Coeur d’Alene Truck Accident Attorneys
Trucks and large commercial vehicles populate our roads daily. They’re often posted with signs acknowledging their size and the fact that if you cannot see their side mirrors, they cannot see you. As a society, we have grown accustomed to having these gigantic vehicles amongst us on the way to the grocery store or work, and it is usually not a hazard.
However, even if you exercise caution and follow all of the rules of the road, it is still possible to get into a truck accident. Their large stature makes the severity of the accident spike, and injuries incurred are typically more severe and require more attention. If you have been the victim of a truck driver’s negligent driving, you are owed damages for your suffering. A Coeur d’Alene truck accident lawyer from Feller & Wendt with experience in truck accident cases can help you navigate the legal ins and outs of filing your claim and getting you one step closer to justice.
Why Are Truck Accidents More Dangerous Than Car Accidents?
Like most accidents, truck collisions are avoidable. If every driver on the road adheres to the rules, it is likely the majority of potential accidents would be completely avoided. A fully loaded truck can weigh more than 20 times a typical passenger vehicle, meaning the results of a collision can be catastrophic. The increased size of the vehicle also comes with other nuances, including a longer stopping distance and wider turns.
When an accident involves a truck driver, they usually follow the same negligent patterns as any other motor vehicle driver. These can include:
- Speeding
- Failing to yield
- Impaired or intoxicated driving
- Texting while driving
- Falling asleep at the wheel
If the driver is an employee and is currently on the clock, they may try and speed to finish all deliveries within their allotted time. Idaho state law caps the amount of time drivers can spend on the road at 11 hours, and drivers may consider speeding to get all of their work done. Additionally, after an 11-hour shift, feelings of fatigue can set in, increasing the chances of falling asleep at the wheel.
All of these factors are breaking the duty of care a driver should exercise the minute they get behind the wheel of a vehicle. The size and contents of the truck only increase the amount of danger getting into an accident can bring.
Compensation for a Truck Accident Victim in Coeur d’Alene
The serious nature of a truck accident leaves victims eligible for compensation beyond what insurance typically provides. Idaho is currently a modified comparative negligence state, which means you are eligible for compensation as long as you are determined to be less than 50% liable for your accident. Once that has been determined, your Coeur d’Alene truck accident lawyer will fight for a settlement worthy of your injuries, including the following aspects:
Economic Damages
Economic damages are damages that are tangible. This can include your medical bills, lost wages due to missed work, doctor’s bills, physical therapy, and prescription medicine. Additionally, if your injuries prohibit you from continuing to work at your former place of employment, you may seek compensation for future earnings as well.
Noneconomic Damages
Compensation for emotional distress, anxiety, loss of quality of life, and depression are all examples of noneconomic damages. Though it can be difficult and feel weird to put a numerical amount on your feelings, your Coeur d’Alene truck accident lawyer can help you determine a number worthy of your anguish.
There is currently a cap on the compensation you can receive for noneconomic damages in Idaho. Idaho Statutes Section 6-1603 detail that no personal injury claim can receive a judgment of noneconomic damages in a payment of over $250,000. There are exceptions to the rule, including if the reckless nature of the defendant can be proven to have been a wanton and willful act. There is currently no cap on economic damages.
Speak With a Coeur d’Alene Truck Accident Attorney Today
Being in a truck accident can alter the course of your life in a matter of seconds. The injuries associated with a truck collision can be catastrophic and result in months and months of hospital time and physical rehabilitation. While navigating the recovery process, trying to file a claim on your own is too much to handle by yourself. Feller & Wendt has served the Coeur d’Alene community for many years and has seen a 95% success rate with our client’s cases.
We pride ourselves on being there for our clients when they need us the most, from the beginning of the claim process to the end. We will even take your case to court if need be. To begin the process today, call our office for a free consultation. Our Coeur d’Alene truck accident lawyers will discuss the specifics of your case and provide you with the best course of legal action. Our office can be reached by phone at (208)-391-5945 or through our contact form.
