When To Consult a Lawyer for a Seattle Truck Accident
When two cars get into a fender-bender accident, they will typically pull off to the side of the road and exchange information without a major disruption to traffic. That is not always the case with a truck accident. Case in point: KIRO Newsradio reported on a jackknifed semi-truck that shut down all five lanes of I-5. The size of trucks makes any impact more forceful.
Seattle sees its fair share of truck accidents. There can also be a lot of factors that contribute to a truck accident with multiple at-fault parties. That can make filing a claim to seek compensation more complex. When do you need to consult a lawyer for a Seattle truck accident? The short answer is “as soon as possible.” Before moving forward, it is essential to understand all the benefits you can achieve from working with an attorney skilled in these matters.
They Will Establish Liability
Getting into a crash with a semi-truck will have you blaming the truck driver. There are many reasons why a truck driver would be held liable for an accident. Consider the following:
- Driving while distracted by texting, smoking, eating, etc.
- Making aggressive turns and lane changes
- Driving while intoxicated by alcohol, cannabis, or medication
- Not checking mirrors for blind spots
- Driving while drowsy or sleepy
- Speeding
- Following too closely behind other vehicles
- Aggressive driving in inclement weather
- External vehicle malfunction
- Failure to perform regular inspections of the rig
Although that driver might be primarily responsible, there could be other parties. The truck company that hired the driver might have overlooked their qualifications or allowed an operator with a history of reckless driving citations to get on the road, which would make them partially responsible.
Fault can also be attributed to the company who loaded the cargo if that was another factor in the accident. A cargo that is improperly secured can shift in transit and cause the truck to tip over. There could also be issues with mechanics not making the proper repairs or manufacturers selling defective parts. If your attorney’s investigation uncovers any negligence, they can name the parties.
They Help You Get Compensation for Severe Injuries and Damage
In a collision with another car, the kinetic energy from the force of impact literally shakes every organ in your body. It can also slam you into the steering wheel, dashboard, or side of the car. An accident with a truck increases that force of impact, which can lead to even more severe injuries. Your car can also be totaled in a collision with an 18-wheeler. That cuts off your mode of transportation, and that can upend your entire family.
You can also experience ongoing issues such as chronic pain and mental anguish. There is also the issue of your lost wages. If you’re recovering from injuries, you won’t be able to get back to work until your doctor clears you. In some instances, you might not be able to return to work at all. Because that accident wasn’t your fault, you should be able to recover the lost wages and your future earning potential.
These are all the damages that you should be compensated for by the at-fault truck driver. Your Seattle truck accident attorney can help you calculate all those expenses, including some you might not be aware you’re entitled to. They will help you determine the monetary value that should be attached to your pain and suffering.
They Negotiate With the Insurance Carrier
The circumstances of your truck accident might be straightforward, and the blame should be placed solely on the part of the truck driver. That doesn’t mean the insurance company will automatically pay you what you ask for. They will need to conduct their own investigation to verify your claim, and they will look for evidence to help them reduce the amount you are due. The moment you put your attorney on retainer, they will take over the negotiations. That begins with crafting a demand letter presenting your version of the accident, supporting evidence, and the damages for which you want compensation.
What will follow will be rounds of emails, conversations, and meetings to reach an acceptable offer. The goal is to help you achieve the maximum amount allowable.
They Will Represent You in Court
If the at-fault party does not fault, the insurance company will back them up. That means the negotiations will hit a standstill. When that happens, your attorney might recommend filing a civil complaint against the at-fault parties. That will mean presenting your story to a jury for their consideration. Your attorney will present the evidence, including witness testimony and your recounting of the story.
Your attorney will be kept informed along every step of the way. They will also thoroughly prepare you to present your story.
They Will Ensure You Meet Important Deadlines
Every state establishes a statute of limitations for how long victims of truck accidents have to file a civil complaint. Before that, there are also important deadlines that you need to meet with the insurance company. If you don’t meet those deadlines, your compensation could be at risk. Your attorney will make sure you won’t miss any critical deadlines.
Most importantly, working with an experienced legal team like the Trucking Injury Law Group will bring you peace of mind. You’ll be able to focus on your recovery, knowing you have advocates working on your behalf.
