When an 80,000-pound truck loses control on an icy stretch of US-127 near Higgins Lake, lives change in an instant. If you’ve been injured in an 18-wheeler accident anywhere in Roscommon County, you’re facing a legal emergency that demands immediate action. The trucking company that hit you has already called their lawyers. Their insurance adjuster is already looking for ways to pay you less. At Attorney911, we’re the ones who push back.
With 25 years of courtroom experience fighting for accident victims, Ralph Manginello has built Attorney911 into a firm that trucking companies fear. We’ve recovered over $50 million for families across America, including multi-million dollar settlements for catastrophic injuries right here in Michigan. Our associate attorney Lupe Peña spent years working inside the insurance industry—now he uses that insider knowledge to fight against the very tactics he once helped deploy. When you’re hurt in Roscommon County, you need a team that knows how to hold trucking companies accountable under federal law and Michigan’s unique no-fault and negligence rules.
Why 18-Wheeler Accidents in Roscommon County Are Different
The physics don’t lie. An average passenger car weighs around 4,000 pounds. A fully loaded semi-truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds under federal law. That’s twenty times heavier than your vehicle. When that much mass collides with a family sedan on I-75 near Grayling or US-127 through Houghton Lake, the results are catastrophic.
But it’s not just the weight. It’s the weather. Roscommon County sits in northern Michigan’s snow belt, where lake-effect snow from Higgins Lake and Houghton Lake creates treacherous conditions from October through April. A truck driver from Texas or Florida navigating the curves near South Branch might not understand how quickly black ice forms on Michigan’s rural highways. Icy conditions cause jackknife accidents when drivers brake improperly. Steep grades near the Au Sable River contribute to runaway truck scenarios when brakes overheat.
Federal regulations require commercial drivers to adjust for road conditions under 49 CFR § 392.14, which mandates extreme caution in hazardous conditions. When a trucker fails to slow down for snow on County Road 100 or doesn’t chain up before approaching the hills near St. Helen, they’re violating federal law—and putting your family at risk.
Meet the Team Fighting for Roscommon County Victims
Ralph Manginello has spent over two decades making trucking companies pay for their negligence. Since 1998, he’s built a reputation for taking on Fortune 500 corporations and winning. Our managing partner isn’t just any personal injury lawyer—he’s admitted to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas, giving him federal jurisdiction to handle complex interstate trucking cases that cross state lines. When you hire Attorney911, you’re getting a 25-year veteran of trucking litigation who has gone toe-to-toe with the likes of BP in the Texas City Refinery litigation that resulted in billions in settlements.
But credentials on paper don’t win cases—experience does. Ralph has secured multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements for traumatic brain injury victims, amputation cases, and wrongful death claims throughout the United States. As client Glenda Walker told us after we handled her case, “They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.” That’s not just a tagline for us—it’s how we operate.
Here’s what makes our firm different from the billboard lawyers you see on I-75: Our team includes Lupe Peña, a former insurance defense attorney who used to work for the very companies now trying to minimize your claim. Lupe knows their playbook because he used to help write it. He knows exactly how adjusters are trained to evaluate claims, what formulas they use to calculate “pain and suffering,” and when they’re bluffing about settlement authority. Now he puts that insider knowledge to work for you.
“Hablamos Español,” Lupe often tells our clients in Roscommon County’s growing Hispanic community. “Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911.” Whether you’re a seasonal worker injured on your way to a job site or a local resident hit by a logging truck near the state forest, we provide direct Spanish-language representation without interpreters.
The Clock Is Ticking: Evidence Preservation in Northern Michigan
Every hour you wait after a trucking accident in Roscommon County, evidence disappears. Michigan winters are unforgiving—snow covers skid marks within hours. Ice melts and takes critical road condition evidence with it. But more importantly, the trucking company is already working to protect themselves.
Commercial trucks carry Electronic Control Modules (ECMs) and Event Data Recorders (EDRs)—the “black boxes” that record speed, brake application, throttle position, and hours of service data. Under federal regulations, this data can be overwritten in as little as 30 days. Some systems record over older data after just a few weeks of driving. If you wait the full three years that Michigan allows for filing a personal injury lawsuit (Michigan Compiled Laws § 600.5805), that black box data will be long gone.
That’s why we send spoliation letters within 24 hours of being retained. These legal notices demand that the trucking company, their insurer, and all potentially liable parties preserve every piece of evidence related to your crash. Once they receive our letter, destroying evidence becomes spoliation—a serious legal violation that can result in sanctions or adverse inference instructions at trial.
We also demand preservation of:
- Electronic Logging Device (ELD) data showing hours of service violations
- Driver Qualification Files proving the driver was properly licensed and medically certified
- Maintenance records showing whether brakes were inspected before the truck entered Michigan
- Dashcam footage that might show the driver’s distraction or the moments before impact
- GPS data tracking the truck’s route through Roscommon County
- Cell phone records proving distraction
Don’t wait. Call 888-ATTY-911 or (888) 288-9911 now to protect your rights.
Common 18-Wheeler Accident Types in Roscommon County
Jackknife Accidents in Winter Weather
Jackknife accidents occur when a truck’s trailer swings out perpendicular to the cab, forming a 90-degree angle. In Roscommon County, these often happen on icy stretches of US-127 or when truckers unfamiliar with northern Michigan winters brake too hard approaching the curves near Higgins Lake. When a driver slams the brakes on black ice, the trailer’s momentum carries it forward while the cab slows, causing the deadly folding motion.
These accidents frequently block multiple lanes of traffic and create secondary pileups. Drivers approaching jackknifed trucks on I-75 near Grayling often have nowhere to go, resulting in multi-vehicle catastrophes.
Under 49 CFR § 392.14, drivers must use “extreme caution” in hazardous conditions. When they don’t—and when trucking companies fail to train drivers on winter weather operations—they’re liable for the devastation they cause.
Rollover Accidents on Rural Roads
Roscommon County’s mix of interstate highways and rural county roads creates unique rollover risks. Trucks carrying timber from the Huron National Forest or tourist equipment to Houghton Lake resorts often navigate tight curves on county roads not designed for 80,000-pound vehicles.
Rollovers occur when drivers take turns too fast, carry top-heavy loads, or experience cargo shifts. Liquid cargo like fuel or milk creates “slosh and surge” that destabilizes trailers on the curves near South Branch. When a truck rolls onto its side, it can crush smaller vehicles beneath it or spill hazardous materials across the roadway.
Federal regulations under 49 CFR § 393.100-136 require proper cargo securement to prevent shifting. When loading companies in Detroit or Saginaw fail to properly secure freight bound for Roscommon County distribution centers, they create deadly rollover risks.
Rear-End Collisions on I-75
Interstate 75 serves as the main artery through eastern Roscommon County, carrying freight from Detroit to the Upper Peninsula and Canada. Traffic slows suddenly near the exits for Grayling and Houghton Lake, especially during tourist season when RVs and boats clog the highway.
A fully loaded truck traveling at 65 mph needs nearly two football fields to stop—about 525 feet. When truckers follow too closely or drive distracted through the I-75 corridor, they can’t stop in time when traffic backs up near the US-127 split.
These crashes cause catastrophic underride injuries when passenger vehicles slide beneath the truck’s trailer. Under 49 CFR § 393.86, trucks must have rear impact guards, but many are improperly maintained or absent on older equipment.
Brake Failure on Northern Grades
The topography around Roscommon County includes rolling hills that test braking systems. When drivers descend the grades near the Au Sable State Forest without proper technique, brakes overheat and fade—a phenomenon called “brake fade” that leads to runaway truck situations.
Federal law under 49 CFR § 396 requires systematic inspection and maintenance of brake systems. When trucking companies defer maintenance to save money, or when maintenance companies perform negligent repairs, brake failure accidents result. We investigate brake inspection records, looking for out-of-service orders or deferred repairs that prove the company knew their equipment was dangerous.
Tire Blowouts in Temperature Extremes
Michigan’s weather extremes—summer heat topping 90°F and winter cold dropping below zero—stress truck tires. Underinflated tires in cold weather create dangerous blowout risks on US-127. When a steer tire blows at highway speeds, even experienced drivers may lose control, sending 80,000 pounds of steel and freight across median strips or into oncoming traffic.
The debris from tire blowouts—often called “road gators”—creates secondary hazards for other drivers. Under 49 CFR § 393.75, tires must have minimum tread depth and be properly inflated. We subpoena tire maintenance records to prove when companies ignored worn rubber or faulty inflation systems.
Who Can Be Held Liable for Your Roscommon County Truck Accident?
Most law firms only look at the driver. We investigate every potentially liable party because more defendants means more insurance coverage means higher compensation for you.
The Truck Driver
Distracted driving, fatigue, speeding, and impairment are common causes. But we dig deeper—did the driver have a valid CDL? Were they medically certified under 49 CFR § 391.41? Did they have a history of violations that the company should have caught?
The Trucking Company (Motor Carrier)
Under Michigan’s modified comparative negligence rule (51% bar), as long as you’re 50% or less at fault, you can recover. Trucking companies are vicariously liable for their drivers’ negligence. More importantly, they’re directly liable for:
- Negligent Hiring: Failing to check if the driver had previous DUI convictions or reckless driving tickets before putting them on Roscommon County roads
- Negligent Training: Not training drivers on winter weather operations specific to northern Michigan
- Negligent Maintenance: Skipping brake inspections or tire checks to keep trucks running on tight schedules
- Negligent Scheduling: Pressuring drivers to violate hours of service rules to meet delivery deadlines in Detroit or Saginaw
The Cargo Owner and Loading Company
Timber trucks heading to mills, tourist supplies bound for Houghton Lake resorts, or manufacturing parts shipped through Roscommon County must be properly loaded. Improper weight distribution or inadequate tiedowns under 49 CFR § 393.100 create rollover risks. When loading companies in the Detroit area fail to secure freight properly, they share liability for crashes in Roscommon County.
Maintenance Companies
Third-party mechanics who performed negligent brake repairs or missed obvious tire defects can be held responsible under 49 CFR § 396.
Truck and Parts Manufacturers
Defective brake systems, faulty tires, or inadequate underride guards create product liability claims. We investigate whether the truck or trailer had recall notices or known defects.
Freight Brokers
Brokers who arrange transportation but don’t own the trucks may be liable for negligent carrier selection—choosing a trucking company with terrible safety records just because they’re cheaper.
Government Entities
Michigan’s Department of Transportation (MDOT) must maintain safe roads. When dangerous potholes, inadequate signage, or poor road design contribute to accidents on state highways like M-18 or M-72, government liability may apply—though strict notice requirements and shorter deadlines apply under Michigan law.
FMCSA Regulations Trucking Companies Violate in Roscommon County
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (49 CFR Parts 390-399) govern every commercial truck on Roscommon County roads. When trucking companies break these rules, they’re negligent per se—meaning the violation itself proves negligence.
49 CFR Part 395 – Hours of Service
The most commonly violated regulations limit driving time:
- Maximum 11 hours driving after 10 consecutive hours off-duty
- Cannot drive beyond the 14th consecutive hour on duty
- Required 30-minute break after 8 hours driving
- 60/70 hour limits on duty over 7/8 days
Fatigue contributes to nearly one-third of trucking accidents. Many drivers push through drowsiness to meet delivery schedules in Detroit or Chicago, putting Roscommon County families at risk. ELD (Electronic Logging Device) data proves these violations—but only if we preserve it quickly.
49 CFR Part 391 – Driver Qualification
Trucking companies must verify drivers are medically fit, properly licensed, and qualified to operate in winter conditions. They must maintain Driver Qualification Files including:
- Pre-employment drug tests
- Medical examiner’s certificates
- Three-year driving history
- Road test certifications
When companies hire drivers without checking their records—or when they ignore medical conditions that make driving dangerous—they violate federal law.
49 CFR Part 393 – Vehicle Maintenance and Cargo Securement
Trucks must have working lights, underride guards, properly adjusted brakes, and secured cargo. Specific rules govern how many tiedowns are required based on cargo weight and length. When timber shifts on a curve near St. Helen or furniture slides on I-75, it’s often because someone violated these specific regulations.
49 CFR Part 392 – Driving Rules
This section prohibits driving while fatigued (§ 392.3), using handheld cell phones (§ 392.82), and failing to use extreme caution in hazardous weather (§ 392.14). A trucker texting while navigating the curves near Higgins Lake is breaking federal law—and endangering your family.
Catastrophic Injuries and Your Recovery
Trucking accidents don’t cause simple whiplash. They cause traumatic brain injuries when roofs collapse, spinal cord injuries when vehicles are crushed, and amputations when victims are trapped in wreckage.
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
Mild concussions can resolve, but moderate to severe TBIs result in permanent cognitive impairment, personality changes, and inability to work. Our firm has recovered between $1.5 million and $9.8 million for TBI victims, ensuring they have resources for lifelong care.
Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis
Paraplegia and quadriplegia require wheelchairs, home modifications, and 24/7 care. Lifetime costs often exceed $5 million. We’ve secured settlements ranging from $4.7 million to over $25 million for spinal cord injury victims.
Amputations
When crush injuries necessitate limb removal, victims face prosthetics costing $50,000+ each, plus physical therapy and psychological counseling. Our amputation settlements have ranged from $1.9 million to $8.6 million.
Wrongful Death
When trucking negligence kills a loved one on Roscommon County roads, surviving spouses, children, and parents may recover under Michigan’s Wrongful Death Act. We’ve recovered between $1.9 million and $9.5 million for families who lost loved ones to negligent truckers.
As client Chad Harris told us, “You are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.” We treat every catastrophic injury case with the gravity it deserves because we know you’re facing a lifetime of consequences, not just a few months of physical therapy.
Insurance and Damages in Michigan Trucking Cases
Unlike your car insurance, commercial trucking insurance carries massive minimums under federal law:
- $750,000 for general freight
- $1,000,000 for oil and large equipment
- $5,000,000 for hazardous materials
Many carriers carry $1-5 million in coverage, with excess policies providing even more. But accessing this money requires attorneys who understand trucking law. Insurance companies deploy teams of adjusters specifically trained to minimize payouts to accident victims.
Lupe Peña’s background as a former insurance defense attorney gives us an unfair advantage. He knows their valuation software (like Colossus), their negotiation tactics, and when they’re bluffing about their “final offer.”
Michigan law allows recovery of:
- Economic Damages: Medical bills, lost wages, future medical care, property damage
- Non-Economic Damages: Pain and suffering, mental anguish, loss of enjoyment of life, disfigurement
- Punitive Damages: Available when trucking companies act with gross negligence or willful misconduct—such as knowingly keeping dangerous drivers on the road or falsifying maintenance records
Unlike some states, Michigan does not cap non-economic damages in standard personal injury cases, and there’s no cap on punitive damages, allowing juries to fully punish reckless behavior.
Frequently Asked Questions: Roscommon County 18-Wheeler Accidents
What should I do immediately after a truck accident in Roscommon County?
Call 911 immediately. Michigan weather can make accident scenes dangerous—stay in your vehicle if it’s safe, or move to a safe location away from traffic. Document everything: take photos of the truck’s DOT number, license plates, damage to all vehicles, and the accident scene including road conditions and weather. Get witness contact information. Do not give recorded statements to the trucking company’s insurance. Then call 1-888-ATTY-911.
How long do I have to file a lawsuit in Michigan?
Michigan gives you three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit (MCL § 600.5805). However, waiting is dangerous. Evidence disappears fast in Roscommon County—snow covers skid marks, witnesses move away, and black box data gets overwritten. Contact us within days, not years.
Can I recover compensation if I was partially at fault?
Yes. Michigan follows modified comparative negligence with a 51% bar. If you’re 50% or less at fault, you can recover damages reduced by your percentage of fault. If you’re 51% or more at fault, you cannot recover. We work to minimize your fault percentage through accident reconstruction and ECM data analysis.
What if the truck driver claimed the accident was my fault?
Truck drivers often lie to protect their jobs. The ECM data, ELD logs, and dashcam footage tell the real story. Donald Wilcox, one of our clients, faced this exact situation—another firm had rejected his case before we took it on and secured him a “handsome check” despite the driver’s claims.
Who pays for my medical bills while I wait for settlement?
Michigan’s no-fault insurance system requires your own auto insurance to pay initial medical expenses and lost wages. However, trucking accident victims often exhaust these limits quickly due to catastrophic injuries. We help coordinate benefits and work with medical providers who accept liens—meaning they get paid from your settlement—so you get treatment now without upfront costs.
What if the truck was from another state?
Trucks crossing into Michigan from Ohio, Indiana, or Illinois must comply with federal regulations regardless of their home state. Our federal court admission allows us to sue out-of-state carriers in federal court if necessary, and we regularly handle cases against trucking companies based in Texas, California, and Canadian provinces who operate in Michigan.
How much does it cost to hire Attorney911?
Nothing upfront. We work on contingency—you pay nothing unless we win. We advance all investigation costs, expert fees, and court costs. When we win, our standard fee is 33.33% pre-trial and 40% if we go to trial, plus reimbursement of advanced costs. If we don’t win, you owe us nothing.
Do you handle cases in Spanish?
Sí. Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish and provides direct representation. Roscommon County’s agricultural and tourism industries employ many Spanish-speaking workers who deserve attorneys who speak their language. “Hablamos Español. Llame al 1-888-288-9911.”
What if I don’t feel hurt right away?
Adrenaline masks pain. Brain injuries, internal bleeding, and spinal injuries may not show symptoms for days or weeks. Always get checked at Mercy Health Grayling Hospital or McLaren Northern Michigan in Petoskey immediately after the accident. Waiting not only endangers your health—it gives the insurance company ammunition to claim your injuries weren’t caused by the crash.
Why do I need a lawyer specifically for trucking accidents?
Trucking cases involve federal regulations, multiple insurance policies, and corporate defendants with rapid-response teams. At Attorney911, we know the FMCSA regulations inside and out. We’ve gone up against Walmart, Amazon, FedEx, and major carriers. As client Ernest Cano said, we “fight tooth and nail for you.”
The Attorney911 Advantage for Roscommon County
When you hire us, you’re not getting a case number—you’re getting a family. Ralph Manginello personally oversees every trucking accident case. You get his cell phone number. You get updates every 2-3 weeks from our team, including case managers Leonor and Crystal, who client Tymesha Galloway called “the best” for their compassionate communication.
We know Roscommon County. We understand how lake-effect snow affects I-75. We know that logging trucks on County Road 100 face different challenges than tourist traffic heading to Houghton Lake. We know the local courts, the local hospitals, and the local trucking corridors.
Most importantly, we know how to win. We’ve secured over $50 million for clients, including a $5 million settlement for a traumatic brain injury victim hit by a falling log, a $3.8 million settlement for a car accident victim who suffered amputation due to medical complications, and a $2.5 million recovery in a commercial trucking case.
Right now, the trucking company that hurt you is building their defense. They’re downloading ECM data, coaching their driver, and calculating how little they can offer you. What are you doing to protect yourself?
Call 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911) right now. The call is free. The consultation is free. And you pay nothing unless we win. Don’t let them push you around. Let Attorney911 fight for every dime you deserve.
