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Truck Accident FAQ

If you suffered an injury in a truck accident, you have come to the right place. At the Dubin Law Group we have years of experience handling claims resulting from truck accidents. Our clients love us because we understand what they are going through. We listen to their concerns and we always return their calls. We provide compassionate counsel throughout the claims and litigation process and we provide expert and aggressive representation against the truck insurance companies, which are often determined to pay you less than your claim is worth.

Below are some frequently asked questions about truck accidents and legal claims resulting from these dangerous and all too common events. At the bottom of the page, you can request a free consultation to discuss your possible claim, as well as a free informational brochure.

Should I hire an attorney in my truck accident case?

Truck accident cases can be difficult and complicated. If certain steps aren’t taken right away, your ability to make a full recovery for your loss may be compromised. Hiring a Seattle truck accident attorney early in the process will help you make sure that all of the proper information is obtained, and that your rights are protected. When you do hire an attorney, make sure they have experience handling truck cases, and that they know how these cases differ from car accident cases. Hiring an experienced truck accident lawyer, like those at the Dubin Law Group will provide you with the peace of mind that every necessary step is being taken to protect you and your family.

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How long do I have to file a lawsuit in a trucking case?

All cases in Washington are subject to a Statute of Limitations, which requires that a lawsuit be filed within a certain time following the accident. Depending on the circumstances of the case, this period could vary. It is important that you consult with a truck accident attorney knowledgeable in truck accident cases as soon as possible following the accident.

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What kind of damages can I recover in a truck accident case?

Just as with a car accident case, victims of a truck accident may recover the cost of their medical bills, lost earnings and other expenses. In addition, a truck accident victim may make a recovery for pain, emotional distress, disability, disfigurement, loss of enjoyment of life, damage to family relationships and impaired future earnings. In the case of a death caused by a truck accident, the family may recover for the pain and suffering of their family member before his death, as well as loss of emotional support, love affection and care, and in certain cases, loss of economic support.

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Is an expert witness necessary in a truck accident case?

Expert witnesses can be helpful in nearly every case, but they are especially important in truck accident cases. An expert witness can establish violations in safety inspections and driving logs. An expert witness can also help establish how the accident happened in cases where the trucking company is disputing liability.

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What kind of investigation is necessary in a truck accident case?

An experienced truck accident lawyer will immediately take steps to obtain the truck driver’s log to make sure that it was properly kept, and that the driver was observing limitations on driving hours when the accident took place. It is also important to obtain information when investigating a truck accident claim regarding the maintenance history of the vehicle and the driving record of the driver. This information can be challenging to discover if not obtained right away, and the information discovered could be essential to getting you a full recovery for your injuries.

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What should I do immediately after being involved in a truck accident?

If you are involved in an accident with a commercial truck, you should follow the same steps outlined in our car accident FAQ: Call the police, gather information, take photographs and seek medical attention. Do not speak to the truck’s insurance company before consulting with a qualified Seattle truck accident attorney.

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How is a truck accident different from a car accident?

Most commercial trucks are required to carry higher levels of insurance. That means truck accident cases may be much bigger than the typical car accident case. Truck drivers are also subject to regulations that don’t apply to drivers of private vehicles. Drivers are subject to limits on the hours they can drive and are required to keep a log of their hours. Trucking companies are required to perform background checks on their drivers, and must perform periodic re-evaluations. Drivers are also subject to testing for drugs and alcohol.

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