Pasco Truck Accident Lawyer

Were you involved in a Pasco truck accident that left you with painful injuries and unexpected expenses? You could be entitled to compensation for the personal and financial losses you have suffered as a result. At Mariano Morales Law, we understand the toll these accidents can take, and we can help you obtain the recovery you deserve. Our dedicated attorneys are committed to fighting for your rights and standing up to big trucking companies on your behalf.

Don’t let the burden of a complex truck accident case upend your life. Contact a Pasco truck accident attorney from Mariano Morales Law by calling (509) 853-2222 or complete our online form for a free consultation to learn more about how we can help.

Why Pasco, WA, Truck Accidents Require a Lawyer with Extensive Experience

Truck accident injury claims differ significantly from other types of accident claims, demanding a thorough knowledge of specific laws and regulations. Here’s why you should hire an experienced lawyer like those at our law firm if you get hurt in a truck accident:

  • Federal and State Regulations – Trucking companies operate under strict federal and state regulations. A solid understanding of these laws is essential for building a strong case. 
  • Severe Injuries and Higher Stakes – Truck accidents often result in more serious injuries due to the size and weight of trucks. This increases the potential compensation, making insurance companies more likely to aggressively dispute claims.
  • Complex Liability Issues – Determining liability in truck accidents can be challenging since multiple parties are often at fault, such as the truck driver and the trucking company.
  • Negotiating with Large Corporations and Insurers – Trucking companies and their insurers have strong legal teams. You need a lawyer who can effectively counter their strategies.

Our law firm has a national reputation for handling complex truck cases. Our deep understanding of the legal aspects surrounding truck accidents and our commitment to real results make us a reliable choice for your case. Having Mariano Morales Law on your side means having a dedicated and effective team working tirelessly to secure the compensation you deserve.

How Our Pasco Truck Accident Law Firm Can Help You

From the initial investigation to the final resolution, our lawyers can take various steps to protect your rights and represent your interests in a Pasco truck accident claim. We can help you by:

  • Investigating the truck accident to identify liable parties and useful evidence
  • Collecting and organizing evidence, including accident scene photos and witness statements
  • Analyzing police and accident reports for useful information
  • Reviewing the truck driver’s log books and driving history
  • Accessing and interpreting the truck’s electronic control module (ECM) data
  • Consulting medical professionals to understand the nature of your injuries
  • Calculating the full extent of your economic and non-economic losses
  • Filing all necessary claim paperwork within legal deadlines
  • Negotiating with insurance companies to maximize the value of your settlement
  • Representing you in court if your case goes to trial
  • Communicating with all parties involved on your behalf
  • Ensuring compliance with legal procedures and regulations
  • Identifying and countering unfair settlement offers
  • Preparing and guiding you for depositions or court appearances

How We Investigate Truck Accident Cases in Pasco

Our attorneys conduct thorough investigations to gather useful evidence in truck accident injury cases. Each piece of evidence plays a different role in establishing the facts of the case, the liability of the parties involved, and the extent of the harm you suffered. We use this evidence to clearly depict what happened for insurance adjusters, judges, and juries. 

Here are some examples of common types of evidence we use in truck accident cases:

  • Accident Scene Photos – Photos from the accident scene provide visual proof of vehicle damage and road conditions, which is useful in reconstructing the accident and establishing claim value.
  • Witness Statements – Testimony from people who witnessed the accident offers valuable insights into how the accident occurred, confirming details or providing alternate perspectives.
  • Police Reports – Reports filed by police contain official observations and findings. They often include important information such as potential violations and initial assessments of fault.
  • Truck Driver’s Log Books – These logs provide details about the truck driver’s hours on the road, rest periods, and compliance with regulations. They can indicate if truck driver fatigue or violations might have contributed to the accident.
  • Truck’s Electronic Control Module (ECM) Data – A truck’s ECM, similar to an airplane’s black box, records data about the truck’s operation, such as speed and braking. This data can be pivotal in understanding the truck driver’s actions before the crash.
  • Maintenance Records – These records show the maintenance history of the truck, highlighting any neglected repairs or recurring issues that could have contributed to the accident.
  • Medical Records – Documentation of the injuries you suffered and the treatment you needed will validate your claims about the physical impact of the accident and your ensuing medical costs.

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

Each truck accident case is unique, and liability often extends to multiple parties. This is because several entities typically contribute to the operation and maintenance of commercial trucks. Potentially liable parties in a semi-truck accident case include the following:

  • Truck Driver
  • Trucking Company
  • Cargo Loaders
  • Truck Manufacturers
  • Maintenance Companies

Demanding Full Compensation for Crash Victims in Pasco

When you file a truck accident claim, you can seek compensation to cover both economic and non-economic losses you have incurred due to the accident. Economic compensation addresses direct financial losses like medical expenses. Conversely, non-economic compensation covers impacts on your life that don’t have a specific monetary value, such as pain and suffering. 

Truck accident compensation can cover the following:

  • Medical expenses
  • Lost wages
  • Loss of earning capacity
  • Rehabilitation costs
  • Other out-of-pocket expenses
  • Pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress
  • Loss of enjoyment of life
  • Loss of consortium
  • Property repair or replacement costs

If someone you love was killed in a fatal truck accident, you could pursue compensation through a wrongful death claim.

Statute of Limitations on Truck Accident Lawsuits in Pasco

In Washington, the statute of limitations sets a strict deadline for filing a truck accident lawsuit. Specifically, you have three years from the date of the accident to initiate legal action. If you fail to act within this deadline, the court typically refuses to hear your case. This means you lose the chance to seek compensation for your injuries and related losses, no matter how severe they might be.

An experienced truck accident lawyer in Pasco can handle all aspects of the legal process on your behalf, including the timely preparation and filing of your lawsuit. Moreover, they can identify all potential sources of compensation and argue effectively on your behalf, maximizing your chances of a favorable outcome within the given timeframe.

Causes of Commercial Truck Accidents in Pasco

Truck accidents can occur for a variety of reasons, many of which stem from human error or mechanical issues. Frequent causes of truck accidents in Pasco include the following:

  • Driver Fatigue – Truck drivers often face long, exhausting hours on the road. The resulting fatigue can impair their judgment and reaction time, increasing the risk of accidents.
  • Distracted Driving – Like any other driver, truck operators can become distracted by talking on the phone, eating, or other activities, diverting their focus from the task of safe driving.
  • Speeding – Truck drivers might speed when under pressure to meet tight deadlines. Speeding reduces the ability to react to road conditions and increases the severity of accidents.
  • Improper Loading – If a truck’s cargo is not properly loaded and secured, it can shift during transit, causing the driver to lose control. Unbalanced loads can also lead to truck rollovers.
  • Lack of Training – Inadequate training in safe driving practices and truck operation can lead to errors. Drivers must have comprehensive training to handle these large vehicles safely.
  • Equipment Failure – Mechanical failures, such as brake malfunctions or tire blowouts, can cause catastrophic accidents if trucking companies neglect to perform regular maintenance.
  • Poor Decision-Making – Many truck accidents result from truck drivers exhibiting poor judgment in traffic scenarios, such as misjudging the distance for safe stopping. 
  • Driving Under the Influence – Consumption of alcohol or drugs severely impairs a driver’s ability to operate a truck safely. Driving under the influence is illegal and greatly increases crash risk.

Injuries You Could Sustain in a Semi-Trailer Truck Accident in Pasco

The sheer size and weight of big rigs mean the consequences are often severe when these massive vehicles collide with smaller ones. Many 18-wheeler accidents result in devastating injuries, such as:

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

Talk to a Pasco, WA, Tractor-Trailer Accident Attorney Today

Mariano Morales Law can offer the support and guidance you need for your challenging truck accident case. Take the first step toward finding the relief and compensation you deserve today. Call us at (509) 853-2222 or complete our online form for a free initial consultation with a Pasco truck accident lawyer.