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Barry County 18-Wheeler Crash Victims Call Attorney911: Ralph P. Manginello Brings 25+ Years Federal Court Experience and $50+ Million Recovered Including $5M Brain Injury and $3.8M Amputation Settlements, Former Insurance Defense Attorney Lupe Peña Exposes Carrier Tactics From Inside, Mastering FMCSA 49 CFR Parts 390-399 Regulations Hours of Service Violations and Black Box ELD Data Extraction for Jackknife Rollover Underride Blind Spot Brake Failure Tire Blowout Cargo Spill and Overloaded Truck Accidents, Catastrophic Injury Specialists Handling TBI Spinal Cord Amputation Severe Burns Internal Organ Damage Wrongful Death and PTSD, Free 24/7 Consultation No Fee Unless We Win We Advance All Costs Same-Day Evidence Preservation Hablamos Español 4.9 Star Google Rating with 251 Reviews Legal Emergency Lawyers Trae Tha Truth Recommended Call 1-888-ATTY-911

February 25, 2026 27 min read
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Barry County 18-Wheeler Accident Attorneys: Your Fight for Justice Starts Here

The impact was catastrophic. 80,000 pounds of steel against your sedan. On I-94 outside Hastings, or maybe on M-66 near Middleville—wherever it happened in Barry County, the result was the same. Your life changed in an instant.

Every sixteen minutes, someone in America is injured in a commercial truck crash. In Barry County, Michigan, our position along the I-94 corridor—connecting Chicago to Detroit and Battle Creek—puts local drivers at constant risk. The lake-effect snow that blankets our agricultural community from November through March turns our highways into treacherous paths for semi-trucks that can’t stop on ice. When an 18-wheeler jackknifes across M-43 or rolls over on a rural county road, the devastation is measured in crushed vehicles, shattered bones, and lives forever altered.

We’ve seen what happens next. The trucking company’s rapid-response team arrives before the ambulance departs. Their insurance adjuster calls you within twenty-four hours, sounding sympathetic while fishing for statements that destroy your claim. Meanwhile, you’re dealing with hospital bills from Spectrum Health Pennock in Hastings, facing weeks of rehabilitation, and wondering how you’ll support your family.

You don’t have to face this alone. At Attorney911, we’ve spent over twenty-five years fighting for trucking accident victims—not just in Texas, but across the United States, including right here in Barry County, Michigan. Ralph Manginello has been standing up to commercial carriers since 1998. Our firm includes Lupe Peña, a former insurance defense attorney who spent years inside the system watching insurers minimize claims; now he uses that insider knowledge to fight for maximum compensation for families like yours. We’ve recovered multi-million dollar settlements for traumatic brain injuries, amputations, and wrongful death cases involving 18-wheelers. When Donald Wilcox came to us after another firm rejected his case, we said yes—and he walked away with what he called a “handsome check.” As Glenda Walker told us after we handled her case, we fought for her to get “every dime” she deserved.

The trucking company has already called their lawyers. Their team is already working to pay you as little as possible. What are you doing to protect your family?

Why Barry County 18-Wheeler Accidents Are Different

Most car accidents involve two passenger vehicles weighing roughly 4,000 pounds each. An 18-wheeler can legally weigh 80,000 pounds—twenty times heavier than your car. The physics are brutal: force equals mass times acceleration. When a fully loaded semi hits a passenger vehicle at highway speed on I-94, the energy transferred is catastrophic.

But Barry County presents unique dangers beyond the weight differential. Our location in southwest Michigan means our highways—I-94, M-66, M-43, and M-37—serve as critical freight corridors connecting Chicago ports to Detroit’s automotive plants and Grand Rapids’ distribution hubs. During harvest season, grain trucks share roads with interstate commerce, creating dangerous speed differentials. When winter arrives, the lake-effect snow blowing across Barry County from Lake Michigan creates whiteout conditions on I-94, leading to multi-vehicle pileups where 18-wheelers become 80,000-pound battering rams.

We’ve handled cases involving every major carrier operating in Michigan, and we understand the local terrain. Whether your accident occurred near the intersection of M-66 and M-43 in Hastings, on the I-94 stretch between Battle Creek and Kalamazoo, or on a rural road outside Woodland, we know how to investigate the specific conditions that contributed to your crash.

The 15 Types of 18-Wheeler Crashes We Handle in Barry County

Not all trucking accidents are the same. Each type requires specific investigation techniques and different legal strategies. Here are the crash scenarios we see most often in Barry County and across Michigan:

1. Jackknife Accidents

A jackknife occurs when the trailer skids outward, folding against the cab like a pocket knife. On I-94 or M-37, this often happens when truck drivers brake suddenly on ice or when empty trailers—common during return trips from Grand Rapids distribution centers—lose traction. The swinging trailer sweeps across multiple lanes, collecting passenger vehicles in its path.

Why This Matters in Barry County: Our winter weather creates perfect conditions for jackknifes from November through March. Black ice on I-94 can form without warning, causing experienced drivers to lose control.

Who’s Liable: The driver for operating too fast for conditions, the trucking company for inadequate winter training, or the maintenance company for improper brake adjustment under 49 CFR § 393.48.

2. Rollover Accidents

Trucks have high centers of gravity. When drivers take curves too quickly on M-66 or attempt turns on county roads not designed for 53-foot trailers, rollovers occur. Improperly secured liquid cargo—like the agricultural chemicals common in Barry County’s farming community—creates “slosh” that shifts the center of gravity.

Investigation Focus: We’ll subpoena the cargo manifest to check for overweight loads or unbalanced distribution that violated 49 CFR § 393.100 cargo securement standards.

3. Underride Collisions

The deadliest crashes involve smaller vehicles sliding beneath the trailer. Rear underride guards are required under 49 CFR § 393.86, but many are poorly maintained. Side underride crashes are particularly common at intersections in Hastings or Middleville when trucks make wide right turns.

The Horrific Reality: These accidents often result in decapitation or severe head trauma. The difference between life and death is often a few inches of steel guard—guards that trucking companies are required to maintain but frequently neglect.

4. Rear-End Collisions

An 18-wheeler traveling at 65 miles per hour needs nearly 525 feet to stop—two football fields. On I-94 during rush hour or when traffic slows near construction zones, truck drivers who are distracted, fatigued, or simply following too closely cause devastating rear-end impacts.

Critical Evidence: The truck’s Electronic Control Module (ECM) records speed and braking data. Under 49 CFR § 392.11, following too closely is a direct violation that establishes negligence.

5. Wide Turn Accidents (“Squeeze Play”)

Trucks making right turns at intersections like M-43 and Broadway in Hastings must swing left first, creating a gap that tempts drivers to pass on the right. When the truck completes its turn, the passenger vehicle gets crushed.

Prevention: Drivers are trained to check mirrors and signal intentions under 49 CFR § 392.2. Failure to do so is negligence.

6. Blind Spot Accidents

18-wheelers have massive blind spots—directly in front, directly behind, and along both sides, especially the right side. When truckers change lanes on I-94 without checking these “no-zones,” they sideswipe vehicles or force them off the road.

Mirror Requirements: 49 CFR § 393.80 mandates proper mirrors, but improper adjustment or failure to use them leads to these crashes.

7. Tire Blowouts

The extreme heat of summer on I-94 combined with overloaded trailers creates catastrophic tire failures. When a steer tire blows at highway speed, the driver typically loses control immediately.

Maintenance Failures: 49 CFR § 396.13 requires pre-trip inspections including tires. Worn tires with less than 4/32″ tread on steer tires violate federal law.

8. Brake Failures

Brake problems contribute to approximately 29% of large truck crashes. In Barry County’s hilly terrain, brake fade on long descents causes runaway trucks. Poor maintenance, contaminated fluid, or improper adjustment under 49 CFR § 393.40 creates deadly hazards.

Inspection Records: We subpoena maintenance logs to prove the trucking company violated 49 CFR § 396.3’s requirement for systematic inspection and upkeep.

9. Cargo Spills

Improperly secured loads fall onto I-94 or M-66, creating obstacles that cause secondary crashes. Under 49 CFR § 393.102, cargo must withstand specific force thresholds (0.8g deceleration forward, 0.5g lateral). When tie-downs fail, trucking companies and loaders share liability.

10. Head-On Collisions

Fatigued drivers drift across center lines on two-lane county roads. Distracted truckers answer cell phones despite 49 CFR § 392.82’s prohibition on hand-held devices. The closing speed of combined vehicles often exceeds 120 miles per hour—almost always fatal for car occupants.

11. T-Bone Intersection Accidents

Trucks running red lights at rural intersections or failing to yield at stop signs on M-43 create broadside impacts. The car’s door provides minimal protection against the truck’s bumper.

12. Override Accidents

When a truck fails to stop and drives over a smaller vehicle in front, the passenger compartment is often crushed. These resemble rear-end collisions but with the truck physically mounting the car.

13. Lost Load Accidents

Securement failures cause trailers to detach or cargo to scatter across lanes. The debris field on I-94 can extend for hundreds of yards, causing chain-reaction pileups.

14. Runaway Truck Accidents

On the hills near Yankee Springs or approaching Battle Creek from the west, brake fade causes trucks to accelerate uncontrollably down grades. Runaway truck ramps exist on major interstates, but not on many of Barry County’s state routes.

15. Distracted Driving Accidents

Truckers eating, texting, or watching entertainment while navigating through Hastings or along I-94 cause devastating crashes. Federal regulations under 49 CFR § 392.82 prohibit texting while driving, with stiff penalties for violations.

The Ten Parties Who May Owe You Money

Most people think they can only sue the truck driver. They’re wrong. In Michigan, trucking accidents often involve multiple responsible parties, each with separate insurance policies. More defendants means more coverage for your catastrophic injuries.

1. The Truck Driver

The individual operator who caused the crash through speeding, distraction, fatigue, or impairment. We investigate their driving record, cell phone usage, and medical certification under 49 CFR § 391.41.

2. The Trucking Company (Motor Carrier)

Under Michigan’s legal doctrine of respondeat superior—or vicarious liability—employers are responsible for their employees’ negligent acts committed within the scope of employment. Additionally, trucking companies may be directly negligent for:

  • Negligent Hiring: Failing to check the driver’s commercial driver’s license (CDL) status, medical certification, or previous accident history required under 49 CFR § 391.51
  • Negligent Training: Inadequate instruction on winter driving techniques specific to Michigan’s lake-effect snow conditions
  • Negligent Supervision: Ignoring hours-of-service violations or patterns of unsafe driving
  • Negligent Maintenance: Failing to maintain brakes, tires, and underride guards per 49 CFR Part 396

The Deep Pockets: Trucking companies carry federal minimum insurance of $750,000 to $5,000,000 depending on cargo type—far more than the $50,000 minimum for regular Michigan drivers.

3. The Cargo Owner/Shipper

Companies shipping goods through Barry County to Grand Rapids or Detroit may be liable if they:

  • Required overweight loads exceeding the truck’s rating
  • Failed to disclose hazardous materials
  • Pressured drivers to meet unrealistic delivery schedules that encouraged speeding or HOS violations

4. The Loading Company

Third-party warehouses that loaded the trailer at distribution centers near Battle Creek or Kalamazoo may face liability for:

  • Improper weight distribution causing rollovers
  • Inadequate tie-downs violating 49 CFR § 393.100
  • Unsecured loads that shifted during transport

5. The Truck Manufacturer

Defective design or manufacturing of brake systems, fuel tanks, or stability control systems can create product liability claims against manufacturers like Freightliner, Peterbilt, or Volvo.

6. The Parts Manufacturer

Component makers responsible for defective tires, brake shoes, steering linkages, or coupling devices may be liable when their failures cause crashes.

7. The Maintenance Company

Third-party mechanics who performed negligent repairs on the truck—common with fleet vehicles serviced in Grand Rapids or Battle Creek before entering Barry County—can be held responsible for brake failures or tire separations.

8. The Freight Broker

Brokers who arranged the shipment but failed to verify the carrier’s safety record, insurance status, or FMCSA authority may share liability for negligent hiring under federal shipping regulations.

9. The Truck Owner (If Different from Carrier)

In owner-operator situations, the driver may own the rig while leasing to a larger carrier. Under Michigan’s negligent entrustment laws, owners who knew or should have known the driver was unfit to operate the vehicle are liable.

10. Government Entities

While rare, the Michigan Department of Transportation (MDOT) or Barry County Road Commission may share liability if:

  • Road design created dangerous conditions (inadequate banking on curves)
  • Failure to maintain traffic signals or signage on M-66 or M-43
  • Improper snow removal on I-94 creating ice hazards

Note: Claims against governmental entities in Michigan have strict notice requirements and shortened filing deadlines—sometimes as short as 120 days. Immediate legal consultation is critical.

Critical Evidence That Disappears in 48 Hours

You have a three-year statute of limitations in Michigan to file a personal injury lawsuit—that sounds like plenty of time. But critical evidence vanishes much faster.

The 48-Hour Clock Starts Immediately:

Within two days of your Barry County accident, the trucking company’s attorneys and investigators have already:

  • Downloaded the driver’s Electronic Logging Device (ELD) data
  • Photographed the scene and vehicles
  • Interviewed witnesses while memories are fresh
  • Begun repairing the truck to destroy mechanical defect evidence

Black Box Data Overwrites Fast:

The truck’s Engine Control Module (ECM)—the “black box”—records speed, braking, throttle position, and fault codes. This data can be overwritten in as little as 30 days with new driving events. The Electronic Logging Device (ELD) that tracks hours of service under 49 CFR § 395.8 only requires six months of retention under federal law—but waiting six months means relying on what the trucking company chooses to preserve.

The Spoliation Letter Changes Everything:

When you call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911, we immediately send a spoliation letter to the trucking company, their insurer, and all potentially liable parties. This formal legal notice demands preservation of:

  • ECM and ELD data
  • Driver cell phone records
  • Pre-trip and post-trip inspection reports under 49 CFR § 396.11
  • Driver Qualification Files under 49 CFR § 391.51
  • Maintenance records for the past 14 months under 49 CFR § 396.3
  • Dispatch logs and communications
  • Dashcam footage (often deleted within 7-14 days)
  • Surveillance video from nearby businesses on M-43 or I-94

Why This Matters in Michigan:

Our modified comparative negligence system means if you’re found more than 50% at fault, you recover nothing. The trucking company will try to shift blame to you—claiming you were speeding on I-94 or failed to yield. Objective ECM data proving the trucker was following too closely or driving over the 11-hour federal limit destroys their narrative.

FMCSA Regulations: The Rules Truckers Break Every Day

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sets strict safety standards under Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations. When trucking companies violate these rules in Barry County, they endanger everyone on I-94—and we use these violations to prove negligence.

Driver Qualification Standards (49 CFR Part 391)

Before a driver can legally operate an 18-wheeler in Michigan or any state, they must:

  • Be at least 21 years old for interstate commerce (18 for intrastate)
  • Possess a valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)
  • Pass a medical examination every two years under § 391.45
  • Read and speak English sufficiently to communicate with law enforcement
  • Have a clean driving record—or the trucking company must document why they hired someone with violations

What We Look For: Missing Driver Qualification Files, expired medical certificates, or hiring drivers with histories of drug violations or reckless driving.

Hours of Service (49 CFR Part 395)

Federal law strictly limits driving time to prevent fatigue—the cause of approximately 31% of fatal truck crashes:

  • 11-Hour Limit: No driving beyond 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty
  • 14-Hour Window: Cannot drive after the 14th consecutive hour on duty (even with breaks)
  • 30-Minute Break: Mandatory after 8 cumulative hours of driving
  • 60/70 Hour Rule: No driving after 60 hours in 7 days or 70 hours in 8 days
  • 34-Hour Restart: Required to reset the weekly clock

ELD Mandate: Since December 18, 2017, 49 CFR § 395.8 requires Electronic Logging Devices that automatically record driving time. These devices are tamper-evident and provide objective proof of violations.

Michigan Winter Factor: During snowstorms on I-94, drivers often violate these rules to reach shelter, creating deadly fatigue.

Vehicle Maintenance (49 CFR Part 396)

Trucking companies must systematically inspect, repair, and maintain all commercial vehicles. Key requirements include:

  • Pre-Trip Inspections: Required before each day’s driving under § 396.13
  • Post-Trip Reports: Daily written reports on vehicle condition covering brakes, steering, lighting, tires, and emergency equipment
  • Annual Inspections: Comprehensive inspections every 12 months with decals displayed on the vehicle
  • Brake Systems: Adjustment and condition standards under § 393.40

Common Violations: Worn brake pads on trucks descending hills into Battle Creek, tire tread below 4/32″ on front axles, and inoperative lights during Michigan’s dark winter mornings.

Cargo Securement (49 CFR Part 393)

Federal rules under §§ 393.100-136 require cargo to withstand specific force thresholds:

  • Forward: 0.8g deceleration
  • Rearward: 0.5g acceleration
  • Lateral: 0.5g side-to-side

We investigate whether the load shifted on curves near Gun Lake or whether inadequate tie-downs allowed cargo to spill across M-66.

Drug and Alcohol Testing (49 CFR Part 382)

Commercial drivers must undergo:

  • Pre-employment drug screening
  • Random testing throughout employment
  • Post-accident testing within 32 hours for drugs and 8 hours for alcohol

A positive test—or failure to test after a Barry County crash—creates automatic liability under § 392.4 and § 392.5.

Catastrophic Injuries and Real Settlement Values

Barry County residents injured in 18-wheeler crashes face unique challenges. Spectrum Health Pennock provides excellent emergency care, but serious trauma often requires transfer to Grand Rapids or Kalamazoo for specialized treatment. The costs mount quickly—and Michigan’s no-fault auto insurance system creates additional complexity when commercial vehicles are involved.

Here are the injuries we see most often and the settlement ranges we’ve achieved for similar cases:

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): $1,548,000 – $9,838,000+

The force of an 80,000-pound impact frequently causes the brain to strike the inside of the skull, resulting in:

  • Concussions with lasting cognitive effects
  • Moderate TBI requiring rehabilitation
  • Severe TBI with permanent disability

Case Example: We recovered over $5 million for a client struck by a falling object at a logging company who suffered TBI and vision loss. For trucking-related TBIs, values depend on whether the victim can return to work at Kellogg’s in Battle Creek or local agricultural employers.

Spinal Cord Injury: $4,770,000 – $25,880,000+

Paraplegia and quadriplegia require lifetime care. In Barry County, where rural homes may need wheelchair ramps and vehicle modifications, these cases demand maximum compensation. The lifetime cost of care for a 25-year-old quadriplegic exceeds $5 million in medical expenses alone—not counting lost wages or pain and suffering.

Amputation: $1,945,000 – $8,630,000

We’ve secured settlements ranging from $1.9 to $8.6 million for amputation victims. One client received $3.8 million after a car accident led to staph infection and partial leg amputation. Truck accidents often cause traumatic amputations at the scene or crush injuries requiring surgical removal.

Michigan Factor: Proximity to Grand Rapids’ Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital provides excellent prosthetic care—but at significant cost.

Wrongful Death: $1,910,000 – $9,520,000+

When trucking accidents kill Barry County residents, surviving spouses and children face not just emotional devastation but financial ruin. Michigan’s Wrongful Death Act allows recovery for:

  • Loss of society and companionship
  • Loss of financial support and services
  • Medical and funeral expenses
  • Conscious pain and suffering of the decedent

The $10 Million Context: While results vary, we note that juries across Michigan and the United States have awarded massive verdicts against negligent trucking companies—verdicts ranging into the hundreds of millions in cases involving gross negligence like deliberate HOS violations or hiring drivers with known substance abuse issues.

What to Do Immediately After a Barry County Truck Accident

The steps you take in the hours following a crash on I-94 or M-66 can determine whether you recover fair compensation or walk away with nothing.

At the Scene (If Able):

  1. Call 911 immediately. Report injuries and request both police and EMS. In Barry County, this brings Michigan State Police, the Barry County Sheriff’s Office, or local police from Hastings, Middleville, or Nashville.

  2. Document everything. Use your cell phone to photograph:

    • All vehicles involved (license plates, DOT numbers, damage)
    • The accident scene (skid marks, road conditions, traffic signals)
    • Your injuries (bruising, cuts, positioning)
    • Weather conditions (ice, snow, fog)
  3. Gather information:

    • Truck driver’s name, CDL number, and insurance
    • Trucking company name and DOT number (on the door)
    • Witness names and phone numbers
    • Responding officer’s name and badge number
  4. Do not admit fault. Michigan’s modified comparative negligence system means even 1% of fault reduces your recovery—and 51% bars it entirely.

Medical Treatment (First 72 Hours):

  1. Seek immediate evaluation. Go to Spectrum Health Pennock in Hastings, Bronson Battle Creek, or Ascension Borgess in Kalamazoo. Even if you feel fine, adrenaline masks serious injuries. Documentation creates the medical link between the crash and your injuries.

  2. Follow all recommendations. Missed appointments give insurance companies ammunition to claim you weren’t seriously hurt.

Legal Protection (First Week):

  1. Avoid recorded statements. The trucking company’s insurer will call within 24 hours. Politely decline to give a recorded statement until you consult an attorney. Adjusters are trained to minimize your claim—as Lupe Peña knows from his years defending these companies.

  2. Preserve evidence. Save your vehicle in its damaged condition. Do not authorize repairs until our accident reconstruction experts photograph the damage patterns.

  3. Contact Attorney911 immediately. Call 1-888-ATTY-911. We answer 24/7. We will:

    • Send spoliation letters to preserve black box data
    • Secure the driver’s ECM and ELD records
    • Investigate the trucking company’s safety history
    • Handle all communication with insurers
    • Arrange medical treatment if you lack insurance

Michigan Law: What Barry County Accident Victims Must Know

Statute of Limitations

You have three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit in Michigan. For wrongful death claims, the clock starts on the date of death, which may differ from the accident date. However, as discussed above, evidence disappears long before three years pass. Contact us immediately.

Comparative Fault (MCL § 500.3135)

Michigan follows a modified comparative negligence rule with a 51% bar. This means:

  • If you’re 20% at fault and the truck driver is 80% at fault, you recover 80% of your damages
  • If you’re 49% at fault, you recover 51%
  • If you’re 51% at fault or more, you recover nothing

The trucking company will try to blame you for:

  • Speeding on I-94
  • Distracted driving
  • Failure to yield at a rural intersection

Our job is to prove the trucker’s violations of 49 CFR regulations outweighed any minor errors on your part.

Michigan’s No-Fault Insurance vs. Commercial Policies

Michigan’s unique no-fault auto insurance system provides Personal Injury Protection (PIP) benefits covering medical expenses and lost wages regardless of fault. However:

  • Large trucks often have out-of-state insurers or self-insured motor carriers
  • The truck’s commercial liability policy (minimum $750,000) applies to your excess damages, pain and suffering, and wrongful death claims
  • You maintain the right to sue the trucking company for non-economic damages if you meet Michigan’s injury threshold (serious impairment of body function, permanent serious disfigurement, or death)

Frequently Asked Questions About Barry County 18-Wheeler Accidents

What’s the difference between a regular car accident and a trucking accident case?

Trucking cases involve federal regulations, higher insurance limits ($750,000 to $5 million vs. $50,000 for Michigan cars), and multiple liable parties. The trucking company sends investigators immediately, and critical evidence like ELD data requires immediate preservation. We treat these as the complex litigation they are—not simple fender-benders.

How much is my Barry County trucking accident case worth?

Values depend on injury severity, medical costs, lost wages, and whether the trucking company violated FMCSA regulations. We’ve recovered anywhere from mid-six figures for moderate injuries to multi-million dollars for catastrophic brain injuries and wrongful death. The $750,000 minimum insurance requirement often provides more coverage than typical Michigan auto policies.

Will my case go to trial?

Approximately 95% of personal injury cases settle before trial. However, we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial—because insurance companies offer better settlements when they know your attorney isn’t afraid of the courtroom. Ralph Manginello has been trying cases since 1998, and we have federal court admission for cases that cross state lines.

How long will my case take?

Simple cases with clear liability may settle in 6-12 months. Complex litigation involving multiple defendants, catastrophic injuries requiring long-term prognosis, or disputes over Michigan’s comparative negligence may take 18-36 months. We resolve cases as quickly as possible without sacrificing value.

What if I was partially at fault for the accident?

Under Michigan law, you can still recover damages if you were less than 51% at fault. Your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault. Don’t assume you have no case—let us investigate. Chad Harris became our client specifically because he thought he might be at fault, but we found the truck driver had falsified his logbook.

Can I afford an attorney?

Absolutely. Attorney911 works on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing upfront. No retainer. No hourly fees. We only collect a percentage (typically 33.33% pre-trial or 40% if trial is necessary) if we win your case. As client Donald Wilcox discovered after another firm rejected his case, getting “a call to come pick up this handsome check” costs nothing unless we win.

Do you handle cases in Spanish?

Sí. Hablamos Español. Nuestro abogado asociado Lupe Peña habla español con fluidez y puede manejar su caso sin intérpretes. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911 si usted o un miembro de su familia necesitan representación en español después de un accidente de camión en el Condado de Barry.

What if the trucking company is from Texas or another state?

We handle interstate trucking cases nationwide. Ralph Manginello is admitted to federal court and licensed in both Texas and New York, allowing him to handle cases that cross state lines. We regularly litigate against out-of-state carriers operating on I-94 through Michigan.

How do I know if the truck driver was fatigued?

We subpoena the Electronic Logging Device (ELD) data required by 49 CFR § 395.8. This objective data shows exactly how many hours the driver had been on duty, whether they took required 30-minute breaks, and if they exceeded the 11-hour driving limit. Fatigue is a leading cause of crashes on long hauls between Chicago and Detroit.

What is MCS-90 endorsement?

The MCS-90 endorsement is a federally required insurance provision that guarantees minimum coverage to accident victims regardless of whether the truck was engaged in interstate commerce at the exact moment of the crash. Learn more in our video guide: The Definitive Guide To MCS 90 Auto Endorsements.

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Barry County Trucking Case

You’ve seen the billboards. You’ve heard the radio ads. Every personal injury lawyer claims to handle truck accidents. Here’s what makes Attorney911 different:

Real Trial Experience: Ralph Manginello has spent over two decades in courtrooms. When he tells an insurance adjuster he’s prepared to try a case, they believe him—because he’s done it hundreds of times since 1998.

Inside Knowledge of Insurance Tactics: Lupe Peña spent years working for a national insurance defense firm. He knows exactly how insurers evaluate claims, what triggers settlement offers, and when they’re bluffing. He uses that insider knowledge to maximize your recovery.

Federal Court Admission: Many personal injury lawyers avoid federal court. We don’t. For interstate trucking cases involving federal regulations, we can—and do—file in federal court when it benefits our clients.

Proven Multi-Million Dollar Results: We’ve secured over $50 million for clients across all practice areas. Specific trucking and catastrophic injury results include:

  • $5+ million for traumatic brain injury victims
  • $3.8+ million for amputation cases
  • $2.5+ million for commercial truck crashes
  • $2+ million for maritime and Jones Act back injuries

Family Treatment: As Chad Harris put it in his review: “You are NOT a pest to them and you are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.” We answer your calls. We know your name. We fight for every dime you deserve—just ask Glenda Walker.

Immediate Action: We don’t wait. We send spoliation letters within 24 hours. We deploy investigators to Barry County immediately. While other firms take weeks to start, we’re preserving evidence the day you call.

Your Next Step: Call Attorney911 Today

The trucking company has already called their lawyer. Their insurance adjuster is already working to minimize your claim. The black box data that could prove the driver was speeding or fatigued is being overwritten with every mile that truck drives.

You have three years to file a lawsuit in Michigan, but only days to preserve the evidence that wins cases.

Call Attorney911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911). We answer 24/7. We’ll come to you in Hastings, Middleville, Nashville, or anywhere in Barry County. Consultations are free. We charge no fees unless we win.

Don’t let the trucking company push you around. Don’t accept a lowball settlement that won’t cover your future medical needs. Don’t wait until the evidence is gone.

Call 1-888-ATTY-911 today.

Hablamos Español. Lupe Peña está listo para ayudarle en su idioma. Llame ahora.

Attorney911
The Manginello Law Firm
Legal Emergency Lawyers™

Houston: 1177 West Loop S, Suite 1600
Austin: 316 West 12th Street, Suite 311
Beaumont: Available for meetings

1-888-ATTY-911
ralph@atty911.com
https://attorney911.com

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