In 2020, the state of Idaho reported over 159 injury crashes and 11 fatal crashes of single-unit trucks. The number of reported fatalities in this year’s crash stat is significantly higher than the previous year. This growing trend in truck-related fatalities is a concern that we shouldn’t avert our eyes.
The injuries brought by these accidents are not only catastrophic but also life-threatening. Victims and their families shed a hefty amount to get through hospitalizations, surgeries, and therapies. Not to forget the loss of wages and earning potential. If you or your loved ones have been involved in such an accident, you must seek legal help ASAP. An Idaho truck accident lawyer can help you hold the at-fault party liable for your damages and pursue compensation from their insurance company for your damages and losses.
Our Idaho personal injury law firm comprises a team of experienced and knowledgeable truck accident attorneys who will guide and support you through this tough time. The truck accident lawyers at Parker & McConkie will investigate every aspect of your case and help you get the compensation you deserve.
Call us at (208) 418-0633 to schedule your free consultation with one of our esteemed truck accident lawyers.
Idaho Truck Accident Lawyer Dedicated to Helping Injured Truck Accident Victims
The Idaho truck accident lawyer at Parker & McConkie is dedicated to helping victims of truck accidents. We understand the pain and suffering you are going through and will do everything we can to get you the compensation you deserve for your damages. We will work tirelessly to bring you the justice you deserve.
Our team of experienced truck accident lawyers will investigate every aspect of your case and build a solid legal argument to get you the best possible outcome. We have a proven track record of success in truck accident cases. With our extensive experience handling personal injury cases, we can assure you that your case is in good hands.
How Can Our Idaho Truck Accident Attorney Help You?
Our experienced truck accident attorney at Parker & McConkie Personal Injury Lawyers provides a comprehensive and personalized approach to each client we represent.
When you hire us, we will:
- Conduct a thorough investigation of your case;
- Gather evidence and eyewitness testimonies to support your claim;
- Build a strong legal argument to get you the compensation you deserve;
- Negotiate with the at-fault’s insurance company on your behalf; and
- Represent you in court if a settlement agreement is not reached.
We understand the physical, emotional, and financial toll a truck accident can take on you and your family. We will fight for your rights and deliver you the justice you deserve.
Why Do Truck Accidents Happen in Idaho?
A semi-truck collision can be attributed to various causes. However, a large majority of truck crashes correlate to poor driving history and unsafe driving practices. Here’s the list of reasons why truck crashes remain prevalent on Idaho roads:
• Unsafe lane changes. Trucks need a lot of space to make turns. When they switch lanes abruptly, it often leads to a truck crash.
• Speeding. A truck’s massive size and weight make it difficult to stop quickly. When truck drivers are speeding, the chances of truck collisions are high.
• Tailgating. When a truck tailgates another vehicle, it increases the chances of a rear-end collision.
• Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. Drunk or drugged drivers have slow reflexes and often make poor decisions. This negligent practice increases the chances of them being involved in a truck crash.
• Fatigued driving. Truck drivers often drive for long hours to meet deadlines. This can lead to drowsiness and fatigue, which increases the chances of an accident.
• Distracted driving. Distracted driving is one of the leading causes of truck accidents. Truck drivers often take their eyes off the road to text, make phone calls, or change the radio station.
• Poor vehicle maintenance. Trucking companies are required to maintain their vehicles regularly. However, many companies choose to save money by skipping maintenance. This often leads to mechanical failures and truck accidents.
The list of reasons grows longer each day. If you or your loved ones have been involved in a truck accident, call our experienced truck accident lawyer at Parker & McConkie for legal help.
What Are the Most Common Injuries in an Idaho Truck Accident?
A truck accident injury is roughly similar to a car accident injury and every other motor vehicle injury. However, the severity of a truck accident injury is far greater than that of other motor vehicle accident injuries. Truck accident victims often sustain the following injuries:
- Head injuries. Head injuries are some of the most common injuries in truck accidents. They can range from light head trauma to traumatic brain injuries.
- Neck and back injuries. Whiplash is a common neck injury in truck accidents. Back injuries can vary widely from herniated discs to spinal cord injuries.
- Broken bones. Broken bones are one of the most common injuries in truck accidents. They can range from fractures to compound fractures.
- Internal bleeding. Internal bleeding is a serious injury that often occurs in truck accidents. Most of the vital organs are in the abdomen, so internal bleeding in this area can be life-threatening.
- Burn injuries. Burn injuries are some of the most severe injuries that can occur in truck accidents. They can range from first-degree burns to third-degree burns.
Who Can Be Held Liable in a Trucking Accident?
Unlike car accidents, trucking collisions are not straightforward. Often, truck drivers are hired by a private establishment or company. This means that the driver is not the sole person responsible for the accident.
The following are the potentially liable parties in a truck accident:
The Driver
In some cases, the truck driver may be liable for the accident. This is usually the case if the driver was speeding, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or engaging in other negligent behaviors.
Whether the truck driver is hired by a company or is an independent contractor, the driver must observe traffic laws and regulations. If drivers fail to follow safety practices, they may be liable for truck accidents.
Truck or Part Manufacturer
A defective truck or part can also cause an accident. Truck part manufacturers are expected to produce safe and reliable products. If a defective truck part causes your accident, the manufacturer of the truck or inoperative part may be held liable for the accident.
The Trucking Company
The trucking service provider might be liable for the accident if the driver was an employee. This is because the company is responsible for hiring and training its drivers. Suppose the trucking company did not follow the standard procedure for hiring and training its truck drivers, and its driver caused your accident. In that case, the company can be held liable for your damages.
In some cases, trucking companies may also be held liable for an accident caused by a defective truck or part. This is because the company is responsible for maintaining its vehicles and ensuring they are safe to drive.
How Can We Help Determine Who Has Legal Responsibility for Your Truck Accident in Idaho?
Our Idaho tractor-trailer accident lawyer has extensive experience overseeing various personal injury cases, especially semi-truck accidents. We have a profound understanding of the federal and state laws that apply to these cases and the insurance policies that may be involved. Our experienced Idaho truck accident lawyer has a comprehensive and sophisticated understanding of the factors that can establish liability in truck accident cases. At Parker & McConkie, we know how to establish a compelling and evidence-based personal injury case in your favor. The following are some of the things we evaluate in establishing liability:
- The truck driver’s legal safety responsibilities
- Controlling State and Federal regulations
- Applicable corporate standards
- Breach of any road safety legislation
- Private and governmental agencies’ co-responsibility for the accident
We have to perform certain investigative work to evaluate these factors. We gather all relevant evidence as part of our investigation. The following can be relevant evidence:
- Photographs
- Witness statements
- Black Box Data
- Accident and police reports
- Medical expert opinions
- Truck maintenance records
- Violations of trucking laws
- Online data from social media
- Collision reconstruction reports
- Driving and safety history
What Are the Compensatory Damages Available to Idaho Semi-Truck Accident Victims?
A collision involving semi-trucks or large trucks can cause serious injuries that result in significant financial losses. As the victim, you are entitled to recover economic and non-economic damages, including:
• Medical bills. You can recover the cost of all past and future medical treatment related to your injuries, including hospitalization, surgery, rehabilitation, and therapy.
• Lost wages. If you cannot work because of your injuries, you can recover the wages you have lost and the future earnings you will lose.
• Pain and suffering. You can demand finances for the physical and emotional pain and suffering caused by your injuries.
• Loss of consortium. When an injured partner can no longer give their spouse the companionship, love, services, comfort, support, or intimate relations they provided before the accident or death, victims can demand this type of compensation.
• Punitive damages. If the negligent party’s actions were particularly egregious, you might be able to recover punitive damages.
If you have been injured in a truck accident in Idaho, contact Parker & McConkie today for a free consultation. Our legal team will help you comprehend your statutory rights and options to make the best decisions for your future.
How Can Idaho’s Comparative Negligence Rule Affect Your Truck Accident Claim?
According to Idaho Code § 6-801, the state employs a modified comparative negligence rule. This rule can affect your ability to recover compensation if you are partially at fault for the accident.
- Under the rule, you can still recover damages if you are less than 50% at fault for the accident. However, your total recoverable damages will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
- For example, if you are awarded $100,000 in damages but are found to be 20% at fault, you will only receive $80,000.
- But if you are 50% or more at fault for the accident, you can no longer recover compensation for your damages.
What You Need to Know about the Legal Process in Truck Accident Cases in Idaho
As experienced truck accident lawyers servicing Idaho, we know and understand the laws surrounding the trucking industry and how these legislations relate to your case. Here’s what you can expect during your truck accident claims process:
• You will likely receive compensation for your property damages before compensation for other expenses, such as medical costs.
• Legally, any expenses relating to personal injuries don’t need to be paid until your claim is completely resolved.
• During the discovery period, your truck accident lawyer will work to determine what happened in your accident, what went wrong, and who could cause it.
• Once your attorney has established solid evidence, they will build a case to hold the responsible party or parties liable for your damages.
Crucial Things You Need to Do After Your Truck Accident in Idaho
Following a tragic truck accident in Idaho, your priority should be to seek safety and preserve as much evidence as possible. You can do this by following the actions below:
- Seek medical attention. The first thing you need to do is to seek medical attention, even if you feel fine. The adrenaline rush following an accident can mask your injuries. Furthermore, it is crucial to have a paper trail of your injuries for insurance and legal purposes.
- Contact the local authorities. Once you have received medical attention, you should contact the local authorities to file a police report. This report will be critical when filing an insurance claim or a personal injury lawsuit.
- Gather evidence. You should also gather as much evidence as possible from the accident scene. Pieces of evidence you can recover include photographs of the accident scene, damage to your vehicle, and injuries. It’s also helpful to obtain the contact information of any witnesses at the location.
- Document everything. Keep track of all the medical expenses, missed work, and other damages caused by the truck accident. This documentation will be necessary when filing a personal injury claim or pursuing a lawsuit.
- Consult a personal injury attorney. Finally, you should talk to a personal injury attorney who can help you understand your accident case, statutory rights, and feasible legal options. An Idaho truck accident attorney can also help you build a solid case to recover the maximum compensation possible.
Why Choose Parker & McConkie Personal Injury Lawyers to Handle Your Truck Accident Claim?
Parker & McConkie Personal Injury Lawyers have been handling personal injury claims in Idaho for more than 40 years. We have the industry experience and resources to help you recover the compensation you deserve.
Some of the reasons why you should choose Parker & McConkie to handle your truck accident claim include:
• Free consultation & contingency fee. You can avail of our free consultation. We also offer a contingency fee agreement, meaning you only have to pay us if we recover your compensation. No recovery, no fee.
• Millions of dollars were recovered in compensation. We have recovered millions of dollars in compensation for our clients. One of our record-setting settlement recoveries is $13.5 million in a personal injury case in Utah.
• Award-winning attorneys. Our truck accident attorneys have been recognized with numerous awards, including being selected for The National Trial Lawyers, SuperLawyers, and the Multimillion Dollar Advocates Forum.
• Expertise in personal injury law. We have extensive experience and knowledge in personal injury law. We know how to build a solid case to maximize your compensation.
• Established law firm. Our Idaho trucking accident law firm is equipped with the resources to handle complex truck accident cases. We have a team of experienced investigators, paralegals, and support staff to help with your case.