If you’ve been hit by an 18-wheeler in Fulton County, Indiana, you already know this isn’t just a “car accident.” When 80,000 pounds of steel slams into your vehicle on US-31 or near the intersection with US-35, the physics alone guarantee catastrophic consequences. But here’s what trucking companies don’t want you to know—while you’re fighting for your life in a Fort Wayne trauma center or struggling to replace a totaled vehicle in Rochester, their rapid-response team has already deployed investigators to the scene. They have lawyers working to minimize your claim before the ambulance even leaves.
At Attorney911, we’ve spent 25 years fighting for families just like yours across Indiana and beyond. Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has been admitted to federal court and has recovered multi-million dollar settlements for catastrophic trucking injuries—everything from traumatic brain injuries to wrongful death claims. We don’t just know the law; we know how to beat the trucking industry at their own game. That includes our associate attorney Lupe Peña, who spent years working for insurance companies before joining our team. Now he uses that insider knowledge to fight against them.
Why 18-Wheeler Accidents in Fulton County Are Different
Fulton County sits at the crossroads of major agricultural and industrial shipping routes in northern Indiana. When you’re driving US-31 through Fulton County’s farmland or navigating the junctions near Rochester, you’re sharing the road with trucks hauling everything from grain to heavy equipment. These aren’t just “bigger cars.” An 80,000-pound semi requires 525 feet to stop at 65 mph—that’s nearly two football fields. Your sedan weighs maybe 4,000 pounds. When the math goes wrong on a rural Fulton County highway, the laws of physics don’t give second chances.
The trucking companies that operate through Fulton County—and there are many serving the agricultural sector and regional distribution hubs—must follow strict Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations under 49 CFR Parts 390-399. These aren’t suggestions; they’re federal law. When drivers violate Hours of Service rules (Part 395), skip pre-trip inspections (Part 396), or cargo loaders ignore securement requirements (Part 393), they transform their vehicles into deadly weapons. We’ve seen it happen on I-65, on US-421 through Fulton County, and on the rural routes connecting Rochester to Logansport.
But proving negligence requires more than just knowing the truck hit you. It requires understanding the technical violations that caused the crash. That’s where Ralph Manginello’s 25 years of experience matters. We’ve handled cases against major carriers operating through Indiana, and we know how to extract the black box data, ELD logs, and maintenance records that prove the trucking company broke federal law.
The Types of Truck Accidents We See in Fulton County
Every 18-wheeler accident is unique, but certain patterns emerge on Fulton County’s roads—particularly given the mix of rural highways, agricultural traffic, and interstate connections.
Jackknife Accidents
When a truck driver brakes improperly on wet pavement—a real concern during Fulton County’s harsh winters—the trailer swings perpendicular to the cab, wiping out everything in its path. These often happen when drivers exceed the 11-hour driving limit under 49 CFR 395.8 or when they’re rushing to meet delivery deadlines on US-31. The trailer becomes a 53-foot battering ram across multiple lanes.
Underride Collisions
The most fatal type of trucking accident. When a passenger vehicle slides under the trailer—often because the truck stopped suddenly on US-35 or because inadequate underride guards failed—the roof of your car gets sheared off. Despite 49 CFR 393.86 requiring rear impact guards, many trailers still expose sides or have poorly maintained guards. These accidents are almost always fatal or result in catastrophic head trauma and decapitation.
Rollover Accidents
Fulton County’s rural roads and the curves near Tippecanoe River crossings create rollover risks, especially when cargo shifts. Under 49 CFR 393.100, cargo must be secured against movement that could affect vehicle stability. When grain loaders or equipment haulers cut corners on tiedowns, the center of gravity shifts, and trucks tip onto their sides—often crushing vehicles in adjacent lanes.
Rear-End Collisions
Because trucks need 40% more stopping distance than cars, distracted or fatigued drivers often slam into vehicles on US-421 or approaching Rochester from the south. We’ve seen cases where ECM data proved the truck driver was following too closely under 49 CFR 392.11 or driving beyond the 14-hour duty window under Part 395.
Tire Blowouts
The extreme temperature swings in Fulton County—from summer heat to winter cold—stress truck tires. When companies skip maintenance under 49 CFR 396.3 or drivers fail to inspect tire pressure during pre-trip checks (Part 393.75), blowouts cause drivers to lose control. The “road gators” (tire debris) left behind can trigger multi-car pileups on rural Indiana highways.
Brake Failure Accidents
Brake problems factor in approximately 29% of large truck crashes. When carriers defer maintenance to save money—violating Part 396—they gamble with lives. On the steep grades near Fulton County’s river valleys, runaway trucks become unstoppable missiles.
Who Can Be Held Liable—Hint: It’s Not Just the Driver
Most victims assume they can only sue the truck driver. That’s exactly what the trucking company wants you to think. In reality, Fulton County 18-wheeler accidents often involve multiple defendants, each with separate insurance policies that can stack toward a larger recovery.
The Truck Driver
Obviously, if the driver was speeding, texting, or driving while fatigued, they bear direct responsibility. We subpoena cell phone records and ELD data to prove violations of 49 CFR 392.80 (banning hand-held mobile devices) or Part 392.3 (operating while impaired by fatigue).
The Trucking Company (Motor Carrier)
Under “respondeat superior” doctrine and direct negligence theories, companies are liable for their drivers’ actions—and for their own safety failures. We investigate whether they committed negligent hiring by failing to check the driver’s FMCSA safety record, negligent training by skipping proper cargo securement instruction, or negligent maintenance by ignoring brake issues documented in their own files.
The Cargo Owner/Shipper
In agricultural Fulton County, grain elevators and equipment manufacturers sometimes pressure drivers to overload vehicles or skip safety checks. When their loading instructions cause overweight violations or imbalanced loads, they share liability.
The Loading Company
Third-party loaders who physically secure cargo at facilities near Rochester or along US-31 must follow 49 CFR 393.100-136. When they use insufficient tiedowns or fail to account for load distribution on curves, they cause rollovers.
Truck and Parts Manufacturers
Defective brake systems, tires prone to blowouts, or fuel tanks that explode on impact create product liability claims. We preserve failed components for expert analysis and check NHTSA recall databases.
Maintenance Companies
When third-party mechanics in the Fulton County area perform negligent repairs—adjusting brakes incorrectly or installing wrong parts—they create dangerous conditions.
Freight Brokers
Brokers who arrange transportation but don’t own trucks may be liable for negligent carrier selection. If they hired a carrier with a terrible safety record just because they were cheapest, they gambled with your safety.
Government Entities
If poor road design, inadequate signage on rural Fulton County routes, or lack of guardrails contributed to the crash, the state or county may share liability—though Indiana’s modified comparative negligence rules and sovereign immunity laws apply strict limits.
Why Evidence Disappears in 48 Hours—And Why We Stop It
Here’s the harsh reality: trucking companies know evidence destroys itself. Electronic Control Module (ECM) data—the black box showing speed, braking, and throttle position—can be overwritten in 30 days or with new driving events. Dashcam footage often auto-deletes within 7-14 days. Even FMCSA only requires 6 months retention for ELD logs.
That’s why Attorney911 sends spoliation letters within 24 hours of being retained. This legal notice puts the trucking company on notice that destroying evidence will result in court sanctions, adverse jury instructions, or even default judgment. We demand preservation of:
- ECM/Black box data and ELD logs
- Driver qualification files (proving CDL status and medical certifications)
- Six months of vehicle maintenance records
- Dispatch communications showing delivery pressure
- Drug and alcohol test results
- GPS tracking data showing the exact route through Fulton County
Lupe Peña’s background as a former insurance defense attorney gives us an unfair advantage here. He knows exactly which records adjusters try to hide and how to spot falsified logbooks. When you’re dealing with a trucking company operating through northern Indiana, you need someone who knows their playbook.
The Catastrophic Injuries That Change Everything
Because of the weight disparity—20-to-1 against your passenger vehicle—Fulton County trucking accidents rarely result in “minor” injuries. We regularly see:
Traumatic Brain Injuries ($1.5M-$9.8M range)
Even “moderate” TBI can cause permanent cognitive deficits, personality changes, and inability to work. Victims need lifetime care costing $85,000 to $3 million.
Spinal Cord Injuries ($4.7M-$25.8M range)
Paraplegia and quadriplegia require home modifications, wheelchairs, and 24/7 care. The lifetime costs often exceed $5 million—which is exactly why trucking companies carry $750,000 to $5 million in insurance.
Amputations ($1.9M-$8.6M range)
When crush injuries or severe burns necessitate limb removal, prosthetics cost $5,000-$50,000 each and need replacement every few years. Our firm secured over $3.8 million for a client who lost a limb after a car crash complicated by medical treatment.
Wrongful Death ($1.9M-$9.5M range)
When an 18-wheeler kills a loved one on Fulton County roads, surviving family members can recover for lost income, loss of consortium, mental anguish, and funeral expenses. Indiana’s 2-year wrongful death statute of limitations (same as personal injury) runs from the date of death, but evidence preservation must begin immediately.
Indiana Law: What Fulton County Victims Need to Know
Statute of Limitations
You have exactly two years from the date of your Fulton County trucking accident to file a lawsuit. Wait longer, and you’re barred forever—no matter how severe your injuries or how clearly the truck driver was at fault.
Comparative Negligence (51% Bar Rule)
Indiana uses modified comparative negligence. If you’re found 51% or more at fault, you recover nothing. If you’re 50% or less at fault, your damages reduce by your percentage. The trucking company’s insurance will try to shift blame onto you—claiming you were speeding on US-31 or failed to yield at a rural intersection. We fight these tactics with ECM data and accident reconstruction.
Punitive Damages
Indiana caps punitive damages at the greater of three times compensatory damages or $50,000 (see Indiana Code § 34-51-3-4). But in trucking cases involving gross negligence—like knowingly putting a dangerous driver on the road or falsifying ELD logs to hide Hours of Service violations—we pursue these damages to punish the company and deter future violations.
Federal vs. State Court
Because interstate trucking involves federal regulations, many cases can be filed in federal court. Ralph Manginello’s admission to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas (and our ability to associate local counsel in Indiana federal courts) gives us strategic advantages in complex litigation.
Frequently Asked Questions for Fulton County Trucking Accident Victims
How much is my Fulton County trucking accident case worth?
It depends on injury severity, medical costs, lost wages, and insurance coverage. With federal minimums of $750,000 for general freight and $1-5 million for hazmat/oil transport, trucking cases offer far more potential compensation than car accidents. We’ve recovered millions for clients with TBI, spinal injuries, and amputations.
What if the trucking company says I’m partially at fault?
Don’t accept their word. We independently investigate. Under Indiana law, you can recover as long as you’re not 51% or more at fault. We use ECM data and industry experts to prove the truck driver caused the crash—whether through fatigue, distraction, or improper loading on Fulton County roads.
Do I really need a lawyer if the insurance company offered a settlement?
Never accept the first offer. It’s always a lowball attempt to close the case before you understand your injuries. As client Glenda Walker told us after we fought for her, we work to get “every dime” you deserve—not what the insurer hopes you’ll accept.
Can I afford an attorney?
Yes. We work on contingency—33.33% if settled pre-trial, 40% if we go to trial. You pay nothing upfront. We advance all costs for experts and investigation. If we don’t win, you owe us nothing. As Donald Wilcox found when other firms rejected his case, we take the cases others won’t and deliver results—he got a call to “come pick up this handsome check” after we took over.
Hablamos Español?
Sí. Lupe Peña provides fluent Spanish representation without interpreters. If you’re part of Fulton County’s Hispanic community and need an attorney who speaks your language, call 888-ATTY-911.
What should I do right now?
Call 1-888-ATTY-911 immediately. We offer 24/7 availability because trucking accidents don’t wait for business hours. We’ll send preservation letters to stop evidence destruction and begin building your case today.
Call Attorney911 Today—Before Evidence Disappears
You’ve already suffered because a trucking company or driver cut corners. Don’t suffer again because you waited too long to protect your rights. In Fulton County, Indiana, you have two years to file—but you have only days to preserve critical evidence.
Call Attorney911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911). Our offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont serve clients nationwide, and we’re ready to fight for Fulton County families. Remember: the trucking company has lawyers working right now. You deserve someone fighting just as hard for you.
With Ralph Manginello’s 25 years of experience, Lupe Peña’s insurance defense insider knowledge, and our track record of multi-million dollar verdicts—$5 million for a logging TBI, $3.8 million for an amputation victim, $2.5 million against commercial carriers—we’re ready to take on the trucking industry. Your family deserves nothing less.
1-888-ATTY-911. We answer. We fight. We win.
