Webster County 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyers

When an 80,000-Pound Truck Changes Everything in an Instant

One moment, you’re driving through Webster County on your way home from work. The next, an 80,000-pound semi-truck is jackknifing across the highway or barreling through a red light. The impact is catastrophic. In an instant, your life changes forever.

If you’re reading this, you or someone you love has been hurt in a trucking accident in Webster County, Iowa. You’re facing mounting medical bills, lost wages, and the overwhelming reality that the trucking company already has lawyers working to minimize what they owe you. You need someone in your corner who fights just as hard—someone who knows Webster County’s highways, Iowa’s legal system, and exactly how to beat the trucking companies at their own game.

At Attorney911, we’ve spent over 25 years standing up to trucking companies and winning. Ralph Manginello, our managing partner, has secured multi-million dollar settlements for families across Iowa and beyond. Our associate attorney Lupe Peña spent years working for insurance companies—now he uses that insider knowledge to fight against them. That’s your advantage. And we’re ready to put it to work for you in Webster County.

Call us immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911. Evidence disappears fast, and the clock is already ticking.

Why Webster County 18-Wheeler Accidents Are Different

The Agricultural Highway Danger Zone

Webster County, Iowa sits at the crossroads of heavy agricultural commerce. With Fort Dodge as the county seat and major highways like I-90 cutting through the region, our roads see massive volumes of commercial traffic—especially during harvest season. From September through November, grain trucks, livestock haulers, and agricultural equipment create a perfect storm of danger on narrow rural roads and busy interstates alike.

We’ve handled cases from Duncombe to Coalville, from Barnum to Lehigh. We know that Webster County trucking accidents aren’t just big-car accidents—they’re complex cases involving federal regulations, multiple liable parties, and trucking companies that treat safety violations like the cost of doing business.

The numbers tell the story. Every year, over 5,000 Americans die in trucking accidents nationwide, with 76% of those deaths occurring in the smaller vehicle. On Iowa’s I-80 corridor—the primary transcontinental freight route that serves Webster County—truck traffic never stops. Neither does the risk.

Iowa Winter Weather and Trucking Disasters

Webster County winters are brutal. When temperatures drop and ice coats the highways, 80,000-pound trucks can’t stop. They jackknife on I-90. They lose control on US 169. They pile up during whiteout conditions because drivers violated hours-of-service rules and pushed through fatigue during dangerous weather.

We’ve seen it all. The trucker from CRST International who fell asleep at the wheel. The overweight grain hauler who couldn’t stop at the bottom of a hill. The maintenance company that put off brake repairs to save a few dollars. These aren’t accidents—they’re preventable tragedies caused by companies prioritizing profits over safety.

And here’s what the trucking companies don’t want you to know: they’re already building their defense. While you’re still in the hospital, they have rapid-response investigators at the scene. While you’re trying to figure out how to pay for physical therapy, they’re downloading black box data to see if they can blame you.

That’s why you need Attorney911 on your side immediately. Call 888-ATTY-911 today.

The 10 Liable Parties in Your Webster County Truck Accident

Most people think you just sue the truck driver. That’s exactly what the trucking company wants you to think. The truth is, multiple parties may be responsible for your injuries, and every one of them has insurance money that could be yours.

1. The Truck Driver

Obviously, the driver who caused the crash may be personally liable for speeding, distraction, fatigue, or impairment. But here’s the catch—individual drivers rarely have enough insurance to cover catastrophic injuries. That’s why we look deeper.

2. The Trucking Company (Motor Carrier)

Under Iowa law and the doctrine of respondeat superior, employers are responsible for their employees’ negligent acts. But we don’t stop at vicarious liability. We investigate:

• Negligent hiring: Did they check the driver’s record? Did they know about previous accidents?
• Negligent training: Did the driver know how to handle Iowa winters? Did they understand cargo securement?
• Negligent supervision: Did they monitor hours-of-service compliance? Did they pressure the driver to meet unrealistic deadlines?

As Ralph Manginello puts it: “We don’t just accept what the trucking company tells us. We subpoena their records. We find the pattern of violations. We make them pay.”

3. The Cargo Owner/Shipper

In Webster County’s agricultural economy, the cargo owner might be a grain elevator, a livestock operation, or a manufacturing facility. If they demanded overweight loads, failed to disclose hazardous materials, or set impossible delivery schedules, they share liability.

4. The Loading Company

Improperly secured grain, shifting livestock, or unbalanced equipment causes rollovers. We hold loading companies accountable when they violate 49 CFR Part 393 cargo securement standards.

5. The Truck Manufacturer

Defective brakes, faulty airbags, or dangerous fuel tank placement can turn a minor collision into a fatal fire. We retain engineers to inspect the truck for design and manufacturing defects.

6. Parts Manufacturers

When a tire blowout or brake failure causes a crash, we look at the component manufacturers. Was there a recall? Were parts defective?

7. The Maintenance Company

Third-party mechanics who perform substandard repairs or fail to identify critical safety issues can be held liable. We review every work order, every inspection report.

8. The Freight Broker

Brokers who arrange transportation but don’t own trucks may be liable for negligent carrier selection. Did they check the carrier’s safety record? Did they hire the cheapest option regardless of safety?

9. The Truck Owner

In owner-operator situations, the person who owns the truck may have separate liability for negligent entrustment or failure to maintain equipment.

10. Government Entities

When dangerous road design, inadequate signage, or lack of guardrails contributes to a crash in Webster County, we pursue claims against the responsible government agencies—though these cases have strict notice requirements and shorter deadlines.

The bottom line: Most law firms only sue the driver and maybe the company. We investigate every angle because more defendants means more insurance coverage means better compensation for you.

Critical Evidence Disappears in 48 Hours—We Act Immediately

The Spoliation Letter: Your Case’s Lifeline

Here’s the urgent reality of Webster County trucking cases: evidence vanishes quickly. The truck’s Electronic Control Module (ECM)—the “black box”—can overwrite data within 30 days. Dashcam footage gets deleted. Drivers “misplace” their log books. Maintenance records suddenly become “unavailable.”

That’s why we send spoliation letters within 24 hours of being retained. This legal notice puts the trucking company on notice that they must preserve:

• ECM and Event Data Recorder (EDR) information
• Electronic Logging Device (ELD) records showing hours of service
• Driver Qualification Files
• Maintenance and inspection logs
• Cell phone records and dispatch communications
• GPS and telematics data
• Dashcam and surveillance footage

If they destroy evidence after receiving our letter, courts can sanction them, instruct juries to assume the destroyed evidence was damaging to their case, or even enter default judgment against them.

As client Chad Harris told us: “You are NOT a pest to them and you are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.” We treat your case with the urgency it deserves from day one.

What the Black Box Reveals

The ECM data is objective truth in a world of liars. It records:

• Speed before impact: Was the trucker speeding through that Webster County construction zone?
• Brake application: Did they even try to stop?
• Following distance: Were they tailgating?
• Throttle position: Were they accelerating into the collision?
• Hours of service: Had they been driving illegally long?

This data contradicts the driver’s claim that “I was only going 50” or “The car cut me off.” We’ve used ECM data to prove truck drivers were traveling 20 mph over the limit, hadn’t braked at all, or had been driving for 16 straight hours in violation of 49 CFR § 395—the federal hours-of-service regulations.

FMCSA Violations That Prove Negligence

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations exist to prevent exactly what happened to you. When trucking companies violate these rules, it proves negligence.

Hours of Service Violations (49 CFR Part 395)

The most common—and most deadly—violation in Iowa trucking accidents. Federal law limits drivers to:

• 11 hours maximum driving after 10 consecutive hours off duty
• 14 hours maximum on-duty time
• 30-minute break required after 8 cumulative hours driving
• 60/70 hour weekly limits

During Webster County’s harvest season, truckers routinely violate these rules to get crops to market. We prove these violations through ELD data and dispatch records.

Driver Qualification Failures (49 CFR Part 391)

Before a trucking company lets someone drive an 80,000-pound weapon through Fort Dodge or along I-90, they must:

• Verify the driver’s Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) is valid
• Conduct background checks of previous employers
• Ensure medical certification is current (max 2 years)
• Provide proper training

We subpoena the Driver Qualification File. If it’s missing documents—or if the company hired a driver with a history of accidents or DUIs—we prove negligent hiring.

Cargo Securement Violations (49 CFR Part 393)

Improperly secured grain, shifting livestock, or unbalanced equipment causes rollovers. The regulations require securement systems to withstand 0.8g deceleration forces. When loaders cut corners to save time, people die.

Brake and Maintenance Failures (49 CFR Parts 393 & 396)

Brake problems contribute to 29% of large truck crashes. Federal law requires:

• Systematic inspection, repair, and maintenance
• Annual inspections by qualified mechanics
• Pre-trip inspections by drivers

We review maintenance records and inspection reports. If the trucking company deferred brake repairs or ignored known defects, we prove negligent maintenance.

Drug and Alcohol Violations (49 CFR Parts 382 & 392)

Commercial drivers cannot operate with a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) of 0.04% or higher—half the limit for regular drivers. They cannot use Schedule I controlled substances. Yet we see cases where drivers were impaired, or where companies failed to conduct required pre-employment or random drug testing.

Weather, Roads, and Webster County Trucking Dangers

Iowa’s weather makes trucking here uniquely dangerous. When we build your case, we consider:

Winter Weather Accidents

Iowa’s winters are unforgiving. When black ice covers I-90 or blizzard conditions reduce visibility on US 169, truckers must adjust their driving. 49 CFR § 392.3 prohibits operating when weather makes it unsafe. When they don’t, and they jackknife or lose control, they are liable.

We obtain weather data for the exact time and location of your crash. We prove the driver should have stopped, slowed down, or taken alternate routes.

Agricultural Traffic and Harvest Season

From late September through November, Webster County roads flood with grain trucks, combines on trailers, and livestock haulers. These trucks are often:

• Overloaded beyond legal weight limits
• Driven by seasonal workers with minimal training
• Operating on narrow rural roads not designed for heavy traffic
• Rushing to meet elevator deadlines

We investigate whether cargo owners pressured drivers to violate weight limits or hour-of-service rules.

Rural Road Dangers

Webster County’s secondary roads—like those connecting Moorland to Coalville or Barnum to Lehigh—were designed for farm traffic, not 80,000-pound semis. Narrow lanes, soft shoulders, and lack of median barriers create deadly conditions when truckers drive too fast or get distracted.

The Injuries We See in Webster County Truck Crashes

The physics of a truck collision are brutal. When 80,000 pounds meets 4,000 pounds, the results are catastrophic.

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)

Even with modern airbags, the force of impact causes the brain to strike the inside of the skull. Symptoms may not appear for days:

• Headaches and dizziness
• Memory loss and confusion
• Personality changes
• Depression and anxiety
• Permanent cognitive impairment

Settlement ranges: $1.5 million to $9.8 million+ depending on severity and long-term care needs.

Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis

The impact forces in truck accidents frequently damage the spine. We represent clients with:

• Paraplegia: Loss of function below the waist
• Quadriplegia: Loss of function in all four limbs
• Incomplete injuries: Partial function remaining

Settlement ranges: $4.7 million to $25.8 million+ for paralysis cases, given lifetime care costs and lost earning capacity.

Amputations

When a passenger vehicle is crushed or when a victim suffers severe burns requiring removal of limbs, the impact is permanent. Our clients face:

• Prosthetic costs ($5,000-$50,000+ per device)
• Multiple replacement prosthetics over a lifetime
• Home modifications
• Career-ending disability

Settlement ranges: $1.9 million to $8.6 million depending on age and occupation.

Wrongful Death

When a trucking accident takes a loved one in Webster County, surviving family members may pursue wrongful death claims under Iowa law. Damages include:

• Lost future income and benefits
• Loss of consortium and companionship
• Mental anguish
• Funeral expenses
• Punitive damages (in cases of gross negligence)

Settlement ranges: $1.9 million to $9.5 million+ depending on the decedent’s age, earning capacity, and circumstances.

As client Glenda Walker said: “They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.” That’s what we do for every Webster County family.

Iowa Law: What You Need to Know

Iowa’s Statute of Limitations: Two Years

Critical: Iowa Code § 614.1 gives you two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. For wrongful death, the clock starts running from the date of death. Miss this deadline, and you lose your right to compensation forever—no matter how badly you were hurt or how clearly the truck driver was at fault.

That’s why we say: Call 1-888-288-9911 today. Not next week. Not after you’ve dealt with the insurance company. Today.

Iowa’s Comparative Fault Rules

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

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

The trucking company’s insurance adjuster will try to blame you. “You were speeding.” “You didn’t signal.” “You were in the truck’s blind spot.” We fight these claims with hard evidence—ECM data, witness statements, and accident reconstruction.

Important: Unlike some states, Iowa does NOT cap economic or non-economic damages in trucking accident cases (except for medical malpractice). Your full pain and suffering, medical bills, and lost wages are recoverable.

Iowa’s Dangerous Instrumentality Doctrine

Under Iowa law, commercial trucks are considered “dangerous instrumentalities.” This means trucking companies can be held strictly liable in certain circumstances, and owners who entrust trucks to unqualified drivers face enhanced liability.

Insurance Coverage: Why Trucking Cases Are Worth More

Federal law requires trucking companies to carry far more insurance than regular drivers:

Many carriers carry $1-5 million in coverage. This is why trucking accident settlements often dwarf car accident settlements—there’s actually money available to pay for your catastrophic injuries.

But here’s the problem: the insurance company doesn’t want to pay you. They have teams of adjusters trained to minimize payouts. They have lawyers who know every trick in the book.

That’s why you need Attorney911. Our associate attorney Lupe Peña used to work for those insurance companies. He knows their playbook. He knows when they’re bluffing. And he knows exactly how to pressure them into fair settlements.

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 take the cases other firms reject—and we win.

The Webster County Truck Accident FAQ

Q: How long do I have to file an 18-wheeler accident lawsuit in Webster County, Iowa?
A: Two years from the accident date for injuries, two years from the date of death for wrongful death. But evidence disappears much faster than that. Call us immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911.

Q: What if the truck driver claims I was partially at fault?
A: Under Iowa law, as long as you are not more than 50% responsible, you can still recover. Your damages are simply reduced by your percentage of fault. We fight hard to prove the truck driver—and the trucking company—bear full responsibility.

Q: Who can be sued besides the driver?
A: Potentially ten or more parties: the trucking company, cargo owner, loading company, maintenance company, truck manufacturer, parts manufacturers, freight broker, truck owner, and even government entities responsible for road safety.

Q: What is the black box in a truck?
A: The Electronic Control Module (ECM) records speed, braking, throttle position, and other operational data. It’s objective evidence that often contradicts the driver’s story. But it can be overwritten in 30 days or less. We send preservation letters immediately.

Q: How much is my Webster County truck accident case worth?
A: It depends on injury severity, medical costs, lost wages, and available insurance. Catastrophic injury cases routinely settle for millions. We offer free consultations to evaluate your specific situation.

Q: Will my case go to trial?
A: Most settle, but we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial. Insurance companies offer better settlements when they know you’re ready to go to court. Ralph Manginello has 25 years of courtroom experience—he’s not afraid to take your case to a jury.

Q: Do I have to pay anything upfront?
A: No. We work on contingency. You pay nothing unless we win. We advance all costs. Hablamos Español. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911.

Q: What if I was injured by a grain truck during harvest season?
A: Agricultural trucking has unique dangers—overloaded trucks, driver fatigue during long hours, and pressure to deliver quickly. These cases often involve additional liable parties like grain elevators or agricultural cooperatives.

Q: Can I sue if my loved one was killed in a Webster County trucking accident?
A: Yes. Iowa’s wrongful death statute allows certain family members to recover damages for lost income, loss of companionship, mental anguish, and funeral expenses.

Q: What if the trucking company is from out of state?
A: We can still sue them in Iowa courts if the accident happened here. With federal court admission for Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña, we can also handle cases that cross state lines.

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Webster County Truck Accident Case

We Bring Insider Knowledge

Lupe Peña spent years defending insurance companies. Now he fights against them. He knows their valuation software, their settlement formulas, and their pressure tactics. When he negotiates your Webster County case, he’s negotiating from a position of insider knowledge.

We Have Real Results

• $5+ million for a traumatic brain injury victim struck by a falling log
• $3.8+ million for a client who lost a limb after a crash
• $2.5+ million in truck crash recoveries
• $2+ million for maritime and offshore injuries
• Over $50 million recovered for clients total

We Treat You Like Family

We’re not a case mill. When you hire Attorney911, you get Ralph Manginello’s cell phone number. You get updates every 2-3 weeks. You get a team that cares about your recovery, not just your settlement.

As client Kiimarii Yup said: “I lost everything… 1 year later I have gained so much in return plus a brand new truck.” We help you rebuild your life.

We Know Webster County

From the Fort Dodge courthouse to the grain elevators in Duncombe, from the I-90 corridor to the rural roads connecting our communities, we know Webster County. We know that winter storms create black ice hazards. We know that harvest season brings dangerous heavy truck traffic. We know the local hospitals and the local judges.

With offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we’re Texas-based, but we handle trucking cases throughout the United States—including right here in Iowa. And with Ralph Manginello’s admission to federal court and dual licensure in Texas and New York, we have the jurisdictional reach to handle complex interstate cases.

Call Attorney911 Now: 1-888-ATTY-911

The trucking company has lawyers working right now to protect their interests. They’re downloading black box data. They’re coaching their driver. They’re looking for ways to blame you.

What are you doing to protect yourself?

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

• Free consultation
• No fee unless we win
• We advance all costs
• 24/7 availability
• Spanish-speaking services available through Lupe Peña

The clock started ticking the moment that truck hit you. The evidence is already disappearing. Every day you wait makes your case harder to prove.

Don’t let them win. Don’t settle for less than you deserve. Don’t try to fight the trucking company’s insurance alone.

Call 888-ATTY-911 now.

Attorney911. When disaster strikes, we strike back.

Serving Webster County, Iowa and nationwide. Offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, Texas.