18-Wheeler Accident Attorneys in White County, Indiana

When 80,000 Pounds Changes Everything in an Instant

The corn was high along US 24 that morning. You were heading toward Monticello, maybe driving to work at one of the manufacturing plants near the county line, or perhaps you were just passing through White County on I-65 when you saw it—that massive wall of steel bearing down in your rearview mirror.

In the blink of an eye, your life changed.

Eighteen-wheeler accidents aren’t like other crashes. They don’t leave you with a dented fender and a sore neck. They leave devastation. At Attorney911, we’ve spent over 25 years standing beside families across Indiana who’ve faced these monsters of the road. Ralph Manginello, our managing partner, has been fighting for truck accident victims since 1998, and he’s admitted to federal court—experience that matters when your case involves interstate commerce and federal motor carrier regulations.

If you’ve been hurt in an 18-wheeler accident anywhere in White County—whether near the Tyson processing facility, along the I-65 corridor, or on rural roads like SR 18 or US 421—you need someone who understands what you’re up against. And you’re up against a lot.

Why White County 18-Wheeler Accidents Are Different

White County sits in the heart of Indiana’s agricultural belt. That means our highways aren’t just carrying commuter traffic between Lafayette and Logansport. They’re carrying millions of pounds of grain, livestock, and agricultural equipment. When you mix Interstate 65’s heavy commercial traffic with rural routes used by farm trucks and combines, you get a dangerous cocktail.

Think an 18-wheeler is just a big car? Think again.

A fully loaded semi weighs up to 80,000 pounds. Your sedan? About 4,000 pounds. That’s a 20-to-1 weight disadvantage. When they collide, physics doesn’t negotiate. And neither do trucking companies.

We’ve handled cases from Monticello to Reynolds, from intersections near Wolcott to the stretch of I-65 that cuts through the eastern edge of White County. In each one, we’ve seen the same pattern: the trucking company rolls out its lawyers before the ambulance finishes transporting victims to Indiana University Health White County Hospital.

That’s why time matters. Evidence in White County trucking accidents disappears fast—black box data gets overwritten, driver logs get “lost,” and maintenance records suddenly become unavailable. Our firm includes Lupe Peña, an associate attorney who used to work for insurance companies. He knows their playbook because he used to run it. Now he fights against them. That’s your advantage.

The Geography of Danger: White County’s High-Risk Corridors

Every region has its danger zones. In White County, we know the specific risks that lead to catastrophic truck accidents:

I-65 Corridor: This major north-south artery cuts through White County’s eastern edge, carrying freight between Indianapolis and Chicago. It’s a fatigue corridor—drivers pushing hard to make distribution deadlines, often violating hours-of-service regulations. The speed differential between 18-wheelers and passenger vehicles creates deadly rear-end collision risks.

US 24: This east-west route carries agricultural freight from the grain elevators near Brookston and Chalmers. During harvest season, commercial trucks share the road with slow-moving farm equipment, creating rear-end and passing accidents.

Rural Routes (SR 18, SR 25, SR 39, US 421): Narrow shoulders, limited visibility, and intersections without traffic lights create perfect conditions for wide-turn accidents and underride collisions. When a semi makes a delivery to the industrial parks near Monticello, one miscalculation can crush a passenger vehicle against the guardrail.

Weather Factors: Indiana winters bring lake-effect snow and black ice to White County highways. Truck drivers unfamiliar with rural Indiana conditions—or those pressured by delivery schedules—don’t adjust their speed appropriately, leading to jackknifes on I-65 and rollover accidents on curved ramps.

According to the Indiana State Police and FMCSA data, these corridors see significant commercial vehicle traffic annually, with I-65 alone carrying thousands of trucks daily through White County.

Types of 18-Wheeler Accidents We Handle in White County

Not all truck accidents are the same. Each type involves different physics, different liable parties, and different legal strategies. At Attorney911, we’ve built our reputation by understanding the nuances of each collision type.

Rear-End Collisions

These are the most common—and often the most devastating—truck accidents on White County highways. A fully loaded 18-wheeler traveling at 65 miles per hour needs nearly two football fields to stop. When a truck driver is distracted by a cell phone, fatigued from violating hours-of-service rules under 49 CFR Part 395, or simply following too closely (violating 49 CFR § 392.11), the result is catastrophic.

We’ve seen rear-end accidents on I-65 near the SR 18 interchange where the passenger vehicle was pushed into the median, causing traumatic brain injuries and spinal cord damage. The truck driver claimed traffic stopped “suddenly,” but the black box data told a different story—he hadn’t touched his brakes for seven seconds before impact, and his ELD showed he’d been driving 13 hours straight.

That’s the kind of evidence we find. And that’s why you need an attorney who knows how to get it before it disappears.

Jackknife Accidents

When a truck driver slams on the brakes or hits a patch of black ice on US 24 near the Tippecanoe River, the trailer can swing out perpendicular to the cab, sweeping across multiple lanes. Jackknifes often result from brake failures (violating 49 CFR Parts 393 and 396), improper cargo loading, or driving too fast for road conditions.

These accidents create massive pileups. In White County, where I-65 narrows or during foggy mornings on rural routes, a jackknifed semi can block the entire roadway, causing multi-vehicle crashes that injure dozens.

Underride Collisions

Perhaps the most horrific type of truck accident occurs when a passenger vehicle slides under the trailer from the rear or side. The roof of the car gets sheared off. Underride guards are required under 49 CFR § 393.86, but many trucking companies use inadequate guards or fail to maintain them.

We recently reviewed a case near Monticello where a family vehicle struck a truck making a slow turn onto SR 25. The underride guard failed, and the consequences were fatal. These cases demand aggressive investigation into maintenance records and guard specifications.

Wide Turn Accidents (“Squeeze Play”)

White County’s rural intersections—like those where US 421 meets county roads—weren’t designed for modern 18-wheelers. When a truck swings left to make a right turn, drivers in passenger vehicles often get caught in the blind spot and crushed against the tractor or curbs.

These accidents involve complex questions of driver training and proper turning technique. Under 49 CFR Part 391, drivers must be qualified to operate their vehicles safely. If a driver lacked training on wide turns or failed to check mirrors properly, both the driver and trucking company may be liable for negligent hiring and supervision.

Blind Spot Accidents

An 18-wheeler has four major blind spots—”No-Zones”—extending up to 30 feet behind the trailer and 20 feet in front of the cab. When a truck changes lanes on I-65 without properly checking mirrors (required under 49 CFR § 393.80), vehicles in these zones get sideswiped, often spinning into other lanes or off the road entirely.

Tire Blowouts

Poorly maintained tires cause thousands of accidents annually. When a steer tire blows on a semi traveling 70 mph down I-65, the driver loses control instantly. Debris from blowouts also causes secondary accidents. Federal regulations under 49 CFR § 393.75 mandate minimum tread depths and tire conditions, but some carriers defer maintenance to save money.

Brake Failure Accidents

Brake problems contribute to approximately 29% of large truck crashes. Whether it’s worn brake pads, improper adjustment, or air brake system failures, these maintenance violations under 49 CFR Part 396 create deadly situations. On the downgrade approaching the Tippecanoe River or when approaching stopped traffic on I-65, brake failure turns an 80,000-pound missile into an uncontrollable weapon.

Cargo Spill and Shift Accidents

White County’s agricultural economy means trucks carrying grain, soybeans, and livestock traverse our highways daily. When cargo shifts due to improper securement (violating 49 CFR §§ 393.100-136), trailers become unstable and roll over. Spilled grain creates slick surfaces causing secondary accidents. Hazardous materials spills—though less common in rural areas—can require evacuation of entire sections of Monticello or surrounding communities.

Head-On Collisions

Fatigued drivers, distracted driving, or medical emergencies can cause truck drivers to cross the centerline on two-lane roads like SR 39 or US 421. Given the weight differential, head-on collisions with 18-wheelers are almost always fatal or result in catastrophic injuries.

The Federal Regulations That Protect You

Commercial trucking isn’t just regulated by Indiana law—it’s governed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) under Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations. These rules exist because 18-wheelers are inherently dangerous. When companies break these rules, we hold them accountable.

49 CFR Part 390: General Applicability

This establishes who must comply—essentially any vehicle over 10,001 pounds operating in interstate commerce. Most 18-wheelers on White County highways fall under these regulations, even if they’re traveling between Indiana cities, because they connect to interstate commerce systems.

49 CFR Part 391: Driver Qualification Standards

Before a driver can legally operate a commercial vehicle, they must possess a valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), pass a medical examination certifying physical fitness, complete entry-level driver training, and maintain a Driver Qualification File (DQ File).

We subpoena these files in every case. Why? Because they reveal whether the trucking company properly vetted the driver who hurt you. Did they check his criminal history? Did they verify his medical certificate wasn’t forged? Did they contact previous employers about his safety record? If not, that’s negligent hiring—and it makes the company liable.

49 CFR Part 392: Driving of Commercial Motor Vehicles

This section contains the rules of the road for truckers. Key provisions include:

• § 392.3: No driver shall operate while fatigued or impaired
• § 392.4 & 392.5: Zero tolerance for drugs and alcohol (0.04% BAC limit, half the standard)
• § 392.6: Cannot schedule routes requiring speeding
• § 392.11: Must maintain safe following distances
• § 392.80 & 392.82: Prohibition on texting and hand-held mobile phone use while driving

When we pull cell phone records and ELD data showing a driver was texting while negotiating I-65 through White County, that’s not just reckless—that’s a federal violation that proves negligence.

49 CFR Part 393: Parts and Accessories for Safe Operation

This covers the physical condition of the truck. Brakes must meet specific standards. Lights must function. Cargo must be secured according to performance criteria—withstanding 0.8g deceleration forces forward and 0.5g lateral forces. Tire tread depths must meet minimums (4/32″ for steer tires, 2/32″ for others).

When a trucking company sends a truck onto I-65 with bald tires or faulty brakes, they’re violating federal law. And when those violations cause injuries in White County, we make them pay.

49 CFR Part 395: Hours of Service (HOS)

This is where we find some of our strongest evidence. The rules are clear:

• 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
• Weekly limits: 60 hours in 7 days or 70 hours in 8 days

Since December 2017, most trucks must use Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) that automatically record driving time. These devices are tamper-resistant and provide objective proof of violations. When we see ELD data showing a driver exceeded 11 hours, or when we discover the company pressured him to falsify logs, we know we’ve found the smoking gun.

49 CFR Part 396: Inspection, Repair, and Maintenance

Trucking companies must systematically inspect and maintain their fleets. Drivers must complete pre-trip inspections, and companies must retain maintenance records for at least one year. Brake inspections, tire checks, and post-trip reports are mandatory under § 396.11.

We recently handled a case where post-trip inspection reports showed a driver had noted brake problems three days before a crash on US 24. The company did nothing. That’s not just negligence—that’s willful disregard for safety, and it supports claims for punitive damages.

Who Can Be Held Liable? (Hint: It’s Not Just the Driver)

One of the biggest mistakes injury victims make is assuming only the truck driver is responsible. In reality, 18-wheeler accidents often involve multiple liable parties, each with their own insurance policies. We investigate every angle because more defendants mean more insurance coverage—and better compensation for you.

The Truck Driver

Obviously, the person behind the wheel bears responsibility for speeding, distracted driving, fatigue, or impairment. But individual drivers rarely have sufficient assets to cover catastrophic injuries. That’s why we look deeper.

The Trucking Company (Motor Carrier)

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

• Negligent Hiring: Failing to check driving records, criminal history, or previous drug test failures
• Negligent Training: Inadequate safety instruction or failure to train drivers on handling hazardous weather conditions common to White County
• Negligent Supervision: Not monitoring ELD data or ignoring reports of HOS violations
• Negligent Maintenance: Deferring brake repairs or tire replacements to save money
• Negligent Scheduling: Pressure to meet unrealistic delivery deadlines that forces drivers to violate hours-of-service rules

We’ve gone toe-to-toe with national carriers and local Indiana trucking operations. Whether it’s a major fleet or a small agricultural hauler based in White County, we hold them to the same standard.

The Cargo Owner (Shipper)

When Tyson Foods or another agricultural shipper loads a truck beyond weight limits or fails to properly secure cargo, they share liability. If loading instructions contributed to a rollover on I-65, the shipper may be on the hook.

The Loading Company

Third-party warehouses and loading facilities sometimes employ workers who lack proper training on FMCSA cargo securement rules (49 CFR §§ 393.100-136). When they stack pallets improperly or fail to use adequate tiedowns, they create dangerous conditions.

Truck and Parts Manufacturers

Defective brakes, tire blowouts caused by manufacturing errors, or steering system failures can lead to product liability claims against manufacturers like Freightliner, Peterbilt, or component suppliers.

Maintenance Companies

Third-party mechanics who perform brake adjustments or tire changes may be liable if negligent repairs caused the accident. We examine work orders and mechanic certifications to identify these parties.

Freight Brokers

Brokers who arrange transportation but don’t own the trucks may be liable for negligent carrier selection. If a broker hired a carrier with a terrible safety record (visible on FMCSA’s SAFER website) just because they offered the lowest price, they contributed to your injuries.

The Truck Owner (If Different from Carrier)

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

Government Entities

While rare, sometimes road design contributes to accidents. Poor signage, inadequate lighting on rural routes, or dangerous intersection designs maintained by White County or the State of Indiana may create government liability—though strict notice requirements apply.

The 48-Hour Evidence Emergency

Here’s what most people don’t know: the trucking company isn’t waiting to hear from their insurance company. They’ve already heard from them. Within hours of a serious accident on I-65 or US 24, the trucking company deploys rapid-response teams—accident reconstructionists, defense attorneys, and investigators whose job is to protect the company’s interests.

Meanwhile, critical evidence is disappearing.

Electronic Control Module (ECM/Black Box) Data: Records speed, braking, throttle position, and engine performance. Overwritten in as little as 30 days or with subsequent driving events.

ELD Data: Proves hours-of-service violations. FMCSA only requires retention for 6 months, but some companies “lose” it faster.

Dashcam Footage: Often automatically deleted within 7-14 days if not preserved.

Driver Qualification Files: Must be kept for 3 years after employment ends, but we’ve seen companies “misplace” critical documents when litigation looms.

Maintenance Records: Required retention is 1 year, but post-accident repairs can obscure the condition of the truck at the time of the crash.

Witness Statements: Memories fade. Witnesses move. Skid marks wash away.

That’s why we don’t wait. When you call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911, we immediately send spoliation letters to the trucking company, their insurer, and any third parties. This puts them on legal notice that destroying evidence will result in sanctions, adverse jury instructions, or default judgment.

As client Angel Walle said after we resolved his case: “They solved in a couple of months what others did nothing about in two years.” Speed matters, but so does thoroughness.

Catastrophic Injuries and Your Future

Eighteen-wheeler accidents don’t cause whiplash and bruises. They cause life-altering trauma. At Attorney911, we’ve helped White County families navigate the aftermath of:

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)

From concussions to severe brain damage, TBIs affect cognition, personality, and independence. Lifetime care costs can exceed $3 million. We work with neurologists and life-care planners to document these needs and secure settlements that provide for decades of care.

Our firm has recovered between $1.5 million and $9.8 million for traumatic brain injury victims. As client Glenda Walker told us: “They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.”

Spinal Cord Injuries

Paraplegia and quadriplegia require wheelchairs, home modifications, and 24/7 care. The lifetime cost for a 25-year-old with quadriplegia can exceed $5 million. We calculate these needs carefully to ensure settlements cover decades of necessary care.

Amputations

Whether traumatic (at the scene) or surgical (due to crush injuries), limb loss requires prosthetics, rehabilitation, and career retraining. Our amputation settlements have ranged from $1.9 million to $8.6 million.

Wrongful Death

When a trucking accident takes a loved one in White County, surviving family members face funeral costs, lost income, and immeasurable emotional loss. Indiana law allows recovery for loss of love, affection, guidance, and financial support. We’ve secured wrongful death settlements ranging from $1.9 million to $9.5 million, though no amount replaces your loved one.

Indiana Law and Your Rights

White County falls under Indiana’s legal jurisdiction, which has specific rules affecting your case:

Statute of Limitations

You have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit under Indiana Code § 34-11-2-4. For wrongful death claims, the clock starts running from the date of death. While two years sounds like a long time, evidence disappears much faster. We recommend contacting an attorney within days, not months.

Modified Comparative Fault (51% Bar)

Indiana follows a “modified comparative negligence” rule with a 51% bar. This means you can recover damages as long as you are 50% or less at fault. However, your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault. If you’re found 20% responsible for the accident, you recover 80% of your damages. But if you’re 51% at fault, you recover nothing.

Trucking companies and their insurers love to blame victims. “They were in my blind spot” or “They stopped suddenly” are common defenses. That’s why we gather objective evidence—ELD data, ECM downloads, and physical reconstructions—to prove exactly what happened on that White County highway.

Punitive Damages

Indiana allows punitive damages under specific circumstances, though they require clear and convincing evidence of willful misconduct or gross negligence. Under Indiana Code § 34-51-3, punitive damages are capped at the greater of three times compensatory damages or $50,000. However, these caps don’t apply if the defendant was intoxicated or if the case involves specific statutory exceptions.

When we find evidence that a trucking company knew their driver was falsifying logs, or that they intentionally skipped brake maintenance to save money, we pursue punitive damages to punish that conduct and deter future negligence.

Why White County Families Choose Attorney911

25+ Years of Experience

Ralph Manginello has been fighting for injury victims since 1998. He’s seen every tactic trucking companies use, and he’s developed strategies to counter them. With federal court admission to the Southern District of Texas and dual licensure in Texas and New York, he brings sophisticated legal analysis to every case.

Former Insurance Defense Insider

Lupe Peña, our associate attorney, used to work for insurance companies. He knows how they evaluate claims, train adjusters to minimize payouts, and use software like Colossus to lowball settlements. Now he uses that insider knowledge against them. That’s an advantage you can’t get at other firms.

Multi-Million Dollar Results

We’ve recovered over $50 million for families across our practice areas. Specific trucking and catastrophic injury results include:

• $5+ Million for a TBI victim struck by a falling log
• $3.8+ Million for an amputation resulting from a car accident with medical complications
• $2.5+ Million for a commercial truck crash victim
• $2+ Million for a maritime worker with a back injury
• $1.9 Million to $9.5 Million range for wrongful death cases

These aren’t lottery tickets—they’re compensation for life-altering injuries caused by negligence.

Three Offices, One Mission

With offices in Houston (1177 West Loop S, Suite 1600), Austin (316 West 12th Street), and Beaumont, we serve clients throughout Texas and beyond. While we’re based in Texas, our federal court experience and understanding of FMCSA regulations allow us to handle serious trucking cases in Indiana, including White County. We offer remote consultations and travel to you when necessary.

4.9-Star Reputation

With 251+ Google reviews averaging 4.9 stars, our record speaks for itself. 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 case—like it matters, because it does.

Spanish Language Services

Hablamos Español. Lupe Peña provides direct representation in Spanish without interpreters, serving Indiana’s Hispanic agricultural workers and their families. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911 para una consulta gratuita.

Frequently Asked Questions About White County Trucking Accidents

How long do I have to file a lawsuit after an 18-wheeler accident in White County?

Indiana law gives you two years from the accident date, but waiting is dangerous. Evidence disappears fast—black box data can be overwritten in 30 days, and witness memories fade. Contact us immediately so we can send preservation letters.

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

Indiana uses modified comparative negligence with a 51% bar. As long as you’re not more than half at fault, you can recover, though your damages are reduced by your fault percentage. We investigate thoroughly to disprove false accusations.

Who pays my medical bills while the case is pending?

Your health insurance and MedPay (if available) cover initial treatment. We work with medical providers who accept liens—meaning they get paid from your settlement. You don’t pay out of pocket for attorney-recommended treatment.

Can I still get a settlement if I didn’t feel hurt right away?

Yes. Many serious injuries—like TBI or internal bleeding—don’t show symptoms immediately. Get checked out right away, and keep documenting your symptoms. Delayed diagnosis doesn’t destroy your claim, but gaps in treatment can hurt it.

What if the truck driver was from out of state?

The majority of 18-wheelers travel interstate routes like I-65 through Indiana. We can pursue claims against out-of-state companies in Indiana courts, and federal regulations apply regardless of where the company is based.

How much is my White County trucking accident case worth?

It depends on injury severity, medical costs, lost wages, and available insurance. Trucking companies carry $750,000 to $5 million in coverage. We’ve secured settlements from hundreds of thousands to millions. Every case is unique.

Will my case go to trial?

Most settle, but we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial. Insurance companies offer better settlements when they know your lawyer isn’t afraid of the courtroom. Ralph Manginello has the trial experience to back up our demands.

What if the trucking company goes out of business?

Their insurance policy remains in effect regardless of bankruptcy. We also pursue other liable parties—brokers, shippers, maintenance companies—who may have separate coverage.

Your Next Step: Call Attorney911 Today

You’ve been through enough. The medical bills are mounting. You’re missing work. The insurance adjuster keeps calling, pretending to be your friend while recording everything you say to use against you later.

Stop. Take a breath. You don’t have to face this alone.

At Attorney911, we’ve spent over 25 years leveling the playing field between injury victims and trucking companies. We know the federal regulations they violated. We know the evidence to preserve. And we know how to fight for every dime you deserve.

The clock is already ticking. Evidence is disappearing. The trucking company has lawyers working right now to protect them. What are you waiting for?

Call 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911) right now.

We answer 24/7. The consultation is free. You pay nothing unless we win. And we won’t rest until you get justice.

Don’t let the trucking company get away with it. Your family deserves better. White County deserves better. And we’re here to make sure you get it.

Attorney911. Because trucking companies shouldn’t get away with it. Call 888-ATTY-911 today.