One moment, you’re heading home along US-550 through San Juan County. The next, an 80,000-pound rig hauling equipment for the oil patch crosses the centerline. There is no time to react. The impact changes everything.
If you have been hurt in an 18-wheeler accident anywhere in San Juan County—whether on the energy corridors near Farmington, the stretch of US-64 toward Shiprock, or the busy routes serving the San Juan Basin oil fields—you need more than a lawyer. You need a team that knows how to fight the trucking companies and win.
We Are Attorney911—and We Fight for San Juan County
For more than 25 years, Ralph Manginello has gone toe-to-toe with the largest trucking and energy corporations in America. Since 1998, he has built a reputation for recovering multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements for families devastated by commercial vehicle crashes. Our firm, Attorney911, brings together federal court experience, insider knowledge of insurance company tactics, and a track record that includes a $10 million active lawsuit against a major university and involvement in the landmark BP Texas City refinery litigation that saw $2.1 billion in total industry settlements.
We do not just handle trucking cases—we specialize in them. Our associate attorney, Lupe Peña, spent years working inside a national insurance defense firm. He knows exactly how trucking insurers train their adjusters to deny, delay, and minimize claims. Now he uses that insider playbook against them. That is your advantage when you call us.
We have recovered millions for truck accident victims—settlements ranging from $1.5 million to $9.8 million for traumatic brain injuries, $1.9 million to $8.6 million for amputations, and $1.9 million to $9.5 million for wrongful death claims. Client Donald Wilcox came to us after another firm rejected his case; we not only accepted it but delivered what he called “a handsome check.” Glenda Walker told us we “fought for me to get every dime I deserved.” And Chad Harris put it simply: “You are FAMILY to them.”
With offices in Houston, Austin, and Beaumont, we handle 18-wheeler cases across the Southwest, including San Juan County. We offer 24/7 availability at 1-888-ATTY-911. We work on contingency—you pay nothing unless we win. Hablamos Español con el abogado Lupe Peña, who provides fluent representation without interpreters.
Why 18-Wheeler Accidents in San Juan County Are Different
San Juan County is not just any rural county. It sits at the heart of the San Juan Basin, one of the most productive natural gas and oil regions in the United States. Every day, thousands of heavy trucks traverse US-550, US-64, and State Highway 44, hauling drilling equipment, fracking supplies, water, and hazardous materials. These are not typical freight runs—they are high-pressure, high-risk operations where fatigue, improper loading, and maintenance shortcuts can turn deadly.
The geography creates unique dangers. The high desert winds whip across the Four Corners region, creating dust storms that reduce visibility to near zero on US-491. Winter storms rolling down from the Colorado Plateau turn mountain passes into ice slicks. And the long, straight stretches of highway encourage drivers to push beyond the federal hours-of-service limits, creating catastrophic fatigue-related crashes.
When an 80,000-pound truck collides with a passenger vehicle at highway speed, the laws of physics are merciless. The average car weighs 4,000 pounds. An 18-wheeler can weigh 20 times that. Stopping distances are 40 percent longer. Impact forces are measured in hundreds of thousands of pounds per square inch.
But the real danger begins after the crash. Trucking companies have rapid-response teams that arrive at the scene before the ambulance leaves. They bring lawyers, investigators, and insurance adjusters whose only job is to protect the company—not you. Meanwhile, critical evidence begins disappearing. Electronic logging devices can overwrite data in 30 days. Dashcam footage gets deleted within days. Witnesses scatter. The playing field is never level unless you have someone fighting back immediately.
The 48-Hour Rule: Why Evidence Disappears Fast
We cannot stress this enough: The clock started the moment the collision occurred. In San Juan County trucking cases, electronic evidence has a short shelf life. The truck’s Engine Control Module (ECM)—the “black box”—records speed, braking, and throttle position, but it can overwrite that data within 30 days or with subsequent driving events. Electronic Logging Devices (ELD) that track driver hours may only be retained for six months. Dashcam footage often auto-deletes in 7 to 14 days. And that is assuming the company does not intentionally destroy evidence—which we have seen happen.
That is why, when you hire Attorney911, we send a spoliation letter within 24 hours. This legal notice puts the trucking company, their insurer, and every potentially liable party on notice that they must preserve:
- ECM and EDR data
- ELD logs and GPS tracking
- Driver Qualification Files
- Maintenance and inspection records
- Dispatch communications and cell phone records
- Pre-trip and post-trip inspection reports
- Drug and alcohol test results
- Cargo manifests and loading documentation
If they destroy evidence after receiving our letter, courts can instruct the jury to assume the destroyed evidence would have been unfavorable to the trucking company. In some cases, we have secured adverse inference instructions that effectively win the case based on the company’s bad faith alone.
Federal Regulations That Keep You Safe—And Prove Negligence When Broken
Every commercial truck operating in San Juan County is subject to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations, codified in Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations (49 CFR). These are not suggestions—they are federal law. When trucking companies violate these rules, they create liability that we use to build your case.
Part 390: General Applicability
These regulations apply to all commercial motor vehicles (CMVs) with a gross vehicle weight rating over 10,001 pounds, vehicles designed to transport 16 or more passengers, or vehicles hauling hazardous materials requiring placards. If the truck was engaged in interstate commerce—which most energy sector trucks in San Juan County are—these rules apply regardless of whether the truck is based in New Mexico, Texas, or Colorado.
Part 391: Driver Qualification Standards
Before a driver can legally operate a commercial vehicle, they must:
- Be at least 21 years old for interstate commerce
- Possess a valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL)
- Pass a medical examination certified by a registered medical examiner (valid for up to 24 months)
- Provide an employment history for the previous three years
- Pass a road test or equivalent
The trucking company must maintain a Driver Qualification File containing all this documentation. We subpoena these files in every case. Missing documentation—or hiring a driver with a history of violations—proves negligent hiring under New Mexico law.
Part 392: Driving Rules
These rules govern the actual operation of the truck. Critical for San Juan County cases:
Ill or Fatigued Operation (§ 392.3): No driver shall operate a CMV when their ability is impaired by fatigue, illness, or any other cause. Given the long hauls from Farmington to the Permian Basin and back, this rule is frequently violated.
Speeding for Conditions (§ 392.6): Motor carriers cannot schedule routes that require driving at unsafe speeds. Given the dust storms and high winds common on US-64 and US-550, driving the posted speed limit may still violate this rule if conditions demand slower speeds.
Cell Phone Use (§ 392.80 & 392.82): Absolute prohibition on texting and hand-held mobile phone use while driving. We subpoena cell phone records to prove distraction.
Following Too Closely (§ 392.11): Drivers must maintain a safe following distance. An 18-wheeler needs nearly two football fields to stop from 65 mph. Following too closely is negligence.
Part 393: Vehicle Safety and Cargo Securement
Brake Systems (§ 393.40-55): All CMVs must have properly functioning service brakes, parking brakes, and emergency brakes. Brake problems are a factor in 29% of truck crashes. We demand maintenance records and brake adjustment logs.
Cargo Securement (§ 393.100-136): Cargo must be secured to withstand 0.8g deceleration forward, 0.5g acceleration rearward, and 0.5g lateral forces. Tiedowns must have an aggregate working load limit of at least 50% of the cargo weight. Given the heavy, uneven equipment common in oil field trucking, improper securement causes rollovers and cargo spills daily in San Juan County.
Lighting (§ 393.11-26): Required lamps include headlamps, tail lamps, stop lamps, clearance lights, and reflectors. Missing or inoperative lights cause nighttime crashes on San Juan County’s rural highways.
Part 395: Hours of Service (HOS)
These are the rules broken most often—and they cause the most fatalities:
11-Hour Driving Limit: No driving beyond 11 hours after 10 consecutive hours off duty.
14-Hour On-Duty Window: Cannot drive beyond the 14th consecutive hour after coming on duty.
30-Minute Break: Mandatory break after 8 cumulative hours of driving.
60/70-Hour Weekly Limit: Cannot drive after 60 hours in 7 days or 70 hours in 8 days without a 34-hour restart.
Since December 18, 2017, nearly all trucks must use Electronic Logging Devices (ELD) to track these hours. ELD data is objective proof of violations—if we preserve it in time.
Part 396: Inspection and Maintenance
Motor carriers must systematically inspect, repair, and maintain their vehicles. Drivers must complete pre-trip inspections and post-trip reports noting any defects. Annual inspections are mandatory. Failure to maintain brake systems, tires, or steering components is direct evidence of negligence.
When we investigate a San Juan County trucking accident, we look for violations of every one of these sections. Each violation is a nail in the trucking company’s defense.
The Ten Parties Who Could Be Liable—And Why More Defendants Mean More Recovery
Unlike a car accident where usually only one driver is at fault, 18-wheeler accidents often involve multiple liable parties. We investigate every single one because each represents a separate insurance policy—and a separate path to full compensation for you.
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The Truck Driver: The operator who caused the crash through speeding, distraction, fatigue, impairment, or violation of traffic laws. We examine their driving record, CDL status, and medical certifications.
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The Trucking Company (Motor Carrier): Under the doctrine of respondeat superior, employers are liable for their employees’ negligence. Additionally, we pursue direct negligence claims for:
- Negligent Hiring: Putting an unqualified driver behind the wheel
- Negligent Training: Failing to train on mountain driving, high wind procedures, or cargo securement
- Negligent Supervision: Ignoring ELD violations or pattern of unsafe driving
- Negligent Maintenance: Deferring brake repairs or tire replacements to save money
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The Cargo Owner (Shipper): The oil company or energy firm that owns the drilling equipment being hauled. They may be liable if they demanded unsafe delivery timelines, failed to disclose hazardous materials, or provided improper loading instructions.
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The Loading Company: Third-party warehouses or yards in Farmington or Bloomfield that loaded the cargo. Improper weight distribution or inadequate tiedowns cause rollovers—especially dangerous on the curves of US-550 heading toward Colorado.
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The Truck Manufacturer: Defective brake systems, steering components, or stability control systems can cause crashes even with a careful driver. Product liability claims against manufacturers can yield punitive damages.
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The Parts Manufacturer: Defective tires (tread separation), brake components, or lighting systems. We preserve failed parts for forensic analysis.
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The Maintenance Company: Third-party mechanics who performed negligent repairs or failed to identify critical safety defects during inspections.
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The Freight Broker: Companies that arrange transportation between shippers and carriers. If a broker selected a carrier with a history of safety violations or inadequate insurance—common in the energy sector’s rush to move equipment—they can be liable for negligent selection.
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The Truck Owner (if different from the carrier): In owner-operator arrangements, the individual who owns the truck may have separate liability for negligent entrustment or failure to maintain.
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Government Entities: San Juan County, the State of New Mexico, or federal agencies may be liable for dangerous road design, failure to maintain signage on rural routes, or inadequate response to known weather hazards. New Mexico requires strict notice for claims against governmental entities—usually within 90 days—so time is critical.
Types of 18-Wheeler Accidents We Handle in San Juan County
Jackknife Accidents
When a truck’s trailer swings out perpendicular to the cab, forming an L or V shape across the roadway. On icy stretches of US-64 near the Colorado border or during unexpected dust storms on US-491, jackknifes block multiple lanes and cause multi-vehicle pileups. Caused by sudden braking, equipment failure, or empty/light loads that lack traction. FMCSA brake system violations (49 CFR § 393.48) are usually implicated.
Rollover Accidents
Particularly common on the curves of US-550 and mountainous terrain. High-center-of-gravity trucks carrying drilling equipment or water for fracking operations are prone to tipping. Causes include speeding on curves, unbalanced loads, and overcorrection after tire blowouts. Rollovers often result in crushing injuries or wrongful death.
Underride Collisions
When a smaller vehicle slides underneath the trailer, the top of the passenger compartment can be sheared off. Rear underride guards are required under 49 CFR § 393.86, but they often fail in high-speed impacts. Side underride has no federal guard requirement, making T-bone collisions at intersections in Farmington or Aztec particularly deadly.
Rear-End Collisions
An 18-wheeler needs 525 feet to stop from 65 mph—nearly two football fields. When truckers follow too closely on the long straightaways of State Highway 44 or approach backed-up traffic near refinery operations, they cannot stop in time. Causes include distraction, fatigue, and brake failure. Violations of 49 CFR § 392.11 (following too closely) and § 392.3 (fatigue) are common.
Wide Turn Accidents (“Squeeze Play”)
Oil field trucks often swing wide left before making a right turn, creating a gap that other vehicles enter. The truck then completes the turn, crushing the vehicle. Common at intersections in Bloomfield and Farmington’s industrial areas.
Blind Spot Accidents (“No-Zones”)
18-wheelers have massive blind spots: 20 feet in front, 30 feet behind, and large areas on each side. Lane changes on the multi-lane sections near San Juan County’s distribution centers often result in sideswipe accidents when drivers fail to check mirrors or improperly adjust them—a violation of 49 CFR § 393.80.
Tire Blowouts
San Juan County’s high desert heat and rough road conditions cause tires to fail. When a steer tire blows, the driver loses control immediately. Caused by inadequate tread depth (minimum 4/32” on steer tires per 49 CFR § 393.75), overloading, or heat buildup from long hauls.
Brake Failure
Given the mountainous terrain and long descents toward the Four Corners, brake fade and total brake failure are constant threats. 49 CFR § 396 requires systematic inspection and maintenance. Deferred maintenance to keep trucks running in the oil patch creates deadly hazards.
Cargo Spills and Hazmat Incidents
When drilling equipment, chemicals, or water tanks are improperly secured under 49 CFR § 393.100, they spill onto the roadway. Hazmat spills from oil field trucks can trigger evacuations and cause respiratory injuries, burns, or explosions.
Head-On Collisions
Often caused by driver fatigue on long hauls from Texas to Colorado, distraction, or crossing the centerline on two-lane portions of US-64. Closing speeds of 130+ mph are almost always fatal.
Catastrophic Injuries and Your Path to Recovery
The injuries resulting from 18-wheeler accidents in San Juan County are rarely minor. We have represented victims suffering from:
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
From concussions to severe diffuse axonal injuries. Symptoms include memory loss, personality changes, chronic headaches, and cognitive deficits. Our cases involving TBI have resulted in settlements between $1.5 million and $9.8 million, reflecting the lifetime of care required.
Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis
Damage to the cervical, thoracic, or lumbar spine can result in paraplegia or quadriplegia. The lifetime cost of care for a quadriplegic can exceed $5 million. We pursue damages for medical equipment, home modifications, and loss of future earnings.
Amputations
Crush injuries from underride accidents or rollovers often necessitate limb amputation. We have secured between $1.9 million and $8.6 million for amputees, covering prosthetics, rehabilitation, and psychological trauma.
Severe Burns
Fuel fires from ruptured tanks or hazmat explosions cause third and fourth-degree burns. These require multiple skin grafts, plastic surgeries, and carry high risks of infection and scarring.
Wrongful Death
When a trucking accident takes a loved one, the family is left with funeral expenses, lost income, and immeasurable grief. Under New Mexico law, the personal representative of the estate can recover for the beneficiaries. We have recovered between $1.9 million and $9.5 million in wrongful death trucking cases.
New Mexico Law: Your Rights and the Clock
Understanding the legal landscape in San Juan County is crucial.
Statute of Limitations: In New Mexico, you have three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury lawsuit (NMSA § 37-1-8). For wrongful death, the personal representative has three years from the date of death. While this is longer than the two years in neighboring Texas or the one year in Louisiana, do not wait. Evidence spoils—black box data, witness memories, and physical evidence degrade rapidly.
Pure Comparative Fault: New Mexico follows a pure comparative negligence rule (Scott v. Rizzo, 96 N.M. 682). Even if you were partially at fault for the accident, you can still recover damages reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found 30% at fault and your damages are $1 million, you recover $700,000. Unlike Texas (which bars recovery if you are more than 50% at fault), New Mexico allows recovery even if you are 99% at fault—though the practical reality is that high percentages significantly reduce the recovery.
No Damage Caps: New Mexico does not impose statutory caps on compensatory damages in personal injury cases. This means there is no artificial limit on your medical expenses, lost wages, or pain and suffering. Punitive damages are available if we can prove the trucking company acted with reckless disregard for safety—such as knowingly employing a driver with a history of DUIs or systematically falsifying logbooks.
Insurance Coverage: Why Trucking Cases Are Different
Federal law mandates minimum liability insurance for commercial trucks:
- $750,000 for non-hazardous freight
- $1,000,000 for oil, petroleum products, and large equipment
- $5,000,000 for hazardous materials
Given San Juan County’s energy sector, most trucks are carrying at least $1 million in coverage, and often $5 million when hauling hazardous drilling chemicals. This is far more than the $25,000 minimum required for private passenger vehicles in New Mexico.
However, accessing these funds requires knowing how to navigate commercial insurance policies, MCS-90 endorsements (which guarantee payment to the public regardless of policy exclusions), and excess/umbrella policies. The trucking company’s insurer is not your friend. Their adjusters are trained to minimize payouts. They will offer quick, lowball settlements before you know the full extent of your injuries. Do not accept any offer without consulting an attorney.
Frequently Asked Questions
How soon should I call a lawyer after a trucking accident in San Juan County?
Immediately. Within 24 hours if possible. The trucking company already has lawyers working. We need to send spoliation letters to preserve black box data before it is overwritten—often within 30 days.
Can I afford an attorney?
Yes. We work on contingency. You pay no upfront fees. We only get paid—33.33% pre-trial or 40% if we go to trial—when we win your case. We advance all costs for investigation and experts. If we do not recover, you owe us nothing.
What if I was partially at fault?
Under New Mexico’s pure comparative fault law, you can still recover. Your compensation is reduced by your percentage of fault, but you are not barred unless you are 100% responsible. Do not let the trucking company convince you that you have no case.
Who will handle my case personally?
Your case will be handled directly by our attorneys, not passed off to paralegals. Ralph Manginello has 25 years of experience, and Lupe Peña brings insider insurance defense knowledge. Our staff members Leonor and Crystal are praised by clients for keeping them informed throughout the process.
What if the trucking company says the driver was an independent contractor, not an employee?
We investigate the relationship. If the company controls the driver’s routes, schedules, and equipment, they are liable under respondeat superior. Even if the driver is truly independent, the company may be liable for negligent hiring or entrustment.
How long will my case take?
Simple cases may settle in 6-12 months. Complex litigation involving multiple defendants, catastrophic injuries, or disputed liability can take 18-36 months. We prepare every case for trial to maximize settlement leverage, but we resolve most cases without you ever stepping in a courtroom.
Do you handle cases for Spanish-speaking clients in San Juan County?
Sí. Hablamos Español. Lupe Peña is fluent and provides direct representation without interpreters. Call 888-ATTY-911 for service in Spanish.
What damages can I recover?
New Mexico law allows recovery of:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Lost wages and loss of earning capacity
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of consortium (impact on marriage)
- Punitive damages (for reckless conduct)
What if the trucking company destroys evidence?
If we have sent a spoliation letter and they destroy evidence anyway, courts can impose sanctions including adverse inference instructions—telling the jury to assume the destroyed evidence would have been bad for the trucking company. In some cases, we have obtained default judgments for spoliation.
We Know the Roads, the Courts, and the Tactics
San Juan County’s economy runs on trucks—oil field services, agriculture, and cross-country freight. But when those trucks cause harm, the companies behind them have teams of lawyers ready to minimize your claim.
You deserve a team that fights back just as hard.
We know the dangerous stretches of US-550 where the wind blows dust across the lanes. We understand the pressures on drivers hauling from the Farmington oil patch to Texas refineries. And we have the federal court experience, the FMCSA regulatory knowledge, and the trial readiness to take on the largest trucking corporations.
Call us today at 1-888-ATTY-911 (888-288-9911). We answer 24/7. The consultation is free. We serve San Juan County from our Texas offices, and we will travel to you. Llame hoy—do not wait another day while evidence disappears.
Attorney911. Ralph Manginello. Lupe Peña. A combined force fighting for every dime you deserve.
1-888-ATTY-911
Serving San Juan County and all of New Mexico
