18-Wheeler Accident Lawyers in Osceola County, Michigan

When 80,000 Pounds Changes Everything

The crash happened fast. One moment you’re driving along US-131 through Osceola County—maybe heading toward Big Rapids or cutting across northern Michigan toward Cadillac. The next moment, an 80,000-pound semi-truck has crossed the centerline, blown a tire on the icy pavement, or jackknifed across the highway. In that instant, your life changes forever.

We see this scenario play out constantly on the trucking corridors serving Osceola County. The physics are brutal: a fully loaded 18-wheeler carries approximately 80 times the kinetic energy of a standard passenger vehicle. When that force meets your sedan or SUV at highway speed, catastrophic injuries aren’t just possible—they’re probable. Every year, thousands of Michigan families face the devastating aftermath of commercial truck accidents. If you’re reading this, you might be one of them.

At Attorney911, we’ve spent over 25 years fighting for truck accident victims across Michigan and beyond. Ralph Manginello, our managing partner, has been handling catastrophic injury cases since 1998. He’s admitted to federal court, has litigated against Fortune 500 corporations like BP, and has recovered multi-million dollar settlements for families devastated by 18-wheeler crashes. Our team includes Lupe Peña, a former insurance defense attorney who spent years working for the very companies that now oppose you—giving us insider knowledge of how they minimize claims and what it takes to defeat them.

We understand the unique dangers present on Osceola County’s highways. The combination of heavy agricultural trucking, long-haul freight moving along US-131, and brutal winter weather creates conditions where truck accidents aren’t just likely—they’re inevitable when trucking companies cut corners on safety. This page explains everything you need to know about 18-wheeler accidents in Osceola County, your rights under Michigan law, and how we can help you recover the compensation you deserve.

Call us now at 1-888-ATTY-911. Evidence disappears quickly—we send preservation letters within 24 hours.

Why 18-Wheeler Accidents Demand Specialized Legal Expertise

Trucking accidents aren’t just bigger car accidents. They’re complex commercial litigation cases involving federal regulations, multiple liable parties, and aggressive defense strategies that begin within hours of the crash. When an 18-wheeler causes catastrophic injuries in Osceola County, Michigan, you need more than a general personal injury attorney—you need a team that understands the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations and has the resources to take on national trucking corporations.

The Federal Regulatory Framework

Every commercial truck operating in Osceola County must comply with Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations (49 CFR), Parts 390-399. These FMCSA rules govern everything from driver qualifications to vehicle maintenance to hours of service. When trucking companies violate these regulations, they create dangerous conditions that cause accidents.

Part 390 establishes general applicability—defining who must comply with federal trucking laws. Part 391 sets driver qualification standards, requiring trucking companies to maintain detailed Driver Qualification Files containing medical certifications, driving records, and training documentation. Part 392 covers the actual driving of commercial vehicles, prohibiting fatigued operation under § 392.3 and limiting mobile phone use under § 392.82.

Part 393 mandates vehicle safety standards, including specific cargo securement requirements under §§ 393.100-136 and brake system specifications under §§ 393.40-55. Part 395 restricts hours of service—limiting drivers to 11 hours of driving after 10 consecutive hours off-duty and requiring Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) to track compliance. Part 396 requires systematic inspection and maintenance, with drivers obligated to conduct pre-trip inspections under § 396.13 and report defects in post-trip reports under § 396.11.

When a truck jackknifes on icy US-131 near Reed City or rolls over on the curves approaching Big Rapids, we immediately investigate whether FMCSA violations contributed. Did the driver exceed the 11-hour driving limit? Did the company skip the required brake inspections? Was the cargo properly secured to handle Michigan’s winter conditions? These violations prove negligence and expose trucking companies to liability.

Michigan’s Legal Landscape

Osceola County falls under Michigan’s modified comparative negligence system with a 51% bar rule. This means you can recover damages even if you were partially at fault, provided your percentage of fault doesn’t exceed 50%. However, your recovery will be reduced by your fault percentage. If you were 20% responsible for the accident, you can recover 80% of your damages.

Critical timing: Michigan provides a 3-year statute of limitations for personal injury and wrongful death claims arising from trucking accidents. While this is longer than some states, waiting is dangerous. Evidence disappears, witnesses move, and trucking companies use this time to build their defense. Unlike Texas’s 2-year window or Louisiana’s mere 1-year limit, Michigan’s 3-year period offers breathing room—but only if you act to preserve critical evidence immediately.

Importantly, Michigan places no caps on punitive damages in personal injury cases. When trucking companies act with gross negligence—such as knowingly putting a fatigued driver on the road or intentionally falsifying maintenance records—juries can award unlimited punitive damages to punish the wrongdoing and deter similar conduct.

The Attorney911 Advantage: Experience That Wins Cases

When you choose Attorney911 to handle your Osce County trucking accident case, you’re getting more than legal representation—you’re getting a team with specific advantages built over 25 years of catastrophic injury litigation.

Ralph Manginello: 25 Years of Federal Court Experience

Ralph Manginello has been fighting for injury victims since 1998. As the founding managing partner of Attorney911, he brings federal court admission to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas, along with dual-state licensure in Texas and New York. This federal experience matters because many trucking cases involve interstate commerce and can be filed in federal court, where the rules are complex and the stakes are high.

Ralph’s track record includes multi-million dollar settlements across catastrophic injury categories. Our firm recovered over $5 million for a traumatic brain injury victim struck by a falling log, $3.8+ million for a client who suffered a partial leg amputation following a car accident, and $2+ million for a maritime worker who suffered a back injury. In trucking cases specifically, we’ve achieved $2.5+ million settlements and have recovered millions more in wrongful death cases involving commercial vehicles.

We don’t just handle standard trucking accidents. Ralph was involved in the BP Texas City Refinery litigation following the 2005 explosion that killed 15 workers and injured 170 more—a case that resulted in over $2.1 billion in total industry-wide settlements. When a case demands taking on the world’s largest corporations, we have the experience to win.

We’re also currently litigating a $10 million lawsuit against the University of Houston and Pi Kappa Phi fraternity involving hazing injuries. This active major litigation demonstrates our current capacity to handle complex, high-stakes cases against well-funded institutional defendants.

Lupe Peña: The Insurance Defense Advantage

Here’s what makes Attorney911 different from other firms handling cases in Osceola County: our associate attorney, Lupe Peña, used to work for the insurance companies. He spent years at a national defense firm handling claims for commercial trucking insurers. He knows exactly how adjusters evaluate claims, what triggers them to offer higher settlements, and—most importantly—every tactic they use to minimize payouts.

When we say we know the insurance company’s playbook, we mean it. Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish and provides direct representation to Osceola County’s Hispanic community without interpreters. He understands the cultural nuances and legal complexities facing Spanish-speaking accident victims in Michigan’s agricultural regions.

As client Chad Harris said after working with our firm: “You are NOT a pest to them and you are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.”

We don’t treat you like a case number. We treat you like family. And as Glenda Walker told us after her case resolved: “They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.”

24/7 Availability and Results That Matter

We answer the phone at 1-888-ATTY-911 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. When a truck accident happens at 2:00 AM on a snowy February night along US-131, you can reach us. We work on a pure contingency basis—you pay nothing unless we win. Our standard fee is 33.33% pre-trial and 40% if we go to trial, with zero upfront costs. We advance all investigation expenses, including the costs of accident reconstruction experts and ECM data downloads.

With offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, Texas, we have the geographic reach to handle Osceola County cases effectively, utilizing remote technology and traveling to Michigan when necessary. Our federal court admission allows us to handle complex interstate trucking litigation regardless of where the trucking company is headquartered.

Understanding 18-Wheeler Accidents in Osceola County

Osceola County’s position in northern lower Michigan creates unique trucking hazards. The county sits along major freight corridors connecting Grand Rapids to northern Michigan, with US-131 serving as the primary north-south artery carrying significant commercial traffic. Heavy agricultural equipment, logging trucks, and long-haul freight share these roads with local traffic, often in challenging weather conditions.

The Unique Dangers of Northern Michigan Trucking

Winter Weather Hazards: From November through April, Osceola County experiences severe winter conditions that dramatically increase trucking accident risks. Lake-effect snow creates sudden whiteout conditions. Black ice forms without warning on US-131 and smaller county roads. A truck driver accustomed to southern routes may be unprepared for Michigan’s freeze-thaw cycles that create treacherous “black ice” even when roads appear clear.

Brake Failures on Grades: While Osceola County doesn’t have mountain passes like Colorado, it does have rolling terrain and bridge approaches where brake fade can occur. When drivers haven’t properly adjusted their brakes—or when companies skip required inspections under 49 CFR § 396.3—those descents become deadly. Brake problems contribute to approximately 29% of large truck crashes nationwide, and winter conditions exacerbate these failures.

Agricultural and Logging Traffic: The local economy depends on farming and timber. This means heavy equipment transports, logging trucks on rural roads, and slow-moving agricultural vehicles sharing highways with 70-mph traffic. When commercial trucks encounter these slow movers on US-131 or county roads like M-82 and M-20, improper passing or following too closely creates collision risks.

Rural Response Times: Unlike accidents in urban centers, crashes in rural Osceola County may occur miles from the nearest trauma center. The time between accident and definitive medical care can be critical for catastrophic injuries like traumatic brain injury or internal bleeding.

Types of 18-Wheeler Accidents We Handle

We handle every type of commercial truck accident, but certain types occur more frequently in Osceola County due to our geography and climate.

Jackknife Accidents

A jackknife occurs when the trailer swings out perpendicular to the cab, often sweeping across multiple lanes. On icy US-131 near Reed City or on the curves approaching Big Rapids, a sudden brake application can cause the trailer to slide while the cab continues forward. This creates an unavoidable obstacle for oncoming traffic.

Jackknives often result from:

• Improper braking technique on slippery surfaces (violating 49 CFR § 392.6 regarding speed for conditions)
• Brake system malfunctions (violating 49 CFR § 393.48)
• Empty or lightly loaded trailers with reduced traction
• Driver fatigue causing delayed reaction (violating 49 CFR § 392.3)

The injuries are catastrophic because the trailer blocks the entire roadway. Vehicles behind the truck collide with the trailer; oncoming traffic hits the swinging trailer; and multi-vehicle pileups result.

Rollover Accidents

Rollovers occur when the truck tips onto its side or roof. Given Michigan’s winter conditions, rollovers are particularly common in Osceola County from November through March. The combination of high center-of-gravity cargo, speed on curves, and slippery road surfaces creates perfect conditions for rollovers.

Rollover causes include:

• Speeding on curves (violating 49 CFR § 392.6)
• Improperly secured liquid cargo that “sloshes” and shifts the center of gravity (violating 49 CFR § 393.100-136)
• Overcorrection after a tire blowout
• Driver fatigue causing delayed steering response (violating 49 CFR § 392.3)

When an 80,000-pound truck rolls over on a rural highway, it often crushes smaller vehicles beneath it or spills hazardous cargo that creates secondary accidents. We investigate the cargo manifest, the driver’s training records, and the vehicle’s stability specifications to determine if the trucking company prioritized profit over safety.

Underride Collisions

Underride accidents are among the most fatal types of trucking collisions. They occur when a smaller vehicle strikes the rear or side of a trailer and slides underneath. The trailer height shears off the passenger compartment at windshield level.

Rear underride often happens when a truck stops suddenly on US-131 due to traffic or an obstruction, and the following vehicle cannot stop in time. Side underride occurs when a truck makes a wide turn or changes lanes, and a vehicle in the blind spot slides under the trailer.

Federal regulations under 49 CFR § 393.86 require rear impact guards on trailers manufactured after January 26, 1998. However, these guards often fail in crashes, and there is currently no federal requirement for side underride guards—though advocacy groups continue pushing for this life-saving mandate.

The injuries in underride collisions are almost always fatal or involve catastrophic head and neck trauma. If you lost a loved one in an underride accident in Osceola County, we investigate whether the truck had adequate underride protection and whether the driver violated safety regulations regarding sudden stops or lane changes.

Rear-End Collisions

An 18-wheeler needs approximately 525 feet to stop from 65 mph—nearly two football fields. On US-131 or US-10, when traffic slows for construction or congestion, truck drivers following too closely (violating 49 CFR § 392.11) or driving while fatigued (violating 49 CFR § 392.3) often cannot stop in time.

The impact force of an 80,000-pound truck striking a 4,000-pound passenger vehicle is devastating. Occupants of the smaller vehicle suffer whiplash, spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injury, and often fatal crushing injuries.

We download the truck’s Event Data Recorder (EDR)—the “black box”—to prove exactly when the driver applied brakes and whether they were following too closely. This objective data often contradicts the driver’s claims that “the car stopped suddenly.”

Wide Turn and “Squeeze Play” Accidents

Trucks making right turns often swing wide to the left to allow the trailer to clear the curb. In downtown Reed City or at intersections along US-131, passenger vehicles often enter the gap between the truck and the curb, not realizing the truck is preparing to turn. When the truck completes its turn, it crushes the vehicle against the curb or building.

These accidents involve:

• Failure to signal (violating state traffic laws and 49 CFR § 392.2)
• Inadequate mirror checks (violating 49 CFR § 393.80)
• Driver inexperience with trailer tracking

We investigate whether the driver received proper training on wide turns and whether the trucking company enforced safety protocols.

Blind Spot (“No-Zone”) Accidents

18-wheelers have massive blind spots on all four sides. The right-side blind spot is particularly dangerous—extending several lanes wide from the cab back along the trailer length. When truck drivers change lanes without checking mirrors or fail to signal, vehicles in these blind spots get sideswiped or forced off the road.

Federal regulations require mirrors under 49 CFR § 393.80 that provide a clear view to the rear on both sides. We examine whether the mirrors were properly adjusted, whether the driver checked them before maneuvering, and whether the truck had modern blind-spot monitoring systems that could have prevented the crash.

Tire Blowout Accidents

Michigan’s freeze-thaw cycles and pothole-ridden roads take a toll on truck tires. When a steer tire blows at highway speed, the driver often loses control immediately. “Road gators”—strips of tire tread left on the highway—cause secondary accidents when vehicles strike them or swerve to avoid them.

Tire blowouts result from:

• Underinflation causing overheating
• Worn tires not replaced per 49 CFR § 393.75 (minimum 4/32″ tread on steer tires)
• Overloading beyond tire capacity
• Failure to inspect tires during pre-trip inspections (violating 49 CFR § 396.13)

We subpoena the tire maintenance records and inspect the failed tire to determine if defective manufacturing or negligent maintenance caused the blowout that injured you.

Brake Failure Accidents

Brake system failures cause approximately 29% of truck accidents. In Michigan’s winter conditions, properly maintained brakes are literally a matter of life and death. When trucking companies defer maintenance to save money—or when drivers fail to perform pre-trip brake inspections—catastrophic failures occur on hills and curves.

We obtain the maintenance records required under 49 CFR § 396.3 to determine if the company skipped required brake adjustments, ignored out-of-service orders, or allowed defective equipment on the road.

Cargo Spill and Hazardous Material Accidents

Osceola County’s economy includes agriculture and light manufacturing. Trucks carrying grain, liquid fertilizer, industrial chemicals, or manufacturing materials pose unique hazards when cargo shifts or spills. Liquid cargo “slosh” can cause rollovers; spilled chemicals create toxic exposure risks; and unsecured loads strike other vehicles.

Federal regulations mandate specific securement standards under 49 CFR §§ 393.100-136, requiring cargo to withstand 0.8g deceleration forward, 0.5g acceleration rearward, and 0.5g lateral forces. When loaders fail to use adequate tiedowns or exceed weight ratings, they endanger everyone on the road.

Every Party That Could Be Liable for Your Injuries

Unlike simple car accidents where usually only one driver is at fault, 18-wheeler accidents often involve multiple liable parties. We investigate every potential defendant to maximize your recovery, because more defendants means more insurance coverage means higher compensation for you.

The Truck Driver

The driver who caused the accident may be personally liable for:

• Speeding or reckless driving for conditions
• Distracted driving (cell phone use, texting, dispatch communications)
• Fatigued driving beyond 11-hour limits (violating 49 CFR § 395.8)
• Impaired driving (drugs or alcohol—commercial drivers are limited to 0.04 BAC under 49 CFR § 392.5)
• Failure to conduct pre-trip inspections (violating 49 CFR § 396.13)

We obtain the driver’s cell phone records, ELD data, and drug testing history to prove negligence.

The Trucking Company (Motor Carrier)

The trucking company is often the primary defendant because they carry the highest insurance limits ($750,000 to $5 million under federal law). Under the doctrine of 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 check the driver’s CDL status, driving record, or criminal history before hiring (violating 49 CFR § 391.51)
• Negligent Training: Inadequate training on winter driving, cargo securement, or hours of service regulations
• Negligent Supervision: Failing to monitor ELD data for HOS violations or ignoring complaints about driver behavior
• Negligent Maintenance: Skipping required brake inspections or deferring repairs to save costs (violating 49 CFR § 396.3)

We subpoena the Driver Qualification File, maintenance records, and the company’s CSA (Compliance, Safety, Accountability) scores to prove systemic safety failures.

The Cargo Owner and Loading Company

The company that loaded the cargo may be liable if:

• They provided improper loading instructions
• They failed to disclose hazardous materials
• They required overweight loading exceeding vehicle specifications
• They used inadequate tiedowns or failed to block and brace cargo (violating 49 CFR § 393.100)

In Osceola County’s agricultural sector, grain elevators and processing plants often load trucks. When these third-party loaders fail to follow securement protocols, they share liability for resulting accidents.

The Truck and Parts Manufacturer

When mechanical failures cause accidents—defective brakes that fail under stress, tires with manufacturing flaws, or steering components that malfunction—the manufacturer may be liable under product liability theories. We preserve failed components for expert analysis and research recall histories through the NHTSA database.

The Maintenance Company

Third-party maintenance companies that service fleet vehicles may be liable for negligent repairs. If a mechanic improperly adjusted the brakes, used substandard parts, or returned a vehicle to service with known defects, they share responsibility for resulting crashes.

The Freight Broker

Freight brokers who arrange transportation between shippers and carriers may be liable for negligent selection if they:

• Hired a carrier with a poor safety record or high CSA scores
• Failed to verify the carrier’s insurance and operating authority
• Selected the cheapest carrier despite known safety risks

Government Entities

In limited circumstances, federal, state, or local government may be liable for:

• Dangerous road design on state highways
• Failure to maintain roads (potholes, ice, debris)
• Inadequate signage for known hazards
• Improper work zone setup during road construction

Michigan maintains governmental immunity protections, but claims are possible when agencies fail to fix known dangerous conditions. Special notice requirements apply—contact us immediately to preserve these claims.

Critical Evidence That Disappears Fast

In 18-wheeler accident cases, evidence has an expiration date. While Michigan gives you 3 years to file a lawsuit under the statute of limitations, critical evidence can disappear within days or weeks. The trucking company has already called its lawyers. Their rapid-response team is at the scene while you’re still in the hospital. You need a legal team that moves just as fast.

The 48-Hour Evidence Window

We send spoliation letters within 24 hours of being retained. These legal notices put the trucking company on notice that they must preserve:

Electronic Data (Overwrites in 30 Days):

• ECM/Black Box data showing speed, braking, and throttle position
• ELD (Electronic Logging Device) records proving hours of service violations
• GPS and telematics data tracking the truck’s route
• Dashcam footage (often deleted within 7-14 days)
• Cell phone records showing distracted driving

Driver Records (Required retention varies):

• Driver Qualification File (medical certifications, driving history, training records)
• Drug and alcohol test results (required by 49 CFR Part 382)
• Previous employer inquiries (49 CFR § 391.23)
• Performance reviews and disciplinary records

Vehicle Records (Can be repaired or sold):

• Maintenance and inspection records (required under 49 CFR § 396.3)
• Pre-trip and post-trip inspection reports (49 CFR § 396.11)
• Brake adjustment records
• Tire maintenance logs
• The physical truck and trailer themselves

Physical Evidence:

• Cargo and securement devices
• Skid marks and debris patterns (weather erases these)
• Surveillance video from nearby businesses (overwritten in 7-30 days)
• Witness statements (memories fade and witnesses move)

What the Black Box Reveals

Commercial trucks contain Electronic Control Modules (ECMs) that record operational data. This “black box” provides objective proof of:

• Exact speed before impact
• When and how hard brakes were applied
• Whether the driver was accelerating or coasting
• Following distance calculations
• Cruise control status
• Seatbelt usage
• Airbag deployment timing

This data often contradicts driver statements. When a trucker claims “I hit my brakes immediately” or “I wasn’t speeding,” the ECM proves the truth. We work with accident reconstruction engineers to download and interpret this data before it can be overwritten.

Catastrophic Injuries and Your Recovery

The injuries sustained in 18-wheeler accidents are life-changing. We understand that money doesn’t erase what happened—but it can provide the resources for the best possible recovery and secure your family’s financial future.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

TBI occurs when the brain strikes the inside of the skull due to impact forces. Symptoms include headaches, confusion, memory loss, mood changes, difficulty concentrating, and sensory problems. Severe TBI can result in permanent cognitive impairment requiring 24/7 care.

Lifetime Costs: $85,000 to $3,000,000+ depending on severity
Settlement Range: $1,548,000 – $9,838,000+ (based on our case results)

We work with neuropsychologists and life care planners to document the full extent of cognitive impairment and future care needs.

Spinal Cord Injury and Paralysis

Damage to the spinal cord can result in paraplegia (loss of function below the waist) or quadriplegia (loss of function in all four limbs). These injuries require extensive medical treatment, home modifications, wheelchairs, and personal care assistance.

Lifetime Costs: $1.1 million to $5 million+
Settlement Range: $4,770,000 – $25,880,000+ (for paralysis cases)

We calculate future medical expenses, lost earning capacity, and the cost of adaptive equipment to ensure you don’t face financial ruin on top of physical devastation.

Amputation

Traumatic amputations at the scene or surgical amputations due to crush injuries change everything. Victims need prosthetics ($5,000-$50,000+ each), ongoing physical therapy, occupational therapy, and psychological counseling for phantom limb pain and body image issues.

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

Severe Burns

Fuel tank ruptures and hazmat spills cause devastating thermal and chemical burns. Treatment involves skin grafts, reconstructive surgery, and long-term pain management. Burns also carry high infection risks and permanent scarring.

Wrongful Death

When a trucking accident takes a loved one, surviving family members in Michigan can pursue wrongful death claims. Damages include:

• Lost future income and benefits
• Loss of consortium (companionship, guidance, care)
• Mental anguish and emotional suffering
• Funeral and burial expenses
• Medical expenses incurred before death
• Punitive damages for gross negligence

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

As Ernest Cano, one of our clients, told us: “Mr. Manginello and his firm are first class. Will fight tooth and nail for you.” We bring that fighting spirit to every catastrophic injury case in Osceola County.

Insurance Coverage and Damage Recovery

Federal Insurance Minimums

Federal law requires commercial trucking companies to carry substantial liability insurance:

• $750,000 minimum for non-hazardous freight
• $1,000,000 for oil, petroleum products, and large equipment
• $5,000,000 for hazardous materials and passenger transport

Many major carriers carry $1-5 million in coverage. Unlike typical car accidents limited to $30,000-$100,000 in coverage, trucking accidents offer the possibility of substantial recoveries that can actually cover catastrophic medical costs.

Types of Damages Available

Economic Damages (Calculable Losses):

• Past, present, and future medical expenses
• Lost wages and lost earning capacity
• Property damage
• Out-of-pocket expenses
• Life care costs for permanent injuries

Non-Economic Damages (Quality of Life):

• Pain and suffering
• Mental anguish and emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Disfigurement and scarring
• Loss of consortium

Punitive Damages (Punishment for Gross Negligence):

Michigan places no caps on punitive damages. When trucking companies act with conscious disregard for safety—such as knowingly allowing HOS violations, falsifying maintenance records, or putting dangerous drivers on the road—we pursue punitive damages to punish the wrongdoing and deter similar conduct. Recent “nuclear verdicts” across the country have exceeded $100 million, showing that juries will hold trucking companies accountable for egregious negligence.

Frequently Asked Questions About 18-Wheeler Accidents in Osceola County

Q: What should I do immediately after a truck accident in Osceola County?

Call 911 immediately. Seek medical attention even if you feel okay—adrenaline masks pain and serious injuries like TBI or internal bleeding may not show symptoms immediately. If possible, photograph the scene, the truck’s DOT number, and get witness contact information. Do not give recorded statements to insurance adjusters. Call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 as soon as possible.

Q: How long do I have to file a lawsuit in Michigan?

You have 3 years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit in Michigan, and 3 years for wrongful death claims. However, waiting is dangerous. Evidence disappears quickly—black box data can be overwritten in 30 days, and dashcam footage is often deleted within weeks. Contact us immediately.

Q: What if I was partially at fault for the accident?

Michigan follows modified comparative negligence with a 51% bar rule. You can recover damages if you were 50% or less at fault, but your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you were 20% at fault and suffered $500,000 in damages, you could recover $400,000. If you were more than 50% at fault, you cannot recover.

Q: Who can be held liable besides the truck driver?

Multiple parties may be liable: the trucking company (for negligent hiring, training, or maintenance), the cargo owner or loading company (for improper securement), the truck manufacturer (for defective parts), the maintenance company (for negligent repairs), and potentially the freight broker (for negligent carrier selection).

Q: What is a spoliation letter and why is it important?

A spoliation letter is a legal notice demanding that the trucking company preserve all evidence related to the accident, including black box data, ELD records, maintenance logs, and driver files. Once we send this letter, destroying evidence becomes a serious legal violation that can result in court sanctions and adverse inference instructions to the jury.

Q: How much are 18-wheeler accident cases worth?

Case values depend on injury severity, medical costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and available insurance. However, trucking companies carry higher insurance ($750,000 to $5 million) than passenger vehicles. Cases involving catastrophic injuries like TBI, paralysis, or wrongful death often settle for millions. We’ve recovered $1.5 million to $9.8 million for traumatic brain injuries and $1.9 million to $8.6 million for amputation cases.

Q: Will my case go to trial?

Most cases settle before trial, but we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial. This preparation creates leverage in settlement negotiations. If the insurance company refuses to offer fair compensation, we have the resources and federal court experience to take your case to verdict.

Q: How much does it cost to hire Attorney911?

Nothing upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis. You pay no attorney fees unless we win your case. Our fee is 33.33% if settled pre-trial and 40% if we go to trial. We advance all costs for investigation, expert witnesses, and litigation. Hablamos Español—call Lupe Peña for Spanish-speaking representation.

Q: What if the trucking company contacts me after the accident?

Do not speak with them without an attorney present. Their insurance adjuster is trained to minimize your claim. Anything you say can and will be used against you. Refer all contact to Attorney911. As Donald Wilcox, one of our clients, 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.” Don’t give up—call us.

Q: How do you prove the driver was fatigued?

We download the Electronic Logging Device (ELD) data required by 49 CFR § 395.8. This data proves whether the driver exceeded the 11-hour driving limit, failed to take required 30-minute breaks, or violated the 60/70 hour weekly limits. We also investigate dispatch records to determine if the company pressured the driver to violate hours-of-service regulations.

Your Fight Starts Now

Every hour that passes after an 18-wheeler accident, evidence disappears. The trucking company has lawyers working right now to protect their interests. They’re downloading data, interviewing witnesses, and building their defense. You need someone fighting just as hard for you.

At Attorney911, we bring 25 years of experience, federal court credentials, and insider knowledge of insurance company tactics to every Osceola County trucking accident case. We’ve gone toe-to-toe with Fortune 500 corporations and won. We’ve recovered millions for families devastated by catastrophic injuries. And we’re ready to fight for you.

Don’t let the trucking company win. Call Attorney911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911. We’re available 24/7/365.

Hablamos Español. Llame a Lupe Peña al 1-888-ATTY-911 para una consulta gratis.

As Kiimarii Yup told us after we handled his case: “I lost everything… my car was at a total loss, and because of Attorney Manginello and my case worker Leonor, 1 year later I have gained so much in return plus a brand new truck.” That’s the difference we make. That’s the justice you deserve.

1-888-ATTY-911. Call now.