Doorstep deliveries have become commonplace, and the increased presence of delivery trucks on our streets is noticeable. While shopping has become more convenient, that convenience comes with risks.
The more trucks on the road, the greater the possibility for truck accidents and their often devastating consequences. If you have been injured in a delivery truck accident, reach out to a Spokane truck accident lawyer at Siegfried & Jensen.
Our team has recovered over $1.2 billion for clients throughout our years in business, and we are ready to add your case outcome to that successful history. Connect with our Spokane delivery truck accident lawyers to fight for the justice and compensation you need to move forward.
How to Strengthen Your Delivery Truck Accident Claim
You can take action at the scene of the accident, provided you do not need emergency medical transport, to support your claim. Get thorough contact information from the delivery truck drivers and any others involved in the crash. Be sure to include insurance, license, and truck registration information.
Take photos of the vehicles, documenting their positions and any visible damage, as well as the overall scene. Note traffic signals, mounted cameras, road conditions, and anything else with potential relevance. Get contact information from witnesses. Going to a doctor is the next thing to do, even if your injuries do not show up right away.
Do not assume you have escaped with minimal or no injuries. Delivery trucks are heavy vehicles, capable of doing serious damage. Sometimes, pain can take time to develop. Other injuries, even possibly fatal ones, such as brain or organ bleeding, can reveal themselves slowly. Delaying care puts you in danger and can also weaken your case.
For a free legal consultation with a delivery truck accident lawyer serving Spokane, call (801) 266-0999
How Delivery Truck Accidents Happen
A delivery truck accident attorney in Spokane will investigate your accident to find out what happened, as identifying who is liable in a truck accident is critical to your case.
You can only secure damages by proving that the at-fault party’s negligence caused the crash and your resulting injuries and losses. A Spokane personal injury lawyer can explain what typically causes these crashes.
Driver-Related Causes
Delivery drivers have demanding jobs, delivering hundreds of packages per day. The demands put them at risk for speed- and distraction-related crashes. They must reach various locations as quickly as possible and constantly check their navigation systems, taking their eyes off the road. They may make sudden, unsafe stops when recognizing an address.
Fatigue can also lead to accidents. The Strategic Organizing Center (SOC) highlighted the demanding requirements Amazon imposes on drivers in its report titled The Worst Mile. To meet delivery quotas, drivers must make deliveries every one to two minutes without taking breaks.
The National Safety Council (NSC) explains that fatigue impairs drivers’ reaction time, attention, and awareness of hazards in its Fatigued Driving report.
Company-Related Causes
Some delivery drivers are actual employees of the delivery company, and in these cases, the business may be liable for paying damages. Amazon and other companies hire drivers as independent contractors to protect the business from liability. It can be challenging to hold companies accountable under this hiring system.
Still, the company may have shown negligence in onboarding the independent contractor, perhaps failing to complete background checks for driving or criminal history, or provide proper training. Your Spokane delivery truck accident lawyer may be able to expose the excessive pressure companies put on drivers.
Other Causes
A third-party driver could have caused the crash, cutting off the delivery driver or committing some other traffic violation. A truck defect could be the cause, and the truck or part manufacturer, inspector, or mechanic may hold culpability. If poor road conditions or inoperative traffic signals caused the accident, the government agency overseeing that area may be at fault.
Spokane Delivery Truck Accident Lawyer Near Me (801) 266-0999
A Spokane Delivery Truck Accident Attorney Can Manage All Your Legal Needs
Connect with Siegfried & Jensen quickly after your accident. Doing so gives us access to evidence before it gets lost and allows us to identify and file against the negligent party within Washington State’s statute of limitations. Per RCW 4.06.080, that deadline is three years for most truck accident claims, though the window is shorter for claims against the government.
Your delivery truck accident lawyer in Spokane will look for evidence proving the other side’s negligence and protecting you from unfair blame. Under Chapter 4.22 of Washington’s code, you can see your compensation reduced by the same percentage of blame assigned to you.
Insurance issues can be complicated in delivery truck accidents, especially those involving independent contractors. Our team knows how to handle insurance companies after a crash. You won’t have to deal with the stress of insurance discussions or negotiations when we’re representing you.
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Your Lawyer Will Value Your Case Accurately
You can also trust your attorney to determine the value of your truck accident claim accurately. Insurance companies will try to minimize your injuries and dismiss your pain and suffering. They will likely try to tempt you with a fast settlement for an amount much lower than you deserve. Do not accept any offers without speaking to your attorney.
Potential Damages
The amount you can expect depends on the specific factors of your case, so there is no predictable, average compensation amount. You can expect your attorney to fight for damages covering or acknowledging your:
- Medical costs, including continuing care, if needed
- Income loss, including future lost wages and benefits, if applicable
- Property damage
- Other related expenses
- Physical and emotional suffering
- Lost enjoyment of life
We will know what your case is worth and will not encourage you to settle for less just to avoid a trial. Our team comprises strategic and aggressive negotiators, as well as trial attorneys. If the other side refuses to make a fair settlement offer, we will be prepared to fight for you in court if that is the best way forward.
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Siegfried & Jensen is Here to Help You Recover and Rebuild After a Truck Accident
The injuries and losses that follow a truck accident can completely derail your life. We are here to help you recover and rebuild by fighting for compensation to recoup your financial losses, give you continued access to top-notch medical care, and enjoy the best quality of life possible.
Connect with a Spokane delivery truck accident attorney at Siegfried & Jensen for a free case review and exceptional representation.
Call or text (801) 266-0999 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form