Meridian Truck Accident Lawyer

How Can A Truck Accident Lawyer in Meridian Help You?

In the city of Meridian, the rise of commercial and vehicle traffic has also brought about an increase in truck accidents. When such incidents happen, the ramifications can be dire, resulting in severe injuries or even fatalities. At such critical times, victims need an experienced legal mind to help them with their cases. And this is where Matthew Andrew, Attorney at Law, stands out as the beacon of hope.

Matthew “Matt” Andrew isn’t just another lawyer. He embodies a combination of fierce advocacy and a proven track record that spans years of dedicated service both in the legal profession and the US Marine Corps.

Experience and Achievements

Since 2007, when Matt was inducted into the Idaho Bar, his journey has been nothing short of spectacular. In 2013, he pivoted his focus to representing the seriously injured in personal injury and workers’ compensation cases. With an impressive record of litigating multiple six-figure cases, Matt has secured millions in total compensations for his clients, especially in cases stemming from severe work accidents and, notably, truck accidents.

Service Beyond the Courtroom

Matt’s commitment to service extends beyond courtrooms. He received his officer commission in the United States Marine Corps before even completing his law degree. His military legal journey took him from the Naval Justice School to the battlegrounds of Afghanistan, where he offered legal advice during Operation Moshtarak, one of the largest joint operations in Afghanistan.

Upon his return, Matt began his civilian practice in Canyon County, bringing with him the dedication, precision, and discipline from his time as a Marine Corps Captain. But his service to the community doesn’t stop there. He’s an active board member of the Idaho Trial Lawyers Association, advocating for fairness in Idaho’s legal system, and has worked with legislators to ensure equitable laws for Idahoans.

Personal Touch

On a personal note, Matt’s love for Idaho shines through his hobbies. Be it exploring the Idaho mountains, indulging in wildlife photography, or tinkering in his shop, his connection to his home state is deep. As a dedicated family man, he finds joy in spending quality time with his wife and two children, exploring all that Idaho has to offer.

When you’re entrusting your truck accident case to someone, make sure it’s to a person whose life and career have been defined by dedication and a genuine commitment to justice. Matthew Andrew, Attorney at Law in Meridian, ID, is that beacon of hope for many and can be for you, too.

What Damages Can I Collect for a Truck Accident?

If you’ve been involved in a truck accident in Meridian, ID, you could be eligible for several types of damages:

1. Medical Expenses: Covering immediate and future medical treatments related to injuries from the accident.
2. Lost Wages: Compensation for the income you lost and might lose in the future due to your inability to work post-accident.
3. Property Damage: Costs to repair or replace your vehicle and any other damaged personal belongings.
4. Pain and Suffering: For the physical and emotional trauma sustained.
5. Loss of Consortium: If the accident adversely affects your relationship with your spouse.
6. Punitive Damages: In cases of particularly egregious negligence, punitive damages serve to punish the offender and deter others.

Who is Liable in a Truck Accident?

Identifying the liable party in a truck accident can be difficult due to the multiple entities involved. However, here are some possible parties who could be liable for a truck accident:

1. Truck Driver: They could be at fault if their negligence or disregard for road rules caused the accident.
2. Truck Company: If they neglected to maintain their vehicles or pushed unsafe policies.
3. Cargo Loaders: If a shoddily loaded truck led to the accident, loaders might be held accountable.
4. Truck Manufacturers: If a malfunctioning truck part was a contributing factor, the manufacturer might be liable.
5. Other Drivers: Occasionally, the negligence of another motorist might play a role in the accident.

How to Prove Liability in a Truck Accident in Meridian, ID?

To get compensated, it’s you first have to establish liability. Here are methods to do so:

1. Police Reports: The police report is a reliable account that can provide insights into who might be at fault.
2. Witness Testimonies: Eyewitness accounts can corroborate your version of events.
3. Expert Testimonies: Experts can recreate the scene to establish how the accident occurred.
4. Truck’s Black Box: This can provide data about the truck’s operations leading up to the accident.
5. Driver’s Logs: This can reveal if a driver flouted regulations, indicating potential liability.

All of these documents and pieces of evidence can help establish who is at fault for the injuries you suffered in a truck accident.

How to Prove Negligence in a Truck Accident in Meridian, Idaho?

To secure compensation, it’s typically necessary to demonstrate the other party’s negligence:

1. Duty of Care: Show that the defendant had an obligation to drive safely and uphold road regulations.
2. Breach of Duty: Prove that the defendant failed in their duty, like by driving recklessly.
3. Causation: Connect the defendant’s breach of duty directly to the resulting accident.
4. Damages: Showcase the tangible (e.g., medical bills) and intangible (e.g., emotional trauma) damages stemming from the accident.

With a seasoned attorney such as Matthew Andrew, you can demonstrate these elements of negligence and build a strong case for compensation.

What are the Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Meridian, Idaho?

Truck accidents can be devastating due to the sheer size and weight of these vehicles. Understanding the common causes can be critical in both prevention and determining liability.

Here are some of the frequent reasons for truck accidents in Meridian:

1. Driver Fatigue: Long hours on the road can lead to fatigue, causing the truck driver to lose focus or even doze off.
2. Distracted Driving: Activities such as texting, eating, or adjusting the radio can divert attention from the road.
3. Impaired Driving: Driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or even some prescription medications can greatly reduce reaction time and judgment.
4. Speeding: Excessive speed can make it difficult for a truck to stop in time to avoid a collision.
5. Poor Vehicle Maintenance: Neglecting regular maintenance can lead to malfunctions, such as brake failures.
6. Improper Cargo Loading: Overloading or unevenly distributing cargo can make the truck unstable.
7. Weather Conditions: Rain, snow, ice, or fog can make roads slippery or reduce visibility.
8. Inexperienced Drivers: Drivers unfamiliar with the unique challenges of maneuvering a large truck can make critical mistakes.
9. Blind Spots: Large trucks have significant blind spots or “no-zones” where other vehicles aren’t visible.
10. Aggressive Driving: Tailgating, rapid lane changes, or other aggressive behaviors can lead to accidents.
11. Poor Road Conditions: Potholes, uneven surfaces, or lack of proper signage can be hazardous for truck drivers.
12. Mechanical Failures: This can be a result of manufacturing errors or wear and tear.

While this is not an exhaustive list, it highlights the varied and often overlapping factors that contribute to truck accidents in Meridian. If you are involved in such an accident, contact Andrew Injury Law to determine the exact cause and establish liability.

How are Truck Accidents Different from Car Accidents?

Truck accidents differ from car accidents in several ways.

Due to their size and weight, trucks can cause much more damage than typical passenger cars. This often means more severe injuries and greater property damage.

In car accidents, liability typically falls on one of the drivers. In truck accidents, multiple parties could be responsible, including the truck driver, trucking company, cargo loaders, and even the truck’s manufacturer.

Trucks are subject to specific federal and state regulations that don’t apply to passenger vehicles. These include weight limits, maintenance requirements, and driver rest periods.

Trucking companies also typically carry much larger insurance policies than individual drivers, given the potential for severe accidents. This can complicate the claims process.

Trucks often have electronic logging devices (ELD) and onboard camera systems, which can provide critical evidence in case of an accident.

The type of cargo a truck is carrying (hazardous materials, for instance) can also exacerbate the consequences of an accident and bring additional regulations into play.

Trucks take much longer to stop compared to passenger vehicles, especially when fully loaded. This can be a contributing factor in many truck-related collisions.

How Can a Truck Driver’s History Figure in a Truck Accident Case in Meridian?

A truck driver’s history can be a crucial element when determining liability in a truck accident case for the following reasons:

1. Previous Violations: Past traffic violations can indicate a pattern of reckless or negligent behavior on the part of the driver.
2. Training and Certification: A lack of proper training or certifications can point to negligence on the part of the trucking company in hiring or failing to train the driver adequately.
3. Past Accidents: If a truck driver has been involved in multiple previous accidents, it may suggest a consistent lack of care or skill.
4. Substance Abuse: A history of drug or alcohol violations can be critical, especially if the driver was under the influence at the time of the accident.
5. Medical History: Certain medical conditions can impact a driver’s ability to operate a truck safely. If a driver has a known medical condition that they or their employer ignored, it could be a significant factor in the case.
6. Hours of Service Violations: Drivers are required to take breaks after a certain number of hours to ensure they aren’t fatigued. A history of violating these regulations can indicate negligence.

By examining a truck driver’s history, we can identify patterns of behavior or specific incidents that might have contributed to the accident. This information can help us build a case and hold the appropriate parties accountable.

Steps to Take After a Truck Accident

If you find yourself involved in a truck accident, here are the steps you should follow.

Before anything else, make sure you’re safe. If possible and without causing further harm or damage, move your vehicle out of the flow of traffic.

Even if it seems like a minor accident, call 911. The police will create an official accident report, which can be valuable later.

Use your smartphone or camera to take pictures of the accident scene, vehicle damages, any visible injuries, and other relevant details. Capture different angles and any skid marks, debris, or other evidence.

Obtain the truck driver’s name, contact information, driver’s license number, trucking company details, insurance information, and license plate number. Also, gather contact information from any witnesses.

Even if you feel fine, it’s a good idea to have a medical evaluation after a truck accident. Some injuries, like traumatic brain injuries or whiplash, might not be immediately evident.

Notify your insurance provider about the accident. However, be cautious about making any recorded statements without consulting a lawyer first.

Keep a record of any medical treatments, repairs, and other accident-related expenses. This will be helpful when seeking compensation.

Finally, contact Andrew Injury Law. Truck accidents can be more complicated than typical car accidents due to factors like trucking regulations and multiple potentially liable parties. Consulting with Andrew Injury Law can help ensure your rights are protected.

By taking these steps, you’ll be in a better position to protect your rights and potentially receive fair compensation for damages and injuries suffered in the truck accident.

Other Locations Our Truck Accident Lawyers Serve in Idaho:

• Boise Truck Accident Lawyer
• Nampa Truck Accident Lawyer
• Caldwell Truck Accident Lawyer