Clark County, Missouri 18-Wheeler Accident Attorney

When 80,000 Pounds Changes Everything

You were driving through Clark County—maybe heading west on I-70 toward Kansas City, or north on Highway 81 toward the Iowa border—when the unthinkable happened. An 18-wheeler jackknifed across the lanes. Or a semi blew a tire on the narrow shoulder of a rural highway. Or a fatigued driver drifted across the centerline on a dark stretch of Route 136.

In that split second, your life changed. And now you’re facing medical bills, missed work, and a trucking company that’s already working to minimize what they owe you.

We’re Attorney911, and we fight for trucking accident victims across Clark County, Missouri and northeast Missouri. Our managing partner Ralph Manginello has spent over 25 years standing up to trucking companies and their insurance carriers. We’ve recovered multi-million dollar settlements for families just like yours—because when an 80,000-pound truck hits a 4,000-pound car, the victim deserves more than excuses.

Call us today at 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911). The consultation is free. And remember: you pay nothing unless we win.

Why Clark County Truck Accidents Are Different

Clark County sits at the crossroads of major agricultural shipping routes and the I-70 corridor, one of America’s busiest trucking arteries. This isn’t just any rural Missouri county—it’s a critical freight hub where local farm traffic meets long-haul interstate commerce.

The Risks Are Unique Here:

• I-70 Corridor: One of the nation’s primary east-west trucking routes cuts through southern Clark County, carrying everything from Amazon packages to hazardous materials between Kansas City and St. Louis
• Agricultural Intersections: County roads like Highway 81 and Route 136 see heavy combine and grain truck traffic mixing with passenger vehicles, creating dangerous blind spots at unmarked intersections
• Winter Weather Hazards: When Missouri ice storms hit, Clark County’s rural highways and steep river bluffs become treacherous for trucks that haven’t adjusted their speed
• Limited Emergency Services: Rural areas mean longer ambulance response times and fewer Level I trauma centers within reach

We’ve represented Clark County families from Kahoka to Wyaconda to Alexandria. We know the dangerous curves on Highway 136. We know how fast fog can settle over the Des Moines River valley. And we know how trucking companies try to take advantage of rural accident scenes—where fewer witnesses might mean easier denials.

As client Kiimarii Yup told us after we settled her case, “I lost everything… 1 year later I have gained so much in return plus a brand new truck.” That’s the outcome we fight for.

How Clark County Residents Get Hurt: Types of 18-Wheeler Accidents

Not all truck accidents are the same—and in Clark County’s unique mix of interstate, agricultural, and rural roads, certain accident types predominate.

Jackknife Accidents

A jackknife occurs when the trailer and cab skid in opposite directions, folding at an angle like a pocket knife. In Clark County, these frequently happen on I-70 during sudden winter storms when drivers fail to reduce speed, or on the sharp curves of Highway 81 where heavy agricultural loads shift unexpectedly.

These accidents are devastating because the swinging trailer sweeps across multiple lanes, taking out everything in its path. If a truck jackknifes in front of you on I-70 near the Clark County line, you have virtually nowhere to go.

Why This Happens: Sudden braking on wet or icy surfaces, improperly secured cargo, or brake system failures under heavy loads.

The Evidence We Pursue: ECM data showing brake application timing, cargo manifest showing load distribution, and 49 CFR § 393.100 compliance records for cargo securement.

Rollover Accidents

Clark County’s rural highways and soft shoulders create perfect conditions for rollover accidents, especially during harvest season when trucks are hauling heavy grain loads. A rollover on a narrow county road can crush a passenger vehicle beneath the trailer or spill thousands of pounds of cargo onto the roadway.

Why This Happens: Taking curves too fast, unbalanced cargo loads common in agricultural hauling, or driver fatigue on long hauls across Missouri.

The Evidence We Pursue: ELD data showing speed through curves, load distribution records, and driver qualification files showing training on rollover prevention.

Tire Blowout Accidents

The combination of Clark County’s hot summers and heavy agricultural loads creates dangerous conditions for tire failures. When an 18-wheeler’s tire blows on I-70 at highway speed, the driver often loses control, sending the truck into nearby lanes or causing a jackknife as the driver overcorrects.

These “road gators”—shredded tire debris—can strike following vehicles with devastating force, causing loss of control and secondary accidents.

Evidence We Gather: Tire maintenance records showing age and pressure checks, inspection records from Missouri weigh stations, and 49 CFR § 393.75 compliance documentation.

Underride Collisions

Among the most fatal truck accidents, underride collisions happen when a smaller vehicle crashes into the rear or side of a trailer and slides underneath. Clark County’s dimly lit rural highways and older trucking equipment make these accidents particularly deadly at night.

The Regulatory Issue: While 49 CFR § 393.86 requires rear impact guards on trailers manufactured after 1998, many older trailers still lack adequate underride protection.

Cargo Spill Accidents

During harvest season in Clark County, grain trucks and agricultural haulers frequently spill loads onto county roads. But the bigger risk comes from I-70, where trucks carrying hazardous materials or improperly secured freight can spill toxic substances or heavy loads into traffic.

FMCSA Violations: 49 CFR § 393.100-136 violations for inadequate tiedowns or improper loading are common causes.

Rear-End Collisions

A fully loaded truck needs nearly 525 feet—almost two football fields—to stop from 65 mph. On I-70 through Clark County, where traffic can slow suddenly for construction or weather, truck drivers who follow too closely or drive distracted create deadly pileup risks.

Evidence Critical: ECM data showing following distance, ELD records showing hours of service violations (fatigue), and cell phone records proving distraction.

Federal Regulations That Protect You (And How Truckers Break Them)

Every 18-wheeler on Clark County’s roads must comply with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations. When trucking companies ignore these rules, they put your family at risk—and they become liable for the damages they cause.

Hours of Service Violations (49 CFR Part 395)

Federal law limits truck drivers to:

• 11 hours maximum driving after 10 consecutive hours off duty
• 14-hour driving window maximum before mandatory rest
• 30-minute break required after 8 cumulative hours of driving
• 60/70 hour weekly limits before a 34-hour restart

Yet we see drivers pushing through these limits daily on I-70, pressured by dispatchers to make delivery windows. When a driver has been on the road for 14 hours and hits your family vehicle near Kahoka, that’s not just an accident—it’s a federal violation.

The Electronic Logging Device (ELD) Mandate: Since December 2017, trucks must use ELDs that automatically record driving time. This data is objective evidence that doesn’t lie about hours of service violations.

Driver Qualification Standards (49 CFR Part 391)

Before a trucking company can let a driver operate an 80,000-pound vehicle, they must verify:

• Valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)
• Medical certification (maximum 2 years)
• Three-year driving history from previous employers
• Pre-employment drug testing
• Annual driving record reviews

Negligent Hiring: When trucking companies skip these steps—or hire drivers with histories of reckless driving, DUIs, or medical disqualifications—they put profits over safety. We subpoena Driver Qualification Files in every Clark County case to find these violations.

Vehicle Safety & Cargo Securement (49 CFR Part 393)

Every component matters:

• Brakes: Must be inspected daily; 49 CFR § 393.48 prohibits operating with defective brakes
• Tires: Minimum tread depth of 4/32″ on steer tires; proper inflation required
• Cargo: Must be secured to withstand 0.8g deceleration forces—critical when hauling grain or equipment on Clark County’s rolling hills

Inspection & Maintenance (49 CFR Part 396)

Trucking companies must maintain systematic inspection programs. They’re required to keep maintenance records for 12 months and annual inspection reports for 14 months.

When a truck’s brakes fail on the downgrade near Wyaconda because the company deferred maintenance to save money, that’s not just negligence—it’s a federal violation that proves liability.

Everyone Who Might Owe You Money

Trucking accidents aren’t like car accidents where only one driver is at fault. Multiple parties may share liability, and that means multiple insurance policies. We investigate every potential defendant because more liable parties means more coverage for your recovery.

The Truck Driver

Individual negligence—speeding, distracted driving, fatigue, or impairment—creates direct liability. We examine ELD data, cell phone records, and toxicology reports.

The Trucking Company (Motor Carrier)

Under respondeat superior (employer liability), companies are responsible for their drivers’ negligence. Additionally, we pursue direct negligence claims for:

• Negligent Hiring: Failure to check driving records or hire unqualified drivers
• Negligent Training: Inadequate safety instruction
• Negligent Supervision: Failure to monitor ELD violations or driving behavior
• Negligent Maintenance: Deferred repairs or skipped inspections

Our associate attorney Lupe Peña spent years working as an insurance defense attorney. He knows exactly how trucking companies try to shift blame to avoid liability—and now he uses that insider knowledge to fight for you.

The Cargo Owner/Shipper

When a load is too heavy, improperly labeled as hazardous, or rushed to meet deadlines, the shipper shares liability. This is common with agricultural haulers in Clark County overloaded during harvest rush.

The Loading Company

Third-party companies that load trucks but don’t secure cargo properly violate 49 CFR § 393.100. When grain shifts on a curve and causes a rollover, the loader may be liable.

Truck & Parts Manufacturers

Defective brakes, steering components, or tires that fail under normal use create product liability claims. We preserve failed components for expert analysis and research recall histories.

Maintenance Companies

Third-party mechanics who sign off on unsafe vehicles or use substandard parts can be held liable for negligent repairs.

Freight Brokers

Brokers who hire carriers with poor safety records or inadequate insurance to save money may face negligent selection claims.

Government Entities

When dangerous road design, lack of signage, or failure to maintain Clark County roads contributes to an accident, we pursue claims against the responsible government agency—keeping in mind Missouri’s strict notice requirements for sovereign immunity claims.

The 48-Hour Evidence Crisis

If you’ve been reading this while recovering from a Clark County truck accident, the clock is already ticking. Critical evidence that could win your case is disappearing right now.

What Happens in the First 48 Hours

Trucking companies deploy “rapid response teams” within hours of an accident. Their lawyers and investigators are at the scene before the police finish their report. Their goal? Protect the company, not help you.

Critical Evidence at Risk:

• ECM/Black Box Data: Can be overwritten in 30 days or with new driving events
• ELD Logs: FMCSA only requires 6-month retention; companies often delete sooner
• Dashcam Footage: Frequently overwritten within 7-14 days
• Driver Qualification Files: Can be “lost” or altered if not preserved
• Maintenance Records: Critical brake and tire documentation may disappear

The Spoliation Letter

When you hire Attorney911, we immediately send a spolitation letter to the trucking company, their insurer, and all potentially liable parties. This formal legal notice demands preservation of all evidence and puts them on notice that destruction will result in severe legal consequences.

Under Missouri law and federal spoliation principles, destroying evidence after receiving such notice can result in:

• Adverse inference jury instructions (the judge tells the jury to assume the destroyed evidence was unfavorable to the defense)
• Monetary sanctions
• Default judgments in extreme cases

We send these letters within 24 hours of being retained. That’s why calling us immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911 matters so much.

Catastrophic Injuries and Real Settlement Values

Trucking accidents don’t cause bruises and sprains. They cause life-changing injuries. And unlike regular car accidents where insurance might top out at $25,000, commercial trucks carry $750,000 to $5,000,000 in federal minimum coverage.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

Settlement Range: $1,548,000 – $9,838,000+

Even “mild” TBIs can cause permanent cognitive changes. Victims suffer memory loss, personality changes, inability to work, and require lifelong care.

The Cost: TBI treatment ranges from $85,000 to over $3,000,000 in lifetime medical expenses.

Spinal Cord Injury

Settlement Range: $4,770,000 – $25,880,000+

Paraplegia and quadriplegia require home modifications, wheelchairs, accessible vehicles, and 24/7 care. The lifetime cost for a quadriplegic injury can exceed $5 million.

Amputation

Settlement Range: $1,945,000 – $8,630,000

Prosthetics, rehabilitation, and loss of earning capacity combine to make these cases high-value. We recently secured a multi-million dollar settlement for a client who lost a limb in a vehicle crash.

Wrongful Death

Settlement Range: $1,910,000 – $9,520,000+

When a truck accident kills a loved one in Clark County, Missouri law allows surviving family members to recover:

• Lost future income
• Loss of consortium (companionship, guidance, support)
• Mental anguish
• Funeral expenses
• Punitive damages (when the trucking company acted with reckless disregard)

As client Glenda Walker told us, “They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.” That’s our promise to every family.

Why Missouri Law Favors Injured Victims (If You Know How to Use It)

Clark County falls under Missouri jurisdiction, and our state’s personal injury laws are among the most victim-friendly in the nation—but only if you have an attorney who knows how to leverage them.

5-Year Statute of Limitations

Unlike the 2-year limits in most states, Missouri gives you 5 years from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit (3 years for wrongful death). This is the longest personal injury statute of limitations in the United States.

But don’t wait. Evidence disappears within days, not years.

Pure Comparative Fault

Missouri is a pure comparative fault state. Even if you were 99% responsible for the accident, you can still recover 1% of your damages from the trucking company. Most states bar recovery if you’re more than 50% at fault—not Missouri.

This matters because trucking company attorneys will try to blame you. Under Missouri law, their arguments only reduce your recovery—they don’t eliminate it.

No Cap on Punitive Damages

The Missouri Supreme Court struck down punitive damage caps in 2012. When trucking companies engage in gross negligence—like knowingly hiring unsafe drivers, falsifying log books, or destroying evidence—juries can award unlimited punitive damages to punish the wrongdoer.

We’ve seen nuclear verdicts in Missouri exceed $400 million in trucking cases involving gross negligence.

Real Questions from Real Clark County Accident Victims

Q: The trucking company’s insurance adjuster called and wants a recorded statement. Should I give one?

A: Absolutely not. That adjuster is trained to get you to say things that minimize your claim. They work for the trucking company, not you. As client Chad Harris learned working with us, “You are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.” We handle all insurance communications so you can focus on healing.

Q: I was partially at fault for the accident on Highway 81. Can I still recover?

A: Yes. Under Missouri’s pure comparative fault system, your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault, but not eliminated. Even if you’re found 40% at fault, you recover 60% of your damages.

Q: How much is my Clark County truck accident case worth?

A: It depends on injury severity, medical costs, lost wages, and available insurance. Trucking companies carry $750,000 minimum coverage (often $1-5 million). We’ve recovered multi-million dollar settlements for clients with catastrophic injuries. The only way to know your case’s value is through a detailed evaluation.

Q: What if I can’t afford a lawyer?

A: You can’t afford NOT to have one. We work on contingency—you pay nothing unless we win. We advance all costs for investigation, experts, and litigation. There are no upfront fees, no hourly bills, and no risk to you.

Q: My loved one was killed on I-70. What are our rights?

A: Missouri allows wrongful death claims by surviving spouses, children, and parents. You have 3 years from the date of death to file. Damages include lost income, loss of companionship, mental anguish, and punitive damages. Call us immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911 to discuss your family’s rights.

Q: Do you handle cases for Spanish-speaking families in Clark County?

A: Yes. Hablamos Español. Our associate attorney Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish and provides direct representation without interpreters. Whether you’re in Kahoka, Alexandria, or anywhere in northeast Missouri, we ensure language is never a barrier to justice. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911.

Q: What makes Attorney911 different from other law firms?

A: Three things: First, Ralph Manginello’s 25+ years of experience and federal court admission means we can handle complex interstate cases. Second, Lupe Peña’s background as a former insurance defense attorney gives us insider knowledge of how trucking insurers evaluate claims. Third, our 4.9★ Google rating from 251+ reviews shows how we treat clients like family, not case numbers.

The Tragic Reality: What Trucking Companies Don’t Want You to Know

The trucking industry has a safety crisis, and Clark County drivers are paying the price.

The Statistics:

• Over 5,100 people die annually in truck accidents nationwide
• 76% of those killed are occupants of the smaller vehicle
• Driver fatigue causes approximately 31% of fatal truck crashes
• Brake problems contribute to 29% of truck accidents

The Cost-Cutting:
Trucking companies often prioritize profit over safety:

• Pressuring drivers to violate hours of service regulations
• Skipping maintenance to keep trucks rolling
• Hiring unqualified drivers to fill routes
• Destroying evidence after accidents

We’ve gone toe-to-toe with Fortune 500 companies like BP in the Texas City refinery explosion litigation. We’ve fought Walmart, Amazon, FedEx, and Coca-Cola in commercial trucking cases. We know their playbook, and we know how to beat them.

Your Next Steps: What to Do Today

If you’re reading this after a Clark County truck accident, here’s your action plan:

1. Seek Medical Care: Your health comes first. Clark County Memorial Hospital and Northeast Regional Medical Center provide trauma care, but severe injuries may require transfer to Level I centers in Columbia or St. Louis.

2. Document Everything: Photograph your injuries, vehicle damage, the accident scene, and any skid marks. Save medical records and receipts.

3. Don’t Talk to Insurance: Refer all calls to your attorney. Insurance adjusters use trained tactics to devalue claims.

4. Call Attorney911: The sooner we can send spoliation letters and preserve ECM data, the stronger your case becomes.

Remember: The trucking company already has lawyers working for them. You need someone fighting for you.

Call 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911) today. We answer calls 24/7 because we know accidents don’t happen on business hours.

We have offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, Texas, and we represent clients throughout Missouri, including Clark County, with the same dedication we’ve shown Texas families for over two decades.

As client Donald Wilcox said after we won his case, “One company said they would not accept my case. Then I got a call from Manginello… I got a call to come pick up this handsome check.”

That’s the Attorney911 difference. We take the cases other firms reject. We fight when others give up. And we win.

Call now: 1-888-ATTY-911

Attorney911 / The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC