Video – Attorney Joe Schwab Discussing Commercial Truck Accident Cases

In 2012, approximately 104,000 people were injured and more than 3,900 people died in accidents involving large trucks, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. Given the sheer size and weight of commercial trucks, accident victims often suffer serious, catastrophic or fatal injuries.

If the truck driver was primarily responsible for the accident, the victim (or the victim’s family) can file a claim against the driver’s company to recover damages. For an experienced attorney in Washington that knows how to handle these cases, contact Calbom & Schwab.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents

There are numerous possible causes and contributing factors to this type of devastating accident. Sometimes the passenger car driver may contribute to the accident. He or she may have driven in the truck’s “No Zones,” merged into traffic improperly, or tried to pass the much larger vehicle and was blown off course by the cross-wind.

In many instances, it’s the truck driver or company’s fault. Below are a few examples:

  • Speeding
  • Driving while sleepy, fatigued or intoxicated
  • Using a handheld device while driving
  • Not checking the cargo’s security
  • Poor maintenance and inspection of the vehicle
  • Not having adequate training to handle a large commercial truck properly
  • Co-drivers who distract the driver
  • Not abiding by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration’s rules for truckers, e.g., working too many consecutive hours without a break

The Importance of Hiring an Attorney Immediately

Truck accidents are one of the types of cases that generally benefit from hiring an attorney as soon as possible. This is because, with truck accidents, evidence preservation can make or break a case.

It’s vital to have an attorney take the necessary steps to try to preserve the information in the truck’s “black box.” Truck drivers and companies are required to keep various types of information for each driver, route, and truck, including hours, logged, maintenance records and miles traveled. This information can show what the driver was doing at the time of the accident and whether he or she violated any rules. This, in turn, can help support a victim’s case.

When you hire an attorney, he or she will send a spoliation letter that tells the company that it is to preserve all related evidence – and reminds it of the legal penalties if it “loses” or destroys the evidence. Then your lawyer can examine the information and determine if the truck driver was, in fact, acting negligently or in violation of federal rules, and use this information to build your case.

Hire an Attorney with Specific Experience

If you or your loved one was injured in a collision with a commercial truck and you’re looking for an attorney, keep in mind that you should only consult a lawyer who has specifically handled truck accident cases. These cases are quite different from other injury cases; they require knowledge of federal trucking regulations, as well as the tenacity to go head to head with large companies.

Lawyers who don’t practice personal injury law or who haven’t settled commercial trucking accident cases may not be able to represent you in the manner you deserve. Instead of risking the loss of your case, choose a lawyer who has a successful track record.

Call Calbom & Schwab

If you have been injured in a truck accident in Washington or if your loved one suffered serious or fatal injuries in one, we invite you to contact Calbom & Schwab. We have handled numerous claims in this area and our practice and would be happy to share information about the settlement awards we’ve secured for our clients.

Call us today to schedule a free consultation at 844-334-5461.