Montgomery County 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyers: When Trucks Change Lives Forever

The impact was catastrophic. You were driving along US 231 near Crawfordsville, maybe heading home from a shift at a local manufacturing plant or picking up supplies for your Montgomery County farm. Then an 80,000-pound tractor-trailer changed everything. One moment, you’re navigating the familiar curves of our west-central Indiana highways. The next, you’re facing catastrophic injuries, mounting medical bills at Franciscan Health Crawfordsville, and a trucking company’s insurance team that already has lawyers working to protect their interests—not yours.

At Attorney911, we don’t think that’s fair. Ralph Manginello has spent 25 years fighting for people just like you—families across Montgomery County and throughout Indiana who’ve had their lives shattered by negligent trucking companies. Our associate attorney Lupe Peña used to work for insurance companies defending these very claims. Now he fights against them, giving our firm insider knowledge of every tactic they’ll use to minimize your recovery.

We know Montgomery County. We know the heavy truck traffic that rolls through on Interstate 74, connecting Indianapolis to Cincinnati. We see the agricultural trucks hauling grain from Montgomery County fields onto US 231, and the manufacturing freight moving through Crawfordsville. When an 18-wheeler leaves you broken on the side of these roads, you need attorneys who understand federal trucking regulations, Indiana’s negligence laws, and exactly how much your case is worth.

Call us 24/7 at 1-888-ATTY-911. Evidence disappears fast—ECM data can be overwritten in 30 days, and trucking companies send rapid-response teams immediately. Don’t wait. The clock is already ticking.

Why Montgomery County Truck Accidents Demand Specialized Legal Experience

There’s no such thing as a “minor” 18-wheeler accident. When 80,000 pounds of steel and cargo collide with a 4,000-pound passenger vehicle, the physics aren’t just unforgiving—they’re devastating. The force of impact isn’t merely bigger; it’s exponentially greater. A fully loaded truck traveling at 65 mph needs nearly 525 feet to stop—that’s almost two football fields. By comparison, your car needs roughly 300 feet. On busy Montgomery County roads like State Road 32 or the I-74 corridor, that difference kills.

Ralph Manginello has been handling these catastrophic cases since 1998. Over two decades, he’s secured multi-million dollar settlements for traumatic brain injury victims, amputees, and families who’ve lost loved ones to wrongful death. As Managing Partner of Attorney911, Ralph brings something most personal injury lawyers cannot: admission to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas, federal court experience that matters when trucking cases cross state lines—something that happens frequently on Montgomery County’s interstate corridors.

Our firm’s experience includes litigation against Fortune 500 corporations like BP following industrial disasters. When the 2005 BP Texas City Refinery explosion killed 15 workers and injured 170 more, it created $2.1 billion in industry-wide settlements. We were there. We know how to stand toe-to-toe with multinational corporations whose lawyers outnumber your family members.

But here’s what really sets us apart for Montgomery County victims: Lupe Peña worked as a national insurance defense attorney before joining Attorney911. As he told ABC13 Houston in recent coverage of our landmark cases, “If this prevents harm to another person, that’s what we’re hoping to do. Let’s bring this to light. Enough is enough.” Lupe spent years watching adjusters minimize legitimate claims, train employees to lowball victims, and exploit every loophole to protect corporate profits. Now he uses that playbook against them. When you hire Attorney911, you get an attorney who knows exactly how the trucking company’s insurer will evaluate, delay, and attempt to deny your claim—because he used to be one of them.

Indiana Law in Montgomery County: Understanding Your Rights

Your trucking accident claim is governed by specific Indiana statutes that differ from neighboring states. As your Montgomery County attorneys, we ensure you understand exactly how these laws affect your case.

The Two-Year Deadline. Indiana Code § 34-11-2-4 gives you just two years from the date of your Montgomery County trucking accident to file a lawsuit. Miss that deadline, and you lose your right to compensation forever—regardless of how seriously you were injured or how clearly the truck driver was at fault. The clock starts ticking the moment the impact occurs on I-74 or US 231. That’s why we send spoliation letters within 24 hours to preserve critical evidence before it’s destroyed.

Modified Comparative Fault with a 51% Bar. Indiana follows a modified comparative negligence rule. You can recover damages if you were 50% or less at fault for the Montgomery County accident. However, if a Montgomery County jury determines you were 51% or more responsible, you recover nothing. This makes evidence preservation and aggressive early investigation absolutely critical. The trucking company will argue you were speeding, distracted, or failed to yield—even when their driver violated federal hours-of-service regulations. We build cases that withstand these attacks.

Punitive Damage Considerations. While Indiana caps punitive damages at the greater of three times compensatory damages or $50,000 (Indiana Code § 34-51-3), these limits don’t apply to your economic and non-economic damages. Medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life have no artificial caps in Montgomery County courts.

Government Liability. If your accident involved a poorly designed intersection on a Montgomery County road or state highway maintenance failures, special rules apply. Claims against the Indiana Department of Transportation or Montgomery County government require strict notice within 180 days under Indiana’s Tort Claims Act. These cases are complex, but with our experience—including former defense attorney Lupe Peña’s knowledge of governmental immunity defenses—we navigate these requirements while you focus on healing.

Types of 18-Wheeler Crashes We Handle in Montgomery County

Not every truck crash is the same, and Montgomery County’s unique geography—mixing agricultural routes, interstate corridors, and manufacturing zones—creates specific accident profiles. We handle every type of trucking accident, but we pay special attention to those most common in our area.

Jackknife Accidents on I-74 and US 231

A jackknife occurs when a truck’s trailer swings perpendicular to the cab, creating an immovable barrier across multiple lanes. On Interstate 74, where trucks often travel at highway speeds between Indianapolis and Cincinnati, sudden braking or improper maneuvering can trigger these deadly events. Empty or lightly loaded trailers are particularly prone to jackknifing during hard braking.

These accidents often violate 49 CFR § 393.48 (brake system requirements) when poor maintenance contributes to the loss of control. We subpoena brake inspection records, maintenance logs, and ECM data showing brake application timing to prove the trucking company failed to keep their vehicle safe.

Rollover Accidents Near Crawfordsville

Crawfordsville’s mix of rural roads and industrial trucking creates unique rollover risks. Trucks carrying liquid cargo—whether agricultural chemicals or manufacturing fluids—face “slosh and surge” dynamics that shift centers of gravity on curves. Speeding on ramps, improperly secured loads, and driver fatigue all contribute to rollovers that crush passenger vehicles.

Under 49 CFR § 392.6, trucking companies cannot schedule routes requiring speeds unsafe for road conditions. When they pressure drivers to meet unrealistic delivery deadlines through Montgomery County, and those deadlines cause rolloffs on State Road 32 curves, we hold them accountable for direct negligence—not just vicarious liability.

Underride Collisions: The Silent Killer

When a passenger vehicle slides beneath a truck’s trailer, the roof often shears off at windshield level. Rear underride guards are required under 49 CFR § 393.86, but many are poorly maintained or missing entirely. Side underride guards are not federally mandated, though litigation increasingly targets manufacturers for failing to install them.

We examine guard deformation after crashes, maintenance records for guard integrity, and whether proper reflective tape under 49 CFR § 393.13 was applied. These cases often involve multiple liable parties: the driver for sudden stops, the trucking company for guard maintenance, and potentially the trailer manufacturer for design defects.

Rear-End Collisions on Montgomery County Highways

An 18-wheeler following too closely on US 231 or Interstate 74 cannot stop in time when traffic slows entering Crawfordsville. 49 CFR § 392.11 prohibits following more closely than “reasonable and prudent,” yet driver distraction, fatigue, and speeding routinely violate this rule.

We download ECM data to prove following distances were inadequate and braking was delayed. Cell phone records reveal distraction. ELD logs prove whether the driver exceeded the 11-hour driving limit under 49 CFR § 395.8, creating fatigue that slowed reaction times.

Wide Turn Accidents in Crawfordsville Intersections

The “squeeze play” happens when a truck swings left before turning right, creating a gap that passenger vehicles enter—only to be crushed when the truck completes its turn. Crawfordsville’s intersections along Washington Street and Main Street see these accidents when truckers fail to signal properly or check blind spots.

These cases implicate 49 CFR § 392.2 (obeying traffic control devices) and state traffic laws. We review driver training records to prove the trucking company failed to teach proper wide-turn techniques, establishing direct negligence separate from the driver’s error.

Tire Blowouts and Road Debris

Montgomery County’s agricultural economy means trucks frequently travel rural roads where debris, potholes, and temperature extremes stress tires. A steer-tire blowout can cause immediate loss of control. “Road gators”—tire debris left on I-74—cause secondary accidents when passenger vehicles strike them at speed.

Under 49 CFR § 393.75, tires must have minimum tread depth (4/32″ for steer tires, 2/32″ for others). Pre-trip inspections required by 49 CFR § 396.13 must include tire checks. When trucking companies defer maintenance to save money, and blowouts cause rollovers or multi-car pileups on Montgomery County highways, we prove the violation caused your injuries.

Brake Failures on Steep Grades

While Montgomery County doesn’t have mountain passes, heavy loads descending toward the Wabash River or navigating I-74 ramps can overheat brakes. “Brake fade” from poor maintenance or overloading causes complete failure.

49 CFR § 393.40 mandates properly functioning brake systems. Post-trip inspection reports under 49 CFR § 396.11 require drivers to document brake defects. When these reports are falsified or ignored, and brake failure causes a catastrophic crash on Montgomery County roads, the trucking company faces punitive damages for knowingly putting a dangerous vehicle on the road.

Cargo Shifts and Spills

Montgomery County’s manufacturing and agricultural sectors generate massive freight volume. Improperly secured steel coils from Nucor or grain loads from local elevators can shift during transport, causing rollovers or spilling onto highways.

49 CFR § 393.100-136 establishes specific cargo securement requirements: tiedowns must withstand 0.8g deceleration forward, 0.5g rearward and laterally. Working load limits must equal at least 50% of cargo weight. When loaders at Montgomery County facilities fail to properly secure cargo, or drivers fail to re-inspect en route under 49 CFR § 392.9, multiple parties share liability.

Every Party Who Can Be Held Liable in Your Montgomery County Case

Most law firms sue only the driver and trucking company. We investigate all potentially liable parties because more defendants mean more insurance coverage—and ultimately, higher compensation for your Montgomery County family.

The Truck Driver

We examine the driver’s qualification file (DQ File) under 49 CFR § 391.51, looking for:

• Valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with proper endorsements
• Current medical certification (required under 49 CFR § 391.45)
• Three-year driving history from previous employers
• Pre-employment and random drug testing results
• Training records showing proper instruction in cargo securement, hazmat handling, and hours-of-service compliance

If the driver was texting (violating 49 CFR § 392.82), driving over 11 hours (violating 49 CFR § 395.3), or lacked proper qualifications, they face personal liability alongside employer responsibility.

The Trucking Company/Motor Carrier

Trucking companies carry the highest insurance limits—typically $750,000 to $5 million under federal mandates. We pursue them for:

• Vicarious liability (respondeat superior) for their employee’s negligence
• Negligent hiring under 49 CFR § 391.11 (hiring unqualified drivers)
• Negligent training (failure to teach safe operations)
• Negligent supervision (ignoring ELD violations or safety complaints)
• Negligent maintenance (violating 49 CFR Part 396)
• Negligent scheduling (pressuring drivers to violate hours-of-service rules)

We obtain the carrier’s CSA (Compliance, Safety, Accountability) scores from FMCSA to prove patterns of violations—evidence that punitive damages are warranted.

The Cargo Owner and Loading Company

When spills occur on Montgomery County roads, we examine bills of lading from local agricultural cooperatives or manufacturing plants. Did the shipper require overweight loading? Did they provide improper securement instructions? Did the loading company fail to use sufficient tiedowns?

Under Indiana’s respondeat superior principles, loading companies can be held liable for negligent securement that violates 49 CFR Part 393.

Truck and Parts Manufacturers

Defective brakes, steering mechanisms, or tire blowouts caused by manufacturing defects implicate product liability. We retain engineers to analyze failed components and research recall histories through NHTSA databases.

Maintenance Companies

Third-party mechanics who performed brake repairs or tire replacements may be liable for negligent service if their work contributed to the crash. We examine work orders and mechanic certifications.

Freight Brokers

Brokers who arranged the shipment—common in Montgomery County’s agricultural logistics—must exercise reasonable care in selecting carriers. If a broker chose the cheapest carrier despite poor safety records, they face liability for negligent selection.

Government Entities

Poorly designed intersections, inadequate signage on I-74 ramps, or unaddressed potholes on Montgomery County roads may implicate the Indiana Department of Transportation or Montgomery County Highway Department. These cases require immediate action due to Indiana’s 180-day notice requirement for governmental claims.

The 48-Hour Evidence Preservation Protocol: Why Speed Matters

This is urgent. Trucking companies don’t wait to protect themselves. Within hours of a Montgomery County crash, their rapid-response teams arrive. Their goal: minimize liability and preserve evidence that helps them—not you.

We operate on a 48-hour evidence preservation protocol. The moment you hire Attorney911, we send spoliation letters to the trucking company, their insurer, and all potentially liable parties. These letters create a legal duty to preserve:

• ECM/Black Box Data: Records speed, braking, and engine performance for 30-180 days before overwriting
• ELD (Electronic Logging Device) Data: Proves hours-of-service violations under 49 CFR § 395.8
• Dashcam Footage: Often deleted within 7-14 days if not preserved
• Driver Qualification Files: Contains hiring records, training documentation, and safety violations
• Maintenance Records: Required under 49 CFR § 396.3, proving systematic inspection (or lack thereof)
• Cell Phone Records: Reveal distraction and texting while driving
• Dispatch Communications: Show scheduling pressure that forced drivers to violate regulations

Without immediate legal intervention, this evidence disappears. The truck gets repaired, erasing physical evidence. The black box records over critical data. Witnesses’ memories fade. Every hour you wait makes your case harder to prove.

As client Glenda Walker told us after we handled her case, “They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.” But we can only fight if evidence exists. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 immediately after any Montgomery County trucking accident.

Catastrophic Injuries and Real Recovery Potential

When an 18-wheeler hits a passenger vehicle in Montgomery County, the injuries aren’t “soft tissue”—they’re life-altering. We’ve recovered multi-million dollar settlements for families facing these devastating diagnoses.

Traumatic Brain Injuries ($1.5 Million to $9.8 Million+)

TBI from trucking accidents ranges from concussions to permanent cognitive impairment. Symptoms include memory loss, personality changes, chronic headaches, and inability to work. Our $5+ million brain injury settlement involving a workplace accident demonstrates our ability to secure futures for TBI victims who need lifelong care.

We work with neurologists at Indianapolis trauma centers and local Montgomery County rehabilitation facilities to document the full extent of cognitive damage—not just immediate medical costs, but decades of lost earning capacity and diminished quality of life.

Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis ($4.7 Million to $25.8 Million+)

Complete and incomplete spinal cord injuries from truck crashes often result in paraplegia or quadriplegia. Victims require wheelchairs, home modifications (ramps, widened doorways), and 24/7 attendant care.

Our settlement ranges for spinal injuries reflect the lifetime costs of specialized medical equipment, ongoing physical therapy, and lost wages when a Montgomery County breadwinner can never work again.

Amputations ($1.9 Million to $8.6 Million+)

When crash forces crush limbs beyond repair, or when infections following truck accidents necessitate surgical amputation, victims face prosthetics ($5,000-$50,000 per device), replacement costs every few years, and occupational therapy to relearn daily tasks.

Our $3.8+ million amputation settlement for a car accident victim who developed severe infections shows we understand the cascading medical consequences of traumatic injury. We fight for prosthetics, home modifications, and psychological counseling for phantom limb pain.

Severe Burns and Disfigurement

Tanker trucks carrying chemicals or fuel that ignite on I-74 create burn injuries requiring skin grafts, reconstructive surgery, and treatment for contractures. These cases often justify punitive damages when trucking companies violated hazmat regulations under 49 CFR Part 397.

Wrongful Death ($1.9 Million to $9.5 Million+)

When a trucking accident kills a Montgomery County family member, Indiana’s Wrongful Death Statute (Indiana Code § 34-23-1-1) allows recovery for:

• Funeral and burial expenses
• Medical costs before death
• Lost future income and benefits
• Loss of love, care, and companionship
• Mental anguish of surviving family members

We’ve recovered millions for Texas families in wrongful death trucking cases, and we bring that experience to Montgomery County families facing the unthinkable.

Understanding Federal Trucking Regulations That Protect Montgomery County Drivers

Every 18-wheeler on Montgomery County highways must comply with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations under Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations. These regulations aren’t just bureaucratic rules—they’re the standards that keep you safe. When violated, they prove negligence as a matter of law.

Part 390: General Applicability

Establishes that federal regulations apply to all commercial vehicles operating in interstate commerce, including those crossing Indiana state lines on I-74. Definitions of “commercial motor vehicle” (10,001+ lbs GVWR) determine which safety rules apply.

Part 391: Driver Qualification

Prohibits trucking companies from employing drivers who:

• Are under 21 years old (for interstate commerce)
• Cannot read and speak English sufficiently to converse with the general public
• Lack a valid CDL
• Haven’t passed a physical examination under 49 CFR § 391.41 (vision, hearing, medical fitness)
• Have disqualifying criminal or driving histories

We subpoena Driver Qualification Files to prove negligent hiring when Montgomery County trucking companies put unqualified drivers on the road.

Part 392: Driving Rules

Critical safety standards including:

• § 392.3: Prohibiting operation while fatigued or ill
• § 392.4/392.5: Drug and alcohol prohibitions (0.04% BAC maximum)
• § 392.6: Speeding prohibitions based on conditions
• § 392.11: Following distance requirements
• § 392.82: Handheld mobile telephone bans (no texting, no holding phones)

Part 393: Vehicle Safety and Cargo Securement

Mandates proper:

• Brake systems (§ 393.40)
• Lighting devices (§ 393.11)
• Cargo securement (§ 393.100) with specific performance criteria (withstand 0.8g deceleration)
• Rear impact guards (§ 393.86) to prevent underride

Part 395: Hours of Service (Most Violated Regulation)

The rules designed to prevent driver fatigue:

• 11-hour driving limit: No driving after 11 hours following 10 consecutive hours off duty
• 14-hour 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 limits: Cannot drive after 60/70 hours on duty in 7/8 days
• ELD Mandate: Since December 2017, most trucks must use Electronic Logging Devices to record hours automatically

Violations of Part 395 are found in 31% of fatal truck crashes. We download ELD data to prove the driver who hit you on Montgomery County roads was operating illegally.

Part 396: Inspection and Maintenance

Requires:

• Systematic inspection, repair, and maintenance programs (§ 396.3)
• Pre-trip inspections by drivers (§ 396.13)
• Post-trip reports documenting defects (§ 396.11)
• Annual vehicle inspections (§ 396.17)

When trucking companies skip maintenance to save money, and brake failures cause crashes on I-74, these records prove they chose profits over your safety.

Montgomery County Trucking Accident FAQ: Your Questions Answered

What should I do immediately after a trucking accident in Montgomery County?
Call 911 immediately. Request emergency medical services even if injuries seem minor—adrenaline masks pain. If you’re able, photograph the truck’s DOT number (on the cab door), license plates, all vehicle damage, and the accident scene including road conditions. Get witness contact information. Do not speak to the trucking company’s insurance adjuster without legal counsel. Call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 for immediate guidance.

How long do I have to file a lawsuit in Montgomery County?
Indiana law gives you two years from the date of the accident (Indiana Code § 34-11-2-4). However, if a governmental entity like the Indiana Department of Transportation is involved, you have only 180 days to file a notice of claim. Do not wait. Evidence disappears within days.

What is my Montgomery County trucking accident case worth?
Values depend on injury severity, medical costs (current and future), lost wages, permanent disability, and available insurance. Federal law requires trucking companies to carry at least $750,000 in liability coverage ($1 million for hazardous materials, $5 million for passengers). We’ve recovered settlements ranging from hundreds of thousands to multi-millions for clients. Contact us for a free case evaluation specific to your Montgomery County accident.

Can I recover damages if I was partially at fault?
Yes, under Indiana’s modified comparative negligence rule, you can recover if you were 50% or less at fault. However, if you’re found 51% or more responsible, you recover nothing. This makes aggressive investigation crucial—we work to prove the truck driver bore the majority of fault through FMCSA violations.

Who pays my medical bills while the case is pending?
Your health insurance initially covers treatment. We can also help arrange medical liens with providers who agree to wait for payment until settlement. Attorney911 clients never pay upfront costs—we work on contingency, only getting paid when you do.

What if the truck driver was an independent contractor, not an employee?
We investigate the relationship under federal “common carrier” definitions. Many “independent contractors” are actually employees under FMCSA guidelines, making the trucking company vicariously liable. Additionally, owner-operators carry their own insurance policies we can access.

How do you prove the driver was fatigued?
We download ELD data showing hours-of-service violations, examine dispatch records for unrealistic scheduling, and review driver logs for falsification. Cell phone records may show the driver was texting instead of resting. Lupe Peña’s insurance defense background helps us identify exactly where trucking companies hide this evidence.

What if the trucking company destroys evidence?
Our spoliation letters create a legal duty to preserve evidence. If the trucking company destroys ECM data or maintenance records after receiving our notice, Indiana courts can impose sanctions, including adverse inference instructions (telling the jury the destroyed evidence would have hurt the trucking company’s case) or monetary penalties.

Can undocumented immigrants file claims in Montgomery County?
Yes. Hablamos Español. Immigration status does not affect your right to compensation for injuries caused by negligent trucking companies. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911 para hablar con Lupe Peña.

What makes Attorney911 different from other Montgomery County law firms?
25 years of experience. Admission to federal court. A former insurance defense attorney on staff who knows every trick the companies will use. Multi-million dollar results. 251+ Google reviews with a 4.9-star rating. Clients like Chad Harris say, “You are NOT a pest to them and you are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.” We treat Montgomery County clients like family, not case numbers.

Your Montgomery County Recovery Starts With One Call

The trucking company has lawyers. So should you. While you focus on healing at Franciscan Health Crawfordsville or recovering at home with your Montgomery County family, we focus on fighting for every dime you deserve.

Ralph Manginello brings 25 years of courtroom experience, federal court admission, and a track record of multi-million dollar verdicts against Fortune 500 companies. Lupe Peña brings insider knowledge of insurance company tactics from his years defending them. Together, we offer Montgomery County victims something the big billboard firms cannot: personal attention with proven results.

We work on contingency. No fee unless we win. We advance all investigation costs, expert fees, and litigation expenses. You never pay a dime out of pocket.

Evidence is disappearing as you read this. That truck’s black box data is on a 30-day loop. The driver is already being coached by company lawyers. The insurance adjuster is sharpening their pencil to make you a lowball offer.

Don’t let them win. Montgomery County families are hardworking, honest, and deserving of respect. When a trucking company’s negligence disrupts your life, you deserve an attorney who treats your case with the urgency it demands.

Call Attorney911 now: 1-888-288-9911. Available 24/7. Free consultation. Hablamos Español.

Attorney911 serves Montgomery County, Indiana from our regional offices, with the capability to handle cases throughout the state and federal courts. We know the roads, the courts, and the trucking companies that operate here. Let us put that knowledge to work for you.