Best Truck Accident Lawyers in Everett, WA

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Everett, Washington?

  The non-emergency number for the Everett Police Department is 425-257-8400.

• Where can you get a copy of the police report for the accident in Everett, Washington?

  The Everett Police Department's records unit can provide local citizens with copies of accident reports. It is located at 3002 Wetmore Avenue, Everett and is open from 8 A.M. to 7 P.M., from Monday to Friday.

• How does negligence apply in accidents involving an illegally parked truck in Everett?

  Washington follows comparative negligence, meaning courts can assign fault to both victims and offending drivers in an accident caused by an illegally parked truck in Everett. This applies if investigations reveal that the victim is partially to blame for colliding with a parked truck due to factors such as speeding or impairment. In such situations, the court reduces the potential settlement a truck accident victim can receive.

• What kind of evidence is usable for truck accident claims in Everett?

  Key evidence in a truck accident case in Everett includes eyewitness accounts, photographs of the accident in question, and police reports that name at-fault parties. Plaintiffs may also work with lawyers to obtain reports from the FMCSA's electronics system and trucking companies to learn about an offending driver's accident history and potential violations of work guidelines. They can also use a driver's cellphone logs to prove claims involving distracted driving.

• What commonly causes truck accidents in Everett?

  The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration cites driver error and equipment failure as the top causes of truck accidents in Everett and across the country. Other common causes include the failure of a company to maintain its trucks regularly or screen the histories of its employees regarding their involvement in previous accidents. In addition, slick road conditions often cause accidents due to the frequency of inclement weather throughout the Pacific Northwest region.

• What does a victim need to do after a truck accident in Everett?

  According to state laws, truck accident victims in Everett are required to report the accident to the state's Department of Transportation if injuries and deaths occur, or if resulting property damage is equal to or more than $1,000. They are also required to exchange personal, insurance, and license information with the parties involved. Failure to comply with such guidelines can result in felony charges unless a person is physically incapable of complying due to injuries or incapacitation.

• What is the statute of limitations for truck accidents in Everett?

  The statute of limitations for Everett-based truck accidents, in accordance with Washington law, is three years. In most cases, it begins at the date of the accident in question. However, in truck accidents involving children, the statute begins when an injured child has reached his/her 18th birthday. The discovery rule can also apply in cases where a victim is only made aware of an injury or complication caused by the accident after the statute has expired.

• What does a truck accident attorney do?

  A truck accident lawyer is a personal injury attorney specializing in truck accidents. These lawyers help their clients navigate the legally complex terrain of truck accident law by gathering evidence, sending demand letters, negotiating with insurance companies, and preparing the case for trial.In most cases, they are personal injury lawyers who specialize in this particular type of claim.

• Who can be sued in a truck accident case?

  Truck accident liability is a notoriously complex area. In car accidents, liability is typically shared by one or more drivers, but that’s not always the case with truck collisions. These are just a few of the parties that may be responsible for truck accidents and subsequent injuries:

  • Equipment owners, including leasing companies
  • Truck drivers who are reckless, intoxicated, or make mistakes
  • Trucking companies accountable for hiring and keeping records
  • Maintenance providers who are negligent or fail to perform routine tasks
  • Loading personnel in accidents caused by shifting loads
  • Third-party drivers, especially in multi-vehicle collisions
  • Equipment manufacturers that sell defective parts

• What do I need to know about truck accident cases in court?

  In truck accident cases, as in all personal injury cases, the burden of proof rests on the plaintiff or party filing the lawsuit. To prevail in court, the plaintiff must prove four things:

  • The plaintiff must show that the defendant owed him or her a duty of care, such as having a legal responsibility to hire qualified drivers and maintain safe equipment.
  • In negligence claims, the plaintiff must prove that the defendant breached this duty.
  • The plaintiff must show that they suffered damages or experienced harm.
  • Finally, the plaintiff must prove that these losses were a direct result of the defendant’s breach.

  
  

• What are the common causes of truck accidents?

  Driver error is the single most common cause of motor vehicle accidents, but a variety of factors come into play on busy highways and secondary roads. Other potential causes of truck accidents include the following:

  • Inadequate or improper driver training
  • Severe weather, including rain, sleet, ice, and fog
  • Dangerous roadways, potholes, and construction zones
  • Improper loading, excess weight, and shifting cargo
  • Reckless driving involving intoxication or distractions
  • Faulty equipment, such as failing brakes

  
  

• Can I sue if I was hit by a truck owned by a big company?

  Yes, all trucking companies are responsible for hiring qualified drivers and maintaining safe equipment. However, a lengthy investigation may be required to document the scene, establish contributing factors, and hold the company responsible. Personal injury attorneys generally focus on the following points during the investigation:

  • Checking the truck driver’s record
  • Securing phone records to prove distracted driving
  • Photographing skid marks and road conditions
  • Verifying the truck’s weight and maintenance history
  • Establishing the driver’s physical and mental health
  • Reviewing logbooks to identify times of service violations
  • Checking for previous violations to establish a pattern of misconduct

  
  

• How many semi truck accidents are there per year?

  In the U.S., it's estimated that there are 500,000 large truck accidents per year with an average of nearly 1,400 per day, according to data collected from police reports. Of those 500,000 accidents, approximately 4,000 result in a death. The majority of semi truck accidents are caused by mechanical defects and driver fatigue.

• Can I sue for being hit by a semi truck?

  If you have been injured in an accident with a semi truck that is not your fault, you are entitled to compensation for the damages to your vehicle as well as for your medical bills, time missed from work, and other damages suffered. You can sue if the person or company refuses to offer fair compensation.

• What should I do after a truck accident?

  The most important thing to do after a serious accident is to seek medical attention. You should also collect witness information, photographs of the accident scene, a copy of the police report, and contact information from the driver of the truck. Gather all of your paperwork related to the accident, including copies of your medical bills. Avoid posting about the accident on social media or speaking to the driver's insurance company before seeking legal advice, because anything you say can be used against you and affect your compensation.

• How long does an 18-wheeler lawsuit take?

  Most lawsuits are settled without going to court, so reaching a settlement can happen at any point that both parties agree on fair compensation. However, in most states, once an agreement has been reached, it cannot be changed, so it's a good idea to wait long enough to ensure that there are no additional injuries before settling.

• Do semi truck accidents go to trial?

  Litigation for semi truck accidents is similar to auto accidents, but it's usually more complicated because any number of parties may ultimately be responsible for the accident, including the company that handles the truck's maintenance or repairs. If attempts at negotiating a settlement with the responsible party are unsuccessful, the lawsuit may proceed to trial. In some cases, more than one party is responsible and one of the parties may fight the lawsuit and claim no responsibility. For these reasons, it's important to seek legal help from an attorney with experience in litigating semi truck accidents.