18-Wheeler Accident Attorneys in Madison County, Idaho

When an 80,000-Pound Truck Changes Everything

The impact was catastrophic. One moment you’re driving through Madison County on US-20 or I-15. The next, an 80,000-pound semi-truck has crushed your sedan, changed your family’s life forever, and left you wondering how you’ll pay the medical bills piling up on your kitchen table.

At Attorney911, we understand what you’re facing. Ralph Manginello has spent over 25 years fighting for trucking accident victims—not just in Texas, but across the United States, including right here in Madison County, Idaho. We’ve seen what happens when trucking companies cut corners, when drivers push beyond federal hours limits, and when maintenance gets deferred to save a few dollars. And we know how to make them pay.

If you’ve been hurt in an 18-wheeler accident in Madison County, you need more than just a lawyer. You need a fighter who knows federal trucking regulations inside and out, who has secured multi-million dollar settlements for families just like yours, and who will treat you like family—not a case number. Call us now at 1-888-ATTY-911 before critical evidence disappears.

Why Madison County Truck Accidents Are Different

Madison County isn’t like other places. Nestled in eastern Idaho’s Teton Valley, surrounded by potato fields and mountain passes, our roads see a unique mix of traffic that creates specific dangers you won’t find in Houston or Dallas.

We’re talking about massive agricultural haulers carrying Idaho’s famous potatoes on US-33 during harvest season, dairy tankers navigating the winding roads near Rexburg, and long-haul trucks barreling down I-15 toward Montana or Salt Lake City. Add in Brigham Young University-Idaho’s student population, tourists heading to Yellowstone, and some of the most brutal winters in the continental United States, and you’ve got a recipe for catastrophic trucking accidents.

The topography here matters. The roads climbing toward Driggs or through Teton Pass create perfect conditions for brake failure accidents. The agricultural economy means overweight trucks carrying 50,000 pounds of potatoes push smaller vehicles off the road. And when black ice forms on US-20 between Rexburg and Idaho Falls in January, even experienced truck drivers lose control.

Ralph Manginello knows these roads. With 25 years of experience handling trucking cases across the nation—including federal court admission to the Southern District of Texas—he understands that a Madison County accident requires different strategies than an urban Texas crash. We know the local trauma centers, the Idaho State Police crash investigation protocols, and how juries in Madison County view trucking companies that put profits over safety.

The Physics of Devastation: Why 18-Wheeler Accidents Cause Catastrophic Injuries

Your car weighs roughly 4,000 pounds. A fully loaded semi-truck can weigh 80,000 pounds. That’s not just double your weight—that’s twenty times heavier. The physics aren’t fair, and neither are the injuries.

When an 80,000-pound truck traveling at 65 miles per hour hits a passenger vehicle, the force is equivalent to dropping a building on your car. Stopping distances tell the story: a car needs about 300 feet to stop from highway speed. A loaded truck needs 525 feet—nearly two football fields. On icy Madison County roads in December, that distance stretches even longer.

We’ve helped families recover from every type of catastrophic injury caused by commercial trucks:

Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) ranging from concussions to permanent cognitive impairment. These cases settle between $1.5 million and $9.8 million, depending on severity and long-term care needs.

Spinal Cord Injuries causing paraplegia or quadriplegia. We’ve secured settlements between $4.7 million and $25.8 million for these life-altering injuries.

Amputations from crushing accidents or underride collisions. Our firm has recovered between $1.9 million and $8.6 million for amputation victims.

Wrongful Death claims when trucking accidents steal loved ones forever. These cases typically settle between $1.9 million and $9.5 million.

In Madison County, where the nearest Level I trauma center might be hours away in Salt Lake City, the delay in treatment can make injuries worse. That’s why we fight for every dime you deserve—as client Glenda Walker told us, “They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.”

FMCSA Regulations: The Rulebook Trucking Companies Break

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulates every commercial truck on Madison County’s highways. These aren’t suggestions—they’re federal law, codified in Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations. When trucking companies violate these rules, they create the dangerous conditions that cause accidents. Here are the regulations that matter most for your case:

49 CFR Part 391: Driver Qualification Standards

Before a driver can legally operate an 18-wheeler on I-15 through Madison County, they must meet strict federal standards. Under § 391.11, drivers must:

• Be at least 21 years old for interstate commerce
• Be physically qualified per § 391.41 (no medical conditions that impair driving)
• Hold a valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)
• Pass a road test or equivalent
• Speak and read English sufficiently

The trucking company must maintain a Driver Qualification File (§ 391.51) containing medical certifications, driving records, and previous employment verification. If they hired an unqualified driver—or failed to check their background—we can pursue claims for negligent hiring.

49 CFR Part 395: Hours of Service (HOS)

Fatigue causes approximately 31% of fatal truck crashes. These rules are designed to prevent exhausted drivers from killing Madison County families:

• 11-hour driving limit: Cannot drive more than 11 hours 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 December 18, 2017, trucks must use Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) to track these hours. ELD data is critical evidence—it proves whether the driver was violating hours limits when they caused your accident on US-20.

49 CFR Part 393: Vehicle Safety and Cargo Securement

Cargo Securement Rules (§ 393.100-136) require loads to be contained, immobilized, or secured to prevent shifting, spilling, or falling. With Madison County’s agricultural economy, we see too many potato trucks with inadequately secured loads that shift on mountain curves, causing rollovers.

Brake Requirements (§ 393.40-55) mandate properly functioning brake systems on all commercial vehicles. Idaho mountain roads punish brakes. If a truck descends Teton Pass with overheated brakes—brake fade—it can’t stop. Maintenance records will show if the company ignored warning signs.

49 CFR Part 396: Inspection and Maintenance

Under § 396.3, trucking companies must systematically inspect, repair, and maintain their vehicles. Drivers must perform pre-trip inspections (§ 396.13) and prepare written reports (§ 396.11) covering brakes, tires, lights, and steering.

We subpoena these records in every Madison County trucking case. Missing inspection reports? Deferred maintenance? Those are signs of a company that values profit over your safety.

49 CFR Part 392: Driving Rules

§ 392.3 prohibits drivers from operating while fatigued, ill, or impaired. § 392.11 requires trucks to follow at a safe distance—critical on I-15 where traffic backs up near Rexburg. § 392.82 bans hand-held mobile phone use while driving.

Violations of these rules constitute negligence. When we prove FMCSA violations, we prove liability.

The Ten Parties Who May Owe You Money

Most law firms only sue the driver and trucking company. That’s a mistake. In Madison County trucking accidents, multiple parties often share blame—and each represents a separate insurance policy that could compensate you.

1. The Truck Driver

The driver who caused the crash may be personally liable for negligence: speeding, distracted driving, driving while fatigued, or impairment. We examine their driving record, ELD logs, and cell phone records to prove fault.

2. The Trucking Company/Motor Carrier

Under respondeat superior, employers are responsible for their employees’ negligence. Plus, companies are directly liable for:

• Negligent hiring: Failing to check driving records or CDL status
• Negligent training: Inadequate safety instruction for mountain driving
• Negligent supervision: Ignoring HOS violations or safety complaints
• Negligent maintenance: Deferring brake repairs to save money

Federal law requires trucking companies to carry $750,000 to $5 million in liability insurance—far more than passenger vehicles. This is where significant recoveries come from.

3. The Cargo Owner/Shipper

When a potato processor in Shelley or a dairy cooperative loads a truck beyond safe weight limits, or pressures drivers to meet unrealistic delivery schedules, they share liability. We examine shipping contracts and loading instructions.

4. The Loading Company

Third-party loaders who fail to secure cargo properly violate 49 CFR 393. Shifting loads cause rollovers on Madison County’s twisting mountain roads. We pursue these companies for negligent loading.

5. Truck and Trailer Manufacturers

Defective brakes, faulty steering systems, or unstable trailer designs can cause accidents even with careful drivers. We investigate whether recalls or known defects contributed to your crash.

6. Parts Manufacturers

Defective tires that blow out on I-15, brake components that fail on mountain descents, or coupling devices that break—these manufacturers can be liable under product liability theories.

7. Maintenance Companies

Third-party mechanics who perform negligent brake adjustments or overlook critical safety issues can be liable when their failures cause crashes on US-20.

8. Freight Brokers

Brokers who arrange transportation but fail to verify carrier safety records or insurance may be liable for negligent selection when they choose the cheapest, most dangerous carrier to haul goods through Madison County.

9. The Truck Owner (If Different from Operator)

In owner-operator arrangements, the entity owning the truck may have separate liability for negligent entrustment or maintenance failures.

10. Government Entities

When dangerous road design, inadequate signage on mountain passes, or failure to maintain safe road surfaces contributes to accidents, governmental entities may share blame—though claims against them involve strict notice requirements and sovereign immunity issues.

Types of 18-Wheeler Accidents We Handle in Madison County

Not all truck accidents are the same. The unique geography of Madison County—mountain passes, agricultural roads, and harsh winters—creates specific accident types that require specialized legal strategies.

Jackknife Accidents

When a truck’s trailer swings perpendicular to the cab, it creates a deadly barrier across multiple lanes. Common on I-15 when drivers brake suddenly on ice or when empty trailers (lightweight) lose traction. These accidents violate 49 CFR § 392.6 (speeding for conditions) and § 393.48 (brake system maintenance).

Rollover Accidents

Madison County’s mountain highways—US-20 toward Island Park, US-33 toward Victor—feature curves and grades that challenge even experienced drivers. When trucks take turns too fast, carry top-heavy agricultural loads, or suffer cargo shifts, they roll. Rollovers often violate 49 CFR § 393.100 (cargo securement) and cause crushing injuries to vehicles beneath the trailer.

Underride Collisions

The most horrific trucking accidents occur when a passenger vehicle slides under the trailer from the rear or side. Rear underride guards are required under 49 CFR § 393.86, but many trucks have inadequate guards. Side underrides have no federal guard requirement, yet they’re often fatal when trucks make wide turns on narrow Madison County roads.

Rear-End Collisions

With 525-foot stopping distances, trucks can’t stop quickly when traffic backs up on I-15 near Rexburg exits. Following too closely violates 49 CFR § 392.11. These accidents cause catastrophic whiplash and spinal injuries.

Wide Turn Accidents (“Squeeze Play”)

Trucks swinging wide to make right turns on narrow rural roads like those near Sugar City or Teton can crush vehicles in the adjacent lane. These accidents involve blind spot failures and improper turn signals.

Blind Spot Accidents (“No-Zone” Crashes)

Trucks have massive blind spots: 20 feet in front, 30 feet behind, and along both sides (especially the right side). When trucks change lanes on I-15 without checking mirrors, they sideswipe passenger vehicles. 49 CFR § 393.80 requires proper mirrors—missing or improperly adjusted mirrors mean liability.

Tire Blowout Accidents

The extreme temperature variations in Idaho—scorching summer highways and freezing winters—stress truck tires. Blowouts cause immediate loss of control. 49 CFR § 393.75 mandates minimum tread depths and bans worn tires. “Road gators” (tire debris) from blowouts cause secondary accidents.

Brake Failure Accidents

Descending from Yellowstone, Teton Pass, or Pine Creek Pass pushes truck brakes to their limits. Brake fade from overheating, or deferred maintenance, causes runaway trucks. 49 CFR § 396.3 requires systematic maintenance—violations here prove negligence.

Cargo Spill and Shift Accidents

When 50,000 pounds of potatoes shift suddenly on a curve, or when dairy tankers slosh liquid cargo, trucks become unstable. Improper loading violates 49 CFR § 393.100-136 and creates liability for the loading company.

Head-On Collisions

On two-lane state highways like ID-33 or US-20, driver fatigue or distraction can cause trucks to drift into oncoming traffic. These accidents often involve 49 CFR § 395 (HOS violations) and § 392.3 (fatigued operation).

The 48-Hour Evidence Preservation Protocol

Critical Warning: If you’ve been in a trucking accident in Madison County, the clock started ticking the moment the collision occurred. Evidence critical to your case can disappear within hours or days.

Evidence That Disappears Fast

The Spoliation Letter

When you hire Attorney911, we send a spoliation letter within 24 hours—not days, hours. This legal notice demands preservation of:

• ELD and ECM data showing speed, braking, and hours of service
• Driver Qualification Files and medical certifications
• Maintenance and inspection records
• Cell phone records proving distraction
• GPS tracking data
• Dispatch communications showing schedule pressure

Once we send this letter, destruction of evidence constitutes spoliation, which can result in:

• Court sanctions against the trucking company
• Adverse inference instructions (jury assumes destroyed evidence was unfavorable)
• Default judgment in extreme cases
• Punitive damages for intentional destruction

Why Madison County Accidents Need Immediate Action

Madison County’s rural location means evidence disperses quickly. Trucks may be towed to repair shops in Idaho Falls or Pocatello. Out-of-state carriers may move equipment back to their home terminals within days. Local businesses with surveillance cameras may record over footage weekly.

We act immediately to preserve this evidence. As client Donald Wilcox said, “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.” That “handsome check” was possible because we moved fast to preserve evidence other firms missed.

Idaho Law: What Madison County Victims Need to Know

Statute of Limitations

Two years. That’s how long you have from the date of your Madison County trucking accident to file a lawsuit under Idaho Code § 5-219. For wrongful death claims, it’s also two years from the death date.

But waiting is dangerous. Evidence disappears. Memories fade. And the trucking company is building its defense right now. Call us today.

Comparative Negligence: The 50% Bar Rule

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

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

Insurance companies will try to blame you, especially on icy Idaho roads. We’ll prove the truck driver and company were the primary cause, not weather conditions.

Damage Caps

Idaho caps non-economic damages (pain and suffering) at $250,000, though this adjusts for inflation. However, there is no cap on economic damages (medical bills, lost wages) or punitive damages.

For punitive damages (punishing gross negligence), Idaho allows the greater of:

• Three times compensatory damages, or
• $250,000

When trucking companies destroy evidence, knowingly violate HOS rules, or hire unqualified drivers, we pursue punitive damages to punish their misconduct.

What Your 18-Wheeler Case Might Be Worth

There’s no “average” settlement, but federal law ensures trucking companies carry substantial insurance:

• $750,000 minimum for non-hazardous freight
• $1,000,000 for trucks carrying oilfield equipment or motor vehicles
• $5,000,000 for hazardous materials

Your recovery depends on:

• Injury severity: Catastrophic injuries command higher settlements
• Medical expenses: Past and future treatment costs
• Lost earnings: Income lost and future earning capacity
• Pain and suffering: Physical pain and emotional trauma
• Punitive damages: Available for gross negligence

We’ve recovered:

• $5+ million for a traumatic brain injury victim struck by a falling log
• $3.8+ million for a client who suffered partial leg amputation after a car crash developed into staph infection
• $2.5+ million for a commercial trucking accident
• $2+ million for a maritime worker with back injuries

While past results don’t guarantee future outcomes, they demonstrate our capability to handle complex, high-value cases. And with our contingency fee structure—33.33% pre-trial, 40% if trial is necessary—you pay nothing unless we win.

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Madison County Case

Ralph Manginello: 25 Years of Federal Court Experience

Ralph Manginello founded Attorney911 in 2001, bringing over 25 years of courtroom experience since his bar admission in 1998 (Texas Bar #24007597). But more importantly, he’s admitted to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas. Why does that matter for your Madison County case? Because interstate trucking cases often involve federal regulations and can be filed in federal court. You need an attorney with federal experience, not just state court practice.

Ralph’s experience includes taking on Fortune 500 companies like BP in the Texas City Refinery explosion litigation—a disaster that killed 15 workers and injured 170 more, resulting in over $2.1 billion in total industry settlements. When we say we go toe-to-toe with big corporations, we mean it.

Lupe Peña: Your Insider Advantage Against Insurance Companies

Our associate attorney, Lupe Peña, spent years working at a national insurance defense firm. He knows exactly how insurance companies evaluate claims, train adjusters to minimize payouts, and use software algorithms to lowball victims.

Now he uses that insider knowledge to fight FOR you. As he told ABC13 Houston in coverage of our $10 million University of hazing lawsuit: “If this prevents harm to another person, that’s what we’re hoping to do. Let’s bring this to light. Enough is enough.”

That same tenacity applies to your trucking case. We know the trucking company’s playbook because Lupe used to write it.

4.9 Stars: Real Reviews from Real Clients

Don’t take our word for it. Check our 251+ Google reviews averaging 4.9 stars:

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

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

Donald Wilcox: “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: “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.”

Hablamos Español

Many Madison County families speak Spanish as their primary language. Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish and provides direct legal representation without interpreters. Hablamos Español. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911.

Frequently Asked Questions: Madison County 18-Wheeler Accidents

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

Two years from the accident date under Idaho Code § 5-219. But don’t wait—evidence disappears quickly in trucking cases. Call us within 48 hours if possible.

Who can be held liable in a Madison County trucking accident?

Potentially ten or more parties: the driver, trucking company, cargo owner, loading company, truck manufacturer, parts manufacturer, maintenance company, freight broker, truck owner, and government entities if road design contributed.

What is an Electronic Logging Device (ELD) and why does it matter?

ELDs are federally mandated devices tracking driver hours. They prove whether the driver violating hours-of-service rules when they caused your accident. ELD data can be overwritten in 30 days—another reason to act fast.

Can I recover damages if I was partially at fault?

Yes, under Idaho’s comparative negligence rules, as long as you were less than 50% at fault. Your recovery is reduced by your fault percentage. But insurers will try to blame you—especially on icy roads. We’ll fight that.

What if the trucking company is from out of state?

We handle that regularly. With federal court admission, Ralph Manginello can pursue these cases wherever the evidence leads. Distance doesn’t protect negligent carriers.

How much does it cost to hire a trucking accident attorney?

Nothing upfront. We work on contingency: 33.33% if settled pre-trial, 40% if we go to trial. You pay nothing unless we win. We advance all investigation costs.

What should I do immediately after a Madison County trucking accident?

Call 911. Seek medical attention immediately. Photograph everything—the truck, your vehicle, the scene, your injuries. Get the truck’s DOT number and driver’s information. Call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 before speaking to any insurance company.

Will my case go to trial?

Most settle, but we prepare every case for trial. Insurance companies offer better settlements when they know your lawyer will go to court. We’re ready if they won’t pay what you deserve.

What if my loved one died in the accident?

You may have a wrongful death claim. In Idaho, spouses, children, and parents can recover damages for lost income, loss of companionship, mental anguish, and funeral expenses. The statute of limitations is two years.

Can undocumented immigrants file claims?

Yes. Immigration status does not affect your right to compensation for injuries caused by someone else’s negligence. We represent all accident victims.

What if the truck driver was an independent contractor?

Both the driver and the motor carrier may be liable. We investigate the relationship and pursue all available insurance coverage.

How are future medical expenses calculated?

We work with medical experts and life care planners to project lifetime care costs for catastrophic injuries. These calculations include surgeries, rehabilitation, assistive devices, and home modifications.

Your Fight Starts Now

The trucking company that hit you has already called their lawyers. Their insurance adjuster is already looking for ways to pay you less. Their rapid-response team is already at the scene gathering evidence to protect them.

What are you doing?

You have two choices. You can try to handle this alone—negotiating against professionals who do this every day, while you’re grieving, healing, or burying a loved one. Or you can call Attorney911 and level the playing field.

Ralph Manginello has recovered over $50 million for injury victims. He’s battled BP, Walmart, Amazon, FedEx, and major insurers. Our team includes a former insurance defense attorney who knows their secrets. We have offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, and we handle trucking cases across the nation—including right here in Madison County, Idaho.

We know the Teton Valley. We know how agricultural trucking works on icy mountain roads. And we know how to make trucking companies pay when they hurt local families.

Call 1-888-ATTY-911 now. We’re available 24/7.

Don’t let the trucking company push you around. Don’t settle for a lowball offer that won’t cover your future medical bills. Don’t let them destroy evidence while you wait.

As client Chad Harris said: “You are FAMILY to them.” That’s how we treat every client. That’s how we’ll treat you.

1-888-ATTY-911
888-ATTY-911
(888) 288-9911

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