Inattentive Truck Driver Accidents

Washington highways are crowded with trucks during all hours of the day. With 18-wheelers, box vans, delivery trucks, and construction vehicles on the road, the potential for serious accidents increases. Due to their size and speed, trucks are capable of causing serious accidents that can result in catastrophic injuries or death. It is not uncommon for individuals to suffer traumatic brain injuries, neck injuries, spinal cord injuries, or multiple fractures after this type of accident. Trucks take longer to stop, are prone to rollovers, and have large blind spots. If the driver is not properly trained, or is inattentive, he or she can destroy several other vehicles in one accident.

The attorneys at Kraft Davies Olsson PLLC, are experienced in handling trucking injury cases. Through our history, we have represented clients who were hurt in accidents caused by a wide range of factors, including but not limited to:

• Speeding
• Heavy or unbalanced loads
• Unsecured loads
• Failure to recognize heavy traffic
• Failure to recognize dangerous weather conditions
• Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• Texting or cell phone use
• Distracted driving
• Driver fatigue and falling asleep at the wheel
• Improperly trained drivers

We handle cases involving crashes caused by both American and Canadian shipping companies using Washington’s roads. When foreign trucking companies use our roads, they are required to follow our traffic laws. Inattentive driving is particularly dangerous in the trucking context because the magnitude of potential damage increases drastically when a car is hit by a big rig many times its size.

Despite the notable dangers posed by semi-trucks sharing the road with cars, we have all seen distracted and tired truckers barreling down the highway. When a crash does occur, a thorough and detailed investigation is necessary to uncover the causes of the crash and fully understand how negligence played a part. In trucking accident cases, an investigation likely involves visiting the scene of the crash, interviewing witnesses, reviewing the truck’s log book, review of the truck’s black box data, and review of the police investigative reports. By seeking out evidence from a variety of sources, we are able to piece together what happened leading up to the crash and how negligence played a role.

In trucking accident case it is particularly important to obtain the advice of a qualified personal injury attorney because the magnitude of damages and the complexity of the investigation required. Furthermore, truckers are often just passing through Washington and do not necessarily live in the state. Companies may be based elsewhere and are simply delivering goods through the state. These factors can complicate the claims process, a skilled personal injury attorney will know how to properly handle these aspects of your claim.

The lawyers at Kraft Davies Olsson PLLC, have many years experience handling trucking injury claims and are prepared to do what is needed to secure full and fair settlement on trucking injury claims. If you or a loved one was involved in a trucking accident, call us today at 206.624.8844.