18-Wheeler & Trucking Accident Attorneys in Orange County, Indiana

When 80,000 Pounds Changes Everything: Your Fight Starts Here

One moment you’re driving through Orange County, Indiana on US-150. The next, an 80,000-pound semi-truck is crossing the centerline, running a stoplight, or jackknifing across State Road 37. In that split second, your life changes forever. You’re not just dealing with a car accident—you’re facing a catastrophic legal emergency where evidence disappears fast, trucking companies send lawyers before ambulances arrive, and the deck is stacked against you from minute one.

We’re Attorney911, The Manginello Law Firm, and we’ve spent over 25 years fighting for trucking accident victims across Indiana and the United States. Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has been standing up to trucking giants since 1998, securing multi-million dollar settlements for families devastated by these crashes. We’ve gone toe-to-toe with Fortune 500 corporations like BP in the Texas City refinery explosion litigation, and we’re currently litigating a $10 million lawsuit against the University of Houston for hazing-related injuries. But more importantly for you right now—we know exactly how trucking companies operating in Orange County, Indiana think, and we know how to make them pay.

When you’re hurt in an 18-wheeler accident in Orange County, you need more than just a lawyer. You need a fighter who understands federal trucking regulations, Indiana’s modified comparative negligence laws, and the specific dangers of Indiana’s highway corridors—from US-150 to the I-64 interchange near Corydon. You need someone who will send preservation letters within 24 hours to stop evidence destruction, analyze Electronic Logging Device (ELD) data to prove Hours of Service violations, and hold every liable party accountable—from the driver to the broker to the maintenance company.

Call us immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911) for a free consultation. We work on contingency—you pay nothing unless we win. But you must act fast. Black box data can be overwritten in 30 days. Witnesses forget. And the trucking company is already building their defense.

Why Orange County, Indiana 18-Wheeler Accidents Are Different

Orange County, Indiana sits at the intersection of several major trucking corridors. US-150 cuts east-west through the county, carrying heavy freight traffic between Louisville, Kentucky and Vincennes, Indiana. State Road 37 runs north-south, serving as a vital artery for agricultural shipping and manufacturing logistics. Near the southern edge of Orange County, drivers access I-64, connecting Indiana to Kentucky, Illinois, and beyond. These aren’t just roads—they’re lifelines for the trucking industry, and they’re where catastrophic accidents happen.

Indiana ranks among the top states for commercial truck traffic, with millions of tons of freight moving through our interstates and state highways annually. But with that traffic comes danger. The Indiana Department of Transportation reports that commercial vehicle crashes result in fatalities and catastrophic injuries at rates far exceeding standard car accidents. In Orange County, where rural two-lane highways like State Road 56 and State Road 60 intersect with major trucking routes, the risks multiply.

The physics are brutal. Your sedan weighs roughly 4,000 pounds. A loaded 18-wheeler can weigh up to 80,000 pounds—twenty times heavier. When that much mass hits your vehicle, the results are devastating: crushing injuries, amputations, traumatic brain injuries, and wrongful death. And unlike car accidents, trucking accidents involve complex federal regulations, multiple liable parties, and insurance policies worth millions that the trucking companies don’t want to pay.

That’s why you can’t treat an 18-wheeler accident in Orange County like a fender-bender. You need a law firm with federal court experience—Ralph Manginello is admitted to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas and has the expertise to handle interstate commerce cases. You need a team that includes a former insurance defense attorney like Lupe Peña, who used to defend trucking companies and knows exactly how they minimize claims. As client Chad Harris said after we settled his case, “You are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.” And as Glenda Walker told us, “They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.”

Understanding the 14 Types of 18-Wheeler Accidents in Orange County

Not all trucking accidents are the same. Each type involves different mechanics, different regulatory violations, and different liable parties. Here in Orange County, Indiana, we see specific patterns based on our geography—rural highways, agricultural shipping, and the convergence of state and interstate routes.

Jackknife Accidents on Indiana’s Rural Highways

A jackknife occurs when the truck’s cab and trailer fold toward each other like a pocket knife, with the trailer swinging perpendicular to the cab. On narrow Orange County roads like US-150 or State Road 37, a jackknifed truck often blocks both lanes, creating multi-vehicle pileups with catastrophic results.

Jackknifes typically happen when drivers brake improperly on wet or icy roads—common conditions during Indiana winters—or when they speed through curves. Under 49 CFR Part 393.48, trucking companies must maintain brake systems to prevent these failures. When they don’t, and when drivers operate too fast for conditions under 49 CFR 392.6, people die.

We’ve investigated jackknife accidents where the trucking company knew brakes were faulty but sent the truck out anyway. We subpoena the maintenance records, the Driver Inspection Reports, and the Electronic Control Module (ECM) data to prove they knew the danger existed.

Rollover Accidents and Center of Gravity Failures

Rollovers occur when an 18-wheeler tips onto its side or roof. Given Indiana’s agricultural economy, we see many rollovers involving grain trucks and livestock carriers on rural Orange County roads. These trucks have high centers of gravity, and when drivers take curves too fast—violating 49 CFR 392.6—or when cargo shifts due to improper securing under 49 CFR 393.100-136, the results are deadly.

A rollover on State Road 56 or State Road 60 can crush smaller vehicles beneath the trailer, cause fuel fires, and create hazmat spills if the truck carries chemicals. The injuries are severe: traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, and amputations requiring lifelong care.

Underride Collisions: The Most Fatal Truck Accidents

Underride accidents happen when a smaller vehicle crashes into the rear or side of a truck and slides underneath. These are among the most fatal accidents in Orange County and nationwide. Rear underrides often occur when trucks stop suddenly on US-150 without adequate warning. Side underrides happen during lane changes on State Road 37 when trucks fail to see smaller vehicles in their massive blind spots.

Federal law (49 CFR 393.86) requires rear impact guards on trailers, but many trucks lack adequate side underride protection. When these guards fail or are missing entirely, the top of the passenger compartment gets sheared off, causing decapitation and instant death. We’ve handled cases where trucking companies knew their underride guards were defective but failed to repair them.

Rear-End Collisions and Stopping Distance Disasters

An 18-wheeler at 65 mph needs roughly 525 feet to stop—nearly two football fields. On the busy stretches of State Road 37 approaching Orange County, or near the I-64 interchange, truckers who follow too closely or drive distracted create deadly rear-end collisions.

Under 49 CFR 392.11, truck drivers must not follow more closely than is “reasonable and prudent.” When they violate this—texting while driving (49 CFR 392.80), talking on handheld phones (49 CFR 392.82), or simply not paying attention—the impact force can push smaller vehicles into intersections or off the road entirely.

These accidents often involve TBI, spinal cord injuries, and internal organ damage. We immediately subpoena cell phone records and ECM data to prove when brakes were applied—often too late.

Wide Turn Accidents (“Squeeze Play”)

Semi-trucks need massive space to turn. On Orange County’s narrower downtown streets in Paoli or Orleans, truckers executing right turns often swing left first, creating a “squeeze play” trap. Passenger vehicles enter the gap thinking the truck is turning left, then get crushed when the truck swings right.

These accidents involve failure to signal (49 CFR 392.2), improper mirror use, and inadequate training. The liable parties often include not just the driver, but the trucking company for negligent training under 49 CFR Part 391.

Blind Spot Accidents and “No-Zones”

Trucks have four major blind spots (No-Zones): 20 feet in front, 30 feet behind, and large areas on both sides—especially the right side. On multi-lane highways near Orange County, trucks changing lanes without checking mirrors hit vehicles they simply cannot see.

49 CFR 393.80 requires proper mirrors, and 49 CFR 392.11 mandates safe lane changes. When drivers fail to check these No-Zones, they cause sideswipe accidents that can force vehicles off the road or into oncoming traffic.

Tire Blowout Accidents

Indiana’s temperature extremes—hot summers and cold winters—cause tire failures. When semi-truck tires blow, the driver often loses control, causing jackknifes or rollovers. The debris—called “road gators”—creates hazards for following vehicles on US-150 and I-64.

49 CFR 393.75 mandates minimum tread depths and tire conditions. We investigate maintenance records to see if the trucking company ignored worn tires to save money.

Brake Failure Accidents

Brake problems contribute to approximately 29% of large truck crashes. Under 49 CFR Parts 393 and 396, trucking companies must inspect and maintain brake systems. We see cases where companies falsified inspection reports or drivers skipped pre-trip inspections (49 CFR 396.13), leading to catastrophic brake failure on Orange County hills.

Cargo Spill and Shift Accidents

Indiana’s agricultural economy means trucks carry grain, produce, and equipment. When loads shift or spill—violating 49 CFR 393.100-136—they destabilize the truck or create roadway obstacles. We’ve handled cases where improper loading caused rollovers on the curves of State Road 60.

Head-On Collisions

When fatigued or distracted drivers cross centerlines on rural Orange County roads, head-on collisions result. These have the highest fatality rates due to the combined speed forces. 49 CFR 392.3 prohibits driving while fatigued, and 49 CFR Part 395 limits hours of service—violations we prove with ELD data.

T-Bone Accidents at Rural Intersections

Uncontrolled intersections and stoplights on US-150 and State Road 37 create T-bone risks when trucks run red lights or fail to yield. These broadside impacts crush passenger compartments.

Override Accidents

When trucks can’t stop, they override smaller vehicles in front, literally driving over them. These often result from brake failures or following too closely.

Runaway Truck Accidents

On the few hills in Orange County, brake fade can cause runaway trucks. 49 CFR 396 requires proper brake maintenance to prevent these disasters.

Federal Regulations That Prove Negligence: FMCSA Compliance

Trucking isn’t just regulated by Indiana law—it’s governed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) under Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations. When trucking companies violate these rules, they create liability that we use to maximize your settlement.

49 CFR Part 391: Driver Qualification Standards

Federal law requires trucking companies to verify that drivers are qualified to operate 80,000-pound vehicles. Under § 391.11, drivers must:

• Be at least 21 years old for interstate commerce
• Possess a valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)
• Pass medical examinations (§ 391.41) certifying physical fitness
• Be able to read and speak English sufficiently to communicate with the public

The Driver Qualification (DQ) File required under § 391.51 must contain employment applications, driving records, road test certificates, and drug test results. When trucking companies hire unqualified drivers—or fail to maintain these files—they commit negligent hiring, a direct basis for liability.

49 CFR Part 392: Safe Operating Practices

Part 392 covers the rules of the road for truckers. Critical violations include:

• § 392.3: Operating while fatigued or impaired
• § 392.4: Possession or use of drugs (including amphetamines to stay awake)
• § 392.5: Alcohol use within four hours of driving
• § 392.6: Speeding or scheduling routes that require excessive speed
• § 392.11: Following too closely
• § 392.80: Texting while driving (prohibited outright)
• § 392.82: Using handheld mobile phones while driving

49 CFR Part 393: Vehicle Safety Equipment

This section mandates equipment standards:

• § 393.75: Tire tread depths and conditions
• § 393.80: Mirrors providing clear rear view
• § 393.100-136: Cargo securement rules requiring tiedowns to withstand .8g deceleration forces forward and .5g lateral forces
• § 393.86: Rear impact guards to prevent underride

49 CFR Part 395: Hours of Service (HOS) Regulations

Fatigue causes approximately 31% of fatal trucking accidents. Part 395 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 of being on duty
• 30-minute break: Mandatory 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 December 2017, § 395.8 mandates Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) that automatically record driving time. These devices are objective evidence that cannot be falsified like paper logs—proving when drivers violated HOS rules.

49 CFR Part 396: Inspection and Maintenance

Trucking companies must systematically inspect and maintain vehicles under § 396.3. Drivers must conduct pre-trip inspections (§ 396.13) and document post-trip vehicle conditions (§ 396.11). Annual inspections are required under § 396.17.

When companies defer maintenance to save money—ignoring worn brakes, faulty lights, or unsafe tires—they create liability for negligence.

All Liable Parties: Who Can You Sue in Orange County, Indiana?

Unlike car accidents where usually only one driver is at fault, 18-wheeler accidents involve multiple liable parties under various legal doctrines including respondeat superior, negligent hiring, and product liability.

1. The Truck Driver

The primary defendant is often the driver who committed negligence—speeding, distracted driving, fatigue, impairment, or traffic violations. We obtain their driving records, ELD data, and cell phone records to prove fault.

2. The Trucking Company (Motor Carrier)

Under respondeat superior, employers are liable for employees’ negligent acts within the scope of employment. Additionally, trucking companies face direct liability for:

• Negligent Hiring: Failing to verify CDL validity, driving history, or medical certifications
• Negligent Training: Inadequate safety training on Indiana weather conditions, mountainous terrain, or cargo securement
• Negligent Supervision: Failing to monitor ELD compliance or address known violations
• Negligent Maintenance: Deferring repairs to save money

Trucking companies carry insurance ranging from $750,000 (federal minimum) to $5,000,000 (hazmat), making them primary targets for recovery.

3. Cargo Owner/Shipper

Companies shipping goods may be liable if they overloaded the truck, failed to disclose hazardous materials, or pressured drivers to exceed HOS limits to meet delivery schedules.

4. Cargo Loading Company

Third-party loaders who improperly secured cargo—violating 49 CFR 393—may be liable when shifting loads cause rollovers or spills on Orange County roads.

5. Truck/Trailer Manufacturer

Defective brake systems, steering mechanisms, or underride guards create product liability claims against manufacturers. We investigate recall notices and similar defect patterns.

6. Parts Manufacturers

Companies manufacturing defective tires, brakes, or lighting equipment may share liability when their products fail.

7. Maintenance Companies

Third-party mechanics who negligently repaired brakes or tires, or certified unsafe vehicles, face liability for resulting accidents.

8. Freight Brokers

Brokers who arrange transportation may be liable for negligent carrier selection—hiring trucking companies with poor safety records (low CSA scores) to save money.

9. Truck Owner (If Different from Carrier)

In owner-operator situations, the owner may be liable for negligent entrustment or failure to maintain equipment.

10. Government Entities

The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) or Orange County officials may be liable for dangerous road designs, inadequate signage, or failure to maintain safe conditions at known hazard locations—though sovereign immunity limits apply and notice requirements are strict.

The 48-Hour Evidence Preservation Protocol: Why Speed Matters

In trucking accident cases, evidence disappears faster than you think. Trucking companies have rapid-response teams that arrive at scenes within hours, and they begin protecting their interests immediately.

Critical Timelines

• ECM/Black Box Data: Can be overwritten in 30 days or with new driving events
• ELD Data: May only be retained for 6 months per FMCSA requirements
• Dashcam Footage: Often deleted within 7-14 days
• Surveillance Video: Local businesses near Orange County accident scenes typically overwrite cameras in 7-30 days
• Witness Memory: Fades significantly within weeks

The Spoliation Letter

When you hire Attorney911, we send a formal spoliation letter within 24 hours to the trucking company, their insurer, and all potentially liable parties. This legal notice demands preservation of:

• Electronic data (ECM, ELD, GPS, cell phones)
• Driver Qualification Files
• Maintenance and inspection records
• Dispatch communications
• The physical truck and trailer

Once this letter is sent, destroying evidence constitutes “spoliation,” which can result in adverse inference instructions (juries told to assume destroyed evidence was unfavorable), monetary sanctions, or default judgments.

Electronic Evidence That Wins Cases

ECM (Engine Control Module) Data records:

• Speed before and during crash
• Brake application timing and force
• Throttle position
• Cruise control usage
• Fault codes revealing known mechanical issues

ELD (Electronic Logging Device) records:

• Hours of Service compliance
• Real-time GPS location
• Duty status changes

This objective data often contradicts driver claims—proving they were speeding, exceeded driving hours, or never applied brakes.

Catastrophic Injuries and Your Recovery

The physics of 18-wheeler accidents cause catastrophic, life-altering injuries. Our firm has recovered millions for victims of:

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

Settlement Range: $1,548,000 – $9,838,000+

TBI occurs when the brain impacts the skull due to violent forces. Symptoms include memory loss, confusion, personality changes, and cognitive deficits. Lifetime care costs range from $85,000 to $3,000,000+ depending on severity.

Spinal Cord Injury

Settlement Range: $4,770,000 – $25,880,000+

Spinal damage causing paraplegia or quadriplegia requires lifelong medical care, wheelchair accessibility, and loss of earning capacity. The lifetime cost for quadriplegia exceeds $5 million in direct medical expenses alone.

Amputation

Settlement Range: $1,945,000 – $8,630,000

Crushing injuries often require surgical amputation of limbs. Cost includes prosthetics ($5,000-$50,000+ each), replacement every few years, physical therapy, and home modifications.

Severe Burns

Caused by fuel fires or hazmat spills, burns require multiple skin grafts, reconstructive surgery, and cause permanent disfigurement and psychological trauma.

Wrongful Death

Settlement Range: $1,910,000 – $9,520,000

When trucking accidents kill Orange County residents, surviving families can recover lost income, loss of consortium, funeral expenses, and mental anguish. Indiana’s 2-year statute of limitations applies, but evidence must be preserved immediately.

Indiana Law in Orange County: What You Need to Know

Statute of Limitations

In Indiana, you have two years from the date of your trucking accident to file a personal injury lawsuit (Indiana Code § 34-11-2-4). For wrongful death claims, the two-year period also applies. Missing this deadline means losing your right to compensation forever—regardless of how severe your injuries are or how clearly the trucker was at fault.

Modified Comparative Negligence (51% Rule)

Indiana follows a modified comparative fault system (Indiana Code § 34-51-2-5). 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

Trucking companies and their insurers will try to blame you. We gather ECM data, ELD logs, and accident reconstruction evidence to disprove false allegations of comparative fault.

Punitive Damages

Unlike some states, Indiana does not cap punitive damages for trucking accidents. Under Indiana law, punitive damages may be awarded when defendants acted with “malice, fraud, gross negligence, or oppressiveness” not attributable to ordinary negligence. Indiana follows the rule that punitive damages are calculated as the greater of three times compensatory damages or $50,000 (though higher amounts are awarded in severe cases).

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Orange County Case

25+ Years of Federal Court Experience

Ralph Manginello has practiced law since 1998, with admission to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas. This federal court experience is crucial for interstate trucking cases involving FMCSA regulations.

Former Insurance Defense Attorney on Your Side

Our associate attorney, Lupe Peña, spent years working for a national insurance defense firm. He knows exactly how trucking insurers evaluate claims, train adjusters to minimize payouts, and use software like Colossus to lowball victims. Now he uses that insider knowledge to fight for you—giving us an unfair advantage against the trucking company.

As client Donald Wilcox told us: “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.”

Multi-Million Dollar Results

We’ve recovered millions for clients, including over $5 million for a traumatic brain injury caused by a falling log, $3.8+ million for a partial leg amputation following a car accident, and $2.5+ million for trucking accident victims. We’re not afraid to take on Fortune 500 companies.

Fluent Spanish Representation

Hablamos Español. Lupe Peña provides direct Spanish-language representation without interpreters. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911 para una consulta gratis.

24/7 Availability

Trucking accidents don’t happen during business hours. We answer calls 24/7 at 1-888-ATTY-911. Client Ernest Cano summed up our approach: “Mr. Manginello and his firm are first class. Will fight tooth and nail for you.”

Three Offices, Statewide Reach

With offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we handle trucking accidents throughout Indiana and nationwide. We offer remote consultations and travel to Orange County for your case.

Frequently Asked Questions for Orange County Trucking Accidents

What should I do immediately after an 18-wheeler accident in Orange County?

Call 911, seek immediate medical attention at a local facility like IU Health Paoli Hospital, document the scene with photos (including US-150 or State Road 37 signage), get the truck’s DOT number and company information, collect witness contacts, and call 1-888-ATTY-911 before speaking to any insurance company.

How long do I have to file a lawsuit in Indiana?

Two years from the accident date. But waiting is dangerous—evidence disappears and trucking companies build defenses. Contact us immediately.

What if the trucking company says I was partially at fault?

Indiana’s modified comparative negligence rule allows recovery if you’re 50% or less at fault. We prove the truck driver’s negligence using ECM data and FMCSA violations to minimize any assigned fault to you.

How much insurance do trucking companies carry?

Federal law requires minimums of $750,000 for general freight and up to $5,000,000 for hazardous materials. Many carry additional umbrella policies.

Can I sue if my loved one died in a trucking accident?

Yes. Indiana allows wrongful death claims for spouses, children, and dependents. We pursue damages for lost income, loss of companionship, and funeral expenses.

What is an Electronic Logging Device (ELD) and why does it matter?

ELDs are federally mandated devices that automatically record driving hours, replacing paper logs that drivers could falsify. ELD data proves Hours of Service violations—one of the most common causes of fatigue-related accidents.

Do I need to pay upfront for your services?

No. We work on contingency—33.33% pre-trial, 40% if trial is necessary. You pay nothing unless we win. We advance all investigation costs.

What if the trucking company destroys evidence?

We send spoliation letters immediately. If evidence is destroyed after notice, courts can impose sanctions or instruct juries to assume the destroyed evidence was unfavorable to the trucking company.

Can undocumented immigrants file claims in Indiana?

Yes. Immigration status does not prevent personal injury claims. We protect your rights regardless of status.

How long will my case take?

Simple cases may settle in 6-12 months. Complex catastrophic injury cases with multiple defendants may take 18-36 months. We prepare every case for trial to maximize leverage in settlement negotiations.

What if the truck driver was an independent contractor?

Both the owner-operator and the trucking company that contracted them may be liable. We investigate all insurance policies and contractual relationships.

Your Fight for Justice Starts Now

You didn’t ask for this fight. You were just driving through Orange County—maybe heading to work on US-150, visiting family in Paoli, or traveling State Road 37—when an 80,000-pound truck changed your life forever. Now you’re facing medical bills, lost income, and a future filled with uncertainty. The trucking company has lawyers. Their insurance company has adjusters trained to pay you as little as possible. You need someone in your corner who knows how to win.

We’ve recovered over $50 million for families across America. We’ve taken on BP and won. We’ve secured multi-million dollar settlements for brain injury victims, amputees, and families who lost loved ones. And as Kiimarii Yup told us after we settled his trucking case: “I lost everything… 1 year later I have gained so much in return plus a brand new truck.”

But we can’t help you unless you call. Evidence is disappearing every day. The black box data that proves the trucker was speeding or driving too many hours—that data will be gone in 30 days. The witnesses who saw the accident on State Road 37—their memories are fading. The surveillance video from that business near the I-64 interchange—it will be overwritten by next month.

Don’t let the trucking company win by default. Don’t take the first lowball settlement offer that won’t cover your future medical needs. You have rights under Indiana law and federal trucking regulations, but those rights expire if you wait too long.

Call Attorney911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911). We’re available 24/7. The consultation is free. You pay nothing unless we win. And we won’t stop until you get every dime you deserve.

Hablamos Español. Llame a 1-888-ATTY-911.

Your fight starts with one call. We’re waiting to help you win it.