Seattle Truck Accident Attorneys

Driver Negligence That Causes Truck Accidents

Some of the most common types of driver negligence include:

• Distracted Driving: Truck drivers distracted by their phones, eating, or other activities could fail to notice vehicles in their blind spots, changes in traffic conditions, the speed at which they are driving, and more. In doing so, they may miss an opportunity to correct an issue that can lead to an accident.
• Drowsy Driving: Truck drivers are often required to work long hours, which can lead to fatigue. Fatigued drivers are more likely to make mistakes that can lead to an accident.
• Reckless Driving: Driving in willful disregard of other vehicles and pedestrians is considered reckless driving. This kind of driving is never safe and needlessly endangers other drivers and pedestrians.
• Speeding: When a truck driver is speeding, they have less time to react to hazards and are more likely to lose control of their vehicle.
• Violation of Traffic Laws: Truck drivers are subject to the same traffic laws as other drivers. A truck driver violating a traffic law could lead to disaster. For example, running a stop sign could cause a devastating accident with another vehicle at an intersection.

The above list is not exhaustive—a truck driver can be negligent in many ways. Other forms of negligence can include inadequate training where drivers may not be equipped to handle certain road conditions or vehicles, as well as the failure to adhere to federal regulations regarding rest and maintenance protocols. Understanding these nuances can be crucial when seeking compensation with the expertise of a truck accident lawyer in Seattle.

Types of Truck Accidents We Handle

Truck accidents around Seattle can take many different forms and involve a variety of commercial vehicles. Does that mean you need to look far and wide for a lawyer who can handle your truck accident claim due to its unique—and possibly uncommon—circumstances? No, not now that you have found Carpenter & Zuckerman.

We handle a variety of truck accident types, such as:

• Farm Truck Accidents: Even though Seattle is the largest city in Washington State, you can still see plenty of farm trucks on the highways and roads on the outskirts of the city. If you were in an accident with a farm truck—or even an agricultural vehicle like a backhoe—you can count on us to help you understand your case.
• Jackknife Accidents: When a tractor-trailer is overloaded or entirely empty, control of the trailer can become difficult for the truck driver. If they slam on the brakes or need to swerve suddenly, the trailer can swing outward from the tractor before overtaking it, causing the entire rig to fold like a jackknife. In this type of accident, every lane of a highway may be at risk.
• Rollover Accidents: A rollover occurs when a big rig rolls onto its side, sometimes due to reckless driving or high winds that catch the side of the trailer like a sail. Rollovers caused by high winds are more likely when the trailer is empty or if the cargo loaded in a trailer is unsafely top-heavy.
• Semi-Truck/18-Wheeler Accidents: Semi-trucks or 18-wheelers are among the most common types of commercial trucks used for long-haul transportation across America's highways. Our 18 wheeler accident lawyer in Seattle has the strength and resources needed to challenge nationwide trucking companies involved in such incidents.
• Tanker Truck Accidents: If a tanker truck causes an accident, the results can be disastrous, even compared to other truck accidents. Tanker trucks often carry volatile and flammable chemicals that may put anyone in the area in danger of exposure to unsafe substances.

Who Is Liable for a Seattle Truck Accident Injury?

The truck driver is not the only party that can be found liable for damages in an accident. Truck accidents are particularly complicated because they can easily involve multiple liable parties.

Some examples of third parties that can be found liable in a truck accident include:

• The Manufacturer of the Truck: If the truck was defective, the manufacturer might be liable for damages if the defect led to an accident. For example, if a truck's brakes were faulty and caused the truck to crash, the manufacturer may be liable for damages.
• The Owner of the Truck: Trucks are not typically owned by their drivers. A truck's owner can be found liable for accidents if they fail to keep it in good working order or choose not to make essential repairs. For example, if a truck's owner knew that its brakes were defective and did not fix them, they could be considered responsible for any accident that the faulty brakes led to.
• The Company or Person That Loaded the Truck: If the person or company responsible for loading the cargo fails to secure it properly, it can shift and move during transport. This can lead to the truck losing its balance and toppling over or fishtailing. Further, improperly secured cargo may fall off a truck, putting drivers behind it in jeopardy.
• A Government Entity: If a government entity was negligent in maintaining a road or bridge where an accident occurred, it might be liable for damages. This can happen in many ways, such as failing to repair damaged roads, failing to clear ice or snow from a highway, or failing to replace broken or missing traffic lights and signs.
• The Truck Driver's Employer: An employer can be liable in several circumstances. If they provided a truck that was not maintained, failed to adequately train the driver of the truck, or hired an unqualified driver, they could be responsible for damages.

A truck driver's employer may also be found liable under the doctrine of vicarious liability. Vicarious liability is a legal doctrine that holds an employer liable for the negligent acts of their employees, even if the employer was not directly involved in the accident.

Two key elements must be present for vicarious liability to apply in a truck accident scenario:

• The employee must have been acting within the scope of their employment at the time of the accident. This means that the employee must have been doing something they were hired to do and acting in their employer's best interests.
• The employee must have been negligent in causing the accident. This means that the employee must have failed to exercise the same level of care that a reasonable person would have exercised in a similar situation.

Common Truck Accident Injuries in Washington

Truck accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, some of which can be severe or even life-threatening due to the size and weight disparity between commercial trucks and passenger vehicles.

Seattle Truck Accident Injuries: What to Expect

• Whiplash and Neck Injuries: Whiplash is a common injury in rear-end truck collisions. It can cause neck pain, stiffness, and discomfort, and in severe cases, it may lead to chronic pain and long-term complications.
• Back Injuries: The force of a truck collision can cause various back injuries, such as herniated discs, sprains, strains, and fractures. These injuries can result in chronic pain and limited mobility.
• Head Injuries: Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) can occur when a person's head strikes an object or is violently shaken during a truck accident. TBIs can range from mild concussions to severe brain damage, with long-lasting cognitive and physical impairments.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: A truck accident can cause damage to the spinal cord, leading to paralysis or loss of sensation in various parts of the body. Spinal cord injuries are often life-altering and require extensive medical care and rehabilitation.
• Fractures and Broken Bones: The impact of a truck collision can result in broken bones, such as arms, legs, ribs, and pelvis fractures. These injuries can be painful and require surgery, casting, or other treatments.
• Internal Injuries: Blunt force trauma in a truck accident can damage internal organs, leading to internal bleeding, organ damage, or organ failure. Internal injuries may not be immediately apparent but can be life-threatening if left untreated.
• Burns: Truck accidents can result in fires or explosions, leading to burn injuries. Burns can range from minor to severe, and treatment may involve skin grafts and long-term care.
• Amputations: In severe truck accidents, a limb may be crushed or severed, necessitating amputation. Amputations have a profound impact on an individual's life and may require prosthetic devices and rehabilitation.
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Witnessing or being involved in a traumatic truck accident can lead to psychological trauma, including PTSD. Symptoms may include flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety, and depression.
• Wrongful Death: Unfortunately, some truck accidents result in fatalities. When a loved one dies due to a truck accident, surviving family members may pursue a wrongful death claim to seek compensation for their losses.

At Carpenter & Zuckerman, we understand the far-reaching implications of these injuries, both for the victims and their families. Addressing such injuries requires not only medical treatment but also a comprehensive plan to cover long-term expenses and emotional trauma. We collaborate closely with medical experts and financial advisors to ensure that our clients receive both immediate care and future security, empowering them to resume as normal a life as possible post-accident.

Who's at Fault? Investigating Seattle Truck Accidents

Determining fault in a truck accident in Washington State involves a thorough investigation by law enforcement, insurance companies, and potentially legal professionals. The process typically considers several key factors:

• Police Report: After a truck accident, law enforcement officers will often respond to the scene and create an accident report. This report may include their assessment of the accident, statements from involved parties and witnesses, and any citations or violations they issue.
• Traffic Laws: Washington State has traffic laws that all drivers, including truck drivers, must follow. Violations of these laws can establish fault. For example, running a red light, speeding, or failing to yield right of way can lead to liability.
• Eyewitness Accounts: Statements from eyewitnesses who observed the accident can provide valuable insights into how the accident occurred and who may have been at fault.
• Video Evidence: If available, surveillance footage, dashcam videos, or footage from nearby security cameras can provide crucial evidence of how the accident unfolded.
• Driver Statements: Statements from the drivers involved in the accident can also be used to establish fault. However, it's essential to note that drivers may be reluctant to admit fault, so their statements must be carefully evaluated.
• Expert Analysis: In complex cases, accident reconstruction experts may be called upon to analyze the evidence and provide their expert opinions on the sequence of events and who was at fault.
• Truck Maintenance Records: If poor maintenance or mechanical failure of the truck played a role in the accident, maintenance records and inspections may be examined to determine whether negligence on the part of the trucking company was a contributing factor.
• Black Box Data: Many commercial trucks are equipped with electronic control modules (ECMs) or "black boxes" that record data like speed, braking, and other performance metrics. This data can provide valuable insights into the actions of the truck driver leading up to the accident.
• Weather and Road Conditions: Weather conditions and the condition of the road at the time of the accident can also be factors. If poor weather or road conditions contributed to the accident, fault may be shared or assigned differently.
• Witness Statements: Statements from witnesses who were not directly involved in the accident can provide additional perspectives and corroborate or dispute the accounts of the parties involved.
• Police Determination: Ultimately, law enforcement officers on the scene may issue citations or make determinations about fault based on their investigation.

Effective investigation of truck accidents requires a comprehensive approach that considers all possible evidence. At Carpenter & Zuckerman, our truck accident attorney in Seattle works diligently to gather and analyze every piece of information available to build a clear picture of the events leading up to the accident. Our commitment to thoroughness helps ensure no stone is left unturned in the search for truth and accountability. By proactively collaborating with our clients throughout the process, we aim to empower them with knowledge and confidence as we navigate towards resolution.