18-Wheeler Accident Lawyers in Shiawassee County, Michigan

When 80,000 Pounds Changes Everything on Shiawassee County Roads

The crash happened fast. One moment you’re driving along I-69 through Shiawassee County, heading toward Flint or Lansing. The next, an 80,000-pound semi-truck is jackknifing across the highway, or barreling through a red light in Corunna, or losing control on black ice near Owosso.

If you’re reading this, you or someone you love has been hurt in a trucking accident in Shiawassee County. You’re facing medical bills that are stacking up, time away from work you can’t afford, and pain that won’t quit. The trucking company has already called their insurance adjuster. Their lawyers are already working.

You need someone working for you.

We’ve been fighting for trucking accident victims for over 25 years. Ralph Manginello, our managing partner, has been representing injury victims since 1998. He’s admitted to federal court, has litigated against Fortune 500 corporations, and has recovered multi-million dollar settlements for families just like yours. Our associate attorney, Lupe Peña, spent years working inside insurance defense firms—now he uses that insider knowledge to fight against them. That’s your advantage.

In Michigan, you have three years to file a lawsuit after a trucking accident, but waiting is dangerous. Evidence disappears. Black box data gets overwritten. Witnesses forget. And trucking companies aren’t waiting—they’re building their defense right now.

Call us today at 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911). We work on contingency—you pay nothing unless we win. We also offer Spanish-language services through Lupe Peña. Hablamos Español.

Why Shiawassee County Trucking Accidents Are Different

Shiawassee County sits at a critical crossroads in Michigan’s lower peninsula. Interstate 69 cuts right through the county, carrying massive commercial truck traffic between Flint, Lansing, and the Indiana border. State highways like M-21 and US-52 feed into this corridor, bringing local agricultural and manufacturing freight to the interstate system.

This means Shiawassee County roads see heavy 18-wheeler traffic—often driven by long-haul drivers pushing to meet deadlines, sometimes in brutal Michigan winter weather. When these trucks crash, they don’t just fender-bend. They destroy. The average passenger car weighs 4,000 pounds. A loaded semi weighs 80,000 pounds. That’s not a fair fight.

As Glenda Walker, one of our clients, told us after we settled her case: “They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.” That’s what we do. We don’t settle for lowball offers. We don’t let trucking companies hide behind insurance adjusters. We dig into the FMCSA violations, the maintenance records, the driver qualification files—and we hold every liable party accountable.

The 15 Types of 18-Wheeler Accidents We Handle in Shiawassee County

Jackknife Accidents on I-69

A jackknife happens when the trailer and cab skid in opposite directions, with the trailer folding at an angle like a pocket knife. On I-69 through Shiawassee County, where winter ice and sudden stops are common, jackknifes often sweep across multiple lanes, causing multi-vehicle pileups.

These accidents usually happen because of:

• Sudden braking on wet or icy roads (common in Michigan winters)
• Improperly loaded or empty trailers (more prone to swing)
• Brake system failures
• Speeding on curves

Under 49 CFR § 393.48, trucking companies must maintain brake systems in proper working order. When they fail to do so, and a jackknife occurs, they’ve violated federal law. We subpoena the maintenance records and ECM data to prove it.

Rollover Accidents

Rollovers occur when an 18-wheeler tips onto its side or roof. Given the high center of gravity and 80,000-pound weight, these are among the most catastrophic crashes. On Shiawassee County’s rural highways, rolled trucks often spill into ditches or fields, creating secondary hazards.

The FMCSA requires under 49 CFR § 393.100-136 that cargo be properly secured to prevent shifting that affects vehicle stability. When liquid cargo “sloshes” or weight shifts during a turn, rollovers happen. We investigate the cargo manifest and loading procedures to prove negligence.

Underride Collisions (Rear and Side)

Underride crashes are among the deadliest. A smaller vehicle crashes into the rear or side of a trailer and slides underneath, often shearing off the passenger compartment. Approximately 400-500 Americans die annually in underride accidents.

Federal law (49 CFR § 393.86) requires rear impact guards on trailers manufactured after January 26, 1998. However, many older trailers still operate, and there’s no federal requirement for side underride guards. When an underride occurs in Shiawassee County because of missing or inadequate guards, multiple parties may be liable—the trucking company, the trailer manufacturer, and the maintenance provider.

Rear-End Collisions

An 18-wheeler at 65 mph needs approximately 525 feet to stop—nearly two football fields. That’s 20-40% more distance than a passenger car needs. When truck drivers follow too closely or get distracted on I-69, rear-end crashes happen with devastating force.

49 CFR § 392.11 specifically prohibits following too closely. We use ECM data to prove the truck was following too close and didn’t brake in time. This data is objective—it doesn’t lie, even when the driver does.

Wide Turn Accidents (“Squeeze Play”)

In downtown Corunna or on narrower county roads, trucks must swing wide to make right turns. This creates a gap that smaller vehicles enter, thinking the truck is turning left. When the truck completes its right turn, it crushes the vehicle in the squeeze play.

Drivers are required under 49 CFR § 392.11 to make safe lane changes and turns. Failure to check blind spots or signal properly makes both the driver and trucking company liable.

Blind Spot Collisions (No-Zone Accidents)

18-wheelers have massive blind spots—20 feet in front, 30 feet behind, and large areas on both sides (especially the right). When truck drivers change lanes on I-69 without checking these blind spots, they sideswipe passenger vehicles into guardrails or other traffic.

Federal regulations (49 CFR § 393.80) require proper mirrors providing clear view to the rear. If mirrors were improperly adjusted or missing, that’s a violation that proves negligence.

Tire Blowouts

Michigan’s freeze-thaw cycles and pothole-covered roads wreak havoc on truck tires. When a tire blows on an 18-wheeler, the driver can lose control instantly. Debris from “road gators” (blown tire pieces) creates hazards for following vehicles.

49 CFR § 393.75 requires minimum tread depths (4/32″ on steer tires, 2/32″ on others) and proper maintenance. We examine tire age, inflation records, and inspection logs to prove the trucking company ignored dangerous wear.

Brake Failure Accidents

Brake problems contribute to approximately 29% of large truck crashes. Air brake systems require meticulous maintenance. When brakes fail on the hills or curves of Shiawassee County, the results are catastrophic.

Under 49 CFR § 396.3, motor carriers must systematically inspect and maintain brake systems. Post-trip inspection reports (§ 396.11) require drivers to note brake defects. When these records show deferred maintenance, we prove the company put profits over safety.

Cargo Spill and Shift Accidents

Shiawassee County’s agricultural industry means trucks hauling grain, produce, and equipment. When cargo isn’t properly secured per 49 CFR § 393.100, it shifts during transport, causing rollovers, or spills onto M-21, creating chain-reaction crashes.

Head-On Collisions

On two-lane rural roads in Shiawassee County, head-on crashes with 18-wheelers are often fatal. These occur when tired truckers drift across the centerline or overcorrect and swing into oncoming traffic. 49 CFR § 392.3 prohibits operating while fatigued, yet hours-of-service violations remain common.

T-Bone (Intersection) Accidents

At intersections throughout Shiawassee County—whether in Owosso, Corunna, or rural crossings—trucks running red lights cause devastating broadside impacts. The physics of an 80,000-pound truck hitting a passenger car’s side often result in traumatic brain injuries or death.

Sideswipe Accidents

When trucks merge onto I-69 or change lanes without checking blind spots, they sideswipe vehicles into the median or other lanes. These can trigger multi-car pileups, especially during Michigan’s snowy winters when vehicles can’t stop quickly.

Override Accidents

An override occurs when a truck drives over a smaller vehicle from behind, often because the driver couldn’t stop in time. Unlike a standard rear-end, the truck may pass completely over the passenger compartment. These accidents typically occur at high speeds on interstates like I-69.

Lost Wheel/Detached Trailer Accidents

Poor maintenance leads to wheels or trailers detaching at highway speeds. A detached trailer on I-69 becomes a 40-ton missile hurtling toward unsuspecting traffic. Maintenance logs required under 49 CFR § 396.3 reveal whether the company knew of dangerous conditions.

Runaway Truck Accidents

On the rare steep grades in Shiawassee County, or more commonly as trucks enter the county from hillier regions, brake fade can cause runaway trucks. Driver inexperience or failure to use appropriate gear ranges contributes to these terrifying incidents.

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Shiawassee County Trucking Accident?

Most people think they can only sue the truck driver. Wrong. In 18-wheeler cases, multiple parties often share liability. The more defendants we can name, the more insurance coverage is available for your recovery.

The Truck Driver

Clearly, the person behind the wheel may be personally liable for negligence—speeding, distracted driving, fatigue, or impairment. We obtain cell phone records to prove distraction, and ELD (Electronic Logging Device) data to prove hours-of-service violations under 49 CFR § 395.

The Trucking Company (Motor Carrier)

Under the doctrine of respondeat superior, employers are responsible for their employees’ negligent acts. Beyond vicarious liability, trucking companies face direct liability for:

• Negligent Hiring: Failing to check the driver’s record (49 CFR § 391.51 requires a Driver Qualification File)
• Negligent Training: Inadequate safety instruction
• Negligent Supervision: Failing to monitor ELD compliance
• Negligent Maintenance: Systematic failure to inspect vehicles per 49 CFR § 396.3

The Cargo Owner/Shipper

Companies shipping goods from Shiawassee County’s farms or manufacturers may be liable if they demanded overweight loads or failed to disclose hazardous cargo characteristics.

The Loading Company

Third-party warehouses or distribution centers that loaded the trailer may be liable for improper cargo securement violations under 49 CFR § 393.100.

The Truck/Trailer Manufacturer

If a design defect in the braking system or stability control caused the crash, we pursue product liability claims against manufacturers like Freightliner, Peterbilt, Volvo, or trailer makers.

Parts Manufacturers

Defective tires (Goodyear, Michelin), brake components (Bendix), or coupling devices can create liability for component manufacturers.

The Maintenance Company

Third-party repair shops that performed negligent brake work or failed to identify critical safety issues may be liable under 49 CFR § 396.17 (annual inspection requirements).

The Freight Broker

Brokers who connect shippers with carriers must exercise reasonable care in selecting safe carriers. A broker who knowingly hired a carrier with terrible safety scores (available on FMCSA’s SAFER system) can be liable for negligent selection.

The Truck Owner (If Different from Carrier)

In owner-operator situations, the entity that owns the tractor may have separate maintenance responsibilities and insurance.

Government Entities

If poor road design, inadequate signage, or failure to maintain Shiawassee County roads contributed to the crash, governmental liability may exist—though Michigan’s governmental immunity laws create strict notice requirements and damage caps.

The FMCSA Regulations That Protect You (And Prove Negligence)

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulates commercial trucking. When trucking companies violate these regulations, they create liability. Here are the critical regulations we investigate in every case:

49 CFR Part 390 – General Applicability

Establishes that all commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) over 10,001 lbs operating in interstate commerce must comply with federal safety regulations. Violations create a presumption of negligence.

49 CFR Part 391 – Driver Qualification Standards

Trucking companies must verify drivers are qualified:

• Minimum age 21 for interstate commerce
• Valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)
• Medical certification (§ 391.41 – no epilepsy, uncontrolled diabetes, vision/hearing deficiencies)
• Driver Qualification File must include employment application, driving record, road test certificate, and annual reviews (§ 391.51)

When companies hire drivers with suspended licenses or recent DUIs, we prove negligent hiring.

49 CFR Part 392 – Driving Rules

Critical safety rules include:

• § 392.3: No driving while fatigued or ill
• § 392.4/5: No drugs or alcohol (0.04% BAC limit for commercial drivers)
• § 392.6: No speeding or scheduling routes requiring unsafe speeds
• § 392.11: No following too closely
• § 392.80/82: No texting or handheld phone use

49 CFR Part 393 – Vehicle Safety and Cargo Securement

Requires specific equipment standards:

• § 393.40-55: Brake system requirements
• § 393.75: Tire requirements (4/32″ tread on steer tires)
• § 393.100-136: Cargo securement rules—tiedowns must withstand specific forces (0.8g forward, 0.5g rearward and lateral)

49 CFR Part 395 – Hours of Service (HOS)

The most commonly violated regulations:

• 11-hour driving limit after 10 consecutive hours off-duty
• 14-hour on-duty window (cannot drive after 14th hour)
• 30-minute break after 8 cumulative hours driving
• 60/70 hour weekly limits (7/8 day periods)

Since December 2017, most trucks must use Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) that automatically record driving time. We demand immediate download of this data—it proves fatigue violations.

49 CFR Part 396 – Inspection and Maintenance

Requires:

• Systematic maintenance programs (§ 396.3)
• Pre-trip inspections by drivers (§ 396.13)
• Post-trip inspection reports (§ 396.11) documenting defects in brakes, tires, steering, lights
• Annual inspections by qualified mechanics (§ 396.17)

When companies skip these inspections to save money, and brakes fail on I-69, we prove the violation caused the crash.

Critical Evidence Preservation: The First 48 Hours

Evidence in trucking accidents disappears fast. You need to act immediately.

Black Box Data (ECM/EDR): The Engine Control Module records speed, brake application, throttle position, and fault codes. This data overwrites in 30 days—or sooner if the truck is driven.

ELD Data: Hours of service records must be preserved. FMCSA only requires 6-month retention, but we demand immediate preservation.

Dashcam Footage: Forward-facing cameras may have recorded the crash. Trucking companies often “lose” this footage within days.

Driver Qualification Files: We subpoena hiring records, background checks, and training files.

Maintenance Records: Brake inspection logs, repair receipts, and out-of-service orders reveal patterns of neglect.

When you hire Attorney911, we send spoliation letters within 24 hours to every potentially liable party. This puts them on legal notice that destroying evidence will result in sanctions, adverse jury instructions, or punitive damages.

We also interview witnesses before memories fade and photograph the scene before weather or traffic changes the physical evidence. In Michigan winters, this is critical—snow can cover skid marks within hours.

Catastrophic Injuries and Their Value

The violent physics of truck accidents cause life-changing injuries. We’ve secured multi-million dollar settlements for clients suffering:

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

From concussions to severe diffuse axonal injury, TBIs affect cognitive function, memory, personality, and independence. Lifetime care costs range from $85,000 to $3,000,000+.

We’ve recovered $1,548,000 to $9,838,000 for TBI victims. These cases require neuropsychological testing, life care planning, and vocational experts to prove the full extent of damage.

Spinal Cord Injury and Paralysis

Whether paraplegia (loss of lower body function) or quadriplegia (loss of all four limbs), spinal cord injuries require wheelchairs, home modifications, and 24/7 care.

Lifetime costs exceed $4,770,000 to $25,880,000. We work with spinal injury specialists to ensure settlements cover decades of necessary care.

Amputation

When crushing forces sever limbs or render them unsalvageable, victims need expensive prosthetics ($5,000-$50,000 each) that require replacement every few years. Phantom limb pain and psychological trauma add to the damages.

Our amputation settlements range from $1,945,000 to $8,630,000.

Severe Burns

Fuel fires and hazmat spills cause third and fourth-degree burns requiring skin grafts, reconstructive surgery, and lifelong scar management. These injuries carry enormous pain and suffering damages.

Wrongful Death

When a trucking accident kills a loved one in Shiawassee County, Michigan law allows wrongful death claims by the personal representative of the estate. Damages include:

• Lost future income and benefits
• Loss of consortium (companionship, care, guidance)
• Mental anguish of survivors
• Funeral and burial expenses
• Punitive damages (if gross negligence)

We’ve recovered $1,910,000 to $9,520,000 in wrongful death cases involving commercial vehicles.

Michigan Law and Your Trucking Accident Case

Statute of Limitations

In Michigan, you have three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit (MCL 600.5805). For wrongful death, the clock starts at death, not the accident date.

But don’t wait. The trucking company isn’t waiting—they’re collecting evidence, fixing their truck, and coaching their driver. Every day you delay makes your case harder to prove.

Comparative Negligence

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
• Your recovery is reduced by your fault percentage
• If you’re 51% or more at fault, you recover nothing

Insurance companies love to blame victims. They’ll claim you were speeding, following too close, or failed to yield. We fight back with black box data, ECM records, and reconstruction experts who prove what really happened.

Damage Caps

Unlike many states, Michigan does NOT cap punitive damages in personal injury cases. When trucking companies act with reckless disregard for safety—falsifying logs, knowingly hiring dangerous drivers, or skipping maintenance to save money—we can pursue punitive damages to punish them and deter future misconduct.

No-Fault Insurance Considerations

Michigan’s auto no-fault system is complex. While your own Personal Injury Protection (PIP) pays initial medical bills, trucking accidents often exceed PIP limits quickly. Once the threshold is met—or if you have the appropriate insurance coverage—you can sue the at-fault truck driver and company for excess economic damages and non-economic damages (pain and suffering).

Important: If the truck was engaged in interstate commerce (crossing state lines on I-69), federal law may preempt certain state regulations, making the case more complex—and requiring an attorney with federal court experience. Ralph Manginello is admitted to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas, and handles interstate trucking cases nationwide.

Frequently Asked Questions: Shiawassee County Trucking Accidents

How long do I have to file a lawsuit after a truck accident in Shiawassee County?

Three years from the accident date for personal injury. But as Chad Harris, one of our clients, found out, acting fast gets results. “You are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them,” he said about our team. Waiting risks evidence destruction.

What if the truck driver was from another state?

Interstate trucking cases fall under federal jurisdiction. We can pursue the driver and company in federal court, and we regularly handle cases involving out-of-state carriers operating on I-69 through Michigan.

Can I still recover if I was partially at fault?

Yes, as long as you were 50% or less responsible. Under Michigan’s modified comparative negligence law, your recovery is simply reduced by your percentage of fault. We work to minimize your attributed fault percentage.

What if the trucking company destroyed the black box data?

If they destroyed evidence after we sent a spoliation letter, courts can issue adverse inference instructions—telling the jury to assume the destroyed evidence would have hurt the trucking company’s case. This often forces favorable settlements.

How much does it cost to hire Attorney911?

Nothing upfront. We work on contingency—33.33% if settled pre-trial, 40% if we go to trial. You pay nothing unless we win. As Donald Wilcox told us: “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.”

Do you speak Spanish?

Yes. Lupe Peña, our associate attorney, is fluent in Spanish. Hablamos Español. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911.

What if my injuries seem minor now?

Some injuries—brain bleeding, internal organ damage, herniated discs—take days or weeks to manifest. Get medical attention immediately. The adrenaline of a crash masks pain. We evaluate cases based on medical diagnosis, not immediate pain levels.

Will my case go to trial?

Probably not. Most settle. But we prepare every case for trial. Insurance companies know which lawyers will go to court—and they offer better settlements to those firms. With Ralph Manginello’s 25+ years of trial experience and federal court admission, they know we mean business.

How do I pay for medical treatment while my case is pending?

We can help arrange treatment on a Letter of Protection (LOP), where doctors treat you now and get paid from your settlement. We also work with your PIP insurance and health insurance to maximize coverage.

What makes 18-wheeler cases different from regular car accidents?

Everything. Higher insurance minimums ($750,000-$5,000,000), federal regulations, multiple liable parties, catastrophic injuries, and corporate defendants with teams of lawyers. You need a specialist, not a general practice attorney.

The Trucking Company Has Lawyers. You Need a Fighter.

Trucking companies and their insurers have one goal: pay you as little as possible. They’ll send adjusters who seem friendly but are trained to minimize your claim. They’ll ask for recorded statements hoping you’ll say something they can twist against you. They’ll offer quick settlements before you know the full extent of your injuries.

Don’t let them win.

Attorney911 has the experience, resources, and insider knowledge to fight back. Ralph Manginello has been making trucking companies pay for over 25 years. Luque Peña knows their playbook because he used to work for them. Together, we’ve recovered over $50 million for injured people.

We handle cases throughout Shiawassee County—Corunna, Owosso, Durand, Lennon, New Lothrop, Perry, and all points along I-69. We know the local courts, the judges, and the trucking corridors that run through your community.

Call Now: 1-888-ATTY-911

If you’ve been hurt in an 18-wheeler accident in Shiawassee County, every hour matters. Call us now at 1-888-288-9911. We answer 24/7. The consultation is free. You pay nothing unless we win.

Don’t let the trucking company decide what your future looks like. Take control. Call Attorney911 today.

Hablamos Español. Llame hoy al 1-888-ATTY-911.

The choice of a lawyer is an important decision and should not be based solely upon advertisements. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Contingency fee percentages apply only to cases we win.

Office Locations:

• Houston (Main): 1177 West Loop S, Suite 1600, Houston, TX 77027
• Austin: 316 West 12th Street, Suite 311, Austin, TX 78701
• Beaumont: Available for meetings

Serving trucking accident victims in Shiawassee County, Genesee County, Clinton County, Livingston County, and throughout Michigan and the United States.