When an 80,000-Pound Truck Changes Everything on a Plymouth County Highway
The impact was catastrophic. One moment you’re driving home on US Highway 75 through Plymouth County, Iowa, and the next, your family’s sedan is caught beneath the trailer of an 18-wheeler that’s blown through a stop sign. The physics aren’t fair—your car weighs 4,000 pounds; the truck that hit you weighs 80,000. That’s not an accident. That’s a life-changing event.
If you’re reading this from a hospital room in Le Mars, sitting at a kitchen table in Remsen, or searching for answers after losing a loved one near the Plymouth County line, you need to know something critical: the trucking company already has lawyers working to minimize what they pay you. Their insurance adjuster is already looking for ways to deny your claim. And somewhere in their dispatch office, they’re hoping you don’t know your rights.
We’re Attorney911, and we’ve spent over 25 years fighting for trucking accident victims across Iowa and the Midwest. Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has secured multi-million dollar verdicts against the largest trucking companies in America, including Walmart, Amazon, and Coca-Cola. Our associate attorney, Lupe Peña, spent years working as an insurance defense attorney—now he uses that insider knowledge to fight against the very tactics he once employed. We know how trucking companies think, and we know how to make them pay.
If you or someone you love was hurt in an 18-wheeler accident in Plymouth County, you don’t have time to wait. Evidence disappears fast. Black box data can be overwritten in 30 days. Witness memories fade. And Iowa law gives you just two years to file your claim. Call us now at 1-888-ATTY-911 or keep reading to learn exactly what you’re facing—and how we can help.
Why Plymouth County Drivers Face Unique Trucking Dangers
Plymouth County sits in the heart of northwest Iowa’s agricultural corridor, where US Highway 75 and US Highway 59 carry massive loads of grain, livestock, and agricultural equipment across county lines. This isn’t just rural road driving—it’s some of the most dangerous trucking territory in the Midwest.
The agricultural trucking surge in Plymouth County creates perfect conditions for catastrophic accidents. During harvest season, grain trucks overload county roads. Livestock haulers race against delivery deadlines. And the winter weather that sweeps down from the Minnesota border—black ice, blizzards, and whiteout conditions—turns these already treacherous routes into death traps.
We’ve seen what happens when trucking companies push their drivers too hard during planting and harvest seasons. We’ve represented families from Le Mars who lost loved ones to jackknife accidents on icy US 75. We’ve fought for victims in Remsen injured by overloaded agricultural trailers that weren’t properly secured. And we’ve gone toe-to-toe with insurance companies that thought they could bully Plymouth County families into accepting pennies on the dollar.
At Attorney911, we don’t just handle trucking cases—we specialize in them. When Ralph Manginello founded this firm in 1998, he made a decision: we would be the law firm that insurance companies fear. With offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, and federal court admission to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas (plus dual licensure in New York), we have the reach and resources to handle complex interstate trucking cases affecting Plymouth County residents.
As our client Chad Harris said after we settled his case: “You are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.” That’s how we treat every Plymouth County family that calls us.
The Brutal Physics of 18-Wheeler Accidents
Let’s be clear about what happens when a semi-truck hits a passenger vehicle in Plymouth County. The average loaded tractor-trailer weighs 80,000 pounds—twenty times the weight of your average sedan. When that mass meets a family car at highway speeds, the force is devastating.
An 18-wheeler traveling at 65 miles per hour needs approximately 525 feet to stop—nearly two football fields. On icy Plymouth County roads, that distance doubles or triples. A tired or distracted truck driver following too closely on US 75 cannot possibly stop in time when traffic slows.
The most common catastrophic injuries we see in Plymouth County trucking accidents include:
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Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): The violent force of a truck collision causes the brain to impact the inside of the skull. We’ve seen TBI cases where victims required lifelong care and supervision. Our firm has recovered settlements ranging from $1.5 million to $9.8 million for traumatic brain injury victims.
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Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis: The crushing weight of a trailer can sever the spinal cord, resulting in paraplegia or quadriplegia. These cases often command settlements between $4.7 million and $25.8 million to cover lifetime care needs.
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Amputations: When a vehicle is crushed beneath a truck or dragged under a trailer, limbs may be severed at the scene or require surgical amputation later. We’ve secured between $1.9 million and $8.6 million for amputation victims.
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Severe Burns: Fuel tank ruptures create fires that cause third and fourth-degree burns requiring skin grafts and years of reconstructive surgery.
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Wrongful Death: Too many Plymouth County families have lost mothers, fathers, and children to trucking accidents. These cases demand justice, and we’ve recovered between $1.9 million and $9.5 million for grieving families.
The trucking industry knows these accidents are devastating. That’s why federal law requires them to carry much higher insurance than regular drivers—between $750,000 and $5 million depending on cargo type. But getting that money requires knowing how to beat them at their own game.
FMCSA Regulations: The Rules Truckers Break Daily
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulates every commercial vehicle on Plymouth County roads. When trucking companies violate these federal rules, they create the conditions that kill and maim innocent drivers. Here are the critical regulations that apply to your case:
Part 391: Driver Qualification Standards
The driver who hit you should have been qualified to operate that 80,000-pound weapon. Under 49 CFR § 391.11, commercial drivers must:
- Be at least 21 years old for interstate commerce
- Possess a valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)
- Pass a Department of Transportation physical exam every two years
- Read and speak English sufficiently to communicate with law enforcement
- Have no disqualifying medical conditions
Trucking companies must maintain a Driver Qualification File containing the driver’s application, driving record check, previous employer verification, and medical certification. We subpoena these files in every case. If the trucking company hired an unqualified driver—or failed to maintain proper records—we sue them for negligent hiring.
Part 392: Driving Rules
49 CFR § 392.3 states: “No driver shall operate a commercial motor vehicle… while the driver’s ability or alertness is so impaired… as to make it unsafe.”
This is crucial for Plymouth County cases. During harvest season, trucking companies pressure drivers to work beyond safe limits. If the driver who hit you was fatigued, they violated this regulation—and the company that pushed them shares liability.
49 CFR § 392.11 prohibits following too closely. On icy Plymouth County highways, tailgating by an 18-wheeler is criminal negligence.
49 CFR § 392.82 prohibits cell phone use while driving. We subpoena phone records to prove distraction.
Part 393: Vehicle Safety and Cargo Securement
49 CFR § 393.100-136 establishes strict cargo securement rules. Agricultural loads—grain, corn, soybeans, livestock—must be properly tied down and balanced. When a Plymouth County grain truck rolls over because the load shifted, or when livestock escapes onto US 75 because gates weren’t secured, the trucking company violated federal law.
Brake systems must meet standards under 49 CFR § 393.40-55. Every truck needs working service brakes, parking brakes, and proper adjustment. Given Plymouth County’s hilly terrain and winter weather, brake failures are particularly deadly.
Part 395: Hours of Service (HOS) Regulations
This is where most trucking companies cheat—and where we catch them.
Under 49 CFR § 395.3, property-carrying drivers cannot:
- Drive more than 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty
- Drive beyond the 14th consecutive hour after coming on duty
- Operate after 60/70 hours on duty in 7/8 days without a 34-hour restart
Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) track these hours, but companies manipulate them. We send preservation letters immediately to secure this data before it’s overwritten.
Part 396: Inspection and Maintenance
49 CFR § 396.3 requires systematic inspection and maintenance. Drivers must perform pre-trip inspections covering brakes, tires, lighting, and coupling devices. Post-trip reports must document defects.
When a tire blows out on US 75 and causes a rollover, or when brakes fail on a downhill grade near the Plymouth County line, the maintenance records tell the story of negligence.
Every Party Who Could Owe You Money
Most law firms only sue the driver and trucking company. That’s a mistake. In Plymouth County trucking accidents, multiple parties often share blame—and each represents another pool of insurance money:
1. The Truck Driver
Directly liable for negligent driving, speeding, distraction, fatigue, or impairment.
2. The Trucking Company (Motor Carrier)
Vicariously liable under “respondeat superior” (let the master answer). Also directly liable for negligent hiring, training, supervision, and maintenance.
3. The Cargo Owner/Shipper
If a grain elevator or livestock operation overloaded the truck or demanded unsafe delivery timelines, they’re liable.
4. The Loading Company
Third-party loaders who improperly secured cargo share responsibility for rollovers and spills.
5. The Truck Manufacturer
Defective brakes, steering systems, or stability control that contributed to the crash trigger product liability claims.
6. The Parts Manufacturer
Defective tires, brake components, or lighting systems that failed cause catastrophic accidents.
7. The Maintenance Company
Third-party mechanics who performed negligent repairs or failed to identify critical safety issues.
8. The Freight Broker
Brokers who arrange transportation but don’t verify carrier safety records can be liable for negligent selection.
9. The Truck Owner (if different from carrier)
In owner-operator setups, the actual owner may share liability for negligent entrustment.
10. Government Entities
Plymouth County or the State of Iowa may be liable for dangerous road design, inadequate signage, or failure to maintain safe highway conditions.
We investigate every potential defendant. Because as our client Glenda Walker told us after we maximized her recovery: “They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.” That’s our promise to every Plymouth County family.
The 48-Hour Rule: Evidence That Disappears Forever
Here’s what the trucking companies don’t want Plymouth County victims to know: critical evidence starts disappearing within hours.
- ECM/Black Box Data: Overwrites in 30 days or with subsequent driving events
- ELD Logs: May only be retained for 6 months
- Dashcam Footage: Often deleted within 7-14 days
- Surveillance Video: Business cameras typically overwrite in 7-30 days
- Driver Qualification Files: Can be “updated” to hide violations
- Maintenance Records: May be shredded to hide deferred repairs
When you call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911, we immediately send spoliation letters to the trucking company, their insurer, and every liable party. These legal notices put them on formal notice that destroying evidence will result in severe sanctions, including adverse jury instructions or default judgment.
We also deploy accident reconstruction experts to Plymouth County crash scenes immediately. We photograph vehicle damage before it’s repaired. We interview witnesses while memories are fresh. And we download black box data before it can be overwritten.
Donald Wilcox, another client we helped, put it simply: “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.” We take cases other firms reject because we know how to find the evidence they miss.
Iowa Law: What Plymouth County Victims Must Know
Iowa has specific laws that affect your trucking accident case:
Statute of Limitations: Two Years
Under Iowa Code § 614.1, you have exactly two years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit. Miss this deadline, and you lose your right to recover forever—no matter how serious your injuries or how clear the trucking company’s fault.
Modified Comparative Negligence (51% Bar Rule)
Iowa Code § 668.3 states that you can recover damages as long as you are 50% or less at fault for the accident. However, your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault. If you’re found 20% at fault, you recover 80% of your damages. If you’re 51% or more at fault, you recover nothing.
This is why evidence matters. The trucking company will try to blame you. The police report might be wrong. We investigate independently to prove what really happened on that Plymouth County road.
No Damage Caps for Personal Injury
Unlike some states, Iowa does not cap non-economic damages (pain and suffering) in trucking accident cases. Your full suffering is recoverable.
Punitive Damages
When trucking companies act with willful and wanton disregard for safety—such as knowingly hiring a driver with multiple DUIs or falsifying log books to hide hours of service violations—Iowa allows punitive damages to punish the wrongdoer. There is no cap.
Governmental Immunity
If your accident involved a Plymouth County government vehicle or occurred due to road maintenance failures by the county, special rules apply. Notice must be given within short timeframes, and damages may be capped at $250,000 per person/$500,000 per occurrence.
The Accidents That Strike Plymouth County Hardest
Jackknife Accidents
When a tractor-trailer’s cab and trailer fold at an angle like a pocket knife. On icy US 75 or during sudden braking on Iowa Highway 3, these accidents sweep across multiple lanes, striking everything in their path.
Rollover Accidents
Top-heavy grain trucks and livestock haulers are particularly prone to rollovers on Plymouth County’s curves, especially when loads shift or drivers take turns too fast. These often result in crushing injuries when the trailer lands on smaller vehicles.
Underride Collisions
The most fatal type of truck accident. When a car hits the rear or side of a trailer and slides underneath, the roof is sheared off. Federal law requires rear impact guards (49 CFR § 393.86), but many are inadequate or poorly maintained. Side underride guards are not yet federally mandated, making these deadly accidents far too common.
Rear-End Collisions
An 18-wheeler needs 525 feet to stop at highway speeds. On Plymouth County roads, fatigued or distracted truck drivers often slam into stopped traffic.
Wide Turn Accidents
Large trucks swing wide before turning, creating “squeeze play” situations where passenger vehicles get trapped between the truck and the curb.
Brake Failure Accidents
Given the hills and winter weather in Plymouth County, brake failures on downgrades are catastrophic. 49 CFR § 396 requires regular brake inspection and maintenance—violations we frequently find in these cases.
Tire Blowouts
The agricultural hauling season puts enormous stress on tires. Improper inflation, worn treads, or mismatched dual wheels cause blowouts that send 80,000 pounds of truck careening into oncoming traffic.
Cargo Spills and Shifting Loads
When grain spills across US 75 or a livestock trailer tips over, the trucking company violated 49 CFR § 393.100. These spills cause secondary accidents and multi-car pileups.
Head-On Collisions
Fatigued drivers crossing centerlines on rural Plymouth County roads create horrific head-on impacts. ELD data often proves these drivers were violating hours of service regulations.
Maximum Compensation: What Your Case Is Worth
Trucking companies carry massive insurance policies—$750,000 to $5 million—because they know their vehicles cause massive damage. But accessing that money requires attorneys who understand trucking law.
Our documented results include:
- $5+ Million for a traumatic brain injury victim struck by a falling log
- $3.8+ Million for a car accident victim who suffered amputation due to medical complications
- $2.5+ Million for a commercial truck crash victim
- $2+ Million for an offshore worker’s back injury under the Jones Act
- Multi-million dollar settlements for families who lost loved ones to 18-wheeler negligence
These aren’t lottery winnings. They’re the resources necessary to pay for:
- Emergency surgery and trauma care
- Years of rehabilitation and physical therapy
- Wheelchair-accessible vehicles and home modifications
- Lost wages and diminished earning capacity
- In-home nursing care for catastrophically injured victims
- Funeral expenses and lost companionship for wrongful death cases
We work on contingency. You pay nothing unless we win. Our standard fee is 33.33% pre-trial and 40% if we go to trial. We advance all costs for investigation and expert witnesses. If we don’t recover money for you, you owe us nothing.
As Kiimarii Yup, another satisfied client, told us: “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.”
Frequently Asked Questions for Plymouth County Victims
How long do I have to file a trucking accident lawsuit in Plymouth County?
Two years from the date of the accident under Iowa Code § 614.1. But waiting is dangerous—evidence disappears, and trucking companies build their defenses immediately.
Who pays my medical bills while the case is pending?
Your health insurance and Medical Payments Coverage (MedPay) on your auto policy should cover initial treatment. We work with medical providers who accept Letters of Protection (LOP), meaning they get paid from your settlement, not upfront.
What if I was partially at fault for the accident?
Under Iowa’s modified comparative negligence rule, you can recover as long as you’re 50% or less at fault. Your recovery is reduced by your fault percentage. We investigate to minimize your assigned fault and maximize your recovery.
How long will my case take?
Simple cases settle in 6-12 months. Complex litigation involving multiple defendants or catastrophic injuries may take 18-36 months. We balance speed with thoroughness—we won’t settle for less than you deserve just to close the file quickly.
Can I sue if my loved one was killed?
Yes. Iowa allows wrongful death claims for surviving spouses, children, and parents. Damages include lost financial support, funeral expenses, and loss of consortium. We treat these cases with the gravity they deserve while fighting aggressively for justice.
What does “Hablamos Español” mean for Plymouth County residents?
It means Lupe Peña provides fluent Spanish-language representation without interpreters. For Plymouth County’s Hispanic community—particularly agricultural workers injured in trucking accidents—this means clear communication and cultural understanding. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 and ask for Lupe.
Should I accept the insurance company’s first offer?
Absolutely not. First offers are calculated to protect their profits, not compensate your losses. As Ernest Cano said about his experience with us: “Mr. Manginello and his firm are first class. Will fight tooth and nail for you.”
What’s a “letter of protection” and do I need one?
If you lack health insurance, we can arrange medical treatment through providers who accept LOPs—legal agreements where doctors treat you now and get paid from your settlement later. This ensures you get care even if you can’t afford deductibles or copays.
How do I know if the truck driver violated hours of service rules?
We subpoena ELD data and driver logs. If the driver exceeded 11 hours driving or 14 hours on duty, or falsified records, we prove it. These violations often trigger punitive damages.
What if the trucking company is from another state?
We have dual licensure in Texas and New York, plus federal court admission. We can pursue out-of-state trucking companies regardless of where they’re headquartered. The federal regulations apply nationwide.
Why Plymouth County Families Choose Attorney911
In northwest Iowa, people value hard work, honesty, and results. That’s why we’ve built our reputation on exactly those principles.
RALPH MANGINIELLO, MANAGING PARTNER
- Over 25 years of trial experience since 1998
- Admitted to federal court (Southern District of Texas)
- Dual licensure: Texas and New York
- Recovered over $50 million for clients
- Currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against the University of Houston (2025)
- Experience against Fortune 500 companies including BP (Texas City refinery explosion litigation)
LUPE PEÑA, ASSOCIATE ATTORNEY
- Former insurance defense attorney—knows their playbook from the inside
- Fluent Spanish (Hablamos Español)
- Third-generation Texan with deep understanding of agricultural trucking
- Federal court admission
ANGEL WALLE sums up what makes us different: “They solved in a couple of months what others did nothing about in two years.”
We have three offices to serve you—Houston (main), Austin, and Beaumont—but we handle trucking cases affecting Plymouth County families with the same dedication we give our Texas clients. With modern technology and willingness to travel, distance is never a barrier to justice.
Our promise to Plymouth County:
- 24/7 availability at 1-888-ATTY-911
- Immediate spoliation letters to preserve evidence
- No fee unless we win
- Direct attorney access—not just paralegals
- Family treatment, not case numbers
Call Now—Before Evidence Disappears
The trucking company that hit you or your loved one has already called their lawyers. Their insurance adjuster has already started building a case against you. Black box data is being overwritten. Witnesses are forgetting details. And the two-year clock is ticking.
Don’t let them win by default.
If you’ve been injured in an 18-wheeler accident in Plymouth County, Iowa—whether it happened on US Highway 75, near Le Mars, or on a rural county road—call Attorney911 immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911 (that’s 1-888-288-9911).
We’ll listen to your story. We’ll explain your rights under Iowa law. And if you hire us, we’ll send preservation letters within hours to protect the evidence that proves your case.
Hablamos Español. Llame a Lupe Peña al 1-888-ATTY-911.
You didn’t ask for this fight. But now that it’s here, you deserve an attorney who treats you like family and fights like hell. That’s Attorney911. That’s Ralph Manginello. And that’s what we do for Plymouth County families.
Call 1-888-ATTY-911 now. Your consultation is free. Your peace of mind is priceless.
Attorney911 | The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC
Houston • Austin • Beaumont
Licensed in Texas and New York | Federal Court Admission
Trial Lawyers Achievement Association Million Dollar Member
1-888-ATTY-911 | (713) 528-9070 | ralph@atty911.com | lupe@atty911.com
