Everett Truck Accident Lawyer: The Walthew Law Firm

Truck Crashes Can Cause Devastating Damage

Truck accidents often result in severe, life-altering injuries. The size and weight of a fully-loaded tractor-trailer can lead to catastrophic damage which also leads to tons of medical expenses. Common injuries in truck crashes include:

• Cuts and bruises; 
• Whiplash; 
• Broken bones; 
• Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs);
• Severe burns;  
• Internal injuries; 
• Amputations; and
• Spinal cord damage. 

Holding Negligent Truckers and Trucking Companies Liable

Were you injured in an eighteen wheeler wreck in Everett or in another community in Snohomish County? Your case largely falls under Washington State law. A detailed investigation conducted by an experienced personal injury attorney is essential for determining who is at fault in your accident case. This could include the truck driver, the trucking company, or a third party. There are two key points that injured victims should understand about truck accident liability in Washington: 

• Fault-Based Liability: A truck company is not guaranteed to be liable for a crash. Washington is a tort state for motor vehicle collisions, including semi-truck accidents. The party that bears fault for causing the crash—whether that is the trucker, truck company, or a driver of a passenger car—is responsible for damages. Your crash should be investigated by an Everett truck accident lawyer to figure out precisely what happened in detail. 
• Comparative Negligence: In Washington  (RCW § 4.22.005), a pure proportionate liability standard applies to truck accident claims. Each party involved in an accident is responsible for their share of the blame. You can recover compensation even if partially at fault for your own truck accident—but your recovery will be reduced. For example, imagine that you sustained $50,000 in damages in a truck accident in Everett. However, you are assigned a 10 percent fault. You would be liable for 10 percent of your own damages ($5,000). 

Washington’s Proportionate Liability Standard

In Washington, a pure proportionate liability standard applies to car accidents and truck accident claims. Each party is responsible for their share of the blame. Even if you are partially at fault, you can still recover compensation, although it may be reduced.

For example, if you sustained $50,000 in damages in a truck accident case but were found to be 10% at fault, your recovery would be reduced by 10%, leaving you eligible to receive $45,000.

Know the Deadline: Truck Accident Statute of Limitations

Truck accident injury claims are time-sensitive. Under Washington law (RCW 4.16.080), there is a three-year statute of limitations for filing a truck accident case. If you fail to file within this time frame, you could be denied compensation. Speak to an Everett truck accident lawyer right away to protect your rights.They start building an aggressive defense right away. Be proactive: Speak to an Everett truck accident lawyer. 

Recovering the Maximum Compensation After a Crash

If you were injured in a semi-truck accident in Everett, WA, you may be entitled to compensation for both economic and non-economic damages. In Washington State, truck accident victims are able to pursue compensatory damages for both economic and intangible losses from the at-fault party. The value of your truck accident claim will depend on a wide range of different factors. Our personal injury lawyers can help you pursue compensation for:

• Automobile repairs; 
• Emergency room costs; 
• Hospital care; 
• Medical bills; 
• Physical therapy;
• Lost wages; 
• Loss of earnings; 
• Pain and suffering; 
• Loss of quality of life; and
• Wrongful death. 

How the Everett Truck Accident Lawyers at The Walthew Law Firm Can Help

Truck accident cases are often challenging due to the complex nature of the claims. At The Walthew Law Firm, our truck accident lawyers are dedicated to protecting the rights of victims and families. We have the legal expertise to take on trucking companies and their insurers. When you contact our Everett, WA law office, you will have the opportunity to consult with a Washington truck accident lawyer who will: 

• Hear what you have to say and answer questions about your legal case;
• Investigate your Everett semi-truck crash—securing evidence; 
• Represent you in settlement talks with the insurance company; and
• Develop a comprehensive strategy to protect your rights and maximize your recovery. 

Truck Accidents in Everett: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who Can Be Held Liable for a Truck Accident in Washington?

It depends on the precise cause of your accident. That there are many potential defendants is one of the factors that makes truck accidents challenging as legal cases. In Washington, several parties can be held liable for a truck accident, including: 

• The truck driver; 
• The trucking company; 
• The manufacturer of the truck or its parts. 

In some cases, liability can even extend to cargo loaders and maintenance providers. No matter the specific nature of the crash, determining liability requires a detailed investigation to establish who was at fault and whether any regulations or laws were violated.

Are Trucking Companies Required to Carry More Liability Insurance?

Yes. Trucking companies are required to carry more liability insurance than standard vehicles due to the potential for more significant damage and injuries in truck accidents. The government mandates minimum insurance requirements. The standards vary depending on the type and weight of the truck and the nature of the goods transported. All tractor trailers in Washington have at least $750,000 in liability coverage. 

Should I Answer the Insurance Company’s Questions After a Crash?

No. Get a lawyer first. You are not obligated to provide detailed information or a recorded statement to the other party’s insurance company without professional legal representation. Insurance adjusters are not on your side. They want to put pressure on you—so that you make a mistake and they find a way to resolve your legal claim for less. Do not let them get away with it. An Everett, WA truck accident attorney will handle all communications with the insurance company.

How Do I Know the Value of My Truck Accident Case?

The value of your truck accident claim can vary dramatically. Key factors include your ability to prove fault (establish liability) and the extent of your economic and non-economic damages. After a serious crash, your case should be evaluated by a professional. A top-rated Everett, WA truck accident lawyer can help you determine how much your claim is worth. Do not settle for less.

What is the Average Amount of Time to Get a Truck Accident Settlement?

The duration of the settlement process for a truck accident injury claim in Everett can vary widely based on the specific factors of the case. The more serious the crash, the longer it is likely to take. Other factors—such as disputes over liability—can delay settlement as well. Simple cases might settle within a few months, while more complex cases involving severe injuries and disputes over fault can take a year or more.

Contact Our Everett Semi-Truck Accident Attorneys Today

At The Walthew Firm, our Everett, WA semi-truck accident lawyer is committed to protecting the legal rights and financial interests of injured victims. We handle all types of semi-truck accident cases. If you were hurt in a crash, please do not hesitate to give us a phone call now or contact us online for your free, no strings attached case review. From our office in Everett, we handle semi-truck accident cases in Snohomish County and throughout the wider region.