18-Wheeler Accident Attorneys in Calhoun County, Iowa

When an 80,000-pound tractor-trailer slams into a passenger vehicle on Calhoun County’s highways, the physics alone guarantee catastrophe. The truck weighs twenty times what your car weighs. On icy stretches of US Highway 20 or during harvest season when grain trucks crowd rural routes through Rockwell City, Lake City, or Manson, one moment of inattention from a fatigued driver changes everything. If you’re reading this because an 18-wheeler accident in Calhoun County has left you injured—or if you’re mourning a loved one killed in a trucking crash—you need answers now.

You need more than just a lawyer. You need a fighter.

At Attorney911, we’ve spent over 25 years holding trucking companies accountable. Ralph Manginello, our managing partner, has been fighting for injury victims since 1998. He’s admitted to federal court in the Southern District of Texas, and he’s gone toe-to-toe with Fortune 500 corporations like BP in the Texas City explosion litigation that killed 15 workers. We’ve recovered multi-million dollar settlements for traumatic brain injury victims, amputees, and families devastated by wrongful death. But what really sets us apart—what trucking companies fear when they see our name on the pleadings—is that our team includes Lupe Peña, an attorney who spent years working INSIDE an insurance defense firm before joining us. He knows exactly how trucking insurers evaluate claims, minimize payouts, and train their adjusters to lowball victims. Now he uses that insider knowledge against them.

We don’t just handle Calhoun County trucking cases from afar. With offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we understand rural Iowa’s unique challenges: the blizzards that turn US 20 into a sheet of ice, the spring flooding that affects grain transport, and the agricultural trucking corridors where overloaded combines meet commuter traffic. We know that in Calhoun County, when a truck jackknifes on an icy bridge or a grain hauler blows a tire on Iowa Highway 4, the response time for emergency services matters. So does the preservation of evidence.

That’s why we answer our phones 24/7 at 1-888-ATTY-911. The trucking company that hit you has already called their lawyers. Their insurance adjuster is already looking for ways to pay you less. What are you doing?

Why Calhoun County Trucking Accidents Demand Immediate Legal Action

Calhoun County sits at the crossroads of agricultural America’s busiest freight patterns. US Highway 20 cuts east-west through the county, serving as a vital artery not just for local traffic between Rockwell City and Fort Dodge, but for the massive tractor-trailers hauling grain, livestock, and equipment across the Hawkeye State. While Interstate 80 runs nearby to the south, it’s the county highways and state routes like Iowa 4, Iowa 7, and Iowa 175 that see the most dangerous mixing of heavy commercial traffic with local vehicles.

The statistics are brutal. Every 16 minutes, someone in America is injured in a commercial truck crash. In Iowa, where agriculture dictates shipping schedules, trucks often operate outside normal hours, pushing through fatigue to make delivery windows. When winter hits Calhoun County—when the blizzards roll across the plains and temperatures drop below zero—the risk multiplies. A truck driver who’s been on the road for 14 hours straight (illegally, under federal regulations) can’t react in time to black ice on the Lohrville blacktop or drifting snow near Twin Lakes.

But here’s what most Calhoun County residents don’t know until it happens to them: the trucking company isn’t waiting to see if you’re okay. They’re already working to protect themselves. Within hours of a crash on Calhoun County roads, the carrier dispatches rapid-response investigators. They’re photographing the scene, downloading ECM data (the truck’s “black box”), and coaching the driver on what to say. That electronic data—showing whether the driver was speeding, whether they hit the brakes, whether they’d been driving past federal limits—can be overwritten in as little as 30 days. The dashcam footage that shows the driver’s eyes closing from fatigue? It might be deleted within a week.

This is why we send spoliation letters within 24 hours of being retained. We don’t wait. When you call 1-888-ATTY-911, we immediately notify the trucking company, their insurer, and any potentially liable parties that they must preserve all evidence. If they destroy it after receiving our notice, courts can sanction them severely—or even enter judgment against them.

The Federal Safety Rules That Protect Calhoun County Drivers (And How Truckers Break Them)

Every 18-wheeler operating in Calhoun County is bound by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations in Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations. These aren’t just technicalities. They’re the safety standards that, when violated, prove negligence and unlock higher insurance settlements.

49 CFR Part 391: Driver Qualification Standards

Before a driver can legally operate an 80,000-pound weapon through Calhoun County, they must meet strict federal requirements under 49 CFR § 391. They must be at least 21 years old for interstate commerce, possess a valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), pass a physical exam certifying they’re medically qualified, and have a clean driving record checked through their previous employers.

We see trucking companies violate this constantly. They hire drivers with suspended licenses. They skip the background checks. They put drivers on the road with sleep apnea they haven’t disclosed. When we subpoena the Driver Qualification File (which federal law requires every carrier to maintain), we often find missing documents—proof of negligent hiring. As Lupe Peña will tell you from his defense-side experience, these files are where cases get won.

49 CFR Part 392: Driving Rules and Fatigue

This is where the rubber meets the road for Calhoun County accidents. Under 49 CFR § 392.3, “No driver shall operate a commercial motor vehicle… while the driver’s ability or alertness is so impaired… through fatigue… as to make it unsafe.”

Yet fatigue is the leading cause of trucking accidents. The regulations under 49 CFR Part 395 (Hours of Service) are supposed to prevent this:

• 11-hour driving limit: Cannot drive more than 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty
• 14-hour window: Cannot drive beyond the 14th consecutive hour after coming on duty
• 30-minute break: Mandatory break after 8 cumulative hours driving
• 60/70-hour limits: Cannot drive after 60 hours in 7 days or 70 hours in 8 days

Since December 18, 2017, most trucks must use Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) under 49 CFR § 395.8. These devices automatically record hours and cannot be falsified like the old paper logbooks. ELD data is objective proof of fatigue violations. When we download a driver’s ELD records and see they’ve been driving 13 hours straight when they hit the ice on US 20 near Pomeroy, that’s not just a violation—it’s evidence of conscious disregard for safety that can support punitive damages.

49 CFR Part 393: Vehicle Equipment and Cargo Securement

Brake failures cause 29% of truck accidents. Under 49 CFR § 393.40-55, trucks must have properly functioning service brakes, parking brakes, and—if equipped—air brake systems that meet specific adjustment standards. The pre-trip inspection required under 49 CFR § 396.13 mandates drivers check brakes before every trip. When a truck rear-ends a family on Iowa Highway 175 because the air brakes were out of adjustment, that’s not an accident. It’s negligence.

Cargo securement is equally critical in Calhoun County’s agricultural economy. 49 CFR §§ 393.100-136 requires cargo to be immobilized to prevent shifting. When a grain truck rolls over on a curve near Somers because the load shifted, or when a livestock hauler’s unsecured gate swings open on Iowa 4, those are violations of federal safety rules that create strict liability.

49 CFR Part 396: Inspection and Maintenance

Trucking companies must systematically inspect, repair, and maintain their vehicles under 49 CFR § 396.3. They must keep maintenance records for the truck’s entire service life or one year, whichever is longer. These records show whether they deferred brake repairs to save money, ignored tire wear warnings, or skipped annual inspections.

In Calhoun County’s harsh winters, maintenance failures become deadly. Frozen brake lines. Worn tires that can’t handle snow. Lights obscured by road salt. We demand these records immediately because they tell the story of a company that prioritized profits over your safety.

Every Type of 18-Wheeler Accident We’ve Handled in Calhoun County

Not all truck accidents are the same, and Calhoun County’s geography creates specific risks. We handle every type of commercial vehicle collision in the region.

Jackknife Accidents on Icy Calhoun County Roads

A jackknife occurs when the trailer skids outward, folding against the cab at an angle. In Calhoun County, this happens most often in winter. A truck hits black ice on the Cedar River bridge or loses traction on an unplowed stretch of county road. The driver brakes hard, the trailer swings, and suddenly 53 feet of metal is blocking both lanes of US 20.

Jackknives often violate 49 CFR § 392.6 (speeding for conditions) and § 393.48 (brake system deficiencies). We analyze skid marks and ECM data to prove the driver was traveling too fast for ice or snow. Client Chad Harris told us after we resolved his case: “You are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.” That family-first approach matters when you’re recovering from a jackknife collision that crushed your vehicle.

Cargo Spills and Shift Accidents

Calhoun County is agricultural country. When grain haulers transport corn and soybeans during harvest, or when livestock trailers move cattle through the county, improperly secured cargo creates havoc. A sudden load shift on a curve near Rinard can cause an immediate rollover. Spilled grain on Iowa Highway 7 creates secondary accidents for miles.

Federal rules under 49 CFR § 393.100 require cargo to withstand 0.8g deceleration forward and 0.5g laterally. If the tiedowns failed, the loading company or trucking company is liable. We investigate whether the shipper overloaded the truck or whether the driver failed to re-check securement at stops in Rockwell City.

Underride Collisions: The Deadliest Crashes

When a passenger car slides under the rear or side of a trailer, the roof gets sheared off. These underride accidents are often fatal. Federal law under 49 CFR § 393.86 requires rear impact guards on trailers, but many trucks have inadequate guards or none at all. Side underride guards aren’t federally mandated yet, though they would save hundreds of lives annually on rural Iowa roads.

If you lost a loved one in an underride accident near Lake City or Manson, we’re deeply sorry. These cases often support wrongful death claims in the $1.9 million to $9.5 million range, depending on the deceased’s earning capacity and the egregiousness of the trucking company’s conduct.

Rear-End Collisions on Highway 20

A fully loaded 18-wheeler needs 525 feet to stop from 65 mph—nearly two football fields. When traffic slows for farm equipment near Yetter or stops for a train in downtown Rockwell City, fatigued truckers slam into the rear of passenger vehicles. These are rarely “accidents.” They’re predictable results of hours-of-service violations under 49 CFR Part 395.

We subpoena cell phone records to prove distraction, ELD data to prove fatigue, and maintenance records to prove brake failures. Client Donald Wilcox came to us after another firm rejected his case. As he 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.” We don’t reject cases because they’re hard. We fight for them.

Tire Blowouts and Brake Failures

Calhoun County’s temperature swings—from sub-zero winters to humid summers—destroy truck tires. Underinflated tires overheat and explode. Worn brakes fail on hills. These aren’t sudden mechanical failures; they’re maintenance violations under 49 CFR Part 396.

When a tire blowout causes a driver to lose control near Knierim, or when brake fade on a loaded grain truck causes a runaway on the descent into the Buena Vista Valley, we preserve the failed components for expert analysis. The tire’s DOT code tells us its age. The maintenance logs tell us if the company ignored inspection reports.

Wide Turn Accidents (“Squeeze Play”)

Trucks making right turns from US 20 onto county roads often swing left first to accommodate the trailer’s tracking. Unsuspecting drivers get caught in the “squeeze” between the truck and the curb. These accidents often involve violations of 49 CFR § 392.11 (following too closely/improper lane changes) and state traffic laws against unsafe turns.

Ten Parties Who May Owe You Money (Not Just the Driver)

Most people think they can only sue the truck driver. In Calhoun County 18-wheeler cases, we identify every potentially liable party because more defendants means more insurance coverage means higher compensation.

1. The Truck Driver
For speeding, distraction, fatigue, impairment, or traffic violations. We obtain their driving record, CDL history, and drug test results under 49 CFR Part 382.

2. The Trucking Company (Motor Carrier)
Under respondeat superior, employers are liable for employees’ negligence. But we also pursue direct negligence: negligent hiring, negligent training, negligent supervision, and negligent maintenance. The company’s CSA (Compliance, Safety, Accountability) scores often reveal patterns of violations.

3. The Cargo Owner/Shipper
In Calhoun County’s agricultural economy, grain elevators and livestock producers often arrange transport. If they demanded delivery faster than safety allowed, overloaded the truck, or failed to disclose hazardous cargo, they’re liable.

4. The Loading Company
Third-party loaders at grain terminals in Fort Dodge or processing facilities who improperly secured cargo or created unbalanced loads.

5. The Truck/Trailer Manufacturer
Defective brakes, fuel systems, or stability control that failed during the crash.

6. Parts Manufacturers
Defective tires, brake components, or coupling devices that caused the accident.

7. Maintenance Companies
Third-party mechanics who performed negligent repairs or failed to identify critical safety issues during inspections.

8. Freight Brokers
Brokers who arranged transport with carriers they knew—or should have known—had poor safety records. They have a duty to verify carrier insurance and authority under federal law.

9. The Truck Owner (if different from carrier)
In owner-operator situations, the owner who negligently entrusted the vehicle to an unqualified driver.

10. Government Entities
When dangerous road design, inadequate signage, or failure to maintain safe conditions on Calhoun County roads contributed to the crash. Note: Iowa has specific procedural requirements for suing government entities, including short notice periods, that require immediate attention.

The 48-Hour Clock: Preserving Evidence Before It Disappears

In Calhoun County, we don’t have the luxury of time. Critical evidence in 18-wheeler cases has expiration dates:

When you call 1-888-ATTY-911, we immediately dispatch preservation letters to:

• The trucking company
• The driver
• The insurance carrier
• Any maintenance companies
• Any loading facilities
• Local businesses with surveillance cameras

These letters put the defendants on notice that litigation is anticipated. If they destroy evidence after receiving our notice—called spoliation—courts can impose sanctions, instruct juries to assume the destroyed evidence was harmful to the trucking company, or even enter default judgment.

We also immediately photograph the accident scene before weather or traffic obscures skid marks, measure skid patterns, and document road conditions. In Calhoun County, where a sudden snowstorm can erase tire tracks within hours, this immediate response is crucial.

As client Angel Walle told us: “They solved in a couple of months what others did nothing about in two years.” Speed matters, but so does thoroughness.

Catastrophic Injuries and Real Settlement Values

Trucking accidents don’t cause “fender benders.” The physics of an 80,000-pound truck against a 4,000-pound car guarantees catastrophic trauma. We’ve represented Calhoun County area clients suffering from:

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
From concussions to permanent cognitive impairment. Symptoms include memory loss, personality changes, headaches, and inability to work. Our TBI cases have settled for between $1.5 million and $9.8 million, depending on severity and long-term care needs.

Spinal Cord Injury and Paralysis
Whether paraplegia or quadriplegia, these injuries require lifetime care. Medical costs alone can exceed $5 million over a lifetime. We’ve secured settlements between $4.7 million and $25.8 million for spinal cord victims.

Amputation
Traumatic amputations at the scene or surgical amputations due to crushed limbs. These cases account for prosthetics, rehabilitation, and phantom pain treatment. Settlements range from $1.9 million to $8.6 million.

Severe Burns
When fuel tanks rupture or hazmat spills ignite. Burns require multiple grafts, reconstructive surgery, and result in permanent disfigurement.

Wrongful Death
When a Calhoun County family loses a breadwinner, Iowa law allows recovery for lost income, loss of consortium, mental anguish, and funeral expenses. Recent wrongful death verdicts in similar cases nationally have ranged from $1.9 million to $9.5 million.

Internal Injuries
Liver lacerations, spleen ruptures, and internal bleeding that require emergency surgery and may leave lasting impairment.

Client Glenda Walker, who suffered severe injuries, put it simply: “They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.” That’s our promise. We don’t settle for policy limits if the case is worth more. We prepare every case as if it’s going to trial, which forces insurance companies to pay fair value rather than gamble against us in court.

Iowa Law: Your Rights and Deadlines

If your 18-wheeler accident happened in Calhoun County, Iowa law governs your case.

Statute of Limitations: Two Years
Under Iowa Code § 614.1, you have exactly two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. This is shorter than some states but longer than others (like Tennessee’s one-year limit). However, if a government entity is involved—a county truck or city vehicle—you may have only six months to file notice of claim. Don’t wait. Evidence disappears long before the two-year deadline approaches.

Modified Comparative Negligence (51% Bar)
Iowa follows modified comparative fault under Iowa Code § 668.3. If you were partially at fault—say, 20% responsible for the accident—you can still recover, but your damages are reduced by 20%. However, if you’re found 51% or more at fault, you recover nothing. Insurance companies love to blame victims. Our job is to prove the truck driver and company bore the lion’s share of fault through ECM data, ELD violations, and maintenance failures.

Punitive Damages
Iowa allows punitive damages when the defendant showed “willful and wanton disregard for the rights or safety of another.” Falsifying logbooks, knowingly putting exhausted drivers on the road, or destroying evidence after a crash can trigger punitive damages in Calhoun County cases. While Iowa technically has no cap on punitive damages for most trucking cases, the constitutional standard requires proportionality to compensatory damages.

Damage Caps
Unlike some states (like Colorado or California), Iowa does not cap compensatory damages in trucking accident cases. Your full economic losses (medical bills, lost wages) and non-economic damages (pain and suffering) are recoverable subject only to the insurance policy limits and the defendant’s assets.

25+ Frequently Asked Questions About Calhoun County Truck Accidents

What’s the first thing I should do after a truck accident in Calhoun County?
Call 911, seek medical attention immediately, photograph everything, get the truck’s DOT number, and call 1-888-ATTY-911 before speaking to any insurance company.

How long do I have to sue for a trucking accident in Iowa?
Two years from the date of the crash. If a government vehicle was involved, potentially only six months for notice requirements.

Can I still recover if I was partially at fault?
Yes, if you were 50% or less at fault. Iowa’s comparative fault law reduces your recovery by your percentage of fault but doesn’t bar it unless you’re mostly responsible.

Why is the trucking company’s insurance adjuster calling me?
They’re trained to extract statements that minimize your claim. Refer them to Attorney911. We include a former insurance defense attorney—Lupe Peña—who knows their playbook.

What is a spoliation letter and why do you send it immediately?
It’s a legal notice demanding preservation of evidence. We send it within 24 hours because trucking companies destroy black box data and maintenance records quickly.

How much is my Calhoun County truck accident case worth?
It depends on injury severity, liability clarity, available insurance ($750K to $5M minimum for commercial trucks), and long-term impacts. We’ve settled similar cases for $2 million to $9 million+.

What if the truck driver claimed I cut him off on US 20?
We download the ECM data to prove speed, braking, and steering inputs. The data doesn’t lie. Driver’s statements often contradict the objective electronic evidence.

Will my case go to trial?
Probably not—95% settle. But we prepare every case for trial, which forces better settlement offers. Ralph Manginello has the federal court experience to take your case all the way if needed.

How do you prove the driver was fatigued?
ELD data under 49 CFR Part 395 shows hours of service violations. We also subpoena dispatch records showing pressure to deliver and cell phone records showing lack of rest.

What if the trucking company is from out of state?
That doesn’t matter. If they operate in Calhoun County and injured you there, Iowa courts have jurisdiction. We handle interstate cases regularly.

Can I sue if my loved one was killed in a truck accident?
Yes, under Iowa’s wrongful death statute. Surviving spouses, children, and parents may recover for loss of consortium, lost income, and mental anguish.

What are punitive damages and can I get them?
Punitive damages punish gross negligence—like willful HOS violations or destroying evidence. Iowa allows them if you prove “willful and wanton disregard” for safety.

How much does it cost to hire Attorney911?
Nothing upfront. We work on contingency—33.33% pre-trial, 40% if trial is necessary. If we don’t win, you don’t pay.

Do you handle cases in Spanish?
Yes. Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish. Hablamos Español. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911.

What if I don’t have health insurance for treatment?
We can help you find medical providers who’ll treat on a Letter of Protection (LOP), meaning they get paid from your settlement.

How long will my case take?
Simple cases: 6-12 months. Complex litigation with catastrophic injuries: 18-36 months. We move as fast as possible without sacrificing value.

What is the MCS-90 endorsement?
It’s an insurance endorsement guaranteeing minimum damages coverage for interstate commercial vehicles. It ensures that even if the policy has exclusions, basic injury coverage exists.

Can I sue the farm or grain elevator that loaded the truck?
Yes, if improper loading or overloading caused the accident. Cargo securement is the responsibility of the loader under 49 CFR § 393.

What if the truck was carrying hazardous materials?
Hazmat carriers must carry $5 million in insurance minimum. These cases often involve additional regulatory violations and higher settlement values.

How do I know if the trucking company destroyed evidence?
Sudden “loss” of records after our spoliation letter creates a rebuttable presumption of guilt. Courts can sanction them severely.

What if the accident happened on a county road, not the highway?
Rural roads in Calhoun County often have higher speed limits and less visibility. The same federal regulations apply regardless of whether the truck was on US 20 or a gravel township road.

Can I get punitive damages if the driver was texting?
Texting while driving a commercial vehicle violates 49 CFR § 392.82. If it shows a pattern of reckless behavior, punitive damages may be available.

What is loss of consortium?
It’s the loss of companionship, affection, and services your spouse provides. It’s a separate claim in Iowa wrongful death and serious injury cases.

Will my settlement be taxed?
Generally, personal injury settlements aren’t taxable. However, punitive damages and interest on judgments may be. We advise you on tax implications specific to your Iowa recovery.

Why should I choose Attorney911 over other firms?
Because we have 25+ years of experience, former insurance defense attorneys who know the inside game, multi-million dollar results, and we treat you like family—not a case number. As client Ernest Cano said: “Mr. Manginello and his firm are first class. Will fight tooth and nail for you.”

Your Calhoun County Deserves Calhoun County’s Best Trucking Attorneys

From the rolling fields near Lohrville to the intersections of Rockwell City, from the icy curves on Iowa 175 to the grain terminals dotting Calhoun County, truck accidents happen when companies prioritize speed over safety. When they break federal rules. When they hire unqualified drivers. When they fail to maintain brakes in Iowa winters.

You didn’t ask for this fight. But you deserve someone who’ll fight it for you.

Ralph Manginello and the team at Attorney911 are ready. We’ve recovered over $50 million for families across the country. We’re currently litigating a $10 million lawsuit against a major university for hazing injuries, proving we have the resources to take on any defendant. We’ve gone up against BP, Walmart, Amazon, and the biggest insurers in America.

Your first consultation is free. The call is 1-888-ATTY-911. We’re available 24/7 because trucking accidents don’t happen on business hours. And remember—as client Kiimarii Yup said after we resolved his case: “I lost everything… 1 year later I have gained so much in return plus a brand new truck.”

Don’t let the trucking company win. Don’t let them destroy evidence. Don’t let them lowball you.

Call 1-888-ATTY-911 now.

Hablamos Español. Lupe Peña está listo para ayudarle. Llame hoy: 1-888-288-9911.

The consultation is free. You pay nothing unless we win. And we don’t stop until you get every dime you deserve.