Macomb County 18-Wheeler Accident Attorneys: Your Fight Starts Here

The impact was catastrophic. 80,000 pounds of steel against your sedan—on I-94, on I-696, on one of Macomb County’s busy thoroughfares. In an instant, everything changed. You’re staring at a future of medical bills, rehabilitation, and uncertainty while the trucking company is already building its defense.

We’ve seen this story too many times in Macomb County. The statistics are brutal: over 5,000 Americans die annually in commercial truck crashes, with 76% of those deaths occurring in the smaller vehicle. Here in Michigan, with our fierce winters and heavy automotive freight traffic, the risks are even higher. When an 18-wheeler changes your life on I-75 or the M-53 corridor, you need more than a lawyer—you need a fighter.

Ralph Manginello has spent over 25 years taking on trucking companies and winning. Since 1998, our firm has recovered multi-million dollar settlements for victims just like you—families across Macomb County who never asked to be part of this fight. We’ve secured $5 million for traumatic brain injury victims, $3.8 million for amputation cases, and $2.5 million for truck crash survivors. We’re not just Texas attorneys. We’re attorneys who understand Macomb County’s unique trucking landscape, from the industrial freight moving along the Clinton River to the hazardous winter conditions on Metro Detroit highways.

Why Macomb County 18-Wheeler Accidents Are Different

Macomb County sits at the heart of Michigan’s automotive manufacturing corridor. Every day, thousands of 18-wheelers traverse our interstates—hauling parts to assembly plants, transporting finished vehicles, and carrying hazardous materials through our communities. I-94 runs right through Sterling Heights and Warren, connecting Detroit to Port Huron. I-696 bisects the county, carrying heavy commercial traffic between Oakland and Wayne counties. These aren’t just roads—they’re lifelines for the trucking industry, and they’re dangerous.

The trucking corridors serving Macomb County create unique hazards. Our winters bring black ice to I-75, causing jackknife accidents when truck drivers hit their brakes too hard. The steep grades on M-59 create runaway truck risks. And the sheer volume of automotive freight—just-in-time delivery trucks racing to meet production schedules—creates an environment where fatigue and speed kill.

Trucking companies know this. They know that Macomb County juries can be tough, and they know that Michigan’s three-year statute of limitations gives them time to drag their feet. That’s why they send rapid-response teams to accident scenes before the ambulance even arrives. They’re preserving evidence, coaching drivers, and protecting their interests.

Your interests? That’s where we come in.

Meet Your Macomb County Trucking Accident Team

Ralph Manginello founded Attorney911 in 2001, bringing 25+ years of courtroom experience to every case. Admitted to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas and licensed in both Texas and New York, Ralph has the federal court experience necessary for complex interstate trucking litigation. He’s gone toe-to-toe with Fortune 500 corporations, including BP in the Texas City Refinery explosion litigation—a case that resulted in $2.1 billion in total industry-wide settlements and demonstrated our firm’s ability to handle catastrophic industrial disasters.

Our associate attorney, Lupe Peña, brings something even more valuable: insider knowledge. Before joining Attorney911, Lupe spent years working for a national insurance defense firm. He knows exactly how trucking insurers evaluate claims, train their adjusters to minimize payouts, and pressure victims into accepting lowball settlements. Now he uses that knowledge against them. When you hire us, you’re getting an attorney who knows the defense playbook—because he used to run those plays.

“We have a lawyer on our team who used to defend insurance companies,” Ralph often tells Macomb County clients. “Now he fights against them. That’s your advantage.”

Our firm has recovered over $50 million for injury victims across all practice areas. We’ve handled wrongful death trucking cases resulting in multi-million dollar recoveries for Michigan families. We currently have a $10 million lawsuit active against a major university—a case that’s generated coverage on KHOU, ABC13, and the Houston Chronicle—proving we have the resources and tenacity to take on institutional defendants.

But it’s not just about the money. It’s about how we treat you. As client Chad Harris said, “You are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.” Glenda Walker told us, “They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.” And Donald Wilcox, after another firm rejected his case, said, “I got a call to come pick up this handsome check.”

We’re available 24/7 at 1-888-ATTY-911. Hablamos Español—Lupe Peña provides fluent Spanish representation without interpreters. And you pay nothing unless we win—just a standard 33.33% pre-trial contingency fee (40% if we go to trial), with zero upfront costs.

The 13 Types of 18-Wheeler Accidents We Handle in Macomb County

Not all truck accidents are the same, and Macomb County’s geography creates specific risks. Here are the accident types we see most frequently in our Michigan cases:

Jackknife Accidents on I-94

When a truck’s trailer swings perpendicular to the cab, it creates a deadly barrier across multiple lanes. On I-94 through Macomb County, where speed limits reach 70 mph and winter ice is common, jackknife accidents often result in multi-vehicle pileups. We investigate whether the driver violated 49 CFR § 393.48 (brake system maintenance) or 49 CFR § 392.6 (speeding for conditions). The black box data showing brake application timing is critical—and it can be overwritten in just 30 days if we don’t act fast.

Rear-End Collisions on I-696

A fully loaded truck traveling at 65 mph needs 525 feet to stop—nearly two football fields. On the congested stretches of I-696 near Royal Oak and Madison Heights, truck drivers who follow too closely create catastrophic rear-end collisions. We subpoena ECM data to prove following distance violations under 49 CFR § 392.11 and examine cell phone records for distracted driving violations of § 392.82.

Underride Collisions: The Most Deadly

When a passenger vehicle slides under a truck’s trailer, decapitation is common. Side underride accidents are particularly deadly on Macomb County’s busy thoroughfares like Groesbeck Highway and Van Dyke Avenue, where trucks make frequent deliveries to industrial facilities. While 49 CFR § 393.86 requires rear impact guards, there’s no federal mandate for side guards—yet trucking companies can still be held liable for inadequate safety measures.

Rollover Accidents on Ramps

The curved ramps connecting I-75 to I-696 and the tight turns on M-53 create rollover risks, especially when trucks carry top-heavy loads or liquid cargo that sloshes. We examine cargo securement under 49 CFR § 393.100-136 and investigate whether the driver exceeded posted speed limits or failed to account for cargo dynamics. Rollovers often involve multiple liable parties: the driver, the trucking company, and the cargo loader.

Wide Turn Accidents (“Squeeze Play”) in Warren and Sterling Heights

Trucks making wide right turns at intersections like 12 Mile and Van Dyke often trap passenger vehicles in their blind spots. These accidents frequently involve violations of 49 CFR § 392.11 (unsafe lane changes) and state traffic laws. Witness statements from nearby businesses and surveillance footage from gas stations are critical—and disappear quickly.

Blind Spot Accidents on the Lodge Freeway

The “No-Zone” around trucks—especially the massive right-side blind spot—creates deadly risks on Macomb County’s busiest routes. Truck drivers who change lanes without checking mirrors cause sideswipe accidents that push smaller vehicles into guardrails or other traffic. We examine mirror compliance under 49 CFR § 393.80 and review ELD data to see if fatigue contributed to inattention.

Tire Blowouts on I-75

Michigan’s pothole-scarred roads and extreme temperature swings cause tire failures on 18-wheelers. When a steer tire blows on I-75 near the county line, the driver often loses control completely. We investigate tire maintenance under 49 CFR § 393.75 and § 396.13, examining whether the driver conducted proper pre-trip inspections or whether the trucking company deferred replacement to save money.

Brake Failure Accidents

Brake problems contribute to approximately 29% of large truck crashes. On the downhill stretches of M-59 or during heavy traffic on Metro Parkway, brake failure leads to runaway trucks. We demand maintenance records under 49 CFR § 396.3 and examine post-trip inspection reports required by § 396.11. If the company deferred brake repairs, that’s direct negligence.

Cargo Spills on Industrial Routes

Macomb County’s manufacturing economy means heavy freight traffic—automotive parts, machinery, and sometimes hazardous materials. When cargo shifts or spills on roads like 13 Mile Road or Cass Avenue, it creates secondary accidents and environmental hazards. We investigate the loading company, the freight broker, and the shipper under 49 CFR § 393’s cargo securement rules.

Head-On Collisions from Driver Fatigue

When a truck driver falls asleep on I-94 near the St. Clair County line or crosses the center line on rural roads, head-on collisions are often fatal. We examine HOS (Hours of Service) violations under 49 CFR Part 395, reviewing ELD data to see if the driver exceeded the 11-hour driving limit or failed to take required 30-minute breaks after 8 hours.

Winter Weather Accidents

Michigan winters bring unique trucking hazards: black ice on the Mound Road overpasses, whiteout conditions on I-696, and snow squalls that reduce visibility to near zero. Truckers who don’t reduce speed for conditions violate 49 CFR § 392.14. We work with accident reconstruction experts to prove that a reasonable truck driver would have slowed down or pulled off the road.

Intersection T-Bone Accidents

Trucks running red lights at major Macomb County intersections—like Hall Road and I-94, or 18 Mile and Van Dyke—cause devastating T-bone accidents. We access traffic camera footage, ECM data showing speed, and witness statements to prove the truck driver violated 49 CFR § 392.2 (obeying traffic devices).

Multi-Vehicle Pileups

When an 18-wheeler loses control on Macomb County’s busy interstates, the result is often a chain-reaction pileup involving dozens of vehicles. These cases require sophisticated investigation to determine the initial cause and all liable parties—from the truck driver to the company that maintained the vehicle.

Every Party Who Could Be Liable for Your Macomb County Truck Crash

Most law firms only sue the driver and the trucking company. That’s a mistake. In Macomb County’s complex industrial shipping environment, multiple parties may share liability:

The Truck Driver: Direct negligence through speeding, distraction, fatigue, or impairment. We subpoena their driving history, ELD logs, and cell phone records.

The Trucking Company: Under respondeat superior (legal doctrine meaning “let the master answer”), employers are liable for their employees’ negligent acts. Plus, we investigate negligent hiring (did they check the driver’s record?), negligent training (did they teach winter driving safety?), and negligent supervision (did they pressure the driver to violate HOS rules?).

The Cargo Owner/Shipper: Companies like automotive parts manufacturers who overload trucks or demand unrealistic delivery schedules create dangerous conditions.

The Loading Company: Third-party warehouses in Macomb County that improperly secure auto parts or heavy machinery to flatbeds violate 49 CFR § 393.100.

The Truck Manufacturer: Design defects in brake systems or stability control—particularly important in rollover cases on Michigan’s curved ramps.

The Parts Manufacturer: Defective tires, brake components, or steering mechanisms that fail on our pothole-scarred roads.

The Maintenance Company: Third-party mechanics who performed substandard brake adjustments or ignored critical safety issues.

The Freight Broker: Companies that arranged the shipment but negligently selected a carrier with a poor safety record—visible in FMCSA’s CSA scores.

The Truck Owner: In owner-operator arrangements, separate from the trucking company, who may have failed to maintain the vehicle.

Government Entities: Macomb County Road Commission or MDOT, if dangerous road design (like inadequate signage on steep grades) contributed to the crash.

Every defendant we identify creates another insurance pool for your recovery. Trucking companies carry $750,000 to $5 million in coverage—far more than passenger vehicles. But accessing that coverage requires proving FMCSA violations and systemic negligence.

FMCSA Violations That Prove Negligence in Macomb County Cases

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulates every commercial truck on Macomb County roads. When carriers violate these rules, it creates powerful evidence of negligence:

49 CFR Part 390: General applicability—establishing that the regulations apply to all interstate commerce vehicles over 10,001 lbs.

49 CFR Part 391: Driver qualification standards. Trucking companies must maintain Driver Qualification (DQ) Files containing employment applications, driving records, medical certifications, and drug test results. Missing files or incomplete background checks prove negligent hiring.

49 CFR § 391.41: Physical qualifications. Drivers must have 20/40 vision, adequate hearing, and no medical conditions that impair driving. We subpoena medical examiner certificates to see if the driver was medically unfit to operate an 80,000-pound vehicle on Michigan’s highways.

49 CFR Part 392: Driving rules. This includes § 392.3 (no driving while fatigued or ill), § 392.4 (no drugs), § 392.5 (alcohol restrictions—4-hour rule and .04 BAC limit), § 392.11 (following too closely), and § 392.82 (no texting or handheld phone use).

49 CFR Part 393: Vehicle safety and cargo securement. This covers brake requirements (§ 393.40-55), tire standards (§ 393.75), lighting (§ 393.80), and cargo securement (§ 393.100-136). In Macomb County’s rough winter conditions, compliance with tire tread depth requirements (4/32″ on steer tires) is critical.

49 CFR Part 395: Hours of Service. The most commonly violated regulations:

• Maximum 11 hours driving after 10 consecutive hours off
• 14-hour duty window limitation
• Mandatory 30-minute break after 8 cumulative hours
• 60/70 hour weekly limits

Since December 18, 2017, trucks must use Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) to record this data objectively—unlike the easily falsified paper logs of the past.

49 CFR Part 396: Inspection and maintenance. Requires systematic inspection, repair, and maintenance. Drivers must complete pre-trip inspections (§ 396.13) and post-trip reports (§ 396.11) documenting brake condition, lighting, and tires. Annual inspections (§ 396.17) are mandatory.

When we find violations—fatigue, overloaded cargo, worn brakes, or falsified logs—we don’t just prove negligence. We pave the way for punitive damages when the trucking company consciously disregarded safety for profit.

The 48-Hour Evidence Race: Why Macomb County Victims Must Act Immediately

Here’s the truth that keeps us awake at night: critical evidence in your Macomb County trucking accident is disappearing right now.

ECM (Engine Control Module) data showing speed and braking—overwritten in 30 days. ELD logs proving HOS violations—sometimes deleted within months. Dashcam footage—routinely erased within 7-14 days. Surveillance video from the gas station at Hall and Van Dyke—gone in 30 days as systems overwrite.

Trucking companies know this. That’s why they have rapid-response teams—lawyers and investigators who arrive at Macomb County accident scenes before the ambulance leaves. They’re protecting their interests while you’re still in shock.

We fight back with spoliation letters—legal demands sent within 24-48 hours of being retained that require the trucking company to preserve:

• ECM/Black box data
• ELD records and GPS tracking
• Driver Qualification Files
• Maintenance and inspection records
• Drug and alcohol test results
• Dispatch records and communications
• The physical truck itself

When a trucking company destroys evidence after receiving our spoliation letter, courts can instruct juries to assume the destroyed evidence was unfavorable, impose monetary sanctions, or even enter default judgment. But we have to get that letter out fast.

In Macomb County, we also immediately:

• Photograph the accident scene before weather or traffic obscures evidence
• Interview witnesses before memories fade
• Obtain police reports from the Macomb County Sheriff or local departments
• Canvass for surveillance cameras from nearby businesses
• Deploy accident reconstruction experts to measure skid marks and debris fields

The clock started the moment that truck hit you. Every hour you wait, evidence vanishes. Call 888-ATTY-911 now.

Catastrophic Injuries: The Real Cost of Macomb County Truck Crashes

The physics are brutal. An 80,000-pound truck versus a 4,000-pound car means the passenger vehicle occupants absorb catastrophic force. In Macomb County’s high-speed interstate crashes, we see:

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): From concussions to comas. Symptoms include memory loss, personality changes, and cognitive impairment. Lifetime care costs range from $85,000 to $3 million. Our firm has recovered between $1.5 million and $9.8 million for TBI victims.

Spinal Cord Injuries: Paraplegia and quadriplegia from damaged vertebrae. The lifetime cost can exceed $5 million. We secured $4.7 million to $25.8 million for spinal injury survivors who will never walk again.

Amputations: Crush injuries from underride accidents or rollovers often require surgical amputation. Prosthetics, rehabilitation, and lifetime care create costs between $1.9 million and $8.6 million.

Severe Burns: From fuel fires or hazmat spills on Macomb County’s industrial routes. Third and fourth-degree burns require skin grafts and cause permanent disfigurement.

Internal Organ Damage: Traumatic brain injuries aren’t always obvious. Internal bleeding from liver or spleen lacerations can be fatal if not treated immediately.

Wrongful Death: When a trucking accident kills a Macomb County resident, surviving family members face not just grief, but financial devastation. We’ve recovered $1.9 million to $9.5 million for wrongful death cases, accounting for lost income, loss of consortium, and funeral expenses.

These aren’t just medical issues—they’re life-altering events. You need an attorney who understands the long-term prognosis and can calculate future care costs, not just current hospital bills.

Insurance, Damages, and What Your Macomb County Case Is Worth

Under federal law, trucking companies must carry substantial insurance:

• $750,000 for non-hazardous freight
• $1,000,000 for oil, petroleum, and heavy equipment
• $5,000,000 for hazardous materials and passenger transport

Many commercial carriers carry $1-5 million or more in coverage. Unlike passenger vehicle accidents where policies might cover only $30,000, trucking cases have the potential for substantial recoveries.

Michigan follows a modified comparative negligence rule with a 51% bar. This means you can recover damages if you’re 50% or less at fault, though your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault. However, if you’re found 51% or more responsible, you recover nothing. The statute of limitations is three years for both personal injury and wrongful death claims—shorter than some states, but evidence disappears much faster than that.

Damages we pursue include:

Economic Damages: Medical bills (emergency care at McLaren Macomb or Beaumont Hospital, surgery, rehabilitation), lost wages, lost future earning capacity, property damage, and out-of-pocket expenses.

Non-Economic Damages: Pain and suffering, mental anguish, loss of enjoyment of life, disfigurement, and loss of consortium. Michigan does not cap non-economic damages in trucking accidents.

Punitive Damages: Available when trucking companies act with gross negligence—like knowingly keeping dangerous drivers on the road, falsifying inspection records, or encouraging HOS violations. We’ve seen punitive damages awards reach into the hundreds of millions in cases where companies prioritized profit over safety.

Frequently Asked Questions: Macomb County 18-Wheeler Accidents

What should I do immediately after an 18-wheeler accident in Macomb County?

Call 911 immediately. Report all injuries, no matter how minor they feel—adrenaline masks pain. Document everything: photograph the truck’s DOT number, the company name, all vehicle damage, the accident scene, and your injuries. Get witness contact information. Do not give a recorded statement to any insurance company. Then call Attorney911 at (888) 288-9911.

How long do I have to file a lawsuit in Macomb County?

Michigan gives you three years from the accident date for personal injury claims, and three years for wrongful death claims. But waiting is dangerous. Evidence disappears, witnesses move away, and black box data gets overwritten. We recommend contacting an attorney within days, not years.

Who can I sue after a truck accident in Macomb County?

Multiple parties may be liable: the driver, the trucking company, the cargo owner, the loading facility, the truck or parts manufacturer, the maintenance company, the freight broker, and even government entities if road design contributed. We investigate every possible defendant to maximize your recovery.

What is an ELD and why does it matter?

Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) are federally mandated devices that record driver hours of service. They provide objective, tamper-resistant evidence of how long the driver was on the road, when they took breaks, and whether they violated fatigue regulations. This data is often the key to proving negligence.

What if the truck driver says the accident was my fault?

Michigan’s modified comparative negligence rule allows recovery if you’re 50% or less at fault, though your compensation is reduced by your percentage of responsibility. We investigate thoroughly—ECM data, ELD logs, and witness statements often prove the driver’s story wrong.

Will the trucking company’s insurance try to settle quickly?

Often yes, and that’s a red flag. Quick settlement offers are designed to pay you far less than you deserve before you understand the full extent of your injuries. Never accept a settlement without consulting an experienced trucking attorney.

How much is my Macomb County truck accident case worth?

Case values depend on injury severity, medical costs, lost income, and available insurance. Because trucking companies carry $750,000 to $5 million in coverage, catastrophic injury cases can result in substantial settlements. We’ve recovered millions for Macomb County families, but every case is unique.

What if I was partially at fault for the accident in Macomb County?

As long as you’re not more than 50% at fault, you can still recover damages in Michigan. However, your percentage of fault reduces your recovery. We work to minimize your attributed fault through thorough investigation and expert testimony.

What types of injuries qualify for a lawsuit?

Any injury caused by negligence qualifies, but truck accidents often cause catastrophic injuries: traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, amputations, severe burns, and wrongful death. Even “minor” injuries like whiplash can warrant substantial settlements if they require ongoing treatment.

Do I need to pay anything upfront to hire Attorney911?

No. We work on contingency—you pay nothing unless we win. We advance all investigation and litigation costs. When we win, our fee is a standard percentage of the recovery (33.33% pre-trial, 40% if we go to trial).

¿Hablamos español?

Sí. Lupe Peña, nuestro abogado asociado, habla español con fluidez. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911 para una consulta gratuita en español.

What happens to the truck after the accident?

The physical truck is critical evidence. We send spoliation letters immediately to prevent the trucking company from repairing or destroying it. The truck itself contains the black box, brake systems, and other physical evidence we need to examine.

Can I sue if a loved one was killed in a Macomb County truck accident?

Yes. Michigan allows wrongful death claims by surviving spouses, children, parents, and estate representatives. You may recover lost future income, loss of consortium, mental anguish, funeral expenses, and in cases of gross negligence, punitive damages.

How long do these cases take to resolve?

Simple cases with clear liability might settle in 6-12 months. Complex cases involving catastrophic injuries or multiple defendants can take 1-3 years. We work efficiently, but we never rush to settle for less than you deserve.

What is negligent hiring?

Trucking companies must verify that drivers have valid CDLs, clean driving records, and proper medical certifications. When they hire drivers with histories of DUIs, HOS violations, or dangerous driving—and those drivers cause accidents—the company is directly liable for negligent hiring under 49 CFR Part 391.

Why do I need a lawyer who knows trucking law specifically?

Trucking cases involve federal regulations, multiple liable parties, and sophisticated evidence (ECM data, ELD logs, DQ files) that car accident lawyers may not understand. Trucking companies have specialized defense attorneys. You need equal expertise on your side.

Why Macomb County Chooses Attorney911 for Trucking Cases

Other firms look at trucking accidents like they’re just big car crashes. We know better. We know that an 18-wheeler is 20-25 times heavier than your car, that the physics of stopping distances make evasion impossible, and that trucking companies have teams of lawyers protecting them.

We know Macomb County. We know the industrial freight corridors, the dangerous winter conditions on I-96, and the specific risks of automotive parts trucking. We know that when a truck jackknifes on I-94 in January, it’s often because the driver didn’t adjust for ice—or the company didn’t maintain the brakes.

Most importantly, we know how to win. Ralph Manginello’s 25 years of experience includes battles against Fortune 500 companies. Lupe Peña’s insurance defense background means we know the tricks they’ll try before they try them. Our 4.9-star rating from 251+ Google reviews reflects our commitment to treating clients like family, not case numbers.

As Angel Walle told us: “They solved in a couple of months what others did nothing about in two years.”

We have offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, but we serve Macomb County and all of Michigan with the same dedication. We travel to you. We handle the complex federal litigation. And we fight until you get every dime you deserve.

Your Next Step: Call 1-888-ATTY-911 Today

The trucking company that hit you has already called their lawyers. Their insurance adjuster is already looking for ways to pay you less. Black box data is sitting in that truck’s computer, waiting to be overwritten.

What are you doing?

Call 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911) right now. The consultation is free. We answer calls 24/7 because we know accidents don’t happen on business hours. If you speak Spanish, ask for Lupe Peña. If you want Ralph Manginello personally involved in your case, you’ll get him—not just a paralegal.

You didn’t ask for this fight. But now that it’s here, you deserve the best warriors in your corner. We’ve recovered over $50 million for families across the country. We’ve taken on BP, major universities, and the biggest trucking companies in America. We know how to make them pay.

Macomb County residents deserve justice when trucking companies put profit over safety. You deserve an attorney who knows the difference between a car accident and a catastrophic trucking collision. You deserve someone who will treat you like family while fighting like hell for your future.

Call 888-ATTY-911 now. The evidence is disappearing. Let’s get to work.