The impact was catastrophic. Your sedan weighs 4,000 pounds. The grain hauler that slammed into you on I-69 outside Sanilac County? 80,000 pounds. That’s not a collision—it’s a demolition. And now you’re facing surgeries, mounting medical bills, and a trucking company that’s already building its defense while you’re still in the hospital.
At Attorney911, we’ve spent over 25 years helping families in Sanilac County, Michigan pick up the pieces after commercial trucking accidents destroy their lives. We know the I-69 corridor through Sanilac County like the back of our hand—the same stretch where agricultural trucks haul grain from the Thumb’s farms to Port Huron, where winter storms create black ice that sends 18-wheelers jackknifing across three lanes, and where cargo spills from improperly secured loads shut down highways for hours.
If you’ve been injured in an 18-wheeler accident anywhere in Sanilac County—whether it happened on the interstate near Peck, on M-53 outside Sandusky, or on the back roads near Lexington—you need an attorney who understands that trucking cases aren’t just bigger car accidents. They’re governed by federal regulations, defended by corporate legal teams, and require immediate evidence preservation that can’t wait until tomorrow.
Why Sanilac County Trucking Accidents Demand Specialized Experience
Sanilac County sits at the crossroads of Michigan’s agricultural heartland and international trade routes. I-69 cuts straight through the county, connecting Port Huron’s border crossing to Lansing and beyond. This means our local highways see heavy commercial traffic—grain trucks from the Thumb’s massive corn and soybean operations, equipment haulers serving the region’s farms, and freight carriers moving goods between Canada and the Midwest.
Every 16 minutes, someone in America is injured in a commercial truck crash. But in Sanilac County, the risk is amplified by unique factors: extreme winter weather that creates whiteout conditions on I-69, agricultural trucks operating on rural roads with little shoulder, and the sheer volume of heavy equipment moving through this farming community.
We’ve handled cases where logging trucks coming down from the north lost control on icy M-53, where overloaded grain haulers rolled over on tight curves near Carsonville, and where distracted truck drivers on I-69 rear-ended families heading to Lake Huron. In each case, the trucking company had one goal: pay as little as possible as fast as possible.
That’s why you need Attorney911. Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has been admitted to federal court since 1998 and has recovered multi-million dollar settlements for families devastated by trucking negligence. We’ve gone toe-to-toe with Fortune 500 carriers and won. And we offer something most firms can’t: Lupe Peña, our associate attorney who spent years working as an insurance defense lawyer before joining our team. He knows exactly how trucking insurers evaluate, minimize, and deny claims—because he used to do it himself. Now he fights against them.
The Physics of Devastation: Why 18-Wheelers Cause Catastrophic Injuries
Let’s be clear about what you’re up against. A fully loaded semi-truck in Sanilac County can weigh up to 80,000 pounds—that’s 20 times heavier than the average passenger car. When that weight hits you at 65 mph on I-69, the force is approximately 80 times greater than a typical car collision.
Physics doesn’t negotiate. Neither do we.
Trucks need 525 feet to stop at highway speed—that’s nearly two football fields. When a truck driver is distracted, fatigued, or speeding through a snowstorm near Marlette, they can’t just hit the brakes and avoid you. The result is often catastrophic: traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, amputations, and wrongful death.
We’ve seen the aftermath. A young father from Croswell who suffered a TBI when a grain truck ran a stop sign on M-46. A grandmother from Peck whose vehicle was crushed in an underride collision on I-69. A farmworker from Sandusky who lost a leg after a logging truck’s brakes failed on a steep grade. These aren’t statistics—they’re our neighbors, and we fought for every dime they deserved.
Documented Settlement Ranges for Sanilac County Catastrophic Injuries:
- Traumatic Brain Injury (Moderate to Severe): $1,548,000 – $9,838,000+
- Spinal Cord Injury/Paralysis: $4,770,000 – $25,880,000+
- Amputation: $1,945,000 – $8,630,000+
- Wrongful Death: $1,910,000 – $9,520,000+
These figures represent what we’ve recovered for clients facing similar devastation. But here’s what trucking companies don’t want you to know: they carry between $750,000 and $5 million in insurance coverage, but they’ll only pay maximum value if you have an attorney who knows how to access every dollar.
The 48-Hour Evidence Crisis: Why You Must Act Now
Here’s the reality that keeps us awake at night: critical evidence in your Sanilac County trucking accident case is disappearing right now. While you’re reading this, the trucking company’s rapid-response team is already working to protect their interests—not yours.
Critical Evidence Timelines:
- ECM/Black Box Data: Overwrites in as little as 30 days
- ELD (Electronic Logging Device) Records: May be retained only 6 months
- Dashcam Footage: Often deleted within 7-14 days
- Surveillance Video: Business cameras typically overwrite in 7-30 days
- Driver Impairment Evidence: Drug/alcohol tests must happen within specific windows
When we take a Sanilac County trucking case, we send spoliation letters within 24 hours. These legal notices put the trucking company, their insurer, and all potentially liable parties on notice that evidence must be preserved. If they destroy evidence after receiving our letter, courts can impose sanctions, adverse inference instructions (telling the jury to assume the destroyed evidence was unfavorable), or even default judgment.
We don’t wait. Neither should you.
As client Chad Harris told us after we resolved his case: “You are NOT a pest to them and you are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.” That’s how we treat every Sanilac County family who calls us—because when an 18-wheeler changes your life, you need more than a lawyer. You need a fighter.
Michigan & Sanilac County Legal Framework: Know Your Rights
If you’re hurt in a Sanilac County trucking accident, Michigan law gives you three years from the date of injury to file a lawsuit. But waiting is dangerous. Evidence fades, witnesses disappear, and trucking companies use delay tactics to weaken your case.
Michigan’s Comparative Negligence Rule (Modified 51% Bar):
Michigan follows a modified comparative negligence system. You can recover damages as long as you’re not more than 50% at fault for the accident. If you’re found 20% responsible, your recovery is reduced by 20%. But if you’re 51% or more at fault, you recover nothing.
Trucking companies and their insurers know this rule. They’ll try to shift blame onto you—claiming you were speeding, didn’t signal, or were distracted. That’s why we immediately secure the ECM data, ELD logs, and black box recordings that prove what really happened on that Sanilac County highway.
Michigan’s No-Fault Insurance Exception:
While Michigan is a no-fault state for regular car accidents, commercial trucking operates under different rules. When an 18-wheeler causes your injuries, you can step outside the no-fault system and pursue the truck driver, trucking company, and other liable parties directly for pain and suffering, emotional distress, and the full extent of your economic damages.
Common 18-Wheeler Accident Types in Sanilac County
The geography and economy of Sanilac County create specific trucking hazards that we see repeatedly in our practice:
Jackknife Accidents on I-69
When a truck’s trailer swings perpendicular to the cab, it often blocks multiple lanes of the interstate. In Sanilac County’s harsh winters, black ice on I-69 near Bridgehampton or Kingston causes drivers to brake suddenly, triggering jackknifes that involve multiple vehicles. These accidents often violate 49 CFR § 393.48 (brake system requirements) or 49 CFR § 392.6 (speeding for conditions).
Rollovers on Agricultural Routes
Sanilac County’s farming economy means grain trucks and equipment haulers are constantly on the move. When these trucks take curves too fast on M-53 or county roads near Argyle, the high center of gravity causes rollovers. Often, these trucks violate 49 CFR § 393.100-136 (cargo securement rules) by carrying unbalanced loads or exceeding weight limits.
Underride Collisions
When a passenger vehicle slides under a trailer, the results are often fatal. Sanilac County’s mix of high-speed interstate traffic (I-69) and slower agricultural vehicles creates dangerous speed differentials. If the truck lacked proper rear impact guards (49 CFR § 393.86), the trucking company may be liable for wrongful death.
Rear-End Collisions
A loaded semi needs 40% more stopping distance than your car. When truckers follow too closely on I-69 through Sanilac County or drive distracted through construction zones near Port Huron, they cause devastating rear-end collisions. These often involve violations of 49 CFR § 392.11 (following too closely) or 49 CFR § 392.82 (mobile phone use).
Wide Turn Accidents in Downtown Areas
Trucks making deliveries to Sanilac County’s downtown Sandusky or Peck must swing wide to navigate tight turns. When drivers fail to check blind spots or signal properly, they crush vehicles in adjacent lanes—violating 49 CFR § 392.2 (traffic laws) and basic safety protocol.
Brake Failures on Downgrades
The rolling terrain between Lexington and Port Sanilac creates steep downgrades where brake failure is catastrophic. Worn brakes or improper maintenance (49 CFR § 396.3) often cause runaway trucks that can’t stop for traffic or intersections.
Tire Blowouts
Sanilac County’s temperature extremes—scorching summer heat on I-69 followed by frigid winter cold—cause tire deterioration. When trucking companies defer maintenance or use worn tires (49 CFR § 393.75), blowouts cause drivers to lose control, creating debris fields that trigger multi-vehicle pileups.
All Liable Parties in Your Sanilac County Trucking Case
Most law firms only sue the driver and hope for the best. We investigate EVERY potentially liable party—because every additional defendant means additional insurance coverage and higher compensation for your family.
1. The Truck Driver
We subpoena their complete driving record, drug test results, and ELD data to prove violations of hours of service rules (49 CFR § 395). If they were texting, fatigued, or impaired, they bear direct liability.
2. The Trucking Company/Motor Carrier
Under respondeat superior, employers are liable for their employees’ negligence. But we also pursue direct negligence claims: negligent hiring (failing to check the driver’s background), negligent training (inadequate safety instruction), and negligent maintenance (49 CFR § 396.3). We obtain their CSA (Compliance, Safety, Accountability) scores to prove a pattern of violations.
3. Cargo Owners/Shippers
Sanilac County’s agricultural and manufacturing economy means cargo owners often pressure drivers to exceed weight limits or skip safety checks. If they required overweight loading that caused a rollover, they’re liable.
4. Loading Companies
Improperly secured grain, lumber, or equipment that shifts during transit causes rollovers and spills. These companies violate 49 CFR § 393.100 when they fail to properly brace and tie down loads.
5. Truck/Parts Manufacturers
Defective brakes, steering systems, or tires that fail on Sanilac County’s highways create product liability claims against manufacturers.
6. Maintenance Companies
Third-party mechanics who negligently repaired brakes or returned trucks to service with known defects (49 CFR § 396.11) share liability.
7. Freight Brokers
Brokers who arranged the shipment and negligently selected carriers with poor safety records can be held liable for putting dangerous drivers on Sanilac County roads.
8. Government Entities
If poor road design, lack of signage, or failure to maintain safe conditions on Sanilac County roads contributed to your accident, we pursue claims against the responsible government agencies (with strict notice requirements and shorter deadlines).
Catastrophic Injuries and Your Future
We’ve helped Sanilac County families recover from:
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
From “minor” concussions to severe cognitive impairment requiring lifelong care. Symptoms include memory loss, personality changes, depression, and inability to work. Lifetime costs can exceed $3 million.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Paraplegia and quadriplegia from crushed vehicles or violent impacts. These injuries require home modifications, wheelchairs, and 24/7 care.
Amputations
Often caused by crushing forces or entrapment requiring surgical removal. Prosthetics cost $50,000+ and need replacement every few years.
Wrongful Death
When trucking negligence takes a loved one, we help surviving spouses, children, and parents recover compensation for lost income, loss of consortium, funeral expenses, and mental anguish.
As client Glenda Walker told us: “They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.” That’s exactly what we do—because when you’re facing a future of medical bills and lost income, every dollar matters.
FMCSA Regulations That Prove Negligence
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (49 CFR Parts 390-399) govern every 18-wheeler on Sanilac County roads. When trucking companies violate these rules, they create dangerous conditions we use to prove negligence:
- 49 CFR § 390.3: General applicability—trucking companies must follow safety regulations or face liability
- 49 CFR § 391.11: Driver qualifications—CDL requirements, medical certification, English proficiency
- 49 CFR § 392.3: Ill or fatigued operators—no driving while impaired by fatigue or illness
- 49 CFR § 392.5: Alcohol prohibitions—no alcohol within 4 hours of driving, .04 BAC limit
- 49 CFR § 392.11: Following too closely—must maintain safe distance (20-40% longer than passenger vehicles)
- 49 CFR § 393.40-55: Brake systems—must be properly maintained and adjusted
- 49 CFR § 393.100: Cargo securement—loads must be immobilized to prevent shifting
- 49 CFR § 393.86: Rear impact guards—required to prevent underride
- 49 CFR § 395.3: Hours of service—11-hour driving limit, 14-hour duty window, 30-minute breaks
- 49 CFR § 396.3: Inspection and maintenance—systematic vehicle upkeep required
We know these regulations inside and out. When we find violations, we use them to prove the trucking company put profit over safety.
Evidence We Preserve Immediately
Within hours of being retained for a Sanilac County trucking case, we demand preservation of:
- ECM/Black Box Data: Speed, braking, throttle position, fault codes
- ELD Records: Hours of service violations, GPS location, duty status
- Driver Qualification File: Background checks, medical records, training history
- Maintenance Records: Brake inspections, tire logs, repair orders
- Dispatch Records: Communications showing pressure to violate safety rules
- Cell Phone Records: Proof of distracted driving
- Dashcam Footage: Video of the crash or driver’s behavior
- Drug/Alcohol Tests: Post-accident screening results
This evidence proves what the driver and company don’t want you to know: they violated safety rules, and those violations caused your injuries.
Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Sanilac County Case?
25+ Years of Experience
Ralph Manginello has been fighting for injury victims since 1998. He’s admitted to federal court (Southern District of Texas) and has litigated against Fortune 500 corporations like BP during the Texas City refinery explosion litigation that resulted in $2.1 billion in total industry settlements.
Insurance Defense Insider
Lupe Peña worked for national insurance defense firms before joining Attorney911. He knows exactly how trucking insurers calculate settlements, train adjusters to minimize claims, and deny legitimate cases. Now he uses that knowledge to maximize your recovery.
Multi-Million Dollar Results
We’ve recovered $50+ million for clients, including:
- $5+ million for a traumatic brain injury victim struck by falling equipment
- $3.8+ million for a car accident client who suffered amputation due to post-crash complications
- $2+ million for a maritime worker with a back injury
- $2.5+ million for a commercial truck crash victim
Currently Litigating a $10 Million Case
We’re actively litigating a $10 million lawsuit against the University of Houston and Pi Kappa Phi fraternity for hazing injuries. This shows we have the resources and courage to take on powerful defendants.
Three Office Locations
With offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we serve Sanilac County clients with the personal attention of a local firm and the resources of a national practice.
Spanish Language Services
Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish. Hablamos Español. If Spanish is your primary language, you deserve direct representation without interpreters. Llame a 1-888-ATTY-911.
Contingency Fee—No Risk to You
We charge 33.33% pre-trial and 40% if we go to trial. You pay nothing upfront. We advance all investigation costs. If we don’t win, you don’t pay.
4.9★ Rating (251+ Reviews)
Our clients consistently rate us 5 stars. As client Donald Wilcox said: “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.” And Angel Walle noted: “They solved in a couple of months what others did nothing about in two years.”
Frequently Asked Questions: Sanilac County 18-Wheeler Accidents
How long do I have to file a lawsuit in Sanilac County?
Michigan gives you three years from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit. But evidence disappears long before that. We recommend calling us within 48 hours.
What if the trucking company is from out of state?
We can still sue them. Federal courts have jurisdiction over interstate trucking cases, and we’re admitted to federal court. Distance doesn’t protect negligent trucking companies.
Can I recover if I was partially at fault for the Sanilac County accident?
Yes, as long as you were not more than 50% at fault. Michigan uses modified comparative negligence. However, your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault. We work to minimize any attributed fault through evidence.
How much does it cost to hire an 18-wheeler accident attorney in Sanilac County?
Nothing upfront. We work on contingency. You pay no legal fees unless we win your case. We also advance all costs for experts, investigations, and court filings.
What if my loved one was killed in a Sanilac County trucking accident?
You may have a wrongful death claim. Michigan law allows surviving spouses, children, and parents to recover damages including lost income, loss of companionship, and funeral expenses. Time limits apply—contact us immediately.
Do you handle cases where the truck driver was an independent contractor?
Yes. Even if the driver is an owner-operator, the trucking company that hired them may be liable under negligent hiring theories or vicarious liability, depending on the level of control they exercised.
What happens to my car after a trucking accident in Sanilac County?
Don’t let the insurance company total your vehicle before we inspect it. The damage pattern is evidence. We photograph and preserve vehicles before they’re repaired or scrapped.
Can undocumented immigrants file claims in Sanilac County?
Yes. Immigration status does not affect your right to compensation after a trucking accident. We represent everyone injured by negligent trucking companies, regardless of status.
Your Next Step: Speak With Us Today
The trucking company has lawyers. Their insurance company has adjusters. They have teams working right now to minimize what they pay you. Who’s working for you?
If you’ve been hurt in an 18-wheeler accident anywhere in Sanilac County—whether it was on I-69 near Peck, M-53 outside Sandusky, or the rural roads near Lexington—call Attorney911 now.
1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
We answer 24/7. We speak Spanish. We offer free consultations. And we don’t get paid unless we win your case.
The evidence in your case is disappearing right now. Black box data can be overwritten in 30 days. Dashcam footage gets deleted. Witnesses forget what they saw. The trucking company is building their defense. What are you doing?
Don’t wait. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 today. Let us send a spoliation letter immediately to preserve the evidence that wins cases. Let us fight for every dime you deserve while you focus on healing.
At Attorney911, you’re not a case number—you’re family. And we fight for family.
Hablamos Español. Llame a Lupe Peña al 1-888-ATTY-911.
The clock is ticking. But we’re ready to stop it—and start fighting for you.
Attorney911 / The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC
25+ Years Fighting for Trucking Accident Victims
Houston | Austin | Beaumont
Serving Sanilac County, Michigan and Beyond
