Types of Truck Accidents
There are various factors at play depending on the type of crash you experience. Our Spokane attorneys can help you pursue legal action for any of the following types of truck accidents.
Rear-End Collisions
Rear-end crashes involving large trucks often cause severe damage because of the truck’s weight and stopping distance. When a truck driver follows too closely or fails to brake in time, smaller vehicles can be crushed or pushed into other traffic.
Rollovers
Truck rollovers happen when a driver loses control, often during sharp turns. These accidents can block multiple lanes and involve several vehicles, and shifting cargo or high speeds increase the risk.
Jackknife Accidents
A jackknife occurs when the trailer swings out at an angle from the cab, forming an L or V shape. This usually happens during hard braking or on slick roads. Jackknife accidents can sweep across multiple lanes and strike nearby vehicles.
Overweight Truck Accidents
Trucks that exceed weight limits are harder to control and take longer to stop. Excess weight puts stress on brakes and tires, increasing the chance of failure. These accidents often involve violations of federal and state safety regulations.
Common Truck Accident Injuries
Truck accidents often cause serious injuries because of the size and force involved in the collision. A fully loaded commercial truck can weigh many times more than a passenger vehicle, which means the impact transfers significant force to those in smaller cars. These crashes frequently result in long-term or permanent harm:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Broken bones
- Internal injuries
- Severe burns
- Amputations
When another person’s negligence is to blame for an accident, they could be found liable in court. A Spokane truck accident attorney can review your medical records and answer any questions you have about the injury claims process.
How Much Time Do I Have to Act?
Washington law sets a strict deadline for filing a truck accident lawsuit. In most cases, you have three years from the date of the accident to file a personal injury claim. This statute of limitations applies to claims for both injuries and property damage arising from the crash.
If you do not file your lawsuit within this timeframe, the court will likely dismiss your case with prejudice. This is a worst-case scenario, since it means your case is over and your chances of ever recovering damages is denied. The courts strictly enforce the statute of limitations, so it’s crucial that you talk with a Spokane attorney as soon as possible about possibly filing a truck accident claim.
Another reason to consult a lawyer is the potential for changes to your legal deadline. Some factors could increase or decrease the amount of time you have to file your lawsuit. Given what’s at stake, it is recommended that you talk with a lawyer as soon as possible.
