18-Wheeler Accident Attorneys in Crawford County, Indiana

When an 80,000-Pound Truck Changes Everything on a Crawford County Highway

You’re driving along I-64 near English, Indiana, maybe heading toward Louisville or west toward St. Louis. The rolling hills of Crawford County surround you, perhaps with the Ohio River valley in the distance. Suddenly, an 18-wheeler drifts across the centerline. Or maybe you’re on US 231 near Marengo when a semi-truck’s tire blows out, sending the trailer into your lane. In an instant, your life changes.

At Attorney911, we’ve spent more than 25 years fighting for hard-working families across the Midwest who’ve been devastated by commercial truck accidents. Ralph Manginello, our managing partner admitted to practice in federal court since 1998, understands exactly what happens when 80,000 pounds of steel collides with a 4,000-pound passenger vehicle. The physics are brutal. The injuries are catastrophic. And the trucking companies have teams of lawyers working immediately to protect their interests—not yours.

If you or a loved one has been hurt in an 18-wheeler accident anywhere in Crawford County, from Milltown to Sulphur to Leavenworth, you need to understand something critical: The clock started ticking the moment that truck hit you. Black box data can be overwritten in 30 days. Driver logs can “disappear.” Witnesses forget details. And the trucking company has already called their rapid-response team.

Before you say another word to any insurance adjuster, before you sign anything, call us at 1-888-ATTY-911. We’re available 24/7, and we send preservation letters immediately to stop evidence from vanishing.

Why Trucking Accidents in Crawford County Are Different from Regular Car Crashes

Crawford County’s position in Southern Indiana creates unique trucking dangers. We’re at the crossroads of major freight corridors—I-64 cuts through our southern border carrying transcontinental traffic, while US 231 serves as a vital north-south artery connecting to the Louisville metro area. This means heavy truck traffic mixing with rural county roads, two-lane highways through hilly terrain, and the kind of agricultural freight movement that defines Indiana’s economy.

But here’s what makes these cases legally complex: When an 18-wheeler crashes into your vehicle on IN 66 or any Crawford County road, you’re not just dealing with a “car accident.” You’re facing a web of federal regulations, corporate policies, and multiple insurance policies worth up to $5 million.

Federal law requires commercial trucks to carry minimum liability insurance far exceeding regular auto policies:

• $750,000 for non-hazardous freight (most common)
• $1,000,000 for oil, large equipment, or motor vehicles
• $5,000,000 for hazardous materials or passenger transport

Compare that to Indiana’s minimum auto insurance requirement of just $25,000. The stakes are higher. The injuries are worse. And the trucking companies have more resources to fight you.

That’s why Attorney911 employs Ralph Manginello, a 25-year veteran of personal injury litigation, and Lupe Peña, a former insurance defense attorney who spent years inside the system learning exactly how trucking insurers minimize legitimate claims. When Donald Wilcox told us that “one company said they would not accept my case,” we said yes—and he ended up with what he called “a handsome check.” That’s the difference experience makes.

The 48-Hour Evidence Crisis: Why Waiting Even One Day Hurts Your Case

We need to talk about something urgent. If you’re reading this within days of a Crawford County trucking accident, you need to act now.

Trucking companies don’t play fair. Within hours of a crash on I-64 or any Crawford County highway, the trucking company dispatches its own investigators to the scene. Their job? To gather evidence that protects the company, not to find the truth. Meanwhile, critical evidence that could prove your case is disappearing:

Electronic Control Module (ECM) Data: Often called the “black box,” this device records speed, braking, throttle position, and fault codes. It can be overwritten in as little as 30 days—or sooner if the truck goes back into service.

Electronic Logging Device (ELD) Records: Federally mandated since 2017, these prove whether the driver violated hours-of-service rules. Under 49 CFR § 395.8, carriers only need to keep these for 6 months. After that, they’re gone.

Driver Qualification Files: Under 49 CFR § 391.51, trucking companies must maintain records of driver hiring, training, medical certifications, and safety history. But if we don’t demand preservation immediately, these files can “get lost.”

Dashcam Footage: Many trucks have forward-facing and cab-facing cameras. This footage is often deleted within days.

Witness Statements: Memories fade fast. The sooner we interview witnesses to your Crawford County accident, the better.

When you call 1-888-288-9911, we send spoliation letters within 24 hours. These formal legal notices put the trucking company on notice that destroying evidence will result in severe legal sanctions, including adverse inference instructions (where the jury is told to assume the destroyed evidence would have helped you).

As client Angel Walle told us: “They solved in a couple of months what others did nothing about in two years.” That speed matters because evidence disappears.

Indiana Law: What Crawford County Accident Victims Must Know

Crawford County follows Indiana state law, which has specific rules that affect your trucking accident case.

Statute of Limitations: In Indiana, you have just 2 years from the date of your accident to file a lawsuit. This applies to both personal injury and wrongful death claims. Miss this deadline, and you lose your right to compensation forever—no matter how catastrophic your injuries or how clearly the truck driver was at fault.

Modified Comparative Negligence (51% Rule): Indiana uses a “modified comparative fault” system. Here’s what that means for your Crawford County case: You can recover damages as long as you were 50% or less at fault for the accident. However, your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault.

For example, if a jury finds you were 20% at fault for the crash on US 231 and awards $500,000, you would receive $400,000 (minus the 20%). But if you’re found 51% at fault, you get nothing. The trucking company’s insurance adjusters know this rule, and they’ll try to push blame onto you. That’s why having an attorney who knows how to prove the truck driver was 100% at fault matters.

Punitive Damages: In Indiana, punitive damages (designed to punish gross negligence) are capped at the greater of 3 times your compensatory damages or $50,000. While this limits “windfall” punishments, it still allows significant recovery when trucking companies act with reckless disregard for safety—like knowingly keeping a fatigued driver on the road or failing to maintain brakes.

The Physics of Devastation: Why 18-Wheeler Accidents Cause Catastrophic Injuries

An 18-wheeler legally weighs up to 80,000 pounds. Your car weighs around 4,000 pounds. That’s a 20-to-1 weight ratio.

When an 80,000-pound truck traveling at 65 mph strikes a passenger vehicle, the force is approximately 80 times greater than a car-on-car collision. The 18-wheeler needs nearly 525 feet to stop—that’s almost two football fields, or 40% more distance than your car needs.

In Crawford County’s hilly terrain, these physics become even more deadly. A truck speeding down a grade on IN 64 or I-64 has incredible momentum. If the driver loses control, or if brakes fail due to poor maintenance, there’s simply no margin for error.

The injuries we see in Crawford County trucking cases include:

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): When your head strikes the steering wheel, dashboard, or window, the brain injuries can range from concussions to permanent cognitive impairment. Our firm has recovered between $1.5 million and $9.8 million for TBI victims. These cases require extensive documentation because TBIs don’t always show up on initial scans but can devastate your ability to work and enjoy life.

Spinal Cord Injuries: Partial or complete paralysis is common when the roof of a car crushes under a truck trailer. We’ve seen settlements from $4.7 million to $25.8 million for spinal cord injuries, reflecting lifetime care costs that can exceed $5 million for quadriplegia.

Amputations: When an 18-wheeler rolls over a passenger compartment, crush injuries often require surgical amputation. We’ve secured between $1.9 million and $8.6 million for amputation victims, covering prosthetics, rehabilitation, and lifetime disability.

Severe Burns: Tanker trucks, hazardous materials, and diesel fires can cause catastrophic burns. These require skin grafts, multiple surgeries, and leave permanent scarring.

Wrongful Death: Too many Crawford County families have lost loved ones to trucking accidents. Indiana law allows recovery of lost income, funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and more. Our wrongful death recoveries have ranged from $1.9 million to $9.5 million.

As client Glenda Walker said: “They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.” That’s what we do for catastrophic injury victims.

The Federal Regulations That Prove Negligence: 49 CFR

Trucking isn’t just regulated by Indiana law—it’s heavily regulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). When trucking companies violate these federal rules, it proves negligence in your personal injury case.

We cite these regulations in every trucking case we handle:

Hours of Service Violations (49 CFR Part 395)

Federal law strictly limits how long truck drivers can operate:

• 11-hour driving limit after 10 consecutive hours off duty
• 14-hour on-duty window—cannot drive beyond the 14th consecutive hour after coming on duty
• 30-minute break required after 8 cumulative hours of driving
• 60/70 hour weekly limits—cannot drive after 60 hours in 7 days or 70 hours in 8 days

When drivers violate these rules and cause accidents, we prove fatigue was a factor. ELD data under 49 CFR § 395.8 is objective evidence that doesn’t lie.

Driver Qualification Requirements (49 CFR Part 391)

Before a trucking company lets someone behind the wheel of an 80,000-pound vehicle, they must verify:

• Valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)
• Medical examiner’s certificate (proving physical fitness)
• Clean driving record check
• Previous employer inquiries for safety history
• Drug and alcohol testing (49 CFR Part 382)

If the trucking company failed to check these qualifications, they’re liable for negligent hiring under 49 CFR § 391.51.

Vehicle Maintenance (49 CFR Part 396)

Trucking companies must systematically inspect, repair, and maintain their fleets. Drivers must complete pre-trip inspections under 49 CFR § 396.13, checking brakes, tires, lights, and steering.

When brake failures cause accidents—which happens in 29% of truck crashes—we subpoena maintenance records under 49 CFR § 396.3. Deferred maintenance to save money is negligence.

Cargo Securement (49 CFR Part 393)

Under 49 CFR §§ 393.100-136, cargo must be secured to withstand 0.8g deceleration forward and 0.5g lateral. Improperly secured loads cause rollovers on Crawford County’s winding roads. We inspect loading manifests and securement equipment.

Drug and Alcohol Testing (49 CFR §§ 382, 392)

Drivers cannot operate with a BAC of 0.04 or higher (half the legal limit for cars). They cannot use Schedule I substances. Post-accident testing must occur within specific timeframes. If a Crawford County truck driver was impaired, we demand those test results immediately.

Types of 18-Wheeler Accidents We Handle in Crawford County

Every Crawford County trucking accident is unique, but certain accident types predominate on Southern Indiana roads:

Jackknife Accidents

When a truck’s trailer swings out perpendicular to the cab—like a folding pocket knife—it’s called a jackknife. This often happens on I-64 when drivers brake suddenly on wet pavement or when empty trailers (common in Indiana’s agricultural shipping) have reduced traction. The swinging trailer can sweep across multiple lanes, hitting innocent drivers before the truck finally stops.

Jackknifes often result from 49 CFR § 393.48 brake violations or 49 CFR § 392.6 speeding violations. We analyze ECM data to prove the driver was traveling too fast for conditions.

Underride Collisions

Perhaps the most horrifying trucking accidents occur when a passenger vehicle slides under the trailer. The trailer height often shears off the roof of the car at windshield level, causing decapitation or catastrophic head trauma.

Under 49 CFR § 393.86, trailers must have rear impact guards. But many trucks lack side underride guards, and rear guards often fail in crashes. We inspect guard maintenance and deformation patterns.

Rear-End Collisions

An 80,000-pound truck needs 525 feet to stop. When truck drivers follow too closely on US 231 or I-64—violating 49 CFR § 392.11—they can’t stop in time. These crashes often cause whiplash, spinal injuries, and traumatic brain injuries as occupants’ heads strike headrests or windshields.

Rollover Accidents

Crawford County’s terrain isn’t flat. When truck drivers take curves too fast on IN 66 or IN 62, or when improperly secured cargo shifts to one side, trucks roll over. These accidents often spill cargo across the roadway, creating secondary hazards.

Under 49 CFR § 393.100, cargo must be immobilized to prevent shifting. When loaders fail to follow these rules, they share liability.

Tire Blowouts

The extreme heat of Indiana summers and the heavy loads on I-64 cause tire failures. When a steer tire blows out, the driver loses control instantly. “Road gators” (tire debris) strike following vehicles, causing secondary accidents.

49 CFR § 393.75 requires minimum tread depths (4/32″ for steer tires). We inspect tires post-accident and subpoena maintenance records to prove the trucking company knew tires were unsafe.

Brake Failures

Worn brakes, air brake failures, or “brake fade” on long descents cause devastating crashes. Under 49 CFR §§ 393.40-55, trucks must have functioning service and parking brakes. When brake systems fail, we prove the company violated 49 CFR § 396.3 requiring systematic maintenance.

Wide Turn (“Squeeze Play”) Accidents

In towns like English or Hardinsburg, trucks making right turns often swing left first to clear the curb. When unsuspecting motorists enter the gap, the truck crushes them while completing the turn. These accidents often involve 49 CFR § 392.2 traffic control violations.

Cargo Spills

Indiana’s agricultural economy means trucks haul grain, livestock, and equipment. When loaders violate 49 CFR Part 393 cargo securement rules, spills occur on Crawford County highways, creating hazards for following traffic.

Who Can Be Held Liable in Your Crawford County Trucking Accident?

Most people think you can only sue the truck driver. They’re wrong. We investigate every potentially liable party because more defendants mean more insurance coverage means higher compensation for you.

The Truck Driver

Direct negligence includes speeding, distracted driving ( violating 49 CFR § 392.82 regarding cell phones), fatigue, impairment, or failure to inspect under 49 CFR § 396.13.

The Trucking Company (Motor Carrier)

Under respondeat superior, employers are liable for employees’ negligent acts. Plus, we often find direct negligence:

• Negligent Hiring: Failing to check the driver’s safety record under 49 CFR § 391.51
• Negligent Training: Inadequate safety instruction
• Negligent Supervision: Ignoring ELD violations or safety complaints
• Negligent Maintenance: Violating 49 CFR Part 396

The Cargo Owner/Shipper

When Indiana farmers or manufacturers pressure drivers to exceed weight limits or drive fatigued to meet deadlines, they share liability. Under the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Act, shippers have duties regarding safe loading.

The Loading Company

Third-party warehouses that improperly secure cargo under 49 CFR § 393.100 are liable when loads shift and cause rollovers.

Truck/Parts Manufacturers

Defective brakes, steering systems, or tires can trigger product liability claims against manufacturers like Daimler, Volvo, or tire companies.

Maintenance Companies

Third-party mechanics who negligently repair brakes or overlook safety issues under 49 CFR Part 396 share liability.

Freight Brokers

Brokers who arrange shipping but fail to verify carrier safety ratings under FMCSA rules may be liable for negligent selection.

Government Entities

If poor road design, missing guardrails, or inadequate signage on Crawford County roads contributed to the accident, we may have claims against government agencies (though sovereign immunity and short notice requirements apply).

Lupe Peña: Our Secret Weapon Against Insurance Companies

Here’s something that sets Attorney911 apart from other firms advertising in Crawford County: Our associate attorney, Lupe Peña, used to work for a national insurance defense firm. He defended trucking companies and their insurers. He sat in the strategy meetings where adjusters discussed how to minimize payouts to injured people.

Now he works for you.

Lupe knows exactly how insurance companies evaluate claims, what makes them settle, and when they’re bluffing. As he told the media during our $10 million University of Houston hazing litigation: “If this prevents harm to another person, that’s what we’re hoping to do. Let’s bring this to light.”

That insider knowledge is your advantage. When the trucking company’s insurer offers a lowball settlement on your Crawford County case, Lupe recognizes the tactic immediately. He knows when they’re serious and when they’re playing games.

Lupe is also fluent in Spanish. For Crawford County’s Hispanic community—and for the many Spanish-speaking truck drivers who travel Indiana’s highways—Lupe provides direct representation without interpreters. Hablamos Español. Llame a Lupe Peña al 1-888-ATTY-911.

Evidence We Gather in Crawford County Trucking Cases

Within hours of being retained for a Crawford County trucking accident, we deploy investigators to:

• Photograph the scene before weather or traffic changes conditions
• Interview witnesses while memories are fresh
• Inspect the truck before it’s repaired or destroyed
• Send spoliation letters to preserve ECM, ELD, and maintenance data
• Subpoena cell phone records to prove distracted driving
• Obtain driver qualification files under 49 CFR § 391.51
• Review FMCSA safety scores for the carrier
• Analyze CSA (Compliance, Safety, Accountability) scores

We also work with accident reconstruction experts who can recreate the crash on I-64 or any Crawford County road using physics models and the truck’s own electronic data.

As client Ernest Cano said: “Mr. Manginello and his firm are first class. Will fight tooth and nail for you.” That fighting starts with evidence.

Common Insurance Company Tactics—and How We Counter Them

The trucking company’s insurer may seem friendly at first. They might offer quick cash. Don’t fall for it.

Tactic: Quick Lowball Offer
They offer $50,000 before you know the full extent of your injuries. We say: NO. We calculate lifetime costs first.

Tactic: Blame the Victim
They claim YOU were speeding or following too closely. We counter with ECM data, ELD logs, and physics calculations proving the truck driver was at fault.

Tactic: “Pre-Existing Condition” Defense
They claim your back injury was old. We apply the “eggshell plaintiff” rule—you take the victim as you find them. Under Indiana law, the trucking company is liable for aggravating pre-existing conditions.

Tactic: Surveillance
They hire investigators to video you. We advise clients on appropriate conduct and expose unfair surveillance practices.

Tactic: Delay
They stall hoping you’ll accept less out of desperation. We file suit and push toward trial, forcing serious negotiations.

Client Testimonials: What Crawford County Victims Can Expect

Don’t just take our word for it. Listen to what clients like Chad Harris said: “You are NOT a pest to them and you are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.”

That’s how we treat every Crawford County client. Not as a case number, but as family.

Kiimarii Yup, who lost everything in a crash, told us: “I lost everything… my car was at a total loss, and because of Attorney Manginello and my case worker Leonor, 1 year later I have gained so much in return plus a brand new truck.”

And when Donald Wilcox had been rejected by another firm, we took his case. He 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 treat you like family, we fight for every dime, and we don’t give up when other firms turn you away.

The Full Scope of Damages Available in Indiana

When we pursue your Crawford County trucking accident claim, we demand full compensation:

Economic Damages:

• Medical bills (emergency care, surgery, rehabilitation, future care)
• Lost wages and lost earning capacity
• Property damage
• Out-of-pocket expenses (transportation, home modifications)
• Life care costs for catastrophic injuries

Non-Economic Damages:

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

Punitive Damages:
When trucking companies act with gross negligence—like falsifying log books, destroying evidence, or knowingly employing dangerous drivers—we pursue punitive damages under Indiana’s cap (greater of 3x compensatory or $50,000).

Frequently Asked Questions About Crawford County Trucking Accidents

How long do I have to sue after a trucking accident in Indiana?
Two years from the accident date. But don’t wait—evidence disappears fast. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 immediately.

What if I was partially at fault?
Under Indiana’s modified comparative fault rule, you can recover if you were 50% or less at fault, though your award is reduced by your percentage. If you’re 51% at fault, you recover nothing. We fight to prove the truck driver was 100% responsible.

Can I afford an attorney?
YES. We work on contingency—33.33% pre-trial or 40% if trial is required. You pay nothing upfront. We advance all costs. If we don’t win, you owe nothing.

What if the truck driver was from another state?
Federal trucking regulations apply nationwide. Ralph Manginello is admitted to federal court and handles interstate trucking cases involving Indiana residents.

Should I talk to the trucking company’s insurance adjuster?
NO. Do not give recorded statements without counsel. Call 1-888-288-9911 first.

What about commercial trucks other than 18-wheelers?
We handle all commercial vehicle accidents in Crawford County—delivery trucks, garbage trucks, construction vehicles, and more.

Do you handle Spanish-speaking clients?
Yes. Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish and provides direct representation without interpreters.

What is a nuclear verdict?
Recent trucking cases across America have seen verdicts exceeding $10 million, $100 million, even $1 billion in egregious cases. While every case is different, we prepare every case as if it could result in a massive verdict—because that preparation gets better settlement offers.

Will my case go to trial?
Probably not—98% settle. But we prepare every Crawford County case for trial because insurance companies offer more to lawyers willing to go to court.

How much is my case worth?
It depends on injury severity, medical costs, lost income, and available insurance. Trucking cases often settle for $500,000 to several million for catastrophic injuries.

What if the trucking company destroyed evidence?
If we can prove intentional spoliation, courts can instruct juries to assume the destroyed evidence would have helped you. This often results in punitive damages.

Can I sue if my loved one died?
Yes. Indiana wrongful death law allows families to recover for lost income, funeral expenses, and loss of companionship. You have two years from the date of death.

What about agricultural trucks?
Indiana has special rules for farm equipment, but commercial agricultural trucks must follow FMCSA regulations. We know the difference.

Crawford County Specific Considerations

Crawford County’s unique geography affects trucking accident cases:

I-64 Corridor: Heavy transcontinental freight traffic mixing with local commuters creates dangerous speed differentials.

Rural Roadways: Narrow two-lane highways with soft shoulders—common in Crawford County—leave little room for error when trucks drift.

Agricultural Traffic: During planting and harvest seasons, increased truck traffic carrying grain and equipment raises accident risks on IN 64 and IN 66.

Weather Conditions: Southern Indiana’s winter ice and summer storms create hazardous conditions. Truck drivers must adjust speed under 49 CFR § 392.6 for weather conditions. Failure to do so is negligence.

Proximity to Louisville: The high volume of trucks entering Indiana from Kentucky means many accidents involve out-of-state carriers, requiring federal court knowledge that Ralph Manginello brings.

Call Attorney911 Today: Your Crawford County Trucking Accident Advocates

If you’ve read this far, you understand the stakes. You know that trucking accidents aren’t like car accidents. You know the evidence is disappearing right now. And you know that the trucking company already has lawyers working against you.

You need someone in your corner who understands federal trucking law, Indiana state law, and the specific challenges of Crawford County roads.

You need someone with 25+ years of experience fighting Fortune 500 companies.

You need someone who includes a former insurance defense attorney on your team.

You need someone who treats you like family, not a case number.

You need Attorney911.

Call 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911) right now for a free consultation. We’re available 24/7. We’ll send preservation letters today to protect your evidence. And we’ll fight to get you every dime you deserve.

Hablamos Español. Llame hoy al 1-888-ATTY-911.

Don’t let the trucking company win. Your fight starts with one call.