Best Truck Accident Lawyers in Spokane

FAQs

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

  509-456-2233 is the non-emergency contact number of the Spokane police station.

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

  Requests can be sent to the SPD Records office via fax, mail, or email. You may write to the Records Department, PSB-1, 1116 W Broadway Ave., Spokane, WA., 99260-0001. Its fax number is 509-625-4059. Make sure to provide sufficient details, such as the incident's time, place, and date; the nature of the report; and the report ID, if available. You cannot receive reports by fax. Your address and a phone number where someone can reach you can be included.

• Who is responsible for a truck accident in Spokane?

  The truck driver or business may be liable for your injuries if they have acted negligently, whether it is by failing to comply with regulations, not maintaining the truck, or driving dangerously. To learn more about your case and your options after your accident, you should speak with a Spokane truck accident attorney as soon as possible.

• What should you do in Spokane after a truck accident?

  The first thing to do after being in a truck accident is to get the appropriate medical care. Remain at the scene of the collision and dial 911 for immediate assistance. You must also inform the police about the incident. Don't forget to consult a Spokane truck accident lawyer before speaking to insurance companies about the collision.

• What is being looked at in a Spokane truck accident investigation?

  It is crucial to keep track of any Spokane truck accident evidence. Just a few of the components that are typically contained in investigations include:

  • Examining the scene
  • Getting witness testimony
  • Getting all truck maintenance records and looking them through
  • Identifying whether federal or state laws were broken
  • Examining all electronic information and logbook data
  • Examining the gasoline and toll receipts
  • Providing a list of truck flaws
  • Searching the driver's history

• What types of truck accidents occur in Spokane?

  In Spokane, a few of the most typical truck accident types are as follows:

  • Rear-end collisions
  • Hit-and-runs
  • Sideswipes
  • Frontal collisions
  • Left turn mishaps
  • Wide turn mishaps
  • On-ramp mishaps on Interstate 90
  • Accidents on Highway 2 and Division Street

  Keep in mind, though, that every truck accident is unique. Each accident's type and cause can have a significant impact on the injuries that victims suffer. The speed of the drivers and the angle at which the vehicles meet are two of the most important variables.

• What should you do if you were hurt in a Spokane truck accident but the other driver did not stop?

  Washington law requires all motorists to stop and remain at the scene of a crash. All accidents that result in injuries in Washington State must be reported to the police. It is in your best interests to call the police after a serious crash—especially if the other driver fled the scene of the incident. Notify the Spokane Police Department, the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office, or another agency right away.

• 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.