When an 80,000-pound truck loses control on ice-covered US-31 near Traverse City, there’s no time to react. The physics are brutal—twenty tons of steel sliding across black ice doesn’t stop because you need it to. In Grand Traverse County, where lake effect snow can dump visibility to near-zero and cherry harvest season sends heavy trucks rolling down narrow orchard roads, these crashes aren’t statistics. They’re life changers.
We’ve seen it. For over 25 years, Attorney911 has fought for trucking accident victims across Michigan and beyond. Ralph Manginello, our managing partner since 1998, has stood in federal court against Fortune 500 companies like BP. He’s litigated the kind of complex, high-stakes cases that make insurance companies nervous. And here’s what we know: Grand Traverse County’s unique mix of winter weather, agricultural freight, and tourism traffic creates dangerous conditions that trucking companies too often ignore.
They have lawyers protecting them right now. You need someone protecting you.
Why 18-Wheeler Accidents in Grand Traverse County Are Different
Think a truck crash is just a bigger car accident? Here’s the reality. A fully loaded semi weighs 80,000 pounds. Your sedan weighs 4,000. That’s not a collision—that’s a catastrophe. The kinetic energy at impact is roughly 20 times what you’d face in a standard car crash.
In Grand Traverse County, these crashes happen on US-31 as trucks haul freight north toward the Mackinac Bridge, on M-37 threading through cherry country, and on M-72 where autumn leaf-peeper traffic meets logging rigs. The geography makes this area particularly dangerous:
Winter Conditions: From November through April, lake effect snow off Grand Traverse Bay creates whiteout conditions and black ice. Trucks entering the county from the Lower Peninsula often aren’t equipped for sudden weather shifts. Brake systems fail. Jackknifes block entire highways.
Agricultural Freight: During cherry harvest season, overloaded trucks rush from orchards to processing facilities. Cargo shifts on curves. Drivers unfamiliar with narrow county roads take turns too fast.
Tourism Traffic: Summer brings RVs and motorcycles sharing the road with commercial haulers. Inexperienced drivers don’t understand truck blind spots.
The result? Traumatic brain injuries. Spinal cord damage requiring lifelong care. Wrongful deaths that leave Grand Traverse County families shattered.
Who We Are: The Attorney911 Difference
Let us be direct. When you’re staring at hospital bills and the trucking company’s insurance adjuster is already calling, you don’t need a legal assistant. You need a fighter.
Ralph Manginello has spent over 25 years—since 1998—making trucking companies pay for their negligence. He’s admitted to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas, giving him the federal court access crucial for interstate trucking cases. He was part of the litigation team following the BP Texas City refinery explosion—the disaster that killed 15 workers and resulted in over $2.1 billion in industry-wide settlements. When we say we go toe-to-toe with corporate giants, we mean it.
Right now, we’re litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against the University of Houston and Pi Kappa Phi fraternity. Why does that matter to your trucking case? Because it demonstrates we handle complex, multi-defendant litigation with catastrophic injuries—the exact skill set your 18-wheeler case demands.
But here’s your real advantage: Lupe Peña, our associate attorney. He used to work for insurance companies. He spent years inside the defense system, learning exactly how adjusters minimize claims, how they train their people to lowball victims, and when they’re bluffing about settlement authority. Now he uses that insider knowledge against them. As he told ABC13 Houston recently, “If this prevents harm to another person, that’s what we’re hoping to do.”
We’ve recovered over $50 million for clients, including:
- $5+ million for a traumatic brain injury victim struck by a falling log
- $3.8+ million for a client who suffered a partial leg amputation after a car crash complications
- $2.5+ million in commercial trucking crash recoveries
- $2+ million for a maritime worker with a back injury
Our Google reviews sit at 4.9 stars with 251+ testimonials. Client Chad Harris said it best: “You are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.” Glenda Walker told us we “fought for me to get every dime I deserved.” And Donald Wilcox—whose case another firm rejected—got “a call to come pick up this handsome check” after we took over.
With offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we serve Grand Traverse County clients with the resources of a major firm and the personal attention of a boutique practice. Hablamos Español—Lupe Peña provides fluent Spanish representation without interpreters.
The 10 Parties Who Could Owe You Money
Most law firms look at the driver and the trucking company. We look deeper. In Grand Traverse County trucking accidents, we investigate every potentially liable party because more defendants means more insurance coverage means higher compensation for you.
1. The Truck Driver
Direct negligence—speeding on M-72, texting while crossing the Grand Traverse Bay bridge, driving fatigued after violating hours-of-service rules, or failing to adjust for winter conditions.
2. The Trucking Company (Motor Carrier)
Under Michigan law and federal regulations, companies are responsible for their drivers. But we also pursue them for negligent hiring (did they check if the driver had previous DUIs?), negligent training (did they teach winter weather protocols for Grand Traverse County roads?), and negligent maintenance (were those brakes inspected before the truck hit US-31?).
3. The Cargo Owner/Shipper
Cherry orchards and agricultural operations sometimes pressure drivers to overload trucks or meet impossible delivery schedules. If they demanded unsafe loading or rushed delivery to a Traverse City processor, they’re liable.
4. The Loading Company
Improperly secured cherry bins or agricultural equipment that shifts on turns causes rollovers. We subpoena loading dock records from facilities around Grand Traverse County.
5. Truck/Trailer Manufacturers
Defective brakes, faulty stability control, or dangerous fuel tank placement. We check for recalls and similar defect patterns.
6. Parts Manufacturers
Defective tires that blow on hot summer asphalt near Lake Michigan. Faulty steering components.
7. Maintenance Companies
Third-party mechanics who performed substandard brake repairs at shops along US-31. We obtain work orders and mechanic qualifications.
8. Freight Brokers
Did the broker hire a carrier with a history of safety violations to save money on the Grand Traverse County route? That’s negligent selection.
9. Truck Owner (If Different from Carrier)
Owner-operator arrangements where the owner failed to maintain safe equipment.
10. Government Entities
Was the accident caused by inadequate signage on M-37, failure to maintain US-31 during winter storms, or dangerous road design at the intersection near Traverse City? We investigate municipal liability.
Types of 18-Wheeler Accidents We Handle in Grand Traverse County
Jackknife Accidents
When a truck’s trailer swings perpendicular to the cab, blocking multiple lanes. On icy US-31 or during sudden whiteout conditions near Kingsley, these cause multi-car pileups. We examine ECM data to prove the driver braked improperly for conditions, violating 49 CFR § 392.6 (driving too fast for conditions) and § 393.48 (brake maintenance).
Rollover Accidents
Common on the curves of M-72 and narrow orchard roads during cherry season. Overloaded trucks with high centers of gravity tip when drivers take turns at excessive speed—violating 49 CFR § 392.6. We analyze cargo securement under § 393.100-136 to prove loading negligence.
Underride Collisions
When a car slides under a trailer—often fatal or causing decapitation. While rear underride guards are required under 49 CFR § 393.86, many trailers have inadequate guards. We inspect the physical equipment and guard certification.
Rear-End Collisions
Trucks need 525 feet to stop at highway speeds—nearly two football fields. On busy summer weekends when tourist traffic backs up on US-31 near Traverse City, fatigued drivers slam into stopped vehicles. We prove § 392.11 violations (following too closely) and check ELD data for § 395 hours-of-service violations.
Wide Turn Accidents (“Squeeze Play”)
Trucks swinging wide into oncoming traffic on narrow county roads, crushing vehicles in blind spots.
Blind Spot Accidents
The “No-Zone” around trucks extends 30 feet behind and 20 feet in front. In busy downtown Traverse City delivery situations, these cause devastating crashes.
Tire Blowouts
Heat buildup on summer asphalt combined with overloaded agricultural loads causes catastrophic failures. We check § 393.75 tire maintenance records and inflation logs.
Brake Failure Accidents
Brake problems factor in 29% of truck crashes. We subpoena maintenance records under 49 CFR § 396.3 to prove deferred repairs or missed § 396.11 post-trip inspections.
Cargo Spills/Shift Accidents
Cherry bins or equipment spilling onto US-31 creates secondary crashes. We verify § 393.100 tiedown compliance.
Head-On Collisions
Fatigued drivers crossing center lines on M-37 late at night. ELD data under § 395.8 proves if they exceeded 11-hour driving limits.
FMCSA Regulations That Prove Negligence
Federal law governs every 18-wheeler. When trucking companies break these rules, they pay. We know these regulations inside and out:
49 CFR Part 390 — General Applicability
Establishes that all interstate trucking companies must comply with safety standards.
49 CFR Part 391 — Driver Qualification
We demand the Driver Qualification File for every trucker involved in a Grand Traverse County crash. Did they have a valid CDL? Recent medical certification (§ 391.41)? Did the company check their three-year driving history (§ 391.51)? Missing files mean negligent hiring.
49 CFR Part 392 — Driving Rules
This is where we catch fatigued and distracted drivers:
- § 392.3: No driving while ill or fatigued
- § 392.4: No drugs or amphetamines
- § 392.5: No alcohol within 4 hours of driving
- § 392.6: No speeding (includes driving too fast for weather conditions—critical in Grand Traverse County winters)
- § 392.11: Following too closely
- § 392.82: No handheld mobile phone use while driving
49 CFR Part 393 — Vehicle Safety & Cargo Securement
- § 393.100-136: Cargo must be secured to withstand 0.8g deceleration forces. Cherry bins flying off trucks on curves violate this.
- § 393.40-55: Brake system requirements
- § 393.75: Minimum tread depth (4/32″ on steer tires)
- § 393.86: Rear underride guard requirements
49 CFR Part 395 — Hours of Service (HOS)
The big one. We download ELD data to prove:
- Violations of the 11-hour driving limit (after 10 hours off)
- Violations of the 14-hour duty window
- Missing 30-minute breaks after 8 hours
- Exceeding 60/70 hour weekly limits
49 CFR Part 396 — Inspection & Maintenance
Trucking companies must systematically inspect vehicles (§ 396.3). Drivers must complete post-trip reports (§ 396.11) noting defects. Annual inspections (§ 396.17) are mandatory. We prove deferred maintenance caused brake failures and tire blowouts.
Evidence Preservation: The 48-Hour Rule
Here’s something the trucking company hopes you never learn: critical evidence disappears fast. Very fast.
Black box data (ECM/EDR)记录着刹车应用、速度和引擎RPM—can be overwritten in 30 days or with new driving events. ELD logs (hours of service) are only required to be kept for 6 months. Dashcam footage? Often deleted within 7-14 days. Witness memories fade within weeks.
The moment that truck hit you on US-31, the clock started ticking.
We send spoliation letters within 24-48 hours of being retained. These legal notices demand preservation of:
- ECM/Black box data
- ELD logs and GPS tracking
- Driver Qualification Files
- Maintenance and inspection records
- Cell phone records
- Dashcam footage
- Dispatch communications
Once that letter hits their desk, destroying evidence becomes “spoliation”—a serious legal violation that can result in court sanctions, adverse inference instructions (the jury assumes the destroyed evidence was bad for the trucking company), or even default judgment.
Don’t wait. Evidence doesn’t care about your recovery timeline.
Catastrophic Injuries: The Real Cost
We don’t use the word “catastrophic” lightly. These are life-altering injuries requiring millions in lifetime care.
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
Even “mild” concussions can cause permanent cognitive changes. Severe TBIs require 24/7 supervision. We’ve recovered $1.5 million to $9.8 million for TBI victims, covering not just immediate medical bills, but future therapy, home modifications, and loss of earning capacity.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Paraplegia and quadriplegia from underride accidents or rollovers on Grand Traverse County highways. Lifetime care costs range from $1.1 million (paraplegia) to $5+ million (quadriplegia). We secure funds for wheelchairs, home nursing, and vehicle modifications.
Amputations
Crushing injuries when trucks override smaller vehicles or during cargo loading incidents in agricultural settings. Prosthetics cost $5,000-$50,000 each and need replacement every few years. Our recent amputation case settled for $3.8+ million.
Severe Burns
Fuel tank ruptures during rollovers on US-31. These require skin grafts, multiple surgeries, and leave permanent disfigurement.
Wrongful Death
When trucking negligence takes a loved one, Grand Traverse County families deserve justice. Michigan law allows recovery for lost future income, loss of consortium, and mental anguish. We’ve secured $1.9 million to $9.5 million in wrongful death settlements.
Michigan Law: Know Your Rights
In Grand Traverse County, your case follows specific Michigan rules:
Statute of Limitations: 3 Years
You have three years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit (Michigan Compiled Laws § 600.5805). Wait longer, and you lose your right to sue forever—regardless of how severe your injuries.
Comparative Negligence: 51% Bar Rule
Michigan follows modified comparative fault. You can recover damages as long as you’re 50% or less at fault. If you’re 51% or more responsible, you recover nothing. If you’re 20% at fault, your settlement is reduced by 20%. This makes documentation critical—don’t let the trucking company blame you for the weather conditions they should have prepared for.
No Punitive Damages Cap
Unlike some states, Michigan has no statutory cap on punitive damages (the cap was struck down by courts). When trucking companies act with gross negligence—like knowingly putting a dangerous driver on the road or falsifying maintenance records to save money—we can pursue unlimited punitive damages to punish the wrongdoing and deter future violations.
Insurance Minimums
Federal law requires commercial trucks to carry:
- $750,000 for general freight
- $1,000,000 for oil/equipment transport
- $5,000,000 for hazardous materials
Many carriers carry $1-5 million or more in coverage. Unlike typical car accidents with $30,000 policies, trucking accidents have the insurance coverage to actually compensate catastrophic injuries—if you know how to access it.
What to Do After a Truck Accident in Grand Traverse County
Immediately (If Able):
- Call 911—police documentation is crucial for insurance claims
- Seek medical attention immediately, even if you feel okay. Adrenaline masks injuries. Internal bleeding and TBIs often have delayed symptoms.
- Photograph everything: vehicle damage, the truck’s DOT number (usually on the door), license plates, skid marks, road conditions (especially ice or debris), and your injuries.
- Get the truck driver’s name, CDL number, company information, and insurance details.
- Collect witness names and phone numbers—tourists and locals alike.
Within Days:
- Do NOT give a recorded statement to the trucking company’s insurance adjuster. They’re trained to minimize your claim.
- Do NOT sign anything without legal review.
- Call Attorney911 immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911).
We offer 24/7 availability for Grand Traverse County trucking accidents.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to file a trucking accident lawsuit in Grand Traverse County?
Three years from the accident date under Michigan law. But don’t wait. Evidence vanishes quickly, and the trucking company is already building their defense.
What if the truck driver says I was partially at fault?
Michigan allows recovery if you’re 50% or less at fault. Even if you were speeding slightly, the trucking company is still liable if their driver violated federal safety regulations or drove carelessly for winter conditions. We prove what really happened using ECM data, not just statements.
How much is my case worth?
It depends on injury severity, medical costs, lost wages, and available insurance. Trucking accidents typically have higher values than car accidents due to the $750K-$5M insurance minimums. We’ve recovered millions for clients with catastrophic injuries—the key is having attorneys who know how to access those policies.
Will my case go to trial?
Most settle, but we prepare every case for trial. Insurance companies know which attorneys are willing to go to court—and they offer better settlements to clients with trial-ready lawyers. With Ralph Manginello’s 25+ years of courtroom experience and federal court admission, we have the credibility to maximize your settlement.
How do I pay for a lawyer?
We work on contingency. You pay nothing upfront. We advance all investigation costs. You only pay if we win—our fee comes from the settlement, not your pocket. It’s 33.33% pre-trial, 40% if we go to trial.
Do you handle cases in Grand Traverse County from your Texas offices?
Yes. We handle trucking accident cases nationwide, with particular focus on catastrophic injury cases wherever they occur. We travel to Grand Traverse County for client meetings and depositions when needed, and we partner with local counsel when advantageous for your case.
Hablamos Español?
Sí. Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish and can handle your entire case without interpreters. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911 para una consulta gratis.
Ready to Fight Back?
You didn’t ask for this. You were just driving on US-31, heading to work in Traverse City, or visiting the Sleeping Bear Dunes, when an 80,000-pound truck changed everything. Now you’re facing pain, medical bills, and an insurance company that treats you like a claim number.
We don’t do claim numbers. As client Ernest Cano said, we “fight tooth and nail for you.” We treat you like family—because when you’re hurt in Grand Traverse County, miles from our Houston offices, you need someone who cares about your recovery, not just your case file.
The trucking company has lawyers working today to minimize what they pay you. You deserve someone working just as hard to maximize it.
Call 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911) right now. We’re available 24/7. The consultation is free. You pay nothing unless we win. And we don’t stop until you get every dime you deserve.
Don’t let the trucking company get away with it. Your fight starts with one call.
Attorney911
1-888-ATTY-911
Grand Traverse County, Michigan • Houston • Austin • Beaumont
