When an 80,000-pound truck slams into your sedan on I-195 near Fall River, your life changes in an instant. The pain is immediate. The medical bills start piling up before you even leave the hospital. And somewhere in Bristol County—maybe at a warehouse in New Bedford or a distribution center in Taunton—the trucking company that hit you has already called their lawyers.
We’re Attorney911, and we’ve spent over 25 years fighting for trucking accident victims across Bristol County and throughout Massachusetts. Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has been winning multi-million dollar settlements against commercial carriers since 1998. We know the trucking corridors that cut through Bristol County—from the heavy freight traffic on Route 24 to the port-bound trucks rolling through New Bedford. We know how to hold these companies accountable when their negligence costs you everything.
Here’s what you need to know if you’ve been hit by an 18-wheeler in Bristol County, and what you need to do right now to protect your future.
The Brutal Reality of 18-Wheeler Accidents in Bristol County
Let’s talk physics. Your car weighs about 4,000 pounds. A fully loaded semi-truck traveling through Bristol County can weigh up to 80,000 pounds—that’s 20 times heavier than your vehicle. When that much mass hits you at highway speeds on I-195 or Route 140, the forces involved aren’t just dangerous. They’re catastrophic.
Trucks don’t stop like cars. At 65 miles per hour, a passenger vehicle needs roughly 300 feet to stop. An 18-wheeler needs nearly 525 feet—almost two football fields—to come to a complete halt. That extra stopping distance is why so many rear-end crashes happen on the Route 24 corridor through Taunton and Fall River. By the time a fatigued truck driver realizes traffic is stopped ahead, it’s already too late.
The numbers are sobering. Every year, over 5,000 people die in commercial truck crashes nationwide, with another 125,000 suffering serious injuries. In Massachusetts, the bustling I-195 corridor through Bristol County sees constant freight traffic connecting Providence to Cape Cod, while Route 24 serves as a major artery for goods moving between Boston and the South Coast. These highways aren’t just busy—they’re dangerous when trucking companies cut corners on safety.
Why Trucking Companies Fear Us (And Why You Want Us on Your Side)
Ralph Manginello has been fighting for injury victims since 1998. That’s over 25 years of courtroom experience, including admission to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas and the Texas State Bar. But credentials on paper don’t tell the whole story. We’ve gone toe-to-toe with the world’s largest corporations, including BP in the Texas City Refinery explosion litigation that resulted in billions in settlements. We currently have a $10 million active lawsuit against the University of Houston for hazing injuries—a case that demonstrates we’re not afraid to take on powerful institutions.
But here’s what really sets us apart: Our associate attorney, Lupe Peña, spent years working as an insurance defense lawyer for a national firm. He knows exactly how trucking insurers evaluate claims, train their adjusters to minimize payouts, and use software algorithms to lowball victims. Now he fights for the injured, and that insider knowledge is your advantage. As client Donald Wilcox told us after another firm rejected his case, “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.”
We’re not a case-mill operation. Our 4.9-star Google rating from 251+ reviews reflects how we treat every client. Chad Harris put it best: “You are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.” We have offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, Texas, but we handle 18-wheeler cases across the United States, including right here in Bristol County, Massachusetts.
The Clock Is Ticking: Evidence Disappears in 48 Hours
Here’s what the trucking company doesn’t want you to know: critical evidence in your case can vanish within days. Most commercial trucks have Electronic Control Modules (ECM)—the “black box”—that records speed, braking, and throttle position in the seconds before impact. That data can be overwritten in just 30 days. Electronic Logging Devices (ELD) that track whether the driver violated federal hours-of-service regulations might only be kept for six months. Dashcam footage? Often deleted within a week.
That’s why we send spoliation letters within 24 hours of being retained. These legal notices demand the trucking company preserve every piece of evidence—driver qualification files, maintenance records, dispatch logs, cell phone records, and the physical truck itself. Once they receive our letter, destroying evidence becomes “spoliation,” which can result in court sanctions, adverse jury instructions, or even punitive damages.
If you’ve been in a trucking accident anywhere in Bristol County—from a jackknife on the Braga Bridge to a rear-end collision on Route 6 in Swansea—you need to call us now. Not tomorrow. Not after you finish physical therapy. Now. While the evidence is still there to prove your case.
Understanding the Trucking Corridors of Bristol County
Bristol County isn’t just any county—it’s a critical logistics hub for Southeastern Massachusetts. The Port of New Bedford handles significant commercial fishing and freight traffic. I-195 cuts diagonally across the county, carrying heavy truck traffic between Providence and Cape Cod. Route 24 serves as the primary north-south corridor connecting Fall River and Taunton to Boston. Route 140 runs through Taunton, while Route 6 handles east-west commercial traffic near the Rhode Island border.
These aren’t just roads—they’re accident hotspots. The congestion on Route 24 near the I-495 interchange creates stop-and-go conditions where rear-end truck collisions are common. Winter weather in Bristol County brings ice and snow that can turn the Braga Bridge into a hazard for jackknife accidents. The tight urban streets of Fall River and New Bedford create blind-spot dangers when trucks make wide right turns. And the industrial areas near the ports see constant heavy truck traffic hauling seafood, manufacturing equipment, and container freight.
When we investigate your accident, we don’t just look at the crash report. We analyze the specific corridor where you were hit, the weather conditions typical for that Bristol County location, and the local trucking patterns that contributed to your crash.
Every Type of 18-Wheeler Accident—And What Causes Them
Jackknife Accidents
A jackknife happens when the trailer swings out perpendicular to the cab, often blocking multiple lanes of traffic. On I-195 through Bristol County, where traffic often moves at 65 miles per hour, a jackknifed truck creates a terrifying hazard for trailing vehicles. These accidents usually stem from sudden braking on wet or icy roads, speed violations under 49 CFR § 392.6, or brake failures that violate 49 CFR § 393.48. When a truck jackknifes near the Quequechan River Valley or on the curves approaching the Cape Cod Canal, the results are often multi-vehicle pileups with catastrophic injuries.
Rollover Accidents
Bristol County’s mix of highway curves and industrial access roads creates perfect conditions for rollovers. Trucks carrying liquid cargo—common near the Port of New Bedford—face “slosh” risks where shifting liquid changes the center of gravity. Speeding on entrance ramps to Route 24 or taking curves too fast on Route 140 can cause these 80,000-pound vehicles to tip. Cargo securement violations under 49 CFR § 393.100 are often to blame when unevenly distributed loads cause rollovers.
Underride Collisions
Perhaps the most deadly type of truck accident, underrides occur when a smaller vehicle slides underneath the trailer. The trailer height often shears off the passenger compartment at windshield level. Despite federal requirements under 49 CFR § 393.86 for rear impact guards, many trailers have inadequate protection, and side underride guards aren’t federally mandated at all. We’ve handled cases where families lost loved ones on I-195 because a truck stopped suddenly in traffic and the car behind couldn’t stop in time.
Rear-End Collisions
Given the stopping distance disparity, rear-end truck crashes are devastating. On the congested stretches of Route 24 near Taunton or I-195 near Seekonk, truck drivers who follow too closely—violating 49 CFR § 392.11—often slam into stopped traffic. These accidents frequently involve distracted driving (49 CFR § 392.82 prohibits handheld mobile phone use) or fatigued operation in violation of hours-of-service rules.
Wide Turn Accidents (“Squeeze Play”)
Trucks making deliveries to Bristol County’s industrial parks or the Port of New Bedford often need to swing wide left before making a right turn. Unsuspecting drivers in adjacent lanes get caught in the “squeeze play,” crushed between the truck and the curb. These accidents often involve blind spot failures and violations of safe turning practices under 49 CFR § 392.2.
Blind Spot Accidents (“No-Zone”)
An 18-wheeler has massive blind spots: 20 feet in front, 30 feet behind, and large areas on both sides—particularly the right side. When truck drivers change lanes on I-195 without checking mirrors or fail to signal, they sideswipe passenger vehicles. Under 49 CFR § 393.80, mirrors must provide clear views to the rear, but improper adjustment or driver negligence still causes these crashes.
Tire Blowouts
Summer heat on Bristol County highways, combined with underinflated tires or worn treads, causes blowouts that send trucks careening out of control. FMCSA requires minimum tread depth of 4/32″ on steer tires under 49 CFR § 393.75, but trucking companies often defer maintenance to save money. When a steer tire blows on the Braga Bridge at highway speeds, the driver loses control instantly.
Brake Failure Accidents
Brake problems factor in approximately 29% of truck crashes. Under 49 CFR § 396.3, motor carriers must systematically inspect and maintain brake systems. Yet we see cases where companies ignored out-of-service orders or failed to conduct pre-trip inspections required by 49 CFR § 396.13. On long descents like the approaches to the Cape Cod Canal, brake fade can be deadly.
Cargo Spills and Shifts
The Port of New Bedford generates massive cargo traffic. When loaders fail to secure cargo properly—violating 49 CFR § 393.100 through § 393.136—shifting loads cause rollovers or spills. Hazardous materials spills are particularly dangerous on Bristol County highways, requiring specialized cleanup and creating exposure risks for nearby drivers.
Head-On Collisions
When fatigued drivers under pressure to meet delivery deadlines—or drivers impaired by drugs or alcohol—cross center lines on two-lane roads like Route 177 or Route 81 in Bristol County, head-on collisions result. These are almost always fatal for passenger vehicle occupants given the closing speeds and weight differential.
The Ten Parties Who Might Owe You Money
Most law firms only sue the driver and trucking company. That’s a mistake. In 18-wheeler cases, multiple parties often share liability, which means multiple insurance policies can cover your damages. Under Massachusetts law, we pursue every potentially liable party:
1. The Truck Driver – Direct negligence for speeding, distraction, fatigue, or impairment. We subpoena their cell phone records, ELD logs, and driving history.
2. The Trucking Company/Motor Carrier – Under the doctrine of respondeat superior, employers are liable for employees’ negligence. Plus, we often find direct negligence like negligent hiring (failing to check the driver’s record under 49 CFR § 391.51), negligent training, or negligent maintenance under 49 CFR § 396.3.
3. The Cargo Owner/Shipper – Companies shipping goods from Bristol County ports or to local manufacturers may be liable if they demanded overweight loads or failed to disclose hazardous cargo characteristics.
4. The Loading Company – Third-party warehouses or port facilities that loaded the truck may have improperly secured cargo, violating FMCSA securement rules.
5. The Truck Manufacturer – Design defects in braking systems, stability control, or fuel tank placement can create product liability claims.
6. Parts Manufacturers – Defective tires, brake components, or steering systems from component manufacturers often contribute to crashes.
7. The Maintenance Company – Third-party mechanics who performed negligent brake adjustments or failed to identify safety violations during repairs.
8. The Freight Broker – Brokers who arranged the shipment may be liable for negligent selection of carriers with poor safety records or inadequate insurance.
9. The Truck Owner – In owner-operator situations, the individual or company leasing the equipment may share liability for negligent entrustment.
10. Government Entities – If poor road design, inadequate signage, or failure to maintain highways like I-195 or Route 24 contributed to the crash, state or local agencies may share liability (though Massachusetts sovereign immunity laws require careful navigation).
Lupe Peña’s background as a former insurance defense attorney is crucial here. He knows how each of these parties’ insurers will try to shift blame to others—and he knows how to counter those tactics to maximize your recovery.
Catastrophic Injuries: The Human Cost
When 80,000 pounds hits 4,000 pounds, the injuries aren’t minor. We regularly help Bristol County families dealing with:
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) – From concussions to severe diffuse axonal injuries, brain trauma can cost millions in lifetime care. Symptoms include memory loss, personality changes, and cognitive deficits. We’ve recovered between $1.5 million and $9.8 million for TBI victims.
Spinal Cord Injuries – Paraplegia and quadriplegia require wheelchairs, home modifications, and 24/7 care. The lifetime costs can exceed $5 million. Under Massachusetts law, these damages are recoverable, and we’ve secured settlements ranging from $4.7 million to $25.8 million for spinal injury cases.
Amputations – Whether traumatic (severed at the scene) or surgical (required due to crushing injuries), limb loss changes everything. Costs include prosthetics ($50,000+ each, needing replacement every few years), rehabilitation, and home modifications. Our amputation settlements have ranged from $1.9 million to $8.6 million.
Severe Burns – Fuel tank ruptures or hazmat spills on Bristol County highways can cause disfiguring burns requiring skin grafts, multiple surgeries, and psychological trauma.
Wrongful Death – When a trucking accident takes a loved one, Massachusetts law allows surviving spouses, children, and parents to recover for lost income, loss of consortium, and mental anguish. We’ve recovered between $1.9 million and $9.5 million in wrongful death trucking cases.
As client Kiimarii Yup told us after we handled her complex case: “I lost everything… my car was at a total loss, and because of Attorney Manginello and my case worker Leonor, 1 year later I have gained so much in return plus a brand new truck.”
Massachusetts Law: What You Need to Know
Statute of Limitations: In Massachusetts, you have three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. For wrongful death claims, you also have three years from the date of death. But waiting is dangerous—evidence disappears and witnesses’ memories fade. Contact us immediately.
Comparative Negligence: Massachusetts follows a “modified comparative negligence” rule with a 51% bar. This means you can recover damages as long as you’re not more than 50% at fault for the accident. However, your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault. If you’re found 20% at fault, you recover 80% of your damages. If you’re 51% or more at fault, you recover nothing. This makes proving the truck driver’s negligence—and disproving any allegations against you—absolutely critical.
Damages: Massachusetts does not cap economic damages (medical bills, lost wages) or non-economic damages (pain and suffering) in trucking accident cases. While some states limit punitive damages, Massachusetts courts have struck down punitive damage caps in personal injury cases, meaning truly egregious negligence can result in substantial punitive awards—like the $1 billion verdict in Florida where a trucking company knowingly hired a dangerous driver.
No-Fault Insurance: Massachusetts is a “no-fault” state for auto accidents, but this primarily applies to standard car insurance claims. Commercial trucking accidents typically exceed the no-fault threshold due to the severity of injuries, allowing you to sue the at-fault parties directly.
The Evidence That Wins Cases
We don’t rely on police reports alone. Our investigation protocols for Bristol County accidents include:
- ECM/Black Box Downloads – Speed, braking, and throttle data from the seconds before impact
- ELD Records – Proof of hours-of-service violations under 49 CFR § 395
- Driver Qualification Files – Employment records, medical certifications, and drug test results required under 49 CFR § 391.51
- Maintenance Records – Brake inspections, tire changes, and repair logs under 49 CFR § 396.3
- Cell Phone Records – Proving distracted driving in violation of 49 CFR § 392.82
- Cargo Manifests – Bills of lading showing weight and securement requirements
- Surveillance Footage – Traffic cameras and business security cameras near the accident scene
- Accident Reconstruction – Physics-based analysis of how the crash occurred
Lupe Peña knows exactly which records the trucking company hopes you’ll never see—and he knows how to get them before they “disappear.”
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is my Bristol County trucking accident case worth?
There’s no “average” settlement. Value depends on injury severity, medical costs, lost income, pain and suffering, and available insurance. Commercial trucks carry at least $750,000 in coverage, often $1-5 million or more. We’ve recovered multi-million dollar settlements for catastrophic injuries.
What if the trucking company offers me a quick settlement?
Never accept the first offer. Insurance adjusters are trained to offer pennies on the dollar before you know the full extent of your injuries. Once you accept, you waive your right to additional compensation. Let us evaluate the offer first.
Can I afford an attorney?
Yes. We work on contingency—you pay nothing upfront, and we only get paid if we win your case. We advance all investigation costs. As Glenda Walker said, “They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.”
What if I was partially at fault?
Under Massachusetts law, you can still recover if you’re 50% or less at fault, though your award is reduced by your fault percentage. Don’t assume you don’t have a case—let us investigate.
Hablamos Español?
Sí. Attorney Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish and provides direct representation without interpreters for Bristol County’s Hispanic community. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911.
How long will my case take?
Simple cases may settle in 6-12 months. Complex litigation involving multiple defendants or catastrophic injuries may take 1-3 years. We work to resolve your case as quickly as possible without sacrificing value.
What makes trucking cases different from car accidents?
Everything. Federal regulations (FMCSA), multiple liable parties, higher insurance limits, rapid evidence destruction, and catastrophic injury potential make these cases far more complex than standard auto claims. You need a lawyer who knows 49 CFR Parts 390-399 inside and out.
Your Next Step: Call Attorney911 Today
The trucking company that hit you has lawyers working right now to protect their interests. They’re downloading black box data, coaching their driver, and preparing their defense. Meanwhile, you’re dealing with medical appointments, lost wages, and pain.
Level the playing field. Call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 (that’s 1-888-288-9911) right now. We’re available 24/7 because trucking accidents don’t happen on business hours. We’ll send a spoliation letter to preserve evidence within 24 hours, and we’ll evaluate your case for free.
Ralph Manginello has been fighting for families like yours for over 25 years. We’ve secured over $50 million for our clients, including multi-million dollar settlements for brain injuries, amputations, and wrongful death. We know the courts in Bristol County. We know the trucking corridors. And we know how to win.
Don’t let the trucking company push you around. Don’t accept a lowball settlement that leaves you with unpaid medical bills. Don’t wait until the evidence is gone.
Call 1-888-ATTY-911 now. Your fight starts with one call.
Attorney911 serves trucking accident victims throughout Bristol County, Massachusetts, including Fall River, New Bedford, Taunton, Attleboro, Somerset, Swansea, Westport, Dartmouth, Fairhaven, and surrounding communities.
