Justice

Legal Help for Semi Truck Accidents

Posted on by Charles E. Martin

semi truck accident

Semi truck accidents are seldom without serious injuries and often cause fatalities, since they typically occur on highways where vehicles are traveling at high speeds. Combined with the speed of travel and the size of these trucks, the risks of serious injury and even deaths when an accident occurs are very high. Semi trucks usually weigh more than 10,000 pounds, and depending on the load they are carrying, can take much longer to stop than a normal car or passenger vehicle – especially when traveling at highway speeds.

This article includes key information and semi truck accident statistics for the Seattle area, King County, and Washington State.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) lists the following semi truck accident statistics for King County in recent years:

  • 9 fatalities from semi-truck accidents in 2012 (of 46 in the whole state)
  • 6 fatalities from semi-truck accidents in 2011 (of 33 in the whole state)
  • From 2001-2011, large truck accidents involving injuries decreased by 30%
  • Over 75% of fatalities from semi truck accidents from 2009-2011 were occupants of the other vehicles, while less than 18% of fatalities were occupants of the truck

According to the 2012 Washington State Annual Collision Summary, there were a total of 4,453 collisions involving heavy trucks or commercial vehicles. Of those:

  • 43 were fatal collisions
  • 83 were serious injury collisions
  • 955 were minor injury collisions
  • 3,327 were collisions where only property was damaged
  • 43 were collisions with unknown injuries

If you or someone you love is involved in a semi truck accident and has been injured or killed, please contact our offices for legal services. Since semi trucks are often owned and operated by large companies with legal teams and insurance adjustors to defend their claims, it is critical that you acquire legal representation to fight for your just recompense.

Martin Law PLLC specializes in providing expert-level legal representation, to ensure you and your loved ones receive just compensation for personal injury or wrongful death cases.

Charles Martin, Marin Law LLC
Call for a free consultation 206-684-9468

Reasons You Might Need a Car Accident Lawyer vs. Working Alone

Posted on by Charles E. Martin

Car_Accident

When you are the victim of an accident due to another driver’s carelessness or mistakes, it can be a harrowing time to deal with insurance, vehicle damage, and any injuries that were sustained. You have rights under the law as a victim of a car accident, and you should protect those rights to avoid paying for someone else’s missteps or negligence.

There are lots of reasons why a car accident lawyer may benefit your chances to acquire recompense, versus trying to plead your case alone. Here are some of the most important:

  • You can’t always rely on other people or insurance companies for justice. Even if the driver(s) responsible for the accident provide you with all the important information to help you get medical and vehicular reparations, their insurance company may prove difficult. Many – if not most – insurance companies will do their best not to pay or pay as little as possible for claims. They may try to pressure you or rush you into a settlement, which will often be less than fair coverage for your property and personal injury. A car accident lawyer or personal injury attorney can help to get you just compensation for your property damage and any injuries.
  • There are certain rules to follow and steps to take to sue. It’s not always as easy as filling out a police report and ‘pressing charges’. Sometimes there will be other rules that require your compliance, or more requirements that you must meet in order to be eligible for personal injury restitutions after a car accident. A lawyer can help you navigate all of these needs.
  • Lots of potential damages are available – which can you receive? People injured in car accidents are eligible for lots of different damages, beyond just coverage for your medical bills and repairs for your car, and a car accident lawyer can inform you of all of the damages you are eligible for.
  • It’s all in the negotiation and representation. A personal injury attorney will be prepared and skilled to negotiate and represent your interests, both with insurance companies and in court (if necessary), for your fair compensation.

If you have sustained personal injury in a car accident that was not your fault, please contact our offices for a conversation about your situation. We can help you to acquire a fair settlement for your injuries.

Charles Martin, Marin Law LLC
Call for a free consultation 206-684-9468