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Kent County 18-Wheeler Accident Attorneys: Attorney911 Led by Ralph Manginello’s 25+ Years Federal Court Experience and Former Insurance Defense Attorney Lupe Peña Who Knows Every Tactic They Will Use Against You, FMCSA 49 CFR Parts 390-399 Hours of Service Violation Hunters and Black Box Data Extraction Experts With $50+ Million Recovered Including $2.5+ Million Truck Crash and $3.8+ Million Amputation Settlements, US 301 Eastern Shore Corridor Jackknife, Rollover, Underride, Tire Blowout and Cargo Spill Specialists, Catastrophic TBI, Spinal Cord Injury and Wrongful Death Advocates, Free 24/7 Consultation, No Fee Unless We Win, Hablamos Español, Call 1-888-ATTY-911

February 24, 2026 25 min read
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18-Wheeler Accident Attorney in Maryland | Attorney911

When an 80,000-Pound Truck Changes Your Life Forever

One moment you’re driving through Maryland’s Eastern Shore, maybe heading toward Chestertown or crossing the Chesapeake Bay Bridge toward Kent County. The next, an 80,000-pound semi-truck is barreling through your lane. The impact doesn’t just damage your car—it shatters your life.

Kent County, Maryland sits at a critical crossroads. I-95 cuts through the eastern corridor carrying freight from the Port of Baltimore to Delaware and beyond, while US-50 and MD-404 feed agricultural produce and manufacturing goods across the Delmarva Peninsula. Route 213 and MD-291 see constant commercial truck traffic serving the Chesapeake Bay region. When truck drivers violate federal safety regulations on these roads, the results are catastrophic.

We know because we’ve seen it. At Attorney911, our team has spent over 25 years holding trucking companies accountable when their negligence devastates families. Ralph Manginello, our managing partner, holds federal court admission to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas, and has recovered multi-million dollar settlements for traumatic brain injury victims, amputees, and families who lost loved ones to wrongful death. Our associate attorney Lupe Peña brings something rare to Maryland trucking cases—he used to defend insurance companies. Now he fights against them, using his insider knowledge of their tactics to maximize your recovery.

In Maryland, the clock is already ticking. You have just three years from your accident date to file a claim, but evidence disappears far faster. Black box data can be overwritten in 30 days. Trucking companies deploy rapid-response teams to the scene before the ambulance even leaves. And here’s what many Maryland residents don’t realize: Maryland follows contributory negligence rules. If you’re found even 1% at fault for the accident, you recover nothing. Zero.

That’s why you need a fighter who understands both federal trucking regulations and Maryland’s unique legal landscape. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 now. We answer 24/7.

Maryland’s Trucking Corridors: Where Danger Meets Commerce

Kent County isn’t just another dot on the map—it’s a vital link in America’s freight network. The Port of Baltimore, just miles west, ranks as the nation’s ninth-busiest port and the leading gateway for automobiles and farm equipment. That freight doesn’t stay on the docks; it rolls through our communities on 18-wheelers.

The trucking routes serving Kent County and Maryland’s Eastern Shore create unique dangers:

I-95 – The Atlantic corridor’s main artery carries everything from hazmat cargo to consumer goods through Maryland at all hours. Fatigued drivers pushing beyond federal hours-of-service limits make this one of the deadliest stretches for passenger vehicles.

US-301 – This major north-south route funnels Port of Baltimore traffic toward Delaware and the Delaware Memorial Bridge. Sharp curves, heavy congestion, and aggressive scheduling pressure create perfect conditions for jackknife and rollover accidents.

MD-213 – Running through the heart of Kent County, this scenic but narrow route wasn’t designed for modern 80,000-pound trucks. Blind spot accidents and wide-turn collisions plague intersections from Chestertown to Galena.

US-50 – The Ocean Gateway carries produce, poultry, and manufacturing equipment to the Eastern Shore. When overloaded trucks hit the rural roads of Kent County, brake failures and cargo shifts become deadly realities.

The Bay Bridge Approach – Trucks navigating toward the Chesapeake Bay Bridge face steep grades and sudden stop-and-go traffic. We’ve handled cases where truckers failed to adjust for these conditions, causing devastating rear-end collisions and underride crashes.

In Maryland, winter brings additional threats. Ice storms and snow squalls off the Chesapeake Bay create black ice conditions in seconds. A truck driver traveling too fast for weather conditions can lose control on I-95 or US-301, causing multi-vehicle pileups that change dozens of lives in an instant.

The Physics of Devastation: Why Truck Accidents Differ

Your sedan weighs roughly 4,000 pounds. A fully loaded 18-wheeler tips the scales at 80,000 pounds—twenty times heavier. When that mass collides with your vehicle at highway speeds, the physics are brutal.

At 65 miles per hour, an 18-wheeler needs approximately 525 feet to stop—the length of 1.8 football fields. Your car needs roughly 300 feet. Those 225 feet of difference mean truck drivers cannot react in time to avoid sudden hazards, especially when they’re distracted, fatigued, or speeding.

But the disparity goes deeper. Trucking accidents aren’t simple car crashes—they’re complex commercial litigation involving federal regulations, multiple insurance policies, and layers of corporate liability. A typical car accident involves one negligent driver and a $30,000 insurance policy. A trucking accident can involve the driver, the motor carrier, the cargo loader, the maintenance company, the freight broker, and multiple insurance layers ranging from $750,000 to $5 million.

That’s why trucking companies call their lawyers immediately—often before the police arrive. They’re not calling to help you. They’re calling to protect themselves.

At Attorney911, we level the playing field. While the trucking company builds their defense, we build your case. And we start immediately.

Call 1-888-ATTY-911 right now. Evidence is disappearing while you wait.

Federal Regulations That Protect Maryland Families

Commercial trucking isn’t regulated like driving to the grocery store. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) enforces strict rules under Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations (49 CFR). When trucking companies violate these regulations, they’ve broken federal law—and that negligence proves your case.

49 CFR Part 391: Driver Qualification Requirements

Before a trucker ever turns the key, they must meet strict federal standards. Under 49 CFR § 391.11, commercial drivers must:

  • Be at least 21 years old for interstate commerce
  • Hold a valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with proper endorsements
  • Pass a physical examination every 24 months (49 CFR § 391.45)
  • Speak and read English sufficiently
  • Have no disqualifying medical conditions

We subpoena Driver Qualification Files to prove negligent hiring. If a Maryland trucking company put an unqualified driver behind the wheel—someone with a suspended CDL, a history of DUIs, or uncontrolled diabetes—that’s not just negligence. It’s reckless disregard for human life.

49 CFR Part 392: Driving Rules of the Road

These rules spell out safe operation standards. Critical violations we see in Kent County cases include:

Fatigued Driving (49 CFR § 392.3) – No driver may operate while impaired by fatigue, illness, or any cause making operation unsafe. Yet trucking companies pressure drivers to meet impossible delivery schedules.

Drugs and Alcohol (49 CFR § 392.4, § 392.5) – Commercial drivers cannot use alcohol within four hours of duty or operate with a blood alcohol concentration of .04 or higher—half the limit for passenger vehicles.

Following Too Closely (49 CFR § 392.11) – Trucks must maintain safe following distances. When a semi-truck rides your bumper on I-95 through Maryland, they’re violating federal law.

Mobile Phone Use (49 CFR § 392.82) – Hand-held cell phone use while driving is prohibited. Texting is completely banned. We subpoena phone records to prove distraction.

49 CFR Part 393: Vehicle Safety and Cargo Securement

This section covers the equipment that keeps trucks safe—or causes catastrophe when neglected:

Brake Systems (49 CFR § 393.40-55) – Brakes must meet strict performance standards. Worn brake pads, improper adjustments, or air system leaks constitute federal violations and direct evidence of negligence.

Cargo Securement (49 CFR § 393.100-136) – Cargo must be secured to withstand 0.8g deceleration forces. When loads shift on sharp curves or spill onto Maryland highways, the trucking company broke federal law.

Tire Safety (49 CFR § 393.75) – Steer tires must have at least 4/32″ tread depth; other tires need 2/32″. Worn tires, retreads, or improperly matched dual wheels create blowout dangers on hot Maryland asphalt.

49 CFR Part 395: Hours of Service Regulations

These rules prevent the fatigue that kills. Yet they’re the most commonly violated regulations in Maryland trucking accidents:

  • 11-Hour Driving Limit – Maximum 11 hours driving after 10 consecutive hours off-duty
  • 14-Hour Duty Window – Cannot drive after the 14th hour once on duty
  • 30-Minute Break – Required after 8 cumulative hours of driving
  • 60/70-Hour Weekly Limits – No driving after 60 hours in 7 days or 70 hours in 8 days

Since December 2017, Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) must track these hours automatically. This data proves when drivers exceeded legal limits—and when companies pressured them to do so.

49 CFR Part 396: Inspection and Maintenance

Trucking companies must systematically inspect, repair, and maintain their fleets under 49 CFR § 396.3. Requirements include:

  • Pre-trip inspections by drivers before every trip (§ 396.13)
  • Post-trip reports documenting any defects (§ 396.11)
  • Annual comprehensive inspections (§ 396.17)
  • Maintenance records kept for 14 months

When a truck’s brakes fail on the Chesapeake Bay Bridge or a tire blows out on US-301, we examine these records. Deferred maintenance to save money is negligence that costs lives.

The Catastrophic Accidents We See in Maryland

Jackknife Accidents

A jackknife occurs when the trailer skids outward, folding against the cab like a pocket knife. On Maryland’s I-95 corridor or the curved ramps approaching the Bay Bridge, jackknives often block multiple lanes, causing secondary collisions.

These accidents usually trace to 49 CFR § 393.48 brake violations or improperly secured cargo under § 393.100. Empty trailers—common after delivering to the Port of Baltimore—are especially prone to jackknifing. The results include traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, and multi-vehicle fatalities.

Underride Collisions

Perhaps the most horrific trucking accidents occur when a passenger vehicle slides underneath a trailer. The trailer shears off the roof of the car at windshield level, causing decapitation or catastrophic head trauma.

Federal law requires rear impact guards under 49 CFR § 393.86, but many trailers have inadequate guards or none at all. Side underride guards aren’t federally mandated, leaving Maryland drivers vulnerable during lane changes on I-95.

Rollover Accidents

Maryland’s mix of interstate highways and rural routes creates rollover hazards. Sharp curves on MD-291, steep grades on approaches to the Bay Bridge, and sudden interstate exits cause trucks to tip when drivers speed or cargo shifts.

Rollovers cause crushing injuries, severe burns from spilled fuel, and wrongful death. They often involve 49 CFR § 393.100 cargo securement violations or drivers operating too fast for conditions under § 392.6.

Rear-End Collisions

A loaded semi-truck needs 525 feet to stop from highway speeds. When truckers follow too closely on I-95 through Baltimore County or tailgate on congested US-50, they violate 49 CFR § 392.11.

These impacts cause whiplash, cervical spine fractures, and traumatic brain injuries as occupants’ heads strike headrests or windshields. Due to Maryland’s contributory negligence rule, trucking companies will argue you stopped too suddenly—even a 1% fault assignment denies you recovery. We fight these allegations with ECM data proving the trucker’s speed and following distance.

Wide Turn Accidents (“Squeeze Play”)

Chestertown’s tight intersections and the narrow streets of Rock Hall weren’t designed for 53-foot trailers. When trucks swing wide to make right turns, they create gaps that trap smaller vehicles. The truck then completes its turn, crushing the car against the curb or another vehicle.

These accidents involve 49 CFR § 392.2 violations for improper turns and often result in amputations, crushed pelvises, and internal organ damage.

Tire Blowouts

Maryland’s summer heat and winter freeze-thaw cycles stress commercial tires. When retreaded tires, underinflated tires, or worn treads (below 2/32″ as required by 49 CFR § 393.75) fail, the driver loses control.

Tire debris—called “road gators”—creates hazards for following vehicles. We’ve seen cases where blowouts caused jackknifes on US-301 or sent trucks into oncoming traffic on MD-213.

Cargo Spills and Hazmat Incidents

The Port of Baltimore handles hazardous materials that travel through Kent County. When tanker trucks roll over or cargo spills onto Maryland highways, the results include chemical burns, toxic inhalation injuries, and environmental contamination.

These cases involve 49 CFR § 397 hazardous materials regulations and often require proving negligence by the cargo shipper, not just the driver.

Brake Failure Accidents

Brake problems contribute to approximately 29% of large truck crashes. When air brake systems fail, hydraulic lines leak, or shoes wear beyond limits on steep grades approaching the Bay Bridge, trucks become 80,000-pound battering rams.

We examine maintenance records, driver inspection reports, and post-crash brake system analysis to prove violations of 49 CFR §§ 393.40-55 and § 396.3.

Catastrophic Injuries and Maryland Damage Caps

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

The force of a truck collision causes the brain to impact the skull’s interior, resulting in concussions, contusions, or diffuse axonal injury. Symptoms may not appear for days, including headaches, memory loss, personality changes, and cognitive deficits.

Moderate to severe TBI cases typically settle between $1,548,000 and $9,838,000 according to our firm’s experience. These figures account for lifelong care, lost earning capacity, and pain and suffering.

In Maryland, however, note that non-economic damages (pain and suffering) face a statutory cap. As of 2024, non-economic damages in personal injury cases are capped at approximately $920,000, adjusting annually for inflation. This cap does not apply to economic damages like medical bills and lost wages, which remain uncapped. Punitive damages, while rare, face no statutory cap in Maryland.

Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis

Complete spinal cord injuries causing paraplegia or quadriplegia result in settlement ranges from $4,770,000 to $25,880,000+ depending on the victim’s age and pre-injury earning capacity.

Maryland residents injured on interstate highways or rural routes face unique challenges accessing specialized trauma care. While Maryland has excellent facilities like Johns Hopkins and the R Adams Cowley Shock Trauma Center in Baltimore, transportation and long-term care costs in rural Kent County can exceed urban estimates due to travel requirements.

Amputations

When crushing forces trap limbs or infections require surgical removal after rollover accidents, victims face prosthetic costs, rehabilitation, and permanent disability. Our amputation cases have settled between $1,945,000 and $8,630,000.

Wrongful Death

Maryland allows wrongful death claims for three years from the date of death (Maryland Courts and Judicial Proceedings § 3-904). Survivors may recover for lost companionship, mental anguish, and lost financial support.

Our wrongful death trucking cases have achieved settlements between $1,910,000 and $9,520,000. In Maryland, these claims include both the wrongful death action (for survivors) and survival action (for the deceased’s pain and suffering before death).

Who Can Be Held Liable? Beyond the Driver

Trucking accidents differ from car crashes because multiple parties share liability. We investigate and pursue claims against:

1. The Truck Driver – For speeding, distracted driving, fatigue violations, or impairment under 49 CFR § 392.

2. The Trucking Company (Motor Carrier) – Under respondeat superior, employers answer for employees’ negligence. Additionally, companies face direct liability for:

  • Negligent hiring (49 CFR § 391.51 violations)
  • Negligent training and supervision
  • Pressuring drivers to violate hours-of-service rules
  • Failing to maintain vehicles per § 396.3

3. Cargo Owners and Loaders – When improperly secured loads shift or spill on Maryland roads, the shipper and loading company violate 49 CFR § 393.100. We examine bills of lading and loading dock records.

4. Maintenance Companies – Third-party mechanics who negligently repair brakes, tires, or steering systems create liability under 49 CFR § 396.

5. Truck and Parts Manufacturers – Defective brakes, tires prone to blowouts, or inadequate underride guards create product liability claims against manufacturers.

6. Freight Brokers – These intermediaries arrange transportation but must verify carrier safety records. Negligent selection of unsafe carriers creates liability.

7. Government Entities – When dangerous road design, inadequate signage, or poor maintenance contributes to accidents on Maryland state highways or county roads, we pursue claims against governmental bodies—subject to strict notice requirements and damage caps under Maryland tort claims acts.

The 48-Hour Evidence Protocol: Why Speed Matters

Trucking companies don’t wait to build their defense. They deploy rapid-response teams to the accident scene within hours, sometimes before the police finish their investigation. These teams work to limit liability—not to help you.

Critical evidence disappears fast:

  • ECM/Black Box Data – Records speed, braking, and throttle position. Can be overwritten in 30 days or with subsequent ignition cycles.
  • ELD Data – Proves hours-of-service violations. Required retention is only 6 months.
  • Dashcam Footage – Often deleted within 7-14 days if not preserved.
  • Driver Qualification Files – Must be kept for 3 years after employment ends, but companies “lose” them when litigation threatens.
  • Maintenance Records – Required 14-month retention, but critical repair orders have a way of disappearing.

Our Immediate Response:

When you call 1-888-ATTY-911, we act within 24 hours. We send spoliation letters to the trucking company, their insurer, and all potentially liable parties demanding preservation of:

  • All electronic data (ECM, ELD, telematics)
  • Driver records and qualification files
  • Maintenance and inspection logs
  • Dispatch records showing delivery pressure
  • Cell phone records
  • Dashcam footage
  • Post-accident drug test results

In Maryland’s contributory negligence jurisdiction, this evidence is crucial. The trucking company will claim you contributed to the accident—perhaps by stopping too fast or changing lanes improperly. Black box data proving their driver was speeding 15 mph over the limit or following too closely destroys that defense.

As client Glenda Walker told us after we fought for her settlement: “They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.” We can’t get you that justice if evidence disappears.

Call 1-888-ATTY-911 now. Don’t wait.

Insurance Requirements and Nuclear Verdicts

Federal law mandates commercial truck insurance minimums far exceeding passenger vehicles:

  • $750,000 – Non-hazardous freight (most common)
  • $1,000,000 – Oil, large equipment, automobiles
  • $5,000,000 – Hazardous materials and passengers

Many carriers carry umbrella policies adding millions more. But accessing these funds requires attorneys who understand trucking law.

Recent “nuclear verdicts”—awards exceeding $10 million—demonstrate jury anger at trucking company negligence. In 2024, a Missouri jury awarded $462 million to families of men decapitated in an underride crash. A 2021 Florida case resulted in a $1 billion verdict ($900 million punitive) against a carrier that knowingly hired a dangerous driver.

While every case differs, and past results don’t guarantee future outcomes, these verdicts show what happens when juries learn about falsified logbooks, ignored maintenance issues, and pressure to drive while fatigued.

In Maryland, punitive damages require showing actual malice—knowledge of contemplated harm. While harder to prove than in some states, gross negligence cases involving destroyed evidence or willful hours-of-service violations can support punitive awards.

Why Maryland Families Choose Attorney911

Ralph Manginello: 25+ Years of Federal Court Experience

Since 1998, Ralph Manginello has fought for injury victims against Fortune 500 companies. His federal court admission to the Southern District of Texas allows him to handle interstate trucking cases, and his experience in the BP Texas City Refinery litigation—where he fought for victims of the 2005 explosion that killed 15 workers—proved he can stand toe-to-toe with the world’s largest corporations.

Ralph’s 25+ years of trial experience means insurance companies know we won’t accept lowball offers. We prepare every case for trial, creating settlement leverage that gets results faster.

Lupe Peña: The Insurance Defense Advantage

Our associate attorney Lupe Peña spent years working for a national insurance defense firm. He reviewed thousands of claims from the inside, learning exactly how adjusters evaluate cases, minimize payouts, and train their personnel to deny valid claims.

Now he uses that insider knowledge against them. He knows when they’re bluffing about settlement authority. He recognizes their delay tactics. He understands the algorithms (like Colossus) they use to lowball injury victims.

As we tell our Maryland clients: “Our team includes an attorney who used to work for insurance companies—now he fights against them. He knows their playbook.”

Multi-Million Dollar Results

We’ve recovered over $50 million for families across all practice areas. Specifically in trucking and catastrophic injury cases:

  • $5+ Million – Traumatic brain injury from falling log (workplace incident)
  • $3.8+ Million – Partial leg amputation following car accident complications
  • $2.5+ Million – Commercial truck crash recovery
  • $2+ Million – Maritime back injury under Jones Act

We are currently litigating a $10 million lawsuit against the University of Houston involving hazing injuries—demonstrating our capacity to handle complex, high-stakes litigation against institutional defendants.

Client Satisfaction: 4.9 Stars and Counting

Our Google Reviews average 4.9 stars from 251+ clients. But numbers don’t tell the story—words do:

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

Donald Wilcox shared: “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.”

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

Angel Walle noted: “They solved in a couple of months what others did nothing about in two years.”

Ernest Cano put it simply: “Mr. Manginello and his firm are first class. Will fight tooth and nail for you.”

Three Offices, National Reach

With offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, Texas, we handle trucking cases throughout the United States, including Maryland. Ralph Manginello holds dual licensure in Texas and New York, providing interstate case capability crucial when trucking companies operate across state lines.

For Maryland clients, we offer remote consultations, travel to your location when necessary, and coordinate with local Maryland counsel to ensure compliance with Maryland’s contributory negligence rules and procedural requirements.

Hablamos Español

Many Maryland families, particularly in agricultural and seafood processing communities, speak Spanish as their primary language. Lupe Peña provides fluent Spanish representation—no interpreters needed, no meaning lost in translation.

Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911 para una consulta gratuita.

Maryland Trucking Accident FAQ

What makes Maryland trucking accidents legally different from car accidents?

Maryland follows contributory negligence, meaning if you’re found even 1% at fault, you recover nothing. Additionally, Maryland imposes a statute of limitations of three years for personal injury and wrongful death claims. Non-economic damages are capped (currently approximately $920,000), though economic damages remain uncapped.

How long do I have to file a claim in Maryland?

Three years from the accident date for personal injury; three years from the date of death for wrongful death. However, evidence disappears much faster. Call immediately.

What is the black box in a commercial truck?

The Electronic Control Module (ECM) or Event Data Recorder (EDR) captures speed, braking, throttle position, and fault codes. This objective data often contradicts driver statements. In Maryland contributory negligence cases, this data can prove the truck driver was 100% at fault.

What are hours of service violations?

Federal law limits truckers to 11 hours driving after 10 hours off, with mandatory breaks. Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) track compliance. Fatigued driving causes 31% of fatal truck crashes.

Who pays my medical bills while I wait for settlement?

Your Personal Injury Protection (PIP) or MedPay coverage if available. We can also arrange medical liens where doctors treat you now and get paid from the settlement. In Maryland, Personal Injury Protection is optional but recommended.

How much is my Maryland trucking case worth?

Factors include injury severity, medical costs, lost wages, and available insurance ($750K-$5M+). Maryland’s economic damages are uncapped, but non-economic damages face the aforementioned statutory cap. Catastrophic injury cases often settle in seven figures.

What’s a spoliation letter?

A legal notice sent within 24 hours demanding preservation of all evidence. Once sent, destroying evidence subjects the trucking company to sanctions, adverse jury instructions, or default judgment.

Can I still recover if I was partially at fault?

In Maryland, likely not. Contributory negligence means 1% fault = 0% recovery. This makes aggressive evidence preservation and legal representation critical to proving the truck driver was 100% responsible.

What if the truck driver was an independent contractor?

Trucking companies often claim drivers are independent contractors to avoid liability. We examine lease agreements, supervision levels, and control to prove the company is liable under respondeat superior or negligent entrustment.

Do you handle cases where the trucking company is from out of state?

Absolutely. Interstate commerce means most trucking cases involve multiple states. Ralph Manginello’s federal court admission and experience with interstate trucking regulations make us equipped to handle these complex jurisdictional issues.

What happens to the truck’s cargo after an accident?

Cargo loading companies may be liable if improper securement caused the crash. We examine bills of lading, weight tickets, and loading procedures for violations of 49 CFR § 393.

How do I pay for an attorney?

We work on contingency—33.33% pre-trial, 40% if trial is necessary. You pay nothing upfront. No fee unless we win. We also advance all investigation costs.

What should I tell my insurance company?

Report the accident occurred, but do not give recorded statements about fault or injuries until consulting us. Insurance adjusters twist words to minimize claims.

How long will my case take?

Simple cases: 6-12 months. Complex litigation with catastrophic injuries: 1-3 years. We move as fast as possible while maximizing your recovery.

Will my case go to trial?

Most settle, but we prepare every case for trial. Insurance companies know our reputation—they’ve seen us take cases to verdict. This willingness to try cases creates settlement leverage.

What if the trucking company offers a quick settlement?

First offers are always lowball offers designed to protect their profits, not compensate your injuries. Never accept without consulting an attorney, especially in Maryland where contributory negligence can bar recovery if you settle too quickly and later discover you were partially at fault.

Can undocumented immigrants file claims in Maryland?

Yes. Immigration status does not affect your right to compensation for injuries caused by negligence.

What if my loved one was killed in a trucking accident?

Kent County families can file wrongful death claims within three years. Damages include lost financial support, loss of companionship, funeral expenses, and mental anguish. Survival actions may also recover for the deceased’s pre-death pain and suffering.

Do I really need a lawyer for a “minor” truck accident?

Yes. “Minor” truck accidents often cause latent injuries—TBI symptoms appearing weeks later, herniated discs requiring surgery. Additionally, Maryland’s contributory negligence rule means any fault assignment bars recovery. Professional legal representation protects your rights from day one.

Your Fight Starts Today

The trucking company has teams of lawyers working right now to minimize what they pay you. They have investigators at the scene, adjusters reviewing the claim, and defense attorneys preparing arguments that you were partially at fault—because in Maryland, if they prove just 1% contributory negligence, they pay nothing.

You need equal firepower. You need attorneys who understand both the federal trucking regulations that govern interstate commerce and the Maryland state laws that determine whether you recover.

Ralph Manginello has spent 25+ years making trucking companies pay. Lupe Peña knows every trick the insurance companies use because he used to work for them. Together, we’ve recovered over $50 million for families, including multi-million dollar settlements for traumatic brain injuries, amputations, and wrongful death.

We treat you like family, not a case number. As client Chad Harris said: “You are FAMILY to them.”

We don’t get paid unless you win. We advance all costs. We answer the phone 24/7 at 1-888-ATTY-911.

Don’t let evidence disappear. Don’t let the trucking company build a defense while you suffer. Don’t risk Maryland’s contributory negligence rules destroying your claim before you understand your rights.

Call 1-888-ATTY-911 now.

Hablamos Español. Llame hoy.

Attorney911 | The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC
Houston • Austin • Beaumont
Serving Maryland trucking accident victims with dedication, experience, and proven results.

The information on this page is for educational purposes and does not constitute legal advice. Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Maryland contributory negligence rules are complex; consult an attorney immediately to protect your rights.

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