18-Wheeler & Trucking Accident Attorneys in Conejos County, Colorado
When 80,000 Pounds Changes Everything
The impact was catastrophic. One moment you’re driving through the San Luis Valley on US-285, surrounded by the stunning peaks of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. The next, an 80,000-pound semi-truck has jackknifed across your path, or worse—slammed into your vehicle with a force no car can withstand.
If you’ve been injured in an 18-wheeler accident in Conejos County, you already know this truth: trucking accidents aren’t just bigger car crashes. They’re fundamentally different. The injuries are catastrophic. The trucking companies are powerful. And the evidence you need to prove your case disappears fast.
At Attorney911, we’ve spent over 25 years fighting for trucking accident victims across Colorado and beyond. Ralph Manginello, our managing partner, has recovered multi-million dollar settlements for families devastated by 18-wheeler crashes. Our associate attorney Lupe Peña spent years working for insurance companies—now he uses that insider knowledge to fight against them. That’s your advantage.
But here’s what you need to know right now: the clock started ticking the moment that truck hit you. Black box data can be overwritten in 30 days. Dashcam footage gets deleted. Witnesses forget. And the trucking company? They’ve already called their lawyers.
Call Attorney911 immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911. We answer 24/7. The consultation is free. And you pay nothing unless we win.
Why Conejos County 18-Wheeler Accidents Are Different
Conejos County sits at the heart of Colorado’s San Luis Valley, where US-285 and US-160 form critical trucking corridors connecting the Front Range to New Mexico and the Four Corners region. This geography creates unique dangers for local drivers.
The Mountain-Valley Factor
The San Luis Valley is the largest alpine valley in North America, sitting at 7,500 feet elevation with mountain passes exceeding 10,000 feet on all sides. For truck drivers, this means:
- Brake fade on long descents from La Veta Pass (9,413 ft) and Wolf Creek Pass (10,857 ft)
- Engine performance issues at high altitude affecting acceleration and power
- Sudden weather changes from clear skies to blinding snow or ice
- Runaway truck ramps that drivers may fail to use until it’s too late
These aren’t theoretical concerns. In 2023, a semi-truck lost brakes descending Wolf Creek Pass, crashed through a runaway ramp barrier, and killed four people in a fiery collision. The trucking company had failed to properly maintain the brake system—a violation of 49 CFR § 396.3 that could have been prevented.
The Agricultural-Industrial Mix
Conejos County’s economy blends traditional agriculture with modern logistics. The area’s potato farms, cattle ranches, and growing distribution centers create unique trucking patterns:
- Seasonal harvest spikes with overloaded trucks rushing to market
- Livestock transport with specialized trailers and unique handling requirements
- Refrigerated cargo requiring constant temperature monitoring
- Last-mile delivery from regional distribution hubs to rural addresses
Each of these creates specific FMCSA compliance obligations—and specific opportunities for negligence when corners are cut.
The 15 Types of 18-Wheeler Accidents We Handle
Not all trucking accidents are the same. Each type involves different physics, different liable parties, and different legal strategies. At Attorney911, we’ve handled every major accident type—and we know how to build winning cases for each.
Jackknife Accidents
A jackknife occurs when the trailer and cab skid in opposite directions, with the trailer folding at an angle like a pocket knife. The trailer often sweeps across multiple lanes, creating a wall of steel that nearby vehicles cannot avoid.
Why Jackknifes Happen in Conejos County:
- Sudden braking on US-285’s curves near La Jara or Antonito
- Empty or lightly loaded trailers more prone to swing (common with agricultural haulers)
- Brake failures on mountain descents
- Driver inexperience with trailer dynamics
The FMCSA Violation: 49 CFR § 393.48 (brake system malfunction) or § 393.100 (improper cargo securement affecting stability)
Your Injuries: Multi-vehicle pileup injuries, crushing from trailer impact, TBI from secondary collisions
Rollover Accidents
A rollover occurs when an 18-wheeler tips onto its side or roof. Due to the truck’s high center of gravity and 80,000-pound weight, rollovers are among the most catastrophic accidents.
Why Rollovers Happen in Conejos County:
- Speeding on curves of US-160 through the San Juan Mountains
- Top-heavy loads shifting on mountain switchbacks
- Overcorrection after tire blowouts (common at high altitude)
- Driver fatigue from long hauls across the valley
The FMCSA Violation: 49 CFR § 393.100-136 (cargo securement failures causing load shift)
Your Injuries: Crushing injuries, fuel fire burns, TBI from impact, spinal cord injuries from vehicle deformation
Underride Collisions
An underride occurs when a smaller vehicle crashes into the rear or side of a trailer and slides underneath. The trailer height often shears off the passenger compartment at windshield level.
Why Underrides Happen:
- Sudden stops by trucks without adequate warning
- Low visibility conditions (common in mountain fog)
- Inadequate or missing underride guards
- Following too closely in heavy traffic
The Critical Fact: Side underride guards are NOT federally required. Only rear guards are mandated under 49 CFR § 393.86. This regulatory gap kills hundreds annually.
Your Injuries: Decapitation, severe head and neck trauma, death. These accidents are almost always fatal.
Rear-End Collisions
Due to their massive weight, 18-wheelers require 20-40% more stopping distance than passenger vehicles. A fully loaded truck at 65 mph needs approximately 525 feet to stop—nearly two football fields.
Why Rear-End Collisions Happen:
- Following too closely (tailgating)
- Driver distraction from cell phones or dispatch
- Driver fatigue and delayed reaction
- Brake failures from poor maintenance
- Failure to anticipate traffic slowdowns
The FMCSA Violation: 49 CFR § 392.11 (following too closely), § 392.3 (operating while fatigued), § 393.48 (brake deficiencies)
Your Injuries: Whiplash, spinal cord injuries, TBI from high-speed impact, internal organ damage, crushing injuries
Wide Turn Accidents (“Squeeze Play”)
Trucks must swing wide before completing right turns, creating a gap that smaller vehicles enter. The truck then completes its turn, crushing the vehicle in the gap.
Why Wide Turn Accidents Happen:
- Failure to properly signal turning intention
- Inadequate mirror checks
- Driver inexperience with trailer tracking
- Poor intersection design in older towns
Your Injuries: Crushing injuries, sideswipe trauma, pedestrian and cyclist fatalities
Blind Spot Accidents (“No-Zone”)
18-wheelers have four major blind spots where smaller vehicles disappear from view. The right-side blind spot is largest and most dangerous.
Why Blind Spot Accidents Happen:
- Failure to check mirrors before lane changes
- Improperly adjusted or damaged mirrors
- Driver distraction during maneuvers
- Driver fatigue affecting awareness
The FMCSA Requirement: 49 CFR § 393.80 requires mirrors providing clear view to rear on both sides
Your Injuries: Sideswipe injuries, loss of control, rollover of passenger vehicle, TBI
Tire Blowout Accidents
With 18 tires per truck, blowouts are inevitable. Steer tire failures are especially dangerous, causing immediate loss of control.
Why Tire Blowouts Happen in Conejos County:
- Underinflated tires at high altitude
- Overloaded vehicles exceeding tire capacity
- Extreme temperature variations (hot days, cold nights)
- Worn tires not replaced due to cost-cutting
The FMCSA Violation: 49 CFR § 393.75 (tire requirements), § 396.13 (pre-trip inspection)
Your Injuries: Jackknife or rollover from loss of control, debris strikes causing windshield impacts and loss of control
Brake Failure Accidents
Brake problems factor in approximately 29% of large truck crashes. Complete failure usually results from systematic maintenance neglect.
Why Brake Failures Happen:
- Worn brake pads not replaced
- Improper brake adjustment
- Air brake system leaks
- Overheated brakes (brake fade) on mountain descents
- Deferred maintenance to save costs
The FMCSA Violation: 49 CFR § 393.40-55 (brake system requirements), § 396.3 (systematic maintenance)
Your Injuries: Severe rear-end collision injuries, multi-vehicle pileups, TBI from high-speed impact
Cargo Spill/Shift Accidents
Improperly secured cargo causes rollovers when the center of gravity shifts, or spills that create secondary accidents.
Why Cargo Accidents Happen:
- Inadequate tiedowns
- Unbalanced load distribution
- Failure to use blocking, bracing, or friction mats
- Overloading beyond securement capacity
The FMCSA Violation: 49 CFR § 393.100-136 (complete cargo securement standards)
Your Injuries: Rollover injuries, vehicles struck by falling cargo, chain-reaction accidents, hazmat exposure
Head-On Collisions
When trucks cross into oncoming traffic, the combined closing speed makes these almost always fatal or catastrophic.
Why Head-On Collisions Happen:
- Driver fatigue causing lane departure
- Driver falling asleep at the wheel
- Driver distraction
- Impaired driving
- Medical emergency
The FMCSA Violation: 49 CFR § 395 (hours of service), § 392.3 (operating while fatigued), § 392.4/5 (drug/alcohol violations)
Your Injuries: Catastrophic injuries or death, TBI, spinal cord injuries, internal organ damage
The 10 Parties Who May Owe You Compensation
Most law firms only sue the driver and trucking company. We investigate every potentially liable party—because more defendants means more insurance coverage means higher compensation for you.
1. The Truck Driver
The driver who caused your accident may be personally liable for negligent conduct: speeding, distracted driving, fatigue, impairment, or traffic violations. We pursue their driving records, ELD data, and drug test results.
2. The Trucking Company / Motor Carrier
This is often your primary recovery target. Under respondeat superior, employers are liable for employees’ negligent acts. Plus, trucking companies face direct liability for:
- Negligent hiring (failing to check backgrounds)
- Negligent training (inadequate safety instruction)
- Negligent supervision (ignoring HOS violations)
- Negligent maintenance (deferring repairs)
Trucking companies carry $750,000 to $5 million in insurance—far more than individual drivers.
3. The Cargo Owner / Shipper
The company that owned the cargo may be liable if they:
- Required overweight loading
- Failed to disclose hazardous materials
- Pressured the carrier to expedite beyond safe limits
- Provided improper loading instructions
4. The Cargo Loading Company
Third-party loaders who physically loaded the truck may be liable for:
- Improper cargo securement (49 CFR 393 violations)
- Unbalanced load distribution
- Failure to use proper blocking, bracing, or tiedowns
5. The Truck and Trailer Manufacturer
Defective design or manufacturing can create liability for:
- Brake system failures
- Stability control defects
- Fuel tank placement causing fires
- Defective safety systems (ABS, ESC)
6. The Parts Manufacturer
Companies that made specific failed components may be liable:
- Defective brakes or brake parts
- Defective tires causing blowouts
- Defective steering mechanisms
7. The Maintenance Company
Third-party repair shops may be liable for:
- Negligent repairs that failed to fix problems
- Improper brake adjustments
- Using substandard parts
- Returning vehicles with known defects
8. The Freight Broker
Brokers who arranged transportation may be liable for:
- Negligent selection of carriers with poor safety records
- Failure to verify carrier insurance and authority
- Selecting cheapest carrier despite safety concerns
9. The Truck Owner (If Different from Carrier)
In owner-operator arrangements, the owner may be liable for:
- Negligent entrustment of vehicle
- Failure to maintain owned equipment
10. Government Entities
Federal, state, or local government may be liable for:
- Dangerous road design
- Failure to maintain roads
- Inadequate signage for known hazards
- Improper work zone setup
Special considerations apply: sovereign immunity, strict notice requirements, and shorter deadlines.
The Evidence That Wins Cases—And Why It Disappears Fast
Here’s what the trucking companies don’t want you to know: the most important evidence in your case has an expiration date. And trucking companies have rapid-response teams working to make sure you never see it.
The 48-Hour Critical Window
| Evidence Type | Destruction Risk | What We Do |
|---|---|---|
| ECM/Black Box Data | Overwrites in 30 days or with new driving events | Send spoliation letter within 24 hours |
| ELD Data | FMCSA only requires 6-month retention | Demand immediate download and preservation |
| Dashcam Footage | Often deleted within 7-14 days | Subpoena before destruction |
| Surveillance Video | Business cameras overwrite in 7-30 days | Canvass scene immediately for nearby cameras |
| Witness Memory | Fades significantly within weeks | Interview witnesses within days |
| Physical Evidence | Vehicle may be repaired, sold, or scrapped | Photograph everything; demand vehicle preservation |
What Is a Spoliation Letter?
A spoliation letter is a formal legal notice sent to the trucking company, their insurer, and all potentially liable parties demanding preservation of all evidence related to the accident.
Once this letter is sent, destroying evidence becomes spoliation—a serious legal violation. Courts can:
- Instruct juries to assume destroyed evidence was unfavorable
- Impose monetary sanctions
- Enter default judgment in extreme cases
- Award punitive damages for intentional destruction
We send spoliation letters within 24 hours of being retained. Not next week. Not after we “evaluate” your case. Immediately.
The Electronic Evidence That Proves Negligence
Modern trucks are data factories. Every movement is recorded. And that data often contradicts what drivers claim.
ECM/Black Box Data Records:
- Speed before and during the crash
- Brake application timing and force
- Throttle position (was driver accelerating?)
- Engine RPM
- Cruise control status
- Steering inputs
- Fault codes (known mechanical issues)
ELD Data Proves:
- Exactly how long the driver was on duty
- Whether required breaks were taken
- Hours of service violations
- GPS location history
- Whether the driver was fatigued
Why This Data Wins Cases:
A driver claims: “I wasn’t speeding. I hit my brakes immediately. I was well-rested.”
The ECM shows: 72 mph in a 65 zone. No brake application for 4.2 seconds after collision warning. ELD shows driver had been on duty for 13.7 hours with only one 15-minute break.
Which version do you think the jury believes?
FMCSA Regulations: The Rules Trucking Companies Break
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulates every commercial truck on American highways. When trucking companies violate these rules, they create the dangerous conditions that cause catastrophic accidents.
Part 391: Driver Qualification Standards
The Rule: Trucking companies must verify that every driver is qualified to operate a commercial vehicle.
Requirements Include:
- Minimum age (21 for interstate commerce)
- Valid commercial driver’s license (CDL)
- Medical certification (maximum 2 years)
- Clean driving record check
- Pre-employment drug testing
- Three-year employment history verification
How Companies Violate This:
- Hiring drivers with suspended licenses
- Ignoring positive drug tests
- Failing to verify previous employment
- Allowing medical certifications to expire
- Incomplete Driver Qualification Files
Your Case: If the trucking company hired an unqualified driver, they’re liable for negligent hiring—regardless of whether the driver was “acting within the scope of employment.”
Part 392: Driving Rules
The Rule: Drivers must operate commercial vehicles safely and legally.
Key Prohibitions:
- § 392.3: Operating while fatigued or ill
- § 392.4: Using drugs while on duty
- § 392.5: Using alcohol within 4 hours of driving
- § 392.6: Speeding (including for conditions)
- § 392.11: Following too closely
- § 392.82: Using hand-held mobile phones while driving
How Drivers Violate This:
- Texting while driving through mountain passes
- Driving while fatigued to meet delivery deadlines
- Speeding on downhill grades
- Tailgating in adverse weather
Your Case: These violations are negligence per se—automatic proof of negligence if they caused your accident.
Part 393: Vehicle Safety & Cargo Securement
The Rule: Trucks must be properly equipped and cargo must be secured to prevent shifting or falling.
Requirements:
- § 393.40-55: Functional brake systems on all wheels
- § 393.75: Adequate tire tread depth (4/32″ steer, 2/32″ other)
- § 393.80: Properly adjusted mirrors
- § 393.86: Rear underride guards on trailers
- § 393.100-136: Cargo securement meeting performance criteria
How Companies Violate This:
- Deferring brake maintenance to save money
- Running tires beyond safe tread depth
- Inadequate tiedowns for heavy or shifting loads
- Missing or damaged underride guards
Your Case: Brake failures cause 29% of truck accidents. Cargo shifts cause rollovers. These are preventable with proper maintenance—making the trucking company liable.
Part 395: Hours of Service (HOS)
The Rule: Drivers cannot operate beyond specified hours without rest.
Property-Carrying Driver Limits:
- 11 hours: Maximum driving time after 10 consecutive hours off duty
- 14 hours: Maximum on-duty window (cannot drive beyond 14th hour)
- 30 minutes: Required break after 8 cumulative hours driving
- 60/70 hours: Weekly limits (60 hours/7 days or 70 hours/8 days)
- 34 hours: Required restart period to reset weekly clock
How Companies Violate This:
- Pressuring drivers to meet unrealistic delivery schedules
- Falsifying ELD records or using “personal conveyance” to hide driving time
- Ignoring driver complaints of fatigue
- Scheduling routes that cannot be completed legally
Your Case: Fatigue causes approximately 31% of fatal truck crashes. HOS violations are strong evidence of negligence—and often prove the trucking company prioritized profit over safety.
Part 396: Inspection, Repair & Maintenance
The Rule: Motor carriers must systematically inspect, repair, and maintain all vehicles.
Requirements:
- § 396.3: Systematic inspection, repair, and maintenance program
- § 396.11: Driver post-trip inspection reports
- § 396.13: Pre-trip inspection by driver
- § 396.17: Annual comprehensive vehicle inspection
- Records retained for minimum periods (1 year for maintenance, 14 months for annual inspections)
How Companies Violate This:
- Deferring “non-critical” repairs to save money
- Failing to document inspections
- Ignoring driver-reported defects
- Using substandard parts
- Inadequate mechanic training
Your Case: Maintenance failures cause brake failures, tire blowouts, and equipment malfunctions. When we subpoena maintenance records, we often find patterns of deferred repairs that prove the company knew its trucks were dangerous.
Catastrophic Injuries: The Human Cost of Trucking Negligence
18-wheeler accidents don’t cause “minor” injuries. The physics of 80,000 pounds against 4,000 pounds ensures catastrophic outcomes.
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
The force of a truck collision causes the brain to impact the inside of the skull, resulting in:
- Concussions (mild TBI): Confusion, headaches, memory problems
- Moderate TBI: Extended unconsciousness, cognitive deficits, personality changes
- Severe TBI: Coma, permanent impairment, need for 24/7 care
Long-term consequences: Permanent cognitive impairment, inability to work, increased dementia risk, depression, relationship destruction.
Settlement range: $1,548,000 – $9,838,000+
Spinal Cord Injury & Paralysis
Damage to the spinal cord disrupts brain-body communication, causing:
| Type | Impact |
|---|---|
| Paraplegia | Loss of function below waist; cannot walk |
| Quadriplegia | Loss of function in all four limbs; may need ventilator |
| Incomplete injury | Some nerve function remains; variable recovery |
| Complete injury | Total loss below injury level; permanent |
Lifetime care costs: $1.1 million (paraplegia) to $5+ million (quadriplegia)
Settlement range: $4,770,000 – $25,880,000+
Amputation
The crushing forces of truck accidents sever limbs or cause such severe damage that surgical amputation is required.
Ongoing needs: Prosthetic limbs ($5,000-$50,000 each, replaced every 3-5 years), physical therapy, occupational therapy, home modifications, psychological counseling.
Settlement range: $1,945,000 – $8,630,000
Severe Burns
Fuel tank ruptures, hazmat spills, and electrical fires cause burns requiring:
- Multiple skin graft surgeries
- Reconstructive procedures
- Infection management
- Long-term psychological trauma
Wrongful Death
When trucking negligence kills, surviving family members can pursue:
- Lost future income and benefits
- Loss of companionship and guidance
- Mental anguish
- Funeral expenses
- Punitive damages for gross negligence
Settlement range: $1,910,000 – $9,520,000+
Colorado Law: What You Need to Know
Statute of Limitations
In Colorado, you have 2 years from the date of your trucking accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. For wrongful death claims, you also have 2 years from the date of death.
Critical: This deadline is absolute. Miss it, and you lose your right to compensation forever—no matter how severe your injuries or how clear the trucking company’s negligence.
Comparative Negligence: Colorado’s 50% Bar Rule
Colorado follows modified comparative negligence 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
Example: If your damages are $500,000 and you’re found 20% at fault, you recover $400,000. If you’re found 50% at fault, you recover $0.
This makes evidence preservation and skilled legal representation critical. The trucking company will try to shift blame to you. We fight back with data—ECM records, ELD logs, and expert analysis that proves what really happened.
Damage Caps
Colorado caps non-economic damages (pain and suffering) in personal injury cases at $300,000 (adjustable to $500,000 with clear and convincing evidence). However:
- Economic damages (medical bills, lost wages) are uncapped
- Punitive damages are capped at equal to compensatory damages
- Wrongful death cases have different caps
Important: These caps apply to state court claims. Federal trucking regulations and interstate commerce issues may provide alternative avenues for recovery. Our federal court experience—Ralph Manginello’s admission to the Southern District of Texas—gives us options other firms may miss.
The Evidence We Preserve—And Why Timing Matters
Trucking companies have rapid-response teams for a reason: evidence disappears fast. Here’s what we fight to preserve:
Electronic Control Module (ECM) / “Black Box”
Records: Speed, braking, throttle, RPM, cruise control, fault codes
Destruction risk: Overwrites in 30 days or with new driving events
Our action: Spoliation letter within 24 hours; immediate download demand
Electronic Logging Device (ELD)
Records: Driver hours, duty status, GPS location, HOS compliance
Destruction risk: FMCSA only requires 6-month retention
Our action: Immediate preservation demand; subpoena for complete records
Driver Qualification File
Contains: Employment application, driving record, medical certification, drug tests, training records, previous employers
Why it matters: Proves negligent hiring if driver was unqualified
Our action: Subpoena complete file; identify gaps and violations
Maintenance Records
Contains: Inspection reports, repair history, parts records, mechanic notes
Why it matters: Brake failures, tire blowouts, and equipment failures are often preventable with proper maintenance
Our action: Subpoena all records for vehicle’s entire service history
Dashcam and Surveillance Footage
Destruction risk: Often deleted within 7-14 days
Our action: Immediate canvass of scene; subpoenas to all nearby businesses; preservation letters to trucking company
Cell Phone Records
Proves: Distracted driving, texting while driving, dispatch communications
Our action: Subpoena driver’s cell phone records for time of accident
Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Conejos County Trucking Accident Case
25+ Years of Experience
Ralph Manginello has been fighting for injury victims since 1998. He’s admitted to federal court (Southern District of Texas), has litigated against Fortune 500 corporations including BP, and has recovered multi-million dollar settlements for families just like yours.
Former Insurance Defense Attorney on Your Side
Our associate attorney Lupe Peña spent years working for a national insurance defense firm. He knows exactly how trucking insurers evaluate claims, train adjusters to minimize payouts, and deny legitimate claims. Now he uses that insider knowledge to fight FOR you.
Multi-Million Dollar Results
Our documented recoveries include:
- $5+ million for traumatic brain injury (logging accident)
- $3.8+ million for amputation (car accident with medical complications)
- $2.5+ million for commercial truck crash
- $2+ million for maritime back injury (Jones Act)
- Millions for wrongful death trucking cases
Federal Court Experience
Trucking cases often involve interstate commerce and federal regulations. Ralph Manginello’s federal court admission means we can pursue your case in federal court when advantageous—an option many firms lack.
Spanish-Language Services
Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish. We provide direct representation to Spanish-speaking clients without interpreters. Hablamos Español. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911.
Three Office Locations
With offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we serve trucking accident victims across Texas and Colorado. For Conejos County cases, we provide remote consultations and travel to you when needed.
24/7 Availability
Trucking accidents don’t happen during business hours. Neither do we. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 anytime—day or night, weekend or holiday. We answer.
Contingency Fee—No Fee Unless We Win
You pay nothing upfront. We advance all investigation costs. Our fee comes from your recovery, not your pocket. If we don’t win, you owe us nothing.
What to Do After an 18-Wheeler Accident in Conejos County
Immediate Steps (If You’re Able)
- Call 911 — Report the accident and request emergency medical services
- Seek medical attention — Even if injuries seem minor; adrenaline masks pain
- Document the scene — Photos and video of vehicles, damage, road conditions, skid marks
- Get truck information — Company name, DOT number, driver name and CDL, license plates
- Collect witness contacts — Names, phone numbers, what they saw
- Do NOT give recorded statements — To any insurance company, including your own
- Call Attorney911 — 1-888-ATTY-911 — We send preservation letters immediately
Within 24-48 Hours
- Follow all medical recommendations
- Keep detailed records of symptoms, treatments, and how injuries affect daily life
- Do NOT post about the accident on social media
- Do NOT accept any settlement offers
- Contact Attorney911 if you haven’t already
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to file a lawsuit after a trucking accident in Colorado?
Two years from the date of the accident. For wrongful death, two years from the date of death. This deadline is absolute—miss it and you lose your right to compensation forever. But waiting is dangerous: evidence disappears, witnesses forget, and the trucking company builds its defense. Contact us immediately.
What if I was partially at fault for the accident?
Colorado follows modified comparative negligence with a 50% bar. If you’re less than 50% at fault, you can recover damages reduced by your percentage. If you’re 50% or more at fault, you recover nothing. The trucking company will try to shift blame to you. We fight back with data—ECM records, ELD logs, and expert analysis.
How much is my case worth?
Every case is unique. Factors include injury severity, medical expenses (past and future), lost wages and earning capacity, pain and suffering, degree of negligence, and available insurance. Trucking companies carry $750,000 to $5 million or more—allowing for larger recoveries than typical car accidents. We’ve recovered millions for families like yours.
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. We have the resources and experience to take your case all the way if necessary.
How much does it cost to hire Attorney911?
Nothing upfront. We work on contingency—you pay nothing unless we win. We advance all investigation costs. Our fee comes from your recovery, not your pocket. The consultation is free. Call 1-888-ATTY-911.
Do you handle cases in Conejos County specifically?
Yes. While our offices are in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we handle trucking accident cases throughout Colorado and the United States. For Conejos County cases, we provide remote consultations and travel to you when needed. We know Colorado’s trucking corridors, courts, and laws.
What makes trucking accidents different from car accidents?
Everything. The injuries are catastrophic due to 80,000 pounds versus 4,000 pounds. The regulations are federal (FMCSA), not just state. The liable parties are multiple—driver, company, cargo owner, manufacturer, broker. The evidence is electronic and perishable. The insurance is higher ($750K-$5M minimum). And the trucking companies have teams of lawyers protecting them from day one.
You need a team that knows how to fight back.
Call Attorney911 Today: 1-888-ATTY-911
If you or a loved one has been injured in an 18-wheeler accident in Conejos County, don’t wait. The trucking company is already building their defense. Evidence is disappearing. And your time to act is limited.
Call Attorney911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911. We answer 24/7. The consultation is free. And you pay nothing unless we win.
Hablamos Español. Llame a Lupe Peña al 1-888-ATTY-911.
With 25+ years of experience, multi-million dollar results, and a former insurance defense attorney on your side, Attorney911 is ready to fight for you.
Your fight starts with one call: 1-888-ATTY-911.
Attorney911 / The Manginello Law Firm, PLLC
Houston: 1177 West Loop S, Suite 1600
Austin: 316 West 12th Street, Suite 311
Beaumont: Available for meetings
Ralph Manginello, Managing Partner | Bar #24007597
Lupe Peña, Associate Attorney | Bar #24084332
1-888-ATTY-911 | ralph@atty911.com | attorney911.com