Every year, thousands of 18-wheelers roll through Brown County on I-90, hauling freight across Minnesota’s agricultural heartland. When an 80,000-pound truck collides with a 4,000-pound passenger vehicle on an icy stretch of highway outside New Ulm, the results are catastrophic. If you or someone you love was hurt in a trucking accident in Brown County, you need more than just a lawyer—you need a team that knows how to fight.
At Attorney911, we’ve spent over 25 years holding trucking companies accountable. Ralph Manginello, our managing partner, has been fighting for injury victims since 1998. He’s admitted to federal court and has gone toe-to-toe with Fortune 500 corporations. Currently, we’re litigating a $10 million lawsuit against a major university—proof that we take on the toughest cases and win. Our associate attorney, Lupe Peña, spent years working for insurance companies before joining our firm. Now he uses that insider knowledge to fight against them. That’s your advantage when you call us at 1-888-ATTY-911.
Why 18-Wheeler Accidents in Brown County Are Different
Brown County sits along one of America’s busiest trucking corridors. I-90 cuts straight through the county, connecting the ports of Seattle to the streets of Boston. Day and night, semi-trucks haul grain from local elevators, equipment from manufacturers, and goods bound for Minneapolis. But Brown County winters bring unique dangers—blowing snow across open fields, black ice on overpasses, and whiteout conditions that turn a routine delivery into a deadly gamble.
When a truck jackknifes on ice near Sleepy Eye, or a fatigued driver drifts across the centerline outside Springfield, the physics are brutal. An 80,000-pound truck traveling at 65 mph carries 80 times the kinetic energy of your car. It needs nearly two football fields to stop. That size disparity is why 76% of fatalities in trucking accidents are the occupants of the smaller vehicle.
As client Chad Harris told us after we settled his case: “You are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.” We treat every Brown County client like family because we know what’s at stake—your health, your livelihood, your future.
The Federal Regulations That Keep You Safe (And Prove Negligence When Broken)
Commercial trucking isn’t just dangerous—it’s heavily regulated. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) imposes strict rules on every 18-wheeler operating in Brown County and across Minnesota. When trucking companies violate these regulations, they put profit over safety—and they become liable for the devastation they cause.
Hours of Service: The 11-Hour Limit (49 CFR Part 395)
Federal law is clear: a truck driver cannot drive more than 11 hours after taking 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 cumulative hours of driving.
Yet we constantly find drivers who’ve been pushed beyond these limits. Maybe they were rushing to beat a storm crossing Brown County. Maybe their dispatcher demanded they make up for lost time. Whatever the reason, fatigued driving causes approximately 31% of fatal truck crashes. That’s why we subpoena Electronic Logging Device (ELD) data immediately—before the trucking company can delete it.
Driver Qualification Standards (49 CFR Part 391)
Before a trucking company lets anyone behind the wheel of an 80,000-pound vehicle, they’re required to verify that driver is qualified. They must maintain a Driver Qualification File containing:
- A valid CDL
- Current medical certification (renewed every 2 years maximum)
- A clean driving record check
- Previous employer verification for the last 3 years
- Pre-employment drug test results
When we investigate Brown County trucking accidents, we demand these files. If a company hired a driver with a history of DUIs, or if they let a medical certification lapse, that’s negligent hiring—and it makes them liable for your injuries.
Vehicle Maintenance and Inspection (49 CFR Part 396)
Every trucking company must systematically inspect, repair, and maintain their fleet. Drivers must perform pre-trip inspections before hitting the road, checking brakes, tires, lights, and cargo securement. Annual inspections are mandatory, and records must be kept for 14 months.
In Brown County’s harsh winters, maintenance failures are deadly. Worn brake pads on a truck descending the hill toward New Ulm. Bald tires on an icy stretch of US-14. These aren’t accidents—they’re choices made by trucking companies to save money on maintenance. We hold them accountable.
Cargo Securement (49 CFR Part 393)
Federally mandated tiedown requirements exist for a reason. Cargo must be secured to withstand forces of 0.8g forward, 0.5g rearward, and 0.5g lateral. When a grain truck tips over on a curve outside Comfrey because its load shifted, that’s not just bad luck—it’s a violation of federal law.
Types of 18-Wheeler Accidents We Handle in Brown County
Every trucking accident is different, but certain types of crashes dominate the statistics—and the local geography of Brown County makes some particularly common.
Jackknife Accidents on Icy Highways
Brown County winters are brutal. When a truck driver slams the brakes on black ice near the I-90 interchange, the trailer swings out perpendicular to the cab, sweeping across multiple lanes. Jackknifes often result in multi-vehicle pileups because there’s nowhere for surrounding traffic to go.
These accidents usually stem from:
- Speeding for conditions (violating 49 CFR § 392.6)
- Brake failures from poor maintenance (49 CFR § 393.48)
- Empty trailers with poor traction
We’ve seen jackknife accidents where the swinging trailer crushed passenger vehicles against guardrails. The injuries are catastrophic—traumatic brain injuries, spinal fractures, and worse.
Rollover Accidents on Curves
Brown County’s rural highways have curves that become treacherous when loaded trucks take them too fast. A rollover occurs when centrifugal force overcomes the truck’s stability, typically when:
- The driver exceeds safe speed on a curve (violating 49 CFR § 392.6)
- Cargo shifts during transit (violating 49 CFR § 393.100)
- The load is top-heavy or improperly distributed
Rollovers are particularly dangerous on rural Brown County roads where soft shoulders and steep ditches can cause a truck to tip into oncoming traffic or roll into adjacent fields.
Underride Collisions: The Most Deadly Crashes
When a passenger vehicle crashes into the rear or side of a trailer and slides underneath, the top of the car is often sheared off at windshield level. These underride accidents are almost always fatal.
Federal law requires rear impact guards on trailers manufactured after 1998 (49 CFR § 393.86), but these guards often fail in real-world crashes. Side underride guards aren’t federally mandated yet—though they should be. When we investigate underride accidents in Brown County, we examine whether the trucking company maintained their rear guards properly or if a defective guard contributed to the death.
Wide Turn Accidents (“Squeeze Play”)
Trucks making right turns in downtown New Ulm or the smaller towns throughout Brown County must swing wide to the left first. Unsuspecting drivers often try to squeeze past on the right, getting caught between the curb and the trailer as it comes around.
These accidents crush vehicles and cause severe injuries to drivers and cyclists. They’re almost always the truck driver’s fault for failing to check blind spots or signal properly.
Blind Spot Crashes
18-wheelers have massive blind spots—20 feet in front, 30 feet behind, and extending backward on both sides. The right-side blind spot is particularly dangerous and has caused countless sideswipe accidents on I-90 as trucks change lanes without seeing smaller vehicles.
Federal regulations require trucks to have properly adjusted mirrors (49 CFR § 393.80), but many drivers fail to check them, or trucking companies fail to maintain them.
Tire Blowouts and Runaway Tires
Extreme temperature swings in Minnesota stress truck tires. Summer heat expands rubber; winter cold makes it brittle. When a steer tire blows at highway speeds, the driver often loses control immediately.
We investigate whether the trucking company conducted proper pre-trip inspections (49 CFR § 396.13) and whether they allowed tires with inadequate tread depth on the road. The minimum tread depth is 4/32″ on steer tires—anything less is a violation.
Brake Failure Accidents
Brake problems contribute to roughly 29% of large truck crashes. On Brown County’s rolling terrain, brake fade from overheating is a real danger. Trucks descending hills toward the Cottonwood River must have properly adjusted brakes and functional air brake systems.
When we find deferred maintenance records—or worse, records where drivers reported brake issues and the company ignored them—we know we’ve found gross negligence that warrants punitive damages.
Every Party Who Might Owe You Money
Most accident victims think they can only sue the truck driver. That’s exactly what the trucking company hopes you think. In reality, multiple parties may be liable for your injuries:
The Driver – Direct negligence for speeding, distraction, fatigue, or impairment.
The Trucking Company – Vicarious liability under “respondeat superior” makes employers responsible for their employees’ negligence. Plus, we often find direct negligence: negligent hiring (ignoring a bad driving record), negligent training (inadequate winter weather instruction for Brown County conditions), or negligent maintenance (deferring repairs to save money).
The Cargo Owner/Shipper – If they overloaded the truck or failed to disclose hazardous cargo.
The Loading Company – If they improperly secured grain loads or failed to balance cargo weight.
The Truck Manufacturer – If defective brakes, steering systems, or underride guards caused or worsened the crash.
Parts Manufacturers – Defective tires, brake components, or lighting equipment.
Maintenance Companies – Third-party mechanics who performed negligent repairs.
Freight Brokers – If they hired a carrier with a terrible safety record just because they were cheap.
The Truck Owner – In owner-operator situations where the driver doesn’t own the rig.
Government Entities – If dangerous road design or poor maintenance contributed (though claims against government have strict notice requirements and shorter deadlines in Minnesota).
As client 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.” We dig deeper than other firms because we know every liable party represents another insurance policy—and another opportunity to maximize your recovery.
The 48-Hour Evidence Crisis
Here’s what the trucking industry doesn’t want you to know: evidence disappears fast.
- ECM/Black Box Data – Can be overwritten in 30 days
- ELD Logs – May only be retained for 6 months
- Dashcam Footage – Often deleted within 7-14 days
- Truck Inspection Records – Trucks get repaired quickly after crashes
That’s why we send spoliation letters within 24 hours of being retained. These legal notices demand the trucking company preserve all evidence related to your crash. If they destroy evidence after receiving our letter, courts can sanction them, instruct juries to assume the destroyed evidence was harmful to the defense, or even enter default judgment.
Lupe Peña, our associate attorney who used to defend insurance companies, knows exactly what evidence adjusters hope you’ll never see. He knows their playbook—how they train adjusters to minimize claims, what their valuation software (like Colossus) does to lowball pain and suffering, and when they’re bluffing about their final offer.
Don’t give them the head start. Call 888-ATTY-911 immediately after a Brown County trucking accident.
Catastrophic Injuries and What They’re Worth
Trucking accidents don’t cause “minor” injuries. The forces involved cause life-altering harm that requires millions in lifetime care.
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
When your head strikes the steering wheel or window, your brain collides with the inside of your skull. Even “mild” TBIs (concussions) can cause lasting cognitive issues. Moderate to severe TBIs can mean:
- Permanent memory loss
- Personality changes
- Inability to work
- Requiring 24/7 supervision
We’ve recovered between $1.5 million and $9.8 million for TBI victims, depending on severity and long-term care needs.
Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis
A crushed vertebra can sever the spinal cord, causing paraplegia or quadriplegia. Lifetime care costs for quadriplegia can exceed $5 million. We’ve secured settlements ranging from $4.7 million to $25.8 million for spinal cord injury clients.
Amputations
When the force of impact crushes limbs beyond repair, or when compartment syndrome necessitates surgical removal, victims face:
- Prosthetic costs ($50,000+ per limb, replaced every few years)
- Home modifications
- Career-ending disability
Our amputation cases have settled for $1.9 million to $8.6 million.
Wrongful Death
When a trucking accident takes a loved one in Brown County, surviving spouses, children, and parents may recover:
- Lost future income
- Loss of companionship
- Mental anguish
- Funeral expenses
- Punitive damages for gross negligence
Wrongful death cases typically range from $1.9 million to $9.5 million, depending on the decedent’s age, earning capacity, and the egregiousness of the trucking company’s conduct.
As client Glenda Walker said: “They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.” That’s not just our promise—it’s our track record. We’ve recovered over $50 million for families across Texas and beyond.
Minnesota Law and Your Rights
In Brown County, Minnesota, the clock starts ticking immediately after your accident.
Statute of Limitations: You have 2 years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. For wrongful death claims, you have 3 years from the date of death. Miss these deadlines, and you lose your right to sue forever—no matter how catastrophic your injuries or how obvious the trucking company’s negligence.
Comparative Negligence: Minnesota uses “modified comparative negligence” with a 51% bar. This means you can recover damages as long as you’re 50% or less at fault for the accident. However, your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault. So if you’re found 20% at fault, you can still recover 80% of your damages.
This is crucial in trucking cases where the trucking company will try to blame YOU—the victim—for the crash. “They were speeding too,” or “They were in the truck’s blind spot.” We counter these allegations with objective evidence from the truck’s black box, ELD data, and accident reconstruction.
No Damage Caps: Unlike some states, Minnesota does not cap economic or non-economic damages in personal injury cases. If a jury awards $10 million for pain and suffering, you can collect it. Punitive damages are also available when trucking companies act with “deliberate disregard for the rights or safety of others.”
Federal Insurance Requirements: Why Trucking Cases Are High-Value
Federal law mandates that trucking companies carry massive insurance policies:
- $750,000 minimum for non-hazardous freight
- $1,000,000 for oil and large equipment
- $5,000,000 for hazardous materials
Compare that to the $30,000 minimum that regular Minnesota drivers carry. When you’re hit by an 18-wheeler, there’s actually enough insurance money to cover catastrophic injuries—if you know how to access it.
But trucking companies and their insurers fight to protect every dollar. They have rapid-response teams—lawyers and investigators who arrive at the scene before the ambulance leaves. They take photos, interview witnesses, and coach drivers on what to say.
You need someone fighting just as hard for you.
Frequently Asked Questions: Brown County 18-Wheeler Accidents
How long do I have to file a trucking accident lawsuit in Brown County?
Two years from the accident date for personal injury, three years for wrongful death. But don’t wait. Evidence disappears, and trucking companies start building their defense immediately. Call (888) 288-9911 today.
What if I was partially at fault for the accident?
Under Minnesota’s modified comparative negligence rules, you can recover if you’re 50% or less at fault. Your damages are reduced by your fault percentage. Don’t let the trucking company bully you into accepting blame—let us investigate the real cause.
Should I talk to the trucking company’s insurance adjuster?
Never. Adjusters are trained to get you to say things that minimize your claim. They’re not your friends, even if they sound sympathetic. Refer them to your attorney. We handle all communications so you can focus on healing.
What if the driver was an independent contractor, not an employee?
We still sue the trucking company under theories of “negligent hiring” or “negligent entrustment” if they gave a dangerous driver access to an 80,000-pound weapon. Plus, many “independent contractors” are actually employees misclassified to avoid liability—we unravel those relationships.
How much is my Brown County trucking accident case worth?
It depends on injury severity, medical costs, lost wages, and available insurance. But trucking cases typically settle for much more than car accidents because of the higher insurance coverage and catastrophic nature of injuries. We’ve recovered multi-million dollar settlements for clients with injuries similar to yours.
What is a “nuclear verdict” and could my case get one?
Nuclear verdicts are jury awards exceeding $10 million. They happen when trucking companies show gross negligence—like ignoring federal safety regulations, hiring dangerous drivers, or destroying evidence. While we can’t promise specific results, we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial, which creates leverage for maximum settlements.
Hablamos Español. ¿Necesita ayuda después de un accidente de camión?
Llámenos al 1-888-288-9911. Atendemos a la comunidad hispana de Brown County. No necesita intérprete—nuestro abogado Lupe Peña habla español nativo.
The Attorney911 Difference: Why Families in Brown County Choose Us
When Ralph Manginello founded Attorney911 in 2001, he built it on one principle: treat clients like family, not case numbers. That means:
- Ralph Manginello personally involved in your case, not just handed off to paralegals
- 24/7 availability through 1-888-ATTY-911
- Immediate action to preserve evidence
- Former insurance defense attorneys working FOR you, not against you
- No fee unless we win—standard contingency fee, zero upfront costs
We also have the resources to take on corporate giants. We’ve litigated against BP after the Texas City Refinery explosion. We’re currently handling a $10 million hazing lawsuit against the University of Houston. We don’t back down from powerful defendants—and trucking companies know our reputation.
Client Kiimarii Yup lost everything in an accident. “1 year later,” he told us, “I have gained so much in return plus a brand new truck.” That’s what fighting for “every dime” looks like.
Your Next Step: Protect Your Rights Today
The trucking company that hit you has already called their lawyers. Their insurance adjuster is already building a case to pay you less than you deserve. What are you doing?
If you’ve been hurt in an 18-wheeler accident in Brown County—whether on I-90 near New Ulm, US-14 outside Springfield, or anywhere in between—call Attorney911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911 or (888) 288-9911.
We’ll answer immediately, 24/7. We’ll send a preservation letter to the trucking company within 24 hours. We’ll investigate every liable party. And we won’t rest until you get the compensation you need to rebuild your life.
Don’t let them push you around. Push back with Attorney911. Call now.
