DeKalb County 18-Wheeler Accident Attorneys

When 80,000 Pounds Changes Everything, You Need a Fighter

The impact was catastrophic. One moment you’re driving through DeKalb County on I-35, maybe heading toward St. Joseph or passing through on your way to Kansas City. The next moment, an 80,000-pound semi-truck has jackknifed across the interstate, or blown a tire on the rural roads near Maysville, or rear-ended you at the MO-6 intersection because the driver had been awake for 18 hours.

If you’re reading this from a hospital bed in Cameron, St. Joseph, or Kansas City—or if you’re grieving a loved one who never made it home from a DeKalb County trucking accident—you need to know something critical: the trucking company already has lawyers working to protect them. You need someone working just as hard for you.

At Attorney911, we’ve spent over 25 years fighting for families devastated by 18-wheeler accidents across Missouri and beyond. Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has been handling these complex cases since 1998, securing multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements against some of the largest trucking companies in America. We’ve recovered over $50 million for our clients, including millions for traumatic brain injury victims and families who lost loved ones to wrongful death.

But here’s what matters right now: evidence is disappearing. Black box data can be overwritten in 30 days. Dashcam footage gets deleted. The trucking company’s rapid-response team is already at the scene in DeKalb County, collecting evidence to minimize your claim. You need to move fast.

Call us immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911 or 888-288-9911. We answer 24/7, and we handle DeKalb County trucking cases on contingency—you pay nothing unless we win.

DeKalb County’s Unique Trucking Risks

DeKalb County sits at a critical junction in northwest Missouri, with Interstate 35 cutting through the heart of the county. This isn’t just local traffic—this is a major freight corridor connecting Minnesota to Texas, carrying everything from agricultural products to manufactured goods.

Our firm knows DeKalb County’s roads intimately. We understand that:

I-35 carries massive commercial traffic through DeKalb County, with trucks traveling at 70 mph just feet from passenger vehicles
US-36 and MO-6 provide secondary routes where oversized farm equipment and 18-wheelers share narrow rural roads
Winter weather creates deadly conditions on DeKalb County highways, with ice and snow affecting stopping distances for 80,000-pound rigs
Agricultural trucking creates unique hazards during harvest seasons, with grain trucks and equipment transports increasing traffic on county roads
Driver fatigue is endemic on I-35, with truckers pushing to make St. Louis or bypass rest stops in rural Missouri

When an 18-wheeler crashes in DeKalb County—whether it’s a rollover on the interstate near Weatherby or a rear-end collision on the back roads near Union Star—the injuries are rarely minor. These are catastrophic events that change lives forever.

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your DeKalb County Trucking Accident

Ralph Manginello: 25 Years Taking on Trucking Companies

Ralph Manginello isn’t just another personal injury attorney. Since 1998, he’s built a reputation as a fierce advocate for trucking accident victims. Admitted to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas (Federal Bar), Ralph has the credentials to handle complex interstate trucking cases that cross state lines and involve federal regulations.

But credentials only matter if they translate to results. They do. Ralph has:

Secured multi-million dollar settlements for traumatic brain injury victims ($1.5M-$9.8M range)
Recovered $1.9M-$8.6M for amputation cases
Won $1.9M-$9.5M for wrongful death families
Litigated against Fortune 500 corporations, including BP in the Texas City Refinery explosion that killed 15 workers and injured 170+ more
Currently litigating a $10 million lawsuit against the University of Houston for hazing injuries, demonstrating his willingness to take on powerful institutions

As client Chad Harris said: “You are NOT a pest to them and you are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.”

That’s the difference. At Attorney911, you’re not a case number. You’re a family member fighting for justice.

The Lupe Peña Advantage: Former Insurance Defense Attorney

Here’s what separates Attorney911 from other firms handling DeKalb County cases: our associate attorney, Lupe Peña, used to work for the insurance companies. He spent years at a national defense firm learning exactly how trucking insurers evaluate, minimize, and deny claims.

Now he uses that insider knowledge against them.

Lupe knows:

How adjusters are trained to manipulate victims into lowball settlements
What triggers insurance companies to settle vs. fight
The algorithms they use to calculate pain and suffering (and how to counter them)
Every loophole they exploit to deny legitimate claims

When Lupe reviews your DeKalb County trucking case, he’s not guessing what the insurance company will do—he already knows. That’s your advantage.

And for DeKalb County’s Spanish-speaking community, Lupe provides fluent representation. Hablamos Español. No interpreters needed. No messages lost in translation. Just direct, powerful advocacy.

Client Glenda Walker put it this way: “They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.”

That includes fighting against the insurance defense tactics Lupe used to employ.

Our Track Record in Trucking Cases

We don’t just talk about results—we deliver them. Our trucking accident settlements include:

$2.5+ Million for commercial truck crash victims
Multi-million dollar recoveries against Walmart, Amazon, FedEx, UPS, and Coca-Cola trucking operations
Wrongful death settlements ranging from $1.9M to $9.5M for families who lost loved ones to negligent truck drivers

Donald Wilcox, a client other firms rejected, told us: “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 who we are. We take the cases other firms turn down. We fight when others surrender.

Missouri Law: Critical Deadlines for DeKalb County Victims

The Statute of Limitations Clock Is Ticking

If your accident happened in DeKalb County, Missouri law gives you 5 years from the date of injury to file a personal injury lawsuit. That’s longer than many states—but don’t be fooled into waiting.

For wrongful death claims, you have only 3 years from the date of death.

Here’s why waiting is dangerous:

ECM/black box data can be overwritten in 30 days
ELD (Electronic Logging Device) records may only be retained for 6 months
Witness memories fade
Skid marks wash away
The trucking company repairs or scraps the vehicle, destroying physical evidence

In DeKalb County, we send spoliation letters within 24-48 hours of being retained. These legal notices demand the trucking company preserve all evidence. Once they receive that letter, destroying evidence becomes “spoliation”—a serious legal violation that can result in court sanctions and punitive damages.

Missouri’s Pure Comparative Fault System

Missouri follows pure comparative negligence (also called pure comparative fault). This is good news for DeKalb County accident victims.

Under this system:

You can recover damages even if you were partially at fault
Your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault
Even if you were 99% at fault, you could still theoretically recover 1% of your damages (though practically, high fault percentages affect settlement values)

For example, if you’re awarded $1 million but found 20% at fault, you recover $800,000.

This differs from states like Illinois (51% bar rule) or Alabama (contributory negligence bars recovery if you’re even 1% at fault). Missouri’s system is more victim-friendly, but insurance companies will still try to inflate your fault percentage to reduce payouts. We fight those allegations with hard evidence—ECM data, expert reconstruction, and witness testimony.

No Caps on Damages in Missouri

Unlike some states that limit what victims can recover, Missouri does not cap compensatory damages in personal injury cases. This is crucial for DeKalb County trucking accidents involving catastrophic injuries.

Missouri’s previous $350,000 cap on non-economic damages was struck down by the Missouri Supreme Court in 2012. Today, there are no statutory caps on:

Pain and suffering
Mental anguish
Loss of enjoyment of life
Loss of consortium

And for punitive damages—awarded when trucking companies act with reckless disregard for safety—there are no caps either. This matters when we prove the trucking company knowingly violated federal safety regulations or hired an unqualified driver.

FMCSA Regulations: The Rules Trucking Companies Break

Every 18-wheeler operating in DeKalb County, Missouri must comply with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations. These aren’t suggestions—they’re federal law. When truckers or companies violate these rules, they create liability. Here are the critical regulations that come into play in DeKalb County accidents:

49 CFR Part 391: Driver Qualification Standards

Before a driver can legally operate a commercial truck on DeKalb County roads, they must meet strict federal qualifications:

Age: Minimum 21 for interstate commerce (18 for intrastate Missouri operations)
Medical Certification: Valid DOT medical card required (49 CFR § 391.43)
CDL: Valid Commercial Driver’s License with proper endorsements
English Proficiency: Must read and speak English sufficiently to understand traffic signs and respond to official inquiries (49 CFR § 391.11)
Driver History: Disqualified if convicted of certain DUI offenses or leaving accident scenes (49 CFR § 391.15)

Why this matters for your case: If the driver who hit you on I-35 didn’t have a valid medical certificate, or if their CDL was suspended, the trucking company violated federal law by putting them behind the wheel. This constitutes negligent hiring—and it opens the door to punitive damages.

49 CFR Part 392: Driving of CMVs

These are the rules of the road for commercial drivers:

Fatigue Prohibition (49 CFR § 392.3): No driver shall operate a CMV while impaired by fatigue, illness, or any cause making it unsafe to drive. In DeKalb County, we see this violated constantly on I-35, where truckers push through drowsiness to make delivery deadlines.

Drugs and Alcohol (49 CFR § 392.4-392.5):

0.04% BAC limit (half the standard for cars)
No alcohol within 4 hours of driving
No possession of alcohol while on duty

Speeding (49 CFR § 392.6): Carriers cannot schedule routes requiring speeds above posted limits. When a trucker barrels down DeKalb County highways at 80 mph to meet a deadline, both driver and company violate federal law.

Cell Phone Ban (49 CFR § 392.82): No hand-held mobile phone use while driving. Texting is prohibited. We subpoena phone records to prove violations.

49 CFR Part 393: Parts and Accessories

This section covers equipment safety:

Cargo Securement (49 CFR § 393.100-136): Cargo must be secured to prevent shifting, leaking, or falling. With DeKalb County’s agricultural economy, we see violations involving improperly secured livestock, grain loads, and farm equipment.

Brake Requirements (49 CFR § 393.40-52): All trucks must have properly maintained brake systems. Worn brakes are a factor in approximately 29% of large truck crashes.

Lighting (49 CFR § 393.11): Required lamps and reflective devices. In rural DeKalb County at night, missing reflective tape or non-functioning lights create deadly hazards.

49 CFR Part 395: Hours of Service (HOS)

These are the most commonly violated regulations in DeKalb County trucking accidents:

Property-Carrying Drivers:

11-Hour Driving Limit: Cannot drive more than 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off-duty
14-Hour Duty Window: Cannot drive after the 14th consecutive hour after coming on duty (even if you haven’t driven 11 hours yet)
30-Minute Break: Required after 8 cumulative hours of driving
60/70-Hour Weekly Limit: Cannot drive after 60 hours in 7 days or 70 hours in 8 days
34-Hour Restart: Can reset the 60/70-hour clock with 34 consecutive hours off-duty

Electronic Logging Devices (ELD): Since 2017, most trucks must have ELDs recording driving time automatically. This data is gold for proving fatigue violations. It shows exactly when the driver was moving, idling, or resting.

We recently handled a case where ELD data proved a driver had been on duty for 16 hours straight when he crashed on I-35 near Cameron. The trucking company claimed he was “well-rested.” The ELD proved he was breaking federal law.

49 CFR Part 396: Inspection, Repair, and Maintenance

Systematic Maintenance (49 CFR § 396.3): Carriers must systematically inspect, repair, and maintain all vehicles. Deferred maintenance to save money is negligence.

Driver Vehicle Inspection Reports (49 CFR § 396.11): Drivers must prepare post-trip reports identifying defects. If a driver knew brakes were failing but drove anyway, that’s evidence of recklessness.

Pre-Trip Inspections (49 CFR § 396.13): Before driving, drivers must be satisfied the truck is safe. No excuses for “not noticing” bald tires on a DeKalb County winter morning.

The 10 Liable Parties in Your DeKalb County Trucking Case

Most firms only sue the driver and trucking company. We investigate all potentially liable parties because more defendants means more insurance coverage means higher compensation for you.

1. The Truck Driver

Direct negligence includes speeding, distraction, fatigue, impairment, or violation of traffic laws. We examine their driving record, criminal history, and medical certification.

2. The Trucking Company/Motor Carrier

Under respondeat superior, employers are liable for employees’ negligent acts within the scope of employment. Plus, we pursue direct negligence claims for:

Negligent Hiring: Failed to verify CDL or check driving history
Negligent Training: Inadequate safety instruction on winter driving or cargo securement
Negligent Supervision: Ignored pattern of HOS violations or safety complaints
Negligent Maintenance: Deferred brake repairs or tire replacements to save money

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

3. The Cargo Owner/Shipper

If you’re hauling seed corn from DeKalb County to St. Joseph and the load shifts causing a rollover, the entity that loaded the cargo may be liable. Shippers can be responsible for:

Improper loading instructions
Overweight loading
Failing to disclose hazardous nature of cargo
Pressuring carriers to expedite beyond safe limits

4. The Loading Company

Third-party loaders who physically placed cargo on the truck may be liable for improper securement (49 CFR § 393 violations). This is common with agricultural products in DeKalb County.

5. The Truck Manufacturer

Design defects in brake systems, fuel tanks, or stability control can create liability. If the truck had a known defect recalled by the manufacturer, that’s powerful evidence.

6. The Parts Manufacturer

Defective tires, brake components, or steering mechanisms can cause accidents. We investigate whether failed parts had recall histories or manufacturing defects.

7. The Maintenance Company

Third-party mechanics who negligently repaired brakes or certified unsafe vehicles for return to service share liability. We review all work orders and parts invoices.

8. The Freight Broker

Brokers who arrange transportation without verifying carrier safety records or insurance can be liable for negligent selection. We check whether the broker bothered to look at the carrier’s CSA scores before hiring them.

9. The Truck Owner (If Different from Carrier)

In owner-operator situations, the individual who owns the truck may bear separate liability for negligent entrustment or failure to maintain equipment.

10. Government Entities

If dangerous road design or inadequate signage contributed to your DeKalb County accident—such as missing warning signs on icy bridges or poorly designed interstate ramps—the Missouri Department of Transportation or DeKalb County may share liability.

Note: Government claims have special requirements and shorter notice periods. Contact us immediately if you suspect road defects contributed to your crash.

Types of 18-Wheeler Accidents in DeKalb County

Jackknife Accidents

When a truck’s trailer swings perpendicular to the cab, blocking multiple lanes of I-35. Common causes include sudden braking on wet pavement (common during Missouri spring storms) or empty/light load conditions. These often result in multi-vehicle pileups.

Relevant Regulation: 49 CFR § 393.48 (brake system malfunction); 49 CFR § 392.6 (speed for conditions)

Rear-End Collisions

An 80,000-pound truck needs nearly two football fields to stop from 65 mph. When truckers follow too closely on I-35 or fail to slow down for St. Joseph rush hour traffic, catastrophic rear-end collisions occur.

Relevant Regulation: 49 CFR § 392.11 (following too closely); 49 CFR § 392.3 (fatigue)

Underride Accidents

When a smaller vehicle slides under the trailer, often shearing off the passenger compartment. Rear underride guards are required (49 CFR § 393.86), but side guards are not—making side-impact underrides particularly deadly on DeKalb County’s narrow state highways.

Rollover Accidents

Common on DeKalb County’s rural curves and during winter weather. Causes include speeding on curves, unbalanced cargo (agricultural loads shift easily), and top-heavy trailers.

Relevant Regulation: 49 CFR § 393.100 (cargo securement)

Tire Blowouts

Missouri temperature swings and high summer heat on I-35 cause tire failures. When a steer tire blows at 70 mph, even experienced drivers lose control. “Road gators” (tire debris) cause secondary accidents.

Relevant Regulation: 49 CFR § 393.75 (tire tread depth requirements); 49 CFR § 396.13 (pre-trip inspection)

Cargo Spills

DeKalb County’s agricultural economy means trucks hauling grain, seed, and livestock. Improperly secured cargo spills create hazards for miles. Hazmat spills from tankers can poison water supplies and require evacuation.

Wide Turn Accidents (“Squeeze Play”)

When trucks swing wide to turn right from I-35 exit ramps or rural intersections, passenger vehicles get caught between the truck and curb. These crushing injuries are often fatal.

Brake Failure Accidents

brake problems contribute to 29% of truck crashes. On DeKalb County’s rolling hills, brake fade from overheating or deferred maintenance causes runaway trucks.

Relevant Regulation: 49 CFR § 396.3 (systematic maintenance); 49 CFR § 393.40 (brake requirements)

Head-On Collisions

When fatigued truckers drift across the center line on MO-6 or US-36, or when they overcorrect and skid into oncoming traffic. These have the highest fatality rates.

Relevant Regulation: 49 CFR § 395 (hours of service violations causing fatigue)

Catastrophic Injuries: The Human Cost

We don’t use the word “catastrophic” lightly. When an 80,000-pound truck hits a 4,000-pound car, the physics are brutal. The force is approximately 20-25 times greater than a car-on-car collision.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

The violent jolt of a trucking accident causes the brain to impact the inside of the skull. Even “mild” concussions can result in permanent cognitive deficits.

Symptoms: Headaches, memory loss, confusion, mood changes, sleep disturbances
Lifetime Cost: $85,000 to $3,000,000+
Settlement Range: $1.5M–$9.8M (based on our case results)

Spinal Cord Injuries

Damage to the spinal cord can result in paraplegia or quadriplegia. Victims face lifetime wheelchairs, home modifications, and 24/7 care.

Lifetime Cost: $1.1M–$5M+ depending on injury level
Recovery: Often permanent; rehabilitation focuses on maximizing independence

Amputations

Crushing forces or severe infections following the accident may require limb removal.

Prosthetics: $5,000–$50,000+ per device, requiring replacement every few years
Settlement Range: $1.9M–$8.6M

Wrongful Death

When a DeKalb County trucking accident takes a loved one, Missouri law allows surviving spouses, children, and parents to recover damages for:

Lost future income
Loss of consortium (companionship, guidance, support)
Mental anguish
Funeral expenses
Settlement Range: $1.9M–$9.5M

As Kiimarii Yup, one of our clients, 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.”

That’s what we fight for—helping you rebuild after the unthinkable.

The 48-Hour Evidence Preservation Protocol

Trucking companies have playbooks for accidents. Within hours of a crash on I-35 or a rural DeKalb County road, they deploy rapid-response teams to:

Download black box data selectively
“Repair” vehicles (destroying evidence)
Interview witnesses with company lawyers present
Coach drivers on what to say to police

You need to move faster.

When you call 1-888-ATTY-911, we immediately send spoliation letters to:

The trucking company
Their insurance carrier
Any maintenance facilities
The driver personally

These letters legally obligate them to preserve:

ECM/Black box data (speed, braking, throttle position)
ELD logs (hours of service)
Driver Qualification Files (background checks, medical certs)
Maintenance records for the past year
Dispatch communications
Dashcam footage
GPS tracking data

Critical Timeline:

0-24 hours: Send preservation letters
30 days: ECM data may be overwritten
6 months: ELD data may be deleted per FMCSA minimums
1 year: Maintenance records can be purged

Don’t let them destroy the evidence that proves your case. Call now: 1-888-ATTY-911.

Missouri Trucking Insurance Requirements

Federal law mandates commercial trucking insurance minimums:

Non-hazardous freight: $750,000
Oil/petroleum: $1,000,000
Hazardous materials: $5,000,000

Many carriers carry $1–5 million in coverage. But accessing these funds requires knowing how to navigate federal trucking law—something Ralph Manginello has been doing for 25 years.

Types of Damages Available

Economic Damages (calculable losses):

Medical bills (past and future)
Lost wages and lost earning capacity
Property damage
Home/vehicle modifications for disabilities
Cost of replacement services

Non-Economic Damages (quality of life):

Pain and suffering
Mental anguish
Loss of enjoyment of life
Disfigurement
Loss of consortium

Punitive Damages (punishment for gross negligence):
Available in Missouri when the trucking company acted with reckless disregard for safety—such as knowingly hiring a driver with multiple DUIs or falsifying maintenance records to save money. There is no cap on punitive damages in Missouri.

Frequently Asked Questions: DeKalb County Trucking Accidents

Q: How long do I have to file a lawsuit after a trucking accident in DeKalb County?
A: Missouri gives you 5 years from the accident date for personal injury claims, and 3 years for wrongful death. However, waiting is dangerous. Critical evidence disappears within weeks. Contact us immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911.

Q: Who can be sued besides the truck driver?
A: Potentially the trucking company, cargo owner, loading company, truck manufacturer, parts maker, maintenance company, freight broker, and even government entities if road design contributed. We investigate all avenues.

Q: What if I was partially at fault for the accident?
A: Missouri uses pure comparative fault. You can recover damages even if you were partially at fault, though your percentage of fault reduces your award. Never assume you’re at fault without consulting us—the trucking company may have violated FMCSA regulations regardless of your actions.

Q: What is a black box, and why does it matter?
A: The Electronic Control Module (ECM) records speed, braking, throttle, and fault codes. Event Data Recorders (EDR) capture crash data. This objective evidence often contradicts what the truck driver claims happened.

Q: How much is my DeKalb County trucking case worth?
A: Values depend on injury severity, medical costs, lost income, insurance coverage, and the degree of negligence. With trucking companies carrying $750K–$5M+ in insurance, catastrophic injury cases often settle for high six to seven figures. We’ve recovered millions for clients with TBIs, amputations, and wrongful death claims.

Q: Will my case go to trial?
A: Most settle, but we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial. Insurance companies offer better settlements when they know your attorney will actually litigate. With 25+ years of experience and federal court admission, Ralph Manginello has the credentials to take your case as far as needed.

Q: How much does it cost to hire Attorney911?
A: Nothing upfront. We work on contingency—33.33% if settled before trial, 40% if trial is necessary. We advance all costs. You pay nothing unless we win. As Donald Wilcox discovered when other firms rejected his case: we find a way.

Q: Do you handle cases in Spanish?
A: Yes. Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish and provides direct representation without interpreters. Hablamos Español. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911.

Q: What if the trucking company is from out of state?
A: Many crashes on I-35 involve carriers from Minnesota, Texas, or Kansas. We handle interstate trucking cases regularly. Ralph Manginello is admitted to federal court, allowing us to pursue claims across state lines and in federal court when necessary.

Q: How quickly can you get started on my case?
A: Immediately. We answer calls 24/7. Within 24 hours of being retained, we send preservation letters to lock down evidence. Ernest Cano described our approach: “Mr. Manginello and his firm are first class. Will fight tooth and nail for you.”

You Don’t Have to Face This Alone

The trucking company has lawyers. Their insurance company has adjusters. They have teams of people working right now to minimize what they pay you.

You need someone in your corner with equal firepower—and a personal commitment to your family.

Ralph Manginello has spent over 25 years fighting for people just like you. From the BP Texas City explosion to the $10 million University of hazing case currently in litigation, he has the experience to handle complex, high-stakes litigation. Lupe Peña brings insider knowledge of insurance defense tactics. Together, they form a team that trucking companies fear.

But more than credentials, we bring compassion. As Chad Harris said: “You are FAMILY to them.”

If you or a loved one was injured in an 18-wheeler accident in DeKalb County—whether on I-35 near Weatherby, US-36 near Maysville, or any rural road in between—call us now.

Attorney911
1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
24/7 Emergency Legal Help

Hablamos Español. Free consultations. No fee unless you win.

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