18-Wheeler Accident Lawyers in Sioux County, Iowa: When 80,000 Pounds Changes Everything

The Moments After an 18-Wheeler Crash in Sioux County

You’re driving north on US-75 toward Sioux Center, or maybe west on I-29 toward the Minnesota border, when it happens. An 80,000-pound freight hauler—maybe loaded with Iowa corn, livestock headed to market, or equipment bound for the fields—suddenly becomes a weapon. In the blink of an eye, your life changes forever.

If you’re reading this from a hospital bed in Sioux County, or if you’re searching for answers after a loved one was hit by a semi-truck on one of our rural highways, you need to know this: the trucking company already has lawyers working to protect them. Right now. While you’re still in shock, their rapid-response team is at the accident scene, interviewing witnesses, photographing the damage from angles that favor their driver, and preparing to fight against everything you’re owed.

Ralph Manginello has spent over 25 years fighting for trucking accident victims across the Midwest. At Attorney911, we’ve seen what happens when families in Sioux County wait too long to get help. Evidence disappears. Black box data gets overwritten. Witnesses move away or forget what they saw. And trucking companies—the big carriers hauling through Iowa’s agricultural heartland—count on you being too overwhelmed to fight back.

We’re here to level the playing field. Call 888-ATTY-911 right now. We answer 24/7, and there’s no fee unless we win your case.

Why Sioux County Truck Accidents Require Specialized Legal Help

Sioux County isn’t just any truck corridor. We’re at the intersection of major agricultural shipping routes that see thousands of commercial vehicles every day. I-29 cuts through our western edge, carrying freight from Canada down to Kansas City and beyond. US-75 serves as a vital north-south artery for livestock haulers and grain trucks. And our network of county roads—those rural routes connecting Sioux Center to Rock Valley, Hawarden to Ireton, and dozens of farming communities in between—becomes deadly when an overloaded semi loses control on a gravel shoulder or icy curve.

Our associate attorney Lupe Peña used to work for insurance companies defending these very trucking carriers. He knows exactly how claims adjusters are trained to minimize settlements for injured Iowans. “The first offer is always a lowball,” he often tells our clients. “They’re counting on you being desperate and unrepresented.” Now he uses that insider knowledge to fight for Sioux County families, ensuring that when a truck driver or company cuts corners on safety, they pay the full price.

We’ve recovered multi-million dollar settlements for families just like yours—$5 million for a traumatic brain injury victim struck by a falling log, $3.8 million for a client who lost a limb after a crash, and $2.5 million in a trucking collision case. Right now, we’re actively litigating a $10 million lawsuit against a major university for hazing injuries. That same aggressive litigation capability is what we bring to your Sioux County 18-wheeler case.

The Physics of Disaster: Why Truck Crashes Are Catastrophic

Your sedan weighs roughly 3,500 pounds. A fully loaded 18-wheeler registered to haul Iowa’s agricultural products can weigh up to 80,000 pounds—more than twenty times heavier than your vehicle. When that mass hits you at 65 miles per hour on I-29, the force is catastrophic.

An 80,000-pound truck needs approximately 525 feet to stop on dry pavement—that’s nearly two football fields. On icy rural Sioux County roads in winter, that stopping distance nearly doubles. Truck drivers who follow too closely, drive while fatigued, or speed through our agricultural communities don’t have a chance to avoid a collision when traffic slows suddenly.

The injuries we see in Sioux County trucking cases aren’t simple fender-bender bruises. We’re talking about traumatic brain injuries that leave victims unable to work, spinal cord damage resulting in paralysis, amputations, severe burns from fuel fires, and wrongful death. These cases require a law firm with the resources to handle complex federal regulations, multiple liable parties, and aggressive insurance companies.

Federal Trucking Regulations: The Rules They Break

Every commercial truck operating in Sioux County must comply with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations codified in Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations. These rules exist specifically because trucks are dangerous, and when carriers violate them, people die.

49 CFR Part 391: Driver Qualification Standards

Before a driver can legally operate a semi-truck on Iowa highways, they must maintain a current Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), pass regular medical examinations, and have a clean driving record. Under §391.51, motor carriers must maintain a Driver Qualification File containing employment applications, background checks, driving records, and training documentation.

When trucking companies hire drivers with poor safety records—or fail to verify qualifications—we sue them for negligent hiring. If a Sioux County accident reveals that a driver shouldn’t have been behind the wheel in the first place, that carrier is liable.

\subsection{49 CFR Part 392: Driving of Commercial Motor Vehicles}

This section governs how trucks must be operated. Key violations we see on Sioux County roads include:

§392.3: Ill or Fatigued Operation – No driver shall operate a CMV while so fatigued or impaired as to make it unsafe. Given the long hauls through Iowa’s agricultural corridors, fatigue violations are common.

§392.11: Following Too Closely – The driver of a motor vehicle shall not follow another vehicle more closely than is reasonable and prudent. On I-29 and US-75, we’ve seen numerous rear-end collisions caused by trucks following passenger vehicles too closely.

§392.82: Mobile Phone Use – Truck drivers are prohibited from using hand-held mobile phones while driving. When we subpoena cell phone records after a Sioux County crash, we often find drivers were texting or talking at the moment of impact.

\subsection{49 CFR Part 393: Parts and Accessories for Safe Operation}

This includes cargo securement rules under §393.100-136. With the high volume of agricultural trucking in Sioux County—grain haulers, livestock trailers, and equipment movers—cargo shift accidents are a constant danger. Federal law requires cargo to be secured to withstand 0.8g deceleration forward and 0.5g lateral force. When a grain truck tips over on a county road because of improper loading, that’s a violation.

\subsection{49 CFR Part 395: Hours of Service (HOS)}

These are the most commonly violated regulations, and they save lives when followed. For property-carrying drivers (most 18-wheelers):

• 11-Hour Driving Limit: Cannot drive more than 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty
• 14-Hour Duty Window: Cannot drive beyond the 14th consecutive hour after coming on duty
• 30-Minute Break: Mandatory break after 8 cumulative hours of driving
• 60/70-Hour Weekly Limit: Cannot drive after 60/70 hours on duty in 7/8 consecutive days

Since December 2017, most trucks must use Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) that automatically record driving time. This data is objective evidence that proves fatigue violations. We send spoliation letters immediately after being retained to preserve this ELD data before it can be overwritten or deleted.

\subsection{49 CFR Part 396: Inspection, Repair, and Maintenance}

Motor carriers must systematically inspect, repair, and maintain their vehicles. Drivers must complete pre-trip and post-trip inspections, noting any defects. Brake problems contribute to approximately 29% of large truck crashes, according to FMCSA data. When a truck’s brakes fail on a steep grade entering Sioux County from the Loess Hills, or when worn tires blow out on I-29, maintenance records reveal the truth.

How Truck Accidents Happen in Sioux County

Jackknife Accidents

A jackknife occurs when the trailer and cab fold at an angle, often sweeping across all lanes of traffic. On I-29 during an Iowa winter storm, when a truck driver brakes too hard on black ice, the trailer swings perpendicular to the cab, creating an impassable barrier. These accidents account for approximately 10% of trucking fatalities and often result in multi-vehicle pileups.

We investigate whether the driver exceeded safe speeds for conditions (violating §392.6) or whether brake system failures (§393.40) contributed to the loss of control.

Rollover Accidents

Sioux County’s rural highways and county roads feature curves and grades that become treacherous for high-center-of-gravity vehicles. When a livestock hauler takes a curve too fast on County Road K42, or when a grain truck’s liquid load shifts suddenly, the result is a rollover that crushes smaller vehicles and spills cargo across the roadway.

Approximately 50% of rollovers result from failure to adjust speed to curves. We examine ECM data to prove excessive speed and cargo manifests to document improper loading.

Underride Collisions

These are among the deadliest accidents. When a passenger vehicle strikes the rear or side of a trailer and slides underneath, the roof is often sheared off at windshield level. While 49 CFR §393.86 requires rear impact guards on trailers manufactured after January 26, 1998, many trucks operate without adequate underride protection, and no federal mandate exists for side underride guards.

On dark rural Sioux County roads at night, when a slow-moving farm vehicle or disabled truck lacks proper lighting, underride collisions become devastating realities.

Rear-End Collisions

On the straight stretches of I-29 and US-75, truck drivers often become complacent or fatigued. Following too closely becomes deadly when traffic slows for agricultural equipment crossing the highway or for a curve near the Big Sioux River. Because trucks require 40% more stopping distance than cars, rear-end collisions often result in catastrophic crushing injuries.

We subpoena ECM data to prove following distances and ELD records to document driver fatigue.

Blind Spot Accidents (“No-Zones”)

An 18-wheeler has four major blind spots: 20 feet directly in front, 30 feet behind, and large areas on both sides—particularly the right side. When a truck changes lanes on I-29 near Sioux Center, or makes a wide turn onto a county road, vehicles in these blind spots are invisible to the driver.

Wide Turn Accidents (“Squeeze Play”)

Large trucks must swing wide to complete right turns. When a truck swings left before turning right at an intersection in Rock Valley or Hawarden, smaller vehicles may enter the gap on the right side, only to be crushed when the truck completes its turn. These accidents often involve failure to signal (§392.2) or improper mirror adjustment.

Tire Blowouts

With extreme temperature variations across Iowa—scorching summer heat and frigid winter cold—tire failures are common. When steer tires (front tires) blow out, immediate loss of control follows. “Road gators”—shredded tire treads—create hazards for following vehicles. We examine tire maintenance records to determine if the trucking company ignored worn treads or underinflated tires.

Brake Failure

Poorly maintained brake systems or “brake fade” on long descents cause runaway trucks. While Sioux County doesn’t have mountain passes, the rolling terrain of northwest Iowa requires braking systems to be in perfect condition. Violations of §396.11 (driver vehicle inspection reports) and §396.3 (systematic maintenance) prove liability when brakes fail.

The Catastrophic Injuries We Fight For

When an 80,000-pound truck hits a passenger vehicle in Sioux County, the injuries are life-changing.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): From mild concussions to severe cognitive impairment requiring 24/7 care. We’ve secured settlements ranging from $1.5 million to $9.8 million for TBI victims.

Spinal Cord Injury: Paralysis (paraplegia or quadriplegia) from damaged vertebrae. Lifetime care costs can exceed $5 million. Our firm has handled cases resulting in $4.7 million to $25.8 million recoveries.

Amputation: Traumatic limb loss or surgical amputation necessitated by crush injuries. Settlements range from $1.9 million to $8.6 million depending on age, occupation, and prosthetic needs.

Wrongful Death: When a trucking accident steals a spouse, parent, or child from a Sioux County family, we pursue justice under Iowa law. Our firm has recovered between $1.9 million and $9.5 million in wrongful death cases.

As client Glenda Walker told us after her case settled, “They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.” That’s our promise to every Sioux County family we represent.

Who Can Be Held Liable? More Than Just the Driver

Most law firms only sue the truck driver. We investigate every potentially liable party because more defendants means more insurance coverage—and better recovery for your family.

The Truck Driver: For speeding, distraction, fatigue, impairment, or traffic violations.

The Trucking Company: Under respondeat superior (employer liability) and for direct negligence including negligent hiring, training, supervision, and maintenance. Most carriers carry $750,000 to $5 million in liability insurance.

The Cargo Owner/Shipper: When improper loading instructions or pressure to expedite causes unsafe conditions. Agricultural shippers in Sioux County sometimes overload trucks to maximize harvest profits.

The Loading Company: Third-party loaders who fail to properly secure cargo or exceed weight limits.

Truck and Parts Manufacturers: When defective brakes, steering systems, or tires cause accidents.

Maintenance Companies: Third-party mechanics who negligently repair or inspect vehicles.

Freight Brokers: Those who arrange transportation but negligently select carriers with poor safety records.

Truck Owner: In owner-operator situations where the driver owns the rig but leases to a carrier.

Government Entities: When dangerous road design or maintenance contributes to accidents on Sioux County roads.

As Chad Harris said in his review of our firm, “You are NOT a pest to them and you are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.” We treat your case with the urgency and attention it deserves, investigating every angle to maximize your recovery.

The 48-Hour Evidence Crisis

Here’s what trucking companies don’t want you to know: critical evidence begins disappearing immediately after a crash.

Black Box/ECM Data: Records speed, braking, throttle position, and fault codes. Can be overwritten within 30 days.

ELD Data: Electronic logs proving hours of service violations. FMCSA only requires retention for 6 months, but some carriers delete sooner.

Dashcam Footage: Often recorded over within 7-14 days.

Surveillance Video: Nearby businesses may have captured the accident, but cameras overwrite routinely.

Driver Qualification Files: Must be maintained for 3 years after employment, but companies “lose” them when litigation threatens.

When you call 1-888-288-9911, we send spoliation letters within 24 hours demanding preservation of all evidence. Destroying evidence after receiving our letter can result in court sanctions and punitive damages.

As Ernest Cano wrote about our firm, “Mr. Manginello and his firm are first class. Will fight tooth and nail for you.” That includes fighting to preserve evidence the trucking company wants to hide.

Iowa Law Specifics: Your Rights in Sioux County

Statute of Limitations: In Iowa, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. For wrongful death claims, the clock starts running from the date of death. Once this deadline passes, you lose your right to sue forever.

Comparative Fault: Iowa uses modified comparative negligence with a 51% bar. This means you can recover damages as long as you are 50% or less at fault for the accident. However, your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault. If the trucking company can convince a jury you were 30% responsible, your $1 million verdict becomes $700,000. We fight to minimize any attribution of fault to our Sioux County clients.

Punitive Damages: Iowa allows punitive damages in cases involving willful and wanton disregard for the rights or safety of others. When trucking companies knowingly put dangerous drivers on the road or falsify maintenance records to save money, punitive damages punish that behavior.

Governmental Immunity: If a government vehicle is involved, special notice requirements apply. Claims against municipalities in Sioux County must be filed within 6 months under Iowa Code § 670.4.

Insurance Coverage: The Bottom Line

Federal law requires trucking companies to carry minimum liability insurance:

• $750,000 for general freight
• $1,000,000 for transporting oil or large equipment
• $5,000,000 for hazardous materials

Many carriers carry umbrella policies exceeding these minimums. Unlike car accidents where you might be limited to $30,000 in available coverage, 18-wheeler cases often have substantial insurance available for catastrophic injuries.

We also pursue MCS-90 endorsements—the federal mandate ensuring minimum coverage for interstate carriers—and explore all available policies including UM/UIM coverage if the truck was underinsured.

Frequently Asked Questions for Sioux County Truck Accident Victims

How long do I have to file a lawsuit after a truck accident in Sioux County?
Two years from the accident date under Iowa law. But waiting is dangerous—evidence disappears and witnesses forget. Call 888-ATTY-911 immediately.

What if I was partially at fault for the accident?
Under Iowa’s modified comparative negligence rule, you can recover as long as you’re not more than 50% at fault. Your compensation is reduced by your fault percentage. We work to prove the truck driver or company was primarily responsible.

Should I talk to the trucking company’s insurance adjuster?
Never. Adjusters are trained to minimize your claim. As Kiimarii Yup shared after working with us, “I lost everything… my car was at a total loss, and because of Attorney Manginello and my case worker Leonor, 1 year later I have gained so much in return plus a brand new truck.” Don’t risk that outcome by giving a statement without counsel.

How much is my case worth?
It depends on injury severity, medical costs, lost wages, and insurance coverage. We’ve recovered multi-million dollar settlements for Sioux County-area accidents involving brain injuries, amputations, and wrongful death.

Will my case go to trial?
Most settle, but we prepare every case for trial. Insurance companies offer better settlements when they know you’re represented by trial attorneys with 25 years of experience and federal court admission.

How do I pay for a lawyer?
We work on contingency—33.33% pre-settlement, 40% if we go to trial. You pay nothing upfront. As Donald Wilcox testified, “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.”

Do you handle cases in Spanish?
Sí. Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish and provides direct representation without interpreters. Hablamos Español. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911.

What if the trucking company is from out of state?
We handle interstate trucking cases regularly. Ralph Manginello is admitted to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas and can represent you regardless of where the carrier is headquartered.

Ready to Fight for Your Family in Sioux County

The trucking industry has teams of lawyers and adjusters working right now to minimize what they pay you. You deserve a team that fights just as hard. With offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, Attorney911 serves trucking accident victims throughout the United States, including the agricultural communities of Sioux County, Iowa.

We’ve gone toe-to-toe with the largest corporations in America. From the BP Texas City Refinery explosion litigation that resulted in $2.1 billion in total industry settlements to our current $10 million lawsuit against the University of Houston, we have the resources and experience to handle complex, catastrophic injury cases.

As Angel Walle wrote in her review, “They solved in a couple of months what others did nothing about in two years.”

Don’t let the trucking company win. Don’t let them destroy evidence. Don’t settle for less than you deserve.

Call Attorney911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911). We’re available 24/7 for Sioux County trucking accident victims. Free consultation. No fee unless we win.

Or reach us at:

• Houston (Main): 1177 West Loop S, Suite 1600, Houston, TX 77027
• Austin: 316 West 12th Street, Suite 311, Austin, TX 78701
• Beaumont: Available for client meetings

Your fight is our fight. Let’s get started today.