Rock County 18-Wheeler Accident Attorneys

When 80,000 Pounds of Steel Changes Everything on I-90

You’re driving through Rock County on Interstate 90, maybe heading toward Luverne or passing through the agricultural stretches near Beaver Creek. The road looks clear. Then, in your rearview mirror, you see it—an 18-wheeler barreling down on you, the driver fighting fatigue after countless hours behind the wheel. There’s no time to react. No time to escape.

If you’re reading this, you or someone you love has already experienced the devastating reality of a commercial truck accident in Rock County. We don’t need to tell you that your life has changed. What you need to know is this: the trucking company that hit you has already called their lawyers. Their insurance adjuster is already looking for ways to pay you less. And every hour you wait, critical evidence disappears.

At Attorney911, we’ve spent 25 years fighting for families across Rock County and throughout Minnesota. Ralph Manginello, our managing partner, has federal court experience and has recovered multi-million dollar settlements for victims just like you. We know the I-90 corridor where your accident happened. We know the winter weather that makes Rock County highways treacherous for trucks. And we know exactly how to hold trucking companies accountable.

Call us now at 1-888-ATTY-911 before the evidence vanishes.

Why Rock County 18-Wheeler Accidents Are Different

Rock County sits in the far southwestern corner of Minnesota, bisected by Interstate 90—the lifeline connecting the Midwest to the Pacific Northwest. This stretch of highway sees constant commercial traffic hauling agricultural products, manufactured goods, and freight of every description through our rural communities.

But here’s the reality that makes Rock County trucking accidents uniquely dangerous: we’re at the intersection of major freight corridors and extreme weather conditions. When a truck driver pushes beyond their hours of service to meet a deadline, and then encounters a sudden blizzard or ice storm on I-90 near Hills or Adrian, the results are catastrophic.

Our firm has handled cases where drivers jackknifed on icy patches of Highway 75, where tire blowouts sent trucks careening into oncoming traffic near Luverne, and where fatigued drivers rear-ended families stopped at intersections in Beaver Creek. These aren’t just accidents—they’re predictable, preventable tragedies caused by companies that prioritize profits over safety.

The Physics of Destruction on Rock County Roads

Your sedan weighs about 4,000 pounds. The 18-wheeler that hit you? Up to 80,000 pounds. That’s not a fair fight—it’s 20 times your vehicle’s weight crushing into you at highway speed.

A fully loaded truck traveling at 65 miles per hour needs approximately 525 feet to stop. That’s nearly two football fields. On the rural stretches of Rock County’s highways, where cell service can be spotty and emergency response times stretch longer than in urban areas, those extra seconds of stopping distance mean the difference between a close call and a funeral.

Our Experience Fighting for Rock County Families

Ralph Manginello has been fighting for injury victims since 1998. With over 25 years of courtroom experience, he’s taken on some of the largest trucking operations in America—and won. He’s admitted to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas, giving him the federal court access essential for interstate trucking cases that cross state lines.

But what makes our Rock County practice truly powerful is our associate attorney, Lupe Peña. Before joining Attorney911, Lupe spent years working as a national insurance defense attorney. He sat on the other side of the table, watching adjusters minimize claims and learning exactly how trucking insurers evaluate, delay, and deny legitimate compensation. Now he uses that insider knowledge to fight for you.

As client Chad Harris told us, “You are NOT a pest to them and you are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.” That’s how we treat every Rock County family who walks through our door—whether you’re from Luverne, Adrian, or anywhere in between.

We’ve recovered millions for families devastated by trucking accidents, including:

• $5+ million for a traumatic brain injury victim
• $3.8+ million for a client who lost a limb after a commercial vehicle crash
• $2.5+ million for truck crash recoveries

And we don’t stop until you get what you deserve. As Glenda Walker said, “They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.”

Types of 18-Wheeler Accidents in Rock County

Every trucking accident is different, but certain types dominate our Rock County caseload due to our geography, weather, and the nature of freight moving through southwestern Minnesota.

Jackknife Accidents on Icy Roads

When a truck driver hits black ice on I-90 near the South Dakota border or loses control on a frosty stretch of Highway 75, the trailer can swing perpendicular to the cab—creating a deadly barrier across multiple lanes. These jackknife accidents account for approximately 10% of all trucking-related deaths and often result in multi-vehicle pileups during Rock County’s brutal winter months.

These crashes typically involve 49 CFR § 392.3 violations—operating while fatigued—or 49 CFR § 392.6 violations—speeding for conditions. When a driver pushes through a winter storm to meet a delivery deadline, they’re breaking federal law and putting Rock County families at risk.

Rollover Accidents on Rural Curves

The agricultural landscape of Rock County means trucks frequently travel narrow county roads and navigate curves while hauling top-heavy loads of grain or equipment. When drivers take these turns too fast—or when cargo shifts due to improper securement under 49 CFR § 393.100-136—the truck rolls, crushing anything in its path.

We’ve seen rollover accidents near Hills where grain trucks tipped on tight corners, and near Beaver Creek where tanker trucks overturned on rural routes. These accidents often involve violations of cargo securement regulations or 49 CFR § 396 maintenance failures.

Underride Collisions—The Most Fatal Crashes

An underride collision occurs when a smaller vehicle slides underneath the rear or side of a trailer. These are among the most fatal types of 18-wheeler accidents, often causing decapitation or catastrophic head trauma. While 49 CFR § 393.86 requires rear impact guards on trailers, many trucks on Rock County roads have inadequate or damaged guards.

During winter storms on I-90, when visibility drops and drivers can’t stop in time, underride collisions become devastatingly common. Approximately 400-500 Americans die annually in these crashes.

Rear-End Collisions on I-90

Interstate 90 through Rock County carries constant commercial traffic. When a distracted or fatigued truck driver fails to notice slowed traffic near construction zones or during weather events, they slam into vehicles from behind with devastating force.

These accidents often involve 49 CFR § 392.11 violations (following too closely), 49 CFR § 392.82 violations (mobile phone use), or 49 CFR § 395 hours-of-service violations. The physics are brutal—a loaded truck needs 40% more stopping distance than a passenger car.

Wide Turn Accidents in Small Towns

In Luverne, Adrian, and other Rock County communities, 18-wheelers making right turns often swing wide, creating “squeeze play” accidents where passenger vehicles get caught between the truck and the curb. These accidents occur when drivers fail to check blind spots or signal properly under 49 CFR § 392.11.

Blind Spot Accidents on Rural Highways

Rock County’s two-lane highways force vehicles into close proximity. When truck drivers change lanes or pass without properly checking their massive blind spots—particularly the dangerous right-side “no-zone”—they sideswipe passenger vehicles or force them off the road.

Under 49 CFR § 393.80, trucks must have mirrors providing clear views to the rear on both sides. Failure to maintain proper mirror adjustment is a common violation we see in Rock County blind spot cases.

Tire Blowouts and Brake Failures

Extreme temperature variations in southwestern Minnesota—scorching summer heat on I-90 pavement followed by subzero winter cold—create perfect conditions for tire failures and brake system degradation. When trucking companies defer maintenance to save money, violating 49 CFR § 396.3 (inspection and maintenance requirements), brake failures cause 29% of truck crashes.

We’ve handled cases where “road gators” (shredded tire debris) from blowouts caused secondary accidents on Highway 75, and where brake failures on descent grades led to runaway trucks approaching Luverne.

Federal Regulations Trucking Companies Violate in Rock County

Federal law under the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) governs every commercial truck on Rock County roads. When drivers and carriers violate these regulations, they create the dangerous conditions that cause catastrophic accidents.

Hours of Service Violations—The Leading Cause of Fatigue Crashes

49 CFR Part 395 limits how long drivers can operate:

• Maximum 11 hours driving after 10 consecutive hours off duty
• Cannot drive beyond the 14th consecutive hour after coming on duty
• Mandatory 30-minute break after 8 cumulative hours of driving
• 60/70 hour weekly limits

Since December 18, 2017, most drivers must use Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) that record this data objectively. These devices capture speed, location, and duty status—evidence that often proves drivers were illegally fatigued when they crashed into Rock County families.

Driver Qualification Failures

Under 49 CFR Part 391, trucking companies must verify that drivers are qualified to operate commercial vehicles. They must maintain Driver Qualification Files containing:

• Employment applications and background checks
• Motor vehicle records
• Medical certifications (valid for maximum 2 years)
• Road test certificates
• Drug and alcohol test results

When Rock County accidents involve drivers with poor safety records, suspended licenses, or medical conditions that should have disqualified them, the trucking company faces liability for negligent hiring under 49 CFR § 391.11.

Cargo Securement Violations

Rock County’s agricultural economy means trucks constantly haul grain, livestock, and heavy equipment. Under 49 CFR § 393.100-136, cargo must be secured to withstand:

• 0.8 g deceleration (sudden stops)
• 0.5 g lateral forces (turns)
• 0.5 g rearward acceleration

When loaders at Rock County grain elevators or manufacturing facilities fail to properly secure loads, or when drivers fail to inspect securement under 49 CFR § 396.13, shifting cargo causes rollovers or spills on I-90.

Vehicle Maintenance Negligence

49 CFR Part 396 requires systematic inspection and maintenance. Drivers must conduct pre-trip inspections covering brakes, steering, lighting, tires, and coupling devices. Companies must maintain records for 14 months.

When trucking companies cut corners on brake maintenance—allowing pushrod travel to exceed limits or ignoring air brake leaks—they violate 49 CFR § 393.40-55 and create deadly hazards on Rock County’s winter roads.

Who Can Be Held Liable in Your Rock County Trucking Accident?

Unlike car accidents where usually only one driver is at fault, 18-wheeler crashes often involve multiple liable parties. We investigate every potential defendant to maximize your recovery under federal law and Minnesota statutes.

1. The Truck Driver

The driver who caused your accident may be personally liable for negligent conduct including:

• Speeding or reckless driving in winter conditions
• Distracted driving (cell phone use under 49 CFR § 392.82)
• Fatigued driving beyond legal limits
• Impaired driving (violating 49 CFR § 392.5‘s 0.04 BAC limit)
• Failure to conduct pre-trip inspections

2. The Trucking Company/Motor Carrier

Under Minnesota’s vicarious liability laws and the federal doctrine of respondeat superior, employers are responsible for employees’ negligent acts within the scope of employment. Additionally, companies face direct liability for:

• Negligent Hiring: Failing to check driver backgrounds or hiring drivers with CDL restrictions
• Negligent Training: Inadequate training on winter driving or cargo securement
• Negligent Supervision: Failing to monitor ELD compliance or CSA safety scores
• Negligent Maintenance: Deferring brake or tire repairs to save money

3. Cargo Owners and Loaders

When Rock County grain elevators, manufacturing facilities, or agricultural operations load trucks, they must follow 49 CFR § 393 securement standards. Improperly distributed grain loads or unbalanced agricultural equipment cause rollovers on rural county roads.

4. Freight Brokers

Companies like C.H. Robinson—headquartered nearby in Eden Prairie—arrange transportation but don’t own trucks. Under federal law, brokers who negligently select carriers with poor safety records or failed inspections may share liability for Rock County accidents.

5. Maintenance Companies

Third-party mechanics who service fleets at truck stops along I-90 or in Sioux Falls may be liable for negligent repairs that cause brake failures or wheel separations on Rock County highways.

6. Truck and Parts Manufacturers

Defective brake systems, tires prone to blowouts, or safety systems that fail in extreme cold may trigger product liability claims against manufacturers under Minnesota law.

7. Government Entities

When inadequate signage, poor road maintenance, or dangerous intersection design on Rock County roads contributes to accidents, governmental entities may face premises liability claims—though Minnesota’s sovereign immunity laws create strict procedural requirements.

The 48-Hour Evidence Emergency

Evidence in 18-wheeler cases disappears faster than you think. Here’s what you’re up against:

The trucking company that hit you has lawyers on retainer. They deploy rapid-response teams to accident scenes while you’re still in the hospital. Within hours, they’re gathering evidence to protect themselves—not you.

That’s why we send spoliation letters within 24-48 hours of being retained. These legal notices put trucking companies on notice that destroying evidence will result in court sanctions, adverse inference instructions to juries, and punitive damages.

We immediately subpoena:

• ELD data showing hours-of-service violations
• ECM data proving speed and braking patterns
• Driver Qualification Files revealing hiring negligence
• Cell phone records showing distraction
• Maintenance logs proving deferred repairs
• Dispatch records revealing schedule pressure

Don’t wait. Every day you delay, evidence vanishes. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 now.

Catastrophic Injuries and Your Future

Trucking accidents don’t just hurt—they change lives forever. The force of an 80,000-pound vehicle hitting a 4,000-pound car creates catastrophic injuries requiring millions in lifetime care.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

The violent forces in Rock County trucking accidents cause the brain to impact the inside of the skull, resulting in:

• Memory loss and cognitive impairment
• Personality changes and mood disorders
• Inability to work or perform daily tasks
• Need for 24/7 supervision

TBI cases often settle for $1.5 million to $9.8 million depending on severity, but only if your attorney understands the complex medical documentation required.

Spinal Cord Injuries

Damage to the spinal cord during an I-90 underride or rollover can cause:

• Paraplegia (loss of leg function)
• Quadriplegia (loss of all limb function)
• Chronic pain and loss of sensation
• Lifetime wheelchair dependence

These injuries carry lifetime care costs ranging from $1.1 million to over $5 million.

Amputations

When crushing forces trap limbs during a Rock County trucking accident, victims face:

• Traumatic amputation at the scene
• Surgical amputation due to irreparable damage
• Multiple prosthetics needed throughout life ($5,000-$50,000 each)
• Phantom limb pain and psychological trauma

Our firm has recovered $1.9 million to $8.6 million for amputation victims.

Wrongful Death

When trucking companies’ negligence kills Rock County residents, surviving families face:

• Lost future income and benefits
• Loss of companionship and guidance
• Mental anguish and emotional distress
• Funeral and burial expenses

Minnesota allows wrongful death claims with a 3-year statute of limitations from the date of death—but evidence must be preserved immediately.

Minnesota Law and Your Rights

Statute of Limitations

In Minnesota, you have 2 years from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit against private trucking companies. For wrongful death claims, you have 3 years from the date of death.

However, if governmental entities are involved (poor road design, inadequate signage), Minnesota requires formal notice within 180 days under the Minnesota Tort Claims Act. Miss these deadlines, and you lose your right to compensation forever.

Comparative Negligence

Minnesota follows modified comparative negligence with a 51% bar rule. This means you can recover damages even if you were partially at fault, provided you were not more than 50% responsible. Your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault.

For example, if a jury awards $1 million but finds you 20% at fault, you recover $800,000. But if you’re found 51% at fault, you recover nothing. Insurance companies use this rule to minimize payouts—which is why you need an attorney who knows how to prove the truck driver was primarily responsible.

Insurance Requirements

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

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

These minimums are just that—minimums. Many carriers carry $1-5 million in coverage. Unlike Minnesota’s $30,000/$60,000 auto insurance minimums for passenger vehicles, trucking policies provide real resources for catastrophic injury recovery.

Frequently Asked Questions About Rock County Trucking Accidents

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

Call 911 immediately. Seek medical attention even if you feel okay—adrenaline masks serious injuries like internal bleeding or TBI. If you’re able, photograph the truck’s DOT number, license plates, and all vehicle damage. Get witness contact information. Do not give recorded statements to the trucking company’s insurance adjuster. Then call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911.

Should I talk to the trucking company’s insurance adjuster?

Never. Insurance adjusters work for the trucking company, not you. They’re trained to minimize your claim using tactics our associate Lupe Peña knows from the inside—because he used to train them. Anything you say will be used against you. Refer all calls to your attorney.

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

Two years from the accident date for personal injury claims. Three years for wrongful death. But waiting is dangerous—evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and the trucking company is already building their defense. Contact us within days, not months.

What if the truck driver was an independent owner-operator?

Both the driver and the motor carrier may be liable. We investigate lease agreements and insurance coverage to ensure all responsible parties pay. Under federal law, carriers can’t escape liability simply by calling drivers “independent contractors.”

Can I recover if I was partially at fault for the accident?

Yes, under Minnesota’s modified comparative negligence law. As long as you were 50% or less at fault, you can recover damages reduced by your fault percentage. We work to minimize any fault attributed to you while proving the truck driver’s negligence.

What is a spoliation letter and why does it matter?

It’s a legal notice demanding preservation of all evidence—ELD logs, black box data, maintenance records, driver files. Once sent, destroying evidence becomes spoliation, subject to court sanctions. We send these within 24 hours of being retained.

How much is my Rock County trucking accident case worth?

Values depend on injury severity, medical costs, lost wages, and available insurance. Trucking cases often involve $750,000 to $5 million in coverage. We’ve recovered multi-million dollar settlements for catastrophic injuries. The only way to know your case value is through a detailed evaluation—call 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation.

Do you handle cases for Spanish-speaking families in Rock County?

Sí. Hablamos Español. Our associate Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish and provides direct representation without interpreters. For families in Rock County’s Hispanic community, we offer culturally competent legal services. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911.

What if the trucking company is from out of state?

We handle that regularly. Ralph Manginello is admitted to federal court and can pursue interstate carriers nationwide. Federal trucking regulations apply regardless of where the company is headquartered.

Will my case go to trial?

Most settle before trial, but we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial. Insurance companies offer better settlements when they know your attorney has the resources and experience to take them to court. We’ve secured major verdicts when they refused fair offers.

Why Rock County Families Choose Attorney911

When Ernest Cano needed someone to “fight tooth and nail” for him, he chose Attorney911. When Angel Walle needed a firm that “solved in a couple of months what others did nothing about in two years,” she came to us. When Donald Wilcox had been rejected by another firm, we took his case and got him that “handsome check.”

We’re not a faceless billboard firm. We’re a team that treats you like family. As Chad Harris said, “You are FAMILY to them.”

For 25 years, Ralph Manginello has fought for families in Minnesota and across the country. With offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont—plus the ability to serve Rock County through federal court admission and remote consultation—we bring Fortune 500 litigation experience to southwestern Minnesota.

Our team includes a former insurance defense attorney who knows every trick the trucking companies will use. We know the I-90 corridor. We know the agricultural freight patterns that dominate Rock County roads. And we know how to win.

No fee unless we win. We work on contingency—33.33% pre-trial, 40% if we go to trial. You pay nothing upfront. We advance all costs. You never receive a bill from us.

Call Now—Before Evidence Disappears

The black box data showing whether that truck driver was speeding on I-90 near Luverne? It can be overwritten in 30 days. The dashcam footage from the cab? Deleted in weeks. The driver’s cell phone records proving he was texting? Gone unless subpoenaed immediately.

The trucking company has teams of lawyers working right now to protect their interests. Who’s protecting yours?

If you or a loved one has been injured in an 18-wheeler accident anywhere in Rock County—whether on I-90 near Beaver Creek, Highway 75 near Hills, or any rural road in between—call Attorney911 immediately.

1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)

24/7 availability. Free consultation. Hablamos Español.

Your fight starts with one call. We’ve recovered over $50 million for families like yours. Let us fight for you.

Attorney911 serves Rock County, Minnesota, including Luverne, Adrian, Hills, Beaver Creek, and all communities along I-90 and Highway 75. We handle 18-wheeler accidents, trucking collisions, commercial vehicle crashes, and catastrophic injury cases throughout southwestern Minnesota.