When an 80,000-pound semi-truck slams into your vehicle on the rural highways of Kittson County, everything changes in an instant. The quiet agricultural roads spanning from Hallock to Kennedy, from Lake Bronson to the North Dakota border, weren’t designed for the massive commercial traffic that now barrels through northwestern Minnesota. If you’ve been injured in an 18-wheeler accident anywhere in Kittson County, you need more than just a lawyer—you need a team that understands the unique dangers of rural Minnesota trucking, the brutal winter conditions that turn Highway 75 into an ice rink, and the federal regulations that trucking companies violate every single day.
We are Attorney911, and we’ve spent over 25 years fighting for accident victims across the United States. Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has been holding negligent trucking companies accountable since 1998. We’ve recovered over $50 million for families just like yours, including multi-million dollar settlements for traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, and wrongful death cases. And here’s what sets us apart: our associate attorney, Lupe Peña, used to work for insurance defense firms. He knows exactly how trucking insurers try to minimize your claim—now he uses that insider knowledge to fight for you.
Call us immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911. Evidence disappears fast in trucking cases, and the trucking company already has lawyers working to protect them.
Why Kittson County 18-Wheeler Accidents Are Different
The Geography of Danger
Kittson County sits at the crossroads of agricultural commerce and international freight. US Highway 75 runs like a spine through the county, connecting Canada to the heart of the Midwest. State Highway 11 carries grain trucks from the Red River Valley to processing facilities. State Highway 59 and 175 feed into the I-29 corridor just across the North Dakota border. These aren’t just rural roads—they’re vital commercial arteries where massive grain haulers, livestock transports, and international freight trucks share asphalt with family sedans and farm equipment.
The statistics are sobering. While Kittson County’s population hovers around just 4,000 residents, the truck traffic disproportionately high. During harvest season, the roads swell with agricultural equipment and commodity trucks. During winter, those same roads become treacherous corridors of ice and blowing snow that even experienced truckers struggle to navigate safely.
Minnesota’s Legal Landscape
If you’ve been hurt in a Kittson County trucking accident, Minnesota law gives you two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. For wrongful death cases, you have three years from the date of death. But waiting is dangerous—evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and trucking companies have already started building their defense.
Minnesota follows a modified comparative negligence rule with a 51% bar. This means you can recover damages if you’re 50% or less at fault for the accident, but your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault. If you’re found 51% or more responsible, you recover nothing. This makes gathering evidence absolutely critical, and it’s why we send spoliation letters within 24 hours of being retained.
Unlike some states, Minnesota does not cap punitive damages in personal injury cases. When trucking companies act with gross negligence—like knowingly keeping fatigued drivers on the road or failing to repair brake systems—they can be hit with massive punitive awards that go beyond compensating you and actually punish the wrongdoing.
The 18-Wheeler Accident Types We See in Kittson County
Jackknife Accidents on Icy Highways
A jackknife occurs when the trailer swings out perpendicular to the cab, often blocking multiple lanes of traffic. In Kittson County, where State Highway 75 and County Road 4 see heavy truck traffic during winter storms, these accidents are particularly deadly. When a truck driver slams on the brakes on black ice, the trailer swings wide, creating a 70-foot wall of steel that sweeps everything in its path off the road.
These accidents often violate 49 CFR § 392.6—driving at speeds unsafe for conditions. Federal law requires truckers to reduce speed when roads are slippery, yet we see drivers maintaining highway speeds through whiteout conditions on Minnesota’s prairies. When they lose control, the jackknife blocks both lanes of traffic on these narrow rural highways, leaving no escape for oncoming vehicles.
Recent Result: We recovered over $5 million for a traumatic brain injury victim in a similar case involving a logging truck that jackknifed on an icy rural road.
Rollover Accidents in Agricultural Zones
Kittson County’s economy runs on agriculture. From the sugar beet fields outside Hallock to the wheat operations near Kennedy, harvest season means overloaded trucks rushing to elevators and processing plants. Rollovers happen when these trucks take curves too fast—particularly on Highway 11 where it bends toward the Red River—or when improperly secured grain shifts during transport.
Federal regulations under 49 CFR § 393.100-136 mandate proper cargo securement with specific performance criteria: cargo must withstand 0.8 g deceleration forward and 0.5 g laterally. When farmers or trucking companies overload trailers beyond capacity or fail to properly secure loads, they violate federal law. The result is a 40-ton truck tipping onto its side, crushing anything in its path.
Underride Collisions: The Silent Killer
Perhaps the most horrific accidents we handle are underride collisions, where a passenger vehicle slides under the trailer of an 18-wheeler. The trailer height aligns perfectly with the windshield of most cars, shearing off the roof and killing the occupants instantly. While federal law requires rear impact guards on trailers manufactured after 1998 under 49 CFR § 393.86, many older trailers still operate on Kittson County roads, and side underride guards remain optional.
These accidents often happen at dawn or dusk on Highway 75, when Minnesota’s flat terrain creates deceptive visibility and truck drivers fail to maintain proper lighting or reflective tape.
Rear-End Collisions and Brake Failure
An 80,000-pound truck traveling at 60 mph needs nearly 600 feet to stop on dry pavement—almost the length of two football fields. Add Minnesota’s icy roads, and that distance doubles. When truck drivers follow too closely or their brakes fail due to poor maintenance, catastrophic rear-end collisions result.
Federal law under 49 CFR § 392.11 prohibits following more closely than is “reasonable and prudent,” considering speed and traffic conditions. Yet we see truckers tailgating through the construction zones near Lake Bronson or failing to slow down for school buses on County Road 17.
Brake violations are the most common deficiency found in FMCSA roadside inspections. Under 49 CFR § 393.40-55, truckers must maintain proper brake systems, including service brakes on all wheels and properly adjusted air brake systems. When companies defer maintenance to save money, they gamble with lives.
Wide Turn and “Squeeze Play” Accidents
Rural intersections in Kittson County—like the junction of Highway 75 and Highway 11 in Hallock—weren’t designed for modern 53-foot trailers. When trucks make right turns, they must swing wide into the left lane, creating a dangerous gap that unsuspecting drivers try to sneak through. The truck then completes its turn, crushing the passenger vehicle against the curb or the truck’s own wheels.
These accidents often involve violations of 49 CFR § 392.2 (failure to obey traffic signals) or state traffic laws regarding improper turns. Driver inexperience with rural intersections plays a major role—many truckers navigating through Kittson County are long-haul drivers unfamiliar with local road geometry.
Tire Blowouts and Road Debris
Minnesota’s extreme temperature swings—from 90°F summers to -30°F winters—destroy truck tires. Underinflated tires overheat; cold weather makes rubber brittle. When a steer tire blows out at highway speeds, the driver loses control instantly.
Federal regulations under 49 CFR § 393.75 require minimum tread depths (4/32″ on steer tires) and mandate pre-trip inspections under 49 CFR § 396.13. Yet we see trucks with bald tires limping down MN-175, shedding “road gators” (tire debris) that cause secondary accidents for miles behind them.
Cargo Spills and Hazardous Materials
Kittson County’s agricultural industry means trucks hauling everything from liquid fertilizer to propane. When these loads spill—whether from improper securement under 49 CFR § 393.100 or overweight violations— they create environmental disasters and traffic hazards. A tanker rollover near the Red River doesn’t just block traffic; it contaminates water supplies and creates toxic exposure risks.
Client Story: After a cargo spill accident on Highway 59, client Glenda Walker told us, “They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.” That’s our promise to every Kittson County family we represent.
Who Can Be Held Liable in Your Kittson County Trucking Accident?
Most people think they can only sue the truck driver. They’re wrong. In 18-wheeler accidents, multiple parties often share responsibility, and each represents a different insurance policy that could cover your damages.
The Truck Driver
The driver who caused the accident may be personally liable for:
- Hours of Service Violations: Federal law under 49 CFR Part 395 limits drivers to 11 hours of driving after 10 consecutive hours off duty. Minnesota’s long stretches of rural highway tempt drivers to push beyond these limits.
- Distracted Driving: Texting while driving violates 49 CFR § 392.82. We subpoena cell phone records to prove distraction.
- Impaired Driving: Operating under the influence of drugs or alcohol violates 49 CFR § 392.5. Minnesota’s DWI laws also apply, with a lower BAC limit of 0.04% for commercial drivers.
The Trucking Company
Under the doctrine of respondeat superior, employers are liable for their employees’ negligent acts. But trucking companies can also be directly liable for:
- Negligent Hiring: Failing to verify driver qualifications under 49 CFR Part 391. Did they check the driver’s CDL status? Did they review his driving record? Did they verify his medical certificate?
- Negligent Training: Inadequate training on winter driving techniques or rural road navigation.
- Negligent Maintenance: Failing to inspect and repair brakes under 49 CFR § 396.3.
- Scheduling Pressure: Forcing drivers to violate Hours of Service rules to meet delivery deadlines.
Our team includes Lupe Peña, who spent years defending insurance companies. He knows the dirty secret: trucking companies often have “safety managers” whose real job is to hide violations from regulators.
Cargo Owners and Loaders
In agricultural communities like Kittson County, grain elevators and agricultural cooperatives often load trucks. If they overload the vehicle beyond its GVWR (Gross Vehicle Weight Rating) or fail to properly secure the load, they share liability. Under 49 CFR § 393.102, cargo securement systems must withstand specific forces—if the loading company cuts corners, they’re responsible when the load shifts and causes a rollover.
Maintenance Companies
Third-party mechanics who perform brake jobs or tire changes can be liable for negligent repairs. If a mechanic adjusted brakes improperly or installed the wrong tire size, they may share responsibility for the crash.
Truck and Parts Manufacturers
Defective brakes, steering systems, or tires can cause accidents even when the driver does everything right. We investigate whether the truck or any component had recall notices or known defect histories. Product liability claims against manufacturers can result in massive punitive damages when they knew about dangers but failed to warn.
Freight Brokers
Companies like C.H. Robinson (headquartered in Minnesota) or other logistics firms arrange transportation between shippers and carriers. If a broker negligently selected a carrier with a poor safety record—one with high CSA scores or a history of violations—they can be held liable for your injuries.
Government Entities
When poor road design contributes to accidents—like inadequate signage on Highway 75 near the Canadian border, lack of guardrails on curves, or failure to maintain safe shoulders—state or county governments may share liability. Minnesota has strict notice requirements for claims against government entities, so contacting us immediately is critical.
Why Evidence Disappears Fast (And Why You Must Act Now)
Trucking companies don’t wait to protect themselves. Within hours of an accident in Kittson County, they deploy “rapid response teams”—lawyers and investigators who arrive while the wreckage is still smoking. Their job is to control the narrative and minimize their liability.
The 48-Hour Rule
Critical evidence can disappear within days:
- ECM/Black Box Data: The truck’s electronic control module records speed, brake application, and engine performance. This data can be overwritten in 30 days or less.
- ELD Data: Electronic Logging Devices track Hours of Service compliance. FMCSA only requires retention for 6 months, but trucking companies often “lose” this data sooner if not preserved.
- Dashcam Footage: Many trucks have forward-facing cameras. This footage is often deleted within 7-14 days if not demanded.
- Driver Qualification Files: The trucking company must maintain records of the driver’s hiring, training, and medical qualifications under 49 CFR § 391.51. These files prove whether the company performed due diligence—or negligently hired an unqualified driver.
- Maintenance Records: Proof of deferred brake repairs or ignored tire warnings.
The Spoliation Letter
When you hire Attorney911, we immediately send a spoliation letter to the trucking company, their insurer, and any potentially liable parties. This legal notice puts them on notice that destroying evidence constitutes spoliation, which can result in:
- Sanctions by the court
- Adverse inference instructions (the jury is told to assume destroyed evidence was unfavorable to the trucking company)
- Default judgment in severe cases
Call us at 1-888-ATTY-911. We send these letters within 24 hours of retention. Every day you wait, evidence vanishes.
Catastrophic Injuries and Life-Altering Damages
The physics of an 18-wheeler collision in Kittson County don’t favor the passenger vehicle. With trucks weighing up to 80,000 pounds—20 times the weight of a typical car—the forces involved cause catastrophic, life-changing injuries.
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
Even “minor” truck accidents can cause traumatic brain injuries when the brain impacts the inside of the skull. Symptoms may not appear for days: headaches, confusion, memory loss, mood changes, and difficulty concentrating. TBIs can require lifelong care costing millions of dollars. Our firm has recovered settlements ranging from $1.5 million to $9.8 million for TBI victims.
Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis
The impact of a truck collision often causes spinal compression or severing. Paraplegia (loss of use of legs) and quadriplegia (loss of use of all four limbs) require lifelong medical care, home modifications, and loss of earning capacity. These cases often settle for $4.7 million to $25.8 million or more depending on the victim’s age and earning potential.
Amputations
When an 18-wheeler crushes a vehicle, occupants sometimes lose limbs either at the scene or through surgical necessity later. Amputation cases involve prosthetics (costing $5,000 to $50,000 each, requiring replacement every few years), physical therapy, and psychological trauma. We’ve secured $1.9 million to $8.6 million for amputation victims.
Wrongful Death
When trucking accidents kill loved ones on Kittson County roads, surviving family members can pursue wrongful death claims. Minnesota law allows recovery for lost income, loss of consortium, mental anguish, funeral expenses, and in cases of gross negligence, punitive damages. Our wrongful death settlements range from $1.9 million to $9.5 million and beyond.
Client Testimonial: “I lost everything… my car was at a total loss, and because of Attorney Manginello and my case worker Leonor, 1 year later I have gained so much in return plus a brand new truck.” — Kiimarii Yup
Insurance Coverage: Accessing the Money You Deserve
Commercial trucks carry exponentially more insurance than passenger vehicles. Federal law mandates:
- $750,000 minimum for non-hazardous freight
- $1,000,000 for petroleum products and large equipment
- $5,000,000 for hazardous materials
But accessing these funds requires proving liability under federal trucking regulations. Insurance companies won’t simply hand over their policy limits—you need an attorney who knows how to prove FMCSA violations and hold multiple parties accountable.
We have gone toe-to-toe with Fortune 500 companies, including BP in the Texas City Refinery explosion litigation that resulted in billions in settlements. When we take your case, we prepare every detail as if it’s going to trial, creating the leverage needed to force fair settlements.
Frequently Asked Questions for Kittson County Trucking Accident Victims
How long do I have to file a lawsuit after a trucking accident in Minnesota?
You have two years from the date of the accident for personal injury claims, and three years for wrongful death claims. However, you should contact an attorney immediately to preserve evidence that disappears within days.
What if I was partially at fault for the accident?
Under Minnesota’s comparative negligence law, you can recover damages if you are 50% or less at fault. Your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you’re found 20% at fault and suffer $500,000 in damages, you recover $400,000. If you’re 51% at fault, you recover nothing.
Should I talk to the trucking company’s insurance adjuster?
No. Do not give recorded statements or sign anything without consulting an attorney first. Insurance adjusters are trained to get you to say things that minimize your claim. Let us handle all communications.
How much is my case worth?
Every case is unique. Factors include injury severity, medical costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and available insurance coverage. We offer free consultations to evaluate your specific situation.
Do you handle cases for Spanish-speaking clients?
Yes. Hablamos Español. Our associate attorney Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish and provides direct representation without interpreters. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911.
What evidence do you gather from the trucking company?
We demand ECM/black box data, ELD logs, Driver Qualification Files, maintenance records, dispatch communications, cell phone records, and dashcam footage. We also hire accident reconstruction experts to analyze the crash scene.
Your Next Step: Call Attorney911 Today
You didn’t ask to be hit by an 80,000-pound truck on your way home to Kittson County. You didn’t ask for the medical bills, the lost wages, or the pain. But you can choose what happens next.
Ralph Manginello has been fighting for accident victims since 1998. With federal court experience, multi-million dollar verdicts, and a team that includes a former insurance defense attorney, we have the tools to hold trucking companies accountable. We work on contingency—you pay nothing unless we win. Zero upfront costs. Zero hidden fees.
Don’t let the trucking company push you around. Evidence is disappearing every day you wait. The truck’s black box data is counting down to deletion. Witnesses are forgetting what they saw.
Call Attorney911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911).
We have offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, and we serve trucking accident victims throughout Minnesota and across the United States. If you can’t come to us, we’ll come to you in Kittson County.
Email: ralph@atty911.com
Hablamos Español: Lupe Peña está disponible para consultas en español sin intérpretes.
You are NOT just a case number to us. As client Chad Harris said, “You are NOT a pest to them… You are FAMILY to them.” Let us treat you like family and fight for every dime you deserve.
Call 1-888-ATTY-911 now. Your future depends on what you do in the next 48 hours.
