In 2010 in Washington there were 2,971 accidents involving heavy trucks. If you are a victim of a trucking accident (semis, tractor-trailers, tankers, freight carriers, cement trucks, garbage trucks, log carriers or other commercial carriers), you know of the tremendous force that big-rigs can generate, and about the injuries that big-rigs can cause to people. What you may not know about are the various techniques used by trucking companies, and their insurance companies, to avoid paying fair compensation for the accidents that they cause. Like most people, you may also be unaware of the federal and state regulatory and statutory framework that governs commercial drivers.
The federal commercial trucking regulations are critically important in many trucking accident cases, as contained in 49 C.F.R. § 392. These trucking regulations include requirements governing commercial truck drivers throughout the United States and in Washington State, including the common occurrence of a Canadian truck driver driving through Washington State. For example, 49 C.F.R. § 392.7 states that:
No commercial motor vehicle shall be driven unless the driver is satisfied that the following parts and accessories are in good working order, nor shall any driver fail to use or make use of such parts and accessories when and as needed:
Service brakes, including trailer brake connections;
Parking (hand) brake;
Steering mechanism;
Lighting devices and reflectors;
Tires;
Horn;
Windshield wiper or wipers;
Rear-vision mirror or mirrors; and
Coupling devices.
Additionally, trucking companies utilize manuals that state their corporate practices, and the standards that apply to their truck drivers. These laws and standards can be used to your advantage to hold trucking companies and their insurance companies accountable. Our experienced trucking accident attorneys know this territory extremely well.
Drawing upon his nearly four decades of experience, including his position as a King County Deputy Prosecutor, and as a personal injury civil trial lawyer, trucking accident attorney James Sorrels knows how to obtain fair compensation for his clients that have been involved in trucking accidents. Trucking accidents present a complex insurance environment, which requires an additional layer of expertise beyond the realm of personal insurance (Personal Injury Protection, Property Loss, Wage Loss, Liability, Underinsured Motorist, Disability and Health). Such cases also demand that your attorney be familiar with the principles of accident reconstruction and computer simulations.
When it comes to getting the best possible results for you and your family, you need the experience and skill of James Sorrels. Get in touch with us today for a free consultation.
Email Us: staff@injuredinseattle.com
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Law Offices of James S. Sorrels
The Sunset Building
23607 Highway 99, Suite 3E
Edmonds, WA 98026
Law Offices of James S. Sorrels - Seattle
3131 Western Ave., Suite 410
Seattle, WA 98121
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Phone: 1-425-778-8558
Fax: 1-425-778-4201
Email: staff@injuredinseattle.com
Phone: 1-425-778-8558
Fax: 1-425-778-4201
Email: staff@injuredinseattle.com