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Table of Contents
Why Commercial Vehicle Accidents Are Different
Immediate Steps to Take After the Accident
Understanding Liability in Commercial Vehicle Accidents
Why You Need an Experienced Truck Accident Attorney
Compensation You May Be Entitled To
Take Action to Protect Your Rights
Being involved in an accident with a commercial vehicle such as a delivery truck, semi-trailer, or company van can result in devastating injuries and overwhelming financial burdens. These accidents are fundamentally different from typical car accidents due to the size disparity, severity of injuries, and complex liability issues involved.
At Lindquist & Kornfeld, our Seattle-area personal injury attorneys have decades of experience handling commercial vehicle accident cases. We understand the unique challenges these claims present and are committed to helping injured victims secure the full compensation they deserve.
Why Commercial Vehicle Accidents Are Different
Because they are subject to federal and state regulations that govern driver qualifications, hours of service, vehicle maintenance, and cargo securement, commercial vehicle accidents involve additional layers of complexity that don't exist in standard car accident cases.
Multiple parties may share liability, including:
The driver
The trucking company
The vehicle owner
Maintenance providers
Cargo loaders.
Insurance coverage for commercial vehicles is also substantially higher than for passenger cars, often reaching into the millions of dollars. While this means more resources are available for your recovery, it also means you'll be dealing with experienced insurance adjusters and defense attorneys who are skilled at minimizing payouts.
Immediate Steps to Take After the Accident
The actions you take in the hours and days following a commercial vehicle accident can significantly impact your ability to recover compensation.
1. Prioritize Your Safety and Health
If you're injured, seek medical attention immediately, even if your injuries seem minor. Some serious injuries, including traumatic brain injuries and internal bleeding, may not show symptoms right away. Emergency responders should document the scene, and medical professionals will create records that establish a direct link between the accident and your injuries.
2. Document the Scene Thoroughly
If you're physically able, gather as much information as possible at the accident scene. Take photographs of all vehicles involved, visible injuries, road conditions, traffic signs, and any skid marks or debris. Note the weather conditions and time of day. Collect contact information from the commercial driver, including their name, driver's license number, and commercial driver's license information.
3. Identify the Commercial Vehicle and Company
Write down or photograph the commercial vehicle's license plate, DOT number, company name, and any identifying information visible on the vehicle. This information is crucial for identifying all potentially liable parties and obtaining important safety and maintenance records later.
4. Gather Witness Information
Speak with any witnesses who saw the accident occur and collect their names and contact information. Witness testimony can be invaluable, especially when liability is disputed. Independent observers can provide objective accounts of what happened.
5. Avoid Making Statements to Insurance Companies
Be cautious when dealing with insurance adjusters from the commercial carrier's insurance company. They may contact you quickly, often within hours of the accident, seeking a recorded statement. Politely decline to provide detailed statements or accept any settlement offers until you have consulted with an attorney. Remember, insurance companies are focused on protecting their bottom line, not your best interests.
Understanding Liability in Commercial Vehicle Accidents
Determining liability in commercial vehicle accidents requires a thorough investigation. Your attorney will need to examine multiple factors, including driver error such as speeding, distracted driving, driving under the influence, or violations of hours-of-service regulations. Company negligence may also play a role if the trucking company failed to properly train drivers, maintain vehicles, or conduct adequate background checks.
Mechanical failures due to poor maintenance, defective vehicle parts, or improper repairs can contribute to accidents. Additionally, improper cargo loading that causes the vehicle to become unstable or cargo to shift during transit can lead to serious crashes.
Why You Need an Experienced Truck Accident Attorney
Commercial vehicle accident cases involve complex federal and state regulations, multiple insurance policies, and sophisticated defense strategies. Trucking companies and their insurers often have legal teams working immediately to protect their interests, which is why having experienced legal representation is essential.
At Lindquist & Kornfeld, we have the resources and expertise to conduct thorough investigations, work with accident reconstruction experts, and build strong cases that hold all responsible parties accountable. Our truck accident attorneys understand how to navigate the complexities of commercial vehicle claims and fight for maximum compensation.
Compensation You May Be Entitled To
Victims of commercial vehicle accidents may be entitled to compensation for medical expenses, including emergency care, surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing treatment. Lost wages from time away from work and diminished earning capacity if injuries affect your ability to work are also recoverable. Pain and suffering and property damage may be available in cases involving egregious negligence.
Take Action to Protect Your Rights
Commercial vehicle accidents often result in catastrophic injuries that require extensive medical treatment and long-term care. You deserve compensation that fully addresses your current and future needs. Don't let insurance companies pressure you into accepting less than you deserve.
The experienced personal injury attorneys at Lindquist & Kornfeld are here to guide you through this difficult time. We treat our clients like family and provide the personalized attention and aggressive representation needed to secure justice. Our firm works on a contingency fee basis, which means you pay no fees unless we win your case.
Contact us online or call (425) 657-5255 today for a free consultation. Let us put our 40+ years of experience to work for you.
Lindquist & Kornfeld serves truck accident victims throughout the Seattle area, including Kirkland, Bellevue, Redmond, Everett, and surrounding communities in King County.
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