The Physics of an 80,000-Pound Truck Hitting Your Vehicle on I-69
An 80,000-pound semi-truck traveling at highway speed doesn’t just collide with your vehicle—it obliterates the physics of a normal car accident. At one and a half times the weight of a loaded school bus, these machines require the length of two football fields to stop from 60 mph. When that mass slams into a passenger vehicle on Interstate 69 near Fort Wayne, the devastation is immediate and often permanent.
If you’re reading this from a hospital room in Allen County—or if you’re trying to make sense of what happened to your loved one on the roads around Fort Wayne—you’re not alone. Every year, commercial trucks moving through Indiana’s “Crossroads of America” cause catastrophic injuries that change families forever. And while the trucking companies have already called their lawyers, you need someone in your corner who knows how to fight back.
Ralph Manginello has spent over 25 years standing up to trucking companies and their insurers. With bar admission to federal court and experience litigating against Fortune 500 corporations like BP—and with multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements for clients suffering traumatic brain injuries, amputations, and wrongful death—Attorney911 brings the resources and grit to take on these cases. Our associate attorney Lupe Peña, a former insurance defense lawyer, knows exactly how these companies try to minimize your claim because he used to be the one doing it. Now he fights against them. That’s your advantage.
But evidence disappears fast. Black box data can be overwritten in 30 days. Dashcam footage gets deleted within weeks. And trucking companies operating through Allen County know that Indiana’s two-year statute of limitations means they can run out the clock if you wait too long. That’s why we’re available 24/7 at 1-888-288-9911. We send spoliation letters immediately to preserve the evidence that wins cases.
Why 18-Wheeler Accidents in Allen County Are Different
The Physics of Mass and Momentum
Your sedan weighs roughly 3,500 pounds. A fully loaded tractor-trailer can weigh 80,000 pounds—more than 22 times heavier. When that mass hits a passenger vehicle on I-69 or I-469, the survival space within your car is crushed instantly.
The physics aren’t fair:
- Stopping Distance: At 65 mph, a loaded truck needs approximately 525 feet to stop—nearly two football fields. On icy Indiana winters or during sudden slowdowns near Fort Wayne’s distribution centers, that distance grows.
- Force Multiplication: Force equals mass times acceleration. An 80,000-pound truck carries approximately 80 times the kinetic energy of a passenger car at highway speeds.
- Underride Risk: The trailer height often causes passenger vehicles to slide underneath, shearing off the roof and causing decapitations—a particular risk on dark rural stretches of Allen County’s highway system.
These aren’t fender-benders. Traumatic brain injuries occur even when airbags deploy because the brain continues moving inside the skull upon sudden deceleration. Spinal cord injuries happen when the cabin crumples. And when a truck loses its load on the tight curves of I-469 or jackknifes on icy overpasses during a Fort Wayne winter, multiple vehicles often become involved in pileups.
Federal Law Makes Trucking Companies Accountable—If You Know Where to Look
Commercial trucking is governed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), which enforces regulations under 49 CFR Parts 390-399. These aren’t suggestions—they’re federal law. When trucking companies violate these regulations and cause injuries in Allen County, they trigger negligence per se, meaning the violation itself proves liability.
The six critical regulatory areas are:
- 49 CFR Part 390: General applicability and definitions
- 49 CFR Part 391: Driver qualification standards (medical certification, CDL requirements, background checks)
- 49 CFR Part 392: Safe driving rules (prohibition against distracted, fatigued, or impaired driving)
- 49 CFR Part 393: Vehicle safety and cargo securement standards
- 49 CFR Part 395: Hours of service (HOS) limitations preventing driver fatigue
- 49 CFR Part 396: Inspection and maintenance requirements
When a truck driver falls asleep on the long stretch of I-69 heading toward Fort Wayne and drifts across the center line, they likely violated 49 CFR § 392.3 (operating while impaired by fatigue) and 49 CFR § 395.3 (exceeding the 11-hour driving limit). When a trucking company fails to inspect brakes before sending a truck down the steep grades near the Indiana Toll Road, they violate 49 CFR § 396.3 (systematic inspection requirements).
Unlike standard car accidents, trucking accidents often involve violations of these specific federal statutes. That’s why you need an attorney who speaks the language of FMCSA regulations, not just personal injury law.
The Allen County Trucking Corridor—Where Accidents Happen Most
Allen County sits at a critical logistics crossroads. Interstate 69 runs directly through Fort Wayne, connecting Michigan to Indianapolis and the Mexican border beyond. Interstate 469 forms a beltway around Fort Wayne’s industrial areas. U.S. Route 24 and U.S. Route 30 provide east-west corridors, while State Road 930 sees heavy industrial traffic.
The specific risks in our area include:
The I-69/I-469 Interchange: Heavy merging traffic from distribution centers creates sideswipe and blind-spot accidents. Trucks entering from the Amazon fulfillment centers and numerous warehouses along Lima Road often make wide turns or sudden lane changes that trap passenger vehicles in the “No-Zone” blind areas.
Winter Weather Events: Allen County experiences harsh winters. When temperatures drop and bridges ice over—particularly on elevated sections of I-469 and the overpasses near Glenbrook Square—you see jackknife accidents caused by truckers failing to adjust speed for conditions. 49 CFR § 392.14 requires drivers to use “extreme caution” in hazardous conditions, yet we see violations every winter.
The Distribution Center Density: Fort Wayne and the surrounding Allen County area have become a warehousing hub. With facilities for Amazon, Walmart, Target, and numerous logistics companies, the volume of 18-wheeler traffic on our surface streets has exploded. These trucks often navigate tight suburban turns in areas like Jefferson Boulevard or Lima Road where they were not designed to operate, leading to “squeeze play” wide-turn accidents.
Canadian Traffic: I-69 serves as a primary route to and from Canada via Michigan. International trucks often have different maintenance standards or driver fatigue patterns from cross-border hauls, creating additional risks on our local roads.
When we handle your case, we know these roads. We know that an accident at the I-69 and Route 30 interchange differs from one on the rural stretches of Leo Road. This local knowledge matters when reconstructing crashes and proving negligence.
The 15 Types of 18-Wheeler Accidents We Handle
1. Jackknife Accidents on Icy Curves
A jackknife occurs when the trailer swings out perpendicular to the cab, often sweeping across multiple lanes. In Allen County, these frequently happen on the elevated curves of I-469 or the bridge decks over the St. Marys River during winter storms. Common causes: Sudden braking on slick surfaces, speed too fast for conditions (violating 49 CFR § 392.6), or empty trailers with poor weight distribution.
These accidents often involve multiple vehicles when the trailer blocks all lanes. Victims suffer TBI, spinal cord injuries, and crushing trauma. We subpoena the ECM data to prove the driver was traveling too fast for the icy conditions that day.
2. Rollover Accidents on Ramps
The cloverleaf ramps connecting I-69 to I-469—and the tight turns at the Airport Expressway—have banked curves that become deadly when trucks take them too fast. Rollovers occur when centrifugal force overcomes the truck’s stability, particularly with top-heavy or improperly secured loads.
49 CFR § 393.100-136 governs cargo securement, requiring loads to withstand 0.5g lateral forces. When cargo shifts on these curves, the center of gravity changes instantly. We investigate loading records from the distribution centers to determine if the cargo loader—not just the driver—shares liability.
3. Underride Collisions—The Most Fatal
When a smaller vehicle crashes into the rear or side of a trailer and slides underneath, the trailer height often decapitates the occupants. Rear underrides happen when trucks stop suddenly on I-69 traffic jams. Side underrides occur when trucks make wide right turns onto Lima Road or Jefferson Boulevard, cutting off passenger vehicles.
49 CFR § 393.86 requires rear impact guards, but there’s no federal mandate for side underride guards. These accidents are almost always fatal or result in catastrophic head trauma. We’ve worked with accident reconstructionists to prove visibility failures and inadequate warning signage contributed to these tragedies.
4. Rear-End Collisions on I-69
Trucks require 40% more stopping distance than cars. When traffic slows near the Coliseum Boulevard exits or during rush hour through Fort Wayne, fatigued or distracted truckers rear-end passenger vehicles at highway speeds.
These violations implicate 49 CFR § 392.11 (following too closely) and 49 CFR § 392.3 (fatigued operation). We pull the ELD (Electronic Logging Device) data to prove hours-of-service violations. Since December 2017, ELDs are mandatory and tamper-resistant—they provide objective proof of driver fatigue.
5. Wide Turn/Squeeze Play Accidents
Trucks need significant space to complete right turns. When an 18-wheeler swings left before turning right—entering the intersection at Maplecrest Road and Jefferson Boulevard, for example—a car in the adjacent lane gets caught in the “squeeze.” The trailer then crushes the vehicle against the curb.
These accidents often involve 49 CFR § 392.11 violations (failure to signal or check blind spots) and inadequate driver training by the trucking company. We subpoena the Driver Qualification File to see if the driver was properly trained on urban maneuvering.
6. Blind Spot (“No-Zone”) Collisions
Trucks have massive blind spots: 20 feet in front, 30 feet behind, and significant zones along both sides. When changing lanes on I-69 near the Washington Center Road exit, truckers who fail to check mirrors hit vehicles they simply cannot see.
49 CFR § 393.80 requires proper mirrors. We examine maintenance records to see if mirrors were properly adjusted and whether the driver conducted required pre-trip inspections.
7. Tire Blowouts and Road Gators
When a truck tire explodes on I-69, the debris (called a “road gator”) creates immediate hazards. Blowouts cause loss of control, particularly on the steering axle, causing trucks to veer into oncoming traffic.
49 CFR § 393.75 mandates tread depth and tire condition standards. We examine maintenance logs to see if the company deferred tire replacement to save money—often indicated by “recapped” tires on drive axles that should have been replaced.
8. Brake Failure on Descents
While Allen County doesn’t have mountain grades, the approach to the Indiana Toll Road and certain overpasses require braking. When brakes fail due to overheating or poor maintenance, trucks cannot stop at red lights or traffic backups.
Brake problems contribute to 29% of large truck crashes. 49 CFR § 393.40-55 mandates brake systems, while 49 CFR § 396.3 requires systematic maintenance. We subpoena the Driver Vehicle Inspection Reports (DVIRs) to see if drivers reported brake issues that the company ignored.
9. Cargo Spills and Shifting Loads
With the high volume of distribution center traffic in Allen County, improperly secured loads are a constant threat. When cargo shifts on I-469 curves or spills onto the roadway near the Georgetown Square exits, it creates multi-vehicle pileups.
49 CFR § 393.100 requires cargo containment systems to withstand 0.8g deceleration. We investigate whether the loading company—often a third party at the distribution centers—properly secured the load or if the driver failed to inspect it during required stops.
10. Head-On Collisions from Fatigue
The long, straight stretches of I-69 north of Fort Wayne toward Auburn are monotonous. Drivers exceeding their 11-hour driving limit under 49 CFR § 395.3 fall asleep and drift across the median. These are often fatal for passenger vehicle occupants.
We pull cell phone records, ELD data, and dispatch records to prove the driver violated hours-of-service regulations. We also examine the company’s delivery schedules to see if they created impossible deadlines that forced drivers to violate federal law.
11. T-Bone Accidents at Intersections
Trucks running red lights at major Allen County intersections—like Lima Road and Coliseum Boulevard—cause devastating side-impact collisions. These often involve 49 CFR § 392.4 violations (driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol) or simple failure to obey traffic controls under 49 CFR § 392.2.
12. Sideswipe Accidents During Lane Changes
When trucks merge onto I-69 from the Lima Road on-ramp or change lanes near the Glenbrook Mall area, sideswipes force passenger vehicles off the road. These accidents often involve 49 CFR § 392.82 violations—hand-held mobile phone use, which is prohibited for commercial drivers.
13. Override Accidents
When a truck cannot stop in time and drives over a smaller vehicle in front, the passenger compartment is crushed. These often occur in traffic backups on I-69 during Fort Wayne’s rush hours or near construction zones on I-469.
14. Lost Wheel Accidents
Improperly maintained wheels and hub assemblies can detach at highway speeds. The 200-pound assembly becomes a projectile that crashes through windshields of oncoming traffic. 49 CFR § 396.17 requires annual inspections; we examine whether these were performed by qualified inspectors or skipped entirely.
15. Runaway Truck Accidents
While rare in flat Indiana, runaway ramps do exist on the approaches to the Toll Road. When brakes fail on these slight descents, experienced drivers should know to use escape ramps. Inexperienced or fatigued drivers may not, causing catastrophic pileups at the bottom of the grade.
Who Can Be Held Liable? All 10 Parties
Most law firms only sue the driver and the trucking company. We investigate every potentially liable party because more defendants mean more insurance coverage means higher compensation for your family.
1. The Truck Driver
Direct negligence includes speeding (violating 49 CFR § 392.6), distracted driving (49 CFR § 392.82), hours-of-service violations (Part 395), and alcohol/drug use (49 CFR § 392.4-5). We subpoena the driver’s personal cell phone records and personal vehicle GPS to see if they were texting or navigating while driving.
2. The Trucking Company (Motor Carrier)
Under respondeat superior, employers are liable for their employees’ negligent acts within the scope of employment. But trucking companies can also be directly negligent for:
- Negligent Hiring: Failing to check the driver’s CDL status, medical certification (49 CFR § 391.41), or prior accident history
- Negligent Training: Failing to train drivers on winter driving, cargo securement, or urban navigation
- Negligent Supervision: Ignoring ELD warnings about hours violations or known substance abuse issues
- Negligent Maintenance: Allowing vehicles to operate with known brake, tire, or lighting deficiencies
We demand the company’s CSA (Compliance, Safety, Accountability) scores, which show patterns of violations. A carrier with a “Satisfactory” rating but numerous past violations for brake defects knew they were putting dangerous trucks on Allen County roads.
3. The Cargo Owner/Shipper
When Amazon, Walmart, or other retailers pressure carriers to meet impossible delivery windows, they create the conditions for fatigued driving. If the cargo owner required overweight loading or failed to disclose hazardous materials, they share liability under 49 CFR Part 397.
4. The Cargo Loading Company
Third-party warehouses in Fort Wayne often load trailers. When they fail to secure cargo under 49 CFR § 393.100, causing shifts that lead to rollovers, they are liable. We examine bills of lading and loading dock footage.
5. The Truck Manufacturer
Defective braking systems, steering mechanisms, or stability control systems can cause accidents even when the driver does everything right. We retain automotive engineers to examine design defects and retrieve NHTSA recall data.
6. The Parts Manufacturer
Defective tires, brake drums, or electronic control modules can fail catastrophically. Product liability claims against these manufacturers can result in significant recoveries under strict liability theories.
7. The Maintenance Company
Third-party mechanics who perform shoddy brake repairs or falsify inspection reports (49 CFR § 396.3) are directly liable. We subpoena work orders and parts receipts to show corners were cut.
8. The Freight Broker
Brokers who arrange transportation but fail to verify carrier insurance, safety ratings, or proper authority may be liable for negligent selection. With Allen County’s logistics boom, many brokers are connecting shippers with unqualified carriers to save money.
9. The Truck Owner (If Different from Carrier)
In owner-operator situations, the individual who owns the tractor may be liable for negligent entrustment or failure to maintain under 49 CFR Part 396.
10. Government Entities
When INDOT (Indiana Department of Transportation) fails to maintain safe road conditions—such as allowing ice to accumulate on bridges without treatment—or when inadequate signage contributes to accidents on the I-69/I-469 interchange, they may share liability. Note that claims against government entities in Indiana have strict notice requirements and shorter deadlines.
Catastrophic Injuries and Multi-Million Dollar Recoveries
The injuries from 18-wheeler accidents aren’t soft tissue strains. They’re life-altering traumas that result in multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts when properly pursued.
Traumatic Brain Injury (Settlement Range: $1.5M–$9.8M+)
TBI occurs when the brain impacts the skull interior during sudden deceleration. Even “mild” concussions can cause permanent cognitive deficits. Moderate to severe TBIs result in:
- Memory loss and confusion
- Personality changes and mood disorders
- Inability to return to prior employment
- Need for lifelong cognitive therapy and supervision
Our firm has recovered $5 million+ for a traumatic brain injury victim struck by a falling object at a workplace—similar advocacy applies to TBI from truck accidents.
Spinal Cord Injury (Settlement Range: $4.7M–$25.8M+)
Paralysis—whether paraplegia (lower body) or quadriplegia (all four limbs)—requires:
- Wheelchairs and accessibility modifications ($50,000–$100,000+)
- Home nursing care ($150,000+ annually)
- Lost lifetime earnings
- Significant pain and suffering
These cases often result in jury verdicts exceeding $10 million when the trucking company’s negligence was egregious.
Amputation (Settlement Range: $1.9M–$8.6M)
When crush injuries from underride or override accidents necessitate limb removal, victims face:
- Prosthetics ($50,000 each, replaced every 3-5 years)
- Phantom limb pain management
- Career ending disability
- Psychological trauma
We’ve secured $3.8 million for a partial leg amputation following a car accident with medical complications—the same principles apply to traumatic amputation in trucking cases.
Wrongful Death (Settlement Range: $1.9M–$9.5M+)
When trucking accidents kill Allen County residents, surviving spouses and children can recover:
- Lost future income and benefits
- Loss of consortium (companionship and guidance)
- Mental anguish
- Funeral expenses
- Punitive damages (under Indiana law, the greater of 3x compensatory damages or $50,000)
As client Chad Harris told us, “You are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.” We approach every wrongful death case with that level of commitment.
Indiana Law and Your Allen County Case
The 2-Year Clock is Ticking
Under Indiana law, you have 2 years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit (Indiana Code § 34-11-2-4). For wrongful death, the statute is also 2 years. Miss this deadline, and you lose your right to compensation permanently—regardless of how severe the injuries or how clear the liability.
This is why we emphasize immediate action. Evidence doesn’t wait for the statute of limitations. It disappears much sooner.
Modified Comparative Fault (51% Bar)
Indiana follows a modified comparative negligence rule. You can recover damages if you are 50% or less at fault for the accident. However, your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault. If you’re found 20% at fault, you recover 80% of your damages. If you’re 51% at fault, you recover nothing.
Trucking companies and their insurers will try to blame you—claiming you were in their blind spot, or you stopped too suddenly. We gather the ECM data and witness statements to disprove these allegations and keep your fault percentage at zero.
Punitive Damages Available
Indiana allows punitive damages (intended to punish the defendant) in cases of “willful and wanton misconduct” or gross negligence. These are capped at the greater of three times the compensatory damages or $50,000 (Indiana Code § 34-51-3-4). We pursue punitive damages when trucking companies knowingly put dangerous drivers on the road or destroy evidence.
The 48-Hour Evidence Preservation Protocol
Trucking companies don’t wait to build their defense. Within hours of an accident on I-69, their rapid-response teams are on the scene. You need an attorney who moves even faster.
Critical Evidence That Disappears Fast
- ECM/Black Box Data: Overwrites in 30 days or with subsequent driving events
- ELD Data: FMCSA only requires 6-month retention; some companies delete sooner
- Dashcam Footage: Often deleted within 7-14 days
- Surveillance Video: Nearby businesses overwrite cameras typically within 30 days
- Driver Cell Records: Must be preserved immediately or they “disappear”
- Physical Evidence: Trucks get repaired and put back into service; cargo gets delivered
The Spoliation Letter
Within 24 hours of being retained, we send formal spoliation notices to:
- The trucking company and all affiliated entities
- The insurance carrier
- The maintenance company
- The loading facility
- Any third-party brokers
These letters put defendants on notice that destruction of evidence will result in sanctions, adverse jury instructions, or default judgment. Once received, they cannot legally delete the ELD logs or repair the truck without facing severe consequences.
We also immediately:
- Download ECM data showing speed, braking, and throttle position
- Subpoena the Driver Qualification File (CDL status, medical certifications, drug tests)
- Obtain the carrier’s CSA safety scores and inspection history
- Preserve the physical truck before repairs alter evidence
- Canvass for surveillance cameras at nearby businesses on Lima Road, Jefferson Boulevard, or the Interstate exits
What to Do After an 18-Wheeler Accident in Allen County
If you’ve just been involved in a trucking accident on I-69, I-469, or any Allen County road:
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Call 911 immediately: Indiana law requires reporting accidents involving injury or death. Request paramedics even if you feel “okay”—adrenaline masks serious injuries.
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Document everything: If physically able, photograph:
- All vehicles involved (multiple angles)
- The truck’s DOT number and license plates
- The driver’s CDL and insurance information
- Road conditions (especially ice, rain, or debris)
- Skid marks and debris fields
- Your injuries
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Do not give statements: The trucking company’s insurance adjuster will call within hours. Do not give a recorded statement. Politely decline and say, “My attorney will contact you.”
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Seek immediate medical attention: Go to Parkview Regional Medical Center, Lutheran Hospital, or the nearest emergency room. Document every symptom—headaches, neck pain, back pain, confusion, anxiety.
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Call Attorney911: 1-888-288-9911 or (888) 288-9911. We answer 24/7. We will:
- Send a preservation letter within hours
- Visit the accident scene immediately
- Begin gathering evidence before it disappears
- Handle all insurance communications
- Ensure you get proper medical treatment under a Letter of Protection if you lack insurance
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Follow medical advice: Do not skip appointments. Insurance companies use “gaps in treatment” to argue you weren’t really injured.
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Stay off social media: Do not post about the accident. Insurance companies monitor Facebook, Instagram, and X (Twitter) for posts showing you “having fun” that they’ll use to deny your pain and suffering claim.
Frequently Asked Questions: Allen County Trucking Accidents
How much is my Allen County trucking accident case worth?
There is no “average” settlement. Value depends on injury severity, medical costs, lost wages, and the degree of negligence. However, trucking companies carry higher insurance minimums ($750,000 to $5 million) than passenger vehicles. We’ve recovered $2.5 million+ for truck crash victims, and catastrophic injury cases often settle for $1 million to $10 million+ depending on the specific facts and the trucking company’s conduct.
Who pays my medical bills while I’m waiting for settlement?
Your health insurance pays first. If you lack insurance, we arrange treatment with providers who accept a “Letter of Protection”—meaning they get paid from your settlement. You focus on healing; we handle the financial logistics.
What if the truck driver was from out of state?
That’s common on I-69. We can sue out-of-state drivers and companies in Indiana federal court or state court. Ralph Manginello’s federal court admission allows us to handle interstate cases seamlessly. The FMCSA regulations apply regardless of where the truck is registered.
Can I still recover if I was partially at fault?
Yes, under Indiana’s modified comparative fault rule, as long as you were 50% or less at fault. Your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault. We work to minimize any fault attributed to you by gathering objective evidence from the ECM and ELD.
How long will my case take?
Simple cases with clear liability may resolve in 6-12 months. Complex cases involving multiple defendants, catastrophic injuries, or disputed liability may take 18-36 months. We prepare every case for trial from day one, which often leads to faster, better settlements.
What if my loved one was killed in the accident?
We are deeply sorry for your loss. Indiana allows wrongful death claims by surviving spouses, children, or parents. You have 2 years to file. Damages include funeral expenses, lost future income, and loss of consortium. We handle these cases with the gravity and respect they deserve.
Do you offer Spanish language services?
Sí. Hablamos Español. Associate Attorney Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish and provides direct representation without interpreters. Many of our staff, including Zulema, are also bilingual. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911 para hablar con Lupe directamente.
What if the trucking company wants to settle quickly?
Early settlement offers are almost always “lowball” attempts to pay pennies on the dollar before you know the full extent of your injuries. Never accept a settlement until you’ve completed treatment and consulted an attorney. Once you sign a release, you cannot go back for more money—even if you discover your injuries are worse than initially thought.
Will my case go to trial?
Most cases settle, but we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial. Insurance companies know which attorneys have trial experience—which is why we emphasize Ralph Manginello’s 25+ years of courtroom experience and our firm’s willingness to take cases to verdict. This preparation leads to better settlement offers.
What if I can’t afford an attorney?
We work on a contingency fee basis. You pay zero upfront. We advance all costs. We only get paid if we win your case—33.33% pre-trial or 40% if trial is necessary. If we don’t recover money for you, you owe us nothing.
Client Testimonials: Real Results for Real People
Don’t just take our word for it. Here’s what clients say about working with Attorney911:
Donald Wilcox: “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.”
Glenda Walker: “They make you feel like family… They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.”
Chad Harris: “You are NOT a pest to them and you are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.”
Kiimarii Yup: “I lost everything… my car was at a total loss… 1 year later I have gained so much in return plus a brand new truck.”
Ernest Cano: “Mr. Manginello and his firm are first class. Will fight tooth and nail for you.”
Angel Walle: “They solved in a couple of months what others did nothing about in two years.”
Celia Dominguez (Spanish-speaking client): “Especially Miss Zulema, who is always very kind and always translates.”
The Evidence That Wins Cases: Inside the Truck’s Black Box
Modern commercial trucks are computers on wheels. The Electronic Control Module (ECM) records:
- Speed: Was the truck speeding when it entered the curve on I-469?
- Brake Application: Did the driver hit the brakes 5 seconds before impact, or 0.5 seconds?
- Throttle Position: Was the driver accelerating into the crash?
- RPM and Engine Load: Was the truck straining under an overweight load?
- Seatbelt Status: Was the driver buckled in?
- Airbag Deployment: When did safety systems activate?
The Electronic Logging Device (ELD) mandated since December 2017 records:
- Hours of Service: Exactly how long had the driver been on duty?
- Location History: GPS tracking showing route deviations or excessive speed
- Duty Status Changes: When did the driver go from “On Duty” to “Driving”?
When we subpoena this data, we often find the truck driver was either:
- Exceeding their 11-hour driving limit (49 CFR § 395.3)
- Driving faster than the posted speed limit (49 CFR § 392.6)
- Operating with known defects (indicated by fault codes)
This objective data contradicts the driver’s statement that “the car cut me off” or “I couldn’t stop in time.” It proves negligence with mathematical precision.
Why Allen County Residents Choose Attorney911
We Know the Local Roads
We know that an accident at the I-69 and US-30 interchange requires different investigation than one on the rural stretches of State Road 1. We know the winter weather patterns that create black ice on the Jefferson Boulevard overpass. We know which distribution centers in Fort Wayne have histories of improper loading.
Former Insurance Defense Attorney on Staff
Lupe Peña spent years defending insurance companies. He knows their playbook:
- He knows they use software (like Colossus) to lowball settlements
- He knows they hire private investigators to surveil your social media
- He knows they delay hoping you’ll accept less out of desperation
Now he uses that insider knowledge against them to maximize your recovery.
Federal Court Experience
Many trucking cases belong in federal court because they involve interstate commerce. Ralph Manginello’s admission to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas—and his experience in complex litigation like the BP Texas City Explosion—means we have the resources to handle multi-million dollar cases against national carriers.
24/7 Availability
When that truck hit you on I-69, the trucking company didn’t wait until Monday morning to call their lawyer. Neither should you. We answer 1-888-288-9911 day and night, weekends and holidays.
No Fee Unless We Win
We advance all costs. You pay nothing unless we secure compensation for you. This allows you to focus on healing while we focus on fighting.
Call to Action: Protect Your Allen County Trucking Accident Case Now
The trucking company has already assigned a team of lawyers to minimize your claim. They are gathering evidence to use against you. The question is: what are you doing to protect yourself?
You have 48 hours before critical evidence starts disappearing. Black box data can be overwritten. Dashcam footage gets deleted. Witnesses’ memories fade. The driver gets back in another truck and creates new data that erases the old.
Don’t let them get away with it.
Call Attorney911 now: 1-888-288-9911
Or dial (888) 288-9911
Or reach us at 888-ATTY-911
We offer:
- Free consultation to evaluate your case
- Immediate spoliation letters to preserve evidence
- Spanish-speaking attorneys (Lupe Peña es un abogado defensor)
- No upfront costs—we only get paid if you win
- 25+ years of experience fighting trucking companies
- Offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont serving Allen County and all of Indiana
If you or a loved one has been injured in an 18-wheeler accident on I-69, I-469, or any road in Allen County, call now. The clock is ticking, and evidence is disappearing.
Hablamos Español. Llame ahora al 1-888-ATTY-911.
You didn’t ask for this fight. But now that it’s here, you deserve a fighter. Ralph Manginello and the team at Attorney911 are ready to stand between you and the trucking company. We’re ready to demand the full compensation your family needs to rebuild.
Call 1-888-288-9911 today. Because when an 80,000-pound truck changes your life, you need an attorney who hits back even harder.
