When 80,000 Pounds Changes Your Life: 18-Wheeler Accident Attorneys Fighting for Hancock County Families
The impact was catastrophic. One moment you’re driving along US 40 through Hancock County, heading toward Indianapolis or maybe east toward Greenfield. The next, an 80,000-pound tractor-trailer has crossed the centerline, blown through a red light, or jackknifed across the highway. In that instant, everything changes—your health, your ability to work, your family’s financial security.
If you’ve been hurt in an 18-wheeler accident anywhere in Hancock County—or if you’ve lost a loved one to a commercial truck crash—you need more than a standard car accident lawyer. You need a team that understands the complex web of federal regulations governing commercial vehicles, a team that knows how to preserve critical evidence before it disappears, and a team with the resources to stand up to billion-dollar trucking companies.
Attorney911 has been fighting for trucking accident victims for over 25 years. Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has secured multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements against Fortune 500 companies, and he’s admitted to federal court, which is crucial for interstate trucking cases. We know the highways crisscrossing Hancock County—from I-70 just to the south, to US 40 running through the heart of the county, to the state routes connecting Greenfield, New Palestine, and McCordsville. We understand that when winter ice covers these roads or when harvest season brings increased truck traffic, the risk of catastrophic collisions skyrockets.
How Truck Accidents in Hancock County Differ From Car Crashes
Let’s be clear: there’s nothing “standard” about an 18-wheeler collision. When a fully loaded semi hits a passenger vehicle weighing 4,000 pounds, physics aren’t on your side. That truck carries 20 to 25 times the mass of your car, meaning the force of impact can crush steel, shatter glass, and cause traumatic injuries that standard auto insurance was never designed to cover.
Federal law recognizes this danger. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sets minimum insurance requirements for commercial trucks far exceeding passenger vehicle limits. While Indiana only requires $25,000 in liability coverage for personal vehicles, interstate trucking companies must carry:
- $750,000 minimum for general freight
- $1,000,000 for oil, equipment, and motor vehicles
- $5,000,000 for hazardous materials
These higher policy limits exist because trucking accidents cause catastrophic damage. In Hancock County, where I-70 serves as a major east-west corridor connecting Indianapolis to Ohio, and where local manufacturing and agriculture generate significant truck traffic, these massive insurance policies are supposed to protect innocent victims. But here’s the truth: trucking companies and their insurers fight hard to pay as little as possible. They have rapid-response teams that arrive at crash scenes before the ambulance leaves, lawyers working to minimize liability, and adjusters trained to make quick, lowball settlement offers.
That’s why you need Attorney911 in your corner. Our firm includes Lupe Peña, an associate attorney who spent years working for national insurance defense firms before joining our team. He knows exactly how trucking insurers evaluate claims, train their adjusters to minimize payouts, and identify weaknesses in injury cases. Now he uses that insider knowledge to fight for Hancock County families.
As client Chad Harris told us after we handled his case, “You are NOT a pest to them and you are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.” That’s not just marketing—it’s how we approach every trucking accident case. When Donald Wilcox came to us after another firm rejected his case, we didn’t turn him away. We fought for him, and as he said, “I got a call to come pick up this handsome check.”
The FMCSA Regulations That Matter for Your Hancock County Case
Commercial trucking isn’t just regulated by Indiana law—it’s governed by the Code of Federal Regulations, specifically Title 49, Parts 390 through 399. These regulations create strict safety standards, and when trucking companies violate them, those violations prove negligence in your civil case.
49 CFR Part 390: General Applicability
This section defines who must follow federal trucking regulations. If a vehicle has a gross vehicle weight rating over 10,001 pounds, transports hazardous materials requiring placards, or is designed to carry 16 or more passengers, it’s a Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) subject to FMCSA oversight. Most 18-wheelers on Hancock County roads fall under these rules.
49 CFR Part 391: Driver Qualification Standards
Trucking companies cannot legally hire any driver with a pulse. They must verify:
- The driver is at least 21 years old (for interstate commerce)
- Possesses a valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)
- Passed a physical examination within the last 24 months
- Has a clean driving record or disclosed violations
- Can read and speak English sufficiently to communicate with the public and understand traffic signals
We subpoena the Driver Qualification File in every trucking case. If the company hired a driver with a history of DUIs, failed to verify the CDL, or skipped the medical certification, that’s negligent hiring—and it makes the company directly liable for your injuries.
49 CFR Part 392: Driving Rules
This section prohibits dangerous behaviors:
- § 392.3: No driver shall operate a CMV while impaired by fatigue, illness, or any cause that makes operation unsafe
- § 392.4 & 392.5: Strict prohibitions on drug and alcohol use—drivers cannot operate with a BAC of .04 or higher (half the passenger vehicle limit)
- § 392.11: Following too closely—trucks must maintain greater following distances due to longer stopping distances
- § 392.80 & 392.82: No texting or hand-held mobile phone use while driving
49 CFR Part 393: Vehicle Safety Standards
This covers equipment and cargo:
- Brake systems must meet specific performance standards (§§ 393.40-55)
- Cargo must be secured to withstand 0.8g deceleration forward, 0.5g rearward, and 0.5g lateral forces (§§ 393.100-136)
- Lighting and reflective devices must be properly maintained
In Hancock County, where winter storms dump snow and ice on US 40 and I-70, brake maintenance isn’t optional—it’s life-or-death. When a truck can’t stop on an icy overpass because the company deferred brake maintenance to save money, that’s a direct violation of federal law.
49 CFR Part 395: Hours of Service (HOS)
Fatigue causes approximately 31% of fatal truck crashes. Federal rules limit driving time:
- 11-hour driving limit: Cannot drive more than 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off-duty
- 14-hour duty window: Cannot drive beyond the 14th consecutive hour after coming on duty
- 30-minute break: Required after 8 cumulative hours of driving
- 60/70-hour rule: Cannot drive after 60 hours in 7 days or 70 hours in 8 days
Since December 18, 2017, most trucks must use Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) to track these hours. This data is objective evidence—when the driver claims he was alert but the ELD shows he was driving his 11th hour without a break, we have proof of negligence.
49 CFR Part 396: Inspection and Maintenance
Trucking companies must systematically inspect, repair, and maintain their fleets. Drivers must conduct pre-trip inspections, and companies must keep maintenance records for at least one year. When a tire blows out on I-70 near Greenfield because the tread was worn below 2/32″ (the legal minimum for non-steer tires), or when brakes fail because the company skipped inspections, those maintenance records become the smoking gun in your case.
The 15 Types of 18-Wheeler Accidents We Handle in Hancock County
Every trucking accident is different, and Hancock County’s unique geography—mixing suburban Indianapolis sprawl with rural agricultural routes—creates specific risks. Here are the accident types we see most often:
Jackknife Accidents
When a truck’s trailer swings out perpendicular to the cab, forming a 90-degree angle, it’s called a jackknife. These often occur when drivers brake too hard on wet or icy surfaces—a real risk on Hancock County roads during Indiana winters. The swinging trailer can sweep across multiple lanes, causing multi-vehicle pileups. We investigate whether the driver failed to adjust speed for conditions (violating § 392.6) or if the trailer was empty (light trailers jackknife more easily).
Rollover Crashes
Indiana’s flat terrain doesn’t eliminate rollover risks. Sharp turns at highway interchanges, sudden lane changes to avoid debris on I-70, or improperly secured cargo shifting during transport can all cause rollovers. When a tanker truck rolls over on a Hancock County road, the spill creates secondary hazards. These cases require immediate investigation of cargo securement records (§ 393.100) and driver training files.
Underride Collisions
Perhaps the most horrific trucking accidents occur when a smaller vehicle slides underneath the trailer. The height difference means the car’s windshield and roof take the impact, often causing decapitation or catastrophic head injuries. Federal law requires rear impact guards on trailers (§ 393.86), but side underride guards remain optional. When a family is devastated by an underride crash on US 40, we examine whether missing or defective guards contributed to the severity.
Rear-End Collisions
An 80,000-pound truck traveling at 65 mph needs approximately 525 feet to stop—nearly two football fields. When traffic backs up on I-70 near the Hancock County line, or when a truck follows too closely through a construction zone, the results are devastating. We pull ECM data to prove speed and following distance, often showing violations of § 392.11.
Wide Turn Accidents (“Squeeze Play”)
Tractor-trailers need extra space to turn right. The truck swings left first, creating a gap that tempts impatient drivers to squeeze through. When the truck completes its turn, the trailer crushes the car in the “squeeze play.” These accidents often occur at intersections in Greenfield or New Palestine where local traffic meets interstate freight.
Blind Spot Accidents
18-wheelers have massive “No-Zones”—areas where the driver cannot see other vehicles. The right-side blind spot is particularly dangerous, extending from the cab door back and across multiple lanes. When a truck changes lanes into a passenger vehicle on I-70, we investigate mirror adjustment (§ 393.80) and whether the driver checked blind spots before moving.
Tire Blowouts
Indiana’s temperature extremes—hot summers and freezing winters—stress truck tires. Underinflation, overloading, or worn treads cause blowouts that send debris flying and can cause drivers to lose control. We examine tire maintenance records and inspection reports to prove the company knew the tires were unsafe.
Brake Failure Accidents
Brake problems contribute to approximately 29% of large truck crashes. In Hancock County, where trucks descend gentle grades toward Indianapolis or climb toward Ohio, brake fade from overheating or failure from poor maintenance causes horrific crashes. We demand maintenance records going back years to prove a pattern of neglect.
Cargo Spills and Shifting Loads
Hancock County sits in Indiana’s “Crossroads of America,” with agriculture and manufacturing generating massive freight volumes. When grain shifts in a trailer, steel coils break loose, or hazardous materials spill on county roads, the cargo loader, trucking company, and shipper may all share liability under § 393.100.
Head-On Collisions
When a fatigued or distracted driver crosses the centerline on a rural Hancock County road, the closing speed between an 80,000-pound truck and a passenger car is often fatal. We examine ELD data for Hours of Service violations and cell phone records for distraction.
T-Bone Accidents
Intersections on US 40 and SR 9 see T-bone crashes when truckers run red lights or fail to yield. The side impact against a passenger vehicle offers little protection against the truck’s mass.
Sideswipe Crashes
Lane drift caused by fatigue, distraction, or improper mirror use results in sideswipes that can push passenger vehicles off the road or into other lanes.
Override Accidents
When a truck drives over a smaller vehicle in front of it, the results are catastrophic. These often occur when drivers are following too closely in heavy traffic.
Lost Wheel/Detached Trailer
Improper maintenance of lug nuts, kingpins, or coupling devices can cause wheels or entire trailers to detach, creating deadly projectiles for other Hancock County drivers.
Runaway Truck Accidents
Though less common in Indiana’s relatively flat terrain than in mountain states, brake failure on the occasional steep grade or overpass can lead to runaway trucks.
Every Liable Party—we Hunt Them All
Most law firms sue the driver and trucking company, then stop. That’s malpractice. At Attorney911, we investigate every potentially liable party because every defendant brings another insurance policy, and every policy increases your potential recovery.
The Truck Driver
Direct negligence includes speeding, distracted driving, fatigue, impairment, or traffic violations. We get cell phone records, drug test results, and driving histories.
The Trucking Company (Motor Carrier)
Under respondeat superior, employers are liable for employees’ negligence. Plus, we look for negligent hiring (knowing the driver had a bad record), negligent training (throwing keys to a rookie without proper instruction), negligent supervision (ignoring HOS violations), and negligent maintenance (skipping brake jobs to save money).
The Cargo Owner/Shipper
When a manufacturer in Indianapolis overloads a truck or pressures a driver to meet an impossible deadline, they share liability. We examine shipping contracts and loading instructions.
The Loading Company
Third-party warehouses that physically load cargo may be liable for improper securement. We analyze loading procedures and equipment used.
The Truck/Trailer Manufacturer
Defective brake systems, unstable designs, or faulty fuel tanks that explode on impact can trigger product liability claims against manufacturers.
The Parts Manufacturer
Defective tires, brakes, or steering components that fail under stress create liability for the component maker.
The Maintenance Company
When third-party mechanics perform shoddy repairs or fail to identify critical safety issues, they may be liable for negligent maintenance.
The Freight Broker
Brokers who arrange transportation but don’t own trucks may be liable for negligent carrier selection—hiring a company with a terrible safety record just because they were cheapest.
The Truck Owner (if different from carrier)
In owner-operator situations, the individual owner may be liable for negligent entrustment or maintenance failures.
Government Entities
Poor road design, missing guardrails, or inadequate signage on Hancock County roads can create liability against government agencies—though strict notice requirements apply.
The 48-Hour Evidence Emergency
If you take nothing else from this page, remember this: Evidence in trucking accidents disappears fast. You have 48 hours to act.
Trucking companies deploy rapid-response teams to crash scenes within hours. Their goal? Protect their interests, not yours. While you’re in the hospital recovering, they’re downloading ECM data, interviewing witnesses, and preparing their defense.
Critical Evidence Timelines:
- ECM/Black Box Data: Can be overwritten in 30 days or with new driving events
- ELD Logs: FMCSA only requires 6 months retention—then deletion is legal
- Dashcam Footage: Often deleted within 7-14 days
- Surveillance Video: Local businesses typically overwrite cameras in 7-30 days
- Witness Memories: Fade within days or weeks
- Physical Evidence: Trucks get repaired or sold; the black box gets reset
When you call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911, we immediately send spoliation letters to the trucking company, their insurer, and all potentially liable parties. This legal notice puts them on notice that litigation is anticipated and that destroying evidence will result in severe sanctions—including adverse jury instructions or default judgment.
We don’t just send letters. We subpoena:
- ECM data showing speed, braking, and throttle position
- ELD records proving hours of service violations
- Driver Qualification Files revealing hiring negligence
- Maintenance records showing deferred repairs
- Cell phone records proving distraction
- Dispatch communications showing schedule pressure
- GPS and telematics data tracking the truck’s route
In Hancock County, where the local courts follow Indiana’s discovery rules, we know how to compel production of these records before the trucking company can “accidentally” delete them.
Indiana Law: What Hancock County Accident Victims Must Know
Statute of Limitations
In Indiana, you have two years from the date of your trucking accident to file a personal injury lawsuit (Indiana Code § 34-11-2-4). For wrongful death claims, it’s two years from the date of death. Miss this deadline, and you lose your right to recover forever—no matter how catastrophic your injuries or how clear the truck driver’s fault.
This two-year window sounds like plenty of time, but in trucking cases, it’s not. Complex investigations take months. Preserving evidence takes immediate action. And if a government entity is involved—say, a county road maintenance issue contributed to the crash—you must file a Tort Claims Notice within 180 days or 270 days depending on the governmental unit.
Comparative Negligence: The 51% Bar Rule
Indiana follows a “modified comparative negligence” system. This means:
- If you are 50% or less at fault, you can recover damages reduced by your percentage of fault
- If you are 51% or more at fault, you recover nothing
The trucking company and their insurance adjusters will try to shift blame to you—their favorite tactic. “You were speeding.” “You braked too late.” “You were in their blind spot.” We fight these allegations with ECM data, accident reconstruction, and witness testimony.
It’s crucial to document everything. Take photos at the scene. Get witness names. Seek immediate medical attention—gaps in treatment give insurers ammunition to claim your injuries weren’t caused by the crash.
Caps on Damages
Unlike some states, Indiana does not cap compensatory damages (economic and non-economic) in trucking accident cases. However, punitive damages—meant to punish outrageous conduct—are capped at the greater of three times compensatory damages or $50,000 (Indiana Code § 34-51-3-4).
Punitive damages require clear and convincing evidence of willful or wanton misconduct—like a trucking company knowingly hiring a driver with multiple DUIs, or falsifying maintenance records to hide dangerous violations. When we find this evidence, we pursue every penny.
Catastrophic Injuries: The Real Cost of Truck Accidents
We’ve recovered millions for Hancock County and Indiana families because trucking accidents cause catastrophic, life-altering injuries. The settlement ranges reflect both the severity of these injuries and the higher insurance limits available in trucking cases.
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
Brain injuries range from concussions to severe trauma causing permanent cognitive impairment. Symptoms include memory loss, personality changes, headaches, confusion, and depression. Long-term care can cost millions. Our settlements for TBI cases range from $1.5 million to $9.8 million.
Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis
Damage to the spinal cord can result in paraplegia (lower body paralysis) or quadriplegia (all four limbs). These injuries require wheelchairs, home modifications, 24/7 care, and ongoing medical treatment. We’ve secured settlements from $4.7 million to $25.8 million for spinal cord injuries.
Amputation
Whether traumatic (severed at the scene) or surgical (damaged beyond repair), limb loss requires prosthetics, rehabilitation, and career changes. Phantom pain and psychological trauma add to the burden. Amputation cases typically settle between $1.9 million and $8.6 million.
Severe Burns
Fuel fires and hazmat spills cause third and fourth-degree burns requiring skin grafts, multiple surgeries, and painful rehabilitation. Disfigurement and psychological trauma last a lifetime.
Internal Organ Damage
Liver lacerations, spleen ruptures, and internal bleeding require emergency surgery and can cause permanent health complications.
Wrongful Death
When a loved one is killed in a Hancock County trucking accident, surviving family members—spouses, children, and dependent parents—can recover damages for lost income, lost companionship, mental anguish, funeral expenses, and more. Wrongful death settlements in trucking cases often range from $1.9 million to $9.5 million or higher.
Frequently Asked Questions: Hancock County 18-Wheeler Accidents
I’m hurt but the insurance company offered a settlement quickly. Should I take it?
Absolutely not. Quick offers are lowball offers designed to close your case before you understand the full extent of your injuries. traumatic brain injuries and spinal damage often worsen over months. Once you accept a settlement and sign a release, you can never come back for more—even if you need surgery next year. Call us at 1-888-ATTY-911 before signing anything.
What if the truck driver says I caused the accident?
Indiana’s comparative negligence law means fault can be shared. Even if you were partially at fault, you can recover damages as long as you’re not more than 50% responsible. We prove what really happened using ECM data, ELD logs, and accident reconstruction—not just the driver’s word against yours.
How much does it cost to hire Attorney911 for my Hancock County trucking accident?
Nothing upfront. We work on contingency, which means you pay no legal fees unless we win your case. We advance all costs for investigation, expert witnesses, and litigation. Our fee is a percentage of your recovery—standard contingency rates apply (typically 33.33% pre-trial, 40% if litigation is required).
Do I really need a lawyer, or can I handle this myself?
You really need a lawyer. Trucking companies have professional legal teams, rapid-response investigators, and insurance adjusters trained to minimize payouts. Without legal representation, you’re bringing a knife to a gunfight. As our client Greg Garcia said, “In the beginning I had another attorney but he dropped my case although Mangiello law firm were able to help me out.”
What if I don’t have health insurance to pay for treatment?
We can help. We work with medical providers who accept payment from settlements (Liens) or Letters of Protection. Don’t let lack of insurance stop you from getting the care you need. Your health comes first; the legal compensation follows.
Can I file a claim if my loved one died in the trucking accident?
Yes. In Indiana, the personal representative of the deceased’s estate can file a wrongful death claim. Surviving spouses, children, and dependent parents may recover damages for lost income, loss of companionship, mental anguish, and funeral expenses.
How long will my case take?
Simple cases with clear liability and moderate injuries might settle in 6-12 months. Complex cases with catastrophic injuries, multiple defendants, or disputed liability can take 1-3 years. We move as fast as the evidence allows while ensuring we maximize your recovery. As client Angel Walle said, “They solved in a couple of months what others did nothing about in two years.”
What makes Attorney911 different from firms that advertise on TV?
Two things: experience and personal attention. Ralph Manginello has been handling these cases since 1998, and he has federal court experience that many TV lawyers lack. Plus, we actually answer our phones and return calls. You’ll work directly with attorneys, not just paralegals or case managers. As Dame Haskett told us, “Consistent communication and not one time did I call and not get a clear answer… Ralph reached out personally.”
Do you handle Spanish-speaking clients in Hancock County?
Yes. Associate attorney Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish and provides direct representation without interpreters. Hablamos Español. Llame a Lupe Peña al 1-888-ATTY-911.
What if the trucking company is from out of state?
That’s common. Interstate trucking companies can be sued in Indiana if the accident happened here. Our federal court admission means we can handle cases involving out-of-state trucking companies regardless of where they’re headquartered.
Will my case go to court?
Most settle, but we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial. This preparation creates leverage in negotiations—insurance companies pay more when they know you’re ready to go before a jury. We have the resources and experience to take your case all the way if that’s what it takes to get you fair compensation.
What evidence should I collect at the scene if I’m able?
Photograph everything: all vehicles, damage, the truck’s DOT number, the driver’s license and insurance card, skid marks, road conditions, and your injuries. Get witness names and phone numbers. But your health comes first—don’t risk further injury to gather evidence. If you’re hospitalized, call us immediately and we’ll dispatch investigators to preserve what we can.
How do I know if the truck driver violated FMCSA regulations?
You won’t know without a lawyer. These violations are hidden in logbooks, maintenance records, and electronic data that trucking companies won’t voluntarily disclose. We know what to look for and how to subpoena these records before they disappear.
What if I was partially at fault—can I still recover?
Yes, as long as you were 50% or less at fault. Your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of responsibility. So if you’re awarded $1 million but found 20% at fault, you recover $800,000. However, if you’re 51% at fault, you recover nothing in Indiana. This makes preserving evidence and building a strong liability case critical.
When You’re Ready to Fight Back
The trucking company that hit you has already called their lawyers. Their insurance adjuster is already looking for ways to minimize your claim. They’re hoping you’ll accept a quick, low settlement or that you’ll wait too long to preserve evidence.
Don’t let them win.
For 25 years, Attorney911 has made trucking companies pay. We’ve gone toe-to-toe with Fortune 500 corporations like BP in major industrial disaster litigation. We’ve recovered millions for brain injury victims, amputees, and families who lost loved ones. We know Indiana law, Hancock County roads, and the federal regulations that govern interstate commerce.
We treat you like family, not a case number. As Glenda Walker said after we handled her case, “They make you feel like family and even though the process may take some time, they make it feel like a breeze. They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.” And as Ernest Cano told us, “Mr. Manginello and his firm are first class. Will fight tooth and nail for you.”
If you’ve been hurt in an 18-wheeler accident anywhere in Hancock County—Greenfield, New Palestine, McCordsville, or anywhere along US 40, I-70, or SR 9—call Attorney911 now. Evidence disappears fast. The clock on Indiana’s two-year statute of limitations is ticking. And the trucking company is already building their defense.
Call 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911) for a free consultation. Available 24/7. Hablamos Español.
Don’t wait until it’s too late. Your fight starts with one call.
