Truckers are a growing motorist group using Washington’s highways, and commercial trucking accidents occur regularly in Everett, Bellingham and across the region. When a truck crash happens, serious injuries and fatalities are a common result.

Common causes of commercial truck accidents in the Pacific Northwest

According to IIHS, a large percentage of trucking crashes are caused by:

• Speeding;
• Tailgating;
• Improper lane changes;
• Fatigued driving;
• Reckless driving;
• Driving while impaired.

These behaviors by either a commercial trucker or a passenger-vehicle driver result in injury and fatality accidents on Pacific Northwest roadways regularly.

How are commercial trucking crashes different than other types of motor-vehicle accidents?

When a crash with a commercial truck ends in property damage, injuries, or even death, the resulting insurance claim is typically more complicated, with more people, companies, insurance adjusters, and government agencies involved. The owner of the truck, the driver, the insurer, and all regulatory and licensing agencies play a part in the personal injury or wrongful death claim that will provide financial compensation for anyone injured or killed due to the negligent actions of a commercial truck driver or company.

Whatcom County truck accidents usually cause more significant injuries than other types of crashes

Given the difference in size and weight of a commercial truck to a standard passenger vehicle, the damages caused by a crash are magnified. Even a low-speed collision can result in life-changing injuries and can tear families apart when the crash is fatal.

According to NHTSA, 3,802 large trucks involved in fatal accidents in 2012, and 77,000 involved in injury crashes nationwide.

In an injury truck accident, it is crucial to get appropriate medical treatment, regardless of the financial cost

After a commercial truck accident, injured people must get the medical help they need. The major hospital in the area include Everett's Providence Regional Medical Center and Bellingham's St. Joseph Medical Center.

As soon as possible, an injured person should contact their insurance company to find out how medical treatment is covered under their insurance policy.

When a commercial truck accident is serious or fatal, get help from an Everett - Bellingham personal injury lawyer for help

When an injury is serious or a death occurs, the next step is to find an experienced Bellingham - Whatcom County truck accident attorney to start the financial recovery process by launching an insurance claim. Major injury or wrongful death claims are complicated and difficult to manage, especially in the case of a commercial-vehicle accident. Having an Everett - Bellingham personal injury lawyer on board is a great relief to injured people who need to focus on healing while their attorney focuses on getting them compensation for their growing financial losses.