Bonney Lake Truck Accident Attorney

Truck & Big Rig Accidents Attorney Serving Bonney Lake

A small passenger vehicle is no match for a large truck, tractor-trailer, or big rig. When a big truck strikes a much smaller vehicle, it is almost always the occupants of the smaller vehicle who sustain more serious and debilitating injuries.

Truck drivers and the trucking companies that employ them are responsible for following all traffic laws, as well as both state and federal motor carrier regulations. When truck drivers and trucking companies act unreasonably, serious accidents can occur that leave other drivers and passengers severely injured.

If you suffered injuries in a truck accident that resulted from negligence, you have legal options available. The experienced Bonney Lake truck accident attorney at Anderson Law | Injury Attorneys can explore your legal rights and help you file the necessary claim or lawsuit to recover monetary damages.

For a free case evaluation and legal consultation with a knowledgeable truck accident lawyer in Bonney Lake  and nearby cities, please call us at (253) 387-2138 or contact us online to learn more.

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Truck Accidents Due to Truck Driver Negligence

Bonney Lake, WA has 2 of the busiest highways, and residents who daily drive those ways, are at high risk to be involved in truck crashes due to driver negligence, trucks can transport too many dangerous materials related to construction, or chemical products, making even more severe injuries in case of an accident. Below we´ll briefly describe some of the most common drivers’ negligence.

The Most Common Drivers’ Negligence

Traffic laws & Regulations

Truck drivers have a duty to follow all posted traffic laws and regulations. Specifically, they must follow speed limits, yield the right-of-way to other vehicles at the appropriate times, stay in their lanes, use turn signals, and refrain from aggressive driving practices. When truck drivers violate these laws, they are more likely to cause serious accidents.

State & Federal Motor Carrier Regulations

Moreover, truck drivers and trucking companies must follow all state and federal motor carrier regulations. These regulations often prescribe weight limits for large commercial vehicles, as well as proper loading and unloading procedures for cargo. When truckers violate these regulations, the truck’s center of balance may become offset while in motion, causing a serious accident or overturn. Finally, improper loading procedures may cause cargo to slide off the truck and into the road, causing a massive vehicle pile-up.

Distracted Driver

Truck drivers are also negligent when they fail to watch the road attentively. Drivers often become distracted when they use electronic devices, such as GPS navigation systems, tablets, and cellular phones, while driving. When a truck driver turns their attention away from the road – even for a second or two – that could be sufficient time for a crash to happen. And when a driver is transporting thousands of pounds of cargo at 70 miles per hour or better, they can’t afford to lose track of their surroundings.

Driving while under the influence

Finally, some truck accidents happen when drivers operate their vehicles while under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Alcohol can significantly impair a driver’s reaction time, preventing them from stopping their truck before causing an accident. Alcohol may also cause them to experience blurred vision and limited concentration.

Drugged Driving

Drugged driving is also a common cause of truck accidents. Oftentimes, drivers resort to drugs so that they can stay awake for long hours. However, these drugs sometimes have the opposite effect and make a truck driver sleepy while behind the wheel.

If you suffered injuries in a truck accident resulting from negligence, we can meet with you to discuss your accident circumstances and determine your options for moving your case forward. In some instances, we may be able to file a claim or lawsuit against the negligent truck driver, the employer trucking company, and other individuals or entities. Our team can help you identify all potentially responsible parties, ensuring that we maximize your monetary recovery.

Get In Touch With Us

If you’ve been injured and need legal assistance, contact Anderson Law | Injury Attorneys today. Our team in Bonney Lake is here to help you navigate your options. We offer a free consultation, and we don’t get paid unless you win. Call us now at (253) 862-1811

 

Truck Accident Injuries

When a large truck strikes a much smaller vehicle, accident victims may suffer serious injuries. Those injuries typically depend upon various factors, including the speeds of the involved vehicles, the force of the impact, and the way in which the accident victim’s body moves in their vehicle.

Common truck accident injuries

The chances of being injured or resulting in serious injuries in truck accidents are very high, taking into consideration the size and weight, injuries in most cases tend to be more severe, our Bonney Lake truck accident lawyer from Anderson Law | Injury Attorneys is experienced in every one of the following injury claims, however, any injuries resulting from a truck accident our legal team is ready to take over!

  1. Traumatic head & brain damage
  2. Spinal cord injuries
  3. Paralysis
  4. Broken bones
  5. Soft tissue contusions
  6. Internal organ damage and death.

Now, that you know more about the consequences of trucking accidents and how difficult these situations can be in terms of recovery and damages. So, if you´re facing a truck accident claim, we encourage you to contact immediately a Truck accident lawyer if you are in Bonney Lake or nearby cities.

As soon as possible after a truck collision, you should follow up at a hospital emergency room or urgent care facility for treatment. Moreover, you should undergo this treatment even if you are unsure about the extent of your injuries. This is because untreated injuries can become much worse over time. While you focus on receiving the medical attention you need, our team can start handling the legal aspects of your claim and gathering the necessary documents to pursue a case on your behalf.

Why Choose Our Truck Accident Lawyers

We understand how your life can be impacted that is why our truck accident lawyers review every single detail of their cases with the only purpose to achieve the best possible outcome. Remember that if you´re involved in a truck accident you may be eligible for your damages, injuries, medical bills, and anything that resulted from that accident occurred.

Call an Bonney Lake Truck Accident Attorney Near You

At Anderson Law | Injury Attorneys, our skilled legal team can help you pursue the truck accident damages you deserve, including compensation for your lost earnings, medical bills, inconvenience, pain and suffering, mental distress, and other losses.

For a free case evaluation and legal consultation with an Bonney Lake truck accident lawyer, please call us today at (253) 387-2138 or contact us online to learn more.

Truck Accident Lawyer Near Me

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Joshua D. Anderson

Attorney Joshua D. Anderson grew up in Enumclaw, Washington with a close-knit family who instilled in him the values of faith, family, and hard work. Since a young age, Josh knew he wanted to be an attorney so he could advocate for others and always knew his focus would be personal injury. He completed his undergraduate degree at the University of San Diego and graduated Cum Laude from Seattle University School of Law. While pursuing his degree, Josh served as an extern for the Seattle City Attorney’s Office.


Client Reviews

What Our Clients Are Saying About Us

Chantel

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Josh did an amazing job getting me more money than I was expecting to receive after my accident. He spent a little over 4 and a half years getting my settlement and I appreciated that they didn’t rush me and waited until I got to a point where I felt I was feeling 100% better and ready to settle. He did an excellent job explaining everything through the process and answering any questions. Everyone that works there was always super nice and helpful. I would definitely recommend Josh if you need a lawyer after an accident!

Frequently Asked Questions

When you schedule your free consultation with a Personal Injury Lawyer, you should come prepared with specific questions for us to address. Some of the common questions clients ask us are:

Personal injury refers to any harm or damage caused to an individual’s body, emotions, or reputation. The injury is often a result of someone else’s negligence, carelessness, or intentional actions, and personal injury victims may be entitled to compensation for their damages.

An injury law firm can evaluate the case and determine if there is a valid claim. A WA personal injury lawyer will gather relevant information and provide an assessment of the potential outcome. They provide the necessary resources to advocate for victims to receive compensation for their losses.

Ground for Filing Personal Injury Claims

In Washington state, filing a personal injury claim involves establishing sufficient ground. The plaintiff must demonstrate key elements, which include establishing the following:

Negligence

Negligence forms a crucial basis for personal injury claims. This involves instances where individuals fail to exhibit the level of care expected from someone of ordinary prudence in similar circumstances. Failing to meet the standard of care becomes the linchpin for legal action.

Strict Liability

In certain cases, personal injury claims may arise under the doctrine of strict liability. Here, the focus shifts from the defendant’s intent or negligence to the inherent dangerousness of the activity or product in question.

For example, a manufacturer in Washington state has a duty to ensure their products are designed for safe use (RCW 7.72. 030(2). This legal concept holds individuals responsible for injuries resulting from their actions or products, irrespective of fault.

Intentional Wrongs

Personal injury claims can also be brought on the grounds of intentional wrongs, wherein harm is inflicted purposefully. This entails situations where the defendant deliberately engages in actions that cause injury to another person.

For a successful defense against such claims, your personal injury lawyer will prove the following elements:

  • Duty of care: The legal obligation to exercise reasonable care to prevent harm to others. This duty may vary based on the relationship between the parties and the circumstances, such as in medical malpractices, product liability, and slip and fall cases, among others.
  • Breach of duty of care: The demonstration that the other party did not fulfill their duty of care, indicating a deviation from the expected standard of behavior.
  • Cause:  Establishing a direct link between the breach of duty and the occurrence of the injury. It involves proving that negligence was a substantial factor in causing the harm.
  • Damages: The claimant must provide evidence that the actual damages suffered occurred due to the defendant’s actions or negligence. This could include physical injuries, emotional distress, medical expenses, or other tangible losses.

Let a WA Personal Injury Lawyer Help You With Your Personal Injury Claim

A successful personal injury claim depends on resources and experience in handling such cases. This is because navigating the legal processes and addressing potential legal defenses can be challenging. It is, therefore, in your best interest to involve a personal injury attorney.

A legal team at Anderson Law will handle all aspects of the legal process. This allows you to focus on recovery and while leaving the legal matters in the hands of legal professionals. To understand more about your personal injury claim, call us today at (253) 881-8613. We offer free initial case evaluation.

Imagine you’re in Washington state, surrounded by greenery and city life. Unfortunately, something unexpected happens, like a car crash, a slip on someone’s property, or getting hurt by someone’s dog. Like most people, you don’t know much about the laws in Washington that deal with these situations.

In this situation, a personal injury law firm can help break down Washington’s personal injury laws in a way that’s easy to understand. A personal injury attorney will use simple language to help you figure out what you need to know if you find yourself dealing with a personal injury situation in the state of Washington.

Let’s demystify the Washington personal injury laws.

Contributory Fault

In Washington State, contributory fault laws play a significant role in determining damages in a personal injury case. Under this concept, even if you are partially to blame for an accident or injury, you may still be eligible to collect damages as long as you don’t bear the blame 100%.

Contributory fault law is based on the idea that accidents and injuries can often involve multiple parties with varying degrees of responsibility. In Washington, the legal system follows a pure comparative fault rule, which means that the amount of damages you can recover will be reduced by the percentage of fault assigned to you.

For example, you are involved in a motorcycle accident, and a court determines that you are 10% at fault for the collision. If you were seeking $100,000 in damages, your potential recovery would reduce to $90,000, reflecting your 10% share of the blame. It is important to note that Washington state laws will allow recovery even if a person is found to be 99% at fault for an accident.

Washington Negligence Laws

Washington negligence laws demand certain elements to make a successful personal injury claim. These elements include:

  • Duty: There has to be a legal obligation to exercise reasonable care toward the prevention of foreseeable risks to others.
  • Breach of duty: To prove negligence, you ought to show that the defendant did not fulfill their duty of care.
  • Cause in fact: This element establishes a direct connection between the defendant’s actions and the harm suffered by the plaintiff.
  • Proximate cause:  This is also referred to as legal cause, and it examines whether the harm was a foreseeable result of another person’s conduct.
  • Damages: To pursue a negligence claim, you need to prove that you suffered actual damages.

Statute of Limitations

In Washington State, the statute of limitations demands that personal injury claims be filed within 3 years from the day you were injured. However, the “discovery rule” allows the clock to start ticking from the date the injury is discovered or reasonably should have been discovered. Certain circumstances might lead to exceptions or variations in the statute of limitations. It is advisable to engage the services of a personal injury lawyer to help you observe important timelines.

Contact a Washington State Personal Injury Attorney Today

If you have been involved in an incident that caused injuries, you can seek justice for your personal injury in Washington. You can consult with an attorney from Anderson Law for help with understanding the Washington personal injury laws. We will offer you the legal support you need to navigate your case successfully. Contact us today for legal guidance.

It’s not uncommon to hear about hit-and-run accidents in Washington. Reports indicate that in 2021 alone, there were over 300 hit-and-run collisions in Washington state, which resulted in severe injuries or deaths. This is despite the state law demanding motorists to stop any time their vehicle crashes into another car or property.

Leaving the scene of an accident in Washington denotes a situation where a driver involved in a collision departs without providing assistance or reporting any personal injuries, fatalities, or property damage. At Anderson Law, we have handled several hit-and-run cases for people who find themselves in such scenarios. Our personal injury lawyers would like to shed more light on what it implies to leave the accident scene in Washington.

Washington Law After a Vehicle Crash

Under RCW 46.52.020, the driver has a “duty in case of personal injury or death or damage to attended vehicle or other property.” You are legally required to do the following:

  • Have your vehicle stop at the scene of the accident or reasonably close to the scene.
  • Exchange your name, address, driver’s license number, and vehicle registration information with the other parties involved in the accident. Additionally, you are to share your insurance details.
  • Provide reasonable assistance where possible. This may include calling emergency services or offering aid until help arrives.
  • Move the vehicle to safety if no one suffers serious injuries or death.

Note that if the accident leaves you physically unable to meet the above requirements, section 4(d) states that you are not obligated to do the above.

Also, RCW 46.52.010 specifies a driver’s duties upon striking an unattended car or other property. In such a scenario, You are obligated to make a reasonable attempt to find the owner of the property. If efforts to find the owner fail, you may attach a note to the struck property with your address details.

However, if you fall unconscious or suffer injuries that require immediate medical assistance, you may leave the scene for medical aid. Additionally, if it is apparent that the victim needs immediate medical help, taking them away doesn’t amount to hit and run.

What are the Penalties for Leaving the Scene of an Accident?

In Washington State, leaving the scene of an accident that leads to death is a class B felony. This is punishable by up to 10 years in jail or up to $20,000 in fines. On the other hand, if the accident causes an injury, it is considered a class C felony, which may lead to up to five years in jail and a fine not exceeding $10,000.

In addition, individuals found guilty of a hit-and-run may face a license suspension for up to one year. Furthermore, the conviction may increase the at-fault driver’s car insurance premiums.

Contact a Washington Hit and Run Attorney Today

Washington state allows victims of hit-and-run crashes to seek recovery through a legal process. However, it is in your best interests to consult a hit-and-run attorney to know your rights and obligations. Our legal team will guide you according to your specific situation and help protect your interests throughout the process. Contact us today and let us evaluate our case for free.

When you want to file a personal injury claim in Washington, it is important to note that you have limited time. The timeframe within which you can file your lawsuit is dictated by the statute of limitations. The Washington statute of limitations offers three years following a personal injury to file a lawsuit. mn

Importantly, you need to consult with a personal injury attorney to help you meet the specific timelines that apply to your case. An attorney from Anderson Law will guide you through the legal process and ensure each step meets stipulated deadlines. Read on to learn more about the Washington statute of limitation for personal injury claims.

Scenarios that Affect Statute of Limitations

Various scenarios can impact the application of the Washington State Statute of Limitations for Personal Injury in legal cases. These include the following:

Underage Victims

In cases involving minors, the statute of limitations often doesn’t commence until the individual reaches the age of majority. This ensures that minors have the opportunity to file a claim after becoming adults. The law recognizes their potentially delayed ability to comprehend and address the harm suffered.

Discovery Rule

The discovery rule is applied when the injury or its cause isn’t immediately apparent. In such scenarios, the statute of limitations may begin from the date when the plaintiff discovers, or reasonably should have discovered the injury. This allows for a fair timeframe for injuries that may not manifest immediately, such as concussions.

Evasion of Justice

In situations where the defendant actively evades justice, the statute of limitations might be tolled. The Washington personal injury law recognizes the principle that individuals shouldn’t be able to escape accountability by avoiding legal consequences. For example, if a defendant leaves the state so as to avoid being served with a personal injury complaint, the clock may start ticking again once the defendant returns to the jurisdiction.

Due to the confusing nature of the statute of limitations, it’s advisable to work with a personal injury lawyer to determine timelines according to your situation.

Importance of the Statute of Limitations

The Statute of Limitations primarily encourages timely dispute resolution by setting a specific timeframe for initiating legal action. This ensures that parties promptly address and resolve their grievances through a legal process.

The law also grants plaintiffs adequate time to:

  • Discover that they have been injured, especially when injuries may not be immediately apparent
  • Ascertain the full extent of their injuries, which may take time
  • Determine with a reasonable degree of certainty who might be legally responsible for the injuries

Moreover, the limited time frame shields the legal system from resolving ancient feuds where memories may have faded, evidence may have been lost, and fairness in adjudication may be compromised.

Speak with a Washington Personal Injury Lawyer

If you have been injured in an accident, the statute of limitations is not an excuse to delay. Promptly filing a lawsuit could mean you will receive compensation for your losses sooner after an accident. Our team at Anderson Law advises victims to seek legal assistance right away after the injury. If you want help with your personal injury case, don’t hesitate to call us at (253) 881-8613. We offer free case evaluation.

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This page has been written, edited, and reviewed by a team of legal writers following our comprehensive editorial guidelines. This page was approved by Founding Partner, Joshua D. Anderson who has more than 20 years of legal experience as a personal injury attorney.

Cases We Handle

The personal injury attorneys at Anderson Law have over 50 years of experience obtaining top results for cases including: