18-Wheeler & Trucking Accident Attorneys Serving Monroe County, Iowa

When 80,000 Pounds Changes Your Life Forever

One moment, you’re driving along Interstate 80 through Monroe County, heading past the grain elevators near Albia or navigating the rural highways near Lovilia. The next moment, an 80,000-pound semi-truck has destroyed your vehicle and changed your life.

The statistics are brutal. A fully loaded 18-wheeler weighs twenty times more than your sedan. At highway speeds, these trucks need nearly two football fields to stop. And when they don’t stop in time—when a truck driver falls asleep at the wheel, when a company skips brake maintenance to save money, when a load of grain shifts and causes a rollover—the results are catastrophic.

If you’ve been injured in a trucking accident anywhere in Monroe County—or if you’ve lost a loved one to a commercial vehicle crash—you need more than just a lawyer. You need a fighter who knows how to make trucking companies pay. You need someone who understands not just the law, but the specific dangers of Iowa’s agricultural highways and the federal regulations that govern every 18-wheeler on Interstate 80.

For over 25 years, Attorney911 has represented trucking accident victims across Iowa and throughout the Midwest. Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has recovered multi-million dollar settlements for families just like yours. And our team includes associate attorney Lupe Peña—a former insurance defense lawyer who spent years learning how trucking companies minimize claims before he decided to fight for victims instead.

We know Monroe County’s roads. We know I-80’s truck traffic. And we know how to hold negligent trucking companies accountable under Iowa law and federal FMCSA regulations.

But you must act fast. Evidence in trucking cases disappears quickly—black box data can be overwritten in 30 days, and trucking companies have lawyers working to protect them right now. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 today for a free consultation. We’re available 24/7.

Why Monroe County Trucking Accidents Are Different

Monroe County might be rural, but that doesn’t mean our highways are safe from the dangers of commercial trucking. Interstate 80 cuts right through the heart of Monroe County, connecting Des Moines to the Mississippi River and carrying thousands of trucks daily. Agricultural routes like US-63 and Iowa Highway 137 see heavy equipment and grain trucks mixing with passenger vehicles on two-lane roads.

The dangers here are unique:

Agricultural Traffic Mixing with Semis: During harvest season, Monroe County’s rural roads see combines, tractors, and grain trucks sharing space with interstate traffic. This creates dangerous speed differentials and blind spot hazards.

Winter Weather Hazards: Iowa winters bring black ice, blowing snow, and whiteout conditions. Trucks that don’t adjust their speed for Monroe County’s winter conditions can jackknife or lose control on I-80’s overpasses.

Older Highway Infrastructure: Rural Iowa highways weren’t built for today’s 80-foot-long trucks. Sharp curves, narrow shoulders, and limited visibility at rural intersections create deadly conditions when truckers drive too fast for conditions.

Fatigued Driving on I-80: The interstate corridor through Monroe County is a major route between Chicago and Denver. Truck drivers push the limits of federal hours-of-service regulations to make delivery deadlines, creating rolling time bombs of fatigue.

Under Iowa law, you have just two years from the date of your accident to file a lawsuit. But waiting even a day puts your case at risk. Trucking companies send rapid-response teams to accident scenes within hours. They have investigators taking photos, downloading data, and preparing their defense while you’re still in the emergency room.

That’s why we send spoliation letters within 24 hours of being retained—demanding that the trucking company preserve the black box data, driver logs, maintenance records, and other evidence that proves their negligence.

Ralph Manginello & Attorney911: 25 Years Fighting for Trucking Victims

When you hire Attorney911, you’re not getting a generic personal injury firm that handles the occasional fender-bender. You’re getting a team that has spent 25 years specifically fighting trucking companies and their insurance carriers.

Ralph Manginello founded this firm in 1998 with a simple mission: hold powerful corporations accountable when they hurt regular people. Since then, he has:

• Secured multi-million dollar settlements for traumatic brain injury victims, including a $5+ million recovery for a worker struck by a falling load
• Won a $3.8+ million settlement for a client who suffered a partial leg amputation after a vehicle collision
• Currently litigating a $10 million lawsuit against the University of Houston and a national fraternity for hazing injuries—proving we have the resources to take on large institutions
• Served as one of the few Texas firms involved in the BP Texas City Refinery explosion litigation following the 2005 disaster that killed 15 workers and injured 170 more

Ralph is admitted to federal court in the Southern District of Texas (and licensed in New York as well), giving our firm the capability to handle complex interstate trucking cases that cross state lines. This federal court experience matters because many trucking accident cases involve federal jurisdiction and FMCSA regulations that state-court-only lawyers don’t fully understand.

But Ralph doesn’t work alone. Our associate attorney, Lupe Peña, brings a weapon to your case that few other firms can match: he used to work for insurance companies.

That’s right. Before joining Attorney911, Lupe spent years at a national insurance defense firm. He learned from the inside exactly how trucking insurers evaluate claims, train adjusters to minimize payouts, and use algorithms like Colossus to lowball injury victims. Now he uses that insider knowledge against them—knowing exactly when they’re bluffing and how to counter their tactics.

As our client Chad Harris put it: “You are NOT a pest to them and you are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.”

And Glenda Walker told us: “They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.”

With offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we serve clients across Iowa and beyond. We offer fluent Spanish-language services through Lupe Peña, giving Monroe County’s Hispanic community direct access to justice without interpreters. Hablamos Español. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911.

Understanding FMCSA Regulations: The Rules Truckers Break

Federal regulations govern every aspect of commercial trucking. When truck drivers or companies violate these rules, it creates powerful evidence of negligence in your case. Here are the critical regulations we investigate in every Monroe County trucking accident:

Hours of Service Violations (49 CFR Part 395)

Federal law strictly limits how long truck drivers can operate:

• 11-Hour Driving Limit: Drivers cannot drive more than 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty
• 14-Hour Duty Window: Drivers cannot drive beyond the 14th consecutive hour after coming on duty
• 30-Minute Break: Mandatory break 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

Yet despite these rules, driver fatigue causes approximately 31% of fatal truck crashes. Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) are supposed to track compliance, but some drivers run “off the books” or falsify logs. We subpoena ELD data immediately to prove violations.

Driver Qualification Requirements (49 CFR Part 391)

Trucking companies must verify that their drivers are qualified and safe. Every driver must have:

• A valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)
• A current Medical Examiner’s Certificate (renewed every 2 years maximum)
• A clean driving record (companies must check the previous 3 years)
• Proper entry-level driver training

When companies hire drivers with suspended licenses, poor safety records, or medical conditions that make them dangerous behind the wheel, they commit negligent hiring—and we hold them liable for it.

Vehicle Maintenance Standards (49 CFR Part 396)

Trucking companies must systematically inspect and maintain their vehicles:

• Pre-trip inspections required before every drive
• Annual inspections by qualified mechanics
• Brake systems must meet specific adjustment standards (§ 393.40-55)
• Tire tread depth minimums: 4/32″ for steer tires, 2/32″ for others (§ 393.75)

Brake failures contribute to 29% of truck accidents. When companies defer maintenance to save money—putting bald tires or faulty brakes on I-80 through Monroe County—they put everyone at risk.

Cargo Securement Rules (49 CFR Part 393)

Loads must be secured to withstand:

• 0.8g deceleration (sudden stops)
• 0.5g lateral forces (turning)
• 0.5g rearward acceleration

Improperly secured grain, equipment, or livestock can shift during transport, causing rollovers or spills on Monroe County highways.

The 10 Potentially Liable Parties in Your Monroe County Case

Most law firms only sue the driver and trucking company. That’s a mistake. In commercial trucking cases, multiple parties can share liability—and each represents a separate insurance policy that can contribute to your recovery:

1. The Truck Driver: Personally liable for speeding, distracted driving, fatigue, or impairment.

2. The Trucking Company: Vicariously liable under respondeat superior, plus directly liable for negligent hiring, training, supervision, or maintenance. This is usually the primary target because companies carry $750,000 to $5 million in insurance.

3. The Truck Owner: If different from the carrier (common in owner-operator situations), liable for negligent entrustment or poor maintenance.

4. The Cargo Owner/Shipper: Agricultural shippers in Iowa often pressure drivers to overload grain trucks or rush deliveries, creating liability for unsafe loading.

5. The Loading Company: Third-party loaders who improperly secured cargo or overloaded trailers.

6. The Freight Broker: Brokers who arrange shipping but negligently select carriers with poor safety records.

7. The Truck Manufacturer: Liable for design defects in brakes, fuel systems, or stability control.

8. The Parts Manufacturer: Companies that produced defective tires, brake components, or steering systems.

9. The Maintenance Company: Third-party mechanics who performed negligent repairs or failed to identify dangerous defects.

10. Government Entities: If dangerous road design, inadequate signage, or poor maintenance (like uncleared snow on I-80) contributed to the crash.

Every additional defendant is another potential source of recovery. We investigate them all.

Types of 18-Wheeler Accidents We See in Monroe County

Jackknife Accidents on I-80

A jackknife occurs when the trailer swings out perpendicular to the cab, often blocking multiple lanes of traffic. On I-80 through Monroe County, this can happen when a truck hits black ice on the Albia overpass or locks brakes while avoiding slow farm equipment. Jackknives frequently cause multi-car pileups.

Common causes: Sudden braking, empty trailers (more prone to swing), improper brake adjustment, or speed too fast for winter conditions.

Likely FMCSA violations: 49 CFR § 393.48 (brake system malfunction), § 392.6 (speeding for conditions).

Rollover Accidents on Rural Highways

Monroe County’s rural highways—like County Road S70 or Highway 137—have curves and grades that can catch truckers off guard. When a truck takes a curve too fast or encounters an unbalanced load of grain, it can roll over, crushing any vehicle in its path.

Common causes: Speeding on curves, improperly secured cargo, overcorrection, or fatigue-induced steering errors.

Likely FMCSA violations: 49 CFR § 393.100-136 (cargo securement violations).

Underride Collisions

When a passenger vehicle crashes into the rear or side of a trailer and slides underneath, the results are often fatal. Underride guards are supposed to prevent this, but they often fail or are missing entirely.

Common causes: Sudden truck stops without warning, inadequate underride guards, or tailgating.

Likely FMCSA violations: 49 CFR § 393.86 (rear impact guard requirements).

Rear-End Collisions

A loaded truck needs 40% more stopping distance than a car. On I-80’s straight stretches, fatigued or distracted truckers often miss stopped traffic ahead, plowing into vehicles at highway speeds.

Common causes: Following too closely (49 CFR § 392.11), driver distraction (§ 392.82), or brake failure from poor maintenance.

Wide Turn (“Squeeze Play”) Accidents

Trucks making right turns need to swing left first, creating a gap that other vehicles enter. When the truck completes its turn, it crushes the vehicle in the “squeeze play.” This is common at intersections in Albia and other Monroe County towns.

Common causes: Failure to signal, inadequate mirror checks, or driver inexperience.

Blind Spot (No-Zone) Accidents

18-wheelers have massive blind spots on all four sides. When truckers change lanes without checking mirrors—especially on I-80’s busy stretches—they sideswipe vehicles or force them off the road.

Common causes: Distracted driving, failure to adjust mirrors, or inadequate training.

Tire Blowouts and Debris

Summer heat on Iowa’s asphalt and winter’s freeze-thaw cycles destroy tires. When semi-tires blow, they often cause the driver to lose control or throw debris (“road gators”) that strike following vehicles.

Common causes: Underinflated tires, worn tread, or overloaded vehicles exceeding tire capacity.

Likely FMCSA violations: 49 CFR § 393.75 (tire requirements), § 396.13 (pre-trip inspection).

Cargo Spills

Iowa’s agricultural economy means trucks hauling grain, soybeans, and equipment. When loads aren’t properly secured, they spill across Monroe County highways, causing chain-reaction crashes.

Common causes: Violation of cargo securement rules (49 CFR § 393.100), overloaded trailers, or defective tie-downs.

Head-On Collisions

Fatigued or impaired truckers sometimes drift across the centerline on two-lane rural highways, causing devastating head-on crashes with closing speeds exceeding 120 mph.

The 48-Hour Evidence Protocol: Why Time Is Critical

Evidence in trucking cases has a short shelf life. Here’s what you’re up against:

When you call 1-888-ATTY-911, we immediately send a spoliation letter to the trucking company, their insurer, and any liable third parties. This legal notice requires them to preserve:

• Engine Control Module (ECM) data showing speed, braking, and throttle position
• Electronic Logging Device (ELD) records proving hours-of-service violations
• Driver Qualification Files (DQ files) showing hiring and training records
• Maintenance logs and inspection reports
• Cell phone records proving distraction
• GPS and telematics data showing the truck’s route and speed

Once a spoliation letter is sent, destroying evidence becomes a serious legal violation that can result in adverse inference instructions (the jury is told to assume the destroyed evidence was unfavorable to the trucking company) or even default judgment.

Don’t wait. Every hour you delay, evidence disappears. The trucking company already has lawyers working for them. You need someone working for you now.

Catastrophic Injuries: The Real Cost of Trucking Accidents

18-wheeler accidents don’t cause simple whiplash. They cause life-altering catastrophic injuries. At Attorney911, we’ve helped Monroe County families recover from:

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) — Settlements: $1.5 Million to $9.8 Million+

Brain injuries range from concussions to severe trauma causing permanent cognitive impairment. Symptoms include memory loss, personality changes, headaches, and inability to work. Lifetime care costs can exceed $3 million.

Spinal Cord Injury and Paralysis — Settlements: $4.7 Million to $25.8 Million+

Depending on the level of injury, victims may suffer paraplegia (loss of leg function) or quadriplegia (loss of all limb function). Lifetime costs for quadriplegia exceed $5 million in medical care alone.

Amputations — Settlements: $1.9 Million to $8.6 Million

Crushing injuries often require surgical amputation of limbs. Victims face multiple surgeries, prosthetics ($5,000-$50,000+ each), and permanent disability.

Severe Burns

Fuel fires and hazmat spills cause third and fourth-degree burns requiring skin grafts, reconstructive surgery, and psychological treatment.

Wrongful Death — Settlements: $1.9 Million to $9.5 Million

When a trucking accident kills a loved one, Iowa law allows surviving spouses, children, and parents to recover compensation for lost income, loss of companionship, and mental anguish.

Under Iowa’s modified comparative negligence rule, you can recover damages as long as you were not more than 50% at fault for the accident. However, your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault. This makes thorough investigation critical—we work to prove the truck driver and company were 100% responsible.

Damages Available in Iowa Trucking Cases

Federal law requires trucking companies to carry substantial insurance:

• $750,000 minimum for non-hazardous freight
• $1,000,000 for oil and equipment
• $5,000,000 for hazardous materials

But accessing these funds requires proving your damages. We fight for:

Economic Damages: Medical bills (past and future), lost wages, lost earning capacity, property damage, and out-of-pocket expenses.

Non-Economic Damages: Pain and suffering, mental anguish, loss of enjoyment of life, disfigurement, and loss of consortium (the impact on your marriage).

Punitive Damages: In cases of gross negligence—like a company knowingly putting a dangerous driver on the road, falsifying log books, or destroying evidence—we seek punitive damages to punish the wrongdoer and deter future misconduct.

Frequently Asked Questions About Monroe County Trucking Accidents

How long do I have to file a lawsuit after a trucking accident in Iowa?
Iowa law gives you two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. For wrongful death, you have two years from the date of death. But waiting is dangerous—evidence disappears quickly. Call us immediately.

What if the truck driver says I caused the accident?
Don’t panic. Iowa uses modified comparative negligence. As long as you’re not more than 50% at fault, you can recover damages. We use ECM data, ELD records, and accident reconstruction to prove what really happened. Truck drivers often lie to protect their jobs; the objective data tells the truth.

Can I still recover if I was partially at fault?
Yes, if you were 50% or less at fault. Your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you’re found 20% at fault and your damages are $1 million, you recover $800,000.

What is a spoliation letter and why does it matter?
It’s a legal notice demanding that the trucking company preserve all evidence. Once they receive it, destroying evidence becomes a serious legal violation. We send these within 24 hours of being hired.

Who can be held liable besides the driver?
The trucking company, truck owner, cargo loader, maintenance company, parts manufacturer, freight broker, and even government entities if road conditions contributed. More defendants mean more insurance coverage for you.

How much is my case worth?
It depends on injury severity, medical costs, lost income, and available insurance. Trucking cases often settle for more than car accidents because commercial policies are larger. We’ve recovered millions for clients with catastrophic injuries.

Will my case go to trial?
Most cases settle, but we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial. Insurance companies know which attorneys are willing to go to court—and they offer better settlements to those who are. Ralph Manginello has the trial experience to take your case all the way if necessary.

Do I need to pay anything upfront?
No. We work on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing unless we win. We advance all costs for investigation and litigation. Our standard fee is 33.33% pre-trial and 40% if we go to trial.

What if the trucking company calls me with a settlement offer?
Don’t accept it. Early offers are designed to pay you less than you deserve before you know the full extent of your injuries. Never sign anything or give recorded statements without consulting an attorney.

How do you prove the driver was fatigued?
We subpoena ELD data showing hours of service violations, review dispatch records showing unrealistic schedules, and analyze cell phone records for late-night activity. FMCSA regulations limit drive time—we prove when companies break those rules.

What are the most common FMCSA violations in Monroe County accidents?
Hours of service violations (driving too long), false log entries, brake deficiencies, tire violations, and inadequate cargo securement. Iowa’s agricultural trucking sees many cargo and weight violations.

Can undocumented immigrants file injury claims?
Yes. Immigration status does not affect your right to compensation for injuries caused by someone else’s negligence. We also offer Spanish-language representation through Lupe Peña. Hablamos Español.

What should I do if the insurance adjuster asks for a recorded statement?
Politely decline. Tell them your attorney will handle all communications. Adjusters are trained to ask questions that minimize your claim. We handle these communications to protect you.

How long will my case take?
Simple cases with clear liability might settle in 6-12 months. Complex cases with catastrophic injuries or multiple defendants can take 1-3 years. We work to resolve cases as quickly as possible while maximizing your recovery.

What if the truck was owned by a small local farm or business?
Even small agricultural operations must carry commercial insurance if they operate trucks over 10,000 lbs. We identify all available policies and pursue recovery from any entity that contributed to the accident.

Do you handle cases where farm equipment caused the accident?
Yes. We handle all commercial vehicle accidents, including those involving agricultural equipment, grain trucks, and farm vehicles on public roads.

What if my loved one was killed in the accident?
We are deeply sorry for your loss. Iowa law allows wrongful death claims by spouses, children, and parents to recover funeral expenses, lost income, loss of companionship, and mental anguish. Time is limited—contact us immediately.

Why should I choose Attorney911 over a local Iowa firm?
We have 25 years of experience specifically in trucking litigation, federal court admission to handle interstate commerce cases, a former insurance defense attorney on staff, and a track record of multi-million dollar results. We know Monroe County’s roads and Iowa’s courts, but we bring resources that local general practice firms cannot match.

What if I can’t travel to your office?
We come to you. If you’re hospitalized in Des Moines, Iowa City, or recovering at home in Monroe County, we’ll meet you there. We also offer video consultations. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 to arrange a convenient meeting.

Call Attorney911 Today: Your Future Depends on What You Do Now

The trucking company that hit you has already called their lawyers. Their insurance adjuster is already looking for ways to blame you or minimize your claim. While you’re trying to heal, they’re building a case against you.

You don’t have to face this alone. And you shouldn’t.

Attorney911 has the experience, resources, and determination to fight for every dollar you deserve. Ralph Manginello has spent 25 years making trucking companies pay. Lupe Peña brings insider knowledge of how insurers operate. And our entire team treats you like family—not like a case number.

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.”

And as Kiimarii Yup told us: “I lost everything… 1 year later I have gained so much in return plus a brand new truck.”

We don’t settle for less. We don’t back down from big trucking companies. And we don’t charge you a penny unless we win.

If you’ve been injured in an 18-wheeler accident in Monroe County, Iowa, call 1-888-ATTY-911 right now. The consultation is free. The advice is priceless. And the clock is ticking.

1-888-ATTY-911
888-ATTY-911
(888) 288-9911

Hablamos Español. Lupe Peña está disponible para consultas en español.

Serving trucking accident victims throughout Monroe County, including Albia, Lovilia, Melrose, Moravia, and all communities along I-80 and US-63.