Martin County, Minnesota 18-Wheeler Accident Attorneys
When an 80,000-Pound Truck Changes Everything, You Need a Fighter
If you or someone you love has been seriously injured in an 18-wheeler accident in Martin County, you already know the devastation. One moment you’re driving along US-14 or heading to Fairmont on Highway 15, and the next, your vehicle is crushed beneath tons of steel.
We’ve seen it happen too many times here in southern Minnesota. Ralph Manginello has spent over 25 years fighting for trucking accident victims, and our firm has recovered millions for families just like yours. We know the pain you’re experiencing—the medical bills piling up, the calls from insurance adjusters who pretend to care, and the fear of what comes next.
You’re not alone in this. At Attorney911, we treat you like family, not a case number. Our managing partner has been admitted to federal court since 1998 and has gone toe-to-toe with Fortune 500 corporations. More importantly, our team includes Lupe Peña, a former insurance defense attorney who used to work for the trucking companies’ insurers. Now he fights against them, bringing insider knowledge that gives our clients a serious advantage.
Call 1-888-ATTY-911 right now. The trucking company has already called their lawyers. They’re already building their defense. You deserve someone fighting just as hard for you.
Understanding the Danger on Martin County Roads
Martin County might feel like quiet farmland, but our rural highways carry some of the deadliest traffic in Minnesota. Interstate 90 cuts across the northern edge of the county, carrying thousands of commercial trucks daily between Sioux Falls and Albert Lea. US-14 and US-59 serve as vital agricultural corridors where grain trucks, livestock haulers, and long-haul semis share the road with local families.
The statistics are terrifying. Every 16 minutes across America, someone is injured in a commercial truck crash. Over 5,000 people die annually in these collisions, and 76% of those deaths are the people in the smaller vehicles—not the truck drivers. Here in Martin County, winter adds another layer of danger. When an 80,000-pound truck hits black ice on US-14 in January, the driver can’t stop. That 40-ton missile needs nearly two football fields to come to a complete halt at highway speed.
Ralph Manginello has been handling these cases since 1998. He knows that trucking accidents in Martin County aren’t just bigger car wrecks—they’re fundamentally different. The regulations are federal. The insurance policies are larger. The injuries are catastrophic. And the trucking companies have teams of lawyers ready to protect their profits.
Meet Your Martin County Trucking Accident Legal Team
Ralph Manginello: 25 Years of Fighting for Justice
Ralph P. Manginello founded Attorney911 with one mission: to provide immediate, aggressive help for people facing legal emergencies. With over 25 years of courtroom experience and admission to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas (Federal Court), Ralph brings serious firepower to Martin County cases.
He’s not afraid to take on the giants. Ralph was one of the few Texas attorneys involved in the BP Texas City Refinery explosion litigation—a disaster that killed 15 workers and injured 170 more, resulting in over $2.1 billion in total settlements across the industry. He’s currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against the University of Houston and the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity, demonstrating that no opponent is too large or too powerful to hold accountable.
Ralph’s bar number is 24007597, and he’s admitted to practice in both Texas and New York, giving him unique capabilities for interstate trucking cases that cross state lines.
Lupe Peña: The Insider Advantage
Here’s what sets Attorney911 apart from other firms serving Martin County: our associate attorney, Lupe Peña, spent years working at a national insurance defense firm. He used to defend trucking companies. He knows exactly how insurers evaluate claims, how adjusters are trained to minimize payouts, and what makes them settle for maximum value.
Lupe is fluent in Spanish—a crucial service for Martin County’s Hispanic community. When you work with Lupe, you don’t need an interpreter. You get direct representation from someone who understands both the law and your culture. Hablamos Español. Llame a Lupe Peña al 1-888-ATTY-911.
This insider knowledge is invaluable. When the trucking company’s insurance adjuster calls trying to get a recorded statement, Lupe knows exactly what they’re looking for—and how to stop them. When they offer a quick settlement, he knows whether they’re bluffing or if there’s more money available.
Our Client Family Speaks for Us
We don’t just talk about results; we deliver them. Client Chad Harris put it perfectly: “You are NOT a pest to them and you are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.”
Donald Wilcox came to us after another firm rejected his case. “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.”
Glenda Walker told us, “They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.” And Kiimarii Yup, who lost his truck in a crash, said, “1 year later I have gained so much in return plus a brand new truck.”
With offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we’re ready to serve Martin County families. We work on contingency—you pay nothing unless we win. Our fee is 33.33% if we settle before trial and 40% if we go to court, but you never pay a penny out of pocket.
The Most Common 18-Wheeler Accident Types in Martin County
Not all trucking accidents are the same, and Martin County’s unique geography—flat agricultural land bisected by major interstate corridors and subject to brutal winter storms—creates specific dangers.
Jackknife Accidents in Winter Weather
During a Martin County blizzard, when temperatures drop below zero and winds whip across the Minnesota prairie, jackknifes become terrifyingly common. A jackknife occurs when the trailer swings out perpendicular to the cab, often sweeping across all lanes of traffic. These crashes frequently happen on I-90 and US-14 when truck drivers brake too hard on ice.
Under 49 CFR § 392.3, drivers cannot operate commercial vehicles when their ability is impaired by fatigue or when road conditions make it unsafe. When a trucker pushes through a winter storm warning to meet a delivery deadline and causes a jackknife, they’ve broken federal law. We prove these violations by subpoenaing the Electronic Logging Device (ELD) data and black box recordings that show exactly when brakes were applied and how fast the truck was traveling.
Underride Collisions: The Most Deadly Crashes
Underride accidents occur when a passenger vehicle slides underneath the trailer of an 18-wheeler. These are often fatal. The trailer height shears off the top of the car, causing decapitation or catastrophic head injuries. Rear underride guards are required under 49 CFR § 393.86 for trailers manufactured after January 26, 1998, but many trucks operate with damaged or inadequate guards.
Out here on Highway 15 near Fairmont, when a truck suddenly stops to make a delivery and a car rear-ends it in fog or heavy snow, the results are often deadly. We investigate the underride guard compliance, lighting systems, and whether the truck had proper reflective tape under 49 CFR § 393.11.
Rollover Accidents on Rural Curves
Martin County’s agricultural economy means heavy trucks carrying grain, feed, and livestock traverse our roads daily. When these trucks take curves too fast—especially on county roads with less banking than interstates—or when liquid cargo sloshes in tankers, rollovers occur. The 80,000-pound vehicle tips onto its side, crushing anything beneath it.
These accidents often involve 49 CFR § 393.100 violations—improper cargo securement. Federal regulations require cargo to withstand 0.8g deceleration forward, 0.5g rearward, and 0.5g laterally. When grain isn’t properly secured in a hopper or livestock shifts, the center of gravity changes, causing rollovers.
Tire Blowouts on I-90
Extreme summer heat on I-90 combined with improper tire maintenance causes devastating blowouts. When a steer tire blows at 70 mph, the driver often loses control completely. Under 49 CFR § 393.75, tires must have minimum tread depths (4/32″ for steer tires, 2/32″ for others) and cannot have exposed fabric or damage.
We see tire blowout cases where trucking companies deferred maintenance to save money, putting retreads on steer axles or running tires beyond their wear limits. When these failures cause accidents on I-90 near the Martin County line, we subpoena the maintenance records to prove the carrier violated 49 CFR § 396.3, which requires systematic inspection and maintenance.
Rear-End Collisions: The Physics Are Against You
A fully loaded truck needs 525 feet to stop from 65 mph—40% more distance than your car needs. When truckers follow too closely on US-14 during rush hour or when traffic slows entering Fairmont, they cause devastating rear-end accidents.
49 CFR § 392.11 prohibits following “more closely than is reasonable and prudent.” We prove these violations using ECM data that shows the following distance and speed, combined with ELD records that might show the driver was fatigued and violating Hours of Service regulations under 49 CFR Part 395.
Wide Turn Accidents in Fairmont
Downtown Fairmont’s intersections and the tight turns into agricultural facilities create “squeeze play” accidents. The truck swings wide to the left to make a right turn, and a car enters the gap. Then the truck completes the turn, crushing the car.
These accidents involve violations of 49 CFR § 392.2 and state traffic laws, but they also show driver training failures. Under 49 CFR § 391.11, drivers must be able to safely operate the vehicle, which includes knowing how to handle wide turns in rural Minnesota towns.
Federal Regulations That Protect You (And Prove Negligence)
Commercial trucks don’t just follow Minnesota traffic laws—they’re regulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) under Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations. When trucking companies violate these rules, it proves negligence in your case.
Part 391: Driver Qualification Standards
Before a truck driver can legally operate an 18-wheeler, they must meet strict qualifications under 49 CFR Part 391. They must be at least 21 years old for interstate commerce, able to read and speak English, have a valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), and pass a physical exam every two years (or sooner if they have certain conditions).
The trucking company must maintain a Driver Qualification File containing the driver’s employment application, motor vehicle record, road test certificate, medical examiner’s certificate, and three-year driving history. When we sue a trucking company after a Martin County crash, we subpoena these files. Missing or incomplete files prove negligent hiring—liability for the company beyond just the driver’s error.
Part 392: Rules of the Road
49 CFR § 392.3 prohibits operating a commercial vehicle while impaired by fatigue, illness, or any cause that makes driving unsafe. This is why Hours of Service violations are so critical. Under Part 395, property-carrying drivers cannot drive more than 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty, cannot drive beyond the 14th consecutive hour on duty, and must take a 30-minute break after 8 hours of driving.
Since December 18, 2017, 49 CFR § 395.8 requires Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) that automatically record driving time. These devices are tamper-resistant and provide objective evidence of violations. If a driver was on their 11th hour of driving when they crossed into Martin County and caused your crash, that ELD data proves they broke federal law.
Part 393: Vehicle Safety and Cargo Securement
This section covers the equipment. Brakes must meet specifications under § 393.40-55. Lights and reflectors must be operational under § 393.11-26. And cargo must be secured per § 393.100-136, with tiedowns rated for specific working loads.
In Minnesota’s agricultural economy, we see many cases involving improper securement of grain, livestock, or equipment. When cargo shifts on a curve near Trimont or Granada, causing a rollover or spill, the trucking company and cargo loader may both be liable.
Part 396: Inspection and Maintenance
Under 49 CFR § 396.3, motor carriers must systematically inspect, repair, and maintain their vehicles. Drivers must conduct pre-trip inspections under § 396.13 and submit post-trip reports under § 396.11 documenting any defects in brakes, steering, tires, or other critical systems.
We’ve seen cases where trucks had brake defects noted on multiple inspection reports but were never repaired. When those brakes fail on the descent into the Blue Earth River valley, the resulting crash is entirely preventable—and entirely the trucking company’s fault.
All Liable Parties: We Sue Everyone Responsible
Unlike car accidents where usually only one driver is at fault, 18-wheeler crashes often involve multiple liable parties. We investigate every potential defendant because more defendants mean more insurance coverage, which means maximum compensation for your injuries.
1. The Truck Driver
The driver who caused the crash may be personally liable for speeding, distracted driving, fatigue, or impairment. We obtain their cell phone records, drug test results (required after fatal accidents under 49 CFR § 382), and driving history.
2. The Trucking Company (Motor Carrier)
Under respondeat superior, employers are vicariously liable for their employees’ negligence. Additionally, trucking companies face direct liability for:
- Negligent Hiring: Failing to check the driver’s record or hiring someone with a history of crashes
- Negligent Training: Not teaching drivers how to handle winter conditions or secure cargo
- Negligent Supervision: Ignoring ELD violations or CSA (Compliance, Safety, Accountability) score red flags
- Negligent Maintenance: Failing to repair known defects
The trucking company’s insurance policy is usually the primary source of recovery. Federal law requires minimum coverage of $750,000 for non-hazardous freight, $1 million for oil or large equipment, and $5 million for hazardous materials. Many carriers carry $1-5 million in coverage.
3. The Cargo Owner and Loading Company
In Martin County’s agricultural economy, grain elevators, livestock dealers, and equipment manufacturers often load trucks. If they overload the vehicle (violating 49 CFR § 393 subpart I on weight) or fail to properly secure cargo (violating § 393.100), they share liability.
4. The Maintenance Company
Third-party mechanics who service trucks at facilities along I-90 may be liable if their negligent repairs cause brake failures or tire blowouts. We subpoena work orders and parts records.
5. The Truck or Parts Manufacturer
If a defective brake system, steering component, or tire caused the crash, we pursue product liability claims against the manufacturer. This requires preserving the failed component for expert analysis and researching recall histories through NHTSA databases.
6. The Freight Broker
Brokers who arrange transportation but don’t own the trucks may be liable for negligent carrier selection. If a broker hired a carrier with a terrible safety record—one they should have known was dangerous—they share responsibility for your injuries.
7. Government Entities
In limited circumstances, the State of Minnesota or Martin County may be liable for dangerous road design, inadequate signage on rural highways, or failure to maintain roads during winter storms. These claims have strict notice requirements and shorter deadlines, so immediate action is critical.
The 48-Hour Rule: Evidence That Disappears
Here’s what the trucking companies don’t want you to know: critical evidence starts disappearing immediately after the crash.
Black Box/ECM Data: The Event Data Recorder captures speed, braking, throttle position, and fault codes 30 seconds before a crash. But this data can be overwritten within 30 days—or even sooner if the truck is driven again. Under 49 CFR § 395.8, ELD data only needs to be retained for 6 months.
Dashcam Footage: Many trucks have forward-facing and cab-facing cameras. This footage often gets deleted within 7-14 days unless preserved.
Maintenance Records: Trucking companies must keep records for only 1 year under § 396.3, but they can “lose” them faster if litigation isn’t anticipated.
Driver Qualification Files: Must be kept for 3 years after termination, but we’ve seen files mysteriously disappear when companies fear lawsuits.
That’s why we send spoliation letters within 24 hours of being retained. This legal notice puts the trucking company on notice that they must preserve all evidence or face sanctions. Destroying evidence after receiving our letter can result in adverse inference instructions to the jury—or even default judgment.
Catastrophic Injuries and Your Future
When an 80,000-pound truck hits a 4,000-pound car, catastrophic injuries are inevitable. We’ve helped Martin County families navigate:
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
From concussions to severe brain damage, TBIs affect memory, personality, and cognitive function. Lifetime care costs range from $85,000 to $3 million or more. Our firm has recovered between $1,548,000 and $9,838,000 for TBI victims.
Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis
Quadriplegia and paraplegia require lifetime care, home modifications, and lost earning capacity. Costs often exceed $5 million over a lifetime. We’ve secured settlements between $4,770,000 and $25,880,000 for spinal injury victims.
Amputations
Whether traumatic (severed at the scene) or surgical (removal due to crush injuries), amputations require prosthetics that need replacement every few years, costing $5,000-$50,000 each time. Our amputation settlements range from $1,945,000 to $8,630,000.
Wrongful Death
When a trucking accident takes a loved one on US-14 or I-90, surviving family members can recover for lost income, loss of companionship, mental anguish, and funeral expenses. In Minnesota, wrongful death claims must be brought within 3 years (compared to 2 years for injury claims).
Minnesota Law and Your Rights
Statute of Limitations
In Martin County and throughout Minnesota, 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 rights forever—no matter how serious your injuries.
Comparative Negligence
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 are 50% or less responsible. However, your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault. If you’re 20% at fault, you receive 80% of the damages. If you’re 51% at fault, you recover nothing.
Insurance companies love to claim you were partially responsible—especially in winter weather accidents where they argue you were driving too fast for conditions. We fight these allegations aggressively using ECM data and accident reconstruction.
Damage Caps
Unlike some states, Minnesota does not cap personal injury damages. There is no limit on what you can recover for pain and suffering, medical expenses, or lost wages. However, punitive damages—which punish the defendant rather than compensate you—require clear and convincing evidence of willful indifference to safety, and are rarely awarded.
Frequently Asked Questions for Martin County Accident Victims
How quickly should I contact an attorney after a trucking accident in Fairmont or Martin County?
Immediately—within 24 to 48 hours. Winter weather in Martin County means evidence disappears under snow. Black box data gets overwritten. Witnesses leave the scene. And the trucking company is already building their defense.
Should I give a recorded statement to the trucking company’s insurance?
Absolutely not. Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize your claim. They’ll ask leading questions like “You were driving carefully, right?” hoping you’ll say something they can twist. Let us handle all communications. As client Ernest Cano said, we “fight tooth and nail for you.”
What if the truck driver was an independent contractor, not an employee?
We can still sue both the driver and the motor carrier. Under federal regulations, the company that displays the DOT number on the truck is responsible for safety, regardless of whether the driver is an employee or owner-operator.
How much are 18-wheeler cases worth in Minnesota?
There’s no “average,” but trucking cases are worth significantly more than car accidents because: (1) injuries are more severe, (2) trucks carry higher insurance ($750K to $5M), and (3) multiple liable parties create multiple insurance pools. We’ve recovered multi-million dollar settlements for clients with catastrophic injuries.
What does “Hablamos Español” mean for my case?
It means Lupe Peña can communicate with you directly in Spanish, without relying on interpreters. This ensures nothing gets lost in translation and builds the trust essential to your case. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 and ask for Lupe.
Will my case go to trial?
Most cases settle, but we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial. Insurance companies know Ralph Manginello has 25 years of courtroom experience and isn’t afraid of federal court. That reputation leads to better settlement offers. But if they won’t pay what you deserve, we’re ready to take your case to a Martin County jury—or federal court if necessary.
How do I pay for medical treatment while my case is pending?
We help clients find doctors who will treat on a Letter of Protection (LOP), meaning they get paid from the settlement. Don’t let lack of insurance stop you from getting care. Call us, and we’ll help you navigate the medical system.
Take Action Before Evidence Disappears
The trucking company that hit you or your loved one has already called their lawyers. Their insurance adjuster is already looking for ways to pay you less. They’re hoping you don’t know your rights or that you’ll accept a quick, lowball settlement before you realize the full extent of your injuries.
Don’t let them win.
At Attorney911, we’ve recovered over $50 million for families just like yours. We currently have a $10 million lawsuit pending against a major university, demonstrating we take on the toughest cases. Our 4.9-star rating with over 251 Google reviews reflects our commitment to treating clients like family.
We have offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, and we serve Martin County clients throughout Minnesota. We work on contingency—you pay nothing unless we win your case.
Call 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911) right now.
The call is free. The consultation is free. And we’re available 24/7 because we know accidents don’t happen on business hours.
Don’t wait until the black box data is erased. Don’t wait until the witnesses move away. Don’t wait until the statute of limitations runs out.
Your fight starts with one call. Make it now: 1-888-ATTY-911.
Hablamos Español. Lupe Peña está aquí para ayudarte. Llame hoy.
