An accident between an 18-wheeler and a passenger vehicle can cause life-changing injuries and financial hardship that can affect entire families. If you or a loved one has sustained injuries in a collision with a big rig or other commercial truck, you need experienced legal representation to protect your rights and fight for the compensation you deserve.
Attorneys of Idaho is a dedicated truck accident law firm that understands the profound impact a truck accident can have on the lives of those affected. Our motto is:
It defines how we approach every injury case: with decades of litigation experience, and with empathy and respect for the accident victims we help. This way of doing business has earned us recognition throughout the Gem State for our legal excellence and high-quality service, with over 400 five-star reviews that demonstrate our commitment to our clients.
Contact our experienced team today for a free, no-obligation consultation to discuss your case with a compassionate and competent Idaho truck accident lawyer. Your case review is fully confidential, and you pay nothing unless we successfully resolve your matter.
Benefits of Hiring an Attorney for Your Idaho Truck Accident Claim
Having qualified legal representation after suffering a truck accident injury can make the difference between securing the fair compensation you need and experiencing ongoing financial hardship.
Trucking companies know a lot is at stake when someone files an injury claim. This is why they employ teams of lawyers and investigators whose job is to minimize their liability and reduce payouts. They often begin investigating accidents immediately, sometimes arriving at the scene before victims even reach the hospital.
Our competent and kind Idaho attorney team will level the playing field by conducting our own thorough investigation, preserving crucial evidence, and building a strong case on your behalf. Additionally, we can accurately assess the true value of your truck accident claim. Insurance companies often make quick, lowball settlement offers before victims fully understand the extent of their losses. By being transparent, we ensure you know exactly what your case is worth before making any decisions.
At Attorneys of Idaho, we employ a collaborative, team-based approach to ensure that our clients benefit from the combined knowledge and skills of our entire legal staff. In doing so, we can establish expectations and goals early and then exceed them. Reach out to us today to discover the difference an Idaho truck accident attorney can make for your accident case.
How We Investigate Truck Accident Cases in Idaho
Our legal team immediately begins investigating each truck accident case to preserve evidence that might otherwise be lost or destroyed. We start by examining the accident scene for any elements that may have contributed to the crash. Our team takes photographs and measurements that can prove essential in establishing liability.
Federal regulations require commercial trucks to be equipped with electronic logging devices (ELDs) and event data recorders that capture information about the vehicle’s operation at the time of the accident. We work quickly to secure this data before it can be altered or lost.
Our investigation also includes the following:
- Reviewing driver logs and employment records
- Examining truck maintenance records and inspection reports
- Analyzing documentation of cargo loading and weight distribution
- Consulting with accident reconstruction experts when necessary
- Interviewing witnesses
- Working with medical experts to document the extent of your injuries
What Compensation Could I Recover in an Idaho Truck Accident Claim?
Truck accident compensation can address the various ways that a collision with a semi-truck has affected your life, including the following:
- Medical expenses
- Lost income
- Lost earning capacity
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of enjoyment of life
These costs can accumulate rapidly, especially when someone has suffered severe injuries requiring specialized treatment or long-term care.
In fatal truck accident cases, surviving family members may be entitled to wrongful death damages, including funeral expenses, loss of financial support, and loss of companionship.
When you meet with our truck accident lawyers in Idaho, we can assess your case to determine what compensation you could pursue.
Why Are Trucking Accidents More Complicated Than Other Motor Vehicle Crashes?
Truck accident lawsuit cases involve considerations that don’t exist in typical car accident claims.
First, multiple parties may share liability. Unlike car accidents, which typically involve individual drivers, truck accidents may implicate not only the driver but also the trucking company, cargo loading company, truck manufacturer, parts manufacturers, and maintenance providers. Each party may have different insurance companies and legal teams.
Second, federal and state laws heavily regulate the trucking industry. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) establishes rules governing driver qualifications, hours of service, vehicle maintenance, cargo securement, and many other aspects of commercial trucking operations. Violations of these regulations can provide crucial evidence of negligence.
Third, the stakes are typically much higher. The forces involved in truck accidents are often so considerable that they result in catastrophic injuries or fatalities. This means damage awards can be substantial, making trucking companies and their insurers more likely to fight claims aggressively.
These factors make it even more crucial to have a reputable legal representative on your side when seeking the compensation you deserve. At Attorneys of Idaho, our qualified legal team has the experience and resources necessary to handle complex truck accident cases throughout the state.
Reach out to us today to learn how we can make a difference in your trucking accident lawsuit.
Who Could Be Held Liable for a Truck Accident in Idaho?
Multiple parties may share responsibility in truck accidents, and it is essential to identify all liable parties to maximize your potential recovery. Liable parties may include the following:
- The truck driver, if their negligent actions caused the accident
- Trucking companies, if the accident was due to negligent hiring, training, supervision, or maintenance practices
- Cargo loading companies, if improper loading, overloading, or inadequate cargo securement contributed to the accident
- Truck and parts manufacturers, if defective components caused or contributed to the accident
- Maintenance companies, if inadequate repairs or maintenance led to mechanical failures that caused the accident
- Government entities, if dangerous road conditions, inadequate signage, or poor road design contributed to the crash
Could I Recover Compensation if I’m Partly to Blame for a Truck Accident in Idaho?
Idaho follows a modified comparative negligence system, which means you may still recover compensation even if you bear some responsibility for the accident. However, your recovery will be reduced by your percentage of fault, and you will be ineligible to recover anything if you are found to be 50 percent or more at fault.
For example, if you were deemed 20 percent at fault for the accident and your total damages were $500,000, you could still recover $400,000 from the other parties. At Attorneys of Idaho, our team knows how to present evidence that minimizes your share of responsibility while highlighting the negligent actions of trucking companies, drivers, and other parties.
It’s important to be careful about what you say immediately after an accident. Admissions of fault, even if made out of politeness or shock, can be used against you later. Let the investigation determine fault rather than making statements at the scene.
How Long Do I Have to File a Truck Accident Lawsuit in Idaho?
Generally, Idaho law gives you two years from the accident date to file a lawsuit. However, there can be exceptions. In wrongful death cases, the two-year time window begins on the date of death rather than the date of the accident. If the accident involved a government body, you might need to file a notice of claim within a much shorter timeframe.
Missing the deadline typically means losing your right to compensation, so you should contact a truck accident lawyer in Idaho as soon as possible after an accident.
What Are Common Types and Causes of Truck Accidents?
Common accident types include the following:
- Jackknife accidents, when the trailer swings around to form a V-shape with the cab
- Rollover accidents, often caused by excessive speed, improper loading, or sharp turns
- Rear-end collisions, frequently due to following too closely or brake failures
- Wide turn accidents, when trucks swing into adjacent lanes while turning
- Tire blowouts, resulting from poor maintenance or overloaded vehicles
- Cargo spills, caused by improper securement or overloading
Many of these accidents occur due to driver inattention or fatigue. Mechanical failures often result from inadequate maintenance or manufacturer defects.
What Are Typical Injuries Resulting from a Truck Collision?
Truck accidents often result in catastrophic injuries due to the massive size and weight difference between commercial trucks and passenger vehicles. The following injuries frequently require extensive medical treatment and can have lasting effects on victims’ lives:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries – TBIs can result in severe brain damage that causes permanent cognitive impairment, personality changes, or physical disabilities.
- Spinal Cord Injuries – SCIs may result in partial or complete paralysis, requiring lifetime care and dramatically affecting quality of life.
- Back Injuries – Herniated discs and vertebral fractures can cause chronic pain and mobility limitations.
- Broken Bones – Fractures often occur in multiple locations and may require surgical repair, metal implants, or other complex treatments. Some fractures fail to heal properly, resulting in permanent deformities or functional limitations.
- Internal Injuries – Organ damage and internal bleeding can be life-threatening and may not be immediately apparent after the accident.
- Severe Skin Injuries – Lacerations and burns can result in permanent scarring and disfigurement, affecting both physical function and emotional well-being.
Contact a Truck Accident Lawyer in Idaho Today
At Attorneys of Idaho, we know that the most direct route to success is treating each client with the kindness and empathy they deserve during this difficult time. Our firm is large enough to take on powerful trucking companies but small enough to care about each individual client’s needs.
Contact Attorneys of Idaho today for a free, no-obligation consultation with an experienced truck accident attorney. You pay nothing for us to begin working on your case, and there are no fees unless we successfully resolve your case.