Every year, thousands of commercial trucks roll through Franklin County on Interstate 15, hauling agricultural goods through the Cache Valley and connecting northern Utah to the rest of Idaho. When an 80,000-pound 18-wheeler meets a 4,000-pound passenger vehicle, the physics are brutally unfair. If you’re here because a trucking accident changed your life or took the life of someone you love, you’re in the right place. We are Attorney911, and we’ve spent over 25 years fighting for victims just like you.
Why Franklin County Trucking Accidents Demand Specialized Legal Counsel
Franklin County isn’t just another dot on the map. With Preston serving as the county seat and major agricultural operations spanning Weston, Dayton, and Clifton, our community sees a unique blend of heavy truck traffic. Dairy haulers transport milk across state lines. Livestock trucks navigate the winding roads near the Utah border. Long-haul freight carriers use I-15 to move goods between Salt Lake City and destinations north. This mix creates specific dangers—steep grades that test brake systems, winter storms that turn mountain passes into hazard zones, and rural intersections where visibility is limited.
Ralph Manginello, our managing partner, has been holding trucking companies accountable since 1998. He’s admitted to federal court in the Southern District of Texas, which matters for Franklin County cases because interstate trucking accidents often involve federal regulations and multi-state litigation. When you’re facing a trucking giant with teams of lawyers, you need someone who has gone toe-to-toe with Fortune 500 corporations like BP in the Texas City Refinery explosion litigation and won. That’s the level of experience we bring to every Franklin County case.
The Attorney911 Advantage: Inside Knowledge That Wins Cases
Most personal injury firms handle car accidents. We focus on catastrophic trucking litigation. Our associate attorney, Lupe Peña, spent years working for a national insurance defense firm before joining our team. He knows exactly how trucking insurers evaluate claims, train adjusters to minimize payouts, and use software like Colossus to undervalue your suffering. Now he uses that insider knowledge against them. When Lupe examines your Franklin County trucking case, he doesn’t just see injuries—he sees the playbook the opposing insurance company will use.
We also speak your language. Hablamos Español. For many Franklin County families, Spanish is the primary language. Lupe Peña provides direct representation without interpreters. When you call 1-888-ATTY-911, you can communicate in the language you’re most comfortable using.
Our track record speaks for itself. We’ve recovered over $50 million for families across multiple practice areas, including multi-million dollar settlements for traumatic brain injuries ($1.5M-$9.8M range), amputations ($1.9M-$8.6M), and wrongful death cases ($1.9M-$9.5M). While we’re currently litigating a $10 million hazing lawsuit against the University of Houston, our trucking accident work remains our flagship focus. We’ve faced down Walmart, Amazon, FedEx, UPS, and Coca-Cola trucking operations—and we’ve won.
Understanding the Scope of 18-Wheeler Dangers in Franklin County
The statistics are sobering. Every 16 minutes, someone in America is injured in a commercial truck crash. Over 5,000 people die in trucking accidents annually, with 76% of those deaths occurring to occupants of the smaller vehicle. In Franklin County, the combination of I-15’s high-speed traffic and mountainous terrain creates particular risks.
An 80,000-pound truck traveling at 65 mph needs approximately 525 feet to stop—that’s nearly two football fields. On the grades near Weston or the curves approaching Dayton, that stopping distance becomes a deadly gamble when brake systems fail or drivers lose focus. The average tractor-trailer is 20 to 25 times heavier than your car. When that weight differential meets Franklin County’s winter ice or summer thunderstorms, the results are often catastrophic.
Types of Trucking Accidents We Handle in Franklin County
Jackknife Accidents on I-15
Jackknife accidents occur when a truck’s trailer swings perpendicular to the cab, often sweeping across multiple lanes. On Franklin County’s stretch of I-15, these accidents frequently happen during winter storms or when drivers take curves too quickly. When a truck jackknifes near Preston or blocks the interstate near the Utah border, it creates multi-vehicle pileups with devastating injuries.
These accidents often involve violations of 49 CFR § 393.48 (brake system malfunctions) or § 392.6 (speeding for conditions). We investigate whether the driver properly adjusted for weather or if the trucking company pressured them to maintain speed despite dangerous conditions.
Rollover Accidents in Mountainous Terrain
Franklin County’s geography includes elevation changes and curves that challenge even experienced drivers. Rollovers happen when drivers take turns too fast, cargo shifts unexpectedly, or the truck’s high center of gravity becomes unstable. Agricultural haulers carrying hay or livestock through the county’s backroads face particular rollover risks.
Under 49 CFR § 393.100-136, cargo must be secured to prevent shifting that affects vehicle stability. When a load of Idaho potatoes or dairy equipment shifts during transport, the resulting rollover can crush smaller vehicles or spill hazardous materials across Highway 91.
Brake Failure on Steep Grades
Mountain driving puts extreme stress on braking systems. On long descents near Franklin or Weston, brakes can overheat and fail—a phenomenon called “brake fade.” Federal regulations under 49 CFR § 396 require systematic inspection and maintenance of brake systems. Despite this, approximately 29% of large truck crashes involve brake problems.
We investigate maintenance records to determine if the trucking company deferred repairs to save costs. When brakes fail on a downgrade near Dayton, the resulting high-speed collision often causes fatalities.
Underride Collisions
When a smaller vehicle crashes into the rear or side of a trailer and slides underneath, it’s called an underride collision. These are particularly deadly on Franklin County’s rural highways where visibility is limited and truck drivers stop unexpectedly. While 49 CFR § 393.86 requires rear impact guards, many trailers lack adequate protection, and side underride guards are not federally mandated.
These accidents often result in decapitation or severe head trauma. We examine guard compliance and lighting under § 393.11-26 to determine if proper reflectors and lights were present.
Cargo Spills and Shifting Loads
Franklin County’s agricultural economy means trucks frequently haul dairy products, livestock, hay, and produce. When cargo isn’t properly secured under 49 CFR § 393.100, it can spill onto I-15 or shift during transport, causing the driver to lose control. Liquid cargo “slosh” is particularly dangerous when milk tankers navigate curves.
We investigate loading procedures, securement equipment, and whether the cargo owner provided improper instructions that contributed to the spill.
Tire Blowouts and Road Debris
Idaho’s temperature extremes—scorching summers and freezing winters—cause tire degradation. When an 18-wheeler suffers a tire blowout on I-15, the debris creates hazards for following vehicles, and the driver may lose control. Under 49 CFR § 393.75, tires must maintain specific tread depths, and § 396.13 requires drivers to inspect tires before every trip.
Head-On and Crossover Collisions
Fatigue-related accidents often manifest as head-on collisions when drivers drift across the median on I-15 or lose control on two-lane highways near Clifton. These accidents violate 49 CFR § 392.3, which prohibits operating while fatigued, and § 395, which limits hours of service.
Who Can Be Held Liable in a Franklin County Trucking Accident?
Trucking accidents differ from car crashes because multiple parties may share responsibility. We investigate every potential defendant to maximize your recovery.
The Truck Driver
The driver who caused your accident may be personally liable for negligence, including distracted driving, fatigue, impairment, or failure to conduct pre-trip inspections. We examine their driving record, cell phone usage, and adherence to hours-of-service regulations under 49 CFR Part 395.
The Trucking Company
Under the doctrine of respondeat superior, employers are responsible for their employees’ negligent acts. Additionally, companies can be directly liable for:
- Negligent hiring: Failing to check the driver’s background or CDL status
- Negligent training: Inadequate safety instruction
- Negligent supervision: Ignoring ELD violations or safety complaints
- Negligent maintenance: Deferring brake repairs or tire replacements
We subpoena Driver Qualification Files under § 391.51, which must contain employment applications, motor vehicle records, medical certifications, and drug test results.
Cargo Owners and Loaders
In Franklin County’s agricultural sector, the farmer or shipper who owns the cargo may be liable for improper loading or overweight conditions. Third-party loading companies can be responsible for securement failures under § 393.100.
Manufacturers and Maintenance Companies
When brake systems fail, tires blow out, or steering mechanisms malfunction, the part manufacturer may be liable under product defect theories. Third-party maintenance companies that performed negligent repairs can also be held accountable.
Freight Brokers
Brokers who arranged the shipment may be liable for negligent carrier selection—hiring a trucking company with poor safety records or inadequate insurance.
Government Entities
If poor road design, inadequate signage, or failure to maintain Franklin County highways contributed to your accident, we may pursue claims against municipal or state entities, though sovereign immunity limits apply.
Critical Evidence That Disappears Fast
In Franklin County trucking cases, evidence vanishes quickly. Electronic Control Module (ECM) data—your truck’s “black box”—can be overwritten in 30 days. Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) that prove hours-of-service violations may only be retained for six months under FMCSA guidelines. Dashcam footage often deletes within days.
We act within 48 hours. When you call 1-888-ATTY-911, we immediately send spoliation letters to the trucking company, their insurer, and all potentially liable parties. These legal notices create a duty to preserve:
- ECM/Black box data showing speed and braking
- ELD records proving fatigue violations
- Driver Qualification Files
- Maintenance and inspection records
- Dispatch logs revealing schedule pressure
- Cell phone records showing distracted driving
- Dashcam and surveillance footage
Under federal regulations, once litigation is anticipated, destroying evidence constitutes spoliation, which can result in adverse inference instructions, monetary sanctions, or default judgment against the trucking company.
Catastrophic Injuries and Long-Term Impact
Franklin County residents injured in trucking accidents often face life-altering consequences. The physics of an 80,000-pound vehicle striking a 4,000-pound car at highway speeds causes catastrophic trauma.
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
TBI occurs when the brain impacts the skull due to sudden trauma. Symptoms include memory loss, confusion, personality changes, and chronic headaches. Moderate to severe TBI cases may require lifelong care costing millions. We’ve secured settlements in the $1.5 million to $9.8 million range for TBI victims.
Spinal Cord Injury and Paralysis
Damage to the spinal cord can result in paraplegia (loss of function below the waist) or quadriplegia (loss of all four limbs). These injuries require wheelchairs, home modifications, and 24/7 care. Lifetime costs can exceed $5 million.
Amputation
When crush injuries from trucking accidents destroy limbs, victims face multiple surgeries, prosthetics ($5,000-$50,000+ per device), and rehabilitation. Amputation settlements typically range from $1.9 million to $8.6 million.
Severe Burns
Fuel tank ruptures and hazmat spills can cause third and fourth-degree burns requiring skin grafts and reconstructive surgery. These injuries carry high risks of infection and permanent scarring.
Wrongful Death
When a trucking accident takes a loved one in Franklin County, surviving family members may recover lost income, loss of companionship, mental anguish, and funeral expenses. Idaho law allows wrongful death claims to be brought by spouses, children, or parents, but the statute of limitations is strictly two years from the date of death.
Idaho Law and Your Franklin County Case
Statute of Limitations
In Franklin County and throughout Idaho, you have two years from the date of the trucking accident to file a personal injury or wrongful death lawsuit. This deadline is absolute—miss it, and you lose your right to compensation forever. This is why immediate legal consultation is critical.
Comparative Fault
Idaho follows a “modified comparative fault” rule with a 50% bar. This means you can recover damages if you are less than 50% at fault for the accident, but your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault. If you’re found 50% or more responsible, you recover nothing. Don’t let the trucking company unfairly blame you. We fight to prove the truck driver was 100% responsible.
Damage Caps
Idaho caps non-economic damages (pain and suffering) at $250,000, adjusted annually for inflation. However, there is no cap on economic damages like medical bills and lost wages. Punitive damages are available if the trucking company acted with “oppressive fraud or malice,” but require specific proof under Idaho Code § 6-1604.
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations
All interstate trucking in Franklin County is governed by 49 CFR Parts 390-399. These regulations include:
- Part 390: General applicability standards
- Part 391: Driver qualifications (medical exams, CDL requirements, background checks)
- Part 392: Driving rules (fatigue, drug/alcohol prohibitions, speed limits)
- Part 393: Vehicle safety (brakes, lights, cargo securement)
- Part 395: Hours of service (11-hour driving limit, 14-hour duty window, mandatory rest)
- Part 396: Inspection and maintenance requirements
Violations of these regulations constitute negligence per se in many cases.
Insurance Coverage in Franklin County Trucking Cases
Federal law mandates that trucking companies carry substantial insurance:
- $750,000 minimum for non-hazardous freight
- $1,000,000 for oil and large equipment
- $5,000,000 for hazardous materials
This coverage far exceeds typical auto insurance minimums. Many carriers carry $1-5 million or more in coverage. Accessing these policies requires understanding commercial insurance endorsements like the MCS-90, which guarantees minimum coverage regardless of policy exclusions.
When we handle your Franklin County trucking case, we investigate all available coverage, including the motor carrier’s liability policy, trailer interchange coverage, cargo insurance, and excess/umbrella policies.
What to Do After a Franklin County Trucking Accident
If you’re reading this from a hospital bed in Preston or from your home in Weston after a crash, here’s what you need to do:
- Seek medical attention immediately, even if you feel okay. Internal injuries and TBI often have delayed symptoms.
- Document everything if you’re able. Photograph the truck’s DOT number, license plates, damage to all vehicles, and the accident scene.
- Do not give recorded statements to the trucking company’s insurance adjuster. They are trained to minimize your claim.
- Call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 immediately. We answer calls 24/7 because evidence disappears fast.
As our client Chad Harris said, “You are NOT a pest to them and you are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.” We treat every Franklin County client with that same respect.
Frequently Asked Questions About Franklin County Trucking Accidents
How long do I have to file a lawsuit in Franklin County?
Two years from the accident date. In Idaho, this deadline is strict. However, don’t wait—evidence starts disappearing immediately.
What if the trucking company wants to settle quickly?
Never accept the first offer. Insurance companies train adjusters to make quick, lowball offers before you understand your full injuries. As Glenda Walker told us, “They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.” We make sure you get every dime, not just a quick check.
Can I recover if I was partially at fault?
Yes, under Idaho law, as long as you were less than 50% at fault. Your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault, so if you’re 20% responsible, you recover 80% of your damages.
What damages can I recover?
Economic damages (medical bills, lost wages, future care costs) and non-economic damages (pain and suffering, mental anguish, loss of enjoyment). In Idaho, non-economic damages are capped at approximately $250,000 (adjusted for inflation).
How much is my case worth?
It depends on injury severity, medical costs, lost earning capacity, and the degree of negligence. Trucking cases often settle for significantly more than car accidents due to higher insurance limits and catastrophic injuries.
Do you handle cases other firms rejected?
Yes. Donald Wilcox came to us after another company refused his case. “One company said they would not accept my case. Then I got a call from Manginello… I got a call to come pick up this handsome check.” We don’t turn away difficult cases.
How do I pay for an attorney?
We work on contingency—33.33% pre-trial, 40% if trial is necessary. You pay nothing unless we win. We advance all costs and investigation expenses.
Do you speak Spanish?
Sí. Hablamos Español. Lupe Peña provides fluent Spanish representation for Franklin County’s Hispanic community.
What if my loved one died in the accident?
You may have a wrongful death claim. In Idaho, spouses, children, and parents can bring these claims. You have two years from the date of death to file.
Will my case go to trial?
Most settle, but we prepare every case for trial. Insurance companies offer better settlements when they know your attorney is willing to go to court. Ralph Manginello’s 25 years of courtroom experience gives us leverage in negotiations.
The Franklin County Trucking Accident Checklist
For your safety and your case:
✓ Call 911 and report the accident
✓ Get the truck driver’s CDL number, company name, and DOT number
✓ Photograph everything—vehicles, road conditions, cargo, injuries
✓ Get witness contact information
✓ Seek immediate medical evaluation
✓ Do not sign anything or give recorded statements
✓ Call Attorney911 at 1-888-ATTY-911 within 24 hours
Your Fight Starts Now
The trucking company that hit you has already called their lawyers. Their insurance adjuster is already working to pay you as little as possible. They’re hoping you don’t know your rights. They’re hoping you’ll accept a quick settlement before you realize the full extent of your injuries.
Don’t let them win.
Ralph Manginello has spent 25 years fighting for families in Franklin County and across the nation. Lupe Peña brings insider knowledge of insurance defense tactics. Together, we have the federal court experience, the FMCSA regulatory expertise, and the determination to hold trucking companies accountable.
We don’t just handle cases—we treat you like family. As Kiimarii Yup said after we helped him recover from a total loss, “1 year later I have gained so much in return plus a brand new truck.”
If you’ve been hurt in an 18-wheeler accident in Franklin County—whether on I-15 near Preston, on Highway 91 near Franklin, or on the rural roads connecting our agricultural communities—call us now.
Call 1-888-ATTY-911 today. Free consultation. No fee unless we win. Hablamos Español.
The clock is ticking. Evidence is disappearing. Let us fight for you while you focus on healing. We’re here for Franklin County, and we’re here for you.
