Accidents involving large commercial trucks are inherently more dangerous than those involving only passenger vehicles. However, the differences between truck and car accidents aren’t limited to the physical impact itself. Truck accident cases are often more complex because they may require extensive investigations and can potentially involve multiple liable parties. Due to this complexity, it is generally in your best interest to consult with a truck accident attorney who has proven experience handling truck accident claims.
The truck accident lawyers at Fuller & Fuller, Attorneys PLLC, possess the knowledge, skill, and resources needed to handle these difficult cases. We know the federal and state trucking regulations that may apply to your case, and we are dedicated to helping you seek the maximum compensation to which you may be entitled.
A seasoned truck accident lawyer can be an invaluable ally in your pursuit of justice after a serious wreck. An attorney can help your case in the following ways.
Investigate the Truck Accident
Prompt investigations are crucial in any accident claim, but this is especially true in truck accident cases. The sooner you contact a truck accident lawyer, the sooner your attorney can begin an investigation on your behalf to gather evidence that supports your claim.
Truck accident investigations may involve evidence such as:
- Photographs and witness testimony from the accident scene
- Medical records
- Police reports
- The driver’s training file and qualification file
- Hours of service documentation
- Truck inspection records
- Maintenance records
- Drug screening records
- Downloads of onboard systems
- Delivery documents
- Dispatch instructions
- Internal governing and recording devices
- Weight tickets
- Bills of lading
Evaluate Your Damages
Truck wrecks generally involve extensive property damage and serious injuries. Because of this, the damages in these cases are often higher than those in other auto accident claims.
After a collision with a tractor-trailer, victims may face high medical bills, time away from work, and extreme pain and disability. Depending on the unique details of the case, a truck accident victim may be entitled to recover damages for current and future:
- Medical costs
- Lost wages
- Lost future income
- Emotional distress
- Pain and suffering
- Lost enjoyment of life
These are only some examples of the compensation to which you may be entitled after a truck crash. If you lost a loved one in a trucking accident, you may be able to pursue compensation for funeral and burial costs, loss of companionship, loss of consortium, and more in a wrongful death claim. A truck accident lawyer will examine the facts in your case and calculate the total value of your losses.
Identify Potentially Liable Parties
Truck wrecks also differ from other accident cases because they can involve a number of potentially liable parties, such as:
- The truck driver
- The truck owner
- The trucking company
- The manufacturer of the truck, trailer, or vehicle parts
- The person responsible for loading the truck’s cargo
- The person responsible for the truck’s maintenance
Determining liability in a truck case can be complicated. A truck accident lawyer will investigate the actions of multiple parties to understand what factors may have contributed to your crash and what individuals or entities may share fault for your injuries.
Deal With the Insurance Company
Companies that own and operate commercial 18-wheelers often carry substantial insurance coverage. While this could mean that there is more money available to cover your losses, it also means that the insurer will likely work aggressively to discredit your claim.
The experienced attorneys at Fuller & Fuller, Attorneys PLLC, are skilled negotiators who know how to stand up to big insurance companies. Led by Marya Fuller, a specialist in accident and injury law, we know the tactics used by insurance companies to reduce, delay, and deny valid claims. We work diligently to protect the rights of our clients and ensure a fair outcome is achieved.
Take Your Case to Trial, if Necessary
If a fair settlement cannot be negotiated with the insurance company, it may be necessary to bring your case before a judge or jury. There are a number of deadlines and procedural rules that your attorney will navigate on your behalf.
Before beginning the legal process, it is important to choose a reputable truck accident lawyer with a proven record of success. The insurance company’s legal team will already be working against you. It is crucial to secure the representation of a lawyer who specializes in accident and injury law.
Speak with a Washington Truck Accident Lawyer for Free
If you were hurt or lost a loved one in a crash that involved a large commercial vehicle, call the truck accident lawyers at Fuller & Fuller, Attorneys PLLC, for a free initial consultation. Our firm has been helping accident victims in Washington since 1972. We have built a reputation for excellence in a wide range of personal injury cases.
See what our clients say about us.
Contact Fuller & Fuller, Attorneys PLLC today online or at (800) 570-4878 for a free case evaluation. We proudly help clients in Olympia, Tacoma, and other Washington communities.
