Grant County, Kansas, sits at the heart of America’s agricultural highway network, where I-70 carries millions of tons of freight across the High Plains every year. When an 80,000-pound truck changes your life forever on these rural Kansas highways, you need more than a lawyer—you need a fighter who understands the unique dangers of western Kansas trucking corridors.
At Attorney911, we’ve spent over 25 years taking on trucking companies and winning. Ralph Manginello has represented injury victims since 1998, securing multi-million dollar settlements for families devastated by 18-wheeler crashes. Our team includes associate attorney Lupe Peña, who used to work for insurance companies defending trucking claims—now he fights against them, bringing insider knowledge of exactly how carriers try to minimize your recovery. That’s your advantage when you call 1-888-ATTY-911.
Why 18-Wheeler Accidents in Grant County Are Different
An 18-wheeler isn’t just a big car—it’s a weapon on wheels. The physics of these collisions make catastrophic injuries inevitable, not accidental. When you’re driving through Grant County along I-70, you’re sharing the road with vehicles that weigh up to 80,000 pounds—twenty times heavier than your average sedan.
The math is brutal. An 80,000-pound truck traveling at 65 miles per hour needs approximately 525 feet to stop—that’s nearly two football fields. If you’re traveling east of Ulysses on I-70 during harvest season, you’re surrounded by wheat trucks carrying grain from the county’s surrounding farms. These trucks require 20% to 40% more stopping distance than passenger vehicles, and on icy Kansas winter roads, that distance becomes deadly.
Every 16 minutes, someone in America is injured in a commercial truck crash. While the national average is one truck crash injury every quarter hour, Grant County’s position along the I-70 corridor—one of the nation’s primary east-west freight arteries—makes this stretch particularly dangerous. The combination of long-haul truckers facing hours-of-service pressures, agricultural equipment sharing rural roads, and harsh High Plains weather creates a perfect storm for devastating accidents.
Catastrophic Accident Types We Handle in Western Kansas
Jackknife Accidents on I-70
Jackknife accidents occur when the trailer and cab skid in opposite directions, folding like a pocket knife. On I-70 through Grant County, these accidents often happen when truck drivers face sudden changes in weather or traffic patterns near Ulysses. Empty or lightly loaded trailers—common in agricultural areas during certain seasons—are particularly prone to jackknifing when drivers brake suddenly to avoid deer or slowed traffic near exit ramps.
These accidents account for approximately 10% of all trucking-related deaths and often result in multi-vehicle pileups when the trailer sweeps across multiple lanes of the interstate. FMCSA regulations under 49 CFR § 393.48 require properly functioning brake systems, and 49 CFR § 393.100 mandates proper cargo securement to prevent shifts that cause jackknifing. When trucking companies violate these federal standards, we hold them accountable.
Rollover Accidents: A Harvest Season Hazard
Approximately 50% of rollover crashes result from failure to adjust speed on curves. For Grant County residents, this is particularly relevant along the winding county roads connecting to US-50 and US-83. Grain trucks carrying wheat from the fields to elevators in Ulysses often take rural roads with sharp turns. When drivers take these curves too fast—especially with top-heavy liquid tankers or poorly distributed grain loads—rollover becomes inevitable.
49 CFR § 393.100-136 governs cargo securement, requiring that loads be immobilized to prevent shifting. 49 CFR § 392.6 prohibits driving at speeds beyond what’s safe for conditions. When a truck rolls over on a Grant County road, crushing a passenger vehicle beneath it, we investigate whether the carrier violated these federal safety standards.
Underride Collisions: The Deadliest Impact
Underride collisions—where a smaller vehicle slides beneath the trailer—are among the most fatal accidents on Kansas highways. The rear impact guards required under 49 CFR § 393.86 must prevent underride at 30 mph impacts, yet many trailers have inadequate or missing guards. At night on I-70, when a truck slows unexpectedly or stops in the travel lane due to mechanical failure, a following passenger vehicle can slide underneath, shearing off the roof at windshield level.
These accidents result in decapitation or catastrophic head trauma. They kill nearly 500 people annually across the United States. When these tragedies occur on the stretches of I-70 passing through Grant County, we demand answers about underride guard compliance and maintenance records.
Brake Failure and Tire Blowouts
Brake problems factor in approximately 29% of large truck crashes. On the steep grades encountered when crossing Kansas, brake fade from overheating poses serious risks. 49 CFR § 393.40-55 mandates specific brake system requirements, and 49 CFR § 396.3 requires systematic inspection and maintenance. Yet trucking companies often defer maintenance to save costs, allowing worn brakes and tires to remain in service until they fail catastrophically.
When a tire blowout causes a truck to jackknife across the westbound lanes of I-70 near Lakin, or when brake failure sends a grain truck through an intersection in Deerfield, we subpoena maintenance records to prove the carrier knew—or should have known—about the hazard.
All the Liable Parties We’ll Fight
Unlike car accidents where typically only one driver is at fault, 18-wheeler crashes involve multiple defendants. We don’t just sue the driver—we investigate every potentially liable party, because more defendants means more insurance coverage means higher compensation for you.
The Truck Driver may be personally liable for speeding, distracted driving, or operating while fatigued beyond the 11-hour federal limit under 49 CFR § 395.3.
The Trucking Company faces vicarious liability under the doctrine of respondeat superior—employers are responsible for employees’ negligent acts. They also face direct liability for negligent hiring (failing to check the driver’s background under 49 CFR § 391.51), negligent training (inadequate safety instruction), and negligent maintenance (violating 49 CFR § 396.3).
The Cargo Owner or Shipper may be liable if they required overweight loading of grain or failed to disclose hazardous conditions. In Grant County’s agricultural economy, grain elevators and agricultural cooperatives often arrange shipping.
The Loading Company that physically loaded the grain or equipment may be liable for improper securement violating 49 CFR § 393.100, creating unbalanced loads that cause rollovers.
The Maintenance Company that serviced the truck in Garden City or Ulysses may have performed negligent repairs, failing to identify critical brake or tire defects.
The Truck or Parts Manufacturer may be liable for defective brakes, tires, or steering components that failed on the road.
The Freight Broker who arranged transport may be liable for negligent selection of carriers with poor safety records.
Government Entities may bear responsibility for dangerous road design or inadequate signage on county roads.
Kansas Law: What You Need to Know
If you’ve been hurt in an 18-wheeler accident in Grant County, Kansas law gives you exactly two years from the date of injury to file your lawsuit. Wait too long, and you lose your right to compensation forever—no matter how serious your injuries.
Kansas follows a “modified comparative negligence” rule with a 50% bar. This means if you’re found 49% or less at fault for the accident, you can still recover damages, but your award will be reduced by your percentage of fault. However, if you’re found 50% or more at fault, you cannot recover anything. This makes evidence preservation and aggressive legal representation critical from day one.
Insurance companies will try to shift blame to you—claiming you were speeding, distracted, or following too closely. We counter these tactics with objective data from the truck’s black box, ELD records showing the driver’s hours of service violations, and witness statements from the crash scene on I-70.
The 48-Hour Evidence Emergency
Evidence in Grant County trucking accident cases disappears quickly. Critical data can be overwritten in as little as 30 days, and some trucking companies delete dashcam footage within 7 days. While you’re recovering from your injuries in a western Kansas hospital—perhaps transported to Garden City or even Wichita for trauma care—the trucking company is already building their defense.
We send spoliation letters within 24 hours of being retained. These formal legal notices demand preservation of:
- ECM/Black Box Data: Records speed, braking, throttle position, and fault codes
- ELD Records: Prove hours of service violations under 49 CFR § 395.8
- Driver Qualification Files: Show whether the driver was properly licensed and medically certified under 49 CFR § 391.41
- Maintenance Records: Reveal deferred repairs violating 49 CFR § 396.3
- Cargo Documentation: Show whether the load was properly secured per 49 CFR § 393.100
If the trucking company destroys evidence after receiving our letter, courts can instruct juries to assume the destroyed evidence was unfavorable—or even impose sanctions or default judgment.
Catastrophic Injuries Require Catastrophic Resources
The injuries sustained in 18-wheeler accidents devastate families. We’ve represented clients suffering from:
Traumatic Brain Injuries ranging from moderate to severe, with lifetime care costs between $1.5 million and $9.8 million. These injuries cause permanent cognitive impairment, personality changes, and inability to work.
Spinal Cord Injuries resulting in paraplegia or quadriplegia, with costs ranging from $4.7 million to over $25 million for lifetime care. High cervical injuries may require ventilators, while lower injuries affect mobility and independence.
Amputations from crushing forces, requiring prosthetics, multiple surgeries, and lifetime rehabilitation, with settlements ranging from $1.9 million to $8.6 million.
Wrongful Death claims for families who’ve lost loved ones to trucking negligence, with recoveries ranging from $1.9 million to $9.5 million to cover lost income, loss of consortium, mental anguish, and funeral expenses.
As client Glenda Walker said after her case settled, “They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.” That’s the Attorney911 commitment to every Grant County family we represent.
Why Attorney9
11 Wins Trucking Cases
You have choices after a trucking accident in Grant County. Here’s why injured victims across Kansas and Texas choose Attorney911:
Ralph Manginello brings 25 years of courtroom experience since 1998, with federal court admission to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas. He has secured multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements, including involvement in the BP Texas City Refinery litigation that resulted in over $2.1 billion in total industry-wide settlements. Ralph currently manages active litigation including a $10 million lawsuit against the University of Houston for hazing-related injuries.
Lupe Peña, our associate attorney, spent years working inside insurance company defense firms before joining Attorney911. He knows exactly how adjusters are trained to minimize claims, what formulas they use to calculate settlements, and when they’re bluffing. Now he uses that insider knowledge to fight for maximum compensation for our clients.
We Take Cases Others Reject. As client Donald Wilcox told us, “One company said they would not accept my case. Then I got a call from Manginello… I got a call to come pick up this handsome check.” We don’t shy away from difficult liability disputes or complex trucking cases.
Spanish-Language Representation. Hablamos Español. Lupe Peña provides fluent Spanish-language representation without interpreters, serving the Hispanic community working in Grant County’s agricultural and trucking industries.
Three Offices, Regional Reach. With offices in Houston (1177 West Loop S, Suite 1600), Austin (316 West 12th Street), and Beaumont, we serve trucking accident victims across Texas and beyond. For Grant County cases, we travel to you—whether you’re recovering at Home Away Medical Center in Ulysses or were transferred to Wesley Medical Center in Wichita.
Contingency Fee—No Fee Unless We Win. You pay nothing upfront. We advance all investigation expenses. Our standard fee is 33.33% pre-trial and 40% if a trial is necessary, but you never receive a bill unless we recover compensation for you.
FMCSA Violations That Prove Negligence
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration regulations apply to every truck on Kansas highways. Common violations we prove include:
49 CFR § 392.3: No driver shall operate while fatigued or ill. When logbook data shows drivers exceeded 11 hours of driving time or failed to take required 10-hour rest periods, we prove negligence.
49 CFR § 392.80 and § 392.82: Prohibit texting while driving and hand-held mobile phone use. Cell phone records often reveal drivers were distracted when they should have been focused on the road.
49 CFR § 395.3 (Hours of Service):
- Maximum 11 hours driving after 10 consecutive hours off duty
- Cannot drive beyond 14th consecutive hour after coming on duty
- Required 30-minute break after 8 cumulative hours of driving
- Maximum 60 hours in 7 days or 70 hours in 8 days
49 CFR § 391.11 (Driver Qualifications): Drivers must be at least 21 years old (interstate), physically qualified, hold a valid CDL, and have passed required training. Incomplete Driver Qualification Files prove negligent hiring.
49 CFR § 393.75 (Tires): Minimum tread depth requirements and prohibition on worn or damaged tires. When blowouts cause accidents on I-70, we examine maintenance logs.
What to Do After a Truck Accident in Grant County
If you’re able after a crash on I-70 or any Grant County road:
- Call 911 immediately and request police response
- Seek medical attention—even if injuries seem minor, internal trauma and TBI symptoms may not appear for hours
- Photograph everything: vehicles, damage, road conditions, weather, debris fields, and your injuries
- Obtain the truck driver’s name, CDL number, and the trucking company’s DOT number (found on the door)
- Get witness contact information from other motorists or nearby farmers/agricultural workers
- Do NOT give recorded statements to trucking company insurance adjusters
- Call Attorney911 immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911
Evidence disappears fast. Black box data can be overwritten in 30 days. Dashcam footage gets deleted within a week. The trucking company has lawyers working right now to protect their interests—what are you doing to protect yours?
Kansas Trucking Corridors and Accident Risks
Grant County sits astride I-70, one of the nation’s busiest transcontinental freight routes. This highway carries everything from agricultural equipment to hazardous materials across the High Plains. The combination of high winds common to western Kansas, winter ice storms, and heavy agricultural traffic creates unique hazards.
During wheat harvest season, local grain trucks share the roads with interstate semis, increasing collision risks at rural intersections. The long, straight stretches of I-70 can cause highway hypnosis and fatigue, leading to drift-off accidents. When these factors combine with FMCSA violations—overloaded trucks, tired drivers, or improperly secured cargo—tragedy follows.
Frequently Asked Questions About Grant County Truck Accidents
How long do I have to file a claim in Kansas?
Two years from the date of injury. But waiting is dangerous. Call us immediately to preserve evidence.
What if the truck driver was an independent contractor?
Both the driver and the trucking company that contracted them may be liable. We investigate all insurance policies.
How much is my case worth?
It depends on injury severity, medical costs, lost wages, and available insurance. Trucking companies carry higher minimums than cars ($750,000 to $5 million), allowing for larger recoveries.
Do I need a lawyer if the trucking company seems cooperative?
Yes. They have teams of lawyers and adjusters trained to minimize your payout. You need someone fighting for every dime you deserve.
What if I was partially at fault?
Under Kansas law, you can recover if you’re less than 50% at fault, but your damages will be reduced by your percentage of responsibility.
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 to lawyers willing to go to court.
Can you help if my family member was killed?
Yes. We handle wrongful death claims for families who’ve lost loved ones to trucking negligence in Grant County and across Kansas.
Your First Step Starts Now
The trucking company that hit you has already called their lawyers. Their insurance adjuster has already started looking for ways to pay you less. Don’t face them alone.
Call Attorney911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911). Ralph Manginello and the team stand ready to fight for families across Grant County, from Ulysses to Lakin, from the I-70 corridor to the rural county roads where agricultural trucks travel daily.
We offer free consultations. We work on contingency—you pay nothing unless we win. And we have a former insurance defense attorney on our team who knows exactly how the other side thinks.
Don’t let the evidence disappear. Don’t let them push you around. Don’t settle for less than you deserve.
Call 1-888-ATTY-911 today. Because after an 18-wheeler changes your life, you need someone who will fight to get every dime you deserve. As client Chad Harris told us, “You are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.”
And that’s the Attorney911 difference.
We’re ready when you are. Call now.
1-888-ATTY-911
Attorney911 / The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC
Serving Grant County, Kansas and Beyond
