> You don’t have to face the fallout from your 18-wheeler accident alone. Teaming up with a Spokane truck crash lawyer can relieve your stress and boost your chance of success.
If you have been hurt in an 18-wheeler accident, you know just how serious these accidents can be. A commercial truck can easily weigh many times as much as a car, and when one of these massive vehicles is involved in a collision, the results can be catastrophic— even fatal .
In a truck accident, determining fault and liability can be a complicated problem, and between that and the serious injuries you may have suffered, the situation can feel overwhelming. With help of a Spokane truck accident lawyer from our firm, however, you can untangle the situation and get the compensation you deserve .
Investigating Fault in Spokane 18-Wheeler Wrecks
Proving fault in the case of a truck accident in Spokane can be tricky. In most other types of accidents, the cause is typically negligence on the part of one of the drivers, so fault may be put on one driver or the other.
However, trucks are almost always commercial vehicles, which means that, in many cases, it is not simply the driver who is liable for the accident. Under what is called “vicarious liability” or “respondeat superior,” if the driver is the employee of a business and the accident takes place while the trucker is on his or her job, the business itself could be held responsible.
Sometimes, though, the driver may be an independent contractor for a larger company. In these cases, fault becomes more complicated—the behavior of the driver and the amount of supervision put on the employee become involved. Insurance coverage by the company may also vary.
Your own part in the accident will also be taken into consideration. In the state of Washington, we observe comparative negligence, which means that fault is not always solely on the person responsible for the accident. For example, if you are found partially at fault, you may receive proportionally reduced compensation.
Fault and liability are complicated, especially for someone dealing with major damages or loss. With our firm at your side, though, you could receive more compensation at less personal cost. Because the issue of fault is common in accidents with 18-wheelers, it’s helpful to have someone on your side to guide you through the process of deciding who is responsible for the accident.
Injuries and Your Compensation
Once our Spokane truck wreck lawyer has settled the issue of fault, the value of your claim can be fully assessed. You likely suffered not only damage to your vehicle, but serious or even catastrophic physical injuries, which will be taken into account when deciding your compensation.
Truck accidents are different from your typical car accident, not just in fault, but in scope. A truck accident is typically far more severe, given the size of an 18-wheeler compared to a car, and if the cargo is hazardous, your chances of being seriously harmed increase greatly.
Injuries during truck accidents are common, occurring in about 20 percent of accidents involving a commercial truck. Because injuries are so common, you should expect to see substantial compensation for your losses or damages.
A few types of injuries are especially common in truck accidents. We’ll discuss them below:
- Head Injuries – A traumatic brain injury can lead to long-term, expensive treatment, even after your hospital stay. Your medical expenses may be included when you begin to value your damages.
- Back and Spinal Injuries – At best, a back injury can put you out of work for a few weeks. At worst, it can paralyze you for life. If you find yourself unable to work after your incident, those lost wages should be considered in your claim, as well.
- Loss of a Loved One – Losing a spouse or other loved one can be a traumatic experience that may lead to further emotional and mental damages along the way.
- Mental Distress – After any traumatic incident, you may risk developing post-traumatic stress disorder, a severe level of mental distress that could disrupt your life and require psychiatric help. This would count as a “non-economic” damage called mental anguish, which you could also be compensated for.
- Physical Disfigurement – A truck accident can be especially severe, and you may leave the accident with a physical disfigurement or impairment that changes your quality of life. For that, you deserve significant compensation.
If you have suffered any of these damages, a truck accident attorney in Spokane can help you navigate your claim. Your losses may be overwhelming, but the right team can get you the help you need.
Navigating Insurance and Negotiations
Considering the difficulties of your losses, you may expect insurance companies to be on your side after your Spokane commercial truck wreck. Unfortunately, this is often not the case.
Insurance companies are for-profit businesses that simply do not benefit from paying out after an accident. As mentioned, Washington state observes comparative negligence, which insurance companies can use against you. If they can find fault in your actions, you could lose a portion or even all of your compensation.
Finding fault in your case only helps the insurance companies—if they can avoid paying out for your damages, it will only benefit them. In fact, they may contact you for a statement or signature of some kind, and these statements could be used against you later on.
Instead, our team can help you through the complicated dealings with insurance companies. The Spokane truck crash attorneys at Craig Swapp & Associates can help ensure that you receive the compensation you need.
Special Considerations for Spokane Commercial Truck Wrecks
Driving a large commercial truck comes with a number of risk factors that driving a car simply does not pose, and any of these factors could be a cause in your accident. The sheer size of a truck is a danger, as it does not allow for quick stops and sharp turns.
Indeed, certain special exceptions may apply to 18-wheeler accidents in Spokane. Jackknifing, for instance, comes from the difficulty of stopping so much weight, and this can happen under slippery conditions or sudden braking. In this case, the driver may not be held responsible for the accident.
Many commercial trucks are also involved in turning accidents, which is not always a clear case of negligence. Semi-trucks are difficult to turn, and they often take two lanes to make a right turn. This, however, has been established by some courts as the trucker’s fault when it causes a crash.
No matter the cause, if you were in a truck accident and it was not your fault, you could be compensated for your injuries. Even if the trucker or trucking company try to excuse their actions and avoid paying you, the right lawyer can boost your chance of receiving the full compensation you deserve.
Connect with a Spokane Semi-Truck Accident Attorney
If you have recently been in an accident involving an 18-wheeler, you may eligible for substantial compensation to cover every hardship you’ve suffered. At Craig Swapp & Associates , we are committed to your recovery.
If you believe you have a viable claim, don’t hesitate to reach out to a Spokane truck accident lawyer. Our firm offers a free, no-obligation consultation. We will discuss your case with you and help you decide what your next step is before we receive a single payment. Simply fill out the online contact form below or call us at 1-800-404-9000 to get started.
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Client Reviews
“I was concerned with all the paperwork”
Before calling your firm I had 2 big worries. One was I didn’t want to do more paper work, and that fear was resolved when I had to do very little, but Craig Swapp and Assoc. did most of it, and when I did have to come in to sign papers they worked around the times I could do it. Worry 2 was I didn’t want people to think I was “sue happy” and that I was just out to get money. I just wanted my bills to be paid for that were from the accident, and that was resolved I think by Mr. Wes Mortenson and Theresa because they listened to what I had to say.
Amber W.,
Spokane, WA
"I would hire them in a second"
My biggest fear was not having all the expenses caused by the accident paid for in full. I was assured they would be taken care of but I admit I was skeptical. When we wrapped everything up (which happened quicker than I was originally told) I had extra money in my pocket. I honestly thought there was a catch but my attorney explained everything to me in detail. If I am ever in that position again I’ll be giving Craig Swapp a call.
Robert N.,
Spokane, WA
"I was afraid of the fees"
I was afraid of the fees I would have to pay a lawyer. I waited over a year before hiring your law firm. I finally reached out to your online help where they were able to help me understand the process and what would happen. In all honesty I absolutely loved working with the individuals that were involved in my case. They were genuine & heartfelt about my case. It felt as though they really cared and were concerned about me, not just as a client but as a person.
Lacey B.,
Salt Lake City, UT
"I was afraid that my issue was too small"
I was afraid that my issue was too small to be handled, and that it would just be rejected. Or that I’d end up having to pay for my medical expenses and any of your teams expenses. I would definitely answer yes, it was resolved! I wasn’t ever made out to feel like my little issue didn’t matter, and my expenses were paid for- just what I wanted/needed.
J. Rohas,
Caldwell, ID
"I am very pleased with the results"
My biggest fear was that it would be pointless to pursue legal action in my case. I felt like maybe I didn’t have much of a case. After speaking with Paul, I realize it was not of my own fault and that others can be held responsible for the pain and suffering I went through.
Dollie J.,
West Jordan, UT