Are you a truck driver who has been involved in an accident while driving your vehicle or someone who has been hit by a truck in Washington state? If so, an experienced Washington trucking accident lawyer at Peterson Law Offices may be able to help you get the money you deserve for your injuries.
Have you been in a truck and accidentally struck a vehicle which was not completely off the road, collided with a car in the middle of an intersection, or hit something while swerving to avoid a merging automobile? There are many types of accidents that involve trucks and cars, bikes or pedestrians.
Potential Hazards Involved in Trucking Accidents
Small vehicles pose a significant threat to commercial trucks. In fact, many collisions are caused by negligent drivers of passenger vehicles. Because these cars are so much smaller than commercial trucks, they can’t be seen behind and beside these trucks.
When drivers of passenger vehicles enter into space where the commercial truck driver has limited or no visibility, accidents are much more likely to happen.
It is also common for drivers of passenger vehicles to make unsafe lane changes in front of commercial trucks. These lane changes often catch the truck driver off guard, as they usually occur after the car has been out of the visibility of the commercial truck.
Another hazard for truck drivers is the misconception that commercial vehicles are slow. This can cause car drivers to attempt to bypass a truck in the middle of a left or right turn, which usually results in an accident.
Whether you’ve been hit by a truck, been a passenger in a single truck accident or have been hit while driving a truck, don’t let trucking insurance companies talk you into settling for less than you deserve.
Trucking Accident Statistics
Statistics say that one person is injured or killed in a truck accident every sixteen minutes. The United States Department of Transportation also estimates that over 500,000 accidents involving trucks will happen every single year.
These statistics are staggering, especially considering more than 75% of these trucking accidents are due to the driver or the other vehicle.
Claims for Trucking Accidents
Like with any accident, it is important that all evidence is collected, and this evidence may not just be limited to the driver involved in the accident.
In the case of a truck accident, it is typical that you should try and identify as many defendants as possible in order to collect for all injuries that are suffered in a truck accident.
If you have been involved in a trucking accident, then you may be entitled to compensation for the injuries sustained during the accident.
Trucking Accident Settlements
A legal settlement for a trucking accident may be agreed on before or even during litigation to resolve the dispute without actually having to go to court.
Alternative Dispute Resolutions, otherwise known as ADR’s, are a way in which settlements may be reached in regards to arbitration, mediation, and other methods used to reach an agreement.
ADR’s are settled without any litigation and may be less expensive and quicker than the average claims process for a trucking accident. Choosing to reach a settlement allows everyone to present their own positions in confidence and neither party will have to admit to any guilt or fault regarding the accident.
ADR’s allow for a more neutral and amicable process to quickly reach an agreed upon settlement.
However, there may be downsides to this kind of settlement. If you are the plaintiff, then you are giving up your legal right to pursue any further legal claims as it relates to the trucking accident.
Once a binding settlement has been established, you forfeit the right to a trial regarding the same trucking accident and the guilty party will not be held liable for their negligent actions.
Different Types of Settlements
There are two different types of settlements that a trucking accident lawyer will tell you about. These two settlements are known as a lump-sum settlement and a structured settlement.
A lump-sum settlement is compensation and damages paid all at once. A structured settlement is compensation that is paid out over a specified period of time in regular payments.
When choosing which settlement, it is important to keep in mind that they are taxed differently. The way the funds are taxed can affect just how much you receive from the settlement.
The Advantage of Having a Trucking Accident Lawyer
They will be able to advise you on the best course of action for your specific scenario and will help you get on the path to receiving what you deserve.
A trucking accident lawyer is better equipped with the tools and knowledge needed to better navigate the claims process from start to finish.
Without a lawyer, it can become a very complicated and drawn out process and may not end as positively for you if you are the one suffering and missing out on compensation due to the trucking accident.
Statute of Limitations on Personal Injury Cases
In the state of Washington, the statute of limitations limits actions to three years following the accident. If no action is taken and there are no exceptions, you forfeit the opportunity to file a claim due to the trucking accident.
If you feel that there may be an exception in your case, then it is important to discuss the matter with a licensed trucking accident lawyer. They will be able to help determine if your case is expired or if you can still seek damages.
The statute of limitations applies to all personal injury cases in which you are seeking compensation for personal injury. Therefore, it applies to all automobile accidents.
Want to talk to me about your case?
I want to help you get all the money you deserve for your accident, so call me at 503-280-0888 now or please fill out this short form.
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