Grafton County 18-Wheeler Accident Attorneys: When 80,000 Pounds Changes Everything

The snow was coming down hard on I-89 through Grafton County when the call came in. Another truck had lost control on the ice. This time, it wasn’t just a fender bender. An 18-wheeler had jackknifed across three lanes near the Lebanon exit, leaving a family in a crushed sedan fighting for their lives. Moments like these happen too often on our roads. If you’re reading this because an 18-wheeler accident in Grafton County has shattered your world, you’re not alone—and you don’t have to face the trucking companies without a fighter in your corner.

At Attorney911, we’ve spent over 25 years standing up to trucking companies and their insurance giants. Ralph Manginello, our managing partner since 1998, has recovered multi-million dollar settlements for families just like yours across the country. We’ve gone toe-to-toe with Fortune 500 corporations like BP, and we’ve secured $50 million-plus for our clients. Our associate attorney Lupe Peña spent years working for insurance companies before joining our team. Now he uses that insider knowledge to fight against them—giving you an unfair advantage when it matters most.

The Brutal Reality of 18-Wheeler Accidents in Grafton County

Grafton County isn’t just any place. Our roads wind through the White Mountains, climb steep grades on I-89, and face brutal Nor’easters that turn interstates into ice rinks. When an 80,000-pound truck loses control here, the physics are merciless. Your 4,000-pound car doesn’t stand a chance.

Every year, thousands of commercial trucks barrel through Grafton County carrying freight to and from Canada, Boston, and points south. These trucks are governed by federal regulations that trucking companies often ignore. They push drivers past their limits. They skip maintenance to save money. They load cargo improperly. And when their negligence causes catastrophe, they hire teams of lawyers to minimize what they pay you.

We’ve seen what happens when trucking companies cut corners. Ralph Manginello has litigated against some of the largest carriers in America, including Walmart, Coca-Cola, Amazon, FedEx, and UPS. We know their playbook because Lupe Peña used to write it. He defended these companies before joining Attorney911. Now he exposes their tactics and fights for maximum compensation.

Types of 18-Wheeler Accidents We Handle in Grafton County

Not all truck accidents are the same. In Grafton County, with our mountain passes and winter weather, certain accident types are more common—and more deadly.

Jackknife Accidents on I-89 and I-93

When a truck driver brakes too hard on ice or takes a curve too fast, the trailer swings out perpendicular to the cab. This creates a deadly wall of steel across multiple lanes. We’ve seen jackknife accidents on the steep grades near Franconia Notch trap unsuspecting families with nowhere to go.

Jackknifes often happen because of:

49 CFR § 393.48 – Brake system malfunctions from poor maintenance
Speeding for conditions (49 CFR § 392.6)
Improper cargo securement (49 CFR § 393.100)

Rollover Accidents in Mountain Passes

The winding roads through Grafton County’s mountains are unforgiving. When truck drivers fail to adjust speed for curves, or when cargo shifts unexpectedly, 80,000 pounds of truck can roll onto its side. Rollovers frequently lead to secondary crashes as debris spills across the highway.

Rollovers typically involve violations of:

49 CFR § 393.100-136 – Cargo securement failures
49 CFR § 392.6 – Excessive speed for road conditions
49 CFR § 392.3 – Operating while fatigued

Underride Collisions—The Deadliest of All

When a smaller vehicle crashes into the rear or side of a trailer and slides underneath, the results are often fatal. Underride guards are supposed to prevent this, but many are poorly maintained or missing entirely. In Grafton County, where sudden stops happen frequently in tourist traffic or weather conditions, underride accidents devastate families.

Federal regulations (49 CFR § 393.86) require rear impact guards, yet many trucks operate with inadequate protection.

Rear-End Collisions

An 18-wheeler needs 525 feet to stop at 65 mph—nearly two football fields. When truck drivers follow too closely or drive distracted through Grafton County’s congested stretches near Hanover or Lebanon, they can’t stop in time.

These accidents often involve violations of:

49 CFR § 392.11 – Following too closely
49 CFR § 392.82 – Mobile phone use while driving
49 CFR § 395 – Hours of service violations causing fatigue

Wide Turn Accidents (“Squeeze Play”)

In tight intersections throughout Grafton County’s historic downtowns, trucks must swing wide to make right turns. When they fail to check blind spots or signal properly, they crush vehicles caught in the gap.

Blind Spot Accidents

Trucks have massive blind spots—20 feet in front, 30 feet behind, and wide lanes on both sides. When truck drivers change lanes without checking mirrors properly on I-89 or Route 4, they sideswipe vehicles they never saw coming.

Tire Blowouts

Cold weather and mountain grades stress truck tires to their limits. When trucking companies defer maintenance or drivers fail to inspect tires (49 CFR § 393.75), blowouts cause immediate loss of control.

Brake Failures

Brake problems contribute to 29% of large truck crashes. Deferred maintenance (49 CFR § 396.3) and failure to conduct pre-trip inspections (49 CFR § 396.13) create ticking time bombs on Grafton County’s steep descents.

Cargo Spills

Improperly secured loads (49 CFR § 393.100) can shift during transit or spill onto roadways. In Grafton County’s tourist areas and narrow mountain roads, these spills create chaos and multi-vehicle pileups.

FMCSA Regulations That Protect You

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) created Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations (49 CFR) to keep dangerous trucks off our roads. When trucking companies violate these rules, they prove their negligence automatically.

Part 390—General Applicability

These regulations apply to all commercial vehicles operating in interstate commerce with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating over 10,001 pounds. Any truck crossing into Grafton County from Canada or carrying freight across state lines must comply.

Part 391—Driver Qualification Standards

Trucking companies must ensure their drivers are qualified before putting them behind the wheel. Requirements include:

Minimum age of 21 for interstate commerce
Valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)
Medical certification proving physical fitness (49 CFR § 391.41)
Clean driving record verified through background checks
Entry-level driver training completed

We subpoena Driver Qualification Files in every case. Missing or incomplete files prove negligent hiring—a direct path to holding the trucking company liable.

Part 392—Rules That Prevent Accidents

49 CFR § 392.3 prohibits operating while fatigued or ill. 49 CFR § 392.4 and 392.5 ban drug and alcohol use. 49 CFR § 392.82 prohibits handheld mobile phone use while driving. When we find violations of these rules, we prove the trucking company broke federal law.

Part 393—Vehicle Safety Standards

This section governs equipment safety. Trucking companies must maintain:

Properly functioning brake systems (49 CFR § 393.40-55)
Adequate lighting and reflectors (49 CFR § 393.11-26)
Cargo securement meeting federal standards (49 CFR § 393.100-136)
Rear impact guards (49 CFR § 393.86)

Part 395—Hours of Service (The Most Violated Rule)

Federal law limits how long drivers can operate:

11-hour maximum driving limit after 10 consecutive hours off duty
14-hour duty window cannot be exceeded
30-minute break mandatory after 8 cumulative hours of driving
60/70-hour weekly limits with mandatory 34-hour restart

Since December 18, 2017, most trucks must use Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) that record driving time automatically. ELD data proves when drivers violate these limits—and when trucking companies pressure them to do so.

Part 396—Inspection and Maintenance

Trucking companies must systematically inspect, repair, and maintain vehicles (49 CFR § 396.3). Drivers must conduct pre-trip inspections (49 CFR § 396.13) and document post-trip reports (49 CFR § 396.11). Failure to maintain brake systems or tires creates liability when those systems fail and cause accidents in Grafton County.

Every Party That Could Owe You Money

Most law firms only sue the driver and trucking company. We investigate every potentially liable party because more defendants mean more insurance coverage means higher compensation for you.

1. The Truck Driver

The driver who caused the accident may be personally liable for:

Speeding or reckless driving through Grafton County’s mountain passes
Distracted driving or texting (49 CFR § 392.82)
Driving while fatigued or beyond hours-of-service limits
Impaired driving under drugs or alcohol
Failing to inspect the vehicle before driving

2. The Trucking Company

This is where the deep pockets usually are. Trucking companies carry $750,000 to $5 million in insurance. They’re liable under:

Respondeat Superior (employer liability for employee actions)
Negligent Hiring (hiring drivers with poor records)
Negligent Training (inadequate safety instruction)
Negligent Supervision (failing to monitor driver behavior)
Negligent Maintenance (deferring repairs to save money)

3. Cargo Owner/Shipper

Companies shipping goods through Grafton County may be liable if they:

Required overweight loading
Failed to disclose hazardous materials
Provided improper loading instructions

4. Cargo Loading Company

Third-party loaders who improperly secured cargo (49 CFR § 393.100 violations) can be held responsible when shifting loads cause rollovers or spills.

5. Truck and Trailer Manufacturers

Defective brakes, steering systems, or stability control that contribute to accidents create product liability claims against manufacturers.

6. Parts Manufacturers

Companies making defective tires, brake components, or lighting equipment may be liable when their products fail on Grafton County roads.

7. Maintenance Companies

Third-party mechanics who performed negligent repairs or failed to identify critical safety issues can be held accountable.

8. Freight Brokers

Brokers who hire carriers with poor safety records or inadequate insurance may be liable for negligent carrier selection.

9. Truck Owner (If Different)

In owner-operator arrangements, the equipment owner may have separate liability for negligent entrustment or maintenance failures.

10. Government Entities

Poorly designed roads, inadequate signage, or failure to maintain safe conditions on Grafton County highways may create government liability (though strict notice requirements apply in New Hampshire).

Critical Evidence That Disappears Fast

Here’s what the trucking company doesn’t want you to know: Evidence evaporates quickly. You have 48 hours to act before critical data disappears forever.

Black Box Data (ECM/EDR)

Engine Control Modules record:

Speed before and during the crash
Brake application timing
Throttle position
Cruise control engagement
Fault codes showing mechanical issues

This data can be overwritten in 30 days or simply deleted when the company downloads new driving events.

Electronic Logging Devices (ELD)

ELDs prove hours-of-service violations. They show exactly when the driver was on duty, when breaks were taken, and whether federal rest requirements were violated. FMCSA only requires 6 months retention—unless we act fast.

Driver Qualification Files

These files contain the driver’s entire history—previous accidents, drug test results, medical certifications, and employment applications. They prove whether the trucking company performed adequate background checks.

Maintenance Records

Brake inspection logs, tire replacement records, and repair documentation show whether the company deferred maintenance. Under 49 CFR § 396.3, these records must be kept for specific periods—but once litigation is anticipated, destruction constitutes spoliation.

Spoliation Letters: Your Evidence Shield

We send formal spoliation letters within 24 hours of being retained. These letters put the trucking company on legal notice that destroying evidence will result in sanctions, adverse jury instructions, or default judgment. The sooner we send these letters, the stronger your case becomes.

As client Donald Wilcox told us after another firm rejected his case: “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.”

Catastrophic Injuries Require Catastrophic Compensation

The physics of 80,000 pounds against 4,000 pounds creates devastating injuries. We regularly handle:

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

Concussions, skull fractures, and penetrating brain injuries change everything. Symptoms include memory loss, personality changes, headaches, and cognitive impairment. Our firm has recovered $1.5 million to $9.8 million for TBI victims, including a $5 million settlement for a worker struck by a falling log who suffered brain injury and vision loss.

Spinal Cord Injuries

Damage to the spinal cord causes paralysis—paraplegia (lower body) or quadriplegia (all four limbs). Lifetime care costs exceed $4.7 million to $25.8 million. We’ve secured multi-million dollar settlements to cover these astronomical costs.

Amputations

When crush injuries require surgical amputation or traumatic amputation occurs at the scene, victims face prosthetics costing $5,000 to $50,000 each, plus lifetime replacements. We recovered $3.8 million for a client who lost a limb after a car accident complicated by infection, and $1.9 million to $8.6 million in other amputation cases.

Severe Burns

Fuel fires and chemical spills from 18-wheelers cause third and fourth-degree burns requiring skin grafts and reconstructive surgery. These injuries create permanent scarring and psychological trauma.

Internal Organ Damage

Blunt force trauma damages livers, spleens, kidneys, and lungs. These injuries may not show symptoms immediately but can be life-threatening.

Wrongful Death

When trucking negligence kills loved ones on Grafton County roads, families face unimaginable loss. We’ve recovered $1.9 million to $9.5 million for wrongful death claims, helping families secure their financial future while honoring their loved one’s memory.

As Glenda Walker said after we resolved her case: “They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.”

Insurance Coverage: Why Trucking Cases Are Different

Unlike car accidents where policies might cover $30,000, federal law requires trucking companies to carry minimum liability coverage of:

$750,000 for non-hazardous freight
$1,000,000 for oil, large equipment, and motor vehicles
$5,000,000 for hazardous materials

Many carriers carry $1 million to $5 million or more. This higher coverage means catastrophic injuries can actually be compensated—not leaving victims with unpaid medical bills.

But accessing these policies requires knowing how trucking law works. Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize your claim. They use software like Colossus to calculate lowball offers. They hope you don’t know about FMCSA regulations or spoliation letters.

That’s where Lupe Peña’s background matters. He spent years defending insurance companies. He knows their formulas, their manipulation tactics, and how to counter them. As he told ABC13 Houston in a recent interview: “If this prevents harm to another person, that’s what we’re hoping to do. Let’s bring this to light. Enough is enough.”

New Hampshire Law: What Grafton County Victims Must Know

Statute of Limitations

In New Hampshire, you have 3 years from the date of your trucking accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. For wrongful death, you have 3 years from the date of death. Wait longer, and you lose your right to sue forever.

But waiting is dangerous. Evidence disappears, memories fade, and trucking companies build their defenses. Contact us immediately.

Modified Comparative Negligence

New Hampshire follows a 51% bar rule (modified comparative negligence). You can recover damages if you’re 50% or less at fault. However, your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault. If you’re 20% at fault, you recover 80% of your damages. If you’re 51% at fault, you recover nothing.

This makes evidence preservation critical. We need to prove the truck driver was primarily responsible—not you.

Punitive Damages

Unlike some states, New Hampshire does not cap punitive damages in personal injury cases. When trucking companies act with gross negligence—like knowingly hiring dangerous drivers or falsifying logbooks—you may be entitled to additional damages to punish the wrongdoer.

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Grafton County Trucking Case

Ralph Manginello’s 25+ Year Track Record

Ralph has been fighting for injury victims since 1998. He’s admitted to federal court (Southern District of Texas), has litigated against BP in the Texas City refinery explosion, and currently manages a $10 million lawsuit against the University of Houston for hazing-related injuries. He’s a member of the State Bar of Texas (Bar #24007597) and the New York State Bar, giving him cross-border capability.

Lupe Peña’s Insurance Defense Advantage

Lupe isn’t just an attorney—he’s a former insurance defense lawyer who knows exactly how trucking insurers evaluate and minimize claims. He speaks fluent Spanish (Hablamos Español), serving Grafton County’s Hispanic community directly without interpreters.

Our client Chad Harris put it best: “You are NOT a pest to them and you are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.”

Multi-Office Reach

With offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, Texas, we serve clients nationwide. For Grafton County residents, we offer remote consultations and travel to your location when necessary.

Documented Results

$50+ million recovered across all practice areas
$5+ million traumatic brain injury settlements
$3.8+ million amputation settlements
$2.5+ million truck crash recovery
$2+ million maritime and offshore settlements

Client Satisfaction

We’ve earned 251+ Google reviews with a 4.9-star average. Client Ernest Cano said: “Mr. Manginello and his firm are first class. Will fight tooth and nail for you.”

Immediate Steps After a Grafton County Truck Accident

Call 911 – Report the accident immediately and request medical assistance
Document everything – Photograph vehicles, injuries, road conditions, and the truck’s DOT number
Get witness information – Names and phone numbers before they leave the scene
Seek medical attention – Even if you feel fine, adrenaline masks serious injuries
Avoid insurance statements – Don’t give recorded statements without counsel present
Call Attorney911 immediately – We send spoliation letters within 24 hours

The trucking company is already building their defense. Their rapid-response team is at the scene before the ambulance leaves. You need someone fighting just as hard for you.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is my Grafton County trucking accident case worth?

Case values depend on injury severity, medical costs, lost wages, and available insurance. Trucking cases typically range from hundreds of thousands to multi-millions. We’ve secured settlements from $2 million to $9.8 million depending on the circumstances.

Will my case go to trial?

Most cases settle, but we prepare every case for trial. Insurance companies know which lawyers are willing to go to court—they offer better settlements to firms with trial experience. We’re ready if they won’t pay what you deserve.

How long do I have to file?

Three years in New Hampshire. But don’t wait. Evidence disappears fast, and trucking companies work immediately to protect themselves.

Can I still recover if I was partially at fault?

Yes, under New Hampshire’s modified comparative negligence rule, if you’re 50% or less at fault, you can recover damages reduced by your percentage of responsibility.

How much does an attorney cost?

We work on contingency—33.33% pre-trial, 40% if trial is necessary. You pay nothing upfront. We advance all costs. You pay nothing unless we win.

Do you handle Spanish-speaking clients?

Sí. Hablamos Español. Lupe Peña provides direct representation in Spanish without interpreters.

Call Attorney911 Today

The trucking company has teams of lawyers. They have insurance adjusters trained to pay you less. They have rapid-response investigators at the scene within hours.

What do you have?

If you’ve been hurt in an 18-wheeler accident in Grafton County, you have Attorney911. You have Ralph Manginello’s 25 years of experience. You have Lupe Peña’s insider knowledge of insurance defense tactics. You have a team that treats you like family, not a number.

The clock started ticking the moment that truck hit you. Within 48 hours, critical evidence can disappear. Black box data gets overwritten. Dashcam footage is deleted. The trucking company is already building their case.

What are you doing?

Call 1-888-ATTY-911 right now. We’re available 24/7 because trucking accidents don’t happen on a 9-to-5 schedule. Free consultation. No fee unless we win. Zero upfront costs.

Don’t let them push you around. Don’t settle for less than you deserve. Don’t wait until the evidence is gone.

1-888-ATTY-911
1-888-288-9911

We’re ready to fight for you.

Attorney911 / The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC
Managing Partner: Ralph P. Manginello, State Bar of Texas #24007597
Associate Attorney: Lupe E. Peña, State Bar of Texas #24084332
Offices: Houston (1177 West Loop S, Suite 1600), Austin (316 West 12th Street), Beaumont
Emails: ralph@atty911.com | lupe@atty911.com