Large commercial trucks are familiar sights on roads across the Pacific Northwest, but they can bring serious risks. Truck accidents occur frequently, leaving families and individuals facing life-changing injuries and losses.
At Gilbert Law Firm, our dedicated team of experienced attorneys knows what it means to advocate for those impacted by these accidents. With a deep understanding of Washington state law, we are committed to helping you navigate the challenges of truck accident cases and recover the compensation you deserve.
Beyond providing legal representation, Gilbert Law Firm believes in making our roads safer for everyone in our community. That’s why, in addition to explaining why you need a lawyer if you’ve been involved in a truck accident in this blog, we also share safety tips to help prevent accidents with trucks before they happen.
If you or someone you care about has been affected by a truck accident, we’re here to help.
Driving Alongside Trucks Means Different Rules
The rules for driving alongside other cars differ significantly from those for sharing the road with trucks. Although trucks are common on highways, it’s easy to overlook the unique risks they present. Here are some critical safety tips to avoid accidents with trucks in the Pacific Northwest:
1. Watch for a Truck’s Turn Signals
Trucks have large blind spots, especially while turning. Truck drivers may not be able to see you as they’re making a turn, so give them ample space for everyone’s safety. If you’re ever in doubt about how much space a truck might need, it’s best to fall back rather than move closer.
2. Avoid Staying in a Truck’s Blind Spot
Truck drivers have blind spots on all sides of their vehicles, also known as “no zones.” Never linger in these zones. A good rule of thumb is to check first, and if you can’t see the truck driver’s face in their mirror, they can’t see you.
3. Leave Extra Space When Behind a Truck
Trucks need significantly more space to stop than cars due to their size and weight. Following too closely limits your visibility and reduces your reaction time if the truck suddenly breaks. By leaving enough space, you protect yourself from these dangers.
4. Exercise Caution When Passing a Truck or Switching Lanes
Make sure there’s plenty of space when passing. Avoid cutting in front of a truck, and only pass if you have ample room. Once it’s safe, pass swiftly without lingering beside the truck.
If you’ve been involved in a truck accident despite following safety practices, a lawyer can help by investigating the accident, collecting critical evidence, and navigating Washington’s legal standards to pursue the support you need.
Additional Precautions for Avoiding Truck Accidents in Washington
Washington follows a comparative fault rule. This means that if multiple parties share fault in an accident, this rule affects how liability and compensation are calculated. Taking these extra steps while driving near trucks in the Pacific Northwest can help you stay safer on the road:
- Pull Over Carefully When Necessary: Use designated pullover spots whenever possible. Trucks may unintentionally clip your car or worse if they swerve even slightly on a small shoulder.
- Be a Predictable Driver: While it’s essential to be a predictable driver in general, it’s even more important around trucks. Always use your turn signals and avoid making last-minute decisions. Give truck drivers clear indications of what you’re planning to do on the road.
- Avoid Distractions: Stay focused on the road. It’s easy to become distracted, fatigued, or bored, so try to set up your driving environment in advance. Prepare your environment before driving to minimize distractions. Take breaks as needed to stay alert.
- Respect Truck Drivers’ Maneuvers: Safe driving involves patience. We all have places to be, and no one wants to take longer than necessary to get there. However, safety is more important than taking risky shortcuts. Let truck drivers make the moves they need to make; otherwise, you risk your own safety. While you might feel in control, trucks are simply too dangerous for risk-taking.
- Take Extra Precautions in Bad Weather: Driving in bad weather is hazardous for everyone on the road. Slowing down is safer than risking an accident, and maintaining an even greater distance from trucks is essential. Know when it’s best to pull over and wait until conditions improve.
How a Lawyer Can Help After a Truck Accident in Washington
Truck accident cases are often complex due to the unique rules and regulations governing commercial vehicles. Working with an experienced truck accident attorney offers numerous advantages when pursuing a claim:
- Thorough Investigation of Your Case: An attorney will investigate the accident details, examining factors such as the truck driver’s qualifications, maintenance records, and potential violations of Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR) standards.
- Navigating Comparative Fault Laws: With Washington’s comparative fault rule in mind, a lawyer can work to establish liability, helping to determine whether the truck driver, trucking company, or even a third party shares responsibility.
- Securing Necessary Evidence: Truck accident claims often involve substantial documentation, including trucking logs, surveillance footage, and witness statements. A lawyer can gather this evidence and present it compellingly.
- Negotiating with Insurance Companies: Insurance companies may try to minimize your compensation, but a lawyer will negotiate on your behalf to ensure you receive the support you need.
- Helping You Understand Your Rights and Options: State laws and FMCSR guidelines can be complex, but a lawyer can explain them, helping you make informed decisions about your case.
Contact Our Dedicated Truck Crash Attorneys at Gilbert Law Firm in Spokane, Washington
At Gilbert Law Firm, we recognize the immense challenges that truck accident victims face. We care about earning your trust and take the time to get to know each and every one of our clients — who you are at your core and what you need.
We know what it’s like to lose a loved one or to suffer serious injuries in a car accident. Our team of experienced attorneys is here to listen, understand your concerns, and help you take the next steps toward recovery. We proudly serve clients throughout Spokane and the Pacific Northwest, treating every case with dedication and care.
Contact us today at (509) 321-0750 to schedule an initial 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.
