18-Wheeler Accident Attorneys Fighting for Porter County, Indiana
When an 80,000-pound truck changes everything in an instant, you need more than just a lawyer—you need a fighter. If you’ve been injured in a trucking accident anywhere in Porter County, Indiana, whether on Interstate 80 near Portage or US-20 through Valparaiso, Attorney911 is ready to help. Ralph Manginello has spent over 25 years taking on trucking companies and winning, and our team knows exactly how to hold these corporations accountable under Indiana law.
The physics don’t lie. Your sedan weighs about 4,000 pounds. The semi that hit you? Up to 80,000 pounds. That’s a twenty-to-one weight disparity that turns what should be a simple fender-bender into a life-altering catastrophe. Every year, Porter County sees serious crashes along the I-80/I-94 corridor and the industrial routes serving the Port of Indiana-Burns Harbor. When these accidents happen, the trucking company immediately sends rapid-response teams to protect their interests—not yours.
That’s where we come in.
Why Porter County Trucking Accidents Demand Immediate Action
Evidence in Porter County 18-wheeler cases disappears quickly. The black box data that recorded the driver’s speed and braking? It can be overwritten within thirty days. The dashcam footage showing what really happened? Often deleted within a week. Driver logbooks showing hours-of-service violations? Sometimes “lost” before investigators arrive.
We don’t let that happen. When you call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911, we send formal spoliation letters within hours—sometimes before the wreckage is even cleared from I-80. These legal notices prevent trucking companies from destroying the ECM data, ELD logs, and maintenance records that prove their negligence.
Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has secured multi-million dollar verdicts against the largest trucking corporations in America. He’s admitted to federal court—critical for interstate trucking cases that cross state lines—and has litigated against Fortune 500 corporations like BP in the Texas City explosion litigation. When you’re facing a trucking giant, you want that level of experience in your corner.
And here’s your unfair advantage: our associate attorney Lupe Peña used to work for insurance companies defending trucking claims. Now he fights against them. He knows their playbook—every tactic they use to minimize payouts, every delay strategy, every lowball offer formula. When the trucking company’s adjuster calls, you want Lupe negotiating for you, not some paralegal at a billboard firm.
The Reality of Trucking Accidents in Porter County, Indiana
Porter County sits at a critical logistics crossroads. Between the Port of Indiana-Burns Harbor—one of the Great Lakes’ busiest ports—and the heavy industrial traffic serving the steel mills and manufacturing plants, our highways carry massive commercial vehicle volume. I-80 and I-94 form the primary east-west freight corridor, while US-20 connects Portage and Valparaiso to Chicago and beyond. When winter hits Lake Michigan, trucks slide, jackknife, and lose control on ice-slicked stretches near the lakeshore.
The statistics are brutal. Over 5,000 people die annually in U.S. trucking accidents, and 76% of those deaths are occupants of the smaller vehicle. In Indiana’s modified comparative negligence system—where you recover nothing if you’re found 51% or more at fault—the trucking companies immediately try to shift blame. That’s why you need a Porter County attorney who knows how to prove the truth before the evidence vanishes.
We’ve recovered over $50 million for families across our practice areas, including multi-million dollar settlements for traumatic brain injuries ($1.5M to $9.8M range), amputations ($1.9M to $8.6M), and wrongful death ($1.9M to $9.5M). These aren’t lottery numbers—they’re what catastrophic injuries actually cost over a lifetime of medical care and lost earning capacity.
The 18-Wheeler Accident Types We See in Porter County
Jackknife Accidents on I-80 and I-94
A jackknife occurs when the trailer swings out perpendicular to the cab, often blocking multiple lanes of traffic across Porter County’s busy interstates. These crashes spike during Indiana’s harsh winters when sudden braking on ice causes the trailer to skid. Under 49 CFR § 392.6, truckers must adjust speed for weather conditions. When they don’t, and their trailer sweeps across the interstate near Chesterton or Portage, the results are devastating.
Jackknifes often involve multiple vehicles and typically indicate either driver error—following too closely per 49 CFR § 392.11—or brake failure. We subpoena the ECM data to prove the driver was traveling too fast for the icy conditions on that January morning when your life changed.
Rollover Accidents on Ramps and Curves
With the Port of Indiana-Burns Harbor and numerous steel facilities generating heavy freight, Porter County sees significant tanker and flatbed traffic. Rollovers occur when drivers take exit ramps—like those at State Road 249 or US-421—at excessive speed, causing the high-center-of-gravity load to tip.
These accidents often involve 49 CFR § 393.100 cargo securement violations. When liquid cargo shifts or steel coils aren’t properly chained down, the center of gravity changes instantly. We’ve investigated rollovers where the trucking company failed to train drivers on proper speed negotiation for Indiana’s elevated ramps.
Underride Collisions: The Deadliest Crashes
Underride accidents happen when a passenger vehicle slides underneath a trailer, often shearing off the roof and causing catastrophic head injuries or decapitation. Under 49 CFR § 393.86, trailers must have rear impact guards strong enough to prevent underride at 30 mph. Side underride guards aren’t federally mandated yet, but that doesn’t excuse negligence.
Porter County’s busy interchanges—like the I-94 and I-80 split—see frequent sudden stops. When a truck stops abruptly and the trailer lacks proper guards or reflective tape (49 CFR § 393.11), smaller vehicles slide underneath before the driver can react. These cases require immediate investigation of the trailer’s compliance with federal safety standards.
Rear-End Collisions on Porter County Highways
A fully loaded truck at 65 mph needs nearly two football fields to stop—about 525 feet. On I-80 through Porter County, when traffic backs up near the toll plaza or approaching US-20, truckers who are distracted, fatigued, or speeding create deadly rear-end collisions.
These crashes often reveal 49 CFR Part 395 hours-of-service violations. Our firm immediately subpoenas ELD data to see if the driver exceeded the 11-hour driving limit or the 14-hour duty window. We look for 49 CFR § 392.82 violations—was the driver texting when they should have been watching the road? The cell phone records and ECM data tell the story the driver won’t.
Wide Turn Accidents in Portage and Valparaiso
“Pocket turn” or “squeeze play” accidents happen when trucks swing wide into oncoming traffic to make right turns—common on Porter County’s narrower county roads and industrial streets near Burns Harbor. These accidents often involve bicyclists and pedestrians who get caught in the truck’s blind spot.
Under 49 CFR § 392.11, drivers must be aware of their surroundings. When they fail to check mirrors or signal properly before turning from US-20 onto a local street in Valparaiso, they can crush vehicles in the adjacent lane. We examine driver training records to see if they were properly instructed on wide-turn procedures.
Blind Spot (“No-Zone”) Accidents
Commercial trucks have massive blind spots—20 feet in front, 30 feet behind, and one lane to the left extending diagonally back. The right-side blind spot is particularly dangerous and spans multiple lanes. When truckers change lanes on I-94 without checking these “no-zones,” they sideswipe passenger vehicles.
49 CFR § 393.80 requires proper mirrors, but many truckers fail to adjust them or check them before maneuvering. We use ECM data and GPS tracking to prove the truck moved into your lane without warning on that stretch of highway near the Indiana Dunes.
Tire Blowouts and Brake Failures
Lake Michigan’s salt-heavy air and Indiana’s freeze-thaw cycles create unique maintenance challenges. Tire blowouts cause thousands of accidents annually, often sending “road gators” (tire debris) across lanes or causing the driver to lose control. 49 CFR § 393.75 specifies minimum tread depths: 4/32″ on steer tires and 2/32″ on others.
Brake failures are equally catastrophic. 49 CFR § 396.3 requires systematic inspection and maintenance, yet many carriers defer brake repairs to save costs. When a truck can’t stop on US-12 near the Dunes because the air brakes failed, we trace the maintenance records to prove the company knew the system was defective.
Cargo Spills on Porter County Roads
With the Port of Indiana handling bulk commodities and the region’s steel industry, Porter County sees frequent cargo incidents. Spilled steel coils, gravel, or chemicals create secondary accidents and environmental hazards. 49 CFR § 393.100 through 393.136 detail specific securement requirements—requirements that save lives when followed and cause devastation when ignored.
Federal Regulations That Prove Negligence
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations exist to prevent exactly the accidents that devastate Porter County families. When trucking companies violate these rules, they pay for the harm they cause.
Driver Qualification Standards (49 CFR Part 391)
Before a driver can operate a commercial vehicle, carriers must verify:
- Valid CDL with proper endorsements
- Medical examiner’s certificate (49 CFR § 391.41)
- Clean driving record
- Pre-employment drug testing
We subpoena the Driver Qualification File for every trucker involved in a Porter County crash. Missing files, expired medical certificates, or falsified records prove negligent hiring under Indiana law.
Hours of Service Violations (49 CFR Part 395)
The most common cause of trucking accidents is fatigue. Federal rules limit drivers to:
- 11 hours maximum driving after 10 consecutive hours off-duty
- 14-hour maximum on-duty window
- Mandatory 30-minute break after 8 cumulative hours of driving
- 60/70 hour weekly limits
Electronic Logging Devices (49 CFR § 395.8) record this data automatically. When we download the ELD data and find violations—like a driver who logged 13 hours behind the wheel before crashing on I-80 near Portage—we’ve proven negligence as a matter of law.
Vehicle Safety and Inspection (49 CFR Parts 393 & 396)
Trucking companies must inspect, repair, and maintain vehicles systematically. 49 CFR § 396.11 requires daily post-trip inspection reports. When drivers report brake problems, lighting failures, or tire defects and the company orders them to “keep running” anyway, that’s direct evidence of negligence.
We also examine 49 CFR § 392.7 pre-trip inspection requirements. Did the driver walk around the truck that icy morning in Porter County? Did they check tire pressure when temperatures were below freezing? The inspection logs reveal the truth.
Every Party Who May Owe You Money
Unlike car accidents involving two drivers, trucking accidents often involve a web of liable parties. We investigate and pursue claims against all of them:
The Driver – For speeding, distraction, fatigue, or impairment. Under 49 CFR § 392.4, no driver may operate while impaired by drugs or alcohol. Cell phone records and post-crash toxicology tests reveal the truth.
The Trucking Company – Under Indiana’s doctrine of respondeat superior, employers answer for their employees’ negligence. But we also pursue direct claims for negligent hiring (failure to check the driver’s record), negligent training, and negligent supervision. We examine their Compliance, Safety, Accountability (CSA) scores to see if they have a pattern of violations.
The Cargo Owner/Shipper – Companies shipping from the Port of Indiana or local steel mills may be liable for improper loading or overweight violations that caused the crash.
The Loading Company – Third-party loaders who failed to secure cargo per 49 CFR § 393.100 standards.
Truck/Parts Manufacturers – Defective brakes, steering systems, or tire blowouts caused by manufacturing defects warrant product liability claims.
Maintenance Companies – Third-party mechanics who performed negligent repairs or missed critical safety issues.
Freight Brokers – Companies who arranged the shipment and negligently selected an unsafe carrier with poor safety ratings.
Government Entities – When road design or maintenance contributed to the crash on Porter County roads, though sovereign immunity limits apply.
Evidence Preservation: The 48-Hour Rule
If you’re reading this after a Porter County trucking accident, the clock started ticking the moment the collision occurred. Critical evidence that wins cases disappears within days:
- ECM/Black Box Data: Overwrites in 30 days or less
- ELD Logs: Only required to be kept 6 months, but often “lost” immediately
- Dashcam Footage: Deleted within 7-14 days routinely
- Driver Cell Phone Records: Must be subpoenaed quickly
- Witness Statements: Memories fade and witnesses disappear
- Physical Evidence: The truck gets repaired and back on the road
When you call 888-ATTY-911, we act immediately. Our spoliation letters put every potential defendant on notice that destroying evidence will result in court sanctions and adverse inference instructions—meaning the jury will be told to assume the destroyed evidence was against the trucking company.
Lupe Peña knows exactly what evidence adjusters try to hide because he used to be one of them. He knows that within hours of a crash, the trucking company’s insurer sends investigators to the scene. They’re not there to help you. They’re building a defense. You need someone building your offense.
Catastrophic Injuries and Your Future
Trucking accidents don’t cause fender-benders. They cause catastrophes. The injuries we see from Porter County crashes include:
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) – From mild concussions with lasting cognitive effects to severe brain damage requiring lifelong care. Our firm has recovered $1.5 million to $9.8 million for TBI victims.
Spinal Cord Injury – Paraplegia, quadriplegia, and incomplete spinal injuries requiring wheelchairs, home modifications, and 24/7 attendant care. These cases often settle in the $4.7 million to $25.8 million range.
Amputation – Whether traumatic (severed at the scene) or surgical (removed later due to crush injuries). Settlements range from $1.9 million to $8.6 million depending on the limb and impact on earning capacity.
Severe Burns – From fuel tank ruptures or hazmat spills, requiring skin grafts, reconstructive surgery, and treatment forContractures.
Internal Organ Damage – Liver lacerations, kidney damage, and lung contusions that may not show symptoms immediately but require emergency surgery.
Wrongful Death – When a Porter County family loses a loved one, we pursue claims for lost income, loss of consortium, mental anguish, and funeral expenses. These cases often settle between $1.9 million and $9.5 million.
As client Glenda Walker said after we resolved her case: “They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.” That’s our promise to every Porter County family we represent.
Damages Available Under Indiana Law
In Porter County, Indiana, you have two years from the accident date to file a lawsuit (Indiana Code § 34-11-2-4). Wait longer, and you lose your rights forever. But don’t wait that long—evidence disappears much faster.
Indiana follows modified comparative negligence with a 51% bar. If you were 50% or less at fault, you can recover damages reduced by your percentage of fault. If you’re found 51% or more responsible, you recover nothing. The trucking company will try to push you over that 50% threshold. We fight back with ECM data, ELD logs, and accident reconstruction to prove their driver was 100% at fault.
Damages include:
- Economic: Medical bills, lost wages, future medical care, vocational rehabilitation, property damage
- Non-Economic: Pain and suffering, mental anguish, loss of enjoyment of life, disfigurement, loss of consortium
- Punitive: In cases of gross negligence—like driving 20 hours straight or falsifying logbooks—Indiana allows punitive damages up to the greater of three times compensatory damages or $50,000 (Indiana Code § 34-51-3)
Federal law requires trucking companies to carry minimum insurance of $750,000 for non-hazardous freight, $1 million for oil and hazardous materials, and $5 million for certain dangerous cargoes. Many carry excess policies worth millions more. Unlike car accidents where coverage might be $25,000, trucking cases have real money available to cover catastrophic injuries.
Why Porter County Families Choose Attorney911
We offer what big billboard firms can’t: personal attention from attorneys with 25+ years of experience. Ralph Manginello personally handles cases, not just junior associates. Our 4.9-star Google rating from 251+ reviews reflects our commitment to treating clients like family, not case numbers.
As Chad Harris, one of our clients, put it: “You are NOT a pest to them and you are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.”
We’re currently litigating a $10 million lawsuit against the University of Houston for hazing injuries, demonstrating we have the resources to take on institutional defendants. We’ve gone toe-to-toe with BP in the Texas City refinery explosion litigation. We know how to handle Fortune 500 defendants.
And we speak your language—literally. Lupe Peña provides fluent Spanish representation. Hablamos Español. Llame al 1-888-288-9911.
Frequently Asked Questions About Porter County Trucking Accidents
What should I do immediately after a trucking accident in Porter County?
Call 911, seek immediate medical attention at a local hospital like Porter Regional Hospital or Franciscan Health, photograph everything including the truck’s DOT number, get witness information, and call (888) 288-9911 before speaking to any insurance company.
How long do I have to file a claim in Indiana?
Two years from the accident date. But don’t wait—evidence disappears in weeks, not years.
Can I recover damages if I was partially at fault?
Yes, if you were 50% or less at fault. Indiana’s 51% bar means if you’re found 51% or more responsible, you recover nothing. The trucking company will try to blame you—call us to fight back.
What if the truck driver was an independent contractor?
Both the driver and the company they contracted with may be liable. We investigate all employment relationships and insurance policies.
How much is my case worth?
Every case is unique. Factors include injury severity, medical costs, lost earning capacity, available insurance, and the degree of negligence. Trucking companies carry $750,000 to $5 million or more in coverage.
Will my case go to trial?
Most settle, but we prepare every case for trial. Insurance companies offer better settlements when they know your attorney will go to court—and Ralph Manginello has 25 years of trial experience.
How much does it cost to hire Attorney911?
Nothing upfront. We work on contingency—33.33% pre-trial, 40% if trial is necessary. You pay nothing unless we win.
What if the trucking company is from another state?
We handle interstate trucking cases regularly. Ralph’s federal court admission and Indiana licensure allow us to pursue claims against out-of-state carriers.
Call Now Before Evidence Disappears
The trucking company that hit you has already called their lawyers. Their insurance adjuster is already building a case against you. While they’re working to minimize your claim, you need someone working to maximize it.
Call 1-888-ATTY-911 now for a free consultation. We’re available 24/7 because we know trucking accidents don’t happen on business hours. When you call, you speak to an attorney—not a call center.
Don’t let them push you around. Don’t let them destroy the evidence. Don’t settle for less than you deserve. Let Attorney911 fight for every dime you’re owed.
