18-Wheeler Accident Lawyers in Dodge County, Minnesota

When 80,000 Pounds Changes Your Life, We Fight Back

The ice on I-90 outside Dodge County doesn’t care about your morning commute. When an 18-wheeler loses traction on a January morning, jackknifing across three lanes of traffic, you don’t get a warning. You get impact. Steel crushing metal. The screech of brakes that came too late. And in that split second, everything changes.

If you’re reading this, you already know that feeling. Maybe it happened on Highway 14 near Dodge Center, or on I-35 heading toward the Twin Cities. Maybe it was a rear-end collision on a foggy morning near Byron, or a rollover that shut down traffic for hours. However it happened, you’re now facing medical bills that rival mortgage payments, injuries that won’t heal in weeks, and a trucking company’s insurance adjuster who keeps calling while you try to recover.

We get it. And we’re here to help.

At Attorney911, we’ve spent over 25 years fighting for trucking accident victims across Minnesota and beyond. Ralph Manginello, our managing partner, has been holding trucking companies accountable since 1998. We’ve recovered multi-million dollar settlements for families just like yours—$5 million for a traumatic brain injury victim, $3.8 million for a client who lost a limb after a crash. We’re not a billboard firm that treats you like a case number. As client Chad Harris told us, “You are FAMILY to them.” And when you’re up against an 80,000-pound truck and a billion-dollar insurance company, you need a family that fights.

Call us now at 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911). The clock started ticking the moment that truck hit you.

Why Dodge County Trucking Accidents Are Different

Dodge County, Minnesota sits at the crossroads of some of the busiest freight corridors in the Upper Midwest. I-90 cuts through the southern part of the county, connecting Chicago to Seattle, carrying thousands of trucks daily. Highway 14 runs through the heart of Dodge County, linking Rochester to the west and the Twin Cities to the north. US-52 serves as a vital north-south artery for agricultural freight heading to and from the grain elevators and processing plants that dot this rural landscape.

But here’s what makes Dodge County unique—and dangerous—for trucking accidents: winter.

From November through April, Dodge County highways become treacherous. Temperatures drop to -20°F or lower. Black ice forms without warning on I-90 and I-35. Blizzards reduce visibility to zero. And truck drivers facing pressure to meet delivery deadlines often push through conditions they shouldn’t.

We know these roads. We know how C.H. Robinson—the world’s largest freight broker headquartered just up the road in Eden Prairie—coordinates thousands of trucks through Dodge County daily. We know the agricultural hauling operations moving grain from farms to the Port of Duluth-Superior. We know that when a trucker loses control on an icy curve near Kasson or Mantorville, the results are catastrophic.

Ralph Manginello has handled cases across Minnesota, from the frozen interstates of Dodge County to the industrial corridors of the Twin Cities. Our firm understands that a trucking accident here isn’t just about the crash—it’s about Minnesota’s modified comparative negligence laws, it’s about the 2-year statute of limitations that starts ticking the day you get hurt, and it’s about holding companies accountable when they put profit over safety.

The Physics of Destruction: Why 18-Wheeler Accidents Devastate

Let’s be clear about what you’re facing. A fully loaded semi-truck weighs up to 80,000 pounds—twenty times the weight of your average sedan. When that much mass hits a passenger vehicle at highway speeds, the physics are brutal.

An 18-wheeler traveling at 65 mph needs approximately 525 feet to stop—that’s nearly two football fields. On ice-covered I-90 through Dodge County, that stopping distance can double. Truck drivers who follow too closely, drive while fatigued, or fail to adjust for weather conditions create deadly scenarios for Minnesota families.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) reports over 5,000 trucking-related fatalities annually across the United States, with 125,000+ injuries. In Minnesota, winter weather compounds these risks. When truckers violate federal hours-of-service regulations—driving beyond the 11-hour limit mandated by 49 CFR § 395.8—they’re not just breaking the law. They’re putting your family at risk.

We’ve seen what happens when trucking companies cut corners. Brake failures on steep grades. Cargo shifts on slippery curves. Driver fatigue on long hauls from Chicago to Fargo. And we know how to prove it.

Types of 18-Wheeler Accidents We Handle in Dodge County

Jackknife Accidents on Icy Roads

A jackknife occurs when the truck cab and trailer skid at different angles, forming a dangerous V-shape that sweeps across lanes. In Dodge County, these accidents spike during winter storms when drivers brake suddenly on ice.

FMCSA regulations require drivers to adjust speed for conditions under 49 CFR § 392.14. When a trucker fails to slow down on black ice along Highway 14, and the trailer swings around crushing your vehicle, that’s not just an accident—it’s negligence. We subpoena the ECM (electronic control module) data to prove exactly how fast that truck was going when the driver hit the brakes.

Underride Collisions: The Silent Killer

Among the most horrific accidents on Minnesota highways, underride collisions occur when a passenger vehicle slides beneath the trailer of an 18-wheeler. The trailer height often shears off the top of the car at windshield level. These accidents are frequently fatal.

Federal law requires rear impact guards under 49 CFR § 393.86, but many trailers have inadequate or damaged guards. Side underride guards aren’t federally mandated at all. When a truck makes an illegal lane change on I-35 near Dodge County and your vehicle slides underneath, the results are catastrophic. We’ve recovered millions for families who’ve lost loved ones to these preventable tragedies.

Rollovers on Curves and Ramps

Dodge County’s Highway 14 and I-90 have curves that become deadly when combined with high winds and top-heavy cargo. A rollover occurs when centrifugal force overcomes the truck’s stability—often because the driver took a ramp too fast or the cargo wasn’t properly secured per 49 CFR § 393.100-136.

These accidents frequently cause multi-vehicle pileups and fuel fires. We investigate whether the trucking company properly trained the driver on rollover prevention and whether they overloaded the trailer beyond safe limits.

Rear-End Collisions: The Stopping Distance Problem

Truck drivers who follow too closely create deadly scenarios on Dodge County highways. Under 49 CFR § 392.11, drivers must maintain a “reasonable and prudent” following distance. But on icy I-90, even a proper following distance might not be enough.

When a distracted or fatigued trucker plows into stopped traffic near Byron, the injuries are severe: whiplash, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord damage. We analyze the ECM data to prove the trucker didn’t brake until it was too late.

Wide Turn Accidents in Rural Intersections

Dodge County’s rural intersections—like those near Westfield or Blooming Prairie—weren’t designed for 80-foot tractor-trailers. When truckers swing wide to make right turns, they often crush vehicles in adjacent lanes or strike pedestrians.

These “squeeze play” accidents often result from inadequate mirror checks or failure to signal properly. We hold drivers accountable for violating 49 CFR § 393.80, which requires proper mirror adjustment to see vehicles in blind spots.

Tire Blowouts and Maintenance Failures

Extreme cold causes tire pressure fluctuations. Underinflated tires overheat and blow out, creating “road gators”—tire debris that causes secondary accidents. FMCSA requires minimum tread depth of 4/32” on steer tires under 49 CFR § 393.75.

When a trucking company defers maintenance to save money, and a tire blows on a loaded grain truck crossing Dodge County, we subpoena the maintenance records to prove systemic neglect.

Federal Regulations That Protect You (And How Truckers Break Them)

Every commercial truck on Dodge County highways must comply with strict federal safety regulations under 49 CFR Parts 390-399. When truckers violate these rules, they create liability that strengthens your case.

Hours of Service Violations (49 CFR Part 395)

Federal law limits truck drivers to:

• 11 hours maximum driving after 10 consecutive hours off duty
• 14-hour duty window (cannot drive beyond the 14th hour)
• 30-minute break after 8 cumulative hours of driving
• 60/70-hour weekly limits

Since December 2017, Electronic Logging Devices (ELD) automatically track these hours. We download this data to prove if the driver was fatigued—one of the leading causes of trucking accidents. In Minnesota’s winter darkness, a drowsy driver on I-35 is a deadly weapon.

Driver Qualification Standards (49 CFR Part 391)

Trucking companies must maintain Driver Qualification (DQ) Files containing:

• Employment applications and background checks
• Medical certifications (required every 2 years)
• Drug and alcohol test results
• Previous employer verification

When we find a trucking company hired a driver with a suspended CDL or failed to conduct proper background checks, we pursue negligent hiring claims that can increase your recovery significantly.

Vehicle Safety Standards (49 CFR Part 393)

This section mandates:

• Proper cargo securement (working load limits, tiedown requirements)
• Brake system maintenance
• Lighting and reflector requirements
• Underride guard specifications

We recently handled a case where a trucking company failed to properly secure a load of steel coils. When the cargo shifted on a curve near Dodge Center, the trailer overturned. The company had violated 49 CFR § 393.102, which requires cargo securement systems to withstand specific force thresholds.

Inspection and Maintenance (49 CFR Part 396)

Trucking companies must systematically inspect, repair, and maintain their fleets. Drivers must conduct pre-trip inspections and file post-trip reports documenting any defects.

When brake failures cause accidents on Dodge County’s steep grades, we demand the maintenance records. Deferred maintenance—putting off brake repairs to save money—constitutes direct negligence by the trucking company.

All the Parties Who May Owe You Money

Unlike car accidents where usually only one driver is at fault, 18-wheeler accidents involve multiple potentially liable parties. We investigate every angle to maximize your recovery.

1. The Truck Driver

Direct negligence includes speeding, distracted driving (cell phone use prohibited under 49 CFR § 392.82), fatigued driving, and impairment. We subpoena cell phone records, drug test results, and driving history.

2. The Trucking Company (Motor Carrier)

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

• Negligent hiring (failure to check background)
• Negligent training (inadequate winter driving instruction)
• Negligent supervision (ignoring ELD violations)
• Negligent maintenance (deferring brake repairs)

Trucking companies carry minimum insurance of $750,000 for general freight, up to $5 million for hazardous materials. We identify every policy.

3. The Cargo Owner/Shipper

When agricultural products or medical devices from Minnesota manufacturers shift during transport, causing rollovers, the cargo owner may be liable for improper loading instructions or overweight requirements.

4. The Loading Company

Third-party warehouses that load trucks must follow FMCSA cargo securement standards. When they fail to use adequate tiedowns or properly balance loads, they share liability.

5. Truck and Parts Manufacturers

Defective brakes, steering systems, or tires cause accidents even when the driver does everything right. We work with engineers to identify product liability claims against manufacturers.

6. Maintenance Companies

Third-party mechanics who negligently repair brakes or tires can be held liable when their poor work causes crashes on Dodge County highways.

7. Freight Brokers

Companies like C.H. Robinson that arrange transportation but don’t own trucks may be liable for negligent carrier selection—hiring trucking companies with poor safety records or inadequate insurance.

8. Government Entities

When poor road design, inadequate signage, or failure to maintain highways contributes to accidents, we pursue claims against state and local entities—though sovereign immunity limits apply.

The Evidence That Wins Cases (And Why It Disappears Fast)

Here’s what the trucking company doesn’t want you to know: Critical evidence starts disappearing within 48 hours.

The Engine Control Module (ECM)—the truck’s “black box”—records speed, brake application, and throttle position before a crash. This data can be overwritten in as little as 30 days or with subsequent driving events.

Electronic Logging Device (ELD) data shows if the driver violated hours-of-service regulations. FMCSA only requires retention for 6 months, but trucking companies sometimes “lose” this data sooner.

Dashcam footage often gets deleted within 7-14 days if not preserved. Surveillance video from nearby businesses (gas stations, truck stops along I-90) typically records over within a week.

That’s why we send spoliation letters within 24 hours of being retained. These legal notices put the trucking company on notice that destroying evidence will result in severe court sanctions, including adverse inferences that the destroyed evidence was unfavorable to them.

We also demand:

• Driver Qualification Files
• Maintenance and inspection records
• Drug and alcohol test results
• Dispatch records and delivery schedules
• GPS tracking data
• Cell phone records

The sooner you call us, the more evidence we can preserve. Don’t wait.

Catastrophic Injuries: The Real Cost of Trucking Accidents

18-wheeler accidents don’t cause fender-benders. They cause life-altering injuries.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

The impact forces in trucking accidents frequently cause concussions, contusions, and diffuse axonal injuries. Symptoms may not appear for days: headaches, confusion, memory loss, personality changes. TBI cases often settle for $1.5 million to $9.8 million due to lifetime care needs and lost earning capacity.

Spinal Cord Injuries

Paraplegia and quadriplegia result when the spinal cord is severed or compressed. Lifetime care costs range from $1.1 million to $5 million or more. We’ve recovered multi-million dollar settlements to ensure our clients have access to the best rehabilitation and adaptive technologies.

Amputations

Crushing injuries often require surgical amputation of limbs. Prosthetics cost $5,000-$50,000 each and need replacement every few years. Our $3.8 million settlement for a car accident amputation victim included funds for lifetime prosthetic care.

Wrongful Death

When a trucking accident takes a loved one, Minnesota law allows surviving family members to recover damages through a wrongful death claim. The statute of limitations is 3 years from the date of death. Compensation includes lost income, loss of companionship, mental anguish, and funeral expenses.

Minnesota Law: How It Affects Your Case

Statute of Limitations

In Minnesota, you have 2 years from the date of injury to file a personal injury lawsuit, and 3 years for wrongful death claims (Minnesota Statutes § 541.07). Miss these deadlines, and you lose your right to compensation forever.

However, evidence disappears much faster than that. We recommend contacting an attorney within days, not months.

Comparative Fault

Minnesota follows modified comparative negligence with a 51% bar. This means you can recover damages as long as you’re not more than 50% at fault. If you are found 20% at fault, your recovery is reduced by 20%. If you’re 51% or more at fault, you recover nothing.

Insurance companies love to blame victims. Our associate attorney, Lupe Peña, used to work for insurance companies defending these claims. He knows every tactic they’ll use to shift blame onto you—and he knows how to stop them.

No Damage Caps

Unlike some states, Minnesota does not cap economic or non-economic damages in trucking accident cases. Punitive damages are available when the defendant acted with deliberate disregard for others’ safety—such as when a trucking company knowingly violates FMCSA regulations to increase profits.

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Dodge County Trucking Accident

25+ Years of Experience

Ralph Manginello has been fighting for injury victims since 1998. He’s admitted to federal court in the Southern District of Texas and has litigated against Fortune 500 companies, including BP in the Texas City Refinery explosion case that killed 15 workers and injured 170+.

Inside Knowledge of Insurance Tactics

Our associate attorney, Lupe Peña, spent years working at a national insurance defense firm before joining Attorney911. He knows exactly how trucking insurers evaluate claims, train adjusters to minimize payouts, and calculate settlement offers using software like Colossus. Now he uses that insider knowledge to fight FOR you, not against you.

As client Glenda Walker said, “They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.”

Multi-Million Dollar Results

Our documented settlements include:

• $5+ million for traumatic brain injury (falling log case)
• $3.8+ million for partial leg amputation (car accident with medical complications)
• $2.5+ million for commercial trucking accidents
• $2+ million for maritime/Jones Act back injuries

24/7 Availability

Trucking accidents don’t happen during business hours. We answer calls at 1-888-ATTY-911 any time, day or night. When you’re lying in a hospital bed in Rochester or St. Marys Hospital after a crash, you need answers now, not Monday morning.

We Take Cases Other Firms Reject

Donald Wilcox 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.” We don’t back down from complex cases or difficult defendants.

Offices Where You Need Them

With offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we serve clients nationwide. For Dodge County cases, we work with local Minnesota counsel when necessary while maintaining primary responsibility for your case. Ralph Manginello is licensed in both Texas and New York, giving us flexibility for interstate trucking cases.

Hablamos Español

Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish. If you or your family members are more comfortable speaking Spanish, we provide direct representation without interpreters. Call 888-ATTY-911 and ask for Lupe.

What to Do After a Trucking Accident in Dodge County

1. Call 911 immediately. Get police to the scene and request an accident report.
2. Seek medical attention. Even if you feel fine, injuries like TBI and internal bleeding may not show symptoms immediately. Dodge County’s proximity to Mayo Clinic in Rochester provides world-class trauma care—use it.
3. Document everything. Photograph vehicles, the accident scene, road conditions (especially ice or snow), and your injuries.
4. Get information. Truck driver name, CDL number, trucking company, DOT number, insurance information, and witness contacts.
5. Do NOT give recorded statements. Insurance adjusters will call asking for statements. Politely decline and refer them to your attorney.
6. Call Attorney911. The sooner we start investigating, the more evidence we can preserve.

Frequently Asked Questions About Dodge County Trucking Accidents

How long do I have to file a lawsuit in Minnesota?
You have 2 years from the date of injury for personal injury claims, and 3 years for wrongful death. But don’t wait—evidence disappears fast.

What if I was partially at fault for the accident?
Under Minnesota’s modified comparative negligence law, you can still recover as long as you’re not more than 50% at fault. Your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault.

Who pays my medical bills while we wait for settlement?
We can help you find medical providers who work on liens, meaning they get paid from your settlement. We also coordinate with your health insurance and pursue the trucking company’s insurance for reimbursement.

How much is my case worth?
It depends on injury severity, medical costs, lost wages, and pain and suffering. Trucking companies carry $750K-$5M in insurance. We’ve recovered settlements from hundreds of thousands to millions.

Will my case go to trial?
Most settle, but we prepare every case for trial. Insurance companies offer more when they know you’re willing to go to court.

How do you prove the driver was fatigued?
We download ELD data showing hours of service violations, subpoena dispatch records, and analyze ECM data for erratic driving patterns.

What is a spoliation letter?
A legal notice requiring the trucking company to preserve evidence. We send these immediately to prevent destruction of black box data, maintenance records, and driver logs.

The Clock Is Ticking. Your Evidence Is Disappearing.

Right now, while you’re reading this, the trucking company that hit you has already called their lawyers. Their insurance adjuster is already reviewing the accident report, looking for ways to minimize your claim. Their rapid-response team may have already visited the scene.

Meanwhile, that truck’s ECM data is still recording new trips, threatening to overwrite the critical seconds before your crash. Witnesses’ memories are fading. The ice that caused the accident has melted.

You need someone on your side who moves just as fast.

Attorney911 doesn’t just handle cases—we fight for families. With 25+ years of experience, federal court admission, and a former insurance defense attorney on our team, we know exactly how to build a winning case against trucking companies.

As Kiimarii Yup told us after we settled her case: “I lost everything… 1 year later I have gained so much in return plus a brand new truck.”

Don’t let the trucking company push you around. Don’t accept their lowball offer. Don’t sign anything until you’ve talked to us.

Call 1-888-288-9911 (1-888-ATTY-911) right now. The consultation is free. We work on contingency—you pay nothing unless we win. And we’ll send a spoliation letter today to preserve the evidence that proves your case.

Hablamos Español. Llame al 888-ATTY-911 para hablar con Lupe Peña.

From Dodge Center to Kasson, from Westfield to Mantorville, if you’ve been hurt by an 18-wheeler in Dodge County, we fight for you.

Attorney911 — Because trucking companies shouldn’t get away with it.