There’s no shortage of trucks on Coeur d’Alene and Post Falls roads. 18-wheelers roll through our mountain passes all the time. Construction projects around Kootenai County put large trucks out on the road year-round.
The heavy payload capacity is an essential option for the trucking industry, but a collision with one of these giant vehicles can have tragic consequences for other motorists using the roads. The weight and shape of a big rig can make a truck accident the most dangerous encounter a driver can have on any highway.
Help for Truck Accident Victims in Idaho
Dump trucks, box trucks, and farming vehicles don’t always leave a lot of room for your car or SUV to get by. Add to that hazard, a distracted truck driver and it’s a recipe for a violent collision that can quickly send you to the hospital.
If you find yourself a victim of a serious crash caused by a truck driver, it’s important to make sure the cost of recovery doesn’t fall into your lap. An attorney with Idaho’s CCD Law can help determine the best strategy to hold the at-fault driver and perhaps even the trucking company they work for liable in your accident. Contact us for a free consultation on your situation and receive guidance on how to get the most compensation for your pain and suffering.
Truck Accident Dangers in Coeur d’Alene
The risks involved in sharing the road with these heavy vehicles is apparent at the end of every year when state accident numbers are tallied.
The Idaho Transportation Department reported that there were almost 2,500 accidents involving buses and large trucks in 2018. 729 of those crashes led to injuries. Another 42 crashes resulted in a fatality.
The insurance Institute of Highway Safety (IIHS) found that nationally 4,136 people were killed in accidents involving large trucks in 2018. 16% of those victims were occupants in the truck and 67% were victims in passenger vehicles. 15% were pedestrians, bicyclists, or motorists. The results in these collisions are tragic all the way around.
Common Truck Accident Injuries
A loaded 18-wheeler can weigh around 40 tons. Apply speed to that payload and it becomes one of the most dangerous obstacles on the road. The threat can be assessed by anyone with eyes to see the differences between a car and a big rig.
The shape of many trucks is a potential hazard in itself. They generally sit up much higher and present a hazard for vehicles to slide underneath in a crash. The efforts to retrieve motorists trapped under a truck can take a long time. All the while, a driver may be injured and bleeding and in need of immediate care.
Emergency room doctors see the devastating effects of these collisions every week. Some of the most common and serious outcomes are listed below:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries
- Head Injuries
- Blunt Force Trauma
- Broken legs/arms
- Fractured/Displaced Ribs
- Chest Compressions
- Crush Injuries
- Organ Damage
- Internal Injuries/Bleeding
- Airbag injuries
Frequently Asked Questions
Who can be held liable in an accident involving a big truck?
Trucking company owners and operators are generally required to have bigger and more comprehensive insurance coverage than the average motorist. A lawsuit can be filed against the company’s policy or if the driver is an independent contractor filing a claim against his or her insurance may be your only option.
It can be difficult taking on larger trucking companies because they’ll have experienced legal teams and insurance agents looking to weaken your claim or throw it out. It’s best to talk to a local attorney who can protect you from their strategies in these cases.
How long do I have to file an accident claim in Idaho?
2 Years.
Idaho extends the statute of limitations to two years from the date of the accident to file a civil lawsuit over injuries. It’s always best to file this claim as soon as possible because the sooner you do the better chance you and your attorney will have to collect evidence and locate witnesses.
What do I do if the truck driver lies and says I caused the accident?
Do not be concerned if the driver or his or her insurance company tries to blame you for the collision. This is a common ploy. The best thing you can do is to start collecting evidence immediately.
Take pictures on the scene of the damage, of street signs, of visible injuries, and fully document the stretch of road where the crash happened. Give the police a full report on how the accident really unfolded. Get contact information from any witnesses. It’s also important not to make any statements to the driver or any insurance adjusters who may contact you later. They hope you’ll say something to weaken your case. Better to let an attorney working for you help you prove what happened and handle all communication with other lawyers and insurance companies.
Contact a Coeur d’Alene Truck Accident Attorney
Established in Spokane in 1948, Crary & Domanico, P.S. is licensed and practices in both Washington and Idaho. We are committed to providing our clients with the absolute highest quality legal representation. If our Coeur d’Alene Truck Accident Lawyers represent you for your accident case, you have our assurance that we will use our absolute best efforts to win your case. Contact us after any accident resulting in a serious injury for a free, confidential consultation and case evaluation. We will only offer you advice which is in your best interest.
