Truck accidents happen all the time in the U.S. Washington State is no exception. With so many large commercial trucks on the road, it is no wonder that there were nearly 1,000 accidents involving these trucks in the first half of 2024 alone.
The legal process after a truck accident can quickly become confusing and overwhelming. This usually happens because multiple parties are involved or the at-fault driver’s insurer disputes that their client is at fault.
If you have been injured in a truck accident in Seattle, you must take enough time to evaluate your legal options. You should also speak to a truck accident lawyer to understand the way forward.
Why Truck Accidents Make for Complex Legal Cases
Seattle boasts the unenviable combination of packed highways and unpredictable weather. This creates a huge risk on the roads where large trucks have to share space with smaller vehicles.
As mentioned, truck accidents may involve several parties. For instance, it may not just be a straightforward case of a truck crashing into your car.
If you are in an accident with a truck, the driver may be to blame, but their employer may share that blame. If the truck suffered a malfunction, causing the driver to lose control, the equipment manufacturer may be liable.
Sometimes, even local government entities may be held responsible for a truck accident if they fail to maintain the road.
Moreover, federal regulations from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) govern several aspects of commercial trucking. This includes driver hours, truck maintenance, and cargo loading.
An employer or truck driver violating these rules may result in an accident. At the same time, their negligence may become evidence in your legal case.
Why You Should Not Forgo Legal Representation
There are several things you must consider and steps you must take after a truck accident. You should not do this alone, especially if you want to claim compensation from the at-fault party’s insurance company.
If you do not have a lawyer to guide you, the insurer may pressure you to accept a far lower offer than you deserve. They may also try to deny your claim altogether for whatever reason.
An experienced truck accident lawyer knows federal and state regulations almost by heart. They know the deadlines for your specific case and the type of evidence that will help them win your case.
Most importantly, skilled truck accident lawyers know how to negotiate with insurance adjusters. Your lawyer will shield you from bad faith practices and fight for compensation.
What You Should Do After a Truck Accident
You may not realize it then, but your legal case starts immediately after an accident. You may not have filed it yet, but you can already gather evidence to support your claim.
For example, you will need medical treatment directly after a truck accident. When you go to an ER or hospital, the staff will create a medical file for you. You need the medical information in this file to strengthen your claim.
While still at the scene, you should also call the police immediately. The officer who arrives to help you and the truck driver will create an official accident report. You can use this document as evidence to prove the truck driver was at fault (in some instances).
Getting visual evidence while you are still at the scene is also crucial. If you can walk around without getting in the way of traffic, take photos of the damage to both vehicles. Also, take photos and videos of injuries on your body.
While you do this, you should keep an eye out for witnesses at the scene. They can help with your case by providing an eyewitness account.
Remember to inform your insurer about the accident as soon as possible. Your lawyer will advise you not to make any statements to the insurer unless they are present.
Why Hiring a Lawyer Is the Best Thing You Can Do
Truck accident cases require knowledge and skills that only truck accident lawyers may possess.
Your truck accident lawyer will gather additional evidence to support your legal case. This includes logbooks and vehicle maintenance records.
Your lawyer will also identify all potentially liable parties and negotiate with the relevant insurance companies. Your lawyer will represent you in court if your case is not settled.
So, if you don’t know what to do after a truck accident, call a lawyer first. They will review your case and advise whether you should file a claim. Ultimately, hiring the right lawyer can mean the difference between winning and losing your case.