If an 18-wheeler jackknifed across I-75 near Menominee during a January blizzard, you already know how fast everything changes. One moment you’re navigating the Upper Peninsula’s winter roads; the next, you’re staring down 80,000 pounds of steel sliding toward you with nowhere to go. At Attorney911, we’ve spent over 25 years helping families in Menominee County pick up the pieces after trucking companies put profits over safety—and we’re ready to fight for you.
Ralph Manginello has been handling catastrophic trucking cases since 1998. He’s admitted to federal court, holds dual licensure in Texas and New York, and has recovered millions for injury victims across the country. When you’re dealing with a trucking company that hauls paper products across the Wisconsin border or transports goods through the Port of Menominee, you need an attorney who knows how to investigate federal violations, preserve black box data before it disappears, and stand up to insurers who want to pay you pennies on the dollar. That’s exactly what we do.
Why 18-Wheeler Accidents in Menominee County Are Different
Menominee County sits at a critical junction in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. With I-75 cutting through the eastern edge of the county, US-41 connecting to Wisconsin, and US-2 running along the Lake Michigan shoreline, commercial trucks are constantly moving through our community. Whether they’re heading to the Port of Menominee, delivering to the paper mills, or crossing the border from Wisconsin, these trucks bring serious risks to local drivers.
The physics are brutal. A fully loaded semi-truck weighs up to 80,000 pounds—twenty times what your average sedan weighs. When one of these vehicles loses control on the icy curves near Stephenson or hits black ice on I-75 near Wallace, the results are catastrophic. We’ve seen trucks roll over on the rural county roads, jackknife during whiteout conditions, and rear-end vehicles on the steep grades approaching the Menominee River.
What makes these cases particularly complex in Menominee County is the intersection of federal trucking regulations, Michigan state law, and the harsh Upper Peninsula weather. Trucking companies know that insurance adjusters will try to blame the weather rather than their driver’s fatigue or improperly maintained brakes. That’s why you need a legal team that understands both the federal safety rules and how to prove negligence in a Michigan courtroom.
Your Michigan Legal Rights After a Trucking Accident
In Menominee County, the clock starts ticking immediately. Michigan gives you three years from the date of your accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. But waiting even a few days can kill your case. The trucking company has rapid-response teams that arrive at the scene before the ambulance leaves. Their lawyers start working within hours to protect their interests—not yours.
Michigan follows a modified comparative negligence rule with a 51% bar. This means you can recover compensation as long as you weren’t more than 50% at fault for the accident. However, your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault. So if you’re found 20% at fault, you can still recover 80% of your damages. But if the trucking company can convince a jury you were 51% responsible, you walk away with nothing.
This is why evidence preservation is critical. The trucking company is already downloading their driver’s Electronic Logging Device (ELD), inspecting the truck’s brakes, and coaching their driver on what to say. Meanwhile, black box data that shows whether the driver was speeding when he hit you on US-41 can be overwritten within 30 days. We send spoliation letters within 24 hours of being retained to stop that evidence from disappearing.
The Federal Regulations That Keep You Safe
Every commercial truck operating in Menominee County must follow the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations found in Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations (49 CFR). These aren’t guidelines—they’re federal law. When trucking companies break these rules, they put everyone on I-75 at risk.
Hours of Service (49 CFR Part 395) is the most frequently violated regulation we see. Truck drivers cannot drive more than 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty. They can’t drive beyond the 14th consecutive hour after coming on duty, and they must take a 30-minute break after 8 hours of driving. Yet we constantly see drivers pushing through the night to make delivery deadlines at the Menominee paper mills, falsifying their ELD logs to hide their fatigue.
Driver Qualification Standards (49 CFR Part 391) require trucking companies to verify their drivers are medically fit and properly licensed. Every driver must have a valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), pass a physical exam every two years, and complete entry-level driver training. The company must maintain a Driver Qualification File with background checks, driving records, and drug test results. We’ve found cases where Menominee County trucking companies hired drivers with suspended licenses or failed to check if their drivers had DUIs in Wisconsin.
Vehicle Maintenance (49 CFR Part 396) requires systematic inspection and repair of all commercial vehicles. Drivers must conduct pre-trip inspections every day, checking brakes, tires, lights, and steering. The company must keep maintenance records for at least a year. When a truck’s brakes fail on the steep descent near the Menominee River Bridge, it’s usually because the company skipped these inspections to save money.
Cargo Securement (49 CFR Part 393) mandates that loads must be secured to withstand 0.8 grams of deceleration force. When paper rolls or lumber shift during transport on US-2, the sudden weight transfer can cause rollovers that block the highway for hours.
Types of 18-Wheeler Accidents We Handle in Menominee County
Jackknife Accidents
Menominee County’s winter weather creates perfect conditions for jackknife crashes. When a truck driver hits ice on I-75 near Carney and slams the brakes, the trailer swings out perpendicular to the cab, sweeping across all lanes of traffic. These accidents often involve multiple vehicles and cause catastrophic chain-reaction collisions. We investigate whether the driver was speeding for conditions, whether the truck had proper winter tires, and whether the company’s safety department warned drivers about the weather forecast.
Underride Collisions
Some of the deadliest crashes occur when a passenger vehicle slides under the trailer of a semi-truck. Rear underride guards are required by 49 CFR § 393.86, but many are poorly maintained or inadequately designed. Side underride guards aren’t federally mandated at all, despite being responsible for hundreds of deaths annually. When a car gets wedged under a trailer on US-41 near the Wisconsin border, the roof of the car is often sheared off, causing instant fatalities or decapitation.
Rear-End Collisions
A fully loaded truck needs nearly 525 feet to stop from 65 mph—that’s almost two football fields. When truck drivers follow too closely on I-75 through Menominee County, or when they’re distracted by their phones or dispatch radios, they can’t stop in time. We download the ECM data to prove exactly when the driver applied the brakes and whether they were violating the FMCSA’s following-too-closely rules under 49 CFR § 392.11.
Rollover Accidents
The combination of Menominee County’s rural highways and Lake Michigan’s unpredictable weather creates rollover risks. High winds coming off the lake can topple high-profile trailers on US-2. Sharp curves on county roads can cause rollovers when drivers take them too fast. Improperly loaded cargo—whether it’s paper products from the local mills or agricultural equipment—shifts the center of gravity and causes the trailer to tip.
Brake Failure Accidents
Brake problems are a factor in nearly 29% of large truck crashes. When a truck descends the grades near Hermansville or Powers with overheated, worn-out brakes, the driver loses the ability to stop. We subpoena maintenance records to prove the company knew the brakes were defective but kept the truck on the road anyway.
Tire Blowouts
The extreme temperature variations in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula—scorching asphalt in summer, brutal cold in winter—cause tire failures. When a steer tire blows on I-75 near Menominee, the driver loses control instantly. Road debris from blown tires, called “road gators,” creates secondary hazards for other motorists. We investigate whether the tires were properly inflated, whether they were past their service life, and whether the driver conducted proper pre-trip inspections.
Wide Turn Accidents
When 18-wheelers swing wide to make right turns onto Michigan Avenue or 10th Street in Menominee, they create “squeeze play” scenarios where smaller vehicles get crushed between the truck and the curb. These accidents often involve pedestrians and cyclists in downtown Menominee who don’t realize the truck needs that extra space.
Every Liable Party That Could Owe You Money
Most law firms only sue the driver. We investigate every potentially responsible party because more defendants means more insurance coverage means full compensation for your injuries.
The Truck Driver is liable for negligent operation—speeding, distracted driving, fatigue, or impairment. But individual drivers rarely carry enough insurance to cover catastrophic injuries.
The Trucking Company is often the primary defendant. Under the doctrine of respondeat superior, employers are responsible for their employees’ negligence. Plus, we pursue them for negligent hiring when they fail to check backgrounds, negligent training when they rush drivers through safety courses, and negligent maintenance when they skip brake inspections to save money.
The Cargo Owner and Loading Company may be liable if improperly secured paper rolls from the Menominee mill shifted during transport, causing a rollover. We investigate the bill of lading and loading procedures.
The Maintenance Company that serviced the truck at shops along US-41 or in Marinette, Wisconsin, may be liable if they performed shoddy brake work or failed to identify dangerous defects.
The Truck or Parts Manufacturer can be liable under product liability theories. If the truck’s ABS system failed or if defective tires caused the crash, we pursue the component makers.
Freight Brokers who arranged the shipment may be liable for negligent selection if they hired a carrier with a terrible safety record just because they were the cheapest option.
Government Entities may share liability if dangerous road design or lack of signage contributed to the crash—such as inadequate warning signs for sharp curves on county roads or failure to maintain proper drainage causing ice buildup.
The 48-Hour Evidence Emergency
Critical evidence in 18-wheeler cases disappears fast. You have a narrow window to preserve the proof that wins cases.
Black Box/ECM Data records speed, braking, throttle position, and fault codes. This data can be overwritten in 30 days—or immediately if the truck is put back into service hauling loads to Green Bay.
ELD Data proves whether the driver violated hours-of-service regulations. Federal law only requires carriers to keep these records for six months, but we demand immediate preservation.
Dashcam Footage often gets recorded over within 7-14 days. Many trucks have forward-facing and driver-facing cameras that capture the moments before impact.
Witness Statements need to be taken while memories are fresh. That driver who saw the whole thing on I-75 might move away or forget details within weeks.
Physical Evidence including the truck itself can be repaired, sold, or scrapped. We photograph the damage, measure skid marks, and preserve failed components for expert analysis.
When you call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911, we send spoliation letters immediately—sometimes within hours. These letters put the trucking company on legal notice that destroying evidence will result in sanctions, adverse jury instructions, or default judgment.
Catastrophic Injuries and Their Real Costs
18-wheeler accidents don’t cause simple fender-benders. They cause life-altering trauma.
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) occur when the brain impacts the skull during the violent collision. Victims suffer memory loss, personality changes, inability to work, and require lifelong care. These cases often settle for millions to cover future medical needs.
Spinal Cord Injuries can result in paraplegia or quadriplegia. The lifetime cost of care for a quadriplegic can exceed $5 million, not including lost wages or pain and suffering.
Amputations happen when vehicles are crushed or when infection sets in after severe trauma. Prosthetics cost $5,000 to $50,000 each and need replacement every few years.
Severe Burns from fuel fires or hazmat spills cause permanent disfigurement, requiring multiple skin grafts and reconstructive surgeries.
Wrongful Death claims arise when trucking negligence kills a loved one. Michigan law allows surviving spouses, children, and parents to recover for lost income, loss of consortium, mental anguish, and funeral expenses.
Our firm has recovered multi-million dollar settlements for families facing these exact scenarios. We recently secured over $5 million for a traumatic brain injury victim, $3.8 million for a client who lost a limb after a crash, and $2.5 million in a commercial trucking case. While past results don’t guarantee future outcomes, they show we have the experience to handle complex, high-value litigation.
How Trucking Insurance Works in Michigan
Federal law mandates minimum insurance coverage far exceeding regular auto policies:
- $750,000 for non-hazardous freight
- $1,000,000 for oil and large equipment
- $5,000,000 for hazardous materials
Many carriers carry $1-5 million or more in coverage. But accessing these funds requires knowing how to navigate commercial insurance policies, umbrella coverage, and MCS-90 endorsements that guarantee payment to victims regardless of policy exclusions.
Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize payouts. They’ll call you within days of the accident offering a quick settlement before you know the full extent of your injuries. They’ll ask for recorded statements and use your words against you. They’ll claim you were partially at fault for the accident on the icy Menominee County roads.
Our team includes Lupe Peña, a former insurance defense attorney who spent years inside the system watching adjusters minimize claims. He now uses that insider knowledge to fight for accident victims. He knows exactly how they evaluate claims, when they’re bluffing, and how to force them to pay full value.
What to Do If You’ve Been Hit by a Truck in Menominee County
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Call 911 immediately. Get police to the scene to document the crash, identify witnesses, and preserve evidence.
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Seek medical attention. Even if you feel fine, internal injuries and brain trauma may not show symptoms for days. The Menominee County medical center or Bay Area Medical Center in Marinette can provide emergency care and documentation crucial to your case.
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Document everything. Photograph the truck, your vehicle, the accident scene, skid marks, road conditions, and your injuries. Get the truck’s DOT number, license plates, and company information.
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Don’t speak to the trucking company’s insurance. They are not your friend. Anything you say will be used to reduce your settlement.
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Call Attorney911 immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911. The trucking company already has lawyers working. You need someone fighting just as hard for you.
Frequently Asked Questions About Truck Accidents in Menominee County
How long do I have to file a lawsuit?
You have three years from the accident date under Michigan law. But waiting is dangerous. Evidence disappears, witnesses move away, and the trucking company builds its defense. Call us immediately.
Can I recover if I was partially at fault?
Yes, as long as you were not more than 50% at fault. Michigan’s comparative negligence rules allow recovery reduced by your percentage of fault. But the insurance company will try to pin more blame on you to avoid paying. We fight these tactics aggressively.
How much is my case worth?
It depends on your injuries, medical costs, lost wages, and the defendant’s insurance coverage. Trucking cases often involve higher values than car accidents because of the severity of injuries and the $750K-$5M insurance minimums. We’ve recovered millions for clients with catastrophic injuries.
Will my case go to trial?
Most settle, but we prepare every case for trial. Insurance companies offer better settlements when they know your attorney is willing to go to court. With Ralph Manginello’s 25+ years of trial experience and admission to federal court, we’re ready if they don’t pay fairly.
How much does it cost to hire you?
Nothing upfront. We work on contingency—you pay no fees unless we win. We advance all costs for investigation, experts, and litigation. You never receive a bill from us.
Do you handle Spanish-speaking clients?
Sí. Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish and provides direct representation without interpreters. Hablamos Español. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911.
What if the truck driver was from Wisconsin or another state?
We handle interstate trucking cases regularly. Whether the truck was coming from Green Bay, Milwaukee, or Chicago, we know how to pursue out-of-state carriers and hold them accountable in Michigan courts.
Why Menominee County Families Choose Attorney911
When Chad Harris came to us after a devastating crash, he said, “You are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.” That’s how we operate. We don’t treat you like a case number.
Donald Wilcox was turned down by another firm who said they wouldn’t accept his case. We took it on, fought hard, and he told us, “I got a call to come pick up this handsome check.”
Glenda Walker told us, “They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.” That’s what we do. We don’t settle for lowball offers. We prepare every case for trial, hire the best experts, and use our insider knowledge of insurance defense tactics to maximize your recovery.
With offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, Attorney911 serves clients nationwide, including right here in Menominee County. We have the federal court experience to handle complex interstate trucking cases, the resources to take on Fortune 500 companies, and the personal attention of a firm that treats you like family.
Call Now Before Evidence Disappears
The trucking company is already working to protect their interests. The black box data from your accident is sitting in their truck, ready to be overwritten. Their insurance adjuster is already calculating how little they can offer you.
You need someone on your side who knows the federal regulations, understands Michigan’s comparative negligence laws, and has the trial experience to win. Ralph Manginello has been fighting for injury victims for over 25 years. Lupe Peña knows the insurance industry’s playbook from the inside. Together, they’ve recovered over $50 million for families just like yours.
Don’t let the trucking company get away with putting dangerous drivers on the road. Don’t let their insurance company pressure you into a settlement that won’t cover your future medical bills.
Call Attorney911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911 or (888) 288-9911 for a free consultation. We’re available 24/7 because trucking accidents don’t happen on business hours. We’ll come to you in Menominee County, meet at your home or hospital, or handle everything remotely if you prefer.
The call is free. The advice is free. And we don’t get paid unless you do. You have nothing to lose and everything to fight for.
Hablamos Español. Llame ahora al 1-888-ATTY-911.
