18-Wheeler Accident Lawyers in Bingham County, Idaho

When 80,000 Pounds Changes Everything

Every 16 minutes, someone in America is injured in a commercial truck crash. On the highways winding through Bingham County—where I-15 carries north-south freight through Blackfoot and Shelley, where I-86 connects to the Wyoming corridor, where agricultural trucks haul potatoes and grain through winter storms—this statistic becomes a local reality. If an 18-wheeler has turned your life upside down on Bingham County roads, you’re facing more than physical recovery. You’re facing a legal emergency that demands immediate action.

We are Attorney911, and we’ve spent 25 years fighting for trucking accident victims across the United States. Our managing partner, Ralph Manginello, has recovered multi-million dollar settlements for families devastated by commercial vehicle crashes. We know the specific dangers of Bingham County’s trucking corridors—the ice on the Portneuf range approaches, the heavy agricultural traffic during harvest season, the fatigue of long-haul drivers pushing through the Mountain West. And we know how to hold trucking companies accountable when their negligence causes catastrophic harm.

But here’s what you need to understand right now: the trucking company that hit you has already called their lawyers. Their insurance adjuster is already looking for ways to minimize your claim. Evidence that could prove your case—the truck’s black box data, the driver’s electronic logs, maintenance records—can be overwritten or destroyed in as little as 30 days. Every hour you wait gives them an advantage.

That’s why we answer calls 24/7 at 1-888-ATTY-911. Because in Bingham County trucking accidents, timing isn’t just important—it’s everything.

The Trucking Dangers Unique to Bingham County

Bingham County sits at a critical juncture in the Intermountain West’s freight network. Interstate 15 runs through the heart of the county, carrying commercial traffic from Salt Lake City up through Idaho Falls and toward Montana. Interstate 86—an often-overlooked but vital corridor—connects I-15 to I-84 and the Wyoming border, serving as a major route for agricultural products, energy equipment, and cross-country freight.

This geography creates specific risks. The Portneuf River valley and surrounding areas see severe winter weather from November through March, creating black ice conditions that challenge even experienced truck drivers. The agricultural nature of Bingham County—potato processing, grain farming, dairy operations—means heavy truck traffic on rural roads where drivers may be unfamiliar with local conditions. And the convergence of these routes means heavy freight volume moving through relatively narrow corridors.

When you combine these factors with the physics of an 80,000-pound vehicle traveling at 65 miles per hour, you understand why Bingham County sees its share of catastrophic trucking accidents. A fully loaded semi needs nearly two football fields to stop on dry pavement—longer on ice. When a truck driver loses control on the curves near the Blackfoot Mountains or jackknifes on icy I-15 near Shelley, the results are often devastating.

Who We Are: The Attorney911 Difference

Ralph Manginello — 25 Years Fighting for Victims

Since 1998, Ralph Manginello has built a reputation as an aggressive advocate for injury victims. Admitted to federal court in the Southern District of Texas and licensed in both Texas and New York, Ralph brings federal court experience to complex interstate trucking cases. He’s litigated against Fortune 500 corporations, including involvement in the BP Texas City Refinery explosion litigation that resulted in over $2.1 billion in industry-wide settlements following the 2005 disaster that killed 15 workers and injured 170 more.

Ralph has secured multi-million dollar results for catastrophic injury victims, including:

• $5+ million for a traumatic brain injury victim struck by a falling log
• $3.8+ million for a car accident victim who suffered partial leg amputation due to medical complications
• $2.5+ million in commercial truck crash recoveries
• $2+ million for a maritime worker with a back injury under the Jones Act

Currently, Ralph is litigating a $10 million lawsuit against the University of Houston and Pi Kappa Phi fraternity regarding hazing allegations that resulted in hospitalization and kidney failure—demonstrating his willingness to take on powerful institutions when they cause harm.

Lupe Peña — The Insurance Defense Advantage

Here’s what makes our firm different: our associate attorney, Lupe Peña, used to work for insurance companies. He spent years defending trucking insurance claims from the inside, learning exactly how carriers evaluate claims, train adjusters to minimize payouts, and identify weaknesses in victim cases.

Now he uses that insider knowledge against them. He knows the algorithms they use to calculate pain and suffering (and how they systematically undervalue it). He knows when they’re bluffing about settlement authority. He knows which evidence makes insurance companies nervous—and we’ve built our investigation protocols to find exactly that evidence from day one.

Lupe is also a third-generation Texan fluent in Spanish, allowing us to serve Bingham County’s Hispanic community directly without interpreters. Hablamos Español. Llame a Lupe Peña al 1-888-ATTY-911.

Our Track Record Speaks for Itself

With over 251 Google reviews maintaining a 4.9-star average, our clients consistently tell the same story. As Chad Harris wrote, “You are NOT a pest to them and you are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.” Donald Wilcox, whose case had been rejected by another firm, 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.” Glenda Walker simply stated, “They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.”

We operate on contingency—you pay nothing unless we win. No upfront costs. No hourly fees. We advance all investigation expenses, including the cost of immediate evidence preservation in Bingham County cases.

Federal Regulations That Protect Bingham County Drivers

Every 18-wheeler on American highways, including those traversing Bingham County’s interstates, must comply with Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations codified in Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations. When trucking companies violate these rules, they create the dangerous conditions that cause catastrophic accidents.

Driver Qualification Standards (49 CFR Part 391)

Before a driver can legally operate a commercial motor vehicle, they must meet strict federal qualification standards. Motor carriers must maintain a Driver Qualification (DQ) File containing:

• Employment application and three-year driving history investigation
• Current medical examiner’s certificate (renewed every 2 years maximum)
• Valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with proper endorsements
• Road test certificate or equivalent
• Previous employer inquiries
• Annual driving record reviews

When we investigate Bingham County trucking accidents, we subpoena these files immediately. Missing documentation—failure to verify a driver’s history, lapses in medical certification, or hiring drivers with suspended licenses—proves negligent hiring and makes the trucking company directly liable.

Hours of Service Regulations (49 CFR Part 395)

Fatigue causes approximately 31% of fatal truck crashes. That’s why federal law strictly limits driving time:

• 11-hour driving limit: No driving beyond 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty
• 14-hour duty window: Cannot drive after the 14th consecutive hour after coming on duty
• 30-minute break: Mandatory 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
• 34-hour restart: Requires 34 consecutive hours off duty to reset the weekly clock

Since December 18, 2017, most drivers must use Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) that automatically record driving time and synchronize with the vehicle engine. This data is objective and tamper-resistant—it proves exactly how long a driver was on the road before your Bingham County accident.

Vehicle Safety and Cargo Securement (49 CFR Parts 393 & 396)

Federal law mandates systematic vehicle maintenance. Drivers must conduct pre-trip inspections, and carriers must maintain inspection and repair records for at least one year. Key requirements include:

• Brake systems must meet specific performance standards (49 CFR § 393.40-55)
• Cargo must be secured to prevent shifting, falling, or spilling (49 CFR § 393.100-136)
• Annual inspections must cover 16+ vehicle systems
• Drivers must prepare written post-trip reports noting any defects

Brake problems factor into approximately 29% of large truck crashes. When a truck’s inadequate maintenance causes a crash in Bingham County, these regulations prove the carrier’s negligence.

Prohibited Conduct (49 CFR Part 392)

Federal law strictly prohibits dangerous driving behavior:

• § 392.3: No operating while fatigued or impaired by illness
• § 392.4: No possession or use of Schedule I substances or amphetamines while on duty
• § 392.5: No alcohol use within 4 hours of duty, no possession while on duty, blood alcohol content (BAC) must be below 0.04
• § 392.11: No following too closely
• § 392.82: No hand-held mobile telephone use while driving

Violations of these rules aren’t just administrative citations—they’re evidence of negligence that can support punitive damages claims.

The 48-Hour Evidence Preservation Protocol

Within hours of a Bingham County trucking accident, the trucking company dispatches rapid-response teams to the scene. Their goal: protect their interests, not yours. While you are receiving medical treatment, they are gathering evidence to minimize your claim.

Critical evidence disappears fast:

• ECM/Black Box data: Can be overwritten in 30 days or with new driving events
• ELD records: Only required retention is 6 months; after that, deletion is legal
• Dashcam footage: Often deleted within 7-14 days unless preserved
• Surveillance video: Nearby businesses typically overwrite footage in 7-30 days
• Driver logs: Paper logs can be “lost”; electronic logs can be purged

When you call 1-888-ATTY-911, we immediately send spoliation letters to the trucking company, their insurer, and all potentially liable parties. These letters put them on legal notice that they must preserve:

• ECM/ELD data showing speed, braking, and hours of service
• Driver Qualification Files
• Maintenance and inspection records
• Dispatch communications and load documentation
• Drug and alcohol test results
• The physical truck and trailer themselves

Destroying evidence after receiving a spoliation letter can result in court sanctions, adverse inference instructions (the jury is told to assume destroyed evidence was unfavorable), or default judgment. The sooner we send these letters, the stronger your case.

Types of 18-Wheeler Accidents on Bingham County Roads

Jackknife Accidents on Icy Corridors

A jackknife occurs when the trailer swings perpendicular to the cab, often sweeping across multiple lanes. In Bingham County’s winter conditions—where I-15 and I-86 can become treacherous with black ice and blowing snow—sudden braking often causes these accidents.

Jackknife crashes frequently result from:

• Sudden braking on slippery surfaces (violating 49 CFR § 392.6 regarding speed for conditions)
• Worn brakes or improper brake adjustment (violating 49 CFR § 393.48)
• Empty or light trailers with less traction
• Driver overcorrection

These accidents often involve multiple vehicles and cause catastrophic injuries as the swinging trailer strikes everything in its path.

Rollover Accidents on Agricultural Routes

Bingham County’s agricultural economy means heavy truck traffic on rural roads and secondary highways. Rollovers occur when trucks tip onto their sides or roofs, often due to:

• Speeding on curves or ramps
• Improperly loaded or unsecured cargo shifting during turns (violating 49 CFR § 393.100)
• Liquid cargo “slosh” affecting center of gravity
• Overcorrection after tire blowouts

Given the high center of gravity of 18-wheelers and the 80,000-pound maximum weight, rollovers are often fatal or cause catastrophic crushing injuries.

Underride Collisions

Among the deadliest trucking accidents, underride collisions occur when a smaller vehicle slides under the trailer. The trailer height often shears off the passenger compartment at windshield level. Federal law requires rear impact guards (49 CFR § 393.86) on trailers manufactured after January 26, 1998, but these guards sometimes fail, and side underride guards remain optional despite their proven life-saving potential.

These accidents are frequently fatal or result in decapitation and catastrophic head trauma.

Rear-End Collisions

A loaded truck at highway speed requires approximately 525 feet to stop—about 40% more distance than a passenger vehicle. When truck drivers follow too closely (violating 49 CFR § 392.11), drive distracted, or operate while fatigued, they cannot stop in time to avoid collisions.

The massive weight differential means even low-speed rear-end impacts can cause severe whiplash, traumatic brain injury, and spinal cord damage.

Wide Turn Accidents (“Squeeze Play”)

Trucks making right turns must swing wide, creating a gap that passenger vehicles often enter. When the truck completes its turn, it crushes the vehicle against the curb or building. These accidents frequently occur at intersections in Bingham County towns like Blackfoot and Shelley when truck drivers fail to signal properly or check mirrors before maneuvering.

Blind Spot Accidents

18-wheelers have four major “No-Zone” blind spots:

• 20 feet directly in front
• 30 feet behind the trailer
• Left side extending from the cab
• Right side (larger and more dangerous) extending from the cab

When truck drivers change lanes without checking these blind spots (violating 49 CFR § 393.80 requiring adequate mirrors), they sideswipe or crush vehicles they cannot see.

Tire Blowout Accidents

With 18 tires per truck, failures are inevitable. However, blowouts often result from underinflation, overloading (exceeding tire capacity), or worn tires not replaced (violating 49 CFR § 393.75 requiring minimum tread depths of 4/32″ on steer tires and 2/32″ on others). Blowouts cause sudden loss of control, debris strikes on following vehicles (“road gators”), and secondary collisions.

Brake Failure Accidents

Approximately 29% of truck crashes involve brake problems. Complete brake failure usually indicates systematic maintenance neglect—worn brake shoes, improper adjustments, air brake system leaks, or overheated brakes on long descents. Federal law requires systematic inspection (49 CFR § 396.3) and pre-trip inspections (49 CFR § 396.13). When carriers defer maintenance to cut costs, they endanger everyone on Bingham County roads.

Cargo Spill and Shift Accidents

Bingham County’s agricultural industry sees heavy transport of potatoes, grain, and dairy products. When loaders fail to properly secure cargo (violating 49 CFR §§ 393.100-136), loads shift during transport, causing rollovers, or spill onto roadways, creating hazards for following vehicles. Hazmat spills from trucks carrying agricultural chemicals or fuel create additional dangers.

Head-On and Loss-of-Control Accidents

When fatigued or distracted drivers drift across center lines on rural Bingham County highways, or when drivers lose control on winter roads, head-on collisions result. Given the closing speeds of two vehicles traveling toward each other, these accidents are almost always catastrophic or fatal.

Every Party Who May Owe You Money

Unlike car accidents where typically only one driver is at fault, commercial truck accidents involve multiple potentially liable parties. We investigate and pursue claims against all of them because more defendants mean more insurance coverage means higher compensation for you.

1. The Truck Driver

The driver may be personally liable for negligent conduct including speeding, distracted driving (cell phone use violating 49 CFR § 392.82), fatigued driving beyond legal hours, impaired driving, or failure to conduct proper inspections.

2. The Trucking Company/Motor Carrier

Under the doctrine of respondeat superior, employers are liable for employees’ negligent acts during the scope of employment. Additionally, trucking companies face direct liability for:

• Negligent hiring: Failing to check driving records or hiring drivers with suspended CDLs
• Negligent training: Inadequate safety training on mountain driving, winter conditions, or cargo securement
• Negligent supervision: Failing to monitor ELD compliance or hours of service
• Negligent maintenance: Failing to keep vehicles in safe condition
• Negligent scheduling: Pressuring drivers to violate hours of service to meet delivery deadlines

3. The Cargo Owner/Shipper

Companies that own the cargo and arrange shipment may be liable if they required overweight loading, failed to disclose hazardous materials, or provided improper loading instructions that contributed to the accident.

4. The Loading Company

Third-party loaders who physically place cargo on trucks may be liable for improper securement using inadequate tiedowns, unbalanced load distribution, or failure to use proper blocking and bracing per 49 CFR § 393 requirements.

5. Truck and Trailer Manufacturers

When design defects (brake systems, fuel tank placement) or manufacturing defects (faulty welds, component failures) contribute to accidents, manufacturers may be strictly liable under product liability theories.

6. Parts Manufacturers

Companies manufacturing defective brakes, tires, steering components, or coupling devices may be liable when their products fail and cause crashes.

7. Maintenance Companies

Third-party mechanics who perform negligent repairs—improper brake adjustments, using substandard parts, or returning vehicles to service with known defects—may be liable for maintenance failures.

8. Freight Brokers

Brokers who arrange transportation but don’t own trucks may be liable for negligent selection of carriers—hiring trucking companies with poor safety records (low CSA scores), inadequate insurance, or histories of violations.

9. Truck Owner (If Different from Carrier)

In owner-operator arrangements, the vehicle owner may be liable for negligent entrustment or failure to maintain owned equipment.

10. Government Entities

While Idaho’s sovereign immunity laws limit government liability, agencies may be liable for dangerous road design, failure to maintain roads (potholes, ice), inadequate signage, or improper work zone setup. These claims have strict notice requirements and shorter deadlines.

Catastrophic Injuries and Their Lifelong Impact

The physics of an 80,000-pound truck striking a 4,000-pound passenger vehicle inevitably causes catastrophic injuries. We specialize in cases involving:

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

Even “mild” concussions can cause lasting cognitive impairment, memory problems, mood changes, and personality alterations. Moderate to severe TBIs may require lifelong care and supervision. Our firm has recovered between $1.5 million and $9.8 million for TBI victims, funds necessary for medical treatment, rehabilitation, and lost earning capacity.

Spinal Cord Injury and Paralysis

Damage to the spinal cord can result in paraplegia (loss of function below the waist) or quadriplegia (loss of function in all four limbs). Lifetime care costs range from $1.1 million for paraplegia to $5+ million for quadriplegia—costs that must be covered by your settlement.

Amputation

Whether traumatic (severed at the scene) or surgical (required due to crushing injuries), amputations require prosthetics ($5,000-$50,000+ each, needing replacement every few years), extensive rehabilitation, and home modifications. We’ve secured $1.9 million to $8.6 million for amputation victims.

Severe Burns

Truck accidents involving fuel tank ruptures or hazmat spills can cause third-degree burns requiring multiple skin grafts, reconstructive surgeries, and resulting in permanent disfigurement and chronic pain.

Wrongful Death

When trucking accidents kill, surviving family members may recover lost future income, loss of consortium (companionship and guidance), mental anguish, funeral expenses, and in cases of gross negligence, punitive damages. We’ve recovered $1.9 million to $9.5 million in wrongful death trucking cases.

Understanding Commercial Truck Insurance

Federal law mandates that trucking companies carry minimum liability insurance far exceeding typical auto policies:

Many carriers carry $1-5 million or more in coverage. Unlike car accidents where you might face $30,000 policy limits, trucking accidents typically have sufficient coverage to compensate catastrophic injuries—but accessing these funds requires proving negligence under federal trucking regulations.

Idaho Law: What You Need to Know

Statute of Limitations

In Idaho, you have two years from the date of your trucking accident to file a personal injury lawsuit (Idaho Code § 5-219). For wrongful death claims, the two-year period runs from the date of death. Miss this deadline, and you lose your right to compensation forever—regardless of how severe your injuries or how clear the trucking company’s fault.

Comparative Negligence

Idaho follows a “modified comparative negligence” rule with a 50% bar (Idaho Code § 6-801). You can recover damages if you are 49% or less at fault for the accident, but your percentage of fault reduces your recovery. If you are found 50% or more at fault, you recover nothing. This makes evidence preservation and aggressive investigation critical—trucking companies will try to shift blame to you.

Damage Caps

Unlike some states, Idaho caps non-economic damages (pain and suffering) at $250,000 for most personal injury cases (Idaho Code § 6-1603), though this cap adjusts annually based on the average annual wage. However, there is no cap on economic damages (medical bills, lost wages) or on punitive damages in cases of gross negligence, oppressive fraud, or malice.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bingham County Trucking Accidents

1. What should I do immediately after an 18-wheeler accident in Bingham County?

Call 911 immediately to report the accident and request medical assistance. If you are able, photograph the scene, vehicle damage, and your injuries. Get the truck driver’s name, CDL number, company information, and DOT number. Collect witness contact information. Do not give recorded statements to insurance adjusters. Then call 1-888-ATTY-911 to begin evidence preservation.

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

Two years from the accident date for personal injury, two years from the date of death for wrongful death. However, waiting risks evidence destruction. Contact us immediately.

3. Can I recover damages if I was partially at fault?

Yes, if you are 49% or less at fault under Idaho law. Your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault. We work to minimize any attributed fault through aggressive investigation.

4. What is a spoliation letter and why do you send one immediately?

It’s a legal notice demanding preservation of evidence including ECM data, ELD logs, maintenance records, and driver files. Sending it within 24-48 hours prevents the trucking company from legally destroying evidence.

5. Who can be sued in a trucking accident?

The driver, trucking company, cargo owner, loading company, truck/part manufacturers, maintenance companies, freight brokers, and potentially government entities. We identify all liable parties to maximize recovery.

6. What if the truck driver was an independent contractor?

Both the owner-operator and the contracting company may be liable. We investigate all relationships and insurance coverage.

7. How much is my case worth?

Values depend on injury severity, medical costs, lost income, pain and suffering, and available insurance. Catastrophic injury cases involving TBI, paralysis, or amputation often settle for millions given the high insurance limits in trucking cases.

8. What are hours of service violations?

Federal law limits truckers to 11 hours of driving after 10 hours off duty. Violations cause fatigue-related accidents. We subpoena ELD data to prove violations.

9. Do I need to pay anything upfront?

No. We work on contingency—you pay nothing unless we win. We advance all costs including expert witnesses and evidence preservation.

10. What if the trucking company is from out of state?

We handle interstate trucking cases. Ralph Manginello’s federal court admission allows us to pursue cases involving carriers from any state, and we know how to work with Idaho courts while investigating out-of-state defendants.

11. Can I sue for emotional distress and PTSD?

Yes. Non-economic damages in Idaho include mental anguish and emotional distress, though subject to the $250,000 cap (adjusted annually). Severe PTSD from trucking accidents is compensable.

12. What if my loved one was killed?

Wrongful death claims allow recovery for lost income, loss of companionship, mental anguish, and funeral expenses. Surviving spouses, children, and parents may be entitled to compensation.

13. How long do these cases take?

Simple cases may settle in 6-12 months. Complex cases with catastrophic injuries may take 1-3 years. We work efficiently while ensuring you receive full compensation, not quick lowball settlements.

14. What is black box data and why does it matter?

The truck’s ECM records speed, braking, throttle position, and fault codes. This objective data often contradicts driver claims and proves negligence. It must be preserved immediately.

15. Will my case go to trial?

Most settle, but we prepare every case for trial. Insurance companies offer better settlements to firms with proven trial experience—and Ralph Manginello has been trying cases since 1998.

16. What if the trucking company’s insurance denies my claim?

We appeal denials and, if necessary, sue for bad faith insurance practices. Denial is often a tactic to force you to accept less—don’t accept it without legal review.

17. Can undocumented immigrants file claims?

Yes. Immigration status does not affect your right to compensation for injuries caused by others.

18. What if the accident happened on an icy road?

Truck drivers must adjust speed for conditions. Driving too fast for winter conditions on I-15 or I-86 is negligence. We obtain weather data to prove violations of 49 CFR § 392.6.

19. Do you handle agricultural truck accidents?

Yes. We understand the unique dangers of farm equipment, grain trucks, and agricultural transport on Bingham County roads.

20. What makes Attorney911 different from other firms?

Twenty-five years of experience. A former insurance defense attorney on staff who knows their playbook. Federal court experience. Multi-million dollar results. And we treat you like family, not a case number. As client Kiimarii Yup said, “I lost everything… 1 year later I have gained so much in return.”

You Don’t Have to Face This Alone

An 18-wheeler accident in Bingham County—whether on the icy curves of I-86 near the Wyoming border, the busy stretch of I-15 through Blackfoot, or a rural agricultural road near Shelley—changes everything in an instant. The medical bills mount. The income stops. The pain persists. And the trucking company, with its team of lawyers and adjusters, hopes you’ll settle for pennies before you understand your rights.

You don’t have to let them win.

At Attorney911, we believe in aggressive representation and personal attention. Ralph Manginello has spent 25 years making trucking companies pay for their negligence. Lupe Peña brings insider knowledge of how insurers operate—and now he uses that knowledge against them. Our team has recovered over $50 million for families across the United States, and we’re ready to fight for you in Bingham County.

The clock is already ticking. Evidence is disappearing. The trucking company is building their defense. It’s time to build your offense.

Call 1-888-ATTY-911 anytime, day or night. We answer 24/7 because legal emergencies don’t wait for business hours.

Hablamos Español. Para una consulta gratis sobre su accidente de camión en Bingham County, llame al 1-888-ATTY-911 y hable con Lupe Peña.

Your consultation is free. You pay nothing unless we win. And we will fight for you like you’re family—because to us, you are.