18-Wheeler Accident Attorneys in Vigo County: Your Fight for Justice Starts Here

Every 16 minutes, someone in America is injured in a commercial truck crash. If you’re reading this from a hospital bed in Terre Haute, or if you’re helping a loved one recover from a devastating collision on I-70 near the Illiana border, you already know the brutal reality—an 80,000-pound truck changes everything in an instant.

At Attorney911, we don’t just handle personal injury cases. We fight for families across Vigo County who’ve had their lives shattered by negligent trucking companies and reckless 18-wheeler operators. Ralph Manginello has spent over 25 years holding these corporations accountable, and our team knows exactly how to build the kind of case that makes them pay.

When the dust settles after a trucking accident in Vigo County, the trucking company has already called their lawyers. Their insurance adjusters are already looking for ways to minimize your claim. What are you doing to protect yourself?

Why 18-Wheeler Accidents in Vigo County Are Different

Vigo County sits at a critical junction—literally. With I-70 cutting straight through Terre Haute carrying transcontinental freight, and I-65 connecting the Great Lakes to the Gulf just east of the county line, our community sees massive commercial truck traffic every single day. The “Crossroads of America” isn’t just a slogan here—it’s a reality that brings thousands of 18-wheelers through our highways monthly, heading to distribution centers, manufacturing plants, and agricultural facilities throughout West Central Indiana.

But geography isn’t the only danger. Indiana’s weather throws everything at these truckers—blinding snow in January, ice storms in February, severe thunderstorms in spring, and construction zones all summer long. When an exhausted driver pushing through a deadline encounters black ice on I-70 near the Marshall Avenue exit, or when an overloaded truck loses control on US-41 during a thunderstorm, the results are catastrophic.

The physics are brutal. Your sedan weighs roughly 4,000 pounds. A fully loaded semi-truck weighs 20 times that—80,000 pounds of steel and cargo. At 65 mph, that truck needs nearly two football fields to stop. When they hit something, nothing stops back.

Meet The Team Fighting For You

Ralph Manginello founded Attorney911 in 2001, but he’s been fighting for injury victims since 1998. That’s over 25 years of walking into courtrooms from Houston to Vigo County and telling trucking companies they’re going to pay for the devastation they’ve caused. His federal court admission to the Southern District of Texas—and his dual licensure in both Texas and New York—means he can handle complex interstate cases that cross jurisdictional lines.

But credentials on paper don’t tell the full story. Ralph has gone toe-to-toe with Fortune 500 giants like BP—he was one of the few Texas attorneys involved in the landmark BP Texas City refinery litigation following the 2005 explosion that killed 15 workers and injured 170 more. When the world’s largest corporations try to push families around, Ralph pushes back harder.

Our associate attorney Lupe Peña brings something even more valuable than his law degree—he used to work for the insurance companies. Before joining Attorney911, Lupe spent years at a national defense firm, watching adjusters minimize claims and learning exactly how they train their people to lowball victims. Now he uses that insider knowledge to fight for you. When the insurance company pulls their standard tricks, Lupe recognizes them immediately and exposes every tactic they try.

We also serve Vigo County’s Spanish-speaking community without interpreters. Lupe is fluent in Spanish, so if you’re more comfortable speaking Spanish during this crisis, you can communicate directly with your attorney. No middlemen. No confusion. Just clear understanding during the most difficult time of your life.

Our results speak for themselves. We’ve recovered over $50 million for families across our practice areas. That includes a $5+ million settlement for a traumatic brain injury victim struck by a falling log, a $3.8+ million settlement for a client who lost a limb after a car crash, and multi-million dollar recoveries for traumatic brain injury victims in trucking accidents ranging from $1.5 million to $9.8 million.

As our client Glenda Walker put it, “They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.” And Chad Harris told us what really sets us apart: “You are NOT a pest to them and you are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.”

With offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we serve trucking accident victims across Texas and beyond—including right here in Vigo County, Indiana.

Understanding Federal Trucking Regulations

Every 18-wheeler operating in Vigo County must comply with strict Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations. When trucking companies or drivers break these rules, they create the dangerous conditions that cause devastating accidents. Proving FMCSA violations is often the key to establishing negligence and securing the maximum compensation you deserve.

Part 390: General Applicability

This section establishes that all commercial motor vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) over 10,001 pounds must comply with federal regulations. The rules apply to the driver, the trucking company, and any entity controlling the vehicle’s operation. If they’re operating in interstate commerce through Vigo County, these regulations bind them.

Part 391: Driver Qualification Standards

Before a driver can legally operate an 18-wheeler, they must meet strict qualification standards under 49 CFR § 391.11. They must be at least 21 years old for interstate commerce, possess a valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), pass a medical examination every 24 months maximum, and maintain a clean driving record.

Trucking companies must maintain a Driver Qualification (DQ) File containing the employment application, three-year driving history, road test certification, medical examiner’s certificate, and annual review records. When we investigate your Vigo County accident, we subpoena these files immediately. If the trucking company hired an unqualified driver—someone with a suspended license, a medical condition, or a history of reckless driving—we can prove negligent hiring.

Part 392: Driving Rules

49 CFR § 392.3 prohibits operating a commercial motor vehicle while the driver’s ability or alertness is impaired by fatigue, illness, or any other cause. This regulation makes both the driver AND the trucking company liable when a fatigued driver causes an accident.

Section 392.4 and 392.5 prohibit drug and alcohol use—no alcohol within four hours of duty, and absolutely no operation under the influence (0.04 BAC or higher for commercial drivers). Section 392.11 requires drivers to maintain reasonable following distances, and § 392.82 prohibits hand-held mobile phone use while driving.

Part 393: Vehicle Safety and Cargo Securement

This section mandates proper equipment and cargo securement. Under 49 CFR §§ 393.100-136, cargo must be contained and secured to prevent leaking, spilling, blowing, falling, or shifting that affects vehicle stability. The aggregate working load limit of tiedowns must be at least 50% of the cargo weight for loose items.

Brake systems must meet strict standards under §§ 393.40-55, including working service brakes on all wheels and proper parking brake systems. Lighting requirements under §§ 393.11-26 mandate functioning headlamps, tail lamps, stop lamps, clearance lights, and reflectors.

Part 395: Hours of Service (HOS)

This is where we find violations in most fatigue-related accidents. For property-carrying drivers (most 18-wheelers), the federal limits are strict:

• Maximum 11 hours driving after 10 consecutive hours off-duty
• Cannot drive beyond the 14th consecutive hour after coming on duty
• Must take a 30-minute break after 8 cumulative hours of driving
• Cannot exceed 60 hours in 7 days or 70 hours in 8 days (with a 34-hour restart possible)

Since December 18, 2017, most drivers must use Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) that automatically record driving time and sync with the vehicle engine. This data is objective evidence that cannot be easily altered like old paper logbooks.

Part 396: Inspection and Maintenance

Motor carriers must systematically inspect, repair, and maintain all vehicles under 49 CFR § 396.3. Drivers must conduct pre-trip inspections before driving, prepare written post-trip reports covering at least 16 systems including brakes, steering, and tires, and vehicles must pass comprehensive annual inspections.

When trucking companies defer maintenance to save money, brake failures happen. When they ignore tire wear to keep trucks rolling through Vigo County, blowouts occur. These violations create liability.

Types of 18-Wheeler Accidents We Handle

Jackknife Accidents

A jackknife occurs when the trailer swings out perpendicular to the cab, creating a deadly sweep across multiple lanes. On I-70 through Vigo County, where traffic often moves at 70 mph and winter conditions create slick surfaces, jackknife accidents frequently involve multiple vehicles and catastrophic pileups.

These accidents typically result from sudden braking on wet or icy roads, speeding on curves, or improperly loaded trailers that are lighter in the rear. The evidence we gather includes skid mark analysis showing the trailer angle, ELD data showing speed before braking, and maintenance records revealing brake system deficiencies.

Rollover Accidents

An 80,000-pound truck rolling onto its side or roof is devastating. Rollovers often happen on the curves and ramps of I-70 or US-41 when drivers take turns too fast, carry liquid cargo that “sloshes” and shifts the center of gravity, or overcorrect after a tire blowout.

In Vigo County’s agricultural areas, where trucks haul grain and liquids from the Wabash Valley, cargo shifts create particular dangers. The physics of a high center of gravity combined with centrifugal force on a curve can send a truck tumbling. These accidents cause crushing injuries, fuel fires, and often involve multiple vehicles.

Underride Collisions

Perhaps the most horrific type of trucking accident, underride collisions occur when a passenger vehicle crashes into the rear or side of a trailer and slides underneath. The trailer height often shears off the passenger compartment at windshield level.

Federal law requires rear impact guards on trailers manufactured after January 26, 1998, under 49 CFR § 393.86, designed to prevent underride at 30 mph impacts. However, many guards are poorly maintained, and there is NO federal requirement for side underride guards—meaning side crashes often result in decapitation or catastrophic head trauma.

Rear-End Collisions

An 18-wheeler needs 40% more stopping distance than a passenger car. On I-70 near the Terre Haute exits, where traffic backs up suddenly due to construction or congestion, truck drivers following too closely or driving distracted rear-end smaller vehicles with devastating force.

The FMCSA prohibits following too closely under § 392.11, yet this violation causes thousands of injuries annually. We recover ECM data showing following distances, ELD records showing driver fatigue, and cell phone records proving distraction.

Wide Turn Accidents (“Squeeze Play”)

Large trucks must swing wide to complete right turns, creating a gap that tempts other drivers to enter. When the truck completes its turn, it crushes the vehicle in the “squeeze.” These accidents frequently occur at intersections throughout Terre Haute, where tight turns onto Wabash Avenue or Third Street create dangerous scenarios.

Blind Spot Collisions

18-wheelers have massive blind spots on all four sides: 20 feet in front, 30 feet behind, and extending diagonally back along both sides (with the right side being significantly larger). When truckers fail to check mirrors before changing lanes—often due to distraction or inadequate training—vehicles in these “No-Zones” get sideswiped, run off the road, or crushed.

Tire Blowouts

Vigo County’s hot summers and cold winters create extreme tire stress. When trucking companies fail to maintain proper tire pressure, replace worn tires, or inspect for damage, blowouts occur at highway speeds. The debris creates road hazards for following vehicles, and the sudden loss of control causes rollovers or jackknifes.

Federal regulations under 49 CFR § 393.75 require minimum tread depths (4/32″ on steer tires, 2/32″ on others) and mandate pre-trip tire inspections.

Brake Failure

Brake problems contribute to approximately 29% of large truck crashes. When carriers defer brake maintenance, ignore adjustment requirements, or allow air brake system leaks to persist, the results are catastrophic rear-end collisions or runaway trucks.

The FMCSA requires systematic maintenance under § 396.3, including post-trip inspections and annual comprehensive inspections. Violation of these requirements proves negligence.

Cargo Spills and Hazmat Incidents

Vigo County’s position as a manufacturing and agricultural hub means trucks haul everything from chemicals and heavy equipment to grain and livestock. When cargo isn’t secured properly under § 393.100, it spills onto I-70, creating chain-reaction crashes. Hazardous materials require $5 million in insurance coverage and strict handling protocols—violations of which create massive liability.

Head-On and T-Bone Collisions

When fatigued truckers cross the median on I-70 or run red lights at busy Terre Haute intersections like Seventh and Wabash, head-on and side-impact collisions occur. These accidents typically result from drivers falling asleep at the wheel, driving under the influence, or medical emergencies behind the wheel.

Who Can Be Held Liable?

Most law firms only sue the driver and the trucking company. We investigate every potentially liable party—because more defendants means more insurance coverage, which means higher compensation for your family.

The Tractor-Trailer Driver

The operator is liable when they speed, drive distracted (texting, eating, using dispatch devices), operate while fatigued, drive under the influence, or violate traffic laws. We obtain their driving history, cell phone records, and drug test results to prove individual negligence.

The Motor Carrier/Trucking Company

Under the doctrine of respondeat superior, employers are responsible for their employees’ negligent acts performed within the scope of employment. But trucking companies can also be directly liable for:

• Negligent hiring: Failing to verify CDL status, check driving history, or conduct background checks
• Negligent training: Inadequate safety training or failure to train on specific equipment
• Negligent supervision: Failing to monitor ELD compliance or address safety violations
• Negligent maintenance: Systematically deferring repairs to save money
• Negligent scheduling: Pressuring drivers to exceed HOS limits to meet delivery deadlines

The FMCSA requires trucking companies to carry minimum liability insurance of $750,000 for non-hazardous freight, $1 million for oil and heavy equipment, and $5 million for hazardous materials. This coverage far exceeds standard auto policy limits.

The Cargo Owner/Shipper

Companies that load cargo onto trucks may be liable for overweight loading, improper weight distribution, or failure to secure loads properly. In Vigo County’s manufacturing sector, shippers often control loading at plants and factories.

Maintenance Companies

Third-party mechanics who service trucking fleets can be liable for negligent repairs, failing to identify critical safety issues, or returning unsafe vehicles to service.

Truck and Parts Manufacturers

Defective brakes, tires, steering components, or design defects in the truck itself can create product liability claims against manufacturers. We preserve failed components for expert analysis and research recall histories through the NHTSA database.

Freight Brokers

Brokers who arrange transportation may be liable for negligent selection of carriers—hiring companies with poor safety records without verifying insurance or authority.

Government Entities

When dangerous road design, inadequate signage, or poor maintenance contributes to accidents on Vigo County roads or state highways, government entities may share liability—though strict notice requirements and immunity issues apply.

Critical Evidence: Why 48 Hours Matters

In 18-wheeler accident cases, evidence disappears fast—much faster than in standard car accidents. While you’re recovering from surgery at Terre Haute Regional Hospital, the trucking company is already working to protect their interests.

Critical timelines you need to understand:

• ECM/Black Box Data: Can be overwritten in 30 days or less with new driving events
• ELD Data: FMCSA only requires 6-month retention; we need it preserved immediately
• Dashcam Footage: Often deleted within 7-14 days
• Surveillance Video: Business cameras along witnesses routes typically overwrite in 7-30 days
• Driver Logs: Can be altered or destroyed if not preserved

When you hire Attorney911, we send spoliation letters within 24 hours. This formal legal notice puts the trucking company, their insurer, and all potentially liable parties on notice that they must preserve:

• ECM and ELD data downloads
• The Driver Qualification File
• All maintenance and inspection records
• Dispatch logs and communications
• Cell phone records
• Dashcam and surveillance footage
• The physical truck and trailer themselves

If they destroy evidence after receiving our letter, courts can impose sanctions, instruct juries to assume the destroyed evidence was unfavorable, or even enter default judgment against them.

Indiana State Law: What Vigo County Residents Need to Know

Statute of Limitations

In Indiana, you have two years from the date of your trucking accident to file a lawsuit for personal injury or wrongful death. This applies to accidents on I-70, US-41, or any roadway in Vigo County. If you miss this deadline, you lose your right to compensation permanently—no matter how severe your injuries or how obvious the trucking company’s fault.

This is why immediate action matters. Evidence preservation begins immediately. Medical documentation must be continuous. And legal strategy must begin before memories fade and records disappear.

Comparative Negligence

Indiana operates under a modified comparative negligence system with a 51% bar. This means you can recover damages as long as you are not more than 50% at fault for the accident. However, your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault.

For example, if you’re found 20% at fault and your damages total $1 million, you would recover $800,000. But if you’re found 51% at fault, you recover nothing. This is why the trucking company and their insurance will try to blame you—any percentage they can shift to you reduces their payout.

We fight these allegations aggressively using objective evidence: ECM data showing the truck’s speed and braking, ELD logs proving HOS violations, and accident reconstruction proving the true sequence of events.

Damage Caps

Indiana caps punitive damages at the greater of three times your compensatory damages or $50,000. However, there is NO cap on compensatory damages for economic losses (medical bills, lost wages) or non-economic damages (pain and suffering) in standard personal injury cases.

Catastrophic Injuries and Your Recovery

The injuries sustained in 18-wheeler accidents are rarely “minor.” When 80,000 pounds collide with 4,000 pounds, the results include:

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

From concussions to severe brain damage requiring lifelong care. Symptoms include headaches, memory loss, mood changes, cognitive impairment, and personality changes. Our firm has recovered between $1.5 million and $9.8 million for TBI victims.

Spinal Cord Injury

Paralysis—whether paraplegia (lower body) or quadriplegia (all four limbs)—requires millions in lifetime care, home modifications, and lost earning capacity. These cases often command settlements between $4.7 million and $25.8 million.

Amputation

Whether traumatic (severed at the scene) or surgical (due to irreparable damage), limb loss requires prosthetics, rehabilitation, and permanent disability accommodations. Settlements typically range from $1.9 million to $8.6 million.

Severe Burns

Fuel fires and hazmat spills cause disfiguring burns requiring multiple skin grafts and reconstructive surgeries. The long-term pain and psychological trauma are immense.

Wrongful Death

When a trucking accident takes a loved one, surviving family members can recover lost income, loss of companionship, mental anguish, and funeral expenses. We’ve recovered between $1.9 million and $9.5 million for families who’ve lost loved ones to negligent trucking.

Insurance Reality: What You’re Up Against

Trucking companies don’t carry standard auto insurance. Federal law mandates:

• $750,000 minimum for general freight
• $1,000,000 for oil, equipment, and motor vehicles
• $5,000,000 for hazardous materials

But having insurance doesn’t mean they’ll pay fairly. Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize claims. They’ll offer quick, lowball settlements before you understand the full extent of your injuries. They’ll scrutinize your social media for evidence you’re “not really hurt.” They’ll argue your pre-existing conditions caused your pain, not their insured’s negligence.

That’s why having Lupe Peña on your team matters. He knows their playbook because he used to run those plays. Now he anticipates every move they make and counters it before they can damage your case.

As our client Donald Wilcox discovered when he came to us after another firm rejected his case, we find ways to win. “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.”

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

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do immediately after an 18-wheeler accident in Vigo County?

Call 911 immediately. Seek medical attention even if you think you’re unhurt—adrenaline masks injuries, and internal trauma may not show symptoms immediately. If you’re able, photograph the scene, the truck’s DOT number, the driver’s information, and any witnesses. Do not give a recorded statement to any insurance company without consulting an attorney. Then call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911.

How long do I have to file a lawsuit in Indiana?

Two years from the date of the accident. But waiting is dangerous—evidence disappears, black box data overwrites, and witnesses become harder to locate. Contact us immediately.

What if the trucking company claims I was partially at fault?

Indiana law allows you to recover as long as you’re 50% or less at fault. We’ll investigate thoroughly using ECM data, ELD logs, and accident reconstruction to minimize any fault attributed to you.

How much is my case worth?

Every case is unique. Factors include injury severity, medical costs, lost wages, future earning capacity, and available insurance. However, trucking companies carry $750,000 to $5 million in coverage—far more than standard auto accidents—allowing for substantial recoveries.

Will my case go to trial?

Most cases settle before trial, but we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial. This preparation creates leverage for better settlements. Insurance companies offer more when they know you’re represented by trial-ready attorneys.

How much does an attorney cost?

We work on a contingency fee basis. You pay nothing upfront—no consultation fee, no case costs, no hourly rates. We advance all expenses and only get paid if we win your case. Our fee comes from the settlement or verdict, not your pocket.

Can I still recover if the driver was an independent contractor?

Yes. Depending on the relationship between the driver and trucking company, both may be liable. We investigate all insurance policies covering the truck, the driver, and the cargo.

What if the accident involved hazardous materials?

Hazmat trucks must carry $5 million in insurance. These cases involve additional regulations under 49 CFR Part 397 and often include claims against the shipper for improper labeling or handling.

Do you handle cases for families who lost loved ones?

Yes. We are deeply sorry for your loss. Wrongful death claims allow recovery for lost income, loss of companionship, mental anguish, and funeral expenses. Time limits apply, so please contact us immediately.

Hablamos Español. ¿Pueden ayudarme si hablo español?

Sí. Nuestro abogado Lupe Peña habla español fluidamente. No necesita un intérprete. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911 para hablar directamente con él.

Your Next Step

The trucking company has teams of lawyers protecting them right now. They have rapid-response teams at accident scenes before the ambulance arrives. They have insurance adjusters trained to minimize your claim.

What do you have?

You have Attorney911. You have Ralph Manginello’s 25+ years of experience fighting Fortune 500 companies. You have Lupe Peña’s insider knowledge of insurance tactics. You have a 4.9-star rating from over 251 clients who found we treat them like family, not case numbers.

You have 24/7 availability at 1-888-ATTY-911. You have a firm that works on contingency—meaning you pay nothing unless we win. You have a team that will send preservation letters within hours, not days, to protect the critical evidence that will prove your case.

You have fighters who don’t settle for less than you deserve.

If you or a loved one suffered catastrophic injuries in an 18-wheeler accident anywhere in Vigo County—whether on I-70 near the Illinois border, US-41 through Terre Haute, or any highway in between—call Attorney911 now. The consultation is free. The advice is priceless. And the fight for justice starts with one call.

1-888-ATTY-911
Available 24/7
Hablamos Español

Don’t let the trucking company win. Don’t let the insurance adjuster push you around. Don’t wait until evidence disappears and deadlines expire.

Call Attorney911 today. Because when 80,000 pounds changes your life, you need attorneys who will change the outcome.