A truck accident can be severe due to the size of the vehicles. Victims may face serious injuries, property damage, and other losses. Truck accidents can be particularly complex due to the numerous parties involved, including the driver, the trucking company, and the truck manufacturer.
At Malcolm Law, our skilled Redmond truck accident lawyers can protect your legal rights and help you seek compensation for your damages. Our knowledgeable team of attorneys can help you navigate these complexities and build a strong case on your behalf. If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident, don’t hesitate to contact a Redmond truck accident lawyer to discuss your legal options.
What Defines a Truck Accident?
A truck accident is a collision involving a commercial truck or tractor-trailer. These types of accidents can be particularly dangerous due to the large size and weight of commercial trucks, which can cause significant damage to other vehicles and their occupants. Truck accidents can be caused by a variety of factors, including driver error, vehicle malfunctions, road conditions, and weather. Because of the potential for serious injuries and property damage, truck accidents are often subject to extensive investigations and legal proceedings. If you have been involved in a truck accident, it’s important to seek the guidance of a Redmond personal injury attorney who can help you understand your legal rights and options.
Common Types of Truck Accidents
Due to the size of trucks, they can cause accidents that are not seen in any other vehicles. Accidents that are particular to trucks include:
Jackknife accidents: This type of accident occurs when a truck driver brakes suddenly, causing the trailer to swing out and form a 90-degree angle with the cab of the truck. This can result in the truck blocking multiple lanes of traffic or colliding with other vehicles.
Rollover accidents: Rollover accidents can occur when a truck driver takes a turn too fast, the load is unbalanced, or the road conditions are poor. The truck may roll onto its side, causing significant damage and injuries to the driver and others on the road.
Rear-end collisions: These types of accidents occur when a truck driver fails to stop in time and collides with the vehicle in front of them. Because of the size and weight of commercial trucks, rear-end collisions can be particularly dangerous and often result in serious injuries.
Underride accidents: Underride accidents occur when a smaller vehicle collides with the back or side of a truck and becomes lodged underneath it. This can result in serious injuries or fatalities for the occupants of the smaller vehicle.
Lost load accidents: If a truck’s load is not properly secured, it can shift or fall off the vehicle, causing accidents and injuries. This can happen if the driver fails to properly secure the load or if the trucking company overloads the vehicle beyond safe limits.
Causes of Redmond Truck Accidents
At Malcolm Law, there are various reasons that we see as causes of truck accidents. Some examples include:
Driver error: Many truck accidents are caused by driver error, such as distracted driving, speeding, or driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
Equipment failure: Trucks are complex machines with many parts that must work together to operate safely. If any part fails, such as the brakes, tires, or steering, it can cause an accident.
Overloaded or improperly loaded cargo: If a truck is carrying too much weight or if the cargo is not properly secured, it can cause the truck to become unstable and increase the risk of an accident.
Poor weather or road conditions: Adverse weather conditions, such as rain, snow, or ice, can make it more difficult for truck drivers to control their vehicles. Poor road conditions, such as potholes or construction, can also increase the risk of accidents.
Negligence by the trucking company: In some cases, truck accidents are caused by the negligence of the trucking company, such as failing to properly maintain the vehicle or requiring drivers to meet unrealistic schedules.
Truck accidents can result in a wide range of injuries, ranging from minor cuts and bruises to severe and life-threatening injuries. Some common types of injuries that can occur in truck accidents include:
Traumatic brain injuries: These injuries can occur when the head is struck or jolted, causing damage to the brain. Symptoms can range from mild to severe and may include headaches, dizziness, and cognitive difficulties.
Spinal cord injuries: Injuries to the spinal cord can result in paralysis or other types of loss of sensation or motor function. These injuries can be permanent and require ongoing medical care.
Broken bones: Truck accidents can result in fractures or breaks to the bones in the body. These injuries can be painful and may require surgery or other types of medical treatment.
Internal injuries: Trauma to the internal organs, such as the liver, spleen, or kidneys, can result in serious and potentially life-threatening injuries.
Whiplash and soft tissue injuries: These types of injuries can occur when the body is jolted or thrown in a collision. Symptoms may include pain, stiffness, and limited mobility.
Truck Driver Regulations in Redmond, Washington
There are specific rules and regulations that commercial trucks must follow in Redmond under the Washington Traffic Code. These regulations are designed to promote safety on the roads and reduce the risk of accidents involving commercial trucks. A violation of these rules that lead to an accident can be a strong piece of evidence in proving a plaintiff’s case that the accident was due to the negligence of the truck driver.
Some of the key regulations that apply to commercial trucks in Washington State include:
Size and weight limits: Commercial trucks are subject to size and weight limits in Washington State. The maximum weight allowed for a commercial truck on most highways is 80,000 pounds.
Hours of service: Truck drivers are subject to federal regulations that limit the number of hours they can drive in a day and week. In Washington, drivers must follow these regulations, which include mandatory rest breaks and limits on consecutive driving hours.
Maintenance and inspection requirements: Commercial trucks must be regularly maintained and inspected to ensure that they are in safe operating condition. Washington has specific regulations that dictate how often trucks must be inspected and what types of maintenance they must undergo.
Driver qualifications: Truck drivers in Washington must meet specific qualifications, including holding a valid commercial driver’s license (CDL) and passing a medical examination.
Insurance requirements: Commercial trucks in Washington must carry liability insurance to cover the cost of damages in the event of an accident.
Contact Our Redmond Truck Accident Lawyers Today
Truck accidents can forever change the lives of a victim and a victim’s family. If you have been involved in a truck accident in Redmond or the surrounding area, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and other damages. At Malcolm Law, our Redmond truck accident attorneys can help you navigate the legal system and ensure that your rights are protected. Don’t wait to take action – contact us today to discuss your case and learn more about how we can help you recover the compensation you deserve.
