18-Wheeler Accident Lawyers in Steele County, Minnesota

When 80,000 Pounds Changes Everything in an Instant

One moment, you were driving through Steele County on your way to Rochester or heading down I-35 toward the Twin Cities. The next, an 80,000-pound tractor-trailer slammed into your vehicle, or jackknifed across the highway, or lost control on a patch of black ice near Owatonna. If you’re reading this from a hospital bed in Steele County or you’re trying to help a loved one rebuild their life after a catastrophic trucking accident, you need to know one critical fact: the trucking company already has lawyers working to protect them. You need someone fighting for you.

At Attorney911, we’ve spent over 25 years standing up to trucking companies and their insurance giants. Ralph Manginello, our managing partner, has been fighting for injury victims since 1998. He’s admitted to federal court and has recovered multi-million dollar settlements for families just like yours—settlements ranging from $1.5 million to $9.8 million for traumatic brain injuries, $1.9 million to $8.6 million for amputations, and $1.9 million to $9.5 million for wrongful death cases. We know the difference between a fender-bender and a life-altering 18-wheeler crash, and we know how to make trucking companies pay.

But here’s what keeps us up at night: evidence in Steele County trucking accidents disappears fast. Electronic logging device (ELD) data can be overwritten in 30 days. Black box recordings get deleted. Dashcam footage vanishes. And trucking companies hire rapid-response teams to secure evidence before you even leave the hospital. That’s why we send spoliation letters within 24 hours of being retained—demanding preservation of every critical piece of evidence before it’s gone forever.

The Physics of Devastation: Why 18-Wheeler Accidents in Steele County Aren’t Like Car Crashes

Let’s be clear about what you’re dealing with. A fully loaded commercial truck weighs up to 80,000 pounds under federal law. Your car weighs about 4,000 pounds. That’s not a collision—that’s a demolition. The force of impact in a trucking accident follows simple physics: Force equals mass times acceleration. When an 80,000-pound truck traveling at 65 miles per hour strikes a passenger vehicle, the kinetic energy is approximately 80 times greater than a typical car-on-car collision.

In Steele County, where I-35 serves as the primary north-south artery for commercial freight moving between Minneapolis, St. Paul, Des Moines, and Kansas City, we see these physics play out on our highways every year. The results aren’t just accidents—they’re catastrophic events that reshape families forever. Traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage resulting in paralysis, crushed limbs requiring amputation, severe burns from fuel fires, and wrongful death are the norm, not the exception.

But the devastation isn’t just physical. Medical bills pile up immediately—emergency trauma care at hospitals serving Steele County, surgeries, extended rehabilitation, and ongoing care that can cost millions over a lifetime. Lost wages devastate household finances. And then there’s the pain, the suffering, the loss of enjoyment of life—the “non-economic” damages that insurance companies try to minimize because they can’t be easily calculated on a spreadsheet.

Steele County’s Dangerous Trucking Corridors: Where Risk Meets Reality

Steele County sits at a critical junction in Minnesota’s transportation network, and that geography creates unique dangers for local residents. Interstate 35 cuts through the heart of the county, carrying thousands of heavy trucks daily between the Twin Cities and points south. This isn’t just a highway—it’s a commercial lifeline, and it’s where many of the most serious accidents occur.

Beyond I-35, Steele County’s agricultural economy generates massive truck traffic. US Route 14 and Minnesota State Highway 30 see heavy concentrations of grain haulers, livestock transport vehicles, and agricultural equipment movers, especially during planting and harvest seasons when drivers are pushed to maximize loads and minimize downtime. These rural routes present unique hazards: narrow shoulders, limited visibility at dawn and dusk during busy farming periods, and the ever-present dangers of Minnesota’s brutal winter weather.

Speaking of winter—in Steele County, we don’t get mild trucking accidents. We get jackknifes on black ice during January whiteouts. We get rollovers on US-14 when sudden snow squalls hit. We get brake failures on steep approaches when temperatures drop to 20 below and air brake lines freeze. The Minnesota Department of Transportation (MnDOT) reports that winter weather significantly increases accident rates on these corridors, yet trucking companies continue to push drivers to meet deadlines regardless of conditions.

The distribution centers and agricultural processing facilities in and around Steele County create additional risk zones. Large trucks making wide turns at intersections, blind spots creating “no-zones” where smaller vehicles disappear, and fatigued drivers pushing through the final miles of long hauls create deadly conditions for Steele County families.

The 13 Types of 18-Wheeler Accidents We See in Steele County

Not all trucking accidents are the same. Each type involves different mechanics, different injuries, and different legal theories of liability. Here are the accidents we see most frequently in Steele County and across Minnesota:

Jackknife Accidents: The Icy Highway Nightmare

A jackknife occurs when the trailer swings out perpendicular to the cab, folding like a pocket knife. In Steele County, these are particularly common during winter months when sudden braking on I-35 or MN-30 causes the trailer to lose traction. Statistics show jackknife accidents account for approximately 10% of all trucking-related deaths.

When a truck jackknifes across multiple lanes during a Minnesota snowstorm, nearby drivers often have no escape route. These accidents frequently result in multi-vehicle pileups and catastrophic injuries including traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord trauma, and wrongful death.

Under 49 CFR § 393.48, trucking companies must maintain brake systems to prevent malfunctions. When drivers fail to adjust for weather conditions or companies defer brake maintenance to save money, they violate federal safety regulations—and we prove it.

Rollover Accidents: Top-Heavy and Tipped Over

Rollovers occur when an 18-wheeler tips onto its side or roof. With a high center of gravity and up to 80,000 pounds of weight, these are among the most catastrophic accidents we handle. Approximately 50% of rollover crashes result from failure to adjust speed on curves—a critical factor on Minnesota’s rural highways where speed limits don’t always match road conditions.

Steele County’s agricultural trucking sees frequent rollovers involving improperly secured grain loads or liquid cargo that “sloshes” during transport, shifting the center of gravity. When a rollover occurs, vehicles beneath the trailer suffer crushing injuries. Fuel spills create fire hazards causing severe burns. 49 CFR § 393.100-136 mandates specific cargo securement standards—when companies violate these rules, they’re liable for every injury caused.

Underride Collisions: The Most Fatal of All

Underride accidents occur when a smaller vehicle crashes into a truck and slides underneath the trailer, shearing off the passenger compartment at windshield level. These accidents kill approximately 400-500 people annually in the United States, and they’re particularly deadly because rear underride guards often fail to prevent the intrusion.

The physics are brutal: the rigid trailer edge meets the windshield of a car, often resulting in decapitation or catastrophic head and neck trauma. While 49 CFR § 393.86 requires rear impact guards on trailers manufactured after January 26, 1998, there’s no federal requirement for side underride guards—leaving a deadly gap in protection.

Rear-End Collisions: The Stopping Distance Trap

Here’s a number that should terrify every driver in Steele County: an 18-wheeler traveling at 65 miles per hour requires approximately 525 feet to stop—that’s nearly two football fields. A car needs about 300 feet. This difference means that even when truck drivers react appropriately, they often can’t avoid rear-end collisions.

These accidents commonly occur when truckers follow too closely on I-35 during rush hour traffic, when they’re distracted by cell phones or dispatch communications, or when brake systems fail due to poor maintenance. 49 CFR § 392.11 prohibits following too closely, and 49 CFR § 392.82 bans hand-held mobile phone use—violations we prove using electronic control module (ECM) data.

Wide Turn Accidents: The “Squeeze Play”

Ever seen a truck swing wide left before turning right? That’s necessary because trailers track inside the cab’s turn radius. But when drivers fail to signal properly or check mirrors, they trap vehicles in the gap—a deadly situation called the “squeeze play.”

In Steele County’s agricultural areas, these accidents occur at rural intersections where large equipment transport vehicles make wide turns onto county roads. They also happen in urban areas like Owatonna when delivery trucks navigate tight corners. The result is often crushing injuries as cars get caught between the truck and curb.

Blind Spot Accidents: The No-Zone Danger

Commercial trucks have massive blind spots—called “no-zones”—on all four sides. The right-side blind spot is particularly dangerous because it extends the length of the trailer and spans multiple lanes. When truckers change lanes without proper mirror checks or fail to use turn signals, they sideswipe vehicles they literally cannot see.

49 CFR § 393.80 requires mirrors that provide clear views to the rear on both sides. When trucking companies fail to maintain proper mirror adjustment or drivers neglect to check them, they violate federal safety standards and endanger Steele County families.

Tire Blowout Accidents: Winter and Heat Both Kill

Tire blowouts cause approximately 11,000 crashes annually, including 738 fatalities. In Minnesota, we see blowouts from underinflation during extreme cold (which causes tire pressure drops) and from heat buildup during summer highway driving. When a steer tire (front tire) blows out, the driver often loses immediate control, causing the truck to veer into other lanes.

The debris—called “road gators”—strikes following vehicles, causing windshield impacts, loss of control, and secondary accidents. 49 CFR § 393.75 mandates minimum tread depths: 4/32 inch on steer tires and 2/32 inch on other positions. 49 CFR § 396.13 requires pre-trip tire inspections. When companies ignore these rules to save money on replacements, they pay in blood.

Brake Failure Accidents: The Maintenance Gamble

Brake problems factor into approximately 29% of large truck crashes. In Steele County’s harsh winters, brake failures occur when ice accumulates in air brake systems, when drivers fail to perform pre-trip inspections in freezing temperatures, or when companies defer maintenance to maximize profits.

49 CFR § 396.3 requires systematic inspection, repair, and maintenance of all commercial vehicles. 49 CFR § 396.11 mandates post-trip reports specifically covering brake condition. When trucking companies cut corners on brake maintenance—leaving worn pads, unadjusted brakes, or air leaks—they create deadly weapons on our highways.

Cargo Spill and Shift Accidents: Agricultural Hazards

Steele County’s agricultural economy means thousands of trucks transport grain, livestock, and heavy equipment. When cargo isn’t properly secured under 49 CFR § 393.100-136, it shifts during transport, causing rollovers, or spills onto roadways, creating deadly obstacles for other drivers.

The performance criteria under federal law require securement systems to withstand 0.8 g deceleration forward, 0.5 g acceleration rearward, and 0.5 g lateral force. When loaders use insufficient tiedowns or companies overload trailers beyond securement capacity, the results include multi-vehicle pileups and catastrophic injuries.

Head-On Collisions: Lane Departure Disasters

These occur when trucks drift or cross into oncoming traffic—often due to driver fatigue, distraction, or impairment. On Steele County’s two-lane rural highways, especially during winter whiteouts or on icy stretches of MN-60, these accidents are often fatal for occupants of smaller vehicles.

The closing speed combines both vehicles’ velocities, creating impact forces that cause traumatic brain injuries, internal organ damage, and decapitation. 49 CFR § 392.3 specifically prohibits operating while fatigued, and 49 CFR § 395 limits hours of service—rules we enforce to hold companies accountable.

T-Bone Intersection Accidents

When trucks run red lights or fail to yield at Steele County intersections—often because drivers are pushed to meet unrealistic delivery schedules—the broadside impact crushes passenger compartments. These accidents frequently result in spinal cord injuries requiring lifelong care.

Sideswipe Accidents

Often caused by blind spot failures on I-35 or aggressive lane changes during congested traffic, sideswipe accidents can push smaller vehicles off the road or into other lanes, triggering multi-car pileups.

Runaway Truck Accidents

On the rare steep grades in southern Minnesota, brake fade from overheating—or failure to downshift properly on descents—can lead to runaway trucks that cannot stop. These accidents often end in catastrophic collisions or rollovers.

Catastrophic Injuries: The Life-Altering Consequences

The size and weight disparity between trucks and cars means 18-wheeler accidents don’t cause “bumps and bruises.” They cause catastrophic, permanent injuries that require millions of dollars in lifetime care.

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)

When the brain strikes the inside of the skull during a violent collision, the damage can range from concussions to permanent cognitive impairment. Symptoms include memory loss, confusion, personality changes, mood disorders, and inability to concentrate. Severe TBI can leave victims unable to work, requiring 24/7 supervision and lifelong medical care.

At Attorney911, we’ve recovered $1.5 million to $9.8 million for TBI victims. These funds don’t erase the injury, but they provide resources for the best possible recovery and care.

Spinal Cord Injuries 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). These injuries require wheelchair accessibility modifications to homes, specialized vehicles, ongoing medical treatment, and personal care assistance. Lifetime costs often exceed $4.7 million to $25.8 million—which is why trucking companies fight so hard to minimize these claims.

Amputations

Whether traumatic (occurring at the scene) or surgical (required later due to crush injuries or infection), amputation changes everything. Victims need prosthetics ($5,000 to $50,000+ each), replacement prosthetics throughout their lifetime, extensive rehabilitation, and vocational retraining. We’ve secured settlements from $1.9 million to $8.6 million for amputation survivors.

Severe Burns

Fuel fires and hazmat spills cause thermal burns, chemical burns, and inhalation injuries. Fourth-degree burns destroy tissue down to muscle and bone, requiring multiple grafting surgeries, extensive rehabilitation, and leaving permanent disfigurement and disability.

Internal Organ Damage

Blunt force trauma from trucking accidents frequently causes liver lacerations, spleen ruptures, kidney damage, and collapsed lungs. These injuries may require emergency surgery and can result in lifelong complications.

Wrongful Death

When a trucking accident takes a loved one, families are left with grief, funeral expenses, lost income, and the permanent absence of companionship. Under Minnesota law, wrongful death claims can recover damages for loss of consortium, mental anguish, lost future income, and in cases of gross negligence, punitive damages. We’ve recovered $1.9 million to $9.5 million for families who’ve lost loved ones to trucking company negligence.

Who Can Be Held Liable? More Defendants Mean More Insurance Coverage

Unlike car accidents where typically only one driver is at fault, 18-wheeler accidents often involve multiple liable parties. Under legal doctrines like respondeat superior and vicarious liability, employers are responsible for their employees’ negligent acts. But we don’t stop there—at Attorney911, we investigate every potentially liable party to maximize your recovery.

1. The Truck Driver

The driver who caused the accident may be personally liable for speeding, distracted driving (violating 49 CFR § 392.82), fatigued driving (violating 49 CFR § 392.3), impaired operation, or failure to conduct proper pre-trip inspections (49 CFR § 396.13). We subpoena their driving records, cell phone data, and medical certifications to prove negligence.

2. The Trucking Company (Motor Carrier)

This is often where the deepest pockets—and highest insurance coverage—reside. Trucking companies are vicariously liable for their drivers’ negligence, and directly liable for:

• Negligent hiring: Failing to verify driver qualifications, CDL status, or medical certifications (49 CFR § 391)
• Negligent training: Inadequate safety training on winter driving, cargo securement, or hours of service compliance
• Negligent supervision: Failing to monitor ELD data for hours of service violations
• Negligent maintenance: Deferring brake repairs, tire replacements, or safety inspections (49 CFR § 396)

Our managing partner Ralph Manginello has spent 25+ years holding trucking companies accountable for these failures. We obtain their Driver Qualification Files, maintenance records, and CSA (Compliance, Safety, Accountability) scores to prove patterns of negligence.

3. The Cargo Owner or Shipper

In Steele County’s agricultural economy, grain elevators, livestock operations, and manufacturers often arrange shipping. These entities may be liable if they demanded overweight loads, failed to disclose hazardous cargo, or set delivery schedules that pressured drivers to violate hours of service regulations.

4. The Cargo Loading Company

Third-party loaders who physically secure cargo must comply with 49 CFR § 393.100-136. When they use insufficient tiedowns, fail to balance loads, or overload trailers, they create dangerous conditions that cause rollovers and spills.

5. Truck and Trailer Manufacturers

Defective brake systems, faulty steering mechanisms, or inadequate underride guards can create product liability claims against manufacturers. We investigate recall notices, NHTSA complaints, and design specifications.

6. Parts Manufacturers

Defective tires, brake components, or lighting systems can cause catastrophic failures. When parts fail, we pursue the manufacturers under product liability theories.

7. Maintenance Companies

Third-party repair shops that negligently service trucks—returning them to the road with known defects, improper brake adjustments, or substandard repairs—share liability for resulting accidents.

8. Freight Brokers

Brokers who arrange transportation but don’t own trucks may be liable for negligent selection of carriers—choosing companies with poor safety records, inadequate insurance, or histories of violations. 49 CFR § 390 governs who must comply with FMCSA regulations, and brokers who negligently hire unsafe carriers face liability.

9. Truck Owner (If Different from Carrier)

In owner-operator arrangements, the entity that owns the equipment may be liable for negligent entrustment or failure to maintain the vehicle.

10. Governmental Entities

MnDOT or local counties may be liable for dangerous road conditions—poorly maintained surfaces, inadequate signage for known hazardous curves, or failure to clear ice and snow promptly. However, special notice requirements and sovereign immunity rules apply to these claims, requiring immediate legal action.

The 48-Hour Evidence Race: Why Immediate Action is Critical

Here’s what the trucking companies don’t want you to know: they have lawyers and investigators on the scene before the ambulance leaves. They secure evidence, take statements, and begin building their defense while you’re still in shock.

Critical evidence in 18-wheeler accidents disappears fast:

• ECM/Black box data: Overwrites in 30 days or with subsequent ignition cycles
• ELD logs: FMCSA only requires 6-month retention; critical data can be lost
• Dashcam footage: Often deleted within 7-14 days
• Surveillance video: Nearby businesses typically overwrite cameras in 7-30 days
• Physical evidence: Trucks get repaired, cargo gets delivered, and the scene changes
• Witness statements: Memories fade and details blur within weeks

At Attorney911, we send spoliation letters immediately—within 24 hours of being retained. These formal legal notices put the trucking company, their insurer, and all potentially liable parties on notice that they must preserve:

• Electronic Control Module (ECM) data showing speed, braking, and throttle position
• Electronic Logging Device (ELD) records proving hours of service violations
• Driver Qualification Files containing hiring and training records
• Maintenance and inspection records (49 CFR § 396.3 requires 1-year retention)
• Dashcam and surveillance footage
• Dispatch records and communications
• Cell phone records proving distraction
• Drug and alcohol test results

Once litigation is anticipated, destroying evidence becomes “spoliation”—a serious legal violation that can result in adverse inference instructions (juries are told to assume destroyed evidence was unfavorable), monetary sanctions, or even default judgment.

Every hour you wait, evidence disappears. Call us immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911 to start the preservation process.

Minnesota and Steele County Law: Know Your Rights

Steele County operates under Minnesota state law, with specific rules governing personal injury and wrongful death claims.

Statute of Limitations: The Clock is Ticking

In Minnesota, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit (Minnesota Statutes § 541.07). For wrongful death claims, the limit is three years from the date of death (Minnesota Statutes § 573.02).

But waiting is dangerous. Evidence degrades. Witnesses move away. Medical records get lost. And trucking companies use delay to their advantage. Contact us immediately to protect your rights.

Comparative Fault: Minnesota’s 50% Bar Rule

Minnesota follows modified comparative fault with a 50% bar (Minnesota Statutes § 604.01). This means:

• If you are 50% or less at fault for the accident, you can recover damages, but your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault (e.g., if you’re found 20% at fault, you recover 80% of your damages)
• If you are more than 50% at fault, you recover nothing

This rule makes thorough investigation critical. Trucking companies and their insurers will try to shift blame to you—claiming you were speeding, following too closely, or failed to avoid the collision. We fight these allegations using ECM data, ELD logs, and accident reconstruction to prove the truck driver and company were primarily responsible.

Damage Caps in Minnesota

Good news for Steele County victims: Minnesota does not cap non-economic damages (pain and suffering) in personal injury cases. Unlike some states that limit recovery regardless of injury severity, Minnesota allows juries to award full compensation for pain, emotional distress, disfigurement, and loss of enjoyment of life.

Punitive damages are also available under Minnesota Statutes § 549.20 when defendants act with “deliberate disregard for the rights or safety of others”—such as knowingly hiring unqualified drivers, falsifying log books, or ignoring safety regulations. Minnesota does not cap punitive damages, though they require clear and convincing evidence of the defendant’s culpability.

Insurance Coverage: Substantial Policies Available

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations mandate minimum insurance coverage far exceeding typical auto policies:

• Non-hazardous freight: $750,000 minimum
• Oil and hazardous materials: $1,000,000 to $5,000,000 depending on cargo type
• Passenger carriers: $1,500,000 to $5,000,000

Many trucking companies carry $1 million to $5 million in coverage. Additionally, multiple insurance policies may apply—primary coverage, excess/umbrella coverage, trailer interchange insurance, and cargo insurance.

This higher coverage means catastrophic injuries can actually be compensated, rather than leaving victims with unpaid medical bills. However, accessing these funds requires knowing how to navigate complex commercial insurance policies—knowledge Attorney911 has gained over 25 years of practice.

The Insurance Defense Advantage: Our Secret Weapon

Here’s what makes Attorney911 different from other firms: Our associate attorney, Lupe Peña, used to work for insurance companies as a national defense attorney. He spent years inside the system, watching how adjusters are trained to minimize claims, how algorithms undervalue pain and suffering, and what tactics carriers use to deny legitimate claims.

Now he uses that insider knowledge to fight for you. As client Chad Harris said: “You are NOT a pest to them and you are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.” And client Ernest Cano noted: “Mr. Manginello and his firm are first class. Will fight tooth and nail for you.”

When Lupe evaluates your case, he knows exactly what the insurance company will offer before they make the call. He knows when they’re bluffing and when they’re ready to pay. And he knows how to pressure them into fair settlements that fully compensate our clients.

FMCSA Regulations: The Rules Trucking Companies Break

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) establishes strict safety regulations under 49 CFR Parts 390-399. Violations of these rules prove negligence and drive up settlement values. Here are the critical regulations we enforce:

49 CFR Part 390: General Applicability

Establishes that these regulations apply to all commercial motor vehicles over 10,001 pounds operating in interstate commerce—including virtually all 18-wheelers on Steele County highways.

49 CFR Part 391: Driver Qualification Standards

Trucking companies must verify that drivers:

• Are at least 21 years old (interstate commerce)
• Possess valid Commercial Driver’s Licenses (CDL)
• Pass medical examinations every 24 months (49 CFR § 391.45)
• Have clean driving records and no disqualifying offenses
• Complete required Entry-Level Driver Training (ELDT)

The Driver Qualification File (DQF) must contain all this documentation. When companies hire drivers without proper verification—or employ drivers with suspended licenses, medical conditions, or drug violations—they commit negligent hiring under this regulation.

49 CFR Part 392: Driving of Commercial Motor Vehicles

Prohibits:

• Operating while fatigued or ill (49 CFR § 392.3)
• Drug and alcohol use (49 CFR §§ 392.4-392.5)
• Speeding or driving too fast for conditions (49 CFR § 392.6)
• Following too closely (49 CFR § 392.11)
• Using hand-held mobile devices while driving (49 CFR § 392.82)

49 CFR Part 393: Parts and Accessories for Safe Operation

Mandates:

• Proper brake systems (49 CFR § 393.40-55)
• Adequate lighting and reflectors (49 CFR §§ 393.11-26)
• Rear impact guards (underride protection) (49 CFR § 393.86)
• Cargo securement (49 CFR §§ 393.100-136)

49 CFR Part 395: Hours of Service (HOS) Regulations

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

• 11-hour driving limit: Cannot drive more than 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off-duty
• 14-hour window: Cannot drive after the 14th consecutive hour on-duty
• 30-minute break: Required after 8 cumulative hours of driving
• 60/70-hour limits: Cannot drive after 60 hours in 7 days or 70 hours in 8 days
• 34-hour restart: Requires 34 consecutive hours off-duty to reset the weekly clock

Since December 18, 2017, most trucks must use Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) that automatically record driving time and prevent falsification. This ELD data proves when drivers violate these limits—creating powerful evidence of fatigue-related negligence.

49 CFR Part 396: Inspection, Repair, and Maintenance

Requires:

• Systematic inspection and maintenance of all vehicles (49 CFR § 396.3)
• Pre-trip inspections by drivers (49 CFR § 396.13)
• Post-trip reports noting defects (49 CFR § 396.11)
• Annual inspections by qualified inspectors (49 CFR § 396.17)
• Maintenance record retention for 1 year

When companies defer brake repairs, ignore tire wear, or fail to document maintenance, they create lethal hazards. We prove these violations using their own maintenance records against them.

Frequently Asked Questions: Steele County 18-Wheeler Accidents

What should I do immediately after a trucking accident in Steele County?

Call 911 immediately, seek medical attention even if you feel fine (adrenaline masks injuries), document the scene with photos if able, get the trucking company’s DOT number and insurance information, collect witness contacts, and then call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 before speaking to any insurance company.

How long do I have to file a lawsuit in Minnesota?

Two years from the accident date for personal injury, three years for wrongful death. But waiting risks evidence destruction. Call us immediately.

Can I recover damages if I was partially at fault?

Yes, under Minnesota’s modified comparative fault rule, as long as you were 50% or less at fault. Your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault, but you can still receive substantial compensation.

Who pays for my medical bills while my case is pending?

We work with medical providers who accept Letters of Protection (LOP)—they treat you now and get paid when we win your settlement. You shouldn’t delay treatment due to financial concerns.

What if the truck driver was an independent contractor, not an employee?

Both the driver and the trucking company that contracted them may be liable. We investigate all relationships and insurance coverage to maximize your recovery.

How much is my Steele County trucking accident case worth?

It depends on injury severity, medical costs, lost wages, and available insurance. But trucking companies carry $750,000 to $5 million in coverage—far more than car accidents. We’ve recovered millions for clients with catastrophic injuries.

Will my case go to trial?

Most settle, but we prepare every case for trial. Insurance companies offer better settlements when they know your lawyer has the resources and willingness to go to court—which we do, with 25+ years of trial experience.

Do you handle cases for Spanish-speaking clients in Steele County?

Absolutely. Hablamos Español. Associate Attorney Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish and provides direct representation without interpreters. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911 para una consulta gratis.

What if the trucking company is from out of state?

We handle cases against trucking companies from all over the country. Ralph Manginello is admitted to federal court (Southern District of Texas), and we have the interstate reach to pursue defendants regardless of where they’re headquartered.

The Attorney911 Difference: Why Steele County Victims Choose Us

When you’re facing the aftermath of an 18-wheeler accident in Steele County, you need more than just a lawyer—you need a fighter who understands both the federal regulations governing trucking and the local Minnesota laws that will determine your recovery.

Ralph Manginello brings 25+ years of experience since 1998. He’s admitted to federal court and has litigated against Fortune 500 corporations like BP. Our firm has recovered $50+ million for clients, including multi-million dollar settlements for traumatic brain injuries, amputations, and wrongful death.

Lupe Peña provides the insurance defense advantage—knowing the enemy’s playbook because he used to run it. He understands how commercial insurers evaluate claims, minimize payouts, and deny legitimate cases. Now he uses that knowledge to fight for you.

We offer three office locations (Houston, Austin, Beaumont) with the capability to handle Steele County cases, and we’re available 24/7 at 1-888-ATTY-911 because we know accidents don’t wait for business hours.

Hablamos Español because legal help shouldn’t have language barriers.

As client Glenda Walker told us: “They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.” And Donald Wilcox, whose case had been rejected by another firm, said: “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.”

Call 1-888-ATTY-911 Today: Your Future Depends on What You Do Right Now

The trucking company that hit you has already called their lawyers. Their insurance adjuster is already looking for ways to minimize your claim. The evidence that could prove your case is being overwritten, deleted, or “lost” as you read this.

You have a choice: wait and hope the insurance company treats you fairly (they won’t), or call Attorney911 and put 25 years of trucking accident experience to work for you.

The consultation is free. You pay nothing unless we win. We advance all litigation costs. And we fight for every dollar you deserve—because as Glenda Walker said, we fight for “every dime.”

Don’t let the trucking company get away with it. Don’t let insurance adjusters push you around. Don’t wait until the evidence is gone.

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

We’re here 24/7. We’re ready to fight. And we’re ready to help you rebuild your life.

Steele County trucking accident victims deserve experienced, aggressive representation. At Attorney911, that’s exactly what we provide. Call today.