Cases will be handled by attorneys licensed in the local jurisdiction. Cases may be associated with, or referred to, other law firms as co-counsel or referral counsel. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances. The attorney featured above is licensed in Florida. For a full list of attorneys in your state please visit our attorney page.
TACOMA TRUCK ACCIDENT ATTORNEY
Driver fatigue is a known risk factor in commercial trucking. If a fatigued driver contributed to a crash in Tacoma, Morgan & Morgan investigates hours-of-service logs and related safety records.
Cases will be handled by attorneys licensed in the local jurisdiction. Cases may be associated with, or referred to, other law firms as co-counsel or referral counsel. Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances. The attorney featured above is licensed in Florida. For a full list of attorneys in your state please visit our attorney page.
Tacoma Truck Accident Lawyers
As a port city, Tacoma experiences a lot of heavy truck traffic. As a result, truck accidents are relatively common. According to the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT), 183 crashes with heavy trucks occurred in Tacoma in 2022 alone, some involving fatalities and severe injuries.
If you were involved in a truck accident in Tacoma, you might feel overwhelmed by the medical, legal, and financial challenges. However, you do not have to struggle alone. Morgan & Morgan’s Tacoma truck accident lawyers can provide moral support, compassion, and legal guidance.
We know how traumatic and life-changing an accident with a large truck can be. Our lawyers are committed to fighting for maximum compensation for those injured due to a truck driver or company’s carelessness. Contact us today for a free consultation to clarify your legal options.
Why You Need a Tacoma Truck Accident Lawyer
Truck accidents are not like car accidents. They involve much larger, heavier vehicles that can cause extensive car damage and catastrophic injuries. In addition, trucking companies and insurers often have legal teams and adjusters who will try to minimize their liability and pay you as little as possible.
A Tacoma truck accident lawyer at Morgan & Morgan can level the playing field and fight vigorously for your rights. Our attorneys can handle your legal case from start to finish and:
- Investigate the truck accident
- Determine the cause of the crash
- Identify all responsible parties
- Gather evidence to prove your case
- Assess your damages and calculate your claim’s worth
- Provide expert witnesses to strengthen your claim
- Negotiate with the trucking company’s insurer
- File a lawsuit if necessary
- Fight for maximum compensation on your behalf
Types of Truck Accidents We Handle
At Morgan & Morgan, we handle all types of truck accidents in Tacoma and the surrounding areas, including those with:
- Semi-trucks
- Delivery vans
- Garbage vehicles
- Dump trucks
- Tankers
- Tow trucks
No matter what type of truck accident you experienced, we could help you recover compensation for your losses, such as medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
Truck accidents can change your life in one split second. While we cannot turn back the time, we can fight tooth and nail for what you deserve. If you or a loved one was involved in a truck accident, you need a dedicated Tacoma truck accident lawyer. At Morgan & Morgan, we can put our experience, resources, and tenacity to work for you.
Causes of Truck Accidents in Tacoma
Truck accidents can have many different causes, but some of the most common include the following:
- Truck driver error or carelessness
- Vehicle defects, such as brake failure or tire blowout
- Overloading or wrongly loading cargo
- Lack of maintenance and inspection of vehicles
Getting to the bottom of what or who caused a truck accident can be tricky, as technical issues and human error could be involved. A Tacoma truck accident lawyer can assess your accident with the help of professional investigators and accident reconstruction professionals to determine the cause and responsibility.
Tacoma Truck Accident Victims Could Qualify for Compensation
If you got hurt in a truck accident in Tacoma, you could be entitled to compensation for your losses, such as:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Loss of life enjoyment
- Property damage
Morgan & Morgan can consult with your medical providers to determine the full extent of your damages, including any future medical needs or loss of earning capacity. Our Tacoma truck accident lawyers can negotiate with the trucking company’s insurer to get you a fair settlement.
What to Do After a Tacoma Truck Accident
After a truck accident, there are several steps you can take to protect your rights and help your case.
Seek medical attention: Your health should be your top priority. Even if you don’t feel pain immediately after the crash, get checked out by a doctor.
Document the scene: Take photos of the crash scene and gather contact information of witnesses.
Contact the police: Call the police immediately after a crash so they can create an official report.
Don’t admit fault: Even if you think you may have contributed to the collision, don’t apologize or accept responsibility. It is best to let the authorities determine who was at fault.
Contact a Tacoma truck accident lawyer: An attorney at Morgan & Morgan can help you navigate the legal process and fight for adequate compensation.
Liability in Truck Accidents
Understanding who is liable in a truck accident is critical to recovering compensation for your losses. However, determining liability can be complex and involve multiple parties, including:
The Truck Driver
If the driver negligently or recklessly caused the truck accident, they may be liable for your damages. Negligent actions could include:
- Speeding
- Distracted driving
- Drunk driving
- Failing to observe road signs and signals
If a trucking company employs the driver, you could also hold the company liable for the driver’s negligence.
The Trucking Company
Trucking companies can also be held accountable for Tacoma truck accidents, even if a driver caused the crash. Companies are generally responsible for hiring suitably qualified drivers and conducting background checks to ensure drivers have clean driving records. They must also train drivers properly and ensure drivers follow safety regulations and mandated rest breaks.
Moreover, a trucking company must keep trucks in good condition and inspect the vehicles regularly. A trucking company may be liable for accidents if it fails to uphold its responsibilities.
The Truck Manufacturer
Truck makers and part manufacturers must ensure their products are safe. If a defect in the vehicle caused the accident, you could hold the truck manufacturer liable. Faults can include defects in the design, manufacturing, or installation of parts.
Since truck accidents can be complex, consider seeking legal representation as soon as possible after a crash. A Tacoma truck accident lawyer at Morgan & Morgan can help determine who is responsible and hold them accountable. As there are time limits for personal injury lawsuits, contact an attorney promptly to explore your legal options.
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What Are Common Truck Accident Injuries?
Accidents with trucks can be devastating for those in passenger cars due to the size and weight of commercial trucks. Common injuries in truck accidents can include:
Whiplash: Whiplash occurs when the head and neck are jerked suddenly and forcefully, causing damage to the soft tissue in the neck.
Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI): A TBI can happen when the head is struck or hits an object during impact. Severe TBIs can lead to long-term brain damage and disability.
Fractures: The force of impact in a truck accident can cause bones to break. Complex fractures could lead to permanent loss of function.
Spinal Cord Injuries: The spinal cord transmits messages between the brain and the rest of the body. Damage to the spinal cord can result in paralysis and other significant health complications.
Burns and Exposure to Toxins: Some trucks transport flammable and toxic substances. Victims could suffer severe burns and other devastating injuries if cargo or fuel ignites during a crash.
Cuts and Lacerations: Broken glass and sharp metal from a truck accident can cause cuts and lacerations that may require stitches or surgery.
Truck accident injuries can have a lasting impact on your physical and emotional well-being. If you or someone you know suffered injuries in an accident with a commercial truck, a Tacoma truck accident lawyer at Morgan & Morgan could help.
How Much Time Do I Have to File a Truck Accident Lawsuit in Tacoma?
Washington State’s statute of limitations for personal injury lawsuits is three years from the accident date. However, it’s crucial to speak with a lawyer as soon as possible after your truck accident. Evidence can be lost or destroyed if you wait too long to hire an attorney. Truck accident claims can involve a great deal of investigation. For example, to prove that a trucking company is responsible, an attorney would likely request certain documents, such as servicing records, driver’s logbooks, and others. Such a comprehensive investigation can take months.
The sooner you contact a Tacoma truck accident lawyer at Morgan & Morgan, the sooner they can build your case and pursue compensation.
What if I Am Partially Responsible for the Truck Crash?
Washington State operates under a comparative fault system, which means that even if you were partially at fault for the accident, you might still be able to recover compensation. However, your compensation may be reduced by your percentage of fault. For example, if you are 20% at fault for the accident, your damages would be reduced by 20%.
Your Tacoma truck accident lawyer can help you understand how comparative fault applies to your case.
What Should I Do if the Trucking Company’s Insurance Adjuster Contacts Me?
It’s best to be cautious when speaking with insurance adjusters. They may try to get you to accept a settlement that is less than you deserve. Consult with our truck accident lawyers before speaking with the insurance company or accepting any settlement offers.
What Is the Average Settlement in a Tacoma Truck Accident?
There is no average settlement for truck accident claims because each case is unique and involves different circumstances that can significantly impact the victim’s compensation amount. Factors determining compensation can include:
- Scope of injuries
- Length of recovery time
- Medical treatment costs
- The injury’s impact on the victim’s life
- Insurance coverage
- Level of the responsible party’s negligence
- Experience and skills of the victim’s lawyer
Ultimately, the only way to accurately determine what you could receive is to consult an experienced attorney who can evaluate the specific factors involved in your case and negotiate with insurance companies and responsible parties.
What Happens if the Truck Driver Is an Independent Contractor?
Suing a truck driver personally for damages could be unsuccessful, as they may not have the funds or insurance cover to reimburse you for damages, especially if you are severely or permanently injured in the accident.
However, even if the truck driver in your accident was an independent contractor rather than an employee, you may still be able to hold the trucking company liable for damages. The company might be responsible if the driver acted within the scope of their duties during the accident. This can include situations where the trucking company controls the details of the driver’s work, such as their schedule and route.
However, working with an experienced Tacoma truck accident lawyer can be critical in such complex cases, as the company will likely try to deny liability. Your attorney may need to thoroughly investigate the relationship between the driver and the trucking company and gather evidence proving the company’s liability.
How Much Does It Cost to Hire a Tacoma Truck Accident Lawyer?
Many truck accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, which means they only get paid if you win. In other words, if you lose your case, you do not have to pay any attorney’s fees. However, some personal injury attorneys will charge you upfront for legal expenses, such as court filing fees and others, which can work out expensive.
Morgan & Morgan never charges clients anything upfront. We understand that accident victims face steep medical bills and other losses after a crash. Our fee is always free until and unless you win and receive damages.Contact Morgan & Morgan Today for Help With Your Tacoma Truck Accident
Truck accidents can leave you with life-changing injuries and gigantic financial burdens. However, you don’t have to face these challenges alone. Our compassionate and experienced Tacoma truck accident lawyers can guide you through the legal process and fight tirelessly to secure the compensation you deserve.
Don’t wait another day to fight for justice and compensation. Contact us now for a free case evaluation and let us help as you rebuild your life.
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The attorney featured above is licensed in Florida. For a full list of attorneys in your state please visit our attorney page.
Results may vary depending on your particular facts and legal circumstances.
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