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Trucking wrecks are often deadly due to the size and
weight of the vehicles involved. An tractor trailer or
18 wheeler semi truck may weigh more than 80,000 pounds when
fully loaded. Any passenger car that comes into contact with
such a large vehicle in a highway collision is bound to
suffer tremendous damage. Size also makes these big
rigs difficult to maneuver, even by the most experienced
truck driver - especially when driver fatigue, speed and
other factors are added to the mix - and a fatal trucking
wreck can quickly result.
The law firm of Brett & Coats, PLLC concentrates in
personal injury and wrongful death claims in Seattle,
Tacoma, Portland, Spokane and Bellingham and throughout
Washington State. After more than three decades of
legal experience, we’ve seen the tragic damage caused by
trucking wrecks. We know that many of these wrecks are
preventable - and the families impacted by fatal truck
accidents are often confused about how to navigate the legal
system and protect their rights. For help with your truck
accident claim, contact our firm for a free consultation by
calling 360-714-0900,
1-800-925-1875 or submit a request via our online
form.
At Brett & Coats, PLLC, we know that many truck accidents
are caused by driver negligence. In fact, drivers of
large trucks are 10 times more likely to be cause of a
trucking wreck than any other non-driver factors, such as
weather or road conditions, according to the Federal Motor
Carrier Safety Administration. Specific problems
involved in trucking wrecks include:
- Driver fatigue
- Drive use of over-the-counter or prescription drugs
- Driver failure to brake at traffic stop
- Brake problems
- Unsecured Load
- Speeding
- Traffic flow interruption
- Driver unfamiliarity with roadway
There are steps being taken to address the problem of
fatal trucking wrecks in our state - and while the attorneys
of Brett & Coats, PLLC remain dedicated to representing the
interests of those killed, our police and lawmakers are also
working hard to prevent further tragedies.
- In 2005, the state of Washington State pilot tested
a program to reduce the number of truck collisions with
passenger cars by educating other drivers how to drive
safely around the larger vehicles.
- The federal government has imposed strict regulations on
the trucking industry, including specific rules about how
many hours a driver may operate a vehicle, as well as
license requirements and drug/alcohol testing.
However, trucking companies often choose to ignore
federal law in order to deliver cargo on time - and drivers
are pressured to operate vehicles without sleep, often
leading to fatigue and stimulant drug use. The
trucking industry is powerful, and the law only requires
companies to maintain key documents such as driver logs for
a limited time. Insurance companies for the trucking
industry want to avoid paying out huge sums of money, and
meticulous compilation of evidence is integral to any
negotiation with a trucking or insurance company. A lawyer’s
quick action to obtain key evidence is often the difference
that determines the success of a trucking wreck wrongful
death claim.
If you have lost a loved one as the result of a trucking
wreck, the attorneys at Brett & Coats, PLLC can help protect
your rights and hold the negligent parties responsible for
your loss. Our lawyers know the trucking regulations and we
know how to successfully deal with trucking companies and
insurers. Contact our firm today by calling
360-714-0900, 1-800-925-1875 or
submit a request via our online
form.
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