Semi-trucks are larger and heavier than any other vehicle on the road. When truck accidents occur, they can cause serious damage and potentially life-threatening injuries to whoever they collide with. Truck accident injuries are usually more serious than those sustained in a car-on-car collision.
At Bernard Law Group, our experienced Seattle truck accident lawyers are here to help you seek justice and compensation. We have earned a reputation for advocating tirelessly for our clients and will provide you with the legal representation you need to achieve the best possible outcome for your case.
The Harsh Reality of Truck Accidents
Truck accidents are among the most catastrophic road incidents, primarily due to the massive size and weight of these vehicles compared to standard passenger cars. The outcomes of such collisions can be devastating, often leading to serious injuries or fatalities.
Our team of personal injury lawyers in Seattle witnesses the aftermath of these accidents and the long journey victims undergo toward recovery.
Common Injuries from Truck Accidents
While all types of injuries can occur in truck accidents, some are more common than others. Some of the most common injuries in Seattle truck accidents include:
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
TBIs are a frequent outcome of truck accidents resulting from severe blows to the head. The impact can range from mild concussions to severe brain damage, affecting cognitive functions, physical abilities, and emotional well-being.
Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis
The force exerted in a truck accident can cause damage to the spinal cord, potentially leading to partial or full paralysis. These injuries can drastically alter a person’s life, requiring long-term care and significant adjustments to their daily activities.
Broken Bones
The intense impact of a truck collision often results in fractured or broken bones. While some fractures can heal with time, others may lead to chronic pain or require surgical intervention to mend properly.
Internal Injuries
Internal organs can be damaged in truck accidents due to blunt trauma or penetration injuries. These conditions are particularly perilous because they might not be immediately apparent but can lead to life-threatening complications if not treated promptly.
Lacerations and Burns
Shattered glass, metal fragments, and fires resulting from a truck accident can cause severe lacerations and burns. Such injuries often require extensive medical treatment and can leave lasting scars, both physically and emotionally.
Long-Term Effects of Truck Accident Injuries
The journey after sustaining injuries in a truck accident involves much more than physical healing. Victims often face long-term or even permanent changes to their lives, including:
- Chronic Pain: Many accident survivors experience ongoing pain, significantly affecting their quality of life and ability to perform everyday activities.
- Mobility Issues: Injuries to the spinal cord or limbs can lead to mobility difficulties, sometimes requiring mobility aids or adjustments to living spaces.
- Cognitive and Emotional Challenges: TBIs can result in cognitive impairments, affecting memory, concentration, and emotional regulation. Victims might also experience PTSD, anxiety, and depression following the trauma of the accident.
- Financial Strain: The cost of medical treatment and rehabilitation and potential loss of income can impose a significant financial burden on victims and their families.
Navigating Liability in Seattle Truck Accidents
In the aftermath of a truck accident in Seattle, establishing liability is a critical step toward securing compensation for the victims. The complexity of truck accident cases requires an understanding of the law, making the expertise of Seattle truck accident lawyers indispensable.
To prove liability, several steps must be taken. These include:
Understanding Truck Accident Laws
Several laws and regulations significantly impact how liability is determined in Seattle truck accident cases. The expertise of Seattle personal injury lawyers is crucial in navigating these complex legal landscapes to ensure victims receive the justice and compensation they deserve.
Here, you will find the key laws and regulations that play pivotal roles in truck accident cases.
Federal and State Regulations
The FMCSA sets forth national regulations that govern commercial motor vehicles’ operations to enhance safety on the roads. These regulations cover hours of service, maintenance standards, and qualifications for drivers. Violations of these rules by truck drivers or trucking companies can be pivotal in establishing negligence in a truck accident case.
Washington State Commercial Vehicle Regulations
In addition to federal regulations, Washington State has its own rules governing commercial vehicles, including trucks. These rules, which complement FMCSA regulations, cover vehicle weight limits, driver licensing, and road use permits. Familiarity with both federal and state regulations allows Seattle truck accident lawyers to identify any violations that could contribute to liability.
Comparative Fault Law in Washington
Washington State operates under a comparative fault system, codified in RCW 4.22.005. This law allows for damages to be distributed among multiple parties based on their percentage of fault in an accident.
Even if a victim is found partially responsible, they can still recover damages, though their percentage of fault will reduce the amount. Understanding and navigating the comparative fault law is critical to advocating for truck accident victims in Seattle.
Determining Fault
The primary challenge in any truck accident case is determining who is at fault. This process involves thoroughly investigating the accident scene, examining the vehicles involved, and analyzing any available surveillance footage.
Multiple Parties Involved
Truck accidents often have multiple potentially liable parties, unlike those involving only passenger vehicles. Some parties that may share liability include the truck driver, trucking company, vehicle manufacturers, and even governmental entities responsible for road maintenance.
Proving Negligence
To successfully claim compensation, it is essential to prove that the party at fault breached their duty of care towards the victim, directly causing the accident and subsequent injuries. This process requires collecting substantial evidence, such as driver logs, vehicle maintenance records, and expert testimonies.
How Seattle Truck Accident Lawyers Can Help
Navigating the aftermath of a truck accident can be overwhelming for victims and their families. This is where the expertise of Seattle truck accident lawyers becomes invaluable. At Bernard Law Group, our team is dedicated to supporting accident victims through this challenging time.
We understand the complexities of truck accident claims and work tirelessly to ensure our clients receive the compensation they deserve for their injuries, pain and suffering, and financial losses.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident in Seattle, do not hesitate to contact our experienced personal injury lawyers in Seattle. Our team is here to help you through every step of the legal process, ensuring you receive the justice and compensation you deserve.
