Tractor-trailers and commercial trucks are crucial to the economy of America at large, and Washington is no exception. Communities all over the United States depend on commercial trucking for the goods they need every day. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s 2022 Crash Statistics, Washington had 75 fatalities and 434 injuries from truck accidents.
However, large trucks are some of the most dangerous vehicles on the road due to their size and weight, with Washington accounting for 2,120 large truck accidents in 2022. It’s important for all drivers to use caution when driving near large trucks and to know what they should do if they experience a truck accident.
In this blog, we’ll discuss the importance of having a lawyer if you get into a wreck with a commercial truck in Washington and how a strong advocate can help you navigate the complexities of such cases. Our team of trucking accident attorneys at the Gilbert Law Firm of Spokane, Washington is here to help you pursue a claim against a commercial trucking enterprise.
A Strong Advocate in a Washington Trucking Accident Case
A dedicated accident attorney can help you obtain fair compensation following an accident. Here’s how a strong advocate can assist:
- Experience in Litigation: A good commercial truck accident attorney will have years of experience litigating personal injury claims against commercial trucking companies.
- Negotiation with Insurers: They will be skilled in negotiating with large insurance companies to ensure you receive a fair settlement.
- Through Investigations: They will conduct thorough investigations into commercial trucking operations to gather crucial evidence.
- Protection from Low Insurance Company Offers: Without an attorney, you are likely to be approached by the other side’s insurers, who will try to buy you off with a ridiculously low initial offer. Sometimes, they tend to overlook who is at fault. They may try to convince you that this is the best offer you will get and provide you with a very limited amount of time to accept it. In exchange for this paltry buyoff, you will need to sign away your right to sue the commercial trucking company.
- Countering Strongarm Tactics: A competent and experienced trucking accident attorney will understand these strongarm tactics and respond appropriately to obtain the maximum settlement or pursue legal action.
- Improved Negotiation Dynamics: Once the opposing party and their insurers realize that you have legal counsel, they may adopt a more respectful tone and negotiate with you in good faith.
Having a strong advocate on your side can make all the difference in securing the compensation you deserve.
The Importance of Prompt Action in a Washington Truck Accident Case
Prompt action is critical in a Washington truck accident case due to the following reasons:
#1. Preservation of Evidence
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) strictly regulates how much a commercial truck driver can drive in any 24-hour or 7-day period. In order to prevent violations, commercial trucks must have a “black box” that records all travel.
Under federal law, the trucking company must retain these travel records for 6 months, after which they can discard them legally. Unless you have a knowledgeable attorney who requests those records within that 6-month period, you could lose valuable evidence that you need to prove your case.
#2. Driver Fatigue
Those travel records could show that the commercial truck driver had exceeded the allotted number of driving hours and was fatigued at the time of the accident. They could also show that the driver was speeding to meet a drop-off deadline.
#3. Employer Negligence
Your attorney should investigate whether the employer had adequately vetted and trained the driver. The driver must possess an up-to-date commercial driver’s license to drive a commercial truck. Employers must thoroughly investigate their driving record and disqualify candidates with instances of drug or alcohol abuse, as well as serious driving violations like fatal collisions.
#4. Compliance with Regulations
Verifying that the truck company monitored their drivers to ensure compliance with federal and state regulations, including:
- Preventing drivers from operating a commercial truck for more than 10 hours in a row.
- Ensuring drivers do not exceed 14 hours of operation in a 24-hour period.
#5. Vehicle Maintenance
Vehicle maintenance records should also be examined to determine if mechanical problems like worn tires or faulty brake systems were overlooked.
A competent personal injury attorney will leave no stone unturned, ensuring every aspect of the truck company’s practices is scrutinized to build a compelling case for your compensation.
Contact the Gilbert Law Firm Today
Our legal team at the Gilbert Law Firm understands how terrifying and devastating a Washington commercial truck accident can be. That is why we will work closely with you to answer your concerns and fight for the compensation you need to pay off your medical bills and mounting household expenses. Contact the Gilbert Law Firm today at 509-321-0750 for a consultation.
Disclaimer: The blog published by the Gilbert Law Firm marketing team for informational purposes only and is not considered legal advice or a substitute for legal advice. There is no attorney-client relationship between the reader and the blog publisher. Readers are urged to consult their own legal counsel on any specific legal questions concerning a specific situation.
