The medical expenses keep adding up, insurance companies want you to take the first settlement they offer, and everyone insists on having their version of the story heard. In such cases, a Seattle truck accident attorney can help you through the procedural aspect and fight for the rightful compensation you’re entitled to.
Distracted Driving: A Moment of Inattention Can Be Devastating
Many truck drivers—just like every other driver—will spend more time on the road traveling for work or fun than they will at home. While that means they can get tired and hungry, it does not mean it is ok to send that “one text” or to respond to that “one email.” But, unfortunately, all too often, that is exactly what has happened. And it only takes a quick moment of inattention to cause a wreck that injures or kills someone.
The truth is that even something that seems as benign as changing a radio station could cause a wreck with tragic results. You likely understand that it takes numerous yards for a big semi to stop. So, almost any act of negligence could lead to a quick wreck.
Driver Fatigue: The Silent Danger Behind the Wheel
There are federal laws about how long truckers can and can’t drive without adequate rest. However, truck driver fatigue and exhaustion are among the reasons big rig accidents occur every day around the country, and Seattle is no exception. Truckers trying to meet tight deadlines and expecting their truck drivers to go too far hurt all of us on the roads. When trucker fatigue leads to an accident, victims can and should take legal action against the driver’s employer.
Speeding and Reckless Driving: The Race Against Time
Tunnel vision and more significant injuries and fatalities can all be attributed to a driver who is going too fast. And when truck drivers’ recklessness creates wreckage, lawyers and expert teams will help you in all ways possible. A Seattle truck accident lawyer can gather all the necessary documentation needed to establish momentum, gain an accurate understanding of what happened, and prove that the driver was driving dangerously according to speed limits and driving conditions.
Poor Truck Maintenance: A Mechanical Failure Waiting to Happen
Trucks are heavy pieces of machinery that cannot come to halts or stop so quickly. Worn tires, missing brake pads, or a faulty engine can elevate your risk of danger and slow your response time to react if you see an accident or dangerous situation in front of you. A tire blowout on a busy highway can cause a truck driver to jackknife if not appropriately or safely operated. An attorney can use maintenance records to prove that the company that owns the vehicle is at fault for your accident.
How a Seattle Truck Accident Attorney Can Help
An experienced truck crash attorney can:
- Investigate the accident scene and gather crucial evidence.
- Work with experts to reconstruct the crash and determine liability.
- Handle negotiations with insurance companies to secure fair compensation.
- Represent you in court if a settlement cannot be reached.
Moving Forward After a Truck Accident
A truck accident involves multiple rights and responsibilities for multiple parties. You have the right to obtain the compensation you deserve from the healthcare you need, time off of work, emotional suffering, and other aspects of your losses. This can come from the truck driver, the trucking company, truck part manufacturers, and insurance companies.
