The Impact Was Catastrophic. 80,000 Pounds of Steel Against Your Sedan.
Interstate 80 cuts through Keokuk County like an artery, carrying goods from the Mississippi to the Midwest. But when an 18-wheeler loses control on these stretches, the math is brutal. Your family vehicle weighs roughly 4,000 pounds. A loaded semi can weigh 80,000 pounds. That is not a collision—that is annihilation.
If you are reading this from a Keokuk County hospital room, or if you have just buried a loved one killed on Iowa’s highways, you need to know this: the trucking company already has lawyers working to protect them. They have dispatched rapid-response teams to the scene. They are downloading black box data, coaching their driver, and looking for ways to pay you as little as possible.
You need someone who fights back just as hard.
We are Attorney911. Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has spent over 25 years standing up to trucking companies, and we have recovered multi-million dollar settlements for families across Iowa and beyond. We know the corridors of Keokuk County—from the agricultural hauls on Highway 61 to the heavy freight traffic on I-80. We know that when harvest season hits, the roads fill with trucks pushing deadlines, and when winter ice coats the pavement, one moment of negligence becomes a lifetime of consequences.
And here is the truth you cannot afford to ignore: evidence in 18-wheeler cases disappears fast. Electronic logging devices overwrite data in 30 days. Dashcam footage gets deleted within weeks. Driver logs get “lost.” The clock started ticking the moment that truck hit you.
Call us now at 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911). We answer 24/7. We work on contingency—you pay nothing unless we win. And we will send a spoliation letter to preserve evidence today.
Why 18-Wheeler Accidents in Keokuk County Are Different
Trucking accidents are not simply “big car accidents.” They are governed by a completely different set of rules, involve exponentially more destructive force, and require specialized legal knowledge to litigate properly.
The physics alone are devastating. An 80,000-pound semi traveling at 65 miles per hour generates roughly 80 times the kinetic energy of a passenger car. When that force hits a sedan on I-80 near Kalona or a pickup on Highway 1, the results are catastrophic. But the legal complexity matches the physical destruction.
Federal regulations under the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) govern every aspect of commercial trucking. When drivers and companies violate these rules—driving beyond their hours of service, skipping brake inspections, or overloading trailers to meet harvest deadlines—they put every Keokuk County family at risk.
Ralph Manginello, our firm’s founder, has been handling these cases since 1998. He is admitted to federal court and has litigated against Fortune 500 corporations. He knows that proving negligence in a trucking case requires understanding regulations like 49 CFR Part 395 (hours of service), Part 393 (cargo securement), and Part 396 (vehicle maintenance). Most personal injury attorneys do not know these regulations exist. We built our practice on them.
The FMCSA Violations That Cause Keokuk County Crashes
Every commercial truck on Iowa’s highways must comply with strict federal safety standards codified in Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations. When trucking companies cut corners to save money or meet deadlines, they violate these rules—and people die.
Hours of Service Violations (49 CFR Part 395)
Fatigue is the silent killer on rural interstates. Federal law limits property-carrying drivers to 11 hours of driving time after 10 consecutive hours off duty. They cannot drive beyond the 14th consecutive hour after coming on duty, and they must take a 30-minute break after 8 cumulative hours of driving.
Yet during planting and harvest seasons in Keokuk County, we see drivers pushing well beyond these limits. Grain haulers trying to get to the elevator before close. Livestock transporters racing against biological clocks. When the ELD (Electronic Logging Device) data shows a driver violated these limits—and we subpoena these records in every case—that violation proves negligence as a matter of law.
Cargo Securement Failures (49 CFR Part 393)
Keokuk County sits in Iowa’s agricultural heartland. From September through November, the roads swarm with trucks hauling corn, soybeans, and livestock. 49 CFR § 393.100-136 requires cargo to be secured to prevent shifting, falling, or leaking.
When loaders at grain elevators rush to fill trucks, or when farmers overload trailers beyond capacity, cargo shifts. A sudden load shift on I-80 can cause a rollover that blocks all lanes. Loose grain spills create slick surfaces that trigger multi-car pileups. We investigate loading records and securement procedures because the cargo owner and loading company may share liability.
Brake System Negligence (49 CFR Parts 393 & 396)
Brake problems contribute to roughly 29% of trucking accidents. 49 CFR § 393.40-55 mandates functioning brake systems, while Part 396.3 requires systematic inspection and maintenance.
On Keokuk County’s steep grades and during icy winters, brake fade becomes deadly. We demand maintenance records and pre-trip inspection logs. If the trucking company skipped inspections to keep trucks rolling, that is direct evidence of negligence.
Driver Qualification Failures (49 CFR Part 391)
Before a driver can operate a commercial vehicle, the motor carrier must verify they hold a valid CDL, pass a medical exam, and complete required training. The Driver Qualification File must include background checks, previous employment verification, and drug test results.
We have seen cases where trucking companies hired drivers with suspended licenses or histories of DUI. When they put an unqualified driver behind the wheel in Keokuk County, they endanger everyone on Highway 92 or 218. Lupe Peña, our associate attorney, spent years working in insurance defense. He knows exactly how carriers try to hide these hiring violations—and now he uses that insider knowledge to expose them.
The Types of Truck Accidents We See on Keokuk County Roads
Not all trucking accidents are the same. The rolling hills of southeastern Iowa, the agricultural traffic patterns, and the interstate corridor create specific risks.
Jackknife Accidents
When a truck driver brakes too hard on wet pavement—Iowa’s freezing rain is notorious—or when equipment failure causes the trailer to swing perpendicular to the cab, the result is a jackknife. These accidents often block multiple lanes of I-80, causing secondary collisions as passenger vehicles have nowhere to go. We analyze ECM data to determine if the driver braked improperly or if the trucking company failed to maintain anti-lock brake systems.
Rollover Accidents
Keokuk County’s rural highways feature tight curves and changing elevations. A truck carrying a top-heavy load of grain or equipment that takes a curve too fast will roll. These accidents often spill cargo across the roadway, creating hazards for miles. We investigate load distribution records and driver training because rollovers rarely happen without negligence—usually speed combined with improper loading.
Underride Collisions
When a passenger vehicle strikes the rear or side of a trailer and slides underneath, the occupants suffer catastrophic head and neck injuries. While 49 CFR § 393.86 requires rear impact guards on newer trailers, many trucks lack side underride protection. These accidents on Keokuk County’s dark rural roads—where visibility is already limited—often prove fatal.
Rear-End Collisions
A loaded tractor-trailer requires nearly 525 feet to stop from highway speed—almost two football fields. When distracted or fatigued drivers miss slowed traffic on I-80 near Williamsburg, or when brake failure occurs on the descent toward the Iowa River, the results are devastating. We use telematics data to prove following distances were inadequate under 49 CFR § 392.11.
Wide Turn Accidents (“Squeeze Play”)
Large trucks need extra space to turn right. When a semi swings wide on Main Street in Sigourney or North English, passenger vehicles in the adjacent lane get crushed. These accidents often involve failed signaling or inadequate mirror checks.
Blind Spot Accidents
18-wheelers have massive “No-Zones” on all four sides. When changing lanes on the interstate or merging near agricultural equipment, truck drivers who fail to check mirrors cause sideswipe accidents. 49 CFR § 393.80 mandates proper mirrors—if they were adjusted incorrectly or missing, the carrier is liable.
Tire Blowouts
Iowa’s extreme temperature swings—scorching summer asphalt followed by winter freeze-thaw cycles—destroy tires. When a truck tire blows on I-80, the driver often loses control, or debris strikes following vehicles. We examine maintenance records to see if the company violated 49 CFR § 393.75 by using worn tread or mismatched tires.
Every Party Who May Owe You Compensation
Unlike a simple car accident, trucking crashes involve multiple potentially liable parties. We investigate every single one because more defendants mean more insurance coverage—and better recovery for your family.
The Driver: Direct negligence for speeding, distraction, fatigue, or impairment. We subpoena cell phone records and drug test results.
The Trucking Company (Motor Carrier): Under respondeat superior, employers are liable for their employees’ negligence. Additionally, we pursue direct negligence claims for negligent hiring (failure to check the driver’s record), negligent training, negligent supervision, and negligent maintenance. Ralph Manginello has secured multi-million dollar settlements by proving trucking companies knowingly put dangerous drivers on the road.
The Cargo Owner/Shipper: When agricultural operations pressure drivers to haul overweight loads or fail to disclose hazardous cargo, they share liability. Keokuk County’s grain elevators and livestock operations sometimes prioritize speed over safety.
The Loading Company: Third-party loaders who improperly secure grain, machinery, or pallets may be liable under 49 CFR Part 393.
The Truck/Parts Manufacturer: Defective brakes, steering systems, or tires that fail under load can trigger product liability claims against manufacturers.
The Maintenance Company: Third-party mechanics who performed negligent repairs or signed off on unsafe vehicles.
The Freight Broker: Brokers who arrange transportation but fail to verify carrier safety records or insurance may be liable for negligent selection.
The Truck Owner: In owner-operator situations, the individual owner bears responsibility for maintenance and entrustment.
Government Entities: Poor road design, inadequate signage on rural routes, or failure to clear debris may implicate state or county agencies—though sovereign immunity limits apply.
Catastrophic Injuries and What Recovery Looks Like
We have represented Keokuk County families whose lives changed in milliseconds. The injuries from 18-wheeler accidents are not simple fractures—they are life-altering traumas requiring lifetime care.
Traumatic Brain Injury ($1.5M – $9.8M+ Range)
TBI occurs when the brain impacts the skull during a collision. Moderate to severe TBI victims face cognitive impairment, personality changes, and loss of executive function. Our firm has recovered over $5 million for TBI victims, ensuring they receive cognitive therapy, vocational rehabilitation, and lifetime care coordination.
Spinal Cord Injury ($4.7M – $25.8M+ Range)
Paraplegia and quadriplegia from crushed vehicles or severe impacts require home modifications, wheelchairs, and 24-hour attendant care. These cases demand life care planning experts and economists to calculate decades of future expenses.
Amputation ($1.9M – $8.6M Range)
When trucks crush limbs or infection necessitates surgical removal, victims need prosthetics ($5,000-$50,000 per device), physical therapy, and psychological counseling. We secured $3.8 million for a client who lost a limb after post-accident medical complications.
Wrongful Death ($1.9M – $9.5M Range)
When a trucking accident kills a spouse, parent, or child in Keokuk County, Iowa law allows recovery for lost income, loss of consortium, mental anguish, and funeral expenses. The pain of losing someone to a preventable trucking company violation is immeasurable, but financial security allows families to grieve without bankruptcy.
Iowa Law: What You Need to Know
Statute of Limitations: Two Years
In Iowa, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit, and two years from the date of death for wrongful death claims. Wait longer, and you lose your right to sue forever.
But waiting is dangerous for another reason: evidence. Iowa’s weather destroys accident scenes. Witnesses move away from Keokuk County. Black box data overwrites. Contact us immediately so we can send preservation letters before critical information disappears.
Modified Comparative Negligence (51% Bar)
Iowa follows a modified comparative fault rule. If you are found 50% or less at fault, your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault. If you are 51% or more at fault, you recover nothing.
Trucking companies and their insurers will try to blame you—claiming you were speeding, following too closely, or failed to avoid the collision. We counter these tactics with ECM data, ELD logs, and reconstruction experts who prove what really happened on that Keokuk County highway.
Damage Caps: Generally None
Unlike some states, Iowa does not cap damages for personal injury or wrongful death cases. This means your full economic and non-economic damages—including pain and suffering, mental anguish, and loss of enjoyment of life—are recoverable. In cases of gross negligence or willful misconduct, punitive damages may also be available to punish the trucking company.
The Evidence We Preserve—And Why Speed Matters
Within 24 hours of being retained, we send spoliation letters to the trucking company, their insurer, and all potentially liable parties. These letters put them on legal notice that destroying evidence will result in sanctions.
Electronic Control Module (ECM) Data: Records speed, braking, throttle position, and fault codes in the moments before impact. Overwrites in 30 days.
Electronic Logging Devices (ELD): Prove hours of service violations. FMCSA requires retention for only 6 months.
Driver Qualification Files: Show if the driver was properly vetted, trained, and medically certified.
Maintenance Records: Reveal deferred brake repairs, ignored tire wear, or skipped inspections.
Dashcam Footage: Often deleted within 7-14 days if not preserved.
Cell Phone Records: Prove distracted driving at the moment of impact.
Dispatch Communications: Show if the company pressured the driver to violate hours of service regulations.
We also canvas Keokuk County businesses near the accident scene for surveillance footage, interview witnesses before memories fade, and photograph the scene before weather or road repairs destroy evidence.
Frequently Asked Questions: Keokuk County 18-Wheeler Accidents
What should I do immediately after a trucking accident on I-80 in Keokuk County?
Call 911 immediately. Seek medical attention even if you feel okay—adrenaline masks injuries. Document the scene with photos if you are able to do so safely. Get the truck’s DOT number, driver’s license, and insurance information. Do not give a recorded statement to the trucking company’s insurer. Call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 as soon as possible.
Should I talk to the trucking company’s insurance adjuster?
Absolutely not. Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize your claim. They will use anything you say against you. Our associate attorney, Lupe Peña, used to work for insurance companies—he knows their playbook, and he handles these communications for you.
Who can be sued in a Keokuk County trucking accident?
Multiple parties: the driver, trucking company, cargo owner, loading company, maintenance provider, parts manufacturer, freight broker, and potentially government entities if road conditions contributed. We investigate every avenue to maximize your recovery.
How long do I have to file a lawsuit in Iowa?
Two years from the date of the accident for personal injury, and two years from the date of death for wrongful death. However, you should never wait. Evidence disappears and witnesses become unavailable. Call us within days, not months.
What if I was partially at fault for the accident?
Under Iowa’s comparative negligence law, you can recover damages if you were 50% or less at fault, though your award is reduced by your percentage of fault. If the trucking company claims you were at fault, we use ECM data and expert reconstruction to prove they are wrong.
What are the federal regulations governing truck drivers?
Drivers must follow Hours of Service rules (11-hour driving limit, 14-hour duty window), conduct pre-trip inspections, secure cargo properly, and maintain valid medical certifications. Violations of 49 CFR Parts 390-399 constitute negligence.
How much is my case worth?
It depends on injury severity, medical costs, lost wages, and insurance coverage. Trucking accidents typically have higher insurance limits ($750,000 to $5 million) than car accidents. We have recovered multi-million dollar settlements for traumatic brain injuries, amputations, and wrongful death.
What if my loved one was killed in a trucking accident?
You may file a wrongful death claim. Iowa law allows recovery for lost income, loss of consortium, mental anguish, and funeral expenses. We handle these cases with compassion while aggressively pursuing justice against the trucking company.
Do I need to pay upfront to hire Attorney911?
No. We work on contingency—33.33% pre-trial, 40% if trial is necessary. You pay nothing unless we win. We advance all investigation and litigation costs.
Hablamos Español?
Sí. Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish and provides direct representation to Keokuk County’s Hispanic community without interpreters. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911.
What if the trucking company is from out of state?
We handle that routinely. Ralph Manginello is admitted to federal court and can pursue out-of-state carriers. Federal regulations apply nationwide, and we know how to secure jurisdiction over foreign entities.
How long will my case take?
Simple cases may settle in 6-12 months. Complex litigation involving catastrophic injuries may take 1-3 years. We prepare every case as if it is going to trial to maximize settlement leverage, but most cases resolve without a courtroom battle.
What is an underride accident?
When a passenger vehicle slides under a truck’s trailer. These are often fatal because the trailer shears off the car’s roof. Federal law requires rear underride guards, but side guards are not mandated—making these particularly deadly on rural Iowa highways.
Can I recover punitive damages?
Yes, if the trucking company acted with willful and wanton disregard for safety—such as knowingly hiring a driver with multiple DUIs, falsifying log books, or destroying evidence. These damages punish the company and deter future misconduct.
What happens to evidence if I wait too long?
Black box data overwrites. Dashcam footage is deleted. Witnesses move. The trucking company repairs the truck and claims “mechanical failure” was unforeseeable. Call immediately so we can preserve evidence.
Do you handle agricultural trucking accidents?
Yes. We understand the unique hazards of harvest season in Keokuk County—overloaded grain trucks, long hours during planting, and equipment transport. Agricultural exemptions to hours of service rules are limited, and negligence still applies.
What if the truck driver was an independent contractor?
The trucking company may still be liable under respondeat superior if they controlled the driver’s work, or for negligent hiring if they failed to vet the contractor. Owner-operators also carry insurance we can pursue.
How do I choose the right attorney for a trucking case?
Look for experience with federal regulations, resources to litigate against corporate defendants, and trial experience. As client Chad Harris said, “You are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.” Donald Wilcox noted, “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.”
Why Keokuk County Families Choose Attorney911
When you choose a law firm after a catastrophic trucking accident, you are choosing who will stand between your family and financial ruin.
Ralph Manginello brings over 25 years of courtroom experience, federal court admission, and a track record that includes taking on Fortune 500 corporations like BP. Our firm includes Lupe Peña, a former insurance defense attorney who knows exactly how trucking insurers evaluate and minimize claims—because he used to write their playbooks. Now he uses that knowledge to fight for you.
We have offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, and we serve trucking accident victims throughout Iowa and nationwide. When you call 1-888-ATTY-911, you get 24/7 availability, Spanish-language services, and a team that treats you like family—not like a case number.
As our client Glenda Walker said: “They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.” And Kiimarii Yup, who lost everything in a crash but gained “so much in return plus a brand new truck” within a year, knows we do not stop until justice is served.
We are currently litigating a $10 million lawsuit against the University of Houston for hazing injuries, demonstrating our willingness to take on powerful institutional defendants. We bring that same tenacity to every Keokuk County trucking case.
Call Before Evidence Disappears
The trucking company has lawyers. They have investigators. They have insurance adjusters working right now to minimize what they pay you.
What do you have?
You have Attorney911. And you have rights. But rights expire. Evidence fades. And the clock is ticking.
If you or a loved one were injured by an 18-wheeler in Keokuk County—on I-80, Highway 61, or any rural road—call us now at 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911) or 888-ATTY-911. We answer 24/7. The consultation is free. You pay nothing unless we win.
Hablamos Español. Llama hoy al 1-888-288-9911.
Your recovery starts with one call. Let us fight for every dime you deserve.
