Battle Ground Truck Accident

Holding truck drivers, shipping companies, brokers, and others liable for Clark County trucking accidents

At Philbrook Law, our skilled Battle Ground truck accident lawyers understand in truck accident cases, many companies may be liable in addition to the truck driver. We represent the families of anyone who was tragically killed in a truck driving accident. We demand payment for your medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, scarring and disfigurement, and property damage when a truck strikes your car. Our lawyers have a strong track record of settling cases on behalf of our personal injury clients.  We also have the experience and resources to try your case before a jury.

What rules and regulations govern truckers traveling through Battle Ground, WA?

Truck drivers and trucking companies are required to comply with the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) rules that regulate:

• The hours of service for truck drivers – how long drivers can operate a truck before resting and/or sleeping
• The conditions for loading a truck and securing the load
• The inspection of a truck – trucks must be regularly inspected before each trip
• The logs that trucking companies and truck drivers must keep.

Truck drivers must also comply with Washington’s traffic safety rules which govern the legal weight of trucks and the rules of the road with which truck drivers must comply.

Trucking companies that put profit before these safety measures and other trucking industry safety standards deserve to be held accountable for the accidents they cause.

Why do Battle Ground truck accidents happen?

The leading causes of trucking accidents are:

• Driver fatigue. Many truck drivers push the limits of endurance by driving long hours so they can make more deliveries and get the deliveries to their destination ahead of schedule.
• Driving while intoxicated or drugged. Drivers should never drink and drive or use drugs and drive.
• Driving while distracted. Many drivers unwisely try to relieve the boredom of long drives by eating or drinking while driving, texting or talking on their cellphone while driving, or constantly adjusting the radio while driving. Drivers should use an eyes-free GPS system so they don’t become distracted by looking at a monitor or screen.
• Speeding. Truck drivers must obey the speed limits and must slow down when bad weather makes it difficult to drive.
• Truck drivers should be properly trained. For example, drivers should understand the proper procedures for backing out into traffic.
• Improper loads. Loads should be properly secured. The loads shouldn’t shift while the truck is in operation. Loads that spill can endanger the truck driver and every car or person near the spill.

Trucks should be in good condition. Truck manufacturers such as Kenworth and Mack can be held strictly liable if any truck part is defective and the defect causes a Battle Ground truck accident. Brakes need to work in an emergency. The tires and axles should function properly. Every part of the truck should work, from the fuel line to the windshield wipers.

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After a crash, the insurance company will call you fast - they're trained to be friendly, but are carrying a bag of tricks to get you to settle your claim before you truly understand what you've lost. This shady practice happens all too often, and once you sign their release, the law makes it difficult to unwind. Call us before you make a decision on your case. We're local, we'll make time to hear your story and answer your questions. There's no charge, and we're always happy to help.

Pat ReeceAttorney

What are the common types of truck accidents in Battle Ground?

Truck accidents are often caused by the same things that cause car accidents: broadside collisions, head-on, and rear-end collisions from other drivers, dangerous, defective roads, and defective truck parts. But trucks have some unique features which cause dangers that passenger vehicles generally don’t have. Those accidents include:

• Rollover accidents. Trucks are more susceptible to rollovers than cars – which is why it’s such a big deal when SUVs start rolling over in a wreck – because they have a different center of gravity. Trucks often roll over when the driver is going too fast for conditions – especially when the driver is taking a curve too fast. Cargo that shifts can also cause the truck to roll over. Truck rollovers may be fatal to the driver. Truck roller rollovers often cause multi-car crashes as any vehicle nearby tries to avoid the truck.
• Blindspot accidents. Everyone knows that truck drivers have difficulty seeing behind them and to their sides. Truck drivers even have trouble seeing directly in front of them. Truck drivers need to use extra precaution when they try to navigate around these blind spots. These precautions include using mirrors, honking their horns, flashing their lights, and using newer technology such as rear camera technology. Truck drivers should proceed slowly and with extreme caution when trying to pass another vehicle.
• Truck jackknife accidents. These accidents occur when the trailer of the truck doesn’t move or pivot in the same direction as the cab of the truck. They often occur when drivers make turns, travel on wet roads, or navigate through curves. The trailer ends up at right angles from the cab of the truck. Jackknife accidents can cause multi-vehicle accidents as the drivers nearby try to avoid the truck.
• Underride accidents. Small cars may be lower than the underside of a truck. If, for example, a car is too close to the truck at the time of an accident, the car may slide under the truck immediately killing the occupants of the car. Trucks are required to have rear guards to prevent these underride accidents.
• Wide turn accidents. You’ve probably seen signs on the rear of trucks that say that drivers should be aware of trucks making wide turns. Truck drivers need to leave a lot of room, need to look out for cars nearby, and need to slow down when making a right or left turn.
• Cargo shifts and cargo spells. When liquid or solid cargo moves around in the truck, the driver may lose control of the truck. If the cargo is improperly secure, it can spill out onto the highway creating a nightmare for any drivers or people near the spill.
• Tire damage and blowouts. There’s a reason some trucks are called 18-wheelers. It’s because they have 18 tires. If just one tire blows out, there will be a catastrophic truck accident.

Who is liable for truck accidents in Clark County?

Our Battle Ground truck accident lawyers work aggressively to hold all responsible parties liable for your injuries or for the death of a loved one. We file claims against the people and entities that may have caused your accident:

• The truck driver
• The owners of the truck which are often different than the truck driver
• The broker that arranged for the shipment
• The trucking company that hired the driver to deliver their goods
• The owners of any loading or unloading dock
• The manufacturers, distributors, and sellers of any defective truck parts
• Anyone or any business that served alcohol to a truck driver when that truck driver was visibly intoxicated

In addition, construction companies, the Washington Department of Transportation, and other people and businesses may be liable for your injuries or the death of a loved one.

What kinds of injuries are caused by truck accident in Battle Ground?

Commercial trucks, box trucks, and any type of truck can cause the death of a loved one. Survivors of truck accidents often suffer one or a combination of the following types of injuries:

• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord injuries including paralysis
• Amputation of a limb
• Simple or compound fractures
• Muscle damage
• Soft tissue injury
• Nerve damage
• Damage to internal organs
• Heart attacks
• Cuts bruises and strains
• Burn injuries

Talk with our respected Clark County truck accident lawyers today

It’s important to speak with the truck accident lawyer as soon as possible after an accident. At Philbrook Law, our Battle Ground lawyers immediately review the police report, send out investigators to examine the accident site and talk to any witnesses, and begin the discovery process where we ask questions of anyone involved in the accident. Moving quickly also helps you because our lawyers work with your doctors and independent doctors if necessary to help you get the medical care that you need. We demand compensation for all of your injuries and for the damages you’re entitled to if a loved one dies. To discuss your truck accident case with a premier trial lawyer, please call us or fill out our contact form to discuss your case.

Rated 5 Stars by Our Clients

Read firsthand accounts from the clients our personal injury attorneys have represented in complex personal injury claims.

“You will not be disappointed. After my first meeting with Matthew I felt confident they were the team for my case. Tiffany provided great communication and assistance during the info gathering phase and also throughout the settlement phase. Thank you so much for going the extra mile.”

“They were able to find his insurance. I highly recommend hiring Matt and Tiffany. They took all of the insurance stress off my shoulders so I could concentrate on helping my son who had many broken bones and surgeries.”

“I reached out to them and within minutes, we had a great conversation. You can tell how much they care about their clients. They also went above and beyond to get the best results for my situation. Would highly recommend. You won't find anyone better!”

“Amanda especially was such a huge help. They handled two back-to-back car accident settlements for me, and I couldn’t be more pleased with the outcome. The entire team was professional, responsive, and made the whole process smooth and stress-free. I truly appreciate their hard work and highly recommend them!”

“Not our fault! The other driver turned left in front of as after he was waved on by another driver. We both had minor to moderate injuries. Our Ford F150 Lightning became undriveable. We went to urgent care! One year later, we were having difficulty in reaching a settlement with the other drivers insurance company after they gave us a low offer. We felt we needed legal advice or assistance. We met with Tiffany Henson, who reviewed our case. She gave us the advice we needed to negotiate with the other insurance, rather than try to take it to court. Tiffany offered to review our letter and gave us further advise. After the insurance company reviewed our letter and statements they doubled the settlement amount and made all of the stipulations we had requested! We can not thank Tiffany enough for her caring personable attitude toward us. Her advise was right on and saved us from more anxiety and stress. If you have an injury accident do not hesitate to contact Philbrook attorneys. They will treat you right.”

“That’s how great these people are. Driving home one night in my shiny new car I was suddenly sandwiched inbetween 2 much larger vehicles. The damage didn’t seem like much at first, but ended up being four years of treatment & life long conservative care. I wasn’t a case that was easy to get treatment for and I felt very lost before I was recommended the Philbrook law team. I actually fired an attorney who had left me with more questions than answers and hired this office. It was the best choice I could have made for myself. They stood by me every step of the way. Thousands of questions and appointments all the way to discovery and settlements. I have recommended them to hundreds of people and will continue to at any given chance. Not once in 4 years did I question if I was in good hands. They really go above and beyond for their clients and I can’t thank them enough. I truly miss hearing from them. I’m sure not everyone can say that about their attorneys. Give them a call, you won’t regret it.”

“I had never needed to hire a lawyer for anything so I didn't know what to expect and I was nervous. Matt and his team were awesome. They helped me throughout the whole process with every question and concern. They were timely, knowledgeable, patient and courteous. I appreciate the hard work everyone contributed to my case and getting me a fair settlement.”

“They did everything to get what I deserved, They work for the best of my interest, and I really have the best experience with her, everyone in there is very polite and respectful. I hope that I will never have the need to hired them again but if I have to I will. If you're reading this review and you're looking a lawyer to represent you in a car accident matter, then don't look any further, they are the best.”

“My recovery treatment took well over a year and took up a lot of time outside of other life stuff. Once they took over my case, a huge weight was lifted from my shoulders and they took on all the burden from there on out. My insurance tried to settle for an absurdly low offer and Philbrook law got a settlement beyond my imagination. And they made it so quick and easy. I would recommend Philbrook law to anyone needing an accident lawyer. They were so efficient and stayed in touch through the whole process. Their whole team works hard to ensure people get the justice they deserve. Couldn't be happy with my settlement outcome!”

“It was very thoughtful, kind and helpful to have good advice, especially after asking another local firm and them not knowing what to do! I will definitely use this law firm in the future. Thank you!”

~ D. Pierce

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