Best Truck Accident Lawyers in Vancouver, WA

FAQs

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

  Citizens can dial 311 for non-emergency law enforcement assistance in Vancouver. The contact numbers for the Vancouver police department include:

  • +1 360-487-7500 (520 SE 155th Ave)
  • +1 360-487-7400 (605 E Evergreen Blvd)
  • +1 360-487-7355 (+1 360-487-7355)

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

  The records department can be reached by phone at 360-487-7398 or through email at vpdrecords@cityofvancouver.us. You can also go to the Public Records Request page and fill out the form online.

• How can a truck accident lawyer in Vancouver help your case?

  A Vancouver truck accident lawyer can help you determine the cause of your accident and hold the person at fault. A truck accident lawyer can assist in identifying the responsible party or parties, collecting evidence, interviewing eyewitnesses, negotiating with the insurance company, and, if necessary, taking the case to trial.

• When should you hire a truck accident lawyer in Vancouver?

  When involved in a truck accident, you should consult or hire a lawyer as soon as possible. Even when the damages are severe, insurance companies may be slow to compensate victims. Contacting a Vancouver truck accident lawyer as soon as possible gives them enough time to investigate your accident and gather evidence to support your claim.

• What are the advantages of hiring a truck accident lawyer in Vancouver?

  Hiring Vancouver truck accident lawyers can be helpful because they evaluate various legal strategies and choose the approach that is most likely to result in a favorable outcome for your case. Filing an insurance claim, going to trial, arbitrating the accident case, and negotiating for fair compensation are examples of these options. Lawyers can obtain necessary documents and request reports, as well as other critical evidence, to demonstrate how the accident occurred and who is to blame.

• In Vancouver, how long does it usually take to settle a truck accident claim?

  A truck accident claim in Vancouver typically takes six months to reach a final settlement. However, it is dependent on a variety of factors, as some cases take months to resolve while others can take years.

• What happens after a settlement agreement for a truck accident in Vancouver has been signed?

  After reaching a settlement agreement for a truck accident, the parties resolve the matter. The parties become in agreement with the outcome. Both sides put the agreement in writing and sign it. Consequently, the plaintiff cannot often file an identical claim against the defendant. Some documents may also prohibit the plaintiff from pursuing additional claims against the defendant.

• 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.