoena Electronic Logging Device (ELD) data to prove 49 CFR § 395 Hours of Service violations and cell phone records to document distraction.

All Potentially Liable Parties in Madison County Trucking Accidents

Most accident victims assume they can only sue the truck driver. That’s exactly what trucking companies want you to think. In reality, multiple parties may share responsibility for your injuries, and more defendants means more insurance coverage for your recovery.

The Truck Driver
Direct negligence includes speeding, distracted driving, fatigue, impairment, or failure to inspect the vehicle. We obtain the driver’s personal cell phone records, driving history, and employment records.

The Trucking Company/Motor Carrier
Under Iowa’s respondeat superior doctrine, employers are responsible for employees’ negligent acts. Additionally, trucking companies are directly liable for:

• Negligent Hiring: Failing to check the driver’s background or hiring someone with a poor safety record
• Negligent Training: Inadequate safety training on Iowa weather conditions or cargo securement
• Negligent Supervision: Failing to monitor ELD compliance or ignoring HOS violations
• Negligent Maintenance: Deferring repairs to save money (49 CFR § 396.3 violations)

Federal law requires trucking companies to maintain $750,000 to $5 million in insurance—far more than typical auto policies. This higher coverage means catastrophic injuries can actually be compensated.

The Cargo Owner/Shipper
Companies shipping agricultural products, manufactured goods, or hazardous materials through Madison County may be liable if they:

• Required overweight loading
• Failed to disclose hazardous cargo nature
• Provided improper loading instructions
• Pressured carriers to expedite beyond safe limits

The Loading Company
Third-party loaders who improperly secured cargo, failed to use proper tiedowns, or created unbalanced weight distributions violate 49 CFR § 393.100-136. When their negligence causes a rollover or spill, they share liability.

Truck and Trailer Manufacturers
Design defects in braking systems, stability control, or fuel tank placement can cause accidents. Manufacturing defects in tires, steering components, or coupling devices may trigger product liability claims.

Parts Manufacturers
Defective brake components, tires, or electronic systems that fail during critical moments can lead to catastrophic failures on I-80.

Maintenance Companies
Third-party mechanics who negligently repaired brakes, missed critical safety issues, or returned vehicles to service with known defects share responsibility for subsequent accidents.

Freight Brokers
Brokers who arrange transportation but fail to verify carrier safety records, insurance coverage, or CSA scores may be liable for negligent selection under Iowa law.

Government Entities
When dangerous road design, inadequate signage on rural Madison County roads, or failure to maintain highways contributes to accidents, governmental liability may exist. However, Iowa’s sovereign immunity laws and strict notice requirements require immediate action to protect these claims.

Our firm investigates every possible defendant. 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.” We don’t leave money on the table.

Critical Evidence: Why the First 48 Hours Determine Your Case

Trucking companies don’t wait. While you’re still in the hospital in Des Moines or receiving treatment at a Madison County clinic, the trucking company has already dispatched rapid-response teams to the scene. Their lawyers and investigators are gathering evidence to protect their interests—not yours.

Black Box Data Overwrites Quickly
The Electronic Control Module (ECM) and Event Data Recorder (EDR) in commercial trucks capture critical information: speed before impact, brake application, throttle position, and fault codes. This data can be overwritten in as little as 30 days or with new driving events. Once it’s gone, it’s gone forever.

ELD Records Proving Fatigue
Electronic Logging Devices (49 CFR § 395.8) automatically record Hours of Service compliance. These devices prove whether the driver violated the 11-hour driving limit, 14-hour duty window, or mandatory 30-minute breaks. FMCSA only requires 6-month retention for ELD data, but once we send a spoliation letter, the trucking company must preserve everything or face sanctions.

Our Immediate Preservation Protocol
When you hire Attorney911, we send formal spoliation letters within 24 hours demanding preservation of:

• ECM/Black box data
• ELD logs and GPS tracking
• Driver Qualification Files (per 49 CFR § 391.51)
• Maintenance and inspection records (49 CFR § 396)
• Pre-trip and post-trip inspection reports
• Drug and alcohol test results (49 CFR § 382)
• Dispatch records and communications
• Dashcam footage (often deleted within 7-14 days)
• Cell phone records for distracted driving evidence

As client Angel Walle said: “They solved in a couple of months what others did nothing about in two years.” Speed matters because evidence disappears.

FMCSA Regulations: How Federal Violations Prove Negligence

Commercial trucking is governed by strict federal regulations under 49 CFR Parts 390-399. When trucking companies violate these rules, they create dangerous conditions. Proving these violations establishes negligence and strengthens your case.

Part 391: Driver Qualification Standards
Trucking companies must maintain Driver Qualification Files proving their drivers:

• Are at least 21 years old for interstate commerce
• Hold valid Commercial Driver’s Licenses (CDL)
• Pass physical examinations every 2 years (49 CFR § 391.41)
• Have clean driving records checked annually
• Complete required entry-level training

When companies hire drivers with poor safety records or fail to verify qualifications, they commit negligent hiring—the basis for punitive damages.

Part 392: Safe Driving Rules

• § 392.3: Prohibits driving while fatigued or impaired
• § 392.11: Requires safe following distances
• § 392.82: Bans hand-held mobile phone use while driving
• § 392.6: Prohibits scheduling runs that require speeding

Part 393: Vehicle Safety & Cargo Securement

• § 393.40-55: Brake system requirements
• § 393.75: Minimum tire tread depth (4/32″ for steer tires)
• § 393.80: Mirror requirements for visibility
• § 393.100-136: Cargo must be secured to withstand 0.8g forward deceleration forces

Part 395: Hours of Service
The most commonly violated regulations in trucking accidents:

• Maximum 11 hours driving after 10 consecutive hours off duty
• Cannot drive beyond the 14th consecutive hour on duty
• 30-minute break required after 8 cumulative hours of driving
• 60/70 hour weekly limits with mandatory 34-hour restart

Part 396: Inspection & Maintenance

• § 396.3: Requires systematic inspection, repair, and maintenance
• § 396.11: Mandates post-trip driver reports on vehicle condition
• § 396.17: Requires annual vehicle inspections

When trucking companies skip maintenance to save money or drivers falsify inspection reports, they create deadly hazards on Madison County highways.

Catastrophic Injuries: The Human Cost

The physics of an 80,000-pound truck striking a 4,000-pound passenger vehicle at highway speeds creates catastrophic injuries. These aren’t simple whiplash cases—these are life-altering events requiring millions in lifetime care.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
Even “mild” TBIs can cause permanent cognitive impairment, personality changes, and inability to work. Severe TBIs may require 24/7 care and cost $3 million or more over a lifetime. We’ve secured settlements ranging from $1.5 million to $9.8 million for TBI victims.

Spinal Cord Injuries & Paralysis
Quadriplegia and paraplegia result when the force of impact fractures vertebrae or severs the spinal cord. Lifetime care costs range from $1.1 million to $5 million, not including lost wages or pain and suffering. Our spinal injury cases have recovered $4.7 million to $25.8 million.

Amputations
When crushing forces trap occupants or severe burns require surgical removal, amputation changes everything. Prosthetics ($5,000-$50,000 each), replacement limbs throughout life, home modifications, and lost earning capacity make these cases high-value. We’ve secured $1.9 million to $8.6 million for amputation victims.

Severe Burns
Fuel fires and chemical spills from hazmat trucks cause third and fourth-degree burns requiring multiple skin grafts, reconstructive surgeries, and permanent scarring. These injuries carry both enormous medical costs and devastating psychological impacts.

Wrongful Death
When trucking accidents kill Madison County residents, surviving families face emotional devastation and financial ruin. Iowa law allows recovery of lost income, loss of consortium, mental anguish, and funeral expenses. We’ve recovered $1.9 million to $9.5 million in wrongful death settlements.

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

Insurance Coverage and Damages in Iowa

Federal Minimum Insurance Requirements

• $750,000: General freight (most common)
• $1,000,000: Oil, petroleum, large equipment
• $5,000,000: Hazardous materials

These minimums far exceed Iowa’s auto insurance requirements, allowing for substantial recoveries when catastrophic injuries occur.

Iowa’s Modified Comparative Negligence Rule
Iowa follows a modified comparative negligence system with a 51% bar (Iowa Code § 668.3). This means:

• If you’re 50% or less at fault, you recover damages minus your fault percentage
• If you’re 51% or more at fault, you recover nothing
• Even if you share fault, you may still recover significant compensation

Damages Available

• Economic: Medical bills, lost wages, future earning capacity, property damage, life care costs
• Non-Economic: Pain and suffering, mental anguish, loss of consortium, disfigurement, loss of enjoyment
• Punitive: Additional damages when trucking companies act with reckless disregard for safety (falsifying logs, knowingly hiring dangerous drivers, destroying evidence)

Statute of Limitations
In Iowa, you have 2 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. While this seems like plenty of time, evidence disappears quickly. We recommend contacting an attorney immediately.

Our Insider Advantage: Former Insurance Defense Attorney on Your Side

Here’s what most Madison County accident victims don’t know: our associate attorney, Lupe Peña, used to work for insurance companies. He spent years defending trucking companies against injury claims. He knows exactly how insurers evaluate claims, minimize payouts, and train adjusters to deny valid claims.

Now he uses that insider knowledge against them.

When an insurance adjuster calls offering a “quick settlement,” Lupe knows it’s a lowball offer designed to close your case before you understand your injuries. When they claim your injuries were “pre-existing,” he knows exactly how to counter that defense with medical evidence. When they allege comparative fault to reduce your recovery, he understands their formulas and how to maximize your position.

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

We also offer Spanish-language services. Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish, allowing us to serve Madison County’s Hispanic community directly without interpreters. Hablamos Español. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911.

Frequently Asked Questions: Madison County 18-Wheeler Accidents

What should I do immediately after a truck accident in Madison County?
Call 911, seek medical attention immediately (even if you feel okay), photograph everything (vehicles, scene, injuries), get the truck driver’s DOT number and company information, collect witness contacts, and do NOT give recorded statements to insurance companies. Then call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911.

How long do I have to file a lawsuit in Iowa?
Two years from the accident date for personal injury, two years from the date of death for wrongful death. However, waiting is dangerous—evidence disappears, and trucking companies build their defenses immediately.

What if I was partially at fault for the accident?
Iowa’s modified comparative negligence law allows recovery as long as you’re 50% or less at fault. Your damages are reduced by your percentage of fault. Even if you contributed to the accident, you may still recover substantial compensation.

Who can be sued besides the truck driver?
The trucking company, cargo owner, loading company, truck manufacturer, parts manufacturer, maintenance company, freight broker, and sometimes government entities. We investigate all potentially liable parties to maximize your recovery.

What is a spoliation letter and why does it matter?
It’s a legal notice demanding preservation of evidence. Once sent, the trucking company cannot legally destroy ECM data, ELD logs, maintenance records, or other evidence. We send these within 24 hours of being hired.

How much are trucking accident cases worth?
Values vary based on injury severity, medical costs, lost income, and insurance coverage. However, trucking companies carry $750,000 to $5 million in coverage, allowing for significant recoveries in catastrophic injury cases. We’ve recovered millions for clients with TBI, spinal injuries, amputations, and wrongful death.

Will my case go to trial?
Most cases settle before trial, but we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial. Insurance companies know which firms are willing to go to court—and they offer better settlements to those firms. We’re prepared to take your case all the way if necessary.

Do I need to pay anything upfront?
No. We work on contingency—33.33% pre-trial, 40% if trial is necessary. You pay nothing unless we win. We advance all costs of investigation and litigation.

What if the trucking company’s insurance adjuster calls me?
Do not give a recorded statement. Adjusters are trained to get you to say things that minimize your claim. Refer them to your attorney. Remember, they work for the trucking company, not you.

Can undocumented immigrants file claims in Iowa?
Yes. Immigration status does not affect your right to compensation for injuries caused by someone else’s negligence. We protect your rights regardless of status.

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Madison County Trucking Accident Case

25+ Years of Experience
Ralph Manginello has been fighting for injury victims since 1998. He’s admitted to federal court in the Southern District of Texas (and licensed in New York), giving him the capability to handle complex interstate trucking cases that cross state lines.

Proven Results
We’ve recovered over $50 million for clients, including:

• $5+ million for traumatic brain injury (logging accident)
• $3.8+ million for partial leg amputation (car accident/medical complication)
• $2.5+ million for commercial truck crash
• Multi-million dollar settlements for TBI, spinal injuries, and wrongful death

Home State Advantage with National Reach
While we maintain offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, Texas, we handle trucking accident cases throughout the United States, including Madison County, Iowa. Our federal court admission means we can represent you regardless of where the trucking company is headquartered.

The Insurance Defense Advantage
Lupe Peña’s background defending insurance companies means we know their tactics before they use them. That’s your advantage in negotiation and litigation.

24/7 Availability
Trucking accidents don’t happen on business hours. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 any time, day or night. We answer.

Family Treatment
As client Kiimarii Yup said: “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.”

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

Your Fight Starts Now

The trucking company that hit you has already called their lawyers. Their insurance adjuster is already building a case to pay you less. The clock is ticking on evidence preservation, and every hour that passes makes your case harder to prove.

Don’t wait. Don’t let them push you around. Don’t accept a lowball settlement that won’t cover your medical bills, let alone your lost wages and pain and suffering.

If you’ve been injured in an 18-wheeler accident in Madison County, Iowa—whether on I-80 near Winterset, on Highway 169, or on any county road in our community—call Attorney911 today.

Call 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911) for a free consultation.

Hablamos Español. Llame a Lupe Peña al 1-888-ATTY-911.

We don’t charge unless we win. We advance all costs. We’re available 24/7.

Your fight is our fight. Let’s win it together.