While any vehicle collision can lead to severe consequences, accidents involving large trucks are especially dangerous. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) reported that in 2019, 5,005 people lost their lives in accidents with large trucks, defined as medium or heavy trucks weighing over 10,000 pounds. With 71% of these fatalities being occupants of other vehicles and 81% of fatal truck crashes involving multiple vehicles, it’s clear why truck accident cases tend to be highly complex.

Victims of truck accidents may be eligible for compensation for their losses, but the legal process can be challenging to navigate. These cases are complex and demand the expertise of an experienced Washington truck accident lawyer. The right attorney can be crucial to securing a successful outcome. Truck accidents can lead to severe injuries, property damage, or even death, and the emotional toll can be devastating.

If you’ve been in an accident with a truck or other commercial vehicle, these are the key steps you should take:

1. Get Medical Attention: Seek medical help immediately, even if you feel okay. Document ANY injuries or damages, even if they seem inconsequential, as this can help support your injury claim.
2. Report the Accident: Contact the police and file a formal report. A police report is essential for establishing responsibility and liability. Collect witness statements and contact details from anyone at the scene. If possible, document the scene by taking pictures. Make sure you only do this if it can be done safely.
3. Consult a Truck Accident Lawyer: Reach out to an experienced professional. They can help gather evidence, file your injury claim, and pursue compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, and other losses. An attorney can also determine if punitive damages are appropriate and handle negotiations with insurance companies.

Taking these steps after a truck accident is essential to protect your rights and ensure fair compensation!

Liability in truck accidents is often more complex than in car accidents, as multiple parties may be responsible, including:

• Truck Driver: The driver may be liable if the accident was caused by errors, distracted driving / inattention or driving under the influence.
• Trucking Company: The company may be held responsible if the accident was due to the driver’s negligence, poor vehicle maintenance, overscheduling drivers, or insufficient training.
• Truck Manufacturer: If a defective truck or part contributed to the accident, the manufacturer could be liable.
• Government Entity: If a poorly maintained or dangerous road caused the accident, a city, county, or state might be responsible.

Insurance companies often try to shift blame onto victims, and trucking companies may also try to avoid liability. An experienced lawyer can help protect your rights, investigate the cause, and counter tactics used by insurance and trucking companies to minimize their responsibility.

When pursuing compensation for a truck accident in Washington, it’s essential to understand the types of damages you may be eligible to claim. These damages fall into two main categories:

1. Economic Damages: These have a specific dollar value, including:

• Medical expenses
• Property damage
• Lost wages

Economic damages cover both past and future costs linked to the accident. This includes current and anticipated medical expenses, rehabilitation costs, and lost income due to missed work. For serious injuries requiring long-term care, they may also cover future medical costs. Property damage includes repair or replacement of your vehicle and any personal items damaged in the accident.

2. Non-Economic Damages: These account for intangible losses, such as:

• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress

Non-economic damages compensate for physical and emotional pain caused by the accident. In certain cases, punitive damages may also be sought to penalize particularly reckless behavior by those responsible for the accident.

Consulting with an experienced Washington truck accident attorney is crucial when considering a claim. They can help you understand the specific types of compensation you may be entitled to based on your unique situation.

Truck accident cases can involve complex legal issues, making strong legal representation essential. At Witt Law Group PS, our experienced truck accident lawyers have a proven record of success and are committed to achieving the best possible outcomes for our clients. We understand the complexities of these cases and will guide you every step of the way, starting with a thorough review of relevant laws and developing a strategic plan for your case. Our in-depth knowledge of trucking regulations allows us to build a strong case on your behalf.

We’re dedicated to providing exceptional legal support and will fight tirelessly to secure fair compensation for you and your family. Our Washington State truck accident lawyers are sensitive to the emotional impact of these cases and strive to make the process as stress-free as possible, keeping you informed at every stage. We work to help you recover compensation for losses such as medical bills, pain and suffering, property damage, lost wages, or disability.

If you’d like to schedule a free consultation with our skilled, compassionate team, reach out to us today.