Gladwin County 18-Wheeler Accident Attorneys: Michigan’s Trucking Injury Experts

The impact was catastrophic. One moment you’re driving along M-18 near Gladwin, or heading toward Beaverton on M-61, and suddenly an 80,000-pound logging truck or agricultural trailer changes everything. In rural Gladwin County, where heavy farm equipment and timber trucks share narrow roads with passenger vehicles, these accidents don’t just cause injuries—they shatter lives.

If you’ve been hurt in a trucking accident anywhere in Gladwin County, you need more than just a lawyer. You need a fighter who understands the unique dangers of Michigan’s rural highways, the complexities of agricultural and logging truck regulations, and the federal laws that govern commercial carriers. You need Attorney911.

Why Gladwin County Trucking Accidents Are Different

Gladwin County sits in the heart of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula, surrounded by agricultural heartland and dense forests. Our highways—M-18, M-61, and the county roads connecting Gladwin City to Beaverton, Harrison, and Clare—see a unique mix of traffic that urban attorneys don’t understand. We’re talking about massive potato trucks hauling Michigan’s harvest, logging trailers navigating tight rural curves, and long-haul 18-wheelers using nearby I-75 to traverse the state.

The statistics tell a sobering story. While Gladwin County’s population is small, our rural roads see disproportionate truck traffic related to agriculture and forestry. When an 80,000-pound commercial vehicle collides with a 4,000-pound car on an icy M-18 curve, the physics are brutal. The truck is twenty times heavier. It doesn’t just hit—it devastates.

Ralph Manginello has spent 25 years fighting for people in exactly these situations. Since 1998, he’s been holding trucking companies accountable—not just in Texas, but across the United States, including right here in Michigan. With federal court admission to the Southern District of Texas and dual-state licensure, Ralph brings federal-level expertise to Gladwin County’s local courts. And with our associate attorney Lupe Peña, a former insurance defense lawyer who knows exactly how trucking insurers try to minimize rural accident claims, we bring insider knowledge that other firms simply don’t have.

In Gladwin County, you have three years to file a personal injury lawsuit, but waiting even a week can destroy your case. That’s because evidence in trucking accidents doesn’t wait. Electronic logging devices, black box data, and driver records can disappear in thirty days. The trucking company already has lawyers working to protect them. The question is: who do you have working for you?

Call 888-ATTY-911 right now. We’ll send a spoliation letter within 24 hours to preserve every piece of evidence that proves the trucking company was at fault.

The Unique Hazards of Gladwin County Commercial Trucking

Gladwin County isn’t like Detroit or Grand Rapids. Our trucking accidents happen on different roads, for different reasons, with different liable parties. Understanding these local factors is crucial to winning your case.

Agricultural and Logging Truck Dominance

Gladwin County is known as Michigan’s “potato capital,” and our roads are filled with agricultural equipment during harvest season. But farm trucks aren’t the only danger. Logging operations throughout the Au Sable State Forest and surrounding timberlands mean heavy logging trucks navigate narrow, winding roads like those near the Tittabawassee River or heading toward Harrison.

These aren’t typical long-haul trucks. Logging trucks carry unsecured loads that can shift on curves. Agricultural trailers often lack the safety features of interstate commercial vehicles. And many of these operators are pushed to meet tight schedules during Michigan’s narrow harvest windows.

We recently handled a case where a logging company failed to properly secure a load on a winding Gladwin County road. The cargo shifted, causing the truck to jackknife across both lanes. The result was catastrophic traumatic brain injuries for a family of four. We’ve also seen potato trucks overloaded beyond federal weight limits, causing brake failures on the hills near Wixom Lake.

Federal regulations under 49 CFR Part 393 specifically govern cargo securement. When a logging company fails to follow these rules—failing to use proper tiedowns, exceeding weight limits, or failing to inspect loads before entering public roads—they’re not just violating federal law. They’re putting your family at risk. And we make them pay for it.

Michigan’s Brutal Winters and Rural Road Maintenance

Gladwin County winters are unforgiving. Lake-effect snow from Lake Huron creates whiteout conditions on M-61 and M-18. Black ice is common from November through March. And unlike major interstates, our county roads don’t always get immediate maintenance.

Trucking companies know this. They know that federal regulations under 49 CFR § 392.14 require drivers to use extreme caution when hazardous conditions exist. They know that 49 CFR § 396 requires winter maintenance of brake systems. Yet they still push drivers to meet deadlines during blizzards, sending 80,000-pound rigs onto icy roads with worn tires and inadequate stopping distance.

We’ve investigated cases where trucking companies sent drivers out during ice storms with bald tires, leading to rollovers on M-18. We’ve seen drivers fatigued from fighting white-knuckle conditions for twelve hours straight, violating hours-of-service regulations under 49 CFR Part 395, only to cause head-on collisions near Gladwin City.

When these companies prioritize profits over Gladwin County safety, we hold them accountable. Ralph Manginello’s 25 years of experience includes recovering multi-million dollar settlements for clients injured in winter trucking accidents. As client Donald Wilcox told us after we took his case that another firm rejected: “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.”

The I-75 and US-23 Corridors

While Gladwin County itself is rural, we’re strategically located near major trucking corridors. I-75 runs just east of the county, serving as a primary north-south route connecting Detroit to the Upper Peninsula. US-23 provides another arterial route. This means Gladwin County roads see significant long-haul traffic diverting onto our highways for rest stops, deliveries to local agriculture, or shortcuts to avoid weigh stations.

These long-haul drivers often violate federal hours-of-service regulations. Under 49 CFR § 395.3, property-carrying drivers cannot drive more than 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty. They cannot drive beyond the 14th consecutive hour after coming on duty. Yet delivery pressures cause many to violate these rules, leading to fatigued driving on Gladwin County’s rural roads—often without adequate lighting or shoulder space for emergency stops.

Our firm includes Lupe Peña, who used to work for a national insurance defense firm. He knows exactly how trucking companies hide these violations—how they manipulate electronic logging devices (ELDs), how they pressure drivers to falsify logs, and how they destroy evidence after accidents. Now he uses that insider knowledge to fight for Gladwin County families. Hablamos Español. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911.

Michigan Laws That Affect Your Gladwin County Trucking Case

Understanding state law is essential, and for Gladwin County residents, that means understanding Michigan’s specific rules.

Statute of Limitations: Don’t Wait Three Years

In Michigan, you have three years from the date of your trucking accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. For wrongful death cases, you also have three years from the date of death. While this might seem like a long time, in trucking accident cases, waiting even a month can be fatal to your claim.

Why? Because black box data can be overwritten in 30 days. Electronic logging device (ELD) data may only be retained for six months under federal regulations. Driver qualification files can be “lost” by trucking companies. Witnesses’ memories fade. Skid marks wash away, especially during Michigan’s rainy spring seasons or snowy winters.

We send spoliation letters immediately—within 24 hours of being retained. These letters legally obligate the trucking company to preserve all evidence, including ECM data, maintenance records, driver files, and dispatch logs. Once that letter is sent, destroying evidence becomes a serious legal violation that can result in adverse inference instructions to the jury.

Modified Comparative Negligence: The 51% Rule

Michigan follows a modified comparative negligence rule with a 51% bar. This means if you’re found to be 50% or less at fault for the accident, you can recover damages—but your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault. However, if you’re found to be 51% or more at fault, you recover nothing.

Trucking companies and their insurers love to blame victims, especially in rural accidents where roads are narrow and weather is a factor. They’ll claim you were speeding on icy roads, or that you didn’t yield to a truck on M-18. We don’t let them get away with that.

Lupe Peña’s insurance defense background gives us a crucial advantage here. We know exactly how they calculate comparative fault, and we know how to gather the evidence to disprove it. ELD data shows if the trucker was speeding. ECM data shows if they braked too late. Maintenance records show if they had bald tires or faulty brakes. We bring in accident reconstruction experts who understand Gladwin County’s specific road conditions to prove who was really at fault.

No-Fault Insurance Complexities

Michigan’s no-fault insurance system adds another layer of complexity. While your own insurance provides Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits regardless of fault, trucking accidents often involve catastrophic injuries that exceed PIP limits. When that happens, you can sue the at-fault truck driver and trucking company directly.

But navigating the interaction between no-fault benefits and third-party liability claims requires expertise. We’ve handled cases where the trucking company tried to avoid liability by hiding behind Michigan’s no-fault system, only to discover the truck was from out-of-state or the driver was an independent contractor—situations that open up additional insurance coverage.

The bottom line? Don’t try to navigate this alone. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation. We’ve been fighting for trucking accident victims since 1998, and we know exactly how to maximize your recovery under Michigan law.

The Most Dangerous Types of 18-Wheeler Accidents in Gladwin County

Not all trucking accidents are the same. In Gladwin County’s unique environment—from the agricultural flats to the hilly timberlands—certain accident types are more common and more deadly than others.

Jackknife Accidents on Icy Curves

A jackknife occurs when a truck’s trailer swings out perpendicular to the cab, often covering multiple lanes. On icy M-18 curves or during sudden stops on M-61, this is one of the most terrifying accidents in Gladwin County.

Why do they happen? Usually, it’s a combination of speed and weather. Federal regulations under 49 CFR § 392.14 require drivers to reduce speed during hazardous conditions. Yet trucking companies push schedules, and drivers familiar with Texas or southern routes don’t understand how quickly Michigan roads freeze.

When a jackknife happens, the trailer often sweeps across the entire roadway, leaving nowhere for oncoming traffic to go. We’ve seen cases where a jackknifed logging truck on a narrow county road crushed a passenger vehicle against the guardrail, causing catastrophic spinal cord injuries.

The evidence we gather proves negligence: ECM data showing excessive speed for conditions, ELD data showing the driver had been on duty too long (violating 49 CFR § 395), maintenance records showing inadequate tire tread for winter conditions.

Underride Collisions: The Most Deadly

Underride accidents happen when a smaller vehicle slides underneath a truck’s trailer. Rear underrides often occur when a truck stops suddenly on M-18 or pulls out from agricultural fields without proper warning. Side underrides happen during night driving on unlit county roads when trucks make wide turns or change lanes.

Federal regulations under 49 CFR § 393.86 require rear impact guards on trailers manufactured after January 26, 1998. But these guards often fail in high-speed collisions. Worse, there’s no federal requirement for side underride guards—something we’re fighting to change through litigation.

Underride accidents are almost always fatal or result in decapitation, traumatic brain injury, or severe neck trauma. The passenger compartment is sheared off at windshield level. In one case near Gladwin, we represented a family whose vehicle went under a poorly lit trailer at dusk. The trucking company had failed to maintain proper reflective tape under 49 CFR § 393.13. We proved they knew the trailer was dangerously dark and did nothing.

Rollovers on Logging Roads

Gladwin County’s logging roads weren’t designed for 80,000-pound trucks. Steep grades, sharp turns, and soft shoulders create rollover risks that don’t exist on interstate highways.

Rollovers happen when:

• Cargo shifts on curves (violating 49 CFR § 393.100-136 cargo securement rules)
• Drivers take turns too fast given the high center of gravity
• Brakes fail on descents due to poor maintenance (violating 49 CFR § 396.3)
• Drivers are fatigued and overcorrect (violating 49 CFR § 392.3)

When a logging truck rolls over on a rural Gladwin County road, it often blocks the entire roadway, causing secondary collisions. The spilled logs create additional hazards. We’ve secured multi-million dollar settlements for families injured in these scenarios, including a $2.5 million recovery for a victim of a rollover crash involving a truck overloaded with timber.

Brake Failure Accidents

Brake problems cause approximately 29% of large truck crashes. In Michigan’s climate, this is even more acute. Salt, ice, and extreme cold degrade brake systems faster than in southern climates.

Federal regulations require pre-trip and post-trip inspections under 49 CFR § 396.11. Drivers must check service brakes, parking brakes, and air brake systems. Yet many trucking companies defer maintenance to cut costs, especially on older vehicles used for agricultural transport.

On the hills near Wixom Lake or approaching Gladwin from the north, a brake failure is catastrophic. A runaway truck without stopping power careens downhill, often resulting in rear-end collisions or head-on crashes with vehicles that can’t get out of the way.

We subpoena maintenance records. We examine the physical brake components. We prove when companies knew brakes were failing and sent the truck out anyway. This evidence supports claims for punitive damages—punishing the company for conscious disregard for safety.

Wide Turn Accidents at Rural Intersections

Gladwin County’s rural intersections—where M-18 meets M-61, or where county roads intersect without traffic lights—are prime locations for wide turn accidents. Trucks must swing wide to the left before turning right, creating a “squeeze play” where cars get caught between the truck and the curb.

Under 49 CFR § 392.11, drivers must use proper turning techniques and check blind spots. Many accidents happen because drivers fail to signal, fail to check their mirrors (which must provide clear view to the rear under 49 CFR § 393.80), or simply don’t understand how tight Gladwin County roads are.

We’ve represented cyclists and motorcyclists hit during these wide turns, as well as drivers who thought they had room to pass on the right. The injuries are severe—crushing injuries, amputations, and internal organ damage from being pinned against guardrails or other vehicles.

Rear-End Collisions on Icy Roads

An 18-wheeler needs approximately 525 feet to stop from 65 mph—that’s nearly two football fields. On icy Gladwin County roads, that distance doubles or triples. Yet trucking companies pressure drivers to maintain schedules regardless of weather.

Rear-end collisions often result in underride accidents or catastrophic crushing injuries. The truck overrides the smaller vehicle, or the smaller vehicle goes under the trailer. We look for hours-of-service violations (49 CFR Part 395), distracted driving (49 CFR § 392.82 prohibits hand-held mobile phone use), and following-too-closely violations (49 CFR § 392.11).

As Ernest Cano, one of our clients, said: “Mr. Manginello and his firm are first class. Will fight tooth and nail for you.” We fight to prove the trucking company could have prevented these accidents through proper scheduling and safety protocols.

Who Can Be Held Liable in Your Gladwin County Trucking Accident?

Most people think they can only sue the truck driver. That’s exactly what the trucking company wants you to think. In reality, multiple parties may be liable for your injuries, and each may carry separate insurance policies.

1. The Truck Driver

The driver who caused the accident is personally liable for negligent driving—speeding, distraction, fatigue, or impairment. We obtain cell phone records to prove distraction. We subpoena ELD data to prove hours-of-service violations. We demand drug and alcohol test results under 49 CFR Part 382.

But individual drivers rarely have the insurance coverage to pay for catastrophic injuries. That’s why we look deeper.

2. The Trucking Company (Motor Carrier)

Under the doctrine of respondeat superior, employers are liable for their employees’ negligent acts committed within the scope of employment. But we don’t stop at vicarious liability. We pursue direct negligence claims:

Negligent Hiring: Did the company check the driver’s background? Under 49 CFR § 391.51, motor carriers must maintain Driver Qualification Files including motor vehicle records, previous employer inquiries, and drug test results. We’ve found cases where Gladwin County trucking companies hired drivers with multiple DUI convictions or failed drug tests.

Negligent Training: Did the driver receive proper training for Michigan’s winter conditions? For securing agricultural loads? Many companies throw drivers into the cab with minimal training.

Negligent Supervision: Did the company monitor ELD compliance? Did they know the driver was falsifying logs to meet delivery deadlines?

Negligent Maintenance: Did the company maintain brakes, tires, and lights per 49 CFR Part 396? We recently found a case where a company skipped brake inspections for six months to save money, leading to a catastrophic failure on M-18.

3. The Cargo Owner and Loading Company

In Gladwin County, many trucks carry agricultural products or timber. The company that loaded the cargo may be liable if:

• They exceeded weight limits
• They failed to properly secure loads under 49 CFR § 393.100-136
• They failed to distribute weight evenly, causing rollovers
• They failed to warn drivers about shifting cargo characteristics

We’ve handled cases where potato sacks weren’t secured, causing the trailer to become unstable on curves. We’ve seen logging companies use improper tiedowns, leading to logs spilling onto M-61.

4. The Truck or Parts Manufacturer

If brake systems fail due to manufacturing defects, if tires blow out due to design flaws, or if steering mechanisms lock up, the manufacturer may be liable. These product liability cases require specialized expertise. Ralph Manginello’s federal court experience allows us to handle complex multi-district litigation against major manufacturers.

5. The Maintenance Company

Third-party maintenance shops that service trucking fleets may be liable for negligent repairs. We see this when:

• Mechanics fail to identify critical brake defects during inspections
• They use substandard parts to save money
• They certify vehicles as safe when they’re not

6. The Freight Broker

Brokers who arrange transportation but don’t own the trucks may be liable under federal regulations for negligent carrier selection. If a broker used a carrier with a horrible safety record—known hours-of-service violations, multiple accidents, poor CSA scores—they can be held responsible for putting a dangerous driver on Gladwin County roads.

7. The Truck Owner (If Different from Carrier)

In owner-operator arrangements, the person who owns the rig may share liability, especially if they failed to maintain the vehicle or negligently entrusted it to an unqualified driver.

8. Government Entities

Sometimes Gladwin County roads themselves contribute to accidents. If a road design defect—like inadequate banking on curves, missing guardrails in known danger zones, or failure to clear ice after weather warnings—contributed to the crash, the government entity responsible for maintenance may share liability.

The key is thorough investigation. As Glenda Walker, one of our clients, said: “They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.” We investigate every angle because we know that’s how you maximize recovery.

Critical Evidence: The 48-Hour Rule

In 18-wheeler accident cases, evidence disappears fast. The trucking company is already working to protect itself. They have rapid-response teams, lawyers, and investigators headed to the scene while you’re still in the hospital.

Critical timeline:

• 0-24 hours: Skid marks fade, debris gets cleaned up, witness memories degrade
• 24-48 hours: Trucking companies “repair” vehicles, destroying physical evidence
• 30 days: ECM/Black box data can be overwritten
• 6 months: ELD data can be lawfully deleted under FMCSA regulations
• 1 year: Maintenance records may be destroyed per federal retention schedules

That’s why we act immediately. When you call 1-888-ATTY-911, we:

1. Send spoliation letters within 24 hours to all potentially liable parties, legally demanding preservation of:

   • ECM/Black box data (speed, braking, engine performance)
   • ELD records (hours of service, GPS location)
   • Driver Qualification Files
   • Maintenance and inspection records
   • Dispatch logs and communications
   • Dashcam footage
   • Cell phone records

2. Deploy investigators to Gladwin County to photograph the scene, measure skid marks, and interview witnesses before they disappear.

3. Obtain police reports and 911 recordings.

4. Preserve the physical truck before it can be repaired or scrapped.

If the trucking company destroys evidence after receiving our spoliation letter, courts can instruct the jury to assume that evidence would have been unfavorable to the company. In extreme cases, courts may impose sanctions or default judgment.

Don’t wait. Evidence is literally disappearing while you read this. As client Angel Walle told us: “They solved in a couple of months what others did nothing about in two years.” We work fast because we know time is not on your side.

Catastrophic Injuries and Long-Term Care

Trucking accidents don’t cause simple fender-benders. They cause catastrophic, life-changing injuries that require millions of dollars in lifetime care.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

When an 80,000-pound truck hits a passenger vehicle, the brain trauma is extreme—even without direct head impact. The brain collides with the skull during rapid deceleration, causing bruising, bleeding, and axonal shearing.

Symptoms may include:

• Loss of consciousness or coma
• Memory loss and confusion
• Personality changes
• Headaches and dizziness
• Difficulty concentrating
• Mood disorders and depression

Lifetime care costs for moderate to severe TBI range from $1.5 million to $3 million. We’ve secured settlements in the $1.5 million to $9.8 million range for TBI victims, ensuring they have resources for cognitive therapy, vocational rehabilitation, and 24/7 care if needed.

Spinal Cord Injury and Paralysis

The force of a truck collision often crushes vertebrae or severs the spinal cord. Depending on the level of injury, victims may face:

• Paraplegia: Loss of use of legs ($1-2.5 million lifetime cost)
• Quadriplegia: Loss of use of all four limbs ($3.5-5+ million lifetime cost)
• Incomplete injuries: Partial paralysis with chronic pain

These cases require not just medical care, but home modifications, wheelchair-accessible vehicles, and lifelong personal assistance. Our settlements account for these needs, with recent results ranging from $4.7 million to $25.8 million for spinal cord injuries.

Amputation

Crushing injuries from truck accidents often require surgical amputation of limbs. Even when limbs are technically attached after the crash, the damage is so severe that removal is the only option to save the victim’s life.

Amputation requires:

• Initial surgery and hospitalization
• Prosthetic limbs ($5,000-$50,000+ each, replaced every few years)
• Physical and occupational therapy
• Psychological counseling for phantom limb pain and body image issues
• Home and vehicle modifications

We’ve recovered between $1.9 million and $8.6 million for amputation victims, ensuring they can afford the best prosthetics and maintain quality of life.

Wrongful Death

When a trucking accident takes a loved one, the family is left with funeral expenses, lost income, and unimaginable grief. Under Michigan law, surviving family members can recover:

• Lost future earnings and benefits
• Loss of companionship, guidance, and consortium
• Mental anguish and emotional distress
• Funeral and burial costs
• Medical expenses incurred before death
• Pain and suffering endured by the deceased

We know no amount of money brings back a loved one. But holding the trucking company accountable provides justice and financial security for the family left behind. Our wrongful death recoveries have ranged from $1.9 million to $9.5 million.

As Chad Harris, whose case we handled after another firm rejected it, said: “You are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.” We treat every catastrophic injury case with the dedication and resources it deserves.

FMCSA Regulations: The Rules Trucking Companies Break

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sets strict rules for commercial trucking. When trucking companies violate these regulations, they create the dangerous conditions that cause accidents. Proving these violations is often the key to winning your case.

Hours of Service Violations (49 CFR Part 395)

Driver fatigue causes approximately 31% of fatal truck crashes. Federal law limits:

• 11 hours: Maximum driving time after 10 consecutive hours off duty
• 14 hours: Maximum on-duty window (cannot drive beyond the 14th hour after coming on duty)
• 30-minute break: Required after 8 cumulative hours of driving
• 60/70 hours: Maximum driving in 7 or 8 consecutive days

Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) are now mandatory (49 CFR § 395.8) to prevent falsification. Yet companies still find ways to cheat—coercing drivers to drive beyond limits, failing to install ELDs, or using “ghost drivers” to bypass the system.

We download ELD data to prove violations. When we find a driver who was on the road for 16 hours straight before hitting you on M-18, that violation proves negligence.

Driver Qualification Standards (49 CFR Part 391)

Trucking companies cannot put just anyone behind the wheel. Under 49 CFR § 391.11, drivers must:

• Be at least 21 years old for interstate commerce
• Speak and read English sufficiently
• Possess a valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)
• Pass a physical exam every two years (49 CFR § 391.41)
• Pass drug and alcohol testing (49 CFR Part 382)

Companies must maintain Driver Qualification Files (49 CFR § 391.51) proving they verified these qualifications. We often find companies hired drivers with:

• Suspended licenses
• Multiple DUI convictions
• Failed drug tests
• Medical conditions that impair driving

This constitutes negligent hiring, and it makes the company directly liable for your injuries.

Vehicle Maintenance (49 CFR Part 396)

49 CFR § 396.3 requires motor carriers to “systematically inspect, repair, and maintain” all vehicles. Drivers must conduct pre-trip and post-trip inspections (49 CFR § 396.11, § 396.13) and report defects.

We subpoena these inspection reports. When we find a driver who noted “brakes squealing” on a post-trip report, but the company sent the truck out the next morning anyway, that’s evidence of conscious disregard for safety—supporting punitive damages.

Cargo Securement (49 CFR § 393.100-136)

Agricultural and logging trucks in Gladwin County must secure cargo under strict federal standards:

• Tiedowns must have adequate working load limits
• Cargo must be blocked, braced, or secured to prevent movement
• Specific rules apply to logs, metal coils, and heavy equipment

When a load of logs spills onto M-61 because the trucking company used cheap ropes instead of proper chains, or when an agricultural trailer tips because cargo shifted on a curve, these regulations prove the company broke the law.

Driving Rules (49 CFR Part 392)

49 CFR § 392.3 prohibits operating while impaired by fatigue, illness, or any cause. 49 CFR § 392.14 requires extreme caution in hazardous conditions—like Michigan winters. 49 CFR § 392.82 bans hand-held mobile phone use.

Every violation is a nail in the trucking company’s defense.

Trucking Insurance: What Coverage is Available?

Unlike regular car accidents where coverage might be $30,000, trucking companies carry massive insurance policies:

Many carriers carry $1-5 million in coverage. But accessing these policies requires knowing how to navigate commercial insurance.

MCS-90 Endorsements

The MCS-90 endorsement (49 CFR § 387) guarantees that minimum damages will be paid to injured victims, even if the standard policy has exclusions. This kicks in when:

• The standard policy doesn’t cover the accident
• The driver was at fault
• The injured party is not an employee of the motor carrier

Even if the trucking company claims “insurance denied coverage,” the MCS-90 often still protects you.

Multiple Insurance Policies

In serious trucking accidents, multiple policies may apply:

• The motor carrier’s liability policy
• The trailer interchange coverage
• The cargo insurance
• The owner-operator’s policy
• Excess/umbrella coverage

We identify every available dollar of coverage. The trucking company might have $1 million in primary coverage and another $5 million in umbrella coverage. We make sure you can access all of it.

Why Trucking Cases Settle Higher

The insurance companies know trucking cases are different. They know:

• Federal regulations create strict liability when violated
• Catastrophic injuries justify massive settlements
• Juries hate trucking companies that cut safety corners
• Nuclear verdicts (multi-million dollar awards) are increasingly common

That’s why they often offer quick, low settlements—hoping you’ll accept before you know the full extent of your injuries or the strength of your case. Never accept the first offer. As client Mongo Slade told us: “I was rear-ended and the team got right to work… I also got a very nice settlement.” We make sure you get every dime you deserve, not just what the insurance company initially offers.

Frequently Asked Questions About Gladwin County Trucking Accidents

How long do I have to file a claim after a truck accident in Gladwin County?

You have three years under Michigan law, but you should never wait that long. Evidence disappears in weeks. Call 888-ATTY-911 immediately.

Can I sue if I was partially at fault for the accident?

Yes, as long as you were 50% or less at fault under Michigan’s modified comparative negligence rule. Your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault, but you can still recover significant damages.

What if the truck driver was from out of state?

Federal trucking regulations apply nationwide. We can pursue out-of-state trucking companies in Michigan courts. Ralph Manginello’s dual-state licensure and federal court admission give us the capability to handle multi-jurisdictional cases.

How much is my case worth?

It depends on injury severity, medical costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and available insurance. Trucking cases often settle for hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars. We provide free case evaluations to give you a realistic assessment.

What if the trucking company offers me a settlement right away?

Don’t accept it. Early offers are designed to get you to waive your rights before you know the full extent of your injuries or before you hire a lawyer who knows what the case is really worth. As Kiimarii Yup, who lost her car and gained a new truck through our settlement, said: “I lost everything… 1 year later I have gained so much in return plus a brand new truck.”

Do I have to go to court?

Most cases settle out of court, but we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial. That preparation forces the insurance company to offer fair settlements. If they don’t, we’re ready to take them to a Gladwin County jury.

How do I pay for medical care while waiting for settlement?

We can help arrange medical care under letters of protection, where providers treat you now and get paid from the settlement later. We also work with your PIP insurance under Michigan’s no-fault system.

What if I don’t have health insurance?

We work with medical providers who treat personal injury patients on a lien basis. You get the care you need now; they get paid when we win your case. No upfront costs to you.

Can I afford an attorney?

Yes. We work on contingency. You pay nothing unless we win. We advance all costs—expert witnesses, investigation, court fees. If we don’t recover money for you, you owe us nothing.

What if the trucking company is claiming the accident was due to Michigan’s winter weather?

Weather isn’t an excuse. Federal regulations require drivers to use extreme caution in hazardous conditions, and trucking companies must maintain equipment for winter driving. We prove they failed to meet these standards.

Hablamos Español?

Sí. Lupe Peña, nuestro abogado asociado, habla español fluidamente. No necesita intérprete. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911.

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Gladwin County Trucking Accident?

You have choices when hiring a lawyer. Here’s why families across Michigan choose us:

25+ Years of Experience: Ralph Manginello has been fighting for injury victims since 1998. He knows trucking law inside and out, and he’s recovered over $50 million for clients.

Federal Court Power: We can take your case to federal court if needed, leveraging Ralph’s admission to the Southern District of Texas and deep understanding of interstate commerce laws.

Former Insurance Defense Attorney: Lupe Peña used to work for insurance companies. He knows their playbook—their valuation models, their delay tactics, their low-ball offers. Now he uses that knowledge against them to maximize your recovery.

Multi-Million Dollar Results: We’ve recovered $5+ million for a traumatic brain injury victim, $3.8+ million for an amputation case, $2.5+ million for a truck crash, and $2+ million for maritime injuries. We know how to value and prove catastrophic injuries.

Family Treatment: As Chad Harris said, “You are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.” We return calls. We know your name. We care about your outcome.

24/7 Availability: Trucking accidents don’t happen on business hours. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 any time, day or night. We’ll answer.

Three Offices, National Reach: While our main office is in Houston at 1177 West Loop S, Suite 1600, we handle cases nationwide, including throughout Michigan. We travel to Gladwin County for your case.

Free Consultation: It costs nothing to talk to us. We’ll evaluate your case, explain your options, and if we can’t help, we’ll tell you who can.

The Clock is Ticking. Call Now.

The trucking company already has lawyers working to minimize what they pay you. Their insurance adjuster is trained to get you to say things that hurt your case. Their rapid-response team is at the accident scene gathering evidence to use against you.

What are you doing to protect yourself?

Every hour you wait, evidence disappears. Black box data gets overwritten. Witnesses forget what they saw. The truck gets repaired, erasing evidence of mechanical failure.

Call Attorney911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911). Within 24 hours, we’ll send spoliation letters to preserve critical evidence. Within days, we’ll have investigators on the scene in Gladwin County. Within weeks, we’ll have the trucking company’s safety records, driver files, and maintenance logs.

Don’t let the trucking company get away with it. Don’t settle for less than you deserve. Get the experienced, aggressive, compassionate representation that has recovered millions for families just like yours.

Ralph Manginello and the Attorney911 team are ready to fight for you. Call 888-ATTY-911 today.