18-Wheeler & Trucking Accident Attorneys Serving McDonough County, Illinois

When 80,000 Pounds Changes Everything in an Instant

One moment you’re driving home through McDonough County after a long day. The next, an 80,000-pound semi-truck is jackknifing across US-67 or barreling down IL-110 toward your windshield. In the blink of an eye, your life changes forever.

If you or someone you love has been hit by a commercial truck anywhere in McDonough County—whether near Macomb, out on the rural highways around Colchester, or along the heavy ag-hauling routes connecting to I-72—you need an attorney who understands the devastation these crashes cause and knows exactly how to make trucking companies pay.

At Attorney911, we’ve spent over 25 years fighting for families devastated by 18-wheeler accidents. Ralph Manginello, our managing partner, has recovered multi-million dollar settlements for accident victims and has the federal court experience to take on the biggest trucking companies operating in Illinois. Our associate attorney Lupe Peña spent years defending insurance companies before joining our firm—now he uses that insider knowledge to fight against them, giving our clients a proven advantage.

When a truck driver or trucking company’s negligence causes catastrophic injuries in McDonough County, you need more than a lawyer. You need a fighter. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 or (888) 288-9911 for a free consultation. We answer 24/7, and you pay nothing unless we win your case.

Why 18-Wheeler Accidents in McDonough County Are Different

Trucking accidents aren’t just big car crashes. In McDonough County, where US-67 and IL-110 carry heavy agricultural freight, oilfield equipment, and commercial goods through our rural communities, these collisions create unique dangers.

An 18-wheeler can weigh up to 80,000 pounds—twenty times the weight of a typical sedan. When a truck hits a passenger vehicle in McDonough County at highway speeds, the results are often catastrophic. We’ve seen every type of trucking accident imaginable here in western Illinois, from jackknife crashes on icy winter roads to rollover accidents caused by improperly secured grain loads.

The trucking companies have teams of lawyers working immediately after a crash to protect their interests. Their insurance adjusters are trained to minimize your claim. Before the ambulance even leaves the scene in McDonough County, their rapid-response team is already working to limit your recovery.

That’s why accident victims in McDonough County choose Attorney911. We know their playbook because we used to be on their side. Lupe Peña, our associate attorney, spent years working for a national insurance defense firm. He knows exactly how trucking insurers evaluate claims, pressure victims to accept low offers, and hide critical evidence. Now he uses that insider knowledge to fight for you.

As client Chad Harris told us: “You are NOT a pest to them and you are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.” That’s how we treat every McDonough County client—like family fighting for justice against corporate giants.

The 10 Types of Truck Accidents We See in McDonough County

Jackknife Accidents on McDonough County Highways

A jackknife occurs when an 18-wheeler’s trailer swings out perpendicular to the cab, often crossing multiple lanes of traffic. In McDonough County, where winter ice and sudden stops on US-67 cause frequent jackknifes, these accidents create deadly multi-vehicle pileups.

These crashes typically happen because:

• The driver braked too hard on slippery surfaces
• The truck was speeding for conditions
• The trailer was empty or lightly loaded (more prone to swing)
• Brake systems failed due to poor maintenance

Under 49 CFR § 392.6, truck drivers must operate at speeds safe for conditions. When they don’t adjust for McDonough County’s winter weather or wet spring roads, they violate federal law. We subpoena the ECM (electronic control module) data to prove exactly how fast they were going and whether they hit the brakes too late.

Rollover Accidents Near Macomb and Beyond

Rollovers happen when an 18-wheeler tips onto its side or roof. The high center of gravity on these massive vehicles means any sudden turn or shift in cargo weight can cause catastrophe. Around McDonough County’s rural intersections and along IL-110’s curves, rollover accidents often block traffic for hours and cause devastating injuries.

Top-heavy loads—common in agricultural trucking throughout McDonough County—make rollovers more likely. If the loading company failed to properly secure grain, equipment, or livestock, they violated 49 CFR § 393.100-136 regarding cargo securement. We investigate loading records to determine if improper weight distribution caused the crash.

Underride Collisions: The Most Deadly Truck Accidents

Underride accidents occur when a smaller vehicle slides underneath a truck’s trailer. These accidents are almost always fatal in McDonough County because the trailer shears off the passenger compartment at windshield level.

Federal law requires rear impact guards under 49 CFR § 393.86, but many trucks have inadequate or missing guards. Side underride guards still aren’t federally mandated, creating deadly gaps where passenger vehicles can slide under during lane changes or intersection accidents.

We’ve handled underride cases where families in McDonough County lost loved ones because trucking companies prioritized profits over safety. These cases often result in multi-million dollar wrongful death settlements because the negligence is so clear and the injuries so catastrophic.

Rear-End Collisions on McDonough County Roads

An 18-wheeler needs nearly 525 feet to stop when traveling at 65 mph—that’s almost two football fields. When truck drivers in McDonough County follow too closely, get distracted by their phones, or suffer from fatigue, they can’t stop in time to avoid crushing the vehicle in front of them.

Under 49 CFR § 392.11, drivers must maintain safe following distances. Violations of 49 CFR § 392.82 (prohibiting hand-held mobile phone use) are common in these crashes. We subpoena cell phone records and ECM data to prove the driver was distracted or failed to brake in time.

Wide Turn and “Squeeze Play” Accidents

Big trucks need extra space to turn right. They often swing left first to make the turn, creating a gap that unsuspecting drivers in McDonough County enter. When the truck completes its turn, it crushes the vehicle in the “squeeze play.”

These accidents often occur at rural intersections throughout McDonough County where visibility is limited and drivers aren’t expecting a semi to swing so wide. The trucking company may be liable for failing to properly train the driver on safe turning procedures or for inadequate warning signs on the vehicle.

Blind Spot (No-Zone) Accidents

18-wheelers have massive blind spots on all four sides—areas where the driver simply cannot see other vehicles. When truckers in McDonough County change lanes on US-67 or merge onto IL-110 without checking their mirrors, they sideswipe cars, push them off the road, or run them into oncoming traffic.

Federal regulations under 49 CFR § 393.80 require proper mirrors, but violations are common. We examine the truck’s mirror configuration and the driver’s training records to prove they should have seen your vehicle.

Tire Blowout Accidents

When a truck tire explodes at highway speeds, the driver often loses control, causing jackknife or rollover accidents. Debris from “road gators” (shredded tire pieces) also creates secondary accidents for other McDonough County drivers.

Tire blowouts usually indicate maintenance failures. Under 49 CFR § 393.75, truck tires must have adequate tread depth (4/32″ on steer tires). 49 CFR § 396.13 requires pre-trip inspections. When trucking companies defer maintenance to save money, they put everyone on McDonough County roads at risk.

Brake Failure Accidents

Brake problems contribute to approximately 29% of large truck crashes. In McDonough County, where trucks descend gentle grades and navigate stop-and-go traffic through small towns, brake failures cause devastating rear-end collisions and intersection accidents.

Federal law requires systematic brake maintenance under 49 CFR § 396.3 and 49 CFR § 393.40-55. We demand maintenance records, driver vehicle inspection reports (DVIRs), and mechanic work orders to prove the trucking company knew their brakes were unsafe but kept the truck on the road anyway.

Cargo Spill and Shift Accidents

McDonough County’s agricultural economy means heavy grain trucks, livestock haulers, and equipment transports share our roads. When cargo shifts during transport, it destabilizes the truck, causing rollovers or jackknifes. When cargo spills onto US-67 or IL-110, it creates dangerous obstacles for other drivers.

Cargo securement violations are among the most common FMCSA violations we find. The regulations under 49 CFR § 393.100-136 require specific tiedown strengths and loading procedures. When loading companies in or around McDonough County cut corners, we hold them accountable for the carnage they cause.

Head-On Collisions

When a fatigued or impaired truck driver crosses into oncoming traffic in McDonough County, the results are almost always fatal. These accidents often involve hours-of-service violations (49 CFR § 395), drug or alcohol impairment (49 CFR § 392.4-5), or medical issues that should have disqualified the driver under 49 CFR § 391.41.

We investigate the driver’s entire history—medical certifications, drug tests, driving records, and ELD logs—to prove they should never have been behind the wheel that day.

Who Can Be Held Responsible for Your McDonough County Truck Accident?

In a typical car accident, you might only sue the other driver. But 18-wheeler accidents in McDonough County are different. Multiple parties may share responsibility, and more defendants mean more insurance coverage available for your recovery.

The Truck Driver

Obviously, the driver who caused the crash may be personally liable for speeding, distraction, fatigue, or impairment. We investigate their driving history, cell phone records, and medical certifications to prove negligence.

The Trucking Company

Under the doctrine of respondeat superior, employers are responsible for their employees’ negligent acts. But trucking companies in McDonough County can also be directly liable for:

• Negligent hiring: Failing to check the driver’s background or hiring someone with a history of violations
• Negligent training: Sending drivers onto dangerous McDonough County roads without proper instruction
• Negligent supervision: Failing to monitor driver hours and safety compliance
• Negligent maintenance: Putting trucks on the road with bad brakes or worn tires

We subpoena the Driver Qualification File, maintenance records, and dispatch records to prove the company prioritized profits over safety.

The Cargo Owner and Loading Company

When grain spills, equipment shifts, or livestock moves unexpectedly in McDonough County, the company that loaded the truck may be liable. Under 49 CFR § 393.100, loaders must secure cargo to withstand specific force thresholds. We examine loading manifests and securing procedures to prove negligence.

Truck and Parts Manufacturers

Defective brakes, steering systems, or tires can cause accidents even when the driver does everything right. We investigate recall notices, technical service bulletins, and similar complaint patterns to prove product liability.

Freight Brokers

Brokers who arrange transportation but don’t own the trucks may be liable for negligent carrier selection. If they hired a trucking company with poor safety records to haul goods through McDonough County, they share in the blame.

Maintenance Companies

Third-party mechanics who service 18-wheelers can be liable for negligent repairs. When they return trucks to service with known defects, they put McDonough County families at risk.

Government Entities

If dangerously designed roads, inadequate signage, or poor maintenance contributed to your McDonough County accident, local or state government may share liability—though sovereign immunity rules and strict notice deadlines apply in Illinois.

The Critical 48-Hour Evidence Rule for McDonough County Accidents

Evidence in trucking accidents disappears fast. When you’re recovering from injuries in a McDonough County hospital, the trucking company is already working to destroy evidence that proves their negligence.

Here’s what you need to know:

Black Box Data Can Be Overwritten in 30 Days
The truck’s ECM records speeds, braking, throttle position, and fault codes critical to proving your case. But this data can be overwritten with new driving events within 30 days—or sooner. We send emergency spoliation letters within 24 hours of being retained to preserve this evidence.

ELD Logs Only Required for 6 Months
Electronic Logging Devices track driver hours and prove fatigue violations. Federal law only requires trucking companies to keep these for 6 months, but we demand immediate preservation to prevent destruction.

Dashcam Footage Disappears Fast
Many trucks have forward-facing and cab-facing cameras that capture exactly what happened. But footage is often deleted within 7-14 days. We demand immediate preservation of all video evidence.

Physical Evidence Must Be Documented Now
The truck itself may be repaired, sold, or scrapped. Tire marks fade. Witness memories blur. We deploy accident reconstruction experts immediately to document the McDonough County crash scene before conditions change.

What Our Spoliation Letter Demands

When you hire Attorney911, we immediately send legal notices to the trucking company and their insurer demanding preservation of:

• Electronic Data: ECM/EDR downloads, ELD logs, GPS tracking, dispatch communications, cell phone records
• Driver Records: Complete Driver Qualification File, medical certifications, drug tests, training records, previous accidents
• Vehicle Records: Maintenance logs, inspection reports, brake adjustment records, tire history
• Corporate Records: Safety policies, hours of service records for 6 months prior, insurance policies
• Physical Evidence: The truck and trailer, failed components, cargo securement devices

Once they receive our letter, destroying evidence constitutes “spoliation”—allowing judges to instruct juries to assume the destroyed evidence would have proven the trucking company’s negligence. This threat often forces early, fair settlements.

Under Illinois law, you generally have 2 years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit (735 ILCS 5/13-202). But waiting is dangerous. Evidence disappears, witnesses move away, and trucking companies build their defenses. If you’ve been hit by a truck in McDonough County, call 1-888-ATTY-911 today—not next week, not next month. Today.

Catastrophic Injuries and What They’re Worth

18-wheeler accidents in McDonough County often cause life-changing injuries. The massive weight disparity between a semi-truck and a passenger vehicle means survivors rarely walk away with just bumps and bruises.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

Even with a seatbelt and airbags, the violent forces in a truck accident cause the brain to strike the inside of the skull. TBI can range from concussions to severe brain damage requiring lifelong care.

Our firm has recovered between $1.5 million and $9.8 million for traumatic brain injury victims. These cases require extensive documentation of cognitive deficits, personality changes, and ongoing medical needs.

Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis

Damage to the spinal cord can result in paraplegia (loss of function below the waist) or quadriplegia (loss of function in all four limbs). These injuries require wheelchairs, home modifications, and 24/7 care.

Settlement ranges for spinal cord injuries in McDonough County trucking cases often reach $4.7 million to $25.8 million or more, depending on the victim’s age and earning capacity.

Amputations

When crush injuries from truck accidents require surgical amputation of limbs, victims need prosthetics (costing $5,000-$50,000+ each), rehabilitation, and psychological counseling. We’ve secured between $1.9 million and $8.6 million for amputation victims.

Severe Burns

Fuel tank ruptures and hazmat spills can cause devastating burns requiring skin grafts, reconstructive surgery, and years of treatment.

Wrongful Death

When a trucking accident in McDonough County kills a loved one, surviving family members can recover for lost income, lost companionship, mental anguish, funeral expenses, and punitive damages. Our wrongful death recoveries have ranged from $1.9 million to $9.5 million.

Note: Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Every case is unique.

Illinois Law: What McDonough County Accident Victims Need to Know

Modified Comparative Negligence

Illinois follows a “modified comparative negligence” rule with a 51% bar (735 ILCS 5/2-1116). This means you can recover damages as long as you’re not more than 50% at fault for the accident. However, your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault. If you’re 20% at fault, you recover 80% of your damages. If you’re 51% at fault, you recover nothing.

This is why thorough investigation is critical. The trucking company will try to blame you. We fight back with hard evidence from black box data, witness statements, and accident reconstruction.

Statute of Limitations

In Illinois, you have 2 years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. For wrongful death claims, the 2-year clock starts from the date of death. Miss this deadline, and you lose your right to compensation forever—no matter how severe your injuries or how clear the trucking company’s negligence.

No Caps on Damages

Unlike some states, Illinois does not cap non-economic damages (pain and suffering) in trucking accident cases. If a jury awards millions for your suffering, you can collect it. Punitive damages—designed to punish gross negligence—are also available in Illinois when trucking companies act with reckless disregard for safety.

FMCSA Regulations That Protect McDonough County Drivers

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulates all commercial trucks operating in interstate commerce—including those hauling through McDonough County. When trucking companies violate these rules, they create deadly hazards.

Hours of Service (49 CFR § 395)

• Drivers cannot operate beyond 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty
• They cannot drive beyond the 14th consecutive hour after coming on duty
• They must take a 30-minute break after 8 hours of driving
• Weekly limits: 60 hours in 7 days or 70 hours in 8 days

Fatigued driving causes over 31% of fatal truck crashes. We analyze ELD data to prove violations.

Driver Qualification (49 CFR § 391)

• Drivers must be at least 21 years old (interstate)
• Must pass medical exams every 2 years
• Must have valid CDLs
• Companies must check driving history and previous employers

When trucking companies hire unqualified drivers to rush freight through McDonough County, they violate federal law and endanger everyone on the road.

Vehicle Maintenance (49 CFR § 396)

• Required pre-trip and post-trip inspections
• Annual vehicle inspections
• Systematic maintenance programs
• Brake and tire specifications under 49 CFR § 393

We prove maintenance failures by subpoosing inspection records and maintenance logs.

Drug and Alcohol Testing (49 CFR § 382)
Commercial drivers must undergo pre-employment, random, and post-accident drug testing. Positive tests or refusals should disqualify drivers, but companies sometimes hide violations to keep drivers on the road.

Cargo Securement (49 CFR § 393.100-136)
Cargo must be secured to withstand specific forces: 0.8g deceleration forward, 0.5g acceleration rearward, and 0.5g laterally. When McDonough County grain trucks spill loads or equipment shifts onto the roadway, these regulations help us prove liability.

Why McDonough County Chooses Attorney911

When an 18-wheeler changes your life, you don’t just need a lawyer—you need a team with the experience, resources, and tenacity to take on the trucking industry.

25+ Years of Experience

Ralph Manginello has been fighting for accident 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 explosion litigation. He knows how to build cases that make trucking companies pay attention.

Former Insurance Defense Attorney on Your Side

Lupe Peña, our associate attorney, used to work for insurance companies. He defended truck drivers and motor carriers. Now he fights against them. He knows exactly how adjusters evaluate claims, what tactics they use to minimize payouts, and when they’re bluffing about their “final offer.”

As client Donald Wilcox said: “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 take the cases other firms reject—and we win.

Multi-Million Dollar Results

Our track record includes:

• $5+ Million for a traumatic brain injury victim struck by a falling log
• $3.8+ Million for a client who suffered partial leg amputation after a car crash
• $2.5+ Million for a truck crash victim
• $2+ Million for a maritime back injury
• Currently litigating a $10 million lawsuit against the University of Houston for hazing injuries (demonstrating our capacity for major litigation)

Spanish Language Services Available

Hablamos Español. Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish and provides direct representation for McDonough County’s Hispanic community without interpreters. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911 para una consulta gratis.

Client-Focused Representation

With 251+ Google reviews and a 4.9-star average, our clients speak for us:

• Chad Harris: “You are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.”
• Glenda Walker: “They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.”
• Ernest Cano: “Mr. Manginello and his firm are first class. Will fight tooth and nail for you.”

No Fee Unless We Win

We work on contingency—33.33% if settled pre-trial, 40% if we go to trial. You pay zero upfront. We advance all investigation costs. If we don’t recover money for you, you owe us nothing.

McDonough County 18-Wheeler Accident FAQ

How long do I have to file a lawsuit after a truck accident in McDonough County?

In Illinois, you have 2 years from the accident date for personal injury, or 2 years from the date of death for wrongful death claims. But don’t wait—evidence disappears much sooner. Call 888-ATTY-911 immediately.

What if I was partially at fault for the McDonough County accident?

Illinois uses modified comparative negligence. You can recover damages if you’re 50% or less at fault, but your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault. If you’re 51% or more at fault, you cannot recover. We investigate thoroughly to minimize your assigned fault percentage.

How much is my McDonough County trucking case worth?

It depends on injury severity, medical costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and available insurance. Trucking companies carry $750,000 to $5,000,000 in coverage or more. We’ve recovered millions for clients with catastrophic injuries.

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

Never. Adjusters are trained to get you to say things that hurt your case. Refer them to your attorney. At Attorney911, we handle all communications so you can focus on healing.

What if the truck driver was from out of state?

We handle cases involving trucks from all over the country passing through McDonough County. Because we’re admitted to Federal Court and understand interstate trucking regulations, we’re equipped to pursue out-of-state trucking companies wherever they’re headquartered.

Can I afford an attorney if I’m out of work due to my McDonough County injuries?

Absolutely. We work on contingency. No upfront costs. No hourly fees. We only get paid if we win your case. You have nothing to lose by calling (888) 288-9911 for a free consultation.

What if my loved one was killed in a McDonough County trucking accident?

We are deeply sorry for your loss. You may have a wrongful death claim to recover for lost income, loss of companionship, mental anguish, and funeral expenses. Time is critical in these cases—call us immediately.

Do you handle cases in rural McDonough County areas, not just Macomb?

Yes. We represent truck accident victims throughout McDonough County, from Macomb to Colchester, from rural US-67 to the agricultural roads around Industry and Bardolph.

Call Now: Your McDonough County Truck Accident Attorney Awaits

The trucking company already has lawyers working to protect them. Who’s protecting you?

Every hour you wait, evidence is disappearing. Black box data gets overwritten. Dashcam footage is deleted. Witnesses forget what they saw. The clock is already ticking on your Illinois statute of limitations.

If you’ve been hit by an 18-wheeler in McDonough County, you don’t have to face this alone. Ralph Manginello and the team at Attorney911 have the experience, the insider knowledge, and the determination to fight for every dollar you deserve.

Call 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911) now for a free consultation. We answer 24/7. Hablamos Español.

Don’t let the trucking company win. Get the justice and compensation your family needs to rebuild.

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Serving McDonough County and all of Illinois from our offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont—with capability to handle federal court cases nationwide.

Disclaimer: The information on this page does not constitute legal advice. Every case is unique. Results are not guaranteed. Past results do not predict future outcomes.