Truck Accident Attorney in Spokane

Assisting Victims Injured by Commercial Drivers & Large Trucks

We all know that negligent drivers are a major reason for car accidents throughout Spokane and Stevens Counties, but accidents caused by drivers of trucks and other commercial vehicles are also becoming a growing concern. 

With these trucks being often the largest vehicle on the roads at any time, the stakes are much higher when a collision occurs. Multiple vehicles can become involved, causing a major wreck that can leave you with serious injuries, overwhelming medical costs, and a mountain of other financial burdens. 

If you or a loved one was involved in a large truck accident in Eastern Washington or Northern Idaho, reach out to Karen Lindholdt to learn how our experienced team can help you seek the justice you deserve. Led by our founding attorney who has nearly three decades of experience, our truck accident attorneys can aggressively advocate on your behalf. 

We can’t begin to understand the pain and trauma you and your family are going through, but we do know the law and will be in your corner to help you fight the truck companies and their insurers to get the maximum compensation you are entitled to.

Call our office at (509) 779-8180 and talk to a Spokane truck accident attorney today. Se habla español.

What are the Leading Causes of Truck Accidents?

Much like car accidents, the majority of truck accidents occur due to driver error. Handling such large, powerful, vehicles can be challenging, which is why these drivers and companies should be held to a higher standard and take the necessary precautions and safety measures to ensure they don’t make mistakes on the roads. 

When they act carelessly or negligently on the road, the costs are great, leading to serious and often deadly collisions.

Some of the most common causes of large truck accidents include:

• Driver error or negligence: While most truck drivers have extensive training, experience, and a special license to drive such large vehicles, they are still human and capable of making mistakes. From speeding and distracted driving to driving drunk or drowsy, a driver can become a hazard on the road and cause a wreck.
• Trucking company negligence: The company may be just as responsible for the accident as the driver if they hired a driver with little to no experience, did not properly train them, or overly pressured drivers to meet demanding deadlines and quotas.
• Loose cargo: Truck cargo must be properly loaded and secured to avoid shifting while being transported. Shifting cargo can cause the driver to lose control or can loosen to the point where they fall out onto the road resulting in serious accidents.
• Lack of truck maintenance: Like all vehicles, commercial trucks go through wear and tear and can end up being a risk to others on the road. From poorly maintained tires, brakes, steering, engine components, and other parts, a driver may lose control of the car and cause a collision.
• Negligence from other drivers: These are cases where including other drivers on the road may have played a part in causing a truck to crash. For instance, a distracted driver may suddenly brake to a stop in a truck’s lane, causing the truck driver to swerve to avoid the distracted driver and hit another vehicle.

Determining the cause of a truck accident is crucial in determining liability. At Karen Lindholdt, our team conducts detailed investigations to analyze exactly what happened and the party responsible for your damages.

Who Can Be Held Liable for a Truck Accident in Spokane County?

In a typical car or motorcycle accident, it’s much easier to determine liability than in a truck driving accident. For example, if you were injured in an accident with another motorist, you’d file a claim with the insurance company of the driver who caused the accident. 

Liability would only fall on one party. For truck accident cases, however, it can get complicated as there can be multiple parties that can be held accountable for contributing to the crash.

Liable parties for a truck accident claim can include:

• The truck driver: Due to their negligence or reckless operation being the cause of the accident, the driver is almost always named as a responsible party in every case.
• The trucking company: If the driver is not an independent contractor, the company that employs the driver can also be directly liable for their negligence in hiring a driver that caused such an accident.
• The truck owner: If the owner is different from the driver or trucking company, they can also be partially responsible. This can be done especially when the circumstances of the accident were believed to be caused by poor maintenance and upkeep of the truck.
• The freight company: This is the company responsible for loading the cargo onto the truck or trailer. If the accident took place because the cargo came loose or wasn’t secured properly so the truck crashed, they can be partly or completely liable.
• The truck’s mechanic: who can be held responsible for negligent maintenance of the vehicle and/or improper truck repairs
• The truck manufacturer: If the accident was caused by a defect in the truck or an obsolete part, the manufacturer or the vehicle or party can be held liable.

It is important that you work with an attorney who can carefully evaluate all the details of your case to determine how the accident occurred and who is liable for your damages. 

At Karen Lindholdt, our seasoned truck accident attorneys have years of experience and are not afraid to take things to trial and aggressively fight for your rights. We will hold the necessary parties responsible and get you the compensation you deserve.