Renville County 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyers: Fighting for Rural Minnesota Trucking Victims

When a Semi Truck Changes Your Life Forever

The call came at 6:47 AM. A mother of three, commuting east on US-212 near Olivia, had just been sideswiped by a cattle hauler. Her compact sedan weighed 3,200 pounds. The international semi weighed 78,000 pounds fully loaded with livestock. The physics weren’t fair—and neither was the aftermath.

At Attorney911, we’ve spent over 25 years standing up for families devastated by 18-wheeler accidents. Ralph Manginello, our managing partner, has been fighting for injury victims since 1998. He’s admitted to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas and has recovered multi-million dollar settlements for traumatic brain injuries, amputations, and wrongful deaths. Our associate attorney Lupe Peña spent years working inside a national insurance defense firm—now he uses that insider knowledge to fight against the very tactics he used to deploy. Together, we bring something unique to Renville County families: big-city litigation experience with an understanding of rural Minnesota’s trucking realities.

If you’ve been hurt in an 18-wheeler accident anywhere in Renville County, from the streets of Olivia to the corridors of US-212 near Fairfax and Buffalo Lake, you’re facing a clock that’s already ticking. Evidence disappears. Memories fade. And the trucking company? They’ve already called their lawyers.

Why Trucking Accidents in Renville County Are Different

Renville County sits at the heart of Minnesota’s agricultural belt. When the combines roll out during harvest season, the volume of agricultural trucking skyrockets. Grain haulers, livestock transporters, and equipment carriers flood the county roads—many of them operating on tight schedules and tight profit margins.

Our state sees brutal winters that other regions can’t imagine. January temperatures in Renville County regularly plunge below zero. Black ice forms on US-212 between Bird Island and Hector. Whiteout conditions shut down visibility for miles. These aren’t just weather hazards—they’re forces that turn an 80,000-pound semi into a runaway missile.

Minnesota law gives you two years from the date of your accident to file a personal injury lawsuit, and three years for wrongful death claims. But waiting is dangerous. Trucking companies operating in Renville County range from small local agricultural carriers to massive national fleets serving the Twin Cities distribution network. Whether the truck was hauling corn to the ethanol plant or electronics to Minneapolis, the evidence preservation rules remain the same—and the destruction of evidence begins immediately.

The FMCSA Regulations That Prove Negligence

Every commercial truck operating on Renville County roads must comply with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations. When trucking companies break these rules, they’re negligent by definition. Here’s what we look for in every case:

49 CFR Part 390: Who Must Comply

Federal law defines a Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) as any vehicle with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) over 10,001 pounds, designed to transport 16 or more passengers, or hauling hazardous materials requiring placards. Under 49 CFR § 390.3, these regulations apply to all employers, employees, and vehicles engaged in interstate commerce—including those passing through Renville County on US-212 or connecting to I-94.

49 CFR Part 391: Driver Qualification

Before a driver can legally operate a semi in Minnesota, they must meet strict federal standards. Under 49 CFR § 391.11, drivers must:

• Be at least 21 years old for interstate commerce (18 for intrastate)
• Possess a valid Commercial Driver’s License
• Pass a Department of Transportation physical exam every two years
• Be able to read and speak English sufficiently
• Be physically qualified with no disqualifying medical conditions

The trucking company must maintain a Driver Qualification (DQ) File for every driver containing employment applications, motor vehicle records, road test certifications, and medical examiner’s certificates (49 CFR § 391.51). When we subpoena these files, we often find that Renville County drivers were hired without proper background checks—or worse, with known histories of violations.

49 CFR Part 392: Operating Rules

This section contains the “rules of the road” for truckers. Under 49 CFR § 392.3, no driver can operate a CMV while their ability or alertness is impaired through fatigue, illness, or any other cause. Section § 392.5 prohibits alcohol use within four hours before going on duty or while operating the vehicle.

The mobile phone restrictions under § 392.82 are particularly relevant for accidents on Renville County’s long, straight stretches where drivers may become bored and distracted. Handheld phone use while driving is strictly prohibited.

49 CFR Part 393: Vehicle Safety Standards

This covers the equipment itself. § 393.40-55 mandates functioning brake systems on all wheels. § 393.75 specifies tread depth requirements—4/32nds of an inch on steer tires, 2/32nds on others.

The cargo securement rules under § 393.100-136 are critical for agricultural haulers common in Renville County. Cargo must be secured to withstand 0.8g deceleration forward, 0.5g acceleration rearward, and 0.5g lateral forces. When a grain hauler takes a corner too fast on an icy Renville County road and spills its load, violating these securement standards, that’s negligence.

49 CFR Part 395: Hours of Service

This is where we find the violations that cause the most accidents. Property-carrying drivers operating in and around Renville County may not drive:

• More than 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty (§ 395.3)
• Beyond the 14th consecutive hour after coming on duty
• After 60/70 hours on duty in 7/8 consecutive days (without a 34-hour restart)

Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) have been mandatory since December 2017 under § 395.8. These devices track every minute of drive time, but the data can be overwritten within 30 days—hence our urgency in preserving it.

49 CFR Part 396: Maintenance and Inspection

Under § 396.3, motor carriers must “systematically inspect, repair, and maintain” all vehicles. Drivers must conduct pre-trip inspections (§ 396.13) and post-trip reports (§ 396.11) covering brakes, steering, tires, lights, and coupling devices. Annual inspections (§ 396.17) are mandatory.

In the brutal Minnesota winters Renville County experiences, brake systems fail under stress. When a trucking company defers maintenance to save money, and that truck crashes on an icy US-212 bridge, those maintenance records become the smoking gun.

The Types of 18-Wheeler Accidents We See in Renville County

Jackknife Accidents

A jackknife occurs when the trailer and cab skid in opposite directions, folding like a pocket knife. On icy Renville County roads, this often happens when a trucker slams the brakes on an empty or lightly loaded trailer.

Federal regulations require drivers to reduce speed for conditions under § 392.6. When a driver maintains highway speeds during a Minnesota blizzard and jackknifes across both lanes of US-212, blocking traffic for miles, they’ve violated federal law.

These accidents often result in multi-car pileups. We recently represented a family whose vehicle was crushed when a jackknifed livestock hauler blocked the road near Fairfax. The ECM data showed the driver was traveling 67 mph in whiteout conditions—well above the safe speed for visibility.

Rollover Accidents

Renville County’s agricultural nature means heavy equipment transport during harvest season. Rollovers occur when trucks take curves too fast or encounter uneven shoulders on rural roads. Under § 393.100, cargo must be secured to prevent shifting that affects vehicle stability.

When a grain hauler rolls on a county road because the load shifted during a turn, that’s a cargo securement violation. These are among the deadliest accidents—nearly 50% of rollover crashes result from failure to adjust speed on curves, and Renville County’s rural highways feature plenty of tight turns and soft shoulders.

Underride Collisions

The most catastrophic accidents we see involve underride—when a passenger vehicle slides under the trailer. Side underride has no federal guard requirement, though rear guards are mandated under § 393.86 for trailers manufactured after 1998.

On US-212 between Olivia and Hector, where speeds reach 60 mph and farmland stretches create long sightlines, an underride collision almost guarantees decapitation or severe head trauma. We investigate underride guard integrity, lighting compliance, and whether the truck made a sudden stop without adequate warning.

Rear-End Collisions

An 18-wheeler needs 525 feet—nearly two football fields—to stop from 65 mph. Under § 392.11, drivers must not follow more closely than is “reasonable and prudent.”

When a semi rear-ends a passenger vehicle stopped at the intersection of MN-212 and MN-19 in Olivia, the physics are devastating. The car becomes a crumple zone. We subpoena ECM data to prove the driver was following too closely or distracted by a mobile device (§ 392.82).

Wide Turn Accidents (“Squeeze Play”)

The wide right turn is particularly dangerous in small towns like Renville County’s communities. Trucks swing left before turning right, creating a gap that drivers often enter—only to be crushed when the truck completes its turn.

Mirrors must provide a clear view to the rear on both sides (§ 393.80). When these mirrors are improperly adjusted or the driver fails to check them before turning at a downtown Olivia intersection, both the driver and trucking company are liable.

Blind Spot Collisions

18-wheelers have four major blind spots: 20 feet in front, 30 feet behind, and large areas on both sides—particularly the right side. When a truck changes lanes on US-212 without checking blind spots and sideswipes a vehicle, that’s negligence under § 392.11.

Tire Blowout Accidents

“Road gators”—shredded tire treads—litter Minnesota highways. Under § 393.75, tires must maintain proper tread depth. In extreme cold, tires become brittle. When a tire blows on a loaded semi, the driver often loses control, causing jackknife or rollover events.

We preserve the failed tire for expert analysis and subpoena maintenance records to prove the company knew the tire was unsafe but kept the truck on the road anyway.

Brake Failure Accidents

Brake problems factor into approximately 29% of large truck crashes. When a truck enters Renville County from the west on US-212 and can’t stop for the light in Bird Island because the brakes failed, we investigate:

• Pre-trip inspection reports (§ 396.11)
• Maintenance records (§ 396.3)
• Air brake system compliance (§ 393.40-55)

Deferred maintenance to save money is corporate negligence—and we hold them accountable.

Cargo Spill and Shift Accidents

During harvest season, Renville County sees increased agricultural trucking—grain, soybeans, sugar beets, and livestock. § 393.100 requires proper securement. When a load shifts during transport or spills onto the roadway, creating hazards for following vehicles, the shipper, loader, and driver may all share liability.

Who Can Be Held Liable? The Web of Responsibility

Unlike car accidents where usually only one driver is at fault, 18-wheeler accidents often involve multiple liable parties. We investigate every potential defendant because more defendants means more insurance coverage means higher compensation for Renville County victims.

The Truck Driver

Direct negligence includes speeding, distracted driving (-cell phone records prove this), fatigue, and impairment. Under the doctrine of respondeat superior, employers are responsible for their employees’ negligent acts within the scope of employment.

The Trucking Company/Motor Carrier

This is often where the real money is. Carriers carry $750,000 to $5 million in insurance. We pursue them for:

• Negligent Hiring: Failing to check the driver’s background or hiring someone with a history of violations
• Negligent Training: Inadequate safety instruction, particularly for winter driving in Minnesota
• Negligent Supervision: Ignoring ELD violations or pattern of HOS violations
• Negligent Maintenance: Failing to keep brakes and tires roadworthy for harsh Minnesota winters
• Negligent Scheduling: Pressuring drivers to violate hours of service to meet delivery windows

The Cargo Owner/Shipper

When agricultural products are loaded hot for transport to the ethanol plant or grain elevator, the shipper may overload the truck or provide improper loading instructions. Overweight trucks are harder to stop and more prone to tire failure.

The Loading Company

Third-party loaders who physically secure cargo may use inadequate tiedowns or fail to balance the load. Under § 393.102, aggregate working load limits must be at least 50% of cargo weight for loose items.

The Maintenance Company

When third-party mechanics perform brake adjustments or tire replacements and do so negligently, they share liability. We subpoena work orders and mechanic qualifications.

The Truck or Parts Manufacturer

Defective brake components, exploding tires, or faulty steering mechanisms can cause accidents even when the driver did nothing wrong. We preserve failed components for product liability analysis against manufacturers like Navistar, Freightliner, or component makers.

The Freight Broker

Brokers who arrange transport but don’t own the trucks may be liable for negligent carrier selection. If a broker places cargo with a carrier known to have poor CSA (Compliance, Safety, Accountability) scores, and that carrier crashes in Renville County, the broker shares responsibility.

The Truck Owner (If Different from Carrier)

In owner-operator arrangements, the truck owner may be liable for negligent entrustment or failure to maintain the tractor.

Government Entities

Renville County and the Minnesota Department of Transportation may share liability if inadequate signage, poor road design, or failure to maintain safe road conditions contributed to the accident—particularly regarding ice warnings or soft shoulders on rural routes.

The 48-Hour Evidence Preservation Protocol

Trucking companies have rapid-response teams. Within hours of an accident in Renville County, they’re sending investigators to the scene. Their goal is to protect their interests—not yours.

Critical Evidence That Disappears:

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 letter puts them on legal notice that destroying evidence will result in:

• Adverse inference instructions (the jury will be told to assume destroyed evidence was unfavorable)
• Sanctions and monetary penalties
• Potential default judgment

Electronic Data We Preserve:

• Engine Control Module (ECM) data showing speed, braking, and throttle position
• Electronic Logging Device (ELD) records proving hours of service violations
• GPS and telematics data showing route and stops
• Cell phone records for distracted driving
• Driver Qualification Files proving negligent hiring
• Maintenance and inspection records

Lupe Peña, our associate attorney who previously defended trucking companies for a national firm, knows exactly where to look for this evidence—and how to interpret it when the trucking company tries to hide it.

The Injuries That Change Everything

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

The forces involved when an 18-wheeler strikes a passenger vehicle often cause the brain to impact the inside of the skull. TBI symptoms include memory loss, confusion, personality changes, and chronic headaches. Lifetime care costs range from $85,000 to over $3 million. Our firm has recovered settlements between $1.5 million and $9.8 million for TBI victims.

Spinal Cord Injury and Paralysis

Complete spinal cord injuries result in paraplegia or quadriplegia. The lifetime costs for a quadriplegic can exceed $5 million. These cases require vocational experts and life care planners to ensure adequate compensation for Renville County families.

Amputation

Whether traumatic (severed at the scene) or surgical (due to crush injuries), amputation requires multiple prosthetics over a lifetime (each costing $5,000-$50,000), home modifications, and occupational therapy. Our amputation settlements have ranged from $1.9 million to $8.6 million.

Severe Burns

Fuel tank ruptures and hazmat spills cause catastrophic burns requiring skin grafts, reconstructive surgery, and psychological counseling.

Wrongful Death

When a trucking accident kills a loved one on a Renville County road, surviving family members—spouses, children, parents—can recover:

• Lost future income and benefits
• Loss of consortium and guidance
• Mental anguish and emotional suffering
• Funeral expenses

Our wrongful death recoveries have ranged from $1.9 million to $9.5 million, though every case is unique and past results don’t guarantee future outcomes.

Understanding Commercial Insurance and Damages

Federal law mandates minimum liability coverage:

• $750,000 for non-hazardous freight
• $1,000,000 for oil, equipment, and large vehicles
• $5,000,000 for hazardous materials

Unlike car accidents where policies may only cover $30,000-$100,000, trucking accidents typically have deeper coverage pools. However, accessing these funds requires understanding complex commercial policies, umbrella coverage, and trailer interchange endorsements.

Minnesota law allows recovery of:

• Economic Damages: Medical bills (past and future), lost wages, lost earning capacity, property damage
• Non-Economic Damages: Pain and suffering, mental anguish, loss of consortium
• Punitive Damages: Available in cases of gross negligence or willful misconduct (Minnesota has no statutory cap on punitive damages)

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do I have to file a lawsuit in Renville County?
Minnesota gives you two years from the accident date for personal injury claims and three years for wrongful death. But waiting is dangerous—evidence disappears fast. Call us immediately.

What if I was partially at fault for the accident?
Minnesota follows modified comparative negligence with a 51% bar rule. If you’re 50% or less at fault, you can recover, but your damages are reduced by your percentage of fault. If you’re 51% or more at fault, you recover nothing. We work to minimize any fault attributed to you.

Should I talk to the trucking company’s insurance adjuster?
Never. Adjusters work for the trucking company, not you. They’re trained to get you to say things that hurt your case. Let us handle all communications.

What is a truck’s “black box” and why does it matter?
The Event Data Recorder (EDR) captures speed, braking, acceleration, and steering input in the seconds before a crash. This objective data proves what really happened, regardless of what the driver claims.

Can I afford an attorney?
Yes. We work on contingency—you pay nothing unless we win. Our fee is 33.33% if we settle before trial, 40% if we go to trial. We advance all investigation costs, including accident reconstruction and expert witnesses.

Do you offer Spanish-language services?
Sí. Hablamos Español. Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish and provides direct representation without interpreters. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911 para hablar con un abogado en español.

What if my loved one was killed in a trucking accident in Renville County?
We handle wrongful death claims with compassion and determination. You may recover lost income, loss of companionship, mental anguish, and funeral expenses. Call us for a confidential consultation—there is no fee to discuss your case.

How do I know if the trucking company violated FMCSA regulations?
We know what to look for. Our investigation includes obtaining driver qualification files, maintenance records, ELD data, and CSA scores. When we find violations, we use them to prove negligence.

What makes Attorney911 different from other law firms?
Three things: First, Ralph Manginello brings 25+ years of federal court experience and multi-million dollar verdicts. Second, Lupe Peña used to defend trucking companies—now he uses that insider knowledge against them. Third, we treat you like family, not a case number.

As our client Chad Harris said: “You are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.”

Greg Garcia came to us after another attorney dropped his case. We won. Donald Wilcox was turned down by one company before he found us—and walked away with what he called a “handsome check.”

How quickly can you start on my Renville County case?
Immediately. We’re available 24/7 at 1-888-ATTY-911. When you call, we answer. We’ll have a spoliation letter to the trucking company within 24 hours to preserve critical evidence.

What if the truck driver was an independent contractor?
This doesn’t absolve the trucking company. We investigate the actual employment relationship, lease agreements, and whether the company exercised control over the driver. The insurance coverage remains available regardless of contractor status.

Why Renville County Families Choose Attorney911

We’re not a billboard firm that churns through cases. With offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we have the resources to take on Fortune 500 trucking companies—but we give each Renville County client the personal attention they deserve.

We’ve taken on BP in the Texas City explosion litigation, represented victims against major universities in the ongoing $10 million hazing lawsuit at the University of Houston, and secured multi-million dollar settlements that other firms said were impossible.

But perhaps most importantly, we understand rural Minnesota. We know that when a semi crashes on an icy Renville County road in January, the response time for emergency services may be longer than in the Twin Cities. We know that agricultural trucking follows seasonal patterns that create dangerous road conditions during harvest. And we know that families in Olivia, Fairfax, and Bird Island deserve the same aggressive representation as clients in Houston or Dallas.

Call Now—Before Evidence Disappears

The trucking company that hit you has already called their lawyers. Their insurance adjuster is already looking for ways to pay you less. What are you doing?

In 48 hours, critical evidence could be gone. Black box data can be overwritten. Dashcam footage gets deleted. Witnesses forget what they saw.

Don’t let them win by default.

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 fight for every dime you deserve.

Hablamos Español. Llame hoy.

From the frozen highways of US-212 during a Minnesota winter storm to the agricultural corridors during harvest season, when an 18-wheeler changes your life in Renville County, we’re the team that pushes back. We’ve recovered over $50 million for families across the country. Let us fight for you.

1-888-ATTY-911

Attorney911—Because trucking companies shouldn’t get away with it.