Your York County 18-Wheeler Accident Attorney: When 80,000 Pounds Changes Everything

The impact was catastrophic. One moment you’re driving through York County on I-95, heading past the Wells exits or through Biddeford toward Portland. The next, an 80,000-pound tractor-trailer is jackknifing across three lanes of ice-covered highway, or barreling through a red light at the Maine Mall exit.

If you’re reading this, you already know the statistics don’t matter anymore. Every 16 minutes, someone in America is injured in a commercial truck crash—but that doesn’t help you pay the medical bills stacking up on your kitchen table in Kennebunk or Saco. You’re dealing with traumatic brain injury, spinal cord damage, or the unthinkable loss of a loved one. And right now, while you’re trying to heal, the trucking company has already called their lawyers.

We’re Attorney911, and we don’t think that’s fair. For over 25 years, Ralph Manginello has been fighting for families just like yours across the Northeast and beyond. We’ve recovered more than $50 million for accident victims, including multi-million dollar settlements for traumatic brain injuries, amputations, and wrongful death. Right now, we’re litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against the University of Houston—so we know what it takes to stand up to powerful institutions and win.

Call us today at 1-888-ATTY-911. In York County, you have six years to file a personal injury lawsuit—but that doesn’t mean you should wait. Black box data can be overwritten in 30 days. Evidence disappears. Witnesses forget. And the trucking company is building their defense right now.

Why York County 18-Wheeler Accidents Are Different

Maine isn’t Texas. Our winters kill. Our roads freeze. And when an 18-wheeler loses control on the downhill stretch of the Maine Turnpike near York or Ogunquit, there’s nowhere to hide from 80,000 pounds of steel.

York County sits at a critical junction in New England’s freight network. I-95 cuts straight through our communities, carrying Canadian freight south to Boston and beyond. Route 1 snakes along our coastline, where logging trucks and seafood haulers navigate tight turns through Kennebunkport and Wells. When winter hits—when the nor’easters roll in and black ice coats the turnpike—trucking companies don’t stop pushing their drivers to meet impossible deadlines.

That’s where we come in. Our associate attorney, Lupe Peña, used to work for insurance companies defending trucking claims. He knows exactly how they evaluate, minimize, and deny legitimate cases. Now he fights against them. When you hire Attorney911, you’re getting an insider advantage—the playbook they don’t want you to see.

The Physics of Disaster: Why Truck Crashes in York County Cause Catastrophic Injuries

Your car weighs about 4,000 pounds. The fully loaded semi that hit you? Up to 80,000 pounds. That’s twenty times your vehicle’s mass. When that kind of weight hits ice on the Maine Turnpake near Wells, the driver has two choices: stand on the brakes and jackknife across all lanes, or plow through whatever’s in front of them.

At 65 miles per hour, an 18-wheeler needs 525 feet to stop on dry pavement—nearly two football fields. On ice or slush? They might as well be on skates. Yet trucking companies pressure drivers to maintain speed through weather that shuts down school districts across York County.

The results are devastating. We’ve seen:

• Traumatic brain injuries requiring lifelong care ($1.5M-$9.8M settlements)
• Spinal cord injuries causing paraplegia or quadriplegia ($4.7M-$25.8M settlements)
• Amputations from crushing impacts ($1.9M-$8.6M settlements)
• Wrongful death leaving families shattered ($1.9M-$9.5M settlements)

As client Glenda Walker told us after we settled her case, “They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.” That’s what we do. We don’t let trucking companies hide behind insurance minimums when your life has been destroyed.

The 10 Potentially Liable Parties in Your York County Trucking Case

Most law firms sue the driver and the trucking company. They miss nine other pockets of insurance that could cover your losses. We investigate every angle because you deserve every dollar available under the law.

1. The Truck Driver
They may have been speeding through a snow squall near Biddeford. Maybe they fell asleep after violating federal hours-of-service rules. Or perhaps they were texting when they should have been watching the road. We subpoena cell phone records, ELD data, and driving history to prove direct negligence.

2. The Trucking Company (Motor Carrier)
Under Maine law and the doctrine of respondeat superior, employers are liable for their employees’ negligence. But we don’t stop there. We investigate:

• Negligent hiring: Did they check if the driver had a history of DUIs or log-book violations?
• Negligent training: Did they teach the driver how to handle black ice on Maine highways?
• Negligent supervision: Did they monitor ELD logs showing the driver was exceeding 11 hours of drive time?
• Negligent maintenance: Did they skip brake inspections to save money?

3. The Cargo Owner/Shipper
Maybe a Portland seafood processor overloaded the truck beyond its 80,000-pound limit. Perhaps they required delivery during white-out conditions. Shippers can be liable when their profit motive overrides safety.

4. The Loading Company
Improperly secured cargo causes rollovers and jackknifes. Under 49 CFR § 393.100, cargo must be secured to withstand 0.8g deceleration forward and 0.5g lateral forces. When loading companies cut corners in a Biddeford warehouse, they put York County families at risk.

5. The Truck/Trailer Manufacturer
Defective brakes. Faulty steering. Dangerous fuel tank placement. Product liability claims against manufacturers like Freightliner or Peterbilt can provide compensation when design defects contributed to your crash.

6. The Parts Manufacturer
Blowouts from defective Michelin or Goodyear tires. Brake failures from faulty Bendix systems. We preserve failed components for expert analysis to prove manufacturing defects.

7. The Maintenance Company
Third-party mechanics who performed “quick fixes” on air brake systems or signed off on inspections without actually checking the tread depth. Under 49 CFR § 396.3, carriers must systematically inspect and maintain vehicles. When maintenance companies falsify records, we hold them accountable.

8. The Freight Broker
Companies like C.H. Robinson or XPO Logistics arrange transportation. If they selected a carrier with a terrible safety record—someone they knew was dangerous—they can be liable for negligent selection.

9. The Truck Owner (If Different from Carrier)
In owner-operator arrangements, the person who owns the tractor may have separate liability for negligent entrustment.

10. Government Entities
When MaineDOT fails to clear ice on I-95 known to be dangerous, or when poor road design causes trucks to lose control on the Saco exit ramps, government liability may apply—though sovereign immunity creates strict deadlines and caps.

We send spoliation letters to all ten parties within 24 hours of being retained. That preservation notice prevents them from “accidentally” deleting the evidence we need to prove your case.

Evidence That Disappears: The 48-Hour Rule

Here’s what the trucking company doesn’t want you to know: they’ve already called their rapid-response team. While you were in the ambulance heading to Maine Medical Center or Southern Maine Health Care, they had investigators at the scene. While you were worrying about how to pay for surgery, they were downloading the ECM data that proves their driver was speeding.

Critical evidence in York County 18-wheeler accidents includes:

• ECM/Black Box Data: Records speed, brake application, throttle position, and fault codes. Overwrites in 30 days or less.
• ELD (Electronic Logging Device) Data: Federally mandated since 2017 under 49 CFR § 395.8. Proves hours-of-service violations—like when a driver worked 14 hours straight through a snowstorm to reach the Kittery truck stop.
• Driver Qualification Files: Records showing if the carrier checked the driver’s history before hiring them to haul through Maine winters.
• Maintenance Records: Proof they knew the brakes were failing but sent the truck out anyway.
• Dashcam Footage: Often deleted within 7-14 days if it shows the driver at fault.
• Cell Phone Records: Proves distracted driving. We subpoena these immediately.
• Surveillance Video: Gas stations and businesses along Route 1 or the Turnpike may have recorded the crash. Most systems overwrite in 30 days.

When you call 888-ATTY-911, we send preservation letters immediately. We alert every potentially liable party that destroying evidence will result in sanctions, adverse jury instructions, or punitive damages. We’ve handled cases where judges instructed juries to assume deleted video would have shown the trucking company at fault—that’s the power of spoliation law.

FMCSA Violations That Prove Negligence

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration regulations exist to prevent exactly what happened to you. When trucking companies violate these rules, they’re not just breaking the law—they’re proving they don’t care about your safety.

Hours of Service Violations (49 CFR Part 395)

The driver who hit you was probably exhausted. Federal law limits property-carrying drivers to:

• 11 hours of driving after 10 consecutive hours off duty
• 14 hours maximum on duty before mandatory rest
• 30-minute break after 8 cumulative hours of driving
• 60/70 hour limits over 7/8 day periods

Yet trucking companies pressure drivers to haul from Boston to Portland in one shift, ignoring the ice building up on the Maine Turnpike. When ELD data shows violations, we use it to prove fatigue caused your crash.

Driver Qualification Failures (49 CFR Part 391)

Trucking companies must verify drivers can handle the unique hazards of Maine’s coastal highways and winter weather. Under § 391.11, drivers must:

• Be medically qualified (vision, hearing, no epilepsy)
• Read and speak English sufficiently
• Have a valid CDL
• Complete entry-level driver training

We recently reviewed a case where a carrier hired a driver with three previous rollover accidents—none of which showed up in their “thorough” background check. That’s negligent hiring, and it makes the company liable for punitive damages.

Cargo Securement Violations (49 CFR § 393.100-136)

When a logging truck tips over on Route 1 near Kennebunk because the load shifted, it’s usually because the loader violated federal securement rules. Cargo must withstand 0.8g forward deceleration and 0.5g lateral forces. Inadequate tiedowns, improper blocking, or overloaded trailers kill York County residents every year.

Brake and Maintenance Failures (49 CFR Parts 393 & 396)

Brake problems cause 29% of truck accidents. Under § 396.3, carriers must systematically inspect and repair vehicles. Drivers must complete pre-trip inspections under § 396.13. When a truck’s brakes fail on the downhill grade near the York toll plaza, we examine maintenance records to find the pattern of ignored defects.

Drug and Alcohol Violations (49 CFR §§ 382, 392.4-5)

Commercial drivers cannot operate with a BAC over 0.04 (half the limit for passenger vehicles). They cannot use Schedule I substances. Post-accident testing must occur within mandated windows. When truckers use stimulants to stay awake through the long haul to Portland, or when they drink at truck stops before driving, we make sure juries know about it.

Common 18-Wheeler Accident Types in York County

Jackknife Accidents on Icy Highways

When a driver slams the brakes on black ice near Saco or Sanford, the trailer swings perpendicular to the cab, blocking all lanes. Jackknives account for 10% of trucking fatalities. We investigate whether the driver:

• Exceeded safe speed for conditions (violating 49 CFR § 392.6)
• Had properly adjusted brakes (violating § 393.48)
• Was fatigued (violating Part 395)

Rollover Accidents on Coastal Curves

Route 1’s tight turns through Ogunquit and Kennebunkport weren’t designed for modern 18-wheelers. When trucks take curves too fast—or when cargo shifts on the winding coastal highway—rollover accidents crush smaller vehicles. These crashes often cause traumatic brain injuries and spinal cord damage.

Underride Collisions: The Silent Killer

When a car rear-ends a trailer on I-95 near the York exits, it often slides underneath. The roof shears off at windshield level. Rear underride guards are required under 49 CFR § 393.86, but many are poorly maintained or incorrectly installed. Side underride guards aren’t federally mandated at all—though they save lives.

Rear-End Collisions in Stop-and-Go Traffic

Summer tourists back up traffic from the Maine Mall to the New Hampshire border. Truck drivers following too closely (violating 49 CFR § 392.11) can’t stop in time. An 80,000-pound truck hitting a stopped car at 40 mph generates catastrophic force.

Wide-Turn Accidents at Intersections

Trucks swinging wide to turn at the Biddeford rotary or the Kennebunk exits often crush cars in their blind spots. These “squeeze play” accidents occur when drivers fail to check mirrors or signal properly under § 392.11.

Tire Blowouts in Summer Heat

July traffic heading to York Beach creates blistering pavement temperatures. Underinflated tires overheat and explode, causing drivers to lose control. 49 CFR § 393.75 requires proper tread depth (4/32″ on steers, 2/32″ on drives), yet carriers run bald tires to save money.

Brake Failures on Downhill Grades

The Maine Turnpike has significant elevation changes. When drivers ride their brakes downhill or when maintenance companies fail to adjust air brakes properly, the result is a runaway truck. We examine inspection records and driver training to prove negligence.

Maine State Laws Affecting Your Trucking Case

Statute of Limitations: Six Years for Personal Injury

Maine is unusual. You have six years from the date of your 18-wheeler accident to file a personal injury lawsuit—the longest period in the United States. For wrongful death claims, you have two years from the date of death.

But don’t wait. Six years sounds like forever until you realize that ECM data is overwritten in 30 days, witnesses move away from York County, and the truck’s maintenance records get “lost” in the first year. Call (888) 288-9911 now to preserve your evidence.

Modified Comparative Negligence (50% Bar Rule)

Maine follows modified comparative negligence. If you’re found 49% at fault for the accident, you can still recover 51% of your damages. But if you’re 50% or more at fault, you recover nothing. Trucking companies and their insurers will try to blame you—claiming you stopped suddenly on the Turnpike or were speeding yourself. We fight back with ECM data and accident reconstruction experts.

Punitive Damages Available

Unlike some states, Maine imposes no cap on punitive damages for trucking accidents. When carriers knowingly put dangerous drivers on the road, falsify log books, or destroy evidence, juries can award unlimited punitive damages to punish the wrongdoing. We’ve seen nuclear verdicts in similar cases reach hundreds of millions.

The Insurance Battle: What You’re Really Up Against

Federal law requires trucking companies to carry minimum liability insurance:

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

Many carriers carry $1-5 million in coverage. But insurance companies don’t hand over that money willingly. They deploy adjusters trained to minimize your claim within hours of the crash.

Our firm includes Lupe Peña, who spent years as an insurance defense attorney. He knows their tactics:

• Quick lowball offers: Designed to get you to settle before you know the full extent of your injuries
• Blaming the victim: Arguing Maine’s weather, not their driver, caused the crash
• Surveillance: Hiring investigators to film you grocery shopping in Biddeford, claiming you’re not really injured
• Independent medical exams: Sending you to doctors who always say you’re fine

We don’t let them get away with it. As client Chad Harris said, “You are NOT a pest to them and you are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.” We treat you like family while we fight the insurance company like enemies.

Catastrophic Injuries and Your Future

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

The force of a truck impact causes the brain to collide with the skull. Symptoms include memory loss, personality changes, headaches, and cognitive deficits. Moderate to severe TBI cases settle between $1,548,000 and $9,838,000—not because money fixes the injury, but because you need lifelong care.

Spinal Cord Injury and Paralysis

Whether paraplegia or quadriplegia, these injuries require home modifications, wheelchairs, and attendant care. Lifetime costs can exceed $5 million. We work with life-care planners to calculate every dollar you’ll need over your expected lifespan.

Amputation

When a truck crushes a limb beyond repair, or when infections set in after the crash, amputation becomes necessary. Beyond the initial surgery, you need prosthetics ($5,000-$50,000 each, replaced every few years), rehabilitation, and psychological counseling. Our settlements for amputation range from $1,945,000 to $8,630,000.

Wrongful Death

When a trucking accident takes your spouse, parent, or child, Maine law allows recovery for lost income, loss of companionship, mental anguish, and funeral expenses. We recently filed a $10 million lawsuit against a major university for hazing-related injuries—we know how to handle high-stakes litigation against well-funded defendants.

Frequently Asked Questions About York County Trucking Accidents

What should I do immediately after a truck accident in York County?
Call 911. Get medical attention at Maine Medical Center, Southern Maine Health Care, or York Hospital. Take photos of everything—the truck, your vehicle, the road conditions, any ice or debris. Get the truck’s DOT number and the driver’s CDL information. Then call 1-888-ATTY-911 before you speak to any insurance adjuster.

How long do I have to file a truck accident lawsuit in Maine?
Six years for personal injury, two years for wrongful death. But evidence disappears much faster. Contact us within 48 hours.

Can I still recover if I was partially at fault?
Yes, as long as you were less than 50% at fault. Your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault. We work to minimize any fault attributed to you.

What if the truck driver was from Canada or another state?
We handle interstate trucking cases regularly. Ralph Manginello is admitted to federal court, and FMCSA regulations apply nationwide. Whether the truck was from Quebec, Florida, or Texas, we can pursue them.

Do you handle cases in Spanish?
Sí. Hablamos Español. Lupe Peña provides fluent Spanish representation without interpreters. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911.

How much does it cost to hire you?
Nothing upfront. We work on contingency—33.33% if we settle before trial, 40% if we go to trial. You pay nothing unless we win.

What if another lawyer rejected my case?
We’ve taken cases other firms dropped. As Donald Wilcox said after we won his case: “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.”

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your York County 18-Wheeler Case?

25+ Years of Experience: Ralph Manginello has been fighting for injury victims since 1998. He’s admitted to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas and has handled complex litigation against Fortune 500 companies like BP in the Texas City Refinery explosion cases.

Former Insurance Defense Attorney on Staff: Lupe Peña knows how trucking insurers think because he used to work for them. Now he uses that insider knowledge to maximize your recovery.

Multi-Million Dollar Results: We’ve recovered $5+ million for traumatic brain injury victims, $3.8+ million for amputation cases, and $2.5+ million for truck crash victims. We’ve helped clients like Kiimarii Yup, who “lost everything” but, “1 year later… gained so much in return plus a brand new truck.”

24/7 Availability: Call 1-888-288-9911 any time, day or night. We answer.

Three Offices Serving You: While we’re based in Texas with offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we handle 18-wheeler cases nationwide. For York County clients, we coordinate with local counsel when necessary and travel to Maine for depositions and trials.

4.9-Star Rating: Our 251+ Google reviews speak for themselves. As Ernest Cano said, “Mr. Manginello and his firm are first class. Will fight tooth and nail for you.”

The Clock Is Ticking: Call Now

The trucking company has lawyers. They have investigators. They have insurance adjusters working to pay you as little as possible.

You need someone on your side who knows how to fight back. Who knows that 49 CFR § 395 limits drivers to 11 hours. Who knows that 49 CFR § 393 requires working brakes. Who knows that the ice on I-95 near York doesn’t excuse speeding.

Don’t let them push you around. Don’t accept their first offer. Don’t sign anything until you’ve spoken with us.

Call 1-888-ATTY-911 now.

The consultation is free. You pay nothing unless we win. And we won’t stop until you get every dime you deserve—just like Glenda Walker, who told us, “They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.”

When an 18-wheeler changes your life forever, you don’t need just a lawyer. You need a fighter. You need Attorney911.

Hablamos Español. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911.

Attorney911 / The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC
Maine State Law: 6-year statute of limitations for personal injury (Me. Rev. Stat. Ann. tit. 14, § 752); Modified comparative negligence with 50% bar (Me. Rev. Stat. Ann. tit. 14, § 156). FMCSA regulations cited: 49 CFR Parts 390-399.
24/7 Emergency Legal Line: (888) 288-9911