When an 80,000-pound semi-truck slams into a family sedan on the rural highways of Ray County, the physics are brutal. Your car weighs roughly 4,000 pounds. That truck outweighs you by twenty to one. In an instant, everything changes—your health, your ability to work, your family’s financial security. The trucking company that hit you has already called their lawyers. Their insurance adjuster is already looking for ways to pay you less. What are you doing to protect yourself?
At Attorney911, we don’t wait. We’ve spent over 25 years fighting for trucking accident victims across Missouri and beyond. Ralph Manginello, our managing partner, has been standing up to commercial carriers since 1998. He’s admitted to federal court—critical for interstate trucking cases—and has recovered multi-million dollar settlements for families just like yours. Our associate attorney, Lupe Peña, spent years working inside the insurance defense system. He knows exactly how trucking companies evaluate claims, where they hide evidence, and how they train adjusters to minimize your suffering. Now he uses that insider knowledge against them.
If you’ve been hurt in an 18-wheeler accident anywhere in Ray County—whether on US-24 near Richmond, US-65 through Excelsior Springs, or the agricultural corridors connecting you to Kansas City—you need attorneys who understand federal trucking regulations, Missouri’s 5-year statute of limitations, and the catastrophic nature of these collisions. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 now. We answer 24/7.
Why Ray County Trucking Accidents Demand Specialized Legal Experience
Ray County isn’t just another dot on the map. It’s agricultural heartland where grain trucks, livestock haulers, and commercial freight share narrow rural roads with family vehicles. When harvest season hits, the volume of heavy truck traffic spikes dramatically. Combine that with Missouri’s unpredictable winter weather—black ice on US-24, fog rolling off the Missouri River, sudden snow squalls—and you’ve got a recipe for disaster.
The trucking companies know this. They know that rural accidents often result in catastrophic injuries because emergency services may be farther away, and because the physics of high-speed collisions on open highways leave little room for survival. They count on victims not knowing their rights under federal law. That’s where we come in.
Our firm has handled cases against Walmart, Amazon, FedEx, and regional grain haulers operating throughout Ray County and the surrounding Kansas City metro area. We understand the unique challenges of litigating in Missouri’s Fifth Judicial Circuit. We know the local judges, the opposing counsel, and the specific trucking corridors that pose the greatest dangers.
But more importantly, we know the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSA) inside and out. These federal laws apply to every commercial truck operating in Ray County, and violations of these regulations often prove negligence in your case.
The Federal Regulations That Prove Negligence in Ray County Trucking Cases
Every 18-wheeler operating on Ray County roads must comply with Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations (49 CFR). These aren’t optional guidelines—they’re federal mandates. When trucking companies violate these rules, they endanger lives and expose themselves to liability.
49 CFR Part 390: General Applicability
This section establishes who must comply with federal trucking laws. It applies to any vehicle with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) over 10,001 pounds, any vehicle designed to transport 16 or more passengers, or any vehicle transporting hazardous materials requiring placards. Most importantly, § 390.3 states that these rules apply to all employers, employees, and commercial motor vehicles transporting property in interstate commerce. Even if that truck was just crossing through Ray County from Kansas City to St. Joseph, federal law applies.
49 CFR Part 391: Driver Qualification Standards
Before a truck driver ever turns the key in Ray County, they must meet strict qualification standards under § 391.11. They must be at least 21 years old for interstate commerce (or 18 for intrastate), speak sufficient English to communicate with law enforcement and the public, hold a valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), and pass a physical examination every two years.
The trucking company must maintain a Driver Qualification (DQ) File for every operator. This file must include the employment application, three years of motor vehicle records, proof of medical certification, and verification of previous employment going back three years. We subpoena these files in every case. If the trucking company hired a driver with a history of DUIs, failed to verify their CDL, or put them on the road without a valid medical card, that’s negligent hiring—and it makes them liable for your injuries.
49 CFR Part 392: Driving Rules
This section governs how truck drivers operate their vehicles. Under § 392.3, no driver shall operate a commercial vehicle while their ability or alertness is impaired through fatigue, illness, or any other cause that makes driving unsafe. This applies to both the driver AND the trucking company. If a carrier scheduled an impossible route that forced the driver to stay awake beyond legal limits, the company is directly negligent.
Section 392.4 prohibits drivers from being under the influence of any Schedule I substance, amphetamines, narcotics, or other substances that render them incapable of safe driving. Section 392.5 sets a strict four-hour prohibition on alcohol use before driving. Under § 392.11, drivers cannot follow other vehicles more closely than is “reasonable and prudent.” Given that an 80,000-pound truck needs nearly two football fields to stop from highway speeds, tailgating is inherently unreasonable.
Critically, § 392.82 prohibits hand-held mobile phone use while driving. We frequently subpoena cell phone records to prove distracted driving when a trucker was texting or calling instead of watching the road on Ray County’s winding rural highways.
49 CFR Part 393: Vehicle Safety and Cargo Securement
This section covers equipment standards. Under § 393.100-136, cargo must be contained, immobilized, or secured to prevent leaking, spilling, blowing, or falling from the vehicle. The cargo securement system must withstand specific force thresholds: 0.8 g deceleration forward, 0.5 g acceleration rearward, and 0.5 g lateral force.
In Ray County’s agricultural economy, we see numerous cases involving improper loading of grain, livestock, or equipment. When cargo shifts during transit, it can cause rollovers or jackknifes that block US-24 or MO-13 for hours. The trucking company is liable for failing to properly secure that load.
Section 393.40-55 mandates properly functioning brake systems. Brake problems contribute to approximately 29% of large truck crashes. If the trucking company deferred maintenance to save money, and those brakes failed on a steep approach to the Missouri River bridge, they’re responsible for the carnage that follows.
49 CFR Part 395: Hours of Service (HOS) Regulations
This is where we find the most frequent violations. The Hours of Service rules exist because fatigue kills. Under § 395.3, property-carrying drivers face strict limits:
- 11-Hour Driving Limit: Cannot drive more than 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty
- 14-Hour Duty Window: Cannot drive beyond the 14th consecutive hour after coming on duty
- 30-Minute Break: Must take a 30-minute break after 8 cumulative hours of driving
- 60/70-Hour Rule: Cannot drive after 60 hours in 7 days or 70 hours in 8 days
Since December 18, 2017, most drivers must use Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) under § 395.8. These devices automatically record driving time and synchronize with the truck’s engine. Unlike paper logs—which drivers could falsify—ELD data is objective evidence of hours-of-service violations.
In Ray County’s rural stretches, we frequently see drivers pushing past these limits to make delivery windows in Kansas City or St. Joseph. When a driver falls asleep at the wheel on US-65 and crosses into oncoming traffic, that ELD data proves the violation that caused your injuries.
49 CFR Part 396: Inspection and Maintenance
Under § 396.3, every motor carrier must “systematically inspect, repair, and maintain” all vehicles subject to its control. Drivers must conduct pre-trip inspections before driving (§ 396.13) and prepare written post-trip reports covering service brakes, parking brakes, steering mechanisms, lighting, tires, horns, wipers, mirrors, coupling devices, and wheels.
Section 396.17 requires annual comprehensive inspections. Records must be maintained for 14 months. When we send spoliation letters—demanding preservation of evidence—we specifically target these maintenance records. If the trucking company knew their brakes were defective but kept the truck on the road anyway, that’s gross negligence warranting punitive damages.
The Types of 18-Wheeler Accidents We See in Ray County
Not all truck accidents are the same. The rolling hills, agricultural traffic, and weather patterns around Ray County create specific risks that differ from urban trucking accidents. Here are the collision types we handle most frequently in the Fifth Judicial Circuit:
Jackknife Accidents
A jackknife occurs when the trailer swings out perpendicular to the cab, folding like a pocket knife. On Ray County’s rural highways—particularly when drivers take curves too fast on US-24 or encounter sudden ice—jackknifes often block multiple lanes, causing multi-vehicle pileups.
These accidents typically result from sudden braking on wet or icy roads, improperly loaded trailers that are top-heavy or unbalanced, or brake system failures. Under § 393.48, brake system malfunctions that contribute to jackknifes prove negligence. We analyze skid marks, ECM data showing brake application timing, and maintenance records to prove the trucking company failed to maintain safe equipment.
Injuries from jackknife accidents are catastrophic. Vehicles struck by the swinging trailer experience massive impact forces. We see traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, and wrongful death in these cases.
Rollover Accidents
Ray County’s terrain includes rolling hills and curves approaching the Missouri River. When truck drivers take these curves too fast—which happens frequently when they’re running behind schedule due to HOS violations—rollovers occur. An 80,000-pound truck tipping onto its side crushes anything in its path.
Rollovers often result from speed violations (§ 392.6), cargo shifts (§ 393.100), or driver fatigue causing delayed reaction time. Liquid cargo like agricultural chemicals or fuel poses particular risks—the “slosh” effect shifts the center of gravity during turns.
When a rollover happens on a rural Ray County road with limited shoulders, the truck often slides into ditches or overturns onto passenger vehicles. We investigate the cargo manifest, load distribution records, and driver training to prove the trucking company prioritized speed over safety.
Rear-End Collisions
An 18-wheeler traveling at 65 mph needs approximately 525 feet to stop—nearly two football fields. On US-65, where speeds reach 70 mph, that distance grows. When truckers follow too closely (violating § 392.11), tailgate in fog common to the Missouri River valley, or drive distracted while looking at their phones, they slam into smaller vehicles with devastating force.
Rear-end collisions with semi-trucks typically cause whiplash, spinal cord compression, traumatic brain injuries from impact with steering wheels or dashboards, and internal organ damage. The sheer mass of the truck means the passenger vehicle absorbs nearly all the kinetic energy.
We prove these cases by subpoenaing ECM data showing following distance, ELD records proving driver fatigue, and cell phone records documenting distraction. The trucking company’s insurance often tries to claim the victim stopped suddenly—but the data usually shows the trucker was following too closely for conditions.
Tire Blowout Accidents
Missouri’s temperature extremes—sweltering summers and frigid winters—cause tire degradation. When trucking companies defer maintenance to save costs, tires become ticking time bombs. A steer-tire blowout on US-24 can cause immediate loss of control, sending an 80,000-pound missile careening across lanes.
Under § 393.75, tires must have minimum tread depth (4/32″ for steer tires, 2/32″ for others) and be free from defects. Drivers must inspect tires during pre-trip checks under § 396.13. When we investigate tire blowout cases, we preserve the failed tire for defect analysis, subpoena maintenance records showing when tires were last replaced, and check whether the truck was overloaded beyond tire capacity.
Road debris from blowouts—often called “road gators”—strikes following vehicles, causing secondary accidents. If a trucking company’s negligence caused the blowout, they’re liable for all resulting damages.
Cargo Spill and Shift Accidents
Ray County’s economy runs on agriculture. During harvest season, grain trucks, livestock haulers, and equipment transport vehicles flood local highways. When cargo isn’t properly secured under § 393.100-136, shifts occur that destabilize trucks or spill loads onto roadways.
Grain spills on MO-13 or MO-10 create slick surfaces resembling black ice. Livestock escapes cause chain-reaction accidents as drivers swerve to avoid animals. Heavy equipment that shifts during transport can cause rollovers or jackknifes.
We investigate these cases by examining the bill of lading, loading company procedures, and whether the trucking company provided adequate tiedowns. The performance criteria require securement systems to withstand 0.8 g forward deceleration—if the cargo broke loose during a routine stop, the securement was inadequate.
Underride Collisions
Among the most fatal accidents we handle, underride crashes occur when a smaller vehicle slides under the trailer of an 18-wheeler. The trailer height often shears off the passenger compartment at windshield level. Rear underride happens when trucks stop suddenly; side underride occurs during lane changes or turns.
While § 393.86 requires rear impact guards on trailers manufactured after January 26, 1998, there’s no federal requirement for side underride guards. Many trucking companies resist installing these life-saving devices because of cost.
When we handle underride cases in Ray County, we examine whether the rear guards met federal strength standards, whether lighting and reflectors were adequate under § 393.11, and whether the truck made an improper lane change into traffic. These cases often involve decapitation or catastrophic head trauma, requiring immediate preservation of the trailer for inspection.
Head-On Collisions
On two-lane rural highways common in Ray County, head-on collisions with 18-wheelers are often fatal. These occur when fatigued drivers (violating § 392.3 and § 395) drift across center lines, when drivers pass unsafely on hills or curves, or when impaired drivers lose control.
The closing speed in a head-on collision combines both vehicles’ velocities. A car doing 55 mph and a truck doing 60 mph creates a 115 mph impact. Survivors typically suffer traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord transections, amputations, or severe internal bleeding.
We prove these cases by analyzing ELD data for HOS violations, pulling medical records to check for sleep apnea or other fatigue-related conditions, and reviewing dispatch records to see if the company pressured the driver to meet impossible deadlines.
Brake Failure Accidents
Brake problems contribute to 29% of large truck crashes. In Ray County’s rolling terrain, brake fade on long downgrades can lead to runaway trucks. When trucking companies defer maintenance under § 396.3—skipping brake adjustments, ignoring air leaks, or using substandard parts—they gamble with lives.
We investigate brake failure by preserving the truck’s brake components, subpoenaing maintenance records and mechanic work orders, and checking for out-of-service violations in the carrier’s CSA (Compliance, Safety, Accountability) scores. If the company knew brakes were defective but kept the truck on the road, punitive damages may apply.
Wide Turn Accidents (“Squeeze Play”)
18-wheelers require significant space to complete right turns. Drivers must swing wide to the left before turning right, creating a gap that tempts other drivers to pass on the right. When the truck completes its turn, it crushes the vehicle in the gap.
These accidents typically occur at intersections in Richmond, Excelsior Springs, or near the junction of US-24 and US-65. They result from failure to signal (violating state traffic laws), inadequate mirror checks, or driver inexperience with trailer tracking.
We prove these cases by examining ECM data for turn signal activation, mirror adjustment records, and driver training documentation. The trucking company is liable for failing to properly train the driver on safe turning procedures.
Blind Spot Accidents (“No-Zone” Crashes)
18-wheelers have four major blind spots: 20 feet directly in front, 30 feet behind, and large areas along both sides (particularly the right side). When truckers change lanes without checking these “No-Zones,” they sideswipe passenger vehicles or push them off the road.
Under § 393.80, mirrors must provide a clear view to the rear on both sides. If mirrors were improperly adjusted, damaged, or the driver failed to use them, both the driver and trucking company are liable.
Every Party Who Can Be Held Liable in Your Ray County Case
Most law firms only sue the driver and trucking company. That’s a mistake. In 18-wheeler cases, multiple parties may share liability—and each represents a separate insurance pool that can increase your recovery.
The Truck Driver
The driver who caused the accident may be personally liable for negligence: speeding, distracted driving, fatigued operation, impairment, or failure to inspect their vehicle. We obtain their driving record, training history, and medical certifications. If they violated FMCSA regulations or state traffic laws, they bear personal responsibility.
The Trucking Company (Motor Carrier)
The trucking company is often the primary defendant. Under the doctrine of respondeat superior (“let the master answer”), employers are responsible for their employees’ negligent acts committed within the scope of employment.
Beyond vicarious liability, trucking companies face direct liability for:
- Negligent Hiring: Failing to check the driver’s safety record, CDL status, or criminal history
- Negligent Training: Providing inadequate instruction on safety, cargo securement, or hours-of-service compliance
- Negligent Supervision: Failing to monitor ELD data or enforce safety policies
- Negligent Maintenance: Deferring critical repairs to save costs
- Negligent Scheduling: Pressure to violate HOS regulations to meet delivery windows
Trucking companies carry substantial insurance—typically $750,000 to $5 million or more. Identifying every instance of corporate negligence maximizes the value of your claim.
The Cargo Owner (Shipper)
The company that owns the cargo may be liable if they provided improper loading instructions, failed to disclose hazardous materials, required overweight loading, or pressured the carrier to expedite delivery beyond safe limits. In Ray County’s agricultural sector, grain elevators and livestock brokers often specify loading procedures that affect stability.
The Cargo Loading Company
Third-party loaders who physically place cargo on trucks may be liable for improper securement under § 393.100. If a loading dock in Kansas City or a grain facility in Ray County failed to properly distribute weight or secure the load, they share responsibility for resulting rollovers or spills.
The Truck and Trailer Manufacturer
Defective design or manufacturing can cause catastrophic failures. If the brake system was defectively designed, if the steering mechanism failed, or if the fuel tank placement caused fires upon impact, the manufacturer is strictly liable under product liability theories.
Parts Manufacturers
Companies that manufactured specific components—brake pads, tires, steering linkages—may be liable if their defects contributed to the accident. We preserve failed components for expert analysis and research recall histories through the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) database.
The Maintenance Company
Third-party maintenance providers who serviced the truck may be liable for negligent repairs. If a mechanic failed to identify critical safety issues, improperly adjusted brakes, or returned the vehicle to service with known defects, they share responsibility.
The Freight Broker
Freight brokers who arrange transportation may be liable for negligent carrier selection. If they hired a carrier with a poor safety record, failed to verify insurance and operating authority, or chose the cheapest bidder despite safety concerns, they may be liable for resulting injuries.
The Truck Owner (If Different from Carrier)
In owner-operator arrangements, the individual who owns the truck may be separately liable for negligent entrustment or failure to maintain owned equipment.
Government Entities
In limited circumstances, government agencies may be liable for dangerous road design, failure to maintain roadways, inadequate signage, or improper work zone setup. However, Missouri’s sovereign immunity laws limit these claims, and strict notice requirements apply.
The 48-Hour Evidence Preservation Protocol
In 18-wheeler cases, evidence disappears fast. Trucking companies have rapid-response teams that arrive at crash scenes within hours—sometimes before the ambulance leaves. If you don’t act immediately, critical proof will be lost forever.
Critical Evidence Timelines
| Evidence Type | Destruction Risk |
|---|---|
| ECM/Black Box Data | Overwrites in 30 days or with new driving events |
| ELD Logs | May be retained only 6 months |
| Dashcam Footage | Often deleted within 7-14 days |
| Surveillance Video | Business cameras typically overwrite in 7-30 days |
| Witness Memory | Fades significantly within weeks |
| Physical Evidence | Vehicle may be repaired, sold, or scrapped |
| Drug/Alcohol Tests | Must be conducted within specific windows |
The Spoliation Letter
Within 24 hours of retaining us, we send a spoliation letter to the trucking company, their insurer, and all potentially liable parties. This legal notice demands preservation of:
Electronic Data:
- ECM/Black Box downloads showing speed, braking, and throttle position
- ELD records proving hours-of-service compliance
- GPS and telematics data showing route history
- Dashcam and forward-facing camera footage
- Cell phone records and text messages
- Dispatch communications
Driver Records:
- Complete Driver Qualification Files
- Employment applications and background checks
- Medical certifications and exam records
- Drug and alcohol test results
- Training records and performance reviews
Vehicle Records:
- Maintenance and repair logs
- Inspection reports (pre-trip, post-trip, annual)
- Tire and brake replacement histories
- Parts purchase records
Company Records:
- Safety policies and violation histories
- CSA scores and inspection records
- Insurance policies and coverage documents
Once put on notice of potential litigation, destroying evidence constitutes spoliation. Missouri courts can impose sanctions, instruct juries to assume destroyed evidence was unfavorable, or enter default judgment against the trucking company.
Why ECM/ELD Data Wins Cases
Electronic Control Modules (ECMs) and Event Data Recorders (EDRs) provide objective, tamper-resistant evidence. They record:
- Exact speed before and during the crash
- Brake application timing and pressure
- Throttle position (was the driver accelerating?)
- Seatbelt usage
- Airbag deployment timing
ELD data proves whether the driver violated hours-of-service regulations. This objective data frequently contradicts driver testimony. When a trucker claims they “hit the brakes immediately” but the ECM shows a two-second delay, or when they claim they “weren’t tired” but the ELD shows 14 hours of driving, the truth becomes undeniable.
Catastrophic Injuries From 18-Wheeler Accidents in Ray County
The physics of truck accidents make catastrophic injuries the norm, not the exception. An 80,000-pound truck carries approximately 80 times the kinetic energy of a passenger car. When that energy transfers to your body, the results are devastating.
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
Even “minor” truck accidents can cause TBIs when the brain impacts the inside of the skull. Symptoms include headaches, confusion, memory loss, difficulty concentrating, mood changes, and sensory problems. Moderate to severe TBIs can cause permanent cognitive impairment, personality changes, and the inability to work or live independently.
Our firm has recovered between $1.5 million and $9.8 million for TBI victims, depending on severity and long-term prognosis. These settlements account for lifetime care, lost earning capacity, and the profound impact on quality of life.
Spinal Cord Injury and Paralysis
The force of a truck collision can fracture vertebrae, compress the spinal cord, or sever nerves entirely. Paraplegia (loss of function below the waist) and quadriplegia (loss of function in all four limbs) require lifetime medical care, home modifications, and assistive devices.
Settlement ranges for spinal cord injuries typically run from $4.7 million to $25.8 million or more, depending on the victim’s age, pre-injury earning capacity, and level of disability.
Amputation
When crushing occurs—common in underride accidents or when vehicles are pinned against guardrails—amputation may be necessary either at the scene or surgically later. Traumatic amputations require prosthetics ($5,000 to $50,000 per device), replacement every few years, extensive rehabilitation, and career retraining.
Our amputation cases have settled between $1.9 million and $8.6 million, reflecting the lifelong impact and medical needs.
Severe Burns
Fuel tank ruptures, hazmat spills, or electrical fires can cause third and fourth-degree burns covering large body surface areas. These require multiple skin graft surgeries, create permanent scarring and disfigurement, and carry high infection risks. Burns also cause psychological trauma that lasts long after the physical wounds heal.
Internal Organ Damage
Blunt force trauma from truck accidents frequently causes liver lacerations, spleen ruptures, kidney damage, and lung contusions. These injuries may not show immediate symptoms but can be life-threatening without emergency surgery.
Wrongful Death
When a trucking accident takes a loved one, surviving family members may pursue wrongful death claims under Missouri law. Damages include lost future income, loss of consortium and companionship, mental anguish, funeral expenses, and punitive damages if gross negligence is proven.
Our wrongful death settlements in trucking cases have ranged from $1.9 million to $9.5 million, depending on the decedent’s age, earning capacity, and the egregiousness of the trucking company’s conduct.
Commercial Truck Insurance and Your Recovery
Understanding insurance coverage is crucial to maximizing your recovery. Unlike passenger vehicles with minimum policies of $25,000, commercial trucks carry vastly higher limits.
Federal Minimum Insurance Requirements
Under FMCSA regulations:
- $750,000: Non-hazardous freight in vehicles over 10,001 lbs GVWR
- $1,000,000: Oil, petroleum products, large equipment, or vehicles over 10,001 lbs GVWR
- $5,000,000: Hazardous materials or vehicles transporting 16+ passengers
Many carriers carry $1-5 million in coverage, with excess or umbrella policies providing additional layers. Identifying all available coverage—from the motor carrier’s policy to trailer interchange coverage to the owner-operator’s individual policy—is essential.
Types of Damages Recoverable
Economic Damages (Calculable Losses):
- Past and future medical expenses
- Lost wages and lost earning capacity
- Property damage
- Rehabilitation and therapy costs
- Home modifications for accessibility
- In-home care and assistance
Non-Economic Damages (Quality of Life):
- Physical pain and suffering
- Mental anguish and emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Disfigurement and scarring
- Loss of consortium (impact on marital relationship)
Punitive Damages (Punishment for Gross Negligence):
Missouri no longer caps punitive damages for personal injury cases (the cap was struck down as unconstitutional in 2012). When trucking companies knowingly put dangerous drivers on the road, falsify logs, destroy evidence, or ignore federal safety regulations, juries may award punitive damages to punish the wrongdoer and deter future misconduct.
Frequently Asked Questions About Ray County Trucking Accidents
How long do I have to file an 18-wheeler accident lawsuit in Ray County, Missouri?
Missouri provides a generous 5-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims—longer than most states. However, waiting is dangerous. Evidence disappears, witnesses move away, and memories fade. More importantly, Missouri follows “pure comparative fault” rules. Even if you were partially at fault, you can recover damages reduced by your percentage of fault. But the trucking company is already building their defense. Call us immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911.
What if the trucking company offers me a settlement quickly?
Early settlement offers are almost always lowball attempts to close your claim before you understand the full extent of your injuries. Never accept any offer without consulting an experienced trucking attorney. Once you sign a release, you cannot recover additional compensation if your injuries worsen—which they often do with traumatic brain injuries, spinal damage, or internal trauma.
Can I still recover if I was partially at fault for the accident?
Yes. Missouri uses pure comparative fault. If you were 20% at fault and your damages total $500,000, you recover $400,000. Even if you were 99% at fault, you could theoretically recover 1%—though practically, cases with high plaintiff fault settle for policy limits or less. Our job is to minimize your fault percentage by proving the trucker’s violations of FMCSA regulations.
What if the truck driver was an independent contractor, not an employee?
Trucking companies often claim drivers are “independent contractors” to avoid liability. However, under Missouri law and federal regulations, if the company controls how the work is performed, provides the equipment, or sets the schedule, the driver may still be considered an employee for liability purposes. Additionally, the company may be liable for negligent hiring or entrustment even with contractors.
How do you prove the driver was fatigued?
We subpoena ELD data showing hours-of-service violations, analyze dispatch records for impossible scheduling, review the driver’s medical records for sleep disorders, and examine cell phone records for late-night use indicating insufficient rest. Fatigue leaves telltale signs in electronic data.
What is a “nuclear verdict” and should I expect one?
Nuclear verdicts—awards exceeding $10 million—have become increasingly common in trucking cases across Missouri when egregious negligence is proven. While every case differs, these verdicts demonstrate that juries will hold trucking companies fully accountable for prioritizing profit over safety. Our firm prepares every case as if it’s going to trial, which often leads to better settlement offers before trial becomes necessary.
Will my case go to trial?
Most trucking cases settle before trial, but we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial. Insurance companies know which attorneys are willing to go to court—and they offer better settlements to those firms. With over 25 years of trial experience, Ralph Manginello has the reputation that forces fair settlement offers.
How much does it cost to hire Attorney911?
Nothing upfront. We work on contingency. You pay no attorney fees unless we win your case. Our standard fee is 33.33% if settled before trial, 40% if trial is necessary. We advance all costs of investigation and litigation. You never receive a bill from us.
Do you handle cases for Spanish-speaking clients in Ray County?
Sí. Hablamos Español. Our associate attorney Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish and provides direct representation without interpreters. Many of our staff also speak Spanish. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911 para una consulta gratis.
What if the trucking company is from another state?
It doesn’t matter. Because commercial trucking involves interstate commerce, we can pursue claims against carriers from Texas, California, or anywhere else. Ralph Manginello is admitted to federal court, allowing us to handle interstate cases efficiently.
How do I document my injuries for my case?
Seek immediate medical attention. Follow all doctor’s orders precisely. Keep a journal of your pain levels, limitations, and how injuries affect your daily life. Save all medical bills and receipts. Take photographs of visible injuries as they heal. The more documentation you provide, the stronger your case becomes.
What if my loved one died in the accident?
We are deeply sorry for your loss. In Missouri, wrongful death claims can be brought by surviving spouses, children, and parents. You may recover for lost financial support, loss of companionship, mental anguish, funeral expenses, and punitive damages if gross negligence is proven. These cases require immediate evidence preservation—call us today.
Can I sue if the accident was caused by a tire blowout or mechanical failure?
Yes. If the trucking company failed to maintain the vehicle properly, or if a manufacturer defect caused the failure, multiple parties may be liable. We preserve the failed components for expert analysis and investigate maintenance records to prove negligence.
What happens if the trucking company destroys evidence?
Courts take spoliation seriously. If the trucking company destroys evidence after receiving our preservation letter, we can request sanctions, adverse inference instructions (where the jury is told to assume the destroyed evidence would have been unfavorable to the trucking company), or even default judgment. This is why we send preservation letters immediately.
How long will my case take?
Simple cases may resolve in 6-12 months. Complex trucking cases with catastrophic injuries often take 18-36 months. Missouri’s 5-year statute of limitations means we have time to ensure you receive maximum medical improvement before settling, which protects your long-term interests.
What if I can’t afford medical treatment while waiting for settlement?
We work with medical providers who treat on a Letter of Protection (LOP), meaning they get paid when your case settles. Don’t delay treatment because of financial concerns—your health comes first, and we can help arrange care.
Why are you qualified to handle my Ray County case?
Ralph Manginello has practiced law since 1998, securing multi-million dollar settlements for clients. He’s admitted to federal court, crucial for interstate trucking cases. Lupe Peña brings insider knowledge from his years defending insurance companies. We have three offices—in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont—with the resources to handle complex litigation while providing personal attention. As client Chad Harris said, “You are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.”
What’s the first step I should take after a trucking accident?
Call 1-888-ATTY-911 immediately. We answer 24/7. We’ll guide you through protecting your rights, preserving evidence, and getting the medical care you need. The trucking company has lawyers working for them right now. You deserve the same level of representation.
Your Fight Starts Today
Trucking companies think they can push accident victims around. They think you’ll accept their lowball offer because you’re overwhelmed, in pain, and worried about bills. They think you don’t know about FMCSA regulations, hours-of-service violations, or the multi-million dollar verdicts juries award when trucking companies break the rules.
They’re wrong.
At Attorney911, we’ve spent 25 years proving them wrong. We’ve taken cases other firms rejected and won. We’ve secured settlements in the millions when insurance companies initially offered pennies. We’ve gone toe-to-toe with Fortune 500 corporations and made them pay.
If you or a loved one has been injured in an 18-wheeler accident in Ray County—whether in Richmond, Excelsior Springs, or on the rural highways connecting you to Kansas City—don’t wait. Every hour you delay, evidence disappears. The truck’s black box data can be overwritten. Dashcam footage gets deleted. Witnesses forget what they saw.
Call Attorney911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911. We answer 24/7. The consultation is free. You pay nothing unless we win. And when you hire us, you join a family—because as our client Glenda Walker put it, “They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.”
Don’t let the trucking company win. Your fight starts with one call: 1-888-ATTY-911.
Hablamos Español. Llame hoy.
