Commercial trucks are much larger and heavier than other vehicles on the road, and when accidents occur, they can cause severe injuries and property damage. You might require long-term or lifelong medical care and follow-up treatment. If you have suffered injuries in one of these accidents due to the negligence of the truck driver or the company they work for, you may have the legal right to collect compensation for damages with assistance from a skilled personal injury attorney.
Determining liable parties in a claim after a truck crash is complex. The cases often involve several defendants, with attorneys and insurance agencies fighting on their behalf. It is important to have a North Creek truck accident lawyer in your corner to help.
Common Truck Accident Injuries and Causes
A truck crash can result in catastrophic and life-altering injuries, such as traumatic head and brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, traumatic limb amputations, and even fatalities. Some of the common reasons for a truck collision might include:
- Driver inattention and distractions
- Inadequate driver training
- Unsafe cargo loading
- Improper maintenance and repair
- Aggressive, reckless, or careless driving, including speeding and following too closely
- Improper truck maneuvers such as reckless lane changes
- Driver fatigue
A seasoned North Creek truck collision attorney could investigate to help determine the cause and liable parties of the crash and even reconstruct the crash scene for more accurate discovery.
Damage Recovery After a Truck Crash
Truck crashes can leave an individual not only with costly injuries and extended time missed from work, but also a negative impact on their mental health and well-being. Successfully proving the defendant’s liability could result in being awarded damages that fall under two categories – economic and non-economic.
Economic Damages
Economic damages cover the tangible losses a person suffers because of the accident. Payment would cover medical bills, follow-up, and ongoing care costs. It would also recover money from missing time from work and future earning potential.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages cover the subjective losses the claimant suffers in a crash. Compensation would focus on the non-monetary losses associated with the accident, including mental pain and anguish, losing the enjoyment of life, and physical pain and suffering in performing daily activities.
What is the Time Limit to Sue After a Truck Crash?
The claimant must ensure they commence the case to recover damages within the statute of limitations guidelines. According to the Revised Statute of Washington 4.16.080, the plaintiff must typically file a civil lawsuit within three years of the cause of action. If the party is not immediately aware of their injuries, the statute will begin running the day they discovered the harm related to the crash.
Missing the deadline for filing a civil action will cause the petitioner to lose the right to recover compensation for damages. A truck crash lawyer in North Creek could handle the filing and ensure the claim is in compliance with the state civil claims statute.
Schedule a Consultation with a North Creek Truck Accident Attorney
An accident with a large truck can leave you with painful injuries that have a devastating effect on your entire life. When accidents happen because of the driver, the company they work for, or some other third party’s recklessness, you should not have to suffer further by paying for the damages and losses.
Call a skilled North Creek truck accident lawyer to schedule a consultation and get the help you deserve.