Washington Truck Accident Injury Attorneys

 In the broad expanse of highway networks, trucking accidents can lead to significant disruption, often resulting in severe injuries for those affected. In such trying circumstances, trucking injury lawyers serve as reliable supporters, offering guidance and support to survivors. These attorneys are experts in the intricate field of trucking laws and regulations.

Truck accidents can lead to severe injuries, particularly for occupants of smaller passenger vehicles. While driver errors are often the cause, sometimes the fault lies with truck company negligence, particularly concerning poor commercial truck maintenance. Understanding the regulations, common issues, and legal avenues for recourse is essential for anyone involved in such an accident.

Poor Maintenance and Trucking Company Negligence

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulates the trucking industry, enforcing rules related to various aspects, including the upkeep of commercial vehicles. Truck companies are responsible for maintaining their big rigs, and failure to do so can result in accidents for which they can be held liable.

Examples of FMCSA Truck Maintenance Regulations

FMCSA regulations require:

- Recordkeeping: Inspections, repairs, and maintenance performed must be documented.
- Correction of Violations: Any defects noted on roadside inspection reports must be corrected.
- Post-Trip Inspections: Reports must be completed at the end of each driving period.
- Periodic Inspections: Comprehensive inspections are required at least once every 12 months.

Additionally, specific types of inspections, such as brake inspections, require that the inspectors have adequate training and experience, with records of their qualifications maintained by the truck company.

Types of Equipment Problems

Certain equipment failures are more likely to cause or exacerbate accidents:

- Brakes: Failure can lead to the inability to stop, causing collisions. Issues include worn pads or shoes and depowered front brakes, which can cause jackknifing.
- Tires: Blowouts, worn treads, and improper inflation can lead to loss of control and accidents.
- Lights and Windshield Wipers: Poor visibility from malfunctioning lights or wipers increases the risk of crashes.
- Trailer Issues: Improperly attached trailers can swing out of control or detach, endangering other vehicles.

Consequences of Poor Maintenance

When poor maintenance is the cause of an accident, the trucking company can be deemed negligent. This negligence can result in significant compensation for the injured parties.

Seeking Damages After an Iowa Semi Truck Accident

After a truck accident, victims often face significant medical bills and lost wages. To seek compensation, you will need to file a truck accident claim with the responsible insurance company. Here are the steps and challenges involved:

Insurance Company Challenges

Insurance adjusters work for the insurance company and may not have your best interests in mind. Common tactics include:

- Underestimating the value of your claim.
- Delaying the investigation to frustrate you into accepting a lower settlement.
- Using their medical professionals to downplay your injuries or claim pre-existing conditions.

If the insurer refuses to offer a fair settlement, you may need to pursue an Iowa truck accident lawsuit.

Determining Liability

Proving negligence in an Iowa truck accident involves identifying responsible parties, which may include:

- The truck driver.
- The trucking or shipping company.
- The safety director of the company.
- The vehicle inspector.
- The truck manufacturer.

An Iowa truck accident lawyer can help investigate your case and determine liability, allowing you to focus on recovery.

Types of Fatal Semi Truck Accidents

Some of the most common and fatal truck accidents include:

1. Underride Accidents: Smaller vehicles drive underneath large trucks.
2. Override Accidents: Large trucks drive over smaller vehicles, motorcycles, or pedestrians.
3. Jackknife Accidents: The trailer folds into the truck when brakes are suddenly applied.
4. Head-on Collisions.
5. Rollovers.

Damages Recoverable in a Truck Accident Claim

If the trucking company’s negligence is proven, you may be entitled to compensation for:

Financial Losses

- Medical Expenses: Ambulance services, hospitalization, follow-up doctor visits, medication, physical therapy, and future medical costs.
- Lost Income: Wages lost during recovery, and compensation for reduced earning capacity if the injury is disabling.
- Property Damage: Repair or replacement of your vehicle.

Non-Financial Losses

- Pain and Suffering.
- Disability and Disfigurement.
- Reduced Quality of Life.
- Emotional Distress: Including mental anguish and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Contacting Walker, Billingsley & Bair

At Walker, Billingsley & Bair, our team is committed to ensuring you receive the compensation you deserve. We handle all injury cases on a contingency fee basis and manage all necessary documentation and communications.

Walker, Billingsley & Bair is prepared to act fast to defend your rights after a truck accident in Iowa. Contact our office at 641-792-3595 to speak with an attorney.