The fiery nine-vehicle pileup at the U.S. 36/State Route 37 interchange in Delaware County, Ohio, was more than a tragedy; it was a systemic failure of safety that left three people dead and an entire community demanding answers. When an 18-wheeler slams into stopped traffic on a major corridor like I-71, the devastation is absolute. For the victims, including Lynnea Soposki, 36, Luke Soposki, 37, and their 1-year-old son, Logan, the consequences of corporate negligence were final.
As trucking litigation attorneys at Attorney911, we look at a crash like this and see the red flags that the trucking company ignored. This wasn’t an isolated “accident.” Federal records now reveal that the truck involved had been flagged for dangerous air brake problems weeks before it failed to stop on I-71. At Attorney911, we focus our practice on holding carriers like MFW Carrier accountable when they prioritize profits over the safety of families on the road.
If you or a loved one has been impacted by a commercial vehicle crash, you need a team that understands the complex federal regulations governing these 80,000-pound machines. Ralph Manginello brings over 27 years of trial experience, including litigation in the $2.1 billion BP Texas City Refinery explosion. Our firm includes a former insurance defense attorney, Lupe Peña, who knows exactly how trucking companies try to hide evidence of poor maintenance.
Call us 24/7 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free case evaluation. We don’t get paid unless we win your case.
The Smoking Gun: Pre-Existing Air Brake Failures and Maintenance Negligence
The most disturbing aspect of the Delaware County, Ohio crash is the paper trail of neglect. Roadside inspection records from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) show that just weeks before the fatal event, the truck was flagged for an inoperative backup lamp and a defective ABS malfunction lamp.
Even more damning, an inspection on the day of the crash — April 11 — revealed that the air reservoir was “separated from its original attachment points or moving more than 1 inch.” In the world of 18-wheeler safety, this is a catastrophic mechanical failure. Air brakes are the only thing that can stop 40 tons of steel. When an air reservoir is loose or the Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) is malfunctioning, the truck becomes a projectile.
Under 49 CFR Part 396, motor carriers have a federal duty to systematically inspect, repair, and maintain all vehicles under their control. The records for MFW Carrier, owned and operated by Modou Ngom, show an out-of-service rate of 66.7%. To put that in perspective, the national average is roughly 22%. This means that two out of every three times this company’s equipment was inspected, it was deemed too dangerous to be on the road.
At Attorney911, we investigate these CSA scores and out-of-service rates for every carrier involved in a crash. We know that a 66.7% failure rate isn’t bad luck — it’s a business model built on ignoring the law.
Learn more about these complex cases in our video, “The Definitive Guide To Commercial Truck Accidents” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iEEeZf-k8Ao
The Human Cost: A Family Wiped Out on I-71
The physics of a rear-end collision involving a commercial truck are brutal. A fully loaded 18-wheeler weighs up to 80,000 pounds, while a passenger car like the one the Soposki family was driving weighs about 4,000 pounds. This is a 20-to-1 weight disparity.
When Modou Ngom allegedly failed to stop and hit the car in front of him, he triggered a chain reaction that consumed nine vehicles in fire and twisted metal. For Lynnea, Luke, and baby Logan, there was no chance of survival. This is what we call the “97/3 Rule” in trucking litigation: 97% of the people killed in two-vehicle crashes involving a passenger car and a big rig are the occupants of the car.
The Soposki family’s story is a heartbreaking reminder of why we fight so hard for maximum compensation in wrongful death cases. We have helped numerous families facing these types of tragedies recover millions of dollars. As Ralph Manginello often says, “At some point, this has to stop. We need to hold the people in charge accountable for what they’ve allowed to happen.”
Identity Fraud and Negligent Hiring: The MFW Carrier Connection
Beyond the mechanical failures, investigators have uncovered conflicting information regarding the truck driver’s identity. Modou Ngom is accused of using an “alternate identity” to obtain his commercial driver’s license (CDL).
This opens a critical second front in a lawsuit: Negligent Hiring and Driver Qualification.
Under 49 CFR Part 391, a motor carrier must maintain a Driver Qualification (DQ) File for every driver. This file must include a background check, a three-year driving history, and medical certifications. If MFW Carrier — which Ngom owned — allowed a driver with identity discrepancies and a history of “unsafe vehicle” citations to operate an 18-wheeler, the company is directly liable for the resulting deaths.
In Delaware County, Ohio, Ngom is facing counts of aggravated vehicular homicide and vehicular assault. While the criminal justice system handles the prison time, Attorney911 handles the financial accountability. We look for every possible liable party, including:
* The Motor Carrier (MFW Carrier): For negligent maintenance and supervision.
* The Driver (Modou Ngom): For direct negligence and potential fraud.
* Maintenance Providers: If a third-party shop touched those air brakes and failed to fix the reservoir.
* The Shipper: If they hired a carrier with a 66.7% out-of-service rate, they may be liable for negligent selection of a carrier.
The Multi-Million Dollar Stakes of Trucking Litigation
Trucking companies carry much higher insurance limits than regular drivers — typically between $750,000 and $5 million or more. Accessing those funds requires a law firm that isn’t afraid to go to federal court. Attorney911 has the federal court admission and the track record of multi-million dollar results to take on these corporate giants.
Consider our documented results:
* “At Attorney911, our personal injury attorneys have helped numerous injured individuals and families facing trucking-related wrongful death cases recover millions of dollars in compensation.”
* “Multi-million dollar settlement for client who suffered brain injury with vision loss when log dropped on him at logging company.”
Past results don’t guarantee a future outcome, but they do prove that we prepare every case for trial. When insurance adjusters see our name on a letter of representation, they know we won’t accept a lowball offer.
Why 48 Hours Matters After a Crash in Delaware County, Ohio
After a crash on I-71 or any highway, the clock is ticking. Trucking companies like MFW Carrier often have rapid-response teams — lawyers and investigators — on the scene before the fire is even out. Their goal is to control the narrative and preserve only the evidence that helps them.
We move even faster. Within 24 hours of being hired, we send Spoliation Letters to the trucking company, the driver, and the insurance carriers. These letters legally require them to preserve:
1. ELD Data: Electronic Logging Devices that prove if the driver was fatigued or violating Hours of Service (HOS) rules.
2. The “Black Box” (ECM): The Engine Control Module records the truck’s speed, braking, and throttle position in the seconds before impact.
3. Dashcam Footage: Many commercial rigs now have inward and outward-facing cameras.
4. Maintenance Records: We want to see every receipt for those air brakes.
If we don’t act, this data can be “accidentally” overwritten or deleted. In Delaware County, Ohio, and throughout the region, surveillance footage from gas stations or DOT cameras often auto-deletes in as little as 7 to 14 days.
Watch our video “What Should I Do First After an Accident?” for more immediate steps: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OCox4Lq7zBM
The Insider Advantage: Defeating Insurance Tactics
Having a former insurance defense attorney on your side is like having the other team’s playbook. Lupe Peña used to work for the firms that defend these trucking companies. He knows how they use software like Colossus to undervalue your life. He knows how they hire “Independent” Medical Exam (IME) doctors to claim your injuries were “pre-existing.”
When the Soposki family’s estate or the other hospitalized victims deal with insurance, they will likely hear adjusters acting “helpful.” They might offer a quick settlement of $50,000. But if you have a surgical spinal injury or a traumatic brain injury (TBI), that $50,000 won’t even cover your first week in the ICU.
At Attorney911, we use the Stowers Doctrine to our advantage. If the liability is clear — as it appears to be here, given the brake violations and the following too closely citation — we send a demand within policy limits. If the insurance company refuses a reasonable offer, they may become liable for the entire verdict, even if it exceeds the policy limits. This is how we push for the maximum possible recovery.
Understanding the Physics of the I-71 Chain Reaction
The Soposki car was the first in a “fiery chain reaction involving nine vehicles.” In pileups like this, insurance companies often try to shift blame. They might argue that a third vehicle pushed the truck, or that road conditions were the primary factor.
We use accident reconstruction experts to prove the physics. An 80,000-pound truck traveling at 65 mph needs about 525 feet to stop — that’s nearly two football fields. If the air brakes were failing, as the FMCSA records suggest, that stopping distance likely doubled. When Modou Ngom hit the car in front, the kinetic energy was so immense it didn’t just crash; it exploded.
We don’t guess. We use the data. As client Jamin Marroquin says: “Mr. Manginello guided me through the whole process with great expertise…tenacious, accessible, and determined throughout the 19 months.”
FAQ: Trucking Safety and Legal Rights in Delaware County, Ohio
Q: Can I sue if the truck driver was an independent contractor?
A: Yes. Trucking companies often use the “independent contractor” label as a shield. But if the company controls the driver’s route, provides the equipment, or sets the schedule, they can still be held liable under theories of respondeat superior or negligent hiring. In the MFW Carrier case, the owner was the driver, which makes the liability chain even more direct.
Q: What if the truck had a bad safety record before my accident?
A: That is powerful evidence of Gross Negligence. If a company knows its out-of-service rate is 66.7% and keeps sending dangerous trucks onto I-71, they are showing a conscious disregard for the safety of others. This can lead to Punitive Damages, which are designed to punish the company and prevent it from happening again.
Q: How much is my 18-wheeler accident case worth?
A: Every case is unique, but trucking settlements for serious injuries often range from $500,000 to several million dollars. For a triple-fatality wrongful death case, the potential for a “nuclear verdict” — one exceeding $10 million — is real, given the egregious maintenance failures.
Q: Who pays my medical bills after a truck accident?
A: Initially, your own health insurance or PIP may pay, but the trucking company’s commercial insurance is ultimately responsible for all economic and non-economic damages. We help our clients coordinate care so they don’t have to worry about bills while they heal.
Q: What if I was partially at fault?
A: Even if you were partially responsible, you can still recover damages in most states as long as your fault is 50% or less. Insurance companies will fight hard to push you over that 50% mark — that’s why you need a lawyer who knows their tricks.
Proving Liability in Fiery Crashes
When a crash involves a fire, physical evidence can literally go up in smoke. This makes the electronic evidence even more vital. We demand the logs from the truck’s GPS and telematics systems. If Ngom was rushing to make a delivery, the route timing will prove it.
We also look at the driver’s history. Ngom had a citation in 2024 for an “unsafe vehicle” when a piece of equipment fell off his truck and hit another car. He had a rollover in 2025. This pattern of behavior is exactly what Ralph Manginello targets. We don’t just look at the day of the crash; we look at the years of safety violations that led up to it.
For more information on these types of injuries, see “The Victim’s Guide to 18-Wheeler Accident Injuries” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wxEHIxZTbK8
Compassion for the Survivors
Beyond the legal battle, we never lose sight of the families involved. The Soposki family left behind friends and loved ones who are now facing an unimaginable void. Three others were hospitalized in this Delaware County, Ohio crash. As Stephanie Hernandez, a client of our firm, noted: “When I felt I had no hope or direction, Leonor reached out to me…She took all the weight of my worries off my shoulders.”
We handle the legal burden so you can focus on grieving and recovery. Whether it’s getting you into a top-tier trauma center or negotiating with hospital liens, our team — including case managers like Leonor and Melanie — is here to support you like family.
Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Trucking Case?
There are many “billboard lawyers,” but there is only one Attorney911.
* Federal Experience: We are admitted to the Southern District of Texas and have handled complex multi-state litigation.
* Insider Knowledge: Lupe Peña’s years in insurance defense mean we know how the other side thinks.
* Massive Resources: We have the capital to hire the best reconstruction experts, medical specialists, and economists to prove your lifetime losses.
* Personal Attention: You aren’t a number here. You have direct access to your attorney. As Chad Harris said: “You are NOT a pest to them and you are NOT just some client…You are FAMILY to them.”
The Evidence is Disappearing — Call Now
Right now, MFW Carrier and its insurance company are working to protect their assets. They are analyzing the same FMCSA data we are, and they are looking for ways to explain away that loose air reservoir and the 66.7% out-of-service rate.
Don’t let them win. Knowledge is power, and at Attorney911, we give you that power. Whether you are in Columbus, Delaware County, or anywhere across the region, we are ready to fight for you.
Call Attorney911 today at 1-888-ATTY-911 or (713) 528-9070. You can also reach out to Ralph personally at ralph@atty911.com or Lupe at lupe@atty911.com.
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Attorney911 — The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC
Legal Emergency Lawyers™
1177 West Loop S, Suite 1600
Houston, TX 77027
https://attorney911.com
Note: This analysis is based on available public reports and federal safety records. Every case is unique, and past results do not guarantee future outcomes. You may still be responsible for court costs and case expenses.