Vermont Truck Accident Lawyer: The Definitive Guide to 18-Wheeler & Commercial Vehicle Litigation

The impact was catastrophic. On a slick stretch of I-89 near Burlington, 80,000 pounds of steel slammed into your sedan. In an instant, your car was unrecognizable, and your life was changed forever. Whether it was a jackknifed semi-truck on a frozen curve or an Amazon delivery van rushing through a residential neighborhood in South Burlington, you are now facing a legal emergency.

Trucking companies have teams of lawyers and rapid-response investigators on the scene before the ambulance even leaves for the University of Vermont Medical Center. Their job is to protect the company’s bottom line. Our job is to protect you. At Attorney911, led by Managing Partner Ralph Manginello, we have spent over 25 years holding negligent trucking corporations accountable. Ralph Manginello has been fighting for injury victims since 1998, securing multi-million dollar settlements for families devastated by commercial vehicle crashes. With admission to federal court and a history of litigating against Fortune 500 giants like BP and Walmart, our team brings the firepower needed to take on the biggest defendants in the world.

If you or a loved one has been hurt in a Vermont truck accident, you need a fighter who understands the specific mechanics of these crashes. Call us today at 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free, no-obligation consultation.

Why Vermont Trucking Accidents Require a Specialist

A truck accident in Vermont is fundamentally different from a typical car wreck. On our rural highways like Route 7 or the winding stretches of I-91, the margin for error is razor-thin. When a massive commercial vehicle is involved, the laws change, the evidence disappears faster, and the insurance policies reach into the millions.

Our team includes associate attorney Lupe Peña, a former insurance defense lawyer who spent years inside the system. He watched how adjusters minimize claims and saw the playbooks they use to lowball victims. Now, he uses that insider knowledge to fight for you. We know exactly how insurance companies evaluate cases in Vermont, and we use that to maximize your recovery. As client Chad Harris said, “You are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.” We treat every Vermont case with the urgency and personal attention it deserves.

Learn more in our video guide: “The Victim’s Guide to 18-Wheeler Accident Injuries” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wxEHIxZTbK8

The Vermont Legal Landscape: Statutes and Fault

Navigating the legal system in Vermont after a truck crash requires a deep understanding of local statutes. You don’t just need a lawyer; you need a Vermont trucking accident attorney who knows the local courtrooms and the specific timelines that govern your recovery.

The Statute of Limitations in Vermont

The clock is already ticking. In Vermont, the statute of limitations for a personal injury claim is generally three years from the date of the accident. However, if the accident resulted in a tragic loss of life, the Vermont wrongful death statute of limitations is only two years. Waiting too long isn’t just a risk; it’s a permanent bar to justice. Evidence like black box data and ELD logs are often destroyed by trucking companies after six months if a legal hold isn’t placed. We move immediately to stop that from happening.

Modified Comparative Negligence (The 51% Rule)

Vermont follows a “modified comparative negligence” system with a 51% bar. This means you can recover compensation for your injuries even if you were partially at fault for the crash—as long as your responsibility is 50% or less. If a jury finds you 20% at fault for an accident on US-4 because you were slightly over the speed limit, your total recovery will be reduced by 20%. If you are found 51% or more at fault, you recover nothing. This is why trucking companies fight so hard to shift the blame onto you. Our team, led by Ralph Manginello, uses accident reconstruction experts and electronic data to prove the driver and company were the ones truly negligent.

Vermont Truck Accident Scenarios: Common Crash Types

Vermont’s geography creates unique hazards. From the steep grades in the Green Mountains to the heavy freight traffic moving from Quebec through our border crossings, different types of accidents require different investigative techniques.

Jackknife Accidents on Iicy Vermont Roads

A jackknife occurs when the trailer and cab of an 18-wheeler skid in opposite directions, folding like a pocket knife and sweeping across multiple lanes of traffic. On I-89 or I-91 during a Vermont winter, black ice and sudden snow squalls make these crashes all too common.

When a truck jackknifes, it is often due to the driver’s failure to adjust speed for conditions (a violation of 49 CFR § 392.14) or improper braking. These accidents frequently cause multi-vehicle pileups, leading to traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and spinal cord damage. We investigate the truck’s maintenance records (49 CFR Part 396) and the driver’s speed data to prove the company put an unsafe operator on the road.

Brake Failure on Mountain Grades

Vermont is famous for its mountains, but for an 80,000-pound truck, a descent is a life-and-death test of equipment. Brakes can reach temperatures exceeding 500°F on a long grade, leading to “brake fade” where the vehicle literally cannot stop.

Under 49 CFR § 393.47, every commercial vehicle must have adequate braking force. If a maintenance company or the carrier skipped inspections to save time, they are liable for the high-speed impact that follows. These collisions are often fatal, resulting in wrongful death claims that we aggressively pursue for Vermont families.

Logging Truck Rollovers

In rural areas of the Northeast Kingdom, logging trucks are a constant presence. Unprocessed timber is inherently unstable. If these logs are improperly secured (violating 49 CFR § 393.116) or if the truck is overloaded, the center of gravity shifts dangerously.

A logging truck rollover on a narrow, winding Vermont road is a nightmare scenario. When uncontained logs strike a passenger vehicle, they act as battering rams, often leading to decapitation or catastrophic crush injuries. We’ve seen how corporate parents try to hide behind small subcontractors in these cases, and we know how to pierce those shields.

Wide Turn “Squeeze Play” in Historic Downtowns

Whether it’s Burlington, Rutland, or Montpelier, Vermont has tight, historic streets and intersections. An 18-wheeler requires 50-70 feet to complete a right turn, necessitating a wide swing to the left. If the driver fails to check mirrors or signal, they can “squeeze” a passenger car between the trailer and a curb or building. These low-speed but high-weight impacts cause amputations and severe orthopedic injuries.

Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for a free consultation. The trucking company has lawyers—so should you.

Corporate Fleet Accidents in Vermont: Amazon, Walmart, and Logistics Giants

Not every truck accident involves a traditional semi-truck. In recent years, the explosion of last-mile delivery has brought a new wave of danger to Vermont neighborhoods.

Amazon Delivery Van Accidents

Amazon dispatches hundreds of vans daily through hubs in South Burlington and Williston. These drivers are under immense pressure to meet delivery quotas, leading to distracted driving and failure to yield. If an Amazon van hit you, Amazon will likely tell you it wasn’t their fault because the driver was an “independent contractor” working for a “Delivery Service Partner” (DSP).

Don’t buy it. Amazon controls the routes, the schedules, and monitors the drivers through AI-powered Netradyne cameras. Ralph Manginello and the team at Attorney911 have litigated against companies like Amazon and FedEx on these exact issues. We know how to pierce the contractor shield to reach the corporate insurance policies you deserve.

Walmart Trucking Wrecks

Walmart operates one of the largest private fleets in the world, and their trucks are a constant fixture on Vermont’s interstate corridors. As a self-insured corporation, Walmart handles its own claims through internal risk management teams. They are professional, aggressive, and highly trained to pay you as little as possible. Our associate attorney Lupe Peña knows their playbook because he used to work for national insurance defense firms. We use that insider knowledge to fight Walmart’s corporate lawyers and force them to pay.

FedEx and UPS Crashes

FedEx Ground utilizes a contractor model similar to Amazon, while UPS employs its drivers directly. Each requires a different legal strategy. Whether it was a FedEx truck causing a sideswipe on I-89 or a UPS package car backing into a pedestrian in a Burlington parking lot, we investigate the corporate safety culture (or lack thereof) that led to the crash.

Learn more in our video: “Can I Sue for Being Hit by a Semi Truck?” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=J0MT3CKbUb4

Additional Commercial Vehicle Hazards in Vermont

“Truck accident” covers far more than just 18-wheelers. We represent victims across Vermont who were injured by:

• Dump Trucks and Construction Vehicles: Often overloaded and operated by small companies with poor maintenance budgets, these vehicles cause devastating crush injuries in road construction zones.
• Garbage and Waste Trucks: High blind spots and constant backing make these vehicles a leading cause of child pedestrian injuries in residential neighborhoods.
• Concrete Mixers: The “slosh effect” of liquid concrete makes these some of the most rollover-prone vehicles on the road.
• U-Haul and Rental Moving Trucks: These are often driven by civilians with zero training and no CDL. When an untrained driver can’t stop a 26-foot truck in time, the results are catastrophic.
• Buses (Transit and School): If a government-operated bus hit you, you must deal with sovereign immunity and strict tort claim notice deadlines that are much shorter than the standard SOL.

The 48-Hour Evidence Preservation Protocol

The first 48 hours after a Vermont truck accident are the most critical. While you are recovering, the trucking company is potentially overwriting data that could prove their negligence.

We send formal spoliation letters immediately after being retained. These legal notices command the carrier to preserve:

1. ECM (Engine Control Module) Data: The “black box” that records speed and braking in the seconds before impact.
2. ELD (Electronic Logging Device) Records: Which prove if the driver was over their hours of service (49 CFR Part 395).
3. Driver Qualification Files: To see if the company hired a driver with a history of DUI or safety violations.
4. In-Cab Video: Many corporate fleets use DriveCam or Netradyne systems that can be deleted within days if not preserved.

Waiting too long means the evidence “disappears.” Call us at 1-888-ATTY-911 within the first 48 hours to ensure your rights are protected.

Understanding Your Injuries: The High Cost of Trucking Negligence

The weight differential in a truck accident means “fender benders” don’t exist. We have helped Vermont victims recover millions for life-altering injuries.

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)

The violent acceleration-deceleration of a truck hit causes the brain to impact the skull. Even if you don’t lose consciousness, a “mild” concussion can lead to permanent cognitive deficits. We work with neurologists to document the full impact on your memory, concentration, and career.
Recovery Range: $1,548,000 – $9,838,000+

Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis

Truck accidents are the leading cause of spinal trauma. Whether it’s a herniated disc requiring surgery or a complete spinal cord severance, the lifetime cost of care is staggering. We use life care planners to calculate every dollar you will need for wheelchairs, home modifications, and 24/7 nursing.
Recovery Range: $4,770,000 – $25,880,000+

Amputations and Crush Injuries

Being trapped in a vehicle after an underride crash often leads to the loss of a limb. We ensure your settlement covers the best prosthetic technology, not just the basics.
Recovery Range: $1,945,000 – $8,630,000

Psychological Trauma and PTSD

After a truck accident, the “mental scars” are just as real as physical ones. PTSD, driving anxiety, and nightmares are medically compensable. If you are afraid to get back on the highway, that is a legitimate injury. Learn more in our video: “Can I Get a PTSD Payout After a Car Accident?” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9803X_jnR4A

Proving Liability: Who Pays for Your Damages?

Most firms only sue the driver. We cast a wider net because more defendants mean more insurance coverage. In a Vermont trucking case, we investigate:

• The Trucking Company: For negligent hiring or pressure to violate safety rules.
• The Loading Company: For failing to secure cargo properly.
• The Parts Manufacturer: If a tire blowout or brake failure was caused by a defect.
• The Freight Broker: For hiring a carrier with a “conditional” safety rating.
• The Corporate Parent: Like Amazon, for controlling the negligent delivery partner.

Under 49 CFR § 387.9, commercial carriers must carry significant insurance minimums—from $750,000 for general freight to $5 million for HAZMAT. We stack these policies to ensure you receive every dime you deserve. As client Donald Wilcox said, “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.”

Vermont Truck Accident FAQ

Q: How much does it cost to hire an 18-wheeler accident lawyer in Vermont?
A: You pay nothing upfront. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning we only get paid if we win your case. We advance all the massive costs of expert witnesses and accident reconstruction. If there is no recovery, you owe us nothing.

Q: I was hit by a truck on a Vermont mountain pass; the driver says their brakes failed. Is it still their fault?
A: Yes, in most cases. Trucking companies under 49 CFR § 396.3 are required to systematically inspect and maintain their vehicles. Brake failure is rarely a “sudden act of God.” It is almost always the result of deferred maintenance or a failure to train the driver in proper gear selection for steep grades.

Q: What if I was slightly speeding when the truck hit me?
A: Vermont follows the 51% rule. If a jury finds you were 10% responsible for the accident, your award is simply reduced by 10%. Don’t let the insurance company convince you that you have no case because you weren’t “perfect.”

Q: How long will my Vermont truck accident case take?
A: While some straightforward cases settle in 6 to 12 months, complex litigation against corporate giants like Walmart or an oilfield operator can take 18 to 24 months. We prepare every case as if it’s going to trial, which often forces the insurance company to settle faster and for higher amounts.

Q: The insurance company offered me a settlement three days after my crash. Should I take it?
A: NO. This is called a “quick-settlement trap.” They want you to sign away your rights before you know if you need surgery or have a permanent brain injury. Once you sign, you can never go back for more money. Talk to Ralph Manginello before signing anything.

Powerful Representation for Vermont Families

For over two decades, the Manginello Law Firm has stood as a shield for those crushed by the weight of corporate negligence. Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, brings 25 years of courtroom experience to your fight. We have recovered over $50 million for our clients, and we are currently litigating high-stakes $10 million lawsuits against major institutions.

We aren’t just lawyers; we are first responders to legal emergencies. We understand that right now, you are worried about your health, your bills, and your family’s future. Let us take the weight off your shoulders.

Whether you were hit by an 18-wheeler, a dump truck, or an Amazon van anywhere in Vermont—from Burlington to Brattleboro—the fight starts with one call. Hablamos Español. Llame a Lupe Peña al 1-888-ATTY-911 para una consulta gratis.

Call 1-888-ATTY-911 today. We answer. We fight. We win.

Expanded Legal Concepts: Piercing the Corporate Veil in Vermont Trucking

In many Vermont truck accident cases, particularly those involving delivery fleets or logging subcontractors, the true “money” is hidden behind a corporate shell. The company name on the side of the truck might be a small LLC with only a $750,000 policy, while the company that owns the cargo and sets the schedule has billions.

We utilize advanced litigation strategies to hold corporate parents liable. This includes:

1. Negligent Selection of Carrier: Proving the broker or shipper hired a carrier with an unsafe FMCSA safety rating.
2. Agency and Control: Demonstrating that a company like Amazon exercises so much control over their supposedly “independent” contractors that they are effectively employees under Vermont law.
3. Joint Venture Liability: Showing that multiple entities shared the profit and control over the specific haul that caused your injury.

Learn more about these complex insurance structures in our video: “The Definitive Guide To MCS 90 Auto Endorsements” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=auB5NWcwyag

Catastrophic Collisions: Physics and Investigation

An 80,000-pound truck at highway speeds (65 mph) requires approximately 525 feet to come to a complete stop. That is nearly the length of two combined football fields. When a truck driver in Vermont is distracted or fatigued, they lose the ability to manage that massive momentum.

We retain forensic engineers to conduct “crush analysis,” calculating the exact speed of impact by measuring how much your car’s frame was deformed. This objective data prevents the trucking company from lying about how fast they were going on Vermont’s highways.

We also look deeper into 49 CFR § 391.11, the general qualifications for drivers. Did the company hire a driver with a medically disqualifying condition? Did they fail to conduct the mandatory pre-employment drug screening? Ralph Manginello has spent 25 years uncovering these hidden violations that other lawyers miss.

As Glenda Walker said after her case settled, “They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.” We are ready to do the same for you.

Vulnerable Road Users: When Trucks Strike Pedestrians or Cyclists

Not all truck accidents involve two vehicles. Some of the most horrifying cases in Vermont involve vulnerable road users.

Pedestrians Struck by Delivery Vans

In the dense neighborhoods of Burlington or South Burlington, delivery vans are constantly pulling in and out of driveways and backing up without spotters. A pedestrian has zero protection against even a 10,000-pound van. These accidents frequently cause lower-extremity crus injuries and traumatic amputations.

The “Right Hook” Cyclist Accident

Vermont is a beautiful place to ride a bicycle, but trucks have massive blind spots (the “No-Zone”). A “right hook” occurs when a truck turns right at an intersection and sweeps a cyclist in the bike lane directly under its rear wheels. Under 49 CFR § 393.80, trucks must have mirrors that provide a clear view to the rear, but technology exists (cameras and proximity sensors) that could have prevented your injury. If the trucking company chose not to install available safety tech, they are negligent.

Financial Recovery: What Can You Actually Recover?

In a Vermont personal injury case, you are entitled to “make whole” damages. These aren’t just categories; they are the resources you need to rebuild your life.

Economic Damages include:

• Emergency Services: LifeFlight/helicopter medevac, ambulance, and trauma bay fees.
• Surgeries: Past orthopedic repairs and the cost of future spinal fusions or joint replacements.
• Lost Earning Capacity: If your TBI or spinal injury means you can never return to your career as a Vermont tradesperson or professional, we recover the projected income you would have earned until retirement.
• Life Care Plans: For catastrophic injuries, we calculate the cost of daily caregiver assistance for the next 40 years.

Non-Economic Damages include:

• Pain and Suffering: The physical agony of recovery and the chronic pain you live with every day.
• Mental Anguish: The fear of driving, the loss of sleep, and the depression caused by your limitations.
• Loss of Consortium: The impact your injuries have on your relationship with your spouse and children.

Learn more in our video: “What Is Fair Compensation for Pain and Suffering?” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LG07vbB4cdU

The Attorney911 Advantage: Powerful & Proven

Ralph Manginello and the team at Attorney911 bring more than just legal knowledge; we bring the resources to win. We advance all costs, meaning if a case requires $100,000 in expert testimony to prove a truck’s brake defect, we pay for it.

Our 4.9-star rating from over 250 reviews is a testament to our commitment. As Ernest Cano put it, “Mr. Manginello and his firm are first class. Will fight tooth and nail for you.” We are currently litigating landmarks cases like the $10 million hazing lawsuit, proving that no defendant is too big for us to handle.

If your life has been shattered by a commercial truck in Vermont, don’t wait for the insurance company to do the right thing. They won’t. You need an aggressive, experienced advocate who has been winning these battles since 1998.

Contact Attorney911 today.
1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
ralph@atty911.com
Free Consultation | 24/7 Availability
Zero Risk — No Fee Unless We Win.

Vermont Trucking Regulation Deep-Dive: Why it Matters for Your Case

Trucking safety in Vermont is not just a suggestion—it is a matter of federal law. When we build your case, we look for violations that prove the driver and company prioritized profit over your safety.

49 CFR Part 395: Hours of Service (HOS)

Fatigue is the #1 cause of fatal Vermont truck crashes. A driver coming across the border from Canada or down from Northern Vermont might have been awake for 20 hours. HOS rules strictly limit drivers to 11 hours of driving in a 14-hour window, followed by 10 hours of rest. ELD (Electronic Logging Device) data is the “smoking gun” that proves a company was forcing a driver to run “illegal miles.”

49 CFR Part 391: Driver Qualifications

The person behind the wheel of that 18-wheeler should have been vetted. If a company hired a driver with multiple speeding tickets or a previous DUI without intervention, they committed negligent hiring. In Vermont, where snowy conditions require master-level control, putting an unqualified driver on the road is an act of extreme negligence.

49 CFR Part 393: Parts and Cargo Securement

Was the load balanced? If a truck carrying massive Vermont granite blocks loses its cargo on the highway, it’s because the tiedowns failed to meet FMCSA standards. We pursue the loading company and the shipper for failing to secure the load.

Final Word: Protecting Your Future in Vermont

Your car weighs 4,000 pounds. The truck that hit you weighs 80,000. That’s not a fair fight. You didn’t ask for this, but now you have to fight for what you deserve.

Attorney Ralph Manginello has secured multi-million dollar results for traumatic brain injury victims, amputees, and grieving families. We know what it takes to win in Vermont. We know the roads, the regulations, and the risks.

You handle your recovery. We’ll handle the trucking company.

Call Attorney911 NOW at 1-888-ATTY-911.
Free consultation. 24/7 immediate response.
Because when disaster strikes, you need an attorney who is powerful, proven, and ready to fight for you.

Additional FAQ: Understanding Vermont Case Value

Q: Can I sue for being hit by a semi-truck if I was a passenger in the truck?
A: Yes. Many truck accident victims are co-drivers, trainees, or family members riding along in the cab. If the driver’s negligence caused the crash, you have a claim against the driver and the trucking company. These cases can be complex if there are employment relationships involved (workers’ comp issues), which is why you need a specialist.

Q: My car was totaled by a Vermont dump truck. How do I get its value?
A: We pursue property damage as part of your overall claim. We ensure you receive the true Fair Market Value (FMV) for your vehicle and any contents that were destroyed—including car seats, which must always be replaced after a commercial vehicle impact.

Q: What happens if the truck driver was on drugs or alcohol?
A: This triggers “negligence per se” and significantly increases the likelihood of punitive damages. Under FMCSA Part 382, trucking companies must conduct random drug testing. If they failed to test or ignored a positive result, we seek to punish the company financially to ensure they never put the Vermont public at risk again.

Q: “One company would not accept my case.” Is all hope lost?
A: No. As Donald Wilcox experienced, some firms are afraid of complex trucking litigation or think a case is too difficult to prove. At Attorney911, we take pride in taking the cases other firms reject and turning them into “handsome checks” for our clients.

Call 888-ATTY-911 today. Or email ralph@atty911.com. We are ready to help you rebuild.

Detailed Injury Breakdown: The Impact of Vermont Commercial Crashes

In Vermont, the “Golden Hour”—the first 60 minutes after a catastrophic injury—is often consumed by the distance to a trauma center. This means injuries that might be manageable in a major city can become life-threatening here.

Internal Organ Damage

Many truck accident victims in Vermont suffer from “blunt force trauma.” Even if there is no blood, your spleen could be ruptured (Grade IV or V), or your liver could be lacerated. These injuries require immediate emergency surgery and can have lifelong consequences for your health and immune system.

Severe Burns and Friction Fires

When an 18-wheeler rolls over on I-89, the fuel tanks (containing up to 300 gallons of diesel) often rupture. The resulting fires cause third and fourth-degree burns requiring multiple skin grafts and plastic surgery at specialized burn units. The disfigurement and pain associated with these injuries are some of the most severe categories of damages we pursue for our Vermont clients.

Multiple Bone Fractures

The “floorboard crush” in a truck wreck often pulverizes the bones in the feet and legs (pilon fractures and Lisfranc injuries). These require hardware—plates, screws, and rods—to stabilize. You may be facing a total knee or hip replacement decades earlier than you ever expected. We ensure your settlement accounts for these future medical needs.

Cognitive and Neuropsychological Deficits

If you suffered a concussion in your Vermont accident and now find you lose your temper easily, can’t remember appointments, or have constant “brain fog,” you likely have a TBI. Our firm, led by Ralph Manginello, uses neuropsychologists to prove these internal injuries to a jury. We make them see that your life has changed even if you look “fine” on the outside.

Your fight for justice is our priority.
Call 1-888-ATTY-911 today.
Free consultation. Hablamos Español.
Attorney911: Powerful & Proven.

Trucking Company Defense Tactics: How We Beat Them

After a crash on a Vermont road, the trucking company’s insurer will start using “delay, deny, and defend” tactics immediately.

Tactic 1: The Recorded Statement Trap
They will call you and sound helpful. They will ask to record your statement “to get you your money faster.” They are actually looking for you to apologize or say you “feel fine”—which they will use to destroy your case six months later. Rule: NEVER speak to them without your lawyer present.

Tactic 2: Blaming the “Act of God”
They will say the jackknife was caused by the weather, not the driver. We counter this with 49 CFR § 392.14, which mandates that drivers MUST use “extreme caution” and even stop driving if conditions become hazardous. “It was snowing” is not a defense; it’s proof the driver should have slowed down.

Tactic 3: The Gap in Treatment Attack
If you wait even three days to see a doctor after your Vermont crash, the company will argue your injuries were caused by something else. This is why we help our clients get immediate medical evaluations from vetted, board-certified specialists.

Learn more about these games in our video: “What Should You Not Say to an Insurance Adjuster?” at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9UKRbFprB0E

Vermont Truck Accidents: No Case is Too Small or Too Big

Whether it’s a “minor” whiplash injury from a box truck or a catastrophic wrongful death from a semi, Ralph Manginello and the team at Attorney911 treat every case with 25+ years of strategic expertise. We understand the financial terror of being unable to work while medical bills stack up on your kitchen table in Vermont.

As client Kiimarii Yup said, “I lost everything… 1 year later I have gained so much in return plus a brand new truck.” We are here to help you get your life back.

Ready to start?
Call 1-888-ATTY-911 and speak with our legal team right now. We are available 24/7 because a legal emergency doesn’t wait for business hours.

Attorney911: Your Vermont Trucking Litigation Experts.
(888) 288-9911 | ralph@atty911.com | https://attorney911.com
No Fee Unless We Win.

Detailed Liable Party Breakdown: Maximizing Your Vermont Recovery

Most people think you only sue the truck driver. If you only sue the driver, you might only get the state minimum insurance. To get the multi-million dollar results our firm is known for, we investigate the entire chain of command.

1. The Driver (Direct Negligence)

Violating traffic laws, speeding, distraction, or fatigue.

2. The Trucking Company (Vicarious Liability)

Under respondeat superior, the motor carrier is responsible for anything their employee does while working. We also sue them for negligent training and negligent supervision if they failed to monitor the driver’s ELD logs.

3. The Cargo Owner and Shipper

If a load of freight was top-heavy and caused a rollover on a Vermont highway curve, the company that loaded that trailer is liable. 49 CFR Part 393 contains strict rules for cargo securement—if they failed to use enough tiedowns, they share the blame.

4. The Maintenance Facility

Did a Vermont-based mechanic sign off on a truck with worn brake pads? If a mechanical failure caused the crash, we bring the maintenance company into the lawsuit.

5. Freight Brokers (Negligent Selection)

Freight brokers often hire the cheapest truck to maximize their commission. If they hire a carrier with a “deadly” safety rating, they are liable for their catastrophic decision.

6. Corporate Parents and Brand Owners (The Amazon/Walmart Exposure)

If the truck has a brand name on it, that company is getting the benefit of advertising. They must also bear the burden of safe operations. We use “ostensible agency” to prove that the corporate giant should be held responsible for the driver’s actions.

7. Vehicle Manufacturers

If an airbag failed to deploy or a trailer’s underride guard was defective (Mansfield bars), we pursue a product liability claim against the multi-billion dollar manufacturer.

8. Government Entities

If a dangerous road curve on a Vermont state road lacked proper warning signs and contributed to a jackknife, the state or municipality might be liable under a Vermont Tort Claims Act filing. These have very short notice deadlines, sometimes as short as 60-90 days.

You need an attorney who can map out this entire web. Call Ralph Manginello at (888) 288-9911 today.

The Economics of a Vermont Trucking Case

Because of the high insurance minimums mandated by the FMCSA, trucking cases are high-stakes. Juries across the country are awarding “nuclear verdicts”—amounts exceeding $10 million—to send a message that corporate safety is not optional.

While every Vermont case is unique, we look for “aggravating factors” that drive up value:

• Falsified logs (driver lying about sleep).
• Presence of Schedule I drugs or alcohol.
• Documented history of the company ignoring safety alerts.
• Destruction of evidence after the accident.

Our team has recovered millions for clients, including settlements for TBIs and amputations. As Glenda Walker testified, “They make you feel like family… they fought for me to get every dime I deserved.”

Call 1-888-ATTY-911.
We fight the giants so you don’t have to.
Vermont Truck Accident Attorney Ralph Manginello.
(888) 288-9911 | 24/7 Available.

Protecting Your Family After a Wrongful Death

If you lost a father, mother, or child in a Vermont truck accident, no amount of money will ever fill that void. But a wrongful death claim is the ONLY way to hold the company accountable and ensure your family is financially protected. We pursue damages for the loss of companionship, the loss of guidance for your children, and the total earnings your loved one would have provided over their lifetime.

We handle these cases with the utmost compassion and the highest level of aggression toward the defendants.

Justice starts here.
Call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911.
Free, confidential consultation.
Serving Vermont victims since 1998.

Closing FAQ & CTA Summary

Q: Can I get a settlement if I was hit by a truck in Vermont but I’m from out of state?
A: Yes. Because 18-wheelers operate in interstate commerce, we can often file your case in federal court. Our managing partner Ralph Manginello is admitted to federal court and handles cases that cross state lines regularly.

Q: What if the truck that hit me was a “Hot Shot” or a smaller delivery truck?
A: All commercial vehicles weighing over 10,001 lbs are subject to FMCSA federal safety regulations. Whether it’s a massive semi or a heavy-duty pickup hauling equipment to an oilfield or construction site, the same high standards apply.

Q: “I lost everything… my car was at a total loss.” How can you help?
A: As client Kiimarii Yup shared, we assist with the entire recovery process. We help you navigate medical liens so you can get treatment now and pay later, and we fight to ensure your property damage is paid immediately so you can stay mobile.

Ready to fight back?
1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911)
Hablamos Español. Llame hoy mismo.
The Manginello Law Firm: Powerful, Proven, and Personalized.
No Fee Unless We Win.

Final Scenarios for Vermont Road Safety

Imagine this: A delivery truck is heading south on I-89 near Burlington. The driver has been on the road for 14 hours, violating 49 CFR Part 395. At the curve near South Burlington, the driver nodes off, the truck drifts into your lane, and hits your minivan. Your family is inside.

Within minutes, that trucking company is already working on a defense. They are checking for “comparative negligence” on your part. They are looking for reasons to say you were distracted.

Who is working for you?

Attorney Ralph Manginello has spent 25 years in these trenches. He has seen these scenarios thousands of times. He knows how to subpoena the dispatch logs, how to pull the GPS data from the truck’s satellite system, and how to prove that driver was dangerously fatigued.

Don’t go into this fight alone. Call 1-888-ATTY-911.

Ralph Manginello & Lupe Peña. 25+ years experience. Hundreds of millions in potential coverage identified. Your fight is our fight.

Call (888) 288-9911.
available 24/7.
Vermont’s 18-Wheeler & Commercial Accident Specialists.
Nothing to lose, everything to gain.

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