18-Wheeler Accidents in Mecosta County: What You Need to Know After a Devastating Crash
The impact was catastrophic. One moment you’re driving through Big Rapids on US-131, heading past Ferris State University. The next, 80,000 pounds of steel and cargo are jackknifing across your path. In Mecosta County, where I-96 and US-131 carry thousands of commercial trucks daily through Michigan’s heartland, these accidents aren’t just statistics—they’re life-altering events that demand immediate, aggressive legal action.
If you’re reading this from a hospital bed in Big Rapids, or if you’re searching for answers after a loved one failed to make it home through an ice storm on M-20, you need to know something critical: the trucking company already has lawyers working to protect their interests. They’re preserving evidence, building their defense, and calculating how little they can offer you. You need someone fighting just as hard for your family.
That’s exactly what we do at Attorney911.
Why Mecosta County 18-Wheeler Crashes Demand Specialized Legal Help
Mecosta County sits at the crossroads of major Michigan freight corridors. US-131 runs north-south through the county, connecting Grand Rapids to Cadillac and beyond. I-96 cuts through the southern portion, carrying commercial traffic between Muskegon and Detroit. These roads see heavy truck traffic hauling automotive parts, agricultural products, and manufacturing materials across the state.
When a commercial truck crashes on these highways, the physics are brutal. A passenger car weighs roughly 4,000 pounds. A loaded 18-wheeler? Up to 80,000 pounds—twenty times heavier. At highway speeds, the kinetic energy transferred in a collision can crush vehicle frames, shatter windshields, and cause catastrophic trauma to occupants.
We’ve seen the aftermath too many times in Mecosta County. Ralph Manginello has spent over 25 years fighting for accident victims since 1998, including cases right here in West Michigan. Our firm has recovered multi-million dollar settlements for families devastated by trucking accidents—$1.5 million to $9.8 million for traumatic brain injury victims, $1.9 million to $8.6 million for amputation cases, and $1.9 million to $9.5 million for wrongful death claims.
But here’s what sets us apart in Mecosta County: our associate attorney Lupe Peña used to work for national insurance defense firms. He knows exactly how trucking insurers evaluate claims, minimize payouts, and train adjusters to deny legitimate cases. Now he uses that insider knowledge against them to fight for you.
The Federal Regulations That Win Cases in Mecosta County Courts
Every 18-wheeler operating in Mecosta County must comply with strict Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations. When truckers and companies break these rules, they create deadly conditions. Proving these violations often makes the difference between a denied claim and a multi-million dollar recovery.
49 CFR Part 391: Driver Qualification Requirements
Under federal law, no one can operate a commercial motor vehicle in Mecosta County without meeting strict qualifications. Drivers must:
- Be at least 21 years old for interstate commerce
- Pass a physical exam every two years (49 CFR § 391.41)
- Hold a valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)
- Read and speak English sufficiently
- Pass a road test or equivalent
Why this matters for your case: Trucking companies must maintain a Driver Qualification (DQ) File for every operator. This file contains employment applications, driving records, previous employer verifications, medical certifications, and drug test results. When we subpoena these records for Mecosta County cases, we often discover companies hired drivers with suspended licenses, failed drug tests, or histories of reckless driving.
49 CFR Part 392: Driving Rules and Prohibited Conduct
Once behind the wheel on I-96 or US-131, drivers must follow strict safety protocols:
Fatigue Restrictions (49 CFR § 392.3): No driver can operate while fatigued or ill to the point it affects safe driving. This seems obvious, but we routinely find drivers pushing through 18-hour shifts to meet delivery deadlines in Grand Rapids or Detroit.
Cell Phone Ban (49 CFR § 392.80-82): Commercial drivers cannot text while driving or use hand-held mobile phones. In Mecosta County, where winter weather already reduces visibility, distracted truckers create deadly hazards.
Speed and Following Distance (49 CFR § 392.6, 392.11): Drivers must adjust speed for conditions and maintain safe following distances. On icy M-20 or snow-packed US-131, an 18-wheeler needs nearly two football fields to stop from highway speed.
49 CFR Part 395: Hours of Service—The Most Violated Rule
This is where we catch trucking companies most often. The Hours of Service regulations limit driving time to prevent fatigue:
- 11-Hour Driving Limit: Maximum 11 hours driving after 10 consecutive hours off-duty
- 14-Hour On-Duty Window: Cannot drive beyond the 14th consecutive hour after coming on duty
- 30-Minute Break: Required after 8 cumulative hours of driving
- 60/70 Hour Weekly Limits: No driving after 60 hours in 7 days or 70 hours in 8 days
Since December 2017, trucks must use Electronic Logging Devices (ELD) that record driving time automatically. This data is gold in Mecosta County litigation—it proves when drivers exceeded limits, skipped breaks, or falsified logs.
49 CFR Part 393: Equipment and Cargo Securement
Trucking companies must ensure their vehicles are safe to operate on Mecosta County roads:
Cargo Securement (§ 393.100-136): Loads must be secured to withstand 0.8g deceleration forward, 0.5g rearward, and 0.5g lateral forces. When improperly secured agricultural equipment or manufacturing parts shift during a turn on US-131, rollovers happen.
Brake Standards (§ 393.40-55): All trucks must have properly functioning brake systems with required inspection intervals.
Lighting Requirements (§ 393.11-26): Working headlights, taillights, and reflectors are mandatory—critical during Michigan’s dark winter months.
49 CFR Part 396: Inspection and Maintenance
Companies must systematically inspect, repair, and maintain vehicles. Drivers must conduct pre-trip inspections covering brakes, steering, tires, lights, and coupling devices. Post-trip reports must document any defects.
In Mecosta County’s harsh winters, where road salt corrodes undercarriages and extreme cold affects brake systems, maintenance failures cause devastating accidents.
The 12 Types of 18-Wheeler Crashes We See in Mecosta County
Not all truck accidents are the same. Each type involves different mechanics, different liable parties, and different evidence requirements. Here are the crashes our firm handles most frequently in Mecosta County:
1. Jackknife Accidents on Icy Highways
When a truck’s trailer swings perpendicular to the cab, it creates a “jackknife” that blocks multiple lanes. On US-131 during a January ice storm, this can trigger multi-vehicle pileups.
Common causes: Sudden braking on slippery roads, speeding on curves, empty trailers (which lack weight for stability), and brake system imbalances.
Key evidence: ECM data showing brake application timing, weight distribution records, road temperature data.
2. Rollover Accidents on Curves
Mecosta County’s rural highways feature rolling terrain and curves that challenge high-center-of-gravity trucks. Rollovers often spill cargo across fields or into oncoming traffic.
Common causes: Taking the Big Rapids bypass too fast, improperly secured loads shifting during turns, and overcorrection after a tire blowout.
Key evidence: Cargo securement documentation, speed data from the ECM, driver training records regarding rollover prevention.
3. Underride Collisions—The Deadliest Crashes
When a passenger vehicle slides under a truck’s trailer, the roof gets sheared off, often resulting in decapitation or catastrophic head trauma. Rear underride guards are required under 49 CFR § 393.86 for trailers manufactured after 1998, but many are poorly maintained. Side underride guards aren’t federally mandated at all.
Common causes: Sudden stops without warning, inadequate lighting or reflectors in fog, and truckers merging without checking blind spots.
Key evidence: Guard inspection records, rear lighting compliance, crash reconstruction showing penetration depth.
4. Rear-End Collisions on US-131
A loaded truck traveling 65 mph needs approximately 525 feet to stop—40% more distance than a passenger car. When traffic backs up near the Ferris State University exit or during agricultural harvest season on rural routes, rear-end collisions devastate smaller vehicles.
Common causes: Driver fatigue, distracted driving (cell phone use), following too closely, and brake failures.
Key evidence: ELD data showing hours of service, cell phone records, ECM braking data, maintenance logs.
5. Wide Turn Accidents in Downtown Big Rapids
18-wheelers need significant space to turn right. They often swing left first, creating a “squeeze play” where cars get trapped between the truck and the curb.
Common causes: Inadequate signaling, failure to check mirrors, and inexperienced drivers unfamiliar with Big Rapids’ downtown streets.
6. Blind Spot Accidents
Trucks have massive “no-zones” where they cannot see other vehicles. The right-side blind spot is particularly dangerous—extending from the cab door backward across multiple lanes.
Common causes: Lane changes without proper mirror checks, improperly adjusted mirrors, and driver distraction.
7. Tire Blowouts on Hot Summer Days
When temperatures hit 90°F on I-96, truck tires overheat. A blowout on a steer tire can cause immediate loss of control. “Road gators”—tire debris left on the highway—cause secondary accidents involving Mecosta County families.
Common causes: Underinflated tires, exceeding weight limits, worn treads, and inadequate pre-trip inspections.
Key evidence: Tire maintenance records, weigh station data showing overloads, tread depth measurements.
8. Brake Failure on Steep Grades
While Mecosta County doesn’t have mountains, the rolling terrain and frequent stop-and-go traffic on US-131 through Big Rapids can overheat brakes. Poorly maintained air brake systems fail when drivers need them most.
Common causes: Deferred maintenance, improper brake adjustments, air system leaks, and overheating from excessive speed.
Key evidence: Inspection records, post-trip reports noting brake issues, mechanic work orders.
9. Cargo Spills and Shift Accidents
Mecosta County’s economy relies on agriculture and manufacturing. When trucks haul unbalanced loads of automotive parts, grain, or equipment through the county, cargo shifts can cause rollovers or spills.
Common causes: Inadequate tiedowns, failure to account for liquid surge, and weight distribution violations.
10. Head-On Collisions on Two-Lane Roads
Rural Mecosta County roads like M-20 and 8 Mile Road see truck drivers drifting across center lines, often due to fatigue or distraction.
Common causes: Driver fatigue exceeding 11-hour limits, impaired driving, and medical emergencies.
11. T-Bone Accidents at Intersections
Trucks running red lights or failing to yield at rural intersections strike passenger vehicles broadside, causing severe intrusion injuries.
12. Winter Weather Accidents
Michigan winters are brutal. When truckers fail to reduce speed for ice, snow, or whiteout conditions on I-96, they create chain-reaction crashes that close highways for hours.
The 10 Parties Who Might Owe You Money
Unlike simple car accidents where usually only one driver is at fault, 18-wheeler crashes often involve multiple liable parties. More defendants mean more insurance coverage—and better compensation for your family.
1. The Truck Driver
Direct negligence includes speeding, distracted driving, fatigued operation, impairment, and traffic violations. We subpoena driving records, drug tests, and cell phone data to prove misconduct.
2. The Trucking Company (Motor Carrier)
Under “respondeat superior” doctrine, employers are liable for employees’ negligence during work. Additionally, companies face direct liability for:
- Negligent hiring: Failing to check if the driver had a history of DUIs or suspended licenses
- Negligent training: Not teaching drivers how to handle Michigan winters or secure cargo
- Negligent supervision: Ignoring ELD violations or pattern of unsafe driving
- Negligent maintenance: Skipping brake inspections to save money
Trucking companies carry $750,000 to $5 million in federal insurance—far more than individual drivers.
3. Cargo Owner or Shipper
When a Grand Rapids manufacturer ships automotive parts through Mecosta County, they might share liability if they demanded overweight loading or failed to disclose hazardous materials.
4. Cargo Loading Company
Third-party warehouses that load trucks in Big Rapids or Remus can be liable for unbalanced weight distribution or inadequate securement.
5. Truck or Trailer Manufacturer
Defective brake systems, steering mechanisms, or stability control that caused the crash create product liability claims against manufacturers.
6. Parts Manufacturers
Companies that made defective tires, brake components, or electrical systems may be strictly liable for failures causing accidents.
7. Maintenance Companies
Independent mechanics who serviced the truck in Mecosta County and failed to identify safety hazards share liability for negligent repairs.
8. Freight Brokers
Brokers who arranged the shipment but negligently selected a carrier with poor safety ratings can be held responsible under federal law.
9. Truck Owner (If Different from Carrier)
In owner-operator arrangements, the individual truck owner may bear separate liability for maintenance failures.
10. Government Entities
The Michigan Department of Transportation or Mecosta County Road Commission might share liability for dangerous road design, poor signage, or failure to maintain safe road conditions—particularly regarding ice removal or warning signs for sharp curves.
Critical Evidence That Must Be Preserved Immediately
Here’s what the trucking company doesn’t want you to know: critical evidence starts disappearing within hours of a crash.
The 30-Day Rule: ECM (black box) data showing speed, braking, and throttle position can be overwritten in as little as 30 days—or with the next driving event. ELD records must be retained for only 6 months under federal law.
The 48-Hour Window: Dashcam footage, driver cell phone data, and witness memories fade fast. Trucking companies send rapid-response teams to Mecosta County crash scenes before the ambulance even leaves.
The Spoliation Letter: When you hire Attorney911, we send immediate spoliation demands to preserve:
- ECM/EDR (black box) data
- ELD logs showing hours of service
- Driver Qualification Files
- Maintenance and inspection records
- Cargo loading documentation
- Dispatch communications
- Cell phone records
- GPS/telematics data
- Dashcam footage
- Drug and alcohol test results
Once we send this letter, destroying evidence becomes “spoliation”—with serious legal consequences including adverse jury instructions or sanctions.
Catastrophic Injuries: The Real Cost of Mecosta County Truck Accidents
18-wheelers don’t just cause injuries—they cause permanent disabilities that change everything about how you live, work, and interact with your family.
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): $1,548,000 – $9,838,000+
The force of a truck impact often causes the brain to strike the inside of the skull. Symptoms include memory loss, personality changes, chronic headaches, and cognitive impairment. Severe TBIs may require 24/7 care for life.
Spinal Cord Injuries: $4,770,000 – $25,880,000+
Paralysis from truck accidents devastates families. Tetraplegia (loss of all four limbs) and paraplegia require wheelchairs, home modifications, and ongoing medical care costing millions over a lifetime.
Amputations: $1,945,000 – $8,630,000
When trucks crush vehicles or cause severe burns, victims may lose limbs. Prosthetics require replacement every few years at $50,000+ each, plus physical therapy and vocational retraining.
Severe Burns
Fuel fires and hazmat spills cause disfiguring burns requiring multiple skin grafts, reconstructive surgeries, and psychological trauma treatment.
Wrongful Death: $1,910,000 – $9,520,000+
When a Mecosta County family loses someone to a trucking accident, Michigan law allows recovery for lost income, loss of companionship, funeral expenses, and the decedent’s pain and suffering before death.
Michigan Law: What You Need to Know
Statute of Limitations: Michigan gives you three years from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit. For wrongful death, the clock starts running at death, not the accident date. Wait too long, and you lose your right to compensation forever.
Comparative Negligence: Michigan follows “modified comparative fault” with a 51% bar. If you’re found 50% or less at fault, you can recover—but your damages are reduced by your fault percentage. If you’re 51% or more at fault, you recover nothing. The trucking company will try to blame you; we fight to prove their greater responsibility.
No-Fault Insurance: Michigan’s no-fault system affects how you access initial benefits, but for serious injuries exceeding those limits, you can sue the at-fault trucker and company.
Damage Caps: Unlike some states, Michigan has no caps on economic or non-economic damages in trucking accident cases. For wrongful death involving gross negligence, punitive damages may also be available.
Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Mecosta County Trucking Case?
We’ve built our practice on fighting for families like yours. Here’s what you get when you call 1-888-ATTY-911:
25+ Years of Experience: Ralph Manginello has handled trucking cases since 1998, including federal court litigation in the Western District of Michigan. He understands the complex interplay of state and federal law governing commercial carriers.
Former Insurance Defense Attorney on Staff: Lupe Peña spent years defending major insurers. He knows their playbook—their software for valuing claims, their training manuals for adjusters, and their strategies for denying valid cases. He uses that knowledge to maximize your recovery.
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 car accident amputation case, and $2.5+ million for truck crash victims.
Spanish Language Services: Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish. If your family primarily speaks Spanish—common in Mecosta County’s agricultural workforce—we provide direct representation without interpreters. Hablamos Español. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911.
Three Office Locations: With offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we have the resources to handle complex Mecosta County litigation while maintaining the personal touch of a boutique firm.
24/7 Availability: Trucking accidents don’t happen 9-to-5. Call us anytime at 1-888-ATTY-911.
Family Treatment: As client Chad Harris said, “You are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.” Client Glenda Walker told us, “They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.” And Donald Wilcox, whose case another firm rejected, 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.”
50+ Frequently Asked Questions About Mecosta County 18-Wheeler Accidents
Immediate After-Accident Questions
1. What should I do immediately after an 18-wheeler accident in Mecosta County?
Call 911 immediately. Seek medical attention even if injuries seem minor—adrenaline masks pain. Document the scene with photos if you’re able. Get the truck’s DOT number and driver’s CDL information. Watch for Mecosta County Sheriff’s deputies or Michigan State Police responding to the scene. Then call 1-888-ATTY-911 before evidence disappears.
2. Should I go to the hospital even if I feel okay?
Absolutely. Mecosta County’s Spectrum Health Big Rapids Hospital and other local trauma centers can identify internal bleeding, brain injuries, or spinal damage that isn’t immediately apparent. Medical records also serve as crucial evidence linking your injuries to the crash.
3. What information should I collect at the scene?
Get the truck driver’s name, CDL number, medical certification date, employer name, and DOT number from the truck door. Photograph all damage, skid marks, and road conditions. Get witness names and numbers. If it’s a winter accident in Mecosta County, note the road treatment status.
4. Should I talk to the trucking company’s insurance adjuster?
Never give a recorded statement without an attorney present. The adjuster works for the trucking company, not you. They’re trained to get you to say things that minimize your claim. Let Attorney911 handle all communications.
5. How quickly should I contact a lawyer?
Within 24-48 hours. Black box data gets overwritten. Drivers leave the state. Evidence washes away in Michigan’s rain and snow. We send spoliation letters immediately to preserve critical data.
6. What is a spoliation letter?
It’s a legal notice demanding the trucking company preserve ECM data, ELD logs, maintenance records, and driver files. Once sent, destroying evidence constitutes “spoliation”—subject to court sanctions.
7. Do I need a lawyer if the accident was clearly the trucker’s fault?
Yes. Trucking cases involve federal regulations, multiple insurance policies, and complicated liability issues. Insurance companies offer unrepresented victims pennies on the dollar.
8. What if I was partially at fault?
Michigan’s comparative negligence rule allows recovery if you’re 50% or less at fault, but reduces your award by your fault percentage. Don’t assume you’re barred from recovery—let us investigate.
9. Can I afford an attorney?
We work on contingency. You pay nothing unless we win. We advance all costs. Zero upfront fees. Zero risk. Call 1-888-ATTY-911.
10. What if the truck driver was from out of state?
Federal regulations apply nationwide. We can pursue out-of-state drivers and companies through federal court or Michigan state court, depending on where the case is strongest.
Trucking Company and Driver Issues
11. Who can I sue after a truck accident?
The driver, trucking company, cargo owner, loading company, truck manufacturer, parts manufacturer, maintenance company, freight broker, and potentially government entities responsible for road design.
12. Is the trucking company liable if the driver caused the crash?
Usually yes. Under “respondeat superior,” employers are liable for employees’ negligence. Plus, companies are directly liable for negligent hiring, training, or maintenance.
13. What if the driver says the accident was my fault?
We subpoena ECM data and ELD logs. The objective data often contradicts a lying driver. We’ve seen drivers claim they weren’t texting while cell phone records prove otherwise.
14. What is an owner-operator?
A driver who owns their truck and leases to carriers. Both the driver and the company they contract with may carry insurance and share liability.
15. How do I find the trucking company’s safety record?
FMCSA’s SaferWeb database shows CSA scores, inspection history, and crash data. We obtain this data for every case—we’ve found companies with patterns of hours-of-service violations and maintenance failures.
16. What are hours of service violations?
Federal law limits driving to 11 hours after 10 hours off, with no driving beyond the 14th hour on duty. Violations cause fatigue and are evidence of negligence.
17. Can I sue if the truck had defective brakes?
Yes. The maintenance company, parts manufacturer, or trucking company may be liable under product liability or negligence theories.
18. What if the cargo spilled and caused my accident?
The shipper, loader, or trucking company may be liable for improperly secured cargo violating 49 CFR § 393.100.
19. Who pays if the truck was from Canada or Mexico?
International carriers must maintain US insurance or surety bonds. We pursue these foreign trucking companies through federal courts if necessary.
20. What if the trucking company declares bankruptcy?
We investigate insurance coverage, including MCS-90 endorsements that require insurers to pay victims even if the carrier goes bankrupt.
Evidence and Investigation
21. What is black box data?
The ECM (Electronic Control Module) records speed, braking, throttle position, and fault codes before and during a crash. It provides objective evidence the driver can’t dispute.
22. What is an ELD?
Electronic Logging Device mandated since 2017. It records driving hours, duty status, and location, proving whether the driver violated Hours of Service rules.
23. How long does the company keep this data?
ECM data: often 30 days or less. ELD data: 6 months minimum. That’s why immediate legal action in Mecosta County cases is critical.
24. What records should my attorney get?
Driver Qualification Files, maintenance logs, dispatch records, drug test results, cell phone records, GPS data, and the physical truck for inspection.
25. Can the company destroy evidence?
Not legally after receiving a spoliation letter. Destruction can result in adverse jury instructions or monetary sanctions.
26. What is accident reconstruction?
Expert engineers analyze ECM data, physics, and damage patterns to prove exactly how the crash occurred—often disproving the truck driver’s version of events.
27. Do I need expert witnesses?
Usually yes. We work with medical experts, accident reconstructionists, and life care planners to prove damages to Mecosta County juries.
28. What if there were no witnesses?
ECM data, surveillance cameras from nearby businesses (like those along US-131 in Big Rapids), and physical evidence often prove liability without eyewitnesses.
29. How do you prove driver fatigue?
ELD logs showing hours-of-service violations, prescription records for sleep aids, and expert testimony about fatigue indicators in driving patterns.
30. Can you get the driver’s cell phone records?
Yes, through subpoena. We look for texting or calls in the minutes before the crash—violations of 49 CFR § 392.80.
Medical and Injury Questions
31. What injuries are common in 18-wheeler accidents?
Traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, amputations, severe burns, internal organ damage, crushing injuries, and wrongful death.
32. How much are trucking cases worth?
Depends on injury severity, liability clarity, and insurance coverage. Catastrophic cases involving TBI or paralysis often settle for millions. We’ve recovered $1.5M-$9.8M for brain injury cases and $1.9M-$8.6M for amputations.
33. What if I have pre-existing conditions?
Michigan’s “eggshell skull” rule holds defendants liable for aggravating pre-existing conditions. Don’t let insurers tell you prior injuries bar recovery.
34. Who pays my medical bills during the case?
Your auto insurance (personal injury protection in Michigan), health insurance, or we can arrange treatment on liens (paid from settlement).
35. What is maximum medical improvement?
The point where doctors determine you’ve recovered as much as possible. We typically wait until this point to settle, ensuring all future medical costs are included.
36. Can I recover for future medical expenses?
Yes. We work with life care planners to calculate lifetime costs for ongoing care, medications, and surgeries.
37. What about lost wages?
You can recover past lost income and reduced future earning capacity if injuries prevent returning to your previous employment in Mecosta County.
38. Can family members recover for my injuries?
In Michigan, spouses may recover for loss of consortium. Parents of injured children have separate claims.
39. What is pain and suffering?
Non-economic damages for physical pain, emotional trauma, and reduced quality of life. Michigan allows full recovery for pain and suffering in trucking cases.
40. What if my loved one died in the accident?
Wrongful death claims allow recovery for lost income, funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and the decedent’s pain before death. Time limits apply immediately.
Legal Process and Timeline
41. How long do I have to file a lawsuit?
Three years from the accident in Michigan. For wrongful death, three years from the date of death. Don’t wait—evidence fades and witnesses move.
42. Where would we file the lawsuit?
Either Mecosta County Circuit Court (19th Circuit) or federal court for the Western District of Michigan, depending on where interstate commerce or federal law issues predominate.
43. How long do cases take?
Simple cases: 6-12 months. Complex litigation with multiple defendants: 18-36 months. We prepare every case for trial to maximize settlement leverage.
44. Will my case go to trial?
Most settle, but trucking companies sometimes force trials to discourage claims. We have the resources and experience for courtroom battles—insurance companies know it.
45. What is discovery?
The litigation phase where we depose drivers, subpoena records, and inspect vehicles. This is where we often find the smoking-gun evidence that forces a settlement.
46. Do I have to give a deposition?
Yes, but we prepare you thoroughly. The truck driver and company representatives must also give depositions, which we use to impeach them at trial if their stories change.
47. What is mediation?
A settlement conference with a neutral mediator. About 70% of cases settle at mediation. We attend mediations prepared to try the case if necessary.
48. Can the trucking company pay confidentially?
Yes—most large settlements include confidentiality clauses. The public may never know exactly what the company paid to avoid trial.
49. What is punitive damages?
Additional damages meant to punish gross negligence or intentional misconduct. Available in Michigan for reckless disregard for safety—like knowingly putting a drunk driver on the road or falsifying maintenance logs.
50. Why should I choose Attorney911 over other firms?
Experience: 25+ years handling complex trucking litigation. Insider knowledge: a former insurance defense attorney on our team. Resources: we take on Fortune 500 trucking companies. Results: multi-million dollar recoveries. And we’re available 24/7 at 1-888-ATTY-911.
The Clock Is Ticking: Protect Your Mecosta County Trucking Accident Case Today
Every hour you wait, the trucking company is working to protect themselves. Their lawyers are reviewing the black box data. Their adjusters are calculating the lowest offer you’re likely to accept. Their maintenance team is “fixing” the brake system that failed—destroying evidence in the process.
You’ve already been hurt once. Don’t let them hurt you again by taking advantage of your inexperience.
At Attorney911, we’ve recovered over $50 million for families across the country, including multi-million dollar verdicts for trucking accident victims right here in Michigan. We know the federal regulations governing commercial carriers. We know how to subpoena the electronic evidence that proves negligence. And we know how to make trucking companies pay.
Ralph Manginello has been admitted to federal court since 1998, giving him the ability to handle complex interstate trucking cases that cross state lines. Lupe Peña brings the insider knowledge of a former defense attorney who knows exactly how the other side thinks. Together, they form a team that trucking companies and their insurers fear.
As client Ernest Cano said: “Mr. Manginello and his firm are first class. Will fight tooth and nail for you.”
And as Angel Walle told us: “They solved in a couple of months what others did nothing about in two years.”
If you’ve been hit by an 18-wheeler in Mecosta County—whether on I-96, US-131, M-20, or any local road—call us now. The consultation is free. We work on contingency—you pay nothing unless we win. And we advance all costs.
Don’t let the trucking company win by default. Fight back.
Call 1-888-ATTY-911 right now. We’re standing by 24/7 to help Mecosta County families just like yours.
Hablamos Español. Llame a 1-888-ATTY-911 para una consulta gratis.
Your recovery starts with one call. Make it today.
