18-Wheeler Accident Attorneys in Fremont County: Fighting for Idaho Victims

When 80,000 Pounds Changes Your Life Forever

The snow was falling on US-20 outside of Ashton when the trailer started to jackknife. Maybe the driver had been on the road too long. Maybe the brakes hadn’t been inspected properly. Maybe the cargo shifted on that sharp curve near the Montana border. When an 80,000-pound truck loses control in Fremont County, there’s no margin for error—just physics, devastation, and a family left picking up the pieces.

If you’re reading this, you or someone you love has already lived through the nightmare of an 18-wheeler accident. You’re not alone. Every year, commercial trucks moving through eastern Idaho’s corridors—from the agricultural haulers on Highway 20 to the tourist traffic heading toward Yellowstone—cause catastrophic injuries that change lives forever. And every year, the trucking companies and their insurance teams move fast to protect their interests, not yours.

At Attorney911, we’ve spent over 25 years standing between trucking companies and the families they destroy. Ralph Manginello has been fighting for injury victims since 1998, and our firm has recovered more than $50 million for clients across the nation. We know the roads of Fremont County—we understand how the steep grades of the Teton Range affect truck brakes, how winter storms on US-20 create black ice hazards, and how the mix of agricultural machinery and tourist traffic creates unique dangers. We know that when a truck hits you in Fremont County, you need fighters who understand not just the federal regulations, but the local terrain that contributed to your accident.

You pay nothing unless we win. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 today. Our team answers 24/7.

Why Fremont County Truck Accidents Are Different

Fremont County sits at the crossroads of Idaho’s agricultural heartland and the gateway to Yellowstone. US-20, the Yellowstone Highway, cuts right through the county, carrying everything from potato trucks heading to market to tourist buses bound for the park. This isn’t just another rural highway—it’s a critical freight corridor where local farm trucks share the road with interstate commerce.

The geography here creates specific dangers you won’t find in flatland states. The elevation changes approaching the Montana border put enormous strain on truck braking systems. Winter comes early and stays late in Fremont County, with ice storms creating treacherous conditions from Ashton to Island Park. And when spring arrives, the freeze-thaw cycle creates potholes and road hazards that can cause a loaded trailer to veer dangerously.

We’ve handled cases involving trucks that lost control descending toward the Henry’s Lake area, jackknifed on icy stretches near Ashton, and overturned on the curves of US-20. We know that when you’re injured in Fremont County, you’re not just dealing with the trauma of the crash—you’re dealing with medical bills that might require travel to Idaho Falls or Pocatello, lost wages from work in the agricultural or tourism sectors, and the harsh reality that trucking companies view rural accidents as easier to bury.

That’s why we’re here. With offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, Attorney911 serves clients nationwide, including right here in Fremont County. We come to you. We know the local courts. And we bring the same fight to Fremont County that we’ve used against Fortune 500 companies like BP and Walmart.

The Trucking Company Already Has Lawyers. Do You?

Here’s what most people don’t realize: within two hours of a serious truck accident, the trucking company has already deployed their rapid-response team. They have investigators at the scene. They’re downloading data from the truck’s black box. They’re coaching the driver on what to say. They’ve notified their insurance carrier, and that carrier has already assigned an adjuster whose sole job is to minimize your recovery.

What are you doing in those same two hours? You’re probably still in shock. You’re trying to figure out if your car is drivable. You’re wondering how you’ll get to work tomorrow, or how you’ll pay for medical treatment. You’re not thinking about FMCSA regulations or evidence preservation or spoliation letters.

That’s the playing field, and it’s not level. Unless you have someone fighting for you immediately, the trucking company is building a case against you while you’re still trying to process what happened.

At Attorney911, we level that field the moment you call. Ralph Manginello has been admitted to federal court—the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas—giving us the ability to handle complex interstate trucking cases that require federal jurisdiction. Our associate attorney Lupe Peña spent years working for insurance defense firms before joining our team. He knows exactly how the trucking company’s insurers evaluate claims, because he used to sit on their side of the table. Now he uses that insider knowledge to fight against them, exposing every tactic they use to undervalue legitimate claims.

We send spoliation letters within 24 hours of being retained. These legal notices demand that the trucking company preserve critical evidence—the electronic control module (ECM) data that shows speed and braking, the electronic logging device (ELD) records that prove whether the driver violated hours-of-service regulations, the driver qualification files that might show a history of safety violations. Without these letters, that evidence can be legally destroyed in as little as 30 days.

In Fremont County, where accidents might occur miles from the nearest town, evidence preservation is critical. Skid marks fade. Witnesses leave the scene. Dashcam footage gets overwritten. The sooner you call us at 1-888-ATTY-911, the sooner we can protect your rights.

Understanding Idaho Law: Your Rights After a Fremont County Truck Accident

Idaho law gives you two years from the date of a truck accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. That might sound like plenty of time, but in trucking cases, waiting is your enemy. Evidence disappears. Memories fade. And trucking companies use every day of delay to strengthen their defense.

Idaho operates under a “modified comparative negligence” system with a 50% bar. This means you can recover damages as long as you’re less than 50% at fault for the accident. But here’s the catch: whatever percentage of fault gets assigned to you reduces your recovery by that amount. If a jury finds you 20% at fault for an accident on US-20, you lose 20% of your compensation. The trucking company’s insurance adjusters know this, and they’ll work hard to shift blame onto you—claiming you were speeding, or following too closely, or distracted by the scenery near Yellowstone.

This is why having an experienced attorney matters. We know how to counter these tactics. We know how to use the FMCSA regulations to prove that no matter what you were doing, the trucking company violated federal safety standards. And we know how Idaho juries think about shared fault in accidents involving massive commercial vehicles.

Idaho does cap non-economic damages (pain and suffering) at $250,000 in most personal injury cases, though this cap doesn’t apply to wrongful death claims or cases involving “willful or reckless misconduct.” Punitive damages—which punish the trucking company for particularly egregious conduct—are capped at the greater of three times compensatory damages or $250,000. These caps make it even more critical that you maximize your economic damages (medical bills, lost wages, future care costs) and that you have an attorney who knows when punitive damages might apply.

The 18-Wheeler Accidents We See in Fremont County

Every region has its signature accident types, and Fremont County is no different. The combination of mountainous terrain, agricultural traffic, and winter weather creates specific patterns of truck accidents that we’ve learned to recognize and litigate.

Jackknife Accidents on Icy Highways

When a truck jackknifes—when the trailer swings perpendicular to the cab, forming a 90-degree angle—it’s often because the driver braked too hard on a slippery surface. In Fremont County, where temperatures in Ashton can drop below zero and black ice forms without warning on US-20, jackknifes are a common winter hazard.

These accidents are devastating because the swinging trailer sweeps across multiple lanes. We’ve seen cases where a jackknifed trailer has pushed smaller vehicles into the median or off the road entirely. The physics are brutal: 80,000 pounds of steel and cargo moving sideways has no regard for the 4,000-pound car in its path.

Jackknifes often result from FMCSA violations. Under 49 CFR § 393.100, cargo must be properly secured to prevent shifting that could affect vehicle stability. Under 49 CFR § 392.6, drivers must operate at speeds reasonable for conditions—even if that means driving below the speed limit on icy Fremont County roads. When we investigate these accidents, we look at whether the driver was pressured to maintain speed despite weather warnings, and whether the cargo was properly secured for winter conditions.

Rollovers on Mountain Curves

The elevation changes as you head east on US-20 toward the Montana border create curves that challenge even experienced drivers. When a truck rolls over on these curves, it’s often due to one of three factors: excessive speed, improperly secured cargo, or driver fatigue.

A fully loaded truck has a high center of gravity. Taking a curve too fast shifts the center of gravity outward, and once that force overcomes gravity, the truck rolls. Rollovers are particularly dangerous in Fremont County because the terrain often allows the truck to roll down embankments or into oncoming traffic lanes.

These cases frequently involve violations of 49 CFR § 393.100-136, the cargo securement regulations. Liquid cargo—like the agricultural products often hauled through Fremont County—can “slosh” during turns, shifting weight suddenly and causing loss of control. Drivers are required to adjust their driving for cargo type, and companies must ensure loads are properly secured before the truck leaves the yard.

Underride Collisions: The Most Deadly Truck Accidents

An underride collision occurs when a smaller vehicle crashes into the rear or side of a trailer and slides underneath. Because the trailer sits higher than the car’s hood, the impact point is often at windshield level—decapitation height. These accidents are almost always fatal or cause catastrophic brain and spinal injuries.

Federal regulations under 49 CFR § 393.86 require rear impact guards—”Mansfield bars”—on trailers manufactured after 1998. These guards are supposed to prevent underride at speeds up to 30 mph. But guards can be damaged, poorly maintained, or simply inadequate for the speeds seen on US-20. Side underride guards, which would prevent cars from sliding under the side of a trailer during a lane change or intersection collision, are not federally mandated despite being available technology.

When we handle underride cases in Fremont County, we immediately inspect the trailer’s rear guard. Was it properly maintained? Was it damaged in a previous incident and never repaired? Did the trucking company know the guard was inadequate? These questions can lead to liability not just for the driver, but for the maintenance company, the trailer manufacturer, or the cargo loader who altered the trailer’s weight distribution.

Rear-End Collisions: The Physics of Stopping

An 18-wheeler traveling at 65 mph needs approximately 525 feet to stop—that’s nearly two football fields. In contrast, a passenger car needs about 300 feet. When traffic backs up on US-20 near Ashton or slows for wildlife near the Tetons, truck drivers who are following too closely or distracted by their phones cannot stop in time.

These accidents often involve violations of 49 CFR § 392.11, which requires trucks to maintain safe following distances, and 49 CFR § 392.82, which prohibits hand-held mobile phone use. The electronic control module (ECM) data from the truck will show exactly when the driver applied brakes and whether they were speeding at the moment of impact. This data is objective evidence that often contradicts the driver’s claim that “the car stopped suddenly.”

Wide Turn Accidents in Rural Intersections

Rural intersections in Fremont County—where US-20 meets county roads—often lack the traffic signals and wide lanes found in urban areas. When a truck makes a right turn from US-20 onto a narrower county road, the driver must swing wide to the left first, creating a “squeeze play” trap for vehicles in the adjacent lane or for oncoming traffic.

These accidents frequently involve violations of 49 CFR § 393.80, which requires proper mirrors, and 49 CFR § 392.2, which requires adherence to traffic control devices. Drivers who fail to signal properly, fail to check their blind spots, or underestimate the space needed for their trailer can crush smaller vehicles against the curb or oncoming traffic.

Tire Blowouts on High-Altitude Highways

The elevation changes in Fremont County—combined with summer heat on asphalt that can reach 140 degrees—create conditions where tire blowouts are common. When a steer tire blows on a truck traveling at highway speed, the driver often loses control immediately, causing the truck to swerve into other lanes or off the road entirely.

Tire blowouts often result from violations of 49 CFR § 393.75, which sets minimum tread depth requirements (4/32 inch for steer tires), and 49 CFR § 396.13, which requires pre-trip inspections. We investigate whether the driver conducted a proper pre-trip inspection that morning, whether the tires were overloaded beyond their capacity, and whether the trucking company deferred maintenance to save costs.

Cargo Spills on the Yellowstone Highway

Fremont County sees significant agricultural traffic—potatoes, grain, and hay moving from farms to processing facilities. When these loads spill onto US-20, they create hazards for miles. Shifting cargo can also cause rollovers or jackknifes when the center of gravity changes suddenly.

Federal cargo securement rules under 49 CFR § 393.100-136 require that cargo be secured to withstand specific forces: 0.8g deceleration forward, 0.5g acceleration rearward, and 0.5g lateral forces. Tiedowns must have aggregate working load limits equal to at least 50% of the cargo weight. When loaders fail to meet these standards—whether at a farm in Fremont County or a distribution center in Idaho Falls—they create liability for accidents that happen miles down the road.

The Federal Rules That Keep You Safe (When Trucking Companies Follow Them)

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) exists because without regulation, trucking companies will prioritize profit over safety. Every rule in Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations exists because someone died or was maimed when that rule didn’t exist. When we handle your Fremont County truck accident case, we use these regulations to prove negligence.

Part 390: General Applicability

These rules establish who must comply with federal regulations. If a vehicle has a gross vehicle weight rating over 10,001 pounds, transports hazardous materials, or is designed to carry more than 15 passengers, it’s subject to FMCSA jurisdiction. This includes most 18-wheelers, box trucks, and agricultural haulers operating on Fremont County highways.

Part 391: Driver Qualification Standards

Before a driver can legally operate a commercial truck, the motor carrier must verify:

• The driver is at least 21 years old (for interstate commerce)
• The driver can read and speak English sufficiently
• The driver is physically qualified per medical examiner standards
• The driver holds a valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)
• The driver has passed a road test or equivalent
• The driver is not disqualified due to previous violations

The trucking company must maintain a Driver Qualification (DQ) File containing the application, motor vehicle records, road test documentation, medical examiner’s certificate, annual driving record reviews, and previous employer inquiries for three years. These files are gold mines for plaintiff’s attorneys—we’ve found cases where companies hired drivers with multiple DUI convictions, or failed to verify that a driver actually held a valid CDL, or ignored medical conditions that made driving dangerous.

In the remote stretches of Fremont County, where law enforcement presence is limited, unqualified drivers sometimes slip through. We’ve seen cases where drivers falsified their logs to hide medical conditions, or where companies hired drivers without verifying their credentials because they needed someone to haul a load immediately. These violations of Part 391 support claims of negligent hiring against the trucking company.

Part 392: Driving Rules

This section contains the operational rules that, if followed, prevent most accidents. Key provisions include:

Fatigue (§ 392.3): No driver shall operate a truck while their ability or alertness is impaired by fatigue, illness, or any other cause. This rule makes the trucking company liable when they pressure drivers to exceed hours-of-service limits or ignore signs of fatigue.

Drugs and Alcohol (§§ 392.4-392.5): Drivers cannot use alcohol within four hours of going on duty, cannot use alcohol while operating, and cannot have any measurable alcohol (0.04 BAC or higher) while on duty. The trucking industry has a significant problem with stimulant use—drivers taking amphetamines to stay awake during long hauls through Montana and Idaho.

Speed (§ 392.6): Motor carriers cannot schedule runs in such a way that would require speeding. This means that if a trucking company gives a driver a route from Ashton to Idaho Falls that cannot be completed legally within the hours-of-service limits, the company is negligent.

Following Distance (§ 392.11): Drivers must not follow other vehicles more closely than is “reasonable and prudent.” On icy Fremont County roads, what’s reasonable might be hundreds of feet.

Phone Use (§ 392.82): Hand-held mobile telephone use is prohibited while driving. Texting is prohibited under § 392.80.

Part 393: Vehicle Safety and Cargo Securement

This section specifies equipment standards. Brakes must meet specific performance criteria. Lighting must be visible from certain distances. Cargo must be secured according to performance standards that prevent shifting during emergency maneuvers.

For Fremont County’s agricultural haulers, Part 393 is critical. Grain trucks, potato haulers, and hay trucks must secure their loads to prevent spillage. The specific requirements for tiedowns—based on cargo weight and length—are technical, but violations are common when farms use informal loading practices rather than professional securement protocols.

Part 395: Hours of Service

The hours-of-service (HOS) rules are designed to prevent fatigue-related accidents:

• 11-hour limit: Maximum 11 hours driving after 10 consecutive hours off duty
• 14-hour window: Cannot drive beyond the 14th consecutive hour after coming on duty
• 30-minute break: Required after 8 cumulative hours of driving
• 60/70-hour weekly limits: Cannot drive after 60 hours in 7 days or 70 hours in 8 days

Since 2017, most trucks must use Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) that automatically record driving time and synchronize with the engine. These devices prevent drivers from falsifying paper logs—a common practice in the past. ELD data shows exactly when the driver started, stopped, and how long they drove. In fatigue cases, this data is often the smoking gun that proves the driver was illegally overworked.

Part 396: Inspection and Maintenance

Motor carriers must systematically inspect, repair, and maintain their vehicles. Drivers must conduct pre-trip inspections before every drive, and post-trip inspections at the end of each day. These inspections must cover brakes, steering, lighting, tires, wheels, and emergency equipment.

The annual inspection required under § 396.17 must be performed by a qualified inspector and documented. Maintenance records must be retained for one year.

We’ve seen cases where trucking companies deferred brake repairs to save money, where tires with insufficient tread were left on trucks during winter months, and where drivers skipped pre-trip inspections because they were running late. These violations of Part 396 create liability when equipment failure causes an accident on US-20.

Who Can Be Held Responsible for Your Fremont County Truck Accident?

One of the most complex aspects of 18-wheeler litigation is identifying all potentially liable parties. Unlike a car accident where usually only one driver is at fault, trucking accidents often involve a web of companies and individuals who contributed to the dangerous conditions.

The Truck Driver

The driver who caused the accident may be personally liable for negligent driving—speeding, distraction, fatigue, impairment, or failure to inspect. We investigate the driver’s personal history, including previous accidents, traffic violations, medical conditions, and substance abuse issues.

The Trucking Company (Motor Carrier)

This is often the primary defendant. Under the doctrine of respondeat superior (“let the master answer”), employers are liable for their employees’ negligent acts committed within the scope of employment. Additionally, trucking companies can be directly liable for:

• Negligent hiring: Failing to check the driver’s background or hiring a driver with a poor safety record
• Negligent training: Failing to train drivers on winter driving, cargo securement, or FMCSA compliance
• Negligent supervision: Failing to monitor ELD data or ignoring driver complaints about equipment
• Negligent maintenance: Failing to maintain vehicles in safe condition

Trucking companies carry significant insurance—typically $750,000 to $5 million or more—making them the primary target for recovery.

The Cargo Owner and Loading Company

In Fremont County, where agricultural products move from farm to market, the farmer or shipper who loaded the truck may be liable if:

• They overloaded the vehicle beyond weight ratings
• They failed to secure the cargo properly
• They failed to disclose hazardous characteristics of the load

Third-party loading companies that contract with farms to load trucks have specific duties under FMCSA cargo securement regulations. When they use insufficient tiedowns or improper blocking, they create liability for accidents caused by shifting loads.

Truck and Parts Manufacturers

If the accident was caused by a defective product—a brake system that failed despite proper maintenance, a tire that blew out due to manufacturing defects, a steering mechanism that locked up—the manufacturer may be liable under product liability theories. These cases often involve:

• Design defects (the product was inherently dangerous)
• Manufacturing defects (the specific unit was flawed)
• Failure to warn (inadequate instructions or warnings)

Maintenance Companies

Many trucking companies contract with third-party mechanics to perform inspections and repairs. When these companies perform negligent repairs—adjusting brakes incorrectly, installing wrong parts, or clearing trucks for service with known defects—they become liable for resulting accidents.

Freight Brokers

Freight brokers arrange transportation between shippers and carriers. They have a duty to select carriers with adequate insurance and safety records. When brokers select the cheapest carrier available despite known safety violations or lack of proper authority, they may be liable for negligent selection.

Government Entities

In limited circumstances, government entities may be liable for dangerous road conditions—poorly designed intersections, inadequate signage on curves, failure to maintain road surfaces, or improper snow and ice removal. Claims against government entities in Idaho have strict notice requirements and damage caps, so immediate legal consultation is essential.

The Evidence That Wins Cases (And How We Preserve It)

Trucking companies know that evidence is their enemy. That’s why they have rapid-response teams to secure the scene and why federal regulations allow them to destroy certain records after short periods. Our job is to stop that destruction.

Black Box Data (ECM/EDR)

Most commercial trucks have electronic control modules that record operational data. This “black box” captures:

• Speed before and during the crash
• Brake application timing and pressure
• Throttle position
• Engine RPM
• Cruise control status
• Fault codes

This data is objective and often contradicts the driver’s version of events. But it can be overwritten within 30 days or with new driving events. We send immediate spoliation demands to preserve this data.

Electronic Logging Devices (ELD)

Since 2017, most trucks must have ELDs that record hours-of-service compliance. These devices show:

• When the driver started and ended their shift
• Driving time versus on-duty time
• Location data via GPS
• Violations of the 11-hour or 14-hour rules

ELD data proves when a driver was illegally fatigued—a common factor in Fremont County accidents where drivers push through the night to make early morning deliveries in Idaho Falls or Pocatello.

Driver Qualification Files

The DQ file contains the driver’s employment history, driving record, medical certifications, and drug test results. We look for:

• Previous accidents that the company should have considered
• Medical conditions that disqualify the driver
• Falsified employment applications
• Positive drug tests that were ignored

Maintenance Records

These records show whether the truck was properly maintained. We look for:

• Deferred maintenance (repairs postponed to save money)
• Out-of-service violations that were ignored
• Tire and brake replacement records
• Inspection reports showing recurring problems

Dashcam and Surveillance Footage

Many trucks have forward-facing dashcams. Nearby businesses may have security cameras that captured the accident. We canvass the area immediately because this footage is often recorded over within days.

Cell Phone Records

We subpoena the driver’s cell phone records to prove distraction. If the driver was texting, talking, or using apps at the time of the crash, this evidence supports punitive damages claims.

Catastrophic Injuries: The Real Cost of Truck Accidents

18-wheeler accidents don’t cause “fender benders.” They cause catastrophic, life-changing injuries. We handle cases involving:

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

The forces involved in a truck collision often cause the brain to impact the inside of the skull, resulting in bruising, bleeding, or tearing of neural tissue. TBI symptoms may not appear immediately—victims might seem fine at the scene only to develop headaches, confusion, memory loss, and personality changes days or weeks later.

Moderate to severe TBI cases typically settle for between $1.5 million and $9.8 million, depending on the need for lifelong care, loss of earning capacity, and the extent of cognitive impairment. But these settlements aren’t just numbers—they represent the cost of wheelchairs, home modifications, 24-hour nursing care, and the lost potential of a life cut short.

Spinal Cord Injuries

When a truck impacts a smaller vehicle, the spine can be crushed, severed, or traumatically compressed. Spinal cord injuries often result in paralysis:

• Paraplegia: Loss of function below the waist
• Quadriplegia: Loss of function in all four limbs

These injuries require lifetime medical care costing millions of dollars. Our firm has seen settlements ranging from $4.7 million to over $25 million for spinal cord injuries, reflecting the enormous lifetime costs of care.

Amputations

Crushing injuries from truck accidents sometimes require amputation of limbs either at the scene or surgically afterward. The victim faces not just the initial surgery, but prosthetic costs ($5,000 to $50,000 per prosthetic, with replacements needed every few years), rehabilitation, and permanent disability. Amputation cases typically range from $1.9 million to $8.6 million in settlements.

Severe Burns

Fuel fires from ruptured tanks can cause third-degree burns over large portions of the body. These injuries require skin grafts, plastic surgery, and result in permanent scarring and disfigurement. The psychological trauma of burn injuries is often as severe as the physical pain.

Wrongful Death

When a truck accident kills a loved one, surviving family members in Idaho can file wrongful death claims to recover:

• Lost future income and benefits
• Loss of companionship (consortium)
• Mental anguish and emotional distress
• Funeral and burial expenses
• Medical expenses incurred before death

Wrongful death settlements typically range from $1.9 million to $9.5 million, though no amount of money can replace a life. These cases are about accountability—ensuring that the trucking company’s negligence doesn’t go unanswered.

Insurance Company Tactics: What They Don’t Want You to Know

Insurance companies handling truck accident claims are not your friends. They are for-profit corporations that make money by paying out less than they collect in premiums. Lupe Peña, our associate attorney, spent years working for these insurance companies. Here’s what he knows about their playbook:

The Recorded Statement Trap

Within 24 hours of the accident, you’ll get a call from the trucking company’s insurer. They’ll sound sympathetic. They’ll say they just need a quick statement to “get the claim started.” What they’re really doing is fishing for admissions they can use against you. Was the sun in your eyes? Did you hit your brakes suddenly? Were you adjusting the radio?

We tell our clients: do not give a recorded statement without an attorney present. The adjuster is trained to ask leading questions. Your words will be twisted. Let us handle all communication with the insurance company.

The Quick Lowball Offer

Often, the insurer will make a settlement offer within days of the accident—before you know the full extent of your injuries. They’ll offer to pay your medical bills “so far” plus a few thousand dollars.

Here’s why this is a trap: once you accept that check and sign the release, you can’t come back for more money when your injuries turn out to be worse than you thought. That “minor” back injury might actually be a herniated disc requiring surgery. That “slight” headache might be a traumatic brain injury. We never settle until our clients reach maximum medical improvement and we know the full extent of damages.

The Surveillance Investigation

If you have a serious injury claim, the insurance company will likely hire a private investigator to follow you. They’ll video you taking out the trash, playing with your kids, or carrying groceries. Then they’ll use these videos to argue that you’re not really injured.

We prepare our clients for this. We tell them: live your life within your doctor’s restrictions, but understand that someone might be watching. We also use this against the insurance companies—juries don’t like defendants who spy on injury victims.

The Independent Medical Examination (IME)

The insurance company might ask you to see their “independent” doctor for an evaluation. These doctors are paid by the insurance company and often find that you’re not as injured as you claim, or that your injuries are “pre-existing.”

You have rights in these examinations. We prepare our clients for what to expect and ensure the examination is properly limited in scope.

The Delay Game

Insurance companies know you’re desperate. They know medical bills are piling up. They know you might be out of work. So they drag out the claim, hoping you’ll accept less just to get some money now.

We counter this by filing lawsuits promptly. Once litigation begins, the insurance company has to respond on our timeline, not theirs. And because we prepare every case for trial from day one, they know we won’t settle for less than full value.

Why Clients Choose Attorney911

We could tell you about our credentials—and we will—but what matters most is what our clients say about us.

“You are NOT a pest to them and you are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.” — Chad Harris

“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.” — Donald Wilcox

“They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.” — Glenda Walker

“Mr. Manginello and his firm are first class. Will fight tooth and nail for you.” — Ernest Cano

“I lost everything… 1 year later I have gained so much in return plus a brand new truck.” — Kiimarii Yup

“They solved in a couple of months what others did nothing about in two years.” — Angel Walle

These aren’t just testimonials—they’re proof of how we treat every client. At Attorney911, you’re not a case number. You’re a person who trusted us with your future, and we take that trust seriously.

Ralph Manginello has been fighting for injury victims since 1998. He’s admitted to federal court. He’s handled cases against BP and other Fortune 500 companies. He’s recovered multi-million dollar settlements for brain injury victims, amputees, and families who lost loved ones.

Lupe Peña brings the insider knowledge of having worked for insurance defense firms. He knows the tricks because he used to help deploy them. Now he fights against them.

We have offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, but we serve clients nationwide—including right here in Fremont County, Idaho. We travel to you. We know the local courts. And we bring the resources of a major firm to your case.

The Timeline of a Fremont County Truck Accident Case

Understanding the process helps set expectations. While every case is different, here’s how a typical truck accident case progresses:

Immediate Response (Days 1-7)

• You contact us at 1-888-ATTY-911
• We send spoliation letters to preserve evidence
• We investigate the scene and gather police reports
• You receive medical treatment
• We notify all insurance carriers

Investigation (Weeks 2-12)

• We obtain ECM and ELD data downloads
• We subpoena driver qualification and maintenance records
• We interview witnesses
• We retain accident reconstruction experts if needed
• You complete initial medical treatment

Demand and Negotiation (Months 3-12)

• We compile your medical records and bills
• We calculate economic damages (medical expenses, lost wages) and non-economic damages (pain and suffering)
• We prepare a comprehensive demand package
• We negotiate with the insurance company

Litigation (If Necessary)

If the insurance company won’t offer fair value, we file a lawsuit in Idaho state court. Discovery begins:

• Written questions (interrogatories)
• Document requests
• Depositions of witnesses, the driver, and company representatives
• Expert witness preparation

Resolution

Most cases settle before trial, but we’re prepared to take your case to a jury if necessary. Our preparation and trial readiness often force higher settlement offers.

Fremont County, Idaho: Know Your Rights

Idado operates under a “modified comparative negligence” system. You can recover damages as long as you’re less than 50% at fault. But your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault. This makes evidence preservation and aggressive investigation critical—every percentage point of fault assigned to you costs you money.

The statute of limitations is two years from the date of the accident. But waiting even a few weeks can be disastrous. Evidence disappears. Witnesses forget. Trucks get repaired and put back on the road. Call us immediately to protect your rights.

Idaho caps non-economic damages (pain and suffering) at $250,000, but there’s no cap on economic damages like medical bills and lost wages. Punitive damages are capped at the greater of three times compensatory damages or $250,000, but these caps don’t apply in cases of “willful or reckless misconduct”—which often includes knowingly putting a dangerous driver on the road or falsifying safety records.

Frequently Asked Questions: Fremont County Truck Accidents

How much is my case worth?
It depends on your injuries, the defendant’s insurance coverage, and the strength of liability evidence. Trucking cases typically have higher values than car accidents because the injuries are more severe and the insurance coverage is higher. We’ve recovered settlements ranging from hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars.

Do I really need a lawyer, or can I handle this myself?
You can technically handle it yourself, but you shouldn’t. Trucking companies have teams of lawyers. The regulations are complex. The evidence is technical. Studies show that people with attorneys receive significantly higher settlements even after paying attorney fees. And with Attorney911’s contingency fee structure (33.33% pre-trial, 40% if trial is necessary), you pay nothing upfront and nothing unless we win.

What if I was partially at fault?
Under Idaho law, you can recover as long as you’re less than 50% at fault. We’ll investigate to minimize your assigned fault percentage and maximize your recovery.

How long will my case take?
Simple cases with clear liability might settle in 6-12 months. Complex cases with multiple defendants or catastrophic injuries might take 18-36 months. We move as fast as possible while ensuring we don’t settle for less than you deserve.

Will I have to go to court?
Probably not. Over 95% of cases settle before trial. But we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial, which gives us leverage in negotiations.

Can I afford an attorney?
Yes. We work on contingency. You pay nothing upfront. We advance all costs. We only get paid if you get paid.

What if the trucking company is from out of state?
We handle it. That’s why Ralph Manginello’s federal court admission matters—we can file in federal court when necessary, and we have experience with interstate commerce cases. The trucking company’s location doesn’t protect them from liability.

Do you speak Spanish?
Sí, hablamos español. Lupe Peña provides fluent Spanish representation without interpreters.

Your Next Step: Call Now

The trucking company has lawyers working right now to minimize what they pay you. They’re preserving evidence, coaching their driver, and building their defense. Every day you wait, your case gets harder to prove.

At Attorney911, we fight back. Ralph Manginello’s 25 years of experience. Lupe Peña’s insurance defense insider knowledge. Our 4.9-star rating from 251+ clients. Our record of multi-million dollar settlements. Our commitment to treating you like family, not a file number.

Call 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911) now. We answer 24/7. The consultation is free. You pay nothing unless we win. Don’t let the trucking company get away with it.

Hablamos Español. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911.

Attorney911 – The Manginello Law Firm
Legal Emergency Lawyers™
Fighting for Fremont County. Fighting for you.