When an 80,000-pound truck changes your life forever, you need more than legal help—you need a fighter who knows Riley County. Our team at Attorney911 has spent over 25 years holding trucking companies accountable, and we’ve recovered millions for families across Kansas who never thought they’d need a lawyer until an 18-wheeler came barreling through their world.
Ralph Manginello leads our firm with federal court experience and a track record that includes taking on Fortune 500 corporations like BP after the Texas City explosion. But what really sets us apart is this: our associate attorney Lupe Peña used to work for insurance companies. He defended them. Now he fights against them, and he knows exactly how they’re going to try to minimize your claim before they even make their first offer.
If you’ve been hurt in a trucking accident anywhere in Riley County—from the I-70 corridor to the backroads near Fort Riley—you don’t have time to waste. Evidence disappears fast. Black box data can be overwritten in 30 days. And the trucking company already has lawyers working to protect their interests.
Call us now at 1-888-ATTY-911. We answer 24/7. We work on contingency—you pay nothing unless we win. And we speak Spanish. Hablamos Español.
Why 18-Wheeler Accidents in Riley County Are Different
Let’s be blunt: a trucking accident isn’t just a “bigger car crash.” The physics are brutal. An 18-wheeler can weigh up to 80,000 pounds—twenty times the weight of your average sedan. When that kind of mass hits a passenger vehicle at highway speeds, the results are catastrophic.
In Riley County, we see these crashes on I-70, where trucks barrel through on transcontinental hauls, and on US-77, where agricultural freight moves between elevators and processing plants. The Flint Hills region produces massive amounts of beef and grain, and that means heavy truck traffic moving through our county every single day.
But here’s what makes these cases legally complex: multiple parties might be responsible. The driver. The trucking company. The owner of the cargo. The company that loaded it. The maintenance shop that last checked the brakes. Even the freight broker who arranged the shipment.
Under Kansas law, which applies to every accident in Riley County, you have just two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. And Kansas follows modified comparative negligence with a 50% bar. That means if you’re found 50% or more at fault, you recover nothing. If you’re less than 50% at fault, your damages are reduced by your percentage of fault. This isn’t the time to guess about your rights—you need an attorney who knows Riley County courts and Kansas trucking law inside and out.
The FMCSA Regulations That Protect Riley County Drivers
Every commercial truck on Riley County roads is regulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). These aren’t suggestions—they’re federal laws codified under 49 CFR Parts 390 through 399. When trucking companies break these rules, they’re not just cutting corners. They’re putting your family in danger.
Here are the critical regulations that often come into play in Riley County trucking accidents:
49 CFR Part 391 – Driver Qualification Standards
Trucking companies must verify that their drivers are medically fit, properly licensed, and qualified to operate commercial vehicles. They must maintain Driver Qualification Files including medical certifications, driving records, and drug test results. When a company hires an unqualified driver or fails to maintain these files, that’s negligent hiring.
49 CFR Part 392 – Driving Rules
This prohibits operating while fatigued, under the influence, or while using hand-held mobile devices. It also requires drivers to follow the rules of the road. When a trucker texts while crossing I-70 near Manhattan, they’re violating federal law.
49 CFR Part 393 – Vehicle Safety and Cargo Securement
Loads must be properly secured to prevent shifting, spilling, or falling. Given the agricultural freight moving through Riley County—grain, cattle, equipment—cargo securement violations are common causes of rollovers and jackknifes on our highways.
49 CFR Part 395 – Hours of Service (HOS)
This is the big one. Drivers cannot operate more than 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty. They can’t drive beyond the 14th hour on duty. They must take a 30-minute break after 8 hours of driving. And they can’t exceed 60/70 hours on duty in 7/8 days.
Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) track this data automatically. But here’s the catch: that data can be overwritten or lost if the truck keeps operating. That’s why we send spoliation letters within 24 hours to preserve this evidence before it’s gone forever.
49 CFR Part 396 – Inspection and Maintenance
Trucks must be systematically inspected, repaired, and maintained. Drivers must conduct pre-trip inspections checking brakes, tires, lights, and coupling devices. Maintenance records must be kept for at least one year.
When brake failure causes a crash on a steep grade in the Flint Hills, those inspection records often reveal a pattern of deferred maintenance that proves the trucking company chose profit over safety.
Types of Truck Accidents We See in Riley County
Jackknife Accidents
A jackknife occurs when the trailer swings out perpendicular to the cab, folding like a pocket knife. On I-70 through Riley County, where trucks travel at highway speeds through rolling terrain, sudden braking on slick surfaces can trigger these devastating crashes. Empty trailers are particularly prone to jackknifing because they lack the weight to maintain traction.
We investigate whether the driver was speeding for conditions, whether brakes were properly maintained under 49 CFR § 393.40, and whether cargo was improperly secured under § 393.100, causing the trailer to swing.
Rollover Accidents
Kansas is wheat country, and during harvest season—late spring through summer—Riley County roads see a surge in grain trucks. These vehicles have high centers of gravity, and when drivers take curves too fast or encounter uneven loading, rollovers happen. US-24 and US-40 see their share of these accidents.
Rollovers often result from cargo shift or speeding on curves. We examine load distribution records and driver training on rollover prevention. The injuries are catastrophic—crushing damage, traumatic brain injuries, and fatalities.
Underride Collisions
These are among the deadliest accidents. When a passenger vehicle hits the rear or side of a trailer and slides underneath, the top of the car is often sheared off. Federal law requires rear impact guards on trailers manufactured after January 26, 1998, under 49 CFR § 393.86. But these guards sometimes fail, and side underride guards aren’t federally mandated. We examine guard integrity and maintenance records after these horrific crashes.
Rear-End Collisions
A fully loaded truck needs nearly two football fields to stop from highway speed—about 525 feet. On I-70 near Manhattan, where traffic can suddenly slow near construction zones or Fort Riley access points, truckers who follow too closely or drive distracted cause devastating rear-end collisions.
We pull ECM data to prove following distance violations and cell phone records to prove distraction under 49 CFR § 392.82.
Wide Turn Accidents (“Squeeze Play”)
Trucks swinging wide to make right turns often trap smaller vehicles. In downtown Manhattan or near the Kansas State University campus, these accidents can involve pedestrians and cyclists. Drivers must signal properly and check mirrors—failures that constitute negligence under Kansas law.
Blind Spot Accidents
18-wheelers have massive blind spots—20 feet in front, 30 feet behind, and wide zones on both sides, especially the right side. When truckers change lanes without proper mirror checks, they sideswipe vehicles or crush them against guardrails. FMCSA requires proper mirror adjustment under 49 CFR § 393.80.
Tire Blowouts
Summer heat on Kansas highways, combined with long straight stretches that allow sustained high speeds, causes tire failures. When a steer tire blows, the driver can lose control instantly. We examine tire maintenance records, inflation logs, and whether the truck was overloaded beyond tire capacity under § 393.75.
Brake Failure Accidents
Brake problems contribute to approximately 29% of truck crashes. In the Flint Hills, where grades and descents require heavy braking, failure is catastrophic. We subpoena maintenance records to prove whether the trucking company violated § 396.3 by deferring critical repairs.
Cargo Spill and Shift Accidents
Grain trailers, equipment haulers, and livestock trucks traverse Riley County daily. When loads shift or spill—whether from improper securement or overweight violations under § 393.100—they create hazards that cause chain-reaction crashes. During wheat harvest, overloaded grain trucks are a particular danger on county roads.
Who Can Be Held Liable in a Riley County Trucking Accident?
Most people think they can only sue the driver. That’s exactly what the trucking company wants you to think. In reality, multiple parties may owe you compensation:
The Truck Driver
Speeding, distracted driving, Hours of Service violations, or operating while fatigued make the driver personally liable. Under the doctrine of respondeat superior, their employer is typically responsible too.
The Trucking Company/Motor Carrier
Under 49 CFR § 390.3, motor carriers are responsible for compliance with all FMCSA regulations. They can be liable for:
- Negligent Hiring: Failing to check driving records or hiring drivers with disqualifying offenses
- Negligent Training: Inadequate safety or cargo securement training
- Negligent Supervision: Failing to monitor ELD compliance or driving behavior
- Negligent Maintenance: Skipping required inspections to keep trucks on the road
The Cargo Owner/Shipper
Agricultural producers, manufacturers, or distributors who demand unreasonable delivery schedules or fail to disclose hazardous cargo characteristics may share liability.
The Cargo Loading Company
Third-party loaders who improperly secure grain, equipment, or livestock under § 393.100-136 can be held responsible when shifting loads cause crashes.
Truck and Parts Manufacturers
Defective brakes, tires, or steering components that fail under normal use create product liability claims against manufacturers.
Maintenance Companies
Shops that perform negligent repairs or return vehicles to service with known defects violate 49 CFR § 396.3 and can be liable for resulting crashes.
Freight Brokers
Brokers who arrange shipping but negligently select carriers with poor safety records or inadequate insurance may be liable for their negligence in vetting.
Government Entities
If poor road design, inadequate signage, or lack of maintenance on Riley County roads contributed to the accident, the responsible government entity may share liability—though sovereign immunity and strict notice requirements apply in Kansas.
Evidence Preservation: The 48-Hour Rule
Here’s what the trucking company isn’t telling you: they’re already building their defense. Within hours of a crash on I-70 or US-77, the trucking company dispatches rapid-response teams, accident reconstructionists, and lawyers to the scene. Their job is to protect the company, not to help you.
Critical evidence disappears fast:
- ECM/Black Box Data: Overwrites in 30 days or less
- ELD Logs: Only required to be kept for 6 months, but can be lost earlier
- Dashcam Footage: Often deleted within 7-14 days
- Driver Cell Phone Records: Must be preserved quickly
- Maintenance Records: Can be “lost” or altered
- Witness Statements: Memories fade; evidence degrades
That’s why we act immediately. When you call 1-888-ATTY-911, we send spoliation letters to the trucking company, their insurer, and all potentially liable parties within 24 hours. These letters put them on legal notice that destroying evidence will result in sanctions, adverse jury instructions, or default judgment.
We also deploy accident reconstruction experts to Riley County crash scenes immediately to document skid marks, debris patterns, and road conditions before they disappear.
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 treat every Riley County client—because we know you’re not just a case number. You’re a neighbor who needs help.
Catastrophic Injuries and Maximum Recovery
Trucking accidents don’t cause fender-benders. They cause life-changing injuries. In our 25+ years of experience, we’ve seen the devastation these crashes cause:
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
From concussions to severe brain damage, TBIs can cost $85,000 to $3,000,000 in lifetime care. Symptoms include memory loss, personality changes, and inability to work. We’ve recovered settlements in the $1.5 million to $9.8 million range for TBI victims.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Paraplegia and quadriplegia require lifetime wheelchairs, home modifications, and 24-hour care. Costs range from $1.1 million to $5 million over a lifetime, not including pain and suffering.
Amputations
Whether traumatic (severed at the scene) or surgical (required due to crushing injuries), amputations require prosthetics, rehabilitation, and career retraining. Our amputation cases have settled between $1.9 million and $8.6 million.
Severe Burns
Tanker explosions or fuel fires from trucking accidents cause third and fourth-degree burns requiring skin grafts, reconstructive surgery, and years of treatment.
Wrongful Death
When a trucking accident takes a loved one, Kansas law allows surviving family members to recover for lost income, loss of consortium, mental anguish, funeral expenses, and punitive damages in cases of gross negligence.
Donald Wilcox, another client we helped, put it best: “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.” Other firms turned him away. We fought for him. That’s what we do.
Insurance Reality: Why Trucking Companies Carry Millions
Federal law requires commercial trucks to carry substantial insurance:
- Non-hazardous freight: Minimum $750,000
- Oil/Petroleum and large equipment: Minimum $1,000,000
- Hazardous materials: Minimum $5,000,000
But here’s the thing: insurance companies are for-profit businesses. Their adjusters are trained to minimize payouts. They’ll make a quick, lowball offer hoping you’ll accept before you know the full extent of your injuries. They’ll use tactics like:
- Requesting recorded statements to twist your words
- Blaming you for the accident (Kansas’s 50% comparative fault rule makes this especially dangerous)
- Claiming your injuries are pre-existing
- Delaying until evidence disappears
Lupe Peña, our associate attorney, spent years watching these tactics from the inside. He knows their playbook. He knows when they’re bluffing and when they’ll pay. As he told one reporter during our $10 million University of Houston hazing litigation: “If this prevents harm to another person, that’s what we’re hoping to do. Let’s bring this to light. Enough is enough.” He brings that same fighting spirit to every trucking case.
Kansas-Specific Legal Considerations for Riley County
Statute of Limitations: Two years from the accident date for personal injury, two years for wrongful death. Don’t wait. Consultation is free, but waiting can cost you your case.
Comparative Negligence: Kansas modified comparative negligence means you can recover if you’re 49% or less at fault. If you’re 50% or more at fault, you get nothing. The trucking company will try to pin blame on you—especially in “he said-she said” situations. We use ECM data and expert reconstruction to prove what really happened.
Government Immunity: Crashes involving government vehicles (military trucks from Fort Riley, state maintenance vehicles) have special rules and shorter notice requirements. Act fast.
Punitive Damages: Kansas caps punitive damages at the lesser of the defendant’s annual gross income or $5,000,000. These are awarded only for willful, wanton conduct—like knowingly putting a dangerous driver on the road or falsifying logbooks.
What To Do If You’ve Been Hit by a Truck in Riley County
- Call 911 immediately. Get medical help and a police report.
- Document everything. Photos of the scene, truck DOT number, driver information, witness contacts.
- Seek medical attention. Even if you feel okay—adrenaline masks injuries. Internal bleeding and TBIs often don’t show symptoms immediately.
- Don’t talk to the trucking company’s insurance. Not without a lawyer. Anything you say will be used against you.
- Call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911. We answer 24/7. We’ll come to you in Riley County—whether you’re in Manhattan, at Fort Riley, or anywhere in the county.
Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Riley County Truck Accident
Experience That Matters: Ralph Manginello has 25+ years in the courtroom. He’s admitted to federal court, which matters because trucking cases often involve interstate commerce and federal regulations.
Inside Knowledge: Lupe Peña defended insurance companies for years. Now he fights them. He knows their valuation software, their training manuals, and their weaknesses.
Proven Results: We’ve recovered over $50 million for clients, including multi-million dollar settlements for brain injuries, amputations, and wrongful death. Our current $10 million active litigation against the University of Houston shows we’re not afraid to take on powerful defendants.
Family Treatment: As Glenda Walker said, “They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.” And Angel Walle told us: “They solved in a couple of months what others did nothing about in two years.”
Accessibility: With offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we serve clients across Texas and Kansas. We offer virtual consultations and travel to Riley County for your case.
No Fee Unless We Win: We work on contingency. Standard fee is 33.33% pre-trial, 40% if we go to trial. You pay nothing upfront. We advance all costs.
Spanish Speaking: Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish. Hablamos Español. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911.
Common Questions About Riley County Truck Accidents
How long do I have to file a lawsuit in Kansas?
Two years from the accident date. But evidence disappears much faster—call us within days, not months.
What if the trucking company offers me a settlement right away?
Don’t accept it. It’s a lowball offer designed to close your case before you know your injuries’ full extent. We can almost always get you more.
Can I still recover if I was partially at fault?
Yes, if you were less than 50% at fault. Your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault. But don’t let the insurance company tell you what your fault percentage is—we investigate independently.
What if the truck driver was from out of state?
Doesn’t matter. We can pursue them in Kansas federal court if necessary. Ralph Manginello is admitted to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas and can handle interstate cases.
Do I really need a lawyer for a truck accident?
You can represent yourself, but here’s what one company said to our client Kiimarii Yup: “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.” That’s the difference a lawyer makes.
What’s a nuclear verdict?
These are massive jury awards—sometimes hundreds of millions—against trucking companies that act with gross negligence. While we can’t promise specific results, cases involving Hours of Service violations, falsified logs, or knowingly dangerous drivers can result in significant punitive damages.
Your Next Step: Call Attorney911 Today
The trucking company has lawyers working right now to minimize your claim. Who’s working for you?
At Attorney911, we treat you like family. We fight for every dime you deserve. And we don’t stop until justice is served.
Riley County deserves attorneys who know the local roads, the local courts, and the local industries that put these trucks on our highways. From the I-70 corridor to the agricultural routes serving our wheat and cattle operations, we know where these accidents happen and why.
Call 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911) right now. Free consultation. No fee unless we win. And remember: evidence disappears fast. The clock started the moment that truck hit you.
Don’t let them push you around. We’re Attorney911. We push back.
Hablamos Español. Llame hoy.
