18-Wheeler Accident Attorneys in New Madrid County, Missouri

When 80,000 Pounds Changes Everything

The Mississippi River corridor runs through the heart of New Madrid County, and with it comes a steady stream of commercial trucks hauling everything from agricultural exports to manufactured goods up and down I-55. If you’re reading this, you or someone you love has likely been caught in the devastating aftermath of an 18-wheeler accident on one of our county’s highways. You’re not alone, and you’re not without options.

At Attorney911, we’ve spent over 25 years standing up to trucking companies and their insurers. We know the New Madrid County roads—from the I-55 corridor that cuts through Portageville to the county highways connecting Lilbourn to Matthews. We’ve seen what happens when trucking companies cut corners, and we know how to hold them accountable.

The moment that truck hit you, the trucking company started building their defense. They have lawyers on retainer, rapid-response investigators, and insurance adjusters trained to minimize your claim. You need someone fighting just as hard for you. That’s where we come in.

Why 18-Wheeler Accidents Aren’t Just “Big Car Crashes”

Your average sedan weighs about 4,000 pounds. A fully loaded semi-truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds under federal law. That’s not just a size difference—it’s a physics problem that changes everything about how accidents happen and how severe the injuries become.

When an 80,000-pound truck traveling at 65 mph hits a passenger vehicle, the force of impact is roughly 20 times greater than a collision between two cars. Stopping distance becomes critical too. That truck needs nearly two football fields of space to come to a complete stop on dry pavement. On wet roads—or when brakes are poorly maintained—that distance grows even longer.

In New Madrid County, we see these dynamics play out constantly on I-55, where trucks barrel through on their way between St. Louis and Memphis. We’ve handled cases where tired drivers blew past stop signs at county road intersections. We’ve seen overloaded agricultural trucks lose control on the rural roads stretching between New Madrid and Portageville.

The injuries aren’t just more severe—they’re often catastrophic. Traumatic brain injuries that change personalities forever. Spinal cord damage that leads to paralysis. Crush injuries requiring amputation. These aren’t cases where you walk away with a few bruises and a settlement check the following week.

The 10 Types of Truck Accidents We See in New Madrid County

Jackknife Accidents on I-55

A jackknife happens when the truck’s trailer swings out perpendicular to the cab, creating a deadly barrier that blocks multiple lanes. On I-55 through New Madrid County, where traffic moves fast and space is limited, a jackknife often triggers multi-vehicle pileups.

These crashes usually stem from sudden braking on wet pavement, improper braking technique, or empty trailers that lack the weight to maintain traction. Under 49 CFR § 393.48, trucking companies must maintain brake systems properly. When they fail to do so, and a driver locks up the brakes trying to avoid a collision, the trailer swings out of control.

We’ve investigated these crashes near the Portageville exits and on the stretch between Lilbourn and New Madrid. The evidence often shows the trucking company skimped on brake maintenance, allowing the system to fall out of adjustment.

Rollover Crashes on Rural Roads

New Madrid County’s agricultural heritage means our rural highways see plenty of tractor-trailers hauling soybeans, cotton, and corn. When these trucks take turns too fast on narrow county roads, or when their cargo shifts unexpectedly, rollovers happen.

The physics are brutal. An 80,000-pound truck tipping onto its side crushes anything in its path. Cargoes spill across the roadway, creating secondary hazards for approaching traffic. In several cases we’ve handled near rural intersections, rollover crashes turned fatal because the truck’s center of gravity shifted due to improperly secured loads—a direct violation of 49 CFR § 393.100 regarding cargo securement.

Underride Collisions—The Deadliest Crashes

Perhaps no accident type is more terrifying than the underride collision. When a passenger vehicle strikes the rear or side of a trailer and slides underneath, the top of the vehicle is often sheared off at windshield level. These crashes are almost always fatal for the occupants of the smaller vehicle.

Federal law requires rear impact guards under 49 CFR § 393.86, but these guards often fail in real-world crashes, especially at higher speeds common on I-55. Side underride guards aren’t federally mandated at all, despite being available technology that saves lives.

We’ve represented families in New Madrid County who lost loved ones in underride crashes that could have been prevented with proper guards or reflective tape that would have made the trailer visible at night.

Rear-End Collisions on County Highways

Trucks following too closely on US 61 or US 62 through New Madrid County create deadly situations. A fully loaded truck needs 525 feet to stop from highway speeds—about 40% more distance than a passenger car requires.

When truckers are distracted by their phones, fatigued from violating hours-of-service rules, or simply driving recklessly, they rear-end smaller vehicles with devastating force. The injuries often include severe whiplash, traumatic brain injuries from impact with steering wheels or headrests, and spinal cord damage.

Under 49 CFR § 392.11, truck drivers must maintain a safe following distance. When they violate this rule and cause a crash in New Madrid County, we use the truck’s own electronic data to prove they were tailgating.

Wide Turn Accidents in Town

In downtown New Madrid, Portageville, or at any of the county’s busy intersections, wide turn accidents happen when 18-wheelers swing left before making a right turn, creating a “squeeze play” that traps unsuspecting motorists.

These crashes often involve the truck’s rear wheels crushing smaller vehicles against curbs or other obstacles. They’re frequently caused by drivers who fail to check blind spots properly or who don’t signal their intentions early enough—a violation of 49 CFR § 392.2 regarding traffic laws.

Blind Spot Collisions

Commercial trucks have massive blind spots on all four sides—areas where the driver literally cannot see other vehicles despite having mirrors. The right-side blind spot is especially dangerous in New Madrid County, where trucks frequently merge onto I-55 or change lanes on US 61.

When truckers fail to check these blind spots before merging or changing lanes, they sideswipe passenger vehicles, often pushing them into other lanes or off the road entirely. These collisions frequently cause loss of control, leading to rollovers or secondary crashes with other vehicles.

Federal regulations under 49 CFR § 393.80 require proper mirrors, but no mirror system eliminates these blind spots entirely. Drivers must physically turn their heads and check before every lane change—a step many skip when they’re in a hurry.

Tire Blowouts on Summer Highways

Missouri summers bring extreme heat to New Madrid County, and heat kills tires. When trucking companies run tires that are bald, overinflated, or overloaded beyond their weight ratings, blowouts happen without warning.

A steer tire blowout on an 18-wheeler is particularly dangerous because it causes immediate loss of control. We’ve seen these crashes on I-55 where the truck veered suddenly into other lanes, or on rural roads where the driver overcorrected and rolled the vehicle.

49 CFR § 393.75 specifies minimum tread depths and tire condition requirements. When we investigate these crashes, we often find the trucking company kept tires in service long past their safe lifespan to save money.

Brake Failure Accidents

Brake problems contribute to approximately 29% of large truck crashes nationwide. In New Madrid County, where trucks descend from bridges and navigate the rolling terrain near the Mississippi River, properly functioning brakes are essential.

When maintenance companies fail to adjust brakes properly, or when trucking companies defer repairs to keep trucks on the road, brake failure happens. The truck can’t stop in time, leading to high-speed collisions with other vehicles or runaway truck scenarios on hills.

Under 49 CFR § 396.3, carriers must systematically inspect and maintain brake systems. We subpoena maintenance records to prove when companies ignored known brake deficiencies.

Cargo Spills and Shifting Loads

New Madrid County’s economy runs on agriculture and river trade. Trucks hauling grain, soybeans, and other crops from local farms to the Port of New Madrid or to processing facilities must load and secure their cargo properly.

When loads shift during transit, the truck’s center of gravity changes, causing rollovers or jackknifes. When cargo spills onto I-55 or county roads, it creates obstacles that lead to multi-vehicle crashes.

Federal cargo securement standards under 49 CFR § 393.100 through 393.136 provide specific requirements for different cargo types. Violations of these rules—using insufficient tiedowns, failing to block and brace loads, or overloading trailers—create liability for both the driver and the trucking company.

Head-On Collisions

On two-lane rural roads throughout New Madrid County, head-on collisions with trucks occur when fatigued drivers drift across center lines, distracted drivers fail to maintain their lanes, or impaired drivers lose control. These crashes are frequently fatal for the occupants of the smaller vehicle.

The closing speed of two vehicles heading toward each other on a highway like Route 62 creates impact forces that crumple passenger vehicles instantly. Survivors often face catastrophic traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, or require amputations.

Who Can Be Held Liable in Your New Madrid County Trucking Accident?

Trucking accidents differ from standard car crashes because multiple parties often share responsibility. We investigate every potential defendant to maximize your recovery under Missouri’s pure comparative fault system—in which you can recover damages even if you were partially at fault, with your recovery reduced by your percentage of responsibility.

The Truck Driver

The person behind the wheel may be liable for negligent driving—speeding, distracted driving, fatigue, or impairment. We examine their driving records, cell phone data, and hours-of-service logs maintained under 49 CFR § 395.8.

The Trucking Company

Trucking companies are vicariously liable for their drivers’ actions under the principle of respondeat superior. But they can also be directly liable for negligent hiring, negligent training, or negligent supervision.

We demand their Driver Qualification Files under 49 CFR § 391.51 to see if they properly screened the driver before hiring. We examine their safety scores through FMCSA’s CSA program. We review their maintenance records to see if they prioritized profits over safety.

The Cargo Owner and Loading Company

When improperly secured cargo causes a crash, the company that loaded the trailer or the owner of the cargo may be liable. In New Madrid County’s agricultural industry, grain elevators and shipping companies sometimes rush loading procedures or overload trailers to meet shipping deadlines.

Truck and Parts Manufacturers

Defective brakes, faulty steering systems, or tires with manufacturing defects can cause crashes even when the driver does nothing wrong. We work with engineers to determine if a product defect contributed to your accident.

Maintenance Companies

Third-party mechanics who perform shoddy brake repairs, improper tire mounting, or faulty maintenance may be liable when their negligence leads to a crash.

Freight Brokers

Companies that arrange shipping between farmers, manufacturers, and carriers may be liable if they selected a trucking company with a known poor safety record, failed to verify insurance coverage, or negligently hired an unqualified carrier.

Government Entities

If poor road design, inadequate signage, or lack of maintenance contributed to the crash in New Madrid County, the state or local government may bear some responsibility. These cases involve shorter deadlines and specific notice requirements, so immediate action is critical.

The Evidence That Wins Cases—And Why It Disappears

Trucking companies don’t wait to start protecting themselves. Within hours of a crash on I-55 or a rural New Madrid County road, they’re sending their own investigators, downloading data, and coaching their drivers.

Critical evidence can vanish quickly:

ECM/Black Box Data: The truck’s electronic control module records speed, braking, throttle position, and fault codes. This data can be overwritten in as little as 30 days or with subsequent driving events.

ELD Records: Electronic Logging Devices track hours of service pursuant to the federal ELD mandate. While FMCSA requires retention for six months, trucking companies may “lose” devices or claim data corruption once litigation begins.

Dashcam Footage: Many trucks now have forward-facing or cab-facing cameras. Footage showing the moments before impact often gets deleted within days unless we demand preservation immediately.

Driver Qualification Files: These files contain the driver’s application, background check, medical certifications, and training records. They’re supposed to be maintained for three years after employment ends, but we’ve seen them “accidentally” destroyed.

Maintenance Records: Records showing deferred brake repairs, overdue tire replacements, or skipped inspections often get “lost” when trucking companies realize they’ll prove negligence.

When you hire us, we send spoliation letters within 24 hours demanding preservation of all evidence. We download ECM data before it can be erased. We secure the physical truck before repairs commence. We interview witnesses while memories are fresh.

Missouri gives you five years from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit—longer than many states. But waiting is dangerous. Evidence disappears. Witnesses move away or forget details. The trucking company builds their defense while you’re still recovering.

Catastrophic Injuries and What They Mean for Your Recovery

Trucking accidents don’t cause simple whiplash. They cause life-altering damage.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

The force of an 18-wheeler impact causes the brain to slam against the inside of the skull, leading to bruising, bleeding, and tearing of neural tissue. Moderate to severe TBI cases often settle for between $1.5 million and $9.8 million, reflecting the lifetime of care required.

Symptoms include memory loss, personality changes, difficulty concentrating, mood disorders, and impaired motor function. Many TBI victims cannot return to their previous occupations and require ongoing cognitive therapy, vocational rehabilitation, and personal care assistance.

Spinal Cord Injury and Paralysis

Damage to the spinal cord can result in paraplegia (loss of lower body function) or quadriplegia (loss of all four limbs’ function). These injuries carry settlements ranging from $4.7 million to over $25 million, accounting for wheelchairs, home modifications, personal care attendants, and lost lifetime earnings.

Amputation

When a truck crushes a limb beyond repair, surgeons must amputate. Recovery involves prosthetics costing $5,000 to $50,000 per unit, with replacements needed every few years. Phantom limb pain, body image issues, and permanent disability affect every aspect of life. Our amputation cases have recovered between $1.9 million and $8.6 million.

Severe Burns

Fuel fires and chemical spills from trucking accidents cause third and fourth-degree burns requiring skin grafts, reconstructive surgeries, and years of treatment. The psychological trauma of disfigurement adds to the physical pain.

Wrongful Death

When a trucking accident kills a loved one in New Madrid County, Missouri law allows surviving spouse, children, or parents to seek justice. Damages include lost future income, loss of companionship, funeral expenses, and mental anguish. These cases often settle between $1.9 million and $9.5 million, though every case is unique.

Insurance Coverage in Trucking Cases—Why There’s More Money Available

Federal law requires commercial trucks to carry substantial insurance:

• General freight: $750,000 minimum
• Oil and hazardous materials: $1,000,000 minimum
• Hazardous materials transport: Up to $5,000,000

Compare this to Missouri’s minimum auto insurance requirement of $25,000 per person for passenger vehicles. The difference means trucking accidents can actually provide sufficient compensation for catastrophic injuries, unlike typical car crashes where policy limits are quickly exhausted.

But that money doesn’t come easily. Trucking insurers have teams of adjusters trained to minimize payouts. They’ll argue comparative fault, claim pre-existing conditions, or offer quick lowball settlements before you understand the full extent of your injuries.

Our associate attorney Lupe Peña used to work for these insurance companies. He knows their playbook—their strategies for delaying claims, disputing medical treatment, and pressuring victims to accept less than they deserve. Now he uses that insider knowledge to fight for you.

We never accept first offers. We calculate the full lifetime cost of your injuries—including future medical care, lost earning capacity, and diminished quality of life—before entering negotiations. We prepare every case for trial, which forces insurers to take us seriously.

Missouri Law and Your Trucking Accident Case

Statute of Limitations

In Missouri, you have five years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit against a private trucking company. For wrongful death claims, the limit is three years from the date of death.

These deadlines seem generous compared to other states, but they pass quickly when you’re dealing with surgeries, rehabilitation, and trying to rebuild your life. The sooner you contact us, the stronger your case will be.

Pure Comparative Fault

Missouri follows a pure comparative fault system. Even if you were partially at fault for the accident—perhaps you were speeding slightly, or you didn’t signal a lane change—you can still recover damages. Your recovery is simply reduced by your percentage of fault.

For example, if a jury finds you 20% at fault and awards $1 million in damages, you receive $800,000. This differs from states like neighboring Illinois, where being more than 50% at fault bars recovery entirely. Missouri’s system protects injury victims.

Punitive Damages

Unlike some states that cap punitive damages, Missouri has no statutory cap on punitive awards in personal injury cases after the Missouri Supreme Court struck down damage caps in 2012. When trucking companies act with complete indifference to human safety—falsifying logs, ignoring known brake problems, hiring drivers with DUIs on their records—juries can award punitive damages to punish them and deter future misconduct.

Frequently Asked Questions About Truck Accidents in New Madrid County

How long do I have to file a lawsuit after a truck accident in New Madrid County?

You have five years from the accident date for personal injury claims, and three years from the date of death for wrongful death claims. However, you should contact an attorney immediately to preserve evidence.

What if the truck driver was from another state?

Interstate trucking cases often involve federal jurisdiction. Attorney Ralph Manginello is admitted to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas, and we handle interstate trucking cases nationwide. We can represent you regardless of where the trucking company is headquartered.

How much is my truck accident case worth?

Every case is unique. Factors include injury severity, medical costs, lost wages, and available insurance. Trucking companies carry high policy limits, allowing for substantial recoveries in catastrophic injury cases.

What if I was partially at fault?

Under Missouri’s pure comparative fault law, you can still recover damages as long as you aren’t 100% at fault. Your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault.

Should I talk to the trucking company’s insurance adjuster?

No. Do not give recorded statements without an attorney present. Adjusters are trained to get you to say things that minimize your claim.

How long will my case take?

Simple cases with clear liability may settle in 6-12 months. Complex cases with catastrophic injuries or multiple defendants may take 2-3 years. We work to resolve cases as quickly as possible while maximizing your recovery.

What does it cost to hire Attorney911?

We work on contingency. You pay no upfront costs, and we only get paid if we win your case. Our fee is a percentage of your recovery—33.33% if settled before trial, 40% if we go to trial.

Do you handle cases for Spanish-speaking clients?

Yes. Attorney Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish. Hablamos Español. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 and ask for Lupe.

What if the trucking company destroyed evidence?

We send spoliation letters immediately upon being retained, putting the company on notice that destroying evidence will have legal consequences. If evidence is destroyed after notice, courts can impose sanctions or instruct juries to assume the destroyed evidence was favorable to you.

Can I sue the truck manufacturer?

Yes, if a defect in the truck or its components (brakes, tires, steering) contributed to the crash, you may have a product liability claim against the manufacturer.

What if my loved one was killed?

Missouri allows wrongful death claims by surviving spouse, children, or parents. Damages include lost income, loss of companionship, funeral expenses, and mental anguish.

How do I prove the driver was fatigued?

We subpoena Electronic Logging Device (ELD) data showing hours of service violations. We examine dispatch records showing unreasonable delivery schedules. We review the driver’s medical history for sleep apnea or other conditions.

What is MCS-90 and does it apply to my case?

MCS-90 is an insurance endorsement required for interstate commerce. It guarantees minimum coverage regardless of whether the driver’s policy technically excludes the specific cargo or circumstance. This can provide coverage even when the primary insurer denies the claim.

Should I accept the first settlement offer?

Almost never. First offers are typically designed to get you to waive your rights for far less than your case is worth. Consult an attorney before accepting any offer.

What if the truck was owned by the driver (owner-operator)?

Even with owner-operators, the trucking company that dispatched the load may still be liable under theories of negligent hiring or supervision. Additionally, owner-operators usually carry substantial insurance policies.

How is pain and suffering calculated?

There’s no formula, but factors include injury severity, duration of recovery, impact on daily life, and psychological trauma. Missouri has no cap on pain and suffering damages.

Will my case go to trial?

Probably not—about 95% of cases settle. But we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial, which forces the trucking company to offer fair settlements rather than lowball offers.

What if I can’t afford medical treatment?

We can help you find medical providers who accept Letters of Protection (LOPs), meaning they get paid from your settlement rather than requiring upfront payment.

How quickly should I call a lawyer?

Immediately. Within 24-48 hours if possible. The trucking company is already working on their defense. You need someone working just as hard for you.

Why New Madrid County Families Choose Attorney911

When Ernest Cano needed help after his accident, he said we were “first class” and would “fight tooth and nail.” That’s exactly what we do for every client in New Madrid County and beyond.

25+ Years of Experience: Ralph Manginello has been practicing law since 1998. He’s admitted to federal court, handles complex interstate cases, and has recovered millions for families devastated by trucking accidents.

Former Insurance Defense Attorney: Lupe Peña worked for the other side before joining us. He knows exactly how insurance companies evaluate and minimize claims—and he uses that knowledge to maximize your recovery.

Proven Results: We’ve secured multi-million dollar settlements across Texas and nationwide, including a $5+ million recovery for a traumatic brain injury victim and a $3.8+ million settlement for a client who suffered an amputation.

Spanish Language Services: We provide direct representation in Spanish without interpreters. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911 para hablar con Lupe Peña.

24/7 Availability: Truck accidents don’t happen on business hours. Neither does our commitment to you. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 anytime.

No Fee Unless We Win: You pay nothing upfront. We advance all costs. We only get paid when you get paid.

Your Next Step: Protect Your Rights Today

The trucking company has lawyers. Their insurance company has adjusters. They’re working right now to minimize what they pay you.

You need someone working just as hard for your side.

If you’ve been injured in an 18-wheeler accident in New Madrid County—whether on I-55, US 61, or any of our rural highways—call Attorney911 immediately. We’ll review your case for free, explain your options, and start protecting evidence today.

Don’t let the trucking company get away with it. Don’t accept less than you deserve. Don’t wait until evidence disappears.

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

Or reach us online. We’re here for New Madrid County families, and we’re ready to fight for you.

Hablamos Español. Consultas gratuitas. No fee unless we win.

Attorney911 | The Manginello Law Firm
Serving 18-wheeler accident victims in New Madrid County, Missouri and nationwide.

Client Testimonials That Tell Our Story:

“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.” — Donald Wilcox

“You are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.” — Chad Harris

“They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.” — Glenda Walker

“I lost everything… 1 year later I have gained so much in return plus a brand new truck.” — Kiimarii Yup

Your recovery starts with one phone call. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 today.