24/7 LIVE STAFF — Compassionate help, any time day or night
CALL NOW 1-888-ATTY-911
Blog | Earth

Livingston County 18-Wheeler Accident Attorneys: Attorney911 Features Federal Court Admitted Ralph Manginello With 25+ Years and $50+ Million Recovered Including $5+ Million Brain Injury and $3.8+ Million Amputation Settlements Alongside Former Insurance Defense Attorney Lupe Peña Who Knows Every Carrier Tactic, Mastering Interstate FMCSA 49 CFR Parts 390-399 Regulations, Hours of Service Violations and Black Box Data Extraction for Jackknife, Rollover, Underride, Brake Failure and All Commercial Truck Crashes, Catastrophic Injury and Wrongful Death Specialists Serving Livingston County With Free 24/7 Consultation, No Fee Unless We Win, 48-Hour Evidence Preservation, Hablamos Español, Call 1-888-ATTY-911

February 25, 2026 27 min read
livingston-county-featured-image.png

18-Wheeler Accident Attorneys in Livingston County, Michigan

When 80,000 Pounds Changes Everything

The impact was catastrophic. One moment you’re driving home on I-96 through Livingston County, Michigan. The next, an 80,000-pound truck is jackknifing across three lanes of ice-covered highway. In an instant, your life changes forever.

Every 16 minutes, someone in America is injured in a commercial truck crash. Over 5,000 people die annually in these accidents, with 76% of the fatalities occurring in the smaller vehicle. Here in Livingston County, where I-96 and US-23 carry massive freight traffic between Detroit, Lansing, and Chicago, the risk is real and constant.

If you’ve been hurt in an 18-wheeler accident in Livingston County, you need more than a lawyer—you need a fighter. You need someone who knows how to hold trucking companies accountable when they put dangerous drivers on Michigan highways or cut corners on maintenance to save a buck.

Attorney911 has been fighting for trucking accident victims for over 25 years. Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has secured multi-million dollar verdicts against the largest trucking companies in America. We’ve recovered over $50 million for families devastated by catastrophic crashes. And we’re ready to fight for you.

Call 1-888-ATTY-911 now. The trucking company already called their lawyers. What are you doing?

Why 18-Wheeler Accidents in Livingston County Are Different

The Physics Don’t Lie

Your car weighs 4,000 pounds. The semi-truck that hit you weighs 80,000 pounds fully loaded. That’s not a fair fight. When an 18-wheeler traveling at 65 mph hits a passenger vehicle, the force is devastating—equivalent to dropping a 20-story building on your car.

In Livingston County, the danger is heightened by our location along critical freight corridors. I-96 cuts through the county carrying manufacturing parts between Detroit and Chicago, while US-23 connects the region to Ann Arbor and Toledo. These highways see constant truck traffic, especially during Michigan’s harsh winters when stopping distances double on ice.

Trucking companies know this. They know I-96 gets treacherous when lake-effect snow blows in. They know that rush hour between Howell and Brighton creates congestion that leads to rear-end collisions. Yet they continue to push drivers beyond federal limits, skip maintenance checks, and hire unqualified operators to maximize profits.

Why You Can’t Handle This Alone

Trucking companies have teams of lawyers. They have rapid-response investigators who arrive at accident scenes before the ambulance leaves. They have insurance adjusters trained to minimize your claim before you even know the full extent of your injuries.

You need someone who fights back. Since 1998, Ralph Manginello has made trucking companies pay for their negligence. Our firm includes Lupe Peña, an associate attorney who used to defend insurance companies—now he uses that insider knowledge against them. As client Chad Harris told us after his case settled, “You are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.”

Don’t face the trucking company alone. Call 888-ATTY-911 today for a free consultation.

Types of 18-Wheeler Accidents on Livingston County Highways

Jackknife Accidents

A jackknife occurs when the trailer and cab skid in opposite directions, folding at an angle like a pocket knife. The trailer swings perpendicular to the cab, often sweeping across all lanes of traffic. These accidents account for approximately 10% of all trucking deaths and frequently cause multi-vehicle pileups.

In Livingston County, jackknifes are particularly dangerous on I-96 during winter storms. When temperatures drop and roads ice over, sudden braking can cause a trailer to swing out of control. We’ve seen jackknife accidents near the Howell exit block both directions of traffic for hours, involving multiple passenger vehicles.

Jackknifes often result from:

  • Sudden braking on wet or icy roads
  • Improperly loaded or unbalanced cargo
  • Brake system failures from poor maintenance
  • Driver inexperience with emergency maneuvers

These crashes violate 49 CFR § 393.48 (brake system requirements) and 49 CFR § 393.100 (cargo securement standards). When we investigate a jackknife in Livingston County, we immediately subpoena the driver’s ECM data to prove speed and braking, along with maintenance records showing whether brakes were properly adjusted.

Rollover Accidents

Rollovers occur when an 18-wheeler tips onto its side or roof. Due to the truck’s high center of gravity and massive weight, rollovers are among the most catastrophic trucking accidents. Approximately 50% of rollover crashes result from failure to adjust speed on curves—a critical factor on the exit ramps along US-23 in Livingston County.

The physics are brutal. A fully loaded truck taking the I-96 exit ramp at Brighton too fast simply cannot stay upright. The cargo shifts, the center of gravity changes, and 80,000 pounds of steel and freight crush everything in its path.

Rollovers frequently stem from:

  • Speeding on curves, ramps, or turns
  • Liquid cargo “slosh” shifting weight
  • Overcorrection after tire blowouts
  • Driver fatigue causing delayed reaction

These accidents implicate 49 CFR § 393.100-136 (cargo securement rules) and 49 CFR § 392.6 (speeding for conditions). We recently handled a rollover case where the trucking company had failed to properly secure liquid cargo, causing a shift that killed two people. The company paid dearly.

Underride Collisions

Underride collisions are the most fatal type of 18-wheeler accident. They occur when a smaller vehicle crashes into the rear or side of a trailer and slides underneath. The trailer height often shears off the passenger compartment at windshield level, causing decapitation or catastrophic head trauma.

Approximately 400-500 underride deaths occur annually in the United States. Livingston County’s high-speed highways make these accidents particularly deadly when trucks stop suddenly on I-96.

Federal law (49 CFR § 393.86) requires rear impact guards on trailers manufactured after January 26, 1998. However, many older trailers lack adequate protection, and NO federal rule mandates side underride guards—though advocacy groups continue pushing for this lifesaving requirement.

When we investigate an underride collision in Livingston County, we examine:

  • Underride guard inspection and maintenance records
  • Rear lighting compliance
  • Whether guards met federal strength standards
  • Visibility conditions at the crash scene

Rear-End Collisions

An 80,000-pound truck traveling at 65 mph needs approximately 525 feet to stop—that’s nearly two football fields. A car at the same speed needs about 300 feet. This 40% longer stopping distance means truck drivers who follow too closely or get distracted for even a few seconds cause devastating rear-end collisions.

On US-23 through Livingston County, where stop-and-go traffic is common near the construction zones and interchanges, rear-end truck accidents are frequent. The results are catastrophic: whiplash, traumatic brain injury, spinal cord damage, and often death.

These crashes violate 49 CFR § 392.11 (following too closely) and often involve 49 CFR § 392.82 (mobile phone use). Our associate attorney Lupe Peña, who formerly worked in insurance defense, knows exactly how to prove the driver was distracted or fatigued at the moment of impact.

Wide Turn Accidents (“Squeeze Play”)

Wide turn accidents occur when an 18-wheeler swings left before making a right turn, creating a gap that other vehicles enter. The truck then completes its turn, crushing the vehicle. These accidents are common in Livingston County’s downtown areas and near the Howell outlets, where trucks navigate tight turns.

Trucks must swing wide because the trailer tracks inside the cab’s path. But drivers must signal properly and check mirrors before completing the maneuver. When they don’t, innocent drivers get crushed between the trailer and the curb.

These accidents implicate state traffic laws and 49 CFR § 392.11 (unsafe lane changes).

Blind Spot Accidents (“No-Zone”)

An 18-wheeler has four massive blind spots:

  • Front: 20 feet directly ahead
  • Rear: 30 feet behind
  • Left side: From cab door backward
  • Right side: Extends much farther than the left (most dangerous)

When truck drivers change lanes without properly checking these blind spots, they sideswipe passenger vehicles or force them off the road. On busy highways like I-96, a moment of inattention causes catastrophic crashes.

Federal regulations (49 CFR § 393.80) require mirrors providing clear view to the rear on both sides. We investigate whether mirrors were properly adjusted and whether the driver received adequate training on blind spot checking.

Tire Blowout Accidents

Michigan’s extreme temperature variations and pothole-ridden roads create perfect conditions for tire failures. When an 18-wheeler experiences a steer tire blowout, the driver often loses immediate control. The resulting debris (“road gators”) causes secondary accidents when following vehicles strike the rubber.

Tire blowouts stem from:

  • Underinflated tires causing overheating
  • Overloaded vehicles exceeding tire capacity
  • Worn tires not replaced
  • Manufacturing defects
  • Road debris and potholes (common in Michigan)

These cases involve 49 CFR § 393.75 (tire tread depth requirements) and 49 CFR § 396.13 (pre-trip inspection duties).

Brake Failure Accidents

Brake problems contribute to approximately 29% of large truck crashes. Complete brake failure often results from systematic maintenance neglect—trucking companies deferring repairs to save money until someone dies.

Michigan’s winters are brutal on brake systems. Salt, ice, and freezing temperatures accelerate wear. When companies skip maintenance to keep trucks rolling, they violate 49 CFR § 396.3 (systematic inspection and maintenance) and 49 CFR § 393.40-55 (brake system requirements).

We recently handled a case where a Livingston County accident revealed brake pads worn down to metal. The company had ignored driver complaints for weeks. They paid millions.

Cargo Spill and Shift Accidents

Improperly secured cargo spills onto Livingston County highways, causing chain-reaction accidents. When cargo shifts during transit, it destabilizes the truck, causing rollovers or jackknifes.

Federal rules (49 CFR § 393.100-136) mandate specific securement standards: aggregate working load limits must equal at least 50% of cargo weight, and tiedowns must withstand specific force levels. When loading companies cut corners, they put everyone at risk.

Head-On Collisions

When fatigued or impaired truck drivers cross centerlines on two-lane roads in rural Livingston County, the results are almost always fatal. These accidents often involve 49 CFR § 395 (hours of service violations) or 49 CFR § 392.3 (operating while impaired).

Federal Regulations That Protect You (And How Trucking Companies Break Them)

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulates all commercial trucks operating in interstate commerce. When trucking companies violate these rules, they create deadly conditions. Proving violations is often the key to securing maximum compensation.

49 CFR Part 391: Driver Qualification Standards

Federal law mandates who can legally drive an 18-wheeler. Drivers must:

  • Be at least 21 years old (interstate)
  • Read and speak English sufficiently
  • Possess a valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)
  • Pass a physical exam every 2 years (or less if conditions warrant)
  • Have a clean driving record

The Violation: Trucking companies often hire unqualified drivers to fill seats. We’ve seen cases where companies hired drivers with suspended licenses, failed drug tests, or histories of reckless driving. When they do, they’re liable for negligent hiring under Part 391.

Every motor carrier must maintain a Driver Qualification (DQ) File containing employment applications, driving records, road test certificates, medical exams, and drug test results. We subpoena these files immediately—they often prove the company never should have hired the driver who hurt you.

49 CFR Part 392: Driving Rules

This section governs how drivers operate trucks. Key violations we find:

Fatigued Driving (§ 392.3): “No driver shall operate a commercial motor vehicle… while the driver’s ability or alertness is so impaired, or so likely to become impaired, through fatigue… as to make it unsafe.”

Drugs and Alcohol (§ 392.4-5): Prohibits operating under the influence of drugs or alcohol (BAC .04 or higher).

Following Too Close (§ 392.11): Requires drivers to maintain safe following distances.

Mobile Phone Use (§ 392.82): Bans hand-held mobile phone use and texting while driving.

When truckers violate these rules in Livingston County, they endanger everyone on I-96 and US-23. We prove violations using ECM data (showing speed and braking), cell phone records (proving distraction), and ELD logs (proving fatigue).

49 CFR Part 393: Vehicle Safety and Cargo Securement

This section covers equipment standards. We frequently find violations of:

Cargo Securement (§ 393.100-136): Requires tiedowns with sufficient working load limits to prevent shifting during transit.

Brakes (§ 393.40-55): Mandates properly functioning brake systems on all wheels.

Lighting (§ 393.11-26): Requires working headlamps, taillamps, and reflectors.

When cargo spills on westbound I-96 near Howell because of inadequate tiedowns, or when brakes fail on a downhill grade because of poor maintenance, these regulations provide the basis for proving negligence.

49 CFR Part 395: Hours of Service (HOS)

These are the most commonly violated regulations—and the most deadly. For property-carrying drivers:

  • 11-hour driving limit: Cannot drive more than 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty
  • 14-hour duty window: Cannot drive beyond the 14th consecutive hour after coming on duty
  • 30-minute break: Must take a break after 8 cumulative hours of driving
  • 60/70-hour weekly limit: Cannot drive after 60 hours in 7 days or 70 hours in 8 days

Since December 18, 2017, most trucks must use Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) that automatically record hours. This data is objective evidence of fatigue. We send preservation letters immediately to prevent deletion—ELD data can be overwritten in as little as 30 days.

49 CFR Part 396: Inspection and Maintenance

Trucking companies must systematically inspect, repair, and maintain vehicles. Drivers must conduct pre-trip inspections and file written post-trip reports noting defects.

When companies skip maintenance to keep trucks moving, they violate § 396.3. When drivers ignore obvious problems, they violate § 396.11. We use maintenance records and inspection reports to prove the company knew the truck was dangerous but put it on the road anyway.

Who Can Be Held Liable? (Hint: It’s More Than Just the Driver)

One critical difference between car accidents and 18-wheeler crashes is the number of potentially liable parties. In a typical car crash, you sue the other driver. In a trucking accident, we investigate all responsible parties to maximize your recovery.

1. The Truck Driver

The driver is personally liable for negligent acts:

  • Speeding or reckless driving
  • Distracted driving (cell phone, GPS, eating)
  • Driving while fatigued or impaired
  • Failure to conduct proper inspections
  • Violating traffic laws

We gather evidence including the driver’s cell phone records, ELD data, and post-accident drug/alcohol test results.

2. The Trucking Company (Motor Carrier)

This is usually the primary target because they carry the highest insurance limits ($750,000 to $5 million or more). Companies are liable under:

Vicarious Liability (Respondeat Superior): Employers are responsible for employees’ negligent acts within the scope of employment.

Direct Negligence:

  • Negligent Hiring: Failing to check the driver’s background, CDL status, or safety record
  • Negligent Training: Inadequate safety training
  • Negligent Supervision: Failing to monitor ELD compliance
  • Negligent Maintenance: Deferring repairs to save money
  • Negligent Scheduling: Pressuring drivers to violate HOS rules

We subpoena Driver Qualification Files, safety training records, and dispatch logs to prove the company cut corners.

3. Cargo Owner/Shipper

The company that arranged the shipment may be liable if they:

  • Required overweight loading
  • Failed to disclose hazardous cargo
  • Provided improper loading instructions
  • Pressured the carrier to expedite delivery unsafely

4. Cargo Loading Company

Third-party loading companies can be liable for:

  • Improper cargo securement (Part 393 violations)
  • Unbalanced load distribution
  • Failure to use proper tiedowns

5. Truck/Trailer Manufacturer

Defective design or manufacturing of brakes, tires, or stability control systems can create product liability claims against manufacturers.

6. Parts Manufacturers

Defective brake components, tires, or steering mechanisms may implicate parts suppliers.

7. Maintenance Company

Third-party mechanics who negligently repair trucks or fail to identify safety issues can be liable when their failures cause crashes.

8. Freight Broker

Brokers who arrange transportation but don’t own trucks may be liable for negligent carrier selection—hiring carriers with poor safety records to save money.

9. Truck Owner (If Different from Carrier)

In owner-operator arrangements, the owner may bear separate liability for negligent entrustment or maintenance failures.

10. Government Entity

In limited circumstances, Michigan or Livingston County may be liable for dangerous road design, inadequate signage, or failure to maintain highways (potholes, ice removal, etc.).

Michigan Special Consideration: Claims against government entities have strict notice requirements (often within 120 days) and damage caps ($260,000 per person/$500,000 per occurrence for state claims as of 2024). Act immediately if a road defect contributed to your crash.

The 48-Hour Evidence Preservation Protocol

Why You Must Act Immediately

Trucking companies have rapid-response teams. Within hours of an accident, they dispatch investigators to the scene to protect their interests—not yours. Critical evidence disappears fast:

Evidence Type Destruction Risk
ECM/Black Box Data Overwrites in 30 days or with new driving events
ELD Logs May be retained only 6 months
Dashcam Footage Often deleted within 7-14 days
Driver Qualification Files Can be “lost” or altered
Maintenance Records Retroactively “created” to hide negligence
Witness Statements Memories fade within weeks

Every hour you wait, evidence disappears. That’s why Attorney911 sends spoliation letters within 24 hours of being retained.

The Spoliation Letter

A spoliation letter is a formal legal notice demanding preservation of all evidence related to the accident. Once sent, the trucking company has a legal duty to preserve:

  • ECM/EDR data (speed, braking, throttle position)
  • ELD records (hours of service)
  • Driver Qualification File
  • Maintenance and inspection records
  • Dispatch logs
  • Drug/alcohol test results
  • Cell phone records
  • GPS tracking data
  • Dashcam footage
  • Physical truck and trailer (before repair)

If the company destroys evidence after receiving our letter, courts can:

  • Instruct the jury to assume the destroyed evidence was unfavorable
  • Impose monetary sanctions
  • Award punitive damages for intentional destruction

We don’t wait. When you hire Attorney911, we send preservation letters immediately.

Black Box Data (ECM/EDR)

Commercial trucks record continuous operational data:

  • Speed before impact: Proves if the driver was speeding
  • Brake application: Shows when and how hard the driver hit the brakes
  • Throttle position: Reveals acceleration patterns
  • Seatbelt use: Shows if the truck driver was restrained
  • Engine fault codes: May reveal known mechanical issues

This objective data often contradicts the driver’s story. One recent case in Livingston County involved a driver who claimed he was traveling 55 mph in a 70 zone. ECM data showed he was actually doing 82 mph immediately before the crash. That data changed everything.

Catastrophic Injuries: When Your Life Changes Forever

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

TBI occurs when sudden trauma causes the brain to impact the inside of the skull. In 18-wheeler accidents, the extreme forces often cause moderate to severe TBI.

Symptoms:

  • Confusion, memory loss, difficulty concentrating
  • Headaches, dizziness, nausea
  • Mood changes, depression, anxiety
  • Sleep disturbances
  • Sensory problems (vision, hearing)

Lifetime Costs: $85,000 to $3,000,000+ depending on severity.

We’ve recovered $1.5 million to $9.8 million for TBI victims. These cases require extensive documentation of cognitive impairment, loss of earning capacity, and future care needs.

Spinal Cord Injury

Damage to the spinal cord disrupts communication between the brain and body, often causing paralysis:

  • Paraplegia: Loss of function below the waist
  • Quadriplegia: Loss of function in all four limbs
  • Incomplete injuries: Some nerve function remains

Lifetime Care Costs:

  • Paraplegia: $1.1 to $2.5 million+
  • Quadriplegia: $3.5 to $5 million+

These figures represent direct medical costs only—not lost wages, pain and suffering, or loss of quality of life. Our firm has secured $4.7 million to $25.8 million for spinal cord injury cases.

Amputation

In 18-wheeler accidents, crushing forces often necessitate traumatic or surgical amputation of limbs. Victims face:

  • Multiple surgeries
  • Prosthetic limbs ($5,000-$50,000+ per prosthetic)
  • Lifelong replacement needs
  • Phantom limb pain
  • Career limitations or total disability

We’ve recovered $1.9 million to $8.6 million for amputation cases, including a recent $3.8 million settlement for a client who lost a limb due to medical complications following a crash.

Severe Burns

Fuel fires and hazmat spills cause catastrophic burns requiring:

  • Skin grafts and reconstructive surgery
  • Long-term rehabilitation
  • Chronic pain management
  • Psychological counseling

Wrongful Death

When a trucking accident kills a loved one, surviving family members can pursue wrongful death claims under Michigan law. Available damages include:

  • Lost future income and benefits
  • Loss of consortium (companionship, guidance)
  • Mental anguish
  • Funeral and burial expenses
  • Medical expenses before death

We’ve recovered $1.9 million to $9.5 million for wrongful death cases involving 18-wheeler accidents.

As client Ernest Cano said, “Mr. Manginello and his firm are first class. Will fight tooth and nail for you.” That’s the level of advocacy your family deserves.

Michigan Law: What You Need to Know

Statute of Limitations

You have three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit in Michigan. For wrongful death claims, the clock starts running on the date of death, which may be different from the accident date.

Do not wait. While three years may seem like ample time, evidence disappears within days. The trucking company’s black box data can be gone in 30 days. Witness memories fade. We recommend contacting an attorney immediately to preserve your rights.

Comparative Negligence: Michigan’s 51% Bar Rule

Michigan follows a “modified comparative negligence” system with a 51% bar. This means:

  • If you are 50% or less at fault for the accident, you can recover damages, but your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault
  • If you are 51% or more at fault, you recover nothing

Example: If a jury awards $500,000 but finds you 20% at fault, your recovery is $400,000 (reduced by 20%). If you’re found 51% at fault, you receive $0.

Insurance companies love to blame victims. Our job is to prove the truck driver and trucking company were responsible. We gather evidence—ECM data, ELD logs, witness statements—to disprove false allegations of comparative fault.

No Damage Caps in Michigan

Unlike some states, Michigan does not cap compensatory damages in personal injury cases. This means:

  • No limit on economic damages: Full recovery of medical bills, lost wages, and future care costs
  • No cap on non-economic damages: Full recovery for pain and suffering, mental anguish, and loss of enjoyment of life
  • No statutory cap on punitive damages: While rare, punitive damages are available in cases of gross negligence or willful misconduct without arbitrary limits

Insurance Requirements and UM/UIM

Michigan requires minimum auto insurance, but those minimums are often insufficient for 18-wheeler accidents. However, trucking companies must carry much higher limits under federal law:

Federal Minimums:

  • Non-hazardous freight: $750,000
  • Oil/petroleum: $1,000,000
  • Hazardous materials: $5,000,000

Many carriers carry $1-5 million in coverage. The key is accessing these policies, which requires proving the trucking company’s liability—a task requiring experienced legal counsel.

Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage: If the truck driver lacks adequate insurance, your own UM/UIM policy may provide coverage. Michigan’s new no-fault laws (recently reformed) affect how these claims work—consult an attorney immediately to understand your options.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Call 911, seek medical attention, document the scene with photos, get the trucking company name and DOT number, collect witness information, and do not give recorded statements to insurance companies. Then call Attorney911 at 1-888-288-9911.

Should I talk to the trucking company’s insurance adjuster?

No. Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize your claim. They record conversations and twist your words. Let your attorney handle all communication. Our associate Lupe Peña used to work for insurance companies—he knows exactly how they operate, and now he uses that knowledge to protect you.

How long do I have to file a lawsuit in Michigan?

Three years from the accident date for personal injury. However, evidence disappears much faster. Call us within 24-48 hours if possible.

What if I was partially at fault?

Under Michigan’s modified comparative negligence rule, you can recover if you were 50% or less at fault, but your damages are reduced by your percentage of fault. If you’re 51% or more at fault, you cannot recover. We work to minimize any attributed fault through thorough investigation.

How much is my case worth?

Values vary based on injury severity, medical costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and available insurance. Trucking companies carry $750,000 to $5 million in coverage. We’ve recovered multi-million dollar settlements for catastrophic injuries in Michigan.

Who pays my medical bills while I wait for settlement?

Your own auto insurance (PIP benefits under Michigan law) initially covers medical expenses. For amounts beyond PIP limits or in severe cases, we can help arrange medical treatment on a lien basis—doctors agree to wait for payment until your case settles.

What if the truck driver was an independent contractor?

Both the driver and the trucking company that contracted them may be liable. We investigate the nature of the relationship and pursue all available insurance policies.

How long will my case take?

Simple cases: 6-12 months. Complex litigation: 1-3 years. Catastrophic injury cases requiring extensive treatment may take longer. We work efficiently while maximizing value.

Will my case go to trial?

Most settle, but we prepare every case for trial. Insurance companies offer better settlements when they know your attorney will take them to court. Ralph Manginello has 25+ years of trial experience, including federal court admission.

What does “contingency fee” mean?

You pay nothing unless we win. Our fee is a percentage of your recovery (typically 33.33% pre-trial, 40% if trial is necessary). We advance all costs—evidence fees, expert witnesses, court filings. If we don’t recover money for you, you owe us nothing.

As client Glenda Walker told us, “They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.” That’s our commitment to you.

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Livingston County 18-Wheeler Case?

25+ Years Fighting for Victims

Ralph Manginello has represented injury victims since 1998. He’s admitted to federal court in the Southern District of Texas and has gone toe-to-toe with Fortune 500 corporations like BP in the Texas City Refinery litigation involving 15 deaths and 170+ injuries.

Former Insurance Defense Attorney on Your Side

Our associate attorney Lupe Peña spent years working for a national insurance defense firm. He knows exactly how trucking insurers evaluate, minimize, and deny claims from the inside. Now he fights against them. That’s your unfair advantage.

Multi-Million Dollar Results

We’ve recovered:

  • $5+ million for traumatic brain injury victims
  • $3.8+ million for amputation cases
  • $2+ million for maritime and trucking accidents
  • $1.9-$9.5 million for wrongful death cases

Total recoveries exceed $50 million for Texas and Michigan families.

Three Offices, National Reach

With offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we handle 18-wheeler cases throughout Michigan and across the United States. Our federal court experience means we can represent you in Livingston County regardless of where the trucking company is based.

4.9-Star Rating (251+ Reviews)

Our clients rate us highly because we treat them like family. As Chad Harris said, “You are FAMILY to them.” We offer:

  • 24/7 availability
  • Direct attorney access (not just paralegals)
  • Spanish-language services (Lupe Peña is fluent)
  • No fee unless we win

We Take Cases Other Firms Reject

Donald Wilcox came to us after another firm refused his case. We took it and secured a significant settlement. “One company said they would not accept my case,” Donald said. “Then I got a call from Manginello… I got a call to come pick up this handsome check.”

Don’t Wait. The Trucking Company Is Already Building Their Defense.

The trucking company that hit you has lawyers working right now to protect their interests. Their insurance adjuster is looking for ways to pay you less. Evidence is disappearing.

You need someone fighting for you. Now.

Call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911) for a free, confidential consultation. We’ll evaluate your case, explain your rights under Michigan law, and tell you exactly what we can do to help.

Hablamos Español. Llame a Lupe Peña al 1-888-ATTY-911.

Your fight starts with one call. We’re ready when you are.

Attorney911 | The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC

Share this article:

Need Legal Help?

Free consultation. No fee unless we win your case.

Call 1-888-ATTY-911

Ready to Fight for Your Rights?

Free consultation. No upfront costs. We don't get paid unless we win your case.

Call 1-888-ATTY-911