Seattle Truck Accident Attorney
Semi-Truck & Commercial Vehicle Accidents in Washington
Every year, thousands of people are severely injured and killed in traffic accidents involving semi-trucks, big rigs, 18-wheelers, tractor-trailers, and other large commercial vehicles. In contrast to typical car accidents, there is really no such thing as a “minor” truck accident—these accidents almost always cause major destruction and significant damage to those involved.
At Emery Reddy Serious Injury Department, our Seattle truck accident lawyers represent victims of serious truck accidents throughout Washington State. We have helped thousands of clients fight for the fair compensation they were owed; to date, our attorneys have recovered more than $200 million in settlements and verdicts.
If you or your loved one suffered severe, incapacitating injuries, or if your family member tragically died due to a large truck accident, turn to our firm to learn how we can help you fight for the justice you deserve.
Schedule a free, no-obligation consultation with a member of our team today by calling (206) 202-2562 or by contacting us online.
How Do Most Large Truck Accidents Happen?
Like other motor vehicle accidents, most large truck accidents are caused by negligence. Sometimes, it is the negligence of the truck driver that leads to an accident; in other instances, the careless or wrongful conduct of other third parties contributes to devastating collisions.
Specifically, some of the most common causes of large truck accidents include:
- Speeding, distracted driving, drunk driving, traffic law violations, and other reckless or wrongful behaviors by truck drivers
- Truck driver error, including failing to yield the right of way, making unsafe turns, or failing to check for other motorists in vehicle blind spots
- Fatigued driving, typically (though not always) as a result of state and/or federal hours-of-service regulation violations
- Insufficient vehicle maintenance or lack of routine truck inspections, leading to unrepaired and unresolved vehicle issues, including defects
- Improperly loaded cargo, including overloaded cargo exceeding state or federal weight restrictions, leading to shifting cargo during transit and other problems
- Negligent trucking company practices, such as failing to conduct background checks or routine alcohol/drug screenings and improper training or supervision of truck drivers
What Other Factors Can Impact Truck Accident Fault?
Most truck accidents occur during inclement weather, at nighttime, or when visibility is low due to other factors. Although no one can be held responsible for the weather or time of day, truck drivers have a responsibility to adjust accordingly to less-than-ideal conditions.
Sometimes, this means driving well below the posted speed limit or even stopping until conditions improve. At Emery Reddy Serious Injury Department, we know how to reconstruct accidents and determine exactly what happened, as well as what factors may have contributed to the crash.
Our Seattle truck accident lawyers frequently work with:
- Accident reconstructionists
- Expert witnesses
- And others who provide testimony in support of our clients’ claims
We have extensive experience developing innovative legal strategies aimed at securing maximum compensation for the catastrophically injured and the families of those wrongfully killed.
How Is Liability for Truck Accidents Determined?
There are many factors that distinguish truck accidents from standard car accidents. One such factor is the issue of liability.
Under Washington’s traditional fault-based insurance system, injured motor vehicle accident victims must typically file claims against the at-fault party’s insurance provider to be compensated for their medical expenses, pain and suffering, and other damages.
In most standard auto accident cases, the “at-fault” party is the driver who caused the crash. However, in truck accident cases, the truck driver may not be the liable party, even if they were the one to cause the collision.
These cases tend to have numerous complicating factors, including employer liability. If a truck driver is classified as an employee, their employer (typically the trucking company) could be liable for any accident or injury they cause while carrying out work-related activities.
To make matters even more complicated, other outside factors—such as improper truck inspections or overloaded cargo—may play a role in determining liability in a given truck accident claim.
Who Is Liable for a Truck Accident?
In fact, any of the following parties may be partially or wholly liable for a truck accident:
- The truck driver
- The trucking company
- The truck driver’s employer (if different from the trucking company)
- The company that owns or leases the truck
- The entity responsible for truck maintenance and/or repairs
- The person or party that loaded the truck’s cargo
- The manufacturer of a defective truck or truck part
- The government/municipal agency responsible for road maintenance
- The engineer or construction company that designed or built a defective roadway
- Another motorist on the road who acted carelessly, recklessly, or wrongfully
In some cases, the insurance company may even argue that the injured accident victim was partially or mostly to blame for the crash.
Under Washington’s rule of pure comparative negligence, you are not barred from bringing a personal injury claim if you share some of the blame for the accident. However, the amount you are seeking in damages will be reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to you by the insurance company and/or the court.
Is it Worth Hiring an Attorney After a Truck Accident?
After being involved in an accident with a commercial truck, it is important to seek the assistance of a Seattle truck accident attorney. Our skilled lawyers can provide invaluable legal advice and offer guidance for navigating through the complexities of trucking regulations as well as insurance company policies.
Furthermore, we are highly trained and experienced in pursuing truck driver negligence cases, meaning we know what areas to focus on when it comes to securing compensation for damages or injuries suffered.
By working with an attorney after a truck accident, you gain access to specialized legal representation that can increases your chances of receiving settlement offers from the trucker’s insurer or any third parties found liable for the trucking collision.
What Damages Are Available to Truck Accident Victims & Their Families?
Truck accidents often result in devastating injuries, which frequently require extensive medical treatment and ongoing or even lifelong care. Victims may be left with permanent disabilities and significant impairments, affecting their ability to obtain gainful employment, earn a living for themselves and their families, and even take care of everyday tasks.
At Emery Reddy Serious Injury Department, our goal is to recover every penny you and your family are owed. We help our clients seek fair compensation for all types of economic and non-economic damages following large truck accidents.
If you or your loved one was severely injured in an accident with a large truck or commercial vehicle, we can help you fight for the following damages:
- Emergency medical care costs
- Ongoing and future medical care
- Surgeries, physical therapy, rehabilitation, and other treatments
- Medications, medical equipment, and related expenses
- Lost income, wages, and benefits
- Lost future earnings and benefits
- Lost or diminished earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress and trauma
- Diminished quality/enjoyment of life
- Counseling/therapy costs
- In-home assistance and care
- Home modifications to accommodate a disability or impairment
- Loss of consortium/intimacy experienced by a spouse
If your loved one tragically passed away after a large truck accident, we can assist you in seeking compensation for the following:
- Medical expenses related to the deceased’s final treatment/care
- Funeral and/or burial expenses
- Loss of expected financial support from the deceased
- The reasonable value of household/childcare services provided by the deceased
- Loss of love, affection, care, companionship, guidance, counsel, and emotional support
Put Emery Reddy Serious Injury Department On Your Side Today
Our attorneys are here to answer your questions and provide the personal attention and support you need during this incredibly difficult time. We encourage you to get in touch with us right away, as you have a limited time to file a truck accident lawsuit.
In most cases, if you wait more than three years from the date of the accident or the date of your loved one’s death, you will lose your right to sue the liable party for damages.
Don’t wait until it’s too late—contact Emery Reddy Serious Injury Department today to speak to one of our Seattle truck accident lawyers about your case. There are no costs for you unless/until we recover a settlement or verdict on your behalf.
Call us today at (206) 202-2562 or contact us online to schedule your free initial consultation with our truck accident lawyers in Seattle.