When 80,000 pounds of steel meets a family vehicle on a Minnesota highway, the outcome is rarely a fender bender. If you’re reading this after an 18-wheeler accident in Murray County, you’re likely facing a reality you never anticipated—mounting medical bills, a vehicle that’s totaled, and insurance adjusters who seem more interested in protecting the trucking company than helping you heal.
Our firm has spent over 25 years fighting for injury victims across Minnesota and beyond. We know the agricultural corridors of Murray County, from the truck traffic thundering down US-59 through Slayton to the farm-to-market routes connecting Pipestone and Worthington. Ralph Manginello, our managing partner since 1998, has recovered multi-million dollar settlements for families devastated by trucking accidents. Our associate attorney, Lupe Peña, spent years working inside insurance defense firms—now he uses that insider knowledge to fight against those same companies on behalf of victims like you.
The clock is already ticking. Black box data can be overwritten in 30 days. The trucking company has already deployed their rapid-response team to the scene. Evidence is disappearing while you read this. But here’s what you need to know: you have rights, you have options, and you don’t have to face this alone.
Call Attorney911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911. We answer 24/7, and we serve Murray County directly from our network of offices.
Why Murray County Trucking Accidents Are Different
Murray County isn’t just another dot on the map—it’s a critical junction in America’s agricultural supply chain. Located in southwest Minnesota, this rural county sees a constant flow of commercial trucks hauling everything from corn and soybeans to livestock and heavy equipment. The mix of Interstate 90 freight traffic (just south of the county line), US-59 running north-south through Slayton, and countless county roads crisscrossing farmland creates a perfect storm for catastrophic truck accidents.
The statistics are sobering. While Murray County maintains the tight-knit community feel characteristic of rural Minnesota, our highways see heavy commercial traffic from carriers serving the agricultural sector. During harvest season, the volume of trucks spikes dramatically. In winter, the combination of ice, snow, and 80,000-pound vehicles creates deadly conditions that demand maximum vigilance from drivers and maximum accountability from trucking companies.
We’ve handled cases involving farm equipment collisions on two-lane county roads, jackknife accidents on icy US-59 near Currie, and rollovers involving livestock carriers on MN-30. Each case taught us something crucial: trucking companies operating in Murray County know these roads, they know the seasonal risks, and they have a legal duty to prepare their drivers for conditions that are uniquely challenging in this part of the state.
Minnesota law gives you two years from the date of your accident to file a personal injury lawsuit, or three years for wrongful death claims. But waiting is a mistake. Evidence degrades fast in rural areas—skid marks fade, witnesses move away, and electronic data gets overwritten. We send spoliation letters immediately to force trucking companies to preserve every piece of evidence that proves their negligence.
The Physics of Catastrophe: Why 18-Wheeler Accidents Devastate
Your average passenger vehicle weighs roughly 4,000 pounds. A fully loaded semi-truck can tip the scales at 80,000 pounds—that’s 20 times heavier than your car. When these vehicles collide in Murray County, the laws of physics don’t allow for minor injuries.
The kinetic energy involved is staggering. An 80,000-pound truck traveling at 65 mph carries approximately 80 times the destructive force of a passenger car. Stopping distances tell the same brutal story: while your car needs about 300 feet to stop from highway speed, a loaded semi needs nearly 525 feet—almost two football fields. On rural Murray County highways where farm equipment enters roadways or where deer cross unexpectedly, that extra 225 feet often means the difference between a near-miss and a fatality.
Height differences create additional horrors. In underride accidents—common on US-59 and other routes through Murray County—a smaller vehicle can slide completely under the trailer, shearing off the passenger compartment at roof level. These accidents are almost always fatal. Even when the collision isn’t an underride, the sheer mass of the truck’s bumper striking a car’s window line causes catastrophic head and spinal injuries.
We use accident reconstruction experts who understand these physics intimately. They analyze ECM (Electronic Control Module) data showing speed and braking, measure impact angles, and calculate forces to prove exactly how the truck driver’s negligence caused your injuries. This technical expertise has helped us secure multi-million dollar verdicts, including a $5 million settlement for a traumatic brain injury victim and a $3.8 million recovery for a client who suffered amputation after a commercial vehicle crash.
Federal Regulations: The Rules Trucking Companies Break
Every commercial truck operating in Murray County must comply with strict Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations. These rules exist for one reason: to prevent exactly the kind of devastation you’re experiencing. When trucking companies violate these regulations, they create the dangerous conditions that cause accidents.
Hours of Service Violations (49 CFR Part 395)
Fatigue is a leading cause of trucking accidents in rural Minnesota. Federal law limits property-carrying drivers to:
- Maximum 11 hours driving after 10 consecutive hours off duty
- Cannot drive beyond the 14th consecutive hour after coming on duty
- Mandatory 30-minute break after 8 cumulative hours of driving
- 60-hour limit over 7 days, or 70-hour limit over 8 days
We’ve seen cases where drivers kept two sets of logbooks—one fake for inspectors, one real showing violations. Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) are supposed to prevent this, but drivers still find ways to circumvent them. When we subpoena ELD data for Murray County accidents, we often find drivers who were on the road for 16, 18, even 20 hours straight. That’s not an accident waiting to happen—that’s negligence already happening.
Vehicle Maintenance Failures (49 CFR Part 396)
Brake problems contribute to approximately 29% of large truck crashes. Federal regulations require systematic inspection and maintenance. Drivers must conduct pre-trip inspections daily and document any defects. Companies must retain maintenance records for 14 months.
In winter conditions common to Murray County, brake maintenance isn’t optional—it’s survival. We’ve handled cases where trucking companies skipped brake adjustments to save money, leading to complete brake failure on icy descents. When the company cuts corners on maintenance to boost profits, we hold them accountable.
Cargo Securement (49 CFR Part 393)
Murray County’s agricultural economy means trucks hauling everything from loose grain to heavy machinery. Federal rules require cargo to be secured to withstand forces of 0.8g deceleration forward, 0.5g rearward, and 0.5g laterally. Improperly secured cargo shifts weight, causing rollovers on the curves of County Road 4 or MN-30.
Driver Qualifications (49 CFR Part 391)
Trucking companies must verify that drivers are medically qualified, properly trained, and have clean driving records. We’ve discovered cases where companies hired drivers with multiple DUI convictions or failed to verify CDL credentials. When a company in Murray County puts an unqualified driver behind the wheel of an 80,000-pound weapon, they’ve committed negligent hiring—and we make them pay for it.
Types of Trucking Accidents We Handle in Murray County
Jackknife Accidents
These occur when the trailer swings out perpendicular to the cab, often blocking multiple lanes. On narrow rural highways like those connecting Slayton to Fulda or Avoca, a jackknifed semi creates an unavoidable obstacle for oncoming traffic. We investigate whether sudden braking, improper loading, or worn brakes caused the trailer to swing. ECM data proves exactly when the driver lost control.
Underride Collisions
Rear underride guards are supposed to prevent vehicles from sliding under trailers, but many are inadequately maintained or improperly designed. Side underride guards aren’t even federally mandated yet, despite being available technology. When a family vehicle slides under a trailer on US-59 near the Murray County line, the results are usually decapitation or catastrophic spinal injury. These cases demand immediate investigation of guard integrity and lighting compliance.
Rollover Accidents
The combination of rural curves, soft shoulders, and top-heavy agricultural loads makes rollovers common in Murray County. Speeding on curves, sudden steering corrections to avoid deer or farm equipment, and improperly distributed cargo all contribute. We work with engineers to calculate center-of-gravity shifts and prove the cargo loading company shares liability.
Rear-End Collisions
An 80,000-pound truck needs 525 feet to stop. When drivers follow too closely on I-90, US-59, or MN-30—or when they’re distracted by cell phones or dispatch radios—they can’t stop in time. We subpoena cell phone records and ECM brake data to prove distraction and following-too-closely violations.
Wide Turn Accidents (“Squeeze Play”)
Trucks making right turns swing wide left first, creating an inviting gap that cars enter. When the truck completes its turn, the trailer crushes the vehicle against the curb. These accidents happen frequently at intersections in Slayton and other Murray County communities where drivers aren’t accustomed to trucking maneuvers.
Agricultural Equipment Collisions
Unique to rural Minnesota, these involve trucks colliding with slow-moving farm equipment on county roads. Trucking companies operating in agricultural areas must train drivers on safe passing procedures and sight-distance requirements. Failure to do so constitutes negligent training.
Who Can Be Held Liable? It’s Not Just the Driver
Most people assume only the truck driver is responsible. That’s exactly what the trucking company wants you to think. In reality, multiple parties may share liability for your Murray County accident:
The Truck Driver: Personally liable for speeding, distracted driving, DUI, or fatigue.
The Trucking Company: Responsible under respondeat superior for their employee’s negligence. Also directly liable for negligent hiring, training, supervision, and maintenance. Most carry $750,000 to $5 million in insurance.
The Cargo Owner/Shipper: If improper loading instructions or overweight requirements contributed to the accident.
The Loading Company: Third-party warehouses or agricultural facilities that loaded the truck improperly.
Maintenance Companies: Third-party mechanics who performed negligent repairs.
Truck/Parts Manufacturers: When defective brakes, tires, or safety systems caused the crash.
Freight Brokers: Companies that arrange transportation may be liable for selecting carriers with poor safety records.
Government Entities: If dangerous road design or inadequate signage contributed to the accident—though sovereign immunity limits these claims in Minnesota.
Our firm investigates every possible defendant because each represents a separate insurance policy that can contribute to your recovery. While other firms might settle for the driver’s policy limits, we pursue the full stack of coverage available. This approach recently helped us secure a $2.5 million truck crash recovery for a client whose initial offer was only $50,000.
Evidence Preservation: The 48-Hour Rule
If you’re reading this within 48 hours of your Murray County accident, critical evidence is still available—but it won’t be for long. We act immediately to preserve:
Black Box Data (ECM/EDR): Records speed, braking, throttle position, and fault codes. Overwrites in 30 days.
ELD Data: Proves hours of service violations. Required retention is only 6 months, but we demand immediate preservation.
Driver Qualification Files: Employment applications, background checks, medical certifications, and training records. These prove negligent hiring.
Maintenance Records: Show deferred repairs that caused mechanical failures.
Dashcam Footage: Often deleted within 7-14 days.
Cell Phone Records: Prove distracted driving.
Witness Statements: Memories fade and witnesses move—especially in rural Murray County.
We send spoliation letters within 24 hours of being retained, putting the trucking company on legal notice that destroying evidence will have severe consequences, including adverse jury instructions and punitive damages.
Lupe Peña, our associate attorney, knows exactly how insurance companies try to hide or minimize this evidence—because he used to work for them. Now he anticipates their tactics before they deploy them, ensuring nothing gets buried or “lost.”
Catastrophic Injuries: What You’re Really Facing
Trucking accidents don’t cause bruises—they cause life-altering trauma. We’ve helped Murray County families navigate:
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): From concussions to severe cognitive impairment. Symptoms often don’t appear immediately but can include memory loss, personality changes, and inability to work. Lifetime care costs range from $85,000 to over $3 million. We’ve recovered $1.5 million to $9.8 million for TBI victims.
Spinal Cord Injury: Paraplegia or quadriplegia requiring home modifications, wheelchairs, and 24/7 care. Costs often exceed $5 million over a lifetime. Our settlements for spinal injuries range from $4.7 million to $25.8 million.
Amputation: Whether traumatic (severed at scene) or surgical (due to crushing damage), amputees need prosthetics, rehabilitation, and career retraining. Recovery ranges from $1.9 million to $8.6 million.
Severe Burns: From fuel fires or hazmat spills. Require skin grafts, reconstructive surgery, and lifelong pain management.
Wrongful Death: When a trucking accident takes a loved one, Minnesota law allows recovery for lost income, loss of consortium, mental anguish, and funeral expenses. We’ve recovered $1.9 million to $9.5 million for families in wrongful death cases.
Don’t let anyone tell you to “wait and see” how you feel. Adrenaline masks injuries. Get medical treatment immediately, then call us at 1-888-ATTY-911.
Minnesota Law: Know Your Rights
Statute of Limitations: You have two years from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit in Minnesota. For wrongful death, you have three years from the date of death. These deadlines are absolute—miss them and you lose your rights forever.
Comparative Negligence: Minnesota uses a modified comparative fault rule with a 51% bar. You can recover damages as long as you’re not more than 50% at fault. However, your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault. If you’re 20% responsible, you recover 80% of your damages.
Insurance Minimums: Federal law requires trucking companies to carry at least $750,000 in liability coverage for non-hazardous freight, $1 million for oil or large equipment, and $5 million for hazardous materials. Most commercial carriers carry $1-5 million.
No Caps on Damages: Minnesota does not cap compensatory damages in personal injury cases (though punitive damages require special procedures).
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is my Murray County trucking accident case worth?
Value depends on injury severity, medical costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and available insurance. Trucking cases often settle for hundreds of thousands to millions. We’ve recovered $50 million total for our clients, with individual trucking settlements reaching $2.5 million and beyond.
What if I was partially at fault?
Under Minnesota’s 51% rule, you can recover as long as you’re not more than 50% responsible. Don’t let the trucking company blame you without evidence.
How long will my case take?
Simple cases: 6-12 months. Complex litigation: 1-3 years. We work to resolve cases quickly without sacrificing value.
Do I need a lawyer if the trucking company is “taking care of everything”?
Absolutely. They’re protecting themselves, not you. Their insurance adjuster is trained to minimize your payout. As client Chad Harris said, “You are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.” That’s how we treat you—their team treats you like a claim number.
Can I afford an attorney?
Yes. We work on contingency—you pay nothing unless we win. We advance all costs. There is zero financial risk to you.
What if I don’t have health insurance?
We can help you find doctors who treat on a Letter of Protection (LOP), meaning they get paid when your case settles.
Do you handle cases in Murray County specifically?
Yes. While our main offices are in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we handle trucking accidents nationwide. We’ve represented clients throughout Minnesota, including in Murray County and surrounding agricultural communities.
Hablamos Español?
Sí. Lupe Peña provides fluent Spanish representation without interpreters. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911.
Choosing the Right Attorney for Your Murray County Case
Not all personal injury lawyers understand trucking litigation. It requires:
- Federal court admission (we have it—Ralph Manginello is admitted to the Southern District of Texas)
- Knowledge of FMCSA regulations
- Resources to hire accident reconstruction experts
- Experience with spoliation litigation
- Willingness to go to trial
We’ve gone toe-to-toe with Fortune 500 companies like BP in the Texas City Refinery litigation, where 15 workers died and we were one of the few firms fighting for victims. We currently have a $10 million lawsuit pending against the University of Houston for hazing injuries. We don’t back down from big opponents.
Client Glenda Walker told us: “They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.” That’s our promise to every Murray County family we represent.
We offer free consultations 24/7. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911) now. The trucking company has lawyers working right now to minimize your claim. You deserve someone fighting just as hard for you.
Don’t let evidence disappear. Don’t accept a lowball settlement. Don’t face the trucking giants alone.
Call Attorney911 today. Your fight is our fight.
