Lawyers For A Wrongful Death Case Involving a Semi-Truck
Losing a loved one in a semi-truck accident can be one of the most difficult experiences to endure, especially if the accident was caused by the negligence of truck driver and/or company. You may wish to file a lawsuit to bring the liable party to justice, but find yourself mentally and emotionally unprepared for such an undertaking. Even worse, the trucking company may take advantage of your mourning period and do their best to discredit your wrongful death claim when you are at your most vulnerable. However, the compassionate Seattle fatal accident attorneys at Pendergast Law can stand in your place and protect your rights and your case so you can focus on healing.
How Can I Prove My Seattle Semi-Truck Accident Wrongful Death Claim?
Trucking companies will very rarely agree to pay victims a full and fair settlement. They may even deny liability altogether, all for the sake of profit. They have the means to employ professionals who specialize in claims denial, and these specialists often use ruthless and/or underhanded tactics to get claimants to make mistakes and jeopardize their claims. It is easy to feel discouraged in the face of these obstacles. However, an experienced attorney can help you avoid the common pitfalls of the claims process and establish evidence that strengthens your case. Such evidence may include:
- Witness statements
- Medical records
- Expert testimony
- Police and accident reports
- Camera footage
Washington follows a comparative negligence system, meaning parties can share fault. For a fatal tractor-trailer accident, determining liability may be complex as it may involve multiple parties, including the following:
- Truck driver
- Trucking company
- Truck parts manufacturers
- Other negligent drivers
To further establish liability, an attorney may investigate:
- The trucking company’s driving logs and records
- The involved vehicle’s driving history
- Maintenance records
- Potential violations of federal and state regulations regarding trucking
- Past violations
- Potential vehicle defects
What Damages Can I Recover In Washington?
In Washington, loved ones who wish to file a wrongful death claim must do so within three years of the date of death, according to the state’s Statute of Limitations. Three different types of damages may be recovered in Washington for a wrongful death suit.
- Economic damages: These include medical expenses, funeral costs, burial expenses, lost wages, lost benefits and loss of inheritance. If the claimant is a spouse who fulfilled a domestic role, he or she may also recover the costs of child care services.
- Noneconomic damages: These include intangible damages, such as pain and suffering, mental anguish, loss of companionship and love, loss of care and protection, loss of consortium and loss of society.
Providing Dependable Representation After A Fatal Truck Accident
Our experienced personal injury attorneys can work with accident reconstruction experts to determine liability and negotiate with insurance companies or at-fault parties to pursue maximum compensation. Get in touch with the skilled Washington wrongful death lawyers at Pendergast Law today for a free consultation to discuss your semi-truck accident case. You can reach us toll-free at 888-539-9211.