18-Wheeler Accident Attorneys in Greene County, Iowa

An 80,000-pound truck traveling through Greene County at highway speed doesn’t give you a second chance. When an 18-wheeler jackknifes on I-80 during an Iowa blizzard, or when a grain hauler loses control on a rural highway near Greene County, the physics are brutal—20 tons of steel against your vehicle’s 4,000 pounds. It isn’t a fair fight, and it isn’t supposed to be. But after the impact, when you’re facing hospital bills, lost wages, and permanent injuries, you deserve a legal team that fights back just as hard.

At Attorney911, we’ve spent over 25 years standing up to trucking companies and their insurers. We know how they operate—their rapid-response teams, their evidence destruction tactics, and the lowball offers they hope you’ll accept before you realize the full extent of your injuries. With offices serving clients throughout Iowa and Texas, our managing partner Ralph Manginello brings federal court experience and a track record of multi-million dollar verdicts. Our associate attorney Lupe Peña adds a critical advantage: he used to defend insurance companies. Now he uses that insider knowledge to fight for victims in Greene County and across the Hawkeye State.

If you’ve been hurt in a trucking accident in Greene County, time is your enemy. Evidence disappears fast—black box data can be overwritten in 30 days, and trucking companies are already building their defense. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 now for a free consultation. We work on contingency—you pay nothing unless we win.

Why Greene County Trucking Accidents Demand Immediate Legal Action

Greene County isn’t just another dot on the map—it’s part of Iowa’s agricultural backbone, where I-80 serves as the primary artery connecting the Midwest to the West Coast. This means heavy truck traffic year-round, from long-haul freight to seasonal agricultural hauling. When you combine that with Iowa’s notorious weather—blizzards that shut down I-80, ice storms that turn rural roads into danger zones, and tornadoes that strike without warning—you have a perfect storm for catastrophic trucking accidents.

The statistics are sobering. Every 16 minutes, someone in America is injured in a commercial truck crash. In Iowa specifically, the combination of heavy freight corridors like I-80 and severe winter weather creates unique hazards. Trucks that traverse Greene County daily include not just long-haul semis, but grain haulers during harvest season, livestock carriers, and oil-transport vehicles. Each carries specific risks unique to Iowa’s rural landscape.

But here’s what the trucking companies don’t want you to know: they have teams of lawyers and investigators on call 24 hours a day. Within hours of a crash in Greene County, they often have representatives at the scene working to minimize their liability. While you’re dealing with injuries and trauma, they’re working to protect their bottom line. That’s why you need someone working just as hard for you—starting immediately.

Ralph Manginello: 25 Years Fighting for Trucking Accident Victims

Attorney911’s founder, Ralph Manginello, has made trucking companies pay for negligence since 1998. With over two decades of courtroom experience across Texas and federal court—including admission to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas—Ralph understands the complex web of federal regulations that govern every 18-wheeler on Greene County highways.

“We’ve seen what trucking companies do after an accident,” Ralph explains. “They destroy evidence, falsify logs, and pressure drivers to lie. Our job is to stop them.”

Ralph’s experience includes fighting Fortune 500 corporations in complex litigation, including his firm’s involvement in the BP Texas City Refinery explosion litigation—a $2.1 billion disaster that demonstrated Attorney911’s capacity to take on the world’s largest corporations. Since founding the firm in 2001, Ralph has recovered over $50 million for clients, including multi-million dollar settlements for traumatic brain injuries, amputations, and wrongful death cases.

What sets Ralph apart isn’t just experience—it’s results. In one recent case, Attorney911 secured over $5 million for a logging company worker who suffered a traumatic brain injury and vision loss. In another, the firm recovered $3.8 million for a client who lost a limb after a car accident and subsequent medical complications. These aren’t just numbers—they’re lives rebuilt, families supported, and futures secured.

“I was rear-ended and the team got right to work,” says client Mongo Slade. “I also got a very nice settlement.” Another client, Donald Wilcox, explains, “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.”

The Insurance Defense Advantage: Lupe Peña’s Insider Knowledge

Most personal injury firms only know one side of the system. At Attorney911, we have an unfair advantage: our associate attorney Lupe Peña spent years working for a national insurance defense firm before joining our team.

“I used to sit on their side of the table,” Lupe explains. “I watched adjusters minimize claims, train their people to lowball victims, and deny legitimate injuries. Now I use that knowledge to fight for people in Greene County.”

This insider perspective means Lupe—and by extension, every Greene County client we represent—knows exactly how trucking insurers evaluate claims, when they’re bluffing, and what tactics they’ll use to delay or deny your compensation. Combined with his fluency in Spanish (Hablamos Español), Lupe ensures that Spanish-speaking victims in Greene County receive direct representation without the barriers of interpreters or translation delays.

When you hire Attorney911 for a Greene County trucking accident, you’re not just getting a lawyer—you’re getting someone who knows the enemy’s playbook.

Current Litigation: $10 Million University of Houston Hazing Lawsuit

Attorney911 isn’t resting on past victories. Right now, Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña are actively litigating a $10 million lawsuit against the University of Houston and Pi Kappa Phi Fraternity. The case involves severe hazing allegations that resulted in a hospitalization with rhabdomyolysis and acute kidney failure. This major active litigation demonstrates Attorney911’s ongoing commitment to holding powerful institutions accountable—whether they’re universities or trucking conglomerates.

The firm’s ability to handle complex, high-stakes litigation means Greene County trucking accident victims get the same level of representation typically reserved for cases against Fortune 500 companies.

Understanding Iowa’s 2-Year Deadline and Modified Comparative Fault

If you’re reading this from a Greene County hospital bed or while recovering at home, the clock is already ticking. Iowa law gives you just two years from the date of your trucking accident to file a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit. Wait too long, and you lose your right to compensation forever—regardless of how severe your injuries are or how clearly negligent the trucking company was.

Iowa also follows modified comparative negligence with a 51% bar. This means you can recover damages in Greene County courts as long as you weren’t more than 50% at fault for the accident. However, your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. If the trucking company claims you were 30% responsible for the crash, and your damages are $1 million, you would receive $700,000.

This makes evidence preservation and fast legal action even more critical. The trucking company’s insurance adjusters will try to shift blame to you immediately. Without immediate legal representation to secure black box data, maintenance records, and witness statements, you could lose the evidence needed to prove the truck driver was 100% at fault.

Unlike some states, Iowa does not cap punitive damages in personal injury cases. When trucking companies act with gross negligence—such as forcing drivers to falsify logs, knowingly operating unsafe vehicles, or destroying evidence—Greene County juries can award multi-million dollar punitive verdicts to punish the wrongdoers and deter future misconduct.

The Physics of Catastrophe: Why 18-Wheeler Accidents Are Different

When a fully loaded truck hits a passenger vehicle in Greene County, the physics aren’t just dangerous—they’re devastating. An 80,000-pound semi traveling at 65 mph carries roughly 80 times the kinetic energy of a standard car. At that speed, a truck needs approximately 525 feet to stop—nearly the length of two football fields. In winter conditions on I-80, that stopping distance can double.

This is why trucking accidents in Greene County result in catastrophic injuries far more often than standard car crashes. The size disparity means that while truck drivers often walk away from collisions, passenger vehicle occupants suffer:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Settlements ranging from $1.5 million to $9.8 million+
• Spinal Cord Injuries: Verdicts from $4.7 million to $25.8 million+
• Amputations: Recoveries from $1.9 million to $8.6 million+
• Wrongful Death: Settlements from $1.9 million to $9.5 million+

These figures aren’t speculation—they’re documented results from Attorney911’s case files. When Kiimarii Yup lost their car and livelihood in an accident, they came to us. “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,” Kiimarii reported.

The Fatal 18-Wheeler Accident Types Affecting Greene County Drivers

Every trucking accident is unique, but certain types occur with alarming frequency in Greene County and across Iowa—particularly given our harsh winters and agricultural economy. Here are the accidents we see most often:

Jackknife Accidents

A jackknife occurs when the trailer swings out perpendicular to the cab, often blocking multiple lanes of I-80. In Iowa’s winter conditions, sudden braking on ice causes this terrifying scenario. The trailer becomes a lethal pendulum, sweeping across the interstate without warning. These accidents frequently result in multi-vehicle pileups when other drivers can’t stop in time.

FMCSA Violations: 49 CFR § 393.48 (brake system malfunction), § 393.100 (improper cargo securement), § 392.6 (speeding for conditions).

Rollover Accidents

Iowa’s rural highways and entrance ramps become death traps when truck drivers take curves too fast or when improperly secured grain loads shift during transport. A rollover in Greene County can crush any vehicle caught beside it, or spill toxic chemicals if the truck is hauling hazardous materials.

FMCSA Violations: § 393.100-136 (cargo securement), § 392.6 (excessive speed), § 392.3 (fatigued operation).

Underride Collisions

The most fatal of all trucking accidents. When a smaller vehicle crashes into the rear or side of a trailer and slides underneath, the trailer height often shears off the passenger compartment at windshield level. Approximately 400-500 Americans die annually in underride crashes. Federal law requires rear impact guards (49 CFR § 393.86), but many trucks have inadequate or damaged guards, and side underride guards are not federally mandated—making these especially deadly.

Rear-End Collisions

A loaded 18-wheeler needs 40% more stopping distance than a car. When distracted, fatigued, or speeding truck drivers follow too closely on I-80 or Greene County highways, they cannot stop in time. The result is often a crushing impact that pushes smaller vehicles into other lanes or off the road entirely.

FMCSA Violations: § 392.11 (following too closely), § 392.3 (fatigue), § 392.82 (mobile phone use).

Tire Blowout Accidents

Iowa’s extreme temperature variations—scorching summers and sub-zero winters—degrade truck tires rapidly. A steer-tire blowout at highway speed causes immediate loss of control, while debris from shredded tires (called “road gators”) creates secondary hazards for following vehicles.

FMCSA Violations: § 393.75 (minimum tread depth), § 396.13 (pre-trip inspection requirements).

Brake Failure Accidents

Brake problems contribute to approximately 29% of large truck crashes. When trucking companies defer maintenance to save costs, or when drivers fail to conduct pre-trip inspections, the result can be total brake failure on a downhill stretch of I-80.

FMCSA Violations: § 393.40-55 (brake system requirements), § 396.3 (systematic inspection and maintenance).

Cargo Spill and Shift Accidents

During harvest season in Greene County, grain trucks and agricultural haulers often overload or improperly secure cargo. A sudden shift in weight distribution causes rollovers, while spilled grain on highways creates deadly slicks that trigger multi-car pileups.

FMCSA Violations: § 393.100-136 (cargo securement performance criteria).

The 10 Liable Parties in Your Greene County Trucking Accident

Most law firms only sue the driver and trucking company. At Attorney911, we investigate every potentially liable party—because more defendants means more insurance coverage, and more coverage means maximum compensation for your injuries.

1. The Truck Driver
Direct liability for speeding, distracted driving, fatigue, impairment, or traffic violations. We subpoena their driving records, cell phone data, and drug/alcohol test results.

2. The Trucking Company/Motor Carrier
Under respondeat superior, employers are liable for employee negligence. Companies are also directly liable for negligent hiring (failing to background check), negligent training, negligent supervision, and negligent maintenance. Federal minimum insurance requirements range from $750,000 to $5 million depending on cargo type.

3. The Cargo Owner/Shipper
If the shipper demanded rush delivery that violated hours-of-service regulations, or failed to disclose hazardous materials, they share liability.

4. The Loading Company
Third-party loaders who failed to properly secure cargo per 49 CFR § 393 can be held accountable for shift-related rollovers and spills.

5. The Truck Manufacturer
Design defects in brakes, stability control, or fuel tank placement can trigger product liability claims.

6. The Parts Manufacturer
Defective tires, brake components, or steering mechanisms that failed under normal use conditions.

7. The Maintenance Company
Third-party mechanics who performed negligent repairs or certified unsafe vehicles.

8. The Freight Broker
Brokers who negligently selected carriers with poor safety records (low CSA scores) or inadequate insurance.

9. The Truck Owner (if different from carrier)
In owner-operator arrangements, the vehicle owner may share liability for negligent entrustment.

10. Government Entities
Iowa DOT or Greene County agencies may be liable for dangerous road design, inadequate signage, or failure to maintain safe highways—particularly if known hazards weren’t addressed.

The 48-Hour Evidence Crisis: Why We Send Spoliation Letters Immediately

Here’s what the trucking company doesn’t want you to know: critical evidence in your Greene County accident can disappear within 48 hours to 30 days.

• ECM/Black Box Data: Overwrites in 30 days or with new driving events
• ELD (Electronic Logging Device) Data: Only retained 6 months; proves hours-of-service violations
• Dashcam Footage: Often deleted within 7-14 days
• Surveillance Video: Business cameras overwrite in 7-30 days
• Driver Drug/Alcohol Tests: Must be conducted within specific windows post-accident

When you call 1-888-ATTY-911, we send a spoliation letter within 24 hours—a formal legal notice to the trucking company, their insurer, and all liable parties demanding preservation of all evidence. Once they receive this letter, destroying evidence becomes “spoliation,” which can result in:

• Adverse inference instructions (juries instructed to assume destroyed evidence was unfavorable)
• Monetary sanctions
• Default judgment in extreme cases

Our immediate preservation protocol includes:

• Subpoenaing ECM and ELD downloads before they overwrite
• Securing the Driver Qualification File (medical certifications, training records, previous violations)
• Photographing the accident scene before debris is cleared
• Canvassing for security camera footage from nearby Greene County businesses
• Subpoenaing cell phone records to prove distracted driving

As client Chad Harris noted: “You are NOT a pest to them and you are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.” We treat your case with the urgency it deserves because we know what’s at stake.

FMCSA Regulations: The Rules That Keep Greene County Safe

Every commercial truck on Greene County roads must comply with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations. Violations of these rules prove negligence and often determine case outcomes.

Hours of Service (49 CFR Part 395)

Property-carrying drivers (most 18-wheelers) cannot:

• Drive more than 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off-duty
• Drive beyond the 14th consecutive hour after coming on duty
• Drive after accumulating 60/70 hours on duty in 7/8 consecutive days without a 34-hour restart

Since December 2017, Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) automatically record this data, making falsification harder—but violations still occur daily on Iowa highways.

Driver Qualification Standards (49 CFR Part 391)

Motor carriers must maintain a Driver Qualification File for every driver, including:

• Medical examiner’s certification (required every 2 years)
• Driving record checks
• Pre-employment drug testing
• Road test certifications

Failure to maintain these files constitutes negligent hiring—a direct liability for the trucking company.

Vehicle Maintenance (49 CFR Part 396)

Systematic inspection, repair, and maintenance requirements mandate:

• Pre-trip inspections by drivers
• Post-trip inspection reports
• Annual comprehensive inspections
• Maintenance records retained for 1 year

Cargo Securement (49 CFR Part 393)

Cargo must withstand 0.8g forward deceleration, 0.5g rearward acceleration, and 0.5g lateral forces. In Iowa’s agricultural economy, improperly secured grain loads are a persistent hazard.

Catastrophic Injuries and Long-Term Care

The injuries from Greene County 18-wheeler accidents often require lifelong medical care. We work with life-care planners and medical economists to calculate the true cost of your injuries—not just today’s bills, but decades of future care.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

Symptoms include headaches, memory loss, personality changes, and cognitive deficits. Lifetime care costs range from $85,000 to $3 million+. Settlement range: $1.5 million to $9.8 million.

Spinal Cord Injury/Paralysis

Paraplegia costs exceed $1 million over a lifetime; quadriplegia can exceed $5 million. Settlement range: $4.7 million to $25.8 million.

Amputation

Requires prosthetic limbs ($5,000-$50,000 each, replaced multiple times over lifetime), home modifications, and occupational therapy. Settlement range: $1.9 million to $8.6 million.

Wrongful Death

When a trucking accident kills a loved one in Greene County, survivors can recover lost future income, loss of consortium, mental anguish, and punitive damages. Settlement range: $1.9 million to $9.5 million.

“They fought for me to get every dime I deserved,” says client Glenda Walker. That’s our promise to every Greene County family we represent.

Frequently Asked Questions About Greene County Trucking Accidents

How long do I have to file a lawsuit in Iowa?
Two years from the accident date for personal injury or wrongful death. However, evidence disappears much faster—contact us immediately.

What if I was partially at fault?
Iowa follows modified comparative negligence. You can recover if you were 50% or less at fault, but your damages are reduced by your percentage of responsibility.

How much insurance do trucking companies carry?
Federal minimums are $750,000 for general freight, $1 million for oil/equipment, and $5 million for hazardous materials. Many carriers carry excess coverage above these minimums.

What is a spoliation letter?
A legal notice requiring preservation of evidence. We send these immediately to prevent trucking companies from destroying black box data, maintenance records, and driver files.

Do you offer Spanish-language services in Greene County?
Sí. Hablamos Español. Lupe Peña provides fluent Spanish representation—no interpreters needed. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911.

How much does an attorney cost?
We work on contingency—33.33% pre-trial, 40% if litigation is required. You pay nothing unless we win.

What if the trucking company denies responsibility?
We prepare every case for trial. Most settle, but insurance companies know which attorneys are willing to go to court—and they pay accordingly.

Why Greene County Families Choose Attorney911

As one client, Angel Walle, put it: “They solved in a couple of months what others did nothing about in two years.”

We’re a firm that insurance companies fear—not because we’re aggressive, but because we’re prepared. With 251+ five-star Google reviews and a 4.9-star average, our reputation speaks through our clients’ voices.

Ernest Cano notes we “will fight tooth and nail for you.” Jamin Marroquin praises our “great expertise” over 19 months of tenacious representation. And Beth Bonds credits Ralph Manginello with dismissing a “bogus case” within a week when another attorney had dragged it out for two years.

With offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont—plus our willing travel to Greene County for client meetings—we provide big-firm resources with small-firm attention. You won’t be handed off to a case manager and forgotten. You’ll work directly with attorneys who know your name, your story, and your fight.

Call Today: The Evidence Is Disappearing

Every hour you wait, the trucking company is building their defense. Their lawyers are reviewing the accident report. Their insurance adjuster is preparing a lowball offer. Their IT department may already be preparing to overwrite the black box data that proves their driver was speeding, fatigued, or distracted.

Don’t let them win through delay. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 right now. We’ll answer 24/7, evaluate your case for free, and immediately begin preserving the evidence that can secure your family’s future.

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

From all of us at Attorney911: We’re ready to fight for Greene County. We’re ready to fight for you.