If you’ve been involved in a truck accident in Edmonds, the complexities you face may be even greater than those involved in car accidents. Commercial trucks’ sheer size and weight often result in severe damages, life-changing injuries, and complicated insurance and liability issues. At Wells Trumbull, our truck accident lawyers in Edmonds are here to guide you through the legal intricacies of your case. We fight tirelessly to secure the compensation you are entitled to, so you can focus on healing. Schedule a consultation with our Edmonds personal injury lawyers today to learn how our team can help you.
Why Hire an Edmonds Truck Accident Lawyer From Wells Trumbull?
The Edmonds truck accident attorneys at Wells Trumbull understand the devastating toll a serious accident with an immense commercial truck takes on physical, emotional, and financial well-being. We’re ready to help by putting our decades of experience behind your truck accident claim in Edmonds so you can recover your losses—known as “damages” in a truck accident claim. Our team provides the following advantages to your claim:
- A free confidential case consultation and no upfront fees. Instead, we only take our fee after we secure your compensation
- Skilled investigators to determine the negligent action that caused your truck accident and determine the correct liable party and the appropriate insurance company to provide compensation
- Our dedicated client advocates will craft a compelling case and send a demand package with evidence of liability and a carefully calculated list of your damages
- A strong track record of success in Edmonds and the surrounding Washington area will put a powerful voice behind negotiating a settlement with the insurance company
- Our experienced litigators won’t hesitate to take your case to court if it’s required to ensure you recover your losses
Our truck accident attorneys in Edmonds understand the trepidation of taking on a trucking company for an accident and injury claim. We’ll keep open and honest communication throughout the process and provide skilled representation to maximize your settlement or court award.
Meet Attorney Ben Wells
Ben Wells, well-versed in personal injury law, recounts his journey from humble beginnings to being honored with the 2020 Trial Lawyer of the Year accolade by the Washington State Association of Justice. With a focus on mentorship and self-reflection, he highlights the importance of genuineness, building rapport with jurors, and unwavering dedication to clients. He strives to impart these core values to aspiring legal practitioners. To schedule a complimentary consultation with Ben Wells, contact Wells Trumbull at (360) 435-1663.
“He is truly a caring individual and that makes him the best lawyer ever! His hard work and dedication to my case resulted in an outcome that was better than I had expected.”
Ben worked hard to learn the story of my case, and during trial always presented my case truthfully. Ben obtained a jury verdict for almost $940,000. I would highly recommend Ben Wells. His hard work and dedication to my case resulted in an outcome that was better than I had expected.”
Meet Attorney Joshua Trumbull
Joshua Trumbull brings a wealth of expertise as a seasoned personal injury attorney, boasting extensive knowledge spanning multiple industries and roles. He excels in synthesizing insights from different fields to tackle intricate issues within a supportive atmosphere. Joshua values nurturing genuine connections, understanding their pivotal role in both personal and professional realms. To arrange a complimentary consultation with Joshua Trumbull, reach out to Wells Trumbull at (360) 435-1663 today.
“Ben and Josh were great to work with made sure to really listen to us and took their time with us…”
“Ben and Josh were great to work with made sure to really listen to us and took their time with us, they did a lot for my family and pushed to give us the best they possibly could.”
Successful Case Result:
The Edmonds truck accident attorneys at Wells Trumbull have years of experience successfully handling a variety of auto accident cases. Our team of personal injury lawyers have received large settlements and recovered compensation for clients who have suffered from a severe truck accident injury. Some notable case results include:
- $4.5 Million Settlement: In Snohomish County in October 2021, a 26-year-old dump truck driver sustained permanent low back injuries and PTSD symptoms after swerving to avoid an oncoming dump truck that crossed the center line while on the job; despite the insurance company’s argument that he could have avoided the collision, supported by Facebook posts depicting him surfing and smiling, the jury awarded over 4.5 million dollars and found our client faultless, as we demonstrated that the images conveyed his grieving process for his former life.
Common Types of Edmonds Truck Accidents
A truck accident in Edmonds typically involves a collision between a commercial truck and other vehicles, pedestrians, or stationary objects. These accidents can cause significant damage to all involved. Truck accidents can happen in various ways and are often more severe than typical car accidents. Some common types of truck accidents include:
- Jackknifing: This occurs when the trailer folds against the cab, often due to sudden braking or slippery roads.
- Underride Accidents: These happen when smaller vehicles slide under the back or side of a truck.
- Rollovers: Caused by a loss of balance, often during turns or when navigating slopes.
- Blind Spot Accidents: Trucks have larger blind spots, making it easy for smaller vehicles to be in a position where the truck driver cannot see them.
- Load Shifts: Poorly secured cargo can shift, causing the truck to lose balance or even tip over.
- T-Bone Collisions: These occur when the front end of one vehicle collides with the side of another vehicle. These accidents are some of the most fatal.
- Rear-End Collisions: When the front of one vehicle hits the rear of another. These can be significantly more dangerous when a large truck is involved.
Common Causes of Edmonds Truck Accidents
Just like Edmonds car accidents, truck accidents have various causes, but the stakes are usually higher due to the size and weight of commercial trucks. Some common causes include:
- Driver Fatigue: Truck drivers often work long hours, leading to fatigue that can impair reaction times.
- Distracted Driving: The use of devices or eating while driving is also a common issue among truck drivers.
- Speeding and Reckless Driving: Due to deadlines and pressure, some truck drivers may speed or drive recklessly.
- Poor Vehicle Maintenance: Failure to maintain the truck can lead to mechanical failures that result in accidents.
- Weather Conditions: Trucks are more vulnerable to adverse weather, such as heavy rain or high winds, that can lead to accidents.
Common Injuries Caused by Truck Accidents
An average private vehicle weighs around 4,000 pounds. In an accident with a fully loaded 18-wheeler weighing as much as 18,000 pounds, the injuries to the driver and passengers in the smaller vehicle are often severe or catastrophic. Some injuries have life-altering consequences like disability and impairment. Even less severe, fully recoverable injuries can quickly cause financial hardship with medical bills coming in at the same time that injury victims may be unable to work due to their injuries. Common injuries caused by truck accidents include the following:
- Head injuries and traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Back injuries
- Neck injuries
- Knee injuries
- Shoulder injuries
- A fractured bone or multiple fractures
- Spinal cord injuries
- Burns
- Thoracic injuries and organ damage
- Soft tissue injuries such as sprains and torn ligaments
- Bruises and lacerations
- Disfiguring facial injuries
No one should go it alone when navigating a complex accident claim with property damage, medical expenses, lost wages, and more. This is especially true for truck accident claims with complex liability issues and powerful trucking company attorneys. The Edmonds truck accident lawyers at Wells Trumbull are ready to represent your best interests and defend your rights to secure the maximum compensation available for your damages.
What Are Recoverable Damages After a Truck Accident?
Truck accidents cause devastating injuries and sometimes fatalities. When a truck accident victim suffers serious injuries, expenses mount up quickly at the same time injuries may prevent a prompt return to work. Common damages claimed in truck accident cases include the following:
- Property damage
- Medical expenses
- Future medical expenses related to the accident
- Lost wages
- Future income loss
- Diminished future earning capacity due to disability
- Pain and suffering
- Other non-economic damages that apply in an individual case such as disfigurement compensation, loss of enjoyment of life, and PTSD
- Wrongful death
If a loved one dies in a truck accident caused by a truck driver or trucking company, close family members may recover compensation and a voice for justice in an Edmonds wrongful death claim.
What to Do After a Truck Accident
The scene of a truck accident is often catastrophic and terrifying. If you experience a serious truck accident, you may have such severe injuries that you can do little except wait in place for help to arrive. However, if you are conscious and able to use your phone, you can document critical evidence before emergency service moves the damaged vehicles to restore traffic flow. Some seriously injured accident victims hand their phones to an uninjured person and ask them to snap photos for them. Use a smartphone after a truck accident to do the following:
- First, call 911 to report the accident
- Apply any emergency first aid to yourself and others
- Use a cell phone camera to take photos of the truck, including any identifying logos or licenses
- Take photos of your damaged vehicle and any other damage
- Photograph the accident scene, including anything relevant, like road signs, traffic signals, or skid marks
- Record what you remember about the accident while it’s fresh in your mind
- Add the contact information of the truck driver and trucking company
- Add the contact information of any eyewitnesses to the accident
All too often, eyewitnesses disappear after an accident without leaving a name. In cases when the accident wasn’t captured on a traffic camera video, an eyewitness may be the key to proving liability.
Always go to a hospital immediately after an accident, preferably with an ambulance. Be sure to have a full medical evaluation and tell the doctor about every injury, including any minor symptoms as well as the obvious injuries. Obtain a detailed medical report listing every injury, the doctor’s treatment recommendations, and your prognosis for recovery. Keep track of all medical expenses and related receipts. Call the Edmonds truck accident lawyers before speaking to insurance company representatives.
Insurance companies often use tactics such as offering an early settlement before you know the extent of your damages. This is typically a lowball offer in exchange for signing away your right to a lawsuit. Instead, hire a truck accident lawyer and then direct all communication with the insurance company to your lawyer.
Edmonds Trucking Regulations
The trucking industry in Edmonds is heavily regulated for the safety of both the truck drivers and the public. These trucking regulations in Edmonds cover a wide range of areas including driver qualifications, truck maintenance, cargo handling, and on-road conduct. Understanding these regulations is essential for anyone involved in a trucking accident in the area, as it can play a significant role in establishing liability and determining the outcome of any claims or lawsuits.
Most trucking regulations fall under the jurisdiction of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), a division of the U.S. Department of Transportation. These regulations set forth a variety of rules that interstate trucking companies must follow, such as:
- Hours of Service: Restrictions on the number of hours a driver can operate a truck without rest periods.
- Drug and Alcohol Testing: Mandatory drug and alcohol tests for drivers before employment and after accidents.
- Vehicle Inspection: Requirements for regular inspections and maintenance of trucks.
- Record-Keeping: Operators must maintain logs of driver hours, inspections, and other essential data.
Edmonds Truck Accident Statute of Limitations
When you’ve been involved in a truck accident in Edmonds, it’s essential to know the statute of limitations for filing a personal injury claim. The statute of limitations is the time limit within which a claim or lawsuit must be filed; failure to do so within this period generally bars the claimant from seeking any compensation.
In Edmonds, the statute of limitations for personal injury cases is typically three (3) years from the date of the accident. This means that you would generally have three (3) years from the date of the truck accident to file a lawsuit. There may be exceptions or specific circumstances that could affect this general rule. For example, the time limit might be different if a government entity is involved, or if the injured party is a minor. The statute of limitations is a very important legal deadline; if you fail to file your lawsuit within the time frame specified, you could lose your right to pursue compensation for your injuries.
How Much Does a Truck Accident Lawyer Cost in WA?
Unlike other attorneys, lawyers who represent injury victims rarely charge upfront fees. Instead, they offer confidential consultations to evaluate the case at no cost and then only take a fee after securing the injury victim’s compensation. This is a contingency fee payment so the attorney’s earnings depend on winning the case either through a settlement or court award. In most cases, a truck accident attorney takes about 30% of the settlement or court award. This incentivizes your truck accident lawyer to maximize the amount you recover.
Contact Our Edmonds Truck Accident Attorneys Today
If you’ve been involved in a truck accident in Edmonds, the window of opportunity for seeking justice and securing compensation is limited by the statute of limitations. At Wells Trumbull, our experienced truck accident attorneys in Edmonds are committed to guiding you through this complex legal process, ensuring that your rights are protected every step of the way. Don’t let the clock run out on your opportunity to pursue the compensation you deserve for medical bills, lost wages, and emotional trauma. Contact our Edmonds truck accident lawyers today to schedule a free consultation and take the crucial first step toward reclaiming your life.