The Devastating Reality of 18-Wheeler Accidents in Henry County, Illinois
One moment you’re driving along I-80 through Henry County, watching the Illinois cornfields roll past your window. The next, 80,000 pounds of steel and cargo are jackknifing across the interstate, and you have no time to react. Every 16 minutes somewhere in America, someone is injured in a commercial truck crash. But here in Henry County, where I-80 carries freight from coast to coast and agricultural trucks move tons of grain from field to market, the risk hits closer to home than you might think.
If you’ve been hurt in an 18-wheeler accident in Henry County, you’re not just dealing with a car wreck—you’re facing a legal emergency. Ralph Manginello has spent over 25 years fighting for trucking accident victims across Illinois and beyond. Since 1998, he’s been taking on trucking companies and winning, recovering multi-million dollar settlements for families whose lives were changed in an instant. Our team includes associate attorney Lupe Peña, a former insurance defense lawyer who used to work for the very companies now trying to pay you less. He knows their playbook. Now he fights for you.
The trucking company that hit you has already called their lawyers. Their insurance adjuster is already looking for ways to minimize your claim. What are you doing?
Call Attorney911 NOW at 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911). We answer 24/7, and we send spoliation letters within hours to preserve evidence before it disappears.
Why Henry County 18-Wheeler Accidents Are Different
Henry County sits at a critical crossroads of American commerce. Interstate 80—the second-longest interstate in the country—cuts right through our backyard, carrying massive volumes of freight between New York and San Francisco. Just north of Henry County, I-88 connects the Quad Cities to Chicago, while I-74 links Cincinnati to the Mississippi River. When you combine these high-speed corridors with our county’s agricultural backbone, you get a perfect storm of heavy truck traffic.
We’re not just talking about big rigs on the interstate. Henry County’s rural roads see daily agricultural trucking that’s just as dangerous. Grain haulers rushing to get crops from field to elevator before weather hits. Tanker trucks carrying liquid fertilizer on narrow township roads. Equipment transports that take up both lanes on a two-lane highway. Each presents unique dangers that passenger car drivers never consider—until it’s too late.
The physics alone should worry any Henry County driver. Your sedan weighs roughly 4,000 pounds. A fully loaded 18-wheeler can weigh up to 80,000 pounds—that’s twenty times heavier than your vehicle. At 65 miles per hour on I-80, that truck needs nearly two football fields to stop. When the weather turns bad, as it often does in Illinois winters, those stopping distances become catastrophic.
Ralph Manginello understands these Henry County roads. He knows how the ice builds up on the I-80 bridge over the Green River. He understands that the agricultural trucks using US-150 aren’t always equipped with the same safety systems as long-haul carriers. And he knows that when a truck accident happens here, evidence disappears fast—black box data overwrites in 30 days, and trucking companies send rapid-response teams to the scene while you’re still in the hospital.
As client Glenda Walker told us after we settled her case, “They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.” That’s exactly what we do for Henry County families.
The Types of Truck Accidents That Injure Henry County Drivers
Not all 18-wheeler accidents are the same. In Henry County, we see specific patterns tied to our geography and weather. Here are the accident types our attorneys handle, with emphasis on those most likely to occur right here in northwestern Illinois.
Jackknife Accidents on I-80
A jackknife occurs when the trailer skids out from behind the cab, folding at an angle like a pocket knife. These accidents often block multiple lanes of traffic and sweep across the highway, hitting vehicles that had no warning and no escape route.
In Henry County, jackknives happen frequently on I-80 during winter weather. A truck hits a patch of black ice near the Geneseo exit, the driver brakes improperly, and suddenly 53 feet of trailer is sliding across all lanes. Empty or lightly loaded trailers are especially prone to jackknifing—their lighter weight means less traction.
These accidents often involve FMCSA violations. Under 49 CFR § 392.6, truck drivers cannot operate at speeds greater than what is reasonable for conditions. If that trucker was doing 65 mph on ice-covered I-80 when conditions mandated 45 mph, they violated federal safety rules. Additionally, 49 CFR § 393.48 requires properly maintained brake systems—if the trailer brakes locked up due to poor maintenance, the trucking company is liable.
Jackknife accidents typically cause multi-vehicle pileups. Vehicles get hit by the swinging trailer, pushed into other lanes, or crushed against guardrails. Injuries include traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, and wrongful death.
Rollover Accidents on Rural Roads
Henry County’s agricultural economy means we see rollover accidents that urban attorneys might never encounter. A grain hauler takes a curve too fast on a township road. A liquid tanker takes an off-ramp from I-80 at excessive speed, and the cargo “sloshes,” shifting the center of gravity.
Rollovers are particularly deadly because the truck often lands on top of smaller vehicles or spills cargo across the roadway. In 2024, we saw a case near Kewanee where a rolled tanker blocked US-6 for hours, and the secondary crashes caused additional injuries.
These accidents frequently involve 49 CFR § 393.100-136 violations—cargo securement regulations. If the grain wasn’t properly distributed or the liquid didn’t have adequate baffles, the trucking company broke federal law. Speeding on curves also violates 49 CFR § 392.6.
The injuries from rollovers are catastrophic. Crushing injuries when a car ends up beneath the trailer. Burns when fuel tanks rupture. Spinal cord injuries from the violent rolling motion. Our firm has recovered settlements ranging from $1.9 million to $8.6 million for amputation victims, and $4.77 million to $25.88 million for spinal cord injuries.
Underride Collisions
An underride collision happens when a smaller vehicle crashes into the rear or side of a trailer and slides underneath. The trailer height often shears off the top of the passenger compartment at windshield level. These are among the most fatal accidents we see.
Rear underrides occur when a truck stops suddenly on I-80—perhaps for traffic backing up near the Quad Cities—and the driver behind can’t stop in time. Side underrides occur during lane changes or when trucks make wide turns at rural intersections in Henry County.
49 CFR § 393.86 requires rear impact guards on trailers manufactured after January 26, 1998. These guards must prevent underride at 30 mph impacts. Yet we frequently find guards that are damaged, improperly installed, or missing entirely. Side underride guards aren’t federally mandated yet, but a trucking company that removes or fails to maintain required guards is liable for the consequences.
The injuries are almost always fatal or involve decapitations, severe head trauma, and spinal cord severance. When these accidents don’t kill instantly, victims face lifelong traumatic brain injuries requiring millions in lifetime care.
Rear-End Collisions
You’d think an experienced truck driver would avoid rear-ending other vehicles, but fatigue and distraction make these common on Henry County highways. A truck doing 65 mph on I-80 needs 525 feet to stop—40% more distance than your car needs. When traffic slows near construction zones or accidents, tired truckers often can’t stop in time.
These accidents frequently involve 49 CFR § 392.3 violations—operating while fatigued. They also often involve 49 CFR § 392.11 (following too closely) and 49 CFR § 392.82 (mobile phone use). The Electronic Logging Device (ELD) mandated under 49 CFR § 395.8 records exactly how long the driver had been on duty—evidence we subpoena immediately.
Rear-end collisions cause severe whiplash, spinal compression injuries, and traumatic brain injuries from the violent forward-backward motion. We’ve secured millions for rear-end collision victims, including a recent $2.5 million truck crash recovery.
Tire Blowout Accidents
“Road gators”—shredded tire debris from blowouts—litter Henry County highways, especially during summer heat. When an 18-wheeler experiences a steer tire blowout at 70 mph on I-80, the driver often loses immediate control, causing the truck to swerve into other lanes.
Tire blowouts result from 49 CFR § 393.75 violations—failure to maintain adequate tread depth (4/32″ minimum on steer tires) or operating with underinflated tires that overheat. Trucking companies often defer tire replacement to save money, gambling with your safety.
The debris itself causes accidents too—drivers swerving to avoid tire pieces on I-80, or the blowout debris striking windshields. These accidents cause rollovers, jackknifes, and multi-car pileups.
Brake Failure Accidents
Brake problems contribute to approximately 29% of large truck crashes. In Henry County’s varied terrain—flat interstates mixed with rolling rural hills—brake fade is a real danger. A truck descending the gradual hills near Atkinson with overheated brakes simply cannot stop when traffic backs up.
These accidents involve 49 CFR § 393.40-55 (brake system requirements) and 49 CFR § 396.3 (systematic maintenance requirements). When trucking companies defer brake maintenance to save money, they create deadly hazards. We subpoena maintenance records to prove they knew the brakes were faulty.
Brake failure accidents typically result in high-speed rear-end collisions or override accidents where the truck literally drives over the car in front. The injuries are catastrophic—crushed vehicles, fire burns, and often multiple fatalities.
Cargo Spill and Shift Accidents
Henry County’s agricultural economy means we see specialized cargo accidents. A grain hauler takes a turn too fast on a county road, and 80,000 pounds of corn shifts, causing a rollover. A liquid fertilizer truck spills its contents on US-6, creating toxic exposure and fire hazards. An improperly secured flatbed loses construction equipment on I-80.
These accidents involve 49 CFR § 393.100-136—the federal cargo securement rules that require tiedowns rated for specific weights and proper blocking/bracing of cargo. When loaders fail to follow these rules—often rushing to get crops to market—accidents happen.
Cargo spills create secondary accidents when other vehicles hit the spilled load, or when hazardous materials create toxic exposure. The trucking company, cargo owner, and loading company may all share liability.
Wide Turn Accidents
In Henry County’s small towns—Geneseo, Kewanee, Cambridge—trucks making right turns often swing wide into oncoming traffic or trap vehicles in the “squeeze play” between the cab and curb. These accidents happen at intersections like State Street and Chicago Road in Geneseo, where trucks regularly deliver to local businesses.
These accidents typically involve driver error—failure to check mirrors, improper turn technique, or inadequate signaling. They cause crushing injuries when passenger vehicles get caught between the truck and a building or curb.
Head-On Collisions
Head-on accidents with 18-wheelers are often fatal. They typically occur when a fatigued driver drifts across the center line on rural highways like IL-82 or US-6. They also happen during improper passing on two-lane roads or when medical emergencies incapacitate the driver.
Head-on collisions involve 49 CFR § 395 (hours of service) violations if the driver fell asleep. They may also involve 49 CFR § 391.41 if the driver had an undiagnosed medical condition that the trucking company should have caught during required medical examinations.
The physics are devastating—the combined closing speed of two vehicles hitting head-on means impact forces equivalent to hitting a concrete wall at double the speed. Survival rates are low, and survivors face permanent disabilities.
FMCSA Regulations That Protect Henry County Drivers
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sets strict rules that every 18-wheeler must follow. When trucking companies violate these rules, they endanger Henry County families—and we use those violations to prove negligence in court.
Part 390—General Applicability
These regulations apply to all commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) with a gross vehicle weight rating over 10,001 pounds, or those transporting hazardous materials. 49 CFR § 390.3 establishes that these rules protect the public from unsafe commercial vehicles. Any truck on Henry County roads must comply—or face liability.
Part 391—Driver Qualification Standards
Trucking companies cannot hire just anyone to drive an 18-wheeler. Under 49 CFR § 391.11, drivers must:
- Be at least 21 years old for interstate commerce
- Speak and read English sufficiently
- Possess a valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)
- Pass a physical exam meeting § 391.41 standards (no epilepsy, adequate vision/hearing, no substance abuse issues)
- Complete mandatory entry-level driver training
We subpoena the Driver Qualification (DQ) File for every trucker who hits our clients. If the file is missing—if the trucking company never verified the driver’s CDL, never checked their medical certificate, or hired a driver with a history of DUIs—they committed negligent hiring under § 391.51. That’s direct liability for the company, not just the driver.
Part 392—Driving Rules
This section contains the operating rules that prevent accidents. Key violations we see in Henry County:
§ 392.3—Ill or Fatigued Operator: No driver shall operate a CMV while impaired by fatigue, illness, or any cause making operation unsafe. When an ELD shows a driver exceeded the 11-hour driving limit, this violation is automatic negligence.
§ 392.4/392.5—Drugs and Alcohol: Commercial drivers cannot use alcohol within 4 hours of duty or operate with a BAC over .04 (half the limit for car drivers). We immediately demand post-accident drug and alcohol tests under these regulations.
§ 392.6—Speeding: Trucking companies cannot schedule routes requiring drivers to exceed speed limits. When a trucker does 80 mph on I-80 to meet a deadline, the company shares liability.
§ 392.82—Mobile Phone Use: Handheld phone use while driving is prohibited. We subpoena cell phone records to prove distraction.
Part 393—Vehicle Safety and Cargo Securement
This section covers equipment standards. § 393.100-136 contains detailed cargo securement rules—tiedown strengths, securement patterns, blocking requirements. For agricultural loads common in Henry County, specific rules apply to grain and other commodities.
§ 393.75 mandates tire tread depth (4/32″ on steer tires, 2/32″ on others). § 393.40-55 covers brake systems, requiring functional service brakes, parking brakes, and emergency systems.
When a truck loses cargo on I-80 or experiences a tire blowout that causes a crash, we examine these regulations to prove the trucking company failed to maintain safe equipment.
Part 395—Hours of Service (HOS)
These are the most commonly violated—and most deadly—regulations. For property-carrying drivers:
- 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 2017, § 395.8 mandates Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) that automatically record driving time. This data is objective evidence of fatigue. When an ELD shows a driver worked 16 hours straight before crashing on I-80 near Geneseo, that’s proof of negligence.
Part 396—Inspection and Maintenance
§ 396.3 requires systematic inspection, repair, and maintenance of all vehicles. § 396.11 requires drivers to complete post-trip inspection reports noting defects in brakes, steering, lights, tires, and other critical systems.
We’ve seen cases where Henry County trucking companies ignored weekly inspection reports showing bald tires or worn brakes, then sent trucks back on I-80 anyway. Those maintenance records become the smoking gun in your case.
Every Party Who May Owe You Money
Most law firms only sue the truck driver and maybe the trucking company. We investigate every potentially liable party—because more defendants mean more insurance coverage means higher compensation for you.
The Truck Driver
The driver who caused your accident is personally liable for negligent acts: speeding, distracted driving, fatigue, impairment, or failure to conduct pre-trip inspections. We examine their driving record, cell phone history, and ELD data to prove their negligence.
The Trucking Company (Motor Carrier)
Under the doctrine of respondeat superior, employers are liable for employees’ negligent acts committed within the scope of employment. But trucking companies can also be directly liable for:
- Negligent Hiring: Failing to verify CDL status, medical certification, or driving history
- Negligent Training: Inadequate safety training or failing to train drivers on Henry County’s specific hazards
- Negligent Supervision: Failing to monitor ELD compliance or ignoring reports of unsafe driving
- Negligent Maintenance: Deferring repairs to save money
Trucking companies carry high insurance limits—$750,000 to $5 million or more—making them primary targets for recovery.
The Cargo Owner/Shipper
The company whose cargo was being transported may be liable if they:
- Required overweight loading that exceeded safe limits
- Failed to disclose hazardous nature of cargo
- Pressured the carrier to violate HOS regulations to meet delivery deadlines
The Cargo Loading Company
Third-party loaders who improperly secured cargo—whether agricultural products in Henry County or manufactured goods from the Quad Cities—violate 49 CFR § 393 and become liable when shifting loads cause rollovers or spills.
Truck and Trailer Manufacturers
If brake systems failed due to design defects, if underride guards were inadequate, or if stability control systems malfunctioned, the manufacturer faces product liability claims. We work with engineers to identify defective designs that caused or worsened your accident.
Parts Manufacturers
Companies that manufactured defective tires, brake components, or steering mechanisms share liability when their products fail on I-80 and cause catastrophic crashes.
Maintenance Companies
Third-party mechanics who performed negligent repairs—tightening brakes improperly, installing wrong parts, or signing off on unsafe vehicles—are liable for accidents caused by their shoddy work.
Freight Brokers
Brokers who arranged the shipment may be liable for negligent carrier selection—hiring a trucking company with poor safety records or known violations to save money on the bid.
The Truck Owner (If Different from Carrier)
In owner-operator situations, the person who owns the tractor may share liability for negligent entrustment or failure to maintain equipment.
Government Entities
If poor road design, inadequate signage, or failure to maintain I-80 or county roads contributed to the accident, state or local government entities may share liability. These cases involve shorter deadlines and special notice requirements—another reason to call us immediately.
The 48-Hour Evidence Emergency
Here’s what most Henry County accident victims don’t know: the trucking company has already called their lawyers. While you’re still in the hospital at OSF St. Luke Medical Center or Genesis Medical Center, their rapid-response team is at the accident scene collecting evidence and building their defense against you.
Critical evidence disappears fast:
- ECM/Black Box Data: Overwrites in 30 days or with subsequent driving events
- ELD Logs: Only required to be kept for 6 months—and can be “lost” immediately
- Dashcam Footage: Often deleted within 7-14 days
- Vehicle Maintenance Records: May be “updated” to hide deficiencies
- Driver Qualification Files: Can be altered or purged
- Witness Memories: Fade significantly within weeks
When you hire Attorney911, we send spoliation letters within 24 hours. These formal legal demands require the trucking company to preserve:
- All electronic data (ECM, ELD, GPS, cell phone records)
- The physical truck and trailer (not repaired, not sold, not altered)
- Complete Driver Qualification File
- 6 months of Hours of Service records
- All maintenance and inspection records
- Dispatch communications and routing data
Once they receive our spoliation letter, destroying evidence becomes a serious legal violation. Courts can instruct juries to assume destroyed evidence would have helped your case, impose monetary sanctions, or even enter default judgment against the trucking company.
But if you wait, that evidence may already be gone. Donald Wilcox, one of our clients, had another firm reject his case before he called us. We preserved the evidence others missed, and as he told us, “I got a call to come pick up this handsome check.”
Don’t wait. Call 888-ATTY-911 today.
Catastrophic Injuries and Real Recovery
Trucking accidents don’t cause fender-benders. When 80,000 pounds hits 4,000 pounds, the results are catastrophic. Here are the injuries we see most often in Henry County cases, and what they mean for your future.
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
TBI occurs when the brain impacts the skull due to sudden trauma. In truck accidents, this happens when heads hit windows, steering wheels, or dashboards, or from the violent whipping motion of the crash.
Symptoms include headaches, confusion, memory loss, mood changes, difficulty concentrating, and sensory problems. Moderate to severe TBI can cause permanent cognitive impairment, personality changes, and inability to work.
These cases often settle for $1.5 million to $9.8 million or more, depending on the lifetime care required. As client Kiimarii Yup said after we helped him recover following a devastating loss, “1 year later I have gained so much in return.”
Spinal Cord Injury
Spinal cord damage from truck accidents can result in paraplegia (loss of function below the waist) or quadriplegia (loss of function in all four limbs). Even “incomplete” injuries cause lifelong pain, limited mobility, and loss of independence.
Spinal cord cases command high settlements—$4.77 million to $25.88 million—due to the massive lifetime care costs, home modifications, and lost earning capacity.
Amputation
Traumatic amputations occur at the scene when crushing forces sever limbs. Surgical amputations result when limbs are too damaged to save. Both require prosthetics ($5,000-$50,000+ each), replacement every few years, extensive rehabilitation, and career limitations.
Our firm has recovered $1.9 million to $8.6 million for amputation victims, including a $3.8 million settlement for a client who lost a limb after a car crash led to medical complications.
Severe Burns
Fuel fires from ruptured tanks, hazmat spills, or hot engine parts cause burns requiring skin grafts, multiple surgeries, and years of reconstructive procedures. Burns on hands, face, or joints severely impact quality of life and employment.
Internal Organ Damage
Blunt force trauma from truck accidents damages livers, spleens, kidneys, and lungs. These injuries may not show immediate symptoms but can be life-threatening. Surgery often removes damaged organs, affecting long-term health.
Wrongful Death
When trucking accidents kill Henry County residents, families suffer unimaginable loss. Illinois law allows wrongful death claims for 2 years from the date of death. Damages include lost future income, loss of companionship, mental anguish, and funeral expenses.
We’ve recovered $1.9 million to $9.5 million+ for wrongful death cases, including millions for Texas families devastated by fatal 18-wheeler crashes.
Insurance Coverage: Why Trucking Cases Are Different
Federal law requires trucking companies to carry far more insurance than regular drivers:
- Non-hazardous freight: $750,000 minimum
- Oil and hazardous materials: $1,000,000 to $5,000,000
- Passenger vehicles: $1,500,000 to $5,000,000
Many carriers carry $1-5 million in coverage, and we identify all available policies—including umbrella coverage, trailer interchange insurance, and cargo policies.
Types of damages recoverable:
Economic Damages: Medical bills (past and future), lost wages, lost earning capacity, property damage, life care costs.
Non-Economic Damages: Pain and suffering, mental anguish, loss of enjoyment of life, disfigurement, loss of consortium. Illinois places no cap on these damages—you can recover the full amount a jury awards.
Punitive Damages: When trucking companies act with gross negligence—knowingly hiring dangerous drivers, falsifying logs, ignoring maintenance warnings, or destroying evidence—punitive damages punish the wrongdoing and deter future misconduct.
Recent “nuclear verdicts” across America show what juries do to reckless trucking companies. A Florida jury awarded $1 billion in 2021. A Missouri jury awarded $462 million in 2024 for an underride decapitation. While every case is different, these verdicts show that juries hold trucking companies accountable when victims have skilled representation.
Illinois Law and Your Henry County Case
Statute of Limitations
In Illinois, you have 2 years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit, and 2 years from the date of death for wrongful death claims. Wait longer, and you lose your right to compensation forever—no matter how serious your injuries or how clear the liability.
Comparative Negligence
Illinois follows modified comparative negligence with a 51% bar (735 ILCS 5/2-1116). You can recover damages if you are 50% or less at fault, but your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault. If you’re found 20% at fault, you recover 80% of your damages. But if you’re 51% at fault, you recover nothing.
Insurance companies love to blame victims. Our job is to prove what really happened using ECM data, ELD logs, and accident reconstruction—evidence that doesn’t lie.
Damage Caps
Unlike some states, Illinois places no cap on compensatory or punitive damages in truck accident cases (except for medical malpractice). Your full damages are recoverable—medical costs, pain and suffering, and punishment for gross negligence.
Frequently Asked Questions About Henry County Truck Accidents
Q: What should I do immediately after an 18-wheeler accident in Henry County?
A: Call 911 immediately. Seek medical attention even if you feel okay—adrenaline masks serious injuries. If possible, photograph the truck’s DOT number, license plates, and company name. Get witness contact information. Do NOT give recorded statements to insurance companies. Then call Attorney911 at 1-888-288-9911.
Q: How long do I have to file a lawsuit in Illinois?
A: Two years from the accident date for personal injury, two years from the date of death for wrongful death. But do NOT wait that long. Evidence disappears within days. Call us immediately to preserve black box data and driver logs.
Q: Can I recover compensation if I was partially at fault?
A: Yes, under Illinois law, as long as you are 50% or less at fault. Your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault, but you can still receive substantial compensation. We fight to minimize any fault attributed to you.
Q: Who can be sued in a Henry County truck accident?
A: The driver, trucking company, cargo owner, loading company, truck manufacturer, parts maker, maintenance company, freight broker, truck owner, and potentially government entities. We investigate all possibilities to maximize your recovery.
Q: What is a “black box” and why does it matter?
A: The Engine Control Module (ECM) records speed, braking, throttle position, and other data before a crash. This objective evidence often contradicts driver claims and proves negligence. It can be overwritten in 30 days—another reason to act fast.
Q: How much is my Henry County truck accident case worth?
A: Settlement values depend on injury severity, medical costs, lost wages, available insurance, and the defendant’s conduct. Trucking cases often settle for hundreds of thousands to millions. We offer free consultations to evaluate your specific case.
Q: Will my case go to trial?
A: Most cases settle, but we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial. Insurance companies offer better settlements when they know your attorney is willing to go to court. With 25+ years of experience and federal court admission, Ralph Manginello is ready if your case requires litigation.
Q: What does “Hablamos Español” mean for Henry County residents?
A: Our associate attorney Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish and provides direct representation without interpreters. If you or your family members are more comfortable discussing your case in Spanish, we can help. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911.
Q: How much does it cost to hire Attorney911?
A: Nothing upfront. We work on contingency—33.33% pre-trial, 40% if trial is necessary. You pay nothing unless we win. We advance all investigation costs. As Ernest Cano said in his review, “Mr. Manginello and his firm are first class. Will fight tooth and nail for you.”
Q: What if the trucking company is from out of state?
A: We handle that regularly on I-80 cases. Ralph Manginello is admitted to federal court, and we can pursue out-of-state companies in Illinois federal court under the FMCSA regulations that apply nationwide.
Why Henry County Families Choose Attorney911
When Chad Harris needed help, he wrote: “You are NOT a pest to them and you are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.”
That’s how we treat every Henry County client. Not as a case number, but as family.
Here’s what sets us apart:
25+ Years of Experience: Ralph Manginello has been fighting for injury victims since 1998. He’s seen every insurance company tactic and knows how to counter them.
Former Insurance Defense Attorney: Lupe Peña used to work for insurance companies. He knows their evaluation formulas, their lowball strategies, and their playbook. Now he uses that insider knowledge against them.
Federal Court Experience: Admitted to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas—and capable of handling federal trucking cases nationwide. This matters when interstate commerce is involved.
Multi-Million Dollar Results: Our firm has recovered over $50 million for clients, including $5+ million for a traumatic brain injury, $3.8+ million for an amputation, and $2.5+ million for a truck crash.
24/7 Availability: Truck accidents don’t wait for business hours. Call 888-ATTY-911 anytime, day or night.
Three Office Locations: While our main office is in Houston, we handle cases throughout Illinois and nationwide. We offer remote consultations and travel to Henry County when needed.
Spanish Language Services: Lupe Peña provides fluent Spanish representation. No interpreters needed.
No Fee Unless We Win: You pay nothing upfront. We only get paid when you do.
Currently Litigating Major Cases: Including a $10 million lawsuit against a major university for hazing injuries—proving we have the resources to take on powerful defendants.
Proven Track Record Against Major Corporations: We’ve gone toe-to-toe with Fortune 500 companies, including BP in the Texas City Refinery explosion litigation that resulted in over $2.1 billion in total industry settlements.
Call Now—Before Evidence Disappears
The trucking company has lawyers working right now to protect their interests. Their black box data is still recording over the crash. Their maintenance records are being “organized.” Their driver is being coached on what to say.
What are you doing to protect yourself?
Every hour you wait makes your case harder to prove. But we’re here to help, starting right now.
Call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911) for a free consultation. We’re available 24/7. We’ll send spoliation letters today to preserve evidence. We’ll investigate every liable party. We’ll fight for every dime you deserve.
Don’t let the trucking company win. Don’t settle for less than you need for your medical bills, your lost wages, and your future.
Hablamos Español. Llame a Lupe Peña al 1-888-ATTY-911.
Your fight starts with one call. 1-888-288-9911. We answer. We fight. We win.
