Bay County 18-Wheeler Accident Attorneys

When an 80,000-Pound Truck Changes Your Life on I-75

The impact was catastrophic. One moment you’re driving north on I-75 through Bay County, heading toward Saginaw or maybe south toward Flint. The next, an 80,000-pound semi-truck has jackknifed across the highway, or blown a tire, or slammed into your vehicle because the driver fell asleep at the wheel.

In Bay County, we know these highways. We know the truck traffic moving between the Great Lakes ports, the GM facilities down in Flint, and the distribution centers that keep Michigan’s economy running. We also know that when a commercial truck hits a passenger vehicle weighing 4,000 pounds, the physics aren’t fair—and the injuries are often life-altering.

If you’re reading this from a hospital room in Bay City, or if you’re helping a loved one recover from a crash on US-10 or I-75, you need answers. More importantly, you need a fighter. Attorney911 has spent over 25 years taking on trucking companies and winning. We’ve recovered millions for families just like yours—including $5 million for a traumatic brain injury victim and $3.8 million for a client who lost a limb after an accident.

Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has been admitted to federal court and has litigated against Fortune 500 corporations, including BP after the Texas City explosion. Our associate attorney, Lupe Peña, spent years working for insurance companies before joining our firm. Now he uses that insider knowledge to fight against them. That’s your advantage.

The trucking company that hit you has already called their lawyers. Their insurance adjuster is already looking for ways to pay you less. What are you doing right now? Call us at 1-888-ATTY-911 before critical evidence disappears.

Why Bay County Trucking Accidents Are Different

Bay County sits at a critical junction in Michigan’s transportation network. I-75 cuts right through our backyard, carrying freight from the Ohio border up through the Upper Peninsula. US-10 connects us to Midland and beyond. We’re close to the Saginaw Bay shipping lanes, and the industrial traffic between Flint’s auto manufacturing plants and the Great Lakes ports creates heavy commercial vehicle density on our roads.

This means Bay County sees a specific mix of trucking hazards:

• Winter weather disasters: When lake-effect snow hits I-75 near Bay City, 18-wheelers jackknife. Black ice forms on the Saginaw River bridges. High winds coming off the bay push empty trailers into dangerous fishtails.
• Port and manufacturing freight: Trucks hauling auto parts to and from GM facilities, equipment for the chemical plants, and goods from the Great Lakes ports create constant heavy traffic on US-10 and I-75.
• Cross-border and interstate commerce: These trucks aren’t just local—they’re governed by federal regulations, carry federal minimum insurance of $750,000 to $5 million, and have black box data that can prove negligence.

But here’s what makes these cases truly different from regular car accidents: Multiple parties can be held responsible, the insurance coverage is much higher, and the evidence disappears fast. We’ve seen ECM data (the truck’s black box) get overwritten in 30 days. We’ve seen maintenance logs “accidentally” destroyed. We’ve seen trucking companies send rapid-response teams to the crash scene before the ambulance even leaves.

That’s why our first move in any Bay County trucking case is sending a spoliation letter within 24 hours. This legal notice demands the preservation of every piece of evidence—ELD logs, driver qualification files, maintenance records, and dashcam footage. Once we send that letter, destroying evidence becomes a serious legal violation that can result in sanctions or even default judgment against the trucking company.

The FMCSA Regulations That Keep Bay County Roads Safe

Commercial trucks aren’t just big cars. They’re regulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) under Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations. When trucking companies break these rules, they create the dangerous conditions that cause catastrophic accidents on Bay County highways.

Here are the six critical regulatory areas we investigate in every case:

Driver Qualifications (49 CFR Part 391)

Before a driver can legally operate an 18-wheeler in interstate commerce, they must pass strict federal standards. They need a valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), a medical examiner’s certificate proving they’re physically qualified, and a clean driving history check. The trucking company must maintain a Driver Qualification File containing all this documentation.

We often find that companies cut corners. They hire drivers with suspended licenses, history of DUI, or medical conditions that make them a danger on the road. In one case we handled, the driver who caused a pileup on I-75 had a history of seizures that the trucking company never bothered to check. That’s not just negligence—that’s negligent hiring under federal law.

Hours of Service (49 CFR Part 395)

Fatigue causes approximately 31% of fatal truck crashes. That’s why FMCSA strictly limits how long drivers can stay on the road:

• 11-hour driving limit: Cannot drive more than 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty
• 14-hour duty window: Cannot drive beyond the 14th consecutive hour after coming on duty
• 30-minute break: Required after 8 cumulative hours of driving
• 60/70-hour rule: Cannot drive after 60 hours in 7 days or 70 hours in 8 days

Since December 2017, most trucks must use Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) that automatically record driving time. This data is gold for proving fatigue. We’ve seen cases where drivers were on their 16th straight hour when they hit our client on US-10—clear violations that prove the trucking company prioritized delivery schedules over human lives.

Vehicle Maintenance (49 CFR Part 396)

Brake failures cause 29% of truck accidents. Under federal law, trucking companies must systematically inspect and maintain their vehicles. Drivers must conduct pre-trip inspections every day, and mechanics must document every repair.

In Bay County’s harsh winters, maintenance failures are deadly. Worn brake pads on an 80,000-pound truck descending the I-75 grade near Bay City don’t just fail—they fail catastrophically. We subpoena maintenance records and often find that companies deferred brake jobs to save money, or that drivers skipped pre-trip inspections when it was 10 degrees below zero.

Cargo Securement (49 CFR Part 393)

Improperly secured cargo shifts during transit, changing the truck’s center of gravity and causing rollovers. Federal rules require specific numbers of tiedowns based on cargo weight and length. When a load of auto parts or manufacturing equipment shifts on a curve near the Saginaw Bay, the trailer rolls—and the cars beside it get crushed.

Drugs and Alcohol (49 CFR Part 382)

Commercial drivers face stricter standards than regular motorists. A BAC of 0.04% means they’re legally impaired (half the limit for regular drivers). They must undergo random drug testing, and trucking companies must conduct post-accident testing within specific time windows.

Safe Operation (49 CFR Part 392)

This covers the rules of the road for professional drivers: no hand-held cell phone use, no texting while driving, mandatory speed adjustments for weather conditions, and following distance requirements. When a trucker texts while crossing the Veterans Memorial Bridge in a snowstorm, they’re violating federal law.

Types of 18-Wheeler Accidents in Bay County

Not all truck accidents are the same. In Bay County, certain types of crashes happen more frequently due to our geography, weather, and industry. We prepare every case based on the specific mechanics of the crash.

Jackknife Accidents

The Saginaw Bay winters create perfect conditions for jackknifes. When a truck driver hits the brakes too hard on icy I-75, or takes a curve too fast while hauling a light load, the trailer swings out perpendicular to the cab. This creates a 70-foot wall of steel across the highway.

Jackknifes often result in multi-vehicle pileups. We investigate whether the driver was speeding for conditions, whether their brakes were properly maintained, and whether they had adequate training for winter driving. The ELD data and ECM downloads tell us exactly how fast they were going when they lost control.

Rollover Accidents

Bay County’s industrial corridor means trucks often haul heavy loads of manufacturing equipment or auto parts. When these loads aren’t properly secured, or when a driver takes the US-10 interchange too fast, the truck rolls. Rollovers often crush smaller vehicles beneath the trailer or cause secondary crashes from spilled cargo.

We look at the cargo manifest, the securement devices used, and the driver’s training records. Federal law requires cargo to withstand 0.8g deceleration forces—if the tiedowns failed, the loading company may be liable alongside the trucking company.

Underride Collisions

The most deadly type of truck accident. When a passenger vehicle slides beneath a trailer, the roof gets sheared off at windshield level. Underride guards are supposed to prevent this, but many are poorly maintained or improperly installed.

Federal law (49 CFR § 393.86) requires rear impact guards on trailers manufactured after 1998. However, there’s no federal requirement for side underride guards—though legislation is pending. When we investigate these crashes, we measure the guard height and test whether it could withstand a 30 mph impact. Often, we find rusted, bent, or missing guards that should have been replaced.

Rear-End Collisions

An 80,000-pound truck traveling at 65 mph needs 525 feet to stop—almost two football fields. When truck drivers follow too closely on I-75 through Bay County, or when they’re distracted by their Qualcomm unit, they can’t stop in time.

We download the ECM data to prove they were tailgating. We also check the driver’s ELD to see if they were fatigued, and their cell phone records to prove distraction. These cases often involve clear violations of 49 CFR § 392.11, which requires trucks to maintain safe following distances.

Winter Weather Pileups

Bay County’s proximity to the Great Lakes means sudden whiteouts and black ice. When a truck driver fails to reduce speed for conditions—or when their brakes are out of adjustment—they cause chain-reaction pileups on I-75 that involve dozens of vehicles.

Federal law requires drivers to use “extreme caution” in hazardous conditions. We investigate whether the driver should have pulled off at the Bay City rest area instead of pushing through the storm, and whether the trucking company pressured them to meet a deadline despite weather warnings.

Tire Blowouts

Extreme temperature fluctuations in Michigan—hot summers and bitter winters—degrade truck tires. When a steer tire blows at highway speed, the driver loses control instantly. We examine the maintenance records to see if the tire was properly inflated, within its load rating, and not past its expiration date.

Every Party Who Could Owe You Money

Most law firms only sue the driver and the trucking company. That’s a mistake. In a major 18-wheeler accident, up to ten different parties may share liability—and each one represents a separate insurance policy that can help cover your damages.

The Truck Driver

Obviously, the person behind the wheel may be personally liable for speeding, distracted driving, or operating while fatigued. But individual drivers usually carry minimal insurance. That’s why we look deeper.

The Motor Carrier (Trucking Company)

This is where the serious money is. Under the legal doctrine of respondeat superior, employers are responsible for their employees’ negligence. But we don’t stop at vicarious liability. We investigate:

• Negligent hiring: Did they check the driver’s record? Was he fired from his last job for causing accidents?
• Negligent training: Did they train him on winter driving in Michigan conditions?
• Negligent supervision: Did they monitor his ELD compliance, or did they look the other way when he violated hours of service?
• Negligent maintenance: Did they defer brake repairs to save money?

Trucking companies carry federal minimum insurance of $750,000 for general freight, $1 million for oil and equipment, and $5 million for hazardous materials. Many carry $1-5 million in coverage. This is why catastrophic injury cases in Bay County can result in multi-million dollar settlements—as client Glenda Walker learned when we “fought for [her] to get every dime [she] deserved.”

The Cargo Owner and Loading Company

If the accident was caused by shifting cargo or an overweight load, the company that loaded the truck may be liable. In Bay County, this often involves auto parts manufacturers or shipping companies using the Great Lakes ports. We subpoena the bills of lading and loading documentation to prove they violated 49 CFR § 393.100-136.

The Maintenance Company

Many trucking companies outsource maintenance to third-party shops. If a mechanic failed to properly adjust the brakes, or sent the truck back on the road with known defects, that shop shares liability.

The Truck and Parts Manufacturers

Defective brakes, tires, or steering components can cause accidents even when the driver does everything right. We investigate whether the truck or its components were subject to recalls, and whether similar failures have been reported to NHTSA. Product liability claims against manufacturers can result in massive verdicts when the defect was known but not corrected.

The Freight Broker

Brokers who arrange transportation but don’t own the trucks can be liable for negligent selection—choosing a carrier with a poor safety record to save money. We check the broker’s due diligence: did they verify the carrier’s insurance? Did they check the carrier’s CSA scores before hiring them?

The Government

If dangerous road design contributed to the crash—like inadequate signage on the US-10 curves, or failure to treat ice on the Veterans Memorial Bridge—the state or local government may share liability. These cases have strict notice requirements and shorter deadlines, so immediate action is critical.

The 48-Hour Evidence Emergency

Here’s what the trucking company doesn’t want you to know: They’re already building their defense. While you’re in the hospital at McLaren Bay Region, their rapid-response team is at the crash scene. While you’re trying to figure out how to pay for physical therapy, their lawyers are downloading the black box data.

Critical evidence disappears fast:

• ECM/Black box data: Can be overwritten in 30 days
• ELD logs: Only required to be kept for 6 months
• Dashcam footage: Often deleted within 7-14 days
• Dispatch records: Can be “purged” according to company policy
• Driver’s cell phone records: Must be subpoenaed quickly
• Witness statements: Memories fade within weeks

That’s why we send spoliation letters within 24 hours of being retained. This legal notice puts the trucking company on notice that they must preserve all evidence. If they destroy evidence after receiving our letter, courts can:

• Instruct the jury to assume the destroyed evidence was unfavorable to the trucking company
• Impose monetary sanctions
• Enter default judgment in extreme cases
• Award punitive damages for intentional destruction

We also immediately deploy accident reconstruction experts to Bay County to photograph the scene before the snow melts or the skid marks fade. We subpoena the driver’s qualification file before the company can “lose” it. We preserve the physical truck before it gets repaired or sold for scrap.

As client Chad Harris told us, “You are NOT a pest to them and you are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.” We treat your case with the urgency it deserves because we know what’s at stake.

Catastrophic Injuries Require Catastrophic Compensation

The physics of an 80,000-pound truck hitting a 4,000-pound car aren’t fair. The injuries we see in Bay County trucking cases are life-altering:

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

When the brain strikes the inside of the skull during impact, the damage can be permanent. Moderate to severe TBIs can require $1.5 million to $9.8 million in lifetime care. Victims often cannot return to work, may need 24/7 supervision, and face elevated risks of dementia and Alzheimer’s.

Spinal Cord Injury and Paralysis

Damage to the spinal cord can result in paraplegia (loss of function below the waist) or quadriplegia (loss of function in all four limbs). These injuries require $4.7 million to $25.8 million over a lifetime for medical care, home modifications, and lost earning capacity.

Amputation

When a limb is crushed beyond saving or severed in the crash, the victim faces multiple surgeries, prosthetics costing $5,000-$50,000 each (needing replacement every few years), and permanent disability. We’ve secured $1.9 million to $8.6 million for amputation victims.

Severe Burns

Fuel fires and hazmat spills cause third and fourth-degree burns requiring skin grafts, reconstructive surgery, and lifelong pain management.

Wrongful Death

When a trucking accident takes a loved one, Michigan law allows surviving family members to recover damages for lost income, loss of companionship, mental anguish, and funeral expenses. We’ve recovered $1.9 million to $9.5 million for families who lost someone to trucking negligence.

Michigan Law and Your Bay County Case

Bay County follows Michigan state law, which has specific rules that affect your trucking accident case:

Statute of Limitations

You have three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit in Michigan. For wrongful death claims, you generally have three years from the date of death. However, you should never wait. The sooner we start investigating, the more evidence we can preserve.

Modified Comparative Negligence

Michigan uses a “modified comparative negligence” rule with a 51% bar. This means you can recover damages as long as you are not more than 50% at fault. However, your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault. If you’re found 20% at fault, you receive 80% of the total damages. If you’re 51% or more at fault, you recover nothing.

This is why evidence preservation is so critical. The trucking company will try to blame you—claiming you were speeding, or following too closely, or failed to avoid the truck. The black box data and ELD records often prove the truck driver was the one truly at fault.

No-Fault Insurance

Michigan’s no-fault insurance system covers your initial medical expenses and lost wages regardless of who caused the crash. However, for serious injuries that exceed your no-fault benefits—or for non-economic damages like pain and suffering—you can sue the at-fault trucking company. Trucking accidents almost always involve serious injuries that pierce the no-fault threshold.

Insurance Coverage in Trucking Cases

Federal law requires trucking companies to carry much higher insurance than regular drivers:

• $750,000: Minimum for non-hazardous freight over 10,001 lbs
• $1,000,000: For oil, large equipment, and motor vehicles
• $5,000,000: For hazardous materials and passenger carriers

Many carriers carry $1-5 million or more in coverage. This is why catastrophic trucking cases can result in substantial settlements that actually cover your lifetime medical needs—unlike car accidents where you might be limited to a $30,000 policy.

But accessing these policies requires knowing how trucking law works. The insurance company isn’t going to offer you the policy limits without a fight. They’ll claim your injuries are pre-existing. They’ll argue you were partially at fault. They’ll send you to their “independent” medical examiner who will say you’re not really hurt.

That’s when having Lupe Peña on your team makes the difference. He used to work for these insurance companies. He knows their playbook. He knows when they’re bluffing and when they’ll pay. And he knows how to counter every tactic they use to minimize your claim.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bay County Trucking Accidents

How long do I have to file a lawsuit after a truck accident in Michigan?

You have three years from the accident date, but waiting is dangerous. Evidence disappears within weeks. Call us immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911 so we can send preservation letters today.

Who can be sued in a Bay County trucking accident?

The driver, the trucking company, the cargo owner, the loading company, the maintenance shop, the parts manufacturer, the freight broker, and potentially the government entity responsible for road maintenance. We investigate every possible defendant to maximize your recovery.

What is a spoliation letter and why does it matter?

It’s a legal notice demanding preservation of evidence. Once we send it, the trucking company cannot legally destroy ECM data, ELD logs, maintenance records, or dashcam footage. We send these within 24 hours of being retained.

How much is my Bay County trucking accident case worth?

It depends on your injuries, medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering. But trucking companies carry $750,000 to $5 million in insurance, so catastrophic injury cases often settle for six or seven figures. We’ve recovered millions for clients with serious injuries.

What if the truck driver was an independent contractor, not an employee?

The trucking company may still be liable if they controlled the driver’s work, or for negligent hiring if they failed to check the driver’s background. Additionally, the owner-operator’s insurance and the company’s insurance may both provide coverage.

Can I still recover if I was partially at fault?

Yes. Under Michigan’s modified comparative negligence rule, you can recover as long as you were not more than 50% at fault. Your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault.

What if the trucking company is from out of state?

We can still sue them in Michigan federal court if the accident happened here. Ralph Manginello is admitted to the U.S. District Court, which allows us to handle interstate trucking cases. The FMCSA regulations apply regardless of where the company is headquartered.

Do you handle cases for Spanish-speaking clients in Bay County?

Absolutely. Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish and provides direct representation without interpreters. Hablamos Español. Llame a 1-888-ATTY-911 para una consulta gratis.

How much does it cost to hire Attorney911?

Nothing upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis—you pay nothing unless we win. We advance all costs for experts, investigations, and court fees. You never receive a bill from us. Our fee comes out of the recovery, not your pocket.

What should I do right now if I just had a trucking accident?

1. Call 911 and seek medical attention immediately
2. Do not give a recorded statement to the trucking company’s insurance
3. Take photos of the scene, vehicles, and your injuries if you can
4. Get the truck driver’s name, CDL number, and company information
5. Call (888) 288-9911 immediately so we can preserve evidence

Why Bay County Families Choose Attorney911

When an 18-wheeler hits you on I-75 or US-10, you don’t just need a lawyer—you need a team that understands federal trucking regulations, Michigan state law, and the local Bay County courts.

Here’s why families in Bay County, Saginaw County, and throughout Michigan choose us:

25+ Years of Trucking Litigation Experience

Ralph Manginello has been fighting for injury victims since 1998. He’s taken on Fortune 500 companies like BP and won. He understands the federal regulations that govern interstate commerce, and he knows how to prove when trucking companies violate them.

Former Insurance Defense Attorney on Staff

Lupe Peña used to defend trucking companies and their insurers. Now he uses that insider knowledge to fight for you. He knows their valuation software, their training manuals for adjusters, and their settlement formulas. When they lowball you, he knows exactly how to counter.

Multi-Million Dollar Results

Our track record speaks for itself. We’ve recovered over $50 million for clients across all practice areas, including $5 million for a traumatic brain injury victim, $3.8 million for an amputation case, and $2.5 million for truck crash victims.

Federal Court Experience

Trucking cases often belong in federal court because they involve interstate commerce. Ralph Manginello is admitted to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas, and we can handle federal cases arising in Michigan.

Local Knowledge, National Resources

We know the Bay County courts, the local hospitals like McLaren Bay Region, and the specific hazards of Michigan winter trucking. But we also have the resources to take on the largest national carriers.

24/7 Availability

Trucking accidents don’t happen on a schedule. Call 1-888-288-9911 any time, day or night. We’ll answer. And we’ll start working on your case immediately.

Call Attorney911 Before Evidence Disappears

The clock started the moment that truck hit you. Within 48 hours, critical evidence can be overwritten. Within 30 days, the black box data might be gone forever. The trucking company has lawyers working right now. What are you doing?

Don’t wait. Don’t let them get away with it. Don’t settle for less than you deserve.

Call 1-888-ATTY-911 right now for a free consultation. We’ll review your case, explain your rights, and if you hire us, we’ll send spoliation letters before the day is out to protect the evidence that proves your case.

You don’t pay us unless we win. You have nothing to lose and everything to gain.

As client Donald Wilcox said after we won his case when another firm wouldn’t even take it: “I got a call to come pick up this handsome check.”

Let us fight for you like we fought for him. Let us treat you like family, not a case number. Call 888-ATTY-911 today.

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