Screven County 18-Wheeler Accident Attorneys

When 80,000 Pounds Changes Your Life

The impact came out of nowhere. One moment you’re driving along US 301 through Screven County, and the next, an 80,000-pound tractor-trailer has turned your world upside down. Maybe it happened near the Sylvania city limits where the highway narrows. Perhaps it was closer to the Effingham County line where logging trucks haul timber from the pine forests. Wherever that 18-wheeler struck your vehicle, you didn’t ask for this fight—but now you need someone willing to finish it.

At Attorney911, our managing partner Ralph Manginello has spent over 25 years standing up to trucking companies and their insurance carriers. Since 1998, he’s been fighting for Georgia families in Screven County and throughout the Southeast, recovering multi-million dollar settlements for catastrophic injuries. Our team includes associate attorney Lupe Peña, a former insurance defense lawyer who spent years inside the system defending trucking companies—now he uses that insider knowledge to fight against them. That combination of federal courtroom experience and insider intelligence is exactly what you need when facing a trucking giant.

Call us today at 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911). We answer our phones 24 hours a day because evidence in trucking cases doesn’t wait for business hours.

The Screven County Trucking Corridor Reality

Screven County sits at a critical juncture in Georgia’s freight network. US Highway 301 runs straight through the heart of the county, connecting I-95 near Savannah to I-16 and points west toward Macon and Atlanta. This corridor carries thousands of commercial trucks daily—logging rigs heading from the timberlands to the Port of Savannah, agricultural haulers transporting peanuts and cotton from Screven County farms, and long-haul semis cutting across Southeast Georgia to avoid I-95 congestion.

The statistics tell a terrifying story. Every year, over 5,000 people die in large truck crashes across America, with 76% of those deaths occurring to occupants of vehicles other than the trucks. In Georgia alone, commercial vehicle accidents claim hundreds of lives annually, with Screven County seeing its share of devastating collisions along the US 301 corridor and connecting state routes.

What makes Screven County particularly dangerous is the mix of rural two-lane highways and high-speed trucking traffic. When a fully loaded 18-wheeler traveling at 65 mph needs nearly two football fields—525 feet—to come to a complete stop, there’s simply no margin for error on narrow stretches of Georgia highway.

Why 18-Wheeler Accidents Are Different

Think an 18-wheeler is just a bigger car? Think again. The physics of trucking accidents create catastrophic damage that passenger vehicle collisions rarely match.

Your car weighs roughly 4,000 pounds. An 80,000-pound tractor-trailer is twenty times heavier. When that mass hits a passenger vehicle, the force isn’t just additive—it’s exponential. The energy transferred during impact can cause:

• Traumatic brain injuries that change personality and cognition
• Spinal cord damage resulting in paraplegia or quadriplegia
• Crushing injuries requiring amputation
• Severe burns from ruptured fuel tanks
• Immediate fatality from underride or override collisions

But the differences go beyond physics. Unlike simple car accident cases where you might deal with a single driver and their insurance company, 18-wheeler crashes involve a web of liability. The driver, the trucking company, the cargo shipper, the maintenance contractor, and parts manufacturers can all share responsibility under federal regulations.

That’s why you can’t afford just any personal injury attorney. You need a Screven County trucking accident lawyer who understands the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations and knows how to prove violations occurred.

The Ten Potentially Liable Parties in Your Screven County Truck Accident

Most personal injury firms look at your case and see one defendant—the driver. At Attorney911, we look deeper. We investigate TEN potentially liable parties because every additional defendant means another insurance policy, and every policy means potential compensation for your recovery.

1. The Truck Driver

The person behind the wheel may be personally liable for negligent driving, speeding, distracted driving, or operating while fatigued. We subpoena their cell phone records, drug test results, and driving history to build your case.

2. The Trucking Company (Motor Carrier)

Under the doctrine of respondeat superior—”let the master answer”—trucking companies are vicariously liable for their employees’ negligence. But we also pursue direct negligence claims when companies engage in:

• Negligent hiring of drivers with poor safety records
• Negligent training that fails to prepare drivers for Georgia’s rural highways
• Negligent supervision ignoring hours-of-service violations
• Negligent maintenance deferring brake repairs to save money

3. The Cargo Owner/Shipper

If the load was improperly secured or overweight—common with agricultural haulers in Screven County—the shipper may face liability for creating dangerous conditions.

4. The Loading Company

Third-party warehouses that load trailers may be liable for cargo securement failures under 49 CFR § 393.100. Improperly balanced loads cause rollovers when trucks navigate the curves near the Screven County Courthouse.

5. The Truck Manufacturer

Design defects in braking systems, steering mechanisms, or fuel tank placement can cause catastrophic accidents even when drivers operate safely.

6. Parts Manufacturers

Defective tires, brake components, or lighting systems that fail on Georgia highways create liability for the component manufacturers.

7. The Maintenance Company

Third-party mechanics who perform negligent repairs or miss critical safety defects during inspections share responsibility when their failures cause crashes.

8. The Freight Broker

Brokers who arrange transportation have a duty to select safe carriers. If they choose a trucking company with a history of safety violations to save money, they can be held liable for negligent selection.

9. The Truck Owner (If Different from Driver)

In owner-operator arrangements, the actual owner may be liable for negligent entrustment or poor maintenance even if they weren’t driving.

10. Government Entities

Poorly designed intersections, inadequate signage on US 301, or failure to maintain safe road conditions can create liability for state or county governments when they contribute to accidents.

The 15 Types of 18-Wheeler Accidents We Handle in Screven County

Every trucking accident is unique, but they generally fall into distinct categories based on how they occur. Our Screven County trucking accident attorneys have handled every type, from the rural jackknifes on icy mornings to the catastrophic underride collisions on US 301.

Jackknife Accidents

When a truck’s trailer swings out perpendicular to the cab, it creates a deadly sweeping motion across multiple lanes. Jackknifes often occur when drivers brake suddenly on wet pavement—common during Georgia’s sudden thunderstorms—or when empty trailers lack the weight to maintain traction. Under 49 CFR § 393.48, brake system violations frequently contribute to these crashes.

Rollover Accidents

Screven County’s mix of straight highways and sudden curves creates rollover risks, especially for top-heavy logging trucks and tankers carrying liquid cargo. When drivers take curves too fast or cargo shifts during transit, 80,000 pounds of steel can crush anything in its path. These accidents often involve cargo securement violations under 49 CFR § 393.100.

Underride Collisions

Among the most fatal truck accidents, underrides occur when a passenger vehicle slides underneath a truck’s trailer, often shearing off the roof and causing decapitation or catastrophic head trauma. While federal law requires rear underride guards (49 CFR § 393.86), side guards remain optional, leaving a deadly gap in protection.

Rear-End Collisions

An 18-wheeler following too closely cannot stop in time when traffic slows near Sylvania or approaching the Effingham County line. Under 49 CFR § 392.11, truck drivers must maintain reasonable following distances, but fatigue and distraction often lead to devastating rear-end crashes.

Wide Turn Accidents (“Squeeze Play”)

Large trucks require significant space to turn, often swinging wide left before executing right turns. When cars slip into the gap between the curb and the trailer, they get crushed when the truck completes its maneuver. These accidents frequently happen at intersections throughout Screven County.

Blind Spot (“No-Zone”) Accidents

Commercial trucks have massive blind spots—20 feet ahead, 30 feet behind, and large areas along both sides. When truckers change lanes without properly checking these “no-zones,” they sideswipe passenger vehicles or force them off the road.

Tire Blowout Accidents

Georgia’s hot summers and long stretches of highway create dangerous conditions for tire failures. When a steer tire blows at highway speed, the driver often loses immediate control, causing jackknife or rollover accidents. Federal regulations under 49 CFR § 393.75 require minimum tread depths and proper inflation.

Brake Failure Accidents

Brake problems contribute to approximately 29% of large truck crashes. Under 49 CFR § 396.3, motor carriers must maintain their vehicles in safe operating condition, but deferred maintenance to save money leads to catastrophic brake failures on hills and sudden stops.

Cargo Spill and Shift Accidents

Screven County’s agricultural industry means heavy loads of peanuts, cotton, and timber move through the county daily. When loads aren’t secured properly under 49 CFR § 393.100-136, they can shift during transit—causing rollovers—or spill onto highways, creating multi-car pileups.

Head-On Collisions

Fatigued drivers crossing center lines on rural Screven County roads create devastating head-on crashes. The closing speeds ensure catastrophic injuries or fatalities for passenger vehicle occupants.

T-Bone and Intersection Accidents

Red-light running and failure to yield at intersections along GA-21 and US 301 cause dangerous T-bone collisions where the side-impact protection of passenger vehicles is rarely sufficient to withstand 80,000 pounds of truck.

Sideswipe Accidents

When trucks drift out of lanes due to distraction or fatigue, they sideswipe vehicles in adjacent lanes, often pushing them into other traffic or off the road entirely.

Override Accidents

Similar to underrides but in reverse, override accidents occur when trucks drive over smaller vehicles in front of them, typically during sudden stops where the truck’s height allows it to mount the passenger vehicle.

Lost Wheel Accidents

Improperly maintained lug nuts or bearing failures can cause wheels to detach from trucks at highway speeds, sending heavy steel projectiles careening toward other vehicles.

Runaway Truck Accidents

On the gentle grades of Southeast Georgia, brake fade from overheating can cause trucks to lose stopping ability. While less common here than in the mountains, runaway trucks still pose serious risks when drivers fail to use runaway ramps or proper braking techniques.

FMCSA Regulations That Prove Negligence

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration regulates every aspect of commercial trucking. When trucking companies violate these rules, they create the dangerous conditions that lead to catastrophic accidents. Here are the critical regulations we investigate in every Screven County trucking case:

49 CFR Part 390 – General Applicability

Establishes that all commercial motor vehicles weighing over 10,001 pounds must comply with federal safety regulations. This includes most logging trucks and agricultural haulers operating on Screven County roads.

49 CFR Part 391 – Driver Qualification Standards

Trucking companies must maintain Driver Qualification Files containing:

• Medical certifications proving physical fitness
• Three-year driving history checks
• Pre-employment drug tests
• Annual driving record reviews

When companies hire drivers with suspended licenses or fail to verify medical fitness, they commit negligent hiring under this section.

49 CFR Part 392 – Driving Rules

Critical safety requirements include:

• § 392.3: Prohibiting operation while fatigued or impaired
• § 392.4: Banning drug use within 4 hours of driving
• § 392.5: Prohibiting alcohol use while on duty
• § 392.11: Requiring reasonable following distances
• § 392.82: Banning hand-held mobile phone use while driving

49 CFR Part 393 – Parts and Accessories for Safe Operation

This section mandates proper:

• Tire maintenance (minimum 4/32″ tread on steer tires)
• Brake systems (functional service and parking brakes)
• Lighting (proper headlights, taillights, and reflectors)
• Cargo securement (tiedowns with adequate working load limits)

49 CFR Part 395 – Hours of Service (HOS)

The most commonly violated regulations in trucking accidents:

• 11-hour driving limit: No driving beyond 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty
• 14-hour duty window: Cannot drive beyond the 14th consecutive hour on duty
• 30-minute break: Required after 8 cumulative hours of driving
• 60/70-hour rule: No driving after 60 hours in 7 days or 70 hours in 8 days
• ELD mandate: Electronic Logging Devices must track all driving time since December 2017

Fatigued driving causes approximately 31% of fatal truck crashes. We subpoena ELD data to prove when drivers violated these limits.

49 CFR Part 396 – Inspection, Repair, and Maintenance

Requires systematic maintenance including:

• Pre-trip inspections by drivers
• Post-trip reports documenting defects
• Annual inspections by certified mechanics
• Retention of maintenance records for 14 months

When trucking companies defer brake repairs or ignore tire wear to keep trucks moving, they violate this section and create deadly hazards on Georgia highways.

Evidence Disappears Fast: The 48-Hour Protocol

Here’s what the trucking company won’t tell you: They have a rapid-response team heading to the scene while the police are still writing their report. Their lawyers and insurance adjusters arrive with one goal—protecting their interests, not yours.

At Attorney911, we send preservation letters within 24 hours of being retained to stop the destruction of evidence. Here’s what’s at risk:

• ECM/Black Box Data: Records speed, braking, and throttle position before impact—overwrites in 30 days
• ELD Logs: Prove hours-of-service violations—can be deleted after 6 months
• Dashcam Footage: Often deleted within 7-14 days
• Driver Qualification Files: May “disappear” if they show negligent hiring
• Maintenance Records: Critical for proving deferred repairs

Once we send a spoliation letter to the trucking company, their duty to preserve evidence becomes legally binding. Destroying evidence after receiving our notice can result in sanctions, adverse jury instructions, or even default judgment against the trucking company.

Don’t wait. Evidence in Screven County trucking accidents has a short shelf life, and every hour you delay is an hour the trucking company spends building their defense.

Catastrophic Injuries: The Life-Changing Reality

When an 80,000-pound truck hits a 4,000-pound car, the injuries aren’t just “accidents”—they’re life-altering catastrophes. Our Screven County trucking accident attorneys have helped clients recover from:

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)

Even “mild” concussions can result in permanent cognitive changes. Moderate to severe TBIs often require lifetime care and supervision. We’ve recovered settlements ranging from $1.5 million to $9.8 million for TBI victims, depending on the severity and long-term prognosis.

Spinal Cord Injuries

Paralysis from spinal cord damage creates lifetime medical needs exceeding millions of dollars. Paraplegia cases typically recover $4.7 million to $25.8 million to cover lifelong care, home modifications, and lost earning capacity.

Amputations

Traumatic amputations at the scene or surgical amputations due to crush injuries require prosthetics, rehabilitation, and psychological counseling. Settlement ranges from $1.9 million to $8.6 million reflect the lifetime costs of prosthetic replacement and disability.

Severe Burns

Fuel tank ruptures and chemical spills create third and fourth-degree burns requiring multiple skin grafts and reconstructive surgeries.

Wrongful Death

When trucking accidents take loved ones from Screven County families, we pursue wrongful death claims covering funeral expenses, lost income, loss of consortium, and mental anguish. Recent wrongful death settlements in similar cases have ranged from $1.9 million to $9.5 million.

As client Glenda Walker told us after her case settled, “They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.” That’s the standard we apply to every catastrophic injury case.

Georgia Law Specifics for Screven County Accidents

Statute of Limitations: Two Years

In Georgia, you have two years from the date of your trucking accident to file a lawsuit. For wrongful death claims, the clock starts running from the date of death. If you miss this deadline—even by a day—you lose your right to recover forever.

Don’t wait. While two years sounds like plenty of time, evidence critical to your case vanishes long before then. We recommend contacting an attorney within days, not months.

Modified Comparative Negligence (50% Bar)

Georgia follows a “modified comparative negligence” rule with a 50% bar. This means:

• If you are 49% or less at fault, you can recover damages (reduced by your percentage of fault)
• If you are 50% or more at fault, you recover nothing

Trucking companies and their insurers will try to shift blame onto you. Our job is to gather evidence—ECM data, ELD logs, witness statements—to prove the truck driver was primarily responsible for your Screven County accident.

Punitive Damages Cap

Georgia law caps punitive damages (designed to punish egregious conduct) at $250,000 in most cases, with exceptions for intentional conduct or drunk driving. However, there’s no cap on compensatory damages for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Screven County Trucking Case?

Ralph Manginello’s 25+ Years of Experience

Our managing partner has been fighting for injury victims since 1998. He’s admitted to federal court in the Southern District of Texas and has experience litigating against Fortune 500 corporations like BP in the Texas City Refinery explosion—one of the few Texas firms involved in that $2.1 billion disaster litigation.

From our offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we serve trucking accident victims across Georgia and the Southeast. Our federal court admission means we can handle interstate trucking cases no matter where the company is headquartered.

Lupe Peña: The Insurance Defense Advantage

Remember: We have a former insurance defense attorney on our team. Lupe Peña spent years working for national insurance companies, defending trucking companies against injury claims. He knows:

• How adjusters are trained to minimize your claim
• What evidence they look for to deny coverage
• When they’re bluffing about going to trial
• How they calculate settlement offers

Now he uses that insider knowledge against them. When we say we know the trucking company’s playbook, we mean it—we’ve seen it from the inside.

Multi-Million Dollar Results

Our case results speak for themselves:

• $5+ million for a traumatic brain injury victim struck by a falling log at a worksite
• $3.8+ million for a car accident victim who suffered partial leg amputation due to staph infection complications
• $2.5+ million for a commercial trucking accident victim
• $2+ million for a Jones Act maritime worker with back injuries

Currently, we’re litigating a $10 million lawsuit against the University of Houston and Pi Kappa Phi fraternity involving hazing injuries—a case that’s drawn national media attention from KHOU, ABC13, and the Houston Chronicle.

24/7 Availability and Spanish Services

We’re available 24/7 at 1-888-ATTY-911 because trucking accidents don’t happen on business hours. And for our Spanish-speaking clients in Screven County’s Hispanic community, Lupe Peña provides fluent representation without interpreters. Hablamos Español. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911 para una consulta gratis.

No Fee Unless We Win

We work on contingency—you pay zero upfront costs and nothing unless we win. We advance all investigation expenses, including expert witnesses and accident reconstruction. Standard contingency fees are 33.33% pre-trial and 40% if we go to trial.

Frequently Asked Questions About Screven County Truck Accidents

1. How quickly should I contact an attorney after a truck accident in Screven County?

Immediately—within 24 to 48 hours if possible. Critical evidence like ECM data and dashcam footage can be overwritten or deleted within days. We send preservation letters immediately to protect your case.

2. Who can I sue after an 18-wheeler accident?

Multiple parties may be liable: the driver, trucking company, cargo owner, loading company, truck manufacturer, parts manufacturer, maintenance company, freight broker, truck owner, and government entities if road conditions contributed.

3. What if the truck driver claims I was at fault?

Georgia uses modified comparative negligence. Even if you were partially at fault, you can recover damages if you were less than 50% responsible. We investigate thoroughly using ECM data and ELD logs to prove what really happened.

4. What is a Driver Qualification File, and why does it matter?

Under 49 CFR § 391.51, trucking companies must maintain files containing driver medical certifications, background checks, and drug tests. Incomplete or missing files prove negligent hiring.

5. How long do I have to file a lawsuit in Georgia?

Two years from the accident date for personal injury and wrongful death. Don’t wait—evidence disappears long before the deadline.

6. What are hours of service violations?

Federal law limits truck drivers to 11 hours of driving after 10 hours off duty, with mandatory breaks. Violations cause fatigue-related accidents, and ELD data proves when drivers exceed these limits.

7. Can I recover damages if I was partially at fault?

Yes, as long as you were 49% or less at fault. Your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of responsibility, but you still receive compensation.

8. What evidence should my attorney gather?

ECM/black box data, ELD logs, driver qualification files, maintenance records, dispatch records, cell phone records, drug and alcohol tests, and the physical truck itself for inspection.

9. How much insurance do trucking companies carry?

Federal minimums range from $750,000 for general freight to $5 million for hazardous materials. Many carriers carry $1-5 million in coverage.

10. What if the trucking company offers a quick settlement?

Never accept the first offer without consulting an attorney. Early offers are designed to pay you far less than your case is worth before you understand your injuries’ full extent.

11. What if my loved one died in a trucking accident?

Georgia allows wrongful death claims for surviving spouses, children, and parents. You can recover lost income, loss of consortium, mental anguish, and funeral expenses.

12. Do I need to pay anything upfront to hire your firm?

No. We work on contingency—no fee unless we win. We advance all costs of investigation and litigation.

13. What if the driver was an independent contractor?

Both the owner-operator and the contracting company may be liable. We investigate all relationships and insurance policies.

14. How are future medical expenses calculated?

We work with life care planners and medical experts to project future costs, including surgeries, therapy, medications, and home modifications.

15. What is the “black box” in a truck?

The Engine Control Module (ECM) and Event Data Recorder (EDR) record speed, braking, throttle position, and other operational data before and during a crash—critical objective evidence.

16. Can undocumented immigrants file personal injury claims?

Yes. Immigration status does not prevent you from filing a claim for injuries caused by someone else’s negligence.

17. What if the accident happened on a rural Screven County road without witnesses?

ECM data, ELD logs, GPS tracking, and physical evidence from the scene can prove what happened even without eyewitnesses.

18. What are punitive damages?

Additional damages designed to punish trucking companies for gross negligence, such as knowingly keeping dangerous drivers on the road or falsifying maintenance records. Georgia caps punitive damages at $250,000 in most cases.

19. How long will my case take to resolve?

Simple cases may settle in 6-12 months. Complex cases with catastrophic injuries can take 1-3 years. We prepare every case for trial while working toward fair settlements.

20. Should I give a recorded statement to the insurance company?

No. Never give recorded statements without your attorney present. Insurance adjusters use leading questions to minimize your claim.

21. What if the truck was carrying hazardous materials?

Hazmat carriers must carry $5 million in insurance. These cases require specialized knowledge of federal hazmat regulations under 49 CFR Part 397.

22. Can I sue for emotional distress?

Yes. Georgia law allows recovery for mental anguish and emotional distress as part of non-economic damages in trucking accident cases.

23. What happens if the trucking company destroys evidence?

Once we send a spoliation letter, destroying evidence constitutes “spoliation,” which can result in sanctions, adverse jury instructions, or default judgment against the trucking company.

24. Do you offer Spanish-language services?

Yes. Attorney Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish and provides direct representation to Screven County’s Hispanic community without interpreters.

25. How do I know if I have a good case?

Call us at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation. We’ll evaluate your case’s strength, explain your options, and help you understand what compensation you deserve.

Call Attorney911 Today: Your Screven County Trucking Accident Attorneys

The trucking company that hit you has already called their lawyers. Their insurance adjuster is already looking for ways to pay you less. Their rapid-response team is already protecting their interests—not yours.

You need someone who fights back just as hard.

Ralph Manginello and the team at Attorney911 have spent over 25 years making trucking companies pay for the damage they cause to Screven County families. We’ve taken on Walmart, Amazon, FedEx, Coca-Cola, and major interstate carriers. We know the FMCSA regulations they violated, and we know how to prove it in court.

With over 251 five-star Google reviews and a 4.9-star average, our clients consistently say the same thing. As Chad Harris put it: “You are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.” Donald Wilcox, whose case another firm rejected, told us: “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.”

Don’t let the trucking company push you around. Don’t let their insurance adjuster tell you what your injuries are worth. And don’t wait until evidence critical to your case disappears.

Call 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911) today for a free, no-obligation consultation. We’re available 24/7 because we know accidents don’t wait for business hours.

Hablamos Español. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911 para hablar con Lupe Peña sobre su accidente de camión en Screven County.

Your fight starts with one call. We’re waiting to help you get every dime you deserve.