18-Wheeler & Trucking Accident Attorneys in Mohave County, Arizona

When 80,000 Pounds Changes Your Life Forever

The I-40 corridor through Mohave County never sleeps. Day and night, massive 18-wheelers haul freight across our desert highways—moving goods from the ports of Los Angeles toward the heartland of America. But when an 80,000-pound commercial truck loses control on the steep grades near Yucca or blows a tire in 115-degree desert heat, the results are catastrophic.

If you or someone you love has been seriously injured in a trucking accident anywhere in Mohave County—from Kingman to Lake Havasu City, from Bullhead City to Fort Mohave—you need an attorney who moves as fast as these trucks travel. Ralph Manginello has spent more than 25 years fighting for accident victims, and our team has recovered over $50 million for injured clients across the country. We know the difference between a minor fender-bender and a life-altering trucking disaster. Call Attorney911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911). We answer calls 24 hours a day.

As client Chad Harris told us after we handled his case, “You are NOT a pest to them and you are NOT just some client… You are FAMILY to them.” That is how we treat every trucking accident victim who calls our firm—because we know that behind every case number is a person whose life changed in an instant.

Why 18-Wheeler Accidents in Mohave County Are Different

Trucking accidents in Mohave County present unique challenges that don’t exist in other parts of the country. The geography alone creates deadly hazards: steep mountain grades on I-40 near Yucca, extreme heat that causes tire blowouts and brake failures, and sudden monsoon storms that turn desert highways into rivers.

Our firm handles cases throughout Mohave County, including crashes on:

• Interstate 40 (the primary east-west trucking corridor through Kingman)
• Interstate 15 (connecting the Las Vegas freight hub to Southern California)
• U.S. Route 93 (the busy Phoenix-to-Las Vegas corridor through Bullhead City)
• State Route 68 (connecting Bullhead City to Kingman)

Each of these routes carries specific dangers. I-40’s elevation changes and long grades stress braking systems. Route 93’s winding desert paths through Mohave County see heavy tourist traffic mixing with commercial trucks. And the scorching Arizona sun creates pavement temperatures that degrade tires and asphalt alike.

We understand these local factors because we have represented victims throughout Arizona and the Southwest. Whether your accident occurred near the Colorado River crossing or on the outskirts of Lake Havasu City, we know how to investigate the scene, preserve evidence, and build a case that accounts for the specific conditions that caused your crash.

Attorney911: 25+ Years Fighting Trucking Companies

When you hire Attorney911 for your Mohave County trucking accident case, you are getting a team led by Ralph Manginello, a trial lawyer with more than 25 years of experience and admission to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas. Ralph has built a reputation for taking on the largest trucking companies and winning—including cases against Walmart, Amazon, FedEx, UPS, and Coca-Cola fleet operations.

Our managing partner has secured multi-million dollar settlements for catastrophic injuries, including:

• $5+ million for a traumatic brain injury victim struck by a falling log
• $3.8+ million for a car accident victim who suffered a partial leg amputation due to medical complications
• $2.5+ million for a commercial truck crash victim
• $2+ million for a maritime worker with a back injury
• Millions more for families devastated by fatal 18-wheeler accidents

As Glenda Walker said after we resolved her case, “They fought for me to get every dime I deserved.” That is our promise to every client.

Perhaps most importantly for your trucking accident case, our firm includes associate attorney Lupe Peña, who spent years working as an insurance defense attorney before joining Attorney911. Lupe used to sit on the other side of the table—representing trucking companies and their insurers. Now he fights against them, and he knows exactly how they evaluate claims, minimize settlements, and hide evidence. That insider knowledge gives our clients an unfair advantage when negotiating with commercial carriers in Mohave County.

The Physics of Destruction: Why Truck Crashes Devastate

An 18-wheeler weighs up to 80,000 pounds—twenty times the weight of a typical passenger vehicle. At 65 miles per hour on I-40 through Mohave County, that truck carries enormous kinetic energy. When something goes wrong, the physics are brutal.

Consider the stopping distances: A passenger car needs approximately 300 feet to stop from 65 mph. An 18-wheeler needs nearly 525 feet—almost two football fields. On the steep grades near Yucca or Fort Mohave, if a truck’s brakes fail or a driver is distracted, there is simply no room to avoid disaster.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) reports that over 5,000 people die annually in trucking accidents nationwide, with another 125,000+ suffering injuries. In Mohave County, we see our share of these tragedies on the busy interstate corridors connecting California to the rest of the country.

But behind every statistic is a person. A parent who won’t make it home for dinner. A worker who can’t return to their job. A child facing a lifetime of medical care. We take these cases personally because we know that trucking companies often treat victims like numbers on a spreadsheet. We refuse to let them get away with it.

Types of 18-Wheeler Accidents We Handle in Mohave County

Every trucking accident is unique, but certain patterns emerge in Mohave County due to our specific geography and climate. Here are the accident types we see most frequently:

Jackknife Accidents

On I-40’s mountain grades or during sudden stops in desert heat, trailers can swing perpendicular to the cab, creating a deadly obstacle that blocks multiple lanes. These accidents often involve violations of 49 CFR § 393.48 (brake system requirements) or 49 CFR § 392.6 (speeding for conditions). When a truck jackknifes on the highway through Kingman, multiple vehicles often get swept up in the wreckage.

Rollover Accidents

The steep grades and curves on routes like State Route 68 between Bullhead City and Kingman are particularly prone to rollover accidents. When a driver takes a turn too fast or cargo shifts (violating 49 CFR § 393.100-136 regarding cargo securement), the high center of gravity of a loaded 18-wheeler can lead to devastating rollovers. These accidents often result in crushing injuries for anyone trapped beneath the trailer.

Underride Collisions

When a passenger vehicle slides underneath a trailer—either from the rear or side—the results are almost always fatal. Despite federal regulations requiring rear underride guards (49 CFR § 393.86), many trailers lack adequate protection. On busy I-15 through the eastern edge of Mohave County, underride accidents represent some of the most horrific crashes we handle.

Rear-End Collisions

Following too closely (49 CFR § 392.11) or distracted driving (49 CFR § 392.82) often lead to rear-end crashes. Given the stopping distance differential between trucks and cars, these accidents frequently occur at highway speeds with devastating force. If an 18-wheeler rear-ended you on US-93 near Lake Havasu City, the driver may have been fatigued, distracted, or speeding.

Tire Blowouts

Arizona’s extreme heat is brutal on tires. When a truck tire blows out—often due to improper inflation or worn tread—the driver can lose control instantly, sending the massive vehicle careening across lanes. Debris from blowouts also creates hazards for trailing vehicles. These accidents often involve violations of 49 CFR § 393.75 (tire requirements) and 49 CFR § 396.13 (pre-trip inspection requirements).

Brake Failure Accidents

Brake problems factor into nearly 29% of large truck crashes. On the long descents near Yucca on I-40, overheated brakes can fade or fail entirely. When a trucking company defers maintenance to save money—violating 49 CFR § 396.3 regarding systematic inspection and maintenance—they put everyone on Mohave County’s highways at risk.

Cargo Spills and Hazmat Incidents

Improperly secured cargo can spill onto the roadway, causing secondary accidents. If the cargo includes hazardous materials, the danger multiplies. Given Mohave County’s role as a freight corridor between California, Arizona, and Nevada, we see our share of cargo-related accidents involving everything from produce to construction materials to chemicals.

Lost Load Accidents

When cargo isn’t properly secured per federal regulations, it can fall from the truck, striking other vehicles or creating obstacles that cause multi-car pileups.

Liable Parties: More Than Just the Driver

Unlike a simple car accident where usually only one driver is at fault, 18-wheeler accidents in Mohave County often involve multiple liable parties. We investigate every possible defendant because more liable parties means more insurance coverage—and better compensation for your injuries.

The Truck Driver
Individual drivers may be liable for:

• Speeding or reckless driving on Mohave County highways
• Distracted driving (cell phone use violates 49 CFR § 392.82)
• Driver fatigue (violating hours of service regulations under 49 CFR Part 395)
• Impaired driving (violating 49 CFR §§ 392.4-392.5)
• Failure to conduct pre-trip inspections (49 CFR § 396.13)

The Trucking Company (Motor Carrier)
Employers are vicariously liable for their drivers’ negligence under the doctrine of respondeat superior. Additionally, trucking companies may be directly negligent for:

• Negligent Hiring: Failing to check a driver’s background, driving record, or qualifications
• Negligent Training: Inadequate safety training on mountain driving or desert conditions
• Negligent Supervision: Failing to monitor ELD compliance or driver behavior
• Negligent Maintenance: Deferring brake repairs or tire replacements to save costs

Under 49 CFR § 391.51, trucking companies must maintain a Driver Qualification File for every driver. We subpoena these files immediately to look for red flags like previous accidents, medical issues, or safety violations that the company ignored.

Cargo Owners and Loading Companies
The company that loaded the truck may be liable for:

• Improperly secured cargo (violating 49 CFR §§ 393.100-136)
• Overloaded vehicles exceeding weight ratings
• Unbalanced loads that caused the truck to tip or jackknife
• Failure to disclose hazardous materials

Maintenance Companies
Third-party mechanics who performed negligent brake repairs or ignored safety defects may share liability.

Truck and Parts Manufacturers
Defective brakes, tires, steering components, or other parts can lead to product liability claims against manufacturers.

Freight Brokers
Brokers who arrange transportation may be liable for negligently selecting carriers with poor safety records.

Government Entities
In limited circumstances, Mohave County or the State of Arizona may be liable for dangerous road designs, inadequate signage, or failure to maintain safe highways—though sovereign immunity limits these claims.

The 48-Hour Rule: Why Evidence Disappears Fast

If you remember nothing else from this page, remember this: Evidence in trucking accident cases disappears quickly. While you’re dealing with injuries, the trucking company is activating their rapid-response team to protect their interests.

Black Box Data (ECM/EDR): The truck’s Engine Control Module records speed, braking, throttle position, and fault codes. This data can be overwritten in as little as 30 days.

Electronic Logging Device (ELD) Data: Since December 18, 2017, most trucks must use ELDs that record hours of service. These devices prove whether the driver violated FMCSA fatigue regulations. FMCSA only requires retention for 6 months, and companies may delete it sooner if not preserved.

Dashcam Footage: Many trucks have forward-facing cameras that record the moments before a crash. This footage often gets deleted within 7-14 days.

Driver Qualification Files: Under 49 CFR § 391.51, trucking companies must maintain employment records, but they may “lose” unfavorable documents if not immediately demanded.

Witness Statements: Memories fade. The sooner we interview witnesses to your Mohave County accident, the more accurate their testimony.

The Spoliation Letter
When you hire Attorney911, we send a formal spoliation letter within 24 hours to the trucking company, their insurer, and any other potentially liable parties. This letter puts them on legal notice that they must preserve:

• ECM/Black box data
• ELD records
• Driver Qualification Files
• Maintenance and inspection records
• Dashcam footage
• Cell phone records
• Dispatch communications

If they destroy evidence after receiving this letter, courts can impose sanctions, adverse inferences (telling the jury to assume the destroyed evidence was unfavorable), or even default judgment. We don’t give them the chance to hide the truth.

Catastrophic Injuries: The Human Cost

18-wheeler accidents in Mohave County often result in catastrophic injuries that change victims’ lives forever. As Donald Wilcox told us after we took his case—one that another firm had rejected—”I got a call to come pick up this handsome check.” But money doesn’t erase the suffering. It provides resources for recovery.

Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)
The forces involved in a truck collision often cause the brain to impact the skull, leading to concussions or severe brain damage. Symptoms include headaches, memory loss, confusion, mood changes, and personality alterations. Lifetime care costs can exceed $3 million. We’ve recovered between $1.5 million and $9.8 million for TBI victims.

Spinal Cord Injuries
Damage to the spinal cord can cause paraplegia (loss of function below the waist) or quadriplegia (loss of function in all four limbs). These injuries require wheelchairs, home modifications, and 24-hour care. Lifetime costs range from $1.1 million to $5 million+. We’ve secured settlements ranging from $4.7 million to $25.8 million for spinal cord injury victims.

Amputation
When limbs are crushed or severely burned, surgical amputation may be necessary. Beyond the initial trauma, victims face prosthetic costs ($5,000-$50,000+ per prosthetic), replacement every few years, and extensive physical therapy. We’ve recovered between $1.9 million and $8.6 million for amputation cases.

Severe Burns
Fuel fires following trucking accidents can cause third-degree burns requiring skin grafts and multiple surgeries. These injuries often leave permanent scarring and psychological trauma.

Internal Organ Damage
The blunt force trauma of a truck collision can rupture organs, causing internal bleeding that may not show immediate symptoms but requires emergency surgery.

Wrongful Death
When a trucking accident takes a loved one, surviving family members may pursue wrongful death claims for lost income, loss of companionship, mental anguish, and funeral expenses. We’ve recovered between $1.9 million and $9.5 million for wrongful death cases.

FMCSA Regulations: The Rules Truckers Break

Federal regulations govern every aspect of commercial trucking. When truckers or companies violate these rules, it proves negligence and strengthens your case.

Hours of Service (49 CFR Part 395)
Property-carrying drivers may not:

• Drive more than 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty
• Drive beyond the 14th consecutive hour after coming on duty
• Drive after 60 hours in 7 days or 70 hours in 8 days (without a 34-hour restart)

Fatigue causes approximately 31% of fatal truck crashes. ELD data proves whether drivers violated these limits.

Driver Qualification (49 CFR Part 391)
Drivers must:

• Be at least 21 years old for interstate commerce
• Pass a physical exam (medical certificate valid for max 2 years)
• Hold a valid CDL
• Pass a road test

Trucking companies must verify these qualifications and maintain Driver Qualification Files.

Vehicle Safety and Cargo Securement (49 CFR Part 393)

• Trucks must have working brakes, lights, and reflectors
• Cargo must be secured to withstand 0.8 g deceleration forward and 0.5 g lateral forces
• Minimum tread depth: 4/32″ on steer tires, 2/32″ on others

Inspection and Maintenance (49 CFR Part 396)

• Drivers must conduct pre-trip inspections
• Annual vehicle inspections required
• Maintenance records must be kept for 14 months

Drug and Alcohol Testing (49 CFR Part 382)

• Pre-employment testing required
• Random testing throughout employment
• Post-accident testing required after fatal accidents or if citation issued

When we investigate your Mohave County trucking accident, we obtain the truck’s complete FMCSA safety record, inspection history, and violation reports. Patterns of violations support punitive damages claims.

Insurance Coverage: Why Trucking Cases Are High-Value

Federal law requires trucking companies to carry minimum liability insurance far exceeding regular auto policies:

Many carriers carry $1-5 million or more. This higher coverage means catastrophic injuries can actually be compensated, rather than leaving victims with unpaid medical bills.

Additionally, multiple policies may apply:

• The motor carrier’s liability policy
• The driver/owner-operator’s policy
• Cargo insurance
• Excess/umbrella coverage

We identify every available policy to maximize your recovery.

Arizona Law: What You Need to Know

Statute of Limitations
In Arizona, you have 2 years from the date of the trucking accident to file a personal injury lawsuit. For wrongful death, the clock starts at the date of death. If you miss this deadline, you lose your right to sue forever—no matter how serious your injuries.

Pure Comparative Fault
Arizona follows pure comparative negligence. This means you can recover compensation even if you were partially at fault for the accident. Your recovery is simply reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you were 20% at fault and suffered $500,000 in damages, you would recover $400,000.

This is different from states like Texas (where we are headquartered), which bar recovery if you’re more than 50% at fault. In Mohave County, Arizona, you can recover something even if you were 99% at fault—though obviously your recovery would be minimal.

No Caps on Damages
Arizona does not cap economic or non-economic damages in personal injury cases. Unlike some states, there is no limit on pain and suffering awards. Punitive damages are also available if the trucking company acted with an “evil mind” or reckless disregard for safety.

Government Liability
If your accident involved a government vehicle (such as a city truck in Kingman or a state maintenance vehicle), special rules apply. You must file a Notice of Claim within 180 days of the incident, and the lawsuit must be filed within 1 year. Missing these deadlines bars your claim.

Evidence We Gather for Your Mohave County Case

Winning a trucking accident case requires evidence—often evidence the trucking company doesn’t want you to have. When you hire Attorney911, we immediately deploy investigators to:

• Secure the physical evidence before it’s repaired or scrapped
• Photograph the accident scene, including skid marks, debris, and road conditions
• Interview witnesses while memories are fresh
• Obtain police reports and 911 calls
• Subpoena ECM/ELD data from the trucking company
• Review the driver’s cell phone records for distracted driving
• Analyze the Driver Qualification File for hiring negligence
• Examine maintenance records for deferred repairs
• Research the trucking company’s FMCSA safety history for patterns of violations
• Inspect the truck for defective parts or improper cargo loading
• Review dispatch records for schedule pressure that encouraged HOS violations

We prepare every case as if it’s going to trial. Insurance companies know which attorneys are willing to go to court—and they offer better settlements to clients represented by trial-ready lawyers like Ralph Manginello.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is my Mohave County trucking accident case worth?
Case values depend on injury severity, medical costs, lost income, pain and suffering, and available insurance. Trucking companies carry $750,000 to $5 million in coverage. We’ve recovered from hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars for our clients.

What if the trucking company is from out of state?
No problem. Because we are admitted to federal court and handle interstate trucking cases regularly, we can pursue companies from California, Texas, or anywhere else. The FMCSA regulations apply nationwide.

Should I talk to the trucking company’s insurance adjuster?
Never give a recorded statement without an attorney present. Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize your claim. Our associate Lupe Peña used to work for insurance companies—he knows their tactics and protects you from them.

What if I was partially at fault?
Under Arizona’s pure comparative negligence law, you can still recover damages even if you were partially at fault. Your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault, but you don’t lose your right to compensation unless you were 100% at fault.

How long will my case take?
Simple cases may settle in 6-12 months. Complex cases with catastrophic injuries can take 1-3 years. We work to resolve cases as quickly as possible while maximizing your recovery. As Angel Walle told us, “They solved in a couple of months what others did nothing about in two years.”

Do I need to pay anything upfront?
No. We work on contingency—you pay nothing unless we win. We advance all costs of investigation and litigation. You never receive a bill from us. When we win, our fee comes from the settlement (typically 33.33% pre-trial, 40% if trial is necessary).

Can I get treatment if I don’t have insurance?
Yes. We can help you find medical providers who will treat you on a Letter of Protection (LOP), meaning they get paid from your settlement. Don’t delay treatment because of financial concerns—your health comes first.

What if the accident happened near Lake Havasu or Bullhead City?
We handle cases throughout Mohave County. Whether your accident occurred on I-40 near Kingman, US-93 near Lake Havasu City, or I-15 in the eastern part of the county, we can investigate and pursue your claim.

Do you speak Spanish?
Yes. Hablamos Español. Associate attorney Lupe Peña is fluent in Spanish and provides direct representation without interpreters. Llame al 1-888-ATTY-911.

Why Choose Attorney911 for Your Mohave County Trucking Case?

25+ Years of Experience
Ralph Manginello has been fighting for injury victims since 1998. He knows how trucking companies operate and how to beat them.

Former Insurance Defense Attorney
Lupe Peña spent years representing insurance companies. Now he uses that insider knowledge to fight against them. He knows exactly how they evaluate claims and what makes them pay.

Multi-Million Dollar Track Record
We’ve recovered over $50 million for accident victims. When we say we fight for maximum compensation, we mean it.

4.9-Star Rating
Our 251+ Google reviews reflect our commitment to treating clients like family. As Kiimarii Yup said, “I lost everything… 1 year later I have gained so much in return.”

24/7 Availability
Trucking accidents don’t happen on a schedule. Call 1-888-ATTY-911 anytime—day or night, weekend or holiday.

Three Offices, Nationwide Reach
With offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, Texas, we serve clients throughout the Southwest, including Mohave County, Arizona. We offer remote consultations and travel to you when necessary.

Federal Court Experience
Ralph Manginello is admitted to the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas. This federal experience matters in interstate trucking cases.

Contingency Fees
You pay nothing unless we win. Zero upfront costs. We advance all expenses.

Call Now: Evidence Is Disappearing

The trucking company hit by an 18-wheeler in Mohave County has already called their lawyers. Their insurance adjuster is already looking for ways to pay you less. Their rapid-response team is already at the scene.

What are you doing to protect your rights?

Don’t wait. Evidence disappears. Black box data gets overwritten. Witnesses forget. And the statute of limitations clock keeps ticking.

If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in an 18-wheeler accident anywhere in Mohave County—from Kingman to Lake Havasu City, from Bullhead City to Fort Mohave—call Attorney911 now at 1-888-ATTY-911 (1-888-288-9911).

Your consultation is free. You pay nothing unless we win. And we will treat you like family, not like a case number.

As Ernest Cano told us, “Mr. Manginello and his firm are first class. Will fight tooth and nail for you.”

Let us fight for you. Call 888-ATTY-911 today.