Being involved in an accident with a commercial truck can be scary and overwhelming. The size and weight of these trucks make them more destructive when they collide with a smaller passenger vehicle. This also means that when injuries are sustained, they are often severe.
If you are in an accident with a semi-truck, you should contact our Olympia truck accident lawyers. We can review the facts of your case and help negotiate a fair settlement based on your injuries and losses.
Common Causes of Olympia Truck Accidents
Truck accidents often happen in the blink of an eye. While these accidents have countless potential causes, some are more common than others.
Some of the most common causes of Olympia truck accidents include the following:
Driver Fatigue
At Bernard Law Group, we’ve seen how driver fatigue significantly contributes to truck accidents in Olympia. The demanding schedules and long hours on the road often lead to tired truck drivers. This exhaustion can impair reaction times, decision-making abilities, and overall vehicle control, increasing the risk of catastrophic accidents.
Equipment Failure
As experienced attorneys, we understand that equipment failure is another leading cause of truck accidents. This includes brake failure, tire blowouts, or malfunctioning lights and signals. Regular maintenance and inspections are crucial, but unfortunately, they are sometimes neglected, leading to preventable accidents.
Poor Weather Conditions
In Olympia, adverse weather conditions, such as heavy rain, fog, or icy roads, can be particularly challenging for truck drivers. These conditions demand extra caution and slower speeds to maintain control. Our firm has represented many clients involved in accidents caused by trucks that failed to adapt to these hazardous weather conditions.
Improper Loading
Improper loading of cargo can also lead to truck accidents. Overloading or uneven distribution of weight affects the truck’s stability and maneuverability. As a Olympia truck accident lawyers, we have seen cases where such negligence has caused serious accidents, leading to injuries and even fatalities.
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Liability Considerations in Olympia Truck Accidents
As mentioned, truck accidents are different from other vehicle accidents. Some of the issues that make them unique include:
Multiple Parties Involved
Truck accidents in Olympia can involve complex liability issues due to the number of parties that might be responsible. This can include the truck driver, the trucking company, cargo loaders, or even vehicle manufacturers. Identifying the liable parties is crucial for pursuing a successful claim. As legal experts, we meticulously investigate each accident to determine all potential sources of liability.
Truck Driver Negligence
One of the primary considerations in these accidents is truck driver negligence. This can range from distracted driving and speeding to driving under the influence or violating Hours of Service regulations. Proving driver negligence is a cornerstone of many truck accident claims, and our team is skilled in gathering the necessary evidence to support this.
Trucking Company Liability
Trucking companies can also be held liable, especially if their negligence contributed to the accident. This can include inadequate driver training, failure to maintain vehicles, or pressuring drivers to ignore safety regulations. Our firm is experienced in uncovering such negligence and holding companies accountable for their actions.
Product Liability
Sometimes, a truck or its components defect might lead to an accident. Here, the manufacturer could be held liable under product liability laws. We work with technical experts to investigate whether a product defect contributed.
Determining liability in Olympia truck accident lawyers understanding various factors and legal considerations. Our firm is committed to thoroughly investigating each case to ensure that all liable parties are held accountable, and our clients receive the compensation they deserve.
How Is Truck Accident Compensation Determined?
Determining compensation in truck accident cases begins with establishing liability. This involves identifying who is at fault for the accident.
In many cases, this might be the truck driver, the trucking company, or truck parts manufacturers. Our legal team investigates the accident to pinpoint the source of negligence, whether due to driver error, failure to follow safety regulations, or equipment malfunction.
Calculating Damages
Once liability is established, the next step is to calculate the damages. This includes both economic and non-economic damages.
Economic damages cover tangible losses such as medical expenses, lost wages, and property damage. Non-economic damages, on the other hand, compensate for intangible losses like pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
Our expertise ensures that every aspect of the client’s suffering is accounted for in the compensation.
Considering Comparative Fault
In some cases, the principle of comparative fault may apply. This means that if the injured party is found to be partially at fault for the accident, their compensation can be reduced proportionally. Our role includes advocating for our clients and ensuring a fair assessment of the accident circumstances.
Determining truck accident compensation is a complex process that requires a detailed understanding of both legal and practical aspects of personal injury law. At our firm, we dedicate ourselves to ensuring that our clients receive fair and just compensation, reflecting the full extent of their losses and suffering.
How Bernard Law Group Can Help with Your Truck Accident Claim
Truck accident cases are often complex, but you can count on our experienced attorneys to face the challenge head-on.
We can navigate the complex web of liability issues, from driver negligence to corporate responsibility. We tirelessly gather evidence, consult experts, and employ cutting-edge legal strategies to build a robust case.
Need Justice? Reach Out Today for Legal Counsel
Our commitment extends beyond the courtroom; we provide compassionate support to our clients, understanding the emotional and physical toll of such accidents.
At Bernard Law Group, we believe in justice and fair compensation. We fight to ensure that our clients are heard and compensated for their medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages. Our track record of success is a testament to our dedication and skill in handling truck accident claims.
Choosing Bernard Law Group means partnering with a team committed to your well-being and success. We stand ready to help you navigate this challenging time with professionalism, empathy, and unwavering dedication to achieving the best possible outcome for your case.