18-Wheeler & Trucking Accident Attorneys in Berrien County, Georgia

When 80,000 Pounds Changes Everything: Your Fight Starts Here

The impact was catastrophic. One moment you’re driving through Berrien County on your way to work, visiting family, or just living your life. The next, an 80,000-pound commercial truck has turned your world upside down. In the chaos that follows—ambulance sirens, hospital lights, insurance adjusters calling before you’ve even been discharged—you need someone who knows exactly what you’re facing and how to fight back.

At Attorney911, we’ve spent over 25 years standing between trucking companies and the families they devastate. Ralph Manginello, our managing partner since 1998, has recovered multi-million dollar settlements for victims of catastrophic trucking accidents. Our associate attorney Lupe Peña spent years working inside the insurance defense system—now he uses that insider knowledge to fight against the very tactics he once employed. When you call 1-888-ATTY-911, you’re not getting a generic personal injury firm. You’re getting a team that knows Berrien County’s highways, Georgia’s courts, and exactly how to make trucking companies pay.

Why Berrien County 18-Wheeler Accidents Are Different

Berrien County sits at a critical crossroads in South Georgia’s freight network. Interstate 75 runs through the heart of the county, carrying massive commercial truck traffic between Florida and the Midwest. State Route 82 and U.S. Highway 129 serve as vital connectors to local agricultural operations, manufacturing facilities, and the Port of Savannah corridor. This heavy truck volume, combined with rural two-lane roads and limited emergency services in remote areas, creates a dangerous environment for passenger vehicles.

The trucking corridors serving Berrien County see patterns of accidents that differ from urban areas. Driver fatigue is particularly dangerous on I-75’s long, monotonous stretches through South Georgia. Agricultural trucking creates unique hazards during harvest seasons, with overloaded trucks and drivers rushing to meet processing deadlines. The proximity to Florida’s ports means significant container traffic, raising risks of cargo-related accidents including spills and improperly secured loads.

When an 18-wheeler accident occurs in Berrien County, victims face additional challenges beyond their injuries. Local trauma centers may need to transfer critically injured patients to larger facilities in Valdosta or Albany, complicating medical documentation. Rural law enforcement agencies may have limited experience with commercial vehicle investigations, potentially missing critical evidence. And trucking companies—knowing these challenges—often deploy rapid-response teams to protect their interests before victims even understand what happened.

The 10 Parties Who May Owe You Compensation

Most law firms look at a trucking accident and see one defendant: the driver. We see a web of corporate accountability that can dramatically increase your recovery. In Berrien County 18-wheeler accidents, we’ve pursued claims against up to ten different parties—because every liable party represents another insurance policy, another source of compensation for your family.

The Truck Driver bears direct responsibility for negligent operation: speeding, distracted driving, fatigue, impairment, or traffic violations. We subpoena cell phone records, drug test results, and driving history to prove driver negligence.

The Trucking Company/Motor Carrier is often your primary recovery target. Under Georgia’s modified comparative negligence system and the doctrine of respondeat superior, employers are liable for employees’ negligent acts within the scope of employment. But we don’t stop there—we investigate direct corporate negligence including negligent hiring, training, supervision, and maintenance. A trucking company that knowingly put a dangerous driver on Berrien County’s roads, or that pressured drivers to violate hours-of-service regulations to meet delivery deadlines, faces punitive damages exposure.

The Cargo Owner/Shipper may be liable when their loading instructions, weight requirements, or pressure to expedite delivery contributed to unsafe conditions. We examine shipping contracts and communications for evidence of shipper negligence.

The Cargo Loading Company bears responsibility for improper securement, unbalanced loads, and violations of 49 CFR Part 393 cargo securement regulations. Shifted cargo causes rollovers; spilled cargo causes secondary accidents.

The Truck and Trailer Manufacturer faces product liability claims when design defects or manufacturing failures contribute to accidents. Brake system failures, stability control defects, and fuel tank placement issues can support strict liability claims.

The Parts Manufacturer may be liable for defective components—brakes, tires, steering mechanisms, or lighting systems that fail catastrophically.

The Maintenance Company that serviced the truck can be liable for negligent repairs, failure to identify critical safety issues, or returning vehicles to service with known defects.

The Freight Broker who arranged transportation may face negligent selection claims when they chose carriers with poor safety records or failed to verify insurance and authority.

Government Entities bear limited liability for dangerous road design, inadequate maintenance, or failure to install safety barriers at known hazard locations.

Our investigation process identifies every potentially liable party. We send preservation demands to all defendants within 24-48 hours, subpoena records from each entity, and build a comprehensive liability case that maximizes your recovery options.

FMCSA Violations That Prove Negligence

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration regulations exist because trucking companies repeatedly chose profit over safety. When we prove FMCSA violations in your Berrien County case, we’re not just establishing negligence—we’re showing a pattern of corporate indifference to human life.

Hours of Service Violations (49 CFR Part 395) are the most common cause of fatigue-related accidents. Federal law limits property-carrying drivers to 11 hours of driving after 10 consecutive hours off duty. Drivers cannot operate beyond the 14th consecutive hour after coming on duty. They must take a 30-minute break after 8 cumulative hours of driving. Weekly limits of 60 hours in 7 days or 70 hours in 8 days apply, with a 34-hour restart provision.

When ELD data shows a driver exceeded these limits—especially when combined with dispatch records showing pressure to meet delivery deadlines—we prove both driver and corporate negligence. The trucking company that created impossible schedules shares liability with the exhausted driver who fell asleep at the wheel on I-75.

Driver Qualification Failures (49 CFR Part 391) create liability when trucking companies put unqualified operators on the road. Federal law requires drivers to be at least 21 years old for interstate commerce, possess a valid commercial driver’s license, pass a physical examination every 24 months, and complete entry-level driver training. Motor carriers must maintain Driver Qualification Files containing employment applications, motor vehicle records, road test certificates, medical certifications, and drug test results.

Incomplete DQ files, missing background checks, or hiring drivers with suspended licenses or serious violation histories support negligent hiring claims. We subpoena these records in every case—because the trucking company that didn’t bother to check a driver’s history before putting them on Berrien County’s roads chose to gamble with your safety.

Vehicle Maintenance Violations (49 CFR Part 396) cause brake failures, tire blowouts, and equipment malfunctions that devastate families. Federal law requires systematic inspection, repair, and maintenance of all commercial motor vehicles. Drivers must conduct pre-trip inspections and prepare written post-trip reports documenting any defects. Annual comprehensive inspections are mandatory, with records retained for 14 months.

When maintenance records show deferred brake repairs, ignored tire wear, or falsified inspection reports, we prove the trucking company knew their vehicle was dangerous and chose to operate it anyway. This conscious disregard for safety supports punitive damages claims that can dramatically increase recovery.

Cargo Securement Violations (49 CFR Part 393) cause rollovers, spills, and lost loads that create deadly road hazards. Federal regulations specify performance criteria for cargo securement systems, requiring them to withstand 0.8 g deceleration forward, 0.5 g acceleration rearward, 0.5 g lateral force, and downward force of at least 20% of cargo weight. Specific requirements apply to different cargo types including logs, metal coils, and heavy machinery.

Improper loading, inadequate tiedowns, or failure to re-inspect cargo during transit create liability for loaders, shippers, and carriers. When a shifted load causes a rollover on I-75 in Berrien County, we investigate every party who touched that cargo.

Drug and Alcohol Violations (49 CFR Parts 382 and 392) create automatic liability when impaired drivers cause catastrophic harm. Federal law prohibits commercial drivers from using alcohol within 4 hours of going on duty, possessing alcohol while on duty, or operating with a BAC of 0.04 or higher. Random drug testing, post-accident testing, and reasonable suspicion testing are mandatory.

Positive drug tests, refused tests, or evidence of impairment from prescription medications support negligence claims and may trigger punitive damages. The trucking company that allowed an impaired driver to operate creates corporate liability that extends far beyond the individual driver.

Catastrophic Injuries: When “Recovery” Means Rebuilding Your Life

The injuries from 18-wheeler accidents aren’t like other car crash injuries. The physics of 80,000 pounds against 4,000 pounds creates forces that permanently alter lives. At Attorney911, we’ve walked alongside families facing the most devastating injuries imaginable—and we’ve learned that “recovery” means something different for every person we represent.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) changes who you are. The force of a trucking collision causes the brain to impact the inside of the skull, creating damage that affects cognition, personality, and daily function. Mild TBIs—concussions—may resolve with rest, but moderate to severe injuries can cause permanent cognitive impairment, memory loss, personality changes, and inability to work. Our firm has recovered $1.5 million to $9.8 million for TBI victims, not because money fixes the injury, but because it provides resources for the best possible care, rehabilitation, and quality of life.

Spinal Cord Injury and Paralysis redefines independence. The same forces that cause TBI can fracture vertebrae and damage the spinal cord, interrupting communication between brain and body. Paraplegia—loss of function below the waist—eliminates walking and may affect bladder and bowel control. Quadriplegia—loss of function in all four limbs—may require ventilator assistance for breathing. Incomplete injuries preserve some function; complete injuries offer no recovery. Lifetime care costs range from $1.1 million to over $5 million, which is why we fight for every dollar our clients need for medical care, home modifications, adaptive equipment, and ongoing support.

Amputation from crushing forces or surgical necessity creates permanent disability. Whether traumatic—limb severed at the scene—or surgical—damage too severe to save the limb—amputation requires multiple surgeries, prosthetic limbs ($5,000-$50,000 each, with replacements needed throughout life), extensive rehabilitation, and psychological counseling for body image and trauma. Our firm has secured $1.9 million to $8.6 million for amputation victims, ensuring they have resources for the best prosthetics, ongoing care, and life adaptations.

Severe Burns from fuel fires, hazmat spills, or electrical damage cause some of the most painful and disfiguring injuries. Third-degree burns destroy full skin thickness, requiring skin grafts and leaving permanent scarring. Fourth-degree burns extend to muscle and bone, often requiring amputation. Inhalation injuries from smoke and toxic fumes cause lung damage. The psychological trauma of disfigurement, chronic pain, and repeated surgeries creates lifelong challenges that demand comprehensive compensation.

Internal Organ Damage from blunt force trauma may not show immediate symptoms but can be life-threatening. Liver lacerations, spleen rupture, kidney damage, lung contusions, and internal bleeding require emergency surgery and may cause permanent organ dysfunction. The delayed onset of symptoms makes immediate medical evaluation critical—both for health and for documenting the connection between accident and injury.

Wrongful Death claims arise when trucking company negligence takes a loved one. Georgia law allows surviving spouses, children, and parents to recover damages including lost future income, loss of companionship and guidance, mental anguish, funeral expenses, and in cases of gross negligence, punitive damages. No amount of money replaces a loved one, but holding the responsible parties fully accountable provides justice and financial security for the family left behind.

The 48-Hour Evidence Crisis: Why Waiting Destroys Cases

The trucking company that hit you has already called their lawyers. Their insurance adjuster is already reviewing the accident report. Their rapid-response team may already be at the scene, photographing, measuring, and building their defense. Meanwhile, critical evidence that could prove your case is disappearing.

Black box data—the ECM and EDR that record speed, braking, throttle position, and engine performance—can be overwritten within 30 days or with new driving events. Some systems retain data for as little as 7-14 days. Once overwritten, this objective evidence of what really happened is gone forever.

ELD data—the electronic logs that prove hours-of-service violations and driver fatigue—must be retained for only 6 months under FMCSA regulations. After that, trucking companies can legally delete records that might prove they pressured drivers to violate federal rest requirements.

Dashcam footage—forward-facing and cab-facing cameras that may show exactly what happened—is often deleted within 7-14 days as part of routine data management. The video that could prove the driver was texting, eating, or simply not paying attention disappears with a few keystrokes.

Surveillance video from nearby businesses—gas stations, restaurants, warehouses—typically overwrites in 7-30 days depending on storage capacity. The footage that could show the truck running a red light or making an unsafe lane change is routinely deleted.

Witness memories fade and change. Within weeks, witnesses who saw the accident may misremember details, confuse events, or simply become unreachable as they move or change contact information.

Physical evidence—the truck itself, damaged components, tire remnants—may be repaired, sold, or scrapped. Once the vehicle is back in service or destroyed, forensic analysis becomes impossible.

This is why we send spoliation letters within 24-48 hours of being retained. These formal legal notices put the trucking company, their insurer, and all potentially liable parties on notice that litigation is anticipated and evidence must be preserved. Once a party receives a spoliation letter, destroying evidence becomes a serious legal violation that can result in:

• Adverse inference instructions—the judge tells the jury to assume destroyed evidence would have been unfavorable to the destroying party
• Monetary sanctions—fines and penalties imposed by the court
• Default judgment—in extreme cases, the court may enter judgment against the party that destroyed evidence
• Punitive damages—additional damages awarded specifically for intentional destruction of evidence

But spoliation letters only work if sent before evidence is destroyed. Every hour you wait, the risk increases. The trucking company is already protecting their interests. You need someone protecting yours.

Georgia Law: What Berrien County Trucking Accident Victims Need to Know

Understanding Georgia’s specific legal framework is essential for maximizing your recovery after an 18-wheeler accident in Berrien County.

Statute of Limitations: Georgia gives you two years from the date of your trucking accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. For wrongful death claims, the two-year period runs from the date of death. This may seem like ample time, but critical evidence can disappear within days or weeks. We recommend contacting an attorney immediately—not waiting months to understand your options.

Modified Comparative Negligence: Georgia follows a 50% bar rule for comparative negligence. You can recover damages as long as you are not 50% or more at fault for the accident. However, your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault. If you’re found 30% at fault, you recover 70% of your damages. If you’re 51% at fault, you recover nothing. This makes thorough investigation and evidence preservation critical—trucking companies will try to shift blame to you.

Punitive Damages: Georgia generally caps punitive damages at $250,000, with exceptions for cases involving intentional conduct, drunk driving, or other egregious circumstances. In trucking cases, we pursue punitive damages when we can prove the trucking company knowingly violated safety regulations, hired dangerous drivers, or destroyed evidence. The $250,000 cap does not apply in these exceptional circumstances.

Government Entity Liability: When accidents involve government-owned vehicles or dangerous road conditions maintained by state or local entities, special rules apply. Georgia’s Tort Claims Act imposes damage caps of $250,000 per person and $500,000 per occurrence for claims against state and local governments. Notice requirements are strict—often requiring written notice within 6 months of the incident. These cases require immediate attorney involvement to preserve claims.

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage: Georgia law requires insurance companies to offer UM/UIM coverage, though drivers can reject it in writing. If the at-fault truck driver lacks adequate insurance—or if you’re injured in a hit-and-run—your own UM/UIM policy may provide coverage. We investigate all available insurance sources, including umbrella policies and excess coverage, to maximize your recovery.

FMCSA Regulations: The Rules Trucking Companies Break

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration regulations exist because trucking companies repeatedly chose profit over safety. When we prove FMCSA violations in your Berrien County case, we’re not just establishing negligence—we’re showing a pattern of corporate indifference to human life.

Hours of Service Violations (49 CFR Part 395) cause approximately 31% of fatal truck crashes. Federal law limits property-carrying drivers to 11 hours of driving after 10 consecutive hours off duty. Drivers cannot operate beyond the 14th consecutive hour after coming on duty. They must take a 30-minute break after 8 cumulative hours of driving. Weekly limits of 60 hours in 7 days or 70 hours in 8 days apply.

Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs), mandated since December 18, 2017, automatically record driving time and synchronize with vehicle engines. Unlike easily falsified paper logs, ELD data provides objective proof of hours-of-service violations. When ELD data shows a driver exceeded federal limits—especially when combined with dispatch records showing pressure to meet delivery deadlines—we prove both driver and corporate negligence.

Driver Qualification Failures (49 CFR Part 391) create liability when trucking companies put unqualified operators on the road. Federal law requires drivers to be at least 21 years old for interstate commerce, possess a valid commercial driver’s license, pass a physical examination every 24 months, and complete entry-level driver training. Motor carriers must maintain Driver Qualification Files containing employment applications, motor vehicle records, road test certificates, medical certifications, and drug test results.

Incomplete DQ files, missing background checks, or hiring drivers with suspended licenses support negligent hiring claims. We subpoena these records in every case—because the trucking company that didn’t bother to check a driver’s history before putting them on Berrien County’s roads chose to gamble with your safety.

Vehicle Maintenance Violations (49 CFR Part 396) cause brake failures, tire blowouts, and equipment malfunctions that devastate families. Federal law requires systematic inspection, repair, and maintenance of all commercial motor vehicles. Drivers must conduct pre-trip inspections and prepare written post-trip reports documenting any defects. Annual comprehensive inspections are mandatory, with records retained for 14 months.

When maintenance records show deferred brake repairs, ignored tire wear, or falsified inspection reports, we prove the trucking company knew their vehicle was dangerous and chose to operate it anyway. This conscious disregard for safety supports punitive damages claims that can dramatically increase recovery.

Cargo Securement Violations (49 CFR Part 393) cause rollovers, spills, and lost loads that create deadly road hazards. Federal regulations specify performance criteria for cargo securement systems, requiring them to withstand 0.8 g deceleration forward, 0.5 g acceleration rearward, 0.5 g lateral force, and downward force of at least 20% of cargo weight. Specific requirements apply to different cargo types including logs, metal coils, and heavy machinery.

Improper loading, inadequate tiedowns, or failure to re-inspect cargo during transit create liability for loaders, shippers, and carriers. When a shifted load causes a rollover on I-75 in Berrien County, we investigate every party who touched that cargo.

Drug and Alcohol Violations (49 CFR Parts 382 and 392) create automatic liability when impaired drivers cause catastrophic harm. Federal law prohibits commercial drivers from using alcohol within 4 hours of going on duty, possessing alcohol while on duty, or operating with a BAC of 0.04 or higher. Random drug testing, post-accident testing, and reasonable suspicion testing are mandatory.

Positive drug tests, refused tests, or evidence of impairment from prescription medications support negligence claims and may trigger punitive damages. The trucking company that allowed an impaired driver to operate creates corporate liability that extends far beyond the individual driver.

The Accident Types That Devastate Berrien County Families

Every 18-wheeler accident is catastrophic, but different accident types create distinct patterns of injury and liability. Understanding what happened in your specific case—and why—helps us build the strongest possible claim for your recovery.

Jackknife Accidents occur when the trailer and cab skid in opposite directions, with the trailer folding at an angle like a pocket knife. These accidents often result from sudden braking on wet or icy roads, speeding on curves, or improperly loaded cargo that shifts during transit. The swinging trailer sweeps across multiple lanes, causing multi-vehicle pileups that are nearly impossible for nearby drivers to avoid. Jackknife accidents account for approximately 10% of all trucking-related deaths. We investigate brake system maintenance records, cargo loading documentation, and ECM data showing speed and braking patterns to prove negligence.

Rollover Accidents happen when an 18-wheeler tips onto its side or roof. Due to the truck’s high center of gravity and massive weight, rollovers are among the most catastrophic accidents. Approximately 50% of rollover crashes result from failure to adjust speed on curves. Other causes include improperly secured cargo that shifts during transit, liquid cargo “slosh” that changes the center of gravity, and driver overcorrection after tire blowouts or lane departures. Rollovers frequently lead to secondary crashes from debris and fuel spills. We examine cargo securement records, load distribution documentation, driver training on rollover prevention, and road geometry analysis to establish liability.

Underride Collisions are among the most fatal types of 18-wheeler accidents. These occur when a smaller vehicle crashes into the rear or side of a truck and slides underneath the trailer. The trailer height often causes the smaller vehicle’s passenger compartment to be sheared off at windshield level. Approximately 400-500 underride deaths occur annually in the United States. Rear underride guards are required on trailers manufactured after January 26, 1998, under 49 CFR § 393.86, but NO FEDERAL REQUIREMENT exists for side underride guards despite ongoing advocacy. We investigate underride guard inspection and maintenance records, rear lighting compliance, and visibility conditions to establish liability.

Rear-End Collisions involving 18-wheelers cause devastating injuries due to the massive weight disparity and longer stopping distances. A fully loaded truck at 65 mph needs approximately 525 feet to stop—nearly two football fields—compared to about 300 feet for a passenger vehicle. This 40% longer stopping distance means trucks cannot avoid obstacles as quickly. Common causes include following too closely, driver distraction, fatigue, excessive speed, and brake failures from poor maintenance. We pursue ECM data showing following distance and speed, ELD data for fatigue analysis, cell phone records for distraction evidence, and brake maintenance records to prove negligence.

Wide Turn Accidents or “squeeze play” crashes occur when an 18-wheeler swings wide before making a right turn, creating a gap that other vehicles enter. The truck then completes its turn, crushing or striking the vehicle that entered the gap. These accidents result from failure to properly signal, inadequate mirror checks, improper turn technique, and driver inexperience with trailer tracking. We examine turn signal activation data, mirror condition and adjustment records, driver training on turning procedures, and witness statements on turn execution.

Blind Spot Accidents occur when trucks change lanes or maneuver without seeing vehicles in their “No-Zones.” The four major blind spots include 20 feet directly in front of the cab, 30 feet behind the trailer, the left side extending from the cab door backward, and the much larger right side blind spot that is the most dangerous. We investigate mirror condition and adjustment, lane change data from ECM/telematics, turn signal activation records, and driver training on blind spot awareness.

Tire Blowout Accidents cause approximately 11,000 crashes and 738 fatalities annually. Steer tire blowouts are especially dangerous and can cause immediate loss of control. Common causes include underinflated tires causing overheating, overloading beyond tire capacity, worn or aging tires, road debris punctures, and manufacturing defects. We pursue tire maintenance and inspection records, tire age and wear documentation, inflation records, vehicle weight records, and failed tire components for defect analysis.

Brake Failure Accidents stem from violations of 49 CFR Parts 393 and 396. Brake problems factor in approximately 29% of large truck crashes. Complete brake failure often results from systematic maintenance neglect including worn brake pads not replaced, improper adjustment, air brake system leaks, overheated brakes on long descents, and contaminated brake fluid. We examine brake inspection and maintenance records, out-of-service inspection history, ECM data showing brake application and effectiveness, and post-crash brake system analysis.

The Evidence That Wins Cases: Our 48-Hour Preservation Protocol

The trucking company is building their defense right now. Within hours of a serious accident, they deploy rapid-response teams to the scene. Their lawyers are reviewing the police report. Their insurance adjusters are looking for ways to minimize your claim. And critical evidence that could prove their negligence is being destroyed—or will be soon.

This is why our 48-hour evidence preservation protocol begins the moment you call 1-888-ATTY-911.

Electronic Control Module (ECM) and Event Data Recorder (EDR) data—the “black box” that records speed, braking, throttle position, engine RPM, and fault codes—can be overwritten within 30 days or with new driving events. Some systems retain data for as little as 7-14 days. This objective evidence often contradicts driver claims of “I wasn’t speeding” or “I hit my brakes immediately.” Once overwritten, it’s gone forever.

Electronic Logging Device (ELD) records—the federally mandated devices that prove hours-of-service violations and driver fatigue—must be retained for only 6 months under FMCSA regulations. After that, trucking companies can legally delete records that might prove they pressured drivers to violate federal rest requirements.

Dashcam footage—forward-facing and cab-facing cameras that may show exactly what happened, whether the driver was distracted, or how the accident unfolded—is often deleted within 7-14 days as part of routine data management.

Surveillance video from nearby businesses—gas stations, restaurants, warehouses along I-75 or local Berrien County roads—typically overwrites in 7-30 days depending on storage capacity. The footage that could show the truck running a red light or making an unsafe lane change is routinely deleted.

Witness memories fade and change. Within weeks, witnesses who saw the accident may misremember details, confuse events, or simply become unreachable as they move or change contact information.

Physical evidence—the truck itself, damaged components, tire remnants, cargo securement devices—may be repaired, sold, or scrapped. Once the vehicle is back in service or destroyed, forensic analysis becomes impossible.

Our spoliation letter—sent within 24-48 hours of being retained—puts all potentially liable parties on legal notice that litigation is anticipated and evidence must be preserved. This letter demands preservation of:

• ECM/EDR data and all electronic control systems
• ELD records and hours-of-service documentation
• Driver Qualification Files including employment applications, background checks, medical certifications, and drug test results
• Vehicle maintenance and inspection records
• Dashcam and surveillance footage
• Dispatch logs and communications
• Cell phone records
• GPS and telematics data
• The physical truck, trailer, and any failed components

Once a party receives our spoliation letter, destroying evidence becomes a serious legal violation. Courts can instruct juries to assume destroyed evidence would have been unfavorable, impose monetary sanctions, or even enter default judgment. The threat of these consequences often forces trucking companies to preserve evidence they might otherwise destroy.

But spoliation letters only work if sent before evidence is destroyed. Every hour you wait, the risk increases. The trucking company is already building their defense. What are you doing?

Insurance Coverage: Why Trucking Cases Are Worth More

Federal law requires commercial trucking companies to carry minimum liability insurance far exceeding typical auto policies. This higher coverage means catastrophic injuries can actually be compensated, rather than leaving victims with unpaid medical bills and financial devastation.

Federal Minimum Liability Limits:

Many carriers carry $1-5 million or more in coverage. This higher coverage, combined with Georgia’s lack of caps on compensatory damages for trucking accidents, creates the potential for substantial recoveries that can truly provide for a family’s future.

But accessing these policies requires knowing how trucking law works. Insurance companies don’t advertise their coverage limits. They don’t volunteer that multiple policies might apply. They don’t explain that the freight broker who arranged the shipment, or the cargo loader who improperly secured the load, might carry separate insurance that could contribute to your recovery.

Our investigation identifies every available insurance source. We pursue claims against the motor carrier’s liability policy, trailer interchange coverage, cargo insurance, owner-operator policies, excess and umbrella coverage, and any other applicable policies. More defendants means more insurance pools means higher compensation for you.

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Berrien County Trucking Accident Case

When you’re facing the aftermath of an 18-wheeler accident in Berrien County, you need more than a lawyer—you need a fighter who knows exactly what you’re up against and how to win.

Ralph Manginello’s 25+ Years of Experience means we’ve seen every tactic trucking companies use. Since 1998, Ralph has fought for injury victims across Georgia and Texas, securing multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements. His federal court admission to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas, gives us the capability to handle complex interstate trucking cases that other firms must refer out. When Ralph Manginello takes your case, you’re getting a veteran litigator who has gone toe-to-toe with Fortune 500 corporations and won.

Lupe Peña’s Insurance Defense Background gives our clients an unfair advantage. Before joining Attorney911, Lupe spent years working at a national insurance defense firm. He knows exactly how commercial trucking insurers evaluate claims, train adjusters to minimize payouts, and deploy tactics to deny legitimate claims. Now he uses that insider knowledge to fight FOR accident victims, not against them. When Lupe analyzes your case, he’s anticipating every defense strategy the trucking company will use—and he’s already preparing the counterarguments.

Our $50+ Million Track Record speaks to results, not promises. We’ve recovered multi-million dollar settlements for traumatic brain injury victims ($1.5M-$9.8M range), amputation cases ($1.9M-$8.6M), and wrongful death claims ($1.9M-$9.5M). Our current $10 million lawsuit against the University of Houston demonstrates our willingness to take on powerful institutions when they harm innocent people. These aren’t just numbers—they’re families whose lives we helped rebuild after catastrophic injuries.

Our 4.9-Star Google Rating with 251+ Reviews reflects how we treat clients. As Chad Harris told us, “You are NOT a pest to them and you are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.” Glenda Walker said we “fought for me to get every dime I deserved.” Donald Wilcox came to us after another firm rejected his case—we got him “a handsome check.” Angel Walle noted we “solved in a couple of months what others did nothing about in two years.” These testimonials aren’t marketing copy—they’re real words from real clients who needed help and found it with us.

Our Three Office Locations mean we’re never far from Berrien County clients. Our Houston headquarters at 1177 West Loop S, Suite 1600, serves as our primary base for trucking litigation. Our Austin office at 316 West 12th Street extends our reach into Central Texas. And our Beaumont location provides access for East Texas and Louisiana border cases. For Berrien County clients, we offer remote consultations, travel to you for meetings, and full representation without geographic barriers.

Hablamos Español. For Berrien County’s Spanish-speaking community, Lupe Peña provides direct representation without interpreters. No language barriers. No miscommunication. Just clear, effective advocacy in the language you’re most comfortable speaking. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911 para una consulta gratis.

Your Next Step: Call 1-888-ATTY-911 Today

If you’ve been injured in an 18-wheeler accident in Berrien County, you don’t have time to wait. The trucking company is already building their defense. Evidence is disappearing. And the clock on your legal rights is ticking.

Call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911) right now. We answer calls 24/7 because we know trucking accidents don’t happen on business hours. Your consultation is free. You pay nothing unless we win your case. And we’ll send a spoliation letter to preserve critical evidence within 24 hours of being retained.

Ralph Manginello has spent 25+ years fighting for families just like yours. Lupe Peña knows the insurance defense playbook from the inside. Our team has recovered over $50 million for injury victims. And we’re ready to fight for you.

Don’t let the trucking company win. Don’t settle for less than you deserve. Don’t wait until evidence is gone and your rights have expired.

Call 1-888-ATTY-911 now. We’re ready to fight for you.

Attorney911 / The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC
Houston: 1177 West Loop S, Suite 1600 | Austin: 316 West 12th Street | Beaumont: Available for meetings
Email: ralph@atty911.com | lupe@atty911.com
24/7 Emergency Line: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)

Hablamos Español. Llame a Lupe Peña al 1-888-ATTY-911.