When an 80,000-pound semi loses control on black ice along I-94 near Washtenaw County, there’s no such thing as a minor accident. One moment you’re commuting through Southeast Michigan, and the next, your family’s sedan is crushed against a guardrail by a jackknifed trailer. The force isn’t just devastating—it’s catastrophic. And while you’re dealing with emergency rooms, surgery schedules, and the paralyzing uncertainty of what comes next, the trucking company that caused this nightmare has already dispatched its rapid-response team to Washtenaw County to protect their interests.
We’ve seen it happen too many times in Washtenaw County. The evidence starts disappearing within hours.
At Attorney911, we don’t let trucking companies get away with it. Ralph Manginello has spent over 25 years fighting for victims across Washtenaw County and throughout Michigan. Our team includes Lupe Peña, a former insurance defense attorney who used to work for the very companies we’re fighting—now he uses that insider knowledge to protect Washtenaw County families. We’ve recovered over $50 million for clients, including a $5 million settlement for a traumatic brain injury victim and $3.8 million for a client who suffered an amputation after a crash. When a truck changes your life in Washtenaw County, you need fighters who know exactly how to hold these corporations accountable.
Call now before critical evidence is lost: 1-888-ATTY-911.
The Clock Is Already Ticking on Your Washtenaw County Trucking Case
Evidence in Washtenaw County 18-wheeler accidents doesn’t wait for you to heal. That truck’s ECM—its “black box”—can overwrite critical data in just 30 days. The dashcam footage showing exactly what the driver was doing? Often deleted within a week. Electronic Logging Device (ELD) records proving the driver violated federal hours-of-service regulations before crossing into Washtenaw County? Those can vanish if we don’t act immediately.
While you’re focusing on recovery at facilities like the University of Michigan Hospital in Ann Arbor, the trucking company is already building their defense. They have teams of lawyers. You need someone who moves just as fast. We send spoliation letters within 24 hours of being retained, legally demanding the preservation of every digital record, maintenance log, and Driver Qualification File. In Washtenaw County winters, where brake failures and jackknife accidents spike during ice storms, preserving this evidence isn’t just important—it’s everything.
Contact us now at (888) 288-9911. There’s no fee unless we win.
Why Washtenaw County Truck Accidents Require Specialized Legal Experience
Trucking accidents in Washtenaw County aren’t just bigger car crashes. They’re governed by a complex web of Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations found in 49 CFR Parts 390-399. These federal laws override state rules and create strict standards for everything from driver qualifications to brake maintenance to cargo securement.
When a truck enters Washtenaw County—whether it’s heading toward Detroit on I-94 or north toward Flint on US-23—that driver and their employer must comply with:
49 CFR Part 391: Driver Qualification Standards
Trucking companies must verify their drivers have valid Commercial Driver’s Licenses (CDLs), clean driving records, current medical certifications (renewed every 2 years maximum), and proper training. If a driver lacks these qualifications and causes a wreck in Washtenaw County, the company is liable for negligent hiring.
49 CFR Part 392: Rules for Safe Driving
This prohibits driving while ill or fatigued (§392.3), using hand-held mobile phones (§392.82), and violating speed limits for conditions. Given Washtenaw County’s brutal lake-effect snow and ice storms, a trucker driving 65 mph on I-94 during whiteout conditions is violating §392.6’s requirement to adjust speeds for unsafe conditions.
49 CFR Part 393: Vehicle Safety Standards
Trucks must have properly functioning brakes (§393.48), adequate lighting (§393.11), and properly secured cargo (§393.100-136). In Michigan’s freeze-thaw cycles, brake system failures cause 29% of large truck crashes—and we subpoena maintenance records to prove companies deferred repairs to save money.
49 CFR Part 395: Hours of Service (HOS)
The most commonly violated regulation. Drivers cannot operate more than 11 hours after 10 hours off duty, or drive beyond the 14th consecutive hour on duty. They must take a 30-minute break after 8 hours. ELDs track this automatically—but the data disappears if we don’t demand it immediately for your Washtenaw County case.
49 CFR Part 396: Inspection and Maintenance
Pre-trip inspections are mandatory. Post-trip reports must cover brakes, steering, tires, and lighting. When a blowout causes a rollover on US-23 near Washtenaw County, we examine whether the company ignored worn tires to cut costs.
Ralph Manginello knows these regulations cold. Since 1998, he’s used FMCSA violations to prove negligence in cases throughout Washtenaw County, securing multi-million dollar settlements by showing trucking companies prioritized profit over safety.
As client Chad Harris told us: “You are NOT a pest to them and you are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.” That’s how we treat every Washtenaw County case.
Common 18-Wheeler Accidents in Washtenaw County—and Who Causes Them
Washtenaw County’s location at the crossroads of I-94, US-23, and M-14 creates unique trucking hazards. Our weather patterns—sudden ice storms, heavy lake-effect snow, and fog rolling off the Huron River—combine with high freight volume to create deadly conditions. Here are the accidents we see most often in Washtenaw County:
Jackknife Accidents on I-94
When a truck driver brakes suddenly on black ice near Washtenaw County’s exits to Ann Arbor or Ypsilanti, the trailer swings out perpendicular to the cab, creating a 53-foot wall of steel across multiple lanes. These account for 10% of trucking fatalities. We investigate whether the driver violated §392.3 by operating in unsafe weather or §393.48 with improperly maintained brakes.
Brake Failure on Steep Grades
The hills along I-94 near Washtenaw County’s western border strain braking systems. If a maintenance company failed to adjust air brakes or a carrier deferred quarterly inspections under §396.3, they’re liable for the rear-end collision that follows. Brake failures cause 29% of truck accidents—we’ve secured settlements by proving companies knew their trucks were unsafe.
Underride Collisions at Washtenaw County Intersections
When a passenger vehicle slides under a trailer’s rear or side, the results are usually fatal. Michigan requires rear impact guards, but side guards remain optional. At intersections like US-23 and Washtenaw Avenue, we’ve seen devastating underride crashes where trucks made sudden stops. We examine whether the trucking company maintained proper lighting (§393.11) and underride guards (§393.86).
Rollover Accidents on Ramps
The curved ramps connecting US-23 to I-94 and M-14 see frequent rollovers when drivers take curves too fast with improperly secured cargo. Under §393.102, cargo must withstand 0.8g deceleration forces. When liquid cargo “sloshes” or unbalanced loads shift, the trailer topples, crushing nearby vehicles. We’ve recovered millions for Washtenaw County rollover victims by proving loading companies violated federal securement standards.
Wide Turn “Squeeze Play” Accidents in Downtown Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti
18-wheelers making right turns from narrow Washtenaw County streets often swing left first, creating gaps that passenger vehicles enter. When the truck completes its turn, it crushes the car against the curb. These accidents injure pedestrians and cyclists in Washtenaw County’s urban centers daily. Drivers must signal (§392.2) and check mirrors—failure to do so makes both driver and company liable.
Rear-End Collisions During Rush Hour
A loaded truck needs 525 feet to stop at 65 mph—nearly two football fields. On Washtenaw County’s congested stretches of I-94 near Belleville Road or US-23 near Plymouth Road, distracted or fatigued truckers following too closely (§392.11) cause devastating pileups. We subpoena cell phone records and ELD data to prove distraction or hours-of-service violations.
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.” We take the cases other firms reject.
Every Party Responsible for Your Washtenaw County Truck Accident
Most law firms only sue the driver and trucking company. That’s leaving money on the table. In Washtenaw County, we pursue every potentially liable party under Michigan’s modified comparative negligence laws (51% bar rule)—meaning we identify everyone whose negligence contributed to your injuries:
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The Truck Driver: For speeding, distraction, fatigue, impairment, or traffic violations on Washtenaw County roads.
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The Trucking Company/Motor Carrier: Under respondeat superior (vicarious liability) for their employee’s actions, plus direct negligence for:
- Negligent hiring (failing to check CDL status or driving history)
- Negligent training (inadequate winter weather training for Washtenaw County conditions)
- Negligent supervision (ignoring ELD violations)
- Negligent maintenance (deferring brake repairs)
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Cargo Owner/Shipper: If they demanded overloaded trucks or failed to disclose hazardous materials crossing through Washtenaw County.
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Loading Company: Third-party warehouses in Washtenaw County that improperly secured cargo, violating §393.100.
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Truck/Trailer Manufacturer: Defective brakes, steering systems, or stability control that failed in Michigan weather.
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Parts Manufacturer: Defective tires that blew out on I-94, or defective lighting components.
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Maintenance Company: Third-party mechanics who performed negligent brake adjustments or failed to identify safety hazards during inspections.
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Freight Broker: Companies that arranged transportation but negligently selected carriers with poor FMCSA safety scores (CSA ratings).
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Truck Owner: In owner-operator scenarios, the individual owning the rig may carry separate insurance.
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Government Entities: If Washtenaw County road design or maintenance (potholes, inadequate signage, or failed traffic signals) contributed to the crash—though sovereign immunity limits apply.
Each party represents a separate insurance pool. Federal law requires minimum liability coverage of $750,000 for general freight, $1 million for petroleum/equipment, and $5 million for hazardous materials. By identifying all ten potential defendants, we maximize your recovery potential.
Client Glenda Walker put it best: “They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.” That’s our commitment to every Washtenaw County family.
Catastrophic Injuries Require Maximum Compensation
The physics of an 80,000-pound truck against a 4,000-pound car guarantees severe injuries. In Washtenaw County, we regularly represent victims suffering from:
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
Concussions to severe brain damage requiring lifelong care. Symptoms include memory loss, personality changes, and inability to work. Our firm has recovered $1.5 million to $9.8 million for TBI victims, including a $5 million settlement for a logging accident victim who suffered brain trauma and vision loss.
Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis
Complete or incomplete paralysis from damaged vertebrae. Lifetime care costs exceed $4.7 million for paraplegia and $25 million for quadriplegia. We work with Washtenaw County medical experts to project these costs.
Amputations
Whether traumatic (severed at scene) or surgical (due to crush injuries), amputations require prosthetics ($5,000-$50,000 each) and lifetime replacement. We secured $3.8 million for a client who lost a limb following a car accident with medical complications, and settlements ranging from $1.9 million to $8.6 million for other amputation cases.
Severe Burns
From fuel tank ruptures or hazmat spills on Washtenaw County highways. These require multiple skin grafts, reconstructive surgery, and cause permanent disfigurement.
Internal Organ Damage
Liver lacerations, kidney damage, and lung contusions often require emergency surgery and cause lifelong health complications.
Wrongful Death
When trucking negligence kills a loved one in Washtenaw County, surviving family members can recover lost income, loss of consortium, and mental anguish. We’ve recovered $1.9 million to $9.5 million in wrongful death settlements for Washtenaw County families.
Unlike regular car accidents with $30,000-$100,000 policies, trucking companies carry $750,000 to $5 million in coverage. But accessing those funds requires proving the full extent of your damages—economic (medical bills, lost wages) and non-economic (pain, suffering, loss of enjoyment of life). Michigan imposes no caps on punitive damages for gross negligence, meaning trucking companies that falsify logs or knowingly put dangerous drivers on Washtenaw County roads can face additional punishment.
Lupe Peña, our associate attorney and former insurance defense lawyer, knows exactly how insurers calculate these values—and how to counter their lowball offers. Hablamos Español. Llame a Lupe Peña al 1-888-ATTY-911.
The 48-Hour Evidence Protocol for Washtenaw County Accidents
Time is your enemy after a Washtenaw County trucking accident. Here’s what we’re doing while you focus on healing:
Hour 1-24: We send preservation demands to the trucking company, their insurer, and all potentially liable parties. This legally prohibits destruction of:
- ECM/Black box data (speed, braking, throttle position before impact)
- ELD records (proving hours-of-service violations)
- Driver Qualification Files (CDL status, medical certs, training records)
- Maintenance records (brake inspections, tire logs)
- GPS and telematics data
- Dashcam footage (often overwritten in 7 days)
- Cell phone records (proving distraction)
- Dispatch communications (proving schedule pressure)
Hour 24-48: We deploy accident reconstruction experts to Washtenaw County to photograph the scene, measure skid marks, and analyze vehicle damage before weather or traffic disturbs evidence.
Week 1: We subpoena FMCSA records to check the carrier’s safety rating, inspection history, and pattern of violations. We interview witnesses before memories fade.
This urgency matters because Michigan law gives you three years from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit (Michigan Compiled Laws § 600.5805), and two years for wrongful death. But waiting even a month means losing the electronic evidence that proves the trucking company broke federal law.
The trucking company has lawyers working right now. What are you doing?
Call 1-888-288-9911—we answer 24/7.
Michigan Law and Your Washtenaw County Recovery
Washtenaw County follows Michigan’s specific legal framework for trucking accidents:
Statute of Limitations: Three years for personal injury, two years for wrongful death. However, if a government entity is involved (road maintenance issues), notice requirements may be as short as 120 days.
Comparative Negligence: Michigan uses modified comparative fault with a 51% bar rule. If you’re 50% or less at fault for the Washtenaw County accident, you can recover damages reduced by your percentage of fault. If you’re 51% or more at fault, you recover nothing. This makes evidence preservation critical—if the trucking company claims you caused the wreck on I-94, we need black box data to prove otherwise.
No-Fault Insurance: Michigan’s no-fault auto insurance applies to truck accidents involving passenger vehicles, but commercial trucking policies are liability-based. We navigate both systems to maximize your recovery.
Punitive Damages: Unlike some states, Michigan imposes no statutory caps on punitive damages. When trucking companies show conscious disregard for safety—like ignoring ELD violations or hiring drivers with suspended CDLs—juries can award unlimited punitive damages to punish the wrongdoer.
Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, is admitted to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas and holds dual licensure in Texas and New York, allowing him to handle complex interstate trucking cases affecting Washtenaw County. With 25+ years of experience—including litigation against Fortune 500 companies like BP during the Texas City Refinery explosion—he brings federal court experience that Washtenaw County trucking cases often require.
Client Ernest Cano said: “Mr. Manginello and his firm are first class. Will fight tooth and nail for you.”
Frequently Asked Questions About Washtenaw County Truck Accidents
How much is my Washtenaw County trucking accident case worth?
There is no “average” settlement. Factors include injury severity, permanent disability, lost earning capacity, and the number of liable parties. With trucking companies carrying $750K-$5M in insurance, catastrophic injury cases in Washtenaw County often settle for six or seven figures. We’ve recovered $50+ million total for clients, including multiple multi-million dollar settlements.
What if the trucking company says I caused the accident?
Michigan’s comparative negligence laws allow recovery if you’re 50% or less at fault. We independently investigate—we don’t take the trucking company’s word for it. ELD data, ECM recordings, and witness statements often prove the trucker was speeding, distracted, or fatigued on Washtenaw County roads.
How long will my case take?
Simple cases with clear liability: 6-12 months. Complex litigation involving multiple defendants or catastrophic injuries: 1-3 years. We work to resolve Washtenaw County cases efficiently while maximizing value. Client Angel Walle noted: “They solved in a couple of months what others did nothing about in two years.”
Do I pay upfront?
Never. Attorney911 works on contingency—33.33% pre-trial, 40% if trial is necessary. You pay $0 upfront. We advance all investigation costs. If we don’t win, you owe nothing.
Can undocumented immigrants file claims in Washtenaw County?
Yes. Immigration status does not affect your right to recover damages after a trucking accident in Michigan. We protect your confidentiality while pursuing maximum compensation.
What if the driver was an independent contractor?
We still sue the trucking company under negligent hiring theories and investigate whether the “independent contractor” classification is legitimate under FMCSA regulations. Many “owner-operators” are actually employees misclassified to avoid liability.
Hablamos Español?
Sí. Lupe Peña provides fluent Spanish representation for Washtenaw County’s Hispanic community. No interpreters needed—direct communication with your attorney. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911.
Your Fight Starts With One Call to Washtenaw County’s Trucking Accident Specialists
If you’re reading this from a hospital room in Washtenaw County, or if you’re caring for a loved one who can no longer work because a trucker fell asleep at the wheel on I-94, you need to know: you’re not alone. The trucking company has teams of lawyers. They have insurance adjusters trained to minimize your claim. They have a playbook for denying responsibility.
We have something better. We have Ralph Manginello’s 25 years of experience. We have Lupe Peña’s insider knowledge of insurance defense tactics. We have a 4.9-star Google rating from 251+ reviews because we treat our clients like family, not case numbers. We’re currently litigating a $10 million lawsuit against a major university—proof we don’t back down from powerful defendants.
And we have a simple promise: You pay nothing unless we win. We’ll come to you in Washtenaw County—whether you’re in Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti, Chelsea, Dexter, or anywhere in between. With offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, Texas, and the capability to serve Washtenaw County clients remotely or via travel, geography is never a barrier to getting the best representation.
Don’t let the trucking company win. Don’t let critical evidence disappear. Don’t let the insurance adjuster convince you that your pain is worth less than it is.
Call Attorney911 now: 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911).
Or call direct: (713) 528-9070.
Email: ralph@atty911.com
We’re available 24/7. Your consultation is free. Your case review is free. And if we take your case, we fight until you get every dime you deserve—just like we did for Glenda Walker, Donald Wilcox, and hundreds of other families.
The clock is ticking. The evidence is fading. Make the call that changes everything.
1-888-ATTY-911
Attorney911. Because trucking companies shouldn’t get away with it.
