When an 80,000-pound truck changes your life on a Clark County highway, you don’t just need a lawyer—you need a fighter who’s been holding trucking companies accountable for over 25 years. At Attorney911, we know the roads you travel, from the I-15 corridor cutting through eastern Idaho to the rural routes connecting Clark County’s agricultural communities. We’ve seen what happens when trucking companies cut corners, and we know how to make them pay.
Ralph Manginello has spent more than two decades taking on commercial carriers and winning. With federal court admission to the Southern District of Texas and experience litigating against Fortune 500 corporations like BP after the 2005 Texas City explosion, he brings battle-tested expertise to every Clark County case. Our associate attorney Lupe Peña spent years working inside insurance defense firms—now he uses that insider knowledge to fight for you. That’s your advantage when you choose Attorney911.
The physics of a trucking accident are brutal. Your car weighs 4,000 pounds. The semi that hit you? Up to 80,000 pounds. That’s not a fair fight, and when trucking companies put profit over safety, families in Clark County pay the price. If you’ve been injured in an 18-wheeler accident anywhere in Clark County or the surrounding Idaho region, call 1-888-ATTY-911 immediately. Evidence disappears fast, and you need someone moving just as quickly as the trucking company’s lawyers.
Clark County Trucking Accidents: A Perfect Storm of Risk
Clark County sits at the crossroads of major freight corridors in eastern Idaho. While our county maintains that rugged Western character that defines the Gem State, our location creates unique dangers for motorists. Interstate 15 runs like an artery through our region, carrying freight from Salt Lake City north toward Montana and Canada. Every day, thousands of commercial trucks barrel through this corridor—many hauling agricultural equipment, dairy products, or goods bound for the Inland Northwest.
The rural nature of Clark County creates specific hazards you won’t find in urban areas. Long stretches of highway between Dubois and Spencer mean fatigued drivers push beyond their limits. Winter storms sweep down from the Centennial Mountains, creating black ice in seconds. Spring brings mud and debris, while summer’s heat stresses tires already worn from mountain grades. When you combine these conditions with trucking companies pushing drivers to meet impossible deadlines, catastrophic accidents become inevitable.
We know these roads because we’ve fought for victims on them. From the steep grades near the Montana border to the winding routes connecting Clark County’s ranching communities, our team understands the local factors that contribute to trucking accidents. When an 18-wheeler jackknifes on I-15 during an Idaho winter storm, or when a truck loaded with agricultural equipment loses control on Highway 22, the results are devastating. That’s why you need attorneys who know Clark County—not just the law, but the specific challenges of trucking in our high-altitude, weather-extreme region.
The 18-Wheeler Accident Types We See in Clark County
Every trucking accident tells a story of negligence, but the plot changes depending on where you are. In Clark County, we see distinct patterns tied to our geography and economy.
Jackknife Accidents on I-15
When a truck driver hits their brakes too hard on the icy stretches of I-15 near Spencer, the trailer swings perpendicular to the cab—creating a 70-foot barrier that sweeps across multiple lanes. These accidents often involve multi-vehicle pileups because passenger cars can’t stop in time on slick pavement. We investigate whether the driver was traveling too fast for conditions or whether their cargo shifted because of improper securement under 49 CFR § 393.100.
Rollover Crashes on Rural Routes
Clark County’s agricultural economy means heavy equipment moves constantly. When flatbeds hauling tractors or combines take curves too fast on County Road A-1 or other rural routes, rollovers happen. These crashes often involve improper loading under federal cargo securement rules. We examine the working load limits of tiedowns and whether the cargo’s center of gravity contributed to the truck tipping.
Underride Collisions
Underride crashes are among the most fatal accidents we handle. When an 18-wheeler suddenly stops on I-15 and a passenger vehicle slides underneath, the results are often decapitation or catastrophic head injuries. Federal law requires rear impact guards under 49 CFR § 393.86, but many trailers have inadequate or damaged guards. We inspect the truck immediately after these accidents to document guard compliance.
Rear-End Collisions
A fully loaded truck needs nearly two football fields to stop from highway speed. When drivers follow too closely on Clark County’s highways or when brake failures occur because of deferred maintenance under 49 CFR § 396.3, rear-end collisions devastate passenger vehicles. We subpoena ECM data to prove the driver had no chance of stopping in time.
Tire Blowouts
Extreme temperature fluctuations in Clark County—from summer heat over 90 degrees to winter cold below zero—stress truck tires. When drivers or companies fail to inspect tires under 49 CFR § 393.75 or ignore minimum tread depth requirements, blowouts cause loss of control. We see these accidents particularly on I-84 and I-86 where long hauls heat up the rubber.
Driver Fatigue Incidents
The agricultural calendar creates intense seasonal pressure. During potato harvest or calving season, trucking companies push drivers beyond the 11-hour federal driving limit under 49 CFR § 395.8. When ELD data shows Hours of Service violations, we prove the company prioritized profit over safety.
Federal Regulations That Protect Clark County Drivers
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) exists to prevent exactly the type of carnage we see on Clark County roads. These aren’t suggestions—they’re federal laws that trucking companies break every day at your expense.
Hours of Service (49 CFR Part 395)
Federal law limits commercial drivers to 11 hours of driving after 10 consecutive hours off duty. They cannot drive beyond the 14th consecutive hour after coming on duty, and they must take a 30-minute break after 8 cumulative hours of driving. When trucking companies pressure Clark County-area drivers to haul agricultural products through the night or make impossible delivery deadlines, they violate these rules. We obtain ELD records to prove fatigue caused your accident.
Driver Qualification Standards (49 CFR Part 391)
Before a driver can legally operate a commercial vehicle in Clark County or anywhere in Idaho, they must pass strict medical examinations, maintain a valid CDL, and complete proper training under federal standards. We subpoena Driver Qualification Files to check if the trucking company hired an unqualified driver or failed to verify previous employment histories.
Vehicle Maintenance Requirements (49 CFR Part 396)
Every trucking company must systematically inspect, repair, and maintain its fleet. Drivers must complete pre-trip inspections checking brakes, lights, tires, and steering mechanisms. Post-trip reports are required daily. When we find maintenance logs showing deferred repairs or missing inspection reports, we prove the company knew their truck was a death trap.
Cargo Securement (49 CFR Parts 392-393)
Idaho’s agricultural economy means trucks hauling everything from dairy cattle to potatoes to machinery. Federal rules require cargo to be secured to withstand forces of 0.8g forward, 0.5g rearward, and 0.5g laterally. When loads shift on curves or fall onto Clark County highways, we prove the company violated these specific performance criteria.
Drug and Alcohol Testing (49 CFR Part 382)
Commercial drivers cannot operate with a BAC of 0.04 or higher—a stricter standard than for passenger vehicle drivers. Random testing is mandatory. When drivers are impaired and cause accidents on Idaho roads, we obtain their drug test results to prove liability.
Who Can Be Held Liable for Your Clark County Trucking Accident?
Most law firms only go after the truck driver and maybe the trucking company. That’s leaving money on the table. We investigate every potentially liable party because more defendants mean more insurance coverage—and that means full compensation for you.
The Truck Driver
Direct negligence includes speeding for conditions, distracted driving (illegal under 49 CFR § 392.82), fatigued operation, or impaired driving. We examine cell phone records and ELD data to prove the driver broke the law.
The Trucking Company (Motor Carrier)
Under the doctrine of respondeat superior, employers are liable for their employees’ negligent acts. But we also look for direct negligence: negligent hiring (failing to check the driver’s record), negligent training, negligent supervision, and negligent maintenance. When Clark County-based trucking companies cut corners on safety to boost profits, we hold them accountable.
The Cargo Owner and Loading Company
Idaho’s agricultural industry often involves third-party loading. When a dairy cooperative or farm loads a truck improperly in Clark County, and that cargo shifts causing a rollover, the loader is liable. We examine bills of lading and loading procedures.
Maintenance Companies
Many trucking companies outsource maintenance. When third-party mechanics fail to properly adjust brakes under 49 CFR § 393.48 or install defective parts, they share liability.
Freight Brokers
Brokers who arrange shipping but don’t own trucks must verify carrier safety records. When they hire the cheapest carrier with a history of violations to save money, they’re negligent.
Truck and Parts Manufacturers
Defective brake systems, faulty tires, or design flaws in suspension systems can cause accidents. We work with mechanical engineers to identify product liability claims.
Government Entities
If dangerous road design or inadequate signage on Clark County roads contributed to your accident—such as missing warnings for steep grades or sharp curves—we pursue claims against governmental entities, though Idaho’s notice requirements are strict and time-sensitive.
The Evidence That Disappears in 30 Days
Trucking companies don’t wait to build their defense. They have rapid-response teams that arrive at Clark County accident scenes while victims are still being extracted from vehicles. If you don’t act immediately, critical evidence vanishes forever.
ECM/Black Box Data
The Engine Control Module records speed, brake application, throttle position, and seatbelt usage in the seconds before impact. This data overwrites in as little as 30 days or with subsequent driving events. We send spoliation letters within 24 hours to preserve this objective evidence.
Electronic Logging Devices (ELD)
Since December 2017, federal law requires ELDs that automatically record driving hours, GPS location, and duty status. These devices prove Hours of Service violations—if you can get the data before it’s deleted. FMCSA only requires 6-month retention, but once litigation is anticipated, destruction becomes spoliation.
Driver Qualification Files
Federal law requires these files be maintained for 3 years after a driver leaves employment. They contain medical certifications, drug test results, and training records. We demand these immediately to check for unqualified drivers or previous violations the company ignored.
Maintenance Records
Proving deferred maintenance requires inspection and repair logs. If the trucking company “lost” these records after receiving our spoliation letter, courts can instruct juries to assume the destroyed evidence was unfavorable to the defense.
Dashcam and Surveillance Footage
Many trucks have forward-facing cameras. Nearby businesses on Clark County highways may have captured the accident. This footage typically overwrites within 7-30 days.
When you call 888-ATTY-911, we deploy investigators immediately. We don’t wait. The trucking company isn’t waiting—they’re already building their defense while you read this. Call now.
Catastrophic Injuries: The Real Cost of Trucking Negligence
The force of an 80,000-pound vehicle hitting a 4,000-pound car creates specific injury patterns that devastate Clark County families. We don’t just handle cases—we help people rebuild their lives after:
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
Closed head injuries from trucking accidents range from concussions to severe diffuse axonal injuries. Symptoms may not appear immediately, but the consequences—memory loss, personality changes, inability to work—last a lifetime. Treatment costs can exceed millions over a lifetime.
Spinal Cord Injuries
The impact forces often fracture vertebrae or sever the spinal cord. Paraplegia and quadriplegia require lifelong care, home modifications, and adaptive vehicles. We work with life care planners to calculate these costs over decades.
Amputations
Crushing injuries often require surgical amputation of limbs. Beyond the initial trauma, victims face prosthetics costs, phantom limb pain, and loss of earning capacity. We’ve secured multi-million dollar settlements for amputation victims because we understand these lifelong costs.
Severe Burns
When fuel tanks rupture or hazardous materials spill on I-15, thermal and chemical burns cause excruciating pain and require multiple skin graft surgeries. Disfigurement affects every aspect of life.
Wrongful Death
When trucking accidents take loved ones from Clark County families, we pursue wrongful death claims under Idaho law. Compensation includes lost future income, loss of consortium, mental anguish, and funeral expenses. While no amount replaces your loved one, financial security allows your family to heal without economic devastation.
Idaho Law: What You Need to Know After a Clark County Trucking Accident
Statute of Limitations
In Idaho, you have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit under Idaho Code § 5-219. For wrongful death, the clock starts at the date of death. Two years sounds like a long time, but evidence disappears in weeks. Contact us immediately to preserve your claim.
Modified Comparative Negligence (Idaho Code § 6-801)
Idaho follows a modified comparative negligence system with a 50% bar. If you’re found 50% or more at fault, you recover nothing. If you’re less than 50% at fault, your damages are reduced by your percentage of fault. The trucking company’s insurance will try to blame you—don’t let them. We gather ECM data and witness statements to prove the truck driver was 100% responsible.
Damage Caps
Idaho caps non-economic damages (pain and suffering) at $250,000 in many personal injury cases, adjusted annually for inflation. However, economic damages (medical bills, lost wages) have no cap. Punitive damages are available in cases of gross negligence, capped at the greater of $250,000 or three times compensatory damages under Idaho Code § 6-1604.
Commercial Insurance Minimums
Federal law requires trucking companies carry:
- $750,000 for non-hazardous freight
- $1,000,000 for oil and hazardous materials
- $5,000,000 for certain hazardous cargo
Many carriers carry $1-5 million in coverage. Unlike regular car accidents with $25,000 Idaho minimums, trucking cases have substantial coverage—but accessing it requires attorneys who know federal trucking law.
What to Do After a Clark County Trucking Accident
If you’re able, take these steps immediately:
- Call 911 and request emergency medical services
- Photograph everything—vehicles, license plates, DOT numbers, road conditions, skid marks
- Get the driver’s CDL information and insurance details
- Obtain witness contact information
- Seek immediate medical evaluation, even if you feel “fine”
- Do not give recorded statements to the trucking company’s insurance
- Call Attorney911 at 1-888-288-9911
If you’re too injured to do these things, that’s okay. We handle the investigation. But time is critical—black box data overwrites, witnesses forget, and evidence washes away with Idaho weather.
Client Success Stories: Real Results for Real People
Our clients aren’t case numbers—they’re family. Just ask Chad Harris, who told us: “You are NOT a pest to them and you are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.”
Or Glenda Walker, who said: “They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.”
Donald Wilcox came to us after another firm rejected his case. As he explained: “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.”
Kiimarii Yup lost everything in an accident—1 year later I have gained so much in return plus a brand new truck thanks to our team’s relentless advocacy.
These aren’t just words—they’re the standard of care we bring to every Clark County case. When the insurance companies see Attorney911 on the filing, they know we mean business. We’ve gone toe-to-toe with the world’s largest corporations, including BP after the 2005 refinery explosion that killed 15 workers. That same aggressive representation is available to you.
Why Trucking Companies Fear Us (And Why You Should Call Us)
Attorney911 offers advantages other firms simply can’t match:
Former Insurance Defense Insider
Lupe Peña used to work for the insurance companies. He knows their playbook—how they lowball settlements, delay claims, and manipulate recorded statements. Now he uses that knowledge against them. When we negotiate your Clark County trucking settlement, we’re three moves ahead because we know how they think.
Federal Court Experience
Ralph Manginello is admitted to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas. This matters because trucking cases often involve federal regulations and interstate commerce issues that can be litigated in federal court. Most personal injury attorneys never set foot in federal court—we’re comfortable there.
Multi-Million Dollar Results
We’ve recovered over $50 million for clients, including:
- $5+ million for a traumatic brain injury victim
- $3.8+ million for an amputation case
- $2.5+ million for trucking accident victims
- Multi-million dollar wrongful death settlements
24/7 Availability
Call 1-888-ATTY-911 anytime, day or night. We answer. When a trucking company destroys evidence at 2 AM, we send preservation letters at 2:15 AM.
No Fee Unless We Win
We work on contingency—33.33% pre-trial, 40% if litigation is required. You pay nothing upfront. We advance all costs. If we don’t win, you don’t pay.
Hablamos Español
Our associate attorney Lupe Peña provides fluent Spanish representation. No interpreters needed. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 and ask for Lupe.
Frequently Asked Questions: Clark County Trucking Accidents
How long do I have to file a lawsuit in Clark County, Idaho?
Two years from the accident date under Idaho Code § 5-219. But don’t wait. Evidence disappears in weeks, not years.
Can I recover damages if I was partially at fault?
Yes, if you were less than 50% at fault. Under Idaho’s modified comparative negligence law, your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault. We’re skilled at minimizing your attributed fault percentage.
What if the truck driver was an independent contractor?
Trucking companies often try to shield themselves behind “independent contractor” labels. We investigate the actual employment relationship—who controlled the driver’s schedule, who owned the truck, who paid for fuel and maintenance. Often, the company is still liable.
How much is my case worth?
It depends on injury severity, medical costs, lost wages, and available insurance. Trucking cases typically start in the high six figures and can reach millions for catastrophic injuries. We offer free consultations to evaluate your specific situation.
Will my case go to trial?
Most settle, but we prepare every case for trial. Insurance companies know which attorneys are bluffing—they know we aren’t. That preparation leads to better settlements without trial, but we’re ready to fight in court if necessary.
What about underride accidents—aren’t trucks required to have guards?
Yes, federal law requires rear impact guards under 49 CFR § 393.86. However, side guards are not federally mandated despite being equally dangerous. When underride occurs due to inadequate guards, we pursue claims against trailer manufacturers and owners.
How do I pay for medical treatment while my case is pending?
We work with medical providers who accept assignment of benefits or letters of protection, meaning they get paid from your settlement. Don’t let lack of insurance money stop you from getting treatment.
Can undocumented workers file claims?
Yes. Immigration status does not affect your right to compensation after a trucking accident in Clark County. We protect all victims regardless of status.
What if the trucking company is from out of state?
We handle cases involving carriers from across the country. Federal trucking regulations apply nationwide, and we can pursue Idaho-based litigation even if the company is headquartered elsewhere.
The Clock Is Ticking: Call Now
The trucking company that hit you has already called their lawyers. Their insurance adjuster is already looking for ways to minimize your claim. While you heal, they’re building a defense.
Don’t let them get away with it. Not in Clark County. Not anywhere in Idaho.
Call 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911) right now for a free, confidential consultation. Ralph Manginello and the team at Attorney911 will fight for every dollar you deserve. We treat you like family, not a file number.
We fight. We win. We answer—24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Hablamos Español. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911 hoy mismo.
Attorney911 | The Manginello Law Firm
Serving Clark County and all of Idaho
Free Consultation | No Fee Unless You Win
