The greater Seattle area is no stranger to traffic. According to recent estimates, “Drivers in Greater Seattle lost an average 12 more hours sitting in traffic congestion during 2023 than the year before, the worst deterioration in the U.S.” A large number of commercial trucks make up this heavy traffic volume, which means that drivers share the road with these large vehicles. Although motor vehicle accidents are an unfortunate part of our lives, a collision involving a large truck can be especially serious–and even deadly. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) states, “Of the approximately 494,000 police-reported crashes involving large trucks in 2021, there were 5,149 (1 percent) fatal crashes and 110,000 (22 percent) injury crashes.” Those who suffer truck accident injuries often face complex and lengthy recoveries, which may involve surgery, rehabilitation, and many other medical interventions that allow the body to heal from this traumatic event. In addition to physical injuries, many truck accident victims also struggle with mental and emotional challenges, such as developing symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), insomnia, panic disorder, or other mental health issues. It’s essential to understand that Washington state allows truck accident victims to seek and obtain compensation to assist them with the unanticipated expenses stemming from the accident.
At Menzer Law, we recognize the considerable challenges our clients face after a truck accident, from suffering injuries and undergoing complicated medical treatments to managing significant financial pressures. We are committed to helping our clients navigate these challenges effectively so that they can recover the compensation they rightfully deserve. We are selective in the cases we take on to ensure that we can use our expertise where we believe we can have the most profound impact. Our experienced legal team provides a complimentary case review to help you get started on your legal journey. No matter what path your truck accident case may take, it’s essential to understand some of the key steps to take (and actions to avoid) in order to maximize your chances of success.
What Should I Do After a Trucking Accident in Washington?
The moments after a truck accident tend to be disorienting and chaotic. However, a successful personal injury claim begins immediately after the collision, so it’s helpful to take specific steps to maximize your chances of securing the compensation you need to support the wide-ranging costs of your recovery. If you are wondering what to do after a semi truck accident in King County or Pierce County, the following steps are highly recommended.
Call For Assistance
Since many truck accidents involve injuries, it’s important to assess yourself and others for injuries requiring urgent medical care. If you are asking yourself the question, “Who should I call after a truck accident?” call for an ambulance if anyone needs immediate medical attention. It’s also important to call local law enforcement so that the responding officer can compile a police report that documents the details of the accident. Even if you are not certain whether to call 9-1-1, it’s best to err on the side of caution and alert the authorities.
Document the Scene
While you wait for the police and the ambulance to arrive, try to document as many details as you can. For instance, you may be able to use your phone to take pictures of the scene to document the damage done to your vehicle. You can also take photographs of your injuries to document the immediate aftermath of the collision. Ultimately, any pictures you take or information you compile will likely be helpful when you begin to put together your personal injury claim.
Collect and Exchange Information With Other Parties
Be sure to exchange names, contact information, and insurance details with the other parties at the scene. If the incident involves a commercial truck driver, it’s essential to write down the name of their employer, their driver identification number, and any other details about the truck or trucking company that can help to establish liability. It’s also important to gather contact information from any witnesses who can provide their account of the events leading up to the collision.
Make Sure a Police Report is Created
The responding law enforcement officer will arrive at the scene and start to compile a police report. This document serves as an objective account of the factors relating to the truck accident. You can help the police officer by answering their questions and providing your account of the events leading up to and immediately following the accident. The police report may include information about the weather conditions, road conditions, or witness statements about the truck driver engaging in unsafe behavior behind the wheel (i.e., texting, speeding, or running a red light). You have the right to request a copy of the police report to include with your personal injury claim later on. In many cases, the police report can strengthen a personal injury claim by providing supporting evidence in favor of the claimant’s request for compensation.
Seek Medical Attention As Soon As Possible
Even if you do not believe your injuries are severe enough to warrant a visit to the hospital, you should visit a doctor within the next day or two for a comprehensive medical evaluation. Some injuries, such as internal bleeding and traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), may not exhibit clear or identifiable symptoms, making these issues much harder to diagnose without the attention of a medical professional. Moreover, the medical records that accompany this visit can attest to the nature and extent of the injuries you suffered as a result of the truck accident. Once your doctor has examined you, you can have a clearer idea of what your recovery journey will look like—as well as the potential physical therapy exercises, surgeries, or ongoing sources of support you may need to help you heal.
Discuss Your Case With a Dedicated and Caring Seattle Truck Accident Lawyer
Grappling with the demands of your physical recovery is challenging enough. However, coping with the financial realities of exorbitant medical bills, lost wages, and the other economic issues stemming from the truck accident can be especially daunting and stressful. As you focus on the physical, mental, and emotional aspects of your recovery, it’s helpful to reach out to a compassionate and experienced Seattle truck accident lawyer to discuss your legal rights and options. Together, you can identify the most strategic path forward that maximizes your chances of securing the compensation you need and deserve.
Mistakes to Avoid Making After a Truck Accident in King County
In many cases, the actions you do not take after a truck accident can be just as important as the steps you do take. As you familiarize yourself with what to do in a truck accident, let’s also explore some potential mistakes to avoid making so that you can improve your chances of maximizing your settlement offer and obtaining the best possible outcome.
Delaying Medical Attention
If you do not visit a doctor or seek medical attention after a truck accident, the personal injury claim you put together will not be as strong as it could be. Those assessing your claim could see your failure to seek medical treatment as a sign that your injuries were not that serious. Or, if you did not visit a doctor until you decided to file a personal injury claim to recover compensation, those reviewing the claim may question your motivation for delaying the care you later claim to have needed. Avoid jeopardizing your ability to recover the compensation you deserve by visiting a medical professional as soon as possible after the truck accident.
Admitting Fault
Expressing sympathy is a natural and even commendable trait. However, saying, “I’m sorry” after a truck accident—even if you were the one who sustained a more serious injury—may be interpreted by the other party as an admission of guilt or fault. It’s best to avoid making any statements that could be construed as admissions of fault, so keep your interactions with the other parties focused on exchanging contact information and other neutral matters.
Neglecting to Compile Evidence
When you begin to put together a personal injury claim after a trucking accident, you will need to include supporting documents that justify your request for compensation. Without providing clear evidence of the financial or emotional impact this incident has had on your health, livelihood, and quality of life, it’s difficult for those reviewing your claim to take your claims at face value. Keep track of every medical bill, prescription payment, physical therapy bill, paystub, and any other receipts that can attest to your valid claim for compensation.
Contact Seattle’s Go-To Truck Accident Law Firm Today
Coping with a serious physical injury can be overwhelming and stressful. Suddenly, your daily routine becomes impossible, and you and your loved ones are forced to adjust to these new physical realities. With a dedicated and experienced truck accident attorney by your side to help you navigate the legal maze after a collision, you can rest assured that your best interests will be safeguarded at every opportunity. At Menzer Law, we recognize that truck accidents can involve multiple parties (i.e., drivers, dispatchers, company owners, and insurance providers), and we are prepared to use our expertise to navigate complicated liability and insurance considerations as the case unfolds. Our proactive approach signals to the insurance companies and their lawyers that we are ready to take the case to trial if need be. We encourage you to reach out to our Seattle office at your earliest convenience to arrange a complimentary case review.
As some of Seattle’s most trusted personal injury attorneys, we at Menzer Law are committed to managing every case with the highest level of professionalism and care, ensuring that our clients receive the personalized attention they deserve. We believe that representing truck accident victims is about more than just presenting legal claims—it’s about restoring lives. Call our office today at (206) 903-1818 for a complimentary case evaluation.