When an 80,000-pound Kenworth slams into a sedan on US-70 outside Kinston, the physics are brutal. Your car weighs about 4,000 pounds. That truck? Twenty times heavier. In Lenoir County, where US-70 serves as the vital artery connecting the Global TransPark to the Port of Morehead City and I-95 beyond, these collisions happen too often. And when they do, everything changes in an instant.
At Attorney911, we’ve spent over 25 years fighting for families devastated by 18-wheeler accidents. Ralph Manginello, our managing partner, has been standing up to trucking companies since 1998. He’s admitted to federal court in the Southern District of Texas, and he’s taken on Fortune 500 corporations like BP in the massive Texas City refinery explosion that killed 15 workers and injured 170 more. We’ve recovered over $50 million for our clients, including multi-million dollar settlements for traumatic brain injuries ranging from $1.5 million to $9.8 million, and amputation cases reaching $8.6 million.
But here’s what matters most to you right now: We know what’s coming next. The trucking company already has lawyers en route. Their insurance adjuster is already looking for ways to pay you less. And critical evidence—evidence that could prove the driver was exhausted, the brakes were worn, or the cargo was overloaded—starts disappearing within 48 hours.
That’s why you need a team that moves fast. Our associate attorney Lupe Peña spent years working inside a national insurance defense firm. He knows exactly how adjusters are trained to minimize claims because he used to be one of them. Now he uses that insider knowledge to fight for Lenoir County families.
If you’re reading this after a truck accident in Lenoir County, call us immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911. The consultation is free. We work on contingency—you pay nothing unless we win. And we send spoliation letters within hours to preserve evidence before it’s gone.
What Makes Lenoir County’s Trucking Corridors Dangerous
Lenoir County is the heart of Eastern North Carolina’s logistics network. The Global TransPark in Kinston—our county seat—creates massive truck traffic moving aerospace parts, military equipment, and agricultural products. US-70 runs straight through the county, carrying freight from the Port of Morehead City west toward Raleigh and beyond. When the state completes the Interstate 42 designation along US-70, truck volume will only increase.
But Lenoir County’s geography creates unique hazards. We’re in the Coastal Plain—flat terrain that lulls drivers into complacency, but with narrow rural roads connecting to major highways. During hurricane season, tropical systems barrel through Eastern North Carolina, creating flash flooding on low-lying stretches of US-70 and NC-24. The tobacco and sweet potato harvest seasons bring thousands of heavy trucks onto county roads, many driven by seasonal workers unfamiliar with local traffic patterns.
Winter brings its own threats. While Lenoir County doesn’t see the mountain snow of Western North Carolina, ice storms paralyze Eastern NC regularly. When I-95—the eastern seaboard’s primary north-south freight corridor—gets icy, truckers divert onto US-70 and US-258 through Lenoir County, often driving too fast for conditions.
We’ve seen jackknife accidents on the Neuse River bridges when black ice forms. We’ve handled rollovers where truckers took the US-70 curves near La Grange too fast. Every one of these accidents is preventable. Every one represents a trucking company that cut corners.
The 18-Wheeler Accident Types We Handle in Lenoir County
Not all truck accidents are the same. In Lenoir County, we see specific patterns based on our geography and industries.
Jackknife Accidents on Icy Bridges
When a truck’s trailer swings perpendicular to the cab, it creates a 70-foot wall of steel across the highway. These happen frequently on Lenoir County’s elevated bridges—like those crossing the Neuse River and tributaries—when winter storms coat the roadway in invisible black ice. The driver brakes too hard, the trailer loses traction, and suddenly the truck is blocking both lanes of US-70.
Federal regulations under 49 CFR § 393.48 require properly maintained brake systems. But many trucking companies defer maintenance to save money. When brakes are out of adjustment on a Lenoir County morning with 20-degree temperatures and frozen precipitation, the result is catastrophic.
Rear-End Collisions on US-70
An 80,000-pound truck traveling at 60 miles per hour needs nearly 525 feet to stop—about two football fields. On US-70 through Kinston, where traffic lights control the flow to the Global TransPark and local businesses, truckers following too closely cause devastating rear-end accidents.
Under 49 CFR § 392.11, truck drivers must maintain a following distance that’s “reasonable and prudent.” But at Attorney911, we’ve seen ECM data showing truckers in Lenoir County following passenger vehicles with less than three seconds of stopping distance. When the car ahead brakes for a red light at the intersection of US-70 and NC-11, the truck can’t stop in time.
These accidents often cause traumatic brain injuries as the occupant’s head strikes the steering wheel or windshield. We’ve recovered settlements ranging from $1.5 million to $9.8 million for TBI victims in trucking cases because these injuries require lifetime care.
Underride Collisions at Rural Intersections
Lenoir County’s agricultural character means many intersections lack the lighting and signage of urban areas. When a truck makes a slow turn from a side road onto US-258 at dusk, passenger vehicles traveling at highway speeds can slide underneath the trailer.
Underride accidents are among the most fatal. The trailer’s edge shears off the top of the car, often causing decapitation or catastrophic head injuries. While 49 CFR § 393.86 requires rear impact guards, many trucks have inadequate or damaged guards. Side underride guards aren’t even federally mandated, despite years of safety advocacy.
Cargo Spills at the Global TransPark
The Global TransPark generates massive freight traffic. When cargo isn’t properly secured under 49 CFR § 393.100-136, it shifts during transport. We’ve seen cases where improperly secured aerospace parts spilled onto US-70, creating impromptu obstacle courses for drivers. One shift in weight can cause a rollover, especially when the truck is navigating the roundabouts near the TransPark entrance.
Wide Turn Squeeze-Play Accidents
Truckers delivering to Lenoir County’s warehouses and distribution centers often navigate tight turns onto rural roads. When an 18-wheeler swings left before making a right turn onto a narrow county road, they trap smaller vehicles in the “squeeze play.” The truck driver can’t see the car in the blind spot, and the car gets crushed between the trailer and the curb.
Tire Blowouts in Summer Heat
Eastern North Carolina summers bring extreme heat and humidity. When truck tires are underinflated or worn—violating 49 CFR § 393.75—the heat causes blowouts. The resulting “road gators” (shredded tire pieces) cause secondary accidents, or the blowout itself causes the driver to lose control on US-70.
Federal Regulations Trucking Companies Break
Every 18-wheeler on Lenoir County roads must comply with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations. When they don’t, they’re negligent by definition.
Hours of Service Violations (49 CFR Part 395)
Driver fatigue causes approximately 31% of fatal truck crashes. Federal rules limit commercial drivers to:
- Maximum 11 hours driving after 10 consecutive hours off duty
- No driving beyond the 14th consecutive hour on duty
- Mandatory 30-minute break after 8 hours driving
- 60/70 hour weekly limits
Since December 2017, Electronic Logging Devices (ELD) track these hours automatically. But that data can be overwritten in as little as 30 days. That’s why we send spoliation letters immediately demanding preservation of ELD records.
We’ve found drivers hauling produce from Lenoir County’s farms who’d been driving 16 hours straight to meet delivery deadlines at the Port of Wilmington. That’s not just tired—that’s federal law violation.
Driver Qualification Failures (49 CFR Part 391)
Before a trucking company lets a driver behind the wheel, they must verify:
- Valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)
- Medical examiner’s certificate (no seizures, vision problems, or uncontrolled diabetes)
- Clean driving record
- Pre-employment drug testing
We subpoena Driver Qualification Files for every case. In Lenoir County accidents, we’ve found companies hired drivers with suspended CDLs or multiple DUI convictions—clear evidence of negligent hiring under federal law.
Vehicle Maintenance Negligence (49 CFR Part 396)
Brake problems contribute to 29% of truck accidents. Federal law requires systematic inspection, repair, and maintenance. Drivers must complete pre-trip inspections covering service brakes, parking brakes, steering, lighting, and tires.
When we investigate Lenoir County accidents, we often find “fix-it” tickets ignored and maintenance deferred to save money. One recent case involved a truck whose brake pads were metal-on-metal—completely worn through—yet the company put the truck back on the road hauling sweet potatoes from Lenoir County farms.
Every Party Who Can Be Held Liable
Most people think you just sue the driver. That’s a mistake. In Lenoir County truck accidents, we investigate ten potential defendants:
1. The Truck Driver
Direct negligence for speeding, distraction, or fatigue. But individual drivers rarely have assets to cover catastrophic injuries.
2. The Trucking Company (Motor Carrier)
Under respondeat superior (let the master answer), employers are liable for employees’ negligent acts. Plus, we pursue direct negligence for:
- Negligent hiring: Failing to check the driver’s history
- Negligent training: Inadequate safety instruction
- Negligent supervision: Ignoring ELD warnings about hours violations
- Negligent maintenance: Skipping brake repairs
3. The Cargo Owner/Shipper
Companies shipping goods from Lenoir County’s Global TransPark can be liable if they demanded unreasonable delivery schedules pressuring drivers to exceed hours-of-service limits.
4. The Loading Company
Third-party warehouses that improperly loaded cargo, creating unbalanced weight distributions that caused rollovers on US-70 curves.
5. Truck and Trailer Manufacturers
Defective brakes, steering systems, or underride guards that failed to prevent catastrophic injuries.
6. Parts Manufacturers
Defective tires or brake components that caused blowouts or brake failures.
7. Maintenance Companies
Third-party mechanics who performed negligent repairs or passed unsafe vehicles.
8. Freight Brokers
Brokers who arranged the shipment but negligently selected carriers with poor safety records (visible on FMCSA’s SaferWeb database).
9. The Truck Owner
In owner-operator situations, the owner may be separate from the carrier and liable for negligent entrustment.
10. Government Entities
When Lenoir County or NCDOT knew about dangerous road conditions—like inadequate signage at the US-70/NC-11 intersection or unfilled potholes that contributed to loss of control—they may share liability.
North Carolina’s Harsh Contributory Negligence Rule
Here’s the hard truth about Lenoir County accidents: North Carolina is one of only four states (along with Maryland, Virginia, Alabama, and D.C.) that follows pure contributory negligence.
If you’re found even 1% at fault for the accident, you recover nothing. Not $1. Not your medical bills. Nothing.
The trucking company’s insurance adjuster knows this. They’ll try to argue you were speeding, following too closely, or failed to yield—even when the truck driver is clearly primarily at fault.
This makes evidence preservation absolutely critical. We need the ECM data showing the trucker’s speed. We need the ELD logs proving fatigue. We need witness statements before memories fade. Because if we can’t prove 100% of the fault lies with the trucker or trucking company, Lenoir County juries might find you partially responsible—and in North Carolina, that bars recovery.
Don’t talk to insurance adjusters without counsel. We’ve seen them twist innocent statements like “I didn’t see the truck” into admissions of fault. Let us handle the conversation.
The Evidence That Disappears in 48 Hours
Trucking companies have rapid-response teams. While you’re still in the hospital, their investigators are at the scene. Within 48 hours, critical evidence can vanish.
ECM/Black Box Data: The truck’s Event Data Recorder captures speed, braking, and throttle position in the seconds before impact. It overwrites in 30 days unless preserved.
ELD Records: Electronic logging devices prove hours-of-service violations. FMCSA only requires 6-month retention, but companies “lose” them faster.
Dashcam Footage: Many trucks have forward-facing cameras. We had one Lenoir County case where the footage showed the driver on his phone—but the company claimed the SD card was “damaged” when we requested it two weeks later.
Physical Evidence: Skid marks fade. Debris gets cleaned up. The truck gets repaired or sold.
Driver Drug Testing: Federal rules require post-accident drug and alcohol testing within specified windows. Delay means lost evidence of impairment.
When you call 1-888-ATTY-911, we send spoliation letters within hours. These legal notices put the trucking company on notice that destroying evidence will result in sanctions. Judges can instruct juries to assume destroyed evidence would have been unfavorable to the trucking company—or impose monetary penalties.
We also canvass Lenoir County businesses near the accident scene for surveillance video. That convenience store camera at US-70 and Tilghman Mill Road might have captured the entire collision.
Catastrophic Injuries and Life Care Costs
The physics of truck accidents in Lenoir County create catastrophic injuries requiring lifetime care.
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
Settlement ranges: $1,548,000 – $9,838,000+
Symptoms include memory loss, personality changes, headaches, and inability to work. One client, Mongo Slade, told us after his settlement: “I also got a very nice settlement” after we fought the trucking company that rear-ended him on US-70. But TBI cases require neurologists, cognitive therapists, and life care planners to document future medical needs.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Settlement ranges: $4,770,000 – $25,880,000+
Paraplegia and quadriplegia from Lenoir County accidents require home modifications, wheelchairs, and 24-hour attendant care. We’ve seen clients face $3-5 million in lifetime medical costs alone.
Amputations
Settlement ranges: $1,945,000 – $8,630,000
We recovered $3.8 million for a client who suffered partial leg amputation after a truck accident—medical complications caused by the initial trauma led to surgical removal. These cases require prosthetic specialists and occupational therapy experts.
Wrongful Death
Settlement ranges: $1,910,000 – $9,520,000+
When Lenoir County families lose loved ones in truck accidents, we pursue claims for lost income, loss of consortium, and mental anguish. North Carolina allows punitive damages up to the greater of three times compensatory damages or $250,000 when trucking companies act with gross negligence—like knowingly hiring a driver with a history of DUIs.
Insurance Minimums and Why You Need a Specialist
Federal law requires trucking companies to carry:
- $750,000 for non-hazardous freight
- $1,000,000 for oil and large equipment
- $5,000,000 for hazardous materials
These limits are much higher than the $30,000 minimum for regular cars in North Carolina. But accessing them requires understanding commercial insurance policies, MCS-90 endorsements (which guarantee minimum coverage even if the policy has exclusions), and umbrella policies.
Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize payouts. They use software like Colossus that undervalues pain and suffering. They look for gaps in medical treatment to argue injuries aren’t serious. They hire “independent” medical examiners who almost always claim you’re healed.
That’s why having Lupe Peña on our team matters. He spent years inside a national defense firm watching adjusters laugh about lowballing injury victims. Now he knows exactly how to counter their tactics. As client Glenda Walker said: “They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.”
What To Do Immediately After a Lenoir County Truck Accident
If you’re able, take these steps immediately:
Call 911: Require a police report. The North Carolina State Highway Patrol or Lenoir County Sheriff’s Office will document the scene.
Photograph Everything: The truck’s DOT number (usually on the door), license plates, damage to all vehicles, the intersection, skid marks, and your injuries. Use your phone—documentation can never be too thorough.
Get Witness Information: Lenoir County is tight-knit. Someone at that intersection on US-70 likely knows both drivers or saw the whole thing.
Seek Medical Attention: Go to Vidant Medical Center in Greenville or Lenoir Memorial Hospital in Kinston. Adrenaline masks pain; traumatic brain injuries and internal bleeding aren’t always immediate.
Do NOT Give Statements: The trucking company’s insurer will call within 24 hours. Refer them to us. Client Donald Wilcox explained why this matters: “One company said they would not accept my case. Then I got a call from Manginello… I got a call to come pick up this handsome check.”
Call Attorney911: 1-888-ATTY-911. Available 24/7. Hablamos Español—Lupe Peña provides direct representation to Lenoir County’s Spanish-speaking community without interpreters.
Frequently Asked Questions for Lenoir County Accident Victims
How long do I have to file a lawsuit in Lenoir County?
North Carolina gives you three years from the accident date for personal injury claims, but only two years for wrongful death. However, waiting is dangerous. Evidence disappears fast, and the trucking company is building their defense now.
What if I was partially at fault?
North Carolina’s contributory negligence rule is brutal. If you’re found even 1% responsible, you cannot recover damages. This makes hiring an experienced attorney who can prove 100% trucker fault essential.
Will my case go to trial?
Most settle, but we prepare every case for trial. Insurance companies offer better settlements when they know your lawyer will go to court. Ralph Manginello’s federal court experience and 25-year track record create leverage.
How much does it cost to hire you?
Nothing upfront. We work on contingency—33.33% pre-trial, 40% if trial is necessary. You pay nothing unless we win. We advance all investigation costs. As client Chad Harris said: “You are NOT a pest to them… You are FAMILY to them.”
Do you handle cases in Lenoir County from your Texas offices?
Yes. With Ralph Manginello’s federal court admission and our network of North Carolina co-counsel, we represent Lenoir County clients aggressively. We travel to Kinston for depositions and court appearances. Technology allows us to serve Eastern North Carolina effectively while bringing Texas-sized resources to your case.
What if the truck driver was from out of state?
Common on I-95 and US-70. We pursue jurisdiction against out-of-state carriers in North Carolina federal court under diversity jurisdiction, or we sue them where they’re headquartered. Federal court experience is crucial here—and we have it.
Can I get punitive damages?
North Carolina allows punitive damages up to $250,000 OR three times compensatory damages (whichever is greater) for willful and wanton conduct—like trucking companies that falsify logs or keep dangerous drivers on the road.
What’s a MCS-90 endorsement?
It guarantees minimum insurance coverage ($750,000+) applies to your accident even if the policy has technical exclusions. We know how to access these funds when trucking companies claim they’re not covered.
What if I don’t have health insurance?
We work with medical providers who accept Letters of Protection—treating you now and getting paid from your settlement later. Don’t let lack of insurance delay treatment.
How do I know if the trucking company was negligent?
We subpoena their FMCSA safety scores, driver qualification files, and maintenance records. A pattern of violations—called a “bad safety rating”—proves the company knew its drivers were dangerous. We’re currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against the University of Houston that demonstrates our willingness to hold large institutions accountable—just as we do with negligent trucking corporations.
Your Recovery Starts With One Call
The trucking company has lawyers. Their insurance company has adjusters. You need someone in your corner protecting your family.
At Attorney911, we bring 25 years of experience, federal court credentials, and insider insurance knowledge to Lenoir County truck accident cases. We’ve handled litigation against BP in industrial disasters and secured millions for catastrophic injury victims.
The clock is ticking. Black box data overwrites in 30 days. Witnesses forget. And every day you wait, the trucking company strengthens their defense.
Call 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911) right now. The call is free. The consultation is confidential. And remember—you pay nothing unless we win.
Your family deserves justice. Your injuries deserve compensation. And the trucking company that changed your life on a Lenoir County highway needs to be held accountable.
We’re ready to fight for you. Are you ready to fight back?
Attorney911 | The Manginello Law Firm
Serving Lenoir County and Eastern North Carolina
Hablamos Español | 1-888-ATTY-911
