Truck Accident Attorney in Tacoma

As a port city, Tacoma experiences a lot of heavy truck traffic. As a result, truck accidents are relatively common. According to the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT), 183 crashes with heavy trucks occurred in Tacoma in 2022 alone, some involving fatalities and severe injuries.

If you were involved in a truck accident in Tacoma, you might feel overwhelmed by the medical, legal, and financial challenges. However, you do not have to struggle alone. Morgan & Morgan’s Tacoma truck accident lawyers can provide moral support, compassion, and legal guidance.

We know how traumatic and life-changing an accident with a large truck can be. Our lawyers are committed to fighting for maximum compensation for those injured due to a truck driver or company’s carelessness. Contact us today for a free consultation to clarify your legal options.

Why You Need a Tacoma Truck Accident Lawyer

Truck accidents are not like car accidents. They involve much larger, heavier vehicles that can cause extensive car damage and catastrophic injuries. In addition, trucking companies and insurers often have legal teams and adjusters who will try to minimize their liability and pay you as little as possible.

A Tacoma truck accident lawyer at Morgan & Morgan can level the playing field and fight vigorously for your rights. Our attorneys can handle your legal case from start to finish and:

• Investigate the truck accident
• Determine the cause of the crash
• Identify all responsible parties
• Gather evidence to prove your case
• Assess your damages and calculate your claim’s worth
• Provide expert witnesses to strengthen your claim
• Negotiate with the trucking company’s insurer
• File a lawsuit if necessary
• Fight for maximum compensation on your behalf

Types of Truck Accidents We Handle

At Morgan & Morgan, we handle all types of truck accidents in Tacoma and the surrounding areas, including those with:

• Semi-trucks
• Delivery vans
• Garbage vehicles
• Dump trucks
• Tankers
• Tow trucks

No matter what type of truck accident you experienced, we could help you recover compensation for your losses, such as medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.

Truck accidents can change your life in one split second. While we cannot turn back the time, we can fight tooth and nail for what you deserve. If you or a loved one was involved in a truck accident, you need a dedicated Tacoma truck accident lawyer. At Morgan & Morgan, we can put our experience, resources, and tenacity to work for you.

Causes of Truck Accidents in Tacoma

Truck accidents can have many different causes, but some of the most common include the following:

• Truck driver error or carelessness
• Vehicle defects, such as brake failure or tire blowout
• Overloading or wrongly loading cargo
• Lack of maintenance and inspection of vehicles

Getting to the bottom of what or who caused a truck accident can be tricky, as technical issues and human error could be involved. A Tacoma truck accident lawyer can assess your accident with the help of professional investigators and accident reconstruction professionals to determine the cause and responsibility.

Tacoma Truck Accident Victims Could Qualify for Compensation

If you got hurt in a truck accident in Tacoma, you could be entitled to compensation for your losses, such as:

• Medical bills
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of life enjoyment  
• Property damage

Morgan & Morgan can consult with your medical providers to determine the full extent of your damages, including any future medical needs or loss of earning capacity. Our Tacoma truck accident lawyers can negotiate with the trucking company’s insurer to get you a fair settlement.

What to Do After a Tacoma Truck Accident

After a truck accident, there are several steps you can take to protect your rights and help your case.

Seek medical attention: Your health should be your top priority. Even if you don’t feel pain immediately after the crash, get checked out by a doctor.

Document the scene: Take photos of the crash scene and gather contact information of witnesses.

Contact the police: Call the police immediately after a crash so they can create an official report.

Don’t admit fault: Even if you think you may have contributed to the collision, don’t apologize or accept responsibility. It is best to let the authorities determine who was at fault.

Contact a Tacoma truck accident lawyer: An attorney at Morgan & Morgan can help you navigate the legal process and fight for adequate compensation.

Liability in Truck Accidents

Understanding who is liable in a truck accident is critical to recovering compensation for your losses. However, determining liability can be complex and involve multiple parties, including:  

The Truck Driver

If the driver negligently or recklessly caused the truck accident, they may be liable for your damages. Negligent actions could include:

• Speeding
• Distracted driving
• Drunk driving
• Failing to observe road signs and signals

If a trucking company employs the driver, you could also hold the company liable for the driver’s negligence.

The Trucking Company

Trucking companies can also be held accountable for Tacoma truck accidents, even if a driver caused the crash. Companies are generally responsible for hiring suitably qualified drivers and conducting background checks to ensure drivers have clean driving records. They must also train drivers properly and ensure drivers follow safety regulations and mandated rest breaks.

Moreover, a trucking company must keep trucks in good condition and inspect the vehicles regularly. A trucking company may be liable for accidents if it fails to uphold its responsibilities.

The Truck Manufacturer

Truck makers and part manufacturers must ensure their products are safe. If a defect in the vehicle caused the accident, you could hold the truck manufacturer liable. Faults can include defects in the design, manufacturing, or installation of parts.

Since truck accidents can be complex, consider seeking legal representation as soon as possible after a crash. A Tacoma truck accident lawyer at Morgan & Morgan can help determine who is responsible and hold them accountable. As there are time limits for personal injury lawsuits, contact an attorney promptly to explore your legal options.