18-Wheeler Accident Attorneys in Butte County, Idaho

When 80,000 Pounds Changes Everything

The impact was catastrophic. One moment you’re driving through the Lost River Valley on US-20, heading toward Arco. The next, an 80,000-pound rig comes through the intersection with Center Street, and your life changes forever.

Every 16 minutes, someone in America is injured in a commercial truck crash. In Butte County—where agricultural traffic mixes with interstate freight and the mountainous terrain of the Pioneer Mountains creates challenging driving conditions—the risk is even higher. When you’ve been hit by an 18-wheeler in Butte County, you need more than a lawyer. You need a fighter who understands federal trucking regulations, Idaho’s complex comparative negligence laws, and the specific dangers of trucking in the Mountain West.

We are Attorney911, and we’ve spent over 25 years making trucking companies pay. Ralph Manginello, our managing partner since 1998, brings federal court experience and a track record of multi-million dollar settlements to every case. Our team includes Lupe Peña, a former insurance defense attorney who used to work for trucking insurers—now he fights against them, using his insider knowledge to maximize your recovery.

Call 1-888-ATTY-911 today. The consultation is free, and you pay nothing unless we win.

Why Butte County Trucking Accidents Are Different

Butte County isn’t just another rural Idaho county. It’s a critical junction where agricultural heavy hauls meet interstate freight traffic. I-15 runs through the eastern portion of the county, carrying freight between Salt Lake City and the Canadian border. US-20—the “Idaho Highway to the Stars”—sees constant truck traffic serving the Idaho National Laboratory and points west. Meanwhile, local agricultural operations depend on heavy trucks to move hay, grain, and livestock across the Snake River Plain and into the mountains.

The geography itself creates unique hazards. The Lost River Range and Pioneer Mountains generate sudden weather changes. Winter storms can blanket the county in snow from October through April, creating black ice on I-15 and US-20. Spring and fall bring high winds through the valleys that can push high-profile trailers into oncoming lanes. And the steep grades on Highway 93 approaching Lost River Pass test brake systems to their limits.

When you’ve been injured in a trucking accident anywhere in Butte County—from the streets of Arco to the rural highways near the Craters of the Moon—your case requires immediate attention. Unlike a typical fender-bender between two passenger vehicles, 18-wheeler accidents involve federal regulations, multiple liable parties, and evidence that can disappear within days.

The Physics of Devastation

Your car weighs 4,000 pounds. The truck that hit you? Up to 80,000 pounds. That’s not a fair fight.

The physics of commercial truck accidents make catastrophic injuries the rule, not the exception. A fully loaded semi traveling at 65 mph carries approximately 80 times the kinetic energy of a passenger car. When that energy transfers to your vehicle in a crash, the results are devastating.

Stopping distances tell the story. An 18-wheeler at highway speed needs 525 feet to stop—that’s nearly two football fields. On I-15 near the Black Canyon Port of Entry, where truck traffic backs up approaching the weigh station, a fatigued driver might not have time to stop before smashing into slowed traffic.

In Butte County, where winter weather can reduce traction and mountain grades require constant brake use, these physics become even more deadly. Brake fade on the descent from Lost River Pass can turn a heavy truck into an uncontrolled missile. Black ice on US-20 near Carey can cause a jackknife before the driver even realizes traction is lost.

We’ve seen what these accidents do to families. As client Chad Harris told us after we handled his case, “You are NOT a pest to them and you are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.” That’s how we treat every Butte County trucking accident victim who calls our office.

Types of 18-Wheeler Accidents We Handle in Butte County

Jackknife Accidents on I-15

A jackknife occurs when the trailer and cab skid in different directions, with the trailer folding like a pocket knife. On I-15 through Butte County, jackknives often happen when drivers hit ice patches near the INL exit or brake suddenly approaching the weigh station at Blackfoot.

These accidents frequently result in multi-vehicle pileups when the trailer sweeps across all lanes. We investigated a case where a driver’s sudden braking on the I-15 descent caused a jackknife that blocked the interstate for hours and caused catastrophic injuries to three vehicles.

Jackknife accidents often reveal violations of 49 CFR § 393.48 (brake maintenance) and § 392.6 (speeding for conditions). When we review the ECM data from the truck’s black box, we often find the driver was traveling too fast for winter conditions or operating with improperly adjusted brakes.

Rollover Accidents in the Lost River Valley

Rollovers occur when an 18-wheeler tips onto its side or roof. Given the high center of gravity on these massive vehicles, rollovers are common on the curves of US-93 heading toward Mackay and on the agricultural roads near the Little Lost River Valley.

Improperly secured loads are a frequent cause. Idaho potato trucks and hay haulers that exceed safe loading limits become top-heavy and prone to rollover on the county’s rural highways. When liquid cargo sloshes or uneven weight distribution combines with centrifugal force on a curve, the result is a truck on its side blocking the roadway.

Under 49 CFR § 393.100-136, cargo must be secured to prevent shifting that affects vehicle stability. When trucking companies cut corners on loading procedures to rush harvest schedules, they endanger everyone on Butte County roads.

Underride Collisions

Underride accidents occur when a smaller vehicle crashes into the rear or side of a semi-trailer and slides underneath. These are among the most fatal types of trucking accidents, often resulting in decapitation or catastrophic head trauma.

Rear underride guards are required under 49 CFR § 393.86, but many trucks operate with inadequate or damaged guards. Side underride guards aren’t federally required—meaning victims who slide under the trailer during a lane change or intersection collision often suffer fatal injuries.

On US-20 through Butte County, where truck traffic merges with passenger vehicles near Arco and Carey, underride accidents are a constant threat, particularly during the early morning hours when visibility is low and fatigued drivers may drift.

Brake Failure Accidents

Brake problems contribute to approximately 29% of large truck crashes. In Butte County, where trucks must navigate mountain grades and long stretches of highway, brake maintenance is critical.

We recently reviewed a case where a truck descending from the Copper Basin area experienced total brake failure due to overheated drums. The driver lost control and crashed into a passenger vehicle near the base of the grade. Investigation revealed the trucking company had deferred brake maintenance to save costs—a direct violation of 49 CFR § 396.3 requiring systematic inspection and maintenance.

When brake failure causes an accident in Butte County, we immediately subpoena maintenance records and brake inspection reports. These documents often reveal patterns of deferred maintenance that support punitive damages claims.

Cargo Spills and Shifts

Butte County’s agricultural economy means heavy truck traffic carrying hay, grain, and livestock. When cargo shifts during transit or spills onto the roadway, it creates hazards for all drivers.

Federal regulations under 49 CFR § 393.100 require cargo to be secured to prevent leaking, spilling, or shifting that affects vehicle stability. Despite these rules, we see accidents caused by inadequate tiedowns on hay haulers or overloaded potato trucks that exceed weight distribution limits.

When cargo spills on US-20 or I-15 in Butte County, it creates secondary accidents as drivers swerve to avoid debris. The cargo loading company, not just the driver, may be liable for these accidents.

Tire Blowouts

Tire blowouts cause thousands of accidents annually. On Butte County highways, where temperatures fluctuate dramatically and roads can be rough, tire failures are common.

Under 49 CFR § 393.75, commercial tires must meet minimum tread depth requirements (4/32″ on steer tires). Pre-trip inspections under § 396.13 require drivers to check tire condition before driving. When trucking companies run tires past their safe service life to save money, they put everyone at risk.

A tire blowout on I-15 can cause a driver to lose control, leading to jackknife or rollover accidents that block Idaho’s primary north-south freight corridor for hours.

Head-On Collisions

Head-on collisions with 18-wheelers are often fatal. On two-lane highways like US-93 in Butte County, driver fatigue or distraction can cause a truck to drift across the centerline.

The closing speed in a head-on collision combines both vehicles’ velocities, creating impact forces that no passenger vehicle can withstand. We recently represented a family whose loved one was killed when a fatigued truck driver crossed into their lane on State Highway 33 near the county line.

These cases require immediate investigation of the driver’s hours of service records under 49 CFR Part 395.

Federal Regulations That Protect You (When Trucking Companies Follow Them)

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) establishes strict rules governing commercial trucking. When trucking companies violate these regulations, they create the dangerous conditions that cause accidents. Proving these violations is often the key to establishing negligence and securing maximum compensation.

49 CFR Part 391 — Driver Qualification Standards

Before a driver can legally operate an 18-wheeler, they must meet strict qualification standards. Motor carriers must verify:

• The driver is at least 21 years old for interstate commerce
• They hold a valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)
• They pass a physical examination and hold a current Medical Examiner’s Certificate
• Their driving record shows no disqualifying offenses
• They have the training necessary to operate the specific vehicle and cargo type

Under § 391.51, trucking companies must maintain a Driver Qualification (DQ) File containing all these documents. When we investigate accidents in Butte County, we subpoena these files. Missing or incomplete DQ files prove negligent hiring—a theory that holds trucking companies liable when they put unqualified drivers on the road.

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

Driver fatigue causes approximately 31% of fatal truck crashes. To prevent exhaustion, FMCSA limits driving time:

• 11-Hour Driving Limit: Drivers cannot drive more than 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty
• 14-Hour Duty Window: Drivers 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: Drivers cannot exceed 60 hours in 7 days or 70 hours in 8 days

Since December 2017, most trucks must use Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) that automatically record driving time and prevent falsification. ELD data provides irrefutable proof of hours-of-service violations.

In Butte County, where truckers haul potatoes to processing facilities or move equipment to the INL, pressure to meet delivery schedules can lead to violations. When an ELD shows a driver exceeded the 11-hour limit before crashing on I-15, we have strong evidence of negligence.

49 CFR Part 393 — Vehicle Safety and Cargo Securement

This section governs equipment standards and cargo loading:

• Cargo Securement (§ 393.100): Cargo must be contained to prevent shifting or falling. Tiedowns must withstand specific force calculations.
• Brake Systems (§ 393.40-55): All CMVs must have properly functioning service brakes, parking brakes, and emergency brakes.
• Tire Requirements (§ 393.75): Minimum tread depths and prohibitions on damaged tires.
• Rear Impact Guards (§ 393.86): Required underride protection on trailers.

When a hay hauler loses its load on US-20 near Arco, or when a truck’s brakes fail descending from the Copper Basin, these regulations provide the framework for proving negligence.

49 CFR Part 396 — Inspection and Maintenance

Trucking companies must systematically inspect, repair, and maintain their vehicles. Drivers must conduct pre-trip inspections before driving and file written reports on vehicle condition after each day’s work.

Maintenance records must be retained for at least one year. When we send spoliation letters to defendants in Butte County cases, we demand these records immediately. Deferred maintenance—putting off brake repairs or tire replacements to save money—constitutes direct negligence by the trucking company.

Who Can Be Held Liable? Beyond the Driver

One crucial difference between car accidents and 18-wheeler crashes is that multiple parties can be held responsible. While a car accident usually involves just two drivers, trucking accidents often implicate a web of companies and individuals.

The Truck Driver

The driver who caused the accident may be personally liable for negligent conduct including:

• Speeding or reckless driving
• Distracted driving (cell phone use, texting)
• Violating hours-of-service regulations
• Driving under the influence
• Failing to conduct proper pre-trip inspections

The Trucking Company

Under the doctrine of respondeat superior, employers are responsible for employees’ negligent acts within the scope of employment. Additionally, trucking companies can be directly liable for:

• Negligent hiring: Failing to check driving records or verify qualifications
• Negligent training: Inadequate safety training on mountain driving or cargo securement
• Negligent supervision: Failing to monitor ELD compliance or driver behavior
• Negligent maintenance: Deferring repairs to save costs

Trucking companies carry much higher insurance limits than individual drivers—often $750,000 to $5,000,000—making them primary targets for recovery.

The Cargo Owner and Loading Company

In Butte County’s agricultural economy, third-party loading companies often handle hay, grain, and potato loading. These parties may be liable for:

• Improperly secured cargo that shifts during transit
• Overloading beyond safe weight limits
• Failing to use proper tiedowns or blocking

When a grain truck rolls over on State Highway 33 because of improper loading, the agricultural shipper may share liability.

Parts Manufacturers

Defective brakes, tires, or steering components can cause accidents even when the driver and company act responsibly. Product liability claims against parts manufacturers can provide additional insurance coverage.

Maintenance Companies

Third-party maintenance companies that service truck fleets may be liable for negligent repairs. When a Butte County mechanic returns a truck to service with known brake defects, that company may be responsible for resulting accidents.

Freight Brokers

Brokers who arrange transportation may be liable for negligent carrier selection. If a broker hired a trucking company with a poor safety record to haul freight through Butte County, and that company causes an accident, the broker may share liability.

The 48-Hour Evidence Preservation Protocol

Critical evidence in trucking cases disappears fast. Black box data can be overwritten within 30 days. Surveillance video from nearby businesses is often deleted within a week. Witness memories fade quickly.

When you hire Attorney911, we send spoliation letters within 24-48 hours demanding preservation of all evidence, including:

Electronic Data:

• ECM/Black box data (speed, braking, throttle position)
• ELD records (hours of service compliance)
• GPS and telematics data
• Dashcam footage
• Cell phone records

Driver Records:

• Driver Qualification File
• Employment application and background check
• Medical certifications
• Drug and alcohol test results
• Training records

Vehicle Records:

• Maintenance and repair history
• Inspection reports
• Tire and brake replacement records

Company Records:

• Dispatch logs showing schedule pressure
• Safety policies and procedures
• CSA (Compliance, Safety, Accountability) scores

Under § 396.3, maintenance records must be retained for one year. However, once we send a preservation letter and litigation is anticipated, destroying evidence constitutes spoliation—a serious legal violation that can result in sanctions or adverse inference instructions (the jury is told to assume destroyed evidence was unfavorable to the defendant).

Catastrophic Injuries and Their Long-Term Impact

18-wheeler accidents in Butte County frequently result in catastrophic injuries due to the massive size disparity between trucks and passenger vehicles.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)

TBIs occur when the brain impacts the inside of the skull due to collision forces. Symptoms include confusion, memory loss, headaches, mood changes, and cognitive deficits. Moderate to severe TBIs often result in settlements ranging from $1.5 million to $9.8 million, depending on the need for ongoing care and the impact on 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). These injuries require lifetime care, with costs ranging from $1.1 million for paraplegia to $5 million+ for quadriplegia. These figures represent only direct medical costs—not lost wages or pain and suffering.

Amputation

Crushing forces in truck accidents sometimes necessitate surgical amputation. Victims require prosthetics ($5,000-$50,000+ each, with replacements needed throughout life), physical therapy, and home modifications. Settlement ranges typically fall between $1.9 million and $8.6 million.

Wrongful Death

When trucking accidents kill Butte County residents, surviving family members can pursue wrongful death claims. In Idaho, wrongful death cases follow the same 2-year statute of limitations as personal injury cases. Damages include lost future income, loss of companionship, mental anguish, and funeral expenses.

As client Glenda Walker said after we resolved her case, “They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.” That’s our commitment to every family facing a wrongful death claim.

Idaho Law and Butte County Trucking Accidents

Understanding Idaho law is crucial for maximizing your recovery after a Butte County truck crash.

Statute of Limitations

Idaho law provides two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. For wrongful death claims, the clock starts running from the date of death. Waiting too long forfeits your right to compensation entirely—regardless of how serious your injuries or how clear the trucking company’s negligence.

Two years sounds like a long time, but trucking cases require extensive investigation. The sooner you contact us, the stronger your case will be.

Comparative Negligence in Idaho

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

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

In a “he said-she said” accident on US-20 near Arco, where fault is disputed, thorough investigation is critical. The ECM data, ELD logs, and physical evidence often tell the true story, contradicting the truck driver’s version of events.

Damage Caps

Idaho caps non-economic damages (pain and suffering) at $250,000 in personal injury cases. However, there is no cap on economic damages (medical bills, lost wages) or on wrongful death cases. Additionally, there is no cap on punitive damages under current Idaho law.

Punitive damages are available when trucking companies act with gross negligence or reckless disregard for safety—such as knowingly hiring a driver with multiple DUIs, or systematically ignoring brake maintenance to save costs.

Specific Butte County Considerations

Butte County’s rural character affects accident response and investigation. The Butte County Sheriff’s Office and Idaho State Police handle most trucking accidents in the area. The nearest trauma centers are in Idaho Falls and Twin Falls, meaning critical care transport times can affect injury outcomes.

Additionally, many Butte County trucking accidents involve agricultural vehicles exempt from certain federal regulations but still subject to Idaho commercial vehicle laws.

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Butte County Trucking Case

25+ Years of Experience

Ralph Manginello has been fighting for injury victims since 1998. He understands the complexities of federal trucking law and has the trial experience necessary to take on major trucking companies. As he often tells clients, “We’re not just here to file paperwork—we’re here to win.”

Former Insurance Defense Attorney on Your Side

Lupe Peña, our associate attorney, spent years working for a national insurance defense firm. He knows exactly how trucking insurers evaluate claims, minimize payouts, and train adjusters to lowball victims. Now he uses that insider knowledge to fight for you. When the insurance company makes an offer, Lupe knows whether it’s fair or if they’re bluffing.

He also provides fluent Spanish-language representation for Butte County’s Hispanic community. Hablamos Español. Llame a Lupe Peña al 1-888-ATTY-911.

Multi-Million Dollar Results

Our track record speaks for itself:

• $5+ Million for a traumatic brain injury victim struck by a falling log
• $3.8+ Million for a car accident victim who required partial leg amputation
• $2.5+ Million for a commercial truck crash victim
• $2+ Million for a maritime back injury

We don’t just settle cases—we maximize recoveries. As client Donald Wilcox recounted, “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.”

Federal Court Experience

Ralph Manginello is admitted to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas and other federal jurisdictions. Many trucking cases belong in federal court due to interstate commerce issues. Not every personal injury attorney can handle federal litigation—we can.

Three Office Locations

With offices in Houston (main), Austin, and Beaumont, we serve trucking accident victims nationwide. For Butte County clients, we offer remote consultations and travel to Idaho for your case. Distance is never a barrier to getting the representation you deserve.

Contingency Fee Representation

You pay nothing unless we win. We advance all investigation costs, hire experts, and prepare your case on our dime. If we don’t recover compensation, you owe us nothing. Our standard fee is 33.33% pre-trial and 40% if the case goes to trial.

Frequently Asked Questions

How soon after a Butte County trucking accident should I call a lawyer?

Immediately—within 24-48 hours if possible. Critical evidence can be overwritten or destroyed quickly. We send spoliation letters the same day you hire us to preserve black box data, driver logs, and maintenance records.

Who pays my medical bills while the case is pending?

Your health insurance or medical payments coverage (if you have it) typically covers initial treatment. We work with medical providers to ensure you get necessary care without upfront costs. In some cases, we can arrange for treatment under a Letter of Protection, where providers agree to wait for payment until your case settles.

What if the truck driver says I was at fault?

Idaho’s comparative negligence law allows recovery if you are less than 50% at fault. More importantly, the truck driver’s statement isn’t the final word. We investigate independently using ECM data, physical evidence, and witness statements. Drivers often lie to protect their jobs—the data tells the truth.

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 know which lawyers are willing to go to court, and they offer better settlements to clients with trial-ready attorneys. If the trucking company won’t offer fair compensation, we have the resources and experience to take your case to a jury.

How much is my case worth?

Every case is unique. Factors include injury severity, medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and punitive damages if the trucking company acted recklessly. During your free consultation, we’ll evaluate your specific situation and provide an honest assessment.

Can I afford an attorney?

Yes. We work on a contingency fee basis—you pay nothing unless we win. There are no upfront costs or hourly fees. We only get paid when you get paid.

What if I was injured by an agricultural truck exempt from federal regulations?

Even if certain federal exemptions apply, Idaho state law still requires commercial vehicles to operate safely. Additionally, the driver and company can still be liable for negligence under state law. We analyze every possible avenue of recovery.

Do you handle cases in small towns like Arco?

Absolutely. We represent clients throughout Butte County and rural Idaho. While we’re based in Texas, we handle trucking cases nationwide and have experience working with Idaho courts and local counsel when necessary.

Don’t Let the Trucking Company Get Away With It

The trucking company that hit you has already called their lawyers. Their insurance adjuster is already looking for ways to pay you less. Evidence is being lost with every passing hour.

You deserve an attorney who will fight for every dime you deserve. Ralph Manginello has spent over 25 years taking on the largest trucking companies and winning. Our team includes a former insurance defense attorney who knows every tactic they’ll use against you. And we don’t get paid unless you win.

If you or a loved one has been injured in an 18-wheeler accident in Butte County—whether on I-15 near Blackfoot, US-20 outside Arco, or any rural highway in the county—call Attorney911 now.

Call 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911) for a free consultation. Available 24/7.

Your consultation is free. You pay nothing unless we win. And with over $50 million recovered for clients, we know how to make trucking companies pay.

Don’t wait until evidence disappears. Don’t let the trucking company push you around. Get the experienced, aggressive representation you deserve.

Call 1-888-ATTY-911 today.