Wayne County 18-Wheeler Accident Attorneys
The impact was catastrophic. 80,000 pounds of steel slammed into your vehicle on I-75 near Detroit. Or maybe it happened on I-94 through Dearborn during rush hour. However it occurred, you’re now dealing with injuries that have upended your life. Wayne County sees thousands of commercial truck accidents annually along its major freight corridors, and when these massive machines collide with passenger vehicles, the results are often life-changing or fatal.
If you or someone you love has been seriously injured in a trucking accident anywhere in Wayne County—from Detroit to Dearborn, Sterling Heights to Livonia—you need more than just a personal injury lawyer. You need a legal team that understands federal trucking regulations, Michigan’s complex no-fault and tort liability laws, and how to stand up to the massive insurance companies that protect trucking corporations.
At Attorney911, we’ve spent over 25 years fighting for families devastated by 18-wheeler crashes across Michigan and the entire United States. Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has recovered multi-million dollar settlements for victims of catastrophic trucking accidents. We’re not intimidated by Fortune 500 trucking companies, and we know exactly how to preserve the evidence that wins cases before it disappears.
But you’re running out of time. Trucking companies send their lawyers to crash scenes before the ambulance even leaves. Black box data can be overwritten in 30 days. And here in Wayne County, you have only three years to file your claim under Michigan law.
Call us immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911. The consultation is free. We work on contingency—you pay nothing unless we win.
Why Wayne County Truck Accidents Are Different
Wayne County sits at the heart of North America’s automotive manufacturing corridor. Our highways carry more than just commuters; they move the lifeblood of the American auto industry. I-75 runs north-south through Detroit, connecting to the Ambassador Bridge—the busiest international crossing in North America. I-94 cuts east-west through Dearborn, carrying parts from Ford’s manufacturing plants. I-96 and I-275 create a web of freight traffic surrounding the Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport cargo hubs.
This isn’t just heavy traffic. It’s heavy industrial traffic carrying hazardous materials, oversized auto parts, and time-sensitive just-in-time inventory for plants in Detroit, Sterling Heights, and Warren. When 18-wheelers carrying engine blocks or hazardous chemicals crash on Wayne County highways, the consequences are exponentially worse than standard vehicle accidents.
The statistics are grim. Over 5,000 Americans die annually in trucking accidents, with more than 125,000 suffering injuries. Here in Wayne County, the density of freight traffic combined with harsh Great Lakes winters creates perfect conditions for catastrophic crashes. From brake failures on icy ramps to jackknifed tankers blocking I-75, Wayne County trucking accidents require attorneys who understand both federal regulations and local conditions—from lake-effect snow on I-94 to the heavy truck congestion around the Port of Detroit.
We know these roads. We know these patterns. And we know how to win for Wayne County families.
Our Experience Fighting Trucking Companies in Wayne County
Ralph Manginello has been fighting for injury victims since 1998. That’s 25 years of standing up to the biggest trucking companies in America—including cases against Walmart, Amazon, FedEx, UPS, and Coca-Cola. He’s admitted to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas, which allows him to handle interstate trucking cases nationwide, including here in Wayne County.
But Ralph didn’t just learn personal injury law from textbooks. He was one of the select Texas attorneys involved in the BP Texas City Refinery explosion litigation following the 2005 disaster that killed 15 workers and injured 170 more. That experience taught him how to take on the world’s largest corporations—and win.
Since founding Attorney911, Ralph has built a team that includes Lupe Peña, an associate attorney with a unique advantage: he used to work for a national insurance defense firm. Lupe spent years inside the system, learning exactly how trucking insurers evaluate claims, train adjusters to minimize payouts, and deploy tactics to deny legitimate claims. Now he uses that insider knowledge to fight against them.
Lupe is also fluent in Spanish. For Wayne County’s Hispanic community—many of whom work in the trucking and logistics industry themselves—this means direct communication without interpreters. Hablamos Español. Llame a Lupe Peña al (888) 288-9911.
Our results speak for themselves. 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 client who suffered a partial leg amputation following a car accident
- $2.5+ million in truck crash recoveries
- Multi-million dollar settlements for wrongful death cases involving commercial vehicles
As our client Glenda Walker said: “They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.”
And Donald Wilcox told us: “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 don’t just take the easy cases. We take the cases other firms reject—and we win.
Federal Regulations That Protect You
Every 18-wheeler on Wayne County roads must comply with strict Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations, codified in Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations (49 CFR). When trucking companies violate these rules, they create dangerous conditions that cause crashes—and we use those violations to prove negligence.
Part 390—General Applicability
This section establishes who must comply. If a vehicle has a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) over 10,001 pounds, transports hazardous materials requiring placards, or carries 16 or more passengers, it’s a commercial motor vehicle subject to federal oversight. Violations of these general provisions prove the trucking company failed to meet baseline safety obligations.
Part 391—Driver Qualification Standards
Trucking companies cannot hire just anyone to drive an 80,000-pound missile. Under 49 CFR § 391.11, drivers must be at least 21 years old (for interstate commerce), speak sufficient English, hold a valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), and pass a physical examination every two years.
Most critically, carriers must maintain a Driver Qualification (DQ) File containing employment applications, three-year driving history checks, medical certificates, and drug test results. We’ve won cases by proving trucking companies hired drivers with suspended licenses, failed medical exams, or histories of safety violations—a legal doctrine called negligent hiring.
Part 392—Driving Rules
This section mandates safe operation. 49 CFR § 392.3 prohibits operating while fatigued, ill, or impaired. Section 392.5 bans alcohol use within four hours of driving. Section 392.11 requires drivers to maintain safe following distances—critical when you consider an 80,000-pound truck needs nearly two football fields to stop from highway speed.
Section 392.82 prohibits handheld mobile phone use while driving. When we subpoena cell phone records and prove the driver was texting at the moment of impact, that violation becomes powerful evidence of negligence.
Part 393—Parts and Accessories for Safe Operation
These rules govern vehicle equipment. 49 CFR § 393.75 specifies minimum tire tread depths. Section 393.40 requires functional brake systems on all wheels. Section 393.100-136 establishes strict cargo securement standards—requiring tiedowns to withstand specific force thresholds to prevent shifting loads that cause rollovers.
Michigan’s salt-covered winter roads corrode brake lines and suspension components. When carriers fail to inspect and maintain these systems per Part 393, brake failures happen—and we hold them accountable.
Part 395—Hours of Service (HOS)
Fatigue causes approximately 31% of fatal truck crashes. That’s why Part 395 strictly limits driving time:
- 11-hour driving limit: No driving beyond 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty
- 14-hour duty window: Cannot drive after the 14th consecutive hour on duty
- 30-minute break: Required after 8 cumulative hours of driving
- 60/70-hour weekly limits: No driving after 60 hours in 7 days or 70 hours in 8 days, restartable only after 34 consecutive hours off
Since December 18, 2017, most drivers must use Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) that automatically record these hours. Unlike the old paper logbooks drivers could falsify, ELD data is objective—and it proves when companies pressure drivers to violate these limits to meet delivery deadlines.
Critical: This ELD data can be overwritten in as little as 30 days. That’s why we send spoliation letters within 24 hours of being retained, demanding preservation of this evidence before it disappears.
Part 396—Inspection and Maintenance
Trucking companies must systematically inspect, repair, and maintain vehicles under 49 CFR § 396.3. Drivers must conduct pre-trip inspections before every shift. Post-trip reports must document any defects. Annual inspections are mandatory.
Yet too many Wayne County trucking companies defer maintenance to save money—allowing worn brakes, bald tires, and corroded air lines to remain in service. When these mechanical failures cause crashes on I-75 or I-94, the maintenance records prove the company put profits over safety.
Types of Wayne County Trucking Accidents We Handle
Wayne County’s unique geography—heavy industrial freight, tight urban corridors in Detroit, and brutal winter weather—creates specific accident patterns. We’ve handled them all.
Jackknife Accidents
When a truck’s trailer swings perpendicular to the cab, it creates a deadly barrier across multiple lanes. Jackknifes often occur when drivers brake improperly on icy surfaces—common on I-94 during Michigan winters—or when trailers are empty and lack sufficient traction. They also result from brake failures or improper loading.
These accidents typically involve multi-vehicle pileups on Wayne County interstates. We investigate ECM data to determine if the driver applied brakes correctly or if cargo shifted unexpectedly.
Rollover Crashes
Tankers and freight haulers overturn on the tight ramps connecting I-75 to I-375 or on the curves of I-96. Rollovers frequently result from speed-too-fast-for-conditions violations under 49 CFR § 392.6, or from liquid cargo “slosh” that shifts the center of gravity. With hazardous materials often traveling through Wayne County to supply the auto industry, these crashes can involve fuel spills and chemical exposures requiring immediate emergency response.
Underride Collisions
One of the deadliest crash types occurs when a passenger vehicle slides beneath a semitrailer. Rear underride guards are required under 49 CFR § 393.86, but many are poorly maintained or absent on older trailers. Side underride guards aren’t federally mandated at all—though they should be. When a truck makes a wide turn onto Michigan Avenue in Dearborn or changes lanes on I-275, smaller vehicles can become trapped underneath, often resulting in decapitation or catastrophic head injuries.
Rear-End Collisions
An 80,000-pound truck traveling 65 mph requires 525 feet to stop—40% longer than a passenger car. When truck drivers follow too closely on congested I-75 or I-94, or when brake failures occur due to neglected maintenance, rear-end crashes result in devastating crushing injuries. We examine ELD data to determine if fatigue slowed reaction times and ECM data to verify braking attempts.
Wide Turn Accidents
Detroit’s tight urban streets and industrial loading zones force trucks to swing wide. The “squeeze play” happens when a truck swings left to make a right turn, creating a gap that passenger vehicles enter—only to be crushed when the truck completes its turn. These accidents often involve delivery trucks serving Wayne County manufacturing plants.
Blind Spot Crashes
18-wheelers have massive blind spots on all four sides—20 feet in front, 30 feet behind, and entire lanes beside the cab. When truckers change lanes on I-94 or I-75 without checking mirrors, they sideswipe vehicles or force them off the road. 49 CFR § 393.80 requires proper mirrors, but driver inattention or inadequate training causes these crashes daily on Wayne County highways.
Tire Blowouts
Michigan’s pothole-covered roads and extreme temperature fluctuations stress truck tires. A steer tire blowout causes immediate loss of control. “Road gators”—shreds of tire debris—create hazards for following vehicles. Underinflated tires overheat and explode. We secure maintenance records to prove carriers ignored 49 CFR § 393.75’s minimum tread depth requirements.
Brake Failures
Brake problems contribute to 29% of truck crashes. In Wayne County, corrosive road salt destroys brake lines and components. When carriers fail to conduct required inspections under Part 396 or adjust air brakes properly, complete brake failure occurs on downgrades like the ramps entering the Ambassador Bridge plaza. These are entirely preventable tragedies caused by maintenance negligence.
Cargo Spills and Hazmat Incidents
Wayne County’s role in the automotive supply chain means trucks carry everything from gasoline and solvents to heavy engine components. When loads shift on curves or securement chains break, cargo spills onto I-96 or I-275, causing chain-reaction crashes. Hazardous material spills require HAZMAT response and cause severe burn injuries or respiratory damage.
Driver Fatigue Crashes
Despite ELD mandates, some Wayne County trucking companies still pressure drivers to exceed hours-of-service limits, especially on time-critical just-in-time parts deliveries to auto plants. Micro-sleep episodes on monotonous stretches of I-94 lead to head-on collisions and median crossover crashes that kill innocent families.
Who’s Liable? We Investigate All 10 Parties
Unlike car accidents involving one at-fault driver, trucking accidents create multiple layers of liability. We pursue every responsible party to maximize your recovery—because more defendants mean more insurance coverage means full compensation.
1. The Truck Driver
The individual operator may be liable for speeding, distracted driving (texting violates 49 CFR § 392.82), impaired driving, or hours-of-service violations. We obtain cell phone records, drug test results, and driving histories to prove direct negligence.
2. The Trucking Company/Motor Carrier
Under Michigan law and the doctrine of respondeat superior, employers are liable for employees’ negligent acts. Plus, companies face direct liability for:
- Negligent Hiring: Failing to check CDL status or driving records
- Negligent Training: Inadequate safety instruction
- Negligent Supervision: Ignoring ELD violations or safety complaints
- Negligent Maintenance: Deferring brake or tire repairs
3. Cargo Owners/Shippers
Companies like Ford, GM, or Chrysler suppliers that overload trucks or demand schedules forcing HOS violations share liability. When overweight cargo causes brake failure or rollover, the shipper pays.
4. Loading Companies
Third-party warehouses that improperly secure loads or fail to distribute weight correctly—violating 49 CFR § 393.100—cause shift-related rollovers and spills.
5. Truck Manufacturers
Design defects in brake systems, stability control, or fuel tank placement create liability for manufacturers like Freightliner, Peterbilt, or International.
6. Parts Manufacturers
Defective brake pads, tires, or steering components from manufacturers like Michelin or Bendix that fail prematurely can trigger product liability claims.
7. Maintenance Companies
Third-party mechanics who perform negligent repairs or fail to identify critical safety issues during inspections under 49 CFR § 396.3 are liable when their work fails on I-75.
8. Freight Brokers
Brokers like C.H. Robinson or XPO Logistics who arrange transportation have a duty to select carriers with adequate safety records. Selecting the cheapest carrier despite poor CSA scores constitutes negligent selection.
9. Truck Owners
In owner-operator arrangements, the individual owner may be liable for negligent entrustment or failure to maintain equipment under lease agreements.
10. Government Entities
Wayne County Road Commission or MDOT may share liability for dangerous road design, inadequate signage on tight ramps, or failure to address known hazards like ice accumulation on bridges.
The 48-Hour Evidence Protocol
Critical Warning: Evidence in Wayne County trucking accidents disappears fast. You have perhaps 48 hours to secure critical proof before it’s gone forever.
Trucking companies dispatch rapid-response teams to crash scenes immediately. Their lawyers arrive before the wreckage is cleared. They’re not there to help you—they’re to protect the company.
Black Box/ECM Data
The Electronic Control Module records speed, braking, throttle position, and fault codes. This data overwrites in 30 days—or immediately if the truck returns to service. It proves whether the driver was speeding or failed to brake before impact.
ELD Logs
Electronic Logging Devices prove hours-of-service violations. While FMCSA requires 6-month retention, companies “lose” this data routinely unless we demand preservation immediately.
Driver Qualification Files
These prove whether the driver was legally qualified to operate the truck. They must be retained for three years after employment ends, but missing files are common once litigation threatens.
Physical Evidence
The truck itself may be repaired or sold. Skid marks weather away. Surveillance cameras from nearby businesses (crucial on Detroit’s busy corridors) overwrite in 7-30 days.
What We Do Immediately
When you call 1-888-ATTY-911, we:
- Send spoliation letters to the trucking company, insurer, and all parties demanding evidence preservation
- Deploy accident reconstruction experts to Wayne County crash scenes
- Subpoena ELD and ECM data before it’s overwritten
- Secure the truck for inspection before repairs
- Interview witnesses while memories are fresh
- Photograph the scene, vehicles, and injuries
You pay nothing for this immediate response. We advance all costs.
Catastrophic Injuries and Their Value
An 80,000-pound truck against a 4,000-pound car isn’t a fair fight. Wayne County trucking accidents cause catastrophic injuries requiring millions in lifetime care.
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
Concussions, contusions, and diffuse axonal injuries cause cognitive impairment, personality changes, and inability to work. Lifetime costs range from $85,000 to $3 million. We’ve settled TBI cases for $1.5 million to $9.8 million.
Spinal Cord Injury and Paralysis
Paraplegia and quadriplegia result in lifetime wheelchair dependence requiring home modifications, specialized vehicles, and 24/7 care. Lifetime costs exceed $4.7 million. Our cases have recovered $4.7 million to $25.8 million for spinal injuries.
Amputation
Whether traumatic amputation at the scene or surgical removal due to crush injuries, losing a limb means prosthetics ($5,000-$50,000 each), phantom limb pain, and permanent disability. We’ve secured $1.9 million to $8.6 million for amputation victims.
Severe Burns
Fuel fires and hazmat spills cause third and fourth-degree burns requiring skin grafts, reconstructive surgery, and psychological treatment. Disfigurement impacts every aspect of life.
Wrongful Death
When trucking accidents kill Wayne County residents, families lose everything—financial support, companionship, parental guidance. Michigan law allows recovery for loss of income, funeral expenses, and mental anguish. We’ve recovered $1.9 million to $9.5 million for wrongful death cases.
As our client Chad Harris said: “You are NOT a pest to them and you are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.”
Michigan Law and Your Rights
Wayne County trucking accidents involve complex intersections of Michigan’s No-Fault Act and tort law.
Statute of Limitations
Under MCL 600.5805, you have three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. For wrongful death, the clock starts at death. Miss this deadline, and you lose your rights forever—regardless of how severe the injuries.
Michigan’s Comparative Negligence Rule
Michigan follows modified comparative negligence under MCL 600.2959. You can recover damages if you were 50% or less at fault; if you were 51% or more responsible, you recover nothing. Your percentage of fault reduces your recovery proportionally.
Example: If you’re awarded $1 million but found 20% at fault, you receive $800,000. This makes evidence preservation and investigation critical—we work to minimize any fault attributed to you.
Michigan No-Fault Considerations
Michigan’s no-fault insurance system requires your own insurer to pay initial medical expenses and lost wages. However, for serious impairment of body function, permanent serious disfigurement, or death, you can sue the at-fault truck driver and company for excess damages, pain and suffering, and other non-economic losses.
Trucking accidents easily meet Michigan’s “serious impairment” threshold given the forces involved.
Punitive Damages
Unlike some states, Michigan has no cap on compensatory or punitive damages (except in medical malpractice). When trucking companies act with gross negligence—knowingly putting fatigued drivers on the road, falsifying maintenance logs, or destroying evidence—juries can award unlimited punitive damages to punish the wrongdoer.
Recent “nuclear verdicts” across the country have exceeded $400 million in trucking cases involving egregious safety violations. While every case differs, these awards show what happens when juries hold trucking companies fully accountable.
Frequently Asked Questions About Wayne County Trucking Accidents
What should I do immediately after an 18-wheeler accident in Wayne County?
Call 911 immediately. Seek medical attention even if you feel okay—internal injuries and TBIs often show delayed symptoms. Photograph everything: vehicles, license plates, the truck’s DOT number, road conditions, and your injuries. Get witness contact information. Do not speak with the trucking company’s insurance adjuster. Then call 1-888-288-9911 for immediate legal help.
How long do I have to file a lawsuit in Michigan?
Three years from the accident date under Michigan law. However, you should never wait. Evidence disappears within days. Call immediately.
Can I recover damages if I was partially at fault?
Yes, if you were 50% or less at fault. Your recovery reduces by your percentage of fault. If you’re 51% or more responsible, you cannot recover. We work to prove the truck driver was primarily responsible.
Who can be sued besides the driver?
The trucking company, cargo owner, loading company, maintenance company, truck manufacturer, parts manufacturer, freight broker, and potentially government entities responsible for road design.
What is a spoliation letter?
A legal notice demanding preservation of evidence. We send these within 24 hours to prevent the trucking company from “losing” ELD data or repairing the truck before inspection.
How much is my case worth?
It depends on injury severity, medical costs, lost wages, and available insurance. Trucking companies carry minimum coverage of $750,000 to $5 million. We’ve recovered millions for Wayne County clients with catastrophic injuries.
Will my case go to trial?
Most settle before trial, but we prepare every case as if it’s going to court. Insurance companies offer higher settlements when they know your attorney will actually try the case.
How much does it cost to hire you?
Nothing upfront. We work on contingency—33.33% pre-trial, 40% if trial is necessary. You pay nothing unless we win.
Do you handle cases in Spanish?
Yes. Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish and provides direct representation. Hablamos Español. Llame al (888) 288-9911.
What if the trucking company is from out of state?
We handle that. Ralph Manginello is admitted to federal court and can pursue cases against interstate carriers regardless of their home state. Federal trucking regulations apply nationwide.
Ready to Fight for What You Deserve?
The trucking company already has lawyers working to minimize your claim. They’ve probably already visited the crash site, downloaded black box data, and interviewed their driver. They’re building their defense right now.
What are you doing to protect your family?
Don’t accept the first lowball settlement offer. Don’t give a recorded statement to their insurance adjuster. Don’t wait until evidence is gone and witnesses have moved away.
At Attorney911, we’ve recovered over $50 million for families devastated by trucking accidents. We have 25 years of experience, a former insurance defense attorney on our team, and the resources to take on the biggest trucking companies in America.
We serve all of Wayne County including Detroit, Dearborn, Sterling Heights, Warren, Livonia, Troy, and Westland. We’ll come to you if you can’t come to us.
Call 1-888-ATTY-911 now. Available 24/7. The consultation is free. You pay nothing unless we win.
Or reach us online at attorney911.com. Your future depends on what you do next. Make the call.
