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Conejos County 18-Wheeler Accident Attorneys: Attorney911 Delivers 25+ Years of Federal Courtroom Dominance Led by Ralph Manginello, $50+ Million Recovered Including $2.5+ Million Truck Crash Verdicts, Former Insurance Defense Attorney Lupe Peña Exposing Carrier Tactics From Inside, FMCSA 49 CFR Parts 390-399 Masters Hunting Hours of Service Violations and Extracting Black Box ELD Data, Jackknife Rollover Underride Brake Failure Tire Blowout Cargo Spill Hazmat and All Catastrophic Crash Types, Traumatic Brain Injury Spinal Cord Paralysis Amputation Burn Wrongful Death Specialists, Federal Court Admitted for Interstate Trucking Cases, Free 24/7 Consultation No Fee Unless We Win We Advance All Costs, Hablamos Español, 4.9 Star Google Rating 251 Reviews, Legal Emergency Lawyers The Firm Insurers Fear, Call 1-888-ATTY-911 Now

February 21, 2026 29 min read
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18-Wheeler & Trucking Accident Attorneys in Conejos County, Colorado

When 80,000 Pounds Changes Everything

The impact was catastrophic. One moment you’re driving through the San Luis Valley on US-285, surrounded by the stunning peaks of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. The next, an 80,000-pound semi-truck has jackknifed across your path, or worse—slammed into your vehicle with a force no car can withstand.

If you’ve been injured in an 18-wheeler accident in Conejos County, you already know this truth: trucking accidents aren’t just bigger car crashes. They’re fundamentally different. The injuries are catastrophic. The trucking companies are powerful. And the evidence you need to prove your case disappears fast.

At Attorney911, we’ve spent over 25 years fighting for trucking accident victims across Colorado and beyond. Ralph Manginello, our managing partner, has recovered multi-million dollar settlements for families devastated by 18-wheeler crashes. Our associate attorney Lupe Peña spent years working for insurance companies—now he uses that insider knowledge to fight against them. That’s your advantage.

But here’s what you need to know right now: the clock started ticking the moment that truck hit you. Black box data can be overwritten in 30 days. Dashcam footage gets deleted. Witnesses forget. And the trucking company? They’ve already called their lawyers.

Call Attorney911 immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911. We answer 24/7. The consultation is free. And you pay nothing unless we win.

Why Conejos County 18-Wheeler Accidents Are Different

Conejos County sits at the heart of Colorado’s San Luis Valley, where US-285 and US-160 form critical trucking corridors connecting the Front Range to New Mexico and the Four Corners region. This geography creates unique dangers for local drivers.

The Mountain-Valley Factor

The San Luis Valley is the largest alpine valley in North America, sitting at 7,500 feet elevation with mountain passes exceeding 10,000 feet on all sides. For truck drivers, this means:

  • Brake fade on long descents from La Veta Pass (9,413 ft) and Wolf Creek Pass (10,857 ft)
  • Engine performance issues at high altitude affecting acceleration and power
  • Sudden weather changes from clear skies to blinding snow or ice
  • Runaway truck ramps that drivers may fail to use until it’s too late

These aren’t theoretical concerns. In 2023, a semi-truck lost brakes descending Wolf Creek Pass, crashed through a runaway ramp barrier, and killed four people in a fiery collision. The trucking company had failed to properly maintain the brake system—a violation of 49 CFR § 396.3 that could have been prevented.

The Agricultural-Industrial Mix

Conejos County’s economy blends traditional agriculture with modern logistics. The area’s potato farms, cattle ranches, and growing distribution centers create unique trucking patterns:

  • Seasonal harvest spikes with overloaded trucks rushing to market
  • Livestock transport with specialized trailers and unique handling requirements
  • Refrigerated cargo requiring constant temperature monitoring
  • Last-mile delivery from regional distribution hubs to rural addresses

Each of these creates specific FMCSA compliance obligations—and specific opportunities for negligence when corners are cut.

The 15 Types of 18-Wheeler Accidents We Handle

Not all trucking accidents are the same. Each type involves different physics, different liable parties, and different legal strategies. At Attorney911, we’ve handled every major accident type—and we know how to build winning cases for each.

Jackknife Accidents

A jackknife occurs when the trailer and cab skid in opposite directions, with the trailer folding at an angle like a pocket knife. The trailer often sweeps across multiple lanes, creating a wall of steel that nearby vehicles cannot avoid.

Why Jackknifes Happen in Conejos County:

  • Sudden braking on US-285’s curves near La Jara or Antonito
  • Empty or lightly loaded trailers more prone to swing (common with agricultural haulers)
  • Brake failures on mountain descents
  • Driver inexperience with trailer dynamics

The FMCSA Violation: 49 CFR § 393.48 (brake system malfunction) or § 393.100 (improper cargo securement affecting stability)

Your Injuries: Multi-vehicle pileup injuries, crushing from trailer impact, TBI from secondary collisions

Rollover Accidents

A rollover occurs when an 18-wheeler tips onto its side or roof. Due to the truck’s high center of gravity and 80,000-pound weight, rollovers are among the most catastrophic accidents.

Why Rollovers Happen in Conejos County:

  • Speeding on curves of US-160 through the San Juan Mountains
  • Top-heavy loads shifting on mountain switchbacks
  • Overcorrection after tire blowouts (common at high altitude)
  • Driver fatigue from long hauls across the valley

The FMCSA Violation: 49 CFR § 393.100-136 (cargo securement failures causing load shift)

Your Injuries: Crushing injuries, fuel fire burns, TBI from impact, spinal cord injuries from vehicle deformation

Underride Collisions

An underride occurs when a smaller 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.

Why Underrides Happen:

  • Sudden stops by trucks without adequate warning
  • Low visibility conditions (common in mountain fog)
  • Inadequate or missing underride guards
  • Following too closely in heavy traffic

The Critical Fact: Side underride guards are NOT federally required. Only rear guards are mandated under 49 CFR § 393.86. This regulatory gap kills hundreds annually.

Your Injuries: Decapitation, severe head and neck trauma, death. These accidents are almost always fatal.

Rear-End Collisions

Due to their massive weight, 18-wheelers require 20-40% more stopping distance than passenger vehicles. A fully loaded truck at 65 mph needs approximately 525 feet to stop—nearly two football fields.

Why Rear-End Collisions Happen:

  • Following too closely (tailgating)
  • Driver distraction from cell phones or dispatch
  • Driver fatigue and delayed reaction
  • Brake failures from poor maintenance
  • Failure to anticipate traffic slowdowns

The FMCSA Violation: 49 CFR § 392.11 (following too closely), § 392.3 (operating while fatigued), § 393.48 (brake deficiencies)

Your Injuries: Whiplash, spinal cord injuries, TBI from high-speed impact, internal organ damage, crushing injuries

Wide Turn Accidents (“Squeeze Play”)

Trucks must swing wide before completing right turns, creating a gap that smaller vehicles enter. The truck then completes its turn, crushing the vehicle in the gap.

Why Wide Turn Accidents Happen:

  • Failure to properly signal turning intention
  • Inadequate mirror checks
  • Driver inexperience with trailer tracking
  • Poor intersection design in older towns

Your Injuries: Crushing injuries, sideswipe trauma, pedestrian and cyclist fatalities

Blind Spot Accidents (“No-Zone”)

18-wheelers have four major blind spots where smaller vehicles disappear from view. The right-side blind spot is largest and most dangerous.

Why Blind Spot Accidents Happen:

  • Failure to check mirrors before lane changes
  • Improperly adjusted or damaged mirrors
  • Driver distraction during maneuvers
  • Driver fatigue affecting awareness

The FMCSA Requirement: 49 CFR § 393.80 requires mirrors providing clear view to rear on both sides

Your Injuries: Sideswipe injuries, loss of control, rollover of passenger vehicle, TBI

Tire Blowout Accidents

With 18 tires per truck, blowouts are inevitable. Steer tire failures are especially dangerous, causing immediate loss of control.

Why Tire Blowouts Happen in Conejos County:

  • Underinflated tires at high altitude
  • Overloaded vehicles exceeding tire capacity
  • Extreme temperature variations (hot days, cold nights)
  • Worn tires not replaced due to cost-cutting

The FMCSA Violation: 49 CFR § 393.75 (tire requirements), § 396.13 (pre-trip inspection)

Your Injuries: Jackknife or rollover from loss of control, debris strikes causing windshield impacts and loss of control

Brake Failure Accidents

Brake problems factor in approximately 29% of large truck crashes. Complete failure usually results from systematic maintenance neglect.

Why Brake Failures Happen:

  • Worn brake pads not replaced
  • Improper brake adjustment
  • Air brake system leaks
  • Overheated brakes (brake fade) on mountain descents
  • Deferred maintenance to save costs

The FMCSA Violation: 49 CFR § 393.40-55 (brake system requirements), § 396.3 (systematic maintenance)

Your Injuries: Severe rear-end collision injuries, multi-vehicle pileups, TBI from high-speed impact

Cargo Spill/Shift Accidents

Improperly secured cargo causes rollovers when the center of gravity shifts, or spills that create secondary accidents.

Why Cargo Accidents Happen:

  • Inadequate tiedowns
  • Unbalanced load distribution
  • Failure to use blocking, bracing, or friction mats
  • Overloading beyond securement capacity

The FMCSA Violation: 49 CFR § 393.100-136 (complete cargo securement standards)

Your Injuries: Rollover injuries, vehicles struck by falling cargo, chain-reaction accidents, hazmat exposure

Head-On Collisions

When trucks cross into oncoming traffic, the combined closing speed makes these almost always fatal or catastrophic.

Why Head-On Collisions Happen:

  • Driver fatigue causing lane departure
  • Driver falling asleep at the wheel
  • Driver distraction
  • Impaired driving
  • Medical emergency

The FMCSA Violation: 49 CFR § 395 (hours of service), § 392.3 (operating while fatigued), § 392.4/5 (drug/alcohol violations)

Your Injuries: Catastrophic injuries or death, TBI, spinal cord injuries, internal organ damage

The 10 Parties Who May Owe You Compensation

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

1. The Truck Driver

The driver who caused your accident may be personally liable for negligent conduct: speeding, distracted driving, fatigue, impairment, or traffic violations. We pursue their driving records, ELD data, and drug test results.

2. The Trucking Company / Motor Carrier

This is often your primary recovery target. Under respondeat superior, employers are liable for employees’ negligent acts. Plus, trucking companies face direct liability for:

  • Negligent hiring (failing to check backgrounds)
  • Negligent training (inadequate safety instruction)
  • Negligent supervision (ignoring HOS violations)
  • Negligent maintenance (deferring repairs)

Trucking companies carry $750,000 to $5 million in insurance—far more than individual drivers.

3. The Cargo Owner / Shipper

The company that owned the cargo may be liable if they:

  • Required overweight loading
  • Failed to disclose hazardous materials
  • Pressured the carrier to expedite beyond safe limits
  • Provided improper loading instructions

4. The Cargo Loading Company

Third-party loaders who physically loaded the truck may be liable for:

  • Improper cargo securement (49 CFR 393 violations)
  • Unbalanced load distribution
  • Failure to use proper blocking, bracing, or tiedowns

5. The Truck and Trailer Manufacturer

Defective design or manufacturing can create liability for:

  • Brake system failures
  • Stability control defects
  • Fuel tank placement causing fires
  • Defective safety systems (ABS, ESC)

6. The Parts Manufacturer

Companies that made specific failed components may be liable:

  • Defective brakes or brake parts
  • Defective tires causing blowouts
  • Defective steering mechanisms

7. The Maintenance Company

Third-party repair shops may be liable for:

  • Negligent repairs that failed to fix problems
  • Improper brake adjustments
  • Using substandard parts
  • Returning vehicles with known defects

8. The Freight Broker

Brokers who arranged transportation may be liable for:

  • Negligent selection of carriers with poor safety records
  • Failure to verify carrier insurance and authority
  • Selecting cheapest carrier despite safety concerns

9. The Truck Owner (If Different from Carrier)

In owner-operator arrangements, the owner may be liable for:

  • Negligent entrustment of vehicle
  • Failure to maintain owned equipment

10. Government Entities

Federal, state, or local government may be liable for:

  • Dangerous road design
  • Failure to maintain roads
  • Inadequate signage for known hazards
  • Improper work zone setup

Special considerations apply: sovereign immunity, strict notice requirements, and shorter deadlines.

The Evidence That Wins Cases—And Why It Disappears Fast

Here’s what the trucking companies don’t want you to know: the most important evidence in your case has an expiration date. And trucking companies have rapid-response teams working to make sure you never see it.

The 48-Hour Critical Window

Evidence Type Destruction Risk What We Do
ECM/Black Box Data Overwrites in 30 days or with new driving events Send spoliation letter within 24 hours
ELD Data FMCSA only requires 6-month retention Demand immediate download and preservation
Dashcam Footage Often deleted within 7-14 days Subpoena before destruction
Surveillance Video Business cameras overwrite in 7-30 days Canvass scene immediately for nearby cameras
Witness Memory Fades significantly within weeks Interview witnesses within days
Physical Evidence Vehicle may be repaired, sold, or scrapped Photograph everything; demand vehicle preservation

What Is a Spoliation Letter?

A spoliation letter is a formal legal notice sent to the trucking company, their insurer, and all potentially liable parties demanding preservation of all evidence related to the accident.

Once this letter is sent, destroying evidence becomes spoliation—a serious legal violation. Courts can:

  • Instruct juries to assume destroyed evidence was unfavorable
  • Impose monetary sanctions
  • Enter default judgment in extreme cases
  • Award punitive damages for intentional destruction

We send spoliation letters within 24 hours of being retained. Not next week. Not after we “evaluate” your case. Immediately.

The Electronic Evidence That Proves Negligence

Modern trucks are data factories. Every movement is recorded. And that data often contradicts what drivers claim.

ECM/Black Box Data Records:

  • Speed before and during the crash
  • Brake application timing and force
  • Throttle position (was driver accelerating?)
  • Engine RPM
  • Cruise control status
  • Steering inputs
  • Fault codes (known mechanical issues)

ELD Data Proves:

  • Exactly how long the driver was on duty
  • Whether required breaks were taken
  • Hours of service violations
  • GPS location history
  • Whether the driver was fatigued

Why This Data Wins Cases:

A driver claims: “I wasn’t speeding. I hit my brakes immediately. I was well-rested.”

The ECM shows: 72 mph in a 65 zone. No brake application for 4.2 seconds after collision warning. ELD shows driver had been on duty for 13.7 hours with only one 15-minute break.

Which version do you think the jury believes?

FMCSA Regulations: The Rules Trucking Companies Break

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulates every commercial truck on American highways. When trucking companies violate these rules, they create the dangerous conditions that cause catastrophic accidents.

Part 391: Driver Qualification Standards

The Rule: Trucking companies must verify that every driver is qualified to operate a commercial vehicle.

Requirements Include:

  • Minimum age (21 for interstate commerce)
  • Valid commercial driver’s license (CDL)
  • Medical certification (maximum 2 years)
  • Clean driving record check
  • Pre-employment drug testing
  • Three-year employment history verification

How Companies Violate This:

  • Hiring drivers with suspended licenses
  • Ignoring positive drug tests
  • Failing to verify previous employment
  • Allowing medical certifications to expire
  • Incomplete Driver Qualification Files

Your Case: If the trucking company hired an unqualified driver, they’re liable for negligent hiring—regardless of whether the driver was “acting within the scope of employment.”

Part 392: Driving Rules

The Rule: Drivers must operate commercial vehicles safely and legally.

Key Prohibitions:

  • § 392.3: Operating while fatigued or ill
  • § 392.4: Using drugs while on duty
  • § 392.5: Using alcohol within 4 hours of driving
  • § 392.6: Speeding (including for conditions)
  • § 392.11: Following too closely
  • § 392.82: Using hand-held mobile phones while driving

How Drivers Violate This:

  • Texting while driving through mountain passes
  • Driving while fatigued to meet delivery deadlines
  • Speeding on downhill grades
  • Tailgating in adverse weather

Your Case: These violations are negligence per se—automatic proof of negligence if they caused your accident.

Part 393: Vehicle Safety & Cargo Securement

The Rule: Trucks must be properly equipped and cargo must be secured to prevent shifting or falling.

Requirements:

  • § 393.40-55: Functional brake systems on all wheels
  • § 393.75: Adequate tire tread depth (4/32″ steer, 2/32″ other)
  • § 393.80: Properly adjusted mirrors
  • § 393.86: Rear underride guards on trailers
  • § 393.100-136: Cargo securement meeting performance criteria

How Companies Violate This:

  • Deferring brake maintenance to save money
  • Running tires beyond safe tread depth
  • Inadequate tiedowns for heavy or shifting loads
  • Missing or damaged underride guards

Your Case: Brake failures cause 29% of truck accidents. Cargo shifts cause rollovers. These are preventable with proper maintenance—making the trucking company liable.

Part 395: Hours of Service (HOS)

The Rule: Drivers cannot operate beyond specified hours without rest.

Property-Carrying Driver Limits:

  • 11 hours: Maximum driving time after 10 consecutive hours off duty
  • 14 hours: Maximum on-duty window (cannot drive beyond 14th hour)
  • 30 minutes: Required break after 8 cumulative hours driving
  • 60/70 hours: Weekly limits (60 hours/7 days or 70 hours/8 days)
  • 34 hours: Required restart period to reset weekly clock

How Companies Violate This:

  • Pressuring drivers to meet unrealistic delivery schedules
  • Falsifying ELD records or using “personal conveyance” to hide driving time
  • Ignoring driver complaints of fatigue
  • Scheduling routes that cannot be completed legally

Your Case: Fatigue causes approximately 31% of fatal truck crashes. HOS violations are strong evidence of negligence—and often prove the trucking company prioritized profit over safety.

Part 396: Inspection, Repair & Maintenance

The Rule: Motor carriers must systematically inspect, repair, and maintain all vehicles.

Requirements:

  • § 396.3: Systematic inspection, repair, and maintenance program
  • § 396.11: Driver post-trip inspection reports
  • § 396.13: Pre-trip inspection by driver
  • § 396.17: Annual comprehensive vehicle inspection
  • Records retained for minimum periods (1 year for maintenance, 14 months for annual inspections)

How Companies Violate This:

  • Deferring “non-critical” repairs to save money
  • Failing to document inspections
  • Ignoring driver-reported defects
  • Using substandard parts
  • Inadequate mechanic training

Your Case: Maintenance failures cause brake failures, tire blowouts, and equipment malfunctions. When we subpoena maintenance records, we often find patterns of deferred repairs that prove the company knew its trucks were dangerous.

Catastrophic Injuries: The Human Cost of Trucking Negligence

18-wheeler accidents don’t cause “minor” injuries. The physics of 80,000 pounds against 4,000 pounds ensures catastrophic outcomes.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

The force of a truck collision causes the brain to impact the inside of the skull, resulting in:

  • Concussions (mild TBI): Confusion, headaches, memory problems
  • Moderate TBI: Extended unconsciousness, cognitive deficits, personality changes
  • Severe TBI: Coma, permanent impairment, need for 24/7 care

Long-term consequences: Permanent cognitive impairment, inability to work, increased dementia risk, depression, relationship destruction.

Settlement range: $1,548,000 – $9,838,000+

Spinal Cord Injury & Paralysis

Damage to the spinal cord disrupts brain-body communication, causing:

Type Impact
Paraplegia Loss of function below waist; cannot walk
Quadriplegia Loss of function in all four limbs; may need ventilator
Incomplete injury Some nerve function remains; variable recovery
Complete injury Total loss below injury level; permanent

Lifetime care costs: $1.1 million (paraplegia) to $5+ million (quadriplegia)

Settlement range: $4,770,000 – $25,880,000+

Amputation

The crushing forces of truck accidents sever limbs or cause such severe damage that surgical amputation is required.

Ongoing needs: Prosthetic limbs ($5,000-$50,000 each, replaced every 3-5 years), physical therapy, occupational therapy, home modifications, psychological counseling.

Settlement range: $1,945,000 – $8,630,000

Severe Burns

Fuel tank ruptures, hazmat spills, and electrical fires cause burns requiring:

  • Multiple skin graft surgeries
  • Reconstructive procedures
  • Infection management
  • Long-term psychological trauma

Wrongful Death

When trucking negligence kills, surviving family members can pursue:

  • Lost future income and benefits
  • Loss of companionship and guidance
  • Mental anguish
  • Funeral expenses
  • Punitive damages for gross negligence

Settlement range: $1,910,000 – $9,520,000+

Colorado Law: What You Need to Know

Statute of Limitations

In Colorado, you have 2 years from the date of your trucking accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. For wrongful death claims, you also have 2 years from the date of death.

Critical: This deadline is absolute. Miss it, and you lose your right to compensation forever—no matter how severe your injuries or how clear the trucking company’s negligence.

Comparative Negligence: Colorado’s 50% Bar Rule

Colorado follows modified comparative negligence with a 50% bar. This means:

  • If you are less than 50% at fault, you can recover damages reduced by your percentage of fault
  • If you are 50% or more at fault, you recover nothing

Example: If your damages are $500,000 and you’re found 20% at fault, you recover $400,000. If you’re found 50% at fault, you recover $0.

This makes evidence preservation and skilled legal representation critical. The trucking company will try to shift blame to you. We fight back with data—ECM records, ELD logs, and expert analysis that proves what really happened.

Damage Caps

Colorado caps non-economic damages (pain and suffering) in personal injury cases at $300,000 (adjustable to $500,000 with clear and convincing evidence). However:

  • Economic damages (medical bills, lost wages) are uncapped
  • Punitive damages are capped at equal to compensatory damages
  • Wrongful death cases have different caps

Important: These caps apply to state court claims. Federal trucking regulations and interstate commerce issues may provide alternative avenues for recovery. Our federal court experience—Ralph Manginello’s admission to the Southern District of Texas—gives us options other firms may miss.

The Evidence We Preserve—And Why Timing Matters

Trucking companies have rapid-response teams for a reason: evidence disappears fast. Here’s what we fight to preserve:

Electronic Control Module (ECM) / “Black Box”

Records: Speed, braking, throttle, RPM, cruise control, fault codes

Destruction risk: Overwrites in 30 days or with new driving events

Our action: Spoliation letter within 24 hours; immediate download demand

Electronic Logging Device (ELD)

Records: Driver hours, duty status, GPS location, HOS compliance

Destruction risk: FMCSA only requires 6-month retention

Our action: Immediate preservation demand; subpoena for complete records

Driver Qualification File

Contains: Employment application, driving record, medical certification, drug tests, training records, previous employers

Why it matters: Proves negligent hiring if driver was unqualified

Our action: Subpoena complete file; identify gaps and violations

Maintenance Records

Contains: Inspection reports, repair history, parts records, mechanic notes

Why it matters: Brake failures, tire blowouts, and equipment failures are often preventable with proper maintenance

Our action: Subpoena all records for vehicle’s entire service history

Dashcam and Surveillance Footage

Destruction risk: Often deleted within 7-14 days

Our action: Immediate canvass of scene; subpoenas to all nearby businesses; preservation letters to trucking company

Cell Phone Records

Proves: Distracted driving, texting while driving, dispatch communications

Our action: Subpoena driver’s cell phone records for time of accident

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Conejos County Trucking Accident Case

25+ Years of Experience

Ralph Manginello has been fighting for injury victims since 1998. He’s admitted to federal court (Southern District of Texas), has litigated against Fortune 500 corporations including BP, and has recovered multi-million dollar settlements for families just like yours.

Former Insurance Defense Attorney on Your Side

Our associate attorney Lupe Peña spent years working for a national insurance defense firm. He knows exactly how trucking insurers evaluate claims, train adjusters to minimize payouts, and deny legitimate claims. Now he uses that insider knowledge to fight FOR you.

Multi-Million Dollar Results

Our documented recoveries include:

  • $5+ million for traumatic brain injury (logging accident)
  • $3.8+ million for amputation (car accident with medical complications)
  • $2.5+ million for commercial truck crash
  • $2+ million for maritime back injury (Jones Act)
  • Millions for wrongful death trucking cases

Federal Court Experience

Trucking cases often involve interstate commerce and federal regulations. Ralph Manginello’s federal court admission means we can pursue your case in federal court when advantageous—an option many firms lack.

Spanish-Language Services

Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish. We provide direct representation to Spanish-speaking clients without interpreters. Hablamos Español. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911.

Three Office Locations

With offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we serve trucking accident victims across Texas and Colorado. For Conejos County cases, we provide remote consultations and travel to you when needed.

24/7 Availability

Trucking accidents don’t happen during business hours. Neither do we. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 anytime—day or night, weekend or holiday. We answer.

Contingency Fee—No Fee Unless We Win

You pay nothing upfront. We advance all investigation costs. Our fee comes from your recovery, not your pocket. If we don’t win, you owe us nothing.

What to Do After an 18-Wheeler Accident in Conejos County

Immediate Steps (If You’re Able)

  1. Call 911 — Report the accident and request emergency medical services
  2. Seek medical attention — Even if injuries seem minor; adrenaline masks pain
  3. Document the scene — Photos and video of vehicles, damage, road conditions, skid marks
  4. Get truck information — Company name, DOT number, driver name and CDL, license plates
  5. Collect witness contacts — Names, phone numbers, what they saw
  6. Do NOT give recorded statements — To any insurance company, including your own
  7. Call Attorney9111-888-ATTY-911 — We send preservation letters immediately

Within 24-48 Hours

  • Follow all medical recommendations
  • Keep detailed records of symptoms, treatments, and how injuries affect daily life
  • Do NOT post about the accident on social media
  • Do NOT accept any settlement offers
  • Contact Attorney911 if you haven’t already

Frequently Asked Questions

How long do I have to file a lawsuit after a trucking accident in Colorado?

Two years from the date of the accident. For wrongful death, two years from the date of death. This deadline is absolute—miss it and you lose your right to compensation forever. But waiting is dangerous: evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and the trucking company builds its defense. Contact us immediately.

What if I was partially at fault for the accident?

Colorado follows modified comparative negligence with a 50% bar. If you’re less than 50% at fault, you can recover damages reduced by your percentage. If you’re 50% or more at fault, you recover nothing. The trucking company will try to shift blame to you. We fight back with data—ECM records, ELD logs, and expert analysis.

How much is my case worth?

Every case is unique. Factors include injury severity, medical expenses (past and future), lost wages and earning capacity, pain and suffering, degree of negligence, and available insurance. Trucking companies carry $750,000 to $5 million or more—allowing for larger recoveries than typical car accidents. We’ve recovered millions for families like yours.

Will my case go to trial?

Most cases settle before trial, but we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial. Insurance companies know which lawyers are willing to go to court—and they offer better settlements to clients with trial-ready attorneys. We have the resources and experience to take your case all the way if necessary.

How much does it cost to hire Attorney911?

Nothing upfront. We work on contingency—you pay nothing unless we win. We advance all investigation costs. Our fee comes from your recovery, not your pocket. The consultation is free. Call 1-888-ATTY-911.

Do you handle cases in Conejos County specifically?

Yes. While our offices are in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we handle trucking accident cases throughout Colorado and the United States. For Conejos County cases, we provide remote consultations and travel to you when needed. We know Colorado’s trucking corridors, courts, and laws.

What makes trucking accidents different from car accidents?

Everything. The injuries are catastrophic due to 80,000 pounds versus 4,000 pounds. The regulations are federal (FMCSA), not just state. The liable parties are multiple—driver, company, cargo owner, manufacturer, broker. The evidence is electronic and perishable. The insurance is higher ($750K-$5M minimum). And the trucking companies have teams of lawyers protecting them from day one.

You need a team that knows how to fight back.

Call Attorney911 Today: 1-888-ATTY-911

If you or a loved one has been injured in an 18-wheeler accident in Conejos County, don’t wait. The trucking company is already building their defense. Evidence is disappearing. And your time to act is limited.

Call Attorney911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911. We answer 24/7. The consultation is free. And you pay nothing unless we win.

Hablamos Español. Llame a Lupe Peña al 1-888-ATTY-911.

With 25+ years of experience, multi-million dollar results, and a former insurance defense attorney on your side, Attorney911 is ready to fight for you.

Your fight starts with one call: 1-888-ATTY-911.

Attorney911 / The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC
Houston: 1177 West Loop S, Suite 1600
Austin: 316 West 12th Street, Suite 311
Beaumont: Available for meetings

Ralph Manginello, Managing Partner | Bar #24007597
Lupe Peña, Associate Attorney | Bar #24084332

1-888-ATTY-911 | ralph@atty911.com | attorney911.com

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