Trucks of all shapes and sizes travel Seattle streets and interstates at all hours. Some rush in and out of our neighborhoods delivering packages from sun-up to sundown while hauling heavy loads. Safe drivers do their best to steer clear of trucks that can take up more than their fair share of the lanes, but accidents happen every week.

Due to the weight and design of semi-trucks, other smaller vehicles risk being crushed or bombarded by these giants. The results can be devastating and cause traumatic injuries for victims.

Even in clear-cut cases of negligence and life-threatening hazards, insurance companies can contest any claim for damages filed by victims. That’s why the Hagens Berman personal injury team takes aggressive legal action when holding truck drivers and trucking and delivery companies accountable for the wellbeing of their victims.

WHEN MULTIPLE PARTIES ARE INVOLVED IN SEATTLE TRUCK ACCIDENTS

Collisions involving semi-trucks, box trucks and large vans quickly become complex cases because so many parties may end up bearing some responsibility. This can mean good and bad news for injured victims.

Local drivers may own their own business and have a personal insurance policy protecting them in a crash. That driver could also work for a larger, local company that could carry their own coverage. Beyond that, a national trucking company or delivery service may have a contractual relationship with a local driver or trucking service. Any of these business structures could complicate an insurance claim.

ACCIDENTS WITH AMAZON AND UPS IN SEATTLE

Companies like Amazon and UPS hire local drivers as full-time employees and provide some coverage for their drivers and victims in accidents. Yet, it can be an uphill battle against their corporate insurance adjusters to secure support.

When corporations get involved, they can bring in a team of lawyers to protect their interests. Their goal will be to get you to sign off on as little compensation as possible or try to force you to give up your insurance claim entirely.

WHAT TO DO AFTER A TRUCK ACCIDENT IN SEATTLE

With so many insurance providers and lawyers involved, victims quickly get overwhelmed. Fortunately, no matter how many opposing representatives get involved, evidence remains a powerful weapon in your defense.

There are some steps to take immediately after an impact with a truck to strengthen your case:

  • Call 911. Give a full report to investigators and paramedics.
  • If you are physically able, begin taking cellphone photos of the scene. Take pictures of the damaged vehicles and traffic signs and lane markings. Show any signage that identifies the truck as part of a business or corporation.
  • Look around to spot any security cameras at homes or businesses that might have captured the collision.
  • Talk to witnesses on the scene. Find out what they saw and alert officers if they spotted the truck driver doing something illegal. Also, get their contact information in case your lawyer wants to speak with them later.
  • Exchange information with the truck driver. Don’t talk to him or her about the details of the crash. If you say that you are OK or uninjured after an accident, it might weaken your case if your doctor finds you have a serious injury in the days that follow.
  • Make an appointment with your physician.  Note any injuries that appear after the shock of the accident has worn off.

CONTACT A SEATTLE TRUCK ACCIDENT LAWYER AT HAGENS BERMAN TODAY

While trucking and shipping companies have the resources to provide victims with the support they need, it is in their best interest to pay you as little as possible. In these cases, it is in your best interest to have a strong advocate to fight for you.

Contact the attorneys at Hagens Berman for a free case consultation. This evaluation comes with no obligation to you or your family. Our legal experts are fully prepared to discuss your options and help you avoid the pitfalls of trusting an insurance company with your physical and financial recovery.