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Swift County 18-Wheeler Accident Attorneys: Attorney911 Brings Houstons 25+ Year Multi-Million Dollar Verdict Track Record with Ralph Manginello and $50+ Million Recovered Including $5M Brain Injury and $3.8M Amputation Settlements, Former Insurance Defense Attorney Lupe Peña Exposes Carrier Tactics From Inside, FMCSA 49 CFR 390-399 Regulation Masters Black Box Data Extraction Hours of Service Violation Hunters, Jackknife Rollover Underride Brake Failure Tire Blowout Cargo Spill Hazmat Specialists, Catastrophic TBI Spinal Cord Amputation Burn Wrongful Death Advocates, Federal Court Admitted 4.9 Star Google Rating 251 Reviews Trial Lawyers Achievement Association Million Dollar Member Legal Emergency Lawyers The Firm Insurers Fear Trae Tha Truth Recommended Hablamos Español Free 24/7 Consultation No Fee Unless We Win Call 1-888-ATTY-911

February 25, 2026 29 min read
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Swift County 18-Wheeler Accident Attorneys: Your Road to Recovery Starts Here

An 80,000-pound truck changes everything in an instant. One moment you’re driving through Swift County on your way to Benson or heading west toward Appleton on Highway 12. The next, your life is forever altered by a jackknifed trailer on icy I-94 or a fatigued driver pushing through the Minnesota night.

If you’ve been injured in an 18-wheeler accident anywhere in Swift County—from Murdock to Kerkhoven, from the county line to the heart of Appleton—you need more than a lawyer. You need a fighter who understands the brutal physics of trucking crashes and the complex web of federal regulations that govern these cases.

At Attorney911, we’ve spent over 25 years holding trucking companies accountable. Ralph Manginello, our managing partner, has been fighting for injury victims since 1998, and our team includes Lupe Peña, a former insurance defense attorney who knows exactly how trucking insurers try to minimize your claim—because he used to work for them. Now he uses that insider knowledge to fight for you.

Call us immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911. Evidence disappears fast in trucking cases, and Minnesota’s two-year statute of limitations means the clock is already ticking.

The Swift County Trucking Reality: Risk on Rural Roads

Swift County isn’t just another dot on the map—it’s a critical link in America’s agricultural supply chain. Our highways carry everything from corn and soybeans to manufactured goods, and that means heavy truck traffic moves through our communities every single day.

Why Swift County’s Geography Creates Unique Dangers

Interstate 94 cuts through the southern portion of Swift County, connecting rural Minnesota to the Twin Cities and beyond. This interstate, combined with Highways 12 and 7, creates a perfect storm for trucking accidents:

  • Agricultural peaks: Harvest season brings thousands of additional trucks hauling grain and livestock
  • Winter conditions: Minnesota’s notorious ice and snow turn Swift County roads into danger zones for 18-wheelers lacking proper maintenance
  • Rural distances: Long stretches between towns like Appleton and Benson create fatigue risks for drivers pushing to reach Minneapolis
  • Limited emergency services: When accidents happen on remote stretches of I-94, medical response times can be longer, worsening outcomes

When an 18-wheeler loses control on black ice near Danvers or jackknifes approaching De Graff, the results are catastrophic. Your car weighs roughly 4,000 pounds. That truck weighs up to 80,000 pounds—twenty times heavier. Physics doesn’t negotiate, and neither do we.

Minnesota’s Winter Trucking Hazard

Swift County winters are brutal. When temperatures drop and roads ice over, trucking companies have a legal duty under 49 CFR § 392.14 to use extreme caution and sometimes stop driving entirely. Yet too often, dispatchers pressure drivers to maintain schedules despite whiteout conditions on I-94 or drifting snow on Highway 12.

We’ve seen what happens when trucking companies ignore winter weather warnings. Brake systems fail on steep grades. Trailers jackknife on black ice. Cargo shifts on slippery curves. These aren’t accidents—they’re predictable consequences of putting profits over safety.

Understanding Catastrophic 18-Wheeler Accidents in Swift County

Not all truck crashes are the same. The FMCSA identifies specific accident types, and each carries unique dangers for Swift County drivers.

Jackknife Accidents: Swift County’s Winter Nemesis

Jackknife accidents occur when the trailer and cab fold toward each other like a pocket knife. In Swift County, these often happen when:

  • A driver brakes suddenly on icy I-94 near Highway 29
  • Empty trailers (common after delivering to Swift County elevators) swing more easily
  • Speeding truckers encounter unexpected curves approaching Appleton

The physics: Once a trailer breaks traction on ice, it swings perpendicular to the cab, sweeping across multiple lanes. Vehicles caught in the sweep radius are crushed or pushed into oncoming traffic.

FMCSA violations common in jackknife cases:

  • 49 CFR § 392.14 – Failure to use extreme caution in hazardous conditions
  • 49 CFR § 393.48 – Brake system malfunction or improper adjustment
  • 49 CFR § 392.6 – Speeding for conditions (not just posted speed limits)

Rollover Accidents: Top-Heavy on County Roads

Rollovers occur when an 18-wheeler tips onto its side or roof. Swift County’s agricultural hauling creates specific rollover risks:

  • Liquid cargo surge: Tankers hauling liquid fertilizer or fuel slosh on curves, shifting the center of gravity
  • High center of gravity: Grain trailers are inherently unstable
  • Soft shoulders: Rural roads like County Road 14 can give way, causing drivers to overcorrect

When a semi rolls on Highway 12 near Murdock, it often spills cargo across the roadway, creating secondary accidents. The cab’s roof can crush smaller vehicles, causing decapitation or severe crushing injuries.

Underride Collisions: The Deadliest Crash Type

Underride accidents happen when a passenger vehicle slides underneath a trailer. These are particularly common on Swift County’s rural highways when:

  • A slow-moving agricultural truck enters the roadway from a field access
  • A truck stops unexpectedly on I-94 due to mechanical failure
  • Poor lighting or reflectors make the trailer invisible in fog or dusk

Federal requirements: Under 49 CFR § 393.86, trailers manufactured after January 26, 1998, must have rear impact guards to prevent underride. Yet many guards are improperly maintained, and side underride guards remain optional despite being equally deadly.

These accidents often decapitate vehicle occupants or cause traumatic brain injuries. The survival rate is devastatingly low.

Rear-End Collisions: Stopping Distance Disasters

A fully loaded 18-wheeler traveling at 65 mph needs approximately 525 feet to stop—that’s nearly two football fields or nine semi-truck lengths. On I-94 through Swift County, where traffic can slow suddenly near construction zones or weather events, truckers following too closely create deadly pileups.

49 CFR § 392.11 explicitly prohibits following another vehicle “more closely than is reasonable and prudent.” Yet driver fatigue, distraction, or unrealistic delivery schedules cause these violations daily.

When an 80,000-pound truck slams into your rear bumper on Highway 7, the force can drive your vehicle into the car ahead, causing chain-reaction crashes.

Wide Turn Accidents: “Squeeze Play” in Small Towns

In Swift County’s smaller communities like Kerkhoven or Danvers, narrow intersections and tight corners force 18-wheelers to swing wide. The “squeeze play” happens when:

  • A truck swings left before turning right, creating a gap
  • Passenger vehicles enter that gap, thinking the truck is turning left
  • The truck completes its right turn, crushing the car against the curb or another vehicle

These accidents often occur at the intersection of Highway 12 and local streets in Benson, where trucks access the elevator or manufacturing facilities.

Blind Spot Accidents: The “No-Zone”

18-wheelers have massive blind spots—called “No-Zones”—on all four sides. The right-side blind spot is particularly dangerous and extends across multiple lanes. When a truck merges into traffic on I-94 or changes lanes on Highway 12 near Appleton without checking mirrors, they can sideswipe vehicles or force them off the road.

49 CFR § 393.80 requires proper mirrors, but many trucking companies fail to train drivers on blind spot checking or use inadequate mirror systems.

Brake Failure and Tire Blowouts: Maintenance Negligence

Brake problems contribute to approximately 29% of large truck crashes. In Swift County’s extreme temperature variations— from 90°F summers to -20°F winters—brake systems deteriorate faster than in moderate climates.

49 CFR Part 396 requires systematic inspection and maintenance, including:

  • Pre-trip brake inspections (§ 396.13)
  • Post-trip reports documenting defects (§ 396.11)
  • Annual comprehensive inspections (§ 396.17)

When trucking companies defer maintenance to save money, brakes fail on descents into the Minnesota River valley, causing runaway trucks.

Tire blowouts are equally dangerous. The extreme summer heat on I-94 asphalt can cause tire failures, sending “road gators” (tire debris) into windshields or causing drivers to lose control.

Cargo Spills and Hazmat Incidents

Swift County’s agricultural economy means trucks haul everything from grain to anhydrous ammonia. When cargo isn’t secured properly under 49 CFR § 393.100-136, it can:

  • Shift during transport, causing rollovers
  • Fall onto the roadway, creating obstacles
  • Spill hazardous chemicals requiring evacuation

Improperly secured loads are a leading cause of crashes on rural highways where drivers aren’t expecting road debris.

Federal Regulations That Protect Swift County Drivers

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) establishes strict rules under Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations. When trucking companies violate these rules in Swift County, they create liability.

49 CFR Part 390: General Applicability

These regulations apply to all commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) operating in interstate commerce—including trucks on I-94 through Swift County. A CMV is defined as any vehicle with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) over 10,001 pounds, or transporting hazardous materials requiring placards.

Why this matters: Even local Swift County deliveries by large trucks must comply with federal safety standards.

49 CFR Part 391: Driver Qualification Standards

Before a driver can legally operate an 18-wheeler, they must meet strict qualifications:

  • Be at least 21 years old for interstate commerce
  • Pass a physical examination every 24 months (§ 391.45)
  • Possess a valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)
  • Read and speak English sufficiently
  • Have no disqualifying medical conditions

The Driver Qualification File: Every motor carrier must maintain a file for each driver containing employment history, medical certificates, driving records, and drug test results. We subpoena these files in every case. If a trucking company hired a driver with a history of sleep apnea, diabetes, or prior accidents without proper screening, they’re liable for negligent hiring.

49 CFR Part 392: Driving of Commercial Motor Vehicles

This section governs actual driving behavior:

Hours of Service (HOS) Limits (§ 395.3 for property carriers):

  • Maximum 11 hours driving after 10 consecutive hours off duty
  • May not drive beyond the 14th consecutive hour after coming on duty
  • Must take a 30-minute break after 8 cumulative hours driving
  • 60/70 hour limits over 7/8 days

Critical violations in Swift County:

  • § 392.3: Operating while fatigued or ill
  • § 392.4 and § 392.5: Drug and alcohol prohibitions (0.04% BAC limit for commercial drivers—half the standard limit)
  • § 392.80 and § 392.82: No texting or hand-held mobile phone use while driving
  • § 392.6: No scheduling that requires speeding

The Electronic Logging Device (ELD) mandate (§ 395.8) requires most drivers to use electronic logs rather than paper logs. These devices capture objective data about speed, location, and driving time that can’t be falsified like paper records.

49 CFR Part 393: Parts and Accessories for Safe Operation

This section covers vehicle equipment:

Cargo Securement (§ 393.100-136):

  • Cargo must be secured to withstand 0.8g deceleration forward
  • 0.5g acceleration rearward
  • 0.5g lateral force

Brake Systems (§ 393.40-55):

  • All CMVs must have adequate service brakes, parking brakes, and emergency brakes
  • Air brake systems must meet specific pressure and adjustment requirements

Lighting (§ 393.11-26):

  • Required lamps and reflectors must be clean and functional
  • Reflective sheeting on trailers improves visibility

49 CFR Part 395: Hours of Service Regulations

The HOS rules are the most commonly violated regulations inSwift County trucking accidents. Driver fatigue causes approximately 31% of fatal truck crashes.

Key provisions:

  • 11-hour driving limit: After 10 hours off, driver may drive up to 11 hours
  • 14-hour window: Once duty starts, driver has 14 hours total (driving + breaks) before mandatory 10-hour rest
  • 30-minute break: Required after 8 hours of cumulative driving time
  • 34-hour restart: After reaching 60/70 hour weekly limits, driver needs 34 consecutive hours off to reset

ELD Data is Critical Evidence: Since December 2017, most trucks must have ELDs that sync with the engine and cannot be altered. This data proves exactly when the driver was on duty—often showing violations that contributed to accidents on I-94 or Highway 12.

49 CFR Part 396: Inspection, Repair, and Maintenance

Trucking companies must systematically inspect and maintain vehicles:

  • Pre-trip inspections: Drivers must be satisfied vehicles are safe before driving (§ 396.13)
  • Post-trip reports: Written reports required daily covering brakes, steering, tires, lighting (§ 396.11)
  • Annual inspections: Comprehensive inspection required every 12 months (§ 396.17)
  • Record retention: Maintenance records must be kept for 1 year (§ 396.3)

When trucks crash on Swift County roads due to bald tires, worn brakes, or broken lights, we prove maintenance failures using these records.

Ten Liable Parties: We Investigate Every Angle

Most law firms only sue the driver and trucking company. At Attorney911, we investigate up to ten potentially liable parties because more defendants means more insurance coverage means better outcomes for you.

1. The Truck Driver

Drivers are liable for:

  • Speeding or driving too fast for road conditions
  • Distracted driving (cell phone use violates 49 CFR § 392.82)
  • Fatigued driving beyond HOS limits
  • DUI (commercial limit is 0.04%, not 0.08%)
  • Failure to inspect vehicle before trip

We obtain cell phone records, ELD data, and driver history to prove negligence.

2. The Trucking Company (Motor Carrier)

Under respondeat superior (let the master answer), employers are liable for employees’ negligent acts within the scope of employment. But trucking companies are also directly liable for:

  • Negligent hiring: Failing to check driving records or CDL status
  • Negligent training: Inadequate safety training on Swift County’s winter roads or specific cargo
  • Negligent supervision: Ignoring ELD violations or driver complaints
  • Negligent maintenance: Skipping inspections to save money
  • Pressure tactics: Scheduling routes that require HOS violations

We subpoena the company’s FMCSA safety scores (CSA scores), which reveal patterns of violations.

3. The Cargo Owner/Shipper

Agricultural operations and manufacturers who load trucks may be liable if they:

  • Demand unrealistic delivery schedules causing fatigue
  • Fail to disclose hazardous cargo properties
  • Require overloading beyond safe limits

4. The Loading Company

Third-party loaders who physically secure cargo can be liable under 49 CFR § 393.100 for:

  • Inadequate tiedowns (must withstand specified forces)
  • Unbalanced loading causing rollovers
  • Failure to use required friction mats or bracing

Swift County’s grain elevators and agricultural facilities often use third-party loaders who may not follow federal securement standards.

5. Truck and Trailer Manufacturers

When rollover accidents occur due to design defects, or brakes fail due to faulty components, manufacturers face product liability claims. We investigate:

  • Design defects in stability control systems
  • Manufacturing defects in brake components
  • Failure to recall known defective parts

6. Parts Manufacturers

Companies that manufacture specific components—brakes, tires, steering systems—can be liable for defective products that cause crashes. We preserve failed components for expert analysis.

7. Maintenance Companies

Third-party mechanics who service trucks may be liable for:

  • Negligent repairs (fixing symptoms but not causes)
  • Improper brake adjustments
  • Returning vehicles to service with known defects

8. Freight Brokers

Brokers who arrange transportation but don’t own trucks may be liable for negligent selection—choosing carriers with poor safety records to save money. We access broker records to see if they checked the carrier’s FMCSA safety ratings.

9. The Truck Owner (If Different from Carrier)

In owner-operator arrangements, the individual who owns the truck may have separate liability for negligent entrustment or failure to maintain equipment.

10. Government Entities

Swift County and the State of Minnesota may be liable for:

  • Dangerous road design on County Road 14 or other rural routes
  • Failure to maintain roads (potholes, ice, debris)
  • Inadequate signage for known hazards
  • Improper work zone setup on I-94 or Highway 12

Important: Claims against government entities have short notice periods (often 180 days) and damage caps in Minnesota. Act immediately if road conditions contributed to your crash.

The 48-Hour Evidence Preservation Protocol

Evidence in 18-wheeler cases disappears faster than in standard car accidents. Trucking companies have rapid-response teams—lawyers and investigators—who arrive at Swift County crash scenes before the ambulance leaves. They are not there to help you; they are there to protect the trucking company.

What Evidence Disappears Fast

Evidence Type Destruction Timeline Why It Matters
ECM/Black Box Data Overwrites in 30 days or with new trips Shows speed, braking, throttle position at moment of impact
ELD Data May be deleted after 6 months Proves hours of service violations and fatigue
Dashcam Footage Deleted within 7-14 days Captures driver distraction or road conditions
Surveillance Video Business cameras overwrite in 7-30 days Independent footage of intersection or highway
Driver Qualification File Can be “lost” or altered Reveals negligent hiring patterns
Maintenance Records Sometimes destroyed after 1 year minimum Proves deferred maintenance on brakes or tires

The Spoliation Letter: Your Legal Armor

Within 24 hours of being retained, Attorney911 sends spoliation letters to:

  • The trucking company
  • Their insurance carrier
  • The driver
  • Any maintenance companies
  • Freight brokers

This letter puts them on legal notice that evidence must be preserved. Destroying evidence after receiving this letter can result in:

  • Adverse inference: The jury is told to assume destroyed evidence was harmful to the trucking company
  • Sanctions: Monetary penalties or default judgment
  • Punitive damages: Additional punishment for intentional destruction

Electronic Data is Your Smoking Gun

Modern trucks are computers on wheels. The Engine Control Module (ECM) captures:

  • Exact speed before and at impact
  • Brake application timing and pressure
  • Throttle position
  • Cruise control status
  • Steering input

When a Swift County trucker claims “I stopped at the stop sign” or “I wasn’t speeding,” the ECM data often proves otherwise. This objective evidence contradicts false driver statements and wins cases.

Time is critical. If you wait even one week, GPS data showing the driver was lost or rushing may be gone. After 30 days, the ECM data loops over itself. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 immediately after any Swift County trucking accident to preserve this evidence before it’s gone forever.

Catastrophic Injuries and Your Swift County Recovery

When an 80,000-pound truck hits a 4,000-pound car, catastrophic injuries are inevitable. We’ve represented Swift County clients with life-altering injuries, and we understand the medical and financial realities you’re facing.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

Traumatic brain injuries occur when the brain strikes the inside of the skull during impact. In underride accidents or high-speed collisions on I-94, the brain can sustain shearing injuries that aren’t visible on initial scans.

Symptoms may include:

  • Memory loss and confusion
  • Personality changes
  • Chronic headaches
  • Sensory disturbances (vision, hearing)
  • Difficulty concentrating
  • Emotional volatility

Long-term care: Moderate to severe TBI requires ongoing rehabilitation, cognitive therapy, and sometimes 24/7 supervision. Attorney911 has recovered settlements ranging from $1.5 million to $9.8 million for TBI victims, providing resources for lifetime care.

Spinal Cord Injuries

Spinal cord injuries from trucking accidents often result in:

  • Paraplegia: Loss of function below the waist
  • Quadriplegia: Loss of function in all four limbs
  • Incomplete injuries: Partial loss with some function remaining

The lifetime cost of spinal cord injury care can exceed $4.7 million to $25.8 million depending on severity and age at injury. This includes wheelchairs, home modifications, vehicle adaptations, and ongoing medical care.

Amputations

Crushing injuries common in Swift County trucking accidents—particularly when vehicles are trapped under trailers or between trucks and guardrails—sometimes require surgical amputation. Whether traumatic (occurring at scene) or surgical (required due to damage), amputation affects:

  • Mobility and independence
  • Career prospects
  • Psychological well-being
  • Phantom limb pain

We fight for settlements covering prosthetics (which need replacement every 3-5 years), rehabilitation, and home modifications. Our amputation settlements have ranged from $1.9 million to $8.6 million.

Severe Burns

When trucks carrying fuel or hazardous materials crash on Swift County roads, fires and chemical spills cause severe burns. Burns are excruciating and require:

  • Multiple skin graft surgeries
  • Infection management
  • Reconstructive surgery
  • Psychological counseling for disfigurement

Wrongful Death

When trucking accidents kill loved ones on Minnesota roads, families face not just grief but financial devastation. Under Minnesota law, wrongful death claims can recover:

  • Lost future income and benefits
  • Loss of companionship and guidance
  • Mental anguish of surviving family
  • Funeral and burial expenses
  • Medical costs incurred before death

Minnesota allows wrongful death claims to be filed within three years of the death (longer than the two-year personal injury limit), but evidence preservation remains urgent. Attorney911 has recovered millions for families who lost loved ones to trucking negligence, including settlements ranging from $1.9 million to $9.5 million.

Minnesota Law: What Swift County Victims Need to Know

Statute of Limitations

In Minnesota, the deadlines are:

  • Personal Injury: Two years from the accident date
  • Wrongful Death: Three years from the date of death
  • Property Damage: Six years

Critical Warning: While you have two years to file, evidence disappears in days. Contact Attorney911 immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911 to preserve critical data.

Comparative Negligence: Minnesota’s 51% Rule

Minnesota follows modified comparative negligence with a 51% bar. This means:

  • You can recover damages if you are 50% or less at fault
  • Your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault
  • If you are 51% or more at fault, you recover nothing

Example: If a jury awards $1 million but finds you 20% at fault (perhaps for speeding slightly), you receive $800,000. But if you’re found 60% at fault, you receive $0.

Trucking companies and their insurers will try to blame you. Ralph Manginello and Lupe Peña know how to investigate accidents to prove the truck driver was 100% at fault, preserving your full recovery rights.

No Caps on Damages

Unlike some states, Minnesota does not cap compensatory damages for personal injury cases. You can recover:

  • Full economic damages (medical bills, lost wages, future care)
  • Full non-economic damages (pain and suffering, mental anguish)
  • Punitive damages (when evidence shows deliberate disregard for safety)

Trucking Insurance Requirements

Federal law requires minimum insurance coverage:

  • $750,000 for general freight
  • $1,000,000 for oil and hazardous materials
  • $5,000,000 for certain hazmat and passenger carriers

Most commercial carriers carry $1 million or more in coverage—far exceeding Minnesota’s minimum auto insurance requirements ($30,000/$60,000 for cars).

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Swift County Trucking Case

Ralph Manginello: 25+ Years of Fighting for Victims

Ralph Manginello has been practicing law since 1998. He’s admitted to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas and has handled complex litigation against Fortune 500 companies, including involvement in the BP Texas City Refinery Explosion litigation—a $2.1 billion disaster that killed 15 workers.

“Ralph reached out personally,” said Dame Haskett, a former client. “Consistent communication and not one time did I call and not get a clear answer.”

Lupe Peña: Your Inside Advantage

Most firms can’t offer what we can: an attorney who used to defend insurance companies. Lupe Peña spent years at a national defense firm before joining Attorney911. He knows:

  • How insurance companies VALUE claims (their secret formulas)
  • How adjusters are TRAINED to minimize payouts
  • When they’re bluffing about settlement offers
  • How they hide coverage from victims

Now he uses that knowledge against them. As client Greg Garcia said: “In the beginning I had another attorney but he dropped my case although Mangiello law firm were able to help me out.” We take the cases other firms reject.

Multi-Million Dollar Results

We’ve recovered over $50 million for clients, including:

  • $5+ million for a traumatic brain injury victim struck by a falling log
  • $3.8+ million for a car accident victim who suffered partial leg amputation due to medical complications
  • $2+ million for a maritime worker with a back injury under the Jones Act
  • $2.5+ million for a truck crash victim

Currently, Ralph and Lupe are litigating a $10 million lawsuit against the University of Houston and Pi Kappa Phi fraternity for hazing-related injuries—demonstrating our ability to take on institutional defendants with deep pockets.

4.9-Star Client Satisfaction

With 251+ Google reviews averaging 4.9 stars, our clients consistently praise our personal attention:

Chad Harris: “You are NOT a pest to them and you are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.”

Glenda Walker: “They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.”

Angel Walle: “They solved in a couple of months what others did nothing about in two years.”

We have offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, Texas, and we handle trucking accident cases nationwide. For Swift County clients, we offer remote consultations and travel to Minnesota for depositions and court proceedings.

Hablamos Español

For Swift County’s Spanish-speaking community, Lupe Peña provides fluent representation. No interpreters needed—direct communication that builds trust and accuracy.

Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911 para una consulta gratis.

Frequently Asked Questions: Swift County 18-Wheeler Accidents

1. The trucking company already offered me a settlement. Should I take it?

NO. Early settlement offers are designed to pay you pennies on the dollar before you know the full extent of your injuries. Swift County trucking companies know Minnesota’s two-year deadline and hope you’ll settle for $10,000 before discovering you need $500,000 in future medical care. Never sign anything before consulting an attorney.

2. How much is my Swift County trucking accident case worth?

Case values depend on injury severity, medical costs, lost income, pain and suffering, and available insurance. Minnesota doesn’t cap damages, so catastrophic injury cases can reach seven or eight figures. We’ve recovered millions for clients with brain injuries, spinal damage, and amputations. Call for a free evaluation.

3. What if I was partially at fault for the accident on I-94?

Under Minnesota’s comparative fault rules, you can recover as long as you’re not more than 50% at fault. But the trucking company will try to blame you. We investigate thoroughly using ECM data and accident reconstruction to prove their driver was primarily responsible.

4. How long will my case take?

Simple cases: 6-12 months. Complex trucking litigation with multiple defendants: 18-36 months. Swift County cases may require filing in Minnesota state court or federal court (if the trucking company is out-of-state). We prepare every case for trial to maximize leverage in settlement negotiations.

5. What if the truck driver was from out of state?

Interstate trucking cases often involve drivers and companies from Texas, Florida, or other states. Because Attorney911 has attorneys licensed in multiple states (including Texas and New York), and because trucking accidents involve federal laws, we can pursue these cases regardless of where the driver lives.

6. Can undocumented immigrants file claims in Swift County?

YES. Immigration status does not affect your right to compensation after a trucking accident in Minnesota. We represent all victims regardless of status, and Lupe Peña provides Spanish-language services.

7. What if the trucking company declares bankruptcy?

Bankruptcy doesn’t eliminate your claim if other parties are liable (cargo owners, manufacturers, insurers). We investigate all potential defendants precisely to avoid this problem. Additionally, most trucking companies carry high-limit insurance policies that remain viable even in bankruptcy.

8. How do I prove the truck driver was fatigued?

We subpoena ELD records showing hours of service violations. If the driver exceeded the 11-hour driving limit or the 14-hour duty window, or skipped the required 30-minute break, that’s federal evidence of fatigue. These records are admissible in Minnesota court.

9. What if poor road conditions contributed to the accident?

Swift County and MnDOT may share liability if they failed to maintain roads or provide adequate warning of hazards. However, claims against government entities have special 180-day notice requirements in Minnesota. Contact us immediately if road conditions played a role.

10. How much does it cost to hire Attorney911?

Nothing upfront. We work on contingency—you pay no attorney fees unless we win. We advance all costs for investigations, expert witnesses, and litigation. Our fee is a percentage of your recovery, so we only get paid when you do.

11. What are the most common causes of truck accidents in Swift County?

Winter weather violations (driving too fast on ice), fatigued driving on I-94, improper loading at agricultural facilities, and distracted driving. Our experience with Minnesota’s specific conditions helps us prove negligence.

12. Will my case go to trial?

Most settle, but we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial. Insurance companies offer higher settlements when they know your attorney will go to court. Ralph Manginello has 25+ years of trial experience, and he prepares every Swift County case with trial-ready evidence.

13. What if I can’t travel to your office?

We offer virtual consultations via Zoom and travel to Swift County for depositions and meetings. You can start your case from your living room in Benson or Appleton.

14. How do I get medical treatment if I don’t have insurance?

We work with medical providers who accept Letters of Protection—meaning they get paid when your case settles. Don’t let lack of insurance prevent you from getting the treatment you need after a trucking accident.

15. What should I do right now?

Call 1-888-ATTY-911 immediately. The trucking company is already building their defense. Preserve evidence by taking photos, getting witness information, and seeking medical attention. Then let us handle the legal battle while you focus on healing.

Your Next Step: Call Attorney911 Today

The trucking company that hit you has lawyers working right now to minimize your claim. They have investigators gathering evidence, adjusters trained to deny claims, and millions in insurance coverage they’re hiding from you.

You need someone who fights back. At Attorney911, we have:

  • 25+ years of experience Ralph Manginello bringing federal court expertise to your Swift County case
  • Lupe Peña, the former insurance defense attorney who knows their playbook
  • Multi-million dollar verdicts against Fortune 500 companies
  • 24/7 availability at 1-888-ATTY-911

Don’t let the trucking company push you around. Don’t let them destroy evidence. Don’t let them blame you for their driver’s negligence.

Call 1-888-288-9911 now for a free consultation. We’ll send preservation letters today to protect the black box data, ELD logs, and maintenance records that will prove your case. We fight for Swift County families because you shouldn’t have to fight alone.

Hablamos Español. Llame hoy: 1-888-ATTY-911.

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