Last updated on May 9, 2022
The drivers of commercial utility and delivery vehicles and the companies that own them are all expected to uphold certain standards founded by the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and other regulatory agents. These standards are put in place to keep people safe on the road, especially since commercial vehicles tend to be larger and thus more potentially destructive than other motor vehicles. However, many lives are devastated or lost in multiple commercial vehicle accidents every year, and most of them can be attributed to failure on the part of the trucking company and/or its employee.
In a Seattle truck accident, the liable party can be a vehicle manufacturer, retailer, distributor, government entity, or driver.
If you have suffered an injury or lost a loved one in a commercial vehicle accident, you may be entitled to compensation that’ll cover damages such as medical expenses, funeral costs, lost income, pain and suffering, and more. First, you will need to get in touch with one of the experienced Seattle trucking accident attorneys at Pendergast Law. As your legal representative, we will give you a full understanding of your legal options and rights and guide you through the whole claims process. We will also help you deal with difficult insurance companies so you can get the settlement you deserve. For a free, informative consultation, call our office at 888-539-9211.
Who Is At Fault In A Commercial Collision In Washington?
Establishing liability is an important task involved in the claims process that can range from being relatively simple to incredibly complex, depending on the circumstances. It is best not to jump to conclusions yourself. Consult with an attorney as soon as possible so he or she can start investigating right away. The longer you wait, the more evidence you may lose.
Common causes of truck accidents include, but are not limited to:
- Mechanical failure: The commercial vehicle may have defective parts due to bad manufacturing or design. It is also possible that the company fails to enforce regular maintenance checks and the vehicle simply degrades to the breaking point.
- Driver error: Employees should be proficient, sober, attentive, and awake at all times. Certain OSHA regulations, such as Hours of Service (HoS), exist to encourage this, but they are often broken. Many commercial vehicle accidents can be attributed to intoxicated driving, distracted driving, fatigue, and inadequate training.
- Dangerous road conditions: Particular government entities hold the responsibility to keep old roads well-maintained and to design new ones well. If a road issue, such as a pothole or inadequate signage, causes a commercial vehicle accident, the government may be held liable for damages.
How Should I Deal With The Opposing Insurance Company?
Always, always consult with a Seattle accident lawyer before you do or say anything. This cannot be said enough. Do not sign anything, do not speak with the insurance broker, do not speak of the incident with anyone else – nothing should be done without your attorney’s approval.
Commercial carrier companies have lots of expendable capital; in other words, they have the means to hire the best insurance professionals who know all the best denial tactics. And it is certain that they will attempt to offer you an unfair settlement while making it look like the best deal, or lure you into making a mistake that hurts your claim. Only an experienced attorney will be able to help you counteract these attacks on your financial future.
WA Commercial Vehicle Accident Attorneys Helping You Recover Past And Future Losses
Pendergast Law is a nationally recognized, highly rated law firm with a record of success. Contact our Seattle commercial vehicle accident lawyers today if you need answers to your trucking accident questions and get started on the road to recovery.