18-Wheeler Accident Lawyers in Clark County, Illinois

If a Truck Changed Your Life on I-57 or US-40, We’re Here to Fight for You

One moment, you’re driving home through Clark County after a long day. The next, an 80,000-pound semi-truck has turned your world upside down. On the flatlands of east-central Illinois, where I-57 cuts through farm country and US-40 carries traffic from Terre Haute to Decatur, these massive commercial vehicles share narrow rural highways with local families. When a trucking company cuts corners, the results are catastrophic.

Since 1998, Attorney911 has been fighting for injury victims across the Midwest. Ralph Manginello, our managing partner, brings over 25 years of courtroom experience to every case—plus federal court admission to the Southern District of Texas that allows him to handle complex interstate trucking litigation. We’ve recovered more than $50 million for families devastated by catastrophic accidents, including multi-million dollar settlements for traumatic brain injuries and wrongful death. And here’s something that makes us different: our associate attorney, Lupe Peña, used to work for insurance companies defending trucking claims. Now he uses that insider knowledge to fight against them. That’s your advantage when you call 1-888-ATTY-911.

As Clark County resident Chad Harris told us after we handled his case, “You are NOT a pest to them and you are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.” We don’t treat you like a number—we treat you like family. And when a trucking company tries to push you around, we push back harder.

Why Clark County Truck Accidents Hit Different

Clark County isn’t just another dot on the map between Mattoon and Terre Haute. It’s agricultural heartland where harvest season brings thousands of heavy trucks hauling grain, soybeans, and equipment along narrow county roads. The intersection of rural farming operations and high-speed interstate traffic creates unique dangers.

The Numbers Don’t Lie:

• A fully loaded 18-wheeler weighs 20-25 times more than your sedan
• At 65 mph on I-57, a truck needs 525 feet to stop—nearly two football fields
• Illinois sees hundreds of commercial vehicle accidents annually on its rural highways

When you’re hit by a truck near Marshall, Martinsville, or Casey, you’re not just dealing with a fender-bender. You’re facing catastrophic injuries, mounting medical bills from rural hospitals that may need to transfer you to Springfield or Indianapolis for trauma care, and a trucking company that’s already sent its lawyers to the scene.

Don’t let them get away with it. Call 888-ATTY-911 today.

The Illinois Clock is Ticking: You Have Two Years (But Don’t Wait)

In Clark County—and throughout Illinois—you have just two years from the date of your accident to file a personal injury lawsuit under the Illinois statute of limitations. For wrongful death claims, the clock starts running on the date of death, not the accident date.

But here’s the reality: two years sounds like a long time until you realize that critical evidence in trucking cases can disappear in 30 days or less. Electronic Control Module (ECM) data—your truck’s “black box”—can be overwritten within a month. Driver logs might be “lost.” Dashcam footage gets deleted. The trucking company isn’t waiting two years to build their defense; they’re working right now.

Under Illinois’ modified comparative negligence rule (the 51% bar), you can recover damages as long as you’re not more than 50% at fault. But your compensation gets reduced by your percentage of fault. The trucking company will try to shift blame onto you—we’ve seen them try it hundreds of times. That’s why you need a team that understands the federal regulations and can prove exactly what happened.

Don’t risk losing your right to compensation. Call 1-888-288-9911 today.

FMCSA Regulations: The Federal Rules That Protect Clark County Families

Every 18-wheeler operating in Clark County—whether it’s hauling grain from the elevator in Marshall or transporting goods along I-57—is governed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations in Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations. These aren’t suggestions; they’re federal law. When trucking companies violate them, they’re putting your family at risk.

Part 391: Driver Qualification Standards

Before a driver can legally operate a commercial motor vehicle in Illinois or across state lines, they must meet strict qualification standards under 49 CFR § 391.11. The trucking company must verify that the driver:

• Is at least 21 years old (for interstate commerce)
• Can read and speak English sufficiently to converse with the general public
• Is physically qualified under § 391.41 (with a current medical examiner’s certificate)
• Has a valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)
• Has completed required entry-level driver training

The motor carrier must maintain a Driver Qualification (DQ) File containing the driver’s employment application, motor vehicle record, road test certificate, medical certification, and annual driving record review. If the trucking company failed to properly vet their driver—or if they hired someone with a history of violations—they can be held liable for negligent hiring. We subpoena these files in every case because they often reveal that the driver never should have been behind the wheel.

Part 395: Hours of Service (HOS) – The Anti-Fatigue Rules

Fatigue is a killer on Illinois highways. Under 49 CFR Part 395, truck drivers cannot operate more than:

• 11 hours of driving time after 10 consecutive hours off duty
• 14 hours total on-duty time after coming on duty (driving stops at the 14th hour even if they haven’t driven 11)
• 60 hours in 7 days or 70 hours in 8 days (the weekly limits)

They must also take a 30-minute break after 8 cumulative hours of driving.

Since December 18, 2017, most trucks must use Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) that automatically record driving time and cannot be altered like paper logs. This ELD data is objective proof of whether a driver was operating illegally when they hit you on US-40 near West Union or on the county roads around Dennison.

When we take your case, we send a spoliation letter within 24 hours demanding preservation of all ELD data, ECM downloads, and driver logs before that evidence disappears.

Part 392: Driving Rules and Prohibitions

49 CFR § 392.3 prohibits any driver from operating a commercial vehicle while their ability or alertness is impaired by fatigue, illness, or any other cause. § 392.5 prohibits alcohol use within 4 hours of driving, and § 392.82 bans hand-held mobile phone use while driving.

We’ve handled cases where truckers were texting while crossing centerlines on rural Clark County roads—violating § 392.82 and § 392.11 (following too closely). When we prove these violations, we prove negligence.

Part 393: Vehicle Safety and Cargo Securement

Under 49 CFR § 393.100-136, cargo must be secured to prevent shifting, leaking, or falling. The securement system must withstand:

• 0.8g deceleration forward
• 0.5g acceleration rearward
• 0.5g lateral forces

During harvest season in Clark County, we see overloaded grain trucks and agricultural equipment haulers violating these rules. Improperly secured cargo causes rollovers and jackknifes that block rural intersections for hours and crush smaller vehicles.

Part 396: Inspection, Repair, and Maintenance

49 CFR § 396.3 requires motor carriers to “systematically inspect, repair, and maintain” all vehicles. Drivers must conduct pre-trip inspections and prepare written post-trip reports noting any defects in brakes, steering, lighting, or tires.

Brake failures cause approximately 29% of large truck crashes. If the trucking company deferred maintenance to save money—or if the driver skipped inspections—they violated federal law. We demand these maintenance records because they often show a pattern of negligence that puts the public at risk.

The 10 Types of 18-Wheeler Accidents We See in Clark County

Not all truck accidents are created equal. On the flat agricultural terrain of east-central Illinois, certain accident types are more common—and more deadly—than others.

Jackknife Accidents on I-57

A jackknife occurs when the trailer swings out perpendicular to the cab, often sweeping across multiple lanes. On I-57 north of Marshall, where traffic moves at 70 mph and winter brings black ice, jackknifes can block the entire interstate, causing multi-vehicle pileups.

Common causes:

• Sudden braking on slick surfaces
• Speeding through curves near Casey or Martinsville
• Empty or lightly loaded trailers (more prone to swing)
• Improperly loaded cargo shifting weight
• Brake failures under § 393.48

The physics are simple: 80,000 pounds of steel sliding sideways at highway speed leaves no room for escape. We analyze ECM data to prove the driver was traveling too fast for conditions or braked improperly.

Rear-End Collisions: The Stopping Distance Problem

On US-40—the Historic National Road that runs through the heart of Clark County—semi-trucks often follow too closely behind passenger vehicles. Under 49 CFR § 392.11, drivers must maintain a “reasonable and prudent” following distance. But many don’t.

At 65 mph, a loaded truck needs 525 feet to stop—40% more than a car. When traffic slows for the grain elevator in Westfield or the intersection at IL-49, a distracted trucker can rear-end you before their brakes even engage.

We subpoena cell phone records to prove distraction, and ECM data to prove the driver never slowed until impact. If they violated § 392.82 (cell phone ban) or § 392.3 (fatigue), we use that to establish punitive damages.

Underride Collisions: The Most Deadly

When a smaller vehicle slides under the rear or side of a trailer, the roof gets sheared off at windshield level. Approximately 400-500 people die annually in underride accidents. While 49 CFR § 393.86 requires rear impact guards on trailers manufactured after January 26, 1998, there’s no federal requirement for side underride guards.

On rural Clark County roads with poor lighting, like IL-1 or the county highways connecting farmland, underride accidents are often fatal. If the rear guards were inadequate, improperly maintained, or missing entirely, the trucking company is liable.

Rollover Accidents: Harvest Season Dangers

Clark County’s economy runs on agriculture. During harvest, grain trucks top-heavy with corn or soybeans navigate narrow county roads. A rollover occurs when the truck tips onto its side or roof—often crushing anything beside it.

Causes include:

• Speeding on curves (violating § 392.6)
• Improperly secured liquid cargo “sloshing” and shifting the center of gravity
• Overcorrection after tire blowouts
• Driver fatigue causing delayed reaction

The settlement ranges for rollover injuries are substantial because they often cause crushing injuries, amputations, or wrongful death.

Wide Turn Accidents (“Squeeze Play”)

In downtown Marshall or at the intersections in Casey, 18-wheelers must swing wide to make right turns. They swing left first, creating a gap that cars enter, then cut right—trapping the car between the truck and the curb.

These accidents violate 49 CFR § 392.11 (unsafe lane changes) and often involve negligent training. We investigate whether the driver was properly trained on wide turns—a requirement under Part 391.

Blind Spot Accidents (The “No-Zones”)

Trucks have massive blind spots: 20 feet in front, 30 feet behind, and wide zones on both sides (especially the right side). When a trucker changes lanes on I-57 without checking mirrors or using turn signals, they violate § 392.11 and § 393.80 (mirror requirements).

We’ve represented Clark County families whose loved ones were sideswiped into ditches because a trucker didn’t see them in the no-zone.

Tire Blowout Accidents

Summer heat on Illinois asphalt, combined with overloaded trailers, causes tire failures. 49 CFR § 393.75 requires tread depths of at least 4/32″ on steer tires and 2/32″ on others. When trucking companies defer tire replacement to save money, blowouts happen.

The resulting “road gator” debris causes secondary accidents, and sudden blowouts can cause rollovers or jackknifes.

Brake Failure Accidents

Despite federal requirements for systematic inspections under § 396.3, brake failures remain common. Worn brake pads, improper adjustments, and overheated brakes (brake fade) on long descents can leave a trucker unable to stop.

We scrutinize maintenance records to find deferred repairs. When a company chose profit over safety, we pursue punitive damages.

Cargo Spill and Shift Accidents

During Clark County’s harvest season, grain spills on US-40 and county roads create slick surfaces and obstacles. Improperly secured equipment falling from flatbeds causes chain-reaction crashes. Under Part 393, the loader, shipper, and driver may all share liability.

Head-On and T-Bone Collisions at Rural Intersections

Uncontrolled intersections on county roads—like those near Clark County State Park or the rural crossings around Melrose—are deadly when a fatigued trucker runs a stop sign or crosses the centerline. These often involve Hours of Service violations under Part 395 or drug/alcohol violations under § 392.4 and § 392.5.

Every Party Who Might Owe You Money

Most law firms only sue the driver. That’s a mistake. In truck accident litigation, multiple parties can be liable, and every additional defendant means another insurance policy.

1. The Truck Driver

The driver who caused the crash may be personally liable for:

• Speeding or reckless driving
• Distracted driving (cell phone violations of § 392.82)
• Operating while fatigued (violating Part 395)
• Driving under the influence
• Failure to conduct pre-trip inspections under § 396.13

2. The Trucking Company (Motor Carrier)

Under the doctrine of respondeat superior, employers are liable for their employees’ negligence. Plus, trucking companies can be directly liable for:

• Negligent hiring (failure to check the driver’s record per § 391.51)
• Negligent training (inadequate safety instruction)
• Negligent supervision (ignoring ELD violations)
• Negligent maintenance (violating § 396.3)
• Negligent scheduling (pressuring drivers to violate HOS rules)

Trucking companies carry $750,000 to $5 million in federal insurance minimums—far more than individual drivers.

3. The Cargo Owner/Shipper

The company that owned the grain, equipment, or goods may be liable if they:

• Required overweight loading
• Failed to disclose hazardous materials
• Provided improper loading instructions
• Pressured the carrier to meet impossible deadlines

This is common with agricultural shipping during Clark County’s harvest rush.

4. The Loading Company

Third-party companies that loaded the trailer may be liable under 49 CFR Part 393 for:

• Inadequate tiedowns
• Unbalanced load distribution
• Failure to use proper blocking and bracing

5. Truck and Trailer Manufacturers

Defective brakes, steering systems, or stability control can cause crashes. If a design defect or manufacturing error contributed, we pursue product liability claims against manufacturers like Freightliner, Peterbilt, or trailer makers.

6. Parts Manufacturers

Defective tires (Goodyear, Michelin), brake components (Bendix), or coupling devices can lead to liability for the component manufacturer.

7. Maintenance Companies

Third-party repair shops that performed negligent brake jobs or failed to identify safety issues can be liable under theories of negligent repair.

8. Freight Brokers

Brokers who arrange transportation but don’t own trucks may be liable for negligent carrier selection—hiring a company with a poor safety record (visible on FMCSA’s SAFER system) or inadequate insurance.

9. The Truck Owner (If Different from Carrier)

In owner-operator situations, the person who owns the truck may have separate liability for negligent entrustment or failure to maintain the vehicle.

10. Government Entities

If poorly designed roads, inadequate signage, or lack of maintenance contributed to the accident on Illinois state highways or Clark County roads, the government may share liability. However, strict notice requirements apply—sometimes as short as six months—so immediate action is critical.

Catastrophic Injuries and Multi-Million Dollar Recoveries

18-wheeler accidents don’t cause whiplash—they cause catastrophic injuries. The 20-to-1 weight ratio means a “minor” truck accident is a contradiction in terms.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

Even with a seatbelt, the violent forces of a truck collision cause the brain to impact the inside of the skull. TBI symptoms include:

• Memory loss and confusion
• Persistent headaches
• Personality changes
• Difficulty concentrating
• Mood swings and depression

Settlement ranges: $1,548,000 to $9,838,000+ depending on severity and permanence.

Client Glenda Walker told us, “They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.” That’s what we do for TBI victims—because you deserve compensation for both the medical costs and the loss of who you were.

Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis

Damage to the spinal cord can result in paraplegia (loss of function below the waist) or quadriplegia (loss of function in all four limbs). These injuries require:

• Emergency surgery
• Rehabilitation
• Wheelchairs and mobility equipment
• Home modifications (ramps, wide doorways)
• Lifetime care

Settlement ranges: $4,770,000 to $25,880,000+.

Amputations

When a truck crushes a vehicle or severs a limb at the scene, the victim faces:

• Multiple surgeries
• Prosthetics ($5,000-$50,000+ per device)
• Phantom limb pain
• Career-ending disability
• Psychological trauma

Settlement ranges: $1,945,000 to $8,630,000.

Severe Burns from Fuel Fires

When fuel tanks rupture or hazmat cargo ignites, victims suffer:

• Third and fourth-degree burns
• Multiple skin grafts
• Permanent scarring and disfigurement
• Chronic pain

Wrongful Death

When a trucking accident kills your loved one on I-57 or a rural Clark County road, the loss is immeasurable. Under Illinois law, the surviving spouse, children, or parents can recover:

• Lost future income and benefits
• Loss of consortium and companionship
• Mental anguish
• Funeral and burial expenses
• Medical costs before death

Settlement ranges: $1,910,000 to $9,520,000+.

We understand no amount of money brings them back. But holding the trucking company accountable provides justice and financial security for your family’s future.

Evidence Preservation: The 48-Hour Rule

Critical timeline: The trucking company has lawyers at the accident scene before the ambulance leaves. They’re photographing, interviewing witnesses, and downloading ECM data to build their defense. What are you doing?

Within 48 hours of a Clark County truck accident, we take the following actions to preserve evidence:

The Spoliation Letter

We send a formal legal notice to the trucking company, their insurer, and all potentially liable parties demanding preservation of:

• ECM/Black box data (speed, braking, throttle before impact)
• ELD logs (hours of service violations)
• Driver Qualification Files (CDL status, medical certs, training records)
• Pre-trip and post-trip inspection reports
• Maintenance and repair records
• Dispatch records (proving schedule pressure)
• Cell phone records (distracted driving evidence)
• Dashcam and surveillance footage
• The physical truck and trailer

If the trucking company destroys evidence after receiving this letter, courts can instruct the jury to assume the destroyed evidence was unfavorable to the defense—a devastating sanction that often forces settlement.

Electronic Data Downloads

ECM data records:

• Speed before and during the crash
• Brake application timing
• Engine RPM and throttle position
• Whether cruise control was engaged
• Hard braking events

This data is objective and tamper-resistant. When it contradicts the driver’s claim that “the car cut me off,” it proves negligence.

Witness Preservation

We interview witnesses before memories fade and obtain recorded statements that can be used at trial. With 4.9-star ratings from 251+ Google reviews, our clients know we leave no stone unturned.

As Donald Wilcox said, “One company said they would not accept my case. Then I got a call from Manginello… I got a call to come pick up this handsome check.” We take the cases other firms reject—and we win.

Illinois and Clark County: Your Local Advantage

We know Clark County. We know that when you’re injured on I-57 near the Crawford County line, you might be taken to Crawford Memorial Hospital or transferred to Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center in Mattoon. We know the difference between Illinois State Police jurisdiction and Clark County Sheriff’s Office investigations. And we know the local judges who might hear your case in the Clark County Circuit Court in Marshall.

Illinois Comparative Fault: Don’t Let Them Blame You

Illinois uses modified comparative negligence with a 51% bar. If you’re 20% at fault, you recover 80% of your damages. But if the trucking company can convince a jury you were 51% at fault, you recover nothing.

Trucking companies use this aggressively. They’ll claim you were speeding, didn’t signal, or “came out of nowhere.” That’s why we bring in accident reconstruction experts to prove the truck driver was 100% responsible for violating FMCSA regulations.

No Damage Caps in Illinois

Unlike some states, Illinois does not cap economic or non-economic damages in trucking accident cases. Your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life are all fully recoverable. And while punitive damages are rare, Illinois allows them when trucking companies act with “willful and wanton disregard” for safety—like falsifying log books or knowingly hiring dangerous drivers.

Hablamos Español. Para consultas en español sobre accidentes de camiones en Clark County, llame a Lupe Peña al 1-888-ATTY-911.

Frequently Asked Questions: Clark County 18-Wheeler Accidents

Q: How long do I have to file a lawsuit after a truck accident in Clark County?
A: Two years from the date of the accident under Illinois law. For wrongful death, two years from the date of death. But evidence disappears much faster—call us within 48 hours.

Q: What if the truck driver was from Indiana or another state?
A: We can still sue them in Illinois state court or federal court (Southern District of Illinois). Ralph Manginello’s federal court admission allows us to handle interstate cases seamlessly. The FMCSA regulations apply nationwide.

Q: Can I afford a lawyer?
A: Absolutely. We work on a contingency fee basis—you pay nothing upfront, and we only get paid if we win. Standard fees are 33.33% pre-trial or 40% if the case goes to trial. We advance all investigation costs.

Q: What if I was partially at fault?
A: Under Illinois modified comparative negligence, you can recover as long as you were 50% or less at fault. Your percentage is deducted from the total. We fight to prove the trucker was 100% responsible.

Q: Who pays my medical bills while we wait for settlement?
A: We can help arrange treatment under a Letter of Protection (LOP), where doctors agree to wait for payment until your case settles. We also work with your health insurance and pursue subrogation rights.

Q: How long will my case take?
A: Straightforward cases settle in 6-12 months. Complex cases with catastrophic injuries may take 18-36 months. We prepare every case for trial from day one to maximize leverage in negotiations.

Q: What if the trucking company denies liability?
A: That’s when we get aggressive. We download ECM data, subpoena driver logs, and prove FMCSA violations. As Ernest Cano said, “Mr. Manginello and his firm are first class. Will fight tooth and nail for you.”

Q: Do I really need a lawyer, or can I just deal with the insurance company?
A: The trucking company has teams of lawyers and adjusters whose only job is to pay you as little as possible. One company told Donald Wilcox they wouldn’t accept his case. We took it and won. Never face a trucking company alone.

Q: What if I don’t live in Clark County?
A: With offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, Texas, we handle cases nationwide. We travel to you for consultations and maintain relationships with local Illinois counsel when needed. But many matters can be handled remotely.

Q: Can undocumented immigrants file claims?
A: Yes. Immigration status does not affect your right to compensation after an accident. We protect your privacy while pursuing your claim.

Q: What is an MCS-90 endorsement?
A: It’s a federal insurance requirement guaranteeing that if a trucking company’s insurance denies coverage, there’s still a minimum fund available to pay your damages—typically $750,000 to $1 million.

Q: Should I talk to the trucking company’s insurance adjuster?
A: Never. Adjusters are trained to minimize claims. Anything you say—like “I’m fine” or “I didn’t see the truck”—will be used against you. Refer all calls to your attorney.

Q: What if my loved one was killed in a truck accident?
A: You may file a wrongful death claim under the Illinois Wrongful Death Act. Spouses, children, and parents can recover damages for their loss. These cases often result in multi-million dollar settlements.

Q: How do you prove the driver was fatigued?
A: We subpoena ELD data showing hours of service violations under Part 395. We also review dispatch records to prove the company pressured the driver to meet deadlines despite federal limits.

Q: What if the truck was carrying hazardous materials?
A: Hazmat carriers must carry $5 million in federal insurance minimums. Spills of chemicals, fuel, or other hazardous materials create additional liability for exposure injuries and environmental damage.

Q: Do you handle cases other than truck accidents?
A: Yes. We handle car accidents, motorcycle crashes, wrongful death, and catastrophic injuries. But trucking litigation is our specialty—we know the FMCSA regulations better than most firms know the speed limit.

Q: What makes Attorney911 different from big billboard firms?
A: We don’t treat you like a case number. Ralph Manginello personally oversees major cases. We take cases other firms reject. And we have a former insurance defense attorney—Lupe Peña—who knows their playbook from the inside.

Q: How do I get started?
A: Call 888-ATTY-911 or (888) 288-9911 right now. We’ll schedule a free consultation—over the phone, by video, or in person if you’re near one of our offices. We answer 24/7.

Ready to Fight Back? We’re Ready to Help.

You’ve been through enough. The medical bills are piling up. The insurance company is calling. You’re hurt, exhausted, and worried about your future.

Let us handle the trucking company while you focus on healing. With 25+ years of experience, multi-million dollar verdicts against Fortune 500 companies, and a team that includes a former insurance defense attorney, Attorney911 has the resources and determination to take on the biggest trucking companies—and win.

We’re currently litigating a $10 million lawsuit against a major university for hazing injuries. We’ve gone toe-to-toe with BP in the Texas City Refinery litigation. And we’ve recovered over $50 million for families just like yours.

The trucking company has lawyers. So should you. And not just any lawyer—you need a fighter who knows Clark County, knows Illinois law, and knows how to make trucking companies pay.

Call 1-888-ATTY-911 today. Hablamos Español. The consultation is free, and you pay nothing unless we win.

Your family is counting on you. We’re counting on getting you every dime you deserve.

Attorney911
The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC
1-888-ATTY-911
(888) 288-9911
ralph@atty911.com
Houston | Austin | Beaumont

Serving 18-wheeler accident victims in Clark County, Illinois and nationwide.