18-Wheeler Accident Attorneys in Power County, Idaho

When 80,000 Pounds Changes Everything

The impact was catastrophic. One moment, you’re driving on I-86 through Power County, heading toward American Falls or maybe crossing through on your way to Pocatello. The next, an 80,000-pound semi-truck is jackknifing across the highway, or worse—slamming into your vehicle with the force of 20 tons of steel and cargo.

In Power County, Idaho, our highways serve as critical corridors for agricultural freight, interstate commerce, and long-haul transportation moving between Utah and the Pacific Northwest. When trucking companies cut corners on safety, it’s families like yours in American Falls, Rockland, and throughout Power County who pay the price.

At Attorney911, we know the devastation that follows a commercial truck accident. We’ve spent over 25 years fighting for victims in rural Idaho communities just like Power County. Ralph Manginello, our managing partner, has recovered multi-million dollar settlements for families facing the aftermath of catastrophic trucking accidents—and our team includes Lupe Peña, a former insurance defense attorney who spent years inside the system learning how trucking insurers minimize claims. Now he uses that knowledge to fight for you.

If you’ve been injured in an 18-wheeler accident in Power County, the clock is already ticking. Black box data can be overwritten in 30 days. Evidence disappears. And the trucking company has already called their lawyers. Call us first: 1-888-ATTY-911.

The Power County Trucking Problem

Power County might be rural, but our roads carry heavy freight. Interstate 86 runs directly through the county, connecting I-15 to I-84 and serving as a primary artery for agricultural haulers transporting potatoes, grain, and livestock from the Snake River Plain to markets across the West. Interstate 15 sits just west of the county line, bringing massive commercial traffic through the region.

Every year, thousands of heavy trucks traverse Power County’s highways—many driven by fatigued operators pushing against federal hours-of-service limits, hauling overweight loads of agricultural products, or navigating winter storms that blanket southeastern Idaho in ice and snow.

The statistics are sobering. While Power County maintains the rural character that makes Idaho living special, our location on these major freight corridors means serious truck accidents aren’t just possible—they’re inevitable when trucking companies prioritize profits over safety.

Idaho law gives you just two years from the date of your accident to file a lawsuit. But waiting that long would be a mistake. Evidence critical to your case—including Electronic Logging Device (ELD) data, driver qualification files, and black box recordings—can disappear within weeks. In Power County’s court system, where dockets may move slower than in urban centers, preserving evidence immediately gives you the strongest possible position.

Who’s Really Responsible? It’s Not Just the Driver

Most people assume the truck driver is the only party responsible for an accident. They’re wrong. In an 18-wheeler accident in Power County, multiple parties may share liability—and each represents a potential source of compensation.

The Truck Driver is the obvious defendant. If they were speeding through Rockland, texting while crossing the Snake River Plain, violating hours-of-service regulations, or driving while fatigued, they’re personally liable. But individual drivers rarely carry enough insurance to cover catastrophic injuries.

The Trucking Company (Motor Carrier) often carries the deepest pockets. Under the doctrine of respondeat superior, employers are responsible for their employees’ negligence. But they can also be directly liable for negligent hiring—such as putting a driver with a history of DUIs behind the wheel of an 80,000-pound vehicle—or negligent supervision if they knew their driver was violating safety rules. With federal minimum insurance requirements ranging from $750,000 to $5,000,000 for commercial carriers, this is where significant recoveries happen.

The Cargo Owner and Loading Company matter significantly in Power County’s agricultural economy. When a truck loaded with potatoes or grain from a local farm rolls over because the load wasn’t properly secured, or when shifting cargo causes a driver to lose control on I-86, the company that loaded the trailer may be liable under 49 CFR Part 393’s cargo securement regulations.

The Freight Broker who arranged the shipment might be liable if they selected a carrier with a poor safety record just to save money—a practice we’ve seen with agricultural shipping brokers serving Idaho’s farming communities.

The Maintenance Company bears responsibility when brake failures, tire blowouts, or steering malfunctions cause crashes. Idling trucks at the Port of Entry or at distribution centers near American Falls must be properly maintained. When they’re not, and those trucks enter Power County traffic, the consequences are deadly.

The Truck or Parts Manufacturer may be liable for defective components—brake systems that fail during descent, tires prone to blowouts on Idaho’s hot asphalt, or coupling devices that break under stress.

Unlike a simple car accident where one driver is at fault, 18-wheeler cases require investigating every link in the chain. That’s why we’ve developed relationships with accident reconstruction experts familiar with Power County’s highways and Idaho’s agricultural trucking industry. We don’t just sue the driver—we identify every party that contributed to your injury.

Federal Regulations Protect You—When Trucking Companies Break Them

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) exists because 18-wheelers are inherently dangerous. Every regulation in Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations (49 CFR) was written in response to preventable tragedies. When trucking companies violate these rules, they create the dangerous conditions that cause catastrophic accidents.

49 CFR Part 391: Driver Qualification Standards

Before a driver can legally operate an 18-wheeler on I-86 through Power County, they must:

• Be at least 21 years old for interstate commerce
• Possess a valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)
• Pass a physical examination and maintain a valid Medical Examiner’s Certificate (max 2 years)
• Speak and read English sufficiently to communicate with the public and understand highway signs
• Have their driving history verified for the previous 3 years

Trucking companies must maintain a Driver Qualification (DQ) File for every driver. We subpoena these files immediately. If a company hired a driver with a suspended CDL, a history of reckless driving, or medical conditions that impair driving, they’ve committed negligent hiring under 49 CFR § 391.11.

49 CFR Part 392: Driving of Commercial Motor Vehicles

This section contains the rules drivers must follow. Critical violations include:

• § 392.3: Driving while fatigued or ill. “No driver shall operate a commercial motor vehicle… while the driver’s ability or alertness is so impaired… as to make it unsafe.”
• § 392.4 and § 392.5: Drug and alcohol prohibitions. A driver cannot use alcohol within 4 hours of duty or have any measurable alcohol (0.04 BAC) while operating.
• § 392.11: Following too closely. Given that an 80,000-pound truck needs nearly two football fields to stop at 65 mph, tailgating is often catastrophic.
• § 392.82: Mobile phone use. Texting or handheld phone use while driving is prohibited and considered a serious safety violation.

49 CFR Part 393: Parts and Accessories for Safe Operation

This covers vehicle equipment. When we investigate Power County accidents, we look for:

• § 393.100-136: Cargo securement violations. Idaho’s agricultural industry sees improper loading. If a load shifts on I-86, causing a rollover, the securement failed federal performance criteria requiring cargo withstand 0.8g deceleration.
• § 393.40-55: Brake system requirements. Brake failures cause 29% of truck accidents. Pre-trip and post-trip inspections are mandatory under § 396.11.

49 CFR Part 395: Hours of Service (HOS) Regulations

Fatigued driving is epidemic in long-haul trucking. Federal law limits property-carrying drivers to:

• 11-hour driving limit: Cannot drive more than 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty
• 14-hour duty window: Cannot drive beyond the 14th consecutive hour after coming on duty
• 30-minute break: Mandatory after 8 cumulative hours of driving
• 60/70-hour limits: No driving after 60 hours in 7 days or 70 hours in 8 days

Since December 18, 2017, drivers must use Electronic Logging Devices (ELD) that automatically record hours. This data is objective evidence we use to prove fatigue—often showing drivers violated these limits while hauling through Power County during harvest season when pressure to deliver is highest.

49 CFR Part 396: Inspection, Repair, and Maintenance

Trucking companies must systematically inspect, repair, and maintain their fleets. Drivers must conduct pre-trip inspections before driving and post-trip reports after each day’s work. When a truck enters Power County with faulty brakes or bald tires, and that failure causes your accident, the maintenance violations prove negligence.

The Types of Catastrophic Accidents We See

Power County’s geography—flat agricultural plains crossed by high-speed interstates, subject to sudden winter storms and high winds—creates specific trucking hazards.

Jackknife Accidents

When a driver brakes too hard on I-86’s slick winter pavement or swerves to avoid wildlife, the trailer swings perpendicular to the cab, blocking multiple lanes. These accidents often result in multi-vehicle pileups. Jackknifes typically involve violations of 49 CFR § 393.48 (brake system malfunctions) or § 392.6 (speeding for conditions). Given Idaho’s brutal winters, we see these frequently when truckers fail to adjust for ice.

Rollover Accidents

Idaho’s agricultural trucks—often top-heavy with grain or potatoes—are prone to rollovers when drivers take curves too fast or encounter uneven shoulder conditions on rural highways. A rollover on US-30 or I-86 can spill cargo across the roadway, creating secondary accidents. These often involve cargo securement violations under § 393.100 or improper loading by agricultural shippers.

Underride Collisions

When a passenger vehicle strikes the rear or side of a trailer and slides underneath, the results are almost always fatal decapitations or catastrophic brain injuries. While 49 CFR § 393.86 requires rear impact guards on trailers manufactured after 1998, there’s no federal requirement for side underride guards—though they would save lives on Power County’s dark rural highways where visibility is limited.

Rear-End Collisions

An 80,000-pound truck traveling at 65 mph needs approximately 525 feet to stop—40% more than a passenger car. When a trucker follows too closely under § 392.11, or drives distracted, they cannot stop in time to avoid crushing the vehicle in front of them. Given the high speeds on I-86 (75 mph in rural sections), these impacts are devastating.

Tire Blowouts

Heat buildup on Idaho’s summer highways, combined with overloaded agricultural trailers, causes tire failures. When a steer tire blows at highway speed, the driver loses control instantly. The “road gator” debris left behind often causes secondary accidents. These involve maintenance violations under § 393.75 (minimum tread depth requirements).

Cargo Spills and Shifts

Power County’s economy depends on agricultural transport. When a grain hauler or potato truck spills its load across Interstate 86, the resulting chaos causes chain-reaction crashes. Improper securement under § 393.100-136 is almost always the cause, particularly when loaders fail to account for the unique shifting characteristics of bulk agricultural products.

Head-On Collisions

Fatigued or intoxicated drivers crossing the centerline on rural highways—US-93, US-30, or I-86—cause the most fatal accidents. These often involve Hours of Service violations under Part 395 or drug/alcohol violations under §§ 392.4-392.5.

Evidence Disappears Fast—We Act Within 48 Hours

In Power County’s rural environment, you might think evidence would be easier to preserve. The opposite is true. Trucking companies send rapid-response teams—lawyers and investigators—to the scene before ambulances arrive. They have a head start, and every hour you wait, critical evidence vanishes.

The 48-Hour Rule

Within 48 hours of retaining us, we send spoliation letters to the trucking company, their insurer, and all potentially liable parties. These legal notices demand preservation of:

• ECM/Black Box Data: The Electronic Control Module records speed, braking, throttle position, and fault codes. This data can be overwritten in as little as 30 days.
• ELD Records: Electronic Logging Device data proves Hours of Service violations. FMCSA only requires 6-month retention, but once we demand preservation, destruction becomes spoliation—subject to court sanctions.
• Driver Qualification Files: Employment applications, background checks, medical certifications, and drug test results.
• Maintenance Records: Brake inspections, tire replacements, and repair logs under § 396.3.
• Dashcam and Surveillance Footage: Often deleted within 7-14 days.
• Cell Phone Records: Proving distracted driving.
• Dispatch Records: Showing pressure to violate safety regulations.

Why Immediate Action Matters in Power County

Power County’s location on major freight corridors means trucking companies are familiar with local jurisdictions. They know Idaho’s comparative fault rules and will move quickly to protect their interests. Evidence of winter weather conditions, black ice, or poor road maintenance—critical to establishing liability—must be documented immediately before conditions change.

Waiting even a few days can mean the difference between proving a driver was fatigued and watching that ELD data disappear forever. Don’t give them that advantage.

Catastrophic Injuries Require Maximum Compensation

The physics of an 80,000-pound truck versus a 4,000-pound passenger vehicle aren’t fair. When they collide, the results are life-altering.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

The force of a truck impact causes the brain to strike the inside of the skull, resulting in concussions, hemorrhages, or diffuse axonal injury. Moderate to severe TBI cases often result in settlements ranging from $1,548,000 to $9,838,000 to cover lifetime care, cognitive rehabilitation, and lost earning capacity. Victims may never return to work, requiring 24/7 supervision.

Spinal Cord Injury and Paraplegia/Quadriplegia

When a truck crushes a vehicle or causes a rollover, spinal fractures can result in permanent paralysis. We’ve secured settlements ranging from $4,770,000 to $25,880,000 for spinal injury victims. These funds cover wheelchairs, home modifications, vehicle adaptations, and lifelong medical care.

Amputation

Crushing injuries in underride or override accidents often require surgical amputation. The lifetime cost of prosthetics—needing replacement every 3-5 years—plus rehabilitation and home modifications, drives settlements to $1,945,000 to $8,630,000.

Severe Burns

Tanker accidents on Idaho’s highways can result in fires causing third and fourth-degree burns. These require multiple skin graft surgeries, infection management, and psychological treatment for disfigurement.

Wrongful Death

When a trucking accident takes a loved one in Power County, surviving family members face not just grief, but financial devastation. Wrongful death settlements typically range from $1,910,000 to $9,520,000, covering lost future income, loss of consortium, funeral expenses, and the profound mental anguish of losing a spouse, parent, or child.

Idaho’s Damage Caps

Idaho law caps non-economic damages (pain and suffering) at $250,000 in most cases (adjusted periodically). However, economic damages—medical bills, lost wages, future care—remain uncapped. Punitive damages are capped at the greater of three times compensatory damages or $250,000, but may be available when trucking companies act with reckless disregard for safety, such as knowingly keeping an unsafe driver on the road or falsifying logbooks.

How Idaho’s Comparative Fault Rules Affect Your Case

Idaho follows a Modified Comparative Fault system with a 50% bar rule. Here’s what that means for your Power County trucking accident:

If you were partially at fault—perhaps you were speeding slightly, or didn’t signal a lane change—you can still recover damages as long as you were less than 50% at fault. However, your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault. If you’re found 20% responsible, and your damages are $500,000, you recover $400,000.

But if you’re found 50% or more at fault, you recover nothing. This makes evidence preservation and aggressive investigation critical. The trucking company will try to shift blame to you. We counter with black box data, ELD records, and accident reconstruction to prove their driver was primarily responsible.

Remember: In Idaho, you have two years from the accident date to file suit. Don’t wait until the deadline approaches to act.

Why Power County Victims Choose Attorney911

You’re not just another case number here. As our client Chad Harris said: “You are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.”

Ralph Manginello’s Track Record

With over 25 years of experience since 1998, Ralph has recovered multi-million dollar settlements for catastrophic injury victims. Our firm secured over $5 million for a traumatic brain injury victim struck by a falling log, $3.8 million for a car accident victim who suffered a partial leg amputation due to medical complications, and we’re currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against the University of Houston—demonstrating our willingness to take on powerful defendants.

The Insurance Defense Advantage

Most firms only know one side of the courtroom. Our associate attorney, Lupe Peña, spent years defending insurance companies at a national defense firm. He knows exactly how adjusters evaluate claims, what software they use to minimize payouts (like Colossus), and when they’re bluffing about low settlement offers. Now he uses that insider knowledge to fight for maximum compensation for Power County families.

Federal Court Experience

Ralph is admitted to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas, and our firm handles interstate trucking cases across multiple jurisdictions. When a truck involved in your Power County accident was dispatched from out of state or operated by an interstate carrier, federal court experience matters.

We Take Cases Other Firms Reject

Donald Wilcox came to us after another firm refused his case. He later told us: “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.” We don’t shy away from difficult cases with disputed liability or multiple defendants. We fight.

Spanish Language Services

Power County’s Hispanic community deserves direct representation without interpreters. Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish. Hablamos Español. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911.

Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do immediately after a trucking accident in Power County?

Call 911 and seek medical attention immediately—even if you feel “okay.” Adrenaline masks serious injuries. Document the scene with photos of all vehicles, the truck’s DOT number, and cargo. Get witness contact information. Then call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 before speaking to any insurance adjuster.

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

Idaho’s statute of limitations is two years from the date of the accident. However, waiting even weeks can destroy critical evidence. Call us immediately for a free consultation.

Who can be held liable besides the driver?

The trucking company, cargo owner (particularly relevant for agricultural loads in Power County), loading company, freight broker, maintenance company, truck manufacturer, and parts suppliers may all share liability. We investigate every potential defendant to maximize your recovery.

What are Hours of Service violations, and why do they matter?

Federal law limits truck drivers to 11 hours of driving time after 10 hours off duty. They cannot drive beyond their 14th consecutive hour on duty. When drivers violate these rules—common during harvest season when pressure to deliver is high—they cause fatigue-related accidents. ELD data proves these violations.

Will my case go to trial?

Most cases settle before trial, but we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial. Insurance companies offer better settlements when they know your attorney is willing to go to court. Ralph Manginello’s trial experience and federal court admission give us leverage in negotiations.

How much is my case worth?

There’s no “average” settlement. Value depends on injury severity, medical costs, lost wages, pain and suffering (capped at $250,000 in Idaho), and available insurance. With trucking companies carrying $750,000 to $5,000,000 in coverage, catastrophic injury cases often settle for millions. We’ve recovered settlements ranging from $1.5 million to $9.8 million for traumatic brain injuries alone.

What if I was partially at fault?

Under Idaho’s modified comparative fault rule, you can recover as long as you were less than 50% at fault. Your damages are reduced by your percentage of fault. Don’t assume you don’t have a case—let us investigate.

How much does it cost to hire you?

Nothing upfront. We work on contingency—33.33% if we settle before trial, 40% if we go to trial. You pay nothing unless we win. We advance all investigation costs, including expert witnesses and accident reconstruction.

Do you handle wrongful death cases?

Yes. When a trucking accident takes a loved one, we pursue wrongful death claims for lost income, loss of consortium, mental anguish, and funeral expenses. We understand the profound grief these families face and handle the legal burdens so you can focus on healing.

What if the trucking company is from out of state?

We handle interstate trucking accidents regularly. The FMCSA regulations apply nationwide, and we can pursue cases in federal court or coordinate with counsel in other states. Power County’s location on I-86 and I-15 makes it a corridor for interstate carriers, and we’re experienced in these complex jurisdictional issues.

How quickly can you start my case?

Immediately. Within 24 hours of your call to 1-888-ATTY-911, we send spoliation letters to preserve evidence. We can meet with you in Power County or conduct consultations remotely.

Don’t Wait. The Trucking Company Already Has Lawyers.

The trucking company that hit you had lawyers on the phone before the police finished their report. Their insurance adjuster is already calculating how little they can pay you. While you’re trying to heal, they’re trying to minimize your claim.

That stops now.

At Attorney911, we level the playing field. With 25+ years of experience, millions recovered for catastrophic injury victims, and a former insurance defense attorney who knows their playbook, we’re ready to fight for every dime you deserve. As Glenda Walker told us after we resolved her case: “They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.”

Call 1-888-ATTY-911 now for a free consultation. Available 24/7. No fee unless we win. Serving Power County, American Falls, Rockland, and all of southeastern Idaho.

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

The consultation is free. The advice is priceless. The time to act is now.