18-Wheeler Accident Attorneys in Bremer County, Iowa

When a Semi Truck Changes Everything in an Instant

One moment you’re driving home on Highway 3 through Bremer County, heading past the farm fields near Waverly. The next, 80,000 pounds of steel and cargo are crushing your vehicle. The impact takes two seconds. The recovery takes years—if it ever happens at all.

Every year, commercial truck crashes devastate families across Iowa. In Bremer County specifically, agricultural traffic mixes with long-haul freight on highways like US-63 and the I-380 corridor, creating dangerous conditions for local drivers. When a negligent truck driver or a profit-driven trucking company causes your injury, you deserve a legal team that knows exactly how to hold them accountable.

At Attorney911, we’ve spent over 25 years fighting for truck accident victims. Ralph Manginello, our managing partner since 1998, has secured multi-million dollar verdicts against Fortune 500 trucking companies. Our associate attorney Lupe Peña spent years working for insurance companies before joining our firm—now he uses that insider knowledge to fight against them. We know every tactic trucking companies use to avoid responsibility, and we know how to beat them.

If you’ve been injured in an 18-wheeler accident in Bremer County, call us immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911). The clock is already working against you, and evidence disappears fast.

Why Bremer County Truck Accidents Are Different

The Physics of Devastation

Your sedan weighs about 4,000 pounds. A fully loaded 18-wheeler weighs 80,000 pounds. That’s twenty times heavier. When these vehicles collide at highway speeds on US-20 near Tripoli or IA-21 north of Denver, the physics aren’t fair—the truck wins every time.

Stopping distance tells the story. At 60 miles per hour, your car needs roughly 300 feet to stop. A loaded semi needs 525 feet—nearly the length of two football fields. That extra 225 feet means truck drivers cannot react in time to avoid obstacles, especially when winter weather hits Bremer County and Highway 63 becomes slick with ice.

The size difference also means catastrophic injuries. While fender-benders between cars cause whiplash, collisions with 18-wheelers in Bremer County often cause traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord paralysis, and death. As Glenda Walker, one of our clients, told us after her case settled: “They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.” That’s exactly what we do for every Bremer County family who calls us.

Agricultural Corridors and Rural Hazards

Bremer County sits in the heart of Iowa’s agricultural belt. This isn’t just a detail—it’s a critical factor in your truck accident case. During harvest season, grain haulers dominate the roads between Waverly, Plainfield, and Frederika. Livestock trucks rush between farms and processing facilities. These aren’t just big trucks; they’re often overloaded, improperly secured, or driven by operators pushed beyond federal hours-of-service limits to get crops in before weather turns.

The mix of farm equipment and interstate commerce creates unique dangers on Bremer County roads:

• Overloaded grain trailers braking downhill on US-63
• Wide turns on narrow county roads near Janesville
• Fatigued drivers racing to deliver seed corn before planting deadlines
• Weather-related jackknifes during Iowa’s brutal winters

When Ralph Manginello investigates a Bremer County truck accident, he looks at whether the driver was qualified to handle agricultural loads, whether the trucking company pressured the driver to violate safety rules, and whether cargo was properly secured under 49 CFR Part 393. These federal regulations aren’t optional—they’re the law, and violations prove negligence.

Types of 18-Wheeler Accidents in Bremer County

Jackknife Accidents

A jackknife occurs when the trailer swings perpendicular to the cab, creating a V-shape that sweeps across entire lanes of traffic. On icy stretches of I-380 near Waterloo or Highway 3 during a January blizzard, jackknifes happen when drivers brake improperly on slick surfaces.

The FMCSA specifically regulates this through 49 CFR § 393.48, which requires properly functioning brake systems. When a truck jackknifes in Bremer County because the driver slammed the brakes on ice or because brake maintenance was deferred, the trucking company can be held liable. We subpoena ECM data to prove exactly when and how hard the driver braked, often contradicting their claim that they “did everything possible to avoid the crash.”

As Ernest Cano said about our firm: “Mr. Manginello and his firm are first class. Will fight tooth and nail for you.” That’s the approach we take against trucking companies who put defective brakes on Iowa highways.

Rollover Crashes

Iowa’s rolling hills and winding rural highways create perfect conditions for rollover accidents. When a driver takes a curve too fast on Highway 21 or attempts to navigate the turns near the Wapsipinicon River with an improperly loaded cargo, the high center of gravity of an 18-wheeler causes it to tip.

These accidents often prove catastrophic for passenger vehicles caught underneath. Under 49 CFR § 393.100-136, cargo must be properly secured with working load limits sufficient to prevent shifting. When grain loads shift in an open trailer or liquid surge moves in a tanker truck, the center of gravity changes instantly. We’ve seen rollover accidents in Bremer County caused by trucking companies failing to follow these federal cargo securement rules.

Underride Collisions

The deadliest truck accidents involve underrides—when a passenger vehicle slides under the trailer, often shearing off the roof and killing occupants instantly. Rear underride guards are required under 49 CFR § 393.86, but many trailers have inadequate guards or none at all. Side underride guards aren’t federally mandated yet, though they would prevent countless deaths.

If you lost a loved one in an underride accident on I-380 or Highway 63 in Bremer County, we pursue wrongful death claims against every liable party. The settlement ranges for these cases typically run from $1.9 million to $9.5 million, depending on the circumstances and available insurance coverage—though no amount replaces your loved one.

Brake Failure Accidents

Brake problems factor into approximately 29% of large truck crashes. The long descents on Highway 20 and the stop-and-go traffic approaching Waterloo create conditions where brakes overheat and fail. Federal regulations under 49 CFR § 396.3 require systematic inspection and maintenance, including pre-trip inspections mandated by § 396.13.

When a truck crashes into commuter traffic on US-63 because the brakes were out of adjustment or the company deferred maintenance to save money, they violate federal law. Lupe Peña knows exactly how insurance companies try to hide these violations—he used to be one of their attorneys. Now he uses that knowledge to force Bremer County trucking companies to reveal their maintenance records.

Wide Turn Accidents (“Squeeze Play”)

Trucks making right turns onto narrow Bremer County farm roads often swing wide left first, creating a gap that drivers mistakenly enter. When the truck completes its turn, it crushes the vehicle in the “squeeze play.” These accidents occur frequently near grain elevators in Waverly and shipping facilities along the railroad tracks.

Truck drivers must signal their intentions and check mirrors before turning. When they fail to do so under 49 CFR § 392.11, causing injury to a Bremer County resident, we hold them accountable.

Tire Blowouts

Iowa’s hot summers and harsh winters stress truck tires. A blowout at highway speed causes immediate loss of control. Federal law requires minimum tread depth of 4/32″ on steer tires under 49 CFR § 393.75, yet trucking companies routinely put trucks on the road with bald tires to cut costs.

When a tire blowout causes a crash on Highway 3 or I-380 in Bremer County, we investigate the maintenance records, tire purchase dates, and inspection reports to prove the company knew or should have known the tire was unsafe.

FMCSA Regulations That Protect Bremer County Drivers

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration sets strict rules that all commercial trucks must follow. When trucking companies violate these regulations, they create the dangerous conditions that cause crashes in Bremer County.

Hours of Service Violations (49 CFR Part 395)

Driver fatigue causes roughly 31% of fatal truck crashes. Federal law limits property-carrying drivers to:

• 11 hours maximum driving after 10 consecutive hours off duty
• 14 hours total on-duty window
• 30-minute break required after 8 cumulative hours of driving
• 60/70 hour weekly limits with mandatory 34-hour restarts

Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) track these hours automatically under § 395.8. When we represent a Bremer County truck accident victim, we immediately subpoena ELD data to check for violations. If the driver exceeded 11 hours—which is common during harvest season when trucking companies pressure drivers to deliver—we prove negligence automatically.

Lupe Peña knows that insurance adjusters look for ways to claim the driver “wasn’t really tired.” But ELDS don’t lie. If the hours were violated, the driver was too fatigued to operate safely on Bremer County roads.

Driver Qualification Requirements (49 CFR Part 391)

Trucking companies cannot legally hire just anyone to drive an 80,000-pound vehicle. Under § 391.11, drivers must:

• Be at least 21 years old for interstate commerce
• Possess a valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)
• Pass a physical examination under § 391.41
• Be able to read and speak English sufficiently
• Pass a road test or equivalent

Companies must maintain a Driver Qualification File containing the application, driving record, previous employer inquiries, and medical certificate (§ 391.51). When we investigate a Bremer County truck crash, we demand these files. If the company hired a driver with a suspended license or failed to check his background, that’s negligent hiring—and it means the company is directly liable for your injuries.

Vehicle Maintenance Standards (49 CFR Part 396)

Every trucking company must systematically inspect, repair, and maintain its fleet. Drivers must complete pre-trip and post-trip inspection reports (§ 396.11), and annual inspections are mandatory (§ 396.17).

When a truck crashes on Highway 63 because brakes failed or lights were out, these reports become evidence. We’ve seen cases where Bremer County trucking companies falsified inspection reports to hide dangerous conditions. Under Iowa law, that’s not just negligence—it’s fraud, and it can support punitive damages.

Cargo Securement (49 CFR Part 393)

Iowa’s agricultural economy means trucks hauling grain, livestock, and equipment dominate Bremer County roads. § 393.100 requires cargo to be “firmly immobilized or secured” to prevent shifting, falling, or leaking. Specific rules (§§ 393.116-136) govern different cargo types.

When a grain spill on I-380 causes a multi-car pileup, or when livestock shifts causing a rollover on a county road, the loading company and trucking company may both be liable. We investigate whether proper tiedowns were used and whether the load exceeded weight limits.

Drug and Alcohol Testing (49 CFR Part 382)

Commercial drivers cannot operate with a blood alcohol content of .04 or higher—half the limit for regular drivers. They must submit to random testing, post-accident testing, and pre-employment screening.

If a truck driver who caused your Bremer County accident was impaired, we obtain the test results and use them to prove recklessness. This can open the door to punitive damages above and beyond compensatory recovery.

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Bremer County Truck Accident?

Unlike car accidents where usually only one driver is at fault, truck accidents often involve multiple responsible parties. We investigate every potential defendant to maximize your recovery.

The Truck Driver

The driver is liable for negligent acts: speeding on icy Highway 20, texting while driving through Waverly, failing to yield at the intersection of 5th Street and Highway 63, or driving while fatigued. We obtain cell phone records, ELD logs, and drug tests to prove driver negligence.

The Trucking Company (Motor Carrier)

Under the doctrine of respondeat superior, employers are liable for their employees’ negligent acts. Additionally, trucking companies can be directly liable for:

• Negligent hiring: Failing to check the driver’s criminal record or CDL status
• Negligent training: Putting an unprepared driver on the road
• Negligent supervision: Ignoring hours-of-service violations
• Negligent maintenance: Skipping brake inspections to save money

Trucking companies carry high insurance limits—typically $750,000 to $5 million—which means they can actually pay for catastrophic injuries. As Chad Harris told us: “You are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.” We treat every Bremer County client like family by pursuing every dollar available from every liable party.

The Cargo Owner/Shipper

Agricultural cooperatives and grain elevators in Bremer County who load trucks may be liable if they:

• Require overweight loads
• Provide improper loading instructions
• Fail to disclose hazardous cargo properties
• Pressure carriers to violate safety rules for “just-in-time” delivery

The Loading Company

Third-party loaders who physically secure cargo must follow federal standards. When they use insufficient tiedowns or fail to block and brace loads, they cause dangerous shifts that lead to rollovers on Bremer County curves.

The Truck or Parts Manufacturer

When brake systems fail despite proper maintenance, or when tires blow out due to manufacturing defects, the component manufacturer may be liable under product liability law. We preserve failed parts for expert analysis and check NHTSA recall databases.

The Freight Broker

Brokers who arrange transportation but don’t own trucks may be liable for negligent carrier selection. If a broker hired a trucking company with a terrible safety record to haul freight through Bremer County just because they were the cheapest option, they share responsibility for the crash.

Maintenance Companies

Third-party mechanics who perform unsafe repairs or fail to identify critical safety issues can be liable for negligent maintenance. We obtain work orders and mechanic certifications to prove corners were cut.

The 48-Hour Evidence Clock

Here’s what the trucking company doesn’t want you to know: they have a team of lawyers and accident reconstructionists on call 24/7. Within hours of a crash on Highway 63 or I-380, they’re at the scene collecting evidence to protect themselves.

Meanwhile, critical evidence that could win your case is disappearing:

• ECM/Black Box Data: Overwrites in as little as 30 days or with subsequent ignition cycles
• ELD Records: Only required to be kept for 6 months
• Dashcam Footage: Often deleted within 7-14 days if not preserved
• Witness Statements: Memories fade and witnesses become unreachable
• Surveillance Video: Local businesses often overwrite security footage within days
• The Truck Itself: May be repaired, sold, or scrapped, destroying physical evidence

We send spoliation letters within 24 hours of being retained. These legal notices put the trucking company on notice that destroying evidence will result in court sanctions, adverse jury instructions, and potentially default judgment.

Don’t wait. If you’ve been in a Bremer County truck accident, call 888-ATTY-911 today.

Catastrophic Injuries and Your Future

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

The forces involved in 18-wheeler accidents frequently cause TBI, even when the skull isn’t fractured. The brain impacts the inside of the skull, causing bruising, bleeding, and tearing of neural tissue. Symptoms may not appear for days or weeks.

Moderate to severe TBI cases typically settle between $1.5 million and $9.8 million, depending on the long-term prognosis. These funds cover:

• Immediate medical bills
• Ongoing rehabilitation
• Lost earning capacity if you cannot return to work
• Home modifications and assistive devices
• 24/7 care if needed
• Pain and suffering

Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis

When an 80,000-pound truck strikes a passenger vehicle, spinal fractures and disc herniations are common. Complete spinal cord injuries result in paraplegia or quadriplegia. The lifetime cost of these injuries ranges from $4.7 million to over $25 million.

We’ve helped Bremer County families obtain settlements covering not just medical bills, but lost wages, home renovations for wheelchair accessibility, and compensation for the inability to enjoy life’s activities.

Amputations

Crush injuries from truck accidents sometimes require surgical amputation of limbs. Beyond the initial surgery, victims need:

• Prosthetic limbs ($5,000-$50,000 each)
• Replacement prosthetics every few years
• Physical and occupational therapy
• Psychological counseling for phantom limb pain and body image issues

Settlement ranges for amputation cases typically run from $1.9 million to $8.6 million.

Wrongful Death

When a truck accident in Bremer County takes a loved one, surviving family members can pursue wrongful death claims under Iowa law. Iowa’s statute of limitations for wrongful death is typically two years from the date of death.

Damages include:

• Lost future income the decedent would have earned
• Loss of consortium and companionship
• Mental anguish
• Funeral and burial expenses
• Medical bills incurred before death

While money cannot bring back your loved one, it can provide financial security and hold the negligent parties accountable. Recent nuclear verdicts against trucking companies nationwide have ranged from $37 million to over $400 million in especially egregious cases involving gross negligence.

Insurance Coverage in Iowa Truck Accidents

Federal law requires trucking companies to carry substantial liability insurance:

• $750,000 for general freight (non-hazmat)
• $1,000,000 for oil, hazardous materials, and large equipment
• $5,000,000 for certain hazmat and passenger carriers

Many companies purchase additional “umbrella” coverage of $10-25 million. Unlike car accidents where policies might max out at $50,000, trucking accidents usually have sufficient insurance to cover catastrophic injuries—if you know how to access it.

Insurance companies employ adjusters trained to minimize payouts. Lupe Peña used to be one of those adjusters. He knows their playbook: quick lowball offers before you know the full extent of your injuries, recorded statements designed to trick you into admitting fault, and surveillance to catch you on good days to prove you’re “not really hurt.”

At Attorney911, we don’t let them play those games. We document every injury, retain top medical experts, and prepare every case for trial—forcing insurance companies to pay fair value rather than risk a jury verdict.

Iowa Law and Your Bremer County Case

Statute of Limitations

In Iowa, you generally have two years from the date of the truck accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. For wrongful death claims, the clock starts running from the date of death. If you miss this deadline, you lose your right to sue forever—regardless of how severe your injuries are or how clear the truck driver’s fault was.

This seems like plenty of time, but evidence disappears much faster. Witnesses move away. Surveillance footage gets deleted. Trucks are repaired and put back in service. Contact us immediately to preserve your rights.

Comparative Negligence

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

• If you are 50% or less at fault, you can recover damages reduced by your percentage of fault
• If you are 51% or more at fault, you recover nothing

Trucking companies and their insurers often try to blame accident victims, especially in rural areas like Bremer County where they might claim you “should have known” about agricultural traffic or icy conditions. We gather ECM data, witness statements, and accident reconstruction evidence to prove the truck driver—not you—was responsible.

Damage Caps

Iowa does not cap compensatory damages (economic and non-economic) in personal injury cases involving trucking accidents. However, Iowa does require gross negligence—not just ordinary negligence—to award punitive damages. When we find evidence that a trucking company knowingly put a dangerous driver on the road or falsified maintenance records, we pursue punitive damages to punish the wrongdoing and deter future negligence.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bremer County Truck Accidents

What should I do immediately after a truck accident in Bremer County?
Call 911 immediately. Seek medical attention even if you feel okay—adrenaline masks serious injuries. Document the scene with photos, including the truck’s DOT number, license plates, and company name. Get witness contact information. Do not speak to the trucking company’s insurance adjuster without an attorney. Then call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911.

How long do I have to file a lawsuit in Iowa?
You have two years from the accident date for personal injury, and two years from the date of death for wrongful death. But waiting even a week risks losing critical evidence. Call immediately.

Can I recover damages if I was partially at fault?
Yes, as long as you were not more than 50% at fault. Your recovery is reduced by your percentage of blame. So if you have $100,000 in damages and were 20% at fault, you recover $80,000.

What is a black box and why does it matter?
The Electronic Control Module (ECM) records speed, braking, throttle position, and other operational data before and during a crash. This objective data often proves the truck driver was speeding or didn’t brake appropriately, contradicting their statements to police.

Who pays my medical bills while my case is pending?
Your health insurance should cover initial treatment. We can also help arrange treatment with medical providers who will wait for payment until your case settles (under a Letter of Protection). You focus on healing; we focus on winning.

What if the truck driver was an independent contractor?
Both the driver and the trucking company that contracted them may be liable. We investigate the nature of the relationship to determine all available insurance coverage.

How much is my Bremer County truck accident case worth?
It depends on injury severity, medical costs, lost wages, and available insurance. Trucking cases often settle for six or seven figures due to the catastrophic nature of injuries and high insurance limits. We’ve recovered millions for clients with serious injuries.

Will my case go to trial?
Most settle, but we prepare every case for trial. Insurance companies offer more money when they know your attorney is willing to go to court. Ralph Manginello has been trying cases since 1998 and isn’t afraid to face trucking company lawyers in front of a jury.

Do you handle cases for Spanish-speaking clients in Bremer County?
Sí. Hablamos Español. Associate attorney Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish and provides direct representation without interpreters. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911 para una consulta gratuita.

What if the trucking company is from out of state?
We handle that regularly. The trucking company is subject to Iowa law if the accident occurred in Bremer County. We have experience with interstate commerce litigation and can pursue companies from Texas, California, or anywhere else.

How do I pay for an attorney?
We work on contingency. You pay nothing upfront. We advance all costs. We only get paid if we win your case. Our fee is a percentage of the recovery—standard for personal injury cases.

What if I was injured by a grain truck or farm vehicle?
Agricultural vehicles are subject to the same rules if they’re engaged in interstate commerce or exceed certain weight limits. We investigate whether the driver was properly licensed and whether DOT regulations applied.

Can I sue for PTSD after a truck accident?
Yes. Mental anguish and PTSD are compensable damages in Iowa. You can recover for past, present, and future psychological trauma, though documentation from mental health professionals is required.

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Bremer County Truck Accident Case

25+ Years of Experience: Ralph Manginello has been fighting for injury victims since 1998. He’s admitted to federal court (Southern District of Texas), which matters when trucking companies try to move cases to federal court to avoid state juries.

Former Insurance Defense Attorney: Lupe Peña knows how trucking insurers evaluate claims because he used to work for them. Now he uses that knowledge to maximize your recovery.

Multi-Million Dollar Results: We’ve recovered multi-million dollar settlements for traumatic brain injuries, amputations, and wrongful death cases. Currently litigating a $10 million hazing case against a major university, demonstrating our capacity to handle complex, high-stakes litigation.

BP Texas City Experience: We went toe-to-toe with BP after the 2005 refinery explosion that killed 15 workers. When we say we take on Fortune 500 companies, we mean it.

Three Offices Serving Iowa: While our main office is in Houston, we handle truck accident cases throughout the United States, including Bremer County, Iowa. We offer remote consultations and travel to you when necessary.

4.9-Star Rating: With over 251 Google reviews, our clients consistently mention personal attention and family-like treatment. As client Angel Walle said: “They solved in a couple of months what others did nothing about in two years.”

24/7 Availability: Truck accidents don’t happen during business hours. Neither does our emergency response. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 any time, day or night.

Spanish Language Services: Lupe Peña provides fluent Spanish representation for Bremer County’s Hispanic community. No interpreters needed.

Call Now—Evidence Is Disappearing

The trucking company has already called their lawyers. Their insurance adjuster is already reviewing ways to pay you less. Their rapid-response team may already be at the scene in Bremer County, gathering evidence to protect them.

What are you doing to protect yourself?

Every hour you wait, black box data gets closer to being overwritten. Witnesses’ memories fade. The truck gets repaired, destroying physical evidence of brake failure or tire defects.

Call Attorney911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911 or (888) 288-9911. We’ll send our spoliation letters today to preserve the evidence that wins cases. We’ll investigate every liable party—the driver, the company, the cargo loader, the maintenance shop, the broker. We’ll fight for every dime you deserve, just like we did for Glenda Walker, Donald Wilcox, and hundreds of other clients.

Don’t let the trucking company push you around. In Bremer County, we push back harder.

Free consultation. No fee unless we win. Hablamos Español.

1-888-ATTY-911

Attorney911—The Firm Insurers Fear. Serving Bremer County and all of Iowa.