Tractor Trailer Accident Lawyer in Idaho

If you or someone you love was involved in an accident with a tractor trailer, semi truck, big rig or other large commercial vehicle, we can help. You will need to deal with an insurance claim and may be facing other financial and legal issues that can make an already difficult situation impossible to deal with. A Idaho personal injury lawyer at Johnson & Monteleone, L.L.P. can get to work immediately in handling your insurance claim and can protect your legal rights and interests every step of the way as we seek the highest amount of financial compensation on your behalf.

The Most Severe Accidents Often Involve Large Trucks

Although only 4% of registered vehicles on the road in the U.S. in 2007 were large trucks, just over 11% of traffic fatalities in 2008 resulted from truck accidents. The lives of approximately 100,000 Americans are directly impacted by truck accidents every year. While the risk factor for death is higher for car occupants, approximately 700 truck drivers also die each year in severe trucking accidents (according to statistics compiled by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration).

Following are some interesting facts that shed light on why tractor trailer accidents may be so serious:

Truck crash fatality rates increase proportionately to the tonnage of the truck and cargo.
Trucks weighing 80,000 pounds are more than twice as likely to be involved in fatal crashes as trucks weighing 50,000 pounds.
A 100,000-pound truck travels 25% further after the driver steps on the brakes than an 80,000-pound vehicle. A 120,000-pound truck travels 50% further than an 80,000-pound vehicle.
Heavier trucks have increased brake temperatures when traveling downhill. This may lead to total brake failure and runaway crashes.
Heavier trucks have a higher center of gravity, and are more likely to roll over.

The National Transportation Safety Board reports a tremendous financial toll inflicted by trucking accidents as well:

$217,000 average per large truck crash involving personal injury.
$3.54 million per truck crash involving a fatality.
Over $34 billion per year total cost resulting from truck crashes ($3,894,095 per hour).

For the experienced legal help you need after a tractor trailer accident, contact an Idaho truck accident attorney at our offices.