Catastrophic Truck Accidents in Washington
Catastrophic truck accidents can leave motorists with serious, life-changing injuries. If you’ve been involved in a semi-truck crash through no fault of your own and suffered amputation injuries because of it, you may be entitled to compensation.
Many accident victims assume this compensation will kick in automatically. The last thing most people want to deal with after a wreck is complicated legal matters. The reality is, though, that compensation is far from guaranteed. Insurance companies will do everything in their power to avoid paying out expensive accident claims. That’s where an experienced truck accident amputation lawyer can make a world of difference.
How Amputations Happen 
Truck accidents are far more likely to result in serious injuries and fatalities than other types of wrecks. That’s because trucks travel at fast speeds and weigh far more than the average vehicle on the road. Weight and size both play major factors in truck accidents—especially when a semi collides with a smaller car. The results are often catastrophic.
Some truck accident amputations happen at the scene of the collision. A victim may suffer serious injuries as a direct result of the crash and lose a limb in the accident. Sometimes, amputations happen later, at the hands of a surgeon. Complications from accident injuries may lead to nerve damage or infections, requiring medical providers to amputate. Either way, a person’s life may be changed forever once they’re in a truck accident.
Liability for Washington Semi-Truck Accidents
Determining liability in truck crashes can be complicated. Depending on the circumstances that led to the incident, the truck driver, trucking company, or manufacturer of the truck could all be held responsible. It often boils down to the evidence recovered in the initial accident investigation. A lawsuit involving a truck driver falling asleep at the wheel looks very different from one that holds negligent trucking companies responsible for not adequately maintaining their fleet of vehicles. Factors in truck accidents frequently include:
- Excess speed
- Improper lane changes
- Drowsy driving
- Drunk driving
- Drugged driving
- Distracted driving
- Tailgating
- Reckless driving
- Improper hiring practices
- Inadequate training
- Negligent service and repair work
These are just a few of the most common contributing factors, but every accident is different. An experienced attorney can help investigate your incident and hold the responsible parties liable.
Life After a Truck Accident Amputation
For many victims of truck accident amputation, life looks very different post-accident. Some people struggle to perform their duties at work, jeopardizing their income and overall lifestyle. Others suffer from significant mental health issues and need extensive counseling to help them cope. Still others experience health complications because of their amputation.
While nothing can turn back the clock and undo the damage caused by the accident, a settlement can help offset the financial costs associated with the wreck. By seeking financial damages for your injuries, you hold negligent truck drivers and their employers liable for the impact they’ve had on your life. A settlement can include damages like:
- Medical expenses
- Pharmacy costs
- Ambulance rides
- Ongoing physical therapy
- Counseling sessions
- Lost wages
- Loss of consortium
- Pain and suffering
- Other out-of-pocket expenses
These are just a few of the damages you can seek in a truck accident amputation lawsuit. In most cases, these lawsuits never go to trial. Instead, they’re worked out via negotiation. Seeking fair compensation without the help of an attorney can be an uphill battle. If you’ve been hurt in a truck accident, you’ll want an experienced advocate fighting for your best interests.
