Seattle Truck Accident Wrongful Death Lawyers
Whenever a truck collides with a passenger car, the resulting damage can be catastrophic. Because of the size and weight of trucks, it is common for truck accidents to result in serious injuries and even death. When someone is killed in a Washington truck crash, the victim's family may be able to seek financial compensation for their tremendous losses. A skilled Seattle wrongful death attorney in Seattle can help a family understand if they have a valid claim and how much compensation may be available.
What Constitutes a Truck Accident Wrongful Death
Not all fatal truck accidents in Washington will result in a valid wrongful death claim. The victim's family will have to prove that the truck driver's negligence caused or contributed to the crash. For example, if the victim was speeding or under the influence and was therefore responsible for the collision, the victim’s family will not be able to seek financial compensation through a civil lawsuit. If, however, the at-fault party is the truck driver, the at-fault trucker, their insurance company, and the employer may be held responsible for the crash.
Negligent Acts that May Result in a Truck Accident Wrongful Death
Negligent truck drivers put everyone on the roadway at great risk. A few common examples of negligent acts that can result in a wrongful death include:
- Exceeding the speed limit
- Changing lanes without first looking for vehicles in the truck's blind spots
- Failing to inspect the vehicle's tires and brakes before getting on the road
- Improperly loading the trailer, resulting in dangerous conditions for the driver
- Driving under the influence
- Driving distracted by using the phone, using the GPS system, reading, or eating
- Driving fatigued
- Driving for long hours without any rest to meet unrealistic delivery deadlines
- Running through red lights and other traffic control devices
- Turning without yielding to oncoming traffic
- Failing to have proper signage, lights, and reflective tape on the truck
- Reckless driving or overloading, which could cause truck jackknifing
- Runaway trailer accident due to unsecured loads or trailers
Proving Liability for a Wrongful Death Truck Accident
It is common for truck drivers to deny responsibility and for insurance companies to refuse to pay the victim's family following a fatal truck crash in Washington. In such cases, it is necessary to fight back with a skilled wrongful death attorney. A knowledgeable lawyer will work with investigators to prove liability for the crash and make sure that the at-fault party is held accountable for the losses suffered by the victim's family. Damages that may be covered include medical expenses, lost future wages, pain and suffering, funeral expenses, and loss of companionship.
The skilled Seattle deadly car accident attorneys in Seattle at Hardwick & Pendergast know how to help families of individuals killed in Washington truck collisions. We will work immediately to protect all evidence in a truck accident case, including truck driver logs and vehicle maintenance logs that are required to be maintained by drivers and trucking firms under federal law. To discuss whether or not you are eligible to pursue financial compensation for the loss of a loved one, call our law offices right away. We provide free consultations to anyone who has lost a loved one in a Washington truck accident.
