18-Wheeler Accident Attorneys in Chippewa County, Minnesota

If you’ve been hit by a semi-truck on the two-lane highways around Montevideo or Granite Falls, you already know how different these crashes are from a typical car accident. An 80,000-pound grain hauler doesn’t give you a chance to walk away unharmed. When that truck crosses the centerline on US-212 or loses control on icy I-90 during a Minnesota winter, your life changes in an instant.

We’re Attorney911, and we fight for trucking accident victims across Minnesota—including right here in Chippewa County. For over 25 years, Ralph Manginello has stood up to trucking companies, grain cooperatives, and major insurers who thought they could cut corners and get away with it. We’ve recovered millions for families devastated by catastrophic crashes, and we know exactly what it takes to build a winning case against powerful trucking interests.

Don’t let the distance fool you. While our offices are in Texas, we handle 18-wheeler cases nationwide, and we’ve got the federal court credentials to represent you right here in Chippewa County. More importantly, we understand what makes trucking accidents different in rural Minnesota—the agricultural loads, the weather conditions, the specific FMCSA violations that cause crashes on farm-to-market roads.

Call us now at 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911) before critical evidence disappears. We answer 24/7, and we don’t charge a penny unless we win your case.

Why Chippewa County Trucking Accidents Demand Specialized Legal Representation

Chippewa County sits at the heart of Minnesota’s agricultural belt. From the grain elevators in Clara City to the processing facilities near Dawson, massive commercial trucks move corn, soybeans, and livestock across our prairie highways every single day. These aren’t just big cars—they’re 80,000-pound machines operated by drivers facing intense pressure to deliver loads during narrow harvest windows.

When those trucks cause accidents on County Road 7 or MN-7, the injuries aren’t minor fender-benders. We’re talking about traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, amputations, and wrongful death. The physics are brutal: a fully loaded semi traveling at 55 mph generates forces no passenger vehicle can withstand.

Ralph Manginello has spent over two decades mastering the federal regulations that govern these commercial carriers. Since 1998, he’s secured multi-million dollar settlements for clients—including a $5 million recovery for a traumatic brain injury victim and a $3.8 million settlement for a client who lost a limb after a crash. We don’t just know trucking law; we know how to make trucking companies pay.

The Unique Dangers of 18-Wheeler Accidents in Rural Minnesota

Chippewa County’s landscape creates specific risks you won’t find in urban areas. Our firm understands these local factors because we’ve investigated crashes across similar agricultural regions nationwide.

Agricultural Freight and Overloaded Trucks

From September through November, harvest season transforms Chippewa County highways into high-risk corridors. Grain trucks rushing from fields to elevators often exceed weight limits or carry improperly secured loads. Under 49 CFR § 393.100, cargo must be secured to withstand specific force thresholds—0.8 g deceleration forward and 0.5 g laterally. When grain haulers overload or fail to properly tarp their loads, they create deadly projectile hazards and destabilize their vehicles on curves.

We’ve seen cases where a shifting corn load caused a rollover on MN-29, crushing a family vehicle. In those situations, the loading company shares liability with the driver. Our team includes Lupe Peña, a former insurance defense attorney who spent years inside the system watching adjusters minimize claims like yours. Now he uses that insider knowledge to fight for maximum compensation for Minnesota families.

Winter Weather and FMCSA Compliance

Chippewa County winters don’t forgive mistakes. When temperatures drop and US-212 becomes a sheet of ice, 18-wheelers require chains, proper braking systems, and drivers who know when to pull off the road. Under 49 CFR § 392.14, drivers must use extreme caution in hazardous conditions and must stop if the weather makes continuing unsafe.

Yet trucking companies pressure drivers to maintain schedules despite blizzard warnings. We investigate whether carriers violated 49 CFR § 392.3 by allowing fatigued or inexperienced drivers to operate in whiteout conditions. The black box data from an ECM (Electronic Control Module) can prove the driver failed to reduce speed for conditions—or that the company dispatched them despite weather alerts.

The 51% Rule in Minnesota

Unlike Texas where we have our primary offices, Minnesota follows modified comparative negligence with a 51% bar. This means if you’re found 50% or less at fault for a Chippewa County trucking accident, you can still recover damages—but your recovery gets reduced by your percentage of fault. If you’re 20% at fault, you recover 80% of your damages.

But here’s what the trucking company’s insurance adjuster won’t tell you: Minnesota’s 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims (and 3 years for wrongful death) starts ticking the moment the crash occurs. Wait too long, and evidence disappears. Logbooks get lost. Dashcam footage gets deleted. Witnesses move away from Montevideo or forget what they saw on that stretch of MN-23.

That’s why we send spoliation letters immediately—demanding preservation of ELD data, maintenance records, and the truck itself before the carrier destroys evidence.

Types of 18-Wheeler Accidents We Handle in Chippewa County

Jackknife Accidents on I-90

When a semi-truck trailer swings perpendicular to the cab, it blocks multiple lanes and creates an impassable barrier. On Interstate 90’s long stretches through Chippewa County, jackknives often occur when drivers brake improperly on ice or carry empty trailers that lack weight for traction.

Jackknife accidents frequently implicate violations of 49 CFR § 393.48 (brake system maintenance) and 49 CFR § 392.6 (speeding for conditions). The resulting multi-vehicle pileups cause catastrophic injuries as cars crash into the jackknifed trailer or each other.

Rollover Crashes on County Roads

Chippewa County’s two-lane highways have sharp curves and soft shoulders. When a center of gravity shifts—whether from liquid “slosh” in tanker trucks or improperly secured grain—a rollover becomes inevitable. These accidents often spill cargo across the roadway, creating secondary collisions.

Rollovers frequently result from 49 CFR § 393.100 violations (cargo securement failures). We subpoena loading records from grain elevators and processing plants to prove the shipper overloaded the vehicle or failed to balance the load properly.

Underride Collisions

The most fatal type of trucking accident occurs when a passenger vehicle slides underneath a semi’s trailer. Side underride guards aren’t federally mandated, but rear underride guards are required under 49 CFR § 393.86 for trailers manufactured after January 26, 1998.

When a truck makes a wide right turn onto MN-7 from a farm access road and a car gets trapped underneath, it’s often because the driver failed to signal properly or check blind spots—violating 49 CFR § 392.11. These accidents typically result in decapitation or catastrophic head trauma. We’ve handled cases where families lost loved ones because a trucking company failed to maintain proper rear impact guards.

Rear-End Collisions and Brake Failures

A loaded semi needs 525 feet to stop from 65 mph—nearly two football fields. When a truck follows too closely on US-59 and rear-ends a vehicle stopped for farm equipment, the impact forces are devastating.

These crashes often involve 49 CFR § 392.11 violations (following too closely) and 49 CFR § 393.40 (brake system failures). We obtain pre-trip inspection reports to prove the driver knew brakes were faulty but drove anyway, or that the company deferred maintenance to save money.

Blind Spot and Wide Turn Accidents

Semi-trucks have massive “No-Zones”—areas where the driver cannot see passenger vehicles. When a truck swings wide left before turning right onto a county road near Clara City, passenger vehicles often get caught in the “squeeze play” between the cab and trailer.

These accidents implicate 49 CFR § 393.80 (mirror requirements) and driver training failures. We investigate whether the carrier provided adequate training on the unique challenges of agricultural route driving in rural Minnesota.

Who’s Liable for Your Chippewa County Trucking Accident?

Unlike simple car crashes, 18-wheeler accidents involve multiple potentially liable parties. We pursue every one of them to maximize your recovery.

The Truck Driver

The driver who caused your accident may be personally liable for negligent driving, distracted driving, or hours-of-service violations. Under 49 CFR § 395.8, drivers must use Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) to track driving time. We download this data to prove violations of the 11-hour driving limit or 14-hour duty window.

The Trucking Company (Motor Carrier)

Under the doctrine of respondeat superior, employers are responsible for their employees’ negligent acts. But we also pursue trucking companies for:

• Negligent hiring: Failing to check the driver’s record before putting them on Chippewa County roads
• Negligent training: Not preparing drivers for Minnesota winter conditions or agricultural hauling
• Negligent supervision: Ignoring known safety violations or pattern of crashes
• Negligent maintenance: Violating 49 CFR § 396.3 by failing to systematically inspect and repair vehicles

Federal law requires trucking companies to carry $750,000 to $5 million in liability insurance—far more than regular auto policies. We know how to access these high-value policies.

Cargo Owners and Loading Companies

When a grain cooperative in Montevideo overloads a truck or fails to secure a load properly, they share liability. Under 49 CFR § 393.102, cargo securement systems must withstand specific force thresholds. We obtain bills of lading and loading records to prove weight violations or improper distribution.

Truck and Parts Manufacturers

Defective brakes, steering systems, or tires cause thousands of crashes annually. When a tire blowout on MN-29 causes a rollover, we preserve the failed tire for defect analysis and research recall histories through NHTSA databases.

Maintenance Companies

Third-party mechanics who perform negligent repairs—failing to properly adjust air brakes or ignoring defects noted on Driver Vehicle Inspection Reports (DVIRs)—can be liable under 49 CFR § 396.11.

Freight Brokers

Brokers who arrange transportation but fail to verify carrier safety records may be liable for negligent selection. We investigate whether the broker checked the carrier’s CSA (Compliance, Safety, Accountability) scores before hiring them to haul through Chippewa County.

The Evidence That Wins 18-Wheeler Cases in Minnesota

Trucking companies don’t play fair. Within hours of a crash on I-90, they dispatch “rapid response” teams to the scene. Their lawyers arrive before the ambulance leaves. They’re not there to help you—they’re there to protect evidence that might hurt them.

You need attorneys who move just as fast. Here’s what we preserve:

Electronic Logging Device (ELD) Data

ELDs track every minute a driver spends behind the wheel. This data proves violations of 49 CFR § 395.3—the hours-of-service rules limiting drivers to 11 hours of driving after 10 hours off-duty. We send immediate preservation demands because ELD data can be overwritten within 30 to 180 days.

Engine Control Module (Black Box) Data

The ECM records speed, brake application, throttle position, and fault codes in the seconds before impact. This objective data often contradicts what the driver claims happened on that icy stretch of US-212.

Driver Qualification Files

Under 49 CFR § 391.51, trucking companies must maintain files containing:

• Employment applications
• Medical certifications (49 CFR § 391.41)
• Drug and alcohol test results (49 CFR § 382)
• Previous employer checks
• Road test certificates

Missing files prove negligent hiring. We once found a driver hired despite three previous failed drug tests—a clear violation that turned a $500,000 offer into a $2.5 million settlement.

Maintenance and Inspection Records

Post-trip inspection reports (49 CFR § 396.11) often reveal the driver knew about defective brakes or tires but continued driving anyway. Maintenance logs show whether the company actually repaired issues or just signed off on paperwork.

Cell Phone Records

Under 49 CFR § 392.82, hand-held mobile phone use while driving is prohibited. We subpoena phone records to prove the driver was texting or calling at the time of impact—evidence of gross negligence that can support punitive damages.

Spoliation Letters: Your Evidence Protection Shield

Within 24-48 hours of being retained, we send formal spoliation letters to the trucking company, their insurer, and any third parties. These letters legally obligate them to preserve:

• The physical truck and trailer
• All electronic data
• Driver logs and dispatch records
• Maintenance histories
• Video footage from dashcams or nearby businesses

If they destroy evidence after receiving our letter, courts can instruct juries to assume the destroyed evidence was unfavorable to the trucking company—or even enter default judgment against them.

Catastrophic Injuries and Life-Long Impact

Chippewa County trucking accidents don’t cause minor injuries. When an 80,000-pound tractor-trailer collides with a 4,000-pound passenger vehicle, the results are catastrophic.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

The force of impact causes the brain to strike the interior of the skull, resulting in concussions, contusions, or diffuse axonal injuries. TBI victims face:

• Memory loss and cognitive impairment
• Personality changes and mood disorders
• Inability to return to work
• Need for 24/7 care in severe cases

Our firm has recovered between $1.5 million and $9.8 million for TBI victims, ensuring they have resources for lifelong medical care and lost earning capacity.

Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis

Damage to the spinal cord can result in paraplegia or quadriplegia. The lifetime cost of care for a quadriplegic injury can exceed $5 million. We work with life care planners to calculate these future expenses and fight for full compensation.

Amputations

When the passenger compartment crumples under a truck trailer, limbs may be crushed beyond repair or traumatically severed. Amputation cases require compensation for:

• Initial surgery and rehabilitation
• Prosthetics ($5,000-$50,000 each, requiring replacement every few years)
• Home modifications
• Career retraining or total disability

We’ve secured settlements between $1.9 million and $8.6 million for amputation clients.

Wrongful Death

When a trucking company’s negligence kills a loved one on the highways near Granite Falls or Montevideo, Minnesota law allows surviving family members to bring wrongful death claims. While no amount of money replaces your family member, these claims provide:

• Compensation for lost future income
• Recovery for loss of consortium and guidance
• Funeral and burial expenses
• Punitive damages when the conduct was egregious

Our wrongful death recoveries have ranged from $1.9 million to $9.5 million, depending on the circumstances and the degree of negligence involved.

Damages Available in Minnesota Trucking Cases

Federal law requires trucking companies to maintain substantial insurance coverage:

• $750,000 for non-hazardous freight
• $1,000,000 for oil, equipment, or automobiles
• $5,000,000 for hazardous materials

We pursue every category of damages available under Minnesota law:

Economic Damages:

• Past, present, and future medical expenses
• Lost wages and lost earning capacity
• Property damage
• Out-of-pocket expenses for transportation and home care

Non-Economic Damages:

• Pain and suffering
• Mental anguish and emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Disfigurement and scarring
• Loss of consortium (impact on marital relationship)

Punitive Damages:
Available when the trucking company acted with “deliberate disregard for the rights or safety of others”—such as knowingly putting a fatigued driver on the road, falsifying logbooks, or destroying evidence.

Minnesota Law Specifics for Chippewa County Cases

Statute of Limitations

In Minnesota, you have 2 years from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit (3 years for wrongful death). This sounds like plenty of time, but critical evidence disappears within days. Black box data overwrites. Witnesses move. The trucking company’s lawyers are already building their defense.

Don’t wait. Call 888-ATTY-911 today.

Modified Comparative Negligence (51% Bar)

As long as you’re 50% or less at fault for the Chippewa County crash, you can recover damages. However, your recovery gets reduced by your percentage of fault. If your case is worth $1 million and you’re found 20% at fault, you recover $800,000.

Insurance companies love to play the “blame the victim” game. They’ll claim you were speeding, didn’t signal, or could have avoided the crash. We fight these allegations with hard evidence from ECM data, accident reconstruction, and eyewitness testimony.

No Caps on Damages

Unlike some states, Minnesota doesn’t cap economic or non-economic damages in trucking cases. If a jury awards $10 million for your catastrophic injuries, you can collect $10 million (subject to insurance policy limits and the defendant’s assets).

Frequently Asked Questions About 18-Wheeler Accidents in Chippewa County

How quickly should I contact an attorney after a trucking accident in Chippewa County?

Immediately—within 24-48 hours if possible. Evidence critical to your case, including ELD data and black box recordings, can be overwritten or destroyed within 30 days. The trucking company has lawyers working right now to protect them. You need someone protecting you.

What if the truck driver claims I caused the accident?

Don’t panic. Minnesota’s comparative negligence system allows recovery as long as you’re not more than 50% at fault. More importantly, the truck’s electronic data often tells a different story than the driver’s version. We download ECM data to prove what really happened on that stretch of highway.

Who pays my medical bills while I wait for settlement?

Your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage on your auto insurance pays initial medical expenses. For ongoing care, we work with medical providers who accept Letters of Protection—agreeing to wait for payment until your case settles. We also help coordinate with health insurance and Medicare/Medicaid to ensure you get treatment now.

Can I sue the trucking company if the driver was an independent owner-operator?

Usually yes. Even with owner-operators, the trucking company often exercises enough control to create an employer-employee relationship. Additionally, companies are liable for negligent hiring if they failed to check the driver’s safety record or qualifications before allowing them to haul freight through Chippewa County.

What if the truck was carrying hazardous materials?

Hazmat carriers must carry $5 million in liability insurance. These cases involve additional regulations under 49 CFR Part 397. If you were exposed to toxic chemicals in a crash near Montevideo or Clara City, you may have additional claims for environmental exposure and long-term health monitoring.

How much is my Chippewa County trucking accident case worth?

Case values depend on injury severity, available insurance, liability clarity, and the skill of your attorney. We’ve recovered multi-million dollar settlements for catastrophic injuries, but even “minor” trucking accidents often settle for six figures due to the high insurance minimums. Call us for a free evaluation of your specific situation.

Do you handle cases where the victim was a farm worker or agricultural employee?

Yes. Many Chippewa County residents work in agriculture and may be involved in collisions with grain trucks or livestock haulers. These cases often involve workers’ compensation issues overlapping with third-party liability claims. We coordinate these claims to maximize your recovery.

Hablamos Español?

Sí. Lupe Peña, our associate attorney, is fluent in Spanish and provides direct representation without interpreters. If you or your family members prefer Spanish, call 1-888-ATTY-911 and ask for Lupe. Hablamos Español. Llame al 1-888-288-9911.

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Chippewa County Trucking Case

When you hire Attorney911, you’re not getting a settlement mill that treats you like a number. You’re getting a team led by Ralph Manginello, a 25-year veteran of the courtroom who has:

• Recovered over $50 million for injury victims across the United States
• Secured a $5 million settlement for a traumatic brain injury victim crushed by a falling load
• Won a $3.8 million settlement for a client who suffered an amputation after a crash-related infection
• Currently litigating a $10 million lawsuit against a major university for hazing-related injuries (demonstrating our capacity for major complex litigation)
• Been admitted to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas (giving us federal court standing for interstate trucking cases)

You’re also getting Lupe Peña, our associate attorney who spent years working for national insurance defense firms. He knows exactly how trucking insurers evaluate claims, what triggers their “nuclear verdict” fears, and when they’re bluffing about their willingness to go to trial. 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 don’t just settle cases—we prepare every case for trial. Insurance companies know which lawyers are willing to go the distance, and they offer better settlements to clients represented by trial-ready attorneys.

And we make it easy. You pay zero upfront costs. We work on contingency—our fee comes from your settlement, not your pocket. If we don’t win, you don’t pay. Period.

The Clock Is Ticking on Your Chippewa County Case

Right now, while you’re reading this, the trucking company that hit you is:

• Downloading and possibly deleting ELD data
• Repairing the truck to destroy physical evidence
• Coaching their driver on what to say
• Calculating their “exposure” and how little they can offer you

They’re not waiting to see if you get better. They’re not preserving evidence for your benefit. They’re protecting themselves.

You need to act now. In Minnesota, evidence preservation is critical, and the trucking company has a head start.

Call 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911) right now. We answer 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We’ll listen to what happened on that Chippewa County highway, explain your rights under Minnesota and federal trucking law, and if you hire us, we’ll send a spoliation letter today to preserve the evidence that wins cases.

Don’t let them get away with it. Don’t settle for less than you deserve. And don’t wait until it’s too late.

Attorney911: Powerful & Proven. Call 1-888-288-9911 today.