18-Wheeler & Trucking Accident Lawyers in Branch County, Michigan

When 80,000 Pounds Changes Everything on I-69

The impact was catastrophic. One moment you’re driving through Branch County on I-69, heading toward Coldwater or crossing into Indiana. The next, an 80,000-pound semi-truck has jackknifed across the highway, or blown a tire, or rear-ended your vehicle at highway speed. In that instant, your life changes forever.

If you’ve been seriously injured in an 18-wheeler accident in Branch County, Michigan, you’re facing a fight you didn’t ask for. The trucking company already has lawyers working to protect them. Their insurance adjuster has already started building a case against you. And here in Branch County—where I-69 serves as a critical freight corridor connecting Detroit to Indianapolis and beyond—trucking accidents aren’t rare occurrences. They’re devastating realities that leave families shattered and wondering how they’ll survive the mounting medical bills.

We know Branch County. We know the heavy agricultural traffic that rolls through this farming community during harvest season. We know the winter storms that turn I-69 and local routes like US-12 into ice-covered death traps for trucks that haven’t been properly maintained. And we know how to hold trucking companies accountable when their negligence causes harm to Branch County families.

Attorney911 has been fighting for trucking accident victims for over 25 years. Ralph Manginello, our managing partner, has secured multi-million dollar verdicts against the largest commercial carriers in America—including BP after the Texas City refinery explosion that killed 15 workers and injured 170 more. That same relentless advocacy is available to you right here in Branch County.

Call us now at 1-888-ATTY-911. The trucking company is already working against you. We start working for you the moment you call.

Why Branch County Truck Accidents Are Different From Car Crashes

The Physics Don’t Lie

Your car weighs about 4,000 pounds. A fully loaded 18-wheeler can weigh up to 80,000 pounds. That’s not just a size difference—it’s a fundamental difference in destructive capability. When a semi-truck hits a passenger vehicle in Branch County, the laws of physics guarantee catastrophic results.

The numbers tell the story. An 80,000-pound truck traveling at 65 mph needs approximately 525 feet to come to a complete stop—that’s nearly two football fields. At that speed, the truck carries roughly 80 times the kinetic energy of your car. When that energy transfers to your vehicle during a collision on I-69 or one of Branch County’s rural highways, the results are often fatal or permanently disabling.

But the dangers aren’t just about weight. It’s about the specific hazards present right here in Branch County:

Winter Weather Hazards: Branch County winters are brutal. Lake-effect snow, black ice on I-69, and whiteout conditions create perfect conditions for jackknife accidents and multi-vehicle pileups. Trucks that haven’t been properly equipped with winter tires or chains pose deadly risks to local families.

Agricultural Traffic: During harvest season, Branch County roads see increased truck traffic hauling grain, dairy products, and agricultural equipment. These loads can shift unexpectedly, causing rollovers or cargo spills that close highways and endanger motorists.

Cross-Border Freight: Branch County’s location near the Indiana border means heavy interstate commerce. Trucks traveling from Detroit to Chicago or beyond often push through driver fatigue to make delivery deadlines, violating federal Hours of Service regulations.

Federal Regulations Govern Every Truck on Branch County Roads

Every 18-wheeler operating in Branch County must comply with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations found in 49 CFR Parts 390-399. These aren’t suggestions—they’re federal laws designed to protect you from exactly the kind of devastation you’re experiencing.

When trucking companies violate these regulations, they create the conditions for tragedy. And proving those violations is often the key to securing maximum compensation for Branch County accident victims.

For over two decades, Ralph Manginello has built cases by dissecting these federal regulations. He knows that 49 CFR Part 395 limits drivers to 11 hours of driving time after 10 consecutive hours off duty. He knows that 49 CFR Part 396 requires systematic inspection and maintenance of every commercial vehicle. And he knows how to prove when trucking companies ignore these rules to boost their profits.

Our associate attorney, Lupe Peña, brings an insider’s advantage that most Branch County firms can’t match. Before joining Attorney911, Lupe worked for a national insurance defense firm. He spent years watching adjusters minimize claims and learning exactly how trucking insurers evaluate cases. Now he uses that knowledge to fight against them. When the trucking company’s insurance adjuster tries to lowball your settlement, Lupe recognizes their tactics immediately—because he used to be on their side.

Don’t let the trucking company dictate your future. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 today for a free consultation. Hablamos Español.

Branch County’s Most Dangerous Trucking Corridors

I-69: The Critical Link

Interstate 69 cuts directly through Branch County, serving as the primary artery for freight moving between Michigan’s industrial centers and markets to the south. From the border with Hillsdale County down through Coldwater and into Indiana, this highway carries thousands of trucks daily.

But I-69 through Branch County isn’t just any interstate. It serves major distribution centers and manufacturing facilities in the region. During peak harvest season, grain trucks share the road with long-haul semis. In winter, the corridor becomes treacherous as lake-effect snowbands sweep across the highway.

We’ve seen too many Branch County families devastated by accidents on this stretch. Jackknife accidents near the I-69 interchange with US-12. Rear-end collisions near Coldwater where traffic slows for exits. Rollovers on the curves approaching the Indiana state line where drivers unfamiliar with Michigan weather lose control.

Rural Routes and Harvest Hazards

Beyond the interstate, Branch County’s network of state and county roads—including M-86, Old US-27, and numerous township roads—presents unique dangers. Narrow lanes, limited shoulders, and sharp curves challenge even experienced truck drivers.

During autumn harvest, the danger multiplies. Heavy trucks hauling grain from Branch County farms create dust clouds that reduce visibility. Overloaded vehicles strain braking systems. And drivers rushing to get crops to market before weather hits often push beyond safe speeds or hours-of-service limits.

Winter Weather Reality

Branch County winters are unforgiving. When temperatures drop and snow falls, 18-wheelers become 80,000-pound missiles on ice. Brake systems fail in extreme cold. Drivers from southern states unfamiliar with Michigan winters can’t handle black ice on I-69.

FMCSA regulations under 49 CFR § 392.14 require drivers to exercise extreme caution in hazardous conditions, including snow, ice, and fog. When truckers ignore these requirements and cause accidents on Branch County’s winter roads, they must be held accountable.

Types of 18-Wheeler Accidents We Handle in Branch County

Jackknife Accidents on I-69

A jackknife occurs when the truck’s trailer swings out at a 90-degree angle to the cab, often sweeping across multiple lanes of traffic. On I-69 through Branch County, these accidents frequently happen when drivers encounter sudden slowdowns near Coldwater or brake improperly on wet or icy roads.

Jackknife accidents are almost always preventable. They’re caused by speeding, improper braking technique, or equipment failure. Under 49 CFR § 393.48, trucking companies must maintain brake systems to prevent exactly this type of failure. When they don’t, and a Branch County family pays the price, we make them pay in the courtroom.

Rollover Accidents on Curves and Ramps

Branch County’s mix of interstate highway and rural roads creates dangerous rollover scenarios. Trucks taking the curves on I-69 ramps at excessive speed. Agricultural vehicles with high centers of gravity tipping on uneven shoulders. Liquid cargo—whether milk from local dairies or chemicals—sloshing in tankers and shifting weight distribution.

FMCSA regulations under 49 CFR § 393.100-136 mandate proper cargo securement to prevent rollovers. When loading companies fail to properly distribute weight, or when drivers exceed safe speeds for conditions, rollovers happen. The injuries are devastating—crushed vehicles, spilled cargo fires, and multi-car pileups that block I-69 for hours.

Underride Collisions: The Most Fatal Crashes

An underride accident occurs when a passenger vehicle slides underneath the trailer of an 18-wheeler. These are among the deadliest accidents on Branch County roads. The height mismatch between a car and a semi trailer means the impact hits at windshield level—often causing decapitation or catastrophic head injuries.

Federal law under 49 CFR § 393.86 requires rear impact guards on trailers manufactured after January 26, 1998. But many trucks on the road have inadequate guards, and side underride guards aren’t federally mandated at all. When these failures result in death or injury on Branch County highways, we pursue every liable party—from the driver to the trucking company to the trailer manufacturer.

Rear-End Collisions: The Physics of Destruction

A fully loaded truck needs 40% more stopping distance than a car. On I-69, when traffic slows unexpectedly near Coldwater or construction zones, truck drivers following too closely or distracted by cell phones cause devastating rear-end collisions.

Under 49 CFR § 392.11, commercial drivers are prohibited from following more closely than is “reasonable and prudent.” When they violate this rule—often because they’re fatigued, distracted, or their brakes are poorly maintained—the results are catastrophic. Victims suffer traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, and crushing injuries that require years of rehabilitation.

Wide Turn Accidents (“Squeeze Play”)

In downtown Coldwater and at intersections throughout Branch County, trucks making wide right turns often swing left first, creating a gap that tempts other drivers to enter. When the truck completes its turn, vehicles in the blind spot get crushed.

These accidents often involve failure to signal under 49 CFR § 392.7, or inadequate mirror systems required by 49 CFR § 393.80. The trucking industry calls this the “squeeze play”—but for the Branch County families crushed against curbs or dragged under trailers, it’s no game.

Tire Blowouts and Equipment Failures

Michigan’s freeze-thaw cycles and potholed roads are brutal on truck tires. A steer tire blowout on I-69 can cause an immediate loss of control. Tire debris—called “road gators”—creates hazards for following vehicles.

FMCSA regulations mandating minimum tread depth (4/32″ on steer tires under 49 CFR § 393.75) exist precisely because tire failures kill. When trucking companies defer maintenance to save money, and that decision costs a Branch County family everything, we hold them accountable.

Brake Failure Accidents

Brake problems factor into approximately 29% of large truck crashes. In Branch County’s hilly terrain and during winter conditions, properly maintained brakes aren’t optional—they’re essential to survival.

The pre-trip inspection required by 49 CFR § 396.13 mandates that drivers verify brake condition before every trip. Post-trip inspection reports under § 396.11 require documentation of any brake defects. When drivers skip these inspections, or companies ignore defects to keep trucks rolling, brake failure accidents happen on I-69 and local roads—with fatal consequences.

Cargo Spills and Hazmat Incidents

Branch County’s agricultural economy means trucks carrying grain, dairy products, and occasionally hazardous materials. When cargo isn’t properly secured under 49 CFR § 393.100, spills occur. A load of grain across I-69 creates a secondary accident hazard. A chemical spill from a tanker triggers evacuations and environmental damage.

The liable party might be the driver, the loading company, or the trucking company that pressured the driver to exceed weight limits. We investigate every possibility to ensure Branch County victims recover from every available insurance policy.

Head-On Collisions

When fatigued truckers drift across the centerline on two-lane highways in Branch County, or when winter ice causes loss of control, head-on collisions occur. The closing speed of two vehicles traveling in opposite directions means these accidents are almost always fatal or cause permanent disability.

Hours of Service violations under 49 CFR Part 395 are frequently the root cause. Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) mandated since December 18, 2017, record these violations. But that data only helps if you have a lawyer who knows how to get it before it’s destroyed.

Evidence disappears fast. Black box data can be overwritten in 30 days. Call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 immediately to protect your rights.

The Catastrophic Injuries 18-Wheelers Cause in Branch County

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

The forces involved in a Branch County truck accident frequently cause traumatic brain injuries—even when there’s no direct impact to the head. The violent acceleration and deceleration of a collision cause the brain to impact the inside of the skull.

TBI symptoms might not appear immediately. You might feel fine immediately after the crash on I-69, only to develop headaches, confusion, memory problems, or personality changes days later. Moderate to severe TBI can require lifetime care, costing between $1.5 million and $9.8 million over a patient’s lifetime.

These aren’t just numbers. They’re the cost of round-the-clock care for a spouse who no longer recognizes their family. They’re the lost earnings of a Branch County worker who can never return to their job. And they’re damages we fight to recover for families every day.

Spinal Cord Injury and Paralysis

The crushing weight of a commercial truck often causes spinal cord damage resulting in paraplegia or quadriplegia. Life expectancy decreases significantly after spinal cord injury, while lifetime care costs can exceed $5 million for quadriplegics.

Branch County victims face the added challenge of accessing specialized care. While major trauma centers in nearby cities like Battle Creek or Jackson provide initial treatment, long-term rehabilitation often requires travel to specialized facilities. These costs—from home modifications to accessible vehicles to personal care attendants—must be calculated and demanded from the trucking company.

Amputation and Crush Injuries

When an 18-wheeler rolls over a passenger compartment or pins a victim against a guardrail on I-69, crush injuries often require surgical amputation. Even when limbs are technically salvageable, the damage to nerves and blood vessels may make amputation necessary.

Modern prosthetics cost between $5,000 and $50,000, and they require replacement every few years. For a young Branch County worker who loses a limb to a trucking company’s negligence, these lifetime costs must be part of any settlement. We’ve secured settlements between $1.9 million and $8.6 million for amputation victims—because that’s what it actually costs to live with these injuries.

Severe Burns

Tanker trucks and hazardous materials carriers pose unique burn risks. When a truck’s fuel tank ruptures or chemical cargo spills on I-69, fires and chemical burns result. Third and fourth-degree burns require skin grafting, multiple surgeries, and leave permanent scarring.

The psychological trauma of disfigurement adds to the physical pain. Michigan law allows recovery for both the economic costs of burn treatment and the non-economic damages of living with permanent scars.

Wrongful Death

When a Branch County family loses a loved one to a trucking accident, the grief is accompanied by financial devastation. Funeral costs, lost future income, and the permanent loss of companionship can’t be measured in dollars—but the law requires monetary compensation.

Under Michigan law, wrongful death claims must be filed within three years of the death. But you shouldn’t wait. The trucking company is already building their defense.

As client Glenda Walker said after we handled her case, “They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.” That’s what we do for every Branch County family facing loss.

The 48-Hour Rule: Why You Must Act Immediately

Evidence Disappears—Fast

The trucking industry has learned to respond to accidents with “rapid response teams”—lawyers and investigators who arrive at the scene before the ambulance leaves. Their job is to protect the trucking company, not to help you.

Meanwhile, critical evidence that could prove your case is disappearing:

• Black Box Data (ECM/EDR): Overwrites in as little as 30 days, or sooner if the truck is driven
• ELD Data: Only required to be retained for 6 months
• Dashcam Footage: Often deleted within 7-14 days unless preserved
• Surveillance Video: Nearby businesses typically overwrite footage in 7-30 days
• Physical Evidence: The truck may be repaired and put back on the road within days

The Spoliation Letter

When you hire Attorney911, we send a spoliation letter within 24 hours of being retained. This formal legal notice puts the trucking company, their insurer, and all potentially liable parties on notice that they must preserve:

• Electronic Control Module data
• Electronic Logging Device records
• Driver Qualification Files
• Maintenance and inspection records
• Cell phone records and dispatch logs
• The physical truck and trailer

Once they receive our spoliation letter, destroying evidence becomes “spoliation”—a serious legal violation. Courts can instruct juries to assume destroyed evidence would have been unfavorable to the trucking company, or even enter default judgment against them.

But we can only send that letter if you call us quickly. Every hour you wait, evidence is disappearing.

Client Donald Wilcox came to us after another firm rejected his case. “One company said they would not accept my case,” he recalled. “Then I got a call from Manginello… I got a call to come pick up this handsome check.” We don’t reject cases because they’re hard—we fight for families other firms turn away.

The trucking company has lawyers working right now. You should too. Call 1-888-ATTY-911.

Who Can Be Held Liable for Your Branch County Truck Accident?

Most law firms look at a truck accident and see one liable party: the driver. We see a web of corporate responsibility. And under Michigan’s modified comparative negligence law—which allows recovery as long as you’re not more than 50% at fault—every percentage of liability we prove increases your compensation.

The Truck Driver

Direct negligence might include speeding on I-69, texting while driving in violation of 49 CFR § 392.82, driving while fatigued beyond the 11-hour limit under 49 CFR § 395.8, or operating under the influence of drugs or alcohol.

We subpoena cell phone records, ELD data, and driver’s logs to prove these violations.

The Trucking Company (Motor Carrier)

Under the legal doctrine of respondeat superior, employers are responsible for their employees’ negligent acts. But we don’t stop there. We pursue direct negligence claims including:

Negligent Hiring: Did the company verify the driver’s CDL? Check his driving history? Under 49 CFR § 391.51, motor carriers must maintain a Driver Qualification File containing background checks, medical certifications, and training records. Missing or incomplete files prove negligent hiring.

Negligent Training: Did the company train the driver on winter weather operations specific to Michigan conditions? Cargo securement for agricultural loads? Hours of Service compliance?

Negligent Maintenance: Under 49 CFR § 396.3, carriers must systematically inspect and maintain vehicles. When brake systems fail or tires blow because the company deferred maintenance to save money, we prove it.

Negligent Scheduling: Did dispatchers pressure the driver to violate Hours of Service regulations to meet delivery deadlines? These company policies create the conditions for accidents.

The Cargo Owner and Loading Company

In Branch County’s agricultural economy, grain elevators and dairy operations often arrange shipping. When they demand overloaded trucks or fail to properly secure cargo, they share liability.

Under 49 CFR § 393.102, cargo securement systems must withstand specific force thresholds. When loaders fail to meet these standards—using inadequate tiedowns or improperly distributing weight—they cause rollovers and spills on I-69.

The Truck and Parts Manufacturer

Defective brakes, faulty steering systems, or substandard tires can cause accidents even when the driver does everything right. We investigate whether the truck or its components were subject to recalls or had histories of similar failures.

The Maintenance Company

Third-party mechanics who perform shoddy repairs or return trucks to service with known defects may be liable. We review work orders and inspection reports to identify maintenance failures.

The Freight Broker

Brokers who arrange transportation between shippers and carriers have a duty to verify that the carriers they hire are safe and properly insured. When brokers select the cheapest carrier without checking safety ratings—just to maximize their commission—they may share liability for the carnage on Branch County roads.

Government Entities

If dangerous road design, inadequate signage, or failure to maintain I-69 contributed to your accident, we may have claims against government entities. Michigan provides a three-year statute of limitations for such claims, but notice requirements can be much shorter.

Don’t guess who’s responsible. Let us investigate every possible liable party. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 today.

FMCSA Regulations That Protect Branch County Drivers

Part 390: General Applicability

Every commercial motor vehicle operating on Branch County roads with a GVWR over 10,001 pounds must comply with FMCSA regulations. This includes the big rigs on I-69 and the agricultural trucks hauling grain during harvest.

Part 391: Driver Qualification

Commercial drivers must:

• Be at least 21 years old for interstate commerce
• Possess a valid CDL
• Pass medical examinations every two years (or more frequently for certain conditions)
• Speak English sufficiently to converse with the general public

The Driver Qualification File required under § 391.51 must contain:

• Employment application
• Three-year driving record check
• Previous employer verification
• Medical examiner’s certificate
• Drug and alcohol test results

When trucking companies hire drivers without these qualifications—perhaps turning a blind eye to a history of accidents or failed drug tests—they’re liable for negligent hiring.

Part 392: Driving Rules

This section contains the operational rules most frequently violated in Branch County accidents:

§ 392.3 (Ill or Fatigued Operation): No driver shall operate when ability is impaired by fatigue, illness, or any other cause. In winter weather on I-69, this requires drivers to recognize when conditions make continued operation unsafe.

§ 392.4 and 392.5 (Drugs and Alcohol): Prohibits operation under the influence of controlled substances or alcohol (BAC of 0.04% or higher for commercial drivers—half the limit for regular motorists).

§ 392.11 (Following Too Closely): Requires drivers to maintain safe following distances. On I-69, this means leaving enough room to stop even when traffic slows unexpectedly near Coldwater.

§ 392.82 (Mobile Phone Use): Prohibits hand-held phone use and texting while driving.

Part 393: Vehicle Safety Standards

This part mandates equipment standards:

Cargo Securement (§ 393.100-136): Tiedowns must have aggregate working load limits equal to at least 50% of cargo weight. Blocking, bracing, and friction mats must prevent shifting that could cause rollover.

Brake Systems (§ 393.40-55): All wheels must have service brakes. Air brake systems must meet specific adjustment limits. These requirements exist because brake failure causes 29% of truck crashes.

Lighting (§ 393.11-26): Required lights include headlamps, tail lamps, stop lamps, clearance lamps, and reflectors. Inadequate lighting contributes to underride accidents.

Part 395: Hours of Service

The rule most commonly violated—and the one that causes the most fatigue-related accidents on Branch County highways:

• 11-Hour Driving Limit: Maximum 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty
• 14-Hour On-Duty Window: Cannot drive beyond the 14th consecutive hour after coming on duty
• 30-Minute Break: Required after 8 cumulative hours driving
• 60/70 Hour Rule: No driving after 60 hours in 7 days or 70 hours in 8 days
• 34-Hour Restart: Can restart clock after 34 consecutive hours off

Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) mandated since December 2017 automatically record this data—and we subpoena it to prove violations.

Part 396: Inspection and Maintenance

§ 396.3: Requires systematic inspection and maintenance programs.

§ 396.11: Mandates post-trip inspection reports covering brakes, steering, lighting, tires, and emergency equipment.

§ 396.17: Requires annual vehicle inspections with documentation retained for 14 months.

When trucking companies skip these inspections to keep trucks moving on I-69, they create deadly hazards.

We know these regulations inside and out. Let us prove violations in your case. Call 1-888-ATTY-911.

Michigan Law: What Branch County Victims Need to Know

The Statute of Limitations Clock Is Ticking

Under Michigan law, you have three years from the date of your trucking accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. For wrongful death claims, the three-year clock starts from the date of death.

That sounds like plenty of time. It isn’t. Trucking accident cases require extensive investigation—obtaining FMCSA records, analyzing ECM data, deposing witnesses, and consulting with accident reconstruction experts. The longer you wait, the harder it becomes to prove your case.

Moreover, evidence disappears. Memories fade. And the trucking company is using that time to build their defense against you.

Comparative Negligence in Michigan

Michigan follows a “modified comparative negligence” rule with a 51% bar. This means:

• If you are 50% or less at fault for the accident, you can recover damages
• Your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault
• If you are 51% or more at fault, you recover nothing

The trucking company and their insurer will try to blame you. They’ll claim you were speeding, or following too closely, or failed to avoid the accident. Without aggressive legal representation, you could see your compensation reduced or eliminated entirely.

Ralph Manginello has spent 25 years fighting these blame-shifting tactics. We know how to use ECM data, witness statements, and FMCSA violations to prove the truck driver—not you—was responsible for the crash on I-69.

No Damage Caps on Most Trucking Cases

Unlike some states, Michigan does not cap compensatory damages in personal injury cases. There is no limit on your recovery for:

• Medical expenses (past and future)
• Lost wages and lost earning capacity
• Pain and suffering
• Mental anguish
• Loss of enjoyment of life

Punitive damages—intended to punish gross negligence—are also available in Michigan when trucking companies act with reckless disregard for safety. There is no statutory cap on these either.

This matters because trucking accidents often warrant punitive damages. When a company knowingly puts a dangerous driver on the road, falsifies maintenance records, or destroys evidence, they should be punished financially.

Insurance Requirements: Why Trucking Cases Are Different

Under FMCSA regulations, commercial trucks must carry:

• $750,000 minimum for non-hazardous freight
• $1,000,000 for oil, large equipment, or hazmat
• $5,000,000 for certain hazardous materials and passenger carriers

This is far more than Michigan’s minimum auto insurance requirement of $50,000 per person. It means there’s actually money available to cover your catastrophic injuries—if you have a lawyer who knows how to access it.

Don’t wait until it’s too late. Michigan gives you three years, but your evidence won’t last that long. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 now.

Why Branch County Families Choose Attorney911

25+ Years Fighting for Victims

Ralph Manginello has been practicing law since 1998. He’s admitted to federal court in the Southern District of Texas, giving him the ability to handle complex interstate trucking cases that often involve multiple jurisdictions. He led litigation against BP after the Texas City refinery explosion—a case involving 15 deaths and over 170 injuries that resulted in $2.1 billion in total industry-wide settlements.

That same tenacity is available to you in Branch County. We don’t back down from trucking companies or their insurers. We prepare every case as if it’s going to trial—because that’s how you get maximum settlements.

The Insurance Defense Advantage

Most personal injury firms have never sat on the other side of the table. We have. Lupe Peña, our associate attorney, worked for a national insurance defense firm before joining Attorney911. He knows the playbooks adjusters use to minimize claims. He knows how they train their people to deny coverage. And he knows exactly which buttons to push to make them pay fair value.

When the trucking company’s insurance adjuster offers you a quick, low settlement, Lupe recognizes the tactic immediately. He knows when they’re bluffing and when they’re truly worried about trial. That insider knowledge translates directly into better outcomes for Branch County clients.

Multi-Million Dollar Results

We don’t just talk about fighting—we deliver results:

• $5+ Million for a traumatic brain injury victim struck by a falling log
• $3.8+ Million for a car accident victim who suffered amputation due to medical complications
• $2.5+ Million for a commercial truck crash victim
• $2+ Million for a maritime worker with a back injury
• $10 Million lawsuit currently active against a major university for hazing injuries

These aren’t lucky breaks. They’re the results of thorough investigation, aggressive litigation, and refusal to accept lowball offers.

4.9 Stars from Real Clients

Our Google reviews tell the story:

Chad Harris said: “You are NOT a pest to them and you are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.”

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.”

That’s the difference between a mill firm that treats you like a number and Attorney911, where you’re family.

Three Offices Serving You

While we’re based in Texas with offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we handle 18-wheeler cases nationwide. For Branch County clients, this means:

• No need to drive to Texas—we come to you
• Remote consultations via video conference
• Relationships with Michigan attorneys for local procedural matters if needed
• The resources of a major firm with the personal attention of a boutique practice

Hablamos Español

Lupe Peña provides fluent Spanish-language representation. No interpreters needed. No lost meaning in translation. If Spanish is your first language, you deserve an attorney who can communicate with you directly about the most important case of your life.

Llame a Lupe Peña al 1-888-ATTY-911 para una consulta gratis.

No Fee Unless We Win

We work on contingency:

• 33.33% if settled before trial
• 40% if the case goes to trial

You pay nothing upfront. We advance all costs for investigation, expert witnesses, and litigation. If we don’t win, you don’t pay us a dime.

You have nothing to lose and everything to gain. Call 1-888-ATTY-911.

Frequently Asked Questions About Branch County Truck Accidents

What should I do immediately after a truck accident on I-69 in Branch County?

Call 911 immediately. Seek medical attention even if you feel fine—adrenaline masks pain. Document everything: truck company name, DOT number, driver information, witness names, and photos of the scene. Do not give a recorded statement to any insurance company without consulting an attorney first.

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

Three years from the date of the accident for personal injury, or three years from the date of death for wrongful death. But waiting is dangerous—evidence disappears quickly. Contact an attorney within days.

Who can be held liable besides the truck driver?

The trucking company, cargo owner, loading company, truck manufacturer, parts manufacturer, maintenance company, freight broker, and potentially government entities if road conditions contributed. We investigate every possible defendant.

What is a spoliation letter and why does it matter?

It’s a formal notice demanding preservation of evidence like black box data, maintenance records, and driver logs. Once sent, destroying evidence becomes a serious legal violation. We send these within 24 hours of being hired.

How much is my case worth?

It depends on injury severity, medical costs, lost income, and available insurance. Trucking cases often involve $750,000 to $5 million in coverage. We’ve recovered settlements ranging from $1.9 million to $9.8 million for catastrophic injuries.

What if I was partially at fault?

Michigan allows recovery if you’re 50% or less at fault, though your percentage of fault reduces your compensation. Don’t assume you were at fault—the trucking company will blame you regardless. Let us investigate.

How much does it cost to hire Attorney911?

Nothing upfront. We work on contingency—no fee unless we win. You never pay out of pocket.

Do you handle cases in Coldwater and throughout Branch County?

Yes. We represent 18-wheeler accident victims throughout Branch County, including Coldwater, Bronson, Quincy, and rural areas.

Your Fight Starts Now

The trucking company has lawyers. Their insurance company has adjusters. They have resources and experience protecting their interests.

You need someone protecting yours.

Ralph Manginello has spent 25 years making trucking companies pay for the devastation they cause. Lupe Peña knows their defense tactics because he used to use them. Our firm has recovered millions for families just like yours.

You don’t have to fight alone. You don’t have to accept a lowball settlement that won’t cover your medical bills. You don’t have to let the trucking company get away with destroying evidence or violating federal safety regulations.

Call Attorney911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911.

We’re available 24/7. We speak Spanish. We work on contingency. And we’re ready to fight for every dollar you deserve.

As client Chad Harris put it: “You are FAMILY to them.”

Let us treat you like family. Let us fight for you.

1-888-ATTY-911
Attorney911.com

Serving 18-wheeler accident victims in Branch County, Michigan, and nationwide.