Heard County 18-Wheeler Accident Attorneys: Fighting for Georgia Truck Accident Victims

When 80,000 Pounds Changes Everything in Heard County

The impact was catastrophic. On a stretch of Georgia highway near Heard County, 80,000 pounds of steel slammed into a family sedan. In that moment, everything changed—medical bills started mounting, paychecks stopped coming, and the life you knew disappeared.

Every 16 minutes, someone in America is injured in a commercial truck crash. But here in Heard County, Georgia, the risk runs even higher. We’re positioned at the crossroads of major freight corridors—Interstate 85 runs just east of our community, Interstate 20 passes to the north, and these highways carry thousands of 18-wheelers hauling cargo between Atlanta, Savannah, and the Port of Brunswick every single day. When truck drivers push past their limits or trucking companies cut corners on safety, Heard County families pay the price.

You shouldn’t have to fight this battle alone. At Attorney911, we’ve spent over 25 years standing up to trucking companies and their insurance giants. Ralph Manginello, our managing partner since 1998, has recovered multi-million dollar settlements for trucking accident victims—and he’s admitted to federal court, meaning he can handle your case whether it stays in Heard County or crosses state lines. Our associate attorney, Lupe Peña, used to work for insurance companies defending these exact claims. Now he fights against them, giving our team insider knowledge of every tactic they’ll use to minimize your recovery.

The trucking company that hit you has already called their lawyers. Their insurance adjuster is already looking for ways to pay you less. What are you doing to protect yourself? Call 1-888-ATTY-911 now—before critical evidence disappears.

Why Heard County 18-Wheeler Accidents Are Different

The Physics of Devastation

Your car weighs about 4,000 pounds. The 18-wheeler that hit you? Up to 80,000 pounds when fully loaded under federal law. That’s not a fair fight—it’s twenty times the weight bearing down on you at highway speed.

An 80,000-pound truck traveling at 65 mph needs 525 feet to stop. That’s nearly two football fields. When an overloaded tractor-trailer barrels down I-85 toward Heard County or navigates the curves near the Chattahoochee River, that driver has 40% less ability to stop than you do in your passenger vehicle.

But here’s what makes Heard County trucking accidents legally complex: these aren’t simple fender-benders. They’re governed by a web of federal regulations that most personal injury attorneys don’t fully understand. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sets strict rules under 49 CFR Parts 390-399—and when trucking companies violate these rules, they create lethal conditions.

The Local Danger Zones

Heard County sits in west-central Georgia, bisected by State Route 34 and State Route 27, with heavy truck traffic connecting to I-85 and I-20. Our rural roads see a mix of agricultural trucks hauling timber and poultry, long-haul freight heading to the Port of Savannah, and oil tankers moving through the region.

These aren’t just busy roads—they’re dangerous intersections where passenger vehicles meet commercial monsters. The narrow two-lane highways around Heard County’s agricultural areas leave little room for error when an 18-wheeler drifts across the centerline. The steep grades near the river basins create runaway truck risks. And when winter ice storms hit Georgia—as they do with increasing frequency—those 18 wheels become lethal weapons on our bridges and overpasses.

Types of 18-Wheeler Accidents We See in Heard County

Jackknife Accidents

A jackknife occurs when the trailer skids outward from the cab, folding at an angle like a pocket knife. On the curves near Heard County’s rural roads or during sudden stops on I-85, these accidents often block multiple lanes and cause multi-vehicle pileups.

They usually happen because of sudden braking on wet roads, improperly loaded cargo, or brake system failures. Under 49 CFR § 393.48, trucking companies must maintain brake systems properly. When they don’t—and a jackknife sends a trailer swinging across three lanes of traffic—innocent drivers get crushed.

We’ve seen these accidents near the I-85 corridor where truckers failed to adjust their speed for weather conditions. The result? Catastrophic injuries for Heard County families who were simply in the wrong place when a trucking company’s negligence caught up with them.

Rollover Accidents

Approximately 50% of rollover crashes happen because drivers fail to adjust speed on curves. In Heard County, where agricultural trucks haul heavy loads of timber and poultry feed along winding rural routes, this is a constant danger.

A rollover starts when a truck takes a turn too fast, especially with liquid cargo that sloshes and shifts the center of gravity. Under 49 CFR § 393.100-136, cargo must be secured to prevent shifting that affects vehicle stability. When liquid haulers or overloaded grain trucks take the curves too fast on Heard County roads, physics takes over—and the truck tips, often crushing any vehicle in its path.

Rear-End Collisions

Following too closely kills. Because trucks need 40% more stopping distance than cars, a distracted or fatigued truck driver on I-20 can easily slam into stopped traffic before they even hit the brakes.

Under 49 CFR § 392.11, drivers must not follow more closely than is “reasonable and prudent.” Yet we see this violation constantly—truckers tailgating through the Heard County area because they’re pushing impossible delivery schedules. When their brakes fail from poor maintenance (a violation of 49 CFR § 396.3), or when driver fatigue slows reaction time, the result is a 40-ton battering ram destroying a family sedan.

Underride Collisions

These are among the most fatal accidents we handle. An underride occurs when a car slides under the trailer—either from the rear or the side. The trailer height often strikes at windshield level, shearing off the passenger compartment.

While 49 CFR § 393.86 requires rear impact guards on trailers, many trucks have inadequate or damaged guards. Side underride guards aren’t federally mandated at all—leaving a deadly gap where a Heard County driver can be decapitated during a lane change or intersection collision.

Tire Blowout Accidents

Georgia’s summer heat builds up inside truck tires until they explode. A steer tire blowout can cause immediate loss of control, sending an 18-wheeler careening into oncoming traffic on State Route 34.

Under 49 CFR § 393.75 and § 396.13, drivers must inspect tires before every trip. Minimum tread depth is 4/32″ on steer tires. When trucking companies defer maintenance to save money, those worn tires blow—and “road gators” (shredded tire debris) create secondary hazards for Heard County drivers.

Brake Failure Accidents

Brake problems factor into approximately 29% of large truck crashes. Under 49 CFR § 393.40-55, all commercial vehicles must have properly functioning brake systems. Yet we constantly see cases where Heard County accidents resulted from air brake failures, overheated brakes from long descents, or simply worn pads that should have been replaced months ago.

Cargo Spills and Hazmat Incidents

Heard County’s location means we see heavy agricultural traffic—trucks hauling hazardous chemicals for poultry operations, flammable materials, and heavy equipment. When cargo shifts or spills, it creates immediate dangers.

49 CFR § 393.100 requires cargo to be contained to prevent leaking, spilling, or falling. When a truck loses its load on a Heard County bridge or spills chemicals into our waterways, multiple parties may be liable—the driver, the trucking company, the cargo owner, and the loading company.

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Heard County Trucking Accident?

Most law firms only sue the driver and maybe the trucking company. We dig deeper—because every liable party represents another insurance policy that can pay for your injuries.

Under Georgia’s modified comparative negligence rule (O.C.G.A. § 51-12-33), you can recover damages if you’re less than 50% at fault. Your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault—but if a jury finds you 50% or more responsible, you recover nothing. That’s why identifying every liable party matters. More defendants mean more insurance coverage, which means you’re more likely to get fully compensated.

The Truck Driver

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

• Speeding or reckless driving through Heard County curves
• Distracted driving (cell phone violations under 49 CFR § 392.82)
• Driving while fatigued (violating hours of service under 49 CFR § 395)
• Operating under the influence (49 CFR § 392.5 prohibits alcohol within 4 hours of duty)
• Failing to conduct pre-trip inspections (49 CFR § 396.13)

The Trucking Company

This is where the real money usually is. Trucking companies carry $750,000 to $5 million in federal insurance requirements, and they’re liable under multiple theories:

Vicarious Liability (Respondeat Superior): Under Georgia law, employers are responsible for their employees’ negligent acts within the scope of employment.

Negligent Hiring: Did the company check the driver’s background? Under 49 CFR § 391.51, motor carriers must maintain Driver Qualification Files including motor vehicle records, medical certifications, and drug test results. When they hire a driver with a history of accidents or failed drug tests, they’re liable for putting that danger on Heard County roads.

Negligent Supervision: Did the company monitor the driver’s hours? ELD data under 49 CFR § 395.8 tracks every minute a driver operates. When companies allow—or encourage—hours of service violations to meet delivery deadlines, they commit direct negligence.

Negligent Maintenance: Under 49 CFR § 396.3, carriers must systematically inspect and repair vehicles. Brake failures and tire blowouts usually trace back to maintenance shortcuts.

The Cargo Owner and Loading Company

Companies that ship goods through Georgia often dictate loading and delivery schedules. If they demanded overweight loading or impossible timelines pressuring the driver to speed, they share liability. Third-party loading companies that failed to secure cargo under 49 CFR § 393.100 can be sued directly.

The Freight Broker

Brokers who arrange transportation may be liable for negligent carrier selection—choosing a trucking company with known safety violations or inadequate insurance just because they’re cheaper.

The Truck and Parts Manufacturers

When brake systems fail due to design defects, or when tires blow due to manufacturing flaws, product liability claims apply. We’ve pursued claims against brake manufacturers whose defective systems caused crashes on Georgia highways.

The Maintenance Company

Third-party mechanics who negligently repaired brakes or returned trucks to service with known defects can be held liable for the carnage they enabled.

Critical Evidence That Disappears in 48 Hours

The trucking company is building their defense right now—while you’re still in the hospital. Evidence in Heard County 18-wheeler accidents has a short shelf life:

Black Box Data (ECM/EDR): Overwrites in 30 days or with new driving events. This data shows speed, braking, throttle position, and fault codes—proof that often contradicts what the driver claims happened.

ELD Records: Electronic Logging Devices track hours of service. FMCSA only requires 6-month retention, but these logs prove whether the driver was fatigued or falsifying records.

Dashcam Footage: Often deleted within 7-14 days.

Physical Evidence: The truck itself may be repaired, sold, or scrapped within weeks.

Witness Memory: Fades within days.

That’s why we send spoliation letters within 24 hours of being retained. These formal legal notices put the trucking company on notice that destroying evidence will result in court sanctions or adverse inference instructions—the jury will be told to assume destroyed evidence was unfavorable to the defense.

As client Donald Wilcox told us after we took his case another firm rejected: “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 move fast because your future depends on it.

FMCSA Regulations That Prove Negligence

Federal trucking regulations aren’t just bureaucratic red tape—they’re the safety standards that protect Heard County families. When trucking companies violate these rules, they’ve broken the law, and that violation proves negligence in your case.

Hours of Service Violations (49 CFR Part 395)

Property-carrying drivers cannot:

• Drive more than 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty
• Drive beyond the 14th consecutive hour after coming on duty
• Operate after 60-70 hours on duty in 7-8 days without a 34-hour restart
• Skip the mandatory 30-minute break after 8 hours of driving

Fatigue causes 31% of fatal truck crashes. When ELD data shows a driver exceeded these limits before hitting you on I-20 near Heard County, that’s proof of negligence.

Driver Qualification Standards (49 CFR Part 391)

Trucking companies must verify:

• Drivers are at least 21 years old for interstate commerce
• Valid CDL and medical certification (renewed every 2 years)
• Clean driving record and drug testing
• Ability to read and speak English sufficiently

When companies skip background checks or hire drivers with suspended licenses, they commit negligent hiring—a direct basis for liability.

Vehicle Safety (49 CFR Part 393)

Brakes must meet specific adjustment standards. Tires must have minimum tread depth. Cargo must be secured with adequate tiedowns (working load limit at least 50% of cargo weight). Lighting must function properly.

Every pre-trip inspection the driver skipped, every worn brake pad they ignored, every overloaded trailer they hauled past Heard County weigh stations—these violations build your case for maximum compensation.

Catastrophic Injuries and Their Real Costs

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

The forces involved in trucking accidents frequently cause the brain to impact the skull. Symptoms range from headaches and confusion to permanent cognitive impairment and personality changes.

TBI cases require lifetime care costing $85,000 to $3,000,000+. We’ve recovered between $1,548,000 and $9,838,000 for TBI victims—because these injuries change everything about how you live, work, and interact with your family.

Spinal Cord Injuries

Paralysis from spinal damage changes your life in an instant. Quadriplegia lifetime care exceeds $5 million. Under Georgia law, these cases justify substantial non-economic damages for pain, suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life.

Amputations

Whether traumatic (severed at the scene) or surgical (required due to crushing injuries), amputations require prosthetics ($5,000-$50,000 each), replacement every few years, extensive rehabilitation, and home modifications. Our amputation settlements range from $1,945,000 to $8,630,000.

Wrongful Death

When a trucking accident kills a loved one in Heard County, Georgia law allows surviving spouses, children, and parents to recover damages for loss of consortium, mental anguish, and lost future income. We’ve recovered $1,910,000 to $9,520,000 for families destroyed by wrongful death.

Georgia Law and Your Heard County Trucking Accident Case

The Statute of Limitations: Time is Critical

Under Georgia law (O.C.G.A. § 9-3-33), you have two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. For wrongful death claims, the clock starts at the date of death, which may differ from the accident date.

Two years sounds like a long time. It’s not. Evidence begins disappearing within days. Witnesses move away. Medical records get archived. And trucking companies use delay tactics hoping you’ll wait too long.

Comparative Fault in Georgia

Georgia follows modified comparative negligence with a 50% bar (O.C.G.A. § 51-12-33). This means:

• If you’re 0-49% at fault, you recover damages reduced by your fault percentage
• If you’re 50% or more at fault, you recover nothing

Trucking companies and their insurers will try to blame you—claiming you were speeding, following too closely, or failed to avoid the collision. That’s why documenting the scene immediately and hiring an attorney who understands truck accident reconstruction matters from day one.

Punitive Damages

Unlike some states that cap punitive damages, Georgia allows significant punitive awards when trucking companies act with “willful misconduct, malice, fraud, wantonness, oppression, or that entire want of care which would raise the presumption of conscious indifference to consequences” (O.C.G.A. § 51-12-5.1).

When we uncover patterns of safety violations, falsified log books, or known dangerous drivers kept on the road, we pursue punitive damages to punish the company and deter future misconduct.

Why Heard County Families Choose Attorney911

Inside Knowledge of Insurance Company Tactics

Lupe Peña isn’t just an associate attorney—he’s a former insurance defense lawyer who spent years inside the system watching adjusters minimize claims and deny legitimate injuries. Now he works for you, using that insider knowledge to anticipate and counter every tactic the trucking company’s insurer will throw at your case.

He knows their valuation software, their settlement authority levels, and their playbook for delaying claims. That advantage translates to higher settlements for our clients.

Federal Court Experience Matters

Ralph Manginello is admitted to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas—and his federal experience matters for Heard County cases involving interstate commerce. Trucking accidents often involve out-of-state carriers, making federal court jurisdiction available. Having an attorney who understands federal procedure and FMCSA regulations gives you an advantage in complex litigation.

Multi-Million Dollar Results

We’re not a billboard firm juggling hundreds of cases with paralegals. We’re selective, and we win:

• $5+ Million for a traumatic brain injury victim struck by a falling log
• $3.8+ Million for a car accident victim who suffered amputation due to medical complications
• $2.5+ Million in commercial truck crash recoveries
• $2+ Million for a maritime worker with back injuries
• $10+ Million currently being litigated against the University of Houston for fraternity hazing (demonstrating our capacity for major institutional litigation)

Client Glenda Walker put it simply: “They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.” That’s our promise to every Heard County family we represent.

24/7 Availability and Spanish Language Services

We answer the phone at 1-888-ATTY-911—anytime, day or night. And for our Heard County Hispanic community, Lupe Peña provides fluent Spanish representation without interpreters. Hablamos Español. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911.

Frequently Asked Questions for Heard County Truck Accident Victims

How long do I have to file a lawsuit after a trucking accident in Heard County, Georgia?

You have two years from the accident date under Georgia law. But waiting is dangerous—critical evidence like ECM data and witness testimony disappears quickly. Contact us immediately.

What if I was partially at fault for the accident?

Georgia’s modified comparative negligence rule allows recovery if you’re less than 50% at fault. Your damages are reduced by your percentage of fault, but you can still receive substantial compensation. Don’t let the trucking company convince you that partial fault means no recovery.

Who pays my medical bills while my case is pending?

Your personal injury protection (PIP) or medical payments coverage on your auto policy may cover initial treatment. We can also help arrange medical treatment on a lien basis—doctors get paid when your case settles. Never let lack of insurance delay treatment.

What is my Heard County trucking accident case worth?

It depends on injury severity, medical costs, lost wages, and available insurance. Trucking companies carry $750,000 to $5 million in coverage. We’ve seen cases settle for hundreds of thousands to millions depending on the facts. The only way to know is to have an experienced attorney evaluate your specific situation.

Will my case go to trial?

Most settle, but we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial. Insurance companies offer higher settlements to lawyers with proven trial records. Ralph Manginello has been in courtrooms since 1998—that experience creates leverage in negotiations.

How much does it cost to hire Attorney911?

Nothing upfront. We work on contingency—33.33% if settled pre-trial, 40% if we go to trial. No win, no fee. We advance all costs. You never pay out of pocket.

What if the truck driver was from another state?

Irrelevant to your recovery. Under federal law (49 CFR), commercial trucks operating interstate must comply with FMCSA regulations regardless of where they’re based. We can pursue out-of-state carriers effectively, and Ralph Manginello’s dual-state licensure (Texas and New York) and federal court admission make cross-border litigation seamless.

Call Now—Before Evidence Disappears

The trucking company that hit you or your loved one has already reported the accident to their insurer. Their rapid-response team is already at work. Their lawyers are already strategizing how to pay you as little as possible.

What are you doing to level the playing field?

At Attorney911, we believe Heard County families deserve the same aggressive representation that Fortune 500 companies get. Ralph Manginello has spent 25 years taking on trucking giants and winning. Lupe Peña knows exactly how the other side thinks because he used to be on their team. And our 4.9-star Google rating with 251+ reviews speaks to how we treat our clients—not like case numbers, but like family.

As client Chad Harris told us: “You are NOT a pest to them and you are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.”

The clock is ticking. Black box data overwrites in 30 days. Witnesses forget details. And Georgia’s two-year statute of limitations is firm—miss it, and you lose your rights forever.

Call 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911) right now for a free consultation. We’ll answer 24/7. We’ll send preservation letters within 24 hours. And we’ll fight for every dime you deserve.

Hablamos Español. Llame hoy al 1-888-ATTY-911.

Attorney911 / The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC
1177 West Loop S, Suite 1600, Houston, TX 77027
316 West 12th Street, Suite 311, Austin, TX 78701
Serving Heard County, Georgia and Nationwide