18-Wheeler & Trucking Accident Attorneys Serving Hamilton County, Iowa

When 80,000 Pounds Changes Your Life in an Instant

The impact was catastrophic. One moment you’re navigating the curves near Webster City on I-35, and the next, an 80,000-pound semi-truck has jackknifed across your lane. In Hamilton County, where agriculture meets major interstate commerce corridors, these accidents happen with devastating regularity—and they leave victims facing injuries that no one should have to face alone.

If you’ve been injured in an 18-wheeler accident anywhere in Hamilton County—from Jewell Junction to Stratford, from the windy stretches of Highway 20 to the busy I-35 corridor—you need more than just a lawyer. You need a fighter who understands federal trucking regulations, who knows how to preserve critical evidence before it disappears, and who has the resources to take on Fortune 500 shipping companies that think they can push Iowans around.

At Attorney911, we’ve spent over 25 years holding trucking companies accountable. Ralph Manginello, our managing partner, has been fighting for injury victims since 1998, securing multi-million dollar settlements for families devastated by commercial truck crashes. Our associate attorney, Lupe Peña, brings something rare to the table: he used to work for insurance defense firms, defending trucking companies against claims just like yours. Now he uses that insider knowledge to fight for you. We know their playbook, their tactics, and exactly how they try to minimize your suffering—and we know how to stop them.

Call us now at 1-888-ATTY-911 or (888) 288-9911. We offer free consultations, and you pay nothing unless we win your case.

Why Hamilton County, Iowa Faces Unique Trucking Dangers

Hamilton County sits at the crossroads of major agricultural shipping routes and transcontinental interstate corridors. With I-35 running north-south through the county and connecting to the I-80 corridor just miles away, our region sees massive volumes of commercial truck traffic—everything from grain haulers transporting corn and soybeans to long-haul freight moving between Des Moines and the Twin Cities.

The Rural Highway Factor

Unlike urban environments where speeds are lower and emergency services are seconds away, Hamilton County’s rural highways create unique dangers:

• Limited Escape Routes: Narrow shoulders on highways like 20 and 175 leave nowhere to go when a truck drifts into your lane
• Weather Extremes: Iowa winters bring black ice and blowing snow that can turn I-35 into a skating rink for 80,000-pound vehicles
• Agricultural Traffic Mix: Slow-moving farm equipment sharing roads with speeding semi-trucks creates deadly speed differentials
• Fatigue-Prone Corridors: Long, straight stretches of highway through Hamilton County encourage drowsy driving, especially during overnight hauls

The statistics tell the story. Every 16 minutes, someone in America is injured in a commercial truck crash. In Iowa specifically, the Department of Transportation reports hundreds of truck-related injuries annually, with Hamilton County seeing its share of serious collisions due to our position on major freight routes.

The Physics Are Brutal

When an 18-wheeler collides with a passenger vehicle, it’s not a fair fight. Your car weighs roughly 4,000 pounds. A fully loaded tractor-trailer can weigh 80,000 pounds—twenty times heavier. At highway speeds, the truck needs nearly two football fields to stop. When physics this unforgiving meet Iowa’s winter weather or a fatigued driver on I-35, the results are catastrophic.

Types of 18-Wheeler Accidents We Handle in Hamilton County

Every trucking accident is different, but certain types of crashes occur with alarming frequency on Iowa’s highways and rural roads. We handle them all, building specialized strategies for each scenario.

Jackknife Accidents on Icy Iowa Highways

A jackknife occurs when the truck’s trailer swings out perpendicular to the cab, often sweeping across multiple lanes of traffic. In Hamilton County, where winter storms can coat I-35 and Highway 20 with ice in minutes, jackknifes are particularly common and devastating.

These accidents usually happen because:

• The driver braked too suddenly on slick surfaces
• The truck was speeding for weather conditions
• The trailer was empty or lightly loaded (more prone to swing)
• The trucking company failed to equip the vehicle with proper winter-rated tires

Under 49 CFR § 392.6, truck drivers must operate at speeds safe for conditions—not just the posted limit. When an Iowa winter storm hits Hamilton County, driving 70 mph on I-35 isn’t just dangerous; it’s a federal violation that proves negligence.

Rear-End Collisions: The Stopping Distance Problem

Rear-end crashes involving trucks happen frequently on Hamilton County’s rural highways because drivers underestimate stopping distances or follow too closely. A truck traveling at 65 mph needs approximately 525 feet to stop—nearly 40% more than a passenger car.

When these happen on I-35 near Webster City or on the approaches to the Iowa River bridges, the results are catastrophic. Common causes include:

• Following too closely (violating 49 CFR § 392.11)
• Distracted driving—texting or using dispatch devices (violating 49 CFR § 392.82)
• Fatigued driving beyond federal hours-of-service limits (49 CFR Part 395)
• Brake failures from deferred maintenance (49 CFR Part 396)

Rollover Accidents on Curves and Ramps

Hamilton County’s terrain isn’t flat everywhere. Curves on Highway 20 and entrance/exit ramps can become death traps when truck drivers take them too fast. Rollovers often involve:

• Improperly secured cargo shifting during turns (violating 49 CFR Part 393 cargo securement rules)
• Drivers exceeding safe speeds for curves
• Top-heavy loads common in agricultural transport

When a truck rolls over on a Hamilton County roadway, it often results in secondary crashes as other vehicles attempt to avoid the wreckage, sometimes leading to multi-vehicle pileups.

Underride Collisions: The Most Deadly Crashes

Perhaps the most horrific trucking accidents involve underride collisions, where a smaller vehicle slides underneath the trailer. The trailer height often shears off the top of the passenger compartment at windshield level.

Rear underride often happens when:

• A truck stops suddenly on I-35 without adequate warning
• The truck lacks proper rear impact guards (49 CFR § 393.86 requires guards on trailers manufactured after January 26, 1998)
• Lighting and reflectors are inadequate for Iowa’s foggy mornings

Side underride is equally deadly and occurs during lane changes or when trucks make wide right turns at rural intersections in Hamilton County. Unlike rear guards, side underride guards are not federally mandated—making these cases particularly complex and requiring aggressive legal action.

Cargo Spill and Lost Load Accidents

Given Hamilton County’s agricultural economy, we see numerous accidents involving improperly secured loads—grain spills on Highway 20, livestock transport issues, and equipment falling from flatbeds. Under 49 CFR § 393.100, cargo must be secured to prevent leaking, spilling, or shifting that affects vehicle stability.

When a load of corn or soybeans spills across I-35, or when a piece of farm equipment falls from a trailer onto the roadway, the trucking company and cargo loader may both be liable for the carnage that follows.

Wide Turn (“Squeeze Play”) Accidents at Rural Intersections

Trucks making right turns at rural Hamilton County intersections often swing left first to accommodate the trailer’s tracking. When unsuspecting motorists try to pass on the right during this maneuver—a move called the “squeeze play”—they can be crushed between the truck and the curb.

These accidents often involve:

• Failure to signal intentions properly
• Inadequate mirror usage (49 CFR § 393.80 requires mirrors providing clear rearward view)
• Driver inexperience with trailer tracking dynamics

Tire Blowout and Brake Failure Cases

Iowa’s temperature extremes—scorching summer pavement and frigid winter conditions—take a brutal toll on truck tires and brakes. Tire blowouts cause approximately 11,000 crashes annually nationwide, leading to jackknifes or rollovers as drivers lose control.

Under 49 CFR § 393.75, truck tires must meet strict tread depth and condition requirements. Brake systems must undergo systematic inspection and maintenance per 49 CFR Part 396. When trucking companies defer maintenance to save money, they gamble with lives on Hamilton County highways.

Who Can Be Held Liable? The Answer May Surprise You

Most people assume only the truck driver can be sued after an accident. They’re wrong. Ralph Manginello and our team at Attorney911 investigate every potentially liable party because more defendants means more insurance coverage—and better compensation for your family.

1. The Truck Driver

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

• Speeding or reckless driving
• Distracted driving (cell phone violations under 49 CFR § 392.82)
• Driving beyond hours-of-service limits (49 CFR Part 395)
• Operating under the influence of drugs or alcohol (49 CFR § 392.4-5)
• Failure to conduct required pre-trip inspections (49 CFR § 396.13)

2. The Trucking Company (Motor Carrier)

This is often the deep-pocket defendant. Under the doctrine of respondeat superior, employers are liable for their employees’ negligent acts. Plus, trucking companies can be directly liable for:

• Negligent hiring: Failing to check the driver’s background, CDL status, or accident history
• Negligent training: Inadequate safety training specific to winter weather operations in Iowa
• Negligent supervision: Failing to monitor Electronic Logging Device (ELD) data for hours-of-service violations
• Negligent maintenance: Deferred brake repairs or tire replacements (49 CFR Part 396)

The FMCSA requires trucking companies to maintain Driver Qualification Files (49 CFR § 391.51) containing employment applications, driving records, medical certifications, and drug test results. When these files are incomplete or missing, it proves the company cut corners—and that helps your case.

3. The Cargo Owner and Loading Company

In Hamilton County’s agricultural economy, grain elevators and livestock operations often arrange transport. If they overloaded the truck, failed to secure the cargo properly, or pressured the driver to exceed weight limits, they share liability.

4. Freight Brokers

Third-party logistics companies that arranged the shipment may be liable if they negligently selected a carrier with a poor safety record or failed to verify insurance and operating authority.

5. Maintenance Companies

Third-party mechanics who performed brake repairs or tire replacements may be liable if negligent repairs caused the accident.

6. Truck and Parts Manufacturers

Defective brake systems, tires prone to blowouts, or inadequate underride guards can create product liability claims against manufacturers.

7. Government Entities

If dangerous road design, inadequate signage, or poor maintenance contributed to the accident on Hamilton County roads, the government entity responsible may share liability—though Iowa’s sovereign immunity laws create special challenges requiring immediate action.

Critical Evidence Preservation: The 48-Hour Rule

The trucking company already has lawyers working to protect them. What are you doing right now?

Evidence in 18-wheeler accidents disappears fast—faster than you think. At Attorney911, we send spoliation letters within 24 hours of being retained, but every hour you wait makes your case harder to prove.

What Can Disappear in Hamilton County Trucking Cases?

The Spoliation Letter: Your Legal Shield

When we send a spoliation letter to the trucking company, their insurer, and all potentially liable parties, we put them on legal notice that destroying evidence will result in severe sanctions—including adverse inference instructions (where the jury is told to assume destroyed evidence was unfavorable), monetary penalties, or default judgment.

We demand preservation of:

• ECM data showing speed, braking, and throttle position before the crash
• ELD records proving hours-of-service violations
• Complete Driver Qualification Files
• Maintenance and inspection records
• Drug and alcohol test results
• Dispatch communications and GPS tracking data
• The physical truck itself (before repairs or disposal)

Iowa’s Statute of Limitations: Don’t Wait

In Iowa, you have two years from the date of your trucking accident to file a personal injury lawsuit (Iowa Code § 614.1). For wrongful death claims, you also have two years from the date of death. But waiting until the deadline approaches is a mistake—evidence will be long gone, witnesses will have forgotten details, and the trucking company will have built an impenetrable defense.

Call us now at 1-888-ATTY-911 before evidence critical to your Hamilton County case disappears forever.

Catastrophic Injuries Require Catastrophic Resources

The injuries sustained in 18-wheeler accidents aren’t “fender benders.” They’re life-altering, career-ending, family-shattering events. In Hamilton County, where the nearest Level 1 trauma center might be hours away, these injuries can be even more deadly due to delayed treatment.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

The force of a truck impact causes the brain to collide with the skull, resulting in concussions, contusions, or diffuse axonal injuries. TBI symptoms may not appear immediately but can include:

• Memory loss and cognitive impairment
• Personality changes and mood disorders
• Chronic headaches and dizziness
• Inability to concentrate or return to work

We’ve recovered between $1.5 million and $9.8 million for TBI victims, ensuring they have resources for lifelong care.

Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis

The massive weight differential in truck crashes often results in spinal compression or severance. Victims may suffer:

• Paraplegia (loss of lower body function)
• Quadriplegia (loss of all four limbs)
• Incomplete injuries (partial function loss)

Lifetime care costs can exceed $5 million, requiring specialized vehicles, home modifications, and 24-hour attendant care.

Amputation

Crushing forces from truck impacts or underride collisions often necessitate surgical amputation of limbs. Our firm has secured settlements ranging from $1.9 million to $8.6 million for amputation victims, covering prosthetics (which need replacement every 3-5 years at $5,000-$50,000 each), rehabilitation, and vocational retraining.

Wrongful Death

When a trucking accident takes a loved one, Iowa law allows surviving spouses, children, and parents to recover:

• Lost future income and benefits
• Loss of consortium (companionship, guidance, and support)
• Mental anguish
• Funeral and burial expenses
• Punitive damages (if gross negligence is proven)

We’ve recovered between $1.9 million and $9.5 million for families who’ve lost loved ones to trucking company negligence.

Severe Burns and Internal Injuries

Fuel tank ruptures and hazmat spills can cause third-degree burns requiring skin grafts and reconstructive surgery. Internal organ damage—liver lacerations, spleen ruptures, lung contusions—may require emergency surgery and lifelong monitoring.

Iowa’s Comparative Negligence Law: You Can Still Recover Even If Partially At Fault

Iowa follows a modified comparative negligence rule with a 51% bar (Iowa Code § 668.3). This means:

• If you are 50% or less at fault for the accident, you can recover damages
• Your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault
• If you are 51% or more at fault, you recover nothing

Insurance companies love to blame victims. They’ll claim you were speeding, or following too closely, or that you should have anticipated the truck’s movement. Our job is to prove the truck driver and trucking company were primarily responsible.

Lupe Peña, our associate attorney who formerly defended trucking companies, knows exactly how insurers try to shift blame to victims. He uses that insider knowledge to dismantle their arguments and keep your fault percentage below the 51% threshold.

Insurance Coverage: Why Trucking Cases Are Different

Unlike car accidents involving minimum insurance policies, commercial trucking companies carry substantial coverage mandated by federal law:

Many carriers carry $1-5 million or more in coverage. This means there’s actually money available to pay for your catastrophic injuries—if you have an attorney who knows how to access it.

The MCS-90 Endorsement

Interstate trucking companies must carry an MCS-90 endorsement on their insurance policies. This guarantees that minimum damages will be covered even if the standard policy has exclusions. If you’re injured by an interstate truck on I-35 in Hamilton County, this endorsement ensures coverage is available.

What To Do After an 18-Wheeler Accident in Hamilton County

If you’re able to take action immediately after a crash on I-35 or any Hamilton County roadway:

1. Call 911 immediately. Request emergency medical services even if injuries seem minor—adrenaline masks pain, and internal injuries may not show symptoms for hours.
2. Document everything. Use your cellphone to photograph:
   • The truck’s DOT number (on the door)
   • All vehicle damage and license plates
   • The accident scene, road conditions, and weather
   • Any cargo that spilled or shifted
   • Your visible injuries
3. Gather information. Get the truck driver’s name, CDL number, company name, and insurance information. Collect witness names and numbers.
4. Seek immediate medical attention. Go to the ER in Webster City or be transported to a trauma center in Des Moines or Fort Dodge. Medical records link your injuries to the accident.
5. Do NOT give recorded statements. The trucking company’s insurer will call quickly. Politely decline to give any statement until you’ve spoken with an attorney.
6. Call Attorney911 immediately. The sooner we start investigating, the more evidence we can preserve. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 or (888) 288-9911—we’re available 24/7.

Frequently Asked Questions About Hamilton County Trucking Accidents

How long do I have to file a lawsuit in Iowa?

You have two years from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit in Iowa, and two years from the date of death for wrongful death claims. However, evidence disappears much faster than that—call us immediately.

What if the truck driver claims I caused the accident?

Don’t panic. Under Iowa’s modified comparative negligence law, you can recover damages as long as you are 50% or less at fault. We investigate using ECM data, ELD logs, and witness statements to prove the truck driver was primarily responsible.

Can I sue the trucking company if the driver was an independent contractor?

Often yes. We investigate whether the driver was truly independent or functionally an employee. Additionally, trucking companies can be liable for negligent hiring or maintenance regardless of employment status.

What is an Electronic Logging Device (ELD), and why does it matter?

ELDs are federally mandated devices that record driving hours to prevent fatigue-related accidents. ELD data can prove the driver violated hours-of-service regulations—a critical piece of evidence in your case.

How much is my case worth?

There’s no “average” settlement. Value depends on injury severity, medical costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and available insurance. Trucking cases often settle for more than car accidents because of higher insurance limits. We’ve recovered millions for clients with catastrophic injuries.

Will my case go to trial?

Most trucking cases settle before trial, but we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial. Insurance companies offer better settlements when they know your attorney has the resources and experience to take them to court—and Ralph Manginello has been trying cases since 1998.

How do I pay for a lawyer?

We work on contingency. You pay nothing upfront. We advance all costs for investigation and litigation. You only pay us if we win your case—33.33% if settled before trial, 40% if we go to trial.

What if I don’t speak English fluently?

Hablamos Español. Associate attorney Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish and can provide direct representation without interpreters. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911.

Can you handle my case if you’re based in Texas?

Absolutely. We handle trucking accident cases throughout the United States. Ralph Manginello is admitted to federal court, and the FMCSA regulations apply nationwide. We associate with local counsel in Iowa when necessary, but our federal expertise in trucking litigation is exactly what you need for a complex commercial vehicle case.

What makes trucking accidents different from car accidents?

Everything. Federal regulations, multiple liable parties, higher insurance limits, and the sheer physics of 80,000-pound vehicles make these cases exponentially more complex—and more valuable.

Why Hamilton County Victims Choose Attorney911

When you’re facing a trucking giant, you need an attorney who knows how to fight giants. Ralph Manginello has done exactly that, taking on BP in the Texas City Refinery explosion litigation—a case involving 15 deaths, 170 injuries, and $2.1 billion in settlements. That experience translates directly to taking on negligent trucking companies.

Former Insurance Defense Attorney on Your Side

Lupe Peña spent years working for national insurance defense firms. He knows the algorithms they use to minimize your claim (Colossus and similar software), the tricks adjusters use to get you to say damaging things, and the pressure points that make them settle fairly. When he sends a demand letter, insurance companies know he means business—because he used to sit on their side of the table.

Federal Court Experience

Trucking accidents often involve interstate commerce, meaning cases can be filed in federal court. Ralph Manginello’s admission to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas, demonstrates the level of sophistication required for these complex cases. We know federal trucking law inside and out.

Multi-Million Dollar Results

Our settlements speak for themselves:

• Over $5 million for a traumatic brain injury victim struck by a falling log
• Over $3.8 million for a client who suffered amputation after a car accident
• Over $2 million for a maritime back injury under the Jones Act
• Over $2.5 million in commercial trucking crash recoveries
• Multiple multi-million dollar wrongful death settlements for Texas families

While past results don’t guarantee future outcomes, they demonstrate our capability to handle catastrophic injury cases.

4.9-Star Client Satisfaction

Our clients say it better than we ever could. Chad Harris told us: “You are NOT a pest to them and you are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.” Donald Wilcox, whose case another firm rejected, said: “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.”

Glenda Walker put it simply: “They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.”

24/7 Availability

Trucking accidents don’t happen on business hours. Call us at 1-888-288-9911 or 888-ATTY-911 any time, day or night. When you call, you get a real response—not an answering service promising a call back next week.

The Trucking Industry’s Dirty Secret: They Hope You Wait

The trucking company and their insurer have one goal: minimize what they pay you. They know Iowa’s two-year statute of limitations. They know black box data overwrites in 30 days. They know witnesses forget. They hope you’ll wait, that you’ll get desperate, that you’ll accept their lowball offer because medical bills are piling up.

Don’t let them win.

Every day you wait, evidence that could prove the driver was fatigued, or the brakes were defective, or the cargo was improperly loaded, disappears. The trucking company is already building their defense. You need to build your offense.

At Attorney911, we level the playing field. We send preservation letters immediately. We subpoena ELD data. We analyze the Driver Qualification File. We retain accident reconstruction experts. We do whatever it takes to prove your case.

From Webster City to Stratford: We Serve All of Hamilton County

Whether your accident happened on:

• I-35 near the Webster City exits
• Highway 20 through Blairsburg and Williams
• Highway 175 near Stanhope
• The rural roads connecting Jewell Junction to Ellsworth
• Any agricultural access road where a grain truck lost control

We understand the terrain, the weather patterns, and the local trucking routes. We know that a winter storm in Hamilton County can make I-35 treacherous within minutes, and that trucking companies have a duty to adjust their operations accordingly.

Call Before Evidence Disappears: 1-888-ATTY-911

The moments after an 18-wheeler accident are chaotic, terrifying, and overwhelming. You shouldn’t have to navigate this alone. You shouldn’t have to fight billion-dollar trucking companies while you’re trying to heal.

Let us fight for you. Let us preserve the evidence. Let us deal with the insurance adjusters. Let us secure the compensation you need for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and the long-term care that catastrophic injuries require.

Call Attorney911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911). Free consultation. No fee unless we win. Hablamos Español.

Your life changed in an instant when that truck hit you. Let us help you change it back.

Attorney911 | The Manginello Law Firm
Fighting for Hamilton County Trucking Accident Victims

1-888-ATTY-911 | 888-ATTY-911 | (888) 288-9911
ralph@atty911.com | lupe@atty911.com
Houston • Austin • Beaumont | Serving Hamilton County, Iowa

The content above is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Every case is unique, and results depend on specific facts and circumstances. Contact an attorney regarding your specific situation. Attorney911, The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC, handles cases in Iowa in association with licensed Iowa counsel when necessary.