Dickinson County 18-Wheeler Accident Attorney: Fighting for Kansas Truck Crash Victims

When an 80,000-Pound Truck Changes Your Life on Interstate 70

You were just driving through Dickinson County, maybe heading west on Interstate 70 toward Abilene, or maybe north on Kansas Highway 15 toward Herington. The wheat fields stretch for miles, the sky is wide open, and then—in an instant—everything changes. An 18-wheeler drifts across the centerline, a truck driver falls asleep at the wheel after too many hours on the road, or a semi’s brakes fail on the descent toward Saline County.

The impact is catastrophic. 80,000 pounds of steel and cargo against your 4,000-pound vehicle. There’s no contest. And now you’re left picking up the pieces—dealing with catastrophic injuries, mounting medical bills, and a trucking company that’s already sending lawyers to the scene while you’re still in the ambulance.

At Attorney911, we know Dickinson County. We know the I-70 corridor that runs right through your backyard, the grain elevators that dot the landscape, and the unique dangers that Kansas weather and agriculture bring to our roads. We’ve spent over 25 years fighting for truck accident victims, and we understand what it takes to hold these trucking companies accountable when they put profits over safety right here in Dickinson County.

Why Dickinson County Drivers Face Unique Trucking Dangers

Dickinson County sits at the crossroads of major freight corridors. Interstate 70 cuts straight through the county, carrying commercial traffic from Kansas City all the way to Denver and beyond. When you combine that steady flow of 18-wheelers with Kansas’s notorious winter weather—sudden blizzards, black ice, and winds strong enough to blow empty trailers off course—you’ve got a recipe for disaster.

We’ve seen firsthand how the flat, open terrain of the Great Plains can deceive drivers into thinking the roads are safer than they are. But that same flatness means wind gusts hit harder, crosswinds are unpredictable, and visibility drops to near zero when a winter storm rolls across the prairie. Truck drivers unfamiliar with Kansas conditions often misjudge stopping distances on I-70 or fail to account for ice on bridges that connect Dickinson County to the rest of the state.

Then there’s the agriculture. During harvest season, Dickinson County sees a massive increase in truck traffic—not just the big rigs hauling grain to elevators, but overloaded farm equipment being transported between fields. These vehicles mix with interstate traffic on two-lane highways and rural roads, creating dangerous conditions where passenger vehicles share space with massive commercial vehicles on tight deadlines.

Attorney911 Has Been Fighting for Kansas Families Since 1998

When you’re hit by a truck in Dickinson County, you need more than just a lawyer—you need a fighter who knows federal trucking regulations inside and out. Ralph Manginello has represented injury victims since 1998, building a reputation for aggressive advocacy against the largest commercial carriers in America. 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 when your case involves interstate trucking companies.

Our firm isn’t a billboard factory or a case mill. We’re a dedicated team that treats you like family, not a file number. As client Chad Harris told us after we handled his case, “You are NOT a pest to them and you are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.” That’s how we operate. We know your name, we answer your calls, and we fight tooth and nail for every dime you deserve.

Right now, we’re actively litigating a $10 million lawsuit against the University of Houston involving severe hazing allegations—a case that’s garnered national media attention on KHOU 11, ABC13, and the Houston Chronicle. We’ve gone toe-to-toe with Fortune 500 corporations like BP in the Texas City Refinery explosion litigation that resulted in over $2.1 billion in settlements industry-wide. When we say we take on the big guys, we mean it.

The Insurance Defense Advantage: We Know Their Playbook

Here’s what makes Attorney911 different from other Dickinson County law firms: our associate attorney, Lupe Peña, used to work for the insurance companies. He spent years at a national defense firm learning exactly how commercial trucking insurers evaluate claims, train their adjusters to minimize payouts, and use algorithms to lowball victims.

Now, Lupe uses that insider knowledge to fight for you. He knows every tactic they’ll try—the quick lowball settlement, the “gap in treatment” attack, the surveillance investigators they send to catch you on camera. He’s seen how they train adjusters to ask leading questions like “How are you?” hoping you’ll say “fine” so they can use it against you later.

When you hire Attorney911 for your Dickinson County truck accident case, you’re getting a team that includes someone who knows exactly how the other side thinks. That’s your advantage. Plus, Lupe is fluent in Spanish—Hablamos Español—so if Spanish is your primary language, you get direct representation without interpreters. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911 para hablar con Lupe directamente.

Multi-Million Dollar Results for Catastrophic Injuries

We’ve recovered over $50 million for families across America, with specific results including:

• $5+ Million for a traumatic brain injury victim struck by a falling log at a logging company
• $3.8+ Million for a car accident victim who suffered a partial leg amputation due to staph infection complications
• $2.5+ Million for truck crash victims
• $2+ Million for a maritime worker who suffered a back injury under the Jones Act

Our documented settlement ranges for catastrophic injuries include:

• Traumatic Brain Injury: $1,548,000 – $9,838,000+
• Spinal Cord Injury: $4,770,000 – $25,880,000+
• Amputation: $1,945,000 – $8,630,000
• Wrongful Death: $1,910,000 – $9,520,000

As Glenda Walker said after we resolved her case, “They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.” That’s our promise to every Dickinson County family we represent.

The Deadly Physics of 18-Wheeler Accidents in Dickinson County

An 18-wheeler can weigh up to 80,000 pounds under federal law. Your average sedan weighs about 4,000 pounds. That means the truck hitting you is twenty times heavier—and carrying approximately eighty times the destructive force. At 65 miles per hour on I-70 through Dickinson County, that truck needs nearly two football fields—525 feet—to come to a complete stop. You don’t stand a chance if the driver isn’t paying attention.

Every 16 minutes, someone in America is injured in a commercial truck crash. On Kansas highways, particularly during wheat harvest or winter storm season, that statistic hits home hard. The injuries we see in Dickinson County aren’t fender benders—they’re life-altering catastrophes.

Types of Truck Accidents We Handle in Dickinson County

Jackknife Accidents: When a truck driver slams on the brakes on icy I-70 near Abilene, the trailer can swing out perpendicular to the cab, creating a steel wall across multiple lanes of traffic. These accidents often involve violations of 49 CFR § 392.6 (speeding for conditions) and 49 CFR § 393.48 (brake system maintenance).

Rollover Crashes: Kansas wind gusts and top-heavy grain trucks are a deadly combination. When a truck takes a curve too fast on Highway 15 or encounters sudden wind shear on the open prairie, 80,000 pounds of steel can tip over, crushing anything in its path. These often violate 49 CFR § 393.100 (cargo securement requirements).

Underride Collisions: One of the most horrific accidents occurs when a passenger vehicle slides underneath the rear or side of a trailer. The trailer height shears off the top of the car at windshield level. Despite federal requirements under 49 CFR § 393.86 for rear impact guards, many trucks still lack adequate protection, and side underride guards remain voluntary.

Rear-End Collisions: Truck drivers who follow too closely or are distracted by their phones often can’t stop in time. We’ve seen these accidents on the straight stretches of I-70 where drivers get complacent. A violation of 49 CFR § 392.11 (following too closely) or 49 CFR § 392.82 (mobile phone use) usually applies.

Wide Turn Accidents: When trucks swing wide to make right turns in downtown Abilene or Herington, they create “squeeze play” situations where passenger vehicles get trapped between the truck and the curb. These often involve violations of 49 CFR § 392.2 (failure to obey traffic signals) or improper turn signaling.

Blind Spot Crashes: 18-wheelers have massive blind spots—20 feet in front, 30 feet behind, and one lane to the left, but two full lanes to the right. When truck drivers change lanes without checking these “No-Zones,” they violate 49 CFR § 393.80 (mirror requirements) and 49 CFR § 392.11 (unsafe lane changes).

Tire Blowouts: The extreme summer heat on Kansas asphalt and the heavy loads carried through Dickinson County cause tire failures. When a steer tire blows at highway speed, the driver loses control instantly. These involve 49 CFR § 393.75 (tire requirements) and 49 CFR § 396.13 (pre-trip inspection failures).

Brake Failures: Poorly maintained brake systems cause approximately 29% of large truck crashes. Under 49 CFR § 396.3, motor carriers must systematically inspect and maintain their vehicles. When they defer maintenance to save money, people die.

Cargo Spills: Improperly secured grain, equipment, or hazardous materials create deadly road hazards. Federal rules under 49 CFR § 393.100-136 require specific securement for different cargo types. When loaders cut corners, loads shift and spill across Kansas highways.

Head-On Collisions: Driver fatigue is a leading cause. Under 49 CFR Part 395, drivers are limited to 11 hours of driving after 10 hours off duty. But trucking companies often pressure drivers to violate these Hours of Service rules, leading to devastating head-on crashes on two-lane Kansas highways.

Federal Regulations That Protect Dickinson County Drivers

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sets strict rules for commercial trucks operating in Dickinson County and across Kansas. These aren’t suggestions—they’re federal law under Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations.

49 CFR Part 390 establishes general applicability—who must follow these rules (anyone operating a commercial motor vehicle over 10,001 pounds in interstate commerce).

49 CFR Part 391 sets Driver Qualification standards. Trucking companies must maintain a Driver Qualification File for every driver including medical certifications, driving records, and previous employer verification. If they hire an unqualified driver, that’s negligent hiring.

49 CFR Part 392 covers Driving of Commercial Motor Vehicles. This prohibits driving while fatigued (§ 392.3), sets speed limits for conditions (§ 392.6), bans hand-held mobile phone use (§ 392.82), and requires proper following distance (§ 392.11).

49 CFR Part 393 mandates Parts and Accessories for Safe Operation. This includes brake system requirements (§ 393.40-55), lighting standards (§ 393.11-26), cargo securement rules (§ 393.100-136), and rear impact guard specifications (§ 393.86).

49 CFR Part 395 establishes Hours of Service (HOS) regulations. Property-carrying drivers cannot drive more than 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty, cannot drive beyond the 14th consecutive hour on duty, and must take a 30-minute break after 8 cumulative hours of driving. Since December 18, 2017, Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) have been mandatory to track these hours automatically.

49 CFR Part 396 requires Inspection, Repair, and Maintenance. Drivers must conduct pre-trip inspections, submit written post-trip reports on vehicle condition, and carriers must maintain maintenance records for at least one year.

When trucking companies violate these regulations—and they often do—they create liability that we use to build your case.

Ten Parties Who May Be Liable for Your Dickinson County Truck Accident

Most law firms only look at the truck driver. We investigate every possible defendant to maximize your recovery under Kansas law:

1. The Truck Driver: For speeding, distraction, fatigue, impairment, or traffic violations.

2. The Trucking Company: Under respondeat superior, employers are responsible for employees’ negligent acts. Plus, they may be directly liable for negligent hiring, training, supervision, or maintenance.

3. The Cargo Owner/Shipper: If they loaded hazardous materials improperly or demanded overweight loads that caused the accident.

4. The Loading Company: Third-party loaders who failed to secure cargo per 49 CFR § 393.100.

5. The Truck Manufacturer: For design defects in brakes, steering, or stability control systems.

6. The Parts Manufacturer: For defective tires, brake components, or lighting that failed.

7. The Maintenance Company: For negligent repairs or failure to identify critical safety issues during inspections.

8. The Freight Broker: For negligently selecting carriers with poor safety records or inadequate insurance.

9. The Truck Owner: In owner-operator situations, for negligent entrustment or failure to maintain equipment.

10. Government Entities: For dangerous road design, inadequate signage, or failure to maintain safe roadway conditions on Kansas highways.

Every additional liable party means another insurance policy, another source of compensation, and a better chance of full recovery for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

The 48-Hour Evidence Crisis: Why You Must Act Now

Dickinson County truck accident victims face a ticking clock that starts the moment the collision occurs.

Black Box Data: The truck’s Electronic Control Module (ECM) and Event Data Recorder (EDR) capture critical information—speed, brake application, throttle position, and fault codes. But this data can be overwritten in as little as 30 days or with new driving events. The trucking company controls this data.

ELD Records: Electronic Logging Devices track hours of service. FMCSA only requires carriers to retain these for 6 months, but we need them immediately to prove fatigue violations.

Dashcam Footage: Many trucks have forward-facing and cab-facing cameras. This footage often gets deleted within 7-14 days if not preserved.

Driver Qualification Files: We need the driver’s complete history before the trucking company “loses” it or the driver disappears.

Physical Evidence: The truck itself may be repaired, sold, or scrapped. Skid marks fade. Debris gets cleared.

Witness Memories: Independent witnesses’ recollections fade within days, not weeks.

That’s why Attorney911 sends spoliation letters within 24 hours of being retained. This formal legal notice puts the trucking company on notice that destroying evidence will result in court sanctions, adverse jury instructions, or even default judgment. We demand preservation of:

• ECM and black box data downloads
• ELD records for the driver and vehicle
• Driver Qualification Files
• Maintenance and inspection records
• Cell phone records and dispatch communications
• Dashcam footage
• GPS and telematics data

While the trucking company is building their defense, we’re building your case. But we can’t do that until you call.

Catastrophic Injuries Require Catastrophic Settlements

The injuries sustained in Dickinson County 18-wheeler accidents aren’t simple whiplash or bruises. We’re talking about life-altering trauma:

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): From concussions to severe cognitive impairment requiring 24/7 care. Lifetime costs can reach $3 million or more. Our firm has recovered between $1.5 million and $9.8 million for TBI victims.

Spinal Cord Injury: Paraplegia and quadriplegia from crushed vertebrae. A complete spinal cord injury can cost $5 million or more over a lifetime. We document these cases thoroughly to ensure future care needs are met.

Amputation: Whether traumatic amputation at the scene or surgical removal due to crush injuries or infection. Prosthetics cost $5,000 to $50,000 each and need replacement every few years. Our amputation settlements range from $1.9 million to $8.6 million.

Severe Burns: From fuel fires or hazmat spills, often requiring multiple skin grafts and reconstructive surgeries.

Internal Organ Damage: Liver lacerations, spleen ruptures, and internal bleeding that may not show symptoms immediately but become life-threatening.

Wrongful Death: When a Kansas family loses a loved one, we pursue full compensation including lost future income, loss of consortium, mental anguish, and funeral expenses. Our wrongful death recoveries range from $1.9 million to $9.5 million.

As Kiimarii Yup said after we handled his truck accident case, “I lost everything… my car was at a total loss, and because of Attorney Manginello and my case worker Leonor, 1 year later I have gained so much in return plus a brand new truck.”

Kansas Law: What Dickinson County Victims Need to Know

Statute of Limitations: In Kansas, you have 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 serious your injuries or how clear the liability.

Comparative Fault: Kansas follows a “modified comparative negligence” rule with a 50% bar. This means if you are found 49% or less at fault for the accident, your damages are reduced by that percentage. But if you’re found 50% or more at fault, you recover nothing. Insurance companies will try to push you over that 50% threshold. We fight to prove the truck driver and company bear the full responsibility.

Damage Caps: Kansas caps punitive damages—meant to punish reckless behavior—at the greater of 1) the defendant’s annual gross income, or 2) $5,000,000. However, there’s no cap on compensatory damages for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering in standard personal injury cases.

Insurance Minimums: Federal law requires commercial trucks to carry at least $750,000 in liability coverage for non-hazardous freight, $1,000,000 for oil and petroleum products, and $5,000,000 for hazardous materials. Many carriers carry $1-5 million or more.

Frequently Asked Questions for Dickinson County Truck Accident Victims

How long do I have to file a truck accident claim in Kansas?
You have two years from the accident date. But don’t wait—evidence disappears fast, and the trucking company is already building their defense. Call Attorney911 today at 1-888-ATTY-911.

What if I was partially at fault for the accident?
Under Kansas comparative fault rules, you can recover damages as long as you were less than 50% at fault. Your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault. We work to minimize any attributed fault to maximize your settlement.

How much is my case worth?
It depends on injury severity, medical costs, lost income, and available insurance. Trucking cases often settle for higher amounts than car accidents because commercial policies are larger. We’ve recovered millions for clients with catastrophic injuries.

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 your attorney is willing to go to court. We have the resources to take your case all the way if necessary.

Can I afford an attorney?
Yes. We work on contingency—33.33% pre-trial, 40% if we go to trial. You pay nothing upfront. We advance all investigation costs. You only pay if we win. As Donald Wilcox said, “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.”

What if the trucking company is from another state?
We handle that regularly. Ralph Manginello is licensed in Texas and New York and admitted to federal court. For Dickinson County cases involving interstate carriers, we can file in federal court if necessary, and we know how to pursue out-of-state defendants.

Do you handle cases in Spanish?
Yes. Hablamos Español. Associate attorney Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish and provides direct representation without interpreters. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 to speak with Lupe directly.

What if I don’t feel hurt right away?
See a doctor anyway. Adrenaline masks pain. Internal injuries and TBI may not show symptoms for days. Immediate medical documentation links your injuries to the accident—critical for your case.

Should I talk to the trucking company’s insurance?
No. Never give recorded statements without an attorney. They are trained to minimize your claim. Let us handle all communications.

How long do these cases take?
Simple cases may resolve in 6-12 months. Complex catastrophic injury cases may take 1-3 years. We work to resolve cases as quickly as possible while maximizing your recovery.

What evidence do you need from me?
Medical records, photos of the scene and your injuries, witness contact information, and the police report. But even if you have none of these, we can investigate and build your case.

Can I sue if a loved one died in the accident?
Yes, under Kansas wrongful death law. Spouses, children, and parents may recover damages. Time is limited—two years—so contact us immediately.

What if the truck was carrying hazardous materials?
These cases are complex and require immediate action. Hazmat spills create additional dangers and typically involve the $5 million insurance minimum. We have experience with these high-stakes cases.

How do I know if the driver violated Hours of Service rules?
We subpoena ELD data and company dispatch records. If the driver exceeded 11 hours of driving or 14 hours on duty, that’s a federal violation proving negligence.

What is a spoliation letter?
It’s a legal notice we send immediately to the trucking company demanding they preserve all evidence. Once they receive it, destroying evidence becomes a serious legal violation that can help your case.

Call Attorney911 Today: Your Dickinson County Truck Accident Lawyers

The trucking company has teams of lawyers. They have rapid-response investigators. They have millions in insurance coverage. You need someone fighting just as hard for you.

At Attorney911, we’ve recovered over $50 million for injury victims. We have the experience, the resources, and the insider knowledge to take on the biggest trucking companies—and win.

If you or a loved one suffered injuries in an 18-wheeler accident anywhere in Dickinson County—from Abilene to Herington, from Solomon to Enterprise—call us now.

Call 1-888-288-9911 (1-888-ATTY-911) for a free consultation. Available 24/7. Hablamos Español.

Don’t let the trucking company push you around. Don’t settle for less than you deserve. As Ernest Cano said about our team, “Mr. Manginello and his firm are first class. Will fight tooth and nail for you.”

We’re ready to fight for you. Your Dickinson County 18-wheeler accident attorneys are standing by. Call 888-ATTY-911 now.

Attorney911 serves truck accident victims throughout Dickinson County, Kansas, including Abilene, Herington, Solomon, Enterprise, Hope, Talmage, and surrounding areas. We handle cases on Interstate 70, Highway 15, Highway 40, and all local roads in the county.