Idaho Semi-Truck Accident Lawyer

By:
Dan Benzion
| November 9, 2023
Idaho semi-truck accident lawyer

If you've been involved in a semi-truck accident in Idaho, you understand the overwhelming impact it can have on your life. These accidents are often more severe than most car accidents due to the weight of semi-trucks.

At BAM Personal Injury Lawyers, our Idaho truck accident lawyers are here to help you. We aim to provide you with the necessary support to protect and defend your rights.

Semi-truck accidents can cause devastating injuries and serious property damage. Dealing with the aftermath requires medical care and skilled legal representation to manage the complexities of truck accident claims. 

Learn more about what happens after a truck crash below. Then, contact our Idaho truck accident lawyer to schedule a free consultation.

The Dangers of Semi-Truck Accidents

Semi-truck accidents are particularly dangerous due to the size and weight of the trucks involved. These vehicles can cause tremendous damage even in minor collisions.

The force of an impact with a semi-truck can result in catastrophic injuries and even death. This makes them one of the most dangerous types of accidents on the road.

The aftermath of a semi-truck accident is often complex and distressing for the victims. These accidents can lead to long-term or permanent disabilities, impacting victims' ability to work and perform daily activities. The emotional and financial impact on families can be enormous.

Understanding these risks and seeking appropriate legal help to handle the consequences is important.

Contact Our Experienced Truck Accident Attorney at
BAM Personal Injury Lawyers Today

get a free consultation

Common Causes of Semi-Truck Accidents

Common causes of semi-truck accidents

Semi-truck accidents can occur for various reasons, often involving negligence.

Driver Fatigue

Driver fatigue is a frequent cause of truck crashes. Many truck drivers are on the road for long hours without adequate rest, leading to decreased alertness and slower reaction times. Federal regulations exist to combat fatigue, but they are not always followed.

Mechanical Failures

Mechanical failures in trucks, such as brake failures or tire blowouts, can lead to major crashes. Maintenance and inspections are required to prevent such issues, but compliance varies. When mechanical failures cause accidents, determining liability is important.

Improper Loading

Improper cargo loading can cause trucks to become unbalanced or too heavy, making them difficult to control. This can lead to tipping, rollovers, and cargo loss, causing accidents. Proper weight distribution and securement are essential for safe truck operation.

Driver Negligence

Driver negligence, such as distracted driving, speeding, or reckless behavior, contributes substantially to truck accidents. Due to the potential damage their vehicles can cause, truck drivers must adhere to higher standards of care. When they fail to meet these standards, they put all road users at risk.

Federal and State Regulations Governing Trucking

The trucking industry is heavily regulated for the safety of everyone on the road.

Hours of Service Regulations

Hours of Service regulations are intended to prevent tired driving by limiting the number of hours truck drivers can operate without rest. These rules are enforced to reduce the risk of fatigue-related accidents, which are common in the trucking industry.

Maintenance and Inspection Requirements

Trucks must undergo regular maintenance and inspections to ensure their safety. These regulations are in place to prevent accidents caused by mechanical failures, which can be devastating on the road.

Liability in Semi-Truck Accidents

Liability in semi-truck accidents

Assigning liability in truck crashes is hard and involves multiple parties.

Truck Driver Liability

If a truck driver's negligence or violation of regulations leads to an accident, they can be held liable. This includes cases of speeding, distracted driving, or failing to follow Hours of Service rules.

Trucking Company Liability

Trucking companies can be held liable if their lack of proper oversight or failure to enforce regulations contributed to the accident. This includes inadequate training or pressure on drivers to ignore safety rules.

Manufacturer Liability

If defective truck parts cause a truck crash, the manufacturer might be liable. This includes faulty brakes, tires, or other critical components that should have been safe when they left the factory.

What Should You Do After a Semi-Truck Accident?

What should you do after a semi-truck accident
  1. Check for injuries. Immediately check yourself and others for injuries. Call 911 if medical attention is needed.
  2. Report the accident. Report the accident to the police. A police report is necessary for documentation.
  3. Gather information. Collect contact and insurance details from all drivers involved, as well as witnesses' names and contact information.
  4. Document the scene. Snap pictures of the crash site, including all vehicles involved, visible damages, and road conditions.
  5. Seek medical attention. Even if you feel alright, go to the doctor. Injuries from truck accidents can appear later.
  6. Contact a truck accident lawyer. Partner with an experienced truck accident attorney to discuss your legal options.
  7. Do not speak to insurance companies. Avoid discussing the accident with insurance companies before you speak to your lawyer. They might use your words against you.

Evidence in Semi-Truck Accidents

Gathering evidence after a truck collision is critical for proving liability and negligence. This includes collecting data from the truck's electronic logging device (ELD), which records service hours and can indicate violations. Physical evidence from the accident scene also plays an important role in reconstructing what happened.

Photos and videos from the scene can help illustrate how the crash occurred and the extent of the damage. It is also smart to gather witness statements and any available surveillance footage from nearby businesses or traffic cameras. Each piece of evidence helps build a stronger case.

Proving Liability and Negligence

Proving liability and negligence in truck accidents requires a comprehensive understanding of all laws and regulations. Our experienced truck accident attorneys know how to work through these issues. We work tirelessly to demonstrate how the negligence of the truck driver or trucking company led to your injuries.

To prove negligence, we collect and present evidence that shows the truck driver or company failed to meet the required standards of care. This might include violating traffic laws, ignoring safety regulations, or failing to take care of the truck. Successfully proving negligence is key to securing compensation for your losses.

Potential Compensation for Semi-Truck Accident Victims

Potential compensation for semi-truck accident victims
  • Medical Expenses. Compensation for medical expenses covers both current and future medical treatments related to your injuries from the truck accident.
  • Lost Wages. If your injuries stop you from working, you can demand compensation for lost pay and future earnings.
  • Pain and Suffering. You could be allowed to request compensation for physical pain and emotional trauma resulting from the accident.
  • Property Damage. Compensation can cover costs related to repairing or replacing property damaged in the crash, including your vehicle.
  • Punitive Damages. In cases of unacceptable negligence, punitive damages can be awarded to punish the defendant and prevent similar conduct in the future.

Common Challenges in Semi-Truck Accident Cases

  • Determining Liability. Multiple parties could be liable, including the driver, trucking company, or parts manufacturers, making liability complex.
  • Dealing with Insurance Companies. Trucking companies and their insurers have lots of lawyers aimed at minimizing payouts.
  • Gathering Evidence. Proper evidence is vital and sometimes difficult to collect, especially when dealing with logbooks, electronic data, and company records.

How Our Idaho Semi-Truck Accident Lawyer Can Help You

If you're dealing with the aftermath of a truck accident, our Idaho semi-truck accident lawyers are here to help. We have the expertise and resources to tackle these challenging cases. Our law office will handle all legal aspects of your case. This lets you focus on your recovery.

We are dedicated to recovering the maximum compensation for your injuries and losses. Our approach involves meticulous investigation, skilled negotiation with insurers, and, if necessary, passionate representation in court. You can trust us to advocate passionately on your behalf.

Contact Our Truck Accident Lawyer for a FREE Consultation

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long do I have to file a semi-truck accident claim in Idaho?

In Idaho, you have two years from the crash date to file a semi-truck accident claim. Partnering with a truck accident lawyer as soon as possible ensures your claim is filed on time.

What if the truck driver denies responsibility for the accident?

If a truck driver denies responsibility, we will gather evidence such as crash reports, witness testimony, and camera recordings to build a strong case. Our goal is to prove the driver's liability despite their denial.

Can I still recover compensation if I am partially at fault?

You can still recover compensation even if you are partially at fault. Idaho follows a comparative negligence rule. However, the degree of fault in the trucking accident will reduce your damages.

Call Our Idaho Semi-Truck Accident Lawyer for a Free Case Consultation

Call our Idaho semi-truck accident lawyer for a free case consultation

If you've been injured in a semi-truck accident, don't hesitate to contact our Idaho truck accident lawyers for a free consultation.

At BAM Personal Injury Lawyers, our Idaho truck accident attorneys would be happy to take your truck accident case. Make sure you see a doctor first to treat your truck accident injury. Then, contact our Idaho truck accident attorney to schedule a free case consultation.

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