View Location Truck accidents can result in catastrophic injuries and pose unique challenges when seeking compensation. Commercial trucking companies often have strong legal teams and insurance policies, making it essential for victims and their families to have experienced legal representation. If you’ve been injured or have lost a loved one in a truck-related accident, it’s crucial to hire our skilled Edmonds truck accident attorney from the Snohomish County Injury Attorney to help you navigate the complexities of such cases and hold the responsible parties accountable. Our dedicated truck accident lawyers are committed to seeking fair settlements for our clients, allowing them to move forward after such traumatic events. To discuss your truck accident claims, call us at (360) 965-8251.
Common Causes Of Trucking Accidents
Trucking accidents can occur for various reasons, often involving various factors. Some of the common causes of trucking accidents include:
Driver Fatigue: Long hours on the road can lead to driver fatigue and drowsiness, impairing a truck driver’s ability to react quickly and make sound decisions.
Speeding: Excessive speed is a leading cause of truck accidents, as it reduces the driver’s ability to stop or maneuver safely.
Distracted Driving: Distractions, such as cell phone use, eating, or adjusting in-cab technology, can divert a driver’s attention from the road.
Impaired Driving: Alcohol or drug impairment can seriously affect a truck driver’s judgment and reaction times.
Inadequate Training: Drivers without proper training may not have the skills to operate these large vehicles safely.
Overloaded or Improperly Loaded Trucks: Cargo that exceeds weight limits or is not loaded correctly can make a truck more difficult to control.
Equipment Failures: Mechanical failures, such as brake problems or tire blowouts, can lead to accidents.
Weather Conditions: Adverse weather, like rain, snow, ice, and fog, can create hazardous road conditions contributing to accidents.
Poor Road Conditions: Potholes, uneven surfaces, and poorly maintained roads can be a factor in trucking accidents.
Aggressive Driving: Aggressive behaviors like tailgating, weaving in and out of traffic, and road rage can lead to accidents.
Inadequate Inspection and Maintenance: Trucks not adequately inspected and maintained can experience mechanical failures that cause accidents.
Inadequate Braking Distance: Due to the weight and size of commercial trucks, they require longer distances to come to a complete stop, which can lead to rear-end collisions.
Unsafe Lane Changes: Truck drivers may not see other vehicles when changing lanes, resulting in sideswipes or collisions.
Fatigued Driving: Truck drivers may push themselves to meet tight schedules, leading to fatigue and impaired driving.
Inadequate Supervision: Failure to monitor and supervise drivers can lead to unsafe practices.
Understanding the causes of trucking accidents is essential in preventing them and holding responsible parties accountable for the injuries and damages they cause. If you’ve been involved in a trucking accident, consult our skilled truck accident attorney to determine the cause and pursue a legal compensation claim.
Common Injuries in Truck Accidents
Truck accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, some of which can be severe and life-altering due to the size and weight of commercial trucks. Common injuries in truck accidents include:
- Whiplash
- Fractures
- Head Injuries
- Spinal Cord Injuries
- Internal Injuries
- Burn Injuries
- Lacerations
- Soft Tissue Injuries
- Amputations
- Wrongful Death
It is important to note that the severity of injuries can vary depending on factors such as the speed of the collision, the type of vehicles involved, and whether safety measures like seatbelts and airbags were used. Seeking prompt medical attention after a truck accident is crucial, as some injuries may not be immediately apparent.
If you have been injured in a truck accident, consult an experienced truck accident attorney to understand your rights and pursue the compensation you may be entitled to for your injuries and related damages.
Prove Liability in Truck Accident
Proving liability in a truck accident case is essential for pursuing a successful legal claim. Liability, or legal responsibility, typically involves demonstrating that one or more parties were negligent and that this negligence was a significant factor in causing the accident. To establish liability in a truck accident, the following steps are generally involved:
- Begin by conducting a thorough investigation of the accident.
- Obtain a copy of the police accident report.
- Gather statements from eyewitnesses who may have seen the accident occur.
- If possible, obtain statements from the truck driver and any passengers in the truck.
- Request and review the truck driver’s records, including their driving history, logbooks, and any history of traffic violations or previous accidents.
- Inspect the maintenance records for the truck involved in the accident.
- Consider how weather and road conditions may have contributed to the accident.
- Determine if the truck driver or trucking company violated any federal or state regulations related to trucking.
- Document your injuries with medical records and reports from healthcare providers.
Proving liability in a truck accident case often requires legal expertise, as trucking companies and insurers may vigorously defend against claims. It is crucial to consult with an experienced Edmonds truck accident attorney from the Snohomish County Injury Attorney who can help you navigate the legal process, collect evidence, and build a solid case to establish liability and pursue the compensation you deserve.
What is the Statute of Limitations on a Truck Accident in Washington?
In Washington, the statute of limitations for a personal injury claim resulting from a truck accident is generally three years. You typically have three years from the accident date to file a lawsuit seeking compensation for your injuries and related damages. If you do not file your lawsuit within this three-year time frame, you may lose your right to pursue a legal claim for the accident.
It’s important to note that the statute of limitations can vary depending on the specifics of your case. There may be circumstances that could extend or shorten the deadline, so it’s essential to consult with our experienced truck accident lawyer in Edmonds, who can provide guidance based on the unique details of your situation.
Filing a lawsuit after the statute of limitations has expired is generally not allowed, and the court will likely dismiss your case. To protect your legal rights and ensure adequate time to gather evidence and build a strong case, consult with an attorney as soon as possible after a truck accident to initiate the legal process within the required time frame.
Get a Free Consultation with Our Truck Accident Lawyer
If you have been involved in a truck accident in Washington and are seeking legal assistance, don’t hesitate to contact a skilled Edmonds truck accident lawyer at the Snohomish County Injury Attorney to assess your case, discuss your legal options, and understand how our truck accident lawyers can help you pursue compensation for your injuries and related damages.
