Commercial trucks are an important part of our nation’s economy. Many industries and consumers rely on trucking companies to transport goods across the country (and usually within short timeframes). According to the American Trucking Association (ATA), commercial trucks moved approximately 72.6 percent of the country’s freight by weight in 2022. Single-unit and combination trucks traveled over 331 billion miles in 2022, demonstrating just how vital commercial truck drivers are to supporting our way of life. Seattle remains a busy hub for the trucking industry, and it’s common for drivers to share the roads with large commercial trucks. Unfortunately, truck accidents happen for any number of reasons (i.e., inattentive or overly fatigued drivers, poor road conditions, brake failures, to name just a few). Due to the sheer size of most commercial trucks and the high speeds they are usually traveling, these accidents can cause catastrophic or even fatal injuries. Commercial trucking accident injuries often require considerable medical interventions and take a long time to heal. In some cases, the injuries may cause permanent damage, such as paralysis, the loss of limbs, cognitive impairment, and other life-altering conditions.
Those injured in commercial trucking accidents may have the right to seek and secure compensation to assist them with the costs associated with their recoveries. However, personal injury claims stemming from commercial vehicle accidents can be complex, as they may involve multiple parties. Menzer Law proudly offers a complimentary case review to ensure that your case aligns with our specialized areas of expertise and our focus on cases where we can make the most profound impact. We recognize how stressful and emotional the aftermath of a trucking accident can be, and we are dedicated to responding to you promptly and respectfully. This post will explore some general information about commercial trucking accident personal injury claims and some of the steps you can take to maximize your chances of obtaining a fair and favorable outcome.
What Causes Truck Accidents in Washington State?
First, it’s helpful to understand some of the factors that may cause trucking accidents to happen. Overall, the trucking industry is facing several challenges, including an aging workforce, difficulty recruiting and retaining qualified drivers, and inconsistent demand for drivers, to name just a few. In times of high demand for long-haul deliveries, qualified truck drivers may be stretched thin and might feel pressured to violate industry driver safety standards. For instance, a driver may be expected to deliver their cargo by a certain time, compelling them to exceed the posted speed limit or skip mandatory rest breaks in order to meet a deadline. Engaging in unsafe driving practices like speeding, driving while fatigued, or driving under the influence of stimulant drugs (to keep the driver alert) can increase the likelihood of a collision. Any factors that impede a truck driver’s ability to remain attentive and focused on the road can jeopardize the safety of the driver and others on the road. Some of the other risk factors that may contribute to an increased likelihood of a trucking accident in Washington state include poor weather conditions, equipment failures (i.e., braking issues, tire problems, etc.), lack of driver experience, aggressive driving, and improperly loaded cargo. If you or a loved one has been hit by a commercial truck, you may be entitled to recover compensation that can assist you with the costs associated with your recovery.
Commercial Truck Accident Lawsuit Fault Determination
In accidents involving two motor vehicles, determining fault and establishing liability can take time. Under Washington state’s comparative fault rules, both parties may seek compensation for their injuries and other losses. However, the amount of compensation they are entitled to recover is tied to their degree of fault in causing the accident. For instance, a driver who is found to be 40 percent at-fault for causing the car accident can recover only 60 percent of the total amount awarded to them. In Washington truck accidents, multiple parties may be found liable for the incident and the resulting injuries or other types of damages. Liable parties may include any of the following: the trucking company, the truck driver, the cargo loader, the shipping company, the receiving company, the truck manufacturer, among others. Lawsuits involving trucking accident injuries or wrongful death can be highly complex, especially when identifying responsible parties and determining their degrees of fault. At Menzer Law, we are committed to helping you navigate these challenges, recover the compensation you rightfully deserve, and advocating vocally and passionately to protect your best interests at every opportunity. We are selective in our cases, which allows us to concentrate our resources on those cases where we can make the most significant impact. If you’re navigating the aftermath of a trucking accident injury, we encourage you to contact us for a complimentary case review at your earliest convenience.
What Happens When a Company Truck Hits You in Washington State?
The aftermath of a trucking accident can be chaotic and disorienting. Many truck accidents occur on highways, which means that the high speeds may have resulted in catastrophic or even fatal injuries. Below are some steps to help you navigate the moments, days, weeks, and months following the accident so you can get the medical care you need and maximize your chances of recovering a fair and favorable settlement from the at-fault party (or parties).
Assess Yourself and Others for Injuries Requiring Medical Attention
As you become aware of what has just happened, it’s essential that you scan yourself for any injuries. If you are unable to move or you are experiencing symptoms that require immediate medical attention, call an ambulance as soon as possible. Some injuries, such as those causing damage to the spine or brain, may prevent you from moving, so it’s best to wait until first responders arrive at the scene. Even if you do not think your injuries warrant a trip to the hospital, you should schedule an exam with your doctor within the next day or two for a full assessment and evaluation. Your doctor may be able to spot conditions or injuries that can be more elusive, as they may not display outward symptoms. Internal bleeding or traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can be harder to detect, so undergoing a physical exam is the best way to ensure that you receive the care you need. What’s more, the medical records created during this visit (or during your hospital stay) will serve as valuable evidence when you move forward with pursuing a commercial truck accident lawsuit.
Contact Local Law Enforcement to Report the Accident
Commercial trucking accidents typically cause injuries and damage to other vehicles and even nearby properties. Someone at the scene should contact local law enforcement so the responding officer can compile a police report. Essentially, a police report serves as an objective account of the details of the accident, such as the names and contact information of all parties involved, details from witness statements, road and weather conditions, and other relevant information. Should you move forward with a personal injury lawsuit, you may request a copy of the police report to include with your claim as supporting evidence.
Collect and Keep Track of Any Evidence
Whenever possible, try to compile any relevant pieces of evidence that could support your personal injury claim. For instance, you can take photos of the scene to capture the significant damage caused by the trucking accident. Contact information for the truck driver, their company, and insurance carrier are also important, as are the accounts and contact information of any eyewitnesses. Be sure to keep track of any medical records, prescriptions, physical therapy bills, and other medical costs that can be used to justify your pursuit of compensation.
Seek Legal Counsel From an Experienced Seattle Personal Injury Attorney
Although Washington does not require accident victims to hire an attorney to file a personal injury claim, enlisting the guidance of a highly qualified and compassionate Seattle truck accident legal expert is highly recommended to ensure that you understand your rights and options. Focusing on your physical, emotional, and mental wellbeing can be daunting and time-consuming, and the last thing you may want to deal with is battling with large trucking companies and their insurance companies. The dedicated team at Menzer Law is dedicated to advocating for your rights with tenacity. We confront insurance companies and at-fault parties head-on, ensuring that your voice is heard and your injuries and damages are fully addressed. Since the statute of limitations for filing personal injury lawsuits in Washington state is three years from the date of the accident, it’s essential to get started as soon as possible.
It’s Time to Begin Rebuilding Your Life
If you or a loved one got hit by a commercial truck and you need help paying costly medical bills, lost wages, and other unanticipated expenses stemming from the accident, seeking the guidance of a lawyer for commercial truck accidents can maximize your chances of obtaining a just and favorable outcome. Contacting a knowledgeable and experienced law firm is the first step to start putting the pieces of your life back together so you can move forward into a brighter and more stable future.
As Seattle’s top personal injury law firm, Menzer Law is committed to providing clients with customized guidance to help you meet your specific needs, making sure your voice is heard and respected throughout the legal process. We encourage you to contact our office today by calling (206) 903-1818 for a complimentary case review.