Kennewick Truck Accident Lawyer

Were you recently involved in a Kennewick truck accident that left you with painful injuries and a pile of unexpected bills? Dealing with the aftermath of such an accident can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to face it alone. Mariano Morales Law is here to help.

Our dedicated team understands the challenges you’re facing. We bring a wealth of knowledge and a national reputation for handling difficult truck cases to place at your disposal. We’re ready to put our skills to work for you, protect your rights, and demand the compensation you deserve. 

Don’t let the burden of a big rig accident weigh you down. Contact our legal firm at (509) 853-2222 or complete our online form for a free consultation today. Let a Kennewick truck accident lawyer help you take the first step toward getting your life back on track.

Why Kennewick, WA, Semi-Trailer Truck Accidents Require a Lawyer with Extensive Experience

If you’re involved in a truck accident in Kennewick, Washington, having a skilled lawyer by your side is essential. Here are some key reasons why a truck accident case is more challenging than most other lawsuits:

  • Regulatory Knowledge – Trucking companies operate under a set of federal and state regulations that differ from those for passenger vehicles. Understanding these rules is necessary in building a strong case after a truck accident.
  • Severe Injuries – Due to their size and weight, trucks often cause more catastrophic crash injuries than other vehicles. This means more medical expenses, more factors to consider, and higher financial stakes in your truck accident claim.
  • Multiple Parties Involved – Truck accident cases often involve multiple parties, such as the truck driver, trucking company, and insurance companies. All of these different interests significantly complicate the negotiation and litigation processes.
  • Complex Evidence Gathering – These cases involve numerous types of evidence that don’t appear in other accident cases, such as driver logbooks and cargo manifests.

Choosing Mariano Morales Law means selecting a team with over 30 years of experience in handling these challenging cases. As members of the prestigious Academy of Truck Accident Attorneys, we have a national reputation for effectively managing truck accident claims. Our deep understanding of the legal and regulatory aspects of truck accident cases positions us uniquely to advocate for your rights. 

How Our Kennewick Truck Accident Law Firm Can Help You

If you have a truck accident injury claim, an experienced lawyer from Mariano Morales Law can provide valuable assistance. We can handle your case effectively and secure meaningful results for you by:

  • Investigating the truck accident to identify liable parties and useful evidence
  • Calculating the total financial impact of your injuries and losses
  • Gathering and organizing medical records to document your injuries
  • Consulting medical experts to understand the full extent of your injuries
  • Analyzing the truck driver’s logs and employment records for violations
  • Collecting and preserving evidence from the accident scene
  • Interviewing eyewitnesses to gather statements
  • Filing all necessary legal documents within the required deadlines
  • Negotiating with insurance companies to maximize the value of your settlement
  • Representing you in court if the case goes to trial
  • Handling communications with all parties involved in the accident
  • Advising you on legal decisions and explaining your options
  • Never charging you any fees unless we resolve your case

How We Investigate Truck Accident Cases in Kennewick

In a truck accident injury case, lawyers conduct thorough investigations to gather evidence of what happened and who bears responsibility. Here are common types of evidence the attorneys at Mariano Morales Law use in truck accident cases:

  • Driver’s Logs – Truck drivers must keep logs of their driving hours, which can show if the driver violated federal regulations regarding rest and driving times.
  • Truck Maintenance Records – Maintenance records reveal how well the truck was maintained, highlighting any oversights that could have contributed to the accident.
  • Eyewitness Testimonies – Statements from people who witnessed the accident can offer valuable perspectives on how the accident occurred.
  • Camera Footage – Video footage from traffic or surveillance cameras or dash cams can provide visual evidence of the accident as it unfolded.
  • Expert Witness Testimony – Specialists in fields like medicine or accident reconstruction can offer professional insights into the causes and dynamics of the crash.
  • Cell Phone Records – These can indicate if the truck driver was using their phone at the time of the accident.
  • Black Box Data – Most trucks have electronic control modules (ECMs) that record data about speed, braking, and steering.
  • Photos of the Accident Scene – Photographs from the scene can show vehicle positions, road conditions, and other factors that could influence the outcome of the case.

Who Can Be Held Responsible for a Semi-Truck Accident in Kennewick?

Identifying the responsible party or parties is essential for a thorough semi-truck accident injury claim that accounts for all the harm you have suffered. Determining liability requires a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances of the accident. Parties that could be liable include the following:

  • Truck Drivers – The driver could be liable if their wrongful behavior, such as distracted driving, speeding, or driving under the influence, contributed to the accident.
  • Trucking Companies – The company that employed the driver could also be liable, especially if they failed to enforce safety regulations, properly train the driver, or maintain the vehicle.
  • Cargo Loaders – If improper loading of the truck’s cargo contributed to the accident, the parties responsible for loading or securing the cargo might be liable.
  • Truck Manufacturers – Manufacturers could be liable if a defect in the truck or its parts, such as brakes or tires, led to the truck accident.
  • Maintenance Companies – If poor maintenance was a contributing factor, the company tasked with maintaining the truck could be held responsible.
  • Other Negligent Drivers – Sometimes, other drivers on the road contribute to or cause the accident, making them potentially liable for your injuries.

Demanding Full Compensation for Crash Victims in Kennewick

In a truck accident injury claim, the compensation you seek typically covers both the economic and non-economic aspects of the harm you suffered due to the wreck. Economic compensation covers tangible losses like medical bills and lost wages, while non-economic compensation is for intangible harm like pain and suffering. 

Some common types of compensation you can recover in truck accident injury cases include the following:

  • Medical expenses
  • Lost wages
  • Loss of earning capacity
  • Property damage
  • Rehabilitation costs
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress
  • Loss of enjoyment of life
  • Disfigurement
  • Physical impairment

In addition, if a truck accident becomes fatal, the surviving family may file a wrongful death lawsuit.

Statute of Limitations on Truck Accident Lawsuits in Kennewick

In Washington State, the statute of limitations gives you three years from the date of the truck accident to file an injury lawsuit. If you miss this deadline, you typically lose your right to file a lawsuit and seek compensation for your injuries. Courts usually dismiss cases they receive after the filing window passes. 

Given the strict nature of this filing deadline, a Kennewick attorney who knows the legal procedures for truck accident cases can make a significant difference in the outcome of your case. They understand the importance of timely action and can handle the legal process efficiently on your behalf. A skilled lawyer will meet all necessary deadlines, gather the required evidence, and build a strong case in a timely manner. 

Causes of Truck Accidents in Kennewick

Truck accidents are an unfortunately frequent occurrence on our roads. Various factors can contribute to these collisions, including the following common examples:

  • Driver Fatigue – Many truck drivers work long hours, which can lead to exhaustion. Fatigue reduces reaction time and decision-making ability, making accidents much more likely to occur.
  • Distracted Driving – Truck drivers, like other road users, can become distracted by texting, eating, or other activities while driving. Distractions divert focus from the road and increase crash risk.
  • Speeding – Truck drivers often face tight schedules that encourage speeding. Speeding not only reduces the driver’s control over the vehicle but also increases the severity of any collision.
  • Improper Loading – If a truck is loaded improperly, it can lead to unbalanced weight distribution. Imbalance affects a truck’s handling and stability, making it prone to tipping or rolling over.
  • Inadequate Maintenance – Neglecting regular truck maintenance can lead to equipment malfunctions, such as brake failures or tire blowouts, which can cause serious accidents.
  • Insufficient Training – Operating a large truck requires specific skills and knowledge. Drivers without adequate training are more likely to crash due to handling their trucks incorrectly.
  • Driving Under the Influence – Alcohol or drugs can significantly impair a truck driver’s abilities, leading to reduced reaction times and poor judgment that increase the likelihood of an accident.
  • Aggressive Driving – Reckless driving maneuvers like tailgating and making unsafe lane changes are particularly dangerous for drivers of large trucks due to their size and momentum.

Injuries You Could Sustain in Kennewick a Truck Accident

Truck accidents can result in a wide variety of injuries, ranging from relatively minor to life-altering. Here are some common examples of injuries you could sustain in an 18-wheeler wreck in Kennewick:

  • Death
  • Whiplash
  • Concussions
  • Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Broken bones
  • Internal bleeding
  • Organ damage
  • Lacerations
  • Burns
  • Amputations
  • Rib and torso injuries
  • Neck injuries
  • Back injuries
  • Shoulder injuries
  • Knee injuries
  • Crush injuries
  • Skull fractures
  • Paralysis
  • Psychological injuries
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

Talk to a Kennewick, WA, Semi-Trailer Accident Attorney Today

Ready to discuss your truck accident case with a trusted law firm? Mariano Morales Law is here to help, no matter how complex your situation might be. Call us at (509) 853-2222 or complete our online form for a free consultation, and let us secure the justice and compensation you deserve.