18-Wheeler Accident Attorneys in Stevens County, Minnesota
When an 80,000-Pound Truck Changes Everything
One moment you’re driving through Stevens County on US-12 or heading north on US-59 toward Morris. The next, an 18-wheeler jackknifes across your lane, changes lanes without seeing you, or blows a tire on the highway. In an instant, your life changes.
An 80,000-pound truck carries 20 times the force of your passenger vehicle. When that weight collides with your car on Minnesota’s icy roads, the results are catastrophic.
At Attorney911, we know the rural highways of Stevens County—from the grain haulers on US-59 to the long-haul traffic traveling between Fargo and the Twin Cities via I-94. We’ve spent over 25 years fighting for families devastated by trucking accidents across Minnesota and beyond. Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has recovered multi-million dollar settlements for victims of catastrophic crashes, and our team includes a former insurance defense attorney who knows exactly how trucking companies try to minimize your claim.
If you’re reading this from a hospital room in Stevens County, or if you’re trying to help a loved one who was hurt in a trucking accident near Morris, Glenwood, or Alexandria, you need to know this: the trucking company has already called their lawyers. They’re already working to protect their interests, not yours. Evidence is disappearing. Black box data may be overwritten within 30 days. You need someone fighting for you right now.
Call Attorney911 immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911 or (888) 288-9911. We answer 24/7. We serve Stevens County from our network of offices, and we handle these cases on contingency—you pay nothing unless we win.
Why Stevens County Truck Accidents Are Different
Stevens County’s rural location doesn’t mean fewer trucks. It means different dangers. The mix of agricultural traffic—grain trucks, livestock haulers, and combines—and long-distance freight creates unique hazards on Minnesota highways.
The Stevens County Trucking Landscape:
- US-59 runs north-south through the county, connecting Morris to Alexandria, carrying heavy agricultural freight
- US-12 cuts east-west, bringing traffic between Fargo and the Twin Cities metro
- Highway 28 and Highway 29 serve as critical farm-to-market routes during harvest season
- I-94 sits just south of the county line, feeding high-speed commercial traffic into the region
Winter in Stevens County brings another layer of danger. When temperatures drop to minus 20 degrees and black ice covers US-59, even experienced truckers struggle to stop 80,000-pound vehicles. We’ve seen too many jackknife accidents on icy overpasses and rollover crashes on rural curves when drivers failed to adjust for conditions.
Ralph Manginello, our founder, has been handling trucking litigation since 1998. He knows that accidents in Stevens County often involve different liable parties than urban crashes—agricultural cooperatives, grain elevator operators, and livestock haulers all carry different insurance obligations than standard freight carriers.
The Brutal Physics of 18-Wheeler Collisions
An 18-wheeler isn’t just a big car. The physics are fundamentally different—and deadly.
The Numbers:
- 80,000 pounds: Maximum legal weight for a loaded semi
- 4,000 pounds: Average passenger car
- 20:1: The weight ratio working against you
- 525 feet: Stopping distance for a loaded truck at 65 mph (nearly two football fields)
- 40%: How much longer a truck needs to stop compared to your car
When a truck hits a passenger vehicle on US-12 outside Morris, the car doesn’t just crumple—it gets crushed, pushed, or run over. The survival rate for occupants in the smaller vehicle drops dramatically.
Lupe Peña, our associate attorney, previously worked defending insurance companies and trucking corporations. He knows the calculations adjusters make when someone is hurt in Stevens County. They look at rural juries, lower cost-of-living adjustments, and farm season pressures. Then they offer less than you deserve. Now he uses that insider knowledge to fight for maximum compensation for Minnesota families.
Types of Truck Accidents We Handle in Stevens County
Every trucking accident is different, but rural Minnesota presents specific patterns. These are the cases we see most often in Stevens County:
Jackknife Accidents on Icy Highways
When a truck driver slams the brakes on black ice along US-59 near the Pomme de Terre River, the trailer swings perpendicular to the cab, sweeping across multiple lanes. These accidents often cause multi-vehicle pileups during winter storms.
Why they happen: Sudden braking on slick surfaces, improper brake maintenance, or drivers unfamiliar with Minnesota winter conditions.
The FMCSA violation: 49 CFR § 393.48 (brake system maintenance) and 49 CFR § 392.6 (speeding for conditions).
Rollover Crashes on Rural Curves
Stevens County’s agricultural landscape means trucks frequently navigate rural roads with tight curves and limited shoulders. When a grain hauler takes a curve too fast on Highway 28 or encounters shifting cargo weight, the high center of gravity causes rollovers.
Why they happen: Improper cargo securement, excessive speed on curves, or top-heavy loads.
The FMCSA violation: 49 CFR § 393.100-136 (cargo securement standards) and 49 CFR § 392.6 (unsafe speed).
Underride Collisions—The Deadliest Accidents
When a passenger car rear-ends a semi-truck, the car often slides underneath the trailer. The top of the passenger compartment gets sheared off. These accidents are almost always fatal or cause catastrophic head injuries.
Why they happen: Inadequate rear underride guards, sudden stops without warning, or low visibility during Minnesota snow squalls.
The FMCSA violation: 49 CFR § 393.86 (rear impact guard requirements).
Rear-End Collisions on US-12 and US-59
Distracted or fatigued truckers following too closely on Stevens County highways can’t stop in time when traffic slows for slower farm equipment or winter weather conditions.
Why they happen: Driver fatigue violating Hours of Service rules, distracted driving (cell phones, dispatch radios), or inadequate following distance.
The FMCSA violation: 49 CFR § 392.11 (following too closely) and 49 CFR § 395 (Hours of Service violations).
Wide Turn Accidents in Morris and Glenwood
The tight intersections in downtown Morris or Glenwood force large trucks to swing wide before completing right turns. Cars get caught in the “squeeze play” gap between the truck and the curb.
Why they happen: Failure to properly signal, inadequate mirror checks, or driver inexperience with tight rural turns.
Tire Blowouts at Highway Speeds
Temperature extremes in Minnesota—scorching summer heat on asphalt and frigid winter cold—affect tire integrity. When a steer tire blows at 65 mph on I-94 near the Stevens County line, the driver loses control instantly.
Why they happen: Underinflation, overloading, worn tires, or failure to inspect.
The FMCSA violation: 49 CFR § 393.75 (tire requirements) and 49 CFR § 396.13 (pre-trip inspections).
Cargo Spills on Farm-to-Market Routes
During harvest season, grain trucks and livestock haulers traverse Stevens County daily. Improperly secured cargo shifts, spills onto the highway, or creates imbalance that causes rollovers.
Why they happen: Inadequate tiedowns, failure to account for liquid surge in tankers, or overloading beyond vehicle capacity.
The FMCSA violation: 49 CFR § 393.100-136 (cargo securement).
Who Can Be Held Liable for Your Stevens County Truck Accident
Most people assume you just sue the driver. In reality, 18-wheeler cases often involve multiple liable parties—each with their own insurance policies. More defendants means more coverage available for your recovery.
The Truck Driver
Liable for negligent driving—speeding, distraction, fatigue, impairment, or traffic violations. We subpoena their driving record, cell phone logs, and drug test results.
The Trucking Company (Motor Carrier)
Under “respondeat superior” doctrine, companies are liable for their employees’ negligence. We also pursue direct negligence claims:
- Negligent hiring: Did they check the driver’s record before hiring?
- Negligent training: Did they train the driver for winter weather conditions common in Stevens County?
- Negligent supervision: Did they monitor Hours of Service compliance?
- Negligent maintenance: Did they defer brake repairs to save money?
The Cargo Owner/Shipper
If a grain elevator overloaded a truck or failed to warn about hazardous cargo shifts, they share liability.
The Loading Company
Third-party loaders who improperly secured cargo on US-59 or overloaded trailers beyond weight ratings are liable for resulting accidents.
Truck or Parts Manufacturers
Defective brakes, tire blowouts from manufacturing flaws, or stability control failures create product liability claims.
Maintenance Companies
Third-party mechanics who performed negligent brake adjustments or failed to identify safety violations during inspections.
Freight Brokers
Brokers who arranged transport using carriers with terrible safety records or inadequate insurance may be liable for negligent selection.
Government Entities
When poor road design, inadequate signage on rural curves, or failure to maintain safe road conditions contributes to accidents on Stevens County highways.
Ralph Manginello has spent 25+ years identifying every potentially liable party in complex trucking cases. We don’t leave money on the table because we failed to investigate deeply enough.
Critical Evidence That Disappears Fast
The 48-Hour Rule: In Stevens County trucking accidents, evidence starts vanishing immediately. Here’s what you need to know:
Black Box Data (ECM/EDR)
The truck’s Electronic Control Module records speed, braking, throttle position, and engine performance in the seconds before impact. This objective data often proves the driver was lying about speed or following distance. Overwritten in 30 days or with subsequent driving events.
Electronic Logging Devices (ELD)
Since December 2017, commercial trucks must use ELDs to track Hours of Service. These devices prove whether the driver exceeded the 11-hour driving limit or violated the 14-hour duty window. FMCSA only requires 6-month retention.
Dashcam Footage
Many trucks now have forward-facing cameras. This footage often shows exactly what the driver saw—or failed to see—before the crash. Deleted within 7-14 days routinely.
Driver Qualification Files
Federal law requires trucking companies to maintain extensive files on every driver, including background checks, medical certifications, drug tests, and training records. These prove whether the company hired an unqualified driver or knew about previous safety violations.
Maintenance Records
Brake inspections, tire changes, and repair logs reveal whether the company cut corners on safety to maximize profits.
What We Do Immediately
When you call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911, we send spoliation letters the same day demanding preservation of all evidence. Once they receive our notice, destroying evidence becomes “spoliation”—a serious legal violation that can result in adverse jury instructions or sanctions against the trucking company.
Lupe Peña knows how insurance companies train adjusters to “lose” inconvenient evidence. That’s why we act fast to secure it before they can make it disappear.
FMCSA Regulations That Protect You (When Followed)
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulates every 18-wheeler on Stevens County highways. When trucking companies violate these rules, they create deadly hazards.
Hours of Service (49 CFR Part 395)
- Maximum 11 hours driving after 10 consecutive hours off-duty
- Cannot drive beyond the 14th consecutive hour after coming on duty
- Required 30-minute break after 8 cumulative hours of driving
- Weekly limits: 60 hours in 7 days or 70 hours in 8 days
Driver Qualification (49 CFR Part 391)
- Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) required
- Medical certification every 2 years maximum
- English proficiency required
- Background checks and motor vehicle record reviews mandatory
Vehicle Maintenance (49 CFR Part 396)
- Pre-trip and post-trip inspections required daily
- Annual comprehensive inspections mandatory
- Brake system inspections and adjustments
- Maintenance records must be kept for 14 months
Cargo Securement (49 CFR § 393.100-136)
- Cargo must withstand 0.8g deceleration (sudden stop forces)
- Aggregate working load limit must equal 50% of cargo weight
- Specific securement requirements for different cargo types
Drug and Alcohol Testing (49 CFR Part 382)
- Pre-employment testing required
- Random testing program mandatory
- Post-accident testing required for serious accidents
- 0.04% BAC limit (half the standard for passenger vehicles)
When we prove FMCSA violations caused your Stevens County accident, we establish negligence as a matter of law—often opening doors to punitive damages beyond standard compensation.
Catastrophic Injuries Require Catastrophic Results
Trucking accidents don’t cause “soft” injuries. The 20-to-1 weight disparity guarantees severe trauma.
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
Closed head injuries, concussions, and penetrating brain trauma from impact or debris. Symptoms include memory loss, personality changes, cognitive deficits, and permanent disability. Settlement range: $1.5M – $9.8M+
Spinal Cord Injuries
Paralysis from cervical or thoracic cord damage. Victims face lifetime wheelchairs, home modifications, and 24/7 care. Settlement range: $4.7M – $25.8M+
Amputations
Crushing injuries requiring surgical limb removal or traumatic amputation at the scene. Victims need multiple prosthetics over a lifetime, rehabilitation, and career retraining. Settlement range: $1.9M – $8.6M
Severe Burns
Fuel fires or hazmat spills causing third-degree burns requiring skin grafts, reconstruction, and ongoing pain management.
Internal Organ Damage
Liver lacerations, spleen ruptures, kidney damage, and internal bleeding often require emergency surgery and cause long-term health complications.
Wrongful Death
When a Stevens County family loses a loved one to a trucking accident, we pursue claims for lost income, loss of companionship, mental anguish, and funeral expenses. Settlement range: $1.9M – $9.5M+
Donald Wilcox, one of our clients, 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.” We don’t give up when other firms turn you away.
Minnesota Law Applies to Your Stevens County Case
Statute of Limitations
In Minnesota, you have 2 years from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit. For wrongful death claims, you have 3 years from the date of death. Miss these deadlines, and you lose your right to compensation permanently.
Comparative Negligence
Minnesota follows “modified comparative negligence” with a 51% bar. If you’re partially at fault, your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault—but if you’re 51% or more responsible, you recover nothing. This makes evidence preservation critical. The trucking company will try to blame you for the accident on icy US-59 or slippery Highway 28. We gather the ECM data and ELD logs to prove what really happened.
Damage Caps
Unlike some states, Minnesota does not cap economic or non-economic damages in personal injury cases. Punitive damages are available when trucking companies show “deliberate disregard” for safety—such as knowingly putting fatigued drivers on the road or falsifying logbooks.
Insurance Coverage in Trucking Cases
Federal law requires commercial carriers to carry substantial liability coverage:
- $750,000 minimum for non-hazardous freight
- $1,000,000 for oil and large equipment transport
- $5,000,000 for hazardous materials carriers
Many trucking companies carry $1-5 million in coverage, with excess policies on top. This higher coverage means catastrophic injuries can actually be compensated—unlike standard car accidents with $30,000 policy limits.
However, accessing these funds requires navigating complex commercial insurance structures. That’s where 25+ years of experience matters.
What to Do After a Truck Accident in Stevens County
Immediately:
- Call 911 and request emergency medical assistance
- If possible, photograph the truck’s DOT number, license plates, and company name
- Document the scene—weather conditions, road conditions, skid marks, debris
- Get witness contact information
- Seek medical evaluation immediately, even if you feel okay
Within 24-48 Hours:
- Contact Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911—we answer 24/7
- Do NOT give recorded statements to the trucking company’s insurance
- Do NOT sign any release documents
- Allow us to send spoliation letters to preserve black box data
Important: Minnesota winter conditions mean evidence disappears fast. Snow covers skid marks. Ice melts. Witnesses leave the scene. The sooner we start investigating your Stevens County accident, the stronger your case will be.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is my Stevens County trucking accident case worth?
No two cases are identical. Factors include injury severity, medical costs, lost income, pain and suffering, and available insurance. We’ve recovered settlements ranging from hundreds of thousands to millions. Call us for a free case evaluation specific to your situation.
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 may take 18-36 months. We move as fast as possible while maximizing your recovery.
What if I was partially at fault for the accident?
Under Minnesota law, you can recover as long as you’re 50% or less at fault. Your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault—but you still have rights. Don’t assume you can’t sue just because the trucking company claims you contributed to the crash.
Will my case go to trial?
Most cases settle, but we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial. Insurance companies know which lawyers will take cases to verdict—and they pay more to clients represented by firms with trial experience. Ralph Manginello has been trying cases since 1998.
Do you handle cases in Spanish/Hablas Español?
Yes. Lupe Peña, our associate attorney, is fluent in Spanish and provides direct representation without interpreters. If you or your family members prefer Spanish, call 1-888-ATTY-911 and ask for Lupe.
How do I pay for medical treatment while my case is pending?
We work with medical providers who accept Letters of Protection—meaning they get paid when your case settles. We can also help you navigate health insurance, Medicare, and Medicaid issues. Don’t delay treatment because of money concerns; your health comes first.
What if the trucking company is from another state?
We handle that. Attorney911 is admitted to federal court, and we regularly pursue out-of-state carriers who cause accidents on Minnesota highways. Federal trucking regulations apply nationwide, and we know how to hold distant corporations accountable in Minnesota courts.
Can you help if my family member was killed in a trucking accident?
Yes. We handle wrongful death claims for families throughout Stevens County and Minnesota. Surviving spouses, children, and parents may be entitled to significant compensation for lost income, companionship, and mental anguish.
What makes Attorney911 different from other personal injury law firms?
Experience and insider knowledge. Ralph Manginello brings 25+ years of federal court experience and multi-million dollar verdicts. Lupe Peña provides inside knowledge of how insurance companies evaluate claims. We treat you like family—Glenda Walker said, “They fought for me to get every dime I deserved”—and we don’t charge unless we win.
The Insurance Company Is Already Working Against You
Here’s the truth the trucking industry doesn’t want Stevens County residents to know: Within hours of your accident, the trucking company dispatched a “rapid response team” to the scene. They have lawyers, investigators, and insurance adjusters working to minimize your claim right now.
They’re trained to:
- Get you to give recorded statements before you hire a lawyer
- Offer quick, low settlements before you know the full extent of your injuries
- Argue that Minnesota’s winter weather—not their driver’s negligence—caused the crash
- Destroy or “lose” black box data that proves Hours of Service violations
- Blame you for the accident to trigger the 51% comparative negligence bar
You need someone fighting back immediately.
Chad Harris, one of our clients, put it perfectly: “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 case, whether it’s a multi-million dollar commercial vehicle accident or a single-car crash on a rural Stevens County road.
Our Commitment to Stevens County Families
Ralph Manginello founded Attorney911 to provide emergency legal help when families need it most. We’ve recovered over $50 million for clients, including:
- $5+ million for a traumatic brain injury victim struck by a falling log
- $3.8+ million for a car accident victim who lost a limb due to medical complications
- $2.5+ million in commercial trucking crash settlements
- Multi-million dollar results for catastrophic injury and wrongful death cases
We currently have offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, Texas, with federal court admission allowing us to handle cases nationwide, including throughout Minnesota and Stevens County. We litigate against Fortune 500 companies, major insurers, and national trucking carriers—and we win.
Ernest Cano said: “Mr. Manginello and his firm are first class. Will fight tooth and nail for you.” That’s our promise to every client.
Call Today—Before Evidence Disappears
The clock started ticking the moment the truck hit you. In 30 days, black box data could be gone. In 6 months, ELD logs may be deleted. Every day you wait, the trucking company builds their defense while yours weakens.
You pay nothing unless we win. We advance all costs, handle all paperwork, and fight for maximum compensation while you focus on healing.
Call Attorney911 now: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
We’re available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. When you call, you’ll speak with a real person who understands the urgency of your situation. We’ll send a spoliation letter within hours to preserve critical evidence, and we’ll start building your case immediately.
Don’t let the trucking company win. Don’t settle for less than you deserve. Don’t wait until it’s too late.
Hablamos Español. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911.
Attorney911
The Manginello Law Firm
Serving Stevens County and All of Minnesota
1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
