Seattle is known for its busy streets and highways, where commercial vehicles like trucks, buses, and vans play a vital role in transporting goods and passengers. However, the presence of these large vehicles also brings increased risks of accidents, many of which lead to severe injuries or even fatalities.
Recent statistics show that accidents involving large trucks and commercial vehicles claimed the lives of 5,936 people. This is an increase of 2% from the year before and an overall 49% increase over ten years.
After an accident, an experienced Seattle commercial vehicle accident lawyer can guide you through the legal process, protect your rights, and fight for the compensation you deserve. Bernard Law Group offers a free case review to help you better understand your options.
What Is Considered a Commercial Vehicle?
A commercial vehicle is any vehicle owned or operated by a business to transport goods or passengers. According to the Washington State Department of Motor Vehicles, commercial vehicles include large trucks, delivery vans, buses, and sometimes even taxis.
These vehicles are subject to stricter regulations due to the potential dangers they pose on the road. Some of the most notable types of commercial vehicles include:
- Delivery trucks (e.g., UPS, FedEx)
- Tractor-trailers (semi-trucks)
- Box trucks
- Buses (city buses, school buses, charter buses)
- Vans (cargo vans, passenger vans)
- Flatbed trucks
- Cement mixers
- Dump trucks
- Refrigerated trucks (reefers)
- Taxis and ride-share vehicles (e.g., Uber, Lyft)
- Tow trucks
- Garbage trucks
- Utility trucks (e.g., power company trucks)
- Oil and gas tankers
- Fire trucks and emergency vehicles
Commercial drivers in Seattle are held to higher standards than the average driver. They must have specific licenses, such as a commercial driver’s license (CDL), undergo routine drug testing, adhere to strict hours-of-service regulations, and maintain their vehicles to avoid mechanical failures.
Unfortunately, commercial vehicle accidents still happen despite these measures, often resulting in devastating consequences for the victims.
How Are Commercial Accidents Different Than Other Accidents?
Due to the larger size and weight of trucks and buses, commercial vehicle accidents are more likely to have catastrophic outcomes than regular car accidents. When a large truck collides with a passenger vehicle, the impact can cause life-altering injuries and significant property damage. The average commercial truck weighs 20 to 30 times more than a passenger car, which means the force of the collision is greater.
Injuries resulting from commercial vehicle accidents often include spinal cord damage, broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, and paralysis. Victims may require surgeries, long-term rehabilitation, and other extensive medical treatments.
The road to recovery can be long and painful, which is why it’s so important to have a Seattle commercial vehicle accident lawyer advocating for your best interests. Not only are these accidents more severe, but the costs associated with medical treatment and vehicle repairs can quickly add up.
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Why Do You Need a Seattle Commercial Vehicle Accident Attorney?
Hiring an attorney with knowledge and experience is essential when dealing with a commercial vehicle accident case. At Bernard Law Group, we work with top accident investigators who help determine liability in complex truck accidents. Unlike standard car accidents, commercial vehicle cases often involve multiple parties who could be at fault, including the driver, the company, and the vehicle manufacturer.
Our Seattle commercial vehicle accident lawyer can help you recover compensation for a wide range of damages. We understand the challenges that come with these types of accidents and are committed to helping our clients navigate the legal process. Whether it’s negotiating with insurance companies or representing you in court, we are here to fight for the maximum compensation you are entitled to.
Common Injuries from Commercial Vehicle Accidents
The injuries sustained in a commercial vehicle accident are often severe and require immediate medical attention. Some of the most common injuries include:
- Spinal cord injuries: These can lead to partial or complete paralysis. In some cases, victims may require lifelong therapy and rehabilitation.
- Broken bones: The force of a truck accident can lead to serious broken bones, often resulting in the need for surgeries and a long recovery process that may take months.
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI): A blow to the head during a crash can lead to memory loss, cognitive difficulties, and other long-term complications.
- Internal injuries: Damage to internal organs may not be immediately visible but can be life-threatening if not treated quickly.
- Wrongful death: Unfortunately, some commercial vehicle accidents are so severe that they result in fatalities. In these cases, the surviving family members may be entitled to file a wrongful death lawsuit to seek justice and compensation.
Injuries from commercial vehicle accidents are often painful and challenging to overcome. In many cases, victims have to spend tens of thousands of dollars on medical expenses.
That is why it is so important to take legal action to get justice and recover compensation. To file a successful claim against the responsible party, you must be able to identify the cause of the accident.
Common Causes of Commercial Vehicle Accidents
Commercial vehicle accidents are often caused by various factors, many of which could have been prevented with proper care and attention. Some of the most common causes of truck crashes include:
- Driver fatigue: Truck drivers often spend long hours on the road, which can lead to exhaustion and slower reaction times.
- Mechanical defects: Poorly maintained trucks are more likely to experience tire blowouts, brake failures, or other mechanical issues that can lead to accidents.
- Speeding: Due to tight delivery schedules, some drivers may exceed speed limits, making it difficult to stop or maneuver in time to avoid a collision.
- Poor maintenance: Commercial vehicles require regular inspections and maintenance to operate safely. Neglecting these routine checks can lead to dangerous mechanical failures.
Given the size and limited visibility of commercial trucks, even a minor mistake can have devastating consequences for other drivers on the road. When a truck driver or company fails to follow safety regulations, the results can be catastrophic.
Wrongful Death Due to a Commercial Vehicle Accident
When a loved one is lost in a commercial vehicle accident, the emotional and financial toll on the family can be overwhelming. Surviving family members may be eligible to file a wrongful death lawsuit to seek compensation for funeral costs, lost income, emotional pain, and more.
In Washington, the court will evaluate the circumstances of the accident to determine liability and assess damages. A Seattle commercial vehicle accident lawyer from Bernard Law Group can guide you through the process of filing a wrongful death claim, helping you seek justice for your loved one’s untimely death.
Who Is Held Liable for Commercial Vehicle Accidents?
Our Seattle commercial vehicle accident lawyer works with professionals to investigate every detail of your accident, gathering evidence to build a strong case. By thoroughly examining the driver’s logbooks, maintenance records, and other critical documents, we can determine who is responsible and ensure they are held accountable.
Compensation After a Commercial Vehicle Accident
Victims of commercial vehicle accidents are often entitled to compensation for various damages. These can include:
- Medical expenses: This covers everything from emergency care to ongoing rehabilitation and future medical treatments.
- Lost earnings: If the accident prevents you from working, you may be entitled to compensation for lost wages, both past and future.
- Property damage: Besides personal injuries, your vehicle may have sustained significant damage during the accident.
- Pain and suffering: This type of compensation is intended to cover the emotional and psychological toll of the accident, including anxiety, depression, and loss of enjoyment of life.
- Diminished quality of life: If your injuries have resulted in a permanent disability or impairment, you may be compensated for the reduced quality of life you now experience.
Since commercial vehicles are often insured for higher limits, settlements in these cases can be substantial. However, trucking companies and their insurers will do everything possible to minimize payouts, so having a Seattle commercial vehicle accident lawyer on your side is crucial.
Need Justice? Reach Out Today for Legal Counsel
Contact Our Seattle Commercial Vehicle Accident Lawyer
If you are dealing with the aftermath of a commercial vehicle accident in Seattle, don’t wait to get the legal help you need. At Bernard Law Group, our experienced Seattle commercial vehicle accident lawyer is here to provide the guidance and representation you deserve.
Contact us today for a free consultation, and let us help you fight for the compensation you are entitled to.
