When an 80,000-pound semi loses its brakes descending from the Lost River Range on US-93 near Mackay, Idaho, you don’t get time to react. In an instant, the quiet rural roads of Custer County become the scene of catastrophic devastation.
If you or someone you love has been injured in an 18-wheeler accident anywhere in Custer County, Idaho—whether on the steep grades of Highway 75 near Stanley, the winding corridors of US-93 through Challis, or the remote ranch roads serving the Salmon-Challis National Forest—you need an attorney who understands the brutal physics of these crashes and the complex web of federal regulations governing commercial trucking. At Attorney911, we bring 25+ years of courtroom experience fighting for trucking accident victims, and we know how to hold trucking companies accountable in Idaho’s unique mountain terrain.
Ralph Manginello, our managing partner, has been fighting for injury victims since 1998. With federal court admission to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas and admission to practice in both Texas and New York, Ralph has the jurisdictional reach and trial experience to handle cases that cross state lines—critical when Custer County trucking accidents involve carriers based in Boise, Twin Falls, or out-of-state companies hauling through Idaho’s rugged central region. Our associate attorney, Lupe Peña, brings an insider’s advantage: he used to defend insurance companies for a living. Now he fights against them, using his knowledge of their claims-handling manuals and lowball settlement tactics to ensure our clients in Custer County receive every dime they deserve.
We’ve recovered over $50 million for families devastated by negligence, including a $5 million traumatic brain injury settlement for a client injured by falling equipment and a $3.8 million recovery for a car accident victim who suffered a partial leg amputation. We’re currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against a major university, demonstrating our capacity to take on institutional defendants with deep pockets. When trucking companies send their rapid-response teams to Custer County crash scenes, you need a team ready to push back just as hard.
Call us today at 1-888-ATTY-911 or (888) 288-9911. We work on contingency—you pay nothing unless we win, and we advance all costs of investigation and litigation.
The Custer County Trucking Corridor: Unique Dangers in Idaho’s Mountain West
Custer County, Idaho, presents a distinct profile in the trucking accident landscape. Unlike the interstate-heavy corridors of southern Idaho, Custer County is served primarily by U.S. Highway 93 and State Highway 75—routes that traverse some of the most challenging mountain terrain in the continental United States. These aren’t just rural roads; they’re steep, winding passages through the Rocky Mountains where brake failure isn’t just a risk—it’s an epidemic waiting to happen.
US-93 runs north-south through the heart of Custer County, connecting the remote communities of Mackay, Challis, and Salmon. This highway carries heavy mining equipment from the Lost River Range operations, agricultural products from the upper Salmon River valley, and tourist traffic bound for the Sawtooth National Recreation Area. The highway features steep grades, sharp curves, and limited runaway truck ramps—creating a perfect storm for runaway truck accidents when braking systems fail under the stress of mountain descents.
State Highway 75, connecting to Sun Valley via Galena Pass and the Wood River Valley, sees heavy seasonal truck traffic delivering construction materials, resort supplies, and agricultural goods. The elevation changes—often exceeding 6,000 feet—put extraordinary strain on commercial vehicle braking systems. Winter conditions bring black ice and snowpack that stay on shaded mountain passes well into spring, creating hydroplaning and jackknife risks that flatland truckers simply aren’t trained to handle.
When these trucks crash in Custer County, the consequences are severe. Emergency medical services may be 45 minutes or more away from remote crash sites on US-93. The Custer County Sheriff’s Office and Idaho State Police handle the initial investigations, but securing federal trucking safety data requires immediate legal intervention. Evidence disappears fast in these remote locations—skid marks wash away in mountain rains, witnesses scatter, and critical Electronic Control Module (ECM) data can be overwritten within 30 days.
The clock is already ticking. If you were injured in a trucking accident on Custer County’s mountain highways, call 1-888-ATTY-911 now to preserve your evidence before it disappears.
Why Custer County Trucking Accidents Require Immediate Legal Action
Trucking companies don’t wait to protect their interests—and neither should you. Within hours of a crash on US-93 or Highway 75, motor carriers dispatch their own investigators, sometimes arriving before emergency crews clear the scene. Their goal is simple: limit liability and minimize payouts to injured Idaho families.
At Attorney911, we counter these tactics immediately. Within 24 hours of being retained, we dispatch spoliation letters to the trucking company, their insurer, and any maintenance contractors demanding preservation of critical evidence:
- ECM/Black Box Data: Records speed, braking, throttle position, and fault codes from the moments before impact. Overwrites in as little as 30 days.
- Electronic Logging Device (ELD) Records: Proves whether the driver violated 49 CFR Part 395 Hours of Service regulations—critical given the long hauls required to reach Custer County from distribution hubs.
- Driver Qualification Files: Under 49 CFR Part 391, we verify whether the driver held a valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), passed required medical examinations, and received proper training for mountain driving.
- Vehicle Maintenance Records: 49 CFR Part 396 requires systematic inspection and repair. We examine brake adjustment records, tire replacement logs, and pre-trip inspection reports—essential given the brake fade risks on Custer County’s steep grades.
- Cargo Securement Documentation: 49 CFR Part 393 governs how mining equipment, agricultural products, and other loads must be secured for mountain transit.
Idaho law provides a two-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims arising from motor vehicle accidents (Idaho Code § 5-219). However, waiting even weeks jeopardizes your case. Witnesses in remote Custer County locations become difficult to locate. Surveillance footage from the few businesses along US-93 gets overwritten. Most critically, trucking companies may “lose” driver logs or maintenance records that prove they violated federal safety regulations.
As client Donald Wilcox told us after we took on his case other firms rejected: “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.”
Don’t let the trucking company build their defense while you wait. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 for an immediate free consultation.
The Devastating Types of 18-Wheeler Accidents in Custer County, Idaho
Every mountain curve and steep descent in Custer County creates specific accident risks that differ significantly from interstate highway crashes. Here are the collision types we see most frequently in our Idaho practice:
Brake Failure and Runaway Truck Accidents
The physics are unforgiving. An 80,000-pound truck descending a 6% grade on US-93 generates tremendous heat in its braking system. If drivers rely on service brakes rather than proper low gearing, or if carriers deferred maintenance on brake adjusters or air systems, the brakes fade completely. The result is a runaway truck—often traveling 80+ mph with no ability to stop before the next curve or intersection.
These accidents violate 49 CFR § 393.40-55 (brake system requirements) and § 396.3 (systematic inspection requirements). We investigate whether the driver performed required pre-trip brake inspections and whether the trucking company maintained proper brake adjustment records. In mountainous Custer County, failure to maintain brakes isn’t just negligence—it’s potentially criminal.
Rollover Accidents on Mountain Curves
The sharp switchbacks on Highway 75 approaching Galena Summit and the bends along the Salmon River canyon claim numerous trucks annually. Rollovers occur when:
- Drivers take curves at excessive speed for the grade (49 CFR § 392.6)
- Cargo shifts due to improper securement (49 CFR § 393.100-136)
- Drivers overcorrect after drifting on ice or gravel
Rollovers often block both lanes of these narrow rural highways, leading to secondary collisions and multi-hour closures while emergency crews navigate the terrain.
Underride Collisions on US-93
When a passenger vehicle strikes the rear or side of a trailer and slides underneath, the results are often decapitation or catastrophic head injuries. 49 CFR § 393.86 requires rear impact guards on trailers, but side underride guards remain unregulated by federal law—a deadly gap given the narrow lanes and limited shoulders on Custer County highways. Many trailers lack adequate reflective tape (49 CFR § 393.13), making them nearly invisible on dark stretches of rural US-93 at night.
Jackknife Accidents on Icy Grades
Winter weather in the Lost River Range can drop temperatures below zero with wind chills that freeze hydraulic systems. When drivers brake too hard on ice, the trailer swings perpendicular to the cab, creating a 60-foot obstacle across the highway. These accidents often involve violations of 49 CFR § 392.3 (driving while impaired by fatigue or conditions) and § 392.14 (hazardous conditions—specifically, driving too fast for snow/ice).
Tire Blowouts and Cargo Spills
The extreme temperature fluctuations in Custer County—summer heat in the valleys followed by freezing nights at elevation—cause tire pressure spikes and material fatigue. A steer-tire blowout on a downhill curve can send a truck into oncoming traffic or off the road entirely. Similarly, improperly secured mining equipment or agricultural loads (hay, livestock) create shifting weight that causes loss of control.
Head-On Collisions on Rural Highways
Long distances between towns on US-93 lead to driver fatigue. When truckers exceed their Hours of Service limits under 49 CFR Part 395—driving beyond the 11-hour limit or the 14-hour duty window—they drift across the centerline into oncoming traffic. Given the 80,000-pound weight disparity, these collisions are almost always fatal for the passenger vehicle occupants.
If you survived one of these horrific crash types in Custer County, you need attorneys who understand the specific physics and regulations involved. At Attorney911, we’ve handled every variety of trucking accident, and we know how to prove negligence in Idaho’s unique mountain environment. Call 888-ATTY-911 today.
Catastrophic Injuries and Wrongful Death: The Human Cost
The force of an 80,000-pound truck colliding with a 4,000-pound passenger vehicle at highway speeds is devastating. We represent Custer County victims suffering from:
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
The violent forces in trucking accidents cause the brain to impact the skull wall, resulting in concussions, contusions, and diffuse axonal injuries. TBI victims may experience memory loss, personality changes, chronic headaches, and cognitive deficits that prevent them from returning to work. Our firm has recovered $1.5 million to $9.8 million for TBI victims, recognizing that these injuries require lifetime care and rehabilitation.
Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis
Complete spinal cord transections result in paraplegia or quadriplegia. Incomplete injuries leave victims with chronic pain and diminished motor function. Given Custer County’s remote location, evacuation and specialized trauma care often require air transport to Boise or Pocatello—adding hundreds of thousands in medical transport costs alone. These cases typically command $4.7 million to $25.8 million in settlements or verdicts when properly litigated.
Amputation and Crush Injuries
When passenger cabins are crushed by truck trailers or when victims are pinned in wreckage on Custer County roads, amputation may be necessary either at the scene or later due to compartment syndrome. We’ve secured $1.9 million to $8.6 million for amputation victims, accounting for prosthetics, home modifications, and lost earning capacity.
Wrongful Death
When trucking negligence kills a loved one on Idaho’s highways, surviving family members have legal rights under Idaho’s Wrongful Death statutes. While no amount of money replaces a life, we hold trucking companies accountable for funeral expenses, lost financial support, and the profound loss of companionship. Our firm has recovered $1.9 million to $9.5 million in wrongful death actions, including cases where gross negligence warranted punitive damages.
As our client Glenda Walker shared: “They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.” We bring that same tenacity to Custer County families facing the aftermath of catastrophic trucking injuries.
Idaho Law and Your 18-Wheeler Accident Case
Understanding Custer County’s legal environment is crucial to maximizing your recovery:
Comparative Negligence in Idaho
Idaho follows a “modified comparative negligence” rule with a 50% bar (Idaho Code § 6-801). This means:
- If you are less than 50% at fault for the accident, you can recover damages reduced by your percentage of fault.
- If you are 50% or more at fault, you recover nothing.
Trucking companies and their insurers often try to blame victims for accidents on Custer County’s winding roads, claiming drivers “should have known” about ice or should have avoided certain hours. Our job is to prove—through ECM data, ELD records, and expert reconstruction—that the truck driver’s negligence (fatigue, speeding, brake failure) was the primary cause, keeping your fault percentage below the threshold.
Statute of Limitations
You have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit in Idaho (Idaho Code § 5-219). For wrongful death claims, the clock starts at the date of death. While this seems like ample time, evidence preservation must happen within days or weeks.
Damage Caps
Idaho caps non-economic damages (pain and suffering) in certain circumstances, generally at $250,000 or $750,000 depending on the claim type and defendant (Idaho Code § 6-1603). However, economic damages (medical bills, lost wages) are uncapped, and punitive damages may be available in cases of willful misconduct or reckless disregard for safety—such as when trucking companies knowingly put drivers with drug violations or falsified logs behind the wheel.
Governmental Immunity
If your accident involved a Custer County government vehicle or a road defect maintained by the Idaho Transportation Department, special rules apply. Notice must often be given within 180 days, and damage limits may apply. These cases require immediate legal intervention.
All Liable Parties: Who Pays for Your Injuries?
Custer County trucking accidents often involve multiple responsible parties beyond just the driver. We investigate and pursue claims against:
- The Truck Driver: For negligence, distraction, fatigue, or impairment violations under 49 CFR § 392.4-5.
- The Motor Carrier/Trucking Company: Under respondeat superior (vicarious liability) and for direct negligence in hiring, training, or supervision (49 CFR Part 391).
- Cargo Loaders: Agricultural co-ops, mining companies, or warehouses that overloaded trailers or failed to secure cargo per 49 CFR Part 393.
- Maintenance Companies: Third-party mechanics who improperly serviced brakes or tires (49 CFR Part 396).
- Truck/Parts Manufacturers: When defective brakes, tires, or steering systems contribute to the crash.
- Freight Brokers: Who negligently hired carriers with poor safety records or pressured drivers to meet impossible deadlines.
- Government Entities: If unsafe road design or inadequate signage contributed (noting Idaho’s sovereign immunity limits).
By identifying all liable parties, we maximize the insurance coverage available to you—from the carrier’s $750,000 minimum policy up to $5 million for hazmat haulers, plus umbrella policies and excess coverage.
As Kiimarii Yup, another satisfied client, told us: “I lost everything… my car was at a total loss, and because of Attorney Manginello and my case worker Leonor, 1 year later I have gained so much in return plus a brand new truck.”
The Insurance Defense Advantage: Lupe Peña Fights for You
Insurance companies have playbooks designed to minimize your payout. They hire adjusters trained to get you to say “I’m fine” on recorded statements. They send surveillance investigators to video you carrying groceries. They run your medical records through algorithms like Colossus to lowball your pain and suffering.
Our firm includes Lupe Peña, an attorney who spent years working inside a national insurance defense firm. He knows:
- The settlement authority levels adjusters have before supervisor approval
- How to recognize when an insurer is “reserving” for high exposure
- The specific medical codes that trigger higher valuations in bodily injury software
- When claims managers are bluffing about “final offers”
Lupe is also fluent in Spanish, serving Custer County’s Hispanic agricultural and ranching community directly without interpreters. Hablamos Español. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911 para hablar con el abogado Lupe Peña sobre su accidente de camión en Custer County.
Frequently Asked Questions: Custer County Trucking Accidents
How long do I have to file a lawsuit after a trucking accident in Custer County?
Idaho law gives you two years from the accident date (Idaho Code § 5-219). However, critical evidence like ECM data may be overwritten in 30 days. Contact us immediately.
What if I was partially at fault for the accident on Highway 75?
Idaho’s modified comparative negligence rule allows recovery if you were less than 50% at fault, though your damages are reduced by your fault percentage. We work to prove the truck driver was primarily responsible for speeding, fatigue, or equipment failure.
Do I really need a lawyer for a trucking accident, or can I deal with the insurance company myself?
You absolutely need an attorney. As client Chad Harris explained: “You are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.” The trucking company has lawyers; you need someone leveling the playing field.
What if the trucking company is from out of state?
No problem. Ralph Manginello is admitted to federal court and holds licenses in multiple states. We can pursue out-of-state carriers operating in Idaho, and often federal jurisdiction applies to Custer County accidents involving interstate commerce.
How much does it cost to hire Attorney911?
Nothing upfront. We work on contingency—typically 33.33% if settled pre-trial, 40% if litigation is required. You pay nothing unless we win. Call (888) 288-9911 for a free case evaluation.
What types of damages can I recover?
Economic damages (medical bills, lost wages, future care), non-economic damages (pain and suffering, loss of enjoyment), and in cases of gross negligence, punitive damages.
Should I go to the hospital even if I feel okay after the crash?
Yes. Adrenaline masks injuries. Conditions like traumatic brain injury or internal bleeding may not show symptoms immediately. Documentation is crucial for your case.
What if the truck driver claims the curves on US-93 were “unavoidable”?
Federal regulations (49 CFR § 392) require drivers to operate at speeds safe for conditions. If they were driving too fast for the grade or failed to downshift properly, they are liable regardless of the road’s difficulty.
Your Fight Starts Now
An 18-wheeler accident in Custer County doesn’t just injure your body—it threatens your financial future, your ability to work, and your family’s security. You need attorneys with the experience to take on Fortune 500 trucking companies and the resources to litigate complex federal motor carrier safety cases.
Ralph Manginello has spent over 25 years fighting for injury victims. With our team—including Lupe Peña and his insider insurance knowledge—we have recovered multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements for families just like yours. We don’t back down when the trucking company lawyers show up, and we don’t settle for less than you deserve.
The trucking company is already building their defense. You deserve someone building yours.
Call Attorney911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911 or (888) 288-9911. We answer 24/7. Se habla español. Your consultation is free, and remember: you pay nothing unless we win.
