Every year, thousands of tractor-trailer trucks roll through the pine forests and rural highways of Long County. When one of those 80,000-pound machines loses control on I-95 or drifts across the centerline on Highway 99, the results are catastrophic. If you’re reading this after a trucking accident in Long County, you’re likely facing medical bills that won’t wait, an insurance company that’s already calling, and the sinking realization that your life changed in an instant.
We’re Attorney911, and over the past 25 years, Ralph Manginello has recovered multi-million dollar settlements for families devastated by 18-wheeler crashes across Georgia and Texas. We’ve gone toe-to-toe with the largest trucking companies in America, and we understand exactly what happens when a commercial carrier’s negligence turns a Georgia highway into a danger zone. With offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont serving clients nationwide—and associate attorney Lupe Peña providing inside knowledge from his years defending insurance companies—the team at Attorney911 is ready to fight for Long County victims who deserve more than a lowball settlement.
Call us now at 1-888-ATTY-911 or 888-288-9911 for a free consultation. We answer 24 hours a day, and we work on contingency: you pay nothing unless we win your case.
Why 18-Wheeler Accidents in Long County Are Different
An accident involving a commercial truck isn’t just a “bigger car accident.” The physics alone change everything. A fully loaded tractor-trailer can weigh up to 80,000 pounds—twenty times the weight of a typical passenger car. When a vehicle that size hits a family sedan or pickup truck on Long County roads, the force is often fatal or life-altering.
But the differences go beyond physics. Trucking companies are regulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), a federal agency that sets strict rules under 49 CFR Parts 390 through 399. These regulations cover everything from how long a driver can operate without rest to how cargo must be secured. When a trucking company violates these rules—and they often do—the violation becomes evidence of negligence.
In Georgia, specifically Long County and the surrounding Southeast Georgia region, you have two years from the date of your accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. However, waiting is dangerous. Georgia follows a modified comparative negligence rule with a 50% bar. This means if you’re found 50% or more at fault, you recover nothing. If you’re less than 50% at fault, your damages are reduced by your percentage of fault. The trucking company’s insurers will try to push you over that 50% threshold—so documenting the scene immediately and preserving evidence is critical.
Types of Trucking Accidents We See in Long County
The stretch of I-95 running through coastal Georgia, combined with local agricultural routes and the heavy freight traffic heading to and from the Port of Savannah, creates unique hazards. We’ve handled every type of 18-wheeler accident imaginable, and we know which types are most likely to occur on Long County highways.
Jackknife Accidents
A jackknife occurs when the trailer swings out perpendicular to the cab, creating an uncontrolled pivot that often sweeps across multiple lanes. On highways like I-95 through Long County, a jackknifed truck can block the entire roadway, causing multi-vehicle pileups.
These accidents typically happen when a driver brakes suddenly, especially on wet roads or when traveling too fast for conditions. Under 49 CFR § 392.6, drivers must operate at speeds reasonable for conditions. When they don’t, and the trailer swings out, the trucking company is liable. We immediately subpoena the Electronic Control Module (ECM) data to prove speed and braking patterns.
Rear-End Collisions
An 18-wheeler traveling at 65 mph needs approximately 525 feet to stop—nearly two football fields. When truck drivers follow too closely or are distracted by their phones or dispatch systems, they can’t stop in time. Under 49 CFR § 392.11, drivers must maintain a reasonable following distance.
Rear-end truck accidents are particularly dangerous on rural Long County highways where traffic may slow unexpectedly for farm equipment or wildlife. The impact often forces smaller vehicles into oncoming traffic or off the road entirely.
Underride Collisions
Perhaps the most horrific trucking accidents involve underrides—when a passenger vehicle slides underneath the trailer. Despite federal regulations under 49 CFR § 393.86 requiring rear impact guards, many trailers have weak or missing guards, or the guards fail upon impact.
Side underride accidents are equally deadly and currently lack mandatory federal guard requirements—though we aggressively pursue claims against manufacturers and trucking companies for these preventable tragedies. When a car slides under a trailer on Highway 84 or US 301, the injuries are typically decapitation or catastrophic traumatic brain injury.
Rollover Accidents
The rural roads of Long County include curves and bridges where a speeding or improperly loaded truck can roll. Rollovers often result from cargo shifts—when freight isn’t secured properly under 49 CFR § 393.100-136. Liquid cargo that sloshes in tanker trucks can also shift the center of gravity, causing the driver to lose control.
When a truck rolls on a narrow county road, it may crush vehicles beside it or spill hazardous cargo that creates secondary accidents. We investigate the cargo loading company’s role in these cases, not just the driver’s.
Wide Turn Accidents (“Squeeze Play”)
Large trucks need extra space to make right turns. They often swing left first, creating a gap that tempts other drivers to pull alongside. When the truck completes its turn, it crushes the vehicle in the blind spot. These accidents often happen at intersections in Ludowici and other Long County communities where farm traffic and local vehicles mix with interstate freight.
Blind Spot Accidents
An 18-wheeler has massive “No-Zones”—blind spots extending 20 feet in front, 30 feet behind, and alongside the cab. Under 49 CFR § 393.80, mirrors must provide adequate rear vision, but many trucks have inadequate mirror systems or drivers who fail to check them before changing lanes on I-95.
Tire Blowouts
The heat and humidity of Southeast Georgia, combined with long hauls on I-95, create perfect conditions for tire failures. When a truck tire blows at highway speed, the driver often loses control, or the “road gator” (tire debris) strikes following vehicles. 49 CFR § 393.75 requires proper tread depth and maintenance, yet trucking companies often defer tire replacement to save money.
Brake Failure Accidents
Brake problems contribute to approximately 29% of large truck crashes. Under 49 CFR § 396.3, carriers must systematically inspect and maintain brakes. When they fail to do so, the results are devastating—an 80,000-pound missile that can’t stop for red lights on US 25 or traffic backups on I-95.
Cargo Spills and Hazmat Incidents
Long County’s proximity to the Port of Savannah means heavy container traffic. When cargo isn’t secured properly under federal regulations, it can spill across the highway, creating pileups. If the cargo is hazardous—chemicals, fuel, or industrial materials—the spill can cause fires, explosions, and toxic exposure.
Head-On Collisions
These occur when fatigued or distracted drivers drift across the centerline on two-lane highways like SR 196 or US 301. Under 49 CFR § 392.3, drivers cannot operate while fatigued or impaired. ELD (Electronic Logging Device) data often proves the driver violated hours-of-service rules—driving beyond the 11-hour limit before the crash.
Every one of these accident types involves distinct FMCSA violations. We know how to find them.
Who Can Be Held Liable for Your Long County Trucking Accident?
One mistake many firms make is only suing the truck driver. At Attorney911, we investigate every potentially liable party because more defendants means more insurance coverage means maximum compensation for your family.
1. The Truck Driver
If the driver was speeding, fatigued, distracted, or under the influence of drugs or alcohol (violating 49 CFR § 392.4 and § 392.5), they’re personally liable. We subpoena cell phone records, drug test results, and ELD logs to prove it.
2. The Trucking Company (Motor Carrier)
Under respondeat superior, employers are responsible for their employees’ actions. Additionally, trucking companies are directly liable for:
- Negligent hiring (failing to check driving records under 49 CFR § 391.51)
- Negligent training (inadequate safety instruction)
- Negligent supervision (ignoring HOS violations)
- Negligent maintenance (skipping brake inspections under 49 CFR § 396.3)
3. The Cargo Owner/Shipper
If the company that loaded the freight demanded unreasonable delivery times—pressuring the driver to violate hours-of-service rules—or failed to disclose hazardous materials, they share liability.
4. The Loading Company
When cargo shifts because it wasn’t secured properly under 49 CFR § 393.100, the company that loaded the trailer may be responsible for the rollover or jackknife that followed.
5. Truck and Trailer Manufacturers
If defective brakes, steering systems, or underride guards contributed to the crash, we pursue product liability claims against the manufacturers.
6. Parts Manufacturers
Defective tires, brake components, or lighting systems that failed can implicate the parts maker in your accident.
7. Maintenance Companies
Third-party mechanics who performed negligent repairs or failed to identify dangerous conditions during inspections may be liable.
8. Freight Brokers
Brokers who arrange shipping have a duty to select safe carriers. If they hired a trucking company with a poor safety record (low CSA scores) to save money, they can be held responsible.
9. The Truck Owner (If Different from Carrier)
In owner-operator situations, the owner who leases the truck to the carrier may share liability, especially if they failed to maintain the vehicle.
10. Government Entities
If dangerous road design, inadequate signage, or poor maintenance contributed to the accident on a Georgia state route or county road, the government entity may bear partial responsibility. Note that Georgia has strict notice requirements for claims against government entities—typically within months, not years.
Our associate attorney, Lupe Peña, spent years working for national insurance defense firms before joining our team. He knows exactly how trucking insurers try to shift blame among these parties to minimize payouts. Now he uses that insider knowledge to identify every possible defendant and every available insurance policy for our Long County clients.
Critical Evidence We Preserve in Long County Trucking Cases
Here’s something the trucking companies don’t want you to know: evidence disappears fast.
Within hours of a crash, the trucking company dispatches a “rapid response team” of investigators and attorneys to the scene. They’re not there to help you—they’re there to protect the company’s interests.
That’s why we act immediately. When you call 1-888-ATTY-911, we send a spoliation letter within 24 hours demanding preservation of:
Electronic Data:
- ECM/Black box data (records speed, braking, and throttle position)
- ELD logs (proves hours-of-service violations under 49 CFR § 395.8)
- GPS and telematics data
- Dashcam footage (often overwritten within days)
- Dispatch communications
Driver Records:
- Driver Qualification File (background checks, medical certifications under 49 CFR § 391.41)
- Drug and alcohol test results (49 CFR § 382)
- Previous accident history
- Training records
Vehicle Records:
- Maintenance and inspection logs (49 CFR § 396)
- Brake adjustment records
- Tire inspection reports
- Out-of-service orders
Physical Evidence:
- The actual truck and trailer (before repairs)
- Failed components for expert analysis
- Cargo and securement devices
FMCSA regulations require carriers to retain some records for only six months. Once that period passes—or once the truck is repaired—evidence can be legally destroyed unless we’ve sent a preservation letter. The clock is ticking. Black box data can be overwritten in as little as 30 days.
If you’ve been in a trucking accident anywhere in Long County—from Walthourville to Ludowici to the I-95 corridor—call us now at 1-888-288-9911. We’ll handle the preservation while you focus on healing.
Catastrophic Injuries Require Catastrophic Compensation
The injuries sustained in 18-wheeler accidents aren’t minor bumps and bruises. We’re talking about life-altering trauma that requires millions of dollars in future care.
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
When a passenger’s head strikes the dashboard or window, or when an underride collision shears off the roof, the brain suffers severe trauma. TBI can cause cognitive impairment, personality changes, memory loss, and permanent disability. Our firm has recovered between $1.5 million and $9.8 million for TBI victims, depending on severity and long-term prognosis.
Spinal Cord Injury and Paralysis
The force of a truck impact often crushes vertebrae or severs the spinal cord. Quadriplegia (loss of all four limbs) or paraplegia (loss of lower body function) requires lifetime care, home modifications, and lost earning capacity. These cases often settle in the $4.7 million to $25.8 million range.
Amputations
Crushing injuries from underride accidents or rollovers sometimes require surgical amputation. Beyond the initial trauma, victims face prosthetic costs ($50,000+ per limb), replacement every few years, and permanent disability. We’ve secured $1.9 million to $8.6 million for amputation cases.
Severe Burns
Tanker explosions or fuel tank ruptures cause deep thermal burns requiring skin grafts, reconstructive surgery, and lifelong pain management. Third and fourth-degree burns often lead to infection, organ failure, and permanent disfigurement.
Internal Organ Damage
Blunt force trauma from truck impacts can rupture livers, spleens, and kidneys. These injuries may not show symptoms immediately but can be life-threatening without emergency surgery.
Wrongful Death
When a trucking accident takes a loved one, Georgia law allows the estate and surviving family members to recover damages for lost income, loss of consortium, mental anguish, and funeral expenses. While no amount replaces a life, we’ve recovered $1.9 million to $9.5 million in wrongful death trucking cases to provide financial security for grieving families.
As client Chad Harris told us after his case settled: “You are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.” And Glenda Walker added: “They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.” When you’re facing these catastrophic injuries, you need a firm that treats you like family while fighting for maximum compensation.
Insurance Coverage in Georgia Trucking Accidents
Federal law requires trucking companies to carry substantial insurance:
- $750,000 minimum for general freight
- $1,000,000 for oil and hazardous materials
- $5,000,000 for certain hazmat and passenger carriers
Many carriers carry $1-5 million in coverage, and we identify all available policies—including umbrella coverage, trailer interchange insurance, and cargo policies.
In Georgia, unlike some states, there are no caps on compensatory damages for personal injury cases. While the state imposes a $250,000 cap on punitive damages in most cases (with exceptions for intentional conduct and alcohol/drug-related accidents), economic and non-economic damages are unlimited. This means your medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and future care costs can be fully recovered.
Georgia does cap damages in claims against government entities at $250,000 per person or $500,000 per occurrence, and notice must be given within specific timeframes (often within 12 months for local entities, shorter for some state claims). If your accident involved a government vehicle or dangerous road conditions maintained by the state or Long County, immediate legal action is essential.
The 48-Hour Rule: Why You Must Act Now
Every hour you wait after a trucking accident, evidence vanishes. Witnesses’ memories fade. The truck’s black box data gets overwritten. Surveillance video from nearby businesses is deleted. The trucking company’s lawyers are already building their defense.
At Attorney911, we offer 24/7 availability because we know emergencies don’t wait for business hours. When you call 888-ATTY-911, we:
- Send preservation letters immediately to prevent evidence destruction
- Deploy investigators to the Long County accident scene
- Obtain police reports and witness statements
- Handle all communications with insurance companies so you don’t get tricked into recorded statements
- Connect you with medical providers who accept cases on a Letter of Protection (no upfront cost)
Donald Wilcox, a former client, explained: “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.” Another client, Kiimarii Yup, told us: “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.”
Don’t let the trucking company take advantage of you while you’re recovering.
Frequently Asked Questions About Long County Trucking Accidents
How long do I have to file a lawsuit in Long County?
Georgia law gives you two years from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit, and two years from the date of death for wrongful death claims. However, evidence preservation must happen within days, not years. Call us immediately.
What if I was partially at fault?
Under Georgia’s modified comparative negligence rule, you can recover as long as you are less than 50% at fault. Your percentage of fault reduces your recovery. We investigate aggressively to disprove allegations that you contributed to the crash.
How much is my case worth?
It depends on your injuries, medical costs, lost income, and the degree of negligence. Trucking cases typically settle for more than car accidents because of higher insurance limits and catastrophic injuries. We’ve recovered millions for clients with severe injuries.
Should I talk to the trucking company’s insurance adjuster?
Never. Insurance adjusters work for the trucking company, not you. They are trained to get you to say things that minimize your claim. Refer all calls to your attorney.
What if the truck was from out of state?
We handle interstate trucking accidents regularly. Under the FMCSA, trucking companies must follow federal regulations regardless of where they’re based. We’re admitted to federal court and can pursue cases against carriers from Texas, Florida, or anywhere in the country.
Do you handle cases for Spanish speakers in Long County?
Sí. Hablamos Español. Nuestro abogado asociado Lupe Peña habla español fluido y puede ayudarle directamente sin intérpretes. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911 hoy.
What types of trucks do you handle?
All commercial vehicles: 18-wheelers, tanker trucks, flatbeds, box trucks, garbage trucks, concrete mixers, and delivery vans. If it’s a commercial vehicle governed by FMCSA regulations, we handle it.
How do I pay for medical treatment?
We help arrange medical care under a Letter of Protection, meaning you pay nothing until your case settles. We also work with health insurance and can help navigate Medicare/Medicaid liens.
Will my case go to trial?
Most cases settle, but we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial. Insurance companies know which lawyers are willing to go to court—and they pay more to those firms. We have the resources and experience to try your case if necessary.
What’s the first step?
Call 1-888-288-9911 now for a free consultation. We’ll evaluate your case, explain your rights, and begin preserving evidence immediately.
Your Fight Starts With One Phone Call
Ralph Manginello has been fighting for accident victims since 1998. He’s taken on Fortune 500 companies like BP in the Texas City Refinery explosion litigation, recovered $50+ million for clients, and currently represents a student in a $10 million hazing lawsuit against the University of Houston. This aggressive, determined approach is what you need when you’re up against a trucking company that’s already minimizing your suffering.
You don’t have to face this alone. The trucking company has lawyers. So should you.
Call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 (888-288-9911) or (713) 528-9070 today. We serve Long County and all of Georgia from our Houston office, with federal court admission allowing us to handle cases nationwide.
Your consultation is free. You pay nothing unless we win. And with our team—including former insurance defense attorney Lupe Peña—you’ll have someone fighting for you who knows exactly how the other side operates.
Don’t wait. Evidence is disappearing. The trucking company is already building their defense. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 now.
Attorney Ralph P. Manginello, State Bar of Texas No. 24007597, admitted to practice in Texas and New York, and U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas. Attorney Lupe Eleno Peña, State Bar of Texas No. 24084332, admitted to practice in Texas and U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas. The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC. Offices in Houston (1177 West Loop S, Suite 1600), Austin (316 West 12th Street), and Beaumont.
