Lakewood Truck Accident Lawyer
All traffic accidents have the potential to cause catastrophic injuries. However, a large truck accident has a much higher risk of death and life-altering injuries because of the truck’s size and weight and the resulting force of impact when it collides with a passenger vehicle. Additionally, truck accident cases are usually much more complex than most car accident cases, as there are a number of different parties who may be held liable.
If you have been injured in a truck accident in Lakewood, WA, you need an experienced truck accident lawyer to advise and represent you. Since these claims are different and more complex than most other personal injury cases, your attorney must have the experience and skills relevant to truck accident cases to get you maximum compensation.
The Lakewood personal lawyers at Brumley Law Firm have over ten years of experience successfully representing clients in Lakewood and the surrounding area. We are committed to getting you the best possible results and helping you get your life back on track.
Contact us at (833) 832-2727 or visit our contact page today to schedule a free consultation. Our Lakewood truck accident lawyer will sit down with you and listen to your story, answer your questions, and explain your options. If we represent you, we will work tirelessly to get the justice and full compensation you deserve
Determining Fault in Lakewood Truck Accidents
In many states, you are barred from seeking compensation if your percentage of fault meets a certain threshold. For example, if you are 50% or more at fault, you can not recover for your damages in those states. However, this is not true in Washington.
Washington follows a pure comparative fault rule This means that you can be partially at fault in an accident and still recover compensation for your damages. You could even be 99% at fault and still be able to recover 1% of your damages from the other at-fault party.
Under the pure comparative fault rule in Washington, if there are multiple parties at fault in an accident, each of them will be assigned a percentage of fault. Together, their percentages will equal 100%.
This is especially important in a Lakewood truck accident because truck accidents frequently have multiple liable parties. Some potentially liable parties in a truck accident may include:
- A negligent driver is the most obvious potentially liable party.
- The trucking company may be liable if they have not maintained their vehicles properly, have not followed federal regulations regarding drivers’ working hours, or for negligent hiring or monitoring their drivers.
- Maintenance companies could be held responsible if they breach their duty of care when performing maintenance on the truck.
- The manufacturer of trucking equipment could be liable if a defective part contributed to the accident.
- The loading company could be responsible if cargo was improperly loaded or inadequately secured.
- Government entities could be liable for a dangerous road condition.
- Drivers of other vehicles may have contributed to the accident.
There may be multiple liable parties in a truck accident. You must have a Lakewood truck accident lawyer who is experienced in handling cases with numerous defendants.
The attorneys at Brumley Law Firm have more than a decade of experience successfully representing truck accident victims from Lakewood and the surrounding areas. We know how to investigate and determine all the responsible parties for your accident and will fight to recover the maximum compensation you deserve.
What To Do After A Lakewood Truck Accident
If you have been injured in a Lakewood truck accident, there are several steps you can take to help protect your rights and strengthen your case.
Seek Medical Attention
Even if you do not think your injuries are serious, you should be evaluated by a medical professional. Many injuries are not immediately apparent but can cause life-long disability and pain. Delaying medical treatment can be harmful to your health as well as your legal claim.
Call the Police
Call the police and report the accident to ensure an official police report is lodged. This report is an important piece of evidence for your claim. A police report provides an unbiased and professional account of the accident.
Contact Your Insurance Company
Immediately contact your insurance company and inform them about the accident. However, do not provide a recorded statement or accept any settlement offer at this time. You need to consult with an experienced Lakewood truck accident lawyer before giving a statement or accepting any offers.
Gather and Preserve Evidence
If you are able, taking video or photographs of the accident scene can be beneficial. Be sure to include the vehicles involved, and any relevant road signs or hazardous conditions. Take photos of your visible injuries. Additionally, collect the contact information of all parties and any eyewitnesses to the accident. These can all be important pieces of evidence to support your case.
Be Careful When Communicating and Stay Off Social Media
Do not speak to other parties’ insurance companies without your attorney and be very careful when discussing the accident and your injuries with anyone else. Additionally, stay off social media. An insurance company can use your social posts against you. For example, if you post a photo or text showing you enjoying your life, an insurance adjuster or their attorneys may use it to show that your injuries have not seriously impacted you.
Keep All Medical Appointments
Keep all follow-up appointments and continue your therapy as prescribed. This is important for your health and to demonstrate the severity of your injuries to help value your claim.
Contact an Experienced Lawyer
One of the first things you should do after a truck accident is seek the advice and representation of a successful Lakewood truck accident lawyer. These cases can be very complex, involving federal regulations and as well as multiple parties and insurance companies.
Contact A Lakewood Truck Accident Lawyer Today
If you have been injured in a truck accident in Lakewood or the surrounding area, we want to help. The dedicated Lakewood truck accident lawyers at Brumley Law Firm have more than a decade of experience recovering maximum compensation for our clients.
We understand how devastating truck accidents can be for the victims and their families. We know how to win in complex truck accident cases. Our commitment is to protect our clients’ rights and get them every dollar they deserve.
Call us at (833) 832-2727 or go to our contact page today to schedule a free consultation. We will compassionately listen to you, answer your questions, explain your options, and help you take the next right steps. Let us help you get your life back on track.