In Lakewood, Washington, the roads are packed with various vehicles, including the massive 18-wheelers that transport goods across the state. Unfortunately, the sheer size and weight of these trucks make them potential hazards, leading to devastating accidents. When such accidents occur, they often cause injuries, property damage, and even loss of life.
In the aftermath of an 18-wheeler accident, victims often find themselves overwhelmed with physical, emotional, and financial challenges. Seeking the assistance of a dedicated 18-wheeler Lakewood truck accident lawyer from Van Law Firm can help you navigate the complexities of legal proceedings and secure the compensation you deserve.
Common Causes of 18 Wheeler Accidents
Understanding the common causes of 18-wheeler accidents is crucial in building a compelling case. Lakewood personal injury lawyers focus on identifying these factors to establish liability and hold the responsible parties accountable. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), some common causes include:
Driver Fatigue: Long hours on the road can lead to driver fatigue, impairing a truck driver’s ability to make sound judgments and react quickly. Lakewood 18 Wheeler Accident Lawyers investigate whether the driver exceeded the legally allowed hours of service, and if doing so contributed to the accident.
Improper Maintenance: Neglected maintenance of an 18-wheeler can lead to mechanical failures such as brake malfunctions or tire blowouts. As part of their accident investigation, our tractor-trailer accident lawyers scrutinize maintenance records to determine if inadequate upkeep played a role in the accident.
Distracted Driving: Just like any other driver, truckers can be distracted by cell phones, GPS devices, and so on. Lakewood 18-wheeler accident lawyers delve into phone records and electronic logging devices to establish whether distracted driving was a contributing factor in the crash that caused your injuries.
Inadequate Training: Inexperienced or improperly trained truck drivers pose a significant risk on the road. If you were injured in a collision with an 18-wheeler in Lakewood, our attorneys will examine the training records of drivers to determine if insufficient training played a role in the accident.
Overloaded or Improperly Loaded Cargo: Overloaded or improperly loaded cargo on commercial trucks can lead to instability and loss of control. Lakewood 18-wheeler accident lawyers investigate whether the cargo was loaded within legal limits and adequately secured.
Any of these, or a combination, may have led to the accident that caused your injuries. At Van Law Firm, our dedicated 18-wheeler crash attorneys can make this determination as part of their accident investigation.
For a free legal consultation with a 18 wheeler accidents lawyer serving Lakewood, call (360) 200-0000
Damages You Can Seek After an 18-Wheeler Accident in Lakewood, WA
After a Lakewood, WA 18-wheeler accident, big rig accident victims may be entitled to seek various types of compensation for their losses and injuries. Depending on the circumstances, tractor-trailer collision victims may be able to seek any or all of the following:
Medical Expenses:
- Hospital bills
- Emergency room fees
- Surgical costs
- Medications
- Rehabilitation and physical therapy
Lost Wages:
- Compensation for time missed from work due to injuries
- Loss of earning capacity if the injuries result in a long-term or permanent disability
Property Damage:
- Repair or replacement costs for your damaged vehicle
- Compensation for personal property inside the vehicle, such as electronics or valuables
Pain and Suffering:
- Non-economic damages to make up for physical and emotional distress
- Mental anguish and emotional trauma resulting from the accident
Disability and Impairment:
- Compensation for long-term or permanent disabilities
- Costs associated with adapting living spaces for disabilities
Future Medical Expenses:
- Compensation for anticipated medical costs for ongoing treatments, surgeries, or therapies related to the accident.
A Lakewood 18-wheeler accident lawyer will assess the details of your accident, the extent of injuries, and the overall impact on your life to determine which type of compensation to seek.
Additionally, Washington State laws and regulations may influence the types and limits of compensation that can be pursued in a personal injury case. Your lawyer will build a strong case against the legally responsible party and seek the maximum compensation available under the law.
Lakewood 18 Wheeler Accident Lawyer Near Me (360) 200-0000
What a Lakewood 18 Wheeler Accident Lawyer Can Do For You
A personal injury lawyer specializing in 18-wheeler accidents is crucial in assisting clients throughout the legal process. Here are some of the key tasks and services that a personal injury lawyer from Van Law Firm will undertake on behalf of a client fighting an 18-wheeler accident.
Case Evaluation: Conduct a thorough review of the accident details, including police reports; reviewing your medical records after the accident; witness statements, and any available evidence to assess the strength of the case.
Investigation: Engage in a comprehensive investigation, including gathering evidence, interviewing witnesses, and working with accident reconstruction experts to understand the circumstances leading to the accident.
Identification of Liable Parties: Determine the potentially liable parties, such as the truck driver, the trucking company, maintenance contractors, or other third parties involved in the operation of the truck.
Communication with Insurance Companies: Handle all communication with insurance companies, negotiating on behalf of the client to secure fair compensation for medical expenses, property damage, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Court Representation: Represent you in court proceedings, presenting the case before a judge and jury if a fair settlement cannot be reached through negotiation with the at-fault party’s insurance carrier.
By handling these tasks and providing dedicated legal representation, a personal injury lawyer specializing in 18-wheeler accidents aims to alleviate the burden on you while pursuing justice and fair compensation for the damages you have suffered.
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Call a Lakewood Truck Accident Lawyer Today
In the aftermath of an 18-wheeler accident in Lakewood, Washington, seeking the assistance of a dedicated lawyer allows you to focus on healing from your injuries while your attorney handles the legal aspects of your case.
Van Law Firm works on a contingency fee basis, meaning we only get paid if we secure compensation for you from an insurance claim or court award.
If you or a loved one has been involved in an 18-wheeler accident in Lakewood, contact us today for a free case evaluation.
No obligation consultations are always free.
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