When an 80,000-Pound Truck Changes Everything on I-64, You Need a Fighter in Your Corner
The impact happens in seconds. You’re driving along Interstate 64 through Harrison County, maybe passing the Corydon exits or heading toward the Louisville bridge, and suddenly an 18-wheeler jackknifes across the highway. Or maybe you’re on State Road 135 navigating one of our rural corridors when a logging truck loses its load. In that instant, your life changes forever.
We don’t have to tell you how dangerous Harrison County’s trucking corridors can be. Interstate 64 cuts right through the southern part of our county, carrying thousands of commercial vehicles daily between Louisville and St. Louis. Add in State Road 135, State Road 62, and the agricultural routes connecting our farms to regional distributors, and you’ve got a recipe for devastating accidents.
At Attorney911, we’ve spent over 25 years helping victims of catastrophic trucking accidents rebuild their lives. Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has been fighting for injury victims since 1998. He’s admitted to federal court and has litigated against Fortune 500 corporations. But here’s what sets us apart for Harrison County families: our team includes Lupe Peña, a former insurance defense attorney who spent years inside the system learning exactly how trucking companies minimize claims. Now he uses that knowledge to fight for you.
We understand the unique risks you face here in southern Indiana. We know that while Harrison County feels like home to us, it’s also a critical corridor for interstate commerce. When that commerce turns catastrophic, you need someone who understands federal trucking regulations, Indiana’s modified comparative negligence laws, and how to maximize your recovery under our state’s damage caps.
Call us now at 1-888-ATTY-911 before critical evidence disappears.
The Physics of Devastation: Why 18-Wheeler Accidents in Harrison County Are Different
An 18-wheeler isn’t just a big car. When you’re hit by a commercial truck on I-64 near Corydon or on the rural highways connecting Harrison County to Louisville, you’re facing 80,000 pounds of steel against your 4,000-pound sedan. That’s not a fair fight—it’s a physics problem that almost always leaves the passenger vehicle occupants catastrophically injured.
The stopping distance alone tells the story. A fully loaded truck traveling at 65 mph needs nearly 525 feet to stop—almost two football fields. On Harrison County’s rural highways, where sudden stops for agricultural equipment or deer are common, that distance becomes a death sentence.
We’ve seen what happens when trucking companies cut corners to meet delivery deadlines on Indiana’s corridors. Fatigued drivers pushing past federal hours-of-service limits. Brake systems that haven’t been inspected in months. Cargo that wasn’t properly secured according to federal regulations. These aren’t accidents—they’re predictable outcomes of negligence.
Our firm has recovered over $50 million for families across the country, including multi-million dollar settlements for traumatic brain injuries ($1.5M-$9.8M range), amputations ($1.9M-$8.6M range), and wrongful death cases ($1.9M-$9.5M range). In Harrison County, we fight for every dime you deserve, just like we did for client Glenda Walker, who said: “They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.”
Understanding Indiana’s Legal Landscape for Trucking Accidents
Before we discuss how we build your case, you need to understand the legal tightrope you’re walking in Indiana.
The Clock Is Ticking
In Harrison County and throughout Indiana, you have just two years from the date of your trucking accident to file a lawsuit. That sounds like plenty of time until you realize that evidence in commercial trucking cases starts disappearing immediately. Black box data can be overwritten in 30 days. Dashcam footage gets deleted. Witnesses move away or forget details. The statute of limitations is a hard deadline—miss it, and you lose your right to compensation forever.
Modified Comparative Negligence: The 51% Rule
Indiana follows a modified comparative negligence rule with a 51% bar. This means if you’re found 50% or less at fault for the accident, you can still recover damages, but your compensation will be reduced by your percentage of fault. However, if you’re found 51% or more at fault, you recover nothing.
Trucking companies know this rule. Their insurance adjusters will try to shift blame onto you—claiming you were speeding, following too closely, or failed to avoid the collision. That’s why we immediately send spoliation letters and preserve electronic evidence that proves exactly what happened on I-64 or State Road 135.
Damage Caps in Indiana
Unlike some states, Indiana does cap certain damages. While there’s no cap on compensatory damages for economic losses like medical bills and lost wages, Indiana does limit punitive damages—the damages meant to punish gross negligence—to the greater of three times your compensatory damages or $50,000. However, experienced attorneys know how to work within these boundaries while still maximizing your recovery.
The 15 Types of 18-Wheeler Accidents We See in Harrison County
Not all trucking accidents are the same. The winding rural routes and high-speed interstate corridors of southern Indiana create specific dangers. Here are the accident types we handle, with particular attention to how they occur in our region:
Jackknife Accidents on I-64
A jackknife occurs when the trailer swings perpendicular to the cab, often blocking multiple lanes of traffic. On I-64’s straight stretches, sudden braking or improper handling can cause a truck to jackknife, creating a wall of metal that unsuspecting drivers can’t avoid.
These accidents often result from 49 CFR § 392.6 violations—speeding for conditions—or 49 CFR § 393.48—brake system malfunctions. We investigate the ECM data to prove exactly when and how the brakes were applied.
Rollover Accidents on Rural Highways
Harrison County’s mix of interstate and rural highways creates rollover risks. When a truck driver takes a curve too fast on State Road 135 or overcorrects after a tire blowout, 80,000 pounds of truck can tip onto its side. These accidents often involve 49 CFR § 393.100-136 violations—improper cargo securement that shifts the center of gravity.
Underride Collisions
Perhaps the most fatal type of trucking accident, underrides occur when a passenger vehicle slides under the truck’s trailer. Side underride guards aren’t federally required, and rear guards often fail in crashes. When this happens on I-64, the results are almost always catastrophic head trauma or decapitation.
We investigate whether the trucking company violated 49 CFR § 393.86 regarding rear impact guards, and whether inadequate lighting or reflectors contributed to the crash.
Rear-End Collisions
Following too closely is a violation of 49 CFR § 392.11, but fatigued drivers pushing through Indiana’s corridors often misjudge stopping distances. When an 80,000-pound truck rear-ends a passenger vehicle on the Corydon Pike or I-64, the damage is devastating.
We subpoena ELD data to prove hours-of-service violations under 49 CFR Part 395—the 11-hour driving limit, 14-hour duty window, and required rest breaks.
Wide Turn Accidents (“Squeeze Play”)
Trucks making right turns from narrow Harrison County roads often swing wide left before turning right. Passenger vehicles entering that gap get crushed when the truck completes its turn. These accidents involve violations of 49 CFR § 392.2—failure to obey traffic control devices or improper turning.
Blind Spot Collisions
An 18-wheeler has massive blind spots on all four sides—the “No-Zones.” When truckers change lanes on I-64 without checking these blind spots, they strike vehicles traveling in perfectly legal positions. We examine whether the truck’s mirrors met 49 CFR § 393.80 requirements and whether the driver was properly trained.
Tire Blowout Accidents
Heat buildup on Indiana’s asphalt in summer months, combined with improper inflation or worn treads, causes tire blowouts. When a steer tire blows at highway speed, the driver loses control instantly. We inspect maintenance records for violations of 49 CFR § 396.13—failure to perform pre-trip inspections.
Brake Failure Accidents
Brake problems contribute to approximately 29% of large truck crashes. Deferred maintenance saves trucking companies money but costs lives. We demand maintenance records under 49 CFR § 396.3 to prove systematic neglect.
Cargo Spill and Shift Accidents
Improperly secured cargo creates deadly hazards on Harrison County highways. Whether it’s farm equipment shifting on a rural route or unsecured building materials spilling across I-64, these accidents violate 49 CFR § 393.100 cargo securement standards.
Head-On Collisions
When fatigued or distracted drivers cross center lines on State Road 62 or I-64, the closing speed combined with the truck’s mass makes survival unlikely. We examine ELD data for 49 CFR § 392.3 violations—operating while fatigued.
T-Bone Accidents
Intersections in Harrison County, particularly where rural routes meet I-64 access roads, become danger zones when truckers run red lights or fail to yield. These accidents often cause severe internal injuries and spinal damage.
Sideswipe Accidents
Lane departures on the interstate cause sideswipe accidents that can push passenger vehicles off the road or into other lanes of traffic. Cell phone records often reveal 49 CFR § 392.82 violations—handheld mobile phone use.
Override Accidents
Similar to underrides but from the front, override accidents occur when a truck climbs over a smaller vehicle. These often happen in sudden-stop traffic on I-64 near the Sherman Minton Bridge approaches.
Runaway Truck Accidents
On the few grades in Harrison County’s Hilltop region, brake fade can cause runaway trucks. Failure to use runaway ramps or properly maintain braking systems leads to catastrophic crashes.
Distracted Driving Accidents
Texting, GPS adjustment, or eating while driving through Harrison County’s mix of rural and interstate traffic creates deadly situations. 49 CFR § 392.82 prohibits handheld phone use for commercial drivers.
All Liable Parties: We Don’t Stop at the Driver
Most law firms sue the truck driver and the trucking company and call it a day. That’s malpractice in our book. In Harrison County trucking accidents, we investigate every potentially liable party to maximize your insurance recovery.
The Truck Driver
Direct negligence: speeding, distraction, fatigue, impairment. We examine their Driver Qualification File for 49 CFR Part 391 violations—inadequate training, invalid CDL, or expired medical certificates.
The Trucking Company/Motor Carrier
Under respondeat superior, employers are liable for employees’ negligent acts. Plus, we look for:
- Negligent hiring (failure to check driving records)
- Negligent training (inadequate safety instruction)
- Negligent supervision (ignoring ELD violations)
- Negligent maintenance (violating 49 CFR Part 396)
The Cargo Owner/Shipper
Companies loading hazardous materials or overweight cargo onto trucks crossing through Harrison County may be liable for improper loading instructions or failure to disclose dangerous cargo characteristics.
The Loading Company
Third-party warehouses loading trucks at distribution centers near Louisville that service Harrison County may be liable for 49 CFR § 393.100 cargo securement violations.
Truck and Trailer Manufacturers
Defective brake systems, faulty underride guards, or stability control failures create product liability claims against manufacturers.
Parts Manufacturers
Defective tires, brakes, or steering components from subpar manufacturers cause accidents. We preserve failed components for expert analysis.
Maintenance Companies
Third-party mechanics who performed negligent brake adjustments or failed to identify critical safety issues may share liability.
Freight Brokers
Brokers who arranged transportation using carriers with poor safety records (low CSA scores) may be liable for negligent selection.
Truck Owners (If Different from Carrier)
In owner-operator situations, the equipment owner may be liable for negligent entrustment or inadequate maintenance.
Government Entities
Indiana DOT or Harrison County may be liable for dangerous road design, inadequate signage, or failure to maintain highway shoulders—though sovereign immunity laws create strict notice requirements and damage caps.
As client Donald Wilcox told us: “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.” We find liability where other firms see none.
The 48-Hour Evidence Preservation Protocol: Why Time Kills Cases
Here’s what the trucking company doesn’t want you to know: while you’re sitting in the hospital at Harrison County Hospital or University of Louisville Hospital waiting to see if surgery will save your loved one’s life, the trucking company has already deployed its rapid-response team to the accident scene.
They’ve photographed the scene from angles favorable to them. They’ve downloaded ECM data selectively. They’re coaching the driver on what to say. And in 30 days, that black box data will be overwritten with new driving information.
That’s why we act within 48 hours.
When you call 1-888-ATTY-911, we immediately send spoliation letters to:
- The trucking company
- Their insurance carrier
- The driver
- Any third-party maintenance companies
- Cargo owners
These letters put them on legal notice that destruction of evidence will result in adverse inference instructions to the jury—essentially, the judge will tell jurors to assume deleted evidence was unfavorable to the defense.
Critical Evidence We Preserve:
ELD (Electronic Logging Device) Data
Since December 18, 2017, federal law requires ELDs that sync with the truck’s engine. These devices prove 49 CFR Part 395 hours-of-service violations—exactly how long the driver was behind the wheel, whether they took required 30-minute breaks after 8 hours, and whether they exceeded the 11-hour driving limit.
ECM/Black Box Data
The Engine Control Module records speed, braking, throttle position, and fault codes. Was the driver speeding through a construction zone on I-64? Did they brake appropriately? The data doesn’t lie.
Driver Qualification File
Under 49 CFR § 391.51, motor carriers must maintain files containing employment applications, driving records, medical certifications, and drug test results. Missing files prove negligent hiring.
Maintenance Records
49 CFR § 396.3 requires systematic inspection records. Missing brake inspections or deferred repairs prove the company knew their vehicle was unsafe.
Cell Phone Records
We subpoena phone records to prove 49 CFR § 392.82 violations—texting while driving or using handheld devices.
Dashcam Footage
Many trucks have forward-facing and cab-facing cameras. This footage often contradicts the driver’s version of events but gets deleted within days unless we demand preservation.
Witness Testimony
Memories fade. We interview witnesses while the accident is fresh, before the trucking company’s investigators can influence their statements.
Catastrophic Injuries: The Real Cost of a Harrison County Trucking Accident
The injuries from 18-wheeler accidents aren’t like fender-benders. They’re life-altering, permanently disabling events that require millions in lifetime care.
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
Our firm has recovered between $1.5 million and $9.8 million for TBI victims. These injuries range from concussions to severe cognitive impairment requiring 24/7 care. Symptoms include memory loss, personality changes, mood disorders, and inability to work.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Paraplegia and quadriplegia settlements range from $4.7 million to over $25 million. The lifetime cost of a spinal cord injury can exceed $5 million for quadriplegia, including medical care, home modifications, and lost earning capacity.
Amputations
We’ve secured $1.9 million to $8.6 million for amputation cases. These injuries require prosthetics ($5,000-$50,000 each), replacement every few years, extensive physical therapy, and permanent career limitations.
Severe Burns
Fuel tank ruptures and hazmat spills on I-64 cause thermal and chemical burns requiring skin grafts, reconstructive surgery, and psychological trauma treatment.
Internal Organ Damage
Liver lacerations, spleen ruptures, and lung damage from steering wheel impacts require emergency surgery and may result in permanent organ function loss.
Wrongful Death
When a Harrison County family loses a loved one, we’ve recovered $1.9 million to $9.5 million. Indiana law allows recovery for lost income, loss of consortium, funeral expenses, and mental anguish—though damage caps may apply to certain government defendants.
As Chad Harris, one of our clients, put it: “You are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.” We understand that behind these numbers are real people whose lives have been shattered.
FMCSA Regulations: The Rulebook Trucking Companies Break
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (49 CFR Parts 390-399) govern every aspect of commercial trucking. When companies violate these rules, they endanger Harrison County families.
Part 390: General Applicability
Defines who must comply—any motor carrier operating vehicles over 10,001 lbs in interstate commerce.
Part 391: Driver Qualification
Requires drivers to be at least 21 years old, speak English, pass physical exams, and hold valid CDLs. We examine these files for unqualified drivers.
Part 392: Driving Rules
Prohibits driving while fatigued, impaired, or sick (§ 392.3), following too closely (§ 392.11), and using handheld phones while driving (§ 392.82).
Part 393: Vehicle Safety
Mandates working brakes (§ 393.40-55), proper lighting (§ 393.11-26), and cargo securement (§ 393.100-136).
Part 395: Hours of Service
The most commonly violated regulations:
- 11-hour maximum driving limit
- 14-hour on-duty window
- Mandatory 30-minute break after 8 hours driving
- 60/70-hour weekly limits
- 34-hour restart provision
Part 396: Inspection and Maintenance
Requires systematic inspection (§ 396.3), driver pre-trip reports (§ 396.13), and annual inspections (§ 396.17).
When we find violations of these regulations, we don’t just prove negligence—we often prove gross negligence that supports punitive damages claims under Indiana law.
Indiana Truck Insurance Requirements and Your Recovery
Federal law mandates commercial carriers carry minimum liability insurance far exceeding typical auto policies:
- Non-hazardous freight: $750,000 minimum
- Oil and hazardous materials: $1,000,000 to $5,000,000
However, accessing these funds requires navigating Indiana’s insurance laws. Unlike some states, Indiana does not require drivers to carry uninsured motorist coverage unless specifically requested, though we always investigate all available coverage including:
- The truck driver’s liability policy
- The motor carrier’s umbrella policy
- Trailer interchange insurance
- Cargo liability coverage
- Your own UM/UIM coverage
We’re currently litigating a $10 million lawsuit against a major institution—a case that demonstrates our willingness to take on well-funded defendants when they harm innocent people. Whether it’s a university hazing case or a Fortune 500 trucking company, we don’t back down.
Frequently Asked Questions: Harrison County Trucking Accidents
How long do I have to file a lawsuit in Indiana?
You have two years from the accident date. But don’t wait—evidence disappears within days. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 immediately.
What if I was partially at fault?
Indiana follows modified comparative negligence. If you’re 50% or less at fault, you recover damages minus your percentage of fault. If you’re 51% or more at fault, you recover nothing. We fight to minimize your assigned fault percentage.
Can I sue if my loved one was killed?
Yes. Indiana allows wrongful death claims by surviving spouses, children, and parents. We seek compensation for lost income, funeral expenses, and loss of companionship.
How much are attorney fees?
We work on contingency—33.33% if settled pre-trial, 40% if we go to trial. You pay nothing upfront. We advance all costs. No fee unless we win.
Will my case settle or go to trial?
Most cases settle, but we prepare every case for trial. Insurance companies offer better settlements when they know your lawyer will take them to court.
Hablamos Español?
Sí. Associate attorney Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911 para una consulta gratuita en español.
What counties do you serve in Indiana?
While our primary offices are in Texas (Houston, Austin, Beaumont), we handle trucking accidents throughout Indiana, including Harrison County, Floyd County, Crawford County, and Washington County. Our federal court admission allows us to represent you in Indiana district courts.
Why Harrison County Chooses Attorney911
25+ Years of Experience
Ralph Manginello has fought for injury victims since 1998. He’s admitted to federal court and has gone toe-to-toe with the world’s largest corporations, including BP in the Texas City Refinery litigation that resulted in $2.1 billion in settlements.
Insider Knowledge
Lupe Peña used to defend insurance companies. Now he fights against them. As he told ABC13 Houston: “If this prevents harm to another person, that’s what we’re hoping to do. Let’s bring this to light. Enough is enough.”
Proven Results
We’ve recovered $50+ million for clients, including multi-million dollar settlements for brain injuries, amputations, and wrongful death. We took cases other firms rejected and won.
Client-First Philosophy
Client Angel Walle told us: “They solved in a couple of months what others did nothing about in two years.” Ernest Cano added: “Mr. Manginello and his firm are first class. Will fight tooth and nail for you.”
24/7 Availability
Call 1-888-ATTY-911 anytime. We’re available for emergency consultations because trucking accidents don’t happen on business hours.
Three Office Locations
With offices in Houston (1177 West Loop S, Suite 1600), Austin (316 West 12th Street), and Beaumont, we serve clients nationwide while providing the personal attention of a boutique firm.
Call Now: Your Recovery Starts with One Decision
The trucking company has already called their lawyers. Their insurance adjuster is already working to minimize your claim. The evidence is already starting to disappear.
You have one chance to get this right. One chance to secure the compensation your family needs for medical bills, lost wages, and a future worth living.
At Attorney911, we don’t treat you like a case number. We treat you like family. As client Kiimarii Yup told us: “I lost everything… 1 year later I have gained so much in return.”
From the rolling hills of Harrison County to the federal courthouses of Indianapolis, we fight for you. We know the local roads, the local hospitals, and the local laws. But more importantly, we know how to beat trucking companies at their own game.
Don’t wait. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 now.
Or reach us at:
- Email: ralph@atty911.com / lupe@atty911.com
- Direct Houston Line: (713) 528-9070
Hablamos Español. Lupe Peña está aquí para ayudarle.
Your consultation is free. You pay nothing unless we win. Let’s fight for your future—starting today.
