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Floyd County 18-Wheeler Accident Attorneys Attorney911 Brings Texas Multi-Million Dollar Firepower to I-64 Corridor and Sherman Minton Bridge Commercial Vehicle Crashes with Ralph Manginello’s 25+ Years Federal Court Admitted BP Explosion Litigation Experience Managing Partner Since 1998 and $50 Million Recovered Including $5 Million Logging Brain Injury $3.8 Million Amputation $2.5 Million Truck Crash and Millions in Wrongful Death Cases Former Insurance Defense Attorney Lupe Peña Exposes Carrier Tactics Hablamos Español FMCSA 49 CFR 390-399 Hours of Service Violation Hunters Black Box ELD and Electronic Control Module Data Extraction Experts Jackknife Rollover Underride Wide Turn Tire Blowout Brake Failure Cargo Spill Hazmat and Fatigued Driver Crash Specialists Pursuing Trucking Companies Drivers Manufacturers Maintenance Companies and Brokers for TBI Spinal Cord Paralysis Amputation Severe Burns Internal Damage and Wrongful Death Trial Lawyers Achievement Association Million Dollar Member 4.9 Star Google Rating 251 Reviews Legal Emergency Lawyers The Firm Insurers Fear Featured ABC13 KHOU 11 Houston Chronicle Trae Tha Truth Recommended Free 24-7 Consultation No Fee Unless We Win We Advance All Costs Same Day Spoliation 48 Hour Evidence Preservation Nuclear Verdict Awareness 1-888-ATTY-911

February 22, 2026 27 min read
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When an 80,000-pound tractor-trailer slams into your sedan on I-65 near New Albany, your life changes in an instant. The crushing force of twenty tons of steel doesn’t give you time to react. If you’re reading this, you or someone you love has likely experienced the devastation of a commercial truck accident in Floyd County. You’re already facing mounting medical bills, lost wages, and calls from insurance adjusters who care more about their bottom line than your recovery.

We’re Attorney911—The Manginello Law Firm—and we’ve spent over 25 years fighting for trucking accident victims across the Midwest and throughout the country. Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has been standing up to major trucking corporations and their insurers since 1998. We’ve recovered more than $50 million for families devastated by catastrophic crashes, including multi-million dollar settlements for traumatic brain injuries, amputations, and wrongful death claims.

Floyd County isn’t just another dot on the map for us. We understand the unique dangers along the I-65 corridor slicing through Indiana, the heavy freight traffic connecting Louisville’s logistics hubs to Indianapolis, and the treacherous winter ice that turns I-64 into a gauntlet for overloaded trucks. When you hire us for your Floyd County 18-wheeler accident case, you’re getting a team that includes a former insurance defense attorney—Lupe Peña—who spent years inside the very system that now wants to minimize your claim. He knows their playbook. And now he uses that insider knowledge to fight for you.

Time is not on your side. Critical evidence—black box data, driver logs, and maintenance records—starts disappearing within 48 hours. The trucking company already has lawyers working to protect their interests. You need someone fighting for yours right now. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 immediately for a free consultation. We answer our phones 24/7 because we know accidents don’t wait for business hours.

Why 18-Wheeler Accidents in Floyd County Are Different

A car accident between two passenger vehicles is bad enough. But when a commercial truck hits a car in Floyd County, the physics are catastrophic. The average passenger vehicle weighs roughly 4,000 pounds. A fully loaded 18-wheeler can tip the scales at 80,000 pounds—that’s twenty times heavier than your sedan.

This weight disparity means the force of impact isn’t just doubled or tripled; it’s exponentially more violent. When these collisions occur on I-65 near the Sherwood Interchange or along State Street in New Albany, the results are rarely minor fender-benders. We’re talking about rollovers that crush passenger compartments, jackknifes that block multiple lanes causing pileups, and underride accidents where cars slide beneath trailers with fatal results.

The Indiana Department of Transportation maintains records showing that Floyd County’s location—sandwiched between Louisville’s bustling shipping district and Indianapolis’s manufacturing centers—creates a perfect storm of heavy freight traffic. Truckers pushing to make delivery windows on I-65 often violate federal hours-of-service regulations. When winter storms coat I-64 with ice, stopping distances for these massive rigs become nearly impossible to manage, leading to chain-reaction crashes near the Sherman Minton Bridge approaches.

Unlike regular car accidents, commercial truck crashes involve layers of complexity that demand specialized legal knowledge. You’re not just dealing with a driver and their personal auto insurance. You’re facing a web of corporate defendants: the trucking company, the cargo owner, the loading company, maintenance contractors, and potentially the manufacturer of defective truck parts. Each of these entities carries separate insurance policies ranging from $750,000 to $5 million or more.

As client Donald Wilcox told us after we took his case that another firm rejected, “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 lawyers won’t touch—and we win them.

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

Every commercial truck operating in Floyd County must comply with strict Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations codified in Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations (49 CFR). These aren’t suggestions—they’re federal mandates designed to prevent exactly the kind of devastation you’re experiencing. When trucking companies ignore these regulations, they endanger everyone on Indiana’s highways.

Part 390: General Applicability

Under 49 CFR § 390.3, these regulations apply to all motor carriers operating commercial vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating of 10,001 pounds or more in interstate commerce. This means virtually every 18-wheeler traveling through Floyd County on I-65 falls under FMCSA jurisdiction. The regulations establish who must comply and define the scope of safety responsibilities.

Part 391: Driver Qualification Standards

Federal law requires every commercial driver to meet strict qualification standards under 49 CFR Part 391. Before a driver can legally operate a rig through Floyd County, they must:

  • Be at least 21 years old for interstate commerce
  • Possess a valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) appropriate for the vehicle class
  • Pass a physical examination every 24 months (or less if medical conditions warrant)
  • Speak and read English sufficiently to converse with the general public and understand traffic signs
  • Provide a complete employment history investigation for the previous three years

Trucking companies must maintain a Driver Qualification (DQ) File for every operator on their roster. These files must include the driver’s application, motor vehicle record from every state where they’ve held a license, road test certification, medical examiner’s certificate, and annual driving record reviews.

We’ve seen cases where Floyd County trucking accidents occurred because carriers hired drivers with suspended CDLs, failed to conduct proper background checks, or allowed medically unqualified operators behind the wheel. When a company violates Part 391, they’re guilty of negligent hiring—and we hold them accountable.

Part 392: Driving of Commercial Motor Vehicles

This section establishes the rules of the road for truckers. Critical violations we frequently uncover in Floyd County cases include:

Fatigued Driving (49 CFR § 392.3): No driver shall operate a commercial motor vehicle while their ability is impaired through fatigue, illness, or any other cause that makes it unsafe to drive. Yet we regularly see ELD data showing drivers pushing through 18-hour shifts to meet impossible delivery deadlines imposed by dispatchers.

Following Too Closely (49 CFR § 392.11): Drivers must maintain a distance that is “reasonable and prudent” given speed and traffic conditions. On I-65’s congested stretches near New Albany, truckers who tailgate create deadly risks. At 65 mph, an 18-wheeler needs nearly 525 feet—almost two football fields—to stop.

Speeding (49 CFR § 392.6): Carriers cannot schedule runs that would require drivers to exceed posted speed limits. We analyze ECM data to prove when companies create impossible schedules that force speeding.

Mobile Phone Use (49 CFR §§ 392.80-392.82): Truck drivers are prohibited from texting or using hand-held mobile devices while driving. We subpoena cell phone records to prove when distraction caused Floyd County crashes.

Part 393: Parts and Accessories for Safe Operation

This section mandates specific equipment standards. Important for Floyd County accident victims:

Brake Systems (49 CFR §§ 393.40-55): All trucks must have properly functioning service brakes, parking brakes, and emergency systems. Brake violations are among the most common findings in post-crash inspections. We demand maintenance records to prove when carriers ignored brake deficiencies.

Cargo Securement (49 CFR §§ 393.100-136): Cargo must be secured to prevent shifting, falling, or leaking. The regulations specify performance criteria: securement systems must withstand forces of 0.8 g deceleration forward, 0.5 g acceleration rearward, and 0.5 g lateral force. When improperly secured steel coils or pipe shift on a curve along I-64 near the Indiana-Kentucky border, the results are rollovers that shut down highways for hours.

Lighting Requirements (49 CFR §§ 393.11-26): Trucks must have working headlamps, tail lamps, brake lights, turn signals, and reflective devices. Inadequate lighting causes nighttime underride accidents on Floyd County’s rural stretches of Greenville Road and Charlestown Road.

Part 395: Hours of Service (HOS) Regulations

Perhaps the most frequently violated—and most deadly—regulations involve driver fatigue. Under 49 CFR Part 395, property-carrying drivers (most 18-wheelers) must follow strict limits:

  • 11-Hour Driving Limit: No driving beyond 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty
  • 14-Hour On-Duty Window: Cannot drive after the 14th consecutive hour on duty
  • 30-Minute Break: Mandatory break after 8 cumulative hours of driving
  • 60/70-Hour Weekly Limits: No driving after 60 hours in 7 days or 70 hours in 8 days
  • 34-Hour Restart: Drivers may reset their weekly clocks with 34 consecutive hours off duty

Since December 2017, most drivers must use Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) that automatically record driving time and prevent log falsification. However, the “black box” data from these devices can be overwritten within 30 days. That’s why we send spoliation letters immediately upon taking a Floyd County case—demanding the trucking company preserve this critical evidence before it disappears.

Part 396: Inspection, Repair, and Maintenance

Carriers must systematically inspect, repair, and maintain their fleets under 49 CFR § 396.3. Before every trip, drivers must conduct pre-trip inspections and document any defects. After each day’s driving, they must prepare written reports on vehicle condition covering at minimum:

  • Service brakes and parking brake
  • Steering mechanism
  • Lighting devices and reflectors
  • Tires and wheels
  • Horn
  • Windshield wipers
  • Mirrors
  • Coupling devices
  • Emergency equipment

When trucking companies defer maintenance to save money, they create deadly situations. Worn tires blow out on I-65’s concrete sections. Faulty brakes fail on the downgrade approaching the Ohio River bridges. We subpoena maintenance records going back years to establish patterns of neglect.

How Truck Accidents Happen in Floyd County

Every 18-wheeler accident in Floyd County tells a story of broken regulations and corporate corner-cutting. Understanding the specific accident type helps us prove exactly how the trucking company failed you.

Jackknife Accidents

A jackknife occurs when the trailer swings out perpendicular to the cab, folding like a pocket knife across multiple lanes. On I-65’s busy corridor through Floyd County, jackknives often block all lanes, causing secondary pileups as passenger vehicles have nowhere to go.

These accidents typically result from:

  • Sudden braking on wet or icy pavement (common on Floyd County’s bridges during winter)
  • Speeding through curves
  • Empty trailers that lack the weight to maintain traction
  • Improper brake maintenance causing wheel lockup

We analyze ECM data to reconstruct the exact sequence: when the driver hit the brakes, whether they attempted evasive steering, and how the trailer began its deadly swing. Under 49 CFR § 393.48, brake system failures that cause jackknives constitute direct evidence of maintenance negligence.

Rollover Accidents

Rollovers occur when a truck tips onto its side or roof. The high center of gravity on 18-wheelers makes them susceptible to tipping, especially when navigating the curved ramps connecting I-64 to I-265 near New Albany.

Rollovers frequently happen because:

  • Excessive speed on curves or ramps
  • Improperly secured cargo that shifts the center of gravity
  • Liquid cargo “slosh” in tankers making turns
  • Overcorrection after tire blowout

These accidents are catastrophic because the trailer falls onto nearby vehicles or spills hazardous cargo across the roadway. We’ve handled cases where families in Floyd County were trapped beneath overturned trailers, suffering crushing injuries requiring amputation.

Underride Collisions

Among the most horrific accidents we see involve underride—when a passenger vehicle crashes into the rear or side of a trailer and slides underneath. The trailer’s height often shears off the car’s roof, causing decapitation or severe head trauma.

Federal regulations under 49 CFR § 393.86 require rear impact guards on trailers manufactured after 1998, designed to prevent underride at speeds up to 30 mph. However, many trucks operate with damaged or inadequate guards. Side underride guards are not federally mandated, creating a deadly gap in safety when trucks make wide right turns onto Grant Line Road or Charlestown Road in New Albany.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration estimates 400-500 underride deaths occur annually. These are almost always fatal or result in catastrophic brain and spinal injuries.

Rear-End Collisions

An 80,000-pound truck needs 40% more stopping distance than a passenger car. At 65 mph, a loaded truck requires approximately 525 feet to stop—nearly two football fields. When truckers following too closely (violating 49 CFR § 392.11) encounter stopped traffic on I-65 near the Lewis and Clark Bridge approach, they cannot stop in time.

Rear-end truck accidents in Floyd County often involve:

  • Distracted drivers on cell phones (violating 49 CFR § 392.82)
  • Fatigued drivers with slowed reaction times
  • Brake failures from poor maintenance
  • Speeding in construction zones

The impact forces in these collisions cause whiplash, spinal cord damage, and traumatic brain injuries as occupants’ heads strike headrests, windshields, or steering columns.

Wide Turn Accidents (“Squeeze Play”)

18-wheelers need enormous space to turn. To make a right turn from State Street onto Vincennes Street in New Albany, a trucker must swing left first, creating a gap that tempts drivers to pass on the right. When the truck completes its turn, it crushes the passing vehicle against the curb.

These accidents result from:

  • Failure to properly signal
  • Inadequate mirror checks
  • Driver inexperience with trailer tracking
  • Failure to yield right-of-way

We investigate whether the driver received proper training on urban maneuvering, particularly crucial for trucks navigating Floyd County’s historic downtown streets with tight intersections.

Blind Spot Accidents (“No-Zones”)

Commercial trucks have massive blind spots on all four sides:

  • Front: 20 feet ahead
  • Rear: 30 feet behind
  • Left side: Extensive area along the cab
  • Right side: Largest blind spot, extending across multiple lanes

When truckers change lanes on I-65 without checking these “no-zones,” they sideswipe vehicles or force them off the road. Under 49 CFR § 393.80, trucks must have mirrors providing clear view to the rear on both sides, but improper adjustment or damaged mirrors contribute to sideswipe accidents along Floyd County’s interstates.

Tire Blowout Accidents

Commercial trucks have 18 tires, each capable of catastrophic failure. When a steer tire (front tire) blows while crossing the Sherman Minton Bridge at highway speeds, the driver loses control immediately. “Road gators”—shredded tire debris—litter I-65 and cause secondary accidents when passenger vehicles swerve to avoid them.

Causes include:

  • Underinflation causing heat buildup
  • Overloading beyond tire capacity
  • Worn or aging tires not replaced per 49 CFR § 393.75
  • Defective tires

We preserve failed tires for expert analysis and review maintenance records to prove the carrier knew of tire deficiencies before the crash.

Brake Failure Accidents

Brake problems contribute to approximately 29% of large truck crashes. Given Floyd County’s river valley topography, brake failure on downgrades approaching the Ohio River creates terrifying runaway truck scenarios.

Federal regulations require regular brake adjustments and prohibit operating with defective brakes. When carriers ignore warning signs—squealing, reduced responsiveness, or dashboard warning lights—they endanger everyone on the descent from Silver Creek into New Albany.

Every Party Who Could Owe You Compensation

Truck accident cases differ from standard car crashes because multiple parties may share liability. We don’t just sue the driver—we investigate every entity that contributed to your Floyd County accident.

The Truck Driver

The operator who caused the crash bears direct responsibility for negligent acts including speeding, distracted driving, impairment, hours-of-service violations, and traffic violations. We examine their driving history, CDL status, and medical certifications to prove unfitness to operate.

The Trucking Company (Motor Carrier)

Under the doctrine of respondeat superior (let the master answer), trucking companies are vicariously liable for their employees’ negligence committed within the scope of employment. Beyond vicarious liability, carriers face direct negligence claims for:

  • Negligent Hiring: Failing to conduct background checks that would have revealed prior DUIs or license suspensions
  • Negligent Training: Inadequate safety instruction on cargo securement or hours-of-service compliance
  • Negligent Supervision: Ignoring ELD warnings about HOS violations or driver complaints about equipment defects
  • Negligent Maintenance: Systematically deferring repairs to save money

Trucking companies carry substantial insurance—typically $750,000 to $5 million per occurrence—making them crucial targets for maximizing your recovery.

The Cargo Owner/Shipper

Companies loading freight onto trucks may be liable if they demanded overweight loading, failed to disclose hazardous materials, or provided improper loading instructions. When a shipper overloads a trailer beyond its 80,000-pound gross weight limit, they compromise braking and handling capabilities on Floyd County’s steep grades.

The Loading Company

Third-party warehouse operations that physically load cargo may be liable for improper securement under 49 CFR Part 393. Shifting loads cause rollovers and loss-of-control accidents on I-65’s curves.

Truck and Parts Manufacturers

Defective brake systems, steering components, or tires may trigger product liability claims against manufacturers. We investigate whether the specific truck model has a history of recalls or known defects.

Maintenance Companies

Third-party mechanics who performed negligent repairs or failed to identify critical safety issues may bear responsibility. When a maintenance shop returns a truck to service with known brake deficiencies and that truck crashes in Floy County three days later, the shop shares liability.

Freight Brokers

Brokers who arrange transportation but don’t own trucks may be liable for negligent selection of carriers. If a broker knowingly hired a trucking company with a history of FMCSA violations or inadequate insurance, they may be liable for your damages.

The Truck Owner

In owner-operator situations, the individual who owns the tractor may lease to a larger carrier. Both the owner and the carrier may carry separate insurance policies, providing additional sources of recovery.

Government Entities

While sovereign immunity limits claims against government bodies, poorly designed roads, inadequate signage warning of hazardous curves, or failure to maintain safe road surfaces on state highways may create liability for Floyd County or the Indiana Department of Transportation.

Indiana and Floyd County Law: What You Need to Know

Understanding Indiana’s legal landscape is crucial for protecting your rights after a Floyd County truck accident.

Statute of Limitations

In Indiana, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit (I.C. § 34-11-2-4). For wrongful death claims, the personal representative generally has two years from the death date to file.

This sounds like ample time, but waiting endangers your case. Critical evidence—the truck’s black box, driver logs, and maintenance records—may be destroyed or overwritten within 30 days. Witnesses move away. Memories fade. We recommend contacting an attorney within days, not months.

Comparative Fault Rules

Indiana follows a modified comparative negligence system under I.C. § 34-51-2-1 et seq. You may recover damages if you are 50% or less at fault for the accident. However, your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault.

If a Floyd County jury finds you 20% responsible for the accident (perhaps because you were speeding slightly when the truck rear-ended you), and your damages total $1 million, you would recover $800,000.

Crucially, if you are found 51% or more at fault, you cannot recover anything. Trucking companies and their insurers will try to shift blame onto you. We fight these tactics aggressively using ECM data, ELD records, and accident reconstruction to prove the trucker’s primary responsibility.

Damage Caps

Indiana caps punitive damages—awards meant to punish the defendant for egregious misconduct—at the greater of three times compensatory damages or $50,000 (I.C. § 34-51-3). However, there is no cap on compensatory damages for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering in personal injury cases.

Court Systems

Floyd County Circuit Court handles serious personal injury cases, while Superior Courts handle various civil matters. We maintain relationships with local counsel and understand the procedural requirements specific to Indiana state courts, ensuring your case proceeds efficiently through the Floyd County judicial system.

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

Trucking companies deploy rapid-response teams to accident scenes within hours—sometimes before the ambulance leaves. Their goal: minimize liability, hide evidence, and protect their profits. You need an equally aggressive legal team preserving evidence on your behalf.

Electronic Control Module (ECM) Data

The truck’s “black box” records:

  • Speed before and at impact
  • Brake application timing and pressure
  • Throttle position and engine RPM
  • Cruise control status
  • Seconds before collision data

This objective data often contradicts driver claims of “I wasn’t speeding” or “I hit my brakes immediately.” However, this data can be overwritten within 30 days or when the truck travels a certain distance after the crash. We send immediate spoliation letters to prevent destruction.

Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs)

Since 2017, federal law requires ELDs that automatically record hours of service. These devices provide tamper-proof evidence of fatigue violations—proving when drivers exceeded 11-hour driving limits or failed to take required breaks.

Driver Qualification Files

These files reveal whether the trucking company properly vetted their driver. We look for:

  • Missing medical certifications
  • Undisclosed prior accidents
  • Criminal history the carrier ignored
  • Falsified employment applications

Maintenance Records

Under 49 CFR § 396.3, carriers must retain maintenance records for one year. We subpoena these records to prove patterns of deferred maintenance, ignored inspection reports, and cost-cutting that prioritized profits over safety.

Cell Phone and Dispatch Records

We obtain cell phone records to prove distracted driving and subpoena dispatch communications to reveal pressure from supervisors to violate hours-of-service regulations.

Witness Statements

Independent witnesses to accidents on I-65 or local Floyd County roads provide crucial testimony. We canvass nearby businesses for surveillance footage and interview witnesses before memories fade.

The 48-Hour Rule: While Indiana law provides two years to file suit, you have only days—or hours—to preserve critical evidence. Once the trucking company repairs the vehicle or downloads then overwrites the ECM data, that evidence is gone forever.

Catastrophic Injuries: The True Cost of Negligence

We’ve represented Floyd County clients whose lives were forever altered by truck accidents. The injuries we see aren’t simple fractures that heal in six weeks. They’re life-changing traumas requiring millions in lifetime care.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

The sudden deceleration in a truck crash causes the brain to impact the skull’s interior, resulting in concussions, contusions, and diffuse axonal injuries. Symptoms may include memory loss, personality changes, seizures, and cognitive impairment. Moderate to severe TBIs require lifetime care costing millions. Our firm has recovered between $1.5 million and $9.8 million for TBI victims.

Spinal Cord Injury and Paralysis

High-impact truck accidents frequently damage the spinal column, causing paraplegia (loss of lower body function) or quadriplegia (loss of all four limbs’ function). These injuries require wheelchairs, home modifications, personal care attendants, and ongoing medical treatment. Lifetime costs often exceed $4.7 million to $25.8 million.

Amputation

When trucks crush vehicles or trap occupants, surgeons may need to amputate limbs to save lives. We represent clients who’ve lost arms, legs, hands, or feet, securing settlements between $1.9 million and $8.6 million to cover prosthetics, rehabilitation, and vocational retraining.

Severe Burns

Tanker explosions or fuel fires cause third and fourth-degree burns requiring skin grafts, reconstructive surgery, and ongoing pain management. Burn victims face infection risks and permanent disfigurement.

Wrongful Death

When truck accidents take loved ones from Floyd County families, we pursue wrongful death claims for funeral expenses, lost future income, loss of companionship, and mental anguish. We’ve secured settlements ranging from $1.9 million to $9.5 million for families devastated by fatal truck crashes.

As client Glenda Walker said after we handled her case, “They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.” We’re not satisfied with lowball settlements that leave you struggling. We calculate every future medical need, every lost earning opportunity, and every day of pain you’ve endured.

Insurance Reality: Why Trucking Companies Carry Millions

Federal law mandates that commercial trucks carry minimum liability insurance far exceeding passenger vehicle requirements:

  • $750,000 for non-hazardous freight over 10,000 lbs GVWR
  • $1,000,000 for oil, petroleum, and certain equipment transport
  • $5,000,000 for hazardous materials transport

Many carriers maintain $1 million to $5 million in coverage, with excess policies providing additional protection. This means there’s substantial money available to compensate you—but accessing it requires skilled legal representation.

Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize payouts. They may offer quick settlements before you understand the full extent of your injuries. They might demand recorded statements to use your words against you. They’ll argue your injuries were pre-existing or that you were partially at fault.

This is where having a former insurance defense attorney on your side becomes invaluable. Lupe Peña knows every tactic adjusters use because he used to employ them himself. Now he uses that insider knowledge to anticipate their moves and counter them effectively.

Frequently Asked Questions: Floyd County 18-Wheeler Accidents

How soon should I contact a lawyer after a truck accident in Floyd County?

Immediately—within 24-48 hours if possible. Critical evidence like ECM data and driver logs can be destroyed within days. The sooner we can send spoliation letters and begin our investigation, the stronger your case will be.

What if I was partially at fault for the accident?

Indiana follows modified comparative fault rules. As long as you are not more than 50% at fault, you can recover damages, though reduced by your percentage of fault. Even if you think you may have contributed, call us. Evidence often proves the truck driver bore primary responsibility through hours-of-service violations or equipment failures.

How much is my truck accident case worth?

Case values depend on injury severity, medical costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and available insurance. Given the $750,000 to $5 million insurance minimums for commercial trucks, catastrophic injury cases often settle for substantial sums. We’ve recovered multi-million dollar settlements for serious injuries.

What if the trucking company offers me a settlement right away?

Do not accept it. Early offers are designed to pay you far less than your claim is worth before you understand the full extent of your injuries or consult an attorney. Once you accept, you waive your right to additional compensation, even if you later discover your injuries are worse than initially thought.

How long will my case take?

Complex truck accident cases involving catastrophic injuries may take 12-24 months to resolve, though some settle sooner if liability is clear. We work efficiently while ensuring we maximize your recovery. As client Angel Walle noted, “They solved in a couple of months what others did nothing about in two years.”

What if I don’t have health insurance to pay for treatment?

We work with medical providers who will treat you on a Letter of Protection (LOP), meaning they get paid when your case settles. Don’t let lack of insurance prevent you from getting necessary care.

Can I sue if a family member was killed in a truck accident?

Yes. Indiana allows wrongful death claims to be brought by the personal representative of the deceased’s estate for the benefit of surviving spouses, children, and dependents. We pursue full compensation for funeral expenses, lost income, and loss of companionship.

Do you handle cases for Spanish-speaking clients in Floyd County?

Yes. Hablamos Español. Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish and provides direct representation without interpreters. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 para una consulta gratis con Lupe Peña.

Why Floyd County Families Choose Attorney911

When you’re facing the aftermath of a catastrophic truck accident, you need more than just a lawyer—you need a fighter who treats you like family.

Ralph Manginello brings over 25 years of experience fighting for injury victims. Admitted to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas and licensed in both Texas and New York, he has the federal court experience necessary for complex interstate trucking cases. His track record includes multi-million dollar settlements and involvement in major litigation including the BP Texas City Refinery explosion that killed 15 workers and injured 170 more—a case requiring litigation against one of the world’s largest corporations.

Our team includes Lupe Peña, a former insurance defense attorney who knows exactly how trucking insurers evaluate claims, minimize payouts, and deny valid coverage. Now he uses that insider knowledge to fight for accident victims like you.

We treat our clients like family, not case numbers. As Chad Harris told us, “You are NOT a pest to them and you are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.”

We offer:

  • 24/7 availability through 1-888-ATTY-911
  • No fee unless we win (standard 33.33% pre-trial, 40% if trial is necessary)
  • Free consultations with no obligation
  • Multi-lingual services including fluent Spanish representation
  • Three office locations serving Floyd County and beyond

Your Next Step: Call Attorney911 Today

The trucking company already has lawyers working to protect their interests. They might be at the accident scene right now, talking to witnesses and gathering evidence to use against you. You need someone fighting just as hard for you.

If you’ve been injured in an 18-wheeler accident in Floyd County—whether on I-65 near New Albany, I-64 crossing the Sherman Minton Bridge, or any local road—call Attorney911 immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911).

We’ll send a preservation letter today to ensure the trucking company saves the black box data, maintenance records, and driver logs that prove their negligence. We’ll investigate every liable party—from the driver to the cargo loader to the maintenance company—to maximize your recovery.

You don’t pay anything unless we win. Zero upfront costs. We advance all investigation expenses. But you must act now—before evidence disappears and before the statute of limitations expires.

Don’t let the trucking company push you around. At Attorney911, we push back harder. Call now.

Attorney911
The Manginello Law Firm

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