When an 80,000-pound tractor-trailer slams into a passenger vehicle on I-75 through Campbell County, physics doesn’t negotiate. The impact lasts milliseconds, but the consequences can last a lifetime. If you’re reading this from a hospital room in Newport, from a kitchen table in Fort Thomas, or from a funeral home in Alexandria, you already know the devastation these crashes cause. You don’t need us to tell you that your life has changed. What you need is someone who knows exactly how to hold these trucking companies accountable under Kentucky law—and who understands that here in Campbell County, you have only one year to act.
One year. That’s it. Kentucky gives you just twelve months from the date of your 18-wheeler accident to file a lawsuit. And while that clock ticks down, the trucking company is already working to protect themselves. They’ve dispatched their rapid-response team. Their insurance adjusters are circling. Their lawyers are building a defense. Meanwhile, your black box data—critical evidence showing speed, braking, and hours of service violations—could be overwritten in thirty days.
We’re Attorney911, and we don’t let trucking companies get away with it. For more than 25 years, Ralph Manginello has fought for accident victims, securing multi-million dollar settlements against Fortune 500 carriers. Our associate attorney Lupe Peña spent years inside the insurance defense industry before joining our firm—now he uses that insider knowledge to fight against the very tactics he once deployed. We’ve taken on Walmart, FedEx, Amazon, and Coca-Cola. We’ve litigated against BP in the Texas City refinery explosion that killed fifteen workers. And we’re ready to fight for you.
Call us now at 1-888-ATTY-911 before critical evidence disappears. The consultation is free, and we don’t get paid unless we win your case.
Why Campbell County Trucking Accidents Demand Local Knowledge
Campbell County sits at the crossroads of Northern Kentucky’s busiest freight corridors. I-75 and I-71 slice through our communities, carrying everything from Amazon shipments to hazardous materials between Cincinnati, Lexington, and points south. The Brent Spence Bridge and the soon-to-open companion span funnel tens of thousands of trucks daily through Newport and Covington. Distribution centers in Alexandria and Cold Spring feed the Cincinnati metro area, meaning our local roads see heavy truck traffic day and night.
We’ve handled cases for Campbell County families involved in jackknifes on ice-slicked I-275 during Kentucky winters. We’ve represented workers injured when fatigued drivers veered off I-471 near the Ohio River. We’ve seen what happens when improperly loaded cargo shifts on the curves of Route 9, sending trailers tumbling into the Licking River valley.
The trucking companies know Campbell County too. They know our interstates. They know our weather patterns—how black ice forms on the bridges spanning the Ohio River between Kentucky and Ohio. They know our medical facilities: St. Elizabeth Healthcare in Edgewood, the University of Cincinnati Medical Center just across the river, the emergency rooms in Newport and Fort Thomas. And they know that Kentucky’s one-year statute of limitations gives them an advantage if victims wait too long to call a lawyer.
That’s why you need a team that moves fast. Ralph Manginello brings 25 years of experience to every case, including admission to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas—critical for interstate commerce cases that cross state lines. Lupe Peña provides fluent Spanish representation for Campbell County’s Hispanic community, eliminating communication barriers when you’re already dealing with enough stress. Hablamos Español. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911.
The Physics of Devastation: Why 18-Wheeler Accidents Are Different
Your car weighs roughly 4,000 pounds. A fully loaded semi-truck can weigh 80,000 pounds. That’s not just twenty times heavier—it’s twenty times more devastating in a collision. When physics meets flesh and bone, the results are catastrophic.
An 18-wheeler traveling at 65 miles per hour needs approximately 525 feet to stop. That’s nearly two football fields. In Campbell County traffic on I-75 during rush hour, that distance can mean the difference between a near-miss and a fatality. When a truck driver is distracted by a cell phone, fatigued from violating federal hours-of-service regulations, or speeding through a curve on I-275, they can’t stop in time. They can’t swerve safely. And you pay the price.
These aren’t “accidents” in the sense of unavoidable events. Most 18-wheeler crashes result from negligence—violations of Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations designed to keep you safe. When trucking companies prioritize profits over safety, they create the conditions for tragedy.
We’ve recovered multi-million dollar settlements for traumatic brain injury victims, amputees, and families who’ve lost loved ones to wrongful death. As client Glenda Walker told us after we resolved her case, “They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.” That’s what we do. We don’t settle for the lowball offers insurance companies push on unrepresented victims. We build cases designed to win at trial—because that’s how you get maximum compensation.
Meet the Team Fighting for Campbell County Victims
When you call 888-ATTY-911, you’re not getting a case manager in a cubicle somewhere. You’re getting Ralph Manginello, a managing partner who’s been fighting in courtrooms since 1998. Ralph brings federal court experience from the Southern District of Texas to bear on complex interstate trucking cases. He’s squared off against Fortune 500 corporations like BP in the $2.1 billion Texas City refinery explosion litigation. He knows how these companies operate, and he knows how to make them pay.
You’re also getting Lupe Peña, our associate attorney who spent years defending insurance companies before switching sides. Here’s why that matters: Lupe knows every trick in the insurance company playbook. He knows how adjusters are trained to minimize your claim, what software they use to calculate “lowball” offers, and when they’re bluffing about going to trial. As he told ABC13 Houston in our $10 million University of hazing lawsuit coverage, “If this prevents harm to another person, that’s what we’re hoping to do. Let’s bring this to light. Enough is enough.” That same tenacity applies to your trucking case.
With offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we serve trucking accident victims across the nation, including right here in Campbell County. We offer 24/7 availability because we know accidents don’t happen on business hours. And we work on contingency—you pay nothing unless we win. Zero upfront costs. Zero hourly fees. We advance all investigation expenses, and we only get paid when you do.
Every Type of 18-Wheeler Accident We Handle
Truck accidents take many forms, and each requires a specific legal strategy. Here in Campbell County, we see certain accidents more frequently due to our geography and climate.
Jackknife Accidents
When a truck driver brakes too hard or hits black ice on the Brent Spence Bridge approach, the trailer can swing out perpendicular to the cab, sweeping across multiple lanes. These accidents often involve violations of 49 CFR § 393.48 (brake system malfunction) or 49 CFR § 392.6 (speeding for conditions). The swinging trailer strikes vehicles with devastating force, causing TBI, spinal cord injuries, and multi-vehicle pileups.
Rear-End Collisions
A distracted truck driver following too closely on I-75 during Cincinnati rush hour can’t stop in time when traffic slows near the Norwood Lateral. Violating 49 CFR § 392.11 (following too closely), these drivers crush smaller vehicles against guardrails or push them into other lanes. The differential in height means your car’s trunk becomes your backseat—and your backseat becomes a death trap.
Underride Collisions
When a truck stops suddenly on I-71 near the Wilder exit, smaller vehicles can slide underneath the trailer. The trailer height often shears off the passenger compartment at windshield level. Despite 49 CFR § 393.86 requiring rear impact guards, many trucks have inadequate or poorly maintained guards. These accidents are almost always fatal or cause catastrophic head trauma. Side underride—where a car slides under the side of a trailer during a lane change—has no federal guard requirement, making these particularly deadly.
Rollover Accidents
Kentucky’s rolling hills and interstate curves create perfect conditions for rollovers. When cargo shifts in a tanker truck taking the I-275 loop too fast, or when a driver overcorrects on I-471, the truck can tip onto its side or roof. These crashes often involve 49 CFR § 393.100-136 cargo securement violations. A spilled tanker on the AA Highway can shut down traffic for hours and expose first responders to hazardous chemicals.
Tire Blowouts
The extreme temperature variations in Northern Kentucky—from summer heat to winter cold—stress truck tires. When a tire blows at highway speed, the driver loses control, creating a “road gator” (tire debris) that causes secondary accidents. These crashes often involve 49 CFR § 393.75 violations (inadequate tire tread depth) or 49 CFR § 396.13 failures (pre-trip inspection negligence).
Brake Failure
Brake problems contribute to approximately 29% of large truck crashes. When a truck descends the river hills on I-75 without proper braking capacity, it becomes an 80,000-pound missile. Violations of 49 CFR § 393.40-55 (brake system requirements) and 49 CFR § 396.3 (systematic maintenance) prove the trucking company knew their vehicle was unsafe.
Wide Turn Accidents (“Squeeze Play”)
In downtown Newport or Fort Thomas, truck drivers making right turns often swing wide, creating a gap that cars enter. When the truck completes its turn, it crushes the vehicle against the curb. These accidents involve driver inexperience and failure to properly signal or check mirrors.
Blind Spot Accidents
Commercial trucks have massive “No-Zones”—areas where the driver cannot see other vehicles. When a truck driver changes lanes on I-75 without checking these blind spots, they sideswipe passenger vehicles, often pushing them into other lanes or guardrails. 49 CFR § 393.80 requires proper mirrors, but many drivers fail to adjust them or check them properly.
Cargo Spills and Shifts
From Amazon distribution centers in Hebron to manufacturing facilities in Campbell County, improperly secured cargo causes crashes. When freight shifts during transit, it changes the truck’s center of gravity, causing rollovers. When cargo spills onto I-71, it creates chain-reaction accidents. Violations of 49 CFR § 393.100 (cargo securement) are common culprits.
Head-On Collisions
Driver fatigue causes lane departures, especially on two-lane roads like Route 10 or Route 27 in Campbell County. When a truck crosses the center line, the closing speed often makes these accidents fatal. These frequently involve 49 CFR § 395 Hours of Service violations—drivers too tired to stay in their lane.
Who Can Be Held Liable? More Than Just the Driver
Most people assume only the truck driver is responsible after a crash. They’re wrong. In 18-wheeler cases, multiple parties can share liability—and each represents a separate insurance policy that can contribute to your recovery.
The Truck Driver
Obviously, the person behind the wheel bears direct responsibility for negligent driving—speeding, distraction, fatigue, or impairment. We subpoena their cell phone records, drug test results, and driving history to prove they shouldn’t have been on the road.
The Trucking Company (Motor Carrier)
Under the doctrine of respondeat superior, employers are liable for their employees’ negligent acts. But trucking companies also face direct liability for:
- Negligent Hiring: Failing to check the driver’s record, CDL status, or medical certification (49 CFR § 391.51)
- Negligent Training: Inadequate safety instruction on cargo securement or hours of service
- Negligent Supervision: Ignoring ELD evidence that drivers exceed hourly limits
- Negligent Maintenance: Failing to repair brakes, tires, or lighting systems (49 CFR § 396.3)
Trucking companies carry high-limit insurance policies—typically $750,000 to $5 million—making them primary targets for recovery.
The Cargo Owner and Loading Company
When Amazon goods ship from Hebron or automotive parts move through Campbell County, someone loaded that cargo. If they distributed weight unevenly, failed to secure loads properly, or overloaded the trailer beyond capacity, they violated 49 CFR § 393.100-136. The cargo owner may also be liable if they demanded delivery schedules that forced drivers to violate hours-of-service regulations.
Truck and Parts Manufacturers
Defective brakes, tire blowouts from manufacturing flaws, or faulty steering systems create product liability claims. We investigate recall notices and similar failure patterns to establish manufacturer negligence.
Maintenance Companies
Third-party mechanics who serviced the truck may have performed negligent repairs—adjusting brakes incorrectly, installing wrong parts, or returning vehicles to service with known defects.
Freight Brokers
Brokers who arrange shipping but don’t own trucks may be liable for negligent carrier selection—choosing the cheapest trucking company despite poor safety records or inadequate insurance.
Truck Owner (If Different from Carrier)
In owner-operator situations, the individual truck owner may bear liability for negligent entrustment or failure to maintain equipment.
Government Entities
When Campbell County road design contributes to accidents—poor sightlines on curves, inadequate signage, or failure to maintain safe road surfaces—government liability may apply. However, sovereign immunity and short notice requirements apply to these claims.
Our firm investigates every possible defendant because more liable parties means more insurance coverage means higher compensation for you. As client Donald Wilcox said after we took his case that another firm rejected, “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.”
FMCSA Violations: The Evidence That Wins Cases
Federal regulations exist to prevent exactly the crashes that devastate Campbell County families. When trucking companies violate these rules, they create legal liability.
Hours of Service Violations (49 CFR Part 395)
Property-carrying drivers may drive a maximum of 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty. They cannot drive beyond the 14th consecutive hour after coming on duty. They must take a 30-minute break after 8 cumulative hours of driving. And they cannot exceed 60/70 hours on duty in 7/8 consecutive days.
Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) automatically record these hours. When we subpoena ELD data showing a driver exceeded these limits—often because trucking companies pressure drivers to meet delivery deadlines—we prove fatigue caused your crash.
Driver Qualification Failures (49 CFR Part 391)
Before putting a driver on the road, companies must verify:
- Valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)
- Medical examiner’s certificate (proving physical fitness)
- Three-year driving history from previous employers
- Pre-employment drug and alcohol testing
Missing or incomplete Driver Qualification Files prove negligent hiring—a direct basis for liability against the company.
Vehicle Maintenance Negligence (49 CFR Part 396)
Trucking companies must systematically inspect, repair, and maintain all vehicles. Drivers must conduct pre-trip and post-trip inspections, documenting defects. Annual inspections are mandatory. When companies defer maintenance to save money—worn brakes, bald tires, broken lights—they violate federal law and endanger lives.
Cargo Securement (49 CFR Part 393)
Cargo must be contained, immobilized, or secured to prevent shifting or falling. Tiedowns must meet specific working load limits. Improperly secured freight causes rollovers and spills that shut down I-75 for hours.
Drug and Alcohol Violations (49 CFR § 382 & § 392)
Drivers cannot operate commercial vehicles with a BAC of .04 or higher (half the limit for passenger cars). They must undergo random testing. A positive test creates automatic liability.
We send spoliation letters immediately to preserve all this evidence before the trucking company can “lose” it or claim it was overwritten.
The 48-Hour Evidence Emergency
If you’re reading this within days of your Campbell County trucking accident, listen carefully: Evidence is disappearing right now.
The trucking company has already dispatched their rapid-response team to the scene. Their lawyers are advising them on what to say. Their insurance adjuster is looking for ways to minimize your claim. And critical electronic data—the black box recordings that prove exactly what happened—has a expiration date.
What We’re Racing to Preserve:
- ECM/Black Box Data: Records speed, braking, throttle position, and fault codes. Overwrites in 30 days or with new driving events.
- ELD Records: Electronic logs showing hours of service violations. FMCSA only requires 6-month retention, but we need them now.
- Dashcam Footage: Often deleted within 7-14 days if not preserved.
- Driver Qualification Files: The company has these, but they may “lose” unfavorable documents.
- Maintenance Records: Can show patterns of deferred repair.
- Cell Phone Records: Prove distracted driving.
- Surveillance Video: Nearby businesses may have footage, but cameras overwrite every 7-30 days.
When we take your case, we immediately send spoliation letters to every potentially liable party. These letters create a legal duty to preserve evidence—and serious consequences if they destroy it. Courts can instruct juries to assume destroyed evidence was unfavorable, impose monetary sanctions, or even enter default judgment against the trucking company.
Don’t wait for the trucking company to build their defense. Call 888-ATTY-911 now so we can start preserving evidence today.
Catastrophic Injuries and Your Future
The injuries from 18-wheeler accidents aren’t “soft tissue” sprains that resolve in weeks. They’re life-altering traumas requiring lifetime care.
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
The force of a truck impact causes the brain to collide with the skull, even without direct head contact. Symptoms include memory loss, personality changes, chronic headaches, and cognitive impairment. Moderate to severe TBI cases settle in the $1.5 million to $9.8 million range, accounting for lifetime care and lost earning capacity.
Spinal Cord Injury and Paralysis
The weight differential crushes vehicles, causing spinal fractures. Paraplegia (loss of leg function) and quadriplegia (loss of all limb function) require wheelchairs, home modifications, and 24/7 care. These cases often reach $4.7 million to $25.8 million in settlements.
Amputation
When crush injuries sever limbs or make them unsalvageable, victims face prosthetics, phantom limb pain, and permanent disability. Amputation cases typically settle between $1.9 million and $8.6 million.
Wrongful Death
When trucking accidents kill Campbell County residents, families face funeral costs, lost income, and the immeasurable loss of companionship. Kentucky allows recovery for lost parental guidance, spousal consortium, and mental anguish. Wrongful death settlements range from $1.9 million to $9.5 million depending on the decedent’s age, earning capacity, and number of dependents.
Severe Burns
Tanker explosions or Hazmat spills cause thermal burns requiring skin grafts, multiple surgeries, and permanent disfigurement. These cases often involve punitive damages when companies violated safety protocols.
We document every aspect of your injuries—medical records, expert testimony on future care needs, and economic analysis of lost earnings—to ensure your settlement reflects the true cost of your recovery.
Kentucky Law: The 1-Year Deadline You Cannot Miss
Here’s the reality that shocks many Campbell County accident victims: Kentucky has one of the shortest statutes of limitations in America. You have just one year from the date of your accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. For wrongful death claims, the clock starts ticking from the date of death—and you still have only one year.
Compare this to neighboring Ohio (2 years) or Indiana (2 years). Kentucky’s one-year deadline means you cannot wait to “see how you feel” or “think about it.” If you miss this deadline, you lose your right to compensation forever—regardless of how catastrophic your injuries or how clearly negligent the trucking company.
Kentucky’s Pure Comparative Fault Rule
Kentucky follows “pure comparative fault,” which helps plaintiffs. Even if you were partially responsible for the accident—say, 20% at fault—you can still recover 80% of your damages. Unlike some states that bar recovery if you’re more than 50% at fault, Kentucky allows recovery even if you’re 99% at fault (though your damages are reduced by that percentage). This means even if you think you contributed to the crash, you likely still have a viable claim.
Damages Caps
Unlike some states, Kentucky does not cap economic damages (medical bills, lost wages) or non-economic damages (pain and suffering) in personal injury cases involving commercial trucks. Punitive damages—designed to punish gross negligence—are also available without statutory caps, though courts apply constitutional due process limits.
What Is Your Campbell County Trucking Case Worth?
There’s no “average” settlement because every case is unique. However, trucking accidents involve higher insurance limits than car crashes, allowing for meaningful recovery even in catastrophic cases.
Federal Insurance Minimums:
- Non-hazardous freight: $750,000
- Oil/petroleum or large equipment: $1,000,000
- Hazardous materials: $5,000,000
Many carriers carry excess coverage or umbrella policies reaching $10 million or more.
Factors Affecting Your Settlement:
- Severity of injuries: Catastrophic injuries command higher settlements
- Medical expenses: Past and future treatment costs
- Lost wages and earning capacity: If you cannot return to your previous occupation
- Pain and suffering: Physical pain and emotional trauma
- Punitive damages: Available when trucking companies knowingly violated safety regulations
- Clear liability: Strong evidence (ECM data, eyewitnesses) increases case value
We’ve settled brain injury cases for over $5 million, amputation cases for $3.8 million, and maritime back injuries for $2 million. While we can’t guarantee specific results, we can guarantee we’ll fight for every dime you deserve.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to file a lawsuit after an 18-wheeler accident in Campbell County?
One year from the date of the accident. Kentucky has one of the shortest statutes of limitations in the country. Don’t wait—evidence disappears and witnesses’ memories fade.
Should I talk to the trucking company’s insurance adjuster?
No. Never give a recorded statement without an attorney present. Adjusters are trained to get you to say things that minimize your claim. Let us handle all communications.
What if I was partially at fault for the accident?
Under Kentucky’s pure comparative fault system, you can still recover damages reduced by your percentage of fault. Even if you were 30% at fault, you recover 70% of your damages.
How much does it cost to hire Attorney911?
Nothing upfront. We work on contingency—you pay nothing unless we win. We advance all costs of investigation and litigation. Our fee comes from the settlement, not your pocket.
Do you handle cases in Campbell County if you’re based in Texas?
Yes. We handle 18-wheeler accident cases nationwide, and trucking cases often involve interstate commerce that allows for federal court jurisdiction. Ralph Manginello is admitted to federal courts, and we associate with local counsel when necessary to ensure you have Kentucky-qualified representation. Hablamos Español para la comunidad hispana de Campbell County.
What if the trucking company is from another state?
Trucking companies that operate in Kentucky are subject to Kentucky law and can be sued here. We handle the jurisdictional complexities.
Can I afford medical treatment while my case is pending?
Yes. We work with medical providers who treat you on a Letter of Protection (LOP)—they get paid when your case settles. Don’t delay treatment because of financial concerns.
How long will my case take?
Simple cases may settle in 6-12 months. Complex cases with catastrophic injuries may take 18-36 months. We work to resolve cases as quickly as possible without sacrificing value.
What is the truck’s “black box”?
The Electronic Control Module (ECM) or Event Data Recorder (EDR) records speed, braking, engine performance, and other operational data. It’s objective evidence that often contradicts the driver’s story. But it can be overwritten in 30 days, so we must act fast.
Will my case go to trial?
Most cases settle, but we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial. Insurance companies offer better settlements to lawyers with track records of winning in court.
Can undocumented immigrants file claims?
Yes. Immigration status does not affect your right to compensation for injuries caused by someone else’s negligence.
What about workers’ compensation if I was working when the accident happened?
If you were driving commercially and injured, workers’ comp may apply, but you might also have a third-party claim against the other driver. We evaluate all avenues for recovery.
Your Fight Starts With One Call
The trucking company that hit you has lawyers. They have insurance adjusters. They have rapid-response teams protecting their interests. Who’s protecting yours?
At Attorney911, we treat you like family, not a file number. As client Chad Harris said, “You are NOT a pest to them and you are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.” We’re available 24/7 because we know accidents don’t happen on office hours. And we don’t get paid unless you do.
If you’ve been injured in an 18-wheeler accident in Campbell County—whether on I-75 in Newport, I-71 in Fort Thomas, or anywhere in Northern Kentucky—call us now:
1-888-ATTY-911
(888) 288-9911
The clock is ticking. Evidence is disappearing. And the trucking company is already building their defense. Let’s level the playing field. Call now for your free consultation. Hablamos Español.
