Kent Truck Accident Lawyer

A truck driver may slam their vehicle into your car. This may leave you with serious injury and property damage. At this point, it may be a good idea to consult with a Washington personal injury lawyer who may be able to help you file a claim for damages. 

At Puget Law Group (PLG), we have tremendous success in personal injury cases. A Kent personal injury lawyer can take a look at your case and go over your legal options with you. To get started, reach out to us.

Washington State Truck Laws

The Washington State Commercial Vehicle Guide outlines regulations for commercial vehicle operators. These rules apply to trucking companies and drivers. They include:

• Speed Limits: On state highways, truckers can travel at a maximum speed of 60 miles per hour. 
• Slow Vehicle Rule: If a trucker is traveling slowly on a two-lane highway and has five or more vehicles behind them, they must move out of the way at the first available and safe turnout to allow other vehicles to pass. 
• Crossview Mirror and Backup Alert: For trucks with a cube-style, walk-in cargo box up to 18 feet long used for the delivery of services and goods, they must have a rear cross-view mirror or backup device to help the driver see if a person or object is behind their vehicle. 
• Left-Lane Limitations: Trucks towing a trailer or any other vehicle with a weight exceeding 10,000 pounds cannot travel in the left-hand lane on a limited-access roadway. 

Along with these, there are federal restrictions that apply to trucking businesses and drivers. For instance, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has hours of service (HOS) restrictions for truckers. These require truck drivers to take regular breaks to avoid fatigue and exhaustion. 

Who Is Responsible for a Trucking Accident

Every truck crash is different, and the at-fault party varies based on the collision. A truck accident attorney in Kent may use the facts of your case to help you determine liability. There are many parties who may be responsible for a trucking crash, including:

• Truck driver
• Trucking company
• Truck maintenance business
• Truck parts manufacturer
• Government agency

The legal team at PLG can help you figure out who is at fault for your trucking crash. From here, a Kent truck accident lawyer may be able to submit a claim for damages on your behalf. To learn more, get in touch with us. 

When to File a Trucking Accident Claim

According to the Revised Code of Washington (RCW) §4.16.080, you may have up to three years from the date of your trucking crash to seek compensation from an at-fault party. The window for filing a claim may not be extended. If you choose not to submit a request for damages within your statute of limitations to do so, you may be solely responsible for all of your crash-related losses. 

A Kent truck accident attorney can work with you to request damages before you run out of time to file a claim. They can help you calculate your losses. Your lawyer may prepare an argument designed to show a judge or jury that you deserve economic and non-economic compensation. 

You may receive economic compensation based on the costs to repair or replace your car, your medical bills, and other losses you can quantify. Comparatively, you may get non-economic damages for suffering, pain, and other subjective losses. Your lawyer can help you gather evidence that shows a judge or jury you should be awarded the most damages possible. 

Proving Negligence in a Truck Accident Case

You are responsible for proving an at-fault party was negligent. This may require you to gather accident scene photos and videos, medical records, and other evidence to prove fault. Also, you must show the following elements of negligence were present at the time of your trucking collision:

• Duty of Care: An at-fault party was legally obligated to avoid careless and reckless acts that could harm you and others. 
• Breach of Duty of Care: This party chose to ignore their legal obligation, committing a careless and reckless act that was harmful.
• Causation: The party’s actions led to your accident. 
• Damages: Because the party caused your accident, you are dealing with economic and non-economic losses. 

Just because you may be partly responsible for your truck crash does not mean you are ineligible for damages. Based on contributory fault, you may be able to seek damages, even if you are primarily liable for your collision. A truck accident lawyer in Kent may be able to help you prove negligence and secure a fair settlement. 

Trucking Accident Case Settlement

If you hire a truck accident attorney in Kent who has helped many clients get outstanding case results, you may be well-positioned to settle your claim outside the courtroom. Your attorney can keep you up to date about any settlement offers. If the defendant proposes one, your lawyer can discuss the proposal with you and help you weigh its pros and cons. 

You may be tempted to accept the first settlement offer you get, but it may actually do more harm than good to approve the proposal. By reviewing an offer with your attorney, you can hear what your truck accident lawyer in Kent has to say about it. If your attorney believes the proposal is far less than what your case is actually worth, they will let you know. 

With a trucking accident case settlement, you make the final decision. If you are satisfied with a proposal, you can approve the offer, get money, and close your case. Conversely, if an offer falls short of what you want, you can decline the proposal, and you and your lawyer can continue to look for ways to strengthen your case. 

Get Legal Help from a Kent Truck Accident Lawyer

If you have been injured in a trucking accident, the legal team at PLG may be able to help you out. A Kent truck accident attorney can help you decide if now is the right time to pursue damages from an at-fault party. To request a free case consultation, contact us today.