18-Wheeler Accident Lawyers in Worth County, Iowa: Your Fight for Justice Starts Here

When 80,000 Pounds Changes Everything

One moment you’re driving through Worth County’s rolling farmland on Highway 65, and the next, your life is forever altered. An 80,000-pound semi-truck doesn’t give you a fighting chance. The impact is catastrophic, the injuries are devastating, and the trucking company is already working to minimize what they owe you.

At Attorney911, we’ve spent over 25 years standing up to trucking companies and their armies of insurance adjusters. Ralph Manginello, our managing partner, has been fighting for injured victims since 1998, securing multi-million dollar settlements for families devastated by commercial truck crashes. And here’s what you need to know right now: the evidence that proves the trucking company was negligent is disappearing every minute you wait.

Call 1-888-ATTY-911 today. We answer 24/7, and we’ll send a preservation letter to lock down that black box data before it’s gone forever.

Why Worth County Trucking Accidents Are Different

Worth County sits at the crossroads of Iowa’s agricultural heartland. Our county’s roads see massive volumes of commercial traffic—grain haulers heading to elevators, livestock trucks bound for processing facilities, and interstate freight cutting through on I-35 and U.S. Highway 65. This isn’t just rural Iowa traffic; it’s a perfect storm of heavy loads, time-pressured drivers, and weather conditions that can turn deadly in an instant.

We know these roads. We’ve represented truck accident victims from Northwood to Kensett, from Grafton to the Minnesota border. When a jackknife blocks Highway 65 during an Iowa blizzard, or when a fatigued driver drifts across the center line on County Road B20, the results are catastrophic. And unlike a simple fender-bender between two cars, commercial trucking cases involve layers of federal regulations, multiple insurance policies, and corporate defendants who hide behind teams of lawyers.

That’s why you need a team that understands both the federal FMCSA regulations and the specific challenges of Worth County’s rural highways. With offices serving Iowa and the Midwest, Attorney911 brings federal court experience and a track record of multi-million dollar results to every Worth County case we handle.

What Makes Attorney911 Different in Worth County

25+ Years of Fighting for Truck Accident Victims

Since 1998, Ralph Manginello has built a reputation as a relentless advocate for injured Iowans. But credentials on paper don’t tell the full story. What matters is results—and we’ve delivered. Our firm has recovered over $50 million for clients across all practice areas, including seven-figure settlements for traumatic brain injury victims, spinal cord injury survivors, and families who lost loved ones to wrongful death.

Ralph isn’t just a lawyer with a bar card. He’s admitted to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas, giving him the federal court experience necessary for complex interstate trucking cases that cross state lines. When a trucking company transports goods from Minnesota through Worth County down to Texas, federal jurisdiction applies—and you need an attorney who can navigate those courts.

The Insurance Defense Advantage

Here’s something most firms can’t offer: our associate attorney, Lupe Peña, used to work for national insurance defense firms. He spent years inside the system, watching how trucking insurers evaluate claims, training adjusters to minimize payouts, and developing strategies to deny legitimate claims. Now he uses that insider knowledge against them.

When Lupe reviews your Worth County trucking case, he sees exactly what the insurance adjuster sees—and he knows how to counter every tactic they’ll use. That’s not just a bio fact; that’s your advantage. As client Donald Wilcox told us after we took his case that another firm rejected, “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 just know the law. We know their playbook.

Multi-Million Dollar Results That Matter

While past results don’t guarantee future outcomes, they demonstrate capability. In trucking and catastrophic injury cases, Attorney911 has secured:

• $5+ Million for a traumatic brain injury victim struck by falling equipment at a logging operation
• $3.8+ Million for a client who suffered a partial leg amputation following a car accident and subsequent medical complications
• $2.5+ Million in a commercial truck crash settlement
• $2+ Million for a maritime worker with a back injury under the Jones Act

But numbers only tell part of the story. As client Glenda Walker said, “They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.” And Chad Harris put it simply: “You are NOT a pest to them and you are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.”

Worth County’s Local Presence

Attorney911 isn’t a faceless national firm. We’re your neighbors. With offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we serve trucking accident victims across the Midwest, including Worth County and northern Iowa. We understand Iowa’s modified comparative negligence laws, we know the Worth County Courthouse procedures, and we’re familiar with the specific dangers of I-35 and Highway 65.

When you call 888-ATTY-911, you get a team that treats you like family, not a case number. We answer our phones 24/7 because we know accidents don’t happen on business hours.

Understanding Iowa’s Trucking Laws: What Worth County Victims Need to Know

Iowa’s Statute of Limitations: Don’t Wait, Act Now

In Iowa, you have two years from the date of your trucking accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. Miss this deadline, and you lose your right to compensation forever—no matter how serious your injuries or how clearly the truck driver was at fault.

But waiting is dangerous for another reason: evidence disappears. Black box data can be overwritten in 30 days. Dashcam footage gets deleted within weeks. Witnesses move away or forget what they saw. The trucking company is already building their defense. You need to act now to protect your rights.

Modified Comparative Negligence: Iowa’s 51% Rule

Iowa follows a modified comparative negligence rule with a 51% bar. Here’s what that means for your Worth County trucking accident case:

If you were partially at fault, you can still recover damages—as long as you’re found to be 50% or less responsible. However, your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if your case is worth $500,000 but you’re found 20% at fault, you’d recover $400,000.

But if you’re 51% or more at fault, you recover nothing. That’s why trucking companies and their insurers try to shift blame onto injured victims. They’ll claim you were speeding, distracted, or following too closely. Without an experienced attorney fighting to prove the truck driver’s negligence—and only their negligence—you could lose everything.

This is where having a former insurance defense attorney on your team matters. Lupe Peña knows exactly how insurers try to pin blame on victims, and he knows how to counter those arguments with hard evidence from ECM data, driver logs, and maintenance records.

Iowa’s Major Trucking Corridors and Risk Factors

Worth County sits at a critical junction for freight traffic moving through the Midwest. Understanding these routes helps explain why certain types of accidents happen here:

I-35: The primary north-south artery running through Worth County, connecting the Twin Cities to Des Moines and Kansas City. This interstate sees massive semi-truck volume, particularly agricultural products heading south and manufactured goods heading north. The combination of high speeds, winter weather, and fatigued drivers creates dangerous conditions for jackknife and rollover accidents.

U.S. Highway 65: Running right through the heart of Worth County, Highway 65 is a major truck route linking Minnesota to Missouri. Unlike the interstate, Highway 65 has intersections, driveways, and farm equipment entering the roadway—creating perfect conditions for T-bone accidents and rear-end collisions when trucks can’t stop in time.

U.S. Highway 20: This east-west corridor handles significant freight traffic, including heavy agricultural equipment. The rural stretches through Worth County mean long response times for emergency services and limited lighting at night.

County Roads and Farm-to-Market Routes: Worth County’s rural roads weren’t designed for 80,000-pound trucks, yet these vehicles daily navigate narrow lanes, sharp curves, and limited shoulders to reach grain elevators and livestock facilities. These roads see a disproportionate number of cargo spills, rollovers, and run-off-road accidents.

Winter Weather Hazards: Iowa winters are brutal. Black ice on I-35, blowing snow reducing visibility on Highway 65, and frozen road surfaces create conditions where even experienced truck drivers lose control. When trucking companies pressure drivers to meet delivery schedules despite weather warnings, accidents happen.

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations: The Rules Trucking Companies Break

Every commercial truck operating in Worth County must follow strict federal regulations under the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). These rules are codified in Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations (49 CFR), Parts 390 through 399. When trucking companies violate these regulations—whether through negligence, cost-cutting, or deliberate disregard for safety—they are liable for the injuries they cause.

49 CFR Part 391: Driver Qualification Standards

Before a driver can legally operate an 18-wheeler in Iowa or anywhere else, they must meet strict qualification standards under 49 CFR § 391.11. The trucking company must verify:

• The driver is at least 21 years old
• They can read and speak English sufficiently to communicate with the public
• They can safely operate the specific vehicle and cargo type
• They are physically qualified per § 391.41 (no disqualifying medical conditions)
• They hold a valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)
• They have completed required Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT)

The Driver Qualification File (DQ File): Under 49 CFR § 391.51, motor carriers must maintain a complete file for every driver, including:

• Employment application and three-year driving history investigation
• Current Medical Examiner’s Certificate (valid for maximum 24 months)
• Annual driving record review
• Pre-employment and random drug test results
• Road test certification or equivalent

Why This Matters for Your Case: If the trucking company failed to maintain a proper DQ file, hired a driver with a poor safety record, or allowed an unqualified driver behind the wheel, they committed negligent hiring. We subpoena these records immediately to prove the company knew—or should have known—they were putting a dangerous driver on Worth County roads.

49 CFR Part 392: Driving of Commercial Motor Vehicles

Federal law establishes strict rules for how commercial drivers must operate their vehicles. Violations of Part 392 are strong evidence of negligence.

Fatigued Driving (49 CFR § 392.3): “No driver shall operate a commercial motor vehicle… while the driver’s ability or alertness is so impaired, or so likely to become impaired, through fatigue, illness, or any other cause, as to make it unsafe.”

When an Iowa State Patrol trooper finds a driver who fell asleep at the wheel on I-35 near the Worth County line, this regulation becomes the foundation of your negligence claim.

Prohibited Drug and Alcohol Use (49 CFR §§ 392.4-392.5): Truck drivers cannot:

• Use Schedule I controlled substances
• Drive under the influence of amphetamines, narcotics, or any substance impairing safe driving
• Consume alcohol within four hours of going on duty
• Have a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) of .04% or higher while on duty

Following Distance (49 CFR § 392.11): Drivers must not follow other vehicles “more closely than is reasonable and prudent.” Given that an 80,000-pound truck needs nearly two football fields to stop from highway speed, tailgating is both a violation and incredibly dangerous.

Mobile Phone Use (49 CFR § 392.82): Hand-held mobile telephone use while driving is prohibited. Texting is banned. We subpoena cell phone records to prove distraction.

49 CFR Part 393: Parts and Accessories for Safe Operation

This section covers vehicle equipment standards, including cargo securement and brake systems.

Cargo Securement (49 CFR §§ 393.100-136): Cargo must be secured to prevent:

• Leaking, spilling, blowing, or falling from the vehicle
• Shifting that affects vehicle stability or maneuverability
• Blocking the driver’s view

Tiedowns must meet specific strength requirements, and the aggregate working load limit must be at least 50% of the cargo weight for loose items. When a grain hauler spills its load across Highway 65 in Worth County because of inadequate securement, this regulation proves negligence.

Brake Systems (49 CFR §§ 393.40-55): All commercial motor vehicles must have properly functioning brake systems, including service brakes on all wheels and parking/emergency brakes. Minimum tread depth requirements apply (4/32-inch for steer tires, 2/32-inch for other positions).

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

These are the most commonly violated regulations in trucking accidents—and the most deadly when ignored.

Property-Carrying Drivers (most 18-wheelers) must follow:

Electronic Logging Device (ELD) Mandate (49 CFR § 395.8): Since December 18, 2017, most drivers must use ELDs that automatically record driving time and synchronize with the vehicle engine. These devices provide tamper-resistant evidence of HOS violations.

The Critical Evidence: ELD data shows exactly how long the driver was on duty, whether they took required breaks, and if they violated the 11-hour limit. This data has a limited retention period—typically 6 months under FMCSA rules—but can be overwritten sooner. We send spoliation letters immediately to preserve this evidence.

49 CFR Part 396: Inspection, Repair, and Maintenance

Trucking companies must systematically inspect, repair, and maintain their vehicles under 49 CFR § 396.3.

Driver Inspection Requirements:

• Pre-trip Inspection (§ 396.13): Drivers must be satisfied the vehicle is safe before driving
• Post-trip Inspection (§ 396.11): Written reports required on vehicle condition, including brakes, steering, lighting, tires, and emergency equipment
• Annual Inspection (§ 396.17): Comprehensive inspection required every 12 months

Maintenance Record Retention: Records must be kept for at least one year (14 months for annual inspections).

Why This Matters: Brake failures cause 29% of truck accidents. If the Worth County accident that injured you was caused by worn brakes, and the trucking company deferred maintenance to save money, they violated federal law—and we hold them accountable.

Types of 18-Wheeler Accidents in Worth County: Causes and Consequences

The specific geography and economy of Worth County create unique accident risks. From the interstate corridors to the rural farm-to-market roads, different hazards lead to different types of catastrophic crashes.

Jackknife Accidents

A jackknife occurs when the trailer skids outward, folding against the cab at an acute angle—like a pocket knife closing. The trailer often sweeps across multiple lanes, creating a deadly barrier that other vehicles cannot avoid.

Common Causes in Worth County:

• Sudden braking on icy I-35 surfaces during Iowa winters
• Empty or lightly loaded trailers (common in grain hauling) that lack downward force on the axles
• Improper braking technique on curves near the Shell Rock River
• Equipment failure combined with slippery conditions

Evidence We Gather: ECM data showing brake application timing, anti-lock brake system (ABS) functionality, maintenance records for brake adjustment, and weather conditions at the time of the crash.

Injuries: Multi-vehicle pileups, T-bone collisions with the sliding trailer, and catastrophic crushing injuries.

Rollover Accidents

With 80,000 pounds of weight and a high center of gravity, semi-trucks are prone to tipping onto their sides or roofs—especially on Worth County’s rural roads that weren’t designed for modern freight traffic.

Common Causes:

• Speeding on curves along Highway 65 or County Road B20
• Liquid cargo “slosh” (tanker trucks) shifting the center of gravity
• Overcorrection after a tire blowout
• Unbalanced loads from improper cargo distribution

Worth County Specifics: The rural nature of our roads means soft shoulders and steep ditches that contribute to rollovers when drivers drift off pavement.

Injuries: Occupants of cars crushed beneath the trailer suffer the most severe injuries, including decapitation, traumatic brain injury, and spinal cord damage.

Underride Collisions

Perhaps the most horrific type of trucking accident, an underride occurs when a passenger vehicle slides underneath the trailer. The trailer bed often shears off the roof of the car at windshield level.

Types:

• Rear Underride: Vehicle strikes the back of the trailer; often occurs when traffic slows suddenly on I-35
• Side Underride: Vehicle slides under the side of the trailer during lane changes or at intersections

Federal Requirements: 49 CFR § 393.86 requires rear impact guards on trailers manufactured after January 26, 1998, capable of preventing underride at 30 mph impact. However, there is no federal requirement for side underride guards (though advocacy continues).

Worth County Context: Limited lighting on rural highways and the prevalence of dark-colored trailers at night make underride accidents particularly likely in our area.

Injuries: Almost always fatal or catastrophic, including decapitation and severe head trauma.

Rear-End Collisions

An 18-wheeler needs approximately 525 feet to stop from 65 mph—nearly two football fields. When truck drivers follow too closely or fail to account for traffic slowing on Highway 65, the results are devastating.

Common Causes:

• Driver distraction (cell phone, dispatch communications)
• Fatigue-induced delayed reaction time
• Brake failure from poor maintenance
• Speeding for conditions

FMCSA Violations: 49 CFR § 392.11 (following too closely), § 392.3 (fatigue), § 393.48 (brake deficiencies)

Injuries: Whiplash, spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injury, and crushing injuries when vehicles are pushed into other objects.

Wide Turn Accidents (“Squeeze Play”)

18-wheelers require significant space to turn, causing drivers to swing wide—often into adjacent lanes—before completing the turn. Unsuspecting motorists who enter the gap get crushed when the truck completes its maneuver.

Common in Worth County: At rural intersections where farm equipment enters roadways, and in small towns like Northwood where tight intersections force wide turns.

Injuries: Crushing injuries, amputations, and fatalities when vehicles are caught between the truck and curb.

Tire Blowout Accidents

Iowa’s extreme temperature variations—summer heat topping 90°F and winter cold dropping below zero—stress commercial tires. When a steer tire blows on an 80,000-pound truck at highway speed, the driver often loses control completely.

Common Causes:

• Underinflation causing overheating
• Overloaded vehicles exceeding tire capacity
• Worn tires not replaced due to cost-cutting
• Road debris on rural highways

FMCSA Requirements: 49 CFR § 393.75 mandates minimum tread depths and proper tire condition. § 396.13 requires pre-trip tire inspection.

Cargo Spill and Shift Accidents

Worth County’s economy runs on agriculture—and that means massive volumes of grain, livestock, and equipment moving by truck. When cargo shifts or spills, the results are catastrophic.

Grain Spills: Loose corn or soybeans on Highway 65 create slick surfaces that cause multi-vehicle pileups.
Livestock Incidents: When cattle or hog trailers overturn, the chaos creates secondary accidents.
Equipment Drops: Improperly secured farm equipment falling from flatbeds strikes following vehicles.

FMCSA Violations: 49 CFR §§ 393.100-136 (cargo securement). The aggregate working load limit for tiedowns must be at least 50% of cargo weight.

Head-On Collisions

When a fatigued or distracted truck driver crosses the center line on a rural Worth County road, the closing speed of two vehicles traveling toward each other creates impact forces that are almost always fatal for the passenger vehicle occupants.

Common Causes:

• Driver fatigue (Hours of Service violations)
• Distracted driving (cell phone use violating 49 CFR § 392.82)
• Impaired driving
• Overcorrection after running off the shoulder

Liable Parties: Who Can Be Held Responsible?

Unlike a typical car accident where usually only one driver is at fault, 18-wheeler accidents involve multiple potentially liable parties. Our investigation targets every entity that contributed to the crash to maximize your recovery.

The Truck Driver

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

• Speeding or reckless driving
• Distracted driving (cell phone use, eating, adjusting GPS)
• Fatigued driving beyond legal limits (49 CFR Part 395 violations)
• Impaired driving (drugs, alcohol, prescription medication)
• Failure to conduct pre-trip inspections (49 CFR § 396.13)

Evidence: Cell phone records, ELD data, driving history, training records, and post-accident drug/alcohol test results.

The Trucking Company (Motor Carrier)

The trucking company is typically the primary defendant because they carry the highest insurance limits ($750,000 to $5 million) and bear ultimate responsibility for safety.

Vicarious Liability (Respondeat Superior): Employers are responsible for employees’ negligent acts within the scope of employment.

Direct Negligence:

• Negligent Hiring: Failing to check driver qualifications, CDL status, or safety record
• Negligent Training: Inadequate instruction on safety procedures, cargo securement, or hours of service compliance
• Negligent Supervision: Failing to monitor ELD compliance or address safety violations
• Negligent Maintenance: Systematic deferral of brake repairs, tire replacements, or safety inspections
• Negligent Scheduling: Pressuring drivers to violate hours of service to meet delivery deadlines

Evidence: Driver Qualification Files, dispatch records showing schedule pressure, CSA (Compliance, Safety, Accountability) scores, maintenance logs, and company safety policies.

Cargo Owner and Loading Companies

The company that loaded the truck may be liable for:

• Improper cargo securement (violation of 49 CFR Part 393)
• Unbalanced load distribution causing rollovers
• Overloading beyond vehicle weight ratings
• Failure to disclose hazardous cargo properties

Common in Worth County: Grain elevators, livestock facilities, and agricultural suppliers who load trucks with corn, soybeans, or cattle and fail to properly secure the load.

Truck and Parts Manufacturers

When defective equipment causes accidents, manufacturers face liability under product defect theories:

• Design Defects: Brake systems prone to failure, fuel tank placement creating fire hazards
• Manufacturing Defects: Faulty welds, component failures
• Failure to Warn: Inadequate warnings about known dangers

Evidence: Recall notices, technical service bulletins (TSBs), NHTSA complaint databases, and expert analysis of failed components.

Maintenance Companies

Third-party mechanics who service trucking fleets may be liable for:

• Negligent repairs that failed to fix safety issues
• Improper brake adjustments
• Using substandard or incorrect parts
• Returning vehicles to service with known defects

Freight Brokers

Freight brokers who arrange transportation but don’t own trucks may be liable under negligent selection theories if they:

• Hired a carrier with a poor safety record (low CSA scores)
• Failed to verify insurance and operating authority
• Selected the cheapest carrier despite known safety concerns

Government Entities

In limited circumstances, federal, state, or local government may be liable for:

• Dangerous road design
• Failure to maintain roads (potholes, debris)
• Inadequate signage for known hazards
• Improper work zone setup

Important: Iowa’s sovereign immunity protections limit government liability, and strict notice requirements apply. Claims against government entities require immediate action.

The 48-Hour Evidence Protocol: Why Time Is Critical

The first 48 hours after a Worth County trucking accident are the most critical for preserving evidence. Trucking companies and their insurers deploy rapid-response teams to the scene within hours—sometimes before the ambulance leaves. They’re not there to help you; they’re there to protect themselves.

Evidence That Disappears Quickly

The Spoliation Letter: Your Shield Against Evidence Destruction

Within 24 hours of being retained, Attorney911 sends a spoliation letter to the trucking company, their insurer, and all potentially liable parties. This formal legal notice demands preservation of:

Electronic Data:

• ECM/EDR data (Event Data Recorder)
• Electronic Logging Device (ELD) records
• GPS and telematics data
• Dashcam footage
• Cell phone records and text messages
• Dispatch communications

Driver Records:

• Complete Driver Qualification File
• Drug and alcohol test results
• Employment application and background check
• Medical certifications
• Previous employer inquiries

Vehicle Records:

• Maintenance and repair records
• Pre-trip and post-trip inspection reports
• Annual inspection records
• Tire and brake service history

Company Records:

• Hours of service logs for 6 months prior
• Safety policies and training curricula
• CSA scores and safety ratings
• Insurance policies and coverage declarations

Legal Effect: Once a company receives a spoliation letter, they have a legal duty to preserve this evidence. Destruction after receiving notice can result in:

• Adverse inference instructions (the jury is told to assume destroyed evidence was unfavorable to the trucking company)
• Monetary sanctions
• Default judgment in extreme cases
• Punitive damages for intentional destruction

Catastrophic Injuries: Understanding the Full Impact

The physics of an 80,000-pound truck striking a 4,000-pound passenger vehicle are devastating. The force of impact at highway speeds causes catastrophic injuries that require lifelong care and rehabilitation.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

Mechanism: The brain impacts the skull due to sudden deceleration, or penetrating injuries from debris.

Symptoms:

• Loss of consciousness (even brief)
• Confusion and disorientation
• Persistent headaches
• Memory loss and concentration difficulties
• Mood changes, depression, anxiety
• Sensory disturbances (vision, hearing, taste)

Long-Term Impact: Moderate to severe TBI can result in permanent cognitive impairment, inability to work, personality changes, and increased risk of early-onset dementia. Lifetime care costs range from $85,000 to $3 million+.

Settlement Range: $1,548,000 to $9,838,000+ depending on severity and long-term prognosis.

Spinal Cord Injury and Paralysis

Types:

• Paraplegia: Loss of function below the waist
• Quadriplegia: Loss of function in all four limbs
• Incomplete Injuries: Partial nerve function remains

Lifetime Costs:

• Paraplegia: $1.1 million to $2.5 million+
• Quadriplegia: $3.5 million to $5 million+

Settlement Range: $4,770,000 to $25,880,000+ for paralysis cases.

Amputation

Whether traumatic (limb severed at scene) or surgical (medically necessary due to crush injuries), amputation requires:

• Initial surgery and hospitalization
• Prosthetic limbs ($5,000 to $50,000+ each, replaced regularly)
• Physical and occupational therapy
• Home modifications
• Psychological counseling

Settlement Range: $1,945,000 to $8,630,000 depending on limb and occupational impact.

Wrongful Death

When a trucking accident kills a loved one, Iowa law allows surviving family members to recover:

• Lost future income and benefits
• Loss of consortium (companionship, guidance, support)
• Mental anguish and emotional suffering
• Funeral and burial expenses
• Medical expenses incurred before death
• Punitive damages (if gross negligence is proven)

Settlement Range: $1,910,000 to $9,520,000+ depending on decedent’s age, earning capacity, and dependents.

Insurance Coverage: Understanding What’s Available

Federal law mandates minimum insurance coverage for commercial trucks, far exceeding typical auto policy limits.

FMCSA Minimum Liability Requirements

Reality Check: Most major carriers carry $1 million to $5 million in coverage. This higher coverage means catastrophic injuries can actually be compensated, rather than leaving families with unpaid medical bills and no recourse.

Types of Damages Recoverable

Economic Damages (Calculable Losses):

• Medical expenses (past, present, and future)
• Lost wages and benefits
• Lost earning capacity
• Property damage
• Life care costs (ongoing medical care, equipment)

Non-Economic Damages (Quality of Life):

• Pain and suffering
• Mental anguish
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Disfigurement and scarring
• Loss of consortium
• Physical impairment

Punitive Damages (Punishment):
Available when the trucking company acted with:

• Gross negligence
• Willful misconduct
• Conscious indifference to safety
• Fraud (falsifying logs, destroying evidence)

FAQs: Answers for Worth County Trucking Accident Victims

Q: What should I do immediately after an 18-wheeler accident in Worth County?

A: Call 911 immediately. Seek medical attention even if you feel okay—adrenaline masks pain, and internal injuries may not show symptoms immediately. If you’re able, document the scene with photos (vehicle damage, road conditions, weather), collect the truck driver’s information (name, CDL number, trucking company, DOT number), and get witness contact information. Do NOT give a recorded statement to any insurance company. Then call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911.

Q: How long do I have to file a lawsuit in Iowa?

A: Iowa’s statute of limitations gives you two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, you should never wait that long. Critical evidence—black box data, ELD records, dashcam footage—can be destroyed within weeks. Contact an attorney within days to preserve your rights.

Q: What if I was partially at fault for the accident?

A: Iowa follows modified comparative negligence with a 51% bar. If you were 50% or less at fault, you can still recover damages, though your award will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you were 20% at fault and your damages are $500,000, you’d recover $400,000. However, if you’re found 51% or more at fault, you recover nothing. This is why the trucking company will try to blame you—and why you need an experienced attorney to prove their driver was 100% at fault.

Q: Who can be held liable besides the truck driver?

A: Multiple parties may be liable: the trucking company (vicarious liability and direct negligence), cargo loaders (improper securement), maintenance companies (negligent repairs), truck manufacturers (defective parts), freight brokers (negligent carrier selection), and potentially government entities (road design defects). We investigate every possible defendant to maximize your recovery.

Q: What is a spoliation letter, and why does it matter?

A: A spoliation letter is a formal legal notice sent to the trucking company demanding preservation of all evidence related to the accident—ECM data, ELD logs, maintenance records, driver files, and more. Once they receive this letter, destroying evidence becomes a serious legal violation that can result in sanctions or adverse inference instructions at trial. We send these letters within 24 hours of being retained.

Q: How much is my Worth County trucking accident case worth?

A: Case value depends on injury severity, medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and available insurance coverage. Trucking cases typically have higher values than car accidents because commercial policies start at $750,000 and often exceed $1 million. We’ve recovered multi-million dollar settlements for catastrophic injuries. Call 888-ATTY-911 for a free case evaluation specific to your situation.

Q: Will my case go to trial?

A: Most trucking accident cases settle before trial, but we prepare every case as if it’s going to court. Insurance companies track which law firms actually try cases—and they offer better settlements to clients with trial-ready attorneys. With 25+ years of experience and multi-million dollar verdicts, Attorney911 has the credibility to negotiate from strength and the resources to litigate if necessary.

Q: What if the trucking company is from another state?

A: Federal regulations apply to all interstate commerce, regardless of where the trucking company is headquartered. Additionally, Ralph Manginello’s federal court admission means we can handle cases in federal court if necessary. Whether the trucker is from Minnesota, Texas, or California, we hold them accountable in Iowa courts.

Q: What if I don’t have health insurance?

A: Don’t let lack of insurance stop you from getting treatment. We can help arrange medical care under a Letter of Protection (LOP), where doctors agree to treat you now and get paid from your settlement later. Your health comes first—worry about the bills second.

Q: Do you handle cases in Spanish?

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

Q: How much does it cost to hire Attorney911?

A: Nothing upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis—you pay absolutely nothing unless we win your case. Our standard fee is 33.33% if settled before trial, and 40% if the case goes to trial. We advance all costs of investigation and litigation. As client Chad Harris said, “You are NOT a pest to them… You are FAMILY to them.”

Your Next Step: Call Attorney911 Today

If you or a loved one has been injured in an 18-wheeler accident anywhere in Worth County—whether on I-35 near the Minnesota border, Highway 65 through Northwood, or any rural road in between—don’t wait another day. The trucking company already has lawyers working to protect them. You deserve someone fighting just as hard for you.

Ralph Manginello has spent over 25 years making trucking companies pay for the devastation they cause. With a former insurance defense attorney on our team, multi-million dollar results in catastrophic injury cases, and a commitment to treating every client like family, Attorney911 is ready to fight for you.

Call 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911) now for a free consultation. We’re available 24/7, and we don’t get paid unless you win.

Don’t let the trucking company push you around. Don’t let the insurance adjuster minimize your injuries. Don’t let the evidence disappear. Your fight starts with one call: 1-888-ATTY-911.

We fight. We win. We treat you like family. That’s the Attorney911 difference in Worth County, Iowa.