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Mt. Vernon Truck Accident Lawyers
Proven Mt. Vernon Truck Accident Attorneys Ready To Assist You
Our office in Mount Vernon, WA
- Address: 720 S Main St #213, Mt Vernon, WA 98273
- Open hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30am – 5:00pm
- Phone number: 360-395-2135
- Map Directions
An out-of-control truck works more like a missile than a vehicle – at least in terms of the destruction it can cause. Even though Mt. Vernon and Skagit County are relatively safe places to be, Interstate 5 is often a very dangerous place to drive. For example, I-5 was the scene of a 23-vehicle pileup a few years ago, and another eight-vehicle pileup in April 2019. Both accidents involved 18-wheeler trucks. In case of a truck accident in Mt. Vernon area, our legal team and our Mt. Vernon truck accident lawyers are here to help.
Our Mt. Vernon Truck Accident Lawyers Have Been Showered with Honors
Brett McCandlis Brown & Conner has been serving injured victims since 1972. And since then, our attorneys have been showered with recognition from both clients and peers. Three of our partners have been named Super Lawyers, a designation based on both independent research and peer reviews. Most of our partners are also rated 10/10 on the prestigious Avvo legal rating service, based on both client and peer evaluations.
More Importantly, We Get Results
We could win every award available to personal injury attorneys, but we would still consider our firm a failure if we could not translate this expertise into concrete results for our clients. Fortunately, however, our track record is stellar. Some of our results in recent years include:
- $800,000 for a victim hit by a big rig truck (the largest wrongful death jury verdict in Kittitas County history);
- $1 million in wrongful death damages for an accident in which a truck struck a pedestrian;
- $2.5 million for the estate of a teenage boy who died in a jet-ski accident;
- $5.5 million in personal injury damages for a DUI accident (the largest jury verdict in Skagit County history); and
- $3.5 million for a pedestrian hit by a train.
All told, we have won over $100 million for our clients over the years.
Practice Areas
Personal injury claims cover a wide variety of cases, from defective drugs to plane crashes. Our legal team is experienced in handling the following types of cases, among others:
- Wrongful Death,
- Car Accidents,
- Medical Negligence,
- Motorcycle Accidents,
- DUI Accidents,
- Bicycle Accidents,
- Pedestrian Accidents,
- Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI),
- Sexual Abuse, and
- Products Liability.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents
Driver error is the most common cause of truck accidents. Any type of mistake while operating a truck could be driver error, such as running a red light, texting while driving, or changing lanes without signaling. Some of the most common causes include:
- Driving while fatigued,
- Drinking and driving,
- Reckless driving,
- Inexperienced or poorly trained driver,
- Improperly loaded cargo,
- Overloaded truck,
- Defective part,
- Poor truck maintenance,
- Road hazards, and
- Adverse weather conditions.
It’s not uncommon to have multiple contributing factors in these large truck accidents. For example, a truck driver who is speeding may be unable to stop in the rain because the brakes malfunctioned.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is a truck’s “black box” and how is it used for truck accident claims?
A truck’s black box, known as an Electronic Control Module (ECM), works like a black box on a commercial jet – it records certain data, such as speed and braking times, relevant to an accident. It can be used as evidence in court or in settlement negotiations.
Who will pay for my damages? The trucking company?
The trucking company probably won’t be liable, because most truckers are considered independent contractors of the companies they work for, not employees. A trucking company can normally be held liable only if it was itself negligent in some way. Never fear, because truckers are usually heavily insured.
Are truckers subject to special regulations?
Yes. Washington truckers are subject to regulation at both the federal and the state levels. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration regulates truckers at the federal level, and the Washington Department of Transportation regulates them at the state level. Proving that a trucker violated an applicable regulation can be greatly helpful to an injured victim if the violation substantially contributed to the accident, but it does not necessarily automatically win the case.
What are some possible defenses that I might face?
Many possible defenses exist, depending on the circumstances. Some of the most common ones used by the defense include:
- Asserting that the accident was your fault, or at least partly your fault
- Asserting that the statute of limitations deadline has already expired ; and
- Asserting that your injuries predated the accident (in other words, that they were not caused by the accident).
What are some of the most common truck accident injuries?
Truck accident injuries can vary widely depending on the circumstances of the collision. Sadly, many injuries are severe due to the truck’s size and weight. Injuries that we often represent clients for include:
- Neck and back injuries;
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI);
- Spinal cord injuries, including paralysis;
- Internal injuries;
- Broken or fractured bone;
- Crushed or severed limb; and
- Burns and lacerations.
If you suffered injuries in a large truck accident, contact a Mt. Vernon truck injury lawyer at our office right away. It can be challenging to ensure you’re getting the right treatment. Our dedicated lawyers can help you get the treatment you need and negotiate with the insurance company to fight for maximum compensation.
How does fault work in a truck accident claim?
Before you’re eligible to receive any compensation, you must prove liability against the defendants. Parties in a truck accident claim will vary depending on the accident circumstances. For example, you might be suing a trucking company because it forces drivers to exceed the allotted hours. Or you might have a claim against a mechanic for negligent maintenance on the truck. Different rules apply depending on what you are suing for. General negligence claims have four main elements you must prove:
- The defendant owed the plaintiff a duty of care,
- The defendant breached their duty,
- The defendant’s actions led to the accident and injuries, and
- You suffered damages as a result of the accident.
Even seemingly simple negligent driving claims can be challenging. Don’t attempt to pursue a claim independently. You need a skilled Mount Vernon trucking accident attorney who understands how to build a strong case.
Is there a cut-off for filing a personal injury claim for truck accident injuries?
Yes, as with other types of personal injury claims, you have only a limited amount of time to file a lawsuit. Failure to meet the deadline means the judge will likely dismiss your claim entirely. In most cases, you have only three years from the accident date to file a lawsuit in Washington. Additional circumstances could extend or decrease the filing time. That’s one reason why you want to contact our Mt. Vernon trucking accident lawyers. When you retain us to represent you, we’ll ensure a lawsuit is filed timely.
Contact Today Our Mt. Vernon Truck Accident Attorneys
We know you may be in financial distress, but don’t worry that you lack the money to retain us. Since we win 97 percent of our clients’ personal injury cases, we refuse to charge our clients if we lose their cases. Since we charge no upfront fees. Any legal fees you pay us will come out of the amount the defendant pays you, not out of your own pocket.
If you have suffered an injury in a truck accident, now is not the time to sit on the sidelines hoping something will happen. It is time to take decisive action to demand the compensation you deserve. Speak with a trusted Mt. Vernon truck injury attorney by contacting Brett McCandlis Brown & Conner by calling or filling out our online contact form so that we can contact you to schedule a free consultation and evaluate your options. We serve clients from Big Fir, Digby Heights, Eaglemont, and elsewhere in Mt. Vernon.
