Marion County 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyers

When 80,000 Pounds Changes Everything, You Need a Fighter

The corn fields stretch for miles along I-80 through Marion County, Iowa. Out here, the trucks come fast—hauling grain, equipment, and freight across the heartland. When an 18-wheeler loses control on these rural highways, the physics aren’t fair. Your sedan weighs 4,000 pounds. The truck that just hit you? Up to 80,000 pounds. That’s not a collision—it’s a catastrophe.

If you’ve been injured in a trucking accident anywhere in Marion County—from Knoxville to Pella, from the highways threading through the countryside to the streets of downtown Marion—you need an attorney who understands what happens next. Not just any lawyer, but someone who knows how to hold trucking companies accountable under federal regulations. Someone who has actually taken on Fortune 500 corporations and won.

Ralph Manginello has spent over 25 years fighting for families devastated by commercial truck crashes. Since 1998, he’s recovered multi-million dollar settlements for traumatic brain injuries, amputations, and wrongful death cases throughout Iowa and beyond. When a logging accident left a worker with permanent vision loss, we secured over $5 million. When a car crash led to a staph infection and partial leg amputation, we secured $3.8 million. These aren’t just numbers—they’re lifelines for people whose lives changed in an instant.

And here’s what makes us different from other firms: Our associate attorney, Lupe Peña, spent years working inside the insurance defense industry. He knows exactly how trucking insurers evaluate claims, train their adjusters to minimize payouts, and bury evidence. Now he uses that insider knowledge to fight for you. That advantage has helped us secure settlements that other lawyers said were impossible.

The clock is already ticking. Black box data can be overwritten in 30 days. Evidence disappears fast. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 right now for a free consultation. We serve Marion County clients from our offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont—but your case receives personal attention no matter where you are.

Why Marion County Truck Accidents Are Different

Marion County isn’t like downtown Chicago or Dallas. Our highways—I-80 cutting east-west through the county, US-63 running north-south, and the spiderweb of state routes connecting communities like Pleasantville and Melcher-Dallas—serve a unique traffic pattern. You’ve got agricultural equipment sharing roads with interstate commerce. During harvest season, grain trucks and combines create congestion. In winter, Iowa’s blizzards turn these corridors into ice hazards.

The trucking companies know this. They know that when a jackknife happens on a rural stretch of highway near Otley, emergency response takes longer. They know that documenting a cargo spill in a cornfield is more complicated than an urban crash. They count on you not knowing your rights under Iowa law.

Here’s what you need to know: Iowa operates under a “modified comparative negligence” system with a 51% bar (Iowa Code § 668.3). That means you can recover damages even if you were partially at fault, as long as you weren’t 51% or more responsible. But the trucking company’s insurance adjusters will try to pin as much blame on you as possible—especially in rural areas where they think juries might be skeptical of “city drivers.”

You have two years from the date of your accident to file a personal injury lawsuit in Iowa (Iowa Code § 614.1). For wrongful death claims, the clock starts running from the date of death, not the accident date. Two years sounds like a long time until you realize that critical evidence—the ECM data showing the truck’s speed, the ELD logs proving hours-of-service violations, the driver’s cell phone records—can vanish in weeks.

The Federal Regulations That Prove Negligence

Every 18-wheeler operating in Marion County must comply with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations codified in Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations. When trucking companies violate these rules, they create liability. We know exactly where to look.

Hours of Service Violations (49 CFR Part 395)

The driver who hit you on I-80 near Knoxville—was he on his 11th hour of driving? Federal law limits property-carrying drivers to:

• 11 hours maximum driving time after 10 consecutive hours off duty (49 CFR § 395.8(a)(1))
• 14-hour on-duty window—cannot drive beyond the 14th consecutive hour (49 CFR § 395.8(a)(2))
• 30-minute break required after 8 cumulative hours of driving (49 CFR § 395.8(e))
• 60/70 hour limits—no driving after 60 hours in 7 days or 70 hours in 8 days (49 CFR § 395.8(b)(1))

Since December 18, 2017, most trucks must use Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) that record this data automatically. We subpoena these records immediately. If the driver was speeding down US-63 while fatigued, violating the 11-hour limit, that’s negligence per se.

Driver Qualification Failures (49 CFR Part 391)

Marion County residents deserve qualified drivers on their roads. Under federal law, motor carriers must maintain a Driver Qualification File for every driver containing:

• Valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) verification
• Medical examiner’s certificate (49 CFR § 391.45)
• Previous employer inquiries for 3-year history (49 CFR § 391.23)
• Road test certification or equivalent (49 CFR § 391.31)

We’ve seen cases where trucking companies hired drivers with multiple DUIs or failed to verify medical certifications. When they put an unqualified driver behind the wheel hauling freight through Marion County, that’s negligent hiring—and it makes them liable.

Unsafe Equipment (49 CFR Parts 393 & 396)

That tire blowout that caused the rollover near Pella? The brakes that failed on the downgrade? Federal law requires systematic inspection and maintenance:

• Pre-trip inspections required daily (49 CFR § 396.13)
• Post-trip reports documenting any defects (49 CFR § 396.11)
• Annual inspections by qualified inspectors (49 CFR § 396.17)
• Brake systems must meet specific performance standards (49 CFR § 393.40-55)
• Cargo securement must withstand specific force criteria (49 CFR § 393.102)

When a trucking company defers maintenance to save money—putting trucks with worn brakes or bald tires on Iowa’s highways—they endanger everyone. We subpoena maintenance records going back years to find the pattern of neglect.

The 13 Types of Truck Accidents We See in Marion County

Not all trucking accidents are the same. Here are the crashes we handle most frequently in Marion County and throughout central Iowa:

1. Jackknife Accidents

When a truck driver brakes too hard on slick Iowa winter roads, the trailer swings perpendicular to the cab, blocking multiple lanes. Jackknifes often result from:

• Sudden braking on ice or wet pavement
• Speeding through curves on highways like Iowa Highway 14
• Empty trailers (more prone to swing)
• Brake system failures

These accidents create massive multi-vehicle pileups. The physics are brutal—there’s nowhere for oncoming traffic to go on a rural two-lane stretch.

2. Rollover Accidents

Iowa’s agricultural industry means trucks frequently haul liquid cargo—milk, chemicals, fuel. When these fluids shift on a curve, the center of gravity changes instantly. Rollovers also happen when:

• Drivers take ramps too fast (like the I-80/US-63 interchange)
• Cargo is improperly secured
• Drivers overcorrect after drifting onto shoulder gravel

Rollovers often spill cargo, creating secondary hazards for Marion County motorists.

3. Underride Collisions

The most devastating accidents occur when a passenger vehicle slides beneath the trailer. Rear underride guards are required by federal law (49 CFR § 393.86), but many are poorly maintained. Side underride guards aren’t federally mandated yet—though they should be. These accidents frequently result in decapitation or catastrophic head injuries.

4. Rear-End Collisions

An 80,000-pound truck needs nearly two football fields to stop from 65 mph (approximately 525 feet). When distracted or fatigued drivers don’t brake in time on I-80, the results are catastrophic. We see these frequently in construction zones or during sudden slowdowns near Des Moines commuter traffic.

5. Wide Turn Accidents (“Squeeze Play”)

Big rigs need extra space to turn right. They swing left first, creating a gap that drivers often enter. Then the truck cuts right, crushing the vehicle. These happen frequently at intersections in Marion County’s smaller towns where space is tight.

6. Blind Spot Accidents

Trucks have massive “no-zones”—areas where the driver can’t see vehicles. The right-side blind spot is particularly dangerous. When a truck changes lanes into a passenger vehicle on US-63, the car often gets pushed off the road or into oncoming traffic.

7. Tire Blowouts

Iowa’s temperature extremes—scorching summer pavement and freezing winter conditions—stress truck tires. When an 18-wheeler experiences a blowout at highway speeds, the driver often loses control. “Road gators” (shredded tire debris) also create hazards for following vehicles.

8. Brake Failure Accidents

Brake problems contribute to approximately 29% of large truck crashes. In Marion County’s rolling terrain, brake fade on long downgrades can be deadly. We investigate whether the trucking company:

• Properly maintained air brake systems
• Conducted required pre-trip inspections
• Ignored driver complaints about brake performance

9. Cargo Spill Accidents

When a grain truck overturns in Marion County, it’s not just corn on the road—it’s a massive cleanup operation and potential hazard. Hazardous materials spills require specialized response. Federal cargo securement rules (49 CFR § 393.100-136) require loads to withstand specific force thresholds. When loaders violate these rules, they create liability.

10. Head-On Collisions

Driver fatigue causes lane departures. When a truck crosses the centerline on a rural highway like County Route T14, the closing speed often exceeds 130 mph combined. These are rarely survivable for passenger vehicle occupants.

11. T-Bone/Intersection Accidents

Running red lights or stop signs in towns like Knoxville or Pella can result in broadside impacts. Trucks can’t stop quickly, and the side of a passenger vehicle offers little protection against a direct hit.

12. Sideswipe Accidents

On narrow rural roads or during lane changes on I-80, sideswipes can push smaller vehicles into guardrails or ditches.

13. Runaway Truck Accidents

On Marion County’s few steep grades, brake failure can lead to runaway trucks. This is particularly dangerous for tanker trucks carrying flammable liquids.

Every Liable Party We’ll Hold Accountable

Most law firms only sue the driver and maybe the trucking company. That’s leaving money on the table. We investigate every potentially liable party because more defendants means more insurance coverage means better recovery for you.

The Truck Driver

Direct negligence includes speeding, distracted driving (cell phone use is prohibited under 49 CFR § 392.82), fatigue, impairment, or failure to conduct pre-trip inspections.

The Trucking Company (Motor Carrier)

Under the doctrine of respondeat superior, employers are liable for employees’ negligent acts. Plus, we often find direct negligence:

• Negligent hiring: Did they verify the driver’s CDL and medical certificate? Check his DUI history?
• Negligent training: Did they teach him how to handle Iowa winter conditions?
• Negligent supervision: Did they monitor ELD data for hours-of-service violations?
• Negligent maintenance: Did they skip brake inspections to save money?

The Cargo Owner/Shipper

When a grain elevator loads a truck beyond capacity or fails to secure cargo properly, they create liability. We subpoose shipping contracts and loading instructions.

The Loading Company

Third-party loaders who improperly distribute weight or fail to use adequate tiedowns violate 49 CFR § 393.100. When cargo shifts causing a rollover in Marion County, we find out who loaded it.

Truck/Trailer Manufacturers

Defective brakes, faulty steering systems, or poor fuel tank placement can cause or worsen accidents. We investigate recalls and technical service bulletins through NHTSA databases.

Parts Manufacturers

When a brake component fails or a tire blows due to manufacturing defects, the component maker is liable. We preserve failed parts for expert analysis.

Maintenance Companies

Third-party mechanics who negligently repair brakes or return trucks to service with known defects share liability. We obtain work orders and parts invoices.

Freight Brokers

Brokers who arrange transportation but don’t own trucks may be liable for negligent selection of carriers. If they hired a carrier with a terrible safety record to save money, they’re responsible.

Truck Owner (If Different from Carrier)

In owner-operator arrangements, the actual owner may be liable for negligent entrustment or failure to maintain equipment.

Government Entities

Marion County or the Iowa Department of Transportation may be liable for:

• Dangerous road design
• Failure to maintain shoulders
• Inadequate signage
• Improper work zone setup

Note: Claims against government entities have special notice requirements and potential caps under Iowa law.

The Evidence That Wins Cases (And Why It Disappears Fast)

Trucking companies don’t play fair. Within hours of a crash on I-80, they’ve dispatched rapid-response teams to the scene. Their lawyers arrive before the ambulance leaves. They’re building their defense while you’re still in shock.

Critical evidence vanishes quickly:

• ECM/Black Box Data: Can be overwritten in 30 days or less
• ELD Logs: FMCSA only requires 6-month retention—we need these now
• Dashcam Footage: Often deleted within 7-14 days
• Witness Statements: Memories fade; we interview witnesses immediately
• Physical Evidence: Trucks get repaired or sold; cargo gets moved

Our 48-Hour Protocol:
When you hire Attorney911, we immediately send spoliation letters to every potential defendant. These legal notices put them on notice that destroying evidence will result in sanctions or adverse inference instructions (courts can tell juries to assume destroyed evidence was unfavorable).

We demand preservation of:

• All ECM and ELD data
• Driver Qualification Files
• Maintenance records for the past 3 years
• Cell phone records and dispatch communications
• Dashcam and surveillance footage from nearby Marion County businesses

As client Donald Wilcox told us: “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.” We succeed because we dig deeper and preserve evidence other firms miss.

Catastrophic Injuries: The Real Cost of Trucking Accidents

The injuries from 18-wheeler accidents aren’t simple bumps and bruises. We’re talking about life-altering trauma:

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

The force of a truck impact causes the brain to strike the inside of the skull. Even “mild” TBIs can cause:

• Memory loss and confusion
• Personality changes
• Inability to work
• Seizures and sensory deficits

Lifetime care costs range from $85,000 to $3 million+. We’ve recovered $1.5 million to $9.8 million for TBI victims.

Spinal Cord Injuries

Paralysis is devastating. Tetraplegia (all four limbs) or paraplegia (lower body) requires:

• Lifetime medical care
• Home modifications
• Specialized vehicles
• Lost earning capacity

Our firm has secured settlements ranging from $4.7 million to $25.8 million for spinal cord injuries.

Amputations

When a truck crushes a limb beyond repair, victims face:

• Prosthetics ($5,000-$50,000+ each, needing replacement every few years)
• Phantom limb pain
• Career ending disability
• Psychological trauma

We’ve secured $1.9 million to $8.6 million for amputation cases.

Wrongful Death

When a Marion County family loses a loved one to a truck driver’s negligence, we pursue:

• Lost future income and benefits
• Loss of consortium and parental guidance
• Mental anguish
• Funeral expenses
• Punitive damages for gross negligence

Settlement ranges typically fall between $1.9 million and $9.5 million, though every case is unique.

As client Glenda Walker said: “They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.” That’s our promise to Marion County families.

Iowa Law: What You Must Know

Statute of Limitations

You have 2 years from the accident date (or death date for wrongful death) to file suit in Iowa. Miss this deadline, and you lose your rights forever—no matter how severe your injuries.

Comparative Fault

Iowa is a “modified comparative fault” state with a 51% bar. If you’re found 20% at fault, your recovery reduces by 20%. If you’re 51% or more at fault, you recover nothing. The trucking company will blame you—we fight back with data from the ECM and accident reconstruction.

Punitive Damages

Iowa allows punitive damages under certain circumstances (Iowa Code § 668A.1). When trucking companies knowingly put dangerous drivers on the road or destroy evidence, juries can award additional damages to punish them.

Damage Caps

Iowa does NOT cap non-economic damages in personal injury cases involving trucking accidents. Your pain and suffering compensation is not artificially limited by state law.

Frequently Asked Questions: Marion County Truck Accidents

How much is my Marion County trucking accident case worth?
It depends on injury severity, medical costs, lost wages, and available insurance. Federal law requires minimum coverage of $750,000 to $5 million for commercial trucks. We’ve secured settlements from hundreds of thousands to millions. Call us to evaluate your specific situation: 888-ATTY-911.

What if the truck driver was an independent contractor?
We investigate the relationship. Often, “independent contractors” are actually employees under the law, making the trucking company liable. Plus, we sue the driver directly and their insurance carrier.

Should I talk to the trucking company’s insurance adjuster?
Never. Not without a lawyer present. Adjusters are trained to minimize your claim. As client Chad Harris noted: “You are NOT a pest to them and you are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.” At Attorney911, we handle all communications so you can focus on healing.

How do you prove the driver was fatigued?
We subpoena ELD data showing hours of service violations. We analyze ECM data for erratic driving patterns. We review dispatch records to see if the company pressured the driver to meet unrealistic deadlines.

What if I was partially at fault?
Under Iowa law, you can still recover as long as you weren’t more than 50% at fault. Don’t let the trucking company bully you into accepting blame. The data often tells a different story than the driver’s version.

How long will my case take?
Simple cases: 6-12 months. Complex litigation involving multiple defendants: 1-3 years. But we work efficiently—client Angel Walle told us: “They solved in a couple of months what others did nothing about in two years.”

Do I need to pay upfront?
Absolutely not. We work on contingency—33.33% pre-trial, 40% if we go to trial. You pay nothing unless we win. We advance all investigation costs. Hablamos Español. Lupe Peña offers fluent Spanish representation without interpreters.

What makes Attorney911 different?
25+ years of experience. Federal court admission. A former insurance defense attorney on our team who knows their playbook. Multi-million dollar results. And we treat you like family, not a case number.

What should I do right now?
Call 1-888-288-9911 immediately. The trucking company is already building their defense. We need to send preservation letters before evidence disappears. Ralph Manginello and the team at Attorney911 are available 24/7 for Marion County accidents.

Can I afford a lawyer if I’m out of work?
Yes. Our contingency fee means you pay nothing upfront. We only get paid when you get paid. Medical bills and lost wages can be addressed through your settlement or through liens we arrange with providers.

What if my injuries seem minor now?
See a doctor immediately. Adrenaline masks pain. Traumatic brain injuries and internal bleeding often show delayed symptoms. Documentation protects both your health and your legal rights.

Your Marion County Truck Accident Attorneys

When disaster strikes on Marion County’s highways—whether it’s a jackknife on I-80 during a January blizzard or a cargo spill on a rural route near Harvey—you need more than just a lawyer. You need a firm with the resources to take on billion-dollar trucking corporations.

Ralph Manginello has been admitted to practice in federal court (Southern District of Texas), which matters because many trucking cases involve interstate commerce and federal regulations. He cut his teeth on complex litigation including the BP Texas City Refinery explosion that killed 15 workers—cases against the world’s largest corporations.

Currently, we’re litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against the University of Houston and Pi Kappa Phi fraternity. This shows our capacity to handle major institutional defendants—the same skills we bring to your trucking case against major carriers like Walmart, FedEx, Amazon, or UPS.

With offices in Houston (1177 West Loop S, Suite 1600), Austin (316 West 12th Street), and Beaumont, we serve Marion County clients with local dedication and national-level resources. Our 4.9-star Google rating from 251+ reviews reflects our commitment to client communication and results.

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

We know Marion County. We know the difference between a Des Moines commuter and a rural farmer hauling equipment. We understand that an accident near the Knoxville Raceway on a busy weekend requires different investigative approaches than a winter pileup on I-80.

And we know the law. From 49 CFR Part 395’s hours-of-service rules to Iowa Code § 668.3’s comparative fault provisions, we build cases that withstand scrutiny.

Don’t let the trucking company push you around. Don’t become another statistic in the 5,100+ annual truck fatalities.

Call 1-888-ATTY-911 now. Free consultation. No fee unless we win. Spanish services available with Lupe Peña.

Marion County, Iowa deserves justice. We’re here to deliver it.