18-Wheeler & Trucking Accident Attorneys Serving Woodbury County, Iowa

When an 80,000-Pound Truck Changes Everything

One moment, you’re driving through Woodbury County on your way to work, picking up groceries in Sioux City, or heading home along I-29. The next, an 80,000-pound semi-truck crosses the centerline, runs a red light, or loses control on icy pavement. Life changes in an instant.

We don’t have to tell you how dangerous Woodbury County highways can be. Interstate 29 cuts right through our community, carrying thousands of trucks daily between Sioux City and Sioux Falls. I-80 runs just south of us, connecting Chicago to San Francisco with a steady stream of commercial traffic. US-20 and US-75 bring agricultural trucks hauling grain, livestock, and equipment through our rural roads during harvest season.

When a negligent truck driver or a careless trucking company causes catastrophic injuries in Woodbury County, you need a legal team that fights back. Attorney911 has been standing up to trucking companies for over 25 years. Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has built a reputation for aggressive representation—recovering millions for families just like yours across the Midwest.

Why Woodbury County Truck Accidents Are Different

Woodbury County sits at the crossroads of major agricultural and interstate freight corridors. This isn’t just theory—we’re talking about the trucks you see every day hauling grain to the elevators along Highway 75, livestock trailers moving cattle through the rural townships, and the endless stream of 18-wheelers barreling down I-29 toward the Port of Sioux City or the rail yards.

Our local economy depends on trucking, but that dependence comes with risks. During harvest season, Woodbury County roads see a massive spike in commercial vehicle traffic. Combine harvesters move between fields. Grain trucks rush to elevators before they close. Livestock haulers work long hours moving animals to market. And when winter hits—when that first blizzard blankets the Loess Hills or ice slicks the bridges over the Floyd River—truck drivers who don’t respect the conditions put everyone at risk.

We’ve seen what happens when trucking companies prioritize deadlines over safety. Ralph Manginello and our team have fought cases involving driver fatigue on long hauls through northwest Iowa, brake failures on trucks that should have been taken out of service, and overloaded grain trucks that couldn’t stop in time at rural intersections.

Meet the Woodbury County Trucking Accident Legal Team

Ralph Manginello: 25+ Years Fighting for Injury Victims

Ralph Manginello has spent over two decades holding negligent parties accountable. Since 1998, he’s been the advocate families turn to when catastrophic injuries threaten their future. With admission to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas and dual licensure in Texas and New York, Ralph brings federal court experience that matters in interstate trucking cases.

When a Woodbury County resident needs someone who understands the complexity of FMCSA regulations, the federal laws governing commercial trucking, they get Ralph. He’s not just a personal injury attorney—he’s a trial lawyer who’s gone toe-to-toe with Fortune 500 companies, including BP in the Texas City Refinery explosion litigation that resulted in over $2.1 billion in total industry settlements.

Ralph built Attorney911 to provide immediate, aggressive help for people facing legal emergencies. That means when you call us about your Woodbury County trucking accident, you get direct access to a seasoned attorney—not a paralegal, not a case manager, but an attorney with 25 years of courtroom experience.

Lupe Peña: The Former Insurance Defense Attorney Fighting for You

Here’s what makes our Woodbury County trucking accident team truly unique: Lupe Peña used to work inside the system you’re fighting against.

Before joining Attorney911, Lupe spent years at a national insurance defense firm. He knows exactly how trucking insurance companies evaluate claims, train adjusters to minimize payouts, and use sophisticated software to calculate the lowest possible offer. He watched adjusters deny legitimate claims, delay payments until families were desperate, and manipulate recorded statements to reduce settlements.

Now, Lupe uses that insider knowledge exclusively for injury victims. When a trucking company in Woodbury County tries to lowball you, Lupe recognizes their tactics immediately. He knows when they’re bluffing and when they’ll pay. He understands the algorithms they use to devalue pain and suffering, and he knows how to counter every move they make.

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.”

Lupe is also fluent in Spanish, serving Woodbury County’s Hispanic community directly. Hablamos Español. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911.

The Brutal Reality of Iowa Trucking Accidents

Let’s talk numbers, because they paint a stark picture of what you’re facing.

The average passenger car weighs about 4,000 pounds. A fully loaded 18-wheeler can weigh 80,000 pounds—twenty times heavier than your vehicle. At highway speeds, a truck traveling 65 miles per hour needs approximately 525 feet to stop. That’s nearly two football fields. When a truck driver follows too closely, drives distracted, or pushes through fatigue, there’s simply no margin for error.

According to federal data, over 5,000 people die in trucking accidents annually across the United States, with more than 125,000 suffering injuries. In 76% of these fatal crashes, the person who dies is in the smaller vehicle—not the truck.

Woodbury County drivers face unique hazards. Our location in the Missouri River basin means we deal with severe winter weather that starts early and lasts late. Blizzards can reduce visibility to zero on I-29. Black ice forms on bridges over the Floyd and Little Sioux Rivers. High winds coming off the plains can push high-profile trailers into oncoming lanes on US-20.

And then there’s the agricultural factor. During harvest—typically September through November in Woodbury County—our rural roads become congested with grain trucks, livestock haulers, and farm equipment. These aren’t just commercial vehicles; they’re often driven by operators pushing to get crops in before weather hits, sometimes on roads not designed for heavy traffic.

Types of 18-Wheeler Accidents We Handle in Woodbury County

Jackknife Accidents: When Physics Turns Deadly

A jackknife occurs when the trailer and cab skid in opposite directions, with the trailer folding at a sharp angle—like a pocket knife closing. On Woodbury County’s I-29 corridor or the winding rural roads near Bronson or Sloan, a jackknifed truck can sweep across multiple lanes, creating a barrier no one can avoid.

These accidents often happen when truck drivers brake improperly on wet or icy surfaces—a particular risk during Iowa winters when freezing rain coats the pavement. They also occur when drivers take curves too fast or when improperly loaded trailers become unstable.

Under 49 CFR § 393.100, trucking companies must properly secure cargo to prevent shifting that causes instability. When a jackknife results from cargo that shifted during transit, that’s a federal violation—and strong evidence of negligence.

We investigate the skid marks, the cargo manifest, and the ECM data showing exactly how the driver applied brakes. In one case involving a similar accident, we recovered multi-million dollar settlements for traumatic brain injury victims.

Rollover Accidents: Top-Heavy and Dangerous

Rollovers happen when an 18-wheeler tips onto its side or roof. Given that these trucks have a much higher center of gravity than passenger vehicles, rollovers are catastrophic—especially when the truck lands on a smaller vehicle or spills cargo across the roadway.

In Woodbury County, rollovers frequently occur during harvest season when grain trucks take rural curves at excessive speeds. The cargo “slosh”— grain moving inside the trailer—can shift the center of gravity just enough to cause a tip-over on the tight turns common in our agricultural areas.

Federal regulations under 49 CFR § 393.100 through 136 establish strict cargo securement standards. The aggregate working load limit of tie-downs must be at least 50% of the cargo weight. When loading companies fail to follow these rules, or when trucking companies pressure drivers to ignore safety to meet delivery schedules, we hold them accountable.

Underride Collisions: The Most Fatal of All

An underride collision occurs when a smaller vehicle crashes into the rear or side of a semi-truck and slides underneath. Because the trailer sits higher than the hood of most cars and SUVs, the passenger compartment gets sheared off at windshield level. These are among the most deadly accidents on Woodbury County highways.

The federal government has mandated rear underride guards since 1998 under 49 CFR § 393.86, requiring guards capable of preventing underride at 30 mph impacts. However, many trucks still have inadequate guards, and there’s currently no federal requirement for side underride guards—though advocacy continues.

We inspect the underride guards for compliance, examine rear lighting systems, and determine if poor visibility contributed to the crash. In underride cases, we pursue not just the trucking company but also trailer manufacturers who failed to install adequate protection.

Rear-End Collisions: When 80,000 Pounds Can’t Stop

You already know the numbers: 525 feet to stop at highway speeds. When a truck driver follows too closely, drives distracted by a cell phone or dispatch device, or pushes through fatigue, they can’t stop in time to avoid a collision.

On I-29 through Woodbury County, where traffic suddenly slows for construction zones or weather-related backups, rear-end accidents involving trucks are tragically common. The force of an 80,000-pound truck hitting a 4,000-pound car often causes catastrophic spinal injuries, traumatic brain injuries, or wrongful death.

Federal law under 49 CFR § 392.11 prohibits following more closely than is “reasonable and prudent,” having due regard for speed and traffic conditions. When we download the truck’s ECM data, we can see exactly how fast the truck was traveling, whether brakes were applied, and how much distance the driver maintained before the crash.

Wide Turn Accidents: The “Squeeze Play”

Commercial trucks need enormous space to complete right turns. Truck drivers must swing wide to the left before turning right, creating a gap that temptation leads other drivers to enter. When the truck completes its turn, it crushes the vehicle in the “squeeze play.”

These accidents happen frequently at intersections in Sioux City and rural Woodbury County where truck routes intersect with local traffic. Drivers who fail to properly signal, check mirrors, or account for trailer swing can be held liable for the devastation they cause.

Blind Spot Accidents: The “No-Zone”

18-wheelers have massive blind spots on all four sides—the “No-Zones.” The right-side blind spot is particularly large and dangerous. When truck drivers change lanes without checking mirrors or fail to use turn signals, vehicles traveling in these blind spots get sideswiped, forced off the road, or crushed against concrete barriers.

Federal regulations under 49 CFR § 393.80 require mirrors that provide clear views to the rear on both sides. When we investigate blind spot accidents, we examine whether mirrors were properly adjusted, whether the driver was trained on blind spot awareness, and whether distracted driving played a role.

Tire Blowout Accidents: “Road Gators” and Lost Control

When a semi-truck tire blows out—often called a “road gator” because the tire tread looks like an alligator on the road—the driver can lose control instantly. The debris itself can strike following vehicles, causing them to crash.

Tire blowouts often result from underinflation, overloading, or worn tires that should have been replaced during routine maintenance. Under 49 CFR § 393.75 and § 396.3, trucking companies must systematically inspect and maintain tires, with minimum tread depths of 4/32″ on steer tires and 2/32″ on other positions.

In extreme heat or during long hauls, tire failure becomes more likely. We pull maintenance records to prove whether the company ignored known defects.

Brake Failure Accidents: When Safety Systems Fail

Brake problems contribute to approximately 29% of large truck crashes. Complete brake failure typically results from systematic maintenance neglect—worn pads, air brake leaks, or overheated drums on long descents.

Federal law requires pre-trip and post-trip inspections under 49 CFR § 396.11 and § 396.13. Drivers must prepare written reports on vehicle condition, specifically including brake systems. When these reports are falsified or when companies defer maintenance to save costs, we use maintenance records and inspection histories to prove negligence.

For Woodbury County residents sharing roads with heavy agricultural equipment and livestock haulers, brake failures on steep grades or at rural stop signs create deadly risks.

Cargo Spill and Shift Accidents: Agricultural and Hazardous

Woodbury County’s economy runs on agriculture, and that means trucks hauling grain, livestock, and equipment. When cargo shifts during transport—grain settling unevenly in a trailer or livestock moving unexpectedly—the truck’s center of gravity changes, causing rollovers or jackknifes.

Cargo spills create secondary hazards. Grain spilled on Highway 75 or I-29 becomes as slippery as ice. Livestock escaping from overturned trailers create chaos on rural roads. And when hazardous materials are involved—fuel, chemicals, or agricultural products—the dangers multiply.

Federal cargo securement rules under 49 CFR § 393.100-136 are specific and technical. Cargo must be contained to prevent leaking, spilling, or shifting. Specific requirements apply to different cargo types, including grain, livestock, and heavy equipment. When loading companies in Woodbury County fail to follow these rules, or when trucking companies accept improperly loaded trailers, we pursue every liable party.

Every Possible Defendant—Because You Deserve Maximum Recovery

Unlike a simple car accident where usually only one driver is at fault, 18-wheeler accidents in Woodbury County often involve multiple liable parties. We investigate and pursue claims against every potentially responsible entity:

The Truck Driver: For negligent operation—speeding, distraction, fatigue, impairment, or violations of traffic laws.

The Trucking Company/Motor Carrier: Often the primary defendant. Under the doctrine of respondeat superior, employers are liable for employees’ negligent acts. Additionally, trucking companies may be directly liable for negligent hiring (failing to check the driver’s background), negligent training (inadequate safety instruction), negligent supervision (ignoring HOS violations), or negligent maintenance (deferring brake or tire replacements).

The Cargo Owner/Shipper: When agricultural producers or manufacturers provide improper loading instructions, require overweight hauling, or pressure carriers to exceed safe speeds to meet delivery windows.

The Cargo Loading Company: Third-party loaders who physically secure cargo to trailers. In Woodbury County, this often involves grain elevators or agricultural facilities that load trucks but fail to follow federal securement standards.

Truck and Trailer Manufacturers: When design defects in brake systems, stability control, or fuel tank placement contribute to accidents.

Parts Manufacturers: Companies that produce defective tires, brake components, or steering mechanisms that fail catastrophically.

Maintenance Companies: Third-party mechanics who negligently repair trucks or fail to identify critical safety issues before returning vehicles to service.

Freight Brokers: Intermediaries who arrange transportation but fail to verify carrier safety records or select carriers with histories of violations.

The Truck Owner: In owner-operator arrangements where the driver owns the equipment, separate liability may exist for negligent entrustment or maintenance failures.

Government Entities: When dangerous road design, inadequate signage, or failure to maintain roads (potholes, ice accumulation, or debris) contributes to accidents. Special rules and shorter deadlines apply to claims against Woodbury County or the State of Iowa.

More defendants mean more insurance coverage. While typical car accidents might involve $30,000 in coverage, trucking companies must carry minimum liability insurance of $750,000 for non-hazardous freight, $1 million for oil and equipment, and $5 million for hazardous materials. Many carriers carry $1-5 million or more. By identifying all liable parties, we maximize the insurance pools available for your recovery.

The 48-Hour Evidence Preservation Protocol

Woodbury County trucking accident victims face a critical reality: evidence disappears fast. While you’re recovering in the hospital or coordinating with family, the trucking company has already deployed its rapid-response team to the scene. They’re taking photos, downloading data, and building their defense.

You need a legal team that moves just as fast. When you call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911, we immediately send a spoliation letter to the trucking company—a formal legal notice demanding preservation of all evidence related to the accident. This letter puts them on notice that destroying evidence will result in severe legal consequences, including sanctions and adverse inference instructions (where the jury is told to assume destroyed evidence was unfavorable to the trucking company).

Critical Evidence We Preserve Immediately:

ECM/Black Box Data: The truck’s Electronic Control Module records speed, brake application, throttle position, and fault codes. This data can be overwritten within 30 days or with subsequent driving events. We demand immediate download and preservation.

ELD Records: Electronic Logging Devices have been federally mandated since December 2017. ELDs automatically record driving hours, GPS location, and duty status. They provide irrefutable proof of Hours of Service (HOS) violations—when drivers exceed the 11-hour driving limit or fail to take required 30-minute breaks after 8 hours.

Driver Qualification Files: Federal law requires trucking companies to maintain files containing employment applications, background checks, driving records, medical certifications, drug test results, and training documentation. These files prove whether the company engaged in negligent hiring or supervision.

Maintenance Records: Under 49 CFR § 396.3, companies must systematically inspect and maintain vehicles, with records retained for specific periods. We subpoena brake inspection reports, tire replacement logs, and repair orders to prove deferred maintenance.

Dashcam Footage: Many trucks now carry forward-facing and cab-facing cameras. This footage is often deleted within 7-14 days unless preserved.

Cell Phone Records: We subpoena the driver’s phone records to prove distracted driving—texting, calling, or using apps while operating the vehicle.

Dispatch Records: These reveal communication between the driver and company, potentially showing pressure to violate HOS regulations or falsify logs.

GPS and Telematics Data: Real-time location history can prove route deviations, excessive speeds, or unauthorized use.

In Woodbury County, where rural accidents may occur miles from the nearest town, surveillance camera footage from nearby farms, grain elevators, or gas stations might capture the crash. We canvass the area immediately before this footage is overwritten—typically within 7-30 days.

Every hour you wait, evidence fades. Witness memories blur. The truck gets repaired or sold. Records get “lost.” That’s why we offer 24/7 availability. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 immediately after any Woodbury County trucking accident.

FMCSA Regulations: The Rules Trucking Companies Break

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) governs all commercial trucking through regulations codified in Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations. These aren’t suggestions—they’re federal laws. When trucking companies violate them, we use these violations to prove negligence.

49 CFR Part 390: General Applicability

Establishes that all commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) over 10,001 pounds operating in interstate commerce must comply with safety regulations. This applies to virtually every 18-wheeler on Woodbury County highways.

49 CFR Part 391: Driver Qualification Standards

Before a driver can legally operate a commercial truck, they must:

• Be at least 21 years old (18 for intrastate, but Woodbury County trucks typically cross state lines)
• Possess a valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)
• Pass a physical examination and hold a current Medical Examiner’s Certificate
• Be able to read and speak English sufficiently to communicate with the public and law enforcement
• Have a driving record free of disqualifying offenses

The trucking company must maintain a Driver Qualification File containing the employment application, three years of driving history, road test certificates, and annual reviews. When companies hire drivers with histories of reckless driving, DUI, or hours-of-service violations—or fail to verify qualifications at all—they commit negligent hiring.

49 CFR Part 392: Driving of Commercial Motor Vehicles

Prohibits operating while fatigued, ill, or under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Specifically, § 392.3 states that no driver shall operate a CMV while their “ability or alertness is so impaired, or so likely to become impaired, through fatigue, illness, or any other cause, as to make it unsafe.”

Section 392.82 prohibits handheld mobile phone use while driving—a violation we see frequently in distraction cases. Section 392.11 requires drivers to maintain safe following distances, and § 392.6 prohibits scheduling runs that would require exceeding speed limits.

49 CFR Part 393: Parts and Accessories for Safe Operation

Covers vehicle equipment including brakes, lighting, tires, and cargo securement. Section 393.40 requires properly functioning brake systems on all wheels. Section 393.100 mandates that cargo be properly contained and secured to prevent shifting that affects stability or maneuverability.

For Woodbury County’s agricultural trucks, specific rules apply to grain loads, livestock transport, and heavy equipment securement. When loaders at grain elevators fail to use adequate tiedowns or blocking, they violate federal law.

49 CFR Part 395: Hours of Service (HOS) Regulations

These are the most commonly violated rules—and the most dangerous. For property-carrying drivers:

• 11-Hour Driving Limit: Maximum 11 hours driving after 10 consecutive hours off duty
• 14-Hour Duty Window: Cannot drive beyond the 14th consecutive hour after coming on duty
• 30-Minute Break: Mandatory break of at least 30 minutes after 8 cumulative hours of driving
• 60/70-Hour Limit: Cannot drive after 60 hours in 7 days or 70 hours in 8 days (requires 34-hour restart)

Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) automatically record these hours and synchronize with the truck engine. Unlike paper logs that drivers could falsify, ELD data is objective and tamper-resistant. We obtain ELD downloads to prove fatigue violations.

49 CFR Part 396: Inspection, Repair, and Maintenance

Requires systematic inspection programs. Drivers must conduct pre-trip inspections before driving and post-trip inspections after each day’s work, documenting any defects in a Driver Vehicle Inspection Report (DVIR). Companies must retain these records and repair defects before allowing trucks back into service.

When brake failures, tire blowouts, or lighting failures cause Woodbury County accidents, we examine inspection records to prove the company knew about defects but failed to address them.

Catastrophic Injuries and Your Future

Woodbury County trucking accidents don’t cause simple fender-benders. The physics involved—20 times the weight of a passenger car combined with highway speeds—causes catastrophic, life-changing injuries.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

The force of a truck impact often causes the brain to strike the inside of the skull, resulting in concussions or severe TBI. Symptoms include memory loss, confusion, headaches, mood changes, difficulty concentrating, and personality changes. Severe TBI can require lifelong care.

Our firm has recovered between $1.548 million and $9.838 million for traumatic brain injury victims. These settlements don’t erase what happened, but they provide resources for the best possible medical care and quality of life.

Spinal Cord Injury and Paralysis

Damage to the spinal cord can result in paraplegia (loss of function below the waist) or quadriplegia (loss of function in all four limbs). Complete injuries mean no nerve function below the injury level; incomplete injuries retain some function. Lifetime care costs for quadriplegia can exceed $5 million.

We’ve secured settlements ranging from $4.77 million to $25.88 million for spinal cord injury cases.

Amputation

When crushing forces trap limbs or when infections develop from severe wounds, amputation may be necessary. Beyond the initial surgery, victims require prosthetics ($5,000-$50,000+ each, with replacements needed throughout life), physical therapy, occupational therapy, and home modifications.

Our amputation settlements have ranged from $1.945 million to $8.63 million.

Severe Burns

Fuel tank ruptures and fires, or hazardous material spills, cause severe burns requiring skin grafts, multiple reconstructive surgeries, and treatment for chronic pain and infection. Third and fourth-degree burns scar permanently and often require psychological support for trauma.

Internal Organ Damage

Liver lacerations, spleen ruptures, kidney damage, and collapsed lungs may not show immediate symptoms but can be life-threatening. These injuries often require emergency surgery and may affect long-term health even after healing.

Wrongful Death

When a Woodbury County trucking accident takes a loved one, surviving family members can pursue wrongful death claims. Under Iowa law (which applies modified comparative negligence with a 51% bar), spouses, children, and parents may recover damages for lost income, loss of consortium, mental anguish, funeral expenses, and medical costs incurred before death.

Our wrongful death settlements have ranged from $1.91 million to $9.52 million.

As client Chad Harris said: “You are NOT a pest to them and you are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.” When you’re dealing with catastrophic loss, you need attorneys who treat you like family while fighting relentlessly for justice.

Iowa Law and Woodbury County Truck Accidents

Understanding the legal landscape specific to Iowa helps you make informed decisions about your Woodbury County case.

Statute of Limitations: Two Years to Act

In Iowa, you have exactly two years from the date of your trucking accident to file a lawsuit. This applies to both personal injury and wrongful death claims. If you miss this deadline, you lose your right to sue forever—no matter how clear the trucking company’s negligence or how severe your injuries.

This is why we emphasize immediate action. While two years sounds like plenty of time, complex trucking cases require extensive investigation. We need time to subpoena records, depose witnesses, consult experts, and negotiate with insurance companies before filing suit if necessary.

Comparative Negligence: Iowa’s 51% Bar Rule

Iowa follows a “modified comparative negligence” system with a 51% bar. This means you can recover damages as long as you are not more than 50% at fault for the accident. However, your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault.

For example, if a Woodbury County jury awards you $1 million but finds you 20% at fault (perhaps for speeding slightly in a construction zone while the truck driver ran a red light), you would recover $800,000. But if you’re found 51% or more at fault, you recover nothing.

Trucking companies and their insurers often try to shift blame to the victim. They’ll claim you were driving distracted, failed to signal, or could have avoided the accident. That’s why we gather objective evidence—the ECM data, the ELD logs, the surveillance footage—to prove exactly what happened and protect you from false blame assignments.

Insurance Requirements and Coverage

Federal law mandates minimum insurance coverage for commercial trucks:

• $750,000 for general freight (non-hazardous)
• $1,000,000 for oil, petroleum, and large equipment
• $5,000,000 for hazardous materials

Many carriers carry significantly more coverage through excess or umbrella policies. Additionally, multiple insurance policies may apply—the motor carrier’s liability policy, the trailer interchange agreement, the cargo insurer, and the truck owner’s policy.

We identify every available policy to maximize your recovery.

Punitive Damages: Punishing Gross Negligence

While Iowa doesn’t cap compensatory damages (medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering), punitive damages may be available when the trucking company acted with willful and wanton disregard for safety—such as knowingly hiring a driver with multiple DUIs, destroying evidence, or falsifying logs to hide HOS violations. Punitive damages punish the wrongdoer and deter future misconduct.

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Woodbury County Trucking Accident?

When you’re facing the aftermath of a catastrophic 18-wheeler accident in Woodbury County, you have choices. Here’s why families across Iowa and beyond choose Attorney911:

25+ Years of Experience: Ralph Manginello has been fighting for injury victims since 1998. He’s not learning trucking law on your case—he’s applying decades of specialized knowledge.

Inside Knowledge: Lupe Peña used to defend insurance companies. Now he uses that insider perspective to fight for maximum recoveries. As client Angel Walle told us: “They solved in a couple of months what others did nothing about in two years.”

Federal Court Experience: Ralph’s admission to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas means we can handle interstate cases and complex federal litigation that other firms cannot.

Proven Results: We’ve recovered over $50 million for clients, including multi-million dollar settlements for TBI, amputation, and wrongful death cases. Client Glenda Walker said: “They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.”

Family Treatment: We don’t see you as a case number. As Chad Harris noted, “You are FAMILY to them.” We return calls promptly, provide regular updates, and involve you in major decisions.

No Upfront Costs: We work on contingency—33.33% if settled pre-trial, 40% if litigation is required. You pay nothing unless we win. We advance all investigation costs, including expert fees and court costs.

Spanish Language Services: Lupe Peña provides fluent Spanish representation. Hablamos Español a Woodbury County.

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

What To Do After a Trucking Accident in Woodbury County

If you’re reading this in the immediate aftermath of an accident, here’s your action plan:

1. Seek Medical Attention: Even if you feel fine, get checked by a doctor immediately. Some injuries—internal bleeding, TBI, spinal damage—don’t show symptoms right away.

2. Document Everything: If you’re able, photograph all vehicles, the accident scene, skid marks, road conditions, and your injuries. Get contact information from witnesses.

3. Don’t Talk to Insurance: The trucking company’s insurer will call quickly. Do not give a recorded statement. Anything you say can be used to minimize your claim.

4. Preserve Evidence: The truck, trailer, and black box data are critical evidence. Do not let them be moved, repaired, or destroyed before your attorney can inspect them.

5. Call Attorney911 Immediately: Time is critical. Evidence disappears. Witnesses scatter. The trucking company is already building its defense. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 now.

Serving All of Woodbury County and Northwest Iowa

Whether your accident occurred on I-29 near Salix, on US-20 through Lawton, on the rural roads near Moville, or in Sioux City itself, we handle cases throughout Woodbury County and the surrounding region. We understand the local roads, the local trucking companies, and the local courts.

From the agricultural communities of Correctionville and Danbury to the suburban areas of Sergeant Bluff and the urban core of Sioux City, Woodbury County residents deserve legal representation that combines local knowledge with national-level expertise.

Frequently Asked Questions: Woodbury County Trucking Accidents

How long do I have to file a lawsuit after a trucking accident in Iowa?
You have two years from the date of the accident. However, you should never wait that long. Evidence critical to trucking cases—black box data, ELD logs, maintenance records—can be overwritten or destroyed within days or weeks. Call us immediately to preserve your rights.

Can I still recover if I was partially at fault for the accident?
Yes, as long as you were not more than 50% at fault. Iowa’s modified comparative negligence system reduces your recovery by your percentage of fault, but doesn’t eliminate it unless you’re primarily responsible. We work to minimize any fault attributed to you through evidence-based investigation.

Who can be held liable for a trucking accident?
Potentially the driver, trucking company, cargo owner, loading company, truck manufacturer, parts manufacturer, maintenance company, freight broker, and even government entities if road conditions contributed. We investigate every angle to identify every liable party.

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, maintenance records, driver files, or physical evidence. We send these within 24 hours of being retained.

How much is my case worth?
Every case is unique. Value depends on injury severity, medical costs, lost income, pain and suffering, available insurance coverage, and the degree of negligence. The trucking company likely carries between $750,000 and $5 million in coverage. We maximize recovery by proving all available damages.

Will my case go to trial?
Most settle before trial, but we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial. Insurance companies offer better settlements when they know you’re willing and able to go to court. Ralph Manginello has the federal court experience and trial skills to take your case all the way if necessary.

Do I need a lawyer if the trucking company already offered a settlement?
Yes. First offers are almost always “lowball” offers designed to pay you less than you deserve before you understand the full extent of your injuries. Never accept a settlement without consulting an experienced trucking attorney.

What if the truck driver was an independent contractor?
Both the owner-operator and the trucking company that hired them may be liable. We investigate the relationship between driver and company, looking past “independent contractor” labels to see who actually controlled the work.

How do I pay for medical treatment while waiting for my case to settle?
We can help you find medical providers willing to treat on a Letter of Protection (LOP), meaning they get paid from your settlement. We also help coordinate with your health insurance and explore other coverage options. Client Stephanie Hernandez told us: “When I felt I had no hope or direction, Leonor reached out to me… She took all the weight of my worries off my shoulders.”

Can undocumented immigrants file personal injury claims in Iowa?
Yes. Immigration status does not prevent you from filing a personal injury claim or recovering compensation. You have the same rights as any other accident victim. Hablamos Español. Llame a Lupe Peña al 1-888-ATTY-911.

What about accidents involving agricultural trucks in Woodbury County?
Agricultural trucks must still comply with FMCSA regulations when operating on public roads. While certain exemptions exist for farm-to-market transport, drivers must still be qualified, vehicles must be maintained, and cargo must be secured. We know the specific rules that apply to agricultural operations.

Call Now: Your Woodbury County Fight Starts Today

You’ve been through enough. The pain. The uncertainty. The medical bills piling up while you’re unable to work. The insurance company acting like they’re doing you a favor by offering pennies on the dollar.

You need someone in your corner who knows how to fight—and win—against big trucking companies and their deep-pocketed insurers.

Ralph Manginello has spent 25 years making trucking companies pay. Lupe Peña brings the insider knowledge they hoped you’d never have. Together, we’ve recovered millions for families devastated by 18-wheeler accidents.

We’re available 24/7. The consultation is free. You pay nothing unless we win.

Call 1-888-ATTY-911 now.

Or reach us at our Houston office at (713) 528-9070.

Hablamos Español. Llame hoy.

Your case matters. Your family matters. Let us fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.

Attorney911. Because trucking companies shouldn’t get away with it.

Results may vary. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Free consultation. No fee unless we win.