Washington Truck Accident Lawyer
Accidents involving commercial trucks are a serious concern in Washington, Washington. Anyone involved in a truck accident knows how traumatizing it can be. The aftermath often brings about physical pain, emotional distress, financial hardship, and a whirlwind of insurance and legal complexities.Â
If you have been involved in a truck accident, hiring a Washington truck accident lawyer can make a significant difference in getting the compensation you deserve.Â
As a leading personal injury law firm in Washington, Murphy Trial Law specializes in handling personal injury cases, including those involving truck accidents.Â
Our experienced truck accident lawyers in Washington can guide you through the legal complexities, protect your rights, and fight for justice.
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Washington Truck Accident Laws
Washington State has comprehensive truck accident laws to protect victims. These laws set forth the responsibilities of truck drivers, trucking companies, and even the manufacturers of truck components. Below are a few important Washington truck accident laws you should know.
- Reporting a truck accident: A truck accident must be reported to the Washington State Department of Transportation (DOT) if it resulted in $1,000 or more of property damage or a person was killed or injured.
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- Liability in a truck accident: The liability in a truck accident can be attributed to several parties, including the truck driver, trucking company, truck manufacturer, and even the government agency responsible for maintaining the roadways.
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- Statute of limitations: The statute for filing a personal injury claim in Washington is three years from the accident date.
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- Comparative fault: Washington state follows a comparative fault system, which means that if you are partially at fault for the accident, your compensation will be reduced according to the percentage of your fault.
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- Insurance requirements: Trucking companies must carry minimum liability insurance, which varies depending on the cargo.
Washington Truck Accident Facts and Statistics
Washington, WA, has seen many truck accidents. The statistics below underscore the significance of safety measures and the necessity for legal recourse in Washington.
- In 2015, Washington recorded 6,091 heavy truck accidents, the second-most common road accident that year. 38 among them were fatal.
- According to the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT), there were 111,416 vehicle crashes in Washington in 2019. Among them, 162 involved heavy trucks.
- There are no truck accident statistics for Washington particularly. However, the city witnessed 7,984 car accidents in 2021, with at least 43 being fatal and 206 resulting in severe personal injury.
- According to WSDOT, in 2022 alone, there were 6,820 heavy truck accident cases. Sadly, many of these resulted in serious injuries or fatalities.
How Can You Prove Fault/Negligence in a Truck Accident in Washington?
Establishing negligence in a truck accident case can be quite challenging. The process often requires a Washington truck accident attorney who can accurately interpret and present the evidence. It’s also important to understand that every case is unique and may require different steps or evidence to establish fault.
However, some critical steps to determine fault in a truck accident include:
- Gather Evidence: Evidence collection is crucial to proving negligence. It includes photographs of the accident scene, vehicle damage, skid marks, and road conditions. Other forms of evidence may consist of dashcam or surveillance footage, if available.
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- Obtain the Police Report: The law enforcement officers who respond to the accident will create a report detailing the incident. The report often contains critical information about the accident, such as the officers’ initial determination of fault.
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- Interview Eyewitnesses: If there were witnesses to the accident, their statements could be valuable evidence. Witnesses may have seen crucial details that can help establish the events leading up to the accident.
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- Analyze the Truck Driver’s Logbook and Maintenance Records: Truck drivers must keep a logbook of their drive hours and rest periods. Any discrepancies in these records can indicate violations of federal regulations. Additionally, maintenance records can reveal if mechanical failure contributed to the accident.
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- Review Medical Records: Your medical records can provide important evidence of the injuries sustained and their connection to the accident.
- Consult with a Washington Truck Accident Lawyer: Proving fault or negligence in a truck accident can be challenging and time-consuming. An experienced Washington truck accident law firm like Murphy Trial Law can help gather and analyze evidence, handle negotiations with insurance companies, and represent you in court if necessary.
Common Causes Of Truck Accidents
Truck accidents are unfortunately common, with numerous reasons behind them. Understanding these causes is crucial in preventing future mishaps and establishing liability. Below are mentioned some common causes of truck accidents.
- Distract-Driving:Â Distract-driving is a primary cause of truck accidents. Distractions could range from texting to eating, adjusting the GPS, or fiddling with the radio. These activities divert attention from the road and can lead to accidents.
- Driver Fatigue:Â Tired truck drivers pose a significant risk on the highways. Federal regulations mandate rest periods for drivers, but these laws are often disregarded by the driver or the company they work for, leading to exhausted drivers behind the wheel.
- Improper Loading:Â Commercial trucks must adhere to strict weight limits and loading guidelines. An overloaded or unevenly loaded truck can become unstable, causing rollovers or severe accidents. Establishing improper loading as a cause usually involves analyzing cargo records and investigating the accident scene.
- Mechanical Failures:Â Commercial trucks require regular maintenance and inspection to ensure all components, such as brakes, tires, or the engine, are in good condition. Mechanical failures can lead to catastrophic accidents if not addressed in time. Proving mechanical failure often involves thorough inspections and expert testimonies.
- Speeding:Â The size and weight of commercial trucks make speeding especially dangerous. Higher speed means longer stopping distances and a higher risk of severe injuries in case of a collision. Speed can be determined through ECM data, skid mark analysis, and other investigation techniques.
- Substance Abuse: Operating a commercial vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs is not just illegal, but deadly. Substance abuse impairs the driver’s judgment and reaction times, making accidents more likely. If substance abuse is suspected, your truck accident attorney in Washington can use toxicology reports as evidence.
- Reckless Driving:Â Reckless behavior includes many actions, from failing to signal lane changes to tailgating and ignoring traffic rules. Eyewitness testimonies, traffic camera footage, and police reports can help prove reckless driving in court.
Remarkable Settlements​
$1.8 Million
Favorable liability verdict
$1.6 Million
A man injured in rear end car crash
$1.1 Million
Car crash
$1 Million
Wrongful death
$1 Million
Low impact car crash
$1 Million
Car crash, limits tender
Types of Injuries From Truck Accidents
Truck accidents are notoriously dangerous, often leading to severe injuries due to their size and weight. These injuries can have life-altering consequences for victims. Some common types of injuries in a truck accident are listed below.
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs): Large truck accidents often lead to TBIs. These injuries can result in long-term physical, cognitive, and behavioral impairments, requiring ongoing treatment and support.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Spinal cord injuries are devastating, leading to partial or total paralysis. Victims may require extensive medical care, home modifications, assistive devices, and ongoing physical therapy.
- Broken Bones: The impact force in a truck accident can lead to fractures. Broken bones require surgeries, extended hospital stays, and lengthy rehabilitation periods.
- Internal Injuries: These include damage to organs, internal bleeding, or punctured lungs. They can be life-threatening if not immediately detected and treated and often require emergency medical attention.
- Cuts and Lacerations: These injuries can lead to significant blood loss, requiring stitches or surgical intervention. In some cases, deep lacerations may cause nerve damage.
- Burns: If a truck accident leads to a fire or explosion, victims may suffer from first to third-degree burns, necessitating extensive treatment and potentially resulting in permanent scarring.
- Psychological Trauma: Beyond physical injuries, a truck accident can leave victims grappling with anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and other forms of psychological trauma.
Dangerous Roads In Washington
Certain roads and intersections in Washington have proven to be hotspots for truck accidents. Below are listed the most dangerous roads in the city. It’s important to exercise caution when driving on these roads.Â
- Aurora Avenue: Aurora Avenue is considered one of the most dangerous roads in Washington. It has many fatal accidents, with 2.2 accidents per mile between North Winona Avenue and North 155th Street.
- Pacific Highway: The Pacific Highway is another dangerous road in Washington. Also known as Washington State Route 99, the road has many fatal accidents.
- Rainier Avenue South: Rainier Avenue South is the most dangerous road for pedestrians and bicyclists.
Who is Liable In a Truck Accident?
Identifying the liable party or parties in a truck accident is critical for determining who should compensate the victim for their injuries and losses. Given the complex nature of commercial trucking operations, numerous parties could be liable in a truck accident.
- Truck Driver:Â The truck driver is often the first person considered in determining liability. Their negligent actions, such as distracted driving, speeding, and substance abuse, can lead to accidents. The driver can be held liable if the evidence points towards these actions.
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- Trucking Company:Â The trucking company can be held responsible for the actions of their employees under the legal doctrine of ‘respondent superior’, which translates to “let the superior answer”. This results if the company encourages reckless behavior like overworking or fails to train their drivers adequately. A company might also be held liable if they did not perform necessary background checks, leading to the employment of a driver with a history of reckless or impaired driving.
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- Truck Owner:Â If a party other than the driver or trucking company owns the truck involved in the accident, they could be held liable for accidents resulting from a lack of proper maintenance or safety checks.
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- Cargo Loaders: Improper loading of the truck’s cargo can lead to an imbalance, increasing the risk of an accident. The party responsible for loading the truck can be held liable if proven that their negligent loading led to the accident.
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- Truck or Parts Manufacturer:Â If a truck or any component defect contributed to the accident, the manufacturer or the faulty part could be held responsible. If the brakes, tires, steering mechanisms, or any other part failed due to a manufacturing or design defect.
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- Maintenance Providers:Â Commercial trucks require regular maintenance, and if the service providers failed to maintain or repair the truck adequately, they could be held responsible for their negligence.
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- Government Entities:Â In some instances, the government entity responsible for the roadway’s design, construction, and maintenance could be held accountable. If a poorly designed or improperly maintained road contributed to the accident, a claim might be filed against the relevant government body.
Determining liability in a truck accident can be a complex and challenging task due to the multiple parties involved. The interplay of federal and state laws also complicates matters. It’s imperative to consult with a Washington personal injury lawyer. They can sift through the evidence, employ professional investigators, and work with experts to establish liability and help you get the compensation you deserve.
What To Do After a Truck Accident in Washington?
Following a truck accident in Washington, you should take a few crucial steps to ensure your safety and protect your legal rights.
- Prioritize Your Safety: Your priority should be your safety and those of others involved in the accident. Move to a safe location, if possible, away from the roadway.
- Seek Medical Attention: Regardless of the severity of your perceived injuries, always seek medical attention immediately after a truck accident. Some injuries may not manifest symptoms immediately and could become more serious. A timely medical evaluation also helps create a record of your injuries, which can be critical for a future claim.
- Contact Law Enforcement: It’s vital to report the accident to the local police. The officers will investigate the accident and prepare a report, which can be crucial evidence for your claim.
- Document the Scene: Gather evidence from the accident scene if it’s safe. Take photographs of the vehicles involved, your injuries, and the surrounding area. You should also take note of any potential witnesses and gather their contact information.
- Inform Your Insurance Company: Notify your insurance company about the accident immediately. Provide basic details but avoid making definitive statements or accepting blame for the accident.
- Avoid Signing Any Documents: Avoid early settlement offers from the trucking company’s insurance carrier. Do not sign any documents or agree to any settlements without consulting a personal injury lawyer in Washington.
- Contact a Washington Truck Accident Attorney: It’s crucial to contact a Washington truck accident attorney as soon as possible. They guide you through the legal process, ensuring your rights are protected. They gather evidence, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent you in court if necessary.
What Compensation Can I Receive After a Truck Accident?
After a truck accident in Washington, you may be entitled to various forms of compensation depending on the nature and extent of your injuries and losses.
Generally, these damages can be divided into Economic and Non-economic.
Economic Damages
Economic damages aim to reimburse you for the financial costs directly associated with your accident. They are tangible, out-of-pocket expenses that can be calculated and documented. Below are some of the common economic damages.
- Medical Expenses: These include ambulance rides, hospital stays, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, future medical care, and any other healthcare costs related to your injuries.
- Lost Wages: If your injuries prevent you from working, you can be compensated for your lost income during your recovery period.
- Loss of Earning Capacity: If your injuries result in long-term or permanent disability, you may be compensated for future income you’ll miss out on due to your reduced ability to work.
- Property Damage: This includes costs to repair or replace your vehicle or any other property damaged in the accident.
Non Economic Damages
Non-economic damages refer to the intangible losses you’ve suffered from the accident. These damages are subjective and often harder to quantify. Common non-economic damages are listed below.
- Pain and Suffering: This includes the physical and emotional distress you’ve experienced from the accident and your injuries.
- Emotional Distress: Compensation for anxiety, depression, sleep disturbances, fear, and other emotional health issues caused by the accident.
- Loss of Enjoyment of Life: If your injuries prevent you from enjoying activities and hobbies you previously enjoyed, you may be compensated for this loss.
- Loss of Consortium: Compensation for the negative effects of the accident and your injuries on your relationship with your spouse or family.
Contact A Top-Rated Washington Truck Accident Lawyer Today
If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident in Washington, WA, taking immediate action is crucial to protect your rights and seek the compensation you’re entitled to. Navigating the legal maze post-accident can be overwhelming, especially when dealing with the physical and emotional aftermath. You don’t have to face this alone. Murphy Trial Law offers comprehensive legal services to truck accident victims.
Our seasoned Washington truck accident lawyers have an in-depth understanding of the Washington truck accident laws. We are committed to providing compassionate representation and fighting for your justice tirelessly.
Our track record of successful outcomes attests to our dedication and expertise.
Contact us now to hire a skilled truck accident lawyer in Washington.
Washington Truck Accident FAQs
What is the statute of limitations for Washington truck accidents?
In Washington, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims, including truck accidents, is three years from the accident date. You have three years to file a lawsuit against the responsible parties. Failure to file within this period typically means you lose your right to pursue compensation. However, exceptions may apply in certain cases, so it’s always best to consult a personal injury lawyer in Washington to understand your options.
What should I do if an insurance company calls me?
If an insurance company calls you after a truck accident, remember they are not on your side. Their primary aim is to minimize the payout. Therefore, you must not make any statements or agree to any settlements without consulting a personal injury attorney in Washington. Inform them that your lawyer will contact them and decline to answer any questions.
An experienced Washington truck accident lawyer will negotiate with the insurance companies on your behalf, ensuring your rights are protected.
What if the accident was partly my fault?
Washington follows a comparative negligence rule. You could still recover damages if you were partially at fault for the accident. However, the compensation you receive reduces by the percentage of your fault. A skilled Washington personal injury attorney can argue effectively to minimize your degree of fault.
Do I need a lawyer for a truck accident claim in Washington?
Hiring a lawyer for a truck accident claim in Washington can significantly improve your chances of obtaining full and fair compensation. Truck accident claims can be complex, involving multiple parties and intricate laws and regulations. An experienced truck accident lawyer in Washington can help establish liability, accurately estimate the value of your claim, negotiate with insurance companies, and advocate for your rights.
What evidence do you need to support your claim?
Evidence, such as police reports, photographs of the accident scene, and witness statements, can strengthen your truck accident claim. Crucially, trucking companies often have additional information like driver logs, maintenance records, and electronic control module data. A Washington truck accident lawyer can help gather and analyze this evidence to build a compelling case on your behalf.
How much does a Washington truck accident attorney cost?
Most truck accident attorneys in Washington work on a contingency fee basis. They only get paid if they successfully recover compensation on your behalf. The fee is typically a percentage of the total recovery, depending on the case’s complexity. During your initial consultation, your attorney should clearly explain their fee structure and any potential out-of-pocket costs.
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