If you sustain serious injuries in a crash with a truck, you will likely face steep medical bills and significant time off work. These expenses can be life changing, and it often takes victims many years to recover from truck accident injuries. As a result, it is natural to try to recover damages associated with the crash.
If you are considering claiming damages following a crash with a truck driver, it may be helpful to contact an experienced personal-injury lawyer. A qualified attorney will be able to evaluate your case to determine if you may have a valid claim. Richard McKinney Law is a respected Washington firm, and Mr. McKinney has extensive experience in truck accident cases.
Determining who is liable for the damages is a complicated matter, particularly in truck crashes, and it may be beneficial to get a skilled Seattle truck accident lawyer on your side to help you in this matter. Call us today at 844-933-1605 to schedule an appointment, and read on for more information regarding truck collisions.
Suing after a Truck Crash
Truck accidents are a major concern for Washington law enforcement. In 2013, there were 32 fatal truck crashes, as well as 82 collisions that caused serious injury, according to the Washington Traffic Safety Commission.
If you are the victim of a truck crash, you will need to establish who is responsible for your injuries so you can claim damages. While many believe it is a simple matter of finding the truck driver responsible, these matters are often more complicated than that.
There are several parties who may be legally responsible for a truck crash. These include the driver, the company that leases the truck, the truck owner and even the company that loaded the vehicle.
If a defect caused the crash, the truck manufacturer may also be responsible. In some cases, more than one of these parties may be liable for your injuries.
On some occasions, the liable parties are often not cooperative between themselves and the injured party. If this happens, a lawyer may be able to help you clarify matters and ensure that you approach the case in the correct manner.
Federal Laws Governing Truck Accidents
While each state handles accidents with its own laws and regulations, there are also federal laws that govern the trucking industry. The Code of Federal Regulations outlines most federal trucking laws and regulations, and an experienced lawyer will be able to apply these laws to your specific situation. There are also two federal agencies that regulate these laws: the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration and the Department of Transportation.
Truck accidents are complicated, and it can be difficult getting to the bottom of who is liable for the accident. At Richard McKinney Law, we have more than 40 years of legal experience, and we can use it to evaluate your crash and determine if you may be eligible for damages. To speak to a Seattle personal-injury lawyer today, call us at 844-933-1605.
