Truck Accidents

TRUCK ACCIDENT ATTORNEY

It’s common for drivers to feel unsettled while sharing the road with large trucks transporting tons of cargo. What’s more unsettling is the fact that sharing the road with them leads to more accidents than you think. Due increase in demand for goods and services, more and more trucks are hitting the around Washington State to move and distribute freight. Statistics show that truck accidents are also increasing year over year, and the Puget Sound is no stranger to serious and fatal truck accidents occurring along the I-5 corridor.

Slips and falls are the leading cause of compensable injury in the trucking industry [1]. We have Truck Accident Attorneys that can steer you in the right direction when it comes to compensation for on the job injuries or slips and falls.

Here at The Law Offices of Michael Clark, we advise drivers to be extra cautious when sharing the road with large trucks. If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident, our truck accident attorneys are here to help you receive the compensation you deserve. 

THE DIFFERENT CAUSES OF TRUCK ACCIDENTS

While semi-truck drivers are occasionally the cause of truck accidents on the road, other times the accident may be caused by the victim. However, statistics express that truck accidents are two times as dangerous compared to regular automobile accidents. In addition to common roadway dangers such as speeding and distracted driving, truck drivers also often face fatigue due to long hours and shifts on the road. Because truck drivers are typically paid by the load, drivers need to make more deliveries. This can only be accomplished by driving for longer periods of time in order to make more money, resulting in a lack of rest. 

In addition to the danger of a truck driver’s own negligence, the vehicle itself and the manner in how the load is placed inside the truck can also pose threats on the road. This can occur when trucks are not loaded properly or inspected before the driver begins their shift. Poorly loaded freight can fall from trucks subsequently injuring unsuspecting drivers, and mechanical breakdowns while driving can also lead to loss of control over what is often a 40-ton vehicle.

The magnitude of an automobile accident involving a semi tractor-trailer truck is another variable in these types of cases. The sheer size and weight of large commercial vehicles significantly increases the risk of death and serious bodily injury to anyone involved in a truck accident. Truck accidents can result in traumatic brain injuries, broken bones, serious damage to the neck and back, neurological damage, and worst of all, death.

DAMAGES A TRUCK ACCIDENT CAN CAUSE

Just like after an automobile accident or any other personal injury, a person injured during a truck accident is entitled to seek recovery for their damages, so that their life can be restored as close as possible to its state before the accident.

Truck accident claims can push for compensation for the following damages:

• Medical bills, surgery, and other medical treatment costs
• Rehabilitation fees and procedures
• Nursing home care costs
• Lost income during the period of the incident
• Loss of earning capacity in the future
• Pain and suffering
• Mental and emotional trauma
• Disfigurement and permanent scarring
• In certain cases, the injured victim’s family may seek compensation for loss of consortium, which means that their spouse or parent can no longer provide the same level of companionship, care, love, affection, or sex life that they could before the accident.

In extreme cases, punitive damages may also be available if the driver or company acted in bad faith or a way that intended to cause harm when they should have known would cause harm. Punitive damages are meant to punish a company financially, such as a fine, to discourage them from acting in such a way in the future. It is important to note that punitive damages are often dramatically lowered by judges and rarely covered by insurance policies.

SETTLEMENT FOR TRUCK ACCIDENTS

While seeking the appropriate medical care after a truck or automobile accident is important for protecting your health, it can also lead to significant medical bills. In order for victims to be able to pay their bills, they often accept extremely low settlement offers from insurance companies who are trying to quickly close the case. It’s important to remember that these insurance companies are looking to settle your 18-wheeler accident for as little money as they possibly can, all for the sake of profit.

As a victim, it is vital that you are aware of your rights. Whether you are the truck driver or a motorist who fell victim to a serious semi-truck crash, you have the right to recover from your injuries.

TACOMA AREA TRUCK ACCIDENTS ATTORNEYS

With the help of our Tacoma truck accident attorneys, you can have peace of mind knowing that your case will be handled with the utmost importance. The Law Offices of Michael Clark specializes in personal injury cases and have over 25 years of experience with all varieties of automobile and truck accident claims. Our reputation for zealously representing our clients to the insurance carriers is evident in our everyday work toward maximizing our clients’ settlement offers.  

In addition to truck accidents, our team of skilled legal professionals also cover a wide variety of other Personal Injury cases such as motorcycle accidents, wrongful death claims, and dog bites.

We proudly serve the areas throughout the Puget Sound region including Tacoma, Seattle, Olympia, and all of Western Washington. Contact the Law Offices of Michael Clark today to discuss your case by calling 253-573-1000 or simply fill out our online contact form below to address your legal needs.

Source:

[1] “Slip and Fall Quick Facts | NFSI.” National Floor Safety Institute, https://nfsi.org/nfsi-research/quick-facts/