It is natural to assume that an accident involving a commercial truck is the same as any other kind of vehicle accident, but that assumption can cost you a lot down the road.
It is extremely important that you realize that a collision with a commercial vehicle is much more serious with considerably higher stakes.
If you are in an accident with a commercial truck, then you need the help of trucking accident lawyers like our team at the Gilbert Law Firm of Spokane, Washington.
The Gilbert Law Firm has years of experience successfully bringing claims against even the largest companies, and they are eager to put their knowledge at your disposal so that you can recover the compensation you need for medical expenses, property damage and lost wages.
Accident Severity
Although it’s easy to see that many commercial trucks are much bigger than a passenger vehicle, it’s harder to realize the true scope of that difference.
While most cars weigh about 3,000 pounds, a large truck hauling a full cargo container can top out at 80,000 pounds.
Therefore, a collision with a commercial truck can easily lead to serious injury or death.
Causes and Liability in a Washington Truck Accident Case
Due to their enormous size, large trucks must be operated with considerable care and skill.
That is why commercial truck drivers must be properly trained by their employers prior to taking up driving duties.
If the driver is improperly trained or monitored, then they could easily cause an accident due to braking too late, driving too aggressively, or driving while fatigued.
In addition to preparing the driver and ensuring their ongoing compliance with federal and state commercial trucking laws, employers also must maintain their vehicles. Common mechanical issues with tires and brakes could affect the performance of commercial trucks and contribute to an accident.
If the employer did not fulfill its responsibilities in training and monitoring employees driving its commercial trucks as well as maintaining such vehicles so that they perform properly, then the owner may be negligent and liable for damages following an accident.
Most commercial trucks are being used to haul freight, and in many cases, this freight is from a third party. If an accident is caused by hazardous materials in the cargo or if the freight was improperly packed, then the third party shipper may also be held liable.
Unlike in an accident involving two passenger vehicles, an accident with a commercial truck has a broader legal scope. In a typical accident, the liable parties are likely to be one of the two drivers. However, if a commercial truck is involved, then you must also examine the actions of the employer as well as any third-parties that could have contributed to the accident by negligent or criminal behavior.
Find the Right Washington Truck Accident Attorney
The last thing you want to do if you are filing a claim against a commercial truck company is to hire an inexperienced attorney who is unfamiliar with the laws regarding such vehicles. You need an attorney who understands the complexities of truck maintenance, driver monitoring, and freight handling.
If you are involved in an accident with a commercial truck, contact our team at the Gilbert Law Firm. We have successfully pursued claims against truck drivers and their employers for years. Contact us and schedule your consultation as soon as possible.
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.
