When an 80,000-pound truck meets a family sedan on a rural North Dakota highway, physics doesn’t negotiate. It devastates. If you or someone you love has been injured in an 18-wheeler accident in Bowman County, the aftermath can feel as overwhelming as the collision itself. You’re facing medical bills that seem impossible, insurance adjusters who call before you’ve even left the hospital, and a trucking company that’s already building its defense.
We’re Attorney911, and we’ve spent over 25 years fighting for families across North Dakota and beyond. Ralph Manginello, our managing partner, has been standing up to trucking companies since 1998. He’s litigated in federal court. He’s taken on Fortune 500 corporations like BP. And he’s recovered multi-million dollar settlements for victims of catastrophic truck crashes. We know Bowman County’s highways—the I-94 corridor that runs through the heart of our agricultural community, the county roads that connect family farms to grain elevators, and the oilfield routes that bring heavy traffic to our otherwise quiet roads.
You don’t have to face this alone. But you do need to act fast. Critical evidence in trucking cases—black box data, driver logs, maintenance records—can disappear within days. Call us at 1-888-ATTY-911 today for a free consultation. We’ll send a spoliation letter within 24 hours to preserve what the trucking company hopes you’ll never see.
Why 18-Wheeler Accidents in Bowman County Are Different
Bowman County sits in the southwest corner of North Dakota, where the Great Plains meet the Badlands. It’s a place of wide-open spaces, family ranches, and some of the most dangerous trucking corridors in the Midwest. Interstate 94 cuts through our county, carrying transcontinental freight from Minneapolis to Billings and beyond. When you combine that heavy commercial traffic with our brutal winters—where temperatures can plummet to 40 below and blizzards can white out visibility in minutes—you have a recipe for catastrophic truck accidents.
The statistics are sobering. Nationwide, over 5,000 people die annually in trucking accidents, and 76% of those fatalities are occupants of the smaller vehicle. In North Dakota specifically, the combination of rural isolation, extreme weather, and the Bakken oil formation’s trucking boom has created unique hazards. While the oil fields have brought prosperity, they’ve also brought massive increases in heavy truck traffic on roads not designed for 18-wheelers. Combine that with the fact that North Dakota has the fourth-largest land area of any state but one of the smallest populations, and you’ve got emergency response times that can stretch dangerously long in remote areas of Bowman County.
These aren’t just “car accidents with bigger vehicles.” Commercial trucks operate under a completely different set of federal regulations, carry insurance policies 20 times larger than passenger cars, and are defended by rapid-response teams that arrive at crash scenes before the wreckage even cools. When you’re hurt in Bowman County, you need more than a general personal injury lawyer. You need a team that knows the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSA) inside and out—because proving violations of 49 CFR Parts 390 through 399 is often the key to unlocking the full value of your case.
Common Types of Truck Accidents in Bowman County
Every region has its own trucking dangers. In Bowman County, we see distinct patterns tied to our geography, our weather, and our industries.
Jackknife Accidents on I-94
When an 18-wheeler’s cab and trailer fold into each other like a pocket knife, it’s called a jackknife. These accidents account for roughly 10% of all trucking fatalities nationwide, and they’re particularly common on Bowman County’s stretch of I-94 during our brutal winters. A truck driver who brakes suddenly on black ice can lose control in seconds, sending the trailer swinging across all lanes of traffic.
Under 49 CFR § 392.6, truck drivers must operate at speeds safe for conditions—not just the posted speed limit. When a driver jackknifes because they were going too fast for snow or ice, they’ve violated federal law. We subpoena the truck’s Engine Control Module (ECM) data to prove exactly how fast they were going when they lost control.
Rollovers on County Roads
Bowman County’s rural roads weren’t built for 80,000-pound trucks. Narrow shoulders, soft gravel edges, and sharp curves near the Little Missouri National Grassland can spell disaster. Rollovers often happen when a driver takes a curve too fast, overcorrects, or encounters shifting cargo.
Federal regulations under 49 CFR § 393.100-136 require proper cargo securement. In agricultural country like Bowman County, we see trucks hauling everything from grain to heavy equipment. When loaders fail to secure cargo properly, the weight shift can topple a trailer. We investigate the cargo owner and the loading company—not just the driver—because under federal law, anyone who touches that cargo may share liability.
Underride Collisions
Perhaps the most horrific truck accidents are underride collisions, where a passenger vehicle slides under the trailer, often shearing off the roof and causing instant decapitation. These happen frequently at dawn and dusk on rural highways when visibility is poor, or when a truck makes a slow turn onto a county road and an approaching car doesn’t see it in time.
While 49 CFR § 393.86 requires rear impact guards on trailers, these guards often fail in real-world crashes, and there’s no federal requirement for side underride guards. We’ve seen cases where deficient guards contributed to fatalities, allowing us to pursue claims against both the trucking company and the trailer manufacturer.
Tire Blowouts and Brake Failures
On long hauls across North Dakota’s vast distances, tires overheat and brakes wear down. A steer tire blowout on an 18-wheeler traveling 75 mph on I-94 can send the truck careening into oncoming traffic. Brake failures on the steep grades near the Killdeer Mountains can result in runaway trucks that can’t stop for intersections.
49 CFR § 393.40-55 mandates specific brake performance standards, and § 393.75 requires minimum tread depths. We’ve handled cases where trucking companies knowingly put trucks back on the road with defective brakes or bald tires to save money. When they do, they’re not just negligent—they’re reckless.
Fatigue-Related Crashes
North Dakota’s oil patch operates around the clock. Drivers hauling equipment to and from the Bakken formation often push past the federal limits. Under 49 CFR Part 395, property-carrying drivers cannot drive more than 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty, and they cannot drive beyond the 14th consecutive hour after coming on duty.
Yet we see Electronic Logging Device (ELD) data that shows drivers violating these hours-of-service rules every day. When a driver falls asleep at the wheel on a rural road in Bowman County, the results are often fatal. We send immediate spoliation letters to preserve ELD data because trucking companies can legally overwrite this critical evidence in as little as six months.
Oilfield Trucking Accidents
The Bakken oil boom transformed North Dakota’s trucking landscape. Huge volumes of water, sand, and equipment move daily through Bowman County on their way to drilling sites. Tanker rollovers on curves, hazmat spills from fracking chemicals, and collisions involving oversized loads are realities we’ve dealt with repeatedly.
These cases involve additional regulations under 49 CFR Part 397 regarding hazardous materials. When a tanker truck spills hazardous materials on a Bowman County ranch, the environmental damage can be catastrophic, and the liability can extend to the oil company, the trucking contractor, and the loading facility.
Who Can Be Held Liable in Your Bowman County Trucking Case?
Unlike a simple car accident where usually only one driver is at fault, 18-wheeler accidents often involve a web of responsible parties. We investigate every potential defendant because more liable parties means more insurance coverage, which means better compensation for you.
The Truck Driver
The operator of the vehicle may be liable for speeding, distracted driving, fatigue, or impairment. Under 49 CFR § 392.5, a driver cannot operate a commercial vehicle with a blood alcohol concentration of .04 or higher—half the limit for passenger car drivers. We immediately demand drug and alcohol testing results, as these must be conducted within specific windows after a crash.
The Trucking Company (Motor Carrier)
This is often where the real money is, and where the real negligence lurks. Under the doctrine of respondeat superior, employers are responsible for their employees’ negligence. But trucking companies can also be directly negligent for:
- Negligent Hiring: Failing to verify a driver’s qualifications or safety record (49 CFR § 391.51 requires a Driver Qualification File)
- Negligent Training: Sending drivers onto icy North Dakota roads without proper winter safety training
- Negligent Supervision: Ignoring ELD violations or pressure to meet unrealistic delivery deadlines
- Negligent Maintenance: Failing to inspect brakes, tires, and lights (49 CFR § 396 requires systematic inspection and maintenance)
We obtain the company’s complete Driver Qualification Files, maintenance records, and CSA (Compliance, Safety, Accountability) safety scores. A pattern of violations can prove the company put profits over safety.
The Cargo Owner and Loading Company
In agricultural Bowman County, grain elevators and farms often load trucks. If they overload the vehicle or fail to secure the load properly, causing a rollover or spill, they share liability. Under 49 CFR § 393.100, cargo securement is the responsibility of everyone in the chain.
The Freight Broker
Brokers who arrange transportation sometimes cut corners by hiring the cheapest carrier available, even if that carrier has a poor safety record. When a broker negligently selects an unsafe carrier, they can be held liable for the consequences.
Truck and Parts Manufacturers
Defective brakes, tires prone to blowouts, or inadequate underride guards can all give rise to product liability claims against manufacturers. We preserve failed components for expert analysis to prove these claims.
Maintenance Companies
Third-party mechanics who service fleets in Bowman County and surrounding areas can be liable if their negligent repairs cause a catastrophic failure.
Government Entities
While sovereign immunity limits suits against government bodies, dangerous road design—such as inadequate signage on I-94, poor lighting, or failure to clear ice and snow—can create liability for state or county highway departments.
The Federal Regulations That Protect You
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulates every 18-wheeler on Bowman County roads. These aren’t just technical rules—they’re life-saving requirements that, when violated, prove negligence.
49 CFR Part 391 sets driver qualification standards. Drivers must be medically certified, have clean driving records, and be trained to operate their specific vehicles. We’ve seen cases where carriers hired drivers with known medical conditions that should have disqualified them.
49 CFR Part 392 covers driving rules. It prohibits driving while fatigued (§ 392.3), requires proper use of seat belts, and mandates safe speeds for conditions. When a trucker causes a pileup on I-94 during a blizzard, they’ve likely violated this section.
49 CFR Part 393 governs vehicle safety. From brake adjustment to tire tread depth to cargo securement, this section covers the equipment. Violations here often cause the mechanical failures that lead to crashes.
49 CFR Part 395 is the Hours of Service regulation. It limits driving to 11 hours after 10 hours off duty, mandates a 30-minute break after 8 hours, and caps weekly driving at 60/70 hours. ELDs automatically record this data, and it’s gold for proving fatigue.
49 CFR Part 396 requires inspection and maintenance. Drivers must complete pre-trip and post-trip inspections, and carriers must keep maintenance records for at least one year. When these records show deferred maintenance, we use them to prove the company knew the truck was unsafe.
The Evidence That Wins Cases—And Why It Disappears Fast
Trucking companies don’t wait for you to hire a lawyer. They dispatch rapid-response teams to the scene immediately—sometimes before the ambulance arrives. These teams are there to protect the company, not to help you.
That’s why we act within 24 hours. We send spoliation letters to the trucking company, their insurer, and any third parties demanding preservation of:
- ECM/Black Box Data: Records speed, braking, and engine performance in the seconds before impact. Can be overwritten within 30 days.
- ELD Data: Prove Hours of Service violations. Legally required retention is only 6 months.
- Driver Qualification Files: Show if the driver was qualified to operate the vehicle.
- Maintenance Records: Reveal deferred repairs and inspection failures.
- Dashcam Footage: Often records continuously but gets deleted within days.
- Cell Phone Records: Prove distracted driving if the driver was texting.
In North Dakota, the statute of limitations for personal injury is six years—longer than most states. But waiting is a mistake. Witnesses forget. Skid marks fade. And the trucking company’s lawyers are already working.
Catastrophic Injuries Require Catastrophic Resources
The physics of a truck crash ensure that injuries are rarely minor. We’ve represented clients in Bowman County who’ve suffered:
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
The force of an 80,000-pound truck impact causes the brain to slam against the skull. Even “mild” TBIs can result in permanent cognitive impairment, personality changes, and inability to work. Our firm has recovered between $1.5 million and $9.8 million for traumatic brain injury victims.
Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis
When the spinal cord is severed or compressed, the result is often paraplegia or quadriplegia. The lifetime care costs for a quadriplegic can exceed $5 million. We work with life care planners to ensure your settlement covers every future medical need.
Amputations
Crushing injuries in truck accidents sometimes require surgical amputation. We’ve secured $1.9 million to $8.6 million for amputation victims, accounting for prosthetics, rehabilitation, and lost earning capacity.
Wrongful Death
When negligence takes a loved one, North Dakota law allows surviving family members to recover for lost income, loss of companionship, funeral expenses, and mental anguish. While no amount of money replaces a life, holding the trucking company accountable can provide some measure of justice and financial security. We’ve recovered $1.9 million to $9.5 million in wrongful death cases.
North Dakota Law and Your Bowman County Case
Understanding local law is crucial to maximizing your recovery.
Statute of Limitations: North Dakota gives you six years from the date of injury to file a personal injury lawsuit—the longest statute of limitations in the nation. However, wrongful death claims must be filed within two years. And practically speaking, you should never wait. Evidence disappears, and witnesses’ memories fade.
Comparative Negligence: North Dakota follows a “modified comparative negligence” rule with a 50% bar. This means you can recover damages if you were less than 50% at fault for the accident. However, your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault. So if you’re found 20% at fault, you still recover 80% of your damages. But if you’re 51% at fault, you recover nothing. The trucking company will try to blame you—we fight back with hard evidence.
Punitive Damages: In cases of gross negligence—like a trucking company that knowingly put a dangerous driver on the road or falsified maintenance records—North Dakota allows punitive damages. These are capped at the greater of two times compensatory damages or $250,000. While rare, they send a message that reckless disregard for safety won’t be tolerated.
Federal vs. State Court: Because trucking involves interstate commerce, many cases can be filed in federal court. Ralph Manginello is admitted to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas, and our firm handles federal trucking litigation nationwide, including in North Dakota.
Why Bowman County Families Choose Attorney911
When you’re up against a multinational trucking corporation, you need a team with the experience and resources to fight back.
25 Years of Experience
Ralph Manginello has been practicing law since 1998. He’s not just a lawyer who handles truck accidents—he’s a trial lawyer who’s taken on BP after the Texas City refinery explosion, litigated against major universities, and recovered over $50 million for clients across all practice areas. As client Donald Wilcox said, “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.”
Inside Knowledge of Insurance Tactics
Our associate attorney, Lupe Peña, is a former insurance defense lawyer. He spent years on the other side, learning how carriers evaluate claims, train adjusters to minimize payouts, and use software like Colossus to lowball victims. Now he uses that insider knowledge against them. As one of our clients noted, “Mr. Manginello and his firm are first class. Will fight tooth and nail for you.” That’s the energy Lupe brings to every case.
Multi-Million Dollar Results
We don’t just talk about results—we deliver them. Our firm has secured:
- $5+ million for a traumatic brain injury victim struck by a falling log
- $3.8+ million for a client who suffered a partial leg amputation after a car accident
- $2.5+ million in trucking accident recoveries
- $10+ million currently being sought in active hazing litigation against the University of Houston
We Treat You Like Family
At big billboard firms, you’re a case number. At Attorney911, you’re family. As client Chad Harris told us, “You are NOT a pest to them and you are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.” We take calls at night and on weekends. We explain complicated legal concepts in plain English. And we never charge a fee unless we win.
Hablamos Español
We serve Bowman County’s Hispanic community directly. Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish, so you’ll never need an interpreter. Hablamos Español. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911.
Three Offices, Coast-to-Coast Reach
With locations in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we serve clients throughout Texas and across the nation. For Bowman County residents, we offer virtual consultations and travel to North Dakota when necessary to handle your case personally.
What to Do After a Truck Accident in Bowman County
If you’ve just been in an accident with an 18-wheeler in Bowman County, here’s what you need to do:
- Call 911: Get police and medical help immediately. The Bowman County Sheriff’s Office and North Dakota Highway Patrol will document the scene.
- Seek Medical Attention: Even if you feel “fine,” adrenaline masks pain. Internal injuries and traumatic brain injuries often show symptoms hours or days later.
- Document Everything: Take photos of the truck’s DOT number, license plates, damage to all vehicles, skid marks, road conditions, and your injuries.
- Gather Information: Get the driver’s name, CDL information, insurance details, and the trucking company name. Get contact information from witnesses.
- Do NOT Talk to Their Insurance: The trucking company’s insurer will call within hours. Do not give a recorded statement. They’re fishing for admissions to reduce your claim.
- Call Attorney911: Contact us immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911. We’ll handle the trucking company so you can focus on healing.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is my Bowman County trucking accident case worth?
Every case is unique, but trucking accidents typically settle for significantly more than car accidents because commercial carriers carry higher insurance limits—often $750,000 to $5 million. Your case value depends on injury severity, medical costs, lost wages, and the degree of negligence. We’ve recovered millions for clients with catastrophic injuries.
Will my case go to trial?
Most cases settle before trial, but we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial. Insurance companies know which lawyers are willing to take cases to verdict—and they offer better settlements to those lawyers. We have the resources and federal court experience to take your case all the way if necessary.
How long do I have to file in North Dakota?
You have six years from the date of injury to file a personal injury lawsuit in North Dakota, and two years for wrongful death. But don’t wait—evidence disappears quickly. Call us within days, not months.
What if I was partially at fault?
Under North Dakota’s modified comparative negligence rule, you can recover damages if you were less than 50% at fault. Your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault. Don’t assume you can’t recover—let us investigate.
How much does it cost to hire you?
Nothing upfront. We work on contingency: 33.33% if we settle before trial, 40% if we go to trial. You pay nothing unless we win. We also advance all costs of investigation and litigation.
Do you handle cases outside Texas?
Yes. While our offices are in Texas, we handle trucking accidents nationwide, including throughout North Dakota. Ralph Manginello is admitted to federal court, allowing us to represent you in Bowman County and beyond.
What is a spoliation letter?
It’s a legal notice we send immediately to the trucking company demanding they preserve all evidence—black box data, driver logs, maintenance records, etc. Once they receive it, destroying evidence becomes a serious legal violation that can result in sanctions or adverse inference instructions to a jury.
Your Fight Starts Now
The trucking company that hit you has already called their lawyers. Their insurance adjuster is already looking for ways to pay you less. While you’re healing, they’re strategizing.
You don’t have to face them alone.
Ralph Manginello and the team at Attorney911 have been fighting for truck accident victims for over 25 years. We’ve gone toe-to-toe with the largest trucking corporations in America. We know their playbooks because our associate, Lupe Peña, used to work for them. Now he fights for you.
If you’ve been hurt in an 18-wheeler accident in Bowman County, call 1-888-ATTY-911 right now. We’re available 24/7. The consultation is free. And remember: you pay nothing unless we win.
Hablamos Español. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911 para una consulta gratuita.
Don’t let the trucking company win. Your family deserves justice. Let’s get started.
Call 1-888-288-9911 today.
