18-Wheeler & Commercial Truck Accidents in Dickinson County, Michigan

When Winter Roads and 80,000 Pounds Collide, You Need a Fighter

The snow was coming down hard on US-2 outside Iron Mountain. You were driving carefully—probably too carefully for the truck driver behind you who’d been on the road for 13 straight hours. One moment you’re watching the white pines pass by; the next, an 80,000-pound semi is jackknifing across your lane on an icy stretch near the Menominee River. In Dickinson County, winter doesn’t just bring skiers and snowmobilers—it brings treacherous trucking conditions that change lives in an instant.

If you’re reading this from a hospital bed in Dickinson County, or if you’re trying to figure out how to pay the bills after a truck accident on M-69 or US-141, you’re not alone. Every year, commercial trucks carrying timber, paper products, and freight through Michigan’s Upper Peninsula cause catastrophic accidents on narrow, winding roads that weren’t designed for massive 18-wheelers. The physics are brutal—when a fully loaded truck hits a passenger vehicle, the car’s occupants absorb nearly all the damage.

We’ve spent over 25 years fighting for trucking accident victims, including families right here in Dickinson County. Ralph Manginello, our managing partner, has been admitted to federal court and has gone toe-to-toe with Fortune 500 companies like BP. We know how to hold trucking companies accountable when their drivers put Dickinson County families at risk. And we know that in Dickinson County’s brutal winters, evidence disappears fast—black box data can be overwritten, tire tracks get covered by snow, and trucking companies send lawyers to protect themselves before you’ve even called your family.

That’s why we’re available 24/7 at 1-888-ATTY-911. Because in Dickinson County, where the nearest trauma center might be hours away and winter storms can close the roads for days, you need an attorney who moves fast and knows how to win.

Why Dickinson County 18-Wheeler Accidents Are Different

Dickinson County sits in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, where US-2 serves as the main east-west corridor connecting Iron Mountain to Escanaba and the Wisconsin border. US-141 runs north-south through the county, carrying timber and paper products from the forests surrounding Norway and Vulcan down to Green Bay. These aren’t wide Texas interstates—they’re two-lane highways with sharp curves, steep grades, and winter conditions that last five months a year.

When a truck driver loses control on black ice near the Pine Mountain Ski Jump, or when a logging truck’s brakes fail descending the hills near Felch, the results are catastrophic. We’ve handled cases where Dickinson County families were devastated by:

• Jackknife accidents on icy US-2 caused by drivers who didn’t respect the 11-hour federal driving limit
• Rollovers on M-69 where improperly secured paper mill cargo shifted on curves
• Underride collisions on dark stretches of US-141 where trucks stopped without adequate reflective warning
• Brake failure accidents caused by maintenance companies that skipped inspections to save money

The trucking companies that operate in Dickinson County often treat these rural routes as shortcuts to avoid the interstate, sending inexperienced drivers through terrain they’re not trained to handle. When they cause accidents, they count on Dickinson County families not knowing their rights or the federal regulations designed to keep them safe.

The Brutal Physics of Trucking Accidents in Dickinson County

Your Ford F-150 or Honda Accord weighs about 4,000 pounds. A fully loaded 18-wheeler weighs 80,000 pounds—twenty times heavier. When that much mass hits you at 55 mph on a Dickinson County highway, the force is devastating.

Stopping distance tells the story. On dry pavement at 55 mph, a car needs about 193 feet to stop. A loaded truck needs 335 feet—almost the length of a football field. On Dickinson County’s icy winter roads, those distances double or triple. When a truck driver following too closely hits black ice near the Michigan-Wisconsin border, there’s no stopping in time.

These aren’t fender-benders. We see:

• Traumatic brain injuries from roof crush when trucks roll over
• Spinal cord damage from underride collisions where cars slide under trailers
• Amputations from crushing injuries when shifting timber or steel coils fall from flatbeds
• Severe burns from fuel tank ruptures on the remote stretches of US-2
• Wrongful death when head-on collisions occur on narrow two-lane highways

Our firm has recovered multi-million dollar settlements for brain injury victims—ranging from $1.5 million to $9.8 million—and wrongful death settlements between $1.9 million and $9.5 million. But money doesn’t erase the trauma. That’s why we fight so hard to hold every responsible party accountable when trucking companies put Dickinson County drivers at risk.

Types of 18-Wheeler Accidents We Handle in Dickinson County

Jackknife Accidents on Icy Highways

A jackknife happens when the truck’s trailer swings out perpendicular to the cab, creating a deadly obstruction across the entire roadway. In Dickinson County’s winter, these are terrifyingly common.

Picture this: A trucker coming down the hill toward Iron Mountain hits a patch of black ice. He slams the brakes, the trailer swings left, and suddenly 53 feet of steel is blocking both lanes of US-2. Cars coming around the curve have nowhere to go.

These accidents often involve 49 CFR § 393.48 (brake system violations) and 49 CFR § 392.6 (speeding for conditions). Trucking companies are required to train drivers on how to handle winter conditions—when not to brake, how to use engine retarders, and when to pull over. When they don’t, and a Dickinson County family pays the price, we hold them accountable.

Rollover Accidents on Curves

Dickinson County’s highways wind through forests and hills. When a truck driver takes a curve too fast—especially with improperly secured cargo—the high center of gravity causes the trailer to tip.

We’ve seen rollovers on M-69 near Sagola where paper mill rolls broke loose, causing the truck to overturn onto passenger vehicles. These cases involve 49 CFR § 393.100-136 (cargo securement violations). Federal law requires cargo to be secured to withstand forces of 0.8g deceleration forward and 0.5g laterally. When loading companies in Escanaba or Green Bay don’t follow these rules, Dickinson County drivers die.

Underride Collisions on Dark Rural Roads

US-141 and US-2 run through some of the darkest, most remote areas of the Upper Peninsula. When a truck stops or slows without proper lighting—or when a truck makes a sudden stop on a hill—passenger vehicles can slide underneath the trailer.

The results are almost always fatal or involve catastrophic head injuries. Federal law (49 CFR § 393.86) requires rear impact guards, but many trucks have inadequate guards or worn reflective tape. In Dickinson County’s winter darkness, these failures are deadly.

Rear-End Collisions from Following Too Closely

Truck drivers on tight schedules sometimes tailgate on US-2, trying to make up time between Escanaba and Iron Mountain. When traffic slows for a deer crossing or a snowplow, they can’t stop in time.

49 CFR § 392.11 prohibits following too closely. We use ECM data (the truck’s black box) to prove the driver was tailgating. This electronic evidence shows exact speed, brake application timing, and following distance—data that doesn’t lie even when the driver does.

Blind Spot Accidents on Two-Lane Highways

18-wheelers have massive blind spots—20 feet in front, 30 feet behind, and one lane over on the driver’s side. The right-side blind spot is even larger. When truck drivers change lanes on narrow stretches of US-141 without checking these “No-Zones,” they sideswipe vehicles or force them off the road.

Federal regulations (49 CFR § 393.80) require proper mirrors. We investigate whether the mirrors were adjusted, whether the driver checked them, and whether the trucking company trained the driver on blind spot awareness.

Tire Blowouts and Equipment Failures

Dickinson County’s roads can be rough—frost heaves, potholes, and gravel shoulders. When trucking companies defer maintenance to save money, tires blow out, brakes fail, and wheels separate.

49 CFR § 396.3 requires systematic inspection and maintenance. We subpoena maintenance records from facilities in Iron Mountain, Kingsford, and Green Bay to prove the company knew about dangerous conditions and sent the truck out anyway.

Runaway Truck Accidents

The hills approaching Iron Mountain from the east have steep grades. When brakes overheat or fail on long descents, trucks become unstoppable missiles. Federal law requires truck drivers to use runaway truck ramps and to check brake temperatures. When they don’t, catastrophic accidents happen at intersections near Norway or Vulcan.

Catastrophic Injuries Change Everything

When an 80,000-pound truck hits a passenger vehicle in Dickinson County, the injuries aren’t minor. We’re talking about life-altering trauma that requires years of treatment, if not lifelong care.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

The force of a truck impact often causes the brain to strike the inside of the skull, resulting in concussions or severe TBI. Symptoms might not appear immediately—you might feel fine at the scene near Felch, then develop headaches, confusion, or personality changes days later.

Moderate to severe TBI cases often settle for between $1.5 million and $9.8 million, depending on long-term care needs. We’ve handled these cases and know they require immediate neurological evaluation at facilities like Aspirus Dickinson County Hospital or transport to Marquette for advanced imaging.

Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis

The crushing weight of truck rollovers or underride collisions frequently causes spinal damage. Paraplegia (loss of use of legs) or quadriplegia (loss of use of all four limbs) requires:

• Emergency surgery
• Months of rehabilitation
• Home modifications (wheelchair ramps, accessible bathrooms)
• Ongoing medical care costing $1.1 million to $5 million over a lifetime

Our firm has secured spinal cord injury settlements ranging from $4.7 million to $25.8 million to cover these lifelong costs.

Amputations

Crushing injuries from jackknifed trailers or shifting cargo sometimes require amputation at the scene or later due to complications. We’ve recovered between $1.9 million and $8.6 million for amputation victims, covering prosthetics, rehabilitation, and lost earning capacity.

Severe Burns

Fuel tank ruptures on Dickinson County’s highways can cause vehicle fires resulting in third or fourth-degree burns. These require skin grafts, multiple surgeries, and treatment at specialized burn centers—often requiring transport from the Upper Peninsula down to Milwaukee or Ann Arbor.

Wrongful Death

When trucking accidents kill Dickinson County residents—fathers on their way to the paper mill, mothers driving children to school in Norway, grandparents visiting family in Kingsford—the family deserves justice.

Under Michigan law, wrongful death claims must be filed within 3 years (Michigan’s statute of limitations for wrongful death). Damages include:

• Lost income and benefits
• Loss of companionship
• Funeral expenses
• Mental anguish

Our firm has recovered wrongful death settlements between $1.9 million and $9.5 million for families devastated by negligent trucking companies.

Ten Parties Who May Be Liable for Your Dickinson County Truck Accident

Most people think they can only sue the truck driver. They’re wrong. When we investigate Dickinson County trucking accidents, we look at every party who contributed to the crash:

1. The Truck Driver

For speeding, distracted driving (cell phone use violates 49 CFR § 392.82), driving while fatigued, or operating under the influence. We subpoena ELD data (Electronic Logging Devices) to prove hours of service violations (49 CFR Part 395).

2. The Trucking Company (Motor Carrier)

Under “respondeat superior,” employers are responsible for their employees’ negligence. Plus, we pursue direct negligence claims for:

• Negligent hiring: Hiring drivers with bad records
• Negligent training: Failing to train for winter conditions
• Negligent supervision: Ignoring ELD violations
• Negligent maintenance: Skipping brake inspections

Federal law requires trucking companies to maintain Driver Qualification Files (49 CFR § 391.51) including background checks, medical certifications, and drug tests. When these files are missing or falsified, the company is liable.

3. Cargo Owners and Shippers

When timber companies in Dickinson County or paper mills in Escanaba overload trucks or fail to disclose hazardous cargo, they share liability. We review bills of lading and loading instructions from facilities throughout the Upper Peninsula.

4. Loading Companies

Third-party loaders at mills and warehouses often fail to follow 49 CFR § 393.100-136 cargo securement rules. When paper rolls or logging equipment shifts during transport, causing rollovers on M-69, the loading company is responsible.

5. Truck and Parts Manufacturers

Defective brakes, faulty tires, or steering malfunctions cause accidents even when the driver does everything right. We preserve failed components for expert analysis and check for recalls affecting trucks operating in Dickinson County.

6. Maintenance Companies

Shops in Iron Mountain, Kingsford, or Green Bay that perform negligent repairs—failing to properly adjust brakes, ignoring worn tires, or using substandard parts—can be held liable when their work causes accidents.

7. Freight Brokers

Brokers who arrange transportation through Dickinson County must verify carrier safety records. When they hire carriers with poor CSA (Compliance, Safety, Accountability) scores just because they’re cheap, they put you at risk.

8. Truck Owners (Owner-Operators)

In owner-operator arrangements, the individual who owns the truck may have separate liability for negligent entrustment or maintenance failures.

9. Government Entities

Michigan’s Department of Transportation (MDOT) or Dickinson County road commissions may be liable for:

• Dangerous road design
• Failure to maintain adequate signage on steep grades
• Improper snow removal
• Inadequate warning for sharp curves

Note: Claims against government entities in Michigan have special notice requirements—often requiring written notice within 120 days. Don’t wait to call us.

Federal Regulations That Protect Dickinson County Drivers

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulates all commercial trucks operating in Dickinson County under Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations. When trucking companies violate these rules, they prove their own negligence.

Hours of Service (49 CFR Part 395)

Truck drivers cannot drive more than 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty. They cannot be on duty beyond the 14th consecutive hour after coming on duty. They must take a 30-minute break after 8 hours of driving.

In Dickinson County, where truckers might be tempted to push through fatigue to reach Escanaba before lodgings fill up, these violations cause accidents. We download ELD data to prove violations.

Driver Qualification (49 CFR Part 391)

Drivers must:

• Be at least 21 years old for interstate commerce
• Pass medical exams every 2 years (or more frequently if conditions exist)
• Hold valid Commercial Driver’s Licenses (CDL)
• Pass drug and alcohol testing (49 CFR Part 382)

We subpoena Driver Qualification Files to check for falsified medical certificates or ignored drug test failures.

Vehicle Maintenance (49 CFR Part 396)

Trucking companies must systematically inspect, repair, and maintain vehicles. Daily pre-trip and post-trip inspections are mandatory (49 CFR § 396.11). When companies skip these to save money, brake failures and tire blowouts happen on Dickinson County’s hills.

Cargo Securement (49 CFR § 393.100-136)

Cargo must withstand forces of 0.8g deceleration forward and 0.5g laterally. When loading companies in the Upper Peninsula use insufficient tiedowns for heavy paper or timber loads, they create rollover hazards on curves.

Drug and Alcohol Testing (49 CFR § 392.4-5)

Drivers cannot use alcohol within 4 hours of driving or be under the influence (0.04% BAC for commercial drivers—half the limit for regular drivers). Post-accident drug testing is required within 32 hours for controlled substances and 8 hours for alcohol.

The 48-Hour Rule: Evidence Disappears Fast

Here’s what trucking companies don’t want Dickinson County families to know: critical evidence starts disappearing immediately after an accident.

Black box data (ECM/EDR) records speed, braking, and engine performance in the moments before a crash. It can be overwritten in 30 days or lost when the truck is moved or repaired.

ELD data (Electronic Logging Devices) that prove hours of service violations are only required to be kept for 6 months under federal law.

Dashcam footage is often deleted within days.

Witness memories fade within weeks, especially after traumatic events on remote stretches of US-141.

That’s why we send spoliation letters within 24 hours of being retained. These legal notices put the trucking company on notice that they must preserve:

• ECM/Black box data
• ELD logs
• Driver Qualification Files
• Maintenance records
• Dispatch records
• Cell phone records
• The physical truck and trailer

If they destroy evidence after receiving our letter, courts can impose sanctions, adverse inference instructions (telling the jury to assume the destroyed evidence was harmful to the trucking company), or even default judgment.

Michigan Law: What Dickinson County Residents Need to Know

Statute of Limitations

In Michigan, you have 3 years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit (Michigan Compiled Laws § 600.5805). For wrongful death claims, you also have 3 years from the date of death.

But you should never wait that long. Evidence disappears, witnesses move away from Dickinson County, and trucking companies build their defenses. Call us immediately.

Comparative Negligence

Michigan follows a modified comparative negligence rule with a 51% bar. This means:

• If you are 50% or less at fault, you can recover damages reduced by your percentage of fault
• If you are 51% or more at fault, you recover nothing

Trucking companies and their insurance adjusters will try to blame you—the weather, the road conditions, your speed. We fight back with data from the black box and ELD records to prove the truck driver was primarily responsible.

Michigan’s No-Fault Insurance

Michigan has a unique no-fault auto insurance system. Your own insurance company pays certain benefits (Personal Injury Protection or PIP) regardless of who caused the accident. However, for catastrophic injuries caused by trucks, you can step outside the no-fault system and sue the trucking company for damages including pain and suffering if you meet certain injury thresholds (serious impairment of body function, permanent serious disfigurement, or death).

Punitive Damages

While Michigan generally does not allow punitive damages for ordinary negligence, they may be available in trucking cases involving gross negligence or reckless disregard for safety—such as knowingly hiring a driver with multiple DUIs, falsifying logs to hide hours of service violations, or sending out trucks with known brake defects.

Why Dickinson County Chooses Attorney911

Ralph Manginello: 25+ Years Fighting for Victims

Since 1998, Ralph Manginello has been fighting for injury victims. He’s admitted to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas and has litigated against the world’s largest corporations, including BP in the Texas City Refinery explosion litigation that resulted in over $2.1 billion in total industry settlements.

He’s recovered multi-million dollar settlements for families:

• $5+ million for a traumatic brain injury victim struck by a falling log
• $3.8+ million for a car accident victim who suffered amputation due to medical complications
• $2.5+ million for truck crash victims
• $2+ million for a maritime worker with a back injury

Right now, he’s litigating a $10 million lawsuit against the University of Houston and Pi Kappa Phi fraternity for hazing injuries, demonstrating our firm’s willingness to take on powerful institutions.

Lupe Peña: The Insurance Defense Advantage

Our firm includes associate attorney Lupe Peña, who spent years working as an insurance defense attorney before joining Attorney911. He knows exactly how trucking insurance companies evaluate claims, minimize payouts, and train adjusters to deny legitimate claims.

Now he uses that insider knowledge against them. 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 how we treat Dickinson County clients—like family, not case numbers.

We Take Cases Other Firms Reject

Donald Wilcox came to us after another firm refused his case. We took it and secured a handsome settlement. Glenda Walker told us, “They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.”

We don’t run from difficult cases. We run toward them.

Federal Court Experience Matters

Many Dickinson County truck accidents involve interstate commerce—trucks traveling between Wisconsin and Michigan, or crossing state lines on US-2 into Escanaba. These cases can be filed in federal court. Ralph Manginello’s federal court admission gives us an advantage over local attorneys who only practice in state court.

24/7 Availability and Spanish Language Services

We know accidents don’t happen during business hours. That’s why we’re available 24/7 at 1-888-ATTY-911.

For Dickinson County’s Spanish-speaking community—whether you’re a seasonal worker at the resorts, a mill worker, or a truck driver yourself—we offer fluent Spanish representation through Lupe Peña and our bilingual staff. Hablamos Español. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911.

No Fee Unless We Win

We work on a contingency fee basis:

• 33.33% if settled before trial
• 40% if a trial is required

You pay nothing upfront. We advance all investigation costs. If we don’t recover money for you, you owe us nothing.

Frequently Asked Questions for Dickinson County Truck Accident Victims

How long do I have to file a lawsuit after a truck accident in Dickinson County?

Three years from the date of the accident under Michigan law. But evidence starts disappearing within days. Call us immediately.

What should I do immediately after a truck accident on US-2 or US-141?

Call 911. Get medical attention at Aspirus Dickinson County Hospital or have them transport you to Marquette if injuries are severe. Take photos of the truck, your vehicle, and the scene. Get the truck driver’s CDL number and company information. Do not give a recorded statement to the trucking company’s insurance. Call us at 1-888-ATTY-911.

Who can be sued besides the truck driver?

The trucking company, cargo owner, loading company, maintenance shop, parts manufacturer, and freight broker may all share liability. We investigate thoroughly to find every responsible party.

What if the trucking company is from out of state?

That doesn’t matter. If they operate in Michigan and cause an accident in Dickinson County, they can be sued here. Our federal court experience means we can handle interstate cases.

How much is my case worth?

It depends on injury severity, medical costs, lost wages, and available insurance. Trucking companies carry $750,000 to $5 million in coverage. We’ve recovered settlements ranging from hundreds of thousands to millions for catastrophic injuries.

What if I was partially at fault for the accident on that icy Dickinson County road?

Under Michigan’s comparative negligence law, you can still recover if you were 50% or less at fault. Your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault. Don’t let the trucking company blame you without a fight.

Will my case go to trial?

Most settle, but we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial. That preparation pressure often forces better settlement offers. We’re not afraid to take Dickinson County cases to jury verdict if that’s what justice requires.

How do I pay for medical treatment while my case is pending?

We can help you find doctors who treat on a Letter of Protection (they get paid when your case settles). Your auto insurance PIP coverage may also provide initial medical benefits.

What if the truck driver was an independent contractor?

The trucking company may still be liable under respondeat superior, or for negligent hiring/entrustment. We investigate the relationship between driver and company.

How quickly can you get the truck’s black box data?

We send preservation letters within 24 hours of being retained. The sooner you call, the better chance we have of capturing that critical ECM data before it’s overwritten.

If You’ve Been Hit by an 18-Wheeler in Dickinson County, Call Now

The trucking company that hit you has already called their lawyers. Their insurance adjuster is already looking for ways to pay you less than you deserve. They’re hoping you don’t know about the 11-hour driving rule, the cargo securement regulations, or the black box data that proves their driver was speeding on that icy curve near Iron Mountain.

You need someone who knows these regulations inside and out. Someone who’s been doing this for 25 years. Someone who’s not afraid to take on the big trucking companies and their insurers.

Ralph Manginello and the team at Attorney911 are ready to fight for you. We’ve recovered over $50 million for clients. We have a 4.9-star rating from 251+ Google reviews. And we treat every client like family—not a case number.

Call 1-888-ATTY-911 right now. We’re available 24/7. There’s no cost for a consultation, and you pay nothing unless we win your case. Whether you’re in Iron Mountain, Norway, Kingsford, or anywhere in Dickinson County, we’re here to help.

Don’t let the trucking company win. Don’t settle for less than you deserve. And don’t wait until the evidence is gone.

1-888-ATTY-911. Call now.

Attorney911 serves Dickinson County, including Iron Mountain, Norway, Kingsford, Vulcan, and all surrounding areas. We handle 18-wheeler accidents, commercial vehicle crashes, and catastrophic injury cases throughout Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and nationwide.