Wayne County 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyers: Fighting for Iowa Trucking Victims

When an 80,000-Pound Truck Changes Everything in Wayne County

The cornfields of Wayne County stretch for miles along Highway 2, and the rural routes connecting Corydon to the interstate system carry thousands of commercial trucks every week. When one of those 80,000-pound machines crosses the centerline or blows a tire on a narrow county road, there’s no time to react. There’s only the aftermath.

If you’re reading this, you or someone you love has likely experienced that aftermath firsthand. The medical bills are mounting. The phone won’t stop ringing with calls from insurance adjusters. And somewhere out there, a trucking company has already dispatched its rapid-response team to protect their interests—not yours.

At Attorney911, we’ve spent over 25 years fighting for families just like yours across Iowa and the Midwest. Ralph Manginello has been holding negligent trucking companies accountable since 1998. Our associate attorney Lupe Peña spent years working inside the insurance defense industry before joining our firm, giving us an insider’s view of exactly how these companies try to minimize your claim. We’ve recovered multi-million dollar settlements for traumatic brain injuries, amputations, and wrongful death cases, including a $5 million settlement for a logging accident victim and a $3.8 million recovery for a client who lost a limb after a car crash.

But right now, that experience matters less than this urgent reality: evidence in your Wayne County trucking accident case is disappearing as you read this. Black box data gets overwritten in 30 days. Dashcam footage gets deleted within a week. And the trucking company’s lawyers are already building their defense.

Call us immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911. We answer 24/7, and we send preservation letters within hours, not days.

Why Wayne County Trucking Accidents Are Different

Wayne County sits at the crossroads of Iowa’s agricultural heartland. Highway 2 runs east-west through Corydon, carrying grain haulers and livestock transport trucks between Missouri and the Mississippi River ports. Highway 14 connects north to south, feeding into the larger interstate network that moves Iowa’s corn and soybeans to market.

This geography creates unique dangers. Unlike urban interstates with wide shoulders and multiple lanes, Wayne County’s highways feature narrow two-lane stretches, soft shoulders designed for farm equipment, and limited visibility around the bends. When a fatigued truck driver misses a curve or an overloaded grain hauler loses control on a gravel approach, the results are catastrophic.

We’ve seen what happens when trucking companies cut corners on these rural routes. They push drivers to exceed federal hours-of-service limits to meet harvest deadlines. They skip brake maintenance to keep tractors rolling during planting season. And when accidents happen, they hope the isolation of rural Iowa means fewer witnesses and less scrutiny.

That’s not how we operate. We know Wayne County’s roads, from the truck stops near Humeston to the weigh stations along the corridor. We know the local hospitals—Wayne County Hospital in Corydon and the trauma centers in nearby counties where serious injuries get transported. And we know the courts serving Wayne County families.

Iowa Law and Your Wayne County Trucking Case

Iowa gives you two years from the date of your accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. That might sound like plenty of time, but in trucking cases, waiting even a few weeks can mean the difference between winning millions and walking away with nothing.

Iowa’s Comparative Negligence Rules

Iowa follows a “modified comparative negligence” system with a 51% bar. Here’s what that means for your Wayne County case: as long as you’re found 50% or less at fault for the accident, you can recover damages. However, your recovery gets reduced by your percentage of fault.

So if a jury awards $1 million but finds you 20% at fault, you recover $800,000. But if you’re found 51% at fault—even by just one percentage point—you recover nothing.

Trucking companies and their insurers know this rule. They’ll try to shift blame onto you, claiming you were speeding, distracted, or failed to yield. That’s why we immediately preserve electronic data from the truck’s black box and analyze ECM data to prove what really happened on that Wayne County road.

No Damage Caps in Iowa

Unlike some states that limit what injury victims can recover, Iowa doesn’t cap compensatory damages. Your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and loss of future earning capacity are all fully recoverable. And after the Iowa Supreme Court struck down punitive damage caps, juries can award unlimited punitive damages when trucking companies act with gross negligence or willful disregard for safety.

Understanding the FMCSA Regulations That Protect Wayne County Drivers

Every 18-wheeler operating in Wayne County must comply with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations codified in Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations (49 CFR). When trucking companies violate these rules, they create the dangerous conditions that cause catastrophic accidents.

Part 390: General Applicability

These regulations apply to all commercial motor vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating of 10,001 pounds or more operating in interstate commerce. This includes the grain haulers and livestock transport trucks commonly seen on Wayne County highways.

Part 391: Driver Qualification Standards

Before a driver can legally operate an 18-wheeler, the trucking company must verify they:

• Are at least 21 years old for interstate commerce (18 for intrastate)
• Hold a valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with proper endorsements
• Pass a physical examination every 24 months (or carry a valid medical certificate)
• Complete required entry-level driver training
• Have no disqualifying drug or alcohol violations

The company must maintain a Driver Qualification File containing the application, driving record, previous employer inquiries, and medical certifications. When we investigate Wayne County accidents, we subpoena these files immediately. If the company hired an unqualified driver—or failed to check their background—they’re liable for negligent hiring.

Part 392: Driving Rules

This section contains the rules drivers must follow behind the wheel. Critical violations we see in Wayne County cases include:

49 CFR § 392.3: Ill or Fatigued Operation
No driver shall operate a commercial vehicle when their ability is impaired by fatigue, illness, or any other cause. We see this violated constantly during Iowa’s harvest season when drivers push beyond safe limits to get crops to market.

49 CFR § 392.4 and § 392.5: Drug and Alcohol Use
Drivers cannot use alcohol within four hours of going on duty, possess alcohol while on duty, or operate with a blood alcohol concentration of .04 or higher (half the limit for passenger vehicles). Random drug testing is required, and positive tests create automatic liability.

49 CFR § 392.11: Following Distance
Drivers must maintain a “reasonable and prudent” following distance. Given that an 80,000-pound truck needs nearly two football fields to stop from highway speed, tailgating is both illegal and deadly.

49 CFR § 392.82: Mobile Phone Restrictions
Truck drivers cannot use hand-held mobile phones while driving. Violations often leave digital trails we can subpoena to prove distraction caused your Wayne County accident.

Part 393: Vehicle Safety and Cargo Securement

These technical requirements cover equipment standards and cargo securement—crucial for the grain haulers and agricultural transport trucks common in Wayne County.

49 CFR § 393.100-136: Cargo Securement
Cargo must be contained and secured to prevent shifting, falling, or leaking. The aggregate working load limit of tie-downs must be at least half the cargo weight for loose items. When improperly secured grain shifts during transport, the sudden weight transfer can cause rollovers on the narrow curves of Highway 2.

49 CFR § 393.40-55: Brake Systems
All trucks must have functioning service brakes on all wheels, properly adjusted and maintained. Brake problems contribute to approximately 29% of large truck crashes, and maintenance records often show companies deferred repairs to save money during tight agricultural margins.

Part 395: Hours of Service (HOS)

These are the most commonly violated regulations—and the most deadly.

The 11-Hour Rule: No driver can drive more than 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty.
The 14-Hour Rule: Drivers cannot drive beyond the 14th consecutive hour after coming on duty, regardless of breaks.
The 30-Minute Break: Required after 8 cumulative hours of driving.
The 60/70-Hour Rule: Drivers cannot operate after 60 hours on duty in 7 days, or 70 hours in 8 days.

Since December 2017, most drivers must use Electronic Logging Devices (ELD) that automatically record driving time and prevent falsification. This ELD data is objective evidence of fatigue violations—we subpoena it immediately in every Wayne County case.

Part 396: Inspection and Maintenance

Motor carriers must systematically inspect, repair, and maintain all vehicles.

49 CFR § 396.3: Requires systematic maintenance programs with records retained for 12 months.
49 CFR § 396.11: Drivers must complete post-trip inspection reports covering brakes, steering, tires, lights, and coupling devices.
49 CFR § 396.17: Annual inspections are mandatory, with decals displayed on the vehicle.

When we investigate your Wayne County accident, we demand these maintenance records. If the company skipped inspections to keep a truck rolling during harvest, that negligence proves your case.

Wayne County 18-Wheeler Accident Types: What You’re Up Against

Not all trucking accidents are the same, and Wayne County’s rural agricultural landscape creates specific dangers. Here are the accident types we see in Wayne County—and how FMCSA violations cause them.

Jackknife Accidents

A jackknife occurs when the trailer swings perpendicular to the cab, often blocking multiple lanes of traffic. On Wayne County’s narrow two-lane highways, a jackknifed truck leaves no room for other vehicles to avoid impact.

Common Causes:

• Sudden braking on wet or icy roads (common during Iowa winters)
• Improper brake adjustment or failure (49 CFR § 393.40 violations)
• Empty trailers that are more prone to swing (often returning from grain delivery)
• Excessive speed for conditions (49 CFR § 392.6)

The Evidence We Gather:
ECM data showing brake application timing, maintenance records revealing deferred brake work, and weather reports proving the trucking company should have adjusted schedules for conditions.

Rollover Accidents

Wayne County’s agricultural economy means trucks frequently haul liquid loads—milk, liquid fertilizer, or fuel. When these fluids shift on curves, the center of gravity changes instantly.

Common Causes:

• Speeding on curves or ramps (49 CFR § 392.6)
• Improperly secured liquid cargo (49 CFR § 393.100 violations)
• Driver fatigue causing late reactions (49 CFR § 392.3)
• Overcorrection after tire blowouts

The Evidence We Gather:
Cargo manifest showing load type and distribution, driver logbooks proving fatigue, and ECM speed data through the curve.

Underride Collisions

When a smaller vehicle slides under the trailer, the results are almost always fatal. The trailer height shears off the passenger compartment at windshield level.

Common Causes:

• Inadequate rear impact guards (49 CFR § 393.86 requires guards on trailers manufactured after January 26, 1998)
• Absence of side underride guards (not federally required but often litigated)
• Sudden stops without adequate warning
• Low visibility conditions on rural roads

The Evidence We Gather:
Guard inspection records, visibility studies, and reconstruction showing underride depth.

Rear-End Collisions

An 80,000-pound truck traveling at 55 mph needs approximately 525 feet to stop—40% more than a passenger vehicle. On Wayne County highways where farm equipment enters slowly from side roads, this stopping distance becomes deadly.

Common Causes:

• Following too closely (49 CFR § 392.11)
• Driver distraction from cell phones (49 CFR § 392.82)
• Fatigue causing delayed perception (49 CFR § 392.3)
• Brake failure from poor maintenance (49 CFR § 396.3)

The Evidence We Gather:
ECM data showing following distance and speed, cell phone records, and brake maintenance logs.

Wide Turn and “Squeeze Play” Accidents

Large trucks need extra space to turn. When they swing wide—often into oncoming lanes on narrow Wayne County roads—smaller vehicles get trapped between the truck and the shoulder.

Common Causes:

• Failure to signal intentions
• Inadequate mirror checks (trucks have large blind spots)
• Driver inexperience with trailer tracking
• Poor intersection design combined with tight rural roads

Blind Spot (“No-Zone”) Accidents

18-wheelers have four major blind spots:

• Front: 20 feet ahead (low vehicles invisible to driver)
• Rear: 30 feet behind (no rear-view mirror visibility)
• Left side: Extends from cab backward
• Right side: Largest blind spot, extending from cab to rear

When trucks change lanes without checking these zones—particularly the massive right-side blind spot—smaller vehicles get crushed or forced off the road.

The Evidence We Gather:
Mirror adjustment records, turn signal activation data, and witness statements about lane changes.

Tire Blowout Accidents

Iowa’s temperature extremes—scorching summers and frigid winters—stress truck tires. When a steer tire blows, the driver loses control immediately.

Common Causes:

• Underinflated tires causing heat buildup
• Worn tires not replaced per 49 CFR § 393.75 (minimum tread depth requirements)
• Overloading beyond tire capacity
• Failure to conduct pre-trip inspections (49 CFR § 396.13)

The Evidence We Gather:
Tire maintenance records, inspection reports, and the failed tire itself for defect analysis.

Brake Failure Accidents

Brake problems factor in 29% of large truck crashes. When the driver realizes the brakes are gone—often on a descent or approaching a stop sign in rural Wayne County—it’s already too late.

Common Causes:

• Improper brake adjustment (49 CFR § 393.40)
• Air brake system leaks
• Overheated brakes (brake fade) from riding brakes on hills
• Deferred maintenance to save costs (49 CFR § 396.3 violations)

Cargo Spill and Shift Accidents

Wayne County’s economy runs on agriculture, which means grain haulers, livestock transport, and equipment carriers. When cargo shifts or spills:

• Grain trucks tip on curves when loads shift
• Livestock trailers lose stability
• Spilled grain creates secondary accidents as vehicles lose traction

The Evidence We Gather:
Loading records, securement documentation, and driver training on cargo securement rules.

Every Party That Could Be Liable for Your Wayne County Accident

Most law firms only sue the driver and trucking company. That leaves money on the table. We investigate every potentially liable party because more defendants mean more insurance coverage—and higher compensation for your family.

1. The Truck Driver

The driver who caused the accident may be personally liable for:

• Speeding or reckless driving on Wayne County roads
• Distracted driving (cell phone use, eating, adjusting GPS)
• Fatigued driving beyond HOS limits
• Impaired driving (drugs, alcohol, prescription medications)
• Failure to conduct proper pre-trip inspections

2. The Trucking Company/Motor Carrier

This is usually your primary target because they carry the highest insurance limits ($750,000 to $5 million).

Vicarious Liability: Under the doctrine of respondeat superior (“let the master answer”), employers are responsible for employees’ negligent acts within the scope of employment.

Direct Negligence:

• Negligent Hiring: Failing to check driving records, criminal history, or previous accidents
• Negligent Training: Inadequate training on rural driving, cargo securement, or winter weather conditions
• Negligent Supervision: Failing to monitor ELD data for HOS violations
• Negligent Maintenance: Skipping brake inspections or deferring repairs
• Negligent Scheduling: Pressuring drivers to violate hours-of-service limits to meet tight delivery windows

3. The Cargo Owner/Shipper

The company that owns the grain, livestock, or equipment being transported may be liable if they:

• Required overweight loading to maximize profit
• Failed to disclose hazardous characteristics
• Pressured the carrier to expedite delivery unsafely

4. The Loading Company

Third-party companies that load trucks at elevators or facilities may improperly secure cargo, causing shifts that lead to rollovers.

5. Truck and Trailer Manufacturers

Design defects in brake systems, steering, or stability control can cause accidents even when drivers do everything right.

6. Parts Manufacturers

Defective tires, brake components, or lighting systems can trigger catastrophic failures on Wayne County highways.

7. Maintenance Companies

Third-party mechanics who perform negligent repairs—such as improper brake adjustments or using substandard parts—share liability.

8. Freight Brokers

Brokers who arrange transportation but don’t own trucks may be liable for negligent carrier selection—hiring trucking companies with poor safety records to save money.

9. Truck Owner (If Different from Carrier)

In owner-operator arrangements, the individual truck owner may have separate liability for negligent entrustment or maintenance failures.

10. Government Entities

Iowa counties and the state may be liable for dangerous road design, inadequate signage, or failure to maintain safe road surfaces. However, sovereign immunity rules and strict notice requirements apply—contact us immediately to preserve these claims.

The 48-Hour Evidence Preservation Protocol: Why Time Matters

In Wayne County trucking accidents, evidence disappears fast. Trucking companies have rapid-response teams that arrive at the scene before the tow trucks do. Their goal? Protect their interests, not yours.

Critical Evidence Timelines

The Spoliation Letter

Within hours of being retained, we send formal spoliation letters to the trucking company, their insurer, and all potentially liable parties. This letter puts them on legal notice that evidence must be preserved. If they destroy evidence after receiving our letter, courts can sanction them, instruct juries to assume the destroyed evidence was unfavorable, or even enter default judgment.

What We Preserve

Electronic Data:

• ECM/Black Box recordings (speed, braking, throttle position)
• ELD logs proving hours-of-service violations
• GPS and telematics data showing route history
• Dashcam and forward-facing camera footage
• Cell phone records showing distracted driving

Driver Records:

• Complete Driver Qualification File
• Employment application and background check
• Previous employer safety records
• Medical certification and drug test results
• Training records (or lack thereof)
• Performance reviews and disciplinary history

Vehicle Records:

• Maintenance and repair records for 12 months prior
• Annual inspection reports and decals
• Pre-trip and post-trip inspection reports
• Tire replacement and brake adjustment records
• Out-of-service orders and repairs

Company Records:

• Dispatch logs showing schedule pressure
• Safety policies and procedures
• CSA (Compliance, Safety, Accountability) scores
• Previous accident history
• Insurance policies (primary and umbrella)

Catastrophic Injuries and Your Recovery

The physics of an 80,000-pound truck against a 4,000-pound passenger vehicle means catastrophic injuries, not fender-benders.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

Even “mild” concussions can cause lasting cognitive impairment. Moderate to severe TBI may require lifelong care. We’ve secured settlements ranging from $1.5 million to $9.8 million for TBI victims, covering medical care, lost earnings, and pain and suffering.

Spinal Cord Injury and Paralysis

Damage to the spinal cord can cause paraplegia (loss of function below the waist) or quadriplegia (loss of function in all four limbs). Lifetime care costs for quadriplegia can exceed $5 million.

Amputation

Whether traumatic (severed at the scene) or surgical (due to crush injuries), amputations require multiple surgeries, prosthetics ($5,000-$50,000+ per device), and lifelong rehabilitation. Our amputation settlements have ranged from $1.9 million to $8.6 million.

Severe Burns

Fuel fires or hazmat spills can cause third and fourth-degree burns requiring skin grafts, reconstructive surgery, and psychological treatment for disfigurement.

Wrongful Death

When a Wayne County trucking accident takes a loved one, surviving family members may recover:

• Lost future income and benefits
• Loss of consortium and guidance
• Mental anguish and emotional suffering
• Funeral and burial expenses
• Medical expenses incurred before death

Our wrongful death recoveries have ranged from $1.9 million to $9.5 million.

Commercial Insurance: Why Trucking Cases Are Different

Unlike car accidents where insurance might cover $30,000-$100,000, federal law requires trucking companies to carry substantial liability coverage:

Many carriers carry $1-5 million or more in coverage. But accessing these policies requires knowing how trucking law works. That’s where 25 years of experience matters.

Frequently Asked Questions About Wayne County Trucking Accidents

How long do I have to file a lawsuit after a trucking accident in Wayne County?
Iowa law gives you two years from the accident date. But waiting is dangerous—evidence disappears and witnesses forget. Contact us immediately.

What if the trucking company says I was partially at fault?
Iowa uses modified comparative negligence. If you’re 50% or less at fault, you can recover, but your damages are reduced by your percentage of fault. We fight to minimize any fault attributed to you.

Do I have to pay upfront to hire Attorney911?
No. We work on contingency—33.33% pre-trial, 40% if we go to trial. You pay nothing unless we win. We advance all investigation costs.

What if I don’t speak English fluently?
Hablamos Español. Associate attorney Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish and provides direct representation without interpreters. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911.

Can I afford a lawyer if the trucking company has deep pockets?
You can’t afford NOT to have a lawyer. The trucking company has teams of lawyers protecting them. Our contingency fee means you pay nothing upfront, and we only get paid if we win.

What’s the difference between a truck accident and a car accident case?
Everything. Trucks are regulated by federal law (FMCSA), carry higher insurance minimums, involve multiple potentially liable parties, and require immediate evidence preservation. The stakes are higher, and the law is more complex.

How much is my Wayne County trucking case worth?
It depends on injury severity, medical costs, lost wages, and the degree of negligence. Trucking cases often settle for six or seven figures due to high insurance limits. We offer free consultations to evaluate your specific situation.

Should I talk to the trucking company’s insurance adjuster?
Never. They are trained to minimize your claim. Anything you say can be used against you. Refer them to us—it’s your right.

What if the driver was an independent contractor, not an employee?
We still pursue the trucking company under various legal theories, and we investigate the owner-operator’s insurance as well. Multiple insurance policies may apply.

How do you prove the driver was fatigued?
We subpoena ELD data showing hours-of-service violations, analyze ECM data for erratic driving patterns, and review dispatch records showing unrealistic delivery schedules.

Why Wayne County Families Choose Attorney911

When you’re facing a devastating trucking accident in Wayne County, you need more than a lawyer—you need a fighter.

Ralph Manginello has spent over 25 years taking on trucking companies and winning. He’s admitted to federal court (Southern District of Texas), has litigated against Fortune 500 corporations like BP in the Texas City refinery explosion case, and has recovered multi-million dollar settlements for families just like yours.

Our team includes Lupe Peña, a former insurance defense attorney who used to work for the very companies we’re fighting. He knows their playbook—their valuation software, their training manuals, their delay tactics. Now he uses that insider knowledge to maximize your recovery.

We have offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, serving trucking accident victims across Iowa and the Midwest. But we’re not just Texas attorneys—we’re your advocates in Wayne County, Iowa.

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

Donald Wilcox put it simply: “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.”

And Glenda Walker told us we “fought for me to get every dime I deserved.”

We don’t settle for less. And we don’t charge you unless we win.

Call Now: The Clock Started Running the Moment That Truck Hit You

Right now, while you’re reading this, the trucking company’s lawyers are working to protect their interests. Their insurance adjuster is looking for ways to pay you less. And somewhere in their system, electronic evidence is getting closer to being overwritten.

You have one chance to get this right. One chance to secure the compensation your family needs for medical bills, lost wages, and the future you deserve.

Call Attorney911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911). We answer 24/7. We’ll send preservation letters today. And we’ll fight for every dollar you’re owed.

Hablamos Español. Llame ahora al 1-888-ATTY-911.

Don’t let the trucking company win. Your fight starts with one call.