Vancouver, WA, Truck Accident Lawyers

Common Causes of Truck Accidents

If you have been in a truck accident, you know it can be life-altering—from physical to emotional impacts that can last years. So, understanding why truck accidents happen is important to protect yourself and your family.

So what are the most common causes of truck accidents? To begin with, driver fatigue and exhaustion are major causes. Truck drivers are held to high standards for safety, but many drivers are on the road for long stretches at a time—potentially leading to them making sloppy decisions or falling asleep behind the wheel. In addition, driver error from inexperience or recklessness is also a major factor.

Other causes of truck accidents include:

• Poor vehicle maintenance.
• Cargo loading issues (i.e., overloading).
• Extreme weather conditions like snow and rain.

All these types of issues can contribute to an accident which may result in severe injuries to all involved parties.

The good news is that we are here to help — contact us today if you find yourself in this position.

The Severity of Truck Accidents

Truck accidents can be particularly severe for a variety of reasons. For one thing, the sheer mass of a truck means these types of accidents often involve greater speed and more force than other crashes. And because of the size and weight of the truck, it is not uncommon for these collisions to involve multiple vehicles.

Even seemingly minor truck accidents can result in serious injury simply due to the size discrepancy between a truck and another vehicle. In addition, due to their size and weight, certain types of trucks may require specialized evaluation and analysis during an investigation into the cause of an accident.

Finally, large commercial trucks often carry hazardous materials — which can add another layer of complexity when it comes to any potential legal action resulting from a traffic collision.

If you or someone you know is involved in a truck accident in Vancouver, WA, it is important to understand the nuances of these types of collisions and consult an experienced truck accident attorney who understands all the intricacies of your case.

Rights of Victims Injured in Truck Accidents

If you have been injured in a truck accident, it is important to know that you have legal rights. To begin with, you have a right to seek compensation for medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses related to your accident. You also have a right to pursue damages for pain and suffering or physical disability incurred due to the truck accident.

At Strong Law Attorneys, our legal team will fight for your rights and help you pursue the compensation you deserve. Here are some of the common rights that we can help fight for on your behalf:

File an Insurance Claim

You have the right to an insurance claim if an uninsured or underinsured driver injured you. An insurance claim allows victims of truck accidents to receive monetary compensation from their insurance company/policy. This can include costs like medical bills and property damage.

Seek Punitive Damages

You may be entitled to punitive damages and economic and non-economic losses. Punitive damages would represent a form of punishment against the defendant if they were grossly negligent in causing the accident with their truck or recreational vehicle that injured you or your loved one.

Obtain Emotional Distress Damages

If you suffered psychological injuries after being involved in a truck accident, such as PTSD or depression, then you may be entitled to emotional distress damages. This covers any mental pain suffered due to trauma after the accident as well as any resulting therapeutic costs needed afterward.

At Strong Law Attorneys we understand how devastating being in a truck accident can be — both financially and emotionally — so our legal team will work hard on your behalf, helping ensure that all of your rights are protected throughout the claims.

Important Evidence to Gather in a Truck Accident Claim

When you are in a truck accident, it is important that you gather as much evidence as possible that can be used to support your claim. This can include pictures of the accident scene, videos taken at the location, and detailed notes about the accident.

And do not forget to gather information about the commercial vehicle involved—the make and model, VIN, year, and other details.

Police Reports

A police report can be vital to proving who caused an accident, so ensure you get a copy of the police report if available, or at least the report number. This is going to help when it comes time to prove fault.

Witness Statements

Witness statements can be incredibly helpful when putting together your claim. Identify any witnesses at the scene immediately following an accident and be sure to collect their contact information for later follow-ups. Plus, be sure to get their statement right away so details are still fresh in their minds—vital details like who caused the collision and what parties were involved.

Trucking Logbook

Another key piece of evidence is typically the truck driver’s logbook, which records all changes in duty status while they are on duty. This document can tell us whether or not a driver was experiencing fatigue due to lack of rest or been pushed beyond his federally mandated hours of service limits — facts that could prove a driver was negligent in causing an accident.

What an Experienced Vancouver, WA, Truck Accident Lawyer Can Do for You

When you have been involved in a truck accident in Vancouver, WA, you want the best legal representation you can get — that is why you should hire an experienced Vancouver, WA, truck accident attorney. They know how to handle the complex laws associated with truck accidents and can help you get the compensation and justice you deserve.

Here is what an experienced Vancouver, WA, truck accident lawyer can do for you:

1. Investigate and Analyze: A skilled attorney will investigate your accident to gather evidence and analyze it to determine who is liable. This includes analyzing data from onboard computer systems, identifying witnesses, and consulting experts.
2. Negotiate with Insurance Companies: An experienced lawyer will negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf to ensure that your claim is heard fairly and that you receive fair compensation for your damages.
3. Represent You in Court: If necessary, an experienced attorney will represent your case in court effectively to get the best possible outcome for your case.

The bottom line is that when it comes to getting justice after a truck accident in Vancouver, WA, having an experienced attorney on your side is essential for getting the most favorable outcome possible.

Steps to Take After a Truck Accident

The aftermath of a truck accident can be incredibly stressful and overwhelming. Besides the physical and emotional hurt, you must also consider medical bills, insurance claims, and a potential lawsuit. That is why knowing what steps to take after a truck accident in Vancouver, WA, is so important.

Thinking straight after an accident is difficult but pays off in the long run. So, this is what you should do:

1. Check if anyone is injured at the scene and if they need medical help.
2. Call the police to come to the scene and make a report — your insurance company will require this or if you choose to file a lawsuit.
3. Exchange contact and insurance information with any other driver involved in the accident and any witnesses who stayed on the scene.
4. Take pictures of any damage from all angles, including property damage alongside personal injuries if necessary — this is solid evidence that could be used later on in an insurance claim or at trial court proceedings.
5. Contact an experienced Vancouver, WA, truck accident attorney for advice on how best to proceed with your case — having a professional legal expert on your side can make all the difference when it comes to navigating insurance companies or taking legal action.

Following these steps might seem overwhelming, but understanding the legal requirements involved can help protect your rights and ensure that everyone involved gets compensation for their losses due to the truck accident in Vancouver, WA.

Why Choose Us?

Are you looking for an attorney who is familiar with truck accidents in Vancouver, WA? If so, then our law firm is the right choice for you. We have extensive experience representing clients affected by truck accidents, which gives us unique insights into how these cases are handled.

Why choose us? Here is what sets us apart:

• We have a 98% success rate in representing our clients.
• We understand the details of state and federal laws related to these types of cases.
• We are familiar with common strategies used by defense attorneys, including tactics to reduce or even void your claim.
• We have deep knowledge of the insurance industry and understand how to negotiate a claim that will be equitable for all involved parties.
• Our staff is comprised of experienced attorneys who have a long track record of success in pursuing these types of cases.
• We offer free initial consultations and work on contingency, so you do not owe us anything unless we win your case.
• Our team has long-standing relationships with experts who can help strengthen your case.

We take pride in offering personalized attention to each client we serve. Our goal is to ensure that our clients receive the highest degree of legal representation available in Vancouver, WA.

FAQs about Truck Accidents in Vancouver

You likely have many questions if you’ve been involved in a truck accident. Here are some of the most frequent questions and answers you should know to help make the process smoother.

What happens after the initial contact with an attorney?

Once you have spoken to a lawyer and decided to proceed with legal representation, they will gather evidence and information regarding your case. This includes police reports, witness statements, and any other relevant facts or details that could help bring a successful resolution.

Is there a statute of limitations on filing a truck accident claim?

Yes. In Washington State, the statute of limitations for filing any type of personal injury claim is three years from the date of the accident. It is important to note that this timeline can be shorter depending on specific circumstances, so it is best to seek legal advice from an experienced Vancouver attorney as soon as possible if you believe you have grounds for a truck accident claim.

How long does it take to settle a truck accident case?

The time it takes to settle an injury claim depends on factors such as complexity, amount of evidence needed to prove fault, etc. It can take three months to several years before an injury claim is resolved. An experienced truck accident lawyer will be able to provide more insight into your specific situation and let you know the estimated timeline for resolution.