Sara
"I worked with Bill Pickett and he was willing to fight, and fight hard for me as his client and is the reason I was able to walk away with a win. Would recommend to anyone and everyone, incredibly professional and knowledgable."
Maureen
Norma
Adam
Why are Truck & Semi Accidents Different?
Truck accidents differ from other types of vehicle accidents due to the size and weight of commercial vehicles—often weighing 20 to 30 times more than passenger cars. These massive vehicles can cause catastrophic damage and severe injuries in a collision. Trucking accidents involve complex liability issues, because numerous parties may share responsibility like:
- The driver
- Trucking company
- Maintenance providers
- Even the manufacturers may share responsibility
Our Yakima truck accident attorneys have the expertise to untangle these complexities to build a strong case on your behalf.
What Should I Do After a Semi or Truck Accident?
It’s important that you and your loved ones know what to do in the event of an accident. Here are the steps you should take in order to protect your well being now and in the future:
- Get Immediate Medical Help: Safety is your number one priority. Call 911 if you or someone else is injured.
- Contact Law Enforcement: Calling 911 will engage police help as well. You need law enforcement to come to the scene to document the accident. Cooperate with them and answer their questions, but only give them as much as they ask for and not more. Get a copy of the police report, review it afterwards, and report any mistakes you see.
- Take Pictures of the Scene, Your Vehicle & Your Injuries: The more pictures the better. Get pictures of the weather, vehicle placement, damage to vehicles, road sign placement, any injuries, etc. If you can’t, have someone else take them for you.
- NEVER Admit Fault: No matter how sorry you feel, do NOT say “I’m sorry” to the others involved in the accident. This could be used against you later as an admittance of fault. You might instead ask: “Can I call someone for you?” or “Can I do something for you?” If someone asks you for help, immediately relay their request to a first responder.
- Get Names and Contact Information from Eyewitnesses: Bystanders and eyewitnesses may be crucial in proving fault in your case.
- Call a Truck Accident Attorney: Do NOT talk with the other driver’s insurance company or anyone else without your attorney. Do not give a recorded statement or release any medical records. All you have to say is that you would like to consult your attorney first and they have to respect your request. Also, avoid talking about the accident on social media or anywhere else.
Common Causes of Semi & Truck Accidents
Truck accidents often occur as a result of negligence or hazardous conditions. Some common causes include:
- Driver Fatigue: Many truck drivers work long hours, leading to reduced reaction times and impaired judgment.
- Distracted Driving: Texting, eating, or adjusting GPS devices while operating massive vehicles creates immense risk.
- Speeding: Trucks require longer stopping distances. Excessive speed can turn a minor incident into a severe collision.
- Vehicle Defects: Faulty brakes, tire blowouts, or defective parts cause many trucking accidents.
- Improper Truck Maintenance: Regular inspections and repairs are crucial. Negligence in this area can lead to catastrophic failures.
- Weather Conditions: Rain, snow, and ice make maneuvering large vehicles even more challenging, especially over mountain passes in Washington.
By carefully investigating the circumstances of your accident, including reviewing black box data, maintenance logs, and witness accounts, our attorneys will identify the root cause of your accident to hold the responsible parties accountable.
Severe Injuries from Truck Accidents
Due to their enormous size and impact force, accidents involving trucks often result in life-changing injuries. Common injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Broken or fractured bones
- Burns and disfigurement
- Internal injuries and organ damage
These injuries can lead to extended hospital stays, complex surgeries, and long recovery periods. Our legal team will work closely with medical professionals to fully document the extent of your injuries and the associated costs, ensuring your claim reflects the true impact the accident has had on your life.
Get Started
It’s crucial to act quickly after a truck or semi accident. Washington state law imposes a three-year statute of limitations for filing personal injury or property damage claims. For wrongful death cases, this timeline begins on the date of your loved one’s passing. Missing these deadlines can jeopardize your ability to recover compensation.
Contact our Yakima truck accident lawyers today to avoid losing your right to pursue justice!
Who Can Be Liable for a Truck Accident?
One of the biggest challenges in truck accident cases is determining liability. Unlike typical car accidents, commercial vehicle crashes can involve several responsible parties, including the:
- Truck Driver: Negligent behavior like speeding, distracted driving, or driving under the influence may make the driver liable.
- Trucking Company: Employers can be held accountable for negligent hiring, inadequate training, or pressuring drivers to meet unsafe deadlines.
- Manufacturer: If a defective part, like faulty brakes or tires, contributed to the accident, the manufacturer may share liability.
- Maintenance Provider: Failing to properly service or inspect the vehicle could make mechanics or maintenance companies liable.
- Cargo Loaders: Overloading or improperly securing cargo can lead to dangerous situations on the road.
Our attorneys will conduct a thorough investigation to determine who is responsible for your accident, ensuring that all liable parties are included in your claim.
What Compensation Am I Entitled To?
You could be entitled to much more compensation than a typical car accident. Remember that you are not just dealing with another driver; you’re dealing with that driver’s employer and that employer’s insurance company. It is very likely that they have a much greater capacity than the average person to pay you the full amount of compensation that you deserve.
18 wheeler and commercial truck accidents may result in significant financial burdens. At LGP Law, we fight to recover maximum compensation for:
- Funeral & Wrongful Death Expenses: If a loved one died in a truck accident, we will pursue damages to cover any funeral expenses and other costs associated with their untimely death.
- Medical Expenses: Covering hospital bills, prescriptions, surgeries, physical therapy, and future medical care.
- Lost Wages: Reimbursement for lost income due to missed work or reduced earning capacity.
- Pain and Suffering: Compensation for emotional distress and diminished quality of life.
- Property & Vehicle Damage: Recovery for vehicle repairs or replacement.
- Punitive Damages: Additional compensation in cases of egregious negligence, such as driving under the influence.
Our team meticulously evaluates all aspects of your case to ensure you receive the compensation required to rebuild your life.
How Can LGP Law Help?
Navigating the aftermath of a truck accident can be overwhelming, especially when insurance companies are working to minimize payouts. Here’s how LGP Law can support you every step of the way:
- Comprehensive Investigation: We gather crucial evidence, such as accident reports, black box data, maintenance records, and witness testimonies, to build a strong case.
- Negotiation with Insurance Companies: Insurance adjusters often pressure victims into lowball settlements. Our attorneys handle all communications and negotiations, ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve.
- Litigation When Necessary: If a fair settlement isn’t possible, we’re prepared to take your case to court. Our trial attorneys have extensive experience advocating for truck accident victims and achieving favorable outcomes.
- Transparent Communication: At LGP Law, we keep you informed at every stage of your case, ensuring you understand your rights and options.
- No Upfront Costs: We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay us unless we win your case. This ensures quality representation is accessible to everyone.
Our Frequently Asked Questions
At LGP Law, we understand that navigating the legal process after a truck accident can be overwhelming. To help ease your concerns, we've compiled answers to some of the most common questions clients ask us.
Our goal is to provide clear, straightforward information so you feel confident and informed throughout your case.
1. Why should I hire a truck accident lawyer?
Remember that you could be entitled to much more compensation than a typical vehicle accident. It is very likely that larger companies have a much greater capacity to pay you the full amount of compensation – but that doesn’t necessarily mean that they’ll be eager to part with the money. You’ll want a skilled team of lawyers to maximize your claim.
2. How much does it cost to hire a truck accident lawyer?
It’s impossible to say exactly what your case is worth without speaking with you and conducting a full investigation. In general, there’s much that you can be compensated for after an accident with a commercial truck, also called an 18-wheeler. You’ll want all the financial help you can get to offset the many bills you may accrue as a result of the accident.
At LGP Law, we operate on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay nothing up front and only owe us a fee if we successfully recover compensation for you.
Get Started | Free Consultation
If you’ve been injured in a truck or semi accident, don’t face the aftermath alone. LGP Law has the experienced truck accident lawyers you need. We are here in Yakima to fight for your rights and secure the compensation you need to recover.
Call us today for a free consultation. We’ll handle the legal challenges while you focus on your healing and well-being.