Spokane Truck Accident Lawyer
You drive your car safely, but a truck driver chooses not to do the same with their vehicle. Unfortunately, this leads to an accident, and you suffer losses during the incident. With help from a Spokane truck accident lawyer, you can pursue damages from the liable trucker, their employer, and any other at-fault parties.
Since 1990, Siegfried & Jensen has helped clients deal with the aftermath of truck accidents and similar incidents. Let a Spokane personal injury lawyer from our team evaluate your case. Schedule a free case consultation with us.
Truck Laws You Need to Know About
The team at Siegfried & Jensen understands state and national truck laws, and we help our clients maximize their damages with a Spokane personal injury lawyer’s help. Recently, we secured $4.4 million in a truck accident case for a client. Meet with a truck accident lawyer in Spokane, WA from our team to learn more about how we can help you with your case.
There are commercial vehicle laws and regulations in place in Washington State. These include size, weight, and load requirements for trucks. If a truck driver or their employer ignores any of these rules, they can be punished to the fullest extent of the law.
In the same way, there are federal rules for truck drivers and their employers to follow. As an example, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has hours of service (HOS) requirements. If a trucker spends too much time behind the wheel without taking a break, they may be violating these mandates.
When to Request Damages Based on a Truck Accident
With personal injury claims, you have a limited window to seek damages from any liable parties. In Washington State, the statute of limitations for these claims is three years. If you are considering filing a lawsuit based on a truck accident, get legal help immediately, or you risk missing your opportunity to pursue damages.
A truck accident attorney in Spokane, WA can help you get compensation through a lawsuit. However, you may not actually have to file one. You can pursue compensation through an insurance claim, which may allow you to secure adequate compensation for your losses.
Ideally, an insurance claim is successful, and the insurance carrier of an at-fault trucker or their employer covers all of your losses. This may not happen, and an insurance provider can dispute your claim. Regardless, when you have an attorney who knows how insurance works at your side, you can get the help you need to request compensation through a claim or lawsuit.
How a Truck Accident Lawsuit Works
A Spokane truck accident attorney files your lawsuit before the statute of limitations in which you are allowed to do so expires. Next, they gather evidence to support your argument. Proof your lawyer can use includes:
- Photos and videos from the scene of your accident
- Statements from witnesses who saw your accident happen
- Pay stubs highlighting your lost wages
- Medical records showing the severity of your injury
- Receipts illustrating how much you have paid to repair or replace your car
Your lawyer can explain how to prove reckless driving and what you can do to strengthen your case against a liable party. If you have plenty of evidence, you may have enough to compel a judge or jury to rule in your favor. At the same time, your lawyer accounts for the defendant’s body of proof and helps you contest any claims against you.
Damages You Can Recover in a Truck Accident Lawsuit
A truck accident lawyer in Spokane can teach you about economic and non-economic damages. In your lawsuit, you can ask for both types of compensation. Reasons why a judge or jury may award economic or non-economic damages or both include:
- Automobile repairs or replacement
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment
Your attorney calculates your quantifiable and subjective losses. Then, they prepare an argument that explains why you deserve this total. They can also provide insights into what a settlement agreement is and why you may want to consider accepting one.
How a Truck Accident Case Gets Settled
The defendant in your lawsuit may have concerns about your argument to the point where they want to resolve your case outside the courtroom. At this time, they could propose a settlement. If you approve the offer, you get compensation, but it may be less than what you originally requested.
A truck accident attorney in Spokane can help you weigh the pros and cons of any decision you can make regarding a settlement. If your lawyer feels an offer is less than what you deserve, they will tell you. Meanwhile, you can choose to approve a settlement even if your lawyer advises you to decline it.
It is in your best interests to discuss a settlement proposal with your lawyer. This allows you to get information about the immediate and long-term ramifications of any decision you make on it. If you are not fully satisfied with a proposal, you can decline it, and your lawyer will continue to represent you.
How Contributory Fault Applies to Your Case
Washington State follows rules for pure contributory fault. If you are in any way liable for your truck accident, what you get in damages in your injury lawsuit can be reduced by your percentage of fault. To understand how this works, consider an example.
A judge or jury finds you are 30% liable for your truck accident. The defendant in your case is 70% at fault. Therefore, they may be ordered to cover 70% of the damages you initially requested.
You can recover damages if you are up to 99% at fault. Ultimately, your Spokane truck accident lawyer wants to prove you should not be held accountable for your accident. Thus, they commit time and resources to develop a compelling argument that shows you should get 100% of the compensation you seek.
Discover the Siegfried & Jensen Difference
For over 30 years, the team at Siegfried & Jensen has been helping clients in personal injury cases. After your truck accident, we are here to assist you in any way we can. Request a free case consultation.
