18-Wheeler Accident Lawyers in Bonneville County, Idaho

When 80,000 Pounds Changes Everything

Your Local Bonneville County Trucking Accident Attorneys Fight For You

One moment you’re driving through Bonneville County on I-15, maybe headed toward Idaho Falls or coming back from the Wyoming border. The next moment, an 80,000-pound semi-truck has crossed the line, blown a tire on the interstate, or lost control on black ice near the Snake River.

That’s not just an accident. That’s a life-altering event.

We’ve seen it happen too many times on Bonneville County highways. Families driving home to Idaho Falls after a day in the mountains. Workers commuting along US-20. Agricultural trucks hauling potatoes from the fields crossing paths with passenger vehicles. When an 18-wheeler hits a car, physics isn’t fair. The truck wins every time.

You need an attorney who knows Bonneville County roads—and knows how to make trucking companies pay.

Ralph Manginello has spent over 25 years fighting for injury victims across the United States. Since founding Attorney911 in 2001, he’s made trucking companies pay for their negligence. Ralph brings federal court experience through his admission to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas, and he’s gone toe-to-toe with Fortune 500 corporations like BP in the Texas City Refinery explosion litigation—a case that resulted in over $2.1 billion in total settlements industry-wide.

But what really sets us apart in Bonneville County? Our associate attorney Lupe Peña spent years defending insurance companies before joining our firm. He knows exactly how trucking insurers evaluate claims, minimize payouts, and deny legitimate cases. Now he uses that insider knowledge against them. As Donald Wilcox, one of our clients, 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.”

Call 1-888-ATTY-911 right now. The trucking company already called their lawyers. What are you doing?

Why Bonneville County 18-Wheeler Accidents Are Different

The Physics of Devastation

Your car weighs roughly 4,000 pounds. A fully loaded semi-truck rolling through Bonneville County on I-15 can weigh up to 80,000 pounds. That’s twenty times the mass. When that energy transfers in a collision, catastrophic injuries aren’t just possible—they’re likely.

Idaho’s unique geography makes Bonneville County particularly dangerous for trucking accidents. I-15 runs right through the heart of our county, carrying freight from Canada down through Salt Lake City and beyond. I-86 feeds into it near Idaho Falls, bringing agricultural loads from the west. US-20 cuts through, connecting to Wyoming.

These aren’t just roads. They’re lifelines for commerce—and potential death traps when trucking companies cut corners.

The numbers tell a brutal story:

• An 80,000-pound truck at 65 mph needs 525 feet to stop—nearly two football fields
• Every 16 minutes, someone in America is injured in a commercial truck crash
• 5,100+ people die annually in trucking accidents, with 76% being occupants of the smaller vehicle
• Brake problems contribute to 29% of large truck crashes
• Driver fatigue causes approximately 31% of fatal truck accidents

In Bonneville County, winter adds another deadly variable. Black ice on I-15 near the Sage Junction. Snow-blind conditions on the agricultural routes. Mountain passes that demand properly maintained brakes—brakes that some trucking companies defer maintaining to save money.

Evidence disappears fast. Black box data can be overwritten in 30 days. Dashcam footage gets deleted within weeks. The trucking company sends investigators to the scene while you’re still in the hospital. That’s why we send preservation letters immediately—and why you need to call 888-ATTY-911 today.

The Attorney911 Advantage: 25+ Years Fighting For Bonneville County Families

Inside Knowledge That Wins Cases

Most law firms handling Bonneville County trucking accidents have never worked inside a defense firm. They don’t know the playbook. We do.

Lupe Peña isn’t just another associate attorney. He’s a former insurance defense lawyer who spent years working for national insurance companies. He watched adjusters minimize claims. He saw how they train their people to lowball victims. He learned exactly which tactics make insurance companies settle—and which make them fold.

Now he uses that knowledge for you.

“We have an attorney who used to work for insurance companies—now he fights against them,” Ralph Manginello explains. “That gives our Bonneville County clients an unfair advantage.”

When the trucking company’s adjuster calls, they expect a fight. They don’t expect someone who knows their settlement algorithms, their evaluation software like Colossus, and their weak points. Lupe knows exactly how they’ll try to delay your claim, use surveillance against you, or claim your injuries are “pre-existing.”

As client Glenda Walker said: “They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.”

Federal Court Experience That Matters

Trucking accidents often involve interstate commerce. That means federal regulations—and potentially federal court. Ralph Manginello’s admission to the U.S. District Court, Southern District of Texas gives us leverage that other firms lack.

We’ve litigated against the largest corporations in America. The BP Texas City Refinery explosion case—where 15 workers died and 170+ were injured—taught us how to battle Fortune 500 legal teams. Those lessons protect Bonneville County families today.

Results That Speak Volumes

We don’t just talk about winning—we’ve recovered over $50 million for families across our practice areas:

• $5+ million for a traumatic brain injury victim struck by a falling log
• $3.8+ million for a client who suffered a partial leg amputation after a car accident led to staph infections
• $2+ million for a maritime worker with a back injury under the Jones Act
• $2.5+ million in truck crash recoveries
• Currently litigating a $10 million lawsuit against the University of Houston for hazing that caused rhabdomyolysis and kidney failure

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

Hablamos Español

Many Bonneville County residents speak Spanish as a first language. Lupe Peña provides fluent Spanish representation—no interpreters needed, no confusion, no lost meaning in translation.

Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911 para una consulta gratuita.

Common 18-Wheeler Accidents in Bonneville County, Idaho

Jackknife Accidents on I-15

When a truck driver brakes suddenly on icy patches near Idaho Falls—especially during Idaho’s brutal winters—the trailer swings perpendicular to the cab. The truck folds like a pocket knife. The trailer sweeps across multiple lanes of traffic, leaving nowhere for Bonneville County commuters to escape.

Why it happens: Sudden braking, improperly loaded trailers, brake failures, or worn tires on slick surfaces.

The law: 49 CFR § 392.6 prohibits trucking companies from scheduling runs that require speeds unsafe for conditions. 49 CFR § 393.40-55 mandates proper brake maintenance. When companies violate these rules to meet delivery deadlines, they’re liable for every injury.

Your risk: Multi-vehicle pileups on I-15 during winter storms. We’ve seen jackknifes block the interstate for hours, causing secondary collisions as other drivers lose control avoiding the wreckage.

Rollover Accidents on Mountain Passes

Bonneville County sits near some of Idaho’s most challenging terrain. Trucks coming down from the mountains or hauling heavy agricultural loads can tip when drivers take curves too fast, encounter shifting cargo, or suffer blowouts.

The physics: A high center of gravity plus 80,000 pounds equals disaster when centrifugal force overcomes stability.

FMCSA violations: 49 CFR § 393.100-136 requires proper cargo securement capable of withstanding 0.8g deceleration forces. When loaders fail to properly secure potatoes, grain, or equipment, the shifting weight causes rollovers that crush smaller vehicles.

Underride Collisions – The Most Deadly

Rear underride guards are supposed to prevent your car from sliding under the trailer when a truck stops suddenly on I-86. But many guards are poorly maintained or improperly installed. Side underride guards aren’t even required by federal law—yet.

The horror: Your windshield hits the trailer bed. The roof shears off at head level.

Who’s liable: The trucking company for inadequate guards, the maintenance company for failed inspections, or the trailer manufacturer for defective designs. We investigate all of them.

Rear-End Collisions Near Idaho Falls

Trucks need 40% more stopping distance than cars. When a semi follows too closely through Bonneville County’s busy intersections near Ammon or Idaho Falls, and traffic suddenly stops, the physics are unforgiving.

49 CFR § 392.11 requires trucks maintain distances reasonable for speed and conditions. When drivers violate this—often because they’re distracted by cell phones or fatigued from hours-of-service violations—they’re negligent per se.

Evidence we gather: ECM data showing following distance, ELD logs proving fatigue, cell phone records showing distraction.

Tire Blowouts on Agricultural Routes

Summer heat on Idaho’s agricultural routes—combined with overloaded trailers hauling maximum weight—causes tires to overheat and fail. A “road gator” (shredded tire debris) can send a Bonneville County family swerving into the ditch.

The requirements: 49 CFR § 393.75 mandates minimum tread depth (4/32″ for steer tires). 49 CFR § 396.13 requires pre-trip inspections. When trucking companies defer maintenance to save money, tires fail and lives are destroyed.

Brake Failures on Steep Grades

Coming down the hills into Bonneville County from the northeast, truck brakes overheat. Brake fade. And then they don’t work at all.

The statistics: Brake problems factor into 29% of large truck crashes. If the trucking company failed to perform systematic inspections under 49 CFR § 396.3, if they ignored driver vehicle inspection reports (DVIRs) under § 396.11, or if they skipped annual inspections under § 396.17, they’re directly liable for every injury.

Who Can Be Held Liable in Your Bonneville County Trucking Accident?

Most law firms look at the driver and stop there. That’s malpractice. We investigate every potentially liable party because more defendants means more insurance coverage means higher compensation for your family.

1. The Truck Driver

• Speeding or reckless driving on I-15
• Distracted driving (cell phone violations under 49 CFR § 392.82)
• Fatigued driving beyond the 11-hour limit (49 CFR § 395)
• Impaired driving (alcohol limits under 49 CFR § 392.5)
• Failure to conduct pre-trip inspections

2. The Trucking Company (Motor Carrier)

Under respondeat superior, employers are liable for employees’ negligence. But we also pursue direct negligence:

• Negligent hiring: Did they verify the driver’s CDL, medical certification, and background? We demand the Driver Qualification File (49 CFR § 391.51).
• Negligent training: Did they train on mountain driving, winter conditions, and cargo securement?
• Negligent supervision: Did they monitor ELD data for hours-of-service violations?
• Negligent maintenance: Did they defer brake repairs to save money?

3. The Cargo Owner/Shipper

Agricultural shippers in Bonneville County sometimes pressure drivers to exceed weight limits or skip breaks during harvest season. When their demands cause accidents, they share liability.

4. The Loading Company

Potatoes, grain, and equipment must be secured per 49 CFR § 393.100-136. When loaders use inadequate tiedowns or create unbalanced loads that shift on curves, they cause rollovers.

5. Truck/Trailer Manufacturers

Defective brakes, faulty automatic emergency braking systems, or poorly designed underride guards can trigger product liability claims against manufacturers.

6. Parts Manufacturers

Defective tires, brake components, or steering mechanisms that fail under Bonneville County’s demanding conditions create strict liability claims.

7. Maintenance Companies

Third-party mechanics who negligently repair brakes or sign off on unsafe vehicles share the blame.

8. Freight Brokers

Brokers who arrange transportation but don’t verify carrier safety records (CSA scores available at safer.fmcsa.dot.gov) can be liable for negligent selection.

9. The Truck Owner (If Different from Carrier)

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

10. Government Entities

If Idaho Department of Transportation knew about dangerous road conditions on Bonneville County highways—potholes, inadequate signage on curves, or failure to treat ice—and failed to fix them, they may share liability. (Note: Idaho’s tort claims act requires specific notice procedures, and caps may apply.)

We investigate all ten. While other firms settle for one policy, we stack multiple policies to maximize your recovery.

Critical Evidence: The 48-Hour Rule

Why You Must Act Immediately

The clock started ticking the moment the truck hit you.

Trucking companies have rapid-response teams. Within hours of a Bonneville County crash, they have investigators at the scene, drivers giving statements, and evidence disappearing.

Critical timelines:

• ECM/Black box data: Can be overwritten in 30 days or with new driving events
• ELD logs: FMCSA only requires 6-month retention
• Dashcam footage: Often deleted within 7-14 days
• Surveillance video: Local businesses near the Idaho Falls intersection may overwrite cameras in 7-30 days
• Witness memories: Fade significantly within weeks

The Spoliation Letter

When you hire Attorney911, we send a spoliation letter within 24 hours to every potentially liable party. This legal notice demands preservation of:

Electronic Data:

• ECM/EDR data (speed, braking, throttle)
• ELD records (hours of service, GPS location)
• Dashcam footage
• Dispatch communications
• Cell phone records

Driver Records:

• Complete Driver Qualification File (CDL status, medical exams, training)
• Drug and alcohol test results (49 CFR § 382)
• Previous employer inquiries
• Performance reviews

Vehicle Records:

• Maintenance logs showing every brake adjustment, tire change, and inspection (49 CFR § 396.3)
• Out-of-service orders
• Annual inspection reports

Physical Evidence:

• The actual truck and trailer (before repairs)
• Failed components for forensic analysis

Once they receive our letter, destroying evidence becomes spoliation—allowing courts to instruct juries that the destroyed evidence would have been unfavorable to the trucking company. That leverage wins settlements.

Don’t wait. Black box data disappears. Call 888-ATTY-911 now.

Catastrophic Injuries: The Real Cost of Bonneville County Trucking Accidents

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

The force of an 18-wheeler impact causes the brain to ricochet inside the skull. Bonneville County victims may experience:

• Memory loss and confusion
• Personality changes
• Chronic headaches
• Depression and anxiety
• Loss of executive function

Costs: $85,000 to $3,000,000+ in lifetime care.

Our experience: We’ve recovered $1.5 million to $9.8 million for TBI victims.

Spinal Cord Injury and Paralysis

Quadriplegia. Paraplegia. These aren’t just medical terms—they’re life sentences of limitation. Bonneville County residents injured on I-15 may never walk again, never return to work at Idaho National Laboratory or the potato processing plants, never play with their children the same way.

Lifetime costs:

• Paraplegia: $1.1 million to $2.5 million+
• Quadriplegia: $3.5 million to $5 million+

We’ve secured settlements ranging from $4.7 million to $25.8 million for spinal cord injuries.

Amputation

When 80,000 pounds crushes a vehicle, limbs are sometimes severed at the scene or damaged beyond repair. Agricultural workers in Bonneville County who lose limbs face:

• Prosthetics ($5,000 to $50,000+ per device, replaced every few years)
• Home modifications
• Career limitations
• Phantom limb pain

Our track record: $1.9 million to $8.6 million for amputation victims.

Wrongful Death

When a trucking accident kills a Bonneville County father, mother, or child, the loss ripples through generations. Idaho allows wrongful death claims for:

• Lost future income
• Loss of consortium (companionship, guidance)
• Mental anguish of survivors
• Funeral expenses
• Medical bills before death

Time is critical. Idaho’s statute of limitations for wrongful death is generally 2 years from the date of death (see Idaho Code § 5-101). But evidence preservation matters more than the filing deadline—call us immediately.

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

Idaho Law: What Bonneville County Accident Victims Need to Know

Statute of Limitations

Idaho Code § 5-101: You generally have 2 years from the date of your trucking accident to file a lawsuit in Bonneville County.

But waiting dangers your evidence. The trucking company is building their defense while you wait. Call 1-888-288-9911 immediately.

Comparative Negligence: The 50% Bar

Idaho follows modified comparative negligence with a 50% bar (Idaho Code § 6-801).

What this means for Bonneville County victims:

• If you’re less than 50% at fault, you can recover, but your damages are reduced by your percentage of fault (e.g., 20% fault = 80% recovery)
• If you’re 50% or more at fault, you recover nothing

Trucking companies and their insurers will try to blame you. They’ll claim you were speeding on I-15, following too closely, or driving distracted. We counter with objective evidence—ECM data, ELD logs, and accident reconstruction—to minimize your assigned fault percentage.

Punitive Damages

Idaho allows punitive damages under Idaho Code § 6-1604 when defendants act with “oppression, fraud or malice, or outrageous conduct manifesting reckless indifference of the rights of others.”

Gross negligence examples we’ve pursued:

• Intentional destruction of evidence (spoliation)
• Forcing drivers to violate hours-of-service regulations
• Knowingly putting fatigued drivers on the road
• Falsifying driver qualification files

Idaho caps punitive damages at the greater of 3x compensatory damages or $250,000 (adjusted for inflation).

Damage Caps

Idaho caps non-economic damages at $250,000 for personal injury cases (adjusted annually—check current amounts).

However, this cap does not apply to:

• Wrongful death claims (different statutory scheme)
• Punitive damages
• Economic damages (medical bills, lost wages)

Experienced attorneys know how to work within these caps while maximizing your recovery through economic damages and strategic case valuation.

FMCSA Regulations That Protect Bonneville County Families

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations in 49 CFR Parts 390-399 are your shield. When trucking companies break these rules, they pay.

Part 390: General Applicability

Covers who must comply—all commercial vehicles over 10,001 lbs engaged in interstate commerce. Most trucks on Bonneville County highways qualify.

Part 391: Driver Qualification

• Commercial drivers must be at least 21 for interstate commerce
• Must read and speak English sufficiently to understand road signs (critical in Idaho where signage is English-only)
• Must pass physical exams every 2 years (medical certificates)
• Must have valid CDL appropriate for vehicle class

Violations we find: Trucking companies hiring drivers with suspended licenses, expired medical certificates, or history of drug/alcohol violations.

Part 392: Driving Rules

• § 392.3: No driving while fatigued or ill
• § 392.4/5: No drugs or alcohol (0.04 BAC limit for commercial drivers—half the passenger vehicle limit)
• § 392.6: No speeding for conditions (critical on Bonneville County’s winter highways)
• § 392.11: No following too closely
• § 392.80/82: No texting or hand-held mobile phone use

Part 393: Vehicle Safety

• § 393.75: Minimum tire tread depth (4/32″ steer tires, 2/32″ others)
• § 393.86: Rear impact guards required on trailers
• § 393.100-136: Cargo securement rules—must withstand 0.8g forward deceleration

Part 395: Hours of Service (The Anti-Fatigue Rules)

Property-carrying drivers:

• Maximum 11 hours driving after 10 consecutive hours off duty
• Cannot drive beyond 14th consecutive hour after coming on duty
• Must take 30-minute break after 8 hours driving
• 60/70 hour weekly limits (60 hours in 7 days OR 70 hours in 8 days)

Electronic Logging Device (ELD) Mandate: Since 2017, most trucks must use tamper-resistant ELDs. This data proves fatigue violations objectively.

Part 396: Inspection and Maintenance

• § 396.3: Systematic inspection and maintenance required
• § 396.11: Drivers must prepare written post-trip reports on vehicle condition
• § 396.17: Annual comprehensive inspections required

When trucking companies skip these steps to save money, we prove it through maintenance records subpoenas.

Insurance Coverage: What’s Available For Bonneville County Victims?

Federal Minimum Coverage (Mandatory)

Under FMCSA regulations:

• $750,000 for non-hazardous freight
• $1,000,000 for oil, petroleum, and large equipment
• $5,000,000 for hazardous materials

Most carriers carry $1 million to $5 million in liability coverage—far more than the $30,000 minimum for passenger vehicles in Idaho.

MCS-90 Endorsement

This endorsement guarantees that insurance will cover minimum damages even if the driver violated policy terms. It’s required for interstate commerce and protects you from technical denials.

Stacking Policies

When multiple parties are liable (driver, company, broker, manufacturer), we stack multiple insurance policies to maximize recovery:

• Motor carrier’s primary policy ($1M+)
• Excess/umbrella coverage ($5M+)
• Trailer interchange coverage
• Broker liability policies

The result: Catastrophic injury cases can access millions in coverage, not just the minimums.

Frequently Asked Questions: Bonneville County 18-Wheeler Accidents

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

Idaho generally gives you 2 years from the accident date. But don’t wait. Evidence preservation is more urgent than the deadline. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 today.

What if the trucking company says the accident was my fault?

Idaho uses modified comparative negligence (50% bar). We investigate thoroughly using ECM data, ELD logs, and accident reconstruction. As Angel Walle told us: “They solved in a couple of months what others did nothing about in two years.”

Can I recover damages if I was partially at fault?

Yes, if you were less than 50% at fault. Your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you’re found 20% at fault on an I-15 crash, you recover 80% of your damages.

What is an ELD and why does it matter?

Electronic Logging Devices automatically record driving hours and prevent falsification. ELD data proves whether the driver was fatigued—one of the leading causes of trucking accidents.

How much is my Bonneville County trucking accident case worth?

Values depend on injury severity, medical costs, lost wages, and insurance coverage. Trucking cases typically range from hundreds of thousands to millions for catastrophic injuries. We’ve recovered $1.9 million to $9.8 million for serious injury clients.

What if my loved one was killed in an Idaho trucking accident?

Wrongful death claims in Idaho allow families to recover lost income, loss of companionship, mental anguish, and funeral expenses. The 2-year statute of limitations applies, but evidence must be preserved immediately.

Do you handle cases for Spanish-speaking Bonneville County residents?

Sí. Hablamos Español. Lupe Peña provides direct Spanish representation without interpreters. Call 1-888-ATTY-911.

What if I can’t afford a lawyer?

We work on contingency fee. You pay nothing unless we win. Standard fees are 33.33% pre-trial, 40% if trial is necessary. We advance all investigation costs. Zero upfront fees.

Who will actually handle my case?

Ralph Manginello personally oversees major trucking cases. You won’t be shuffled to a junior associate. As Dame Haskett said: “Consistent communication and not one time did I call and not get a clear answer… Ralph reached out personally.”

What types of trucks do you handle?

All commercial vehicles: 18-wheelers, semi-trucks, tankers, flatbeds, agricultural trucks, delivery vans, construction vehicles, and hazardous material carriers serving Bonneville County.

How do I know if the truck driver violated FMCSA regulations?

We subpoena the Driver Qualification File, ELD data, maintenance records, and inspection reports. Violations of Parts 390-399 create presumptive negligence.

What if the trucking company is from another state?

We handle interstate cases. Ralph’s federal court admission and dual Texas/New York bar licensure allow us to pursue out-of-state carriers effectively. Federal regulations apply nationwide.

Can I sue for punitive damages in Idaho?

Yes, for “oppression, fraud, malice, or reckless indifference.” Examples include falsifying log books, destroying evidence, or knowingly hiring dangerous drivers. Idaho caps punitive damages at greater of 3x compensatory or $250,000.

What if the accident involved hazardous materials?

Hazmat trucks carry $5 million minimum insurance. Spills require specialized investigation for toxic exposure claims. We handle these complex cases.

How long will my case take?

Simple cases: 6-12 months. Complex litigation: 1-3 years. We prepare every case for trial while pushing for faster settlements.

What if I’ve already talked to the trucking company’s insurance?

Stop. Do not give recorded statements. Whatever you said, we can help. But call us before saying anything else. Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize your claim—we’re trained to maximize it.

What makes Attorney911 different from other personal injury firms?

• 25+ years of Ralph Manginello’s federal court experience
• Lupe Peña’s insider insurance defense background
• $50+ million recovered
• 4.9★ Google rating with 251+ reviews
• We take cases other firms reject (as Greg Garcia said: “another attorney dropped my case although Mangiello law firm were able to help me out”)
• Spanish language services
• 24/7 availability at 888-ATTY-911

Call Attorney911 Now: Your Bonneville County 18-Wheeler Accident Attorneys

The trucking company has lawyers. So should you.

If you or a loved one suffered catastrophic injuries in a Bonneville County trucking accident—whether on I-15 near Idaho Falls, US-20 heading toward Wyoming, or the agricultural routes around Ammon—you need an attorney who knows federal trucking law and Idaho state law.

Ralph Manginello has spent 25+ years making trucking companies pay. Lupe Peña knows their playbook from the inside. Our team has recovered multi-million dollar settlements for TBI, amputation, spinal cord injury, and wrongful death victims.

You pay nothing unless we win. Zero upfront costs. Free consultation. Hablamos Español.

The evidence is disappearing right now. Black box data, witness memories, tire skid marks on I-15—they fade fast. The trucking company is building their defense today. Build yours.

Call 888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911) any time, day or night. We answer. We fight. We win.

“You are FAMILY to them.” — Chad Harris

Attorney911
The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC
Fighting For Bonneville County Families

Offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, Texas. Serving 18-wheeler accident victims across the United States, including Bonneville County, Idaho.