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Hiring a Truck Accident Attorney in Idaho

You may have many questions when you are involved in a truck collision, we are here to help! We have compiled a list of the most frequently asked questions by truck accident victims in the state of Idaho.

What Kinds Of Serious Injuries Are Caused By Truck Accidents?

Whether truck collisions occur in Idaho or elsewhere in the United States, they can lead to some of the most devastating injuries seen on roadways. The size and weight of big rigs and other heavy trucks means that victims involved in the truck accident often experience life-altering harm. Some common serious injuries seen in truck accidents include:

  • Broken bones (fractures)
  • Burns and lacerations
  • Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
  • Back and neck injuries
  • Whiplash
  • Loss of limb
  • Paralysis
  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Death

If you or a family member have suffered a catastrophic injury in a truck crash, you may be able to seek the compensation you need by filing a truck accident injury claim.

What Are The Most Common Causes Of Truck Accidents In Idaho?

Because commercial trucks are so large in comparison to passenger vehicles and other vehicles on the roads, truck accidents may happen through any number of causes. Many of these are, unfortunately, preventable, and due to someone’s negligence. Contributing factors to Idaho truck accidents may include:

  • Driver fatigue or driving while too tired
  • Driver error such as following too closely, failing to yield, failing to brake properly
  • Careless driving such as speeding, failure to use turn signals, or reckless disregard for other drivers
  • An improperly maintained commercial vehicle such as faulty brakes or worn tires
  • Lack of training for the truck driver such as an expired CDL or lack of training hours
  • Faulty hiring practices by the trucking industry such as failing to properly vet truckers before allowing them to drive semi-trucks
  • Error made by truck manufacturers such as an error during the truck-making process which led to a faulty vehicle

These are just a few of the most common causes of truck accidents — many more exist that may lead to an accident. Talk to a Boise truck accident lawyer or other Idaho truck accident lawyer to learn if the causes of your accident could be considered negligent and lead to a claim.

What Steps Should You Take After A Tractor-Trailer Accident?

The first thing to do in any auto accident is to secure medical attention for anyone who needs it, especially for those with serious or life-threatening injuries. Once everyone has emergency medical care, you should report the accident to law enforcement.

After you’ve taken these vital steps, you can consult Idaho truck accident attorneys. It’s important to seek legal representation as soon as possible following the accident, since injury claims take time to file and you also have a time limit to file them.

Your lawyer will begin working on your claim right away. The first step will likely be to determine the responsible parties — also known as the liable parties. Due to the many reasons that may have contributed to the accident, the responsible parties could be the truck driver, trucking company, trucking manufacturers, insurance companies, or others. It’s your lawyer’s job to examine the details of your situation and identify where the negligence occurred.

Once you can name the liable party, you can file your claim. If your claim goes to court, your lawyer will be there to fight on your behalf every step of the way, from communicating with the defendant’s lawyers to explaining the local and federal laws that apply, and more.

What Is The Statute Of Limitations For Idaho Truck Accident Claims?

According to the Idaho Code, Section 5-219, you have two years to file a personal injury claim or wrongful death claim following a truck accident. This time limit, known as the statute of limitations, begins the day of your accident.

Two years may seem like plenty of time, but time is of the essence when filing personal injury claims. This is because each part of your claim may take some time to complete, and insurance companies fighting your claim will try all efforts to thwart it, allowing the statute to run out.

Don’t delay starting your claim any longer than you have to. Your lawyer will do all of the leg work in securing fair compensation on your behalf so you can rest and heal from your injuries.

Is Idaho A No-Fault State?

No, Idaho is an at-fault or fault state for car accidents. States which are considered ‘at-fault’ states require the responsible parties in auto accidents to compensate the accident victims for any losses incurred.

In other words, if you were hurt in an Idaho truck accident, you can file a claim against the liable party or parties. This is why determining the liable parties through such steps as examining the police report, photos from the scene of the accident, and poring over eyewitness statements is so important to your case.

According to the Idaho Department of Insurance, insurance companies do not automatically assign fault based on the motorist who was issued a traffic citation. Instead, companies are expected to perform investigations to determine who was at fault. Both or all parties involved may be considered partly at fault.

Can I Still Start A Truck Accident Case If I’m Partly At-Fault?

Idaho operates personal injury cases on a principle of comparative negligence. In short, this means you can still file a personal injury claim against the liable party in a truck accident if you were partly at fault in the accident.

However, any compensation you are awarded may be reduced based on your percentage of fault. For example, if it is determined that you had 20% fault in the truck collision, you may receive compensation that is 20% less than the original amount to account for your part in the accident. So, if your settlement offer is $100,000, you would receive $80,000.

Is It Necessary To Hire A Personal Injury Lawyer To File A Claim?

There is no law that requires you to hire a truck accident lawyer in Idaho to begin your claim. However, attorneys can offer skills and expertise that can help direct the outcome of your case.

If you have experienced devastating injuries that will change the course of your life, securing compensation may be the best way to ensure you have what you need to live comfortably and securely.

If you are unable to work, for instance, you will need a settlement that is large enough to cover your financial needs until you can return to work or to set you up financially if you will not be able to return to work.

Working with an experienced Idaho truck accident lawyer can mean the difference between receiving a low, quick settlement offer and the just compensation you deserve for the injuries you’ve suffered.

Have you or someone you know been hurt in an Idaho truck accident? You may have legal options. Starting a truck accident claim can help you recover damages, such as payments to cover medical care costs, wrongful death of a loved one, and others. Whether you were hurt in a Boise truck crash or elsewhere in Idaho, truck accident attorneys can aid you in your personal injury case. LegalFinders can provide more information during a free consultation and connect you with the best lawyer for your individual needs.

Connect With The Best Truck Accident Attorney For Your Case

Semi-truck accidents in Idaho and other collisions involving large trucks or commercial vehicles often lead to life-altering injuries for truck accident victims. Serious injuries, like traumatic brain injuries, can require hefty recovery periods, leading to major medical expenses, missed time at work, and possibly long-term medical care.

If you were in a tractor-trailer accident or other big rig accident caused by a truck driver’s negligence, you deserve maximum compensation for the harm that you’ve suffered. You or a loved one can recover damages by filing a personal injury claim. This type of claim allows you to ask for compensation to cover costs related to the accident, such as medical bills or vehicle damage.

Depending on the details surrounding your accident, you may be able to file an injury claim with the truck driver’s insurance. In any case, any compensation you are awarded can help you rebuild your life after the accident.

So, how can you begin your claim? By connecting with experienced Idaho truck accident attorneys, who will work hard to fight for a fair settlement offer for you. LegalFinders can ensure you find the best personal injury attorney for your case.

Just as doctors specialize in certain fields of practice, a personal injury lawyer may have a niche for a particular practice area, such as cases involving car accidents or truck accidents. Working with a truck accident lawyer who has handled cases involving commercial truck accidents means you’ll receive legal aid that is tailored to your case.

And when you want to get the maximum amount of damages possible for your injuries, having an experienced lawyer on your side can be crucial to the outcome of your case. Your attorney will help with your case from the very basic needs to the most intricate details. This could include such tasks as explaining the Idaho laws that apply, establishing a strong attorney-client relationship, providing solid legal advice, and standing up to insurance companies in court.

Your attorney will be with you every step of the way, from the initial consultation until your claim reaches a settlement or your lawsuit (if it comes to that) reaches a verdict. And LegalFinders can help you find the right attorney during a free case evaluation. Our exclusive network works solely with law firms who are practiced, experienced, and revered in their fields. When you work with our legal teams, you can rest assured your case is being handled with the utmost care and dedication.

 

Idaho Truck Accident Statistics

As with many other states throughout the nation, Idaho saw a decrease in the overall rate of auto accidents (including truck accidents) in 2020 compared to 2019, according to the Idaho Transportation Department (IDT).

The decrease also applied to fatal motor vehicle crashes, fatalities resulting from motor vehicle accidents, and serious injuries caused by auto accidents. Here are other facts pertaining to Idaho truck accidents in 2020, the most recent year for data:

Fatal crashes involving commercial vehicles (i.e. buses and large trucks) increased

from 34%

in 2019 to 37% in 2020

Number of commercial vehicle accidents leading to injuries increased

4%

in 2020

Fatalities in Idaho

42

more than 1,000 people injured in commercial vehicle and truck accidents in 2020.

Large truck accidents in Idaho

1,215

which includes semi-truck accidents and tractor-trailer accidents in 2020

All commercial vehicle accidents

20.3

led to serious injuries

All motor vehicle crashes occurred on urban roadways (such as freeways and highways)

65%

77% of fatal crashes occurred on Idaho’s rural roads

Aggressive driving

involved in 48% of all crashes

and distracted driving (19%)

 

Most Dangerous Idaho Highways

The state of Idaho is home to several dangerous and even deadly highways. According to KTVB7, one of Idaho’s most dangerous roads is I-84, which saw 25 fatalities in 2017. This was nearly the same amount of fatalities seen for U.S. Highway 95, though US-95 saw one-fifth of the traffic as I-84.

Truck crashes and other motor vehicle accidents can and do occur all over the state, though some roadways see more incidents than others. Other dangerous highways motorists should watch out for in Idaho include:

Highways
Highway 12 – particularly throughout the Lolo Pass area
Highway 20
Highway 34
I-15
SR-21
US-93
US-95

LegalFinders Can Direct You To The Best Truck Accident Attorneys Near You

Ready to begin your injury claim in Idaho? Talk to LegalFinders today. We can put you in touch with some of the most reputable personal injury law firms who only work with experienced and successful truck accident lawyers.

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Published: 24 May 2022

ARTICLE SOURCES

Idaho Department of Insurance — Common Auto Claims Questions: How Fault is Determined in an Auto Accident

Idaho Legislature — Idaho Code, Section 5-219

Idaho Transportation Department Office of Highway Safety — Idaho Traffic Crashes 2020

KTVB7 — Taking a closer look at deadly trends on Idaho’s roadways

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