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Truck accident lawsuits are the result of an accident involving a commercial truck and a passenger vehicle. Even though motor vehicle accidents happen every day, an accident involving a large commercial vehicle can be much more serious and complicated. Because of the large weight and size differences between a big rig and a personal passenger vehicle, the possibility of severe injuries and large property damages from a truck crash increase significantly. Large trucks are on the road every day... We all see them whenever we're on the road ourselves. But what is considered to be a large commercial vehicle? A vehicle over 10,000 lbs. is considered to be a commercial vehicle. A commercial truck can also be known by other names, such as a semi-truck, 18-wheeler, over the road rig, tractor-trailers, Mack trucks or even dump trucks. These vehicles must operate by specific laws due to the fact that they are large and can cause significant harm if involved in a wreck or accident. As the victim of a trucking accident, you may be facing monumental injuries and losses that are life-changing. You may find yourself in the position of having to figure out how to begin this new life and asking the following questions: What is the first step? Do I need to hire an attorney? Can I afford to hire an attorney? Which law firm is the best for my situation? You need help from a lawyer that understands the many steps and processes involved in truck accident lawsuits. As a law firm that specializes in Truck Accident cases, we know the questions to ask and the steps to take to get you compensation for your pain and loss. Having an experienced crash lawyer with years of knowledge and know-how is the key to navigating this confusing legal process. We offer years of valuable legal experience and we're available to you in minutes. Who Can Be Legally Responsible in a Trucking Accident? The driver of the truck would seem like the obvious party at fault for the accident, but there are also several other parties that can be held financially liable for a semi truck accident. The award you receive could come from one party or several, depending upon which party or parties proven to be at fault. Other possible liable parties include: The truck driver The driver of the personal vehicle The truck driver's employer The over the road trucking company The owner of the commercial rig The owner and loader of the cargo The trucking maintenance company The truck manufacturer or part manufacturer Or others. Determining who is at fault can be a difficult and complex process. There are many things to consider such as: Did the trucking company hire a qualified driver? Was the driver impaired in any way? Was the truck in good mechanical condition? Get Your Free Injury Case Review What is Truck Driver Liability? The truck driver has a big responsibility in making sure the truck is in safe working order. He or she often carries some responsibility for the accident, but not always. In some cases, the driver is not financially responsible for damages unless the crash was intentional. Truck driver liability includes negligence such as speeding, distracted driving, driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or driver fatigue. Many truck drivers are also responsible for securing the load to the truck bed, which is a very important safety step. Securing the truck load properly cuts down on the possibility of the load shifting, which could cause a dangerous sway while moving. Is the Trucking Company Liable in an Accident? The trucking company can, and often is, held financially liable when an accident causes damages or injury. The truck companies are responsible for maintaining the rigs so that they are mechanically sound and safe to be on the road. The truck companies are also responsible for making sure that the drivers it employs have been trained properly and have the necessary licensing and qualifications to operate safely. Is the Truck Driver an Employee or a Contractor? Some drivers can be legally classified as either independent contractors or company employees, and it is sometimes difficult to determine the true status. Many trucking companies prefer to refer to its drivers as "independent contractors" to protect the company from lawsuits if a wreck happens. Having a good lawyer is the best way to determine the driver's true employment status. This is important to determine because the compensation for an accident victim can vary greatly depending which is deemed at fault. There are several factors that go into the classification, but the main determining factor is this: How much control does a driver have over their duties? Below are a few factors that help determine whether a truck operator is an employee or contractor. To be classified as an employee, the driver: Drives a truck owned by the company Does not have control over his/her schedule or when and where to pick up or drop off Has licensure kept under the company's name Is not allowed to contract with other employers To be classified as an independent contractor, the driver: Owns the truck Controls his/her own schedule Holds own licensure under his/her own name Is free to contract with other employers How do Multiple Defendants Affect a Truck Accident Case? When determining the fault in a truck accident case, more than one entity can be shown to be responsible. When there are multiple defendants, there are also multiple insurance companies. And when there are multiple defendants and insurance companies, often the possibility of a quick and easy settlement becomes difficult. Due to the disagreements between defendants, a case often goes to trial, removing the possibility of a quick and easy settlement for the victim. The liable parties may be equally responsible for compensation, or may each have a different percentage of liability. It takes an experienced attorney to work through the process. What are the Federal and State Trucking Regulations? The United States Department of Transportation creates and enforces regulations for over the road trucking companies in an effort to regulate safe practices for truckers and trucking companies. Anyone that operates a large truck is required to follow the laws set forth by the federal government. These specific rules are known as The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR). These rules were put in place to regulate trucking safety laws from the federal level down. Information on the FMCSR rules are downloadable from the official FMCSR website. These laws regulate topics such as: The number of hours a trucker is allowed to drive per day, called Hours of Service Rules The requirements regarding drug and alcohol testing Transporting hazardous materials Vehicle maintenance requirements As well as other aspects of truck safety While the federal trucking regulations are the same for all, the state trucking regulations vary from state-to-state. An experienced attorney knows the individual state laws and will be able to help. We Can Help! Even though the process can be complex, our years of courtroom experience will give you the guidance you need to get through this difficult time in your life. Our team of professionals are here for you. Contact our team of experienced Boise truck accident lawyers today. Get Help With Your Truck Accident Case Today If you or a loved one has been injured in a commercial truck accident, you need experienced legal representation to navigate the complex process of determining liability and securing fair compensation. With multiple potentially liable parties, federal regulations, and aggressive insurance companies, having a knowledgeable accident attorney on your side is essential. Contact Skaug Law Idaho's Injury Lawyers today for a free consultation and learn how we can help you get the compensation you deserve. About Skaug Law Skaug Law Idaho's Injury Attorney provides experienced legal representation for truck accident and personal injury cases throughout Idaho's Treasure Valley. We understand the complexities of commercial truck accident lawsuits and fight to get our clients the compensation they deserve. Truck Accident Attorneys Serving Idaho's Treasure Valley Our accident attorneys and personal injury lawyers proudly serve truck accident victims throughout the region: Nampa, ID – Accident Attorneys & Personal Injury Attorneys Meridian, ID – Personal Injury Attorneys & Accident Lawyers Caldwell, ID – Accident Attorneys & Workers' Comp Lawyers

Personal Injury August 05, 2020 Skaug Law Idaho’s Injury Attorney Nampa, Idaho | (208) 410-4736 By: Bruce Skaug • It’s easy to assume a driver is always at fault in a collision with a pedestrian. Real life is messier. Cars are dangerous, pedestrians should have the right of way, and the details of the crash matter. If you were hit while walking—maybe in a crosswalk, in the dark, or in a spot where someone claims you “shouldn’t have been”— you may still have a path to recovery. A pedestrian accident lawyer can help sort out fault, damages, and next steps. The facts at the scene matter—photos, witness names, and a report can make or break a claim. Contact a Nampa pedestrian accident lawyer today for a free legal review and let Skaug Law help with your case. How a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer Could Help Vehicle-on-pedestrian crashes can involve cars, trucks, or motorcycles. Drivers must yield to pedestrians in many situations, including when someone is attempting to use a crosswalk or crossing where a vehicle must yield. A lawyer can explain legal rights, investigate what happened, and pursue a claim for compensation. The post notes that Skaug Law has the resources to fight insurance companies and can help in cases involving serious injury or wrongful death. Legal Protections for Pedestrians The post points to Idaho pedestrian protection rules and notes that drivers must yield in many pedestrian crossing scenarios. It also explains the idea of a duty of care and how traffic rules factor into fault. If you were injured, your claim still depends on facts: where the crossing happened, visibility, speed, driver attention, and what witnesses saw. Understanding Liability and Negligence Drivers owe a duty to operate their vehicles responsibly and avoid placing others in danger. The post explains that this duty extends beyond the vehicle to pedestrians and others on the road. If a driver hits a pedestrian, a claim may involve proving the driver’s negligence and connecting that negligence to the injuries and losses. FAQs About Pedestrian Accident Lawyers What Is a Pedestrian Accident Lawyer? A pedestrian accident lawyer is a personal injury lawyer familiar with traffic laws and the types of compensation available to injured pedestrians, helping clients through the claim process. What Are the Legal Consequences If I Hit a Pedestrian? The post warns that leaving the scene can create serious legal trouble. It emphasizes staying at the scene, getting help, and working through the process the right way. Is It a Crime to Almost Hit a Pedestrian? The post suggests it’s unlikely you would get a ticket for an “almost” incident if no one was harmed, but outcomes depend on the facts and whether a violation occurred. Can You Get in Trouble for Hitting a Pedestrian Even if They Crossed Illegally? The post explains that fault can be shared based on negligence and the specific facts. Even when a pedestrian crosses improperly, driver conduct still matters. How Do You Deal With Hitting a Pedestrian? If you hit a pedestrian, the post recommends treating it as a serious incident and taking practical steps right away: Pull over, stop your car, and call emergency services. Stay at the scene (do not leave). Give your statement to the police. Exchange insurance information with all involved parties, if possible. Take photos of the scene, if permitted. Do not admit fault or argue on the spot. Speak to a lawyer as soon as possible. Contact your insurer or your lawyer with any evidence, police report details, or documentation you have. After the situation is handled, the post suggests talking to a counselor or therapist if you need help processing what happened. Is There a Deadline to File a Claim for a Personal Injury in Idaho? The post states Idaho has a two-year limit to file a personal injury lawsuit, and it references Idaho Code § 5-219. (Deadlines can vary by case type, so confirm with counsel.) Get Help From Experienced Personal Injury Lawyers A pedestrian accident can involve tough issues: fault disputes, insurance pushback, and serious injuries. The post encourages contacting Skaug Law for a free consultation. Call (208) 410-4736. Local service note: If you’re searching for Accident Attorneys Nampa ID, Accident Lawyers Meridian ID, or Personal Injury Attorneys Nampa ID, Skaug Law serves clients across the Treasure Valley. Disclaimer: This page is general information and not legal advice. Each case depends on its facts. Skaug Law 1226 East Karcher Road, Nampa, ID 83687 (208) 410-4736

Defective Products Lawyer When you buy a product, you reasonably expect it to work safely. If a product harms you, the manufacturer and others can be held liable in court for damages. Idaho law includes protections for consumers injured by defective products. If you or a loved one was injured by dangerous merchandise, a Nampa defective products lawyer at Skaug Law can help you seek compensation. The post states help may be available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Defective products can involve multiple responsible parties in the supply chain. Who Is Responsible for Damages? The post states you may be entitled to sue a product manufacturer or seller if their merchandise caused harm. It references Idaho Statutes § 6-1402 for the definition of a product seller. Parties listed in the post who could bear responsibility Manufacturer Wholesaler Distributor Retailer In short, the post explains that a product supplier is any entity that places items for sale into the stream of commerce. A Nampa defective products attorney can review the facts and help determine which parties may be responsible. Not Considered a Seller The post states there are some vendors who cannot be sued under the theory of a defective product. It lists exceptions to the category of “product seller” under Idaho law as: Professional services businesses Traders of used items Financial product brokers The Deadline to File a Lawsuit in Nampa The post states that in Idaho you generally have a two-year deadline to file your lawsuit in court. If a lawsuit is not filed within the deadline, you may not be eligible to recover compensation from the responsible party. If you’re unsure about your deadline, don’t wait—missing it can end the case before it starts. Evidence in Court The post explains that in some situations a court may exclude evidence of later design or technology changes that would have made products safer. It also notes that stronger warnings on later products may be excluded from evidence. It states this can encourage manufacturers to keep improving safety, but it does not mean a seller can avoid liability for failing to warn consumers of potential hazards. Damages for Defective Products in Nampa The post references Idaho Statutes § 6-1408 and states that a plaintiff is required to seek reasonable compensation under the circumstances of a product’s intended use. With help from an experienced defective products lawyer in Nampa, the post states you may be eligible to recover damages including: Medical expenses Lost wages Property damage or loss Pain and suffering Loss of consortium Speak to a Defective Products Attorney Today If you bought a product that caused harm, the manufacturer, distributor, and/or retailer may be required to pay compensation for injuries. Skaug Law states its attorneys are ready to help you pursue justice and maximum compensation. Call (208) 410-4736 to discuss your options. If you’re searching for Accident Attorneys Nampa ID or Personal Injury Attorneys Meridian ID, Skaug Law serves clients across the Treasure Valley. Disclaimer: This page is general information and not legal advice. Each case depends on its facts.