Your Guide to 18-Wheeler Accident Claims in Dubois County

When 80,000 Pounds Changes Everything

An 80,000-pound truck doesn’t give you time to react. One moment you’re driving through Dubois County on I-69, heading toward Jasper or returning from Huntingburg, and the next, your life is permanently altered. The physics are brutal—a fully loaded semi weighs twenty times more than your car and needs nearly two football fields to stop at highway speed.

If you’re reading this from a hospital bed in Jasper, from your home in Ferdinand, or while helping a loved one recover in Dubois County, you’re not alone. Every year, commercial truck crashes devastate families across southwest Indiana, and the aftermath is overwhelming. Medical bills pile up, the trucking company’s insurance adjuster calls with “helpful” advice that serves their interests, not yours, and you’re left wondering how you’ll ever piece your life back together.

That’s where we come in. For over 25 years, Ralph Manginello has fought for trucking accident victims across the country, including right here in Dubois County. Our firm, Attorney911, has recovered multi-million dollar settlements for families just like yours—and we know exactly how to hold trucking companies accountable when they put profits over safety.

Why Trucking Accidents in Dubois County Demand Specialized Legal Experience

Dubois County isn’t just another dot on the map—it’s a critical logistics corridor. Interstate 69 cuts right through the county, connecting Indianapolis to Evansville and serving as a major north-south freight artery. Interstate 64 crosses the southern part of the county, bringing east-west traffic from Louisville to St. Louis. US-231 and US-50 create additional trucking routes that local drivers navigate daily.

This heavy commercial traffic creates unique dangers. We’ve seen jackknife accidents on I-69 near the US-50 interchange, rollovers on the curves approaching Jasper, and rear-end collisions on the busy stretches near Huntingburg’s industrial parks. When these accidents happen, they require a law firm that understands both federal trucking regulations and the specific roads where your crash occurred.

Ralph Manginello brings 25 years of experience to every case, including federal court admission to the Southern District of Texas—a credential that matters when trucking companies try to move cases to federal court to avoid local juries. Our associate attorney, Lupe Peña, spent years working for insurance companies before joining our firm. Now he uses that insider knowledge to fight against them. As client Chad Harris told us, “You are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.”

The Regulatory Framework: Federal Law Governing Every 18-Wheeler

Every commercial truck on Dubois County roads must comply with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations codified in 49 CFR Parts 390-399. These aren’t suggestions—they’re federal laws that, when violated, prove negligence in court.

Part 391: Driver Qualification Standards
Before a driver can legally operate a commercial vehicle, they must pass medical exams, maintain a valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), and complete proper training. Trucking companies must maintain a Driver Qualification File containing employment history, driving records, and drug test results. When drivers lack proper credentials or companies fail to verify backgrounds, they create deadly risks on Dubois County highways.

Part 392: Driving Rules
Federal law prohibits drivers from operating while fatigued, under the influence, or distracted. The rules ban hand-held mobile phone use while driving and mandate that drivers adjust speed for weather conditions—critical during Indiana’s icy winters when I-69 becomes treacherous.

Part 393: Vehicle Safety and Cargo Securement
This section mandates proper loading and securement. Cargo must withstand 0.8g forward deceleration without shifting. When loads shift on the curves near Ferdinand or brake systems fail on the US-231 descent, Part 393 violations create liability.

Part 395: Hours of Service
The most commonly violated regulations limit driving time:

• Maximum 11 hours driving after 10 consecutive hours off duty
• No driving beyond the 14th hour on duty
• Mandatory 30-minute break after 8 hours driving
• 60/70 hour weekly limits with required 34-hour restarts

Since December 2017, Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) must track these hours automatically. This data proves whether a driver was illegally fatigued when they crossed into your lane on I-69.

Part 396: Inspection and Maintenance
Trucking companies must systematically inspect vehicles and maintain brake systems. Brake failures cause 29% of truck crashes—failures that proper maintenance prevents.

Types of 18-Wheeler Accidents We Handle in Dubois County

Jackknife Accidents on I-69

When a truck’s trailer swings perpendicular to the cab, it sweeps across multiple lanes. On I-69’s busy stretches near the Jasper exits, these accidents often involve multiple vehicles. Jackknifes typically result from sudden braking on wet roads or equipment failures—violations of 49 CFR § 393.48 (brake maintenance) and § 392.6 (speed for conditions).

Rollover Accidents

Dubois County’s terrain, while not mountainous, includes curves and elevation changes, particularly on US-231 and near the Ohio River approaches. Rollovers occur when drivers take curves too fast or when improperly secured cargo shifts. These crashes often spill hazardous materials, creating secondary dangers for first responders and nearby residents.

Underride Collisions

Perhaps the most horrific 18-wheeler accidents occur when a passenger vehicle slides under the truck’s trailer. Rear underride guards (required by 49 CFR § 393.86) and side underride protection are supposed to prevent these devastating crashes, but inadequate guards or missing protection leaves Dubois County drivers vulnerable to catastrophic head and neck injuries.

Rear-End Collisions

A loaded truck needs 40% more stopping distance than your car. When distracted or fatigued drivers approach traffic near the Huntingburg industrial exits or the Ferdinand shopping districts, they often can’t stop in time. Following-too-closely violations under 49 CFR § 392.11 frequently cause these crashes.

Wide Turn Accidents

Trucks making right turns at Dubois County intersections often swing left first to accommodate the trailer’s tracking. When drivers fail to check blind spots or signal properly, they trap passenger vehicles in the “squeeze play”—crushing them against curbs or other vehicles.

Tire Blowouts and Brake Failures

Extreme summer heat on Indiana highways causes tire failures, while deferred maintenance leads to brake fade on long descents. These mechanical failures often lead to loss of control on I-64’s rolling terrain or US-50’s busy stretches.

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

Unlike car accidents where usually only one driver is at fault, 18-wheeler cases involve multiple potentially liable parties. We investigate every angle to maximize your recovery under Indiana’s modified comparative negligence system (Indiana Code § 34-51-2), which bars recovery only if you’re 51% or more at fault.

The Truck Driver
Direct negligence includes speeding, distraction, fatigue, or impairment. We subpoena cell phone records, ELD data, and drug test results to prove violations.

The Trucking Company
Under respondeat superior, companies are liable for their employees’ negligence. Additionally, we pursue direct negligence claims for:

• Negligent hiring (failure to check driving records)
• Negligent training (inadequate safety instruction)
• Negligent supervision (pressuring drivers to violate Hours of Service)
• Negligent maintenance (deferring brake or tire repairs)

Cargo Owners and Loaders
When overweight loads or improperly secured cargo shift on Dubois County curves, the shipping company and loading facility share liability. Indiana law allows claims against these third parties under 49 CFR § 393.100-136 violations.

Manufacturers and Maintenance Companies
Defective brakes, faulty tires, or negligent repairs by third-party mechanics create product liability and negligence claims. We preserve failed components for expert analysis to prove these claims.

Freight Brokers
Brokers who arrange transportation using carriers with poor safety records—reflected in FMCSA’s CSA scores—may face liability for negligent selection.

Government Entities
When dangerous road design contributes to crashes on Dubois County highways, claims against INDOT or local municipalities may be possible, though Indiana’s Tort Claims Act imposes strict notice requirements and damage caps.

The 48-Hour Evidence Preservation Protocol

Evidence in trucking cases disappears fast. Black box data from the ECM (Engine Control Module) can overwrite within 30 days. Dashcam footage often deletes automatically after seven days. Trucking companies send rapid-response teams to the scene within hours—sometimes before the ambulance leaves.

When you call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911, we immediately begin preserving evidence. We send spoliation letters within 24 hours to every potentially liable party, legally compelling them to preserve:

• ECM/Black Box Data: Speed, braking, throttle position, cruise control status
• ELD Records: Hours of service compliance, GPS location history
• Driver Qualification Files: Medical certificates, training records, previous employment
• Maintenance Records: Brake inspections, tire replacements, repair logs
• Dispatch Communications: Pressure to meet deadlines despite safety risks
• Drug and Alcohol Test Results: Post-accident testing mandated by 49 CFR § 382.303

As client 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 take cases other firms reject because we know how to uncover the evidence they miss.

Catastrophic Injuries and Maximum Recovery

The sheer physics of 80,000 pounds versus 4,000 pounds causes devastating injuries. We’ve helped Dubois County victims recover from:

Traumatic Brain Injuries ($1.5M-$9.8M settlements)
Closed head injuries from violent impacts can cause permanent cognitive deficits, personality changes, and inability to work. TBI cases require life care planners and vocational experts to calculate lifetime costs.

Spinal Cord Injuries ($4.7M-$25.8M)
Paraplegia and quadriplegia from truck crashes require home modifications, wheelchairs, and 24/7 attendant care. These cases demand maximum insurance recovery—often the full $1M or $5M policy limits commercial carriers carry.

Amputations ($1.9M-$8.6M)
Lost limbs from crushing impacts require prosthetics costing $50,000+ per device, with replacements needed every 3-5 years. Phantom limb pain and psychological trauma add to the damages.

Wrongful Death ($1.9M-$9.5M)
When trucking accidents take loved ones from Dubois County families, Indiana’s Wrongful Death Statute allows recovery for lost income, loss of companionship, and mental anguish. The two-year statute of limitations (Indiana Code § 34-23-1) runs from the date of death, not the accident—critical when death occurs weeks after the crash.

Indiana Law and Your Dubois County Claim

Statute of Limitations: Indiana gives you two years from the accident date to file personal injury claims. For wrongful death, the clock starts at death. Miss this deadline, and you lose your rights forever—regardless of how severe your injuries.

Comparative Fault: Indiana’s modified comparative fault rule (51% bar) means you can recover as long as you’re not more than 50% at fault. However, your percentage of fault reduces your recovery. If the trucking company claims you were speeding or made an improper lane change on I-69, we fight to minimize your assigned fault and maximize their liability.

Punitive Damages: Under Indiana Code § 34-51-3, punitive damages require clear and convincing evidence of “willful or wanton misconduct”—such as a trucking company knowingly keeping a dangerous driver on the road or falsifying ELD records to hide Hours of Service violations.

Insurance Minimums: Federal law requires commercial carriers to carry at least $750,000 for non-hazardous freight, $1M for oil/equipment, and $5M for hazardous materials. Many carry higher limits through umbrella policies—we identify every available coverage source.

Insurance Company Tactics and How We Counter Them

Our associate Lupe Peña spent years defending insurance companies. He knows their playbook: denying claims based on “pre-existing conditions,” using surveillance video taken out of context, offering quick “nuisance value” settlements before you know the full extent of your injuries, and blaming you for the accident under comparative fault theories.

We counter these tactics with aggressive evidence preservation, expert accident reconstruction, and litigation readiness. When adjusters see Ralph Manginello’s 25-year track record—including multi-million verdicts and BP Texas City explosion litigation—they know we won’t accept lowball offers. As client Glenda Walker said, “They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.”

Your Guide to Common Questions

What should I do immediately after a truck accident in Dubois County?
Call 911, get medical treatment immediately, photograph everything (vehicles, skid marks, road conditions, your injuries), get the truck driver’s DOT number and company name, collect witness information, and call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 before speaking to any insurance company.

Should I talk to the trucking company’s insurance adjuster?
Never. They record conversations and twist your words. Let us handle all communications.

How long do I have to file a lawsuit in Indiana?
Two years from the accident date for personal injury; two years from death for wrongful death. But evidence disappears quickly—call us immediately.

What if I was partially at fault?
Under Indiana’s modified comparative negligence rule, you can recover as long as you’re 50% or less at fault. Don’t let the trucking company blame you without a fight.

What is my case worth?
Case values depend on injury severity, medical costs, lost income, and available insurance. Commercial trucking policies often provide $1M-$5M in coverage—far more than standard auto policies.

Do you handle cases in Dubois County if you’re based in Texas?
Absolutely. We handle 18-wheeler cases nationwide through federal court admission and local partnerships. For Dubois County residents, we offer remote consultations and travel to Indiana for your case. Our experience with Indiana’s courts and trucking corridors gives us the local knowledge you need.

What if the trucking company is from another state?
Federal jurisdiction often applies to interstate trucking accidents. We can sue in federal court or Indiana state court, depending on which venue serves your best interests.

How much does it cost to hire an 18-wheeler accident attorney?
Nothing upfront. We work on contingency—33.33% if settled pre-trial, 40% if litigation is required. You pay nothing unless we win. We advance all costs for experts, records, and investigation.

Can undocumented immigrants file claims?
Yes. Immigration status does not affect your right to compensation after a trucking accident in Dubois County. We represent everyone injured by negligent trucking companies.

What if my loved one died in the accident?
We handle wrongful death claims under Indiana law, pursuing compensation for lost income, loss of companionship, funeral expenses, and mental anguish for surviving spouses, children, and parents.

How do you prove the driver was fatigued?
We subpoena ELD data, cell phone records, and dispatch logs. If the driver violated Part 395 Hours of Service regulations, that’s automatic negligence per se.

What if the trucking company destroyed evidence?
Spoliation of evidence—destroying ELD data, maintenance records, or the truck itself after being put on notice—allows us to seek sanctions, adverse inference jury instructions, and punitive damages.

Can I sue the manufacturer if defective brakes caused the crash?
Yes. Product liability claims against brake, tire, or component manufacturers are separate from negligence claims against the driver and trucking company, potentially increasing your total recovery.

How long will my case take?
Simple cases settle in 6-12 months. Complex litigation involving catastrophic injuries may take 2-4 years. We prepare every case for trial while pushing for early settlement to get you compensation faster.

What is a spoliation letter?
A legal notice sent immediately after we’re retained, demanding preservation of all evidence. It prevents trucking companies from “accidentally” deleting black box data or repairing vehicles before inspection.

Do you offer services in Spanish?
Sí. Hablamos Español. Associate attorney Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish and provides direct representation without translators. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911.

What makes Attorney911 different from other personal injury firms?
We don’t just handle trucking cases—we specialize in them. Ralph Manginello’s 25 years of experience, Lupe Peña’s insurance defense background, our $50M+ in recoveries, and our 4.9-star rating with 251+ reviews reflect our commitment to treating you like family, not a case number.

Will my case go to trial?
Most settle, but we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial. Insurance companies offer significantly higher settlements when they know your lawyer will actually go to court. With federal court experience and a track record against Fortune 500 companies like BP, we have the credibility to maximize settlements without trial when possible, and the skill to win in court when necessary.

What are the most dangerous trucking areas in Dubois County?
The I-69/US-50 interchange sees heavy merging traffic from both passenger vehicles and commercial trucks. The curves on US-231 near the Dubois County line, the agricultural trucking routes during harvest season, and the industrial areas near Huntingburg’s manufacturing plants all present elevated risks for serious accidents.

How do I know if the truck driver violated federal regulations?
We investigate by demanding the Driver Qualification File, ELD records, and maintenance logs. Patterns of Hours of Service violations, failed inspections, or an invalid medical certificate prove regulatory violations that establish negligence.

What damages can I recover?
Economic damages include medical bills, lost wages, and future care costs. Non-economic damages cover pain and suffering, mental anguish, and loss of enjoyment of life. Punitive damages punish gross negligence like falsifying logs or knowingly hiring dangerous drivers.

What if the truck was carrying hazardous materials?
Hazmat spills create additional dangers and trigger $5M insurance minimums. We handle claims for chemical exposure, burns, and environmental contamination alongside physical injury claims.

Can I recover for PTSD after the accident?
Absolutely. Mental health injuries including PTSD, anxiety, and depression are compensable damages requiring documentation from psychologists or psychiatrists. The trauma of a near-death experience with an 80,000-pound truck is real and compensable.

What if the trucking company claims I’m exaggerating my injuries?
Medical documentation defeats these arguments. We ensure you receive proper treatment from specialists who document every symptom. We also use diagnostic imaging, functional capacity evaluations, and expert testimony to prove the reality of your injuries.

How do I pay for medical treatment while waiting for settlement?
We work with medical providers who accept Letters of Protection—agreeing to treat you now and get paid from the settlement later. This ensures you receive necessary care without upfront costs.

What is the MCS-90 endorsement?
This federal requirement ensures that if a trucking company’s insurance denies coverage for technical reasons, the insurer must still pay up to the federal minimum ($750K) to injured parties. We know how to invoke these protections when carriers play coverage games.

Should I accept the insurance company’s first offer?
Never. First offers are calculated to close your case for the minimum possible amount before you understand the full extent of your injuries and long-term prognosis. Consult with us first—every single time.

How do I get started?
Call 1-888-ATTY-911 now. We’ll conduct a free consultation, immediately begin evidence preservation, and explain your options under Indiana law. We serve Dubois County from our offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, with travel to Indiana as needed for your case.

Why Dubois County Families Choose Attorney911

We’ve spent 25 years building a reputation that insurance companies fear. When Ralph Manginello files suit, carriers know we have the resources to go the distance—backed by our $10 million active litigation against the University of Houston and our involvement in the BP Texas City explosion litigation that resulted in $2.1 billion in industry settlements.

But beyond the credentials and the multi-million dollar recoveries, what matters most is how we treat our clients. As client Kiimarii Yup shared, “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.”

For Dubois County residents, we offer the personalized attention of a family-owned firm with the resources to take on the largest trucking corporations. Lupe Peña’s fluency in Spanish ensures that language barriers never prevent you from understanding your rights. And our contingency fee structure means you pay nothing unless we win—removing the financial barrier to justice.

The Clock Is Ticking

Every day you wait, evidence disappears. The truck’s black box data overwrites. Dashcam footage deletes. Witnesses’ memories fade. The trucking company has lawyers working right now to protect their interests. You deserve the same level of protection.

Call Attorney911 at 1-888-288-9911 (that’s 1-888-ATTY-911) for your free consultation. We’re available 24/7 because we know accidents don’t happen on business hours. Whether your crash occurred on I-69 near Jasper, US-231 in Huntingburg, or any road in Dubois County, we have the experience, the resources, and the determination to fight for every dime you deserve.

Don’t let the trucking company push you around. We push back harder. Call now.

Hablamos Español. Llame a Lupe Peña al 1-888-ATTY-911.

Attorney911 serves 18-wheeler accident victims throughout Dubois County, Indiana, including the cities of Jasper, Huntingburg, Ferdinand, and Holland, as well as victims injured on I-69, I-64, US-231, US-50, and all local highways. We offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee basis—you pay nothing unless we win your case.