18-Wheeler Accident Lawyers in Henry County, Georgia

When 80,000 Pounds Changes Everything

You’re driving home on I-75 through Henry County, maybe heading back to McDonough after a long day, when the traffic ahead slows suddenly. The 18-wheeler behind you doesn’t stop. In that split second, your life changes forever.

An 80,000-pound truck doesn’t give you a fair fight. While your sedan weighs around 4,000 pounds, that fully loaded tractor-trailer rolling through Henry County carries twenty times that mass. The physics aren’t just unfair—they’re brutal. We’ve seen what happens when trucking companies cut corners on safety here in Georgia, and we’re here to make sure they don’t get away with it.

At Attorney911, we don’t just handle accident cases—we fight for families devastated by commercial trucking negligence. Ralph Manginello has spent over 25 years taking on trucking companies and winning. Since 1998, he’s recovered multi-million dollar settlements for victims just like you. Our firm includes an associate attorney who used to work for insurance companies—now he fights against them. That’s your advantage when you call 1-888-ATTY-911.

Why Henry County’s Highways Are Particularly Dangerous

Henry County isn’t just another Atlanta suburb when it comes to trucking accidents. We’re a critical crossroads. I-75 barrels through our county carrying freight from Florida to Tennessee and beyond. I-675 brings Atlanta-bound traffic screaming down from the north. US-23 and US-41 serve as major arterials connecting our communities to the larger metro area.

This means our local roads see an enormous volume of commercial traffic. Trucks carrying everything from Amazon packages to industrial equipment pass through Henry County daily. The mix of high-speed interstate traffic with local commuters creates deadly conditions.

We’ve handled cases where truck drivers drifted off I-75 onto the shoulder near Locust Grove, causing catastrophic pileups. We’ve represented families devastated by rollover accidents on the rural stretches of US-23 where drivers speed through curves too fast. If you’ve been injured in a trucking accident anywhere in Henry County—from McDonough to Stockbridge, from Hampton to Locust Grove—you need attorneys who understand both federal trucking regulations and the local landscape where your crash occurred.

The Brutal Physics of Truck Accidents

Here’s what most people don’t understand until they’re lying in a hospital bed at Piedmont Henry Hospital: an 18-wheeler moving at 65 mph needs nearly two football fields—525 feet—to come to a complete stop. Your car needs about 300 feet. That 40% difference in stopping distance kills people every year on Georgia highways.

The force of impact isn’t just doubled because trucks are heavier—it’s exponentially worse. When 80,000 pounds collides with 4,000 pounds at highway speed, the energy transfer pulverizes the smaller vehicle. That’s why 76% of fatalities in truck crashes are occupants of the other vehicle, not the truck driver.

We account for these physics when building your case. The trucking company’s insurance adjuster will try to argue you “stopped short” or were driving erratically. We counter with data from the truck’s black box showing exactly when the driver should have braked—and didn’t.

Types of 18-Wheeler Accidents in Henry County

Jackknife Accidents on I-75

A jackknife occurs when the trailer skids sideways, folding against the cab at an angle. On I-75 through Henry County, we see these happen when truck drivers brake too hard on wet pavement or when they encounter sudden stop-and-go traffic near the I-675 merge.

These accidents block multiple lanes and cause multi-vehicle pileups. The swinging trailer often sweeps across traffic, crushing anything in its path. When a truck jackknifes near Locust Grove or McDonough during rush hour, the results are devastating.

Jackknife accidents usually trace back to FMCSA violations. Under 49 CFR § 393.48, truck brakes must be properly maintained. Under 49 CFR § 392.6, drivers must adjust speed for conditions. When they don’t, and a jackknife occurs, we prove negligence by subpoenaing maintenance records and Electronic Logging Device (ELD) data.

Rollover Accidents on Rural Routes

Henry County has rural stretches where trucks take curves too fast. A rollover happens when centrifugal force overcomes the truck’s stability—often because cargo wasn’t secured properly or the driver misjudged the speed needed for a curve.

We’ve handled rollover cases on the narrower sections of US-23 and US-41 where trucks overturn into ditches or across oncoming lanes. These accidents frequently involve cargo spills that create secondary hazards for other motorists.

Rollovers violate 49 CFR § 393.100-136 regarding cargo securement. Federal law requires cargo to withstand 0.8g deceleration forward and 0.5g lateral acceleration. When loads shift because they weren’t properly secured, the trailer’s center of gravity changes, causing the rollover.

Underride Collisions (The Most Deadly)

Underride accidents occur when a passenger vehicle slides under the trailer, shearing off the roof and killing occupants instantly. These happen at the rear of trailers or along the sides.

Despite federal regulations (49 CFR § 393.86), many trucks lack adequate underride guards, or the guards are weak and collapse on impact. Side underride guards aren’t even federally mandated, though they’re often the difference between life and decapitation.

We investigate whether the trucking company installed proper rear impact guards and whether they were maintained according to federal standards. In a recent case near Stockbridge, we discovered the guard had been damaged weeks earlier and never repaired—a clear violation of 49 CFR § 396.3 requiring systematic maintenance.

Rear-End Collisions from Following Too Close

Georgia traffic on I-75 often slows unexpectedly near the Henry County line. Truck drivers distracted by their phones, fatigued from violating hours of service rules, or simply following too closely slam into stopped traffic.

Under 49 CFR § 392.11, drivers must maintain a following distance that allows them to stop safely. Yet ECM (Electronic Control Module) data frequently shows these drivers never touched the brakes until impact, proving they were following too closely or distracted.

The injuries from these crashes include traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, and deaths. Because the truck sits higher than passenger vehicles, the impact often hits the car’s passenger compartment rather than the rear bumper.

Wide Turn Accidents in Downtown McDonough

18-wheelers need enormous space to turn right—often swinging left first to accommodate the trailer’s tracking. In tight spaces like downtown McDonough or near the shopping centers on Highway 155, these wide turns trap passenger vehicles.

Drivers fail to check their blind spots properly or signal inadequately. Under 49 CFR § 393.80, mirrors must provide clear views to the rear. When drivers don’t use them properly, they crush cars against curbs or other vehicles.

Federal Regulations Designed to Prevent These Crashes

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) mandates strict safety rules under Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations. When trucking companies break these rules, they pay for the consequences.

Hours of Service Violations (49 CFR Part 395)

Driver fatigue causes approximately 31% of fatal truck crashes. Federal law limits property-carrying drivers to:

• 11 hours maximum driving after 10 consecutive hours off duty
• 14-hour maximum duty window (cannot drive after 14th hour on duty)
• 30-minute mandatory break after 8 cumulative hours driving
• 60/70-hour weekly limits (60 hours in 7 days or 70 in 8)

Since December 2017, 49 CFR § 395.8 mandates Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) that record driving time automatically. We subpoena these records immediately. If a driver was on their 13th hour of duty when they hit you on I-75, that’s negligence per se.

Driver Qualification Standards (49 CFR Part 391)

Before any driver can operate a commercial vehicle, the trucking company must maintain a Driver Qualification (DQ) File containing:

• Employment application and 3-year driving history (§ 391.21)
• Medical examiner’s certificate (§ 391.41)
• Road test certification or equivalent (§ 391.55)
• Annual driving record reviews (§ 391.25)
• Drug and alcohol test results (§ 391.51)

When companies hire drivers with suspended licenses, failed drug tests, or histories of reckless driving, they commit negligent hiring under Georgia law. We’ve uncovered cases where Henry County trucking accidents involved drivers who shouldn’t have been behind the wheel—drivers with multiple DUIs or medical conditions that made them unfit to operate 80,000-pound vehicles.

Vehicle Maintenance Requirements (49 CFR Part 396)

Brake failures cause 29% of truck accidents. Federal law requires:

• Pre-trip inspections before every drive (§ 396.13)
• Post-trip reports documenting any defects (§ 396.11)
• Annual inspections by qualified mechanics (§ 396.17)
• Systematic maintenance programs (§ 396.3)

When we investigate Henry County crashes, we demand maintenance records going back years. We’ve found cases where trucking companies ignored “air brake pushrod travel” exceeding limits, meaning the brakes were out of adjustment for months. That’s not just negligence—it’s conscious disregard for human life.

Cargo Securement Rules (49 CFR § 393.100-136)

Shifting cargo causes rollovers and jackknifes. Federal regulations require securement systems to withstand:

• Forward: 0.8g deceleration
• Rearward: 0.5g acceleration
• Lateral: 0.5g side-to-side force

When a load of steel coils or construction equipment shifts on a curve near Hampton, Georgia, the trailer becomes uncontrollable. We investigate loading dock records, bills of lading, and securement equipment to prove the shipper or trucking company violated these federal mandates.

All the Parties Who May Owe You Money

Most law firms only sue the driver and trucking company. That’s leaving money on the table. At Attorney911, we investigate every potentially liable party because more defendants mean more insurance coverage means maximum compensation for you.

1. The Truck Driver

Direct negligence includes speeding, distracted driving (cell phone use violates 49 CFR § 392.82), fatigue, impairment, or failure to inspect. We obtain their driving record, employment history, and cell phone records to prove they were negligent.

2. The Trucking Company (Motor Carrier)

Under Georgia’s doctrine of respondeat superior, employers are liable for employees’ negligence. Plus, we sue for:

• Negligent hiring (failed background checks)
• Negligent training (inadequate safety instruction)
• Negligent supervision (ignored ELD violations)
• Negligent maintenance (deferred repairs to save money)

Companies operating in Henry County carrying $750,000 to $5 million in insurance make them primary targets for recovery.

3. The Cargo Owner/Shipper

When Amazon, Walmart, or local distributors pressure drivers to meet unrealistic deadlines, they become liable. If they required overweight loads or failed to disclose hazardous materials, they share responsibility.

4. The Loading Company

Third-party warehouses that loaded the trailer may have failed to secure cargo properly or distributed weight unevenly, violating 49 CFR Part 393.

5. Truck and Trailer Manufacturers

Defective brakes, steering systems, or underride guards can support product liability claims against manufacturers like Freightliner, Peterbilt, or trailer makers.

6. Parts Manufacturers

Defective tires (Michelin, Bridgestone), brake components, or coupling devices can lead to claims against component suppliers.

7. Maintenance Companies

Third-party mechanics who performed negligent repairs or failed to identify critical safety issues may be liable under 49 CFR § 396.3.

8. Freight Brokers

Companies like C.H. Robinson or major logistics brokers who hire carriers with poor safety records (low CSA scores) can be liable for negligent selection under Georgia law.

9. The Truck Owner (If Different)

In owner-operator arrangements, the individual truck owner may carry separate insurance and be liable for negligent entrustment.

10. Government Entities

Henry County or the Georgia Department of Transportation may be liable for dangerous road design, inadequate signage, or failure to maintain highways. However, Georgia’s sovereign immunity rules and ante litem notice requirements (suit must be filed within 6-12 months depending on entity) create strict deadlines.

Evidence Disappears in 48 Hours—Act Immediately

The trucking company has already called their lawyers. Their rapid-response team is likely on the scene within hours, gathering evidence to protect them—not you. Meanwhile, critical evidence that proves your case is disappearing.

The 30-Day Rule

ECM (black box) data can be overwritten in as little as 30 days or with subsequent ignition cycles. ELD records might only be retained for 6 months. Dashcam footage often gets recorded over within 7 to 14 days. Witness memories fade. Skid marks wash away.

We send spoliation letters within 24 hours of being retained. These legal notices put the trucking company on notice that destroying evidence will result in court sanctions, adverse jury instructions, or default judgments.

What We Preserve

Our immediate investigation includes:

• ECM/EDR data: Speed, throttle position, brake application, cruise control status
• ELD records: Hours of service violations, GPS location, driving time
• Driver Qualification File: Proof of negligent hiring or unqualified drivers
• Maintenance records: Deferred repairs, out-of-service violations
• Cell phone records: Distracted driving evidence
• Dispatch records: Pressure to violate hours of service
• Toxicology reports: Drug and alcohol screening (required within 32 hours for alcohol, 8 hours for drugs under 49 CFR § 382)
• Physical evidence: The truck itself, worn tires, failed components

Without this evidence, the trucking company controls the narrative. With it, we prove exactly how they violated federal law and caused your injuries.

Catastrophic Injuries Require Catastrophic Compensation

The injuries from 18-wheeler accidents in Henry County aren’t broken bones that heal in six weeks. They’re life-altering, permanent conditions that require millions in lifetime care.

Traumatic Brain Injury

TBIs range from concussions (mild) to permanent cognitive impairment (severe). Symptoms include memory loss, personality changes, mood disorders, and inability to work. Settlement ranges for moderate to severe TBI typically run $1.5 million to $9.8 million depending on age, occupation, and long-term care needs.

Spinal Cord Injury and Paralysis

Paraplegia (loss of leg function) or quadriplegia (loss of all limb function) requires wheelchairs, home modifications, and 24/7 attendant care. Lifetime costs often exceed $4.7 million to $25.8 million. We’ve represented families whose loved ones will never walk again because a truck driver fell asleep on I-75.

Amputation

Crushing injuries from underride accidents or rollovers sometimes require limb amputation. Costs include prosthetics ($5,000-$50,000 per prosthetic, replaced every 3-5 years), occupational therapy, and home modifications. Settlement values range from $1.9 million to $8.6 million.

Severe Burns

Tanker explosions or hazmat spills can cause third and fourth-degree burns requiring skin grafts, multiple surgeries, and lifelong pain management.

Wrongful Death

When trucking accidents kill Henry County residents, surviving spouses, children, and parents may recover for lost income, loss of consortium, mental anguish, and funeral expenses. Georgia wrongful death settlements range from $1.9 million to $9.5 million depending on the decedent’s age, earnings, and dependents.

Georgia Law and Your Recovery

Modified Comparative Negligence (50% Bar Rule)

Georgia follows a modified comparative negligence standard. You can recover damages if you’re 50% or less at fault. If you’re even 1% at fault, your recovery is reduced by that percentage. However, if you’re 51% or more at fault, you recover nothing.

This matters in Henry County because trucking companies and their insurers will try to blame you. They’ll claim you were speeding, following too closely, or made an unsafe lane change. We counter with ECM data and accident reconstruction to prove the truck driver was 100% at fault.

Statute of Limitations: Two Years

Under Georgia Code § 9-3-33, you have two years from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit. For wrongful death, the clock starts at the date of death. For claims against government entities (like GDOT), you may have as little as 6 months to file an ante litem notice.

Don’t wait. Evidence preservation is time-sensitive. The sooner you call Attorney911 after your Henry County trucking accident, the stronger your case will be.

Insurance Coverage in Trucking Cases

Federal law mandates minimum liability coverage:

• $750,000 for non-hazardous freight
• $1,000,000 for oil and petroleum products
• $5,000,000 for hazardous materials

Many carriers carry $1-5 million in coverage. Unlike car accidents where you might recover $30,000 (Georgia’s minimum auto insurance), trucking accidents often have substantial policies that can cover your catastrophic injuries.

But insurance companies won’t offer fair value without a fight. They use software like Colossus to minimize payouts. They hire “independent” medical examiners to claim you’re not really injured. They send surveillance investigators to catch you carrying groceries.

Our firm includes attorney Lupe Peña, who spent years working for insurance companies. He knows exactly how they evaluate claims, what triggers their reserve increases, and when they’re bluffing about going to trial. That insider knowledge means we don’t settle for their lowball offers—we demand maximum compensation.

Why Henry County Families Trust Attorney911

25+ Years Fighting for Victims

Ralph Manginello has been practicing law since 1998. He’s admitted to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas and has represented clients in complex federal trucking litigation. When an 18-wheeler crosses state lines (as they do on I-75), federal court jurisdiction applies—and you need an attorney with federal experience.

Former Insurance Defense Attorney on Your Side

Lupe Peña used to defend trucking companies and their insurers. He knows their playbook. He knows they train adjusters to minimize your injuries and deny legitimate claims. Now he uses that knowledge to fight for you. As client Chad Harris said, “You are NOT a pest to them and you are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.”

Multi-Million Dollar Results

We’ve recovered over $50 million for clients. Specific results include:

• $5+ million for a traumatic brain injury victim struck by a falling log
• $3.8+ million for a client who suffered amputation after a car crash
• $2.5+ million in trucking accident recoveries
• Millions in wrongful death settlements for Georgia families

As Glenda Walker told us, “They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.”

Three Offices Serving Georgia

While our headquarters are in Houston, Texas, we handle trucking accident cases throughout the United States, including Henry County, Georgia. We offer remote consultations and will travel to meet you. With offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we have the resources to take on national carriers while providing personal attention.

Spanish Language Services

Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish and provides direct representation without interpreters. Many trucking accident victims in Georgia speak Spanish as their primary language. Hablamos Español. Llame a Lupe Peña al 1-888-ATTY-911.

24/7 Availability

Call 1-888-ATTY-911 anytime, day or night. We answer emergency calls immediately because evidence doesn’t wait for business hours.

What To Do After a Truck Accident in Henry County

If you’re able to act immediately:

1. Call 911 and request both police and emergency medical services
2. Photograph everything—the truck’s DOT number, license plates, damage to all vehicles, your injuries, road conditions, and the accident scene
3. Gather witness information—names, phone numbers, and what they saw
4. Seek medical attention at Piedmont Henry Hospital or Grady Memorial—even if you think you’re “fine.” Adrenaline masks serious injuries
5. Don’t give recorded statements to the trucking company’s insurer
6. Call Attorney911 immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911 to preserve critical evidence

Even if you didn’t take these steps at the scene, we can still build your case. But the sooner you call, the better.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do I have to file a lawsuit in Henry County?

Under Georgia law, you have two years from the accident date. But waiting is dangerous—evidence disappears fast. Contact us immediately.

Can I sue if I was partially at fault?

Yes, if you were 50% or less at fault. Your damages are reduced by your percentage of fault. We work to prove the truck driver was 100% responsible.

Who can be sued in a trucking accident?

The driver, trucking company, cargo owner, loading company, truck manufacturer, parts manufacturer, maintenance company, freight broker, truck owner, and potentially government entities if road design contributed.

What is a spoliation letter?

A legal notice demanding the trucking company preserve all evidence related to the crash. We send these within 24 hours to prevent destruction of black box data and maintenance records.

How much is my case worth?

It depends on injury severity, medical costs, lost wages, and available insurance. Trucking cases typically have higher values than car accidents due to larger insurance policies and catastrophic injuries. We’ve recovered millions for clients with similar injuries.

Will my case go to trial?

Most settle, but we prepare every case for trial. Insurance companies offer better settlements when they know your attorney will go to court. Ralph Manginello has the trial experience to take your case all the way if necessary.

Do you offer free consultations?

Yes. 1-888-ATTY-911. Free consultation. No fee unless we win. You pay nothing upfront.

Ready to Fight for What You Deserve?

The trucking company has lawyers working right now to minimize your claim. They have investigators looking for ways to blame you. They have insurance adjusters trained to deny legitimate claims.

You need someone fighting just as hard for you.

Ralph Manginello and the team at Attorney911 have spent 25 years making trucking companies pay for their negligence. We’ve gone toe-to-toe with Fortune 500 corporations like BP in the Texas City refinery explosion litigation. We’re currently litigating a $10 million lawsuit against the University of Houston for hazing injuries—showing we have the resources to take on anyone.

You don’t pay unless we win. We advance all costs. And we treat you like family, not a case number.

If you’ve been injured in an 18-wheeler accident in Henry County, don’t wait another day. Evidence is disappearing. The trucking company is building their defense. What are you doing?

Call Attorney911 now: 1-888-ATTY-911

Or reach us at (713) 528-9070. We’re available 24/7.

Hablamos Español. Lupe Peña está disponible para ayudarle. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911.

The information on this page is for educational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Every case is different. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes.