Every year, thousands of people are involved in devastating commercial truck accidents across the United States. These crashes often result in severe injuries, extensive property damage, and even fatalities. If you or a loved one has been the victim of a truck accident, you may feel overwhelmed, scared, and unsure of what to do next. During this challenging time, it's crucial to understand that you have rights and deserve justice. Seeking the guidance of an experienced truck accident lawyer can make all the difference in securing the compensation you deserve.
At Swanson Gardner Meyers Cohon PLLC, we empathize with the pain and confusion you're experiencing after a commercial truck accident. We know that the road to recovery can be long and difficult, filled with mounting medical bills, lost wages, and the emotional trauma of the incident. That's why our dedicated team of Seattle truck accident attorneys is here to stand by your side, fight for your rights, and help you navigate the complex legal process ahead.
Why Choose Our Commercial Truck Accident Lawyers?
The attorneys at Swanson Gardner Meyers Cohon PLLC will do all we can to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve if you are injured in a commercial truck accident. We’ve collected millions for injured accident victims in Seattle and throughout the state of Washington, and we can help you obtain the compensation you need to recover after a devastating truck crash.
Our Past Success
$8 million verdictfor the family of a man who died in a commercial vehicle accident.
$2.5 million settlementfor a woman who suffered serious injury after her car was hit by a UPS truck.
$1.2 million verdictfor a tow truck driver hit by a passing car.
$1.1 million verdicton behalf of a Puget Power lineman who suffered a permanent back injury in a truck accident.
One client sustained a serious jaw and shoulder injury in a truck accident. The insurance company offered $215,000, which was a low offer because of the significance of the injury, so we took the case to trial. A jury awarded our client $548,000.
In another case, a 70-year-old man was killed and his wife badly injured when a tractor-trailer rig lost control on 1-5 N and crashed through the center median due to poorly functioning brakes on the trailer. The young, inexperienced driver was pulled over earlier at an Olympia weigh station by a WSP trooper who recognized the trailer brakes weren’t working properly. However, he allowed the driver to proceed after securing a promise from the driver that he would travel directly to the repair shop in the next town. Instead, the driver continued toward his Seattle destination, where the head-on crash occurred. The truck's owner only had $600,000 of insurance and no collectible assets. Attorney Todd Gardner pursued litigation against the State of Washington for allowing the unsafe truck to leave the weigh station. One week before trial, the State of Washington settled the case for $1.3 million. An additional $200,000 was secured for a total settlement of $1.5 million.
Our attorneys have decades of combined experience handling truck accident claims, and we've successfully represented countless clients like you. We possess an in-depth understanding of the federal and state trucking regulations that govern the industry, which allows us to identify violations and hold negligent parties accountable.
Helping Injured Seattle Truck Accident Victims Like You
Due to the unique aspects of the trucking industry, commercial truck accidents are often more complex than typical car crashes. Fully loaded big rigs can easily weigh up to 80,000 pounds, while the average passenger car weighs just 4,000. As you can imagine, when these two vehicles collide, the passenger car occupants suffer devastating injuries after a truck crash.
Our attorneys have decades of combined experience handling truck accident claims, and we've successfully represented countless clients like you who suffered injuries such as:
Traumatic brain injuries
Spinal cord injuries
Burns and disfigurement
Fractures and broken bones
Soft tissues injuries
Back and neck injuries
Internal organ damage
Who Is To Blame After a Truck Accident in Washington?
Our attorneys understand the federal and state trucking regulations that govern the industry, allowing us to identify violations and hold negligent parties accountable. However, determining liability in a commercial truck accident can be complex, as multiple parties may share responsibility for the crash. Understanding who these parties are and why they may be held accountable is crucial in pursuing the compensation you deserve.
The truck driver is often the first party to be considered when determining liability. Drivers can be held responsible for accidents caused by their negligent or reckless behavior, such as:
Fatigue: Truck drivers are subject to strict hours of service regulations to prevent driving while fatigued. If a driver violates these regulations and causes an accident, they may be held liable.
Distracted Driving: Truck drivers who engage in distracting behaviors, such as texting, eating, or adjusting navigation systems while driving, can be held responsible for resulting accidents.
Impaired Driving: Operating a commercial truck under the influence of drugs or alcohol is not only illegal but also extremely dangerous. Impaired drivers who cause accidents can face both civil and criminal liability.
Speeding and Reckless Driving: Truck drivers who exceed speed limits, follow too closely, or engage in other reckless behaviors can be held accountable for accidents they cause.
Trucking companies must hire qualified drivers and ensure they follow safety regulations. If a company fails to conduct proper background checks, provide adequate training, or monitor its drivers' behavior, it may be held liable for accidents caused by its employees.
The company is responsible for ensuring vehicles are properly maintained and operated safely. This includes performing regular maintenance and not pressuring drivers to meet unrealistic deadlines that may result in dangerous driving behaviors. Our law firm can hold them accountable if they fail to maintain their fleet or prioritize profits over safety.
The party responsible for loading the truck's cargo can be held liable if an accident occurs due to improperly loaded or secured freight. Overloaded trucks or those with unevenly distributed weight can become unstable, increasing the crash risk. The loader may be held accountable if an investigation reveals that negligent cargo loading contributed to the accident.
In some cases, a truck accident may be caused by a defective vehicle or faulty part. If an investigation reveals that a manufacturing defect, such as faulty brakes or tires, contributed to the accident, the manufacturer may be liable for resulting injuries and damages.
Filing a Truck Accident Lawsuit
Truck accident victims often face significant financial challenges after a crash. The cost of medical treatment alone can be staggering, particularly if the injuries sustained are severe or require ongoing care. Emergency room visits, surgeries, rehabilitation, and medication expenses can quickly add up, leaving victims and their families struggling to make ends meet.
In addition to medical bills, many truck accident victims experience a loss of income due to missed work during recovery or, in some cases, a permanent inability to return to their previous job. This loss of earning capacity can profoundly impact victims' ability to support themselves and their loved ones.
Furthermore, truck accident victims may require costly modifications to their homes or vehicles to accommodate their injuries. The emotional toll of a truck accident, including pain and suffering, can also be significant and deserving of compensation.
When you consider the cumulative impact of these expenses and losses, it becomes clear that truck accident victims often need substantial financial resources to rebuild their lives and secure a stable future. To obtain this compensation, filing a truck accident lawsuit is often necessary.
When you work with Swanson Gardner Meyers Cohon PLLC, you can trust that your case is in capable hands. Our attorneys will thoroughly investigate your accident and work to obtain critical evidence, such as the truck's black box data, which can provide valuable insights into the moments leading up to the crash.
Our team will identify all liable parties and pursue maximum compensation on your behalf. We understand that the costs associated with a truck accident can be substantial, including medical expenses, lost wages, and the need for long-term care. We'll fight to ensure you receive the full compensation you're entitled to under Washington law.
Throughout the legal process, we'll keep you informed and supported. We understand that this is a challenging time, and we're here to provide the guidance and compassion you need every step of the way.
Contact Our Truck Accident Lawyers in Seattle
If you or a loved one has been involved in a commercial truck accident, don't wait to seek the legal representation you deserve. The experienced truck accident attorneys at Swanson Gardner Meyers Cohon PLLC are here to fight for your rights and help you secure the compensation you need to move forward with your life.
We believe that every truck accident victim deserves to have their story heard and their rights protected. Let us be your voice during this challenging time. Together, we can work towards a brighter future and ensure that those responsible for your injuries are held accountable for their actions.
Remember, you don't have to face this difficult time alone. Contact us today for a free, no-obligation consultation.
