When an 80,000-pound commercial truck slams into a family vehicle on I-40 through Guilford County, the physics aren’t fair—and neither is the fight that follows. The truck driver has already called their company’s lawyers. Their insurance adjuster is already looking for ways to blame you. Meanwhile, you’re dealing with catastrophic injuries, mounting medical bills, and a legal system that isn’t designed to make things easy.
We’re Attorney911, and we’ve spent over 25 years making trucking companies pay for the devastation they’ve caused. Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has been fighting for injury victims since 1998, securing multi-million dollar verdicts against Fortune 500 corporations and major commercial carriers. We’ve recovered over $50 million for families across the country, including $5+ million for a traumatic brain injury victim and $3.8+ million for an amputation case. Our associate attorney, Lupe Peña, spent years working inside the insurance defense industry—now he uses that insider knowledge to fight against the very tactics he once employed. We know how trucking companies think, and we know how to beat them.
If you’ve been hurt in an 18-wheeler accident anywhere in Guilford County—whether in Greensboro, High Point, or along the busy I-85 corridor—you need a team that understands federal trucking regulations, North Carolina’s harsh contributory negligence laws, and the local roads where these tragedies happen. Call us 24/7 at 1-888-ATTY-911.
Why 18-Wheeler Accidents in Guilford County Are Different
Your car weighs about 4,000 pounds. A fully loaded commercial truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds. That’s not just a size difference—it’s a life-or-death disparity. When these vehicles collide on Guilford County’s highways, the results are catastrophic.
But the physics aren’t the only problem. Trucking accidents involve layers of liability that standard car wrecks simply don’t have. There are federal regulations to navigate, multiple insurance policies to uncover, and evidence that disappears faster than you might think. In North Carolina, the legal landscape is particularly challenging because of our state’s contributory negligence rule—if you’re found even 1% at fault for the accident, you may be barred from recovering any compensation. That’s why immediate legal representation isn’t just helpful in Guilford County—it’s essential.
Ralph Manginello brings federal court experience to every case, including admission to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas. This federal expertise matters because commercial trucking is regulated by federal law, and many cases can or should be filed in federal court. When you’re fighting a trucking company that operates across state lines through the Piedmont Triad, you need an attorney who knows how to play in the big leagues.
The Realities of Trucking in Guilford County
Guilford County sits at the heart of North Carolina’s Piedmont Triad, with major interstates I-40 and I-85 crossing through our communities. These aren’t just local highways—they’re critical arteries for East Coast freight, connecting the Port of Wilmington to the rest of the country and serving as primary routes for furniture manufacturing, textile shipping, and distribution centers that define our regional economy.
The I-40 corridor runs east-west through Greensboro, carrying transcontinental freight from Raleigh toward Winston-Salem and beyond. I-85 cuts through the county north-to-south, serving as a major route for freight moving between Atlanta and the Northeast. Add in I-73 and I-74, along with High Point’s status as a furniture capital requiring constant truck traffic, and you have a recipe for serious accidents.
Our local weather creates unique hazards too. Guilford County sees some of the most dangerous ice storms in the Piedmont region—conditions that cause jackknife accidents when truck drivers fail to adjust their speed. Summer thunderstorms and tornado threats add to the danger, especially when trucking companies pressure drivers to meet deadlines regardless of weather.
Types of 18-Wheeler Accidents We Handle
Every trucking accident is different, but certain types of crashes are more common along Guilford County’s busy corridors. Understanding how these accidents happen—and which federal regulations they violate—is crucial to proving your case. Under 49 CFR Parts 390-399, commercial carriers must follow strict safety standards. When they don’t, people die.
Jackknife Accidents
A jackknife occurs when a truck’s trailer slides out perpendicular to the cab, often sweeping across multiple lanes of traffic. On I-40 during an ice storm, or when a trucker brakes too hard coming down a grade near High Point, the trailer can swing out and crush anything in its path. These accidents often involve violations of 49 CFR § 392.6 (speeding for conditions) or 49 CFR § 393.48 (brake system failures).
We’ve seen jackknife crashes near the I-40/I-85 split in Greensboro that involved multiple vehicles and catastrophic injuries. When a truck jackknifes on a busy Piedmont highway during rush hour, the results are devastating. Black box data from the truck’s Engine Control Module (ECM) can show exactly when the driver applied brakes and whether they were traveling too fast for conditions—evidence that can prove negligence under federal regulations.
Underride Collisions
Among the most fatal types of trucking accidents, underrides occur when a smaller vehicle crashes into the rear or side of a trailer and slides underneath. The trailer height often shears off the occupant compartment at windshield level. Despite federal requirements under 49 CFR § 393.86 mandating rear impact guards on trailers manufactured after 1998, many trucks have inadequate or damaged guards.
In Guilford County, where I-85 serves as a major freight corridor with heavy nighttime traffic, underride accidents are particularly deadly. If you’ve lost a loved one in an underride collision, we pursue wrongful death claims against not just the driver, but the trucking company, trailer manufacturer, and maintenance companies who failed to ensure proper underride protection.
Rollover Accidents
When an 18-wheeler tips onto its side or roof, the results are catastrophic. Rollovers often happen on the curved ramps connecting I-40 to I-73, or when improperly secured cargo shifts during a turn. These accidents frequently involve violations of 49 CFR § 393.100-136 (cargo securement regulations).
The Piedmont’s rolling terrain creates dangerous conditions for top-heavy trucks. When a driver takes a curve too fast on a rain-slicked ramp, or when cargo shifts because the loading company failed to follow federal securement standards, innocent drivers pay the price. We investigate loading records, weigh station data, and driver training to prove liability.
Brake Failure Accidents
Brake problems factor in approximately 29% of large truck crashes. Under 49 CFR § 396.3, motor carriers must systematically inspect, repair, and maintain their vehicles. Drivers must conduct pre-trip inspections per 49 CFR § 396.13, and post-trip reports must be filed per 49 CFR § 396.11.
When a truck’s brakes fail on a downgrade into Greensboro, or when worn brake components cause a rear-end collision on High Point Road, we’re looking at maintenance records, driver inspection reports, and company safety policies. Many trucking companies defer maintenance to save money—putting profits over safety in violation of federal law.
Tire Blowouts
An 18-wheeler has 18 tires, and when one blows at highway speed, the driver can lose control instantly. Tire blowouts often cause debris that struck other vehicles or lead to rollovers. Under 49 CFR § 393.75, tires must meet specific tread depth and condition requirements. Pre-trip inspections required by 49 CFR § 396.13 must include tire checks.
The extreme heat of a North Carolina summer, combined with long hauls along I-85, creates conditions for tire failures—especially when trucking companies fail to replace aging tires or maintain proper inflation.
Rear-End Collisions
A loaded truck traveling at 65 mph needs approximately 525 feet to stop—nearly two football fields. When truckers follow too closely on I-40 through Guilford County, or when distracted driving causes delayed reaction times, the results are catastrophic. These accidents often violate 49 CFR § 392.11 (following too closely) or 49 CFR § 392.82 (mobile phone use while driving).
The reality is that truck drivers are often fatigued, pressured by impossible delivery schedules that violate Hours of Service regulations under 49 CFR Part 395. When an exhausted driver rear-ends a family on their way home in High Point, we immediately subpoena Electronic Logging Device (ELD) data to prove Hours of Service violations.
Wide Turn Accidents
Also called “squeeze play” accidents, these occur when a truck swings wide (often to the left) before making a right turn, trapping vehicles in the adjacent lane. In downtown Greensboro or High Point, where streets are tighter and traffic is dense, these accidents are common. They often involve violations of 49 CFR § 392.2 (failure to obey traffic signals) or state traffic laws.
Blind Spot Accidents
Trucks have massive blind spots—called “No-Zones”—on all four sides. The right-side blind spot is particularly dangerous and extends the length of the trailer. When truckers change lanes on I-85 without checking mirrors, or when they fail to signal, they violate 49 CFR § 393.80 (mirror requirements) and 49 CFR § 392.11 (unsafe lane changes).
Catastrophic Injuries Require Maximum Compensation
The injuries sustained in 18-wheeler accidents aren’t just serious—they’re life-altering. We’ve represented clients who faced:
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): From concussions to severe brain damage, TBIs can affect cognitive function, personality, and the ability to work. Victims may require lifelong care. Our firm has secured settlements ranging from $1.5 million to $9.8 million for TBI victims.
Spinal Cord Injuries: Paraplegia and quadriplegia require home modifications, wheelchairs, and ongoing medical care. Lifetime costs can exceed $5 million. We’ve seen verdicts in the $4.7 million to $25.8 million range for spinal injuries.
Amputations: Whether traumatic (severed at the scene) or surgical (required due to crushing damage), amputations change everything. Prosthetics need replacement every few years. Settlements typically range from $1.9 million to $8.6 million.
Severe Burns: Often caused by fuel tank ruptures or hazardous cargo, burns require multiple surgeries and create permanent scarring.
Wrongful Death: When a trucking accident takes a loved one, families face not just grief but financial devastation. Wrongful death settlements in serious trucking cases often range from $1.9 million to $9.5 million, though every case is unique.
In North Carolina, you have three years from the date of injury to file a personal injury lawsuit, but only two years for wrongful death claims. However, waiting is dangerous—evidence disappears, and the trucking company is already building their defense.
Holding All Liable Parties Accountable
One mistake many law firms make is only suing the truck driver. We dig deeper. Under the doctrine of respondeat superior and various negligence theories, multiple parties may be liable:
The Truck Driver: For speeding, distraction, fatigue, or impairment. We examine cell phone records, ELD data, and drug test results.
The Trucking Company: Often the deepest pocket. They may be vicariously liable for their driver’s actions, or directly liable for negligent hiring, training, or supervision. Under 49 CFR § 391.51, they must maintain Driver Qualification Files—records we subpoena to check if they hired an unqualified driver or failed to monitor Hours of Service compliance.
The Cargo Owner/Shipper: If they required overweight loading or pressured the driver to meet impossible deadlines.
The Loading Company: If cargo was improperly secured under 49 CFR § 393.100 standards, causing a shift or spill.
The Maintenance Company: If third-party mechanics performed negligent repairs or failed to identify dangerous conditions.
The Truck or Parts Manufacturer: If defective brakes, tires, or steering components caused the crash.
The Freight Broker: If they negligently selected a carrier with a poor safety record.
Government Entities: If dangerous road design or inadequate signage contributed to the accident (though sovereign immunity limits apply).
Lupe Peña’s background as a former insurance defense attorney gives us insider knowledge of how these companies try to shift blame. He knows their playbook—because he used to write it. Now he uses that knowledge to maximize your recovery.
The 48-Hour Evidence Race
Here’s what most Guilford County accident victims don’t know: critical evidence begins disappearing immediately. Trucking companies have rapid-response teams that arrive at the scene while the wreckage is still smoking. Their lawyers are working to protect them before you even leave the hospital.
We act faster. Within 24 hours of being retained, we send spoliation letters—legal notices demanding preservation of:
- ECM/Black Box Data: Records speed, braking, and throttle position. Can be overwritten in 30 days.
- ELD Data: Proves Hours of Service violations under 49 CFR § 395.8. Federal law only requires 6-month retention.
- Driver Qualification Files: Must be kept for 3 years after employment ends per 49 CFR § 391.51.
- Maintenance Records: Required under 49 CFR § 396.3.
- Dashcam Footage: Often deleted within days.
- Dispatcher Communications: May prove pressure to violate safety regulations.
In North Carolina, where contributory negligence can bar recovery if you’re found even 1% at fault, preserving this evidence is critical. The trucking company will claim you were speeding, distracted, or didn’t signal. The black box data proves what really happened.
Understanding Commercial Truck Insurance
Federal law requires trucking companies to carry significant insurance:
- $750,000 minimum for non-hazardous freight
- $1,000,000 minimum for oil, equipment transport, and large vehicles
- $5,000,000 minimum for hazardous materials
Many carriers carry $1-5 million or more. This is why trucking cases can result in substantial recoveries—there’s actually money available to pay for catastrophic injuries. But accessing these policies requires knowing how to navigate complex commercial insurance structures and MCS 90 endorsements.
We’ve litigated against major carriers including Walmart, Amazon, FedEx, UPS, and Coca-Cola. We know how their insurance works, and we know when they’re bluffing about policy limits.
What to Do After a Truck Accident in Guilford County
If you’ve been hit by a commercial truck in Greensboro, High Point, or anywhere in Guilford County:
- Call 911 immediately. Get police to document the scene.
- Seek medical attention. Even if you feel fine—adrenaline masks serious injuries.
- Document everything. Photograph vehicles, damage, road conditions, and your injuries.
- Get information. Truck company name, DOT number, driver info, and witness contacts.
- Don’t speak to the trucking company’s insurance. They’re recording everything to use against you.
- Call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911. We answer 24/7.
Remember: In North Carolina, the contributory negligence rule means the trucking company will try to blame you for even minor infractions. Don’t give them ammunition by speaking to their adjusters without counsel.
Common Questions About Truck Accidents in Guilford County
How long do I have to file a lawsuit in Guilford County?
North Carolina gives you three years from the accident date for personal injury claims, but only two years for wrongful death. However, evidence disappears long before those deadlines. Call us immediately.
What if I was partially at fault?
North Carolina follows contributory negligence. If you’re found even 1% at fault, you may recover nothing. That’s why you need an aggressive attorney who can prove the truck driver was 100% responsible. Lupe Peña’s insurance defense background helps us counter blame-shifting tactics.
How much is my case worth?
It depends on injury severity, medical costs, lost wages, and available insurance. Trucking cases often involve $750,000 to $5 million in coverage. We’ve recovered multi-million dollar settlements for clients with catastrophic injuries.
Will my case go to trial?
Most settle, but we prepare every case for trial. Insurance companies know which lawyers are willing to go to court—and they pay more to avoid trials with experienced litigators like Ralph Manginello, who brings 25+ years of federal court experience to your case.
Do you handle cases in Spanish?
Yes. Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish and provides direct representation without interpreters. Hablamos Español. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911.
What if the trucking company is from out of state?
We handle that regularly. Ralph Manginello is admitted to federal court and holds dual licensure in Texas and New York, giving us the capability to handle complex interstate cases. Distance doesn’t protect negligent trucking companies from accountability.
Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Guilford County Trucking Case
Other firms might see you as a case number. We see you as family. As our client Chad Harris said, “You are NOT a pest to them and you are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.”
We combine the resources to take on Fortune 500 companies with the personal attention you deserve. When you hire Attorney911, you get:
- 25+ years of experience from Ralph Manginello, a managing partner who has fought trucking companies since 1998
- Insider knowledge from Lupe Peña, our former insurance defense attorney who knows how to beat the tactics he once used
- Federal court expertise for complex interstate trucking cases
- Multi-million dollar results, including recoveries for TBI, amputation, and wrongful death cases
- 24/7 availability at 1-888-ATTY-911
- Contingency fees—you pay nothing unless we win
- Spanish-language services through Lupe Peña
We don’t just accept cases—we fight for every dollar you deserve. As client Glenda Walker told us, “They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.”
The trucking company has lawyers working right now to minimize your claim. You deserve fighters in your corner. If you’ve been hurt in an 18-wheeler accident in Guilford County—whether on I-40 in Greensboro, I-85 in High Point, or anywhere in the Piedmont Triad—call Attorney911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911. The consultation is free, and we advance all costs. You pay nothing unless we win your case.
Don’t let the trucking company blame you for their negligence. Don’t let evidence disappear. Don’t wait until it’s too late. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 now. We’re ready to fight for you.
