18-Wheeler Accident Lawyers in Lyon County, Minnesota

When 80,000 Pounds Changes Everything

The cornfields of Lyon County stretch for miles along the quiet highways of southwestern Minnesota. But when an 80,000-pound semi-truck loses control on ice-covered roads, these peaceful rural routes become scenes of devastation. If you or someone you love has been injured in a trucking accident here in Lyon County, you already know that life changes in an instant.

At Attorney911, we don’t just handle cases—we fight for families. Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has spent over 25 years holding trucking companies accountable for the catastrophic damage their negligence causes. We’ve recovered more than $50 million for accident victims, including multi-million dollar verdicts for traumatic brain injuries, amputations, and wrongful deaths caused by commercial trucks.

And here’s your advantage: our associate attorney Lupe Peña used to work for insurance companies. He defended trucking giants from the inside—and now he uses that insider knowledge to fight against them. He knows exactly how adjusters train their people to minimize your claim, and he knows every tactic they use to avoid paying what you deserve.

Minnesota law gives Lyon County residents two years from the date of a trucking accident to file a personal injury claim, or three years for wrongful death claims. But waiting is dangerous. While you’re recovering in a hospital in Sioux Falls or Mankato, the trucking company has already dispatched rapid-response investigators to the scene. Evidence disappears fast—black box data can be overwritten in 30 days, dashcam footage gets deleted within weeks, and witnesses’ memories fade.

That’s why we answer calls 24/7 at 1-888-ATTY-911. If you’ve been hit by an 18-wheeler anywhere in Lyon County—whether it happened on Highway 23 near Marshall, on icy backroads near Tracy, or on the I-90 corridor—call us immediately. We send spoliation letters within hours to preserve the evidence that will prove what really happened.

Understanding Lyon County’s Trucking Landscape

Lyon County sits in the heart of Minnesota’s agricultural belt, where trucking isn’t just commerce—it’s the backbone of the local economy. During harvest season, grain trucks, livestock haulers, and equipment transports flood the county roads. In winter, these same routes become treacherous when temperatures drop and black ice forms.

The trucking corridors serving Lyon County include:

• I-90: The major east-west interstate just south of Marshall, carrying freight from Chicago to Seattle
• Highway 23: Running north-south through Marshall, connecting to Marshall County and beyond
• Highway 14/68: Connecting Lyon County to South Dakota
• County Roads: Rural routes connecting farms to grain elevators and processing facilities

This mix of high-speed interstate traffic and agricultural hauling creates unique dangers. During planting and harvest seasons, farmers often operate heavy equipment on roads shared with commercial trucks. In winter, the flat terrain of southwestern Minnesota doesn’t stop the wind, creating ground blizzards that reduce visibility to near zero—conditions where 18-wheelers become deadly missiles.

We’ve handled cases where drivers were pushed beyond their limits during harvest rush, where ice on Highway 23 caused chain-reaction pileups, and where overloaded agricultural trucks lost control on curves. We understand the local conditions that cause Lyon County trucking accidents—and we know how to prove negligence when they happen.

Ralph Manginello: 25 Years Fighting for Trucking Accident Victims

Ralph Manginello founded Attorney911 in 2001, but he’s been fighting for injury victims since 1998. That’s over 25 years of courtroom experience, including admission to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas—federal jurisdiction that matters when interstate trucking companies cross state lines.

What does that experience mean for you? It means we’ve seen every trick trucking companies pull. We’ve litigated against Fortune 500 companies, including BP in the Texas City Refinery explosion litigation that killed 15 workers and injured 170 more. We’ve secured multi-million dollar settlements for:

• Traumatic Brain Injury: $1.5 million to $9.8 million range
• Amputation cases: $1.9 million to $8.6 million
• Wrongful death: $1.9 million to $9.5 million
• Spinal cord injuries: $4.7 million to $25.8 million

When Ralph takes your case, you get direct access—not just paralegals. As our client Dame Haskett said: “Ralph reached out personally. Consistent communication and not one time did I call and not get a clear answer.”

Chad Harris put it simply: “You are NOT a pest to them and you are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.”

We have offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, Texas, but our federal court admission and multi-state bar licensure (Texas and New York) allow us to handle 18-wheeler cases nationwide—including right here in Lyon County, Minnesota. We offer remote consultations and travel to meet clients wherever they are.

Lupe Peña: The Insurance Defense Advantage

Most personal injury firms will tell you they “fight insurance companies.” At Attorney911, we have someone who knows exactly how the enemy operates because he used to be one of them.

Lupe Peña, our associate attorney, spent years working at a national insurance defense firm before joining our team. He knows:

• How adjusters are trained to minimize payouts using software like Colossus
• What makes insurance companies settle versus go to trial
• How they use your own words against you in recorded statements
• The exact valuation formulas they use to calculate “pain and suffering”

Now he uses that insider knowledge to fight for victims like you. When the trucking company’s adjuster calls offering a quick $15,000 settlement for your fractured spine, Lupe knows that’s a tactic designed to close the file before you understand the full extent of your injuries.

Lupe is also fluent in Spanish—a critical service in Lyon County’s growing Hispanic agricultural community. If you speak Spanish as your primary language, you don’t need an interpreter. You need an attorney who speaks your language. Hablamos Español. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911.

The Physics of Destruction: Why 18-Wheeler Accidents Are Different

An average sedan weighs 4,000 pounds. A fully loaded semi-truck can weigh 80,000 pounds—that’s 25 times heavier. The physics are brutal:

• Stopping distance: At 65 mph, a truck needs roughly 525 feet to stop—nearly two football fields. On icy Lyon County roads in January, that distance doubles or triples.
• Impact force: Force equals mass times acceleration. An 80,000-pound truck carries approximately 80 times the kinetic energy of a passenger car.
• Underride: When a car hits a trailer from behind or the side, it often slides underneath, shearing off the passenger compartment at windshield level.

These aren’t just “car accidents with bigger vehicles.” They’re entirely different categories of catastrophe requiring specialized legal knowledge of federal motor carrier safety regulations.

Types of 18-Wheeler Accidents in Lyon County

Jackknife Accidents

When a truck’s trailer swings perpendicular to the cab, it creates a deadly barrier across the roadway. In Lyon County’s winter conditions—where temperatures regularly drop below zero and roads ice over—jackknifes are common when drivers brake suddenly or take curves too fast.

Common causes:

• Sudden braking on ice or snow
• Empty trailers (more prone to swing)
• Driver fatigue from long hauls across Minnesota
• Speeding for conditions (violating 49 CFR § 392.6)

Evidence we gather:

• ECM data showing deceleration rates
• Weather conditions and road treatment records
• Driver hours-of-service logs (49 CFR Part 395)
• Maintenance records showing brake adjustment status

Rollover Accidents

Southwestern Minnesota’s flat terrain might seem safe, but rollover accidents occur when high winds combine with top-heavy loads—a frequent occurrence during Lyon County’s frequent wind advisories. Grain haulers and livestock trucks are particularly vulnerable.

Common causes:

• Improperly loaded or shifting cargo (violating 49 CFR § 393.100-136)
• Speeding on curves
• Overcorrection after tire blowouts
• Driver fatigue

Recovery potential: These accidents often result in crushing injuries when the trailer lands on passenger vehicles. We’ve secured settlements exceeding $5 million for rollover victims suffering traumatic brain injuries.

Underride Collisions

When a passenger vehicle slides under a truck’s trailer, the results are often fatal. Rear underride guards are required under 49 CFR § 393.86, but many are poorly maintained or improperly designed. Side underride—where a car slides under the side of a trailer during a lane change—has no federal guard requirement, making these accidents particularly deadly.

Common causes:

• Sudden stops without adequate warning
• Poor visibility during ground blizzards
• Wide right turns that cut off traffic
• Inadequate lighting or reflectors (violating 49 CFR § 393.11-26)

Injuries: Decapitation, severe head trauma, catastrophic spinal injuries. These cases often support punitive damages for wrongful death.

Rear-End Collisions

Trucks following too closely on I-90 or Highway 23 can’t stop in time when traffic suddenly slows. Under 49 CFR § 392.11, commercial drivers must maintain a “reasonable and prudent” following distance, but economic pressure often pushes them to tailgate.

Common causes:

• Distraction (cell phone use violating 49 CFR § 392.82)
• Fatigue from violating hours-of-service regulations
• Brake failures from poor maintenance
• Speeding

Evidence: ECM data shows exact following distances and brake application timing. We subpoena cell phone records to prove distraction.

Wide Turn (“Squeeze Play”) Accidents

Trucks making right turns from Marshall’s Main Avenue or rural county roads must swing wide, creating gaps that smaller vehicles enter. When the truck completes its turn, it crushes the vehicle in the “squeeze play.”

Common causes:

• Failure to signal (violating Minnesota traffic statutes)
• Inadequate mirror checks
• Driver inexperience with trailer tracking
• Failure to yield right-of-way

Blind Spot Accidents

18-wheelers have massive blind spots—20 feet in front, 30 feet behind, and large areas on both sides. When truckers change lanes without checking mirrors (violating 49 CFR § 393.80), they sideswipe passenger vehicles into ditches or oncoming traffic.

Tire Blowout Accidents

Summer heat on I-90 can cause underinflated tires to explode. Winter cold creates cracks and weak spots. When steer tires blow, drivers lose control instantly. Debris from blowouts—called “road gators”—cause secondary accidents when cars swerve to avoid them.

FMCSA violation: 49 CFR § 393.75 requires minimum tread depths (4/32″ on steer tires) and proper inflation. We examine maintenance records to prove neglect.

Brake Failure Accidents

Brake problems contribute to approximately 29% of large truck crashes. Air brake systems require constant maintenance, but some carriers defer repairs to save money. On Lyon County’s descents toward the Redwood River valley, brake fade can be catastrophic.

Regulations violated: 49 CFR § 393.40-55 (brake system requirements), 49 CFR § 396.3 (systematic inspection).

Cargo Spill and Shift Accidents

Grain trucks on Highway 23, livestock haulers on county roads, and equipment transports on I-90 must properly secure loads under 49 CFR § 393.100-136. When cargo shifts, the truck’s center of gravity changes, causing rollovers or spills onto the roadway.

Head-On Collisions

When fatigued or distracted truckers drift across the centerline on two-lane county roads or Highway 23, head-on collisions occur at relative speeds exceeding 130 mph—almost always fatal for the passenger vehicle occupants.

FMCSA Regulations: The Rulebook Trucking Companies Break

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations govern every aspect of commercial trucking. When Lyon County residents are injured because truckers or carriers violate these rules, we use the violations to prove negligence.

Part 390: General Applicability

These regulations apply to all vehicles over 10,001 pounds operating in interstate commerce. If the truck that hit you was crossing state lines—hauling grain to Sioux Falls or equipment from Fargo—these federal rules apply.

Part 391: Driver Qualification Standards

Trucking companies must verify that drivers are qualified:

• Age requirements: Minimum 21 for interstate commerce; 18 for intrastate
• Medical certification: Valid commercial driver’s license (CDL) with current medical examiner’s certificate (valid maximum 2 years)
• English proficiency: Must read and speak English sufficiently to understand traffic signs and communicate with the public
• Background checks: Three-year driving history investigation required

Negligent hiring: If a carrier failed to check a driver’s history and hired someone with multiple DUIs or safety violations, they’re liable under respondeat superior and direct negligence theories.

Part 392: Driving of Commercial Motor Vehicles

Critical safety rules truckers violate daily:

• § 392.3: No driving while impaired by fatigue, illness, or any cause. In Minnesota’s long winter nights, drivers often push beyond safe limits.
• § 392.4 & 392.5: No drugs or alcohol. The legal limit for commercial drivers is 0.04 BAC—half the standard for passenger vehicles.
• § 392.11: Following too closely. On icy Lyon County roads, this becomes deadly.
• § 392.82: No hand-held mobile phone use while driving. Violations include reaching for phones or texting.

Part 393: Parts and Accessories for Safe Operation

Equipment standards often ignored:

• § 393.100-136: Cargo must be secured to prevent shifting, spilling, or falling. Loads must withstand 0.8g deceleration force.
• § 393.40-55: Brake systems must be properly maintained and adjusted.
• § 393.75: Tire requirements including tread depth minimums.
• § 393.86: Rear impact guards required on trailers manufactured after 1998.

Part 395: Hours of Service (HOS) Regulations

These are the most commonly violated regulations—and the most dangerous:

• 11-hour driving limit: Cannot drive more than 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off-duty
• 14-hour duty window: Cannot drive beyond the 14th consecutive hour on-duty
• 30-minute break: Required after 8 cumulative hours of driving
• 60/70-hour rule: Cannot drive after 60 hours in 7 days or 70 hours in 8 days
• ELD mandate: Since December 2017, electronic logging devices must track driving time automatically

ELD data is objective evidence of violations. It shows exactly when the driver was driving, when they were sleeping (or weren’t), and whether they exceeded legal limits. We send preservation letters within 24 hours to secure this data before it can be deleted.

Part 396: Inspection and Maintenance

Carriers must systematically inspect and maintain vehicles:

• § 396.3: Systematic inspection, repair, and maintenance required for all vehicles
• § 396.11: Post-trip driver vehicle inspection reports required daily
• § 396.13: Pre-trip inspections required before driving
• § 396.17: Annual vehicle inspections required with documentation retained for 14 months

When companies skip maintenance to save money—deferring brake repairs or ignoring tire wear—they create ticking time bombs on Lyon County roads.

All Parties We Hold Accountable

Unlike car accidents where usually only one driver is at fault, 18-wheeler accidents involve multiple potentially liable parties. We investigate and pursue claims against every responsible entity to maximize your recovery.

The Driver

Direct liability for negligent operation—speeding, distracted driving, fatigue, impairment. We examine their driving record, training history, and medical certification.

The Trucking Company (Motor Carrier)

Employers are vicariously liable under respondeat superior for their employees’ negligence. They’re also directly liable for:

• Negligent hiring: Failing to check qualifications (violating 49 CFR § 391)
• Negligent training: Inadequate safety instruction
• Negligent supervision: Failing to monitor hours of service or safety violations
• Negligent maintenance: Deferring repairs to save costs

Trucking companies carry high insurance limits—typically $750,000 minimum, often $1-5 million—making them primary targets for catastrophic injury cases.

Cargo Owner/Shipper

Grain elevators, agricultural co-ops, or manufacturing plants that pressure carriers to overload trucks or meet impossible deadlines share liability.

Loading Companies

Third-party loaders who improperly secure cargo or overload trailers violate 49 CFR § 393 and can be held liable for resulting accidents.

Truck and Parts Manufacturers

Defective brakes, faulty tires, or design flaws in the truck itself create product liability claims against manufacturers.

Maintenance Companies

Third-party mechanics who perform negligent repairs or fail to identify critical safety issues can be liable under negligence theories.

Freight Brokers

Brokers who arrange transportation but don’t own trucks may be liable for negligent selection of carriers with poor safety records.

Government Entities

The State of Minnesota or Lyon County may be liable for dangerous road design, inadequate signage, or failure to maintain safe roadways—though sovereign immunity limits and strict notice requirements apply.

The 48-Hour Evidence Rule

Critical evidence in Lyon County trucking accidents disappears within days:

When you call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911, we immediately send spoliation letters to the trucking company, their insurer, and all potentially liable parties. These legal notices create a duty to preserve evidence and expose violators to sanctions if they destroy materials.

We also:

• Deploy accident reconstruction experts to Lyon County scenes before weather erases skid marks
• Subpoena cell phone records to prove distraction
• Obtain the Driver Qualification File to expose hiring negligence
• Secure maintenance records to prove deferred repairs
• Download ECM data before it can be overwritten

Catastrophic Injuries: When “Accident” Is Too Small a Word

Given the physics of 80,000 pounds versus 4,000 pounds, catastrophic injuries are the norm in 18-wheeler accidents—not the exception.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

Even “minor” TBIs can cause lifelong cognitive impairment, personality changes, and difficulty working. Severe TBIs require 24/7 care and millions in lifetime medical costs. Our TBI settlements range from $1.5 million to $9.8 million.

Spinal Cord Injury

Paralysis—whether paraplegia (loss of lower body function) or quadriplegia (loss of all four limbs)—requires lifetime medical care, home modifications, and lost earning capacity. Lifetime costs exceed $3-5 million; our settlements reflect these realities.

Amputation

Whether traumatic (severed at the scene) or surgical (due to irreparable crush injuries), amputations require prosthetics ($5,000-$50,000 each, replaced every few years), rehabilitation, and career retraining. Settlements typically range from $1.9 million to $8.6 million.

Severe Burns

Fuel tank ruptures or hazmat spills cause disfiguring burns requiring multiple skin grafts and reconstructive surgeries.

Wrongful Death

When a Lyon County family loses a loved one to trucking negligence, we pursue damages for:

• Lost future income and benefits
• Loss of consortium, companionship, and parental guidance
• Mental anguish of surviving family members
• Funeral and burial expenses
• Medical costs incurred before death

Minnesota law allows punitive damages when trucking companies act with deliberate disregard for safety—such as knowingly hiring drivers with multiple safety violations or instructing drivers to falsify logbooks.

Insurance Coverage: Why Trucking Cases Are Different

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

• General freight: $750,000 minimum
• Oil, large equipment: $1,000,000
• Hazardous materials: $5,000,000

Many carriers carry additional coverage through excess or umbrella policies. Unlike typical car accidents where coverage might be $30,000-$100,000, trucking accidents often have $1-5 million available—enough to cover catastrophic injuries.

But accessing these funds requires navigating complex commercial insurance policies, MCS 90 endorsements for interstate carriers, and layered coverage disputes. That’s why you need a firm with federal court experience and trucking law expertise.

Minnesota Law: What Lyon County Residents Need to Know

Statute of Limitations

• Personal injury: 2 years from the accident date
• Wrongful death: 3 years from the death date
• Property damage: 6 years

Miss these deadlines, and you lose your right to compensation forever.

Comparative Negligence

Minnesota uses a modified comparative negligence system with a 51% bar. You can recover damages if you are 50% or less at fault, but your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault. If you’re found 20% at fault, your $1 million award becomes $800,000. If you’re 51% at fault, you recover nothing.

This makes evidence preservation and early investigation critical—we need to prove the truck driver was the primary cause, not you.

No Damage Caps

Minnesota does not cap compensatory or punitive damages in personal injury cases. Juries can award full fair compensation for your medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and emotional distress.

Frequently Asked Questions for Lyon County Trucking Accident Victims

How quickly should I contact an attorney after a trucking accident in Lyon County?
Immediately—within 24-48 hours. Evidence disappears fast in rural Minnesota. Grain trucks move on to other fields, weather washes away skid marks, and electronic data gets overwritten. We offer 24/7 availability at 1-888-ATTY-911 because trucking companies don’t wait—and neither should you.

What if the truck driver says the accident was my fault?
Minnesota’s comparative negligence law means fault can be shared. Even if you were partially at fault, you can still recover if the truck driver was more than 50% responsible. We investigate thoroughly using ECM data, ELD logs, and accident reconstruction to prove what really happened. Drivers often lie to protect their jobs; the data tells the truth.

Who pays my medical bills while I wait for the case to settle?
We can help arrange medical treatment under letters of protection (LOP), where doctors treat you now and get paid from your settlement later. If you have health insurance or Med Pay coverage, use it. Don’t let the trucking company delay your treatment while they drag out negotiations.

What if the trucking company is from out of state?
We handle interstate trucking cases regularly. Federal regulations apply nationwide, and our federal court admission allows us to file in U.S. District Court if necessary. Whether the carrier is from Iowa, Illinois, or Idaho, we can hold them accountable in Minnesota courts.

How much is my case worth?
It depends on injury severity, medical costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and available insurance. Catastrophic injury cases involving brain damage, paralysis, or wrongful death often settle in the millions. Schedule a free consultation at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a case-specific evaluation.

Do I need a lawyer if the insurance company already offered a settlement?
YES. First offers are almost always lowball amounts designed to close the file before you know the full extent of your injuries. Once you accept, you waive all future rights. We recently had a client who was offered $25,000 for a herniated disc that ultimately required surgery—our settlement was over $300,000. Never accept without legal review.

What if my loved one was killed in a fatal trucking accident?
We are deeply sorry for your loss. Minnesota allows wrongful death claims by surviving spouses, children, and parents. You have three years to file, but evidence preservation is urgent. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for a compassionate consultation about your family’s rights.

Can undocumented immigrants file trucking accident claims in Minnesota?
Yes. Immigration status does not affect your right to compensation for injuries caused by someone else’s negligence. We handle these cases with discretion and fight for your full recovery regardless of status.

What records should my attorney get from the trucking company?
Everything: ECM/black box data, ELD logs, driver qualification files, maintenance records, dispatch logs, drug/alcohol test results, cell phone records, and the physical truck itself. We send preservation letters immediately to ensure nothing is destroyed.

How long will my case take?
Simple cases with clear liability might settle in 6-12 months. Complex cases involving catastrophic injuries or multiple defendants can take 1-3 years. We work to resolve cases efficiently while maximizing value—we don’t rush to quick, inadequate settlements.

Your Next Step: Call Attorney911 Today

The trucking company that hit you has already called their lawyers. Their insurance adjuster is already looking for ways to minimize your claim. They’re hoping you’ll accept a low offer before you realize the full extent of your injuries.

Don’t let them win.

Ralph Manginello has spent 25 years making trucking companies pay for the devastation they cause. Lupe Peña knows their playbook because he used to run it. Together, we’ve recovered over $50 million for families just like yours.

We work on contingency—you pay absolutely nothing unless we win your case. We advance all investigation costs, including expert witnesses and accident reconstruction. You never receive a bill from us.

If you’re lying in a hospital in Marshall, recovering at home in Tracy, or grieving a loss in Balaton, call us now. We’ll come to you—whether that’s in Lyon County or wherever you need us.

Call Attorney911 at 1-888-288-9911 (1-888-ATTY-911)

Or email Ralph directly at ralph@atty911.com or Lupe at lupe@atty911.com.

Hablamos Español. Llame hoy al 1-888-ATTY-911 para su consulta gratis.

The evidence is disappearing. The trucking company is building their defense. What are you doing?

Call today. Because Lyon County families deserve justice—and we’re here to deliver it.