Car accidents involving trucks can have an impact on many parts of your life. For example, a crash like this has the ability to cause physical injuries as well as affect your employment, family, and even your daily routine.
If you find yourself involved in a truck accident, reaching out for legal help may be a good idea. Here at Berry Law, our team is ready. Our Bellevue truck accident attorneys are here to review your case and help you hold that truck driver accountable for their negligence.
Connect with our Bellevue personal injury attorneys at Berry Law for the support you need. We’ll fight for the compensation you deserve.
Why Choose Our Bellevue Truck Accident Lawyers?
The legal side of things can be complex and overwhelming, especially if you’re dealing with an injury. We can guide you through the process and help you understand what to expect.
Protecting Your Legal Rights
We can help you recognize your rights and help protect them throughout the process.
Building a Strong Case
A Berry Law personal injury lawyer will do an investigation, gather evidence, and build a strong case to support your claim. We’ll also help you prepare for any legal proceedings, if necessary.
Negotiating a Settlement
Our truck accident lawyers serving Bellevue can help you negotiate a settlement with the insurance company or the other party involved.
Help With Compensation
We’ll work relentlessly to help you receive the compensation you deserve for your injuries, including medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Common Injuries from Truck Accidents
Commercial trucks can weigh up to 80,000 pounds with cargo, so small cars are at a disadvantage when colliding with such vehicles. People often suffer permanent damage and require long-term treatment. Disabilities may develop, leading to loss of mobility and an inability to perform daily tasks.
Finding yourself in a stressful situation is never easy, especially when it could have been avoided. Truck accidents can cause injuries such as:
- Broken bones
- Internal bleeding
- Loss of limb or amputation
- Crush injuries
- Concussion or traumatic brain injury
- Psychological damage
- Spinal cord injuries
- Paralysis
- Chronic pain
- Torn ligament or tendon
- Muscle sprains and strains
- Significant scarring or disfigurement
- Physical or mental disability
- Burns
A catastrophic accident can have a lifelong impact on your life. If you can’t work, you can’t earn money to pay for treatment. The financial burden of medical costs and daily expenses can lead to heavy debt. Bellevue personal injury lawyers will fight to obtain the compensation you deserve t.
How Much is Your Truck Claim Worth?
When you get into a trucking accident with a truck driver, you can pursue financial compensation for losses resulting from the incident to help you get back to your life before the truck accident. You may be able to get compensation for things like:
- Your medical bills, including everything from rehab and doctor visits to prescriptions, diagnostic tests, and hospital treatments.
- The costs associated with in-home or long-term medical care that the accident has made necessary.
- Lost income or wages, including benefits, sick pay, vacation pay, and the impact on your earning potential.
- Any other losses directly related to the accident, such as property damage.
- The pain and suffering you’ve endured, both physically and emotionally.
- The emotional distress that the accident may have caused, including issues like post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, depression, and irritability.
- Loss of consortium: the challenges that may have arisen in your marital relationship.
At Berry Law, we’re committed to helping our clients document the costs of their injuries in truck accident cases.
Berry Law’s Team Provides You With Multiple Attorney Perspectives
Understanding Bellevue Trucking Accidents
It’s not uncommon for residents in Bellevue to travel on busy highways daily, such as Interstate 5. However, the high volume of vehicles on these busy roads can raise the risk of truck accidents. Truck accidents tend to have a higher risk of fatalities due to their size and weight.
There’s also been an increase in truck accidents and fatalities according to the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Fatality Analysis Reporting System. In 2021, there were a total of 4,714 deaths in large truck crashes, which is a 17 percent increase from 2020. Of these deaths, 16 percent were truck occupants, 68 percent were occupants of cars and other vehicles, and 15 percent were pedestrians, bicyclists, or motorcyclists.
The number of deaths in large truck crashes in 2021 was also 50 percent higher than in 2009, which was the lowest recorded since 1975. Additionally, the number of truck occupants who died in 2021 was 68 percent higher than in 2009.
Who is Responsible for Injuries in Commercial Truck Accidents?
Determining liability for your injuries can be like solving a complex puzzle. If you’re facing this situation, it’s crucial to consult with a semi-truck accident lawyer.
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Responsible parties may include:
- The Truck Driver: Most often, it starts with the truck driver. They may be liable if they were driving under the influence or recklessly and caused the accident.
- The Trucking Company: The company that employs the driver can also be responsible, mainly if the accident occurred while the driver was on the clock. The company could be responsible if they didn’t properly train or supervise their drivers.
- The Trailer’s Owner or Lessor: If the same people don’t own the trailer as the truck, the trailer’s owner or leasing company could be responsible for any issues related to the trailer.
- The Shipping Company: Sometimes, the individual or company who loaded the cargo improperly may be to blame. They must ensure that cargo is secure; otherwise, it can lead to accidents.
- The Truck Manufacturer: If the accident happened because the truck was determined to have a factory defect, then the company that made the truck could be on the line.
- The Truck Repair Shop: Poor repairs or maintenance can also lead to accidents.
Looking into every aspect of your truck accident is vital to pinpoint all potential parties accountable for your injuries. To navigate these complexities effectively and ensure a thorough assessment of all responsible parties, legal assistance from an experienced truck accident lawyer can make all the difference.
Important Trucking Rules and Limits in Bellevue, Washington State
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sets nationwide regulations for truck safety, which apply to all truck drivers in Bellevue, Washington.
Here’s a quick rundown of some key rules to remember:
- Driver’s License: Drivers are required to hold a Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) with endorsements that are specific to the types of vehicles and cargo that they handle. Additionally, hazmat endorsements are necessary for the transportation of hazardous materials.
- Health Check: Every two years, drivers must undergo a physical exam conducted by a certified medical examiner to maintain their CDL eligibility.
- Alcohol Limits: Truck drivers are prohibited from operating any commercial vehicle with a blood alcohol content (BAC) of 0.04 or higher. Consuming or possessing alcohol while on duty is strictly against the rules.
- Logbook: Drivers must maintain a logbook to accurately record certain information.
- Cargo Rules: Specific regulations govern cargo securement and the use of safety devices to ensure safe transportation of goods. These are essential for preventing rollovers and falling debris on Washington’s busy roads.
- Truck Information: Trucks must display their USDOT number, Hazmat placards (if applicable), and other identification prominently.
After a Truck Accident: What You Need to Do
The aftermath of a truck accident can be overwhelming, especially if it’s been a few days since the incident. At Berry Law, we understand the challenges you’re facing, and we’re here to guide you through this difficult time. Here’s what you need to do:
Talk to a Medical Professional:
Prompt medical attention ensures proper diagnosis, documentation, and a starting point for your recovery journey. Be thorough with your doctor about all symptoms, no matter how minor they seem. Keep all medical records, including bills and receipts, as these will be needed for your case.
Don’t Hesitate to Talk to our Legal Team:
Truck accidents can involve legal matters. Our team at Berry Law has the knowledge to navigate the legal process and provide legal representation to you. We know every case is unique, so we’ll take the time to understand your situation and develop an appropriate strategy.
Gather Evidence, if Possible:
Try to collect evidence from the accident scene. Some common types include:
- Photographs of the damage to your vehicle and the truck
- Photographs of the surrounding area, including skid marks or debris
- Witness contact information (if obtainable)
- Any dashcam footage, if available
If you weren’t able to capture any evidence yourself, police reports or traffic camera footage may be available. Every piece of evidence helps piece together the puzzle of what happened.
Talk to a Truck Accident Attorney at Berry Law Today
John S. Berry , Bellevue Truck Accident Lawyer
If you’re going through a personal injury after a semi-truck collision, don’t hesitate to contact a Bellevue truck accident lawyer at Berry Law. Call our firm today at (402) 903-4777 to see how we can help.
