Faribault County 18-Wheeler Accident Attorneys: Fighting for Minnesota Trucking Victims

When 80,000 Pounds Changes Everything on a Faribault County Highway

The crunch of metal on frozen pavement. The blur of whiteout conditions on Interstate 90. The moment an 80,000-pound semi loses traction on black ice near Blue Earth. If you’re reading this, you or someone you love has experienced the devastation of a trucking accident in Faribault County, Minnesota. You’re not just facing medical bills and car repairs—you’re facing a multi-billion dollar trucking industry that has teams of lawyers working right now to minimize what they pay you.

We’re Attorney911, The Manginello Law Firm, and we’ve spent over 25 years fighting for families just like yours across Minnesota and beyond. Ralph Manginello, our managing partner, has been holding trucking companies accountable since 1998. 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 a truck jackknifes on icy Minnesota roads or a fatigued driver drifts across the center line on Highway 15, the physics aren’t fair. Your car weighs 4,000 pounds. The truck that hit you weighs 80,000. That’s not an accident—it’s a catastrophic event. And the trucking company is already building their defense.

Don’t wait. Evidence disappears fast on Faribault County roads. Call us immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911). We answer 24/7.

Why Faribault County 18-Wheeler Accidents Demand Specialized Legal Experience

Faribault County sits at the crossroads of major agricultural shipping corridors in southern Minnesota. With Interstate 90 cutting across the northern tier of the county, US Highway 169 running north-south, and state highways like MN-60 and MN-15 crisscrossing rural farmland, this area sees heavy commercial truck traffic year-round. But Minnesota winters create unique dangers that out-of-state lawyers don’t understand.

We’ve recovered over $50 million for clients, including multi-million dollar settlements for traumatic brain injuries and amputations caused by trucking accidents. As client Chad Harris told us after we handled 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 Faribault County family who calls us.

Trucking accidents here aren’t just bigger car wrecks. They’re governed by complex Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations—49 CFR Parts 390 through 399—that control everything from how many hours a driver can operate to how cargo must be secured. When drivers violate these rules and cause crashes on icy Faribault County roads, we know how to prove it.

The Minnesota Weather Factor: Why Winter Trucking Accidents Are Different

Faribault County winters are brutal. Temperatures drop to -20°F. Blizzards create whiteout conditions on I-90. Black ice forms without warning on rural highways. These aren’t excuses for truck drivers—they’re obligations to adjust driving behavior.

Under 49 CFR § 392.3, no driver shall operate a commercial motor vehicle when their ability or alertness is impaired by fatigue, illness, or any other cause. In Minnesota, this means truckers must recognize when winter conditions make driving unsafe. Yet we see Faribault County accidents every winter where drivers violated hours-of-service rules, driving beyond the 11-hour limit while fighting fatigue on long hauls through snowstorms.

Our firm understands the local weather patterns affecting truck traffic through Faribault County. We know that the combination of agricultural freight demand, winter storms, and tight delivery schedules creates deadly conditions. When a trucker chooses to push through a blizzard on Highway 15 rather than pull over, that’s negligence. When a trucking company schedules a route that requires driving through ice storms to meet a deadline, that’s corporate irresponsibility.

Understanding Faribault County Trucking Corridors and High-Risk Zones

Faribault County’s position in southern Minnesota makes it a critical link in agricultural shipping routes. Trucks hauling grain, soybeans, and livestock traverse the county daily, connecting farms to processing facilities and interstate corridors.

High-Risk Corridors in Faribault County

Interstate 90 (I-90): Running east-west across the northern portion of the county, I-90 is a major transcontinental freight route. During winter, this interstate sees severe blowing snow and ice accumulation. The stretch near Blue Earth and the Minnesota-Iowa border experiences frequent truck accidents when drivers fail to adjust speed for conditions.

US Highway 169: This north-south route cuts through the agricultural heart of the county, connecting smaller farming communities to larger markets. Narrow lanes and rural intersections create dangerous conditions for jackknife accidents when trucks brake suddenly on icy surfaces.

Minnesota State Highway 60: Serving as a major east-west corridor through the county, MN-60 carries significant truck traffic connecting to Worthington and Mankato. The rural stretches with limited shoulder space become treacherous during winter storms.

Minnesota State Highway 15: Running north-south through the county seat of Blue Earth, this highway sees heavy agricultural truck traffic during harvest and planting seasons.

Agricultural Trucking Hazards Specific to Faribault County

Unlike urban trucking accidents, Faribault County collisions often involve agricultural carriers hauling grain or livestock. These present unique dangers:

• Overweight Loads: Harvest season pressures lead some operators to exceed weight limits, compromising braking ability on icy roads
• Cargo Shifts: Liquid manure tankers and grain trucks can experience dangerous weight shifts on curves
• Rural Road Conditions: County roads and township grids may lack proper maintenance during winter storms
• Long Hours: Agricultural exemptions can lead to fatigued driving during planting and harvest seasons

When these factors combine with Minnesota’s harsh winters, the results are devastating. But proving liability requires understanding both federal trucking regulations and local agricultural practices—something our firm brings to every Faribault County case.

Types of 18-Wheeler Accidents We Handle in Faribault County

Jackknife Accidents on Icy Roads

A jackknife occurs when the trailer and cab skid in opposite directions, folding like a pocket knife across multiple lanes. In Faribault County, these accidents spike during winter months when sudden braking on icy I-90 causes trailers to swing out perpendicular to the cab.

Jackknifes account for approximately 10% of all trucking-related deaths nationally. On Minnesota’s icy interstates, that percentage rises. When a truck jackknifes on I-90 near Blue Earth during a blizzard, nearby drivers have virtually no chance to avoid the swinging trailer.

These accidents often result from:

• Hours-of-Service Violations: Drivers exceeding the 11-hour driving limit under 49 CFR § 395.3, becoming fatigued and overreacting to road conditions
• Speeding for Conditions: Violating 49 CFR § 392.6 by driving too fast for ice and snow
• Improper Brake Maintenance: Brake system deficiencies under 49 CFR § 393.48 causing uneven braking
• Empty or Light Trailers: More prone to swinging on slippery surfaces

We investigate the Electronic Control Module (ECM) data to prove exactly how the driver reacted in those final seconds. We subpoena the Electronic Logging Device (ELD) records to show if hours-of-service violations contributed to fatigue. And we send spoliation letters immediately to prevent the trucking company from destroying this evidence.

Rollover Accidents on Rural Highways

Rollovers occur when an 80,000-pound truck tips onto its side or roof. In Faribault County, these often happen on the curves of US-169 or MN-60 when drivers take turns too fast for icy conditions. Approximately 50% of rollover crashes result from failure to adjust speed on curves—a critical factor when Minnesota roads are coated with black ice.

Rollovers frequently lead to secondary crashes from debris and fuel spills. When a tanker truck hauling fertilizer or fuel rolls on a rural Faribault County road, the resulting fire or chemical spill creates catastrophic burn injuries or toxic exposure for anyone nearby.

We investigate:

• Cargo Distribution: Whether improper loading under 49 CFR § 393.100 shifted the center of gravity
• Speed Data: ECM records showing excessive speed through curves
• Training Records: Whether the driver received adequate training on winter driving techniques
• Maintenance Logs: Brake and tire conditions that may have contributed to loss of control

Underride Collisions: The Deadliest Crashes

Underride collisions occur when a smaller vehicle slides under the trailer of an 18-wheeler. This type of accident is particularly deadly on Faribault County’s rural highways at night or during winter storms when visibility is poor.

Rear underride occurs when a passenger vehicle strikes the back of a trailer and slides underneath. Side underride happens during lane changes or when trucks make wide turns at intersections. While federal law requires rear impact guards under 49 CFR § 393.86 for trailers manufactured after 1998, there’s no federal requirement for side underride guards—despite advocates pushing for mandatory installation.

These accidents often result in decapitation or catastrophic head and neck trauma. The passenger compartment of a car offers no protection when it passes under a trailer. We investigate whether proper rear impact guards were installed and maintained, and whether defective lighting or reflectors under 49 CFR § 393.11 contributed to visibility issues.

Rear-End Collisions on Icy Minnesota Roads

When an 18-wheeler rear-ends a passenger vehicle, the physics are brutal. A fully loaded truck at 65 mph needs approximately 525 feet to stop—nearly two football fields. On icy Faribault County roads, that distance doubles or triples.

Rear-end collisions often result from:

• Following Too Closely: Violating 49 CFR § 392.11 by tailgating in poor weather
• Driver Distraction: Texting or dispatch communications under 49 CFR § 392.82
• Fatigued Driving: Hours-of-service violations under Part 395 causing delayed reaction times
• Brake Failures: Poor maintenance under 49 CFR § 396.3

We download the ECM data to prove exactly when the driver applied brakes and how fast they were traveling. Often, the data contradicts the driver’s claims of “I hit my brakes immediately.”

Wide Turn Accidents at Rural Intersections

Wide turn accidents—sometimes called “squeeze play” crashes—occur when trucks swing wide before turning right, creating a gap that other vehicles enter. The truck then completes its turn, crushing the vehicle. These happen frequently at rural intersections in Faribault County where farm equipment and passenger vehicles share the road.

Truck drivers must signal their intentions and check mirrors before turning. Under 49 CFR § 393.80, mirrors must provide a clear view to the rear on both sides. When drivers fail to properly signal or check blind spots before turning from US-169 onto county roads, they put innocent drivers at risk.

Tire Blowouts and Brake Failures in Extreme Cold

Minnesota’s extreme cold affects truck performance. Tire blowouts occur when underinflated tires heat up or when worn tires meet potholes on frost-heaved roads. Brake systems can fail when moisture freezes in air lines or when drivers overheat brakes descending grades with heavy loads.

Under 49 CFR § 396.13, drivers must conduct pre-trip inspections. During winter, this includes checking tire pressure and ensuring brake systems are properly serviced for cold weather operation. When trucking companies defer maintenance to save money, they create deadly hazards on Faribault County roads.

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

Unlike car accidents where typically only one driver is at fault, 18-wheeler accidents often involve multiple liable parties. We investigate every potential defendant because more liable parties mean more insurance coverage—and higher compensation for you.

The Truck Driver

The driver who caused the accident may be personally liable for:

• Speeding or reckless driving for conditions
• Distracted driving (cell phone use under 49 CFR § 392.82)
• Fatigued driving beyond the 11-hour limit
• Impaired driving (drugs or alcohol under §§ 392.4-392.5)
• Failure to conduct proper pre-trip inspections

But individual drivers rarely carry enough insurance to cover catastrophic injuries. That’s why we look deeper.

The Trucking Company / Motor Carrier

Under the doctrine of respondeat superior, employers are responsible for employees’ negligent acts within the scope of employment. But trucking companies can also be directly liable for:

Negligent Hiring: Failing to check the driver’s background, driving record, or qualifications. Under 49 CFR § 391.51, motor carriers must maintain a Driver Qualification File containing employment applications, motor vehicle records, road test certificates, and medical examiner’s certifications.

Negligent Training: Inadequate training on winter driving techniques, hours-of-service compliance, or cargo securement.

Negligent Supervision: Failing to monitor ELD data for hours-of-service violations or ignoring patterns of unsafe driving.

Negligent Maintenance: Violating 49 CFR § 396.3 by failing to systematically inspect, repair, and maintain vehicles. Brake problems factor in approximately 29% of large truck crashes.

Negligent Scheduling: Pressuring drivers to violate HOS regulations to meet delivery deadlines during Faribault County’s agricultural rush seasons.

The Cargo Owner / Shipper

Companies shipping agricultural products, fertilizer, or equipment may be liable if they:

• Required overweight loading
• Failed to disclose hazardous nature of cargo
• Pressured carriers to expedite beyond safe limits during winter weather

The Loading Company

Third-party loaders who improperly secure cargo can be liable under 49 CFR § 393.100. In Faribault County’s agricultural economy, grain elevators and loading facilities must ensure loads are properly secured for winter transportation.

Truck and Parts Manufacturers

Defective brakes, tires, steering components, or safety systems can lead to product liability claims. We investigate recall notices and similar defect complaints through NHTSA databases.

Freight Brokers

Brokers who arrange transportation but don’t own trucks may be liable for negligent carrier selection—choosing a carrier with poor safety records or inadequate insurance just to save money.

Maintenance Companies

Third-party mechanics who perform negligent repairs or fail to identify critical safety issues can be held responsible when their work causes accidents on icy Minnesota roads.

Critical Evidence: Why the First 48 Hours Matter in Faribault County

In 18-wheeler accident cases, evidence disappears fast. Trucking companies have rapid-response teams that begin protecting their interests within hours of an accident. If you don’t act immediately, critical evidence will be lost forever.

The 48-Hour Rule: Black box data can be overwritten in 30 days or with new driving events. Dashcam footage often deletes within 7-14 days. Surveillance video from nearby businesses typically overwrites in 7-30 days. And memories fade.

That’s why we send spoliation letters within 24 hours of being retained. These formal legal notices demand preservation of:

Electronic Data

• ECM/Black Box Data: Speed, braking, throttle position, fault codes
• ELD Records: Hours-of-service compliance, GPS location history
• Dashcam Footage: Forward-facing and cab-facing cameras
• Cell Phone Records: To prove distraction
• Dispatch Communications: Showing pressure to violate safety rules

Driver Records (49 CFR § 391.51)

• Employment application and background check
• Medical certifications and drug test results
• Previous employer inquiries and driving history
• Training records

Vehicle Records (49 CFR § 396.3)

• Maintenance and repair records
• Inspection reports (pre-trip, post-trip, annual)
• Tire and brake replacement history

Under FMCSA regulations, motor carriers must retain these records for specific periods—hours-of-service records for 6 months, driver qualification files for 3 years after termination, maintenance records for 1 year. But once litigation is anticipated and we send a spoliation letter, the duty to preserve extends indefinitely. Destroying evidence after receiving our letter can result in:

• Adverse inference instructions (juries told to assume destroyed evidence was unfavorable)
• Monetary sanctions
• Default judgment in extreme cases

Evidence disappears fast on Faribault County roads. Call Attorney911 immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911 to protect your rights.

Minnesota Law: What Faribault County Accident Victims Need to Know

Statute of Limitations

In Minnesota, you have two years from the date of your trucking accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. For wrongful death claims, you have three years from the date of death.

But waiting is dangerous. Evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and trucking companies are building their defense right now. We recommend contacting an attorney within days, not months.

Comparative Negligence in Minnesota

Minnesota follows a “modified comparative negligence” rule with a 51% bar. This means you can recover damages even if you were partially at fault, as long as you were not more than 50% responsible for the accident.

However, your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault. If you were 20% at fault for an accident on icy I-90, you can still recover 80% of your damages. But if you were 51% at fault, you recover nothing.

Insurance companies will try to blame you—claiming you were speeding for conditions or following too closely. We fight these allegations using ECM data and accident reconstruction to prove what really happened.

No Caps on Damages

Unlike some states, Minnesota does not cap compensatory damages for personal injury cases. This means your full medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering are recoverable. Punitive damages are also available when trucking companies act with willful indifference to safety, and Minnesota has no statutory cap on these either.

Catastrophic Injuries and Life-Long Impact

The physics of 18-wheeler accidents make catastrophic injuries the norm, not the exception. When an 80,000-pound truck collides with a 4,000-pound car, the results are devastating.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

TBI occurs when the brain impacts the skull due to sudden trauma. Symptoms include headaches, confusion, memory loss, mood changes, and sleep disturbances. Severe TBI can result in permanent cognitive impairment requiring lifelong care.

Our firm has recovered settlements ranging from $1.5 million to $9.8 million for TBI victims. As client Glenda Walker said, “They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.”

Spinal Cord Injury and Paralysis

Damage to the spinal cord can result in paraplegia (loss of function below the waist) or quadriplegia (loss of function in all four limbs). Lifetime care costs for quadriplegia can exceed $5 million.

Amputation

Crushing injuries in trucking accidents often require surgical amputation. Victims need multiple prosthetics throughout their lifetime, costing $5,000 to $50,000 each, plus extensive rehabilitation and home modifications.

We’ve secured $1.9 million to $8.6 million for amputation victims, including a $3.8 million settlement for a client who lost a partial leg due to complications from a car accident.

Wrongful Death

When trucking accidents kill loved ones on Faribault County roads, surviving family members can recover:

• Lost future income and benefits
• Loss of consortium and companionship
• Mental anguish and emotional suffering
• Funeral and burial expenses
• Punitive damages for gross negligence

We are deeply sorry for your loss. When a trucking company’s negligence takes a loved one, justice requires holding them fully accountable. Our firm has recovered millions for grieving families.

Insurance Coverage: Why Trucking Cases Are Different

Federal law requires commercial trucking companies to carry minimum liability insurance far exceeding typical auto policies:

Many carriers carry $1-5 million or more. This higher coverage means catastrophic injuries can actually be compensated, rather than leaving victims with unpaid medical bills.

But accessing these policies requires knowing how trucking law works. Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize your claim using sophisticated algorithms and negotiation tactics. That’s why having Lupe Peña on your team matters—he used to train these adjusters. He knows their playbook.

Frequently Asked Questions for Faribault County Trucking Accident Victims

How do I prove the truck driver was fatigued?

We subpoena ELD data showing hours-of-service violations, review driver logs for falsification, and analyze ECM data for erratic driving patterns. Under 49 CFR Part 395, drivers are limited to 11 hours of driving time after 10 consecutive hours off duty.

What if the trucking company claims I was at fault for driving in winter weather?

Minnesota’s comparative negligence law allows recovery if you’re 50% or less at fault. Moreover, truck drivers have a duty to adjust for weather conditions under 49 CFR § 392.3. Simply being on the road during a storm isn’t negligence—driving too fast for those conditions is.

Can I sue if the truck was from out of state?

Yes. Interstate trucking companies are subject to federal jurisdiction. With offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont—and admission to federal court in the Southern District of Texas—we handle interstate trucking cases nationwide, including Faribault County.

How long will my case take?

Simple cases with clear liability may settle in 6-12 months. Complex cases involving multiple defendants or catastrophic injuries may take 18-36 months. We work to resolve cases as quickly as possible while maximizing your recovery.

Do I need to pay anything upfront?

No. We work on contingency—you pay nothing unless we win. We advance all investigation costs, including accident reconstruction and expert fees. Our standard fee is 33.33% pre-trial and 40% if trial is necessary.

¿Hablan español?

Sí. Hablamos Español. Our associate attorney Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish and provides direct representation without interpreters. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911 para una consulta gratis.

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Faribault County Trucking Accident

25+ Years of Experience

Ralph Manginello has been fighting for injury victims since 1998. He’s admitted to federal court and has litigated against Fortune 500 corporations. As client Ernest Cano said, “Mr. Manginello and his firm are first class. Will fight tooth and nail for you.”

Former Insurance Defense Advantage

Lupe Peña spent years working for national insurance defense firms. He knows exactly how trucking insurers evaluate claims, minimize payouts, and train their adjusters. Now he uses that knowledge against them.

Multi-Million Dollar Results

We’ve recovered over $50 million for clients, including:

• $5+ million for traumatic brain injury victims
• $3.8+ million for amputation cases
• $2.5+ million for truck crash recoveries
• Millions for Faribault County families devastated by wrongful death

4.9-Star Client Satisfaction

With 251+ Google reviews and a 4.9-star average, our clients consistently praise our personal attention. As Chad Harris told us, “You are FAMILY to them.”

Immediate Response

We answer calls 24/7 at 1-888-ATTY-911. We send preservation letters within hours, not days. And we never treat you like a case number.

Call to Action: Don’t Face the Trucking Industry Alone

The trucking company that hit you has already called their lawyers. Their insurance adjuster is already looking for ways to pay you less. What are you doing?

If you’ve been hurt in an 18-wheeler accident anywhere in Faribault County—whether on I-90 near Blue Earth, US-169 through the agricultural district, or a rural county road during a blizzard—call Attorney911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911).

The clock started the moment that truck hit you. Within 48 hours, critical evidence can be overwritten. Don’t let them win.

We’re not just Texas attorneys—we’re your advocates in Faribault County, ready to fight for every dollar you deserve. With three offices serving Minnesota and beyond, federal court experience, and a team that includes former insurance defense attorneys, we have the resources to take on the biggest trucking companies.

Free consultation. No fee unless we win. 24/7 availability.

1-888-ATTY-911

Attorney911 | The Manginello Law Firm

Serving Faribault County and all of Southern Minnesota