A commercial truck accident can have horrible consequences, which is understandable considering the incredibly huge difference in size between a semi and a passenger car. Whether the accident is a jackknife, an override accident, or anything else, injury victims will often be so badly hurt that they need constant care for the rest of their lives.
The vast majority of truck accidents take place due to negligence, either on the part of the truck driver, the trucking company, the manufacturer of a defective part, or a combination of all of them. There could even be others to blame. In order to sort through all of this confusion, you’re going to need the help of a skilled Washington truck accident attorney.
That’s exactly what you’ll get when you hire a Penn Kestner & McEwen lawyer. We have a long track record of delivering results, and we’re ready to work to do the same for you. Contact us online or call (800) 732-3070 for a free evaluation of your case.
Washington Truck Accident Statistics
As of Dec. 28, there had been 450 vehicles involved in large truck accidents during 2022. Seventy-eight of these crashes were fatal, resulting in 82 deaths. There were also 146 crashes that led to 183 severe injuries.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents
There are several common causes of truck accidents, including the following:
- Driver fatigue. Truck drivers often work long hours and may be prone to fatigue, which can lead to accidents.
- Distracted driving. Truckers may be distracted by their phones or other electronic devices while driving, which can lead to accidents.
- Speeding. Excessive speed is a common cause of truck accidents, as it can make it difficult for the driver to control the vehicle and respond to changing road conditions.
- Improper loading. If a truck’s load is not properly secured or balanced, it can cause the truck to lose control and cause an accident.
- Poor vehicle maintenance. Trucks that are not properly maintained can be more prone to accidents due to mechanical failures. If tires aren’t replaced when they show wear, a blowout could lead to devastating results.
- Driver inexperience. Truck drivers who are new to the job may not have the necessary skills or experience to safely operate their vehicles, which can lead to accidents.
Injuries Caused by Truck Accidents
Truck accidents can lead to serious and potentially life-threatening injuries. Some common types of injuries associated with truck accidents include:
- Head injuries. Truck accidents can cause serious head injuries such as concussions, skull fractures, and traumatic brain injuries.
- Neck and back injuries. Whiplash and other neck and back injuries are common in truck accidents due to the strength of the forces passenger car occupants are subjected to. These injuries can range from mild to severe and may require extensive treatment and rehabilitation.
- Broken bones. The force of a truck collision can cause bones to break or fracture.
- Lacerations. Glass, metal, and other debris can cause cuts and lacerations in a truck accident.
- Internal injuries. The force of a truck collision can cause internal injuries such as organ damage or bleeding.
- Burns. Truck accidents can result in burns due to the explosion of fuel or other flammable materials.
Truck Accident Liability in Washington
Liability in a truck accident refers to who is legally responsible for the damages and injuries caused by the accident. Determining liability in a truck accident can be complex, as there are often multiple parties that may be responsible, including the truck driver, the trucking company, and potentially other parties such as the manufacturer of the truck or its parts.
In some cases, the truck driver may be solely liable for the accident if they were acting recklessly or negligently at the time of the accident. For example, if the driver was under the influence of drugs or alcohol, or if they were texting while driving, they may be held solely responsible for the accident.
However, in other cases, the trucking company may also be held liable for the accident. This could be the case if the company failed to properly maintain the truck, or if it allowed the driver to work excessive hours in violation of federal regulations.
In some cases, other parties, such as the manufacturer of the truck or its parts, may also be held liable if a defect in the truck or its components contributed to the accident.
It’s important to hire an attorney who can carefully investigate the circumstances of a truck accident to determine who may be liable for your damages and injuries.
Types of Damages You Can Recover
In a truck accident lawsuit, damages refer to the financial compensation awarded to the victim for the losses and injuries they have suffered as a result of the accident. There are several types of damages that may be available in a truck accident lawsuit, including:
- Medical expenses. This includes the cost of medical treatment and rehabilitation related to the truck accident, including hospital stays, surgeries, and medications.
- Lost wages. If the truck accident caused you to miss work and lose income, you may be able to recover damages for lost wages.
- Property damage. You may be able to recover the cost of repairs or replacements.
- Pain and suffering. A lawyer could help you recover damages for the physical and emotional suffering caused by the truck accident.
- Punitive damages. In some cases, the court may award punitive damages to punish the defendant and deter similar behavior in the future.
Do You Need to Hire a Attorney for Your Washington Truck Accident?
In short, yes. Having legal representation will provide you with your only realistic chance of getting the money you seek. These are just a few of the reasons why.
- An experienced truck accident lawyer can help you navigate the legal process and advocate on your behalf to pursue the compensation you deserve.
- Again, truck accident cases can be complex, requiring a deep understanding of the laws and regulations that apply to the trucking industry. An attorney will have the knowledge and experience to handle your case effectively.
- A lawyer can also work to gather evidence and investigate the circumstances of the accident to build a strong case for liability and damages.
- Your attorney can negotiate with the insurance company and other parties involved to seek the best possible settlement on your behalf.
- If necessary, your lawyer can represent you in court and fight for your rights to seek compensation through the legal system.
Contact Penn Kestner & McEwen if You Were Involved in a Truck Accident in Washington
Talk to a Penn Kestner & McEwen Washington truck accident attorney as soon as possible for a free consultation. You can use our online form, or you can call (800) 732-3070.