Semi truck Accidents
Semitruck Accident Lawyers in Washington State
Semitruck accidents can cause catastrophic injuries because of the tremendous size and weight of commercial trucks compared with passenger vehicles. Mark A. Hammer & Associates brings more than 50 years of experience in representing Washington victims with injuries resulting from semitruck accidents, including those facing complex claims.
Common Semitruck Accidents
Commercial truck crashes can happen in many ways.
And the circumstances of the collision can play an important role in determining who may be responsible:
Rollover Accidents: A semitruck can roll onto its side because of excessive speed, an unstable load, sharp turns, or other factors. Nearby motorists may have little time or room to react.
Jackknife Accidents: Jackknifing occurs when a truck’s trailer swings toward the cab at an angle. The trailer can sweep across multiple lanes and collide with surrounding vehicles.
Wide-Turn Accidents: Semitrucks need considerably more space to make certain turns. A driver who misjudges a turn may strike, squeeze, or trap a vehicle traveling alongside the truck.
Sideswipe Accidents: Large blind spots can make lane changes particularly dangerous. A semitruck may sideswipe another vehicle when merging, changing lanes, or drifting across lane markings.
Head-On and Rear-End Collisions: A semitruck that crosses into opposing traffic or cannot stop in time can cause a severe collision. The force involved may leave occupants of smaller vehicles with significant injuries.
Why Semitruck Accidents Happen
There are several causes of semitruck accidents, and determining why a crash occurred is essential to identifying the responsible parties and pursuing appropriate compensation:
- Distracted Driving: Phones, navigation systems, in-cab devices, and other distractions can take a truck driver’s attention away from surrounding traffic.
- Driver Fatigue: Long hours behind the wheel can affect alertness, reaction time, and decision-making, increasing the risk of a serious crash.
- Mechanical Failure: Problems involving brakes, tires, steering, lights, or other equipment can contribute to a collision, particularly when maintenance has been neglected.
- Oversized or Overweight Loads: Loads that exceed appropriate size or weight limits can affect a truck’s handling, braking distance, and stability.
- Cargo Shifts: Improperly loaded or secured cargo can move during transit, upsetting the trailer’s balance and making the truck difficult to control.
Discuss your semitruck accident during a free consultation.
A semitruck injury claim may involve trucking companies, insurers, corporations, and other parties with substantial resources. Mark A. Hammer & Associates fights to protect the rights of injured Washington residents involved in semitruck accidents and pursue the comprehensive compensation they need. Contact us for a free initial consultation and speak directly with attorney and founder Mark A. Hammer about your accident and your options.