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Snohomish Truck Accident Lawyer

 

If you or a loved one have been a victim of a truck accident in Washington, navigating the legal complexities can be daunting. Having an experienced Snohomish County truck accident attorney by your side can make all the difference, ensuring your journey toward justice and compensation is smooth and rewarding.

Do not let the complexities involved in a truck accident case overwhelm you. Reach out to the Snohomish personal injury lawyers at Wells|Trumbull and let us guide you through the legal process to get the compensation you deserve. Contact us at (360)435-1663 today for a free consultation.

Truck Accident Resources and Quick Links

The Legal Landscape for Truck Accident Cases in Washington

Washington has implemented stringent laws and regulations regarding truck accidents, primarily codified under Title 46 of the Revised Code of Washington (RCW). These regulations establish the legal framework concerning vehicle operation, driver conduct, and insurance requirements in the state’s trucking industry.

Furthermore, The Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) enforces regulations in line with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). This ensures safety standards for truck drivers; from how many hours they can drive without a break to how loads should be secured. Non-compliance with these rules often serves as a pivotal factor in proving liability in truck accident claims.

Injured in a truck accident? Contact Wells Trumbull Today.

How Do Truck Accident Claims Differ From Car Accident Claims?

All traffic accidents that cause injuries are devastating to victims, but when an average 4,000-pound passenger car has an accident with an up to 80,000-pound commercial truck, the results are often devastating to the motorists in the smaller vehicle. A successful truck accident claim in Snohomish helps injury victims recover their economic damages plus compensation for their pain and suffering.

Unlike in typical Snohomish car accident claims, identifying the liable party and proving liability in a truck accident case can be challenging. In a truck accident claim, the following entities could bear liability:

  • The truck driver if they are an independent contractor
  • The trucking company
  • The manufacturer of a defective truck part
  • A negligent truck maintenance company
  • A negligent freight-loading company

In less common circumstances, liability in a truck accident lies with a third-party driver, or a negligent road maintenance agency. It often takes a diligent truck accident attorney to investigate the accident, identify the negligence that caused the accident, and correctly identify the liable party before filing a claim with the appropriate insurance company. Sometimes truck accident claims are more challenging to navigate than typical car accidents because large trucking companies have powerful insurance providers who hire adjusters to find ways to undervalue a claim by assigning the victim an unfair share of fault for the accident. A truck accident attorney from Wells Trumbull will defend your rights and best interests throughout the process.

Most Common Truck Accident Injuries

Truck accidents sometimes cause injuries to truckers, especially in truck rollover accidents, but often the most severe injuries occur to those in smaller vehicles involved in truck accidents. Those injured in truck accidents may require serious emergency medical treatment, surgeries, and procedures followed by ongoing care and rehabilitation. Some injury victims face permanent disability after a truck accident. Even those with less severe injuries may face financial hardship after an accident due to missed work days and medical costs while they heal. Common truck accident injuries in Snohomish truck accident claims include the following:

Injuries come with serious physical, emotional, and financial consequences. In a truck accident claim, these consequences are referred to as “damages.” A truck accident claim in Snohomish makes a claim for compensation for these damages from the insurance party of the individual or company at fault.

What Causes Most Trucking Accidents in Washington?

Washington is a thriving mecca for the freight industry. Not only do Washington residents rely on trucking companies for their goods and services, but these companies also provide many jobs. Unfortunately, the state’s busy freight and transport industry means Washington residents share the roadways with thousands of large, unwieldy commercial trucks. Most trucking accidents in Washington occur due to the following:

  • Fatigued truck drivers
  • Driver distraction
  • Unsafe lane changes
  • Poor trailer visibility to other drivers at night
  • Driver intoxication
  • Unbalanced loads
  • Faulty truck or trailer equipment
  • Speeding
  • Faulty equipment
  • Wide turns

Drowsy driving remains a common cause of truck accidents in Washington despite limits imposed on the road hours of drivers. Truckers also experience frequent distractions from cell phones, sound systems, eating while driving, and using GPS devices due to long hours on the road. Trucks also have extended blind spots and require lengthy stopping times. When any of the above common causes of truck accidents result in injuries to others on the road, the injury victim shouldn’t be left responsible for the damages. A successful Snohomish truck accident claim holds the at-fault party liable and helps victims achieve a sense of justice as well as compensation for their damages.

Why hire a snohomish truck accident lawyer for your claim?

Pursuing a truck accident claim in Washington, especially in Snohomish County, can be a daunting task. The legal landscape is riddled with intricate regulations, unique fault laws, and potential challenges from trucking companies and their insurance carriers.

However, having an experienced truck accident lawyer in Snohomish by your side can level the playing field and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve. Here are some reasons why hiring a truck accident lawyer in Snohomish County for your claim may be in your best interest:

  1. Experience: Trucking companies often have deep pockets and aggressive legal teams. They might throw terms like “spoliation of evidence” or reference obscure statutes to intimidate you. An experienced lawyer knows these tactics and can navigate the tricky legal waters.
  2. Local Knowledge: Being from Snohomish County, your attorney will have a pulse on local judges, other lawyers, and the overall court climate. This insider knowledge can be invaluable.
  3. Establishing Liability: Identifying the liable parties is crucial to the success of any truck accident claim. Often there are multiple parties liable for a truck accident, which can include the truck driver, the trucking company, and even the manufacturer of the vehicle or its parts. An experienced personal injury lawyer will know how to gather evidence such as driver logs, vehicle maintenance records, and witness statements, which are all pivotal in establishing negligence in truck accident claims.
  4. Maximizing Your Compensation: While it is possible to go it alone, statistics show that having a lawyer typically results in a higher settlement. They will ensure all potential damages – both current and future – are considered.
  5. Peace of Mind: Dealing with the aftermath of any kind of truck or car accident is stressful. Having someone to guide you, advocate for you, and ensure your rights are protected can provide invaluable peace of mind.

The Importance of Compensation for Victims of Truck Accidents

When a truck accident occurs, the consequences can be particularly devastating due to the sheer size and weight of these vehicles. In the aftermath of a truck accident, the victims often face extensive medical treatment and lost wages and income from time off work. In addition, the mental anguish and trauma following such an event cannot be underestimated. And that is not to mention the cost of repairing or replacing a damaged vehicle. This all underscores the importance of truck accident victims receiving the compensation they need to cover the losses they sustained as a result of the accident.

What is the Statute of Limitations for a Truck Accident Claim in WA?

Like other states, Washington has a statute of limitations for accident claims, including truck accident claims in Snohomish. The time limit for Washington truck accident claims and personal injury cases is three years from the date of the accident. Attempting to file a lawsuit beyond this time limit results in the court throwing out the case. Washington’s statute of limitations ensures that evidence is still available and eyewitness testimony reliable if a case goes to court.

Will I Have to Go to Court For My Truck Accident Case?

Over 90% of truck accident cases settle out of court through a skilled attorney’s negotiations with the insurance company of the liable party so injury victims don’t have to step into a courtroom. When your attorney from Wells Trumbull investigates your accident claim they’ll document the evidence and send a strong demand letter to the insurance company of the party at fault to begin negotiations for a settlement. If the insurance company wrongfully denies the claim or seriously undervalues your settlement amount, the experienced litigators at Wells Trumbull are fully prepared to take your claim to court to argue aggressively for your best interests in front of a judge and jury.

What Kind of Compensation Can I Get in a Truck Accident Claim in Washington?

Truck accidents cause far more than just property damage to a vehicle. Often, injury victims experience serious economic consequences. If the accident occurred due to negligence on the part of the truck driver or trucking company, the victim shouldn’t be left with an undue burden. Common compensation in truck accident claims includes monetary amounts for the following:

  • Property damage to a vehicle
  • Property damage to personal items inside the vehicle
  • Medical costs
  • Future injury-related medical expenses
  • Lost wages
  • Future income loss
  • Diminished earning capacity due to disability
  • Compensation for pain and suffering
  • Emotional damages such as trauma, loss of enjoyment of life, and loss of consortium

If a close family member died due to injuries from a truck accident, a wrongful death lawyer in Snohomish can help the family receive compensation such as income loss for the number of working years the deceased family member had left to them as well as additional compensation for funeral and burial costs.

Contact Wells Trumbull for a Free Consultation

If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident in Snohomish County, contact Wells Trumbull to consult with an experienced Snohomish County truck accident lawyer. We bring expertise, local insights, and a dedication to ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve. Remember, you are not just fighting for justice – you are advocating for your future.