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Kirk Bernard

Seattle Truck Accident Attorney

Seattle Truck Accident Attorney Truck accidents are significantly different from car accidents. If you are injured in a truck accident, the laws and rules that apply differ from those of traditional car accidents.

Because the laws related to truck accidents can be complex, it is wise to work with an experienced Seattle truck accident attorney. At Bernard Law Group, you can access attorneys with over three decades of experience fighting for and protecting victims’ rights.

We understand the impact a truck accident can have and are here to help you. Contact our office to schedule a free consultation and get help with your truck accident claim.

Understanding Truck Accidents in Seattle

At Bernard Law Group, we have seen firsthand how truck accidents in Seattle can profoundly impact the lives of those involved. We believe it’s essential for everyone to understand the common causes, the differences from other vehicular accidents, and the impact these accidents can have.

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Common Causes of Truck Accidents

In our experience, truck accidents in Seattle often stem from a few common causes. The most common causes include the following:

  • Driver Fatigue: A predominant cause of truck accidents is driver fatigue. Truck drivers often spend extended hours on the road, leading to decreased alertness and slower response times. This reduction in concentration significantly increases the risk of accidents.
  • Mechanical Failures: Mechanical issues are also common causes of truck accidents. Problems like brake malfunctions or tire blowouts can arise, frequently linked to inadequate maintenance or oversight. These mechanical failures can lead to loss of control, making accidents more likely.
  • Improper Loading: Another significant factor is improper loading of cargo. Trucks that are overloaded or loaded unevenly pose a serious risk. Overloading can strain the vehicle’s handling capabilities, while uneven loading can lead to instability. These conditions can make trucks difficult to maneuver, especially in emergencies or adverse driving conditions.

Differences Between Truck Accidents and Other Vehicular Accidents

Truck accidents differ from other vehicular accidents in several ways. The size and weight of trucks mean that when they are involved in accidents, the impact is often more severe than that of a typical car accident.

This size also means trucks have longer stopping distances and larger blind spots, which can contribute to accidents. Trucks often carry hazardous materials, which can add a layer of danger in the event of an accident.

Impact of Truck Accidents

The impact of truck accidents can be far-reaching. We often see personal injuries ranging from minor injuries to life-altering conditions. These injuries can significantly impact an individual’s quality of life and ability to work.

Beyond personal injury, truck accidents can cause substantial property damage to vehicles, roadways, and surrounding infrastructure. The economic and emotional tolls of these accidents can be overwhelming, so we are committed to providing comprehensive legal support to those affected.

Truck Laws and Regulations in Washington

In Washington, truck drivers and those who drive other commercial vehicles are held to a higher standard of care than private passenger vehicle drivers. This heightened standard is crucial in resolving bodily injury claims after serious trucking accidents​​.

There is a misconception that all commercial trucks must adhere to U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) standards; however, this is untrue. Vehicles weighing 26,001 lbs. or more require the driver to carry a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL), subjecting the vehicle, driver, and trucking company to DOT regulations.

Trucks weighing over 10,001 lbs. used for commercial purposes also fall under these regulations, even though a CDL might not be required​​.

Liability and Negligence in Truck Accident Cases

There are other rules in place designed to help prevent truck accidents. These include:

  • Hours of Service Rules: Truck drivers must keep a detailed log of their hours on the road to mitigate drowsy driving. Violations of these hours-of-service limits can make proving negligence against the truck driver and trucking company more straightforward​​.
  • Pre-Trip Responsibilities: Truck drivers regulated by the U.S. Department of Transportation must complete a standardized pre-trip inspection. Failure to complete this inspection properly can result in liability for mechanical issues or failures leading to accidents. Trucking companies can be held liable for accidents caused by their drivers’ failure to complete these inspections, as federal laws establish an employer-employee relationship, not allowing companies to claim drivers as independent contractors​​.

Statute of Limitations for Filing a Truck Accident Lawsuit in Seattle, WA

The statute of limitations for filing a personal injury or vehicle damage case related to truck accidents in Washington is three years from the accident date. This period is crucial as the court will refuse to hear cases filed after this deadline​​​​.

Compensation in Truck Accident Cases

At Bernard Law Group, we understand how a truck accident can significantly affect your life. We’re committed to helping our clients recover the full compensation they deserve.

Here’s how we approach compensation in truck accident cases:

Types of Damages Recoverable

  • Medical Expenses: We work to recover costs for medical treatment, including hospital stays, surgeries, medications, and any ongoing therapy or rehabilitation.
  • Lost Wages: If the accident has impacted your ability to work, we aim to recover lost wages, including potential future earnings, if your capacity to work has been permanently affected.
  • Pain and Suffering: We also seek compensation for the pain and suffering you’ve endured due to the accident. This includes physical discomfort as well as emotional and psychological trauma.

Process of Calculating Compensation

  • Thorough Assessment: We start with a thorough assessment of all your expenses and losses. This includes not just current expenses but also projected future costs.
  • Collaboration with Experts: We often collaborate with medical and economic experts to accurately estimate the long-term impact of your injuries.
  • Detailed Documentation: Our team meticulously documents all aspects of your case to ensure nothing is overlooked in calculating your compensation.

How We Maximize Compensation for Our Clients

  • Negotiating with Insurance Companies: We use our experience to negotiate effectively with insurance companies, ensuring they understand the full extent of your damages.
  • Building a Strong Case: We build a solid case backed by evidence and expert testimony, which is crucial in negotiations and, if necessary, at trial.
  • Personalized Approach: We take a personalized approach to each case, understanding that every client’s situation is unique and requires a tailored strategy to maximize compensation.

Our goal is to ensure that our clients receive the full compensation they are entitled to, helping them to move forward after a truck accident with the financial support they need.

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The Role of Our Truck Accident Lawyers

The expertise and experience of our truck accident lawyers are crucial in navigating the complex legal landscape and ensuring the rights and interests of their clients are protected. Here’s how we can help:

  • Expert Legal Advice: We provide specialized legal advice tailored to truck accident cases, guiding clients through the legal process and informing them of their rights and options.
  • Case Evaluation: We take time to evaluate the case, considering all the nuances of truck accident laws and regulations, to determine the best course of action.
  • Representation: We represent clients in all legal proceedings, ensuring their voice is heard and their interests are advocated for effectively.

Investigating the Accident

An investigation is a critical part of a truck accident lawyer’s role:

  • Gathering Evidence: We collect and analyze evidence such as accident reports, truck maintenance records, driver logs, and surveillance footage to build a strong case.
  • Accident Reconstruction: Sometimes, an accident reconstruction expert must be consulted to understand precisely how the accident occurred and who is at fault.
  • Interviewing Witnesses: Witness statements can be crucial. We will identify and interview witnesses to gather firsthand accounts that support the case.

Dealing with Insurance Companies

Navigating interactions with insurance companies is another aspect of our responsibilities:

  • Communicating with Insurers: Our law firm will handle all communication with the insurance companies, ensuring clients are not pressured into accepting unfair settlements.
  • Negotiating Settlements: Our lawyers use their knowledge and experience to negotiate fair and just settlements that cover all damages, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
  • Avoiding Lowball Offers: We recognize and counteract tactics insurers use to minimize payouts, ensuring our clients receive the compensation they deserve.

Protecting Your Rights After a Seattle Truck Accident

If you are involved in a truck accident caused by another person’s negligence, our Seattle truck accident lawyers are ready to provide the legal assistance you need. The first step is to contact our office to schedule a free consultation.

The Proof Is In Our Case Results Over $500 MILLION recovered for our clients. Let us help YOU! Call 24/7 for your FREE injury consultation. 206-298-9900

More Information and Reading about Seattle Truck Accident

The Proof Is In Our Case Results

Over $500 Million recovered for our past clients. Let us help YOU! Call 24/7 for your FREE injury consultation. 206-298-9900

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