Representing Victims of Semi-Truck, Tractor-Trailer, and Commercial Vehicle Crashes Throughout Idaho
A collision with a commercial truck can devastate your life in seconds. Unlike typical car accidents, crashes involving semi-trucks, tractor-trailers, and other heavy commercial vehicles frequently result in catastrophic injuries or death due to the massive size and weight of these vehicles. If you or someone you love has been injured in a truck accident, Gariepy Law Offices is here to fight for you. With over 30 years of experience serving Southern Idaho, we possess the legal expertise and courtroom skills necessary to take on negligent trucking companies and their drivers. We are committed to helping injured victims secure the full compensation they deserve.
No Fee Unless We Win Your Case!
Why Choose Gariepy Law Offices?
Choosing the right attorney to represent you can make all the difference in the outcome of your claim. At Gariepy Law Offices, we provide clients with dedicated advocacy, comprehensive legal knowledge, and a strategic approach designed to maximize your compensation. Unlike large firms where clients can get lost in the shuffle, we emphasize personal attention so you receive the focused representation and guidance your case demands.
Our approach to handling personal injury claims involves thorough investigation, aggressive negotiation, and the willingness to take your case to trial when necessary. Because insurance companies know that we refuse to accept inadequate settlements, we negotiate from a position of strength. We understand the financial hardship and emotional trauma a truck accident can create, and our mission is to ease that burden by securing the compensation you need to rebuild your life.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident, don’t delay – call us today for a free, no-obligation consultation at one of our three convenient locations.
Why Truck Accident Cases Are Different
Truck accident claims are far more complex than standard car accident cases. They demand a specialized approach, extensive legal knowledge, and the courage to confront well-funded corporate defendants. Commercial trucks are subject to a comprehensive network of federal and state regulations, including rules established by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). These regulations control driver hours, vehicle maintenance, licensing requirements, cargo limits, and numerous other safety standards.
In Idaho, commercial vehicles are regulated by both state law and federal regulations. The Idaho State Police Commercial Vehicle Safety Division (CVS) enforces these laws throughout the state. Idaho defines commercial vehicles as those with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) of 26,001 pounds or more, vehicles designed to transport more than 15 passengers, or those hauling hazardous materials requiring placards.
Unlike typical car crashes where liability usually involves only the drivers, truck accident cases often implicate multiple parties – each potentially sharing responsibility for the crash. Furthermore, evidence in these cases can vanish rapidly. Trucking companies may delete or overwrite electronic data (such as electronic logging device records), or commence repairs on the vehicle before proper inspection. This is why immediate legal action is crucial. At Gariepy Law Offices, we act swiftly to preserve critical evidence and construct the strongest possible case for our clients.
Leading Causes of Truck Accidents
Determining the cause of a truck accident is vital to establishing liability. Many of these crashes result from preventable human error, regulatory violations, or profit-driven negligence. Some of the most frequent causes include:
- Driver Fatigue – Long-distance truck drivers face constant pressure to meet demanding delivery deadlines. While the FMCSA limits the consecutive hours a driver can operate, some companies encourage – or ignore – violations of these rules. Exhausted drivers may experience delayed reaction times, poor judgment, or even fall asleep while driving.
- Distracted Driving – Despite extensive public awareness efforts, distracted driving remains a primary cause of crashes. For truck drivers, distractions can include texting, checking electronic devices, eating, adjusting navigation systems, or reviewing shipping documents while driving.
- Excessive Speed and Aggressive Driving – Speed limits for trucks are frequently lower than those for passenger vehicles, particularly on narrow or winding roads. When truck drivers exceed these limits or drive too fast for conditions – such as during rain, snow, or heavy traffic – the consequences can be catastrophic.
- Mechanical Failures and Inadequate Maintenance – Brakes, tires, steering systems, and trailer connections are all essential components that require regular inspection and maintenance. When trucking companies cut costs or neglect routine inspections, vehicles can fail in dangerous ways.
- Improperly Secured or Overloaded Cargo – Inadequate cargo securement can lead to shifting loads that cause rollovers or jackknife accidents. In some instances, cargo may fall from the truck and strike other vehicles.
- Substance Use – The use of stimulants to combat fatigue – such as amphetamines or cocaine – continues to be a documented issue among some commercial drivers. While uncommon, alcohol and illegal drug use still contribute to crashes in the trucking industry.
Who Can Be Held Liable in a Truck Accident?
Truck accidents frequently involve multiple layers of liability. Identifying each potentially responsible party is essential to ensuring that victims receive full compensation. At Gariepy Law Offices, we conduct comprehensive investigations to determine all sources of legal and financial responsibility, which may include:
- The Truck Driver – The driver may be held liable for speeding, fatigue, distraction, intoxication, or reckless operation of the vehicle. Electronic logs, onboard diagnostics, and dashcam footage can be crucial to proving driver negligence.
- The Trucking Company (Motor Carrier) – Companies that employ drivers and operate fleets are responsible for ensuring proper training, maintenance, compliance with safety regulations, and monitoring hours of service. They may also be held liable under the legal doctrine of “respondeat superior” for the actions of their drivers.
- The Cargo Loader or Shipping Contractor – In cases involving fallen loads, shifting cargo, or overloaded trailers, a third-party shipping contractor may bear responsibility. These companies must follow federal cargo securement rules and ensure that weight limits are not exceeded.
- Maintenance Contractors or Repair Facilities – If a truck was improperly repaired or maintained by a third-party mechanic or maintenance company, they may be liable for failures in critical vehicle systems.
- Vehicle or Parts Manufacturers – In some crashes, defective brakes, tires, or coupling devices may be to blame. In those cases, product liability claims may be filed against the manufacturer or distributor of the defective component.
What to Do After a Truck Accident
If you’ve been involved in a collision with a commercial truck, the actions you take in the hours and days following can significantly impact your claim. Here’s what you should do:
1. Call 911 Immediately
Always report a truck accident to law enforcement and request emergency medical assistance. A police report is a crucial piece of evidence and may include witness statements, preliminary fault determinations, and crash diagrams.
2. Seek Immediate Medical Attention
Even if you feel fine, get examined by a medical professional. Adrenaline can mask serious internal injuries such as traumatic brain injury, organ damage, or spinal injuries.
3. Document the Scene (if you are able)
Take photographs of vehicle damage, skid marks, road conditions, and your injuries. Collect names and contact information from witnesses and other involved parties.
4. Do Not Speak to the Trucking Company’s Insurance Representative
You may be contacted quickly by the truck driver’s or trucking company’s insurance representative. Their objective is to minimize or deny your claim. Never provide a recorded statement or accept a quick settlement without legal counsel.
5. Contact an Experienced Truck Accident Attorney
The sooner you contact an attorney, the sooner critical evidence can be preserved – such as vehicle logs, electronic logging device data, and dashcam recordings. At Gariepy Law Offices, we take immediate action to protect your rights and investigate your case.
What Compensation Can You Recover?
Truck accident injuries are often severe, and the financial impact can be overwhelming. We help our clients pursue complete compensation for:
- Medical expenses, including emergency care, surgeries, rehabilitation, and future medical needs
- Lost wages and loss of future earning capacity due to disability
- Pain and suffering, including physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
- Vehicle and property damage
- Wrongful death damages, including funeral costs, loss of companionship, and loss of financial support for surviving family members
Under Idaho law, non-economic damages such as pain and suffering are subject to a cap that is adjusted annually for inflation. For 2024, this cap is $490,512.33. However, there are no caps on economic damages such as medical bills and lost wages.
Because commercial trucks are typically covered by substantial insurance policies, the available compensation in truck accident cases is often significantly higher than in standard car accident claims. We work with medical experts, vocational specialists, and financial analysts to quantify the complete impact of your injuries.
We Stand Up to the Trucking Industry
Trucking companies have powerful defense teams and insurers working for them. Their objective is to limit liability and protect profits. At Gariepy Law Offices, we prepare every case as if it’s going to trial. This approach gives us maximum leverage in negotiations and ensures we are always ready to advocate aggressively in court when necessary. We have experience confronting national carriers, insurance adjusters, and defense attorneys – and we won’t back down from a fight.
Contact Gariepy Law Offices Today
If you or a loved one has been injured in a collision with a semi-truck, tractor-trailer, or commercial freight vehicle, time is critical. Evidence can disappear quickly, and the trucking company’s legal team is already working on a defense. Let the team at Gariepy Law Offices stand up for your rights and help you pursue justice.
We offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee basis – meaning you don’t pay us unless we win your case.
Call today to speak with an Idaho truck accident lawyer at (208) 726-4824 or contact us via the form on this page. We have three convenient locations in Twin Falls, Burley & Ketchum.
Frequently Asked Questions About Truck Accidents
What should I do if I’m contacted by the trucking company’s insurance representative?
You should avoid speaking to the trucking company’s insurance representative before consulting with an attorney. Anything you say can be used to minimize or deny your claim. These representatives are trained to obtain statements that could shift blame or downplay your injuries. Politely decline to discuss the case and refer them to your lawyer at Gariepy Law Offices.
How long do I have to file a truck accident claim in Idaho?
In Idaho, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including truck accidents, is two years from the date of the accident under Idaho Statutes § 5-219. However, there are exceptions, such as cases involving government-owned vehicles or minor children, which may have different time limits. Because critical evidence can be lost early on, it’s best to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible after the crash.
How are truck accidents investigated differently than car accidents?
Truck accidents involve multiple layers of investigation. In addition to reviewing police reports and witness statements, we gather:
- Electronic Logging Device (ELD) data (driver hours)
- Electronic Control Module (ECM) data (speed, braking, engine function)
- Driver qualification and training records
- Maintenance and inspection logs
- Cargo manifests and loading records
- FMCSA safety violation history
We often work with accident reconstruction experts, engineers, and forensic analysts to build the strongest case possible.
Can I sue the trucking company as well as the driver?
Yes, in many cases. Under the legal doctrine of respondeat superior, employers can be held liable for the negligent acts of their drivers when those acts occur within the scope of employment. In addition, if the company hired an unqualified driver, failed to enforce hours-of-service rules, or neglected truck maintenance, it may face direct liability as well.
What if I was partially at fault for the accident?
Idaho follows a modified comparative negligence rule under Idaho Code § 6-801. This means you can still recover compensation even if you were partially at fault – as long as your share of fault is less than 50%. However, your damages will be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you were found to be 20% at fault and your damages totaled $100,000, you would still recover $80,000.
What types of injuries are most common in truck accidents?
Due to the massive size and force of commercial trucks, injuries in truck accidents tend to be more severe than in passenger vehicle collisions. Common injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Broken bones and crush injuries
- Internal bleeding and organ damage
- Burns and lacerations
- Wrongful death
Many victims require long-term medical care or are unable to return to their previous occupation. Our firm works to ensure all current and future damages are accounted for in your claim.
How much does it cost to hire Gariepy Law Offices for a truck accident case?
We handle truck accident cases on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay no upfront costs and no attorney fees unless we recover money for you. Your initial consultation is always free, and we only get paid if you do. This allows you to get the legal representation you need without worrying about legal fees during an already difficult time.