Cass County 18-Wheeler Accident Attorneys

When 80,000 Pounds Changes Everything on I-29 or I-94

The intersection of I-29 and I-94 in Fargo isn’t just a crossroads—it’s one of the busiest freight corridors in the Upper Midwest. When an 80,000-pound truck loses control on black ice near the Red River or jackknifes during a blizzard on I-29, the physics are brutal. Your sedan weighs 4,000 pounds. That truck is twenty times heavier. You’re not just dealing with a fender bender. You’re fighting for your future.

If you’ve been hurt in an 18-wheeler accident anywhere in Cass County, from the agricultural routes around West Fargo to the busy corridors near the Hector International Airport, you need more than a personal injury lawyer. You need a team that understands federal trucking regulations, North Dakota’s unique agricultural freight patterns, and how to stop evidence from disappearing before the snow melts.

We’re Attorney911. Ralph Manginello has spent over 25 years fighting for injury victims since 1998. Our associate attorney Lupe Peña used to work for insurance companies—now he fights against them. That’s your advantage when facing the billion-dollar trucking industry.

Call us at 1-888-ATTY-911. We answer 24/7.

Why Cass County Trucking Accidents Are Different

The Red River Valley Freight Corridor

Cass County sits at the heart of North Dakota’s shipping network. I-29 carries freight from the Canadian border through Fargo to Kansas City. I-94 runs from Fargo all the way to Seattle, carrying Bakken oilfield equipment, agricultural commodities from the Red River Valley, and goods from the Ports of Duluth and Superior.

This isn’t just heavy traffic—it’s heavy truck traffic. During harvest season, grain trucks and sugar beet haulers crowd Highway 10 and I-94. In winter, those same roads become ice sheets. The result? A perfect storm for catastrophic accidents.

Cass County trucking accident statistics tell the story:

• I-29 and I-94 see significant commercial vehicle traffic year-round
• Winter weather contributes to a disproportionate number of jackknife and rollover accidents from November through March
• Agricultural peak seasons (October harvest) create temporary spikes in heavy truck density

But numbers don’t capture the reality. When a loaded semi slides through an intersection at 13th Avenue in Moorhead or rear-ends traffic slowed by whiteout conditions near Mapleton, the injuries aren’t minor. We’re talking traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, and wrongful death.

The North Dakota Difference: Six Years to File, But Don’t Wait

Here’s something most people don’t know: North Dakota gives you six years to file a personal injury lawsuit after a truck accident—the longest statute of limitations in the nation. For wrongful death, it’s two years.

But waiting is a mistake. Critical evidence in Cass County trucking cases disappears fast:

• ECM black box data can be overwritten in 30 days
• ELD logs (electronic logging devices) might be purged after six months
• Dashcam footage often gets deleted within days
• Witness memories fade faster than North Dakota winters

We’ve seen trucking companies send rapid-response teams to crash scenes on I-29 before the trooper finishes the accident report. They’re protecting their interests. You need someone protecting yours immediately.

Ralph Manginello and our team send spoliation letters within 24 hours of being retained. We demand preservation of every byte of data, every maintenance record, and every driver qualification file. Because once that evidence is gone, it’s gone—and so is your case.

Types of 18-Wheeler Accidents We Handle in Cass County

Jackknife Accidents on I-94

Picture this: A trucker hits black ice on the bridge over the Sheyenne River. He brakes hard. The trailer swings outward, folding against the cab at a 90-degree angle. The 53-foot trailer now blocks three lanes of I-94.

Jackknife accidents happen when:

• Drivers brake improperly on slick surfaces (common in Cass County winters)
• Equipment failure causes uneven braking
• Empty or lightly loaded trailers lose traction
• Drivers take curves too fast on Highway 75

Under 49 CFR § 392.6, truckers must drive at speeds safe for conditions. When it’s -20°F and the road is glazed with ice, 65 mph isn’t safe—it’s reckless.

Rollover Accidents on Rural Routes

Cass County’s rural roads—like those around Arthur or Amenia— weren’t designed for modern 80,000-pound trucks. When a tanker takes a corner too fast on County Road 81 or a grain hauler shifts its load on a soft shoulder, rollovers happen.

These accidents often involve:

• Cargo shifts violating 49 CFR § 393.100 (improper securement)
• Speeding for conditions violating 49 CFR § 392.6
• Top-heavy loads common in sugar beet and grain transport

The crushing force of a rollover often causes catastrophic injuries to anyone in the vicinity. We’ve seen cases where the truck’s weight literally flattened passenger vehicles.

Underride Collisions: The Deadliest Crash

When a passenger vehicle slides under the rear or side of a trailer, the results are almost always fatal. The roof of your car provides no protection against the steel undercarriage of a semi.

Despite 49 CFR § 393.86 requiring rear impact guards, many trailers have inadequate protection. Side underride guards aren’t even federally mandated yet, though they would save hundreds of lives annually.

These accidents happen frequently at dawn and dusk on Cass County roads when visibility is poor, or during whiteout conditions when drivers can’t see the trailer ahead until it’s too late.

Rear-End Collisions: The Stopping Distance Problem

An 18-wheeler needs 525 feet to stop from 65 mph—nearly two football fields. On congested I-29 near the 45th Street interchange or during construction zones on I-94, truckers following too closely create deadly hazards.

49 CFR § 392.11 prohibits following more closely than is reasonable and prudent. When a trucker is distracted by their Qualcomm device or fatigue has slowed their reaction time, rear-end collisions result in devastating injuries.

Brake Failure Accidents

North Dakota’s weather destroys truck brakes. Road salt, sand, and extreme temperature fluctuations cause corrosion. When a trucker descends the grade near the Wild Rice River with overheated brakes, or when ice builds up in the air brake lines during a February blizzard, brakes fail.

49 CFR § 396 requires systematic inspection and maintenance. Yet we often find brake inspection records that are falsified or maintenance deferred to save money. Brake violations are among the top FMCSA out-of-service violations found during roadside inspections on I-29.

Agricultural Cargo Spills

Cass County is agricultural heartland. When a grain truck rolls on Highway 10 or a sugar beet hauler loses its load on County Road 20, the spilled cargo creates secondary hazards for other drivers.

49 CFR § 393.100-136 governs cargo securement, requiring tiedowns capable of withstanding specific force thresholds. But during harvest rush, loading crews cut corners. A 40,000-pound load of wheat that shifts during a lane change turns a truck into an uncontrollable weapon.

The Federal Regulations That Protect You (And That Truckers Violate)

Every 18-wheeler crossing Cass County must comply with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations. When they don’t, we prove negligence.

Hours of Service Violations (49 CFR Part 395)

Truck drivers can drive a maximum of 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty. They can’t drive beyond the 14th hour on duty, and they must take a 30-minute break after 8 hours.

But during planting and harvest seasons, or when oilfield equipment needs immediate delivery, companies pressure drivers to violate these rules. Fatigue causes approximately 13% of large truck crashes.

Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) track these violations. We subpoena ELD data immediately to prove the driver was illegally fatigued when they caused your accident on I-94.

Driver Qualification Standards (49 CFR Part 391)

Before a trucker can operate in interstate commerce, they must pass:

• A physical examination (§ 391.41)
• A road test or equivalent (§ 391.31)
• Background checks (§ 391.23)
• Drug and alcohol testing (§ 382)

We investigate Driver Qualification Files to find:

• Unqualified drivers operating without valid CDLs
• Medical conditions like sleep apnea that should have disqualified them
• Prior DUIs or serious violations hidden by the trucking company
• Falsified training records

When a company hires a driver with a suspended license or a history of accidents, that’s negligent hiring under § 391.11. And it makes them liable for your injuries.

Vehicle Maintenance Requirements (49 CFR Part 396)

Trucking companies must systematically inspect, repair, and maintain their fleets. Drivers must conduct pre-trip inspections covering brakes, tires, lights, and steering.

In Cass County’s harsh winters, maintenance failures are deadly. Worn tires can’t handle black ice. Faulty electrical systems fail in -30°F temperatures. Corroded brake lines rupture.

We demand maintenance records going back years. Often, we find patterns of deferred maintenance that prove the company valued profits over safety.

Every Party Who Might Owe You Money

Most law firms just sue the driver and the trucking company. We investigate every potentially liable party—because more insurance coverage means better compensation for you.

1. The Truck Driver

Direct negligence: speeding, distracted driving, fatigue, impairment, or failure to inspect.

2. The Trucking Company (Motor Carrier)

Under respondeat superior, employers are liable for employees’ negligent acts. Plus, we look for:

• Negligent hiring (failure to check background)
• Negligent training (inadequate winter driving instruction)
• Negligent supervision (ignoring HOS violations)
• Negligent maintenance (deferring brake repairs)

3. The Cargo Owner / Shipper

When a Cass County sugar beet processor or grain elevator overloads a truck or provides improper loading instructions, they share liability.

4. The Loading Company

Third-party loaders who fail to secure cargo properly violate 49 CFR § 393.100. When that load shifts on I-29, they’re responsible.

5. The Truck Manufacturer

Defective brakes, faulty steering systems, or inadequate stability control can cause accidents regardless of driver skill.

6. The Parts Manufacturer

Defective tires that blow out on Highway 81, or brake components that fail in extreme cold, create product liability claims.

7. The Maintenance Company

When third-party mechanics perform negligent repairs or miss critical safety issues during inspections, they become liable.

8. The Freight Broker

Companies like C.H. Robinson or XPO Logistics arrange shipping. If they place your cargo with a carrier known to have safety violations or inadequate insurance, they’re negligent under 45 CFR § 371.2.

9. The Truck Owner (If Different from Carrier)

In owner-operator situations, the actual truck owner may have separate liability for negligent entrustment or maintenance failures.

10. Government Entities

If poor road design, inadequate signage on I-29, or failure to maintain safe road conditions contributed to the crash, Cass County or NDDOT may share liability.

The 48-Hour Evidence Preservation Protocol

When you call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911, we act immediately. Here’s what happens in the first 48 hours:

Hour 1-6: We send spoliation letters to the trucking company, their insurer, and all potentially liable parties. These letters legally require them to preserve:

• ECM/Black box data (speed, braking, throttle position)
• ELD logs (hours of service)
• Driver Qualification Files
• Maintenance and inspection records
• Dashcam footage
• Dispatch communications
• Cell phone records

Hour 6-24: We deploy investigators to the Cass County accident scene. We photograph skid marks, measure sight distances, and locate surveillance cameras from nearby businesses that might have captured the crash.

Hour 24-48: We subpoena the truck’s complete safety history from FMCSA’s SAFER database, obtain the driver’s motor vehicle record, and retain accident reconstruction experts if needed.

Why the rush? Because trucking companies know the data destroys their defense. We’ve seen companies “lose” black box data, “accidentally” overwrite ELD logs, and claim dashcam footage “malfunctioned.” Once we send that spoliation letter, destroying evidence becomes a serious legal violation that can result in sanctions or adverse jury instructions.

Catastrophic Injuries: What Your Case Is Worth

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

From concussions to severe diffuse axonal injuries, TBIs change everything. Symptoms include memory loss, personality changes, chronic headaches, and inability to concentrate.

Settlement ranges: $1.5 million to $9.8 million+

These cases require lifetime care planning. We work with neuropsychologists and life care planners to document every future medical need.

Spinal Cord Injuries

Paraplegia and quadriplegia result when the spine is crushed or severed in a truck accident. The lifetime cost of care can exceed $5 million.

Settlement ranges: $4.7 million to $25.8 million+

Amputations

Whether traumatic (occurs at scene) or surgical (required due to crushing injuries), amputations require prosthetics, rehabilitation, and home modifications.

Settlement ranges: $1.9 million to $8.6 million

Wrongful Death

When a trucking accident takes a loved one on Cass County roads, surviving family members can recover:

• Lost future income
• Loss of consortium and guidance
• Mental anguish
• Funeral expenses
• Punitive damages (if gross negligence proven)

Settlement ranges: $1.9 million to $9.5 million+

As client Glenda Walker said after we handled her case: “They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.” That’s our promise to every Cass County family we represent.

North Dakota Law: What Makes Your Case Unique

Modified Comparative Negligence (50% Bar)

North Dakota follows a “modified comparative fault” rule with a 50% bar. You can recover damages if you’re less than 50% at fault. If you’re 50% or more at fault, you recover nothing.

If you’re 20% at fault for the accident (perhaps you were speeding slightly when the truck ran the red light), you can still recover 80% of your damages. But the trucking company and their insurance will try to pin as much blame on you as possible. We fight back with ECM data, witness testimony, and accident reconstruction.

Punitive Damages Caps

North Dakota caps punitive damages at the greater of two times compensatory damages or $250,000 (N.D.C.C. § 32-03.2-11). These damages punish gross negligence—like knowingly putting a drunk driver behind the wheel or falsifying maintenance records.

The Six-Year Rule (But Don’t Use It)

Yes, you have six years to file a personal injury lawsuit in North Dakota—longer than any other state. But waiting even six weeks can be fatal to your case. Evidence disappears. Witnesses move away from Fargo or West Fargo. The trucking company “loses” critical documents.

We tell every Cass County client: Treat your case like it has a 30-day statute of limitations. Because for evidence preservation purposes, it does.

FAQs: Cass County 18-Wheeler Accidents

Q: What should I do immediately after a truck accident on I-29 in Cass County?

Call 911 immediately. North Dakota law requires reporting accidents involving injury or death. If you’re able, photograph everything—the truck’s DOT number, license plates, damage to all vehicles, skid marks, and road conditions. Get witness contact information. Seek medical attention even if you feel fine—adrenaline masks serious injuries. Then call Attorney911 at 1-888-288-9911.

Q: How much insurance do trucking companies carry?

Federal law requires minimum coverage of $750,000 for non-hazardous freight, $1 million for oil and agricultural equipment, and $5 million for hazardous materials. Many carriers carry $1-5 million in coverage. Given Cass County’s role in agricultural and energy transport, many trucks here carry the higher limits.

Q: Can I still recover if I was partially at fault?

Yes, if you’re less than 50% at fault. But the trucking company will try to push you over that threshold. Don’t give statements to their insurance without legal counsel. As client Chad Harris told us: “You are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.” We protect our family from insurance company tricks.

Q: What if the truck driver was from Canada or another state?

Interstate commerce means federal regulations apply regardless of where the driver is based. Our federal court admission to the Southern District of Texas (and Ralph Manginello’s dual Texas/New York licensure) means we can handle cases involving out-of-state carriers. I-29 runs from Canada to Kansas—we’ve dealt with international trucking companies before.

Q: How long will my case take?

Simple cases with clear liability might settle in 6-12 months. Complex cases involving catastrophic injuries or multiple defendants can take 2-3 years. We prepare every case for trial from day one, which often leads to faster, better settlements.

Q: How much does it cost to hire Attorney911?

Nothing upfront. We work on contingency: 33.33% pre-trial, 40% if we go to trial. You pay nothing unless we win. We advance all costs for expert witnesses, accident reconstruction, and court filings. As Donald Wilcox, another client, said: “I got a call to come pick up this handsome check” after other firms rejected his case.

Q: ¿Hablan español?

Sí. Lupe Peña, our associate attorney, is fluent in Spanish and provides direct representation without interpreters. Many Cass County agricultural workers speak Spanish as their first language. Hablamos Español. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911.

Why Cass County Chooses Attorney911

25+ Years of Taking on Giants

Ralph Manginello has been fighting for injury victims since 1998. We’ve gone toe-to-toe with Fortune 500 companies like BP in the Texas City Refinery litigation—where we were one of the few Texas firms involved in the $2.1 billion disaster case. We currently have a $10 million lawsuit active against the University of Houston for hazing litigation. We don’t back down from big defendants.

The Insurance Defense Advantage

Lupe Peña, our associate attorney, spent years working for insurance defense firms. He knows exactly how adjusters are trained to minimize your claim, what software they use to lowball settlements (like Colossus), and when they’re bluffing about “policy limits.” Now he uses that insider knowledge against them. That’s an advantage other Cass County firms can’t offer.

Federal Court Experience

Many trucking cases belong in federal court because they involve interstate commerce. Ralph Manginello is admitted to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas, and handles federal litigation. This matters when you’re suing a carrier headquartered in another state.

We Treat You Like 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.” When you’re recovering from a trucking accident at a Fargo hospital like Sanford Health or Essentia Health, you need a legal team that checks on you, not just your case file.

4.9★ Rating (251+ Reviews)

Our Google rating speaks for itself. Glenda Walker, another client, put it best: “They make you feel like family and even though the process may take some time, they make it feel like a breeze.”

Call Us Before the Evidence Disappears

The trucking company that hit you has already called their lawyers. Their insurance adjuster is already looking for ways to pay you less. Black box data is being overwritten as you read this.

Don’t wait six years. Don’t wait six weeks. Call Attorney911 today at 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911).

We offer free consultations. We work on contingency—you pay nothing unless we win. And we fight for every dime you deserve, just like we did for Glenda Walker, Donald Wilcox, and hundreds of other families.

Hablamos Español. Your fight starts with one call: 1-888-288-9911.

Attorney911. Because trucking companies in Cass County shouldn’t get away with putting profits over safety.