Truck accidents can happen in an instant, but their effects can last a lifetime. In Mountlake Terrace, with its busy roadways like I-5, WA-104, and Highway 99, large trucks and commercial vehicles are a constant presence. These roads are vital for regional transportation, but their high traffic volume also means a higher risk of collisions, especially those involving large trucks.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a truck accident in Mountlake Terrace, you need someone on your side who understands what you’re going through. At Walton Law, APC, we are here to help. Our caring, experienced legal team is dedicated to fighting for your rights and ensuring you are treated with the respect and dignity you deserve after such a traumatic event.
A truck accident can leave you feeling lost and afraid, facing mounting medical bills, loss of income, and pain that makes everyday life a challenge. We want you to know that you don’t have to face this alone. A seasoned Mountlake Terrace truck accident lawyer from Walton Law can guide you through this difficult time and help you seek justice. Contact us today for your free consultation and take the first steps toward recovery.
Mountlake Terrace Truck Accident Guide:
- Do I Have a Truck Accident Case?
- Who May Be Held Liable in a Truck Accident?
- Our Lawyers Stand Up to Big Companies and Corporations
- Compensation Available in a Mountlake Terrace Truck Accident Case
- What is the Deadline for Filing a Truck Accident Lawsuit?
- What if I’m Partly to Blame for My Truck Accident Injuries?
- How Much Does a Truck Accident Attorney in Mountlake Terrace Cost?
- Contact Our Trusted Mountlake Terrace Truck Accident Lawyers Today
Why Choose Walton Law for Your Mountlake Terrace Truck Accident Claim
When you’re dealing with the repercussions of a truck accident, having the right legal team on your side can make all the difference. At Walton Law, our Mountlake Terrace personal injury lawyers pride ourselves on offering personalized, compassionate support combined with the legal acumen you need to pursue the compensation you deserve.
What sets Walton Law apart is our commitment to personalized attention. We understand that no two cases are exactly the same, and we approach every situation with your unique circumstances in mind. From the moment you reach out to us, we focus on listening to your story, understanding your priorities, and building a legal strategy that puts your needs first. We limit our caseload to ensure that every client receives our full dedication because your case deserves nothing less.
Our results speak for themselves. Over the years, we’ve recovered millions of dollars for our clients by standing up to big corporations, trucking companies, and insurers. These entities may hold significant power, but they can’t match the tenacity of our experienced trial attorneys. We prepare every case as though it’s going to trial, which demonstrates to the opposing parties that we won’t back down until justice is served. With Walton Law, you’ll have a strong, reliable advocate in your corner every step of the way.
Do I Have a Truck Accident Case?
One of the most common questions we hear from our clients is, “Do I have a case?” The foundation of most personal injury claims, including truck accidents, is negligence. Simply put, negligence occurs when someone fails to uphold their duty of care, and their actions (or inactions) result in harm to another person.
To prove negligence and have a successful truck accident claim, the following four elements must be established:
- Duty of Care
Every driver on the road, including truck drivers, owes a duty of care to others to operate their vehicles safely and responsibly. For truck drivers, this duty is heightened because of the inherent dangers posed by large commercial trucks. - Breach of Duty
A breach occurs when the truck driver or another responsible party fails to meet their duty of care. Examples include speeding, driving while fatigued, distracted driving, or failing to follow federal safety regulations. - Causation
It’s not enough to show that someone acted negligently; you must also prove that their breach directly caused the accident and your resulting injuries. For example, if a truck driver was texting and caused a rear-end collision, that negligent action directly led to the crash. - Damages
Finally, you must demonstrate that the accident caused measurable damages, such as medical expenses, lost wages, or pain and suffering. These damages are essential for seeking financial compensation.
At Walton Law, we understand how to gather the evidence needed to prove negligence and build a strong case. From investigating the scene of the accident to consulting with experts, we leave no stone unturned to help you achieve a meaningful outcome.
Who May Be Held Liable in a Truck Accident?
Determining liability in a truck accident can be more complex than in a typical car accident. Multiple parties may share responsibility depending on the circumstances of the crash. Here’s an overview of some of the key players who may be held liable:
Truck Drivers
Truck drivers are often the most obvious party to consider in a truck accident claim. Drivers are required to follow state and federal safety regulations, such as limits on driving hours, proper vehicle maintenance checks, and adherence to speed limits. If a truck driver ignores these rules or engages in other reckless behavior, such as driving under the influence, they may be held liable for the damages caused.
Trucking Companies
Trucking companies play a significant role in ensuring their drivers and vehicles comply with safety standards. Major trucking companies that frequently operate in and around Mountlake Terrace include Swift Transportation, Schneider National, and JB Hunt. If a company fails to properly train its drivers, schedules excessive hours that lead to fatigue, or neglects vehicle maintenance, it could share liability for an accident.
Cargo Loaders
Improperly loaded or overloaded cargo is a leading cause of truck accidents. Loading companies are responsible for ensuring that loads are balanced and secured according to safety guidelines. If cargo shifts during transit, it can cause the truck to roll over or become difficult to control, resulting in catastrophic accidents. If this happens, the loading company may be held accountable.
Commercial Truck Manufacturers
Defective truck parts or vehicles can contribute to accidents, making manufacturers liable under product liability law. Prominent names in the trucking industry, such as Freightliner, Peterbilt, Volvo Trucks, and Kenworth, are responsible for producing safe, reliable vehicles. If a brake system malfunctions or a tire defect causes a blowout, for example, victims may be able to pursue claims against these manufacturers.
At Walton Law, we’ll thoroughly investigate your case to identify all potentially liable parties. This comprehensive approach enables us to seek maximum compensation for your losses.
Our Lawyers Stand Up to Big Companies and Corporations
Trucking companies, cargo loaders, and manufacturers are often represented by well-funded legal teams whose primary focus is to minimize their liability in truck accident cases. These corporations have deep pockets and access to resources that can make it intimidating for accident victims to fight for fair compensation. They may attempt to shift blame, delay proceedings, or pressure you into accepting a lowball settlement.
At Walton Law, we won’t allow these entities to take advantage of you. You deserve compensation that reflects the full scope of your damages, including medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and more. Our role is to level the playing field by holding negligent parties accountable. With our contingency-fee arrangement, there’s no risk to you. We don’t get paid unless we achieve a successful outcome for your case.
You don’t have to face these challenges alone. Partner with Walton Law and gain the confidence of knowing that experienced, tenacious legal advocates are standing firmly in your corner.
Compensation Available in a Mountlake Terrace Truck Accident Case
Truck accident injuries can take a heavy physical, financial, and emotional toll. While every case is unique, here are some types of compensation you may be eligible to receive:
- Medical Expenses: This includes emergency room visits, surgeries, medications, physical therapy, and any future medical treatment you may require.
- Lost Income: If your injuries left you unable to work, you could recover compensation for the income you’ve already lost, as well as any reduced earning capacity caused by long-term disability.
- Pain and Suffering: Your physical pain and emotional distress, such as anxiety or depression, are real losses that deserve compensation.
- Property Damage: If your vehicle or personal property was damaged in the crash, you can seek reimbursement for repair or replacement costs.
- Loss of Quality of Life: Severe accidents can rob you of the ability to enjoy hobbies, family activities, or daily independence, for which additional compensation may be sought.
- Wrongful Death: If you’ve lost a loved one in a tragic truck accident, we know no amount of money can bring them back. However, a wrongful death claim can help cover medical bills, funeral expenses, lost financial support, and the emotional impact of your loss.
At Walton Law, we’re here to ensure that no aspect of your suffering is overlooked. Our goal is to help you rebuild your life after a devastating truck accident.
What is the Deadline for Filing a Truck Accident Lawsuit?
If you’re considering filing a truck accident lawsuit in Mountlake Terrace, it’s important to act quickly. Washington State imposes a statute of limitations on personal injury claims, which is typically three years from the date of the accident. If your case involves the loss of a loved one, the three-year deadline also applies to wrongful death claims.
Missing this filing deadline is serious. If you delay too long and the statute of limitations expires, you could lose your right to pursue compensation altogether. While three years may seem like plenty of time, building a strong case takes thorough investigation, evidence collection, and professional consultation. The sooner you contact a lawyer, the better we can preserve crucial evidence and protect your rights.
What if I’m Partly to Blame for My Truck Accident Injuries?
It’s natural to question whether your actions contributed to the accident but don’t let this discourage you from seeking compensation. Washington follows pure comparative fault laws, meaning you can still recover damages even if you are partially at fault for the accident. However, the amount of compensation you receive will be reduced by your percentage of fault.
For example, if you are found to be 20% responsible for the accident, you can still recover 80%. This system ensures that individuals who are not entirely at fault still have the opportunity to seek justice and financial recovery.
Insurance companies often try to exaggerate your level of responsibility to minimize their payout. That’s where Walton Law comes in. We gather evidence, consult with experts, and build a solid case to counter unfair blame-shifting tactics. Our goal is to protect your rights, even in complex “shared fault” situations.
How Much Does a Truck Accident Attorney in Mountlake Terrace Cost?
One of the biggest concerns accident victims have is the cost of legal representation. At Walton Law, we’re proud to offer our services on a contingency fee basis. This means you don’t pay us anything upfront or out of pocket. We only get paid attorney’s fees if we recover compensation in your case, either through a settlement or a courtroom verdict.
Our contingency fee arrangement makes pursuing justice accessible to everyone, regardless of financial circumstances. You’ve already been through so much; the last thing you need is more financial stress. With Walton Law, you can focus on healing while we fight for the compensation you deserve.
Contact Our Trusted Mountlake Terrace Truck Accident Lawyers Today
The path to recovery after a truck accident is rarely easy. At Walton Law, we’re here to support you every step of the way with compassionate legal representation and an unwavering commitment to protecting your interests.
Here’s what we can do for you:
- Thoroughly investigate your truck accident to identify all liable parties.
- Build a strong case by gathering evidence, consulting experts, and assessing damages.
- Negotiate aggressively with insurance companies to secure a fair settlement.
- Take your case to trial when necessary to fight for the justice you deserve.
Time is critical in pursuing a successful claim. Evidence can fade, memories can blur, and deadlines can pass. Don’t wait to take action. Call Walton Law today at (360) 543-1010 or through our online form for your free consultation with an experienced Mountlake Terrace truck accident attorney. We’re here to listen to your story, answer your questions, and provide the legal guidance you need to move forward with confidence.
Walton Law - Snohomish Office
6100 219th St SW #480,
Mountlake Terrace, WA 98043