Having to share the road with commercial trucks can put other vehicles at greater risk if a semi-truck accident occurs. These trucks are significantly larger than other vehicles, which creates a higher rate of injuries and fatalities.
If you are the victim of a truck accident, you may want to file a semi-truck accident lawsuit. At Henderson Taylor Law Firm, our dedicated team of truck accident lawyers have handled hundreds of semi-truck accidents in Washington, helping victims get the compensation they deserve.
Keep reading to find out what to do after a truck accident and how you can get semi-truck accident compensation.
Common Causes of Semi-Truck Accidents
There are some common reasons why semi-truck drivers get into accidents, which can lead to severe repercussions. Because these are commercial vehicles, the risk is heightened, and the drivers and the trucking companies have a higher obligation to keep others on the road safe.
Here are some of the most common reasons why semi-truck drivers get into accidents:
- Driver fatigue: There are many federal laws that regulate how many hours truck drivers can drive, but these aren’t always followed. This can lead to driver fatigue and falling asleep at the wheel if the driver has not had enough time to rest.
- Reckless driving: Not all driving companies regulate their drivers as they should, which can result in unfit drivers behind the wheel. Truck drivers may also be in a hurry, which can lead to more reckless behavior.
- Truck issues: Semi-trucks are very large vehicles, and it takes a lot of work to keep them in good condition. An accident can occur if there is a mechanical failure or the truck equipment has not been appropriately maintained. An accident can also happen if the loaded cargo is imbalanced, which can make it difficult to control the vehicle.
- Driving under the influence: The truck driver’s ability to drive safely can be impacted if they are drinking, using illegal substances, or using medication.
- Weather conditions: Extreme weather conditions create a higher risk when semi-trucks are involved since it is harder for them to break quickly, especially if there is water on the road.
Steps to Take After a Truck Collision
No matter what kind of vehicle accident you have been in, there are certain steps that you need to follow immediately after the collision. The same basic rules apply for semi-truck accidents and help ensure your safety as well as help support your personal injury case.
Check For Injuries
The very first priority you need to have after a truck accident is ensuring everyone’s safety. Check yourself for any visible injuries and see if anyone else in your vehicle has been injured. If you are uninsured, you can also check on the other driver.
If anyone is injured, it is ideal to remove them from the situation and get them to a safer location nearby. However, you should not try to move anyone who could possibly have a head, neck, or back injury.
Call 911
The next step you need to take after the accident is to call 911 to report it. The 911 operator will be able to send over law enforcement as well as an ambulance to provide medical care.
This is a critical part of your personal injury claim as it creates a paper trail in terms of the police report and medical documentation. That is why it is a good idea to get checked out by an ambulance, even if you do not have any visible injuries or pain.
Exchange Information
Like any kind of vehicle accident, you need to exchange your contact information with the other driver. You should obtain the truck drivers name, contact information, drivers license number, employer name, and insurance information.
Gather Evidence
If you are not injured, it is always a good idea to gather as much evidence as you can at the scene of the collision. You could do this by taking photos of the scene of the accident, physical injuries, and property damage. You could also look around to see if there are any cameras that could have videotaped the accident or any witnesses who may have seen what happened.
If you are unable to gather any evidence, most of what you need should be included in the police report. This also applies if you or the other driver were injured and you weren’t able to exchange information.
Hire a Semi-Truck Accident Lawyer
After the semi-truck accident has occurred, you need to start thinking about the legal process if you want to file a claim. The first step of this process is hiring a semi-truck accident lawyer. A lawyer can help you provide evidence, file your claim, and negotiate on a settlement amount.
It is especially crucial that you hire an attorney to help you get semi-truck accident compensation since the process is a bit more difficult than a standard car accident. Your attorney can negotiate with the trucking company’s insurance carrier, ensuring you get a fair settlement amount to cover your injuries.
Fatal Semi-Truck Accident Statistics in Washington
Unfortunately, semi-truck accident fatalities are not uncommon in Washington since these accidents are generally more severe. In fact, in 2022, 116,353 semi-trucks were involved in accidents in the US. Washington accounted for 1667 of those accidents.
In 2022, there were 54 fatal semi-truck accidents in Washington, and semi-trucks made up approximately 3% of accident fatalities that year.
Hire an Expert Truck Accident Attorney at Henderson Taylor Law Firm
Being the victim of a semi-truck accident can have an immediate impact on your life as well as a long-term impact. Whether you have been injured in the accident or your property was damaged, you may be entitled to a semi truck accident settlement.
At Henderson Taylor Law Firm, our semi-truck accident attorneys have a commitment to defending the downtrodden and helping truck accident victims get the compensation they deserve. For expert legal representation from a semi-truck accident lawyer, contact us today at 360-737-1478 or fill out our online form.
