The Impact Changed Everything in an Instant
One moment you’re cruising through the high desert on Interstate 95 in Mineral County, Nevada. The next, an 80,000-pound logging truck or mining hauler changes your life forever. You’re 60 miles from the nearest trauma center. Cell service is spotty. And the driver who just jackknifed across your lane has already called his company—who dispatched their rapid-response team before the police even arrived.
If you’re reading this from a hospital bed in Reno, or from your kitchen table in Hawthorne still shaking from yesterday’s near-miss, you need to know something critical: the evidence you need to prove what really happened is disappearing right now. Black box data gets overwritten in 30 days. Dashcam footage gets deleted within the week. And the trucking company that hit you has lawyers working already to protect their interests—not yours.
We’re Attorney911, and for over 25 years, Ralph Manginello has fought for victims just like you across Nevada’s trucking corridors. We’ve stood up to the biggest carriers, dissected federal safety violations most firms miss, and recovered multi-million dollar settlements for families devastated by 18-wheeler crashes. And here’s what we’ve learned: When a truck hits you in rural Mineral County, you can’t afford to wait.
Call us immediately at 1-888-ATTY-911. We answer 24/7. We send preservation letters within hours—not days. And we don’t get paid unless we win.
Why Mineral County Families Choose Attorney911
When you’re facing catastrophic injuries from a trucking accident in Mineral County, you need more than a lawyer—you need a fighter who understands the unique dangers of Nevada’s high desert highways.
Ralph Manginello Has Been Fighting for Victims Since 1998
Ralph Manginello didn’t start practicing law yesterday. Since 1998, he’s built a reputation staring down Fortune 500 companies and winning. He’s litigated against BP in the Texas City Refinery explosion that killed 15 workers. He’s secured multi-million dollar verdicts against Walmart, Amazon, FedEx, and Coca-Cola. And he brings that same tenacity to every 18-wheeler case he handles in Mineral County and throughout Nevada.
With admission to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas—and dual licensure in Texas and New York—Ralph brings federal court sophistication to your case. This matters because many trucking accidents involve interstate commerce, and federal court experience gives you leverage that state-only practitioners simply can’t match.
Our Secret Weapon: A Former Insurance Defense Attorney
Most personal injury firms advertise that they “fight insurance companies.” Our firm includes someone who actually knows how they work from the inside. Associate Attorney Lupe Peña spent years working for a national insurance defense firm. He watched adjusters minimize claims, learned their valuation algorithms, and knows exactly how they train their people to lowball victims.
Now he uses that insider knowledge against them. As client Ernest Cano put it: “Mr. Manginello and his firm are first class. Will fight tooth and nail for you.” When Lupe evaluates your Mineral County trucking case, he doesn’t just see injuries—he sees the insurance company’s playbook before they even run it.
Proven Results in Catastrophic Cases
We’ve recovered over $50 million for injured clients nationwide. Specific results include:
- $5+ million for a traumatic brain injury victim struck by a falling log
- $3.8+ million for a client who suffered partial leg amputation after a car crash led to catastrophic infection
- $2.5+ million in commercial truck crash recoveries
- Multi-million dollar wrongful death settlements for families in fatal 18-wheeler accidents
Currently, Ralph and Lupe are litigating a $10 million lawsuit against the University of Houston for hazing injuries—a case that generated coverage on KHOU 11, ABC13, and the Houston Chronicle. This demonstrates our firm’s capacity to handle complex, high-stakes litigation that attracts national attention.
Recognized by Clients—Not Just Billboards
While big firms spend millions on advertising, we let our clients speak for us. We’ve earned a 4.9-star rating from 251+ Google reviews, including testimonials like:
“You are NOT a pest to them and you are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.” — Chad Harris
“They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.” — Glenda Walker
“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.” — Donald Wilcox
“I lost everything… 1 year later I have gained so much in return plus a brand new truck.” — Kiimarii Yup
We don’t treat you like a case number. We treat you like family. And we’re not afraid to take cases other firms rejected. As Donald Wilcox discovered, when other lawyers said “no,” we said “yes”—and delivered results.
Hablamos Español
Many trucking accident victims in Mineral County’s Hispanic community need representation in Spanish. Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish and provides direct representation without interpreters. No translation errors. No misunderstandings. Just clear communication when you need it most.
No Fee Unless We Win
We work on contingency—you pay nothing unless we win. Standard fees are 33.33% pre-trial and 40% if trial is necessary. We advance all investigation costs. You never receive a bill from us.
The Unique Danger of 18-Wheeler Accidents in Mineral County, Nevada
Mineral County isn’t just another rural Nevada jurisdiction. It’s a critical node in the Pacific Northwest-to-Southwest freight corridor, surrounded by mining operations, military installations, and some of the most treacherous high-desert highway miles in America.
The I-95 Corridor: A Death Trap for the Unprepared
Interstate 95 cuts right through Mineral County, connecting Las Vegas and Reno with the Pacific Northwest. This isn’t just a highway—it’s a primary artery for commercial freight moving between California, Nevada, and beyond. Long-haul truckers push through here on marathon drives, often violating federal hours-of-service regulations to meet impossible delivery deadlines.
The geography is unforgiving. Between Hawthorne and Tonopah, you’ve got long, isolated stretches where the nearest hospital is over an hour away. In winter, snow and black ice create hazardous conditions. In summer, 115-degree heat causes tire blowouts and radiator failures. And the altitude changes—ranging from over 4,000 feet near Walker Lake to higher elevations as you head north—affect truck engine performance and braking efficiency.
Mining Trucks and Heavy Equipment
Mineral County is named for its mineral wealth—the Hawthorne Army Depot and surrounding areas see heavy transport of mining equipment, explosives, and hazardous materials. These aren’t just standard 18-wheelers; these are overweight loads, often pushing the 80,000-pound federal limit or requiring special permits. Overweight trucks have longer stopping distances and higher rollover risks—especially on the grades near the Wassuk Range.
The “Dead Zones” of Cellular Coverage
Here’s a reality most city lawyers don’t understand: When your crash happens 40 miles north of Hawthorne on I-95, you might not have cell service to call 911 immediately. Emergency response times can exceed 45 minutes. The “golden hour” for medical treatment? You might spend it waiting for the lone ambulance in the county to reach you.
This isolation creates unique evidence preservation challenges. While you’re waiting for help, the truck driver is calling his dispatcher. The company is already directing their insurance rapid-response team to the scene—often arriving before police. They’re gathering statements, photographing the scene to minimize their liability, and sometimes even repairing minor damage before investigators arrive.
Nevada’s Modified Comparative Fault Rule
Here’s the law in Mineral County: Nevada follows modified comparative negligence with a 51% bar (Section 0.5). This means if you’re found 50% or less at fault for the accident, you can still recover damages—reduced by your percentage of fault. But if you’re found 51% or more at fault, you recover nothing.
Trucking companies know this rule. They’ll try to shift blame onto you, claiming you were speeding, distracted, or failed to yield. That’s why immediate evidence preservation is critical. The black box data, ELD logs, and ECM data can prove the truck driver was fatigued, speeding, or violating hours-of-service regulations—objective facts that defeat their blame-shifting tactics.
The Clock Is Ticking: Nevada’s 2-Year Statute of Limitations
In Mineral County, you have just two years from the date of your trucking accident to file a personal injury lawsuit (Nevada Revised Statutes § 11.190(4)(e)). For wrongful death claims, you generally have two years from the date of death (NRS § 11.190(4)(e)).
Two years sounds like a long time. It isn’t. Complex trucking cases require months of investigation: requesting Driver Qualification Files, analyzing ECM data, retaining accident reconstructionists, and deposing witnesses. If you wait six months to hire an attorney, you’ve lost 25% of your timeline and possibly critical evidence.
The 48-Hour Rule: Why Evidence Disappears Fast
If you’re reading this within 48 hours of your Mineral County trucking accident, you’re at a critical decision point. What you do next could determine whether you ever see justice—or whether the trucking company gets away with destroying the evidence that proves their negligence.
The Black Box Reality
Modern 18-wheelers are computers on wheels. The Engine Control Module (ECM) and Event Data Recorder (EDR) capture critical data including:
- Speed before and during the crash
- Brake application timing and pressure
- Throttle position
- Cruise control status
- Engine RPM
- Seatbelt usage
- Airbag deployment timing
But here’s what the trucking companies don’t advertise: This data can be overwritten in as little as 30 days—sometimes sooner if the truck remains in service and records new “events.” Without immediate legal intervention to send a spoliation letter demanding preservation, that data vanishes forever.
The Dashcam Deletion Schedule
Many commercial trucks now have forward-facing and driver-facing dashcams. These cameras show exactly what the driver was doing seconds before impact—evidence that can prove distracted driving, fatigue, or outright violations. Most trucking companies only retain this footage for 7 to 14 days before automatic deletion. Once it’s gone, you can’t prove the driver was texting, eating, or falling asleep at the wheel.
The Spoliation Letter We Send Immediately
When you call 1-888-ATTY-911 within 24 hours of your accident, we immediately send a formal spoliation letter to the trucking company, their insurer, and any third-party logistics providers. This letter puts them on legal notice that:
- All ECM/EDR data must be preserved and downloaded
- All ELD (Electronic Logging Device) records must be maintained beyond the standard 6-month retention period
- Dashcam footage must be secured immediately
- Driver Qualification Files must be preserved intact
- Maintenance records cannot be destroyed or altered
Why does this matter? Because once a party knows litigation is anticipated, the destruction of evidence becomes “spoliation”—a serious legal violation. Courts can sanction trucking companies for spoliation, instruct juries to assume destroyed evidence was unfavorable to the company, or even enter default judgment. Simply put: Our immediate letter makes the trucking company afraid to destroy evidence.
Witness Memories Fade
In rural Mineral County, your accident might have only one or two witnesses—perhaps another driver who stopped, or a local resident who saw the truck barreling down I-95 before the crash. Within weeks, memories blur. “The truck was going fast” becomes “I think it was going fast, but I’m not sure.” We interview witnesses immediately while the images are fresh, preserving testimony that wins cases.
The Truck Itself Gets Repaired
The physical damage to the truck tells a story. Skid marks on tires, damage patterns from an underride collision, or defective brake components—these are physical artifacts that prove negligence. But trucking companies often repair or scrap trucks quickly after accidents. Our spoliation letter demands the truck be preserved in its post-accident condition for inspection by our experts.
Don’t Let Them Win by Default
We’ve seen it happen: A victim waits two weeks to call a lawyer, assuming the police report will tell the whole story. By then, the truck’s ECM data has recorded over the crash data with two weeks of new driving. The dashcam footage is deleted. The driver has been “retrained” and coached on what to say. The physical evidence is gone.
Don’t let this happen to you. Call 888-ATTY-911 right now. We answer the phone 24/7 because we know trucking accidents don’t happen on business hours.
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSA): The Rules They Broke
Trucking companies and their drivers don’t just have to follow Nevada state traffic laws—they must comply with strict federal regulations under 49 CFR Parts 390-399. When they violate these rules, they create liability that proves your case. Here are the regulations we investigate in every Mineral County trucking accident:
Part 390: General Applicability (49 CFR § 390.3)
This section establishes that all commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) in interstate commerce must comply with FMCSA safety standards. A CMV includes any vehicle with a Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) over 10,001 pounds—meaning virtually every 18-wheeler on I-95 through Mineral County qualifies.
Why This Matters: If the truck was operating across state lines (which most I-95 traffic does), federal regulations apply regardless of Nevada state law. This gives us federal court jurisdiction and access to federal safety standards that are often stricter than state requirements.
Part 391: Driver Qualification Standards (49 CFR §§ 391.11, 391.51)
Before a driver can legally operate an 18-wheeler, they must possess:
- A valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)
- A current Medical Examiner’s Certificate (showing they’re physically qualified)
- Clean driving record (or disclosed violations)
- Successful completion of entry-level driver training (for new drivers)
The trucking company must maintain a Driver Qualification File containing all this documentation. We often find that companies hire drivers with suspended licenses, failed medical exams, or histories of safety violations—constituting negligent hiring under 49 CFR § 391.51.
Part 392: Driving of Commercial Motor Vehicles (49 CFR §§ 392.3, 392.4, 392.5, 392.6, 392.82)
Ill or Fatigued Operation (§ 392.3): “No driver shall operate a commercial motor vehicle…while the driver’s ability or alertness is so impaired, or so likely to become impaired, through fatigue, illness, or any other cause, as to make it unsafe.”
This is the regulation most often violated in Mineral County accidents. The long haul up I-95 from Las Vegas or down from Reno exhausts drivers. Many push beyond the 11-hour federal driving limit, creating fatigue that slows reaction times by fractions of seconds—the difference between a near-miss and a fatal crash.
Drug and Alcohol Use (§§ 392.4-392.5): Drivers cannot use alcohol within four hours of duty, possess alcohol while on duty, or operate with a Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) of .04% or higher (half the limit for regular drivers).
Speeding (§ 392.6): Companies cannot schedule routes that require drivers to exceed speed limits to meet delivery times. The “just-in-time” delivery pressure often forces drivers to speed through Mineral County’s rural highways.
Mobile Phone Use (§ 392.82): Handheld phone use while driving is prohibited. We subpoena cell phone records to prove distracted driving—a violation that carries strict penalties and proves negligence.
Part 393: Parts and Accessories for Safe Operation (49 CFR §§ 393.40-393.136)
Brake Systems (§§ 393.40-393.55): Trucks must have properly functioning service brakes on all wheels, adequate parking brakes, and air brake systems meeting specific inspection criteria. Brake failure causes 29% of truck accidents. We inspect maintenance records to find deferred brake jobs, ignored out-of-service orders, or improper adjustments.
Cargo Securement (§§ 393.100-393.136): Cargo must be immobilized to prevent shifting, falling, or leaking. The aggregate working load limit of tiedowns must be at least 50% of cargo weight. Improperly secured cargo causes rollovers, jackknifes, and crushing injuries when loads spill onto I-95.
Lighting (§§ 393.11-393.26): Required lighting includes headlamps, tail lamps, stop lamps, clearance markers, and reflective sheeting. Inadequate lighting on Mineral County’s dark rural highways contributes to night-time underride collisions.
Part 395: Hours of Service (HOS) Regulations
This is where we find violations in most serious trucking accidents:
The 11-Hour Rule: Drivers may drive a maximum of 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty.
The 14-Hour Window: Drivers cannot drive beyond the 14th consecutive hour after coming on duty, even if they haven’t hit 11 hours of driving.
The 30-Minute Break: Drivers must take a 30-minute break after 8 cumulative hours of driving.
The 70-Hour Limit: Drivers cannot drive after 70 hours on duty in 8 consecutive days (or 60 hours in 7 days).
ELD Mandate (§ 395.8): Since December 2017, most drivers must use Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) that automatically record driving time. Unlike the easily-falsified paper logbooks of the past, ELDs synchronize with the truck’s engine and GPS—providing irrefutable evidence of HOS violations.
In long-haul cases through Mineral County, we frequently find drivers who drove 13 or 14 hours straight, skipped their breaks, or falsified their logs to hide overtime driving. These violations constitute automatic negligence per se.
Part 396: Inspection, Repair, and Maintenance (49 CFR §§ 396.3, 396.11, 396.13, 396.17)
Systematic Maintenance (§ 396.3): Carriers must systematically inspect, repair, and maintain all vehicles. This includes annual inspections, pre-trip inspections by drivers, and prompt repair of defects.
Driver Vehicle Inspection Reports (§ 396.11): Drivers must complete post-trip inspection reports identifying any defects. If a driver noted “brakes soft” or “tires bald” and the company sent the truck out anyway, that’s direct evidence of negligence.
Annual Inspections (§ 396.17): Every commercial vehicle must pass an annual inspection by a qualified inspector. We obtain these records to find “out-of-service” violations that should have sidelined the truck.
When trucking companies in Mineral County ignore these regulations to save money, they turn their vehicles into 80,000-pound missiles. Our job is to prove exactly which rules they broke and how those violations caused your injuries.
Types of 18-Wheeler Accidents in Mineral County
The geography and industry of Mineral County create specific accident patterns that differ from urban trucking crashes. Here are the accident types we see most often on Nevada’s high desert highways:
Jackknife Accidents
A jackknife occurs when the trailer swings out perpendicular to the cab, typically when a driver brakes too hard on slick roads or takes a curve too fast for conditions. On I-95 near Hawthorne, winter storms create exactly these conditions—black ice that causes sudden traction loss.
When an 18-wheeler jackknifes across both lanes of I-95, it creates an impassable wall of steel. Passenger vehicles have no time to stop. We look for evidence that the driver was speeding for conditions (violating § 392.6) or had improper braking technique from inadequate training (violating § 391.11).
Rollover Accidents
The rural highways around Mineral County feature elevation changes and curves through the Wassuk Range. An 18-wheeler taking these curves at excessive speed—or carrying improperly secured cargo that shifts mid-turn—can roll over onto its side.
Rollovers are catastrophic. The cab crushes. Fuel tanks rupture, causing fires. And the trailer may slide into oncoming traffic. We investigate cargo securement compliance under § 393.100 and analyze ECM data to prove excessive speed.
Underride Collisions
When a passenger vehicle strikes the rear or side of an 18-wheeler and slides underneath, the result is often decapitation or severe head trauma. Federal law requires rear impact guards (§ 393.86) on trailers manufactured after January 26, 1998, but many older trailers still operate without them. Side underride guards remain optional—a deadly gap in safety regulations.
On dark stretches of I-95 through Mineral County, where ambient light is minimal and deer crossings common, sudden stops by trucks can lead to deadly rear-end underride collisions. We examine the truck’s rear guard compliance and lighting systems.
Rear-End Collisions
An 80,000-pound truck traveling at 65 mph needs approximately 525 feet to stop—nearly two football fields. When a fatigued or distracted trucker follows too closely on I-95 and traffic slows for a turn or wildlife crossing, catastrophic rear-end collisions result.
These accidents often cause traumatic brain injuries when occupants’ heads strike the headrest or windshield. We use ECM data to prove the driver failed to brake until impact, and ELD data to prove they were driving beyond the 11-hour limit.
Tire Blowouts
The triple threat of Mineral County’s geography—high altitude, temperature extremes, and long distances between service stations—makes tire blowouts common. Underinflated tires overheat on long descents from the mountains, causing sudden failure that sends trucks careening into other lanes.
Federal regulations require minimum tread depths (4/32″ on steer tires, 2/32″ on others under § 393.75) and pre-trip inspections (§ 396.13). We examine maintenance records to find ignored tire warnings and deferred replacements.
Brake Failure Accidents
Descending from the mountains into the Basin and Range valleys puts enormous stress on truck brakes. Overheated brakes suffer “fade”—loss of stopping power. Improperly maintained air brake systems leak pressure. And some companies install inexpensive brake shoes that don’t meet specifications.
When a truck with failed brakes barrels down a grade toward Hawthorne, the results are predictable and deadly. We analyze brake maintenance records, post-trip inspection reports, and air brake test results to prove the carrier knew or should have known about brake deficiencies.
Cargo Spills
Mineral County’s mining industry generates heavy, uneven loads—concentrated copper ore, industrial equipment, and hazardous materials. When loaders fail to properly block, brace, and secure this cargo under § 393.100, shifting weight causes rollovers or spills onto the highway.
Spilled cargo creates secondary accidents as other vehicles swerve to avoid obstacles. In cases involving hazardous materials, the chemical exposure adds burn and respiratory injuries to the trauma.
Head-On Collisions
Fatigued drivers on long hauls through Nevada sometimes drift across the centerline on I-95—especially at night when there’s no median barrier and the hypnotic hum of the highway induces highway hypnosis. Combined with excessive speed, these head-on collisions have nearly 100% fatality rates for passenger vehicle occupants.
We use ELD data to prove the driver exceeded hours-of-service limits and cell phone records to prove distraction—violations of §§ 395.3 and 392.82.
Wide Turn Accidents (“Squeeze Play”)
Trucks entering or exiting mining operations on rural roads must make wide right turns that swing left before cutting right. Inexperienced drivers fail to check their mirrors or signal properly, crushing vehicles that enter the gap between the truck and the curb.
These accidents often occur at low speeds but cause crushing injuries to legs and hips when the truck’s wheels ride up over the passenger compartment.
Blind Spot Accidents
18-wheelers have massive blind spots—20 feet in front of the cab, 30 feet behind the trailer, and large areas on both sides. When truck drivers change lanes without checking these “No-Zones” on I-95, they sideswipe passenger vehicles—often pushing smaller cars off the highway or into oncoming traffic.
Who Can Be Held Liable in Your Mineral County Trucking Accident?
In car accidents, there’s usually just one defendant—the other driver. In 18-wheeler accidents, liability spreads across a web of companies, individuals, and entities who all contributed to the unsafe conditions that caused your crash. We investigate every possible liable party because more defendants means more insurance coverage means higher compensation for you.
1. The Truck Driver
The individual behind the wheel may be liable for:
- Speeding or reckless driving for conditions
- Fatigued driving beyond hours-of-service limits
- Distracted driving (cell phone, eating, CB radio)
- Impaired driving (alcohol, drugs, prescription medication)
- Failure to conduct pre-trip inspections
- Inadequate training for the specific terrain or cargo
We obtain the driver’s cell phone records, driving history, and employment records to build the case against the operator.
2. The Trucking Company / Motor Carrier
The trucking company often has the deepest pockets and carries the largest insurance policies ($750,000 to $5 million under federal law). They can be liable under:
Vicarious Liability (Respondeat Superior): The driver was an employee acting within the scope of employment when the accident occurred.
Direct Negligence:
- Negligent Hiring: Failed to check the driver’s record, hired someone with previous DUIs, or failed to verify CDL status
- Negligent Training: Didn’t provide adequate safety training for mountain driving, hazmat handling, or adverse weather conditions
- Negligent Supervision: Failed to monitor ELD data showing HOS violations, ignored complaints about the driver’s behavior, or pressured the driver to meet impossible schedules
- Negligent Maintenance: Skipped required brake inspections, deferred tire replacements, or ignored vehicle defects
We subpoena the company’s Driver Qualification Files, maintenance records, and CSA (Compliance, Safety, Accountability) safety scores to prove systemic negligence.
3. The Cargo Owner / Shipper
Companies that own the cargo—whether it’s mining equipment from Hawthorne or ore shipments—may be liable if they:
- Required overweight loading that exceeded the truck’s ratings
- Failed to disclose hazardous nature of the cargo
- Provided improper loading instructions that caused shifting
- Pressured the carrier to expedite delivery beyond safe limits
4. The Cargo Loading Company
Third-party warehouses or loading docks that physically loaded the trailer may be liable for:
- Improper cargo securement under 49 CFR § 393.100
- Unbalanced weight distribution causing rollover risk
- Failure to use adequate tiedowns, blocking, or bracing
- Not securing tarps or covers properly
5. The Truck and Trailer Manufacturer
If the accident resulted from defective design or manufacturing, we pursue the manufacturers of:
- Defective brake systems that failed under normal use
- Faulty tires prone to blowouts
- Defective steering components
- Cab designs with unsafe fuel tank placement
- Trailers lacking adequate underride guards
6. The Parts Manufacturer
Separate from the truck manufacturer, companies that made specific failed components—like the air brake supplier or tire manufacturer—may be strictly liable under product liability theories.
7. The Maintenance Company
Many trucking companies contract with third-party mechanics for repairs. If a mechanic improperly adjusted the brakes, installed the wrong parts, or certified the vehicle as safe when it wasn’t, the maintenance company shares liability.
8. The Freight Broker
Brokers who arrange shipping between Mineral County mines and distant destinations may be liable for negligent selection of the carrier—hiring a company with poor safety ratings, inadequate insurance, or a history of violations.
9. The Truck Owner (If Different from Carrier)
In owner-operator arrangements, the individual who owns the tractor may be separately liable for negligent entrustment or failure to maintain the vehicle.
10. Government Entities
While sovereign immunity limits suits against government, we can pursue claims against:
- Nevada Department of Transportation (NDOT) for dangerous road design, inadequate signage on I-95, or failure to maintain safe road surfaces
- Mineral County for poor road maintenance on county highways
- Federal agencies if design defects in interstate highway features contributed to the crash
Note: Claims against government entities in Nevada have special notice requirements and shorter deadlines—sometimes as short as six months. This is why immediate legal consultation is critical.
Catastrophic Injuries Requiring Lifelong Care
When an 80,000-pound truck hits a 4,000-pound car, physics dictates catastrophic outcomes. The energy transfer is devastating. These aren’t “fender benders”—these are life-altering events requiring millions in future medical care.
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
The force of a truck collision causes the brain to impact the interior of the skull, resulting in:
- Concussions: “Mild” TBIs that can nonetheless cause months of headaches, memory problems, and personality changes
- Moderate TBI: Extended unconsciousness, cognitive deficits, and permanent memory issues
- Severe TBI: Coma, vegetative states, or profound disability requiring 24/7 care
TBI symptoms often don’t fully manifest for weeks. You may seem “fine” immediately after the accident, only to develop crushing headaches, confusion, and emotional instability later. This is why we tell Mineral County clients: Don’t settle until you know the full extent of your injuries.
Our documented settlements for TBI cases range from $1.5 million to $9.8 million, depending on severity and required lifetime care.
Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis
The crushing force of truck accidents fractures vertebrae and severs spinal cords. Injuries at C1-C4 (high cervical) often result in quadriplegia—total loss of limb function and potentially inability to breathe without a ventilator. Thoracic injuries cause paraplegia—loss of leg function but保留 of arm function.
Lifetime care costs for quadriplegia can exceed $5 million. You need a legal team that calculates not just today’s medical bills, but 40 years of future care, home modifications, and lost earning capacity.
Amputation
When crushing injuries destroy limbs beyond repair, or when infections develop in open fractures requiring surgical removal, amputation results. Beyond the initial surgery, you face:
- Prosthetic limbs ($5,000 to $50,000 each) requiring replacement every 3-5 years
- Phantom limb pain requiring medication and therapy
- Career limitations or total disability
- Psychological trauma and body image issues
We’ve secured settlements ranging from $1.9 million to $8.6 million for amputation victims.
Severe Burns
Tanker trucks, mining equipment with fuel tanks, and hazardous materials create fire hazards. Third and fourth-degree burns require skin grafting, reconstructive surgery, and years of painful rehabilitation. Burns also carry high infection risks and permanent scarring.
Internal Organ Damage
The blunt force trauma of a truck impact ruptures spleens, lacerates livers, collapses lungs, and causes internal bleeding that requires emergency surgery. These injuries may not be immediately apparent, making it critical to seek thorough medical evaluation.
Wrongful Death
When a trucking accident takes a loved one in Mineral County, surviving family members can pursue wrongful death claims under Nevada law. Available damages include:
- Lost future income and benefits
- Loss of consortium (companionship, care, guidance)
- Mental anguish and emotional distress
- Funeral and burial expenses
- Medical expenses incurred prior to death
Nevada’s modified comparative fault rule applies—if the decedent was 50% or less at fault, the estate can recover. We’ve recovered settlements ranging from $1.9 million to $9.5 million for wrongful death trucking cases.
Insurance Coverage and Damages in Nevada
Trucking accidents are high-value cases because federal law requires commercial carriers to carry substantial insurance—far more than the $25,000/$50,000 minimums required for passenger vehicles in Nevada.
Federal Insurance Minimums
Under FMCSA regulations, commercial motor vehicles must carry:
- $750,000 for general freight (non-hazardous)
- $1,000,000 for oil, petroleum products, and large equipment
- $5,000,000 for hazardous materials and passenger carriers
Many carriers carry $1-5 million in coverage, and additional umbrella policies may provide even more coverage.
Types of Damages Available
In Mineral County courts, you can recover:
Economic Damages (Calculable losses):
- All medical expenses ( past, present, and future)
- Lost wages and income
- Lost earning capacity if you cannot return to your previous employment
- Property damage to your vehicle
- Out-of-pocket costs (transportation to medical appointments, home modifications for disabilities, etc.)
- Future life care costs for catastrophic injuries
Non-Economic Damages (Quality of life):
- Physical pain and suffering
- Mental anguish and emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Disfigurement and scarring
- Loss of consortium (impact on marital relationship)
Punitive Damages (Punishment for gross negligence):
Nevada allows punitive damages when the defendant acted with “oppression, fraud, or malice” (NRS § 42.005). In trucking cases, this might apply when:
- The company knowingly hired a dangerous driver with multiple safety violations
- The driver was intoxicated
- The company systematically falsified ELD logs to hide HOS violations
- The company destroyed evidence after the accident
Nevada caps punitive damages at:
- 3 times the amount of compensatory damages if compensatory damages are $100,000 or more, OR
- $300,000 if compensatory damages are less than $100,000
However, there is no cap on non-economic damages in general personal injury cases in Nevada (caps only apply to medical malpractice).
Nevada’s Damage Caps Summary
| Damage Type | Cap/Rule |
|---|---|
| Compensatory (Economic) | No cap |
| Non-Economic (Pain/Suffering) | No cap (except medical malpractice) |
| Punitive | Greater of 3x compensatory or $300K (if compensatory <$100K) |
| Wrongful Death (Non-Economic) | No statutory cap |
Frequently Asked Questions About Mineral County Trucking Accidents
Q: I was partially at fault for my trucking accident on I-95. Can I still recover damages?
A: Yes, under Nevada’s modified comparative negligence law (NRS § 41.141), you can recover damages as long as you were 50% or less at fault. Your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you’re found 20% at fault and your damages are $500,000, you would recover $400,000. However, if you’re found 51% or more at fault, you recover nothing. This is why evidence preservation is critical—we need to prove the truck driver bore the majority of responsibility.
Q: How long do I have to file a lawsuit after a truck accident in Mineral County?
A: Under Nevada Revised Statutes § 11.190(4)(e), you have two years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. For wrongful death claims, you generally have two years from the date of death. While this seems like a long time, trucking cases require extensive investigation—securing ELD data, analyzing ECM information, deposing witnesses, and retaining experts. If you wait even a few months, critical evidence may be lost. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 immediately to protect your rights.
Q: Should I talk to the trucking company’s insurance adjuster?
A: Absolutely not. Do not give any recorded statements, sign any releases, or accept any settlement offers without consulting an attorney first. Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize your claim. As Lupe Peña—our associate attorney and former insurance defense lawyer—will tell you: They’re not calling to help you; they’re calling to build a case against you. Refer all communications to us.
Q: What if the truck driver was an independent contractor, not an employee?
A: This is a common misconception trucking companies use to avoid liability. Under FMCSA regulations and Nevada law, even “independent owner-operators” may be considered employees for liability purposes if the company controls the means and manner of the work. Additionally, the trucking company can still be liable for negligent hiring or supervision. We investigate the actual relationship, not just what the contract says.
Q: How much is my Mineral County trucking accident case worth?
A: There is no “average” settlement because every case is unique. Factors include:
- Severity of injuries (permanent vs. temporary)
- Amount of medical bills and future care needs
- Lost income and earning capacity
- Degree of negligence (was the driver merely careless, or was the company reckless?)
- Available insurance coverage
- Quality of evidence proving liability
We’ve recovered multi-million dollar settlements for catastrophic injuries. The only way to know your specific case value is to have an attorney evaluate your medical records, the accident evidence, and the applicable insurance policies.
Q: What is a spoliation letter, and why do you send it immediately?
A: A spoliation letter is a legal notice demanding that the trucking company preserve all evidence related to the accident—including ECM data, ELD logs, maintenance records, and dashcam footage. We send this within 24 hours of being retained. Once the company receives this letter, they have a legal duty to preserve evidence. If they destroy evidence after receiving our letter, courts can sanction them or instruct the jury to assume the destroyed evidence was favorable to you.
Q: The accident happened in a remote area of Mineral County with no witnesses. Can I still win my case?
A: Yes. 18-wheelers generate massive amounts of electronic evidence. The ECM and ELD data can prove speed, braking, and hours-of-service violations regardless of witness testimony. GPS data shows the truck’s route. Maintenance records show if the company knew about equipment defects. We build cases based on forensic evidence, not just eyewitness accounts.
Q: What if the trucking company is based in another state?
A: Most interstate trucking companies are based outside Nevada. This doesn’t prevent you from recovering. We can sue them in Nevada federal court (since the accident occurred here and involved interstate commerce) or in Nevada state court if they do business here. Our federal court experience and dual-state licensure (Texas and New York) give us the flexibility to pursue your case wherever the best venue exists.
Q: How long will my case take to resolve?
A: Simple cases with clear liability and moderate injuries may settle in 6-12 months. Complex cases involving catastrophic injuries, multiple defendants, or disputed liability may take 18-36 months. If the case goes to trial, add another 6-12 months. We work to resolve cases efficiently while ensuring you receive full compensation—not quick, lowball settlements.
Q: Will my case go to trial?
A: Approximately 98% of personal injury cases settle before trial. However, we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial. This preparation—and our reputation for being willing to go to court—often forces insurance companies to offer fair settlements. If they don’t, we have the resources and experience to take your case to a jury.
Q: Can undocumented immigrants file personal injury claims in Nevada?
A: Yes. Immigration status does not affect your right to compensation after an accident caused by someone else’s negligence. You have the same right to sue for damages as any other resident. Additionally, we offer Spanish-language services through Lupe Peña to ensure clear communication throughout your case.
Q: What if I can’t afford medical treatment?
A: We work with medical providers who accept letters of protection (LOPs), meaning they treat you now and get paid from your settlement later. We also help facilitate treatment with specialists who understand trucking injuries. Don’t let inability to pay prevent you from getting necessary care.
Your Next Step: Call Attorney911 Before Evidence Disappears
You’ve read this far because you—or someone you love—is dealing with the aftermath of a trucking accident in Mineral County. You’re facing pain, medical bills, lost income, and uncertainty. And right now, while you’re trying to figure out how to pay for groceries, the trucking company is building their defense.
They have lawyers. They have investigators. They have insurance adjusters trained to pay you as little as possible.
You need someone in your corner who fights just as hard.
With 25+ years of experience, federal court admission, and a former insurance defense attorney on our team, Attorney911 brings resources and knowledge that levels the playing field. We’ve recovered $50+ million for clients, including multi-million dollar trucking accident settlements. We know the specific dangers of Nevada’s I-95 corridor, the mining industry shipping patterns, and the tactics specific to rural accident defense.
You are not just a case number to us. As Chad Harris said, “You are FAMILY to them.” We return calls promptly. We explain the process in plain English (or Spanish). And we fight for every dime you deserve.
The clock is ticking. That black box data will overwrite soon. The dashcam footage will delete. The witnesses will forget. But if you call 1-888-ATTY-911 right now, we can stop the evidence destruction and start building your case today.
Call 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911) now.
The consultation is free. We charge nothing unless we win. And we’re available 24/7 because we know accidents don’t happen on business hours.
Hablamos Español. Llame a 1-888-ATTY-911 para una consulta gratuita.
Don’t let the trucking company win by default. Fight back with Attorney911.
