18-Wheeler Accident Attorneys in Carroll County, Iowa: Your Fight for Justice Starts Now

The cornfields of Carroll County stretch for miles along Interstate 80, but when an 80,000-pound Kenworth crosses the centerline on a sheet of black ice near Manning, or when a grain hauler blows a tire on Highway 30 outside Carroll, there’s no time to react. In an instant, your pickup truck is no match for 40 tons of steel. Your life changes forever.

We know Iowa’s highways. We’ve seen what happens when trucking companies cut corners on maintenance to save a buck, or when drivers push past federal hours-of-service limits to make delivery deadlines during harvest season. At Attorney911, we’ve spent over 25 years holding these companies accountable—and we’re ready to fight for you.

Why Carroll County 18-Wheeler Accidents Are Different

Most folks think a truck accident is just a bigger car accident. It isn’t. When you’re hit by an 18-wheeler in Carroll County, you’re facing a completely different legal battlefield than a fender-bender on Court Street.

The physics alone tell the story. Your average sedan or pickup weighs about 4,000 pounds. A fully loaded semi can weigh up to 80,000 pounds. That’s twenty times heavier. When that mass hits your vehicle at 65 miles per hour on I-80 near Coon Rapids, the force isn’t just doubled—it’s devastating.

Then there’s the regulatory complexity. Every commercial truck operating in Iowa falls under the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations codified in Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations (49 CFR). These aren’t suggestions—they’re federal laws that trucking companies must follow. When they break these rules and hurt someone in Carroll County, they’ve committed negligence under federal motor carrier safety laws.

The trucking companies know this. Within hours of a crash on Highway 141 or Iowa 175, they dispatch rapid-response teams to protect their interests. They have lawyers, insurance adjusters, and accident reconstruction specialists working to limit their liability while you’re still in the hospital in Carroll or Denison.

That’s why you need someone who knows how to fight back immediately. Ralph Manginello has been litigating trucking accident cases since 1998. He’s admitted to federal court in the Southern District of Texas—experience that matters because trucking litigation often involves federal regulations and interstate commerce laws. Our firm has recovered multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements for families across the Midwest, including a $5 million settlement for a traumatic brain injury victim and a $3.8 million settlement for a client who suffered amputation after a commercial vehicle crash.

The Federal Rules That Protect Carroll County Drivers

Every truck barreling through Carroll County on I-80 or rumbling down rural Route 71 must comply with strict federal safety standards. These regulations are your protection—and when truckers ignore them, they become powerful evidence in your case.

Driver Qualification Standards (49 CFR Part 391)

Before a truck driver can legally operate a commercial motor vehicle on Iowa highways, they must meet strict federal qualifications. Under 49 CFR § 391.11, drivers must:

• Be at least 21 years old for interstate commerce
• Pass rigorous physical examinations every 24 months (49 CFR § 391.45)
• Maintain a valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with proper endorsements
• Complete entry-level driver training for new operators

Trucking companies must maintain a Driver Qualification File (49 CFR § 391.51) for every driver. This file must include:

• The driver’s employment application
• Annual motor vehicle record checks
• Road test certificates or equivalent documentation
• Current medical examiner’s certificates
• Previous employment verification for three years

When we take your Carroll County trucking case, we subpoena these files immediately. If the company hired a driver with a history of DUIs, or if they failed to verify the driver’s medical fitness, they’ve committed negligent hiring—and they’re liable for your damages.

Hours of Service Violations (49 CFR Part 395)

This is where we catch many truckers. Federal hours-of-service (HOS) regulations exist because fatigue causes approximately 31% of fatal truck crashes. Under 49 CFR § 395.3, property-carrying drivers (which includes most 18-wheelers hauling freight through Carroll County) must follow strict limits:

• 11-Hour Driving Limit: Cannot drive more than 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty
• 14-Hour On-Duty Window: Cannot drive beyond the 14th consecutive hour after coming on duty, following 10 consecutive hours off duty
• 30-Minute Break: Must take a 30-minute break after 8 cumulative hours of driving time
• 60/70-Hour Weekly Limit: Cannot drive after 60 hours on duty in 7 consecutive days, or 70 hours in 8 consecutive days

Since December 18, 2017, most commercial trucks must use Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) (49 CFR § 395.8) that automatically record driving time and synchronize with the vehicle’s engine. This data is gold in litigation—it objectively proves whether the driver was violating federal rest requirements when they slammed into your vehicle near Carroll.

Critical Warning: ELD data can be overwritten in as little as 30 days. That’s why we send preservation letters to the trucking company within 24 hours of being retained. The sooner you call us at 1-888-ATTY-911, the sooner we can secure this evidence before it disappears.

Vehicle Safety and Cargo Securement (49 CFR Part 393)

When a grain hauler tips over on a rural Carroll County road, or when a semi’s brakes fail on the downgrade entering Manning, the problem often traces back to 49 CFR Part 393 violations.

Cargo Securement Requirements (49 CFR § 393.100-136):

• Cargo must be contained, immobilized, or secured to prevent shifting
• Securement systems must withstand specific force thresholds (0.8g deceleration forward, 0.5g acceleration rearward, 0.5g laterally)
• Specific rules apply to agricultural commodities, which are common in our region

Brake System Requirements (49 CFR § 393.40-55):

• All commercial vehicles must have properly functioning service brakes on all wheels
• Parking brakes must be adequate to hold the loaded vehicle stationary
• Brake systems must be inspected regularly per 49 CFR § 396

Brake violations are shockingly common. Under 49 CFR § 396.3, motor carriers must systematically inspect, repair, and maintain their vehicles. When they skip maintenance to save money, catastrophic failures occur on Iowa’s interstates.

Drug and Alcohol Testing (49 CFR Part 382)

Commercial drivers cannot operate under the influence. 49 CFR § 392.4 prohibits drivers from being on duty while under the influence of any Schedule I substance, amphetamines, narcotics, or any substance rendering them incapable of safe operation. 49 CFR § 392.5 prohibits alcohol use within four hours of duty or while operating the vehicle.

Post-accident drug and alcohol testing is required under 49 CFR § 382.303 when:

• The accident involves a fatality
• Someone receives medical treatment away from the scene
• A vehicle is disabled and towed from the scene

These test results are crucial evidence. We’ve seen cases where the driver was impaired, or where the trucking company failed to conduct proper pre-employment screening as required by 49 CFR § 382.301.

Common 18-Wheeler Accidents on Carroll County Roads

Iowa’s unique geography—flat agricultural plains intersected by major interstates, combined with harsh winter weather—creates specific accident patterns in Carroll County. Here are the crash types we see most often, and how federal regulations apply to each.

Jackknife Accidents

A jackknife occurs when the drive axles on the tractor lock up, causing the trailer to swing perpendicular to the cab, folding like a pocket knife. On icy stretches of I-80 during Iowa winters, or when a driver brakes suddenly on Highway 30 near Arcadia, the trailer can sweep across all lanes, creating a metal wall no one can avoid.

Why it happens:

• Sudden braking on wet or icy surfaces (violating 49 CFR § 392.6 regarding speed for conditions)
• Improper brake maintenance (49 CFR § 396)
• Empty or lightly loaded trailers with less traction
• Driver inexperience with air brake systems

The evidence we pursue: ECM data showing brake application timing, brake inspection records, weather reports from the Carroll County crash scene, and driver training files.

Rollover Accidents

Iowa’s rural highways have curves and ditches that can catch truckers off guard, especially when they’re hauling top-heavy loads. A rollover happens when centrifugal force overcome stability—common on entrance ramps to I-35 or on tight turns on county roads near Templeton or Halbur.

Why it happens:

• Taking curves too fast (49 CFR § 392.6)
• Improperly loaded or unbalanced cargo (49 CFR § 393.100)
• Liquid cargo “slosh” in tankers (common with agricultural chemicals)
• Topping undulating rural roads at excessive speed

Catastrophic injuries: Rollovers often cause crushing injuries, traumatic brain injuries, and fatalities. We’ve recovered settlements ranging from $1.5 million to $9.8 million for TBI victims in trucking accidents.

Underride Collisions

Perhaps the most horrific truck accidents involve underride—when a passenger vehicle slides under the trailer, often shearing off the roof and decapitating occupants. This happens when trucks stop suddenly on I-80 or when visibility is poor during Iowa blizzards.

Federal requirements: 49 CFR § 393.86 mandates rear impact guards on trailers manufactured after January 26, 1998. However, guards can fail, and there is no federal requirement for side underride guards—though advocacy continues after devastating losses on highways nationwide.

If your loved one was killed in an underride accident near Carroll, we investigate the guard’s maintenance, the truck’s lighting (49 CFR § 393.11), and whether the driver failed to signal properly (49 CFR § 392.11).

Rear-End Collisions

An 18-wheeler traveling at highway speeds needs approximately 525 feet to stop—that’s nearly two football fields. On I-80 near Carroll, when traffic backs up suddenly due to construction or weather, truckers following too closely cause devastating rear-end collisions.

Federal violations: 49 CFR § 392.11 prohibits following more closely than is “reasonable and prudent.” We download ECM data to prove the truck was following too closely or failed to brake in time.

Wide Turn Accidents (“Squeeze Play”)

On narrow county roads near Carroll or in small towns like Dedham or Willey, big rigs must swing wide to make right turns. When they do, they create gaps that smaller vehicles enter, only to be crushed when the truck completes its turn.

Liability: The driver must signal properly and check blind spots (49 CFR § 392.11 and mirror requirements under 49 CFR § 393.80). Failure to do so makes both the driver and trucking company liable.

Blind Spot Accidents

18-wheelers have massive blind spots—20 feet in front, 30 feet behind, and significant areas on each side. When truckers change lanes on I-80 without checking these “no-zones,” they sideswipe passenger vehicles or force them off the road into Iowa’s steep ditches.

Federal requirements: 49 CFR § 393.80 requires mirrors that provide a clear view to the rear. We investigate whether mirrors were properly adjusted and whether the driver checked them before the maneuver.

Tire Blowout Accidents

Iowa’s summer heat and winter cold extremes stress commercial tires. When a steer tire blows on an 80,000-pound truck barreling down I-35, the driver loses control instantly. “Road gators” (tire debris) from these blowouts cause secondary accidents miles down the road.

Maintenance failures: Under 49 CFR § 393.75, tires must have minimum tread depth (4/32″ for steer tires, 2/32″ for others) and cannot have cuts or defects. We subpoena tire maintenance records to prove the company deferred replacement to save money.

Brake Failure Accidents

Brake problems contribute to approximately 29% of large truck crashes. When brakes fail on the downgrade approaching the Missouri River valley, or on any of Carroll County’s hills, the results are catastrophic.

Regulatory violations: 49 CFR § 396.13 requires pre-trip brake inspections. 49 CFR § 396.11 mandates post-trip inspection reports. If these records are falsified or missing, we’ve caught the company in negligence.

Cargo Shifts and Spills

During harvest season in Carroll County, grain trucks and agricultural haulers are everywhere. When loads shift or spill onto Highway 71 or county roads, they create immediate hazards for following vehicles.

Securement failures: 49 CFR § 393.100-136 governs cargo securement. Agricultural commodities have specific rules, but improper loading at elevators or farms can make the shipper and loader liable, not just the driver.

Everyone Who Might Owe You Money

Unlike car accidents where usually only one driver is at fault, 18-wheeler crashes often involve multiple liable parties. We investigate every possible source of recovery because more defendants mean more insurance coverage—critical when you’re facing millions in medical bills.

The Truck Driver

Driver negligence includes:

• Distracted driving (violating 49 CFR § 392.82 regarding mobile phone use)
• Fatigued driving (violating 49 CFR § 395)
• Impaired driving (violating 49 CFR § 392.4-5)
• Speeding or driving too fast for weather conditions
• Failure to conduct pre-trip inspections (49 CFR § 396.13)

We obtain cell phone records, ELD data, and drug test results to prove the driver was unfit to be behind the wheel.

The Trucking Company (Motor Carrier)

Under the doctrine of respondeat superior, trucking companies are responsible for their employees’ negligence. But we also pursue direct negligence claims:

• Negligent hiring: Failing to check the driver’s record (49 CFR § 391.51)
• Negligent training: Inadequate safety training
• Negligent supervision: Ignoring ELD violations or safety complaints
• Negligent maintenance: Skipping required inspections (49 CFR § 396.3)

Our associate attorney, Lupe Peña, spent years working as an insurance defense lawyer before joining Attorney911. He knows exactly how trucking companies try to minimize claims—and he uses that insider knowledge against them. When he reviews your Carroll County case, he’s looking for the shortcuts the company took that caused your injuries.

The Cargo Owner and Loader

In Carroll County’s agricultural economy, grain elevators, farmers, and agricultural cooperatives often load trucks. If they overloaded the vehicle or failed to secure the load properly, they share liability. We review bills of lading and loading dock procedures.

Maintenance Companies

Third-party mechanics who service commercial fleets can be liable if their negligent repairs caused brake failures or other mechanical issues. We obtain work orders and maintenance logs.

Truck and Parts Manufacturers

Defective brakes, tire blowouts caused by manufacturing defects, or faulty steering systems can trigger product liability claims against manufacturers. We preserve failed components for expert analysis and check NHTSA recall databases.

Freight Brokers

Brokers who arrange transportation but don’t own trucks may be liable for negligent carrier selection—hiring a trucking company with a poor safety record or inadequate insurance. We investigate the broker’s due diligence.

Government Entities

If poor road design on a Carroll County highway or inadequate signage contributed to your crash, the governmental entity responsible might share liability. However, Iowa has strict notice requirements and shorter deadlines for claims against government entities, so immediate action is essential.

Evidence Disappears Fast: The 48-Hour Rule

Here’s what the trucking companies don’t want you to know: The most important evidence in your case can vanish within days.

Critical timelines:

• ECM/Black Box Data: Can be overwritten in 30 days with new driving events
• ELD Logs: FMCSA only requires 6-month retention; some companies delete sooner
• Dashcam Footage: Often deleted within 7-14 days
• Surveillance Video: Nearby businesses usually overwrite cameras in 7-30 days
• Driver Qualification Files: Must be preserved, but companies “lose” them
• Drug/Alcohol Tests: Must be conducted quickly post-accident

This is why we act immediately. When you hire Attorney911 for your Carroll County trucking accident, we:

1. Send spoliation letters within 24 hours to the trucking company, insurer, and all potentially liable parties, legally requiring them to preserve all evidence
2. Subpoena ELD and ECM data before it can be deleted
3. Preserve the physical truck before it’s repaired or sold
4. Collect witness statements before memories fade
5. Document the crash scene with accident reconstruction experts

As client Glenda Walker told us after we handled her case: “They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.” We’re not just preserving evidence—we’re preserving your right to full compensation.

Catastrophic Injuries Require Catastrophic Compensation

The injuries sustained in 18-wheeler accidents often change lives forever. We’ve helped Carroll County families secure compensation for:

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

From concussions to severe brain damage requiring lifelong care. Symptoms include memory loss, personality changes, chronic headaches, and cognitive deficits. Our TBI settlements have ranged from $1.5 million to $9.8 million.

Spinal Cord Injury and Paralysis

Partial or complete paralysis from damage to the cervical, thoracic, or lumbar spine. These victims often need home modifications, wheelchairs, and 24/7 nursing care. Future medical costs can exceed $5 million over a lifetime.

Amputation

Whether traumatic amputation at the scene or surgical amputation due to crush injuries. Prosthetics, rehabilitation, and lost earning capacity create massive financial burdens. We’ve recovered $1.9 million to $8.6 million for amputation cases.

Severe Burns

From fuel tank fires or hazmat spills. Third-degree burns require skin grafts, plastic surgery, and leave permanent scarring and disfigurement.

Internal Organ Damage

Liver lacerations, ruptured spleens, kidney damage, and internal bleeding often require emergency surgery and cause lifelong complications.

Wrongful Death

When a trucking accident takes a loved one, surviving family members in Carroll County can pursue wrongful death claims. Under Iowa law, you have two years from the date of death to file. Damages include loss of consortium, lost future income, mental anguish, and funeral expenses. Our wrongful death recoveries have ranged from $1.9 million to $9.5 million.

Insurance Requirements: The $750,000 Minimum

Federal law requires commercial trucks to carry much higher insurance than passenger vehicles:

Most major carriers carry $1 million to $5 million in coverage. But accessing that money requires knowing how to navigate commercial insurance policies, MCS-90 endorsements, and umbrella coverage provisions.

Hablamos Español: If Spanish is your primary language, our associate Lupe Peña provides fluent Spanish representation. No interpreters needed—just direct, compassionate communication. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911.

Iowa Law and Your Rights

Statute of Limitations

In Iowa, you generally have two years from the date of the trucking accident to file a personal injury lawsuit (Iowa Code § 614.1). For wrongful death claims, the clock starts running from the date of death. Miss this deadline, and you lose your rights forever—no matter how severe your injuries or how clear the trucker’s fault.

Modified Comparative Negligence

Iowa follows a modified comparative negligence rule with a 51% bar (Iowa Code § 668.3). This means:

• You can recover damages even if you were partially at fault, as long as you were 50% or less responsible
• Your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault
• If you’re found 51% or more at fault, you recover nothing

Insurance companies will try to blame you for the accident. We gather evidence—ECM data, witness statements, accident reconstruction—to prove the truck driver was primarily at fault.

Damage Caps

Unlike some states, Iowa does not impose arbitrary caps on non-economic damages (pain and suffering) in personal injury cases. However, punitive damages are capped at $25 million in most cases, or $250,000 in medical malpractice cases (Iowa Code § 668A.1). In trucking cases involving gross negligence—such as falsifying logs, hiring unqualified drivers, or destroying evidence—we pursue punitive damages to punish the company and deter future misconduct.

Carroll County’s Trucking Corridors: Local Knowledge Matters

We’re familiar with the specific hazards on Carroll County roads:

Interstate 80: The primary east-west corridor through Carroll County, carrying massive truck traffic between Des Moines and Council Bluffs. High speeds combined with Iowa weather create deadly conditions.

Interstate 35: North-south freight corridor connecting to the major distribution hubs. Heavy truck congestion near interchanges.

U.S. Highway 30: The Lincoln Highway runs through Carroll County, mixing local traffic with commercial trucks serving agricultural processing facilities.

State Highway 71: Connects Carroll to Denison and other rural communities, featuring narrow shoulders and sharp curves.

County Roads: Rural routes serving farms and elevators often have weight limits that trucking companies ignore, causing road degradation and dangerous conditions.

We know the weigh stations, the grain elevators where overloaded trucks originate, and the intersections where previous accidents have occurred. This local knowledge helps us build stronger cases for Carroll County victims.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is my Carroll County trucking accident case worth?

It depends on your injuries, medical costs, lost wages, and available insurance. Trucking cases often settle for more than car accidents because commercial policies have higher limits. We’ve recovered millions for clients with catastrophic injuries—$5 million for a brain injury victim, $3.8 million for an amputation case.

What if the trucking company offers me a quick settlement?

Don’t accept it. Early offers are always lowball attempts to settle before you know the full extent of your injuries. As Donald Wilcox discovered after another firm rejected his case: “Then I got a call from Manginello… I got a call to come pick up this handsome check.” We make sure you get what you deserve, not what the insurance company wants to pay.

How long will my case take?

Simple cases with clear liability might settle in 6-12 months. Complex cases involving catastrophic injuries or multiple defendants can take 1-3 years. We advance all costs, so you pay nothing until we win.

Do I really need a lawyer if the accident wasn’t my fault?

Absolutely. The trucking company already has lawyers working to minimize your claim. You need someone fighting for you. With 4.9 stars from over 251 Google reviews, our clients know we deliver results. As Chad Harris wrote: “You are NOT a pest to them and you are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.”

What if I was partially at fault?

Under Iowa’s modified comparative negligence rules, you can still recover as long as you were less than 51% at fault. Your damages are simply reduced by your percentage of responsibility.

Can I afford an attorney?

Yes. We work on contingency—33.33% pre-trial, 40% if we go to trial. You pay nothing upfront. We only get paid when we win your case. We also advance all investigation costs, including expert witnesses and accident reconstruction.

What should I do right now?

Call 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911) immediately. The trucking company is already building their defense. We need to start preserving evidence today. Our Houston, Austin, and Beaumont offices serve clients throughout Iowa and beyond, with federal court admission allowing us to handle interstate cases wherever you’ve been injured.

Your Recovery Starts With One Call

The cornfields of Carroll County should be peaceful, not the scene of devastation. When a trucking company’s negligence shatters your life—whether on I-80, Highway 30, or a rural county road—you need champions who understand both federal trucking regulations and Iowa law.

Ralph Manginello brings over 25 years of experience, federal court admission, and a track record of multi-million dollar verdicts. Luque Peña adds insider knowledge from his years as an insurance defense attorney. Together, we’ve recovered over $50 million for injury victims.

The clock is ticking. Evidence is disappearing. The trucking company has lawyers working right now.

What are you going to do?

Call 1-888-ATTY-911 or 1-888-288-9911 today for a free consultation. Hablamos Español.

Attorney911—Legal Emergency Lawyers™