Truck Accident Lawyers in Seattle

Providing Dedicated Legal Representation to Injured Victims in Seattle, Washington

Although any traffic accident has the potential to cause serious injuries, truck accidents have a higher risk of severe or fatal injuries due to their size and weight. This is particularly true when commercial trucks are carrying cargo. A fully loaded tractor-trailer can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, far more than a typically passenger vehicle, which may only weigh 4,000 to 6,000 pounds. When a commercial truck collides with a smaller vehicle, the damage can be absolutely devastating.

Although injured parties may bring legal action against liable parties, such as truck drivers, trucking companies, and others, truck accident claims are usually far more complex than most car accident claims. Truck accident survivors and families who lost loved ones in trucking accidents typically face an uphill battle when trying to get compensation. The trucking industry is a multi-billion-dollar operation in the U.S. that can employ top lawyers and other resources to defend against claims and deny liability.

If you have suffered an injury or lost a loved one in a truck-related accident, you may find yourself outmatched against the legal might that a commercial trucking company can bring. For this reason, and many others, it is essential that you hire an experienced truck accident attorney as soon as possible to protect your rights and increase your chances of getting the maximum compensation you deserve.

The Seattle personal injury law firm Khan Injury Law has a history of success taking on trucking companies for clients injured by heavy trucks. As your representatives, our Seattle truck accident lawyers will work diligently to hold the trucking company and their truck drivers accountable for any injuries or fatalities they cause. We will attempt to secure a fair settlement for you and your loved ones so that you can move on with your lives after your nightmarish ordeal.

Khan Injury Law represents clients throughout the greater Seattle Metro and across Washington State. Contact our Seattle law office to request a free initial consultation with a member of our legal team.

Seattle and Washington Truck Accident Statistics

Here are some key statistics and insights regarding truck accidents in Washington State, according to crash data from the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT):

In a recent year, there were 4,889 collisions involving heavy trucks in Washington, resulting in 44 fatalities and 86 suspected serious injuries.
Heavy truck-involved collisions account for approximately 4.5% of all vehicle collisions in the state annually.
The majority of heavy truck-involved collisions (71.4%) occurred on state routes, followed by interstate highways (17.1%) and county roads (8.3%).
King County and the Seattle area had the highest number of heavy truck-involved collisions in 2021, accounting for 27.5% of all such collisions in the state.
The most common contributing circumstances for heavy truck-involved collisions were driver inattention/distraction (22.8%), following too closely (14.6%), and improper lane usage (11.4%).
Approximately 77% of heavy truck-involved collisions occurred during daylight hours, while 18.5% occurred during dark conditions.

These statistics highlight the ongoing need for truck driver education, road safety improvements, and public awareness to reduce the frequency and severity of truck accidents in Washington State. They also underscore the importance of seeking legal representation after a truck accident hurts you or a close family member.

What Types of Injuries Are Common in Truck Accidents?

Despite the new safety regulations, injuries remain fairly common in truck accidents across Washington.

Injuries commonly linked to a truck crash include:

Broken bones.
Burns.
Concussions.
Cuts and lacerations.
Disfigurement.
Internal bleeding and soft tissue damage.
Loss of limbs.
Partial or complete paralysis.
Spinal cord injuries.
Traumatic brain injuries.
Whiplash and other neck injuries.
Wrongful death.

In addition to these bodily injuries, there is also the invisible toll of emotional distress that a traumatic truck accident can inflict on a person’s psyche. Depression, anxiety, and other psychological conditions often develop in the survivors of a crash and their families.

What Are the Common Causes of Trucking Accidents?

Heavy truck accidents happen for many of the same reasons that other motor vehicle crashes transpire; driver negligence, cars in a driver’s blind spot, and poor vehicle maintenance. However, for big rigs, there are a few additional causes for accidents, largely thanks to how large the commercial trucks are and how heavy their cargo can tend to be.

Typical causes for large truck accidents include:

Breaking federal laws.
Dangerous weather conditions.
Driver error and miscalculation.
Driver fatigue.
Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Equipment failure.
Hazardous road conditions caused by disrepair.
Improperly maintained large trucks.
Inadequate training for drivers of big rigs.
Overloading cargo.
Speeding.
Trucking company negligence.
Unbalanced or unsecured cargo loads.

Who is Liable for a Truck Accident Injury?

Personal injury claims resulting from truck accidents are more complicated than those arising from other car accidents. This is mostly because of the involvement of wealthy and powerful trucking companies. It may prove difficult to hold at-fault parties accountable because of the trucking company’s legal team, but chances are, there may be more parties an attorney can target for accountability.

Truck drivers are the most obvious individuals that may be to blame for trucking accidents. It could have been their actions that led their truck to collide with others, rollover, or jackknife. But the blame does not automatically fall at their feet, at least not the entirety of the responsibility.

The trucking company that owns the truck and employs the driver may also be held to account. The trucking companies have more money at their disposal, which means there is more to win. But they are well-defended by their personal injury lawyers and their insurance company. Still, if their neglect led to the accident, they must answer for their dangerous oversights.

Those responsible for loading and unloading the trucks may also hold some blame for an accident, especially if it is determined that an unbalanced load or too much cargo led to the truck accident.

If poor road conditions led to the truck accident, then certain government entities may be liable for not maintaining the roads to an adequate standard.

Additionally, the manufacturers of commercial trucks may be liable if it is shown that some defect in the design or make of the truck led to accidents.

What Compensation Can Truck Accident Lawyers Recover for Their Injured Clients?

Your truck accident attorney will attempt to secure a fair settlement for you using evidence collected at the scene of the accident, medical records, and closely examining all parties involved in the make and operation of the truck.

Compensatory damages for truck accidents can help victims recover from:

Any outstanding medical bills.
Emotional distress.
Loss of ability to make a living wage.
Medical expenses relating to long-term care.
Pain and suffering.
Past and future lost wages.
Physical therapy.
Property damage.
Wrongful death claims.

How Much Does a Personal Injury Attorney Cost?

The cost of hiring a legal professional varies based on the details of the case and the firm you choose to represent it.

At Khan Injury Law, we work on what’s called a ‘contingency fee basis. What this means is that you only need to worry about paying for our services if we are able to recover compensation for your claim successfully. If we fail to secure any financial compensation for your case, you owe us nothing in legal fees.

Additionally, our law firm offers prospective clients a free case evaluation. So, please feel free to call us and set up your free, zero-risk consultation. We would love to discuss your legal needs and see if our dedicated and experienced personal injury lawyers would be a good fit.

What Should I Do After Suffering Injuries in a Seattle Truck Accident?

If a truck accident in Seattle injured you, there are several important steps you should take to protect your health and legal rights:

Seek medical attention: Even if your injuries seem minor, it’s crucial to get a proper medical evaluation. Some injuries may not be immediately apparent, and delaying treatment could harm your health and your potential legal claim.
Report the accident: Call the police to report the accident and ensure an official police report is filed. This report can be valuable evidence in your case.
Gather evidence: If possible, take photos of the accident scene, the vehicles involved, and your injuries. Collect contact information from any witnesses.
Notify your insurance company: Inform your insurance provider about the accident, but refrain from giving a recorded statement or accepting a settlement offer before consulting with an attorney.
Be cautious when communicating: Avoid discussing the accident on social media or with the truck driver’s insurance company, as your statements could be used against you.
Contact an experienced truck accident attorney: Truck accident cases can be complex, often involving multiple liable parties and federal regulations. An attorney who specializes in truck accidents can help you navigate the legal process, communicate with insurance companies, and fight for fair compensation for your injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.
Follow through with medical treatment: Attend all follow-up appointments and adhere to your doctor’s treatment plan. This not only helps your recovery but also demonstrates the severity of your injuries for your legal case.

Remember, there are time limits (known as statutes of limitations) for filing a truck accident claim in Washington, so it’s essential to act promptly to protect your rights.

Schedule a Free Consultation with an Experienced Truck Accident Lawyer Today

A truck accident can be one of the most violent and life-altering incidents that a motorist or pedestrian can ever experience. If you’ve sustained injuries or lost a beloved family member in a truck accident, you may be eligible to seek compensation from the trucking company and the truck drivers responsible. These cases can be hard fought, with complex insurance company involvement, and no injured person should be expected to navigate the legal process on their own.

The Seattle truck accident attorneys at Khan Injury Law have served injured clients throughout Washington state for many years. We have the skills, knowledge, and resources to take on powerful trucking companies and their insurance companies and fight for maximum compensation.

To speak with a member of our legal team at no cost or obligation about your truck accident case, please contact our Seattle law office at (206) 430-6096.