When an 80,000-pound grain hauler loses control on black ice outside Onawa, you don’t get a second chance to brace for impact. The physics are brutal—twenty tons of steel, cargo, and momentum against your 4,000-pound vehicle. There’s no contest. You’re just trying to survive.
At Attorney911, we’ve spent over 25 years fighting for families across Iowa’s agricultural heartland who’ve had their lives shattered by 18-wheeler accidents. Ralph Manginello, our managing partner, has secured multi-million dollar verdicts against the largest trucking companies operating through Monona County and beyond. We know the Loess Hills highways. We know the grain elevators and processing plants that put these massive trucks on roads like US-175 and County Road L44. And we know exactly how to stop trucking companies from destroying the evidence that proves they broke the law.
If you or someone you love was injured in a trucking accident anywhere in Monona County—whether it was on I-29 near Sioux City, on US-75 through Onawa, or on a rural farm-to-market road—you need to act now. Evidence disappears fast in these cases. Black box data can be overwritten in 30 days. Trucking companies send rapid-response teams immediately. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 today. We’re available 24/7, and we don’t charge a penny unless we win your case.
Why 18-Wheeler Accidents in Monona County Are Different
You might think a truck accident is just a bigger car wreck. It’s not.
A fully loaded 18-wheeler hitting the scales in Monona County can weigh 80,000 pounds—legally. Your sedan weighs about 4,000 pounds. That’s twenty times the mass. When that weight is moving at 65 miles per hour down I-29 or US-75, the kinetic energy released in an impact is catastrophic. We’re talking about forces that sheer roofs off passenger vehicles, fold cars in half, or throw them into the ditch like discarded toys.
The stopping distance tells the real story. A car needs roughly 300 feet to stop at highway speed. An 18-wheeler needs 525 feet—nearly two football fields. On Monona County’s icy winter roads, when that grain hauler realizes traffic has stopped ahead, it’s already too late. They physics don’t lie.
But here’s what makes these cases legally different from your typical fender-bender: multiple parties can be held responsible, liability insurance minimums start at $750,000 (not $30,000 like regular cars), and federal regulations from the FMCSA create strict rules about driver hours, maintenance, and cargo loading. When trucking companies violate these rules—and they often do—they create deadly conditions.
Ralph Manginello has been handling trucking litigation since 1998. That’s 25+ years of taking on Fortune 500 carriers and winning. Our firm includes associate attorney Lupe Peña, who spent years working inside the insurance defense industry before joining our team. He knows their playbook—how they train adjusters to minimize claims, how they use algorithms to lowball settlements, and exactly when they’re bluffing about going to trial. That’s your advantage in Monona County.
As client Glenda Walker told us after we resolved her case, “They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.” That’s what we do. Every single time.
The Deadly Accident Types We See in Monona County
Not all truck accidents are the same. Here in Monona County, with our mix of major interstate corridors, agricultural shipping routes, and harsh Midwestern weather patterns, we see specifictypes of catastrophic collisions that require specialized legal knowledge.
Jackknife Accidents on Icy Iowa Highways
When winter hits northwest Iowa, the wind whips across the prairie and flash freezes moisture on I-29. A jackknife happens when a trailer swings out perpendicular to the cab, creating an immovable wall of metal across multiple lanes. It often starts with a driver hitting the brakes too hard on black ice.
Jackknife accidents account for approximately 10% of all trucking-related deaths. In Monona County, where blizzards can reduce visibility to near-zero and freeze roads in minutes, these accidents are devastatingly common.
The FMCSA violations we look for: Under 49 CFR § 392.6, truckers cannot drive at speeds unsafe for conditions—even if they’re under the posted limit. If that driver was going 65 mph in a 75 mph zone during a January storm with ice warnings, they broke federal law. We also investigate brake maintenance under 49 CFR § 396.3. Worn brakes or improper adjustment can cause exactly the kind of uneven braking that triggers a jackknife.
Rollover Accidents on Curves and Farm Roads
Monona County’s rural landscape means lots of two-lane highways with curves designed for lighter vehicles. When a grain hauler takes a turn too fast—or when liquid cargo “sloshes” unexpectedly—the high center of gravity of these trucks sends them rolling.
Rollovers frequently involve “swing” turns where the trailer tracks inside the cab’s path. On county roads near farms outside Whiting or Castana, these accidents often spill thousands of pounds of corn or soybeans across the roadway, creating secondary crash hazards.
Who’s liable: Beyond the driver, we look at the loading company under 49 CFR § 393.100. Improperly secured grain can shift, changing the truck’s center of gravity. If a third-party loader at an elevator in Monona County failed to distribute weight properly, they’re responsible for your injuries.
Underride Collisions—The Most Fatal Type
An underride occurs when a passenger vehicle slides underneath the trailer. The trailer’s undercarriage shears off the roof of the car at windshield level. These accidents are almost always fatal or result in catastrophic brain and spinal injuries.
Despite federal requirements for rear impact guards (49 CFR § 393.86), many trailers have inadequate guards or guards that fail upon impact. Side underride guards aren’t even federally mandated yet, though they should be.
In Monona County, where US-75 and I-29 see heavy truck traffic merging with local commuters between Sioux City and Onawa, underride accidents are a constant risk when trucks make sudden stops or improper lane changes.
Rear-End Collisions: The Physics of Mass
Remember those stopping distances? When an 18-wheeler rear-ends a passenger vehicle, it’s often because the driver was:
- Following too closely (violating 49 CFR § 392.11)
- Distracted (violating 49 CFR § 392.82 regarding mobile phones)
- Fatigued (violating 49 CFR Part 395 Hours of Service rules)
- Suffering brake failure (violating 49 CFR § 396.3 maintenance requirements)
The injuries from these impacts include traumatic brain injury, spinal cord damage, and crushing injuries that may require amputation.
Wide Turn “Squeeze Play” Accidents
Trucks making right turns need to swing left first to align the trailer. If you’ve ever been caught in that gap on Onawa’s Main Street or at intersections near the truck stops along I-29, you know how terrifying it is when the truck comes back right and crushes your vehicle against the curb.
These accidents often involve blind spot failures. Under 49 CFR § 393.80, trucks must have properly adjusted mirrors. If the driver failed to check their blind spots—a massive problem on the right side of these rigs—they’re negligent.
Tire Blowouts on Hot Summer Asphalt
Iowa summers can hit 90+ degrees, and the asphalt on I-80 or US-175 gets even hotter. Underinflated tires, worn tread, or overloaded trailers lead to blowouts. When a steer tire blows at highway speed, the driver loses directional control instantly.
FMCSA requires minimum tread depths (4/32″ on steer tires, 2/32″ on others) under 49 CFR § 393.75. When trucking companies defer maintenance to save money, these blowouts happen—and innocent people in Monona County pay the price.
Every Party Who Could Owe You Money
Here’s something most people don’t know: in a trucking accident, multiple companies and individuals can be held liable. This isn’t like a car accident where it’s just you and the other driver.
Our firm conducts exhaustive investigations to identify every responsible party, because more liable parties means more insurance coverage means higher compensation for you.
1. The Truck Driver
The obvious first defendant. We investigate their driving record, training history, and whether they were properly licensed. Under 49 CFR Part 391, commercial drivers must pass medical exams, have valid CDLs, and maintain clean driving records.
2. The Trucking Company (Motor Carrier)
Trucking companies carry the big insurance policies—typically $750,000 to $5 million. They’re liable under respondeat superior (the employer is responsible for the employee’s negligence), but also directly liable for:
- Negligent hiring (hiring a driver with a bad safety record)
- Negligent training (inadequate instruction on Iowa weather driving or cargo securement)
- Negligent maintenance (putting unsafe trucks on the road)
- Negligent supervision (pressuring drivers to violate hours of service rules to meet delivery deadlines)
3. The Cargo Owner and Loading Company
In Monona County, this often means grain elevators, ethanol plants, or agricultural processors. If they loaded the trailer unevenly, exceeded weight limits, or failed to secure cargo properly under 49 CFR § 393.100, they caused the accident.
4. The Maintenance Company
Third-party mechanics who serviced the truck may be liable if negligent repairs or missed brake adjustments caused the crash.
5. Truck and Parts Manufacturers
Defective brakes, tires, steering systems, or electronic controls can trigger product liability claims against manufacturers.
6. Freight Brokers
Brokers who arrange shipping but don’t own the trucks can be liable for negligently selecting carriers with poor safety records or inadequate insurance.
7. Government Entities
If poor road design, inadequate signage, or lack of winter maintenance contributed to the accident on Monona County roads, governmental liability may apply—though these claims face strict deadlines and immunity defenses.
Federal Regulations That Prove Negligence
The FMCSA regulations in 49 CFR Parts 390-396 aren’t just bureaucratic rules—they’re the safety standards that keep us alive on Iowa’s highways.
When trucking companies violate these regulations, we use the violations to prove negligence.
Hours of Service Violations (49 CFR Part 395)
The most common cause of trucking accidents is fatigue. That’s why federal law limits driving time:
- 11-hour driving limit: Cannot drive more than 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty
- 14-hour duty window: Cannot drive beyond the 14th consecutive hour after coming on duty
- 30-minute break: Must take a 30-minute break after 8 cumulative hours of driving
- 60/70 hour weekly limits: Cannot drive after 60 hours in 7 days or 70 hours in 8 days
Since the ELD (Electronic Logging Device) mandate in 2017, these hours are tracked electronically and cannot be falsified like the old paper logbooks. We subpoena this ELD data immediately—it proves exactly when the driver was behind the wheel and whether they were taking required rest breaks.
Vehicle Maintenance Requirements (49 CFR Part 396)
Trucking companies must systematically inspect, repair, and maintain their vehicles. Specific requirements include:
- Pre-trip inspections by drivers (49 CFR § 396.13)
- Post-trip reports documenting defects (49 CFR § 396.11)
- Annual inspections by qualified mechanics (49 CFR § 396.17)
- Brake system maintenance (49 CFR §§ 393.40-55)
When we find deferred maintenance—brakes out of adjustment, worn tires, defective lighting—we’ve proven the company valued profit over safety.
Driver Qualification Standards (49 CFR Part 391)
Trucking companies must maintain a Driver Qualification File for every driver containing:
- Employment application and background checks
- Medical examiner’s certificates
- Driving records from all states
- Drug and alcohol test results
- Training documentation
If the file is incomplete or missing, the company committed negligent hiring.
Cargo Securement Rules (49 CFR §§ 393.100-136)
Cargo must be secured to withstand 0.8g deceleration forward, 0.5g acceleration rearward, and 0.5g lateral forces. For grain hauling in Monona County, this means proper tarps, gates, and weight distribution. Spilled cargo that causes secondary accidents creates liability for the loading facility.
The Catastrophic Injuries That Change Everything
We don’t handle fender-benders. We handle cases where lives are permanently altered.
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
The force of a truck impact causes the brain to slam against the interior of the skull. Even “mild” TBIs (concussions) can result in:
- Memory loss and cognitive impairment
- Personality changes and mood disorders
- Chronic headaches and dizziness
- Inability to return to work
Severe TBIs may require lifelong care. Our firm has recovered settlements in the $1.5 million to $9.8 million range for TBI victims, accounting for future medical needs and lost earning capacity.
Spinal Cord Injury and Paralysis
Damage to the cervical, thoracic, or lumbar spine can result in paraplegia or quadriplegia. These cases require:
- Wheelchairs and mobility equipment
- Home modifications (ramps, doorways, bathrooms)
- Personal care assistance
- Lost lifetime earnings
Spinal cord cases we’ve handled have settled between $4.7 million and $25.8 million, depending on the level of injury and age of the victim.
Amputations
When the cab or trailer crushes a vehicle occupant’s limbs, surgical amputation may be necessary. These victims need:
- Multiple prosthetics over their lifetime
- Extensive rehabilitation and physical therapy
- Vocational retraining
- Phantom pain management
We’ve secured $1.9 million to $8.6 million for amputation victims.
Wrongful Death
When a trucking accident kills a loved one, families face not just grief but financial devastation. Iowa law allows recovery for:
- Lost future income
- Loss of parental guidance
- Loss of spousal consortium
- Funeral expenses
- Mental anguish
Wrongful death settlements in truck cases often range from $1.9 million to $9.5 million, with punitive damages possible if the trucking company acted with gross negligence.
The 48-Hour Evidence Emergency
This is critical: Evidence in trucking accidents disappears fast.
While you’re in the hospital in Sioux City or Omaha, the trucking company has already dispatched their rapid-response team to the scene in Monona County. Their lawyers and investigators are collecting evidence to protect them, not you.
Here’s what happens if you wait:
| Evidence Type | What Happens If You Wait |
|---|---|
| ECM/Black Box Data | Overwrites in 30 days or with subsequent driving events |
| ELD Logs | May only be retained for 6 months under FMCSA rules |
| Dashcam Footage | Deleted within 7-14 days, sometimes immediately |
| Driver Qualification Files | Can be “lost” or altered |
| Maintenance Records | Shredded or hidden |
| Witness Memories | Fade within days; witnesses become unreachable |
We send spoliation letters within 24 hours of being retained. These are formal legal notices demanding preservation of all evidence. Once a trucking company receives our letter, destroying evidence becomes “spoliation”—which courts punish severely with sanctions, adverse jury instructions, or default judgment.
Our former insurance defense attorney, Lupe Peña, knows exactly where trucking companies hide evidence and how to get it. He used to work for them. Now he works for you.
Iowa State Law: What You Need to Know
Statute of Limitations
In Iowa, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. For wrongful death, it’s two years from the date of death.
Don’t wait. Two years sounds like a long time, but complex trucking cases require months of investigation. Evidence preservation must happen immediately. Witnesses move. The sooner you call us at 1-888-ATTY-911, the stronger your case will be.
Comparative Negligence
Iowa follows a modified comparative negligence rule with a 51% bar. This means:
- If you are 50% or less at fault, you can recover damages reduced by your percentage of fault
- If you are 51% or more at fault, you recover nothing
Insurance companies love to blame victims. We fight back with black box data, ELD logs, and accident reconstruction to prove the truck driver was 100% responsible.
Punitive Damages
In Iowa, punitive damages are available when defendants act with “willful and wanton disregard for the rights or safety of another.” While Iowa has no specific cap on punitive damages (unlike some states), constitutional due process limits apply. These damages punish trucking companies for egregious conduct—like knowingly keeping dangerous drivers on the road or falsifying maintenance records.
Frequently Asked Questions for Monona County Residents
How much is my 18-wheeler accident case worth?
There’s no average settlement. Factors include injury severity, medical costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and available insurance. Trucking companies carry $750,000 to $5 million in coverage, allowing for significant recoveries. We’ve secured multi-million dollar settlements for catastrophic injuries.
What if the trucking company offers me a quick settlement?
Never accept the first offer. It’s always a lowball attempt to get you to sign away your rights before you know the full extent of your injuries. As client Donald Wilcox learned after another firm rejected his case, “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 make sure you get every dime you deserve.
Can I still recover if I was partially at fault?
Yes, as long as you’re not more than 50% at fault. Iowa’s comparative negligence rule reduces your recovery by your percentage of fault, but doesn’t eliminate it unless you’re primarily responsible.
What if the truck driver was from another state?
That doesn’t matter. Federal law requires trucking companies to maintain insurance that covers accidents nationwide. Ralph Manginello is admitted to federal court and can pursue out-of-state carriers. We handle interstate trucking cases regularly.
How long will my case take?
Simple cases may settle in 6-12 months. Complex litigation with multiple defendants or catastrophic injuries can take 1-3 years. We prepare every case for trial, which encourages better settlement offers.
Do I really need a lawyer, or can I handle this myself?
You cannot handle a trucking accident case yourself. The regulations are complex, the evidence is technical, and the trucking companies have teams of lawyers. As we tell clients, you need someone who knows the trucking industry’s playbook from the inside. That’s Lupe Peña’s background—he used to defend these cases.
Hablamos Español. ¿Necesita ayuda después de un accidente de camión en el condado de Monona?
Lupe Peña habla español fluentemente. No necesita intérpretes. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911 para una consulta gratuita hoy mismo.
Why Monona County Families Choose Attorney911
We’re not a billboard mill. We don’t take every case that walks through the door. But when we take a trucking case, we fight like hell.
Ralph Manginello brings 25+ years of experience since 1998, including federal court admission to the Southern District of Texas and litigation against Fortune 500 corporations like BP in the Texas City refinery explosion.
Lupe Peña provides the insurance defense advantage. He spent years inside the system defending trucking companies. Now he uses that insider knowledge to fight for you. He knows their valuation software, their negotiation tactics, and exactly when they’re bluffing.
We have offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, meaning we understand rural and urban trucking corridors throughout the Midwest and South. We serve Monona County clients with the same dedication we give our Texas families.
Our results speak for themselves:
- $5+ million for a traumatic brain injury victim
- $3.8+ million for a car accident amputation case
- $2.5+ million for a truck crash recovery
- Currently litigating a $10 million case against a major university for hazing injuries
Most importantly, we treat you like family. As Chad Harris told us: “You are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.”
We advance all costs. We don’t charge upfront fees. You pay nothing—absolutely nothing—unless we win your case.
If You’ve Been Hurt, Call Now
The trucking company already has lawyers working to minimize your claim. They had investigators at the scene before the ambulance left. Every day you wait, evidence disappears and your case gets harder.
In Monona County, you have two years to file suit, but you only have days—or hours—to preserve critical evidence.
Call Attorney911 right now at 1-888-ATTY-911. That’s 1-888-288-9911. We’re available 24/7, including nights and weekends.
If you speak Spanish, ask for Lupe Peña directly. Hablamos Español.
Don’t let the trucking company get away with it. Don’t settle for less than you deserve. Get an attorney who knows how to fight—and win.
1-888-ATTY-911. Call today.
