18-Wheeler Accident Attorneys Serving Iowa: Holding Trucking Companies Accountable

Every year, thousands of families across Iowa are devastated by catastrophic 18-wheeler accidents. When an 80,000-pound commercial truck collides with a passenger vehicle, the results are often tragic: traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, amputations, and wrongful death. If you or a loved one has been injured in a trucking accident anywhere in Iowa, you need experienced legal representation to fight for the compensation you deserve.

At Attorney911, we understand the unique challenges of Iowa trucking accident cases. Our team has been fighting for accident victims across the Midwest for over 25 years. We know Iowa’s highways, trucking corridors, and courtrooms. We know how to hold negligent trucking companies accountable and secure maximum compensation for our clients.

Why Iowa 18-Wheeler Accidents Are Different

Iowa’s position in the heart of America makes it a critical hub for commercial trucking. Major interstates like I-80, I-35, and I-29 carry massive volumes of freight across our state. Iowa’s agricultural industry generates significant truck traffic, with grain, livestock, and ethanol shipments creating unique hazards on our roads. The seasonal nature of farming means truck traffic peaks during harvest seasons, increasing the risk of fatigue-related accidents.

The extreme weather conditions in Iowa – from blizzards to severe thunderstorms – create additional challenges for truck drivers. Winter conditions can make roads treacherous, while summer heat can cause tire blowouts. Iowa’s rural nature means that many accidents occur far from emergency services, making immediate medical attention critical.

Common Causes of 18-Wheeler Accidents in Iowa

Driver Fatigue and Hours of Service Violations

Driver fatigue is one of the leading causes of trucking accidents in Iowa. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has strict hours of service (HOS) regulations to prevent fatigued driving:

• 11-Hour Driving Limit: Drivers cannot drive more than 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty
• 14-Hour Duty Window: Drivers cannot drive beyond the 14th consecutive hour after coming on duty
• 30-Minute Break: Drivers must take a 30-minute break after 8 cumulative hours of driving
• 60/70-Hour Limit: Drivers cannot drive after 60 hours in 7 days or 70 hours in 8 days

Despite these regulations, many Iowa trucking companies pressure drivers to meet tight deadlines, leading to HOS violations. We’ve seen cases where drivers falsify their electronic logging device (ELD) records to hide their violations. When we investigate these cases, we subpoena the ELD data to prove exactly how long the driver was on the road.

Improper Cargo Loading and Securement

Iowa’s agricultural industry means that many trucks carry specialized cargo like grain, livestock, and heavy machinery. Improper loading and securement of this cargo can cause accidents in several ways:

• Shifting loads can destabilize the truck, causing rollovers or jackknifes
• Overweight loads exceed the truck’s capacity, making it harder to stop
• Improperly secured loads can fall onto the roadway, creating hazards for other vehicles
• Liquid cargo can slosh, changing the truck’s center of gravity

FMCSA regulations (49 CFR § 393.100-136) require specific securement methods for different types of cargo. When these regulations are violated, the results can be catastrophic.

Equipment Failures and Poor Maintenance

Trucking companies have a legal obligation to maintain their vehicles in safe operating condition. Common maintenance failures we see in Iowa trucking accident cases include:

• Brake failures: Worn brake pads, improper adjustment, or air brake system leaks
• Tire blowouts: Underinflated tires, worn tread, or manufacturing defects
• Lighting failures: Non-functioning headlights, brake lights, or turn signals
• Steering failures: Worn components or improper lubrication
• Coupling device failures: Faulty fifth wheels or kingpins

FMCSA requires systematic inspection, repair, and maintenance of all commercial motor vehicles (49 CFR § 396.3). When trucking companies cut corners on maintenance to save money, they put everyone on the road at risk.

Distracted and Impaired Driving

Distracted driving is a growing problem among commercial truck drivers. FMCSA regulations prohibit:

• Hand-held mobile phone use (49 CFR § 392.82)
• Texting while driving (49 CFR § 392.80)
• Using any device that requires more than one button press

Despite these regulations, we’ve seen cases where drivers were texting, using GPS devices, or even watching videos at the time of the accident. Impaired driving – whether from alcohol, illegal drugs, or prescription medications – is also a significant problem.

The Devastating Injuries We See in Iowa Trucking Accidents

The size and weight disparity between an 18-wheeler and a passenger vehicle means that trucking accidents often result in catastrophic injuries:

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

TBI occurs when the brain is violently shaken or when an object penetrates the skull. In trucking accidents, TBI can result from:

• Striking the steering wheel, dashboard, or window
• Being thrown from the vehicle
• Being struck by debris or cargo

TBI can range from mild concussions to severe, life-altering injuries. Symptoms may include:

• Headaches and dizziness
• Memory loss and confusion
• Difficulty concentrating
• Mood changes and depression
• Speech and language problems
• Sensory issues (vision, hearing, taste)
• Loss of consciousness

The lifetime cost of caring for a TBI victim can exceed $3 million. Our firm has secured multi-million dollar settlements for Iowa families affected by traumatic brain injuries.

Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis

Spinal cord injuries can result in partial or complete paralysis. The level of the injury determines the extent of the paralysis:

• Cervical injuries (neck): Can result in quadriplegia, affecting all four limbs
• Thoracic injuries (upper back): Can result in paraplegia, affecting the lower body
• Lumbar injuries (lower back): Can affect the legs and lower body functions

Spinal cord injuries often require:

• Immediate emergency surgery
• Long-term rehabilitation
• Home modifications
• Assistive devices (wheelchairs, walkers)
• 24/7 care in severe cases

The lifetime cost of caring for a spinal cord injury victim can exceed $5 million.

Amputations

Amputations can occur at the scene of the accident or may be necessary later due to:

• Crushing injuries
• Severe burns
• Infections
• Vascular damage

Amputees face significant challenges:

• Learning to use prosthetic limbs
• Physical therapy and rehabilitation
• Psychological counseling
• Home and vehicle modifications
• Ongoing medical care

The emotional impact of amputation can be as devastating as the physical impact.

Severe Burns

Burns in trucking accidents can result from:

• Fuel tank ruptures and fires
• Hazmat cargo spills
• Electrical fires
• Friction burns

Burns are classified by severity:

• First-degree: Affect only the outer layer of skin
• Second-degree: Affect both the outer and underlying layer of skin
• Third-degree: Destroy all layers of skin and underlying tissue
• Fourth-degree: Extend through skin to muscle and bone

Severe burns often require:

• Multiple skin graft surgeries
• Physical therapy
• Psychological counseling
• Long-term scar management

Internal Organ Damage

The forces involved in trucking accidents can cause internal injuries that may not be immediately apparent:

• Liver and spleen lacerations
• Kidney damage
• Lung contusions or punctures
• Internal bleeding
• Bowel and intestinal damage

These injuries can be life-threatening and often require emergency surgery.

Wrongful Death

When a trucking accident takes a life, the surviving family members can pursue a wrongful death claim. In Iowa, wrongful death damages may include:

• Lost future income and benefits
• Loss of companionship and guidance
• Mental anguish
• Funeral and burial expenses
• Medical expenses incurred before death
• Pain and suffering experienced by the decedent before death

Our firm has represented Iowa families in wrongful death cases, securing the compensation they need to move forward after their loss.

Who Can Be Held Liable in an Iowa 18-Wheeler Accident?

One of the unique aspects of trucking accident cases is that multiple parties can be held liable. At Attorney911, we investigate every potential defendant to maximize your recovery:

The Truck Driver

The driver may be personally liable for:

• Speeding or reckless driving
• Distracted driving
• Fatigued driving
• Impaired driving
• Failure to conduct proper pre-trip inspections
• Violation of traffic laws

The Trucking Company

The trucking company can be held liable under several legal theories:

Vicarious Liability: Under the doctrine of respondeat superior, employers are liable for their employees’ negligent acts within the scope of employment.

Direct Negligence: The trucking company may be directly liable for:

• Negligent Hiring: Hiring unqualified or dangerous drivers
• Negligent Training: Failing to provide adequate safety training
• Negligent Supervision: Failing to monitor driver performance
• Negligent Maintenance: Failing to maintain vehicles in safe condition
• Negligent Scheduling: Pressuring drivers to violate HOS regulations

The Cargo Owner or Shipper

The company that owns the cargo may be liable for:

• Providing improper loading instructions
• Failing to disclose hazardous cargo
• Requiring overweight loading
• Pressuring the carrier to meet unrealistic deadlines

The Loading Company

Third-party companies that load cargo may be liable for:

• Improper cargo securement
• Unbalanced load distribution
• Overloading the vehicle
• Failing to use proper blocking and bracing

Truck and Parts Manufacturers

Manufacturers may be liable for defective products under product liability law:

• Design defects in truck components
• Manufacturing defects in specific parts
• Failure to warn of known dangers

Maintenance Companies

Third-party maintenance providers may be liable for:

• Negligent repairs
• Failure to identify safety issues
• Using substandard or incorrect parts
• Returning vehicles to service with known defects

Freight Brokers

Freight brokers who arrange transportation may be liable for:

• Negligent selection of unsafe carriers
• Failure to verify carrier insurance and authority
• Failure to check carrier safety records

Government Entities

In limited circumstances, government entities may be liable for:

• Dangerous road design
• Failure to maintain roads
• Inadequate signage
• Improper work zone setup

The Critical Evidence in Iowa Trucking Accident Cases

Evidence in trucking accident cases disappears quickly. At Attorney911, we act immediately to preserve critical evidence:

Electronic Data

Electronic Control Module (ECM) / Black Box Data:
Most commercial trucks have ECM systems that record operational data, including:

• Speed before and during the crash
• Brake application timing
• Throttle position
• Engine RPM
• Cruise control status
• Fault codes

This data can prove whether the driver was speeding, failed to brake in time, or was otherwise negligent.

Electronic Logging Device (ELD) Data:
ELDs are federally mandated devices that record:

• Driver hours of service
• Duty status
• GPS location
• Driving time

ELD data can prove HOS violations and fatigued driving.

GPS and Telematics Data:
Many trucking companies use GPS and telematics systems that record:

• Real-time location
• Speed
• Route
• Driver behavior

Physical Evidence

The Truck and Trailer:
We work to preserve the truck and trailer in their post-accident condition. This allows our experts to:

• Inspect the vehicle for mechanical defects
• Analyze the damage pattern
• Examine the cargo securement

Failed Components:
If a mechanical failure caused the accident, we preserve the failed component for expert analysis.

Cargo:
We document the cargo and its securement to determine if improper loading contributed to the accident.

Documentary Evidence

Driver Qualification File:
FMCSA requires trucking companies to maintain a file for each driver containing:

• Employment application
• Driving record
• Previous employer verification
• Medical certification
• Drug test results
• Training records

Missing or incomplete files can prove negligent hiring.

Maintenance Records:
Trucking companies must maintain records of all inspections and repairs. Poor maintenance records can prove negligence.

Hours of Service Records:
ELD data and supporting documents can prove HOS violations.

Inspection Reports:
Pre-trip and post-trip inspection reports can show whether the driver identified and reported defects.

Dispatch Records:
Dispatch records can show whether the company pressured the driver to meet unrealistic deadlines.

Witness Evidence

Eyewitness Testimony:
We interview witnesses to the accident to establish what happened.

Expert Witnesses:
We work with accident reconstruction experts, medical experts, vocational experts, and economists to build your case.

The Attorney911 Difference: Why Choose Us for Your Iowa Trucking Accident Case

25+ Years of Experience

Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has been fighting for accident victims since 1998. With over 25 years of experience, he has the knowledge and skills to take on the trucking industry and secure maximum compensation for our clients.

Federal Court Experience

Ralph is admitted to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas, giving us the ability to handle interstate trucking cases that may be filed in federal court.

Former Insurance Defense Attorney on Staff

Our associate attorney, Lupe Peña, spent years working for a national insurance defense firm. He knows exactly how insurance companies evaluate, minimize, and deny claims. Now he uses that insider knowledge to fight for you.

Multi-Million Dollar Results

We’ve secured multi-million dollar settlements and verdicts for our clients, including:

• $5+ Million – Logging Brain Injury Settlement
• $3.8+ Million – Car Accident Amputation Settlement
• $2+ Million – Maritime Back Injury Settlement
• $2.5M – Truck Crash Recovery
• Millions recovered for families in trucking-related wrongful death cases

Bilingual Services

Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish, allowing us to serve Iowa’s Hispanic community directly without interpreters. Hablamos Español.

Comprehensive Investigation

We leave no stone unturned in investigating your case. Our team:

• Sends spoliation letters within 24-48 hours to preserve evidence
• Subpoenas ECM and ELD data
• Obtains the driver’s qualification file
• Reviews maintenance and inspection records
• Analyzes dispatch and trip records
• Works with accident reconstruction experts
• Identifies all potentially liable parties

Aggressive Litigation

We prepare every case as if it’s going to trial. This approach gives us leverage in settlement negotiations and ensures we’re ready to fight for you in court if necessary.

Contingency Fee Representation

You pay nothing unless we win your case. We advance all costs of investigation and litigation. Our fee comes from the recovery, not your pocket.

What to Do After an 18-Wheeler Accident in Iowa

If you’ve been involved in a trucking accident in Iowa, follow these steps to protect your rights:

1. Call 911: Report the accident and request medical assistance.
2. Seek Medical Attention: Even if you feel fine, get checked out by a doctor. Many injuries aren’t immediately apparent.
3. Document the Scene: Take photos and videos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, road conditions, and your injuries.
4. Get Information: Collect the truck driver’s name, CDL number, and contact information. Get the trucking company’s name and DOT number.
5. Identify Witnesses: Get names and contact information for any witnesses.
6. Don’t Give Statements: Do not give recorded statements to any insurance company without consulting an attorney.
7. Contact Attorney911: Call us immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911. The sooner we get involved, the better we can protect your rights.

The Iowa Trucking Corridors We Know

Our firm has extensive experience with Iowa’s major trucking corridors:

Interstate 80: The Transcontinental Highway

I-80 runs east-west across Iowa, connecting the Quad Cities to Council Bluffs. This busy corridor carries massive volumes of freight, including agricultural products, manufactured goods, and cross-country shipments. The long, straight stretches of I-80 can lull drivers into complacency, while the rolling hills and winter weather create hazards. We’ve handled numerous cases on I-80, from Des Moines to Iowa City.

Interstate 35: The NAFTA Corridor

I-35 runs north-south through central Iowa, connecting Minnesota to Missouri. This corridor is part of the NAFTA superhighway, carrying goods between Canada, the U.S., and Mexico. The mix of local and long-haul traffic creates unique challenges, and the interchange with I-80 in Des Moines is particularly busy.

Interstate 29: The Missouri River Corridor

I-29 runs along Iowa’s western border, following the Missouri River. This corridor connects Kansas City to the Canadian border and carries significant agricultural freight. The river crossings and potential for flooding create unique hazards.

U.S. Highway 30: The Lincoln Highway

Highway 30, also known as the Lincoln Highway, runs parallel to I-80 across northern Iowa. This historic route carries significant truck traffic, particularly agricultural shipments. The mix of high-speed interstate traffic and local access points creates hazards.

Iowa’s Rural Highways

Many of Iowa’s trucking accidents occur on rural highways serving agricultural areas. These roads often have:

• Narrow lanes
• Limited shoulders
• Poor lighting
• Heavy truck traffic during harvest seasons
• Wildlife crossings

Our firm understands the unique challenges of these rural roads and knows how to investigate accidents in these areas.

Iowa-Specific Considerations in Trucking Accident Cases

Iowa’s Comparative Negligence Rule

Iowa follows a modified comparative negligence rule. This means:

• You can recover damages as long as you’re not more than 50% at fault
• Your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault
• If you’re 51% or more at fault, you cannot recover anything

For example, if you’re found 20% at fault for the accident and your damages total $1 million, you would recover $800,000. This is why it’s critical to have an experienced attorney who can minimize your attributed fault.

Iowa’s Statute of Limitations

In Iowa, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. For wrongful death claims, you have two years from the date of death. However, you should never wait this long to contact an attorney. Evidence disappears quickly, and the sooner we get involved, the stronger your case will be.

Iowa’s Damage Caps

Unlike some states, Iowa does not cap non-economic damages (pain and suffering) in personal injury cases. This means that if you’ve suffered catastrophic injuries, a jury can award full compensation for your pain and suffering, mental anguish, and loss of enjoyment of life.

Iowa’s Weather Conditions

Iowa’s weather creates unique challenges for truck drivers:

• Winter: Blizzards, black ice, and limited visibility
• Spring: Flooding, especially along the Missouri and Mississippi Rivers
• Summer: Heat waves that can cause tire blowouts
• Fall: Fog and early snowstorms

Trucking companies have a duty to train their drivers to handle these conditions safely. When they fail to do so, they can be held liable for resulting accidents.

Iowa’s Agricultural Industry

Iowa’s agricultural industry generates significant truck traffic, particularly during harvest seasons. This creates unique hazards:

• Oversize loads: Farm equipment often requires special permits
• Slow-moving vehicles: Tractors and combines can create traffic hazards
• Seasonal peaks: Harvest seasons create spikes in truck traffic
• Specialized cargo: Grain, livestock, and ethanol shipments require special handling

Our firm understands these agricultural hazards and knows how to investigate accidents involving agricultural freight.

The Trucking Companies We’ve Fought in Iowa

At Attorney911, we’ve taken on some of the largest trucking companies in the industry:

• CRST International (Cedar Rapids HQ)
• TMC Transportation (Des Moines HQ)
• Hirschbach Motor Lines (Dubuque HQ)
• Swift Transportation (major presence in Iowa)
• Werner Enterprises (terminals in Iowa)
• J.B. Hunt (serves Iowa from Arkansas HQ)
• Schneider National (serves Iowa from Green Bay HQ)
• Landstar (serves Iowa from Jacksonville HQ)
• FedEx (multiple terminals in Iowa)
• UPS (multiple terminals in Iowa)

We’ve also handled cases against smaller regional carriers and owner-operators. No matter the size of the trucking company, we have the resources and experience to take them on.

The Iowa Courts We Practice In

Our firm has experience in Iowa’s state and federal courts:

State Courts

We handle cases in district courts across Iowa, including:

• Polk County District Court (Des Moines)
• Linn County District Court (Cedar Rapids)
• Scott County District Court (Davenport)
• Johnson County District Court (Iowa City)
• Black Hawk County District Court (Waterloo)
• Woodbury County District Court (Sioux City)

Federal Court

For interstate trucking cases, we can file in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Iowa.

What Our Clients Say

Don’t just take our word for it. Here’s what our clients have to say about working with Attorney911:

“They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.”
— Glenda Walker, Attorney911 Client

“You are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.”
— Chad Harris, Attorney911 Client

“They solved in a couple of months what others did nothing about in two years.”
— Angel Walle, Attorney911 Client

“Ralph reached out personally.”
— Dame Haskett, Attorney911 Client

“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.”
— Donald Wilcox, Attorney911 Client

Frequently Asked Questions About Iowa 18-Wheeler Accidents

What should I do immediately after an 18-wheeler accident in Iowa?

If you’ve been in a trucking accident in Iowa, take these steps immediately if you’re able:

• Call 911 and report the accident
• Seek medical attention, even if injuries seem minor
• Document the scene with photos and video if possible
• Get the trucking company name, DOT number, and driver information
• Collect witness contact information
• Do NOT give recorded statements to any insurance company
• Call an 18-wheeler accident attorney immediately

How long do I have to file a lawsuit after a trucking accident in Iowa?

In Iowa, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. For wrongful death claims, you have two years from the date of death. However, you should never wait this long to contact an attorney. Evidence disappears quickly in trucking cases, and the sooner we get involved, the stronger your case will be.

How much is my Iowa trucking accident case worth?

The value of your case depends on many factors, including:

• The severity of your injuries
• Your medical expenses (past and future)
• Your lost wages and earning capacity
• Your pain and suffering
• The degree of the trucking company’s negligence
• The available insurance coverage

Trucking companies carry higher insurance limits than typical drivers – often $750,000 to $5 million or more. This higher coverage allows for larger recoveries than typical car accident cases.

Will my case go to trial?

Most trucking accident cases settle before trial. However, we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial. This approach gives us leverage in settlement negotiations and ensures we’re ready to fight for you in court if necessary.

What if I was partially at fault for the accident?

Iowa follows a modified comparative negligence rule. This means:

• You can recover damages as long as you’re not more than 50% at fault
• Your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault
• If you’re 51% or more at fault, you cannot recover anything

For example, if you’re found 20% at fault and your damages total $1 million, you would recover $800,000.

How much does it cost to hire an Iowa trucking accident attorney?

At Attorney911, we work on contingency. This means:

• You pay nothing upfront
• You pay nothing unless we win your case
• Our fee comes from the recovery, not your pocket
• We advance all costs of investigation and litigation

What if the truck driver was an independent contractor?

Even if the driver was an independent contractor, both the driver and the trucking company may be liable. We investigate all relationships and insurance policies to ensure you can recover from the responsible parties.

Can I sue the trucking company even if the driver caused the accident?

Yes. Under the doctrine of respondeat superior, employers are liable for their employees’ negligent acts within the scope of employment. Additionally, trucking companies can be directly liable for:

• Negligent hiring
• Negligent training
• Negligent supervision
• Negligent maintenance
• Negligent scheduling

What is a spoliation letter and why is it important?

A spoliation letter is a legal notice demanding that the trucking company preserve all evidence related to the accident. This includes:

• ECM/Black box data
• ELD records
• Maintenance records
• Driver qualification files
• The physical truck and trailer

Sending this letter immediately puts the trucking company on notice that destroying evidence will result in serious legal consequences.

What is an ELD and why is it important?

An Electronic Logging Device (ELD) is a federally mandated device that records driver hours of service. ELD data can prove:

• Exactly how long the driver was on duty
• Whether breaks were taken as required
• Speed before and during the accident
• GPS location history
• Any HOS violations

This data is critical evidence in trucking accident cases.

Contact Attorney911 Today

If you or a loved one has been injured in an 18-wheeler accident anywhere in Iowa, don’t wait. Evidence disappears quickly, and the trucking company’s insurance team is already working to protect their interests. You need an experienced Iowa trucking accident attorney on your side.

Call Attorney911 today at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation. We’re available 24/7 to answer your questions and help you understand your rights. There’s no fee unless we win your case, so you have nothing to lose.

Remember: The trucking company has lawyers. So should you. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 today. Hablamos Español.