Yakima Truck
Accident Lawyer

A truck accident involves many parties, and when one occurs, it usually leads to severe injuries. So, when you’ve been involved in a truck accident, it’s normal to feel overwhelmed and at a loss on how to get the justice you deserve. However, our skilled Yakima truck accident lawyer can help you navigate the complex processes following your crash. The assistance of an attorney with knowledge in semi-truck accidents increases your chances of getting adequate compensation. At Montoya Hinckley, our truck accident attorneys are experienced in handling the specialized negotiation and litigation these cases require. The Yakima truck accident lawyers at Montoya Hinckley offer stellar representations in truck accident litigation and negotiation. We have a proven track record of winning our clients the maximum compensation. Our attorneys, Kevan Montoya and Tyler Hinckley have four decades of experience working on personal injury law claims. Attorney Montoya has been selected as a Super Lawyer, which is a recognition given to only the best lawyers. We handle truck accidents, car accidents, wrongful death, and other types of claims. When you hire us, we will carry you along the process, so you are aware of every step we take. We’ll work tirelessly and passionately to see that you get the compensation you deserve. Being in an accident with a truck is serious. In addition to physical injury and damage to your vehicle, the experience itself is traumatizing. And, for good reason. Those who suffer most from these accidents are the drivers and passengers of the automobiles with which the trucks collide. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), “Most deaths in large truck crashes are passenger vehicle occupants. The main problem is the vulnerability of people traveling in smaller vehicles. Trucks often weigh 20-30 times as much as passenger cars and are taller with greater ground clearance, which can result in smaller vehicles under-riding trucks in crashes.” It is no surprise that injuries are often significant and deaths not uncommon when semi-trucks and cars collide. Our skilled truck accident lawyers understand how costs associated with a serious crash add up quickly and that injuries may need long-term medical care. We hold those who caused the accident accountable and will take on trucking companies and their insurers to fiercely fight on your behalf. After a truck accident, you want to file your claim as soon as possible so you don’t lose the right to do so. The statute of limitation for truck accidents in Washington depends on the claim you’re bringing. If you’re filing a claim for property damage or personal injury, you must do so within three years from when the crash happened. However, if you are filing a wrongful death claim, you must do so within three years from the death of your loved one. While the causes of truck accidents are considerable in number, certain things seem to contribute to the majority of them. Many relate directly back to the driver and can be attributed to negligence. Truck drivers are required to exercise appropriate care and caution and do their jobs responsibly. Examples of truck driver negligence include:

• Speeding
• Driving Aggressively (Tailgating)
• Texting while Driving
• Driving Under the Influence of Drugs or Alcohol
• Passing Illegally.

The number of things that contribute to driver negligence are considerable, and we are aware of them all. If the driver of the truck that caused your accident was negligent, we can help you pursue action. Other issues that can cause semi-truck accidents may not be directly attributable to the driver. These include, but are not limited to:

• Poor weather (rain, ice, high winds)
• Delayed or erroneous maintenance
• Defective machinery.

Truck drivers spend long hours behind the wheel and on the road. Often, they are working against the clock to meet delivery deadlines. The cause of your accident will help determine who is ultimately responsible. When handling the aftermath of vehicular accidents, nothing is easy. In fact, things usually take longer and include more people and organizations than you would think. This is especially true when dealing with semi-truck accidents. Quite often, claims involve more than one insurance company. The driver may be covered by one policy, while the trucking company, manufacturer and cargo corporation may also each have their own. There are so many things to manage and people with whom to communicate that it can overwhelm the inexperienced. Because accidents with trucks can result in considerable damage, commercial vehicle drivers have more liability coverage with their insurance than those of us who simply drive a car. They can be sued for significant sums. Thus, companies insuring truckers are just as protective of their assets as those that represent automobile insurance clients. These companies are not looking out for your best interests. Their goal is to get you to settle for as little as possible. This is why you need qualified legal representation from a skilled truck accident lawyer.   At Montoya Hinckley, we take the time necessary to understand all of the particulars of your case.   We will review the accident reports and identify each party that was liable. Depending upon the circumstances surrounding your truck accident, there may be more than one. We will make sure to include all of them when negotiating the damages caused. As your truck accident attorney, we will represent you with all insurance companies involved and communicate on your behalf. Negotiations can be complicated and time consuming. Our expertise allows us to provide appropriate information and avoid mistakes that could negatively impact your settlement. If anyone contacts you personally, immediately ask them to contact us. That said, we will communicate with you regularly, ensuring that you know where things stand. And we encourage you to contact our semi-truck accident lawyers with any questions. It is never a bother. We understand the stress associated with this process and want to make sure you are well cared for.   Call us today at 509-895-7373 for a free consultation   Contacting an experienced semi-truck accident lawyer, as soon as possible, is important if you have been injured in a collision with a commercial vehicle. At Montoya Hinckley, our attorneys are well-versed in all issues surrounding truck and car accidents in Washington.   We understand the traffic laws relating to trucks and how insurance companies operate and negotiate. We are also skilled litigators with outstanding success in obtaining compensation for our clients.   We have been handling these types of cases for more than four combined decades and have a proven record of success. Contact us today for a free consultation so we can discuss the details of your case. REQUEST FREE CONSULT Our personal injury lawyer have handled numerous accident cases, during which we answered these questions that many of our clients have posed: Once the cause of the accident is determined, we will have a better idea of who was actually responsible. Because truck accidents result from so many different things, there are a number of individuals/groups who are often sued. These include, but are not limited to the following parties:

• Truck driver
• Manufacturer of the truck or its components
• Cargo shippers
• Truck lessors
• Trucking companies.

The damages for which you may sue after a semi-truck accident are, in fact, similar to those of other vehicle accidents. For example:

• Medical Expenses: If you or someone you love was injured as a result of the truck accident, you can sue for reimbursement for all of your medical expenses including, but not limited to, hospital bills, ambulance transport (if necessary), physicians’ bills, medication and even physical therapy and chiropractic care.
• Property Damage: It’s not surprising that cars involved in truck accidents are often severely damaged. If this is true in your case, you are entitled to repairs or even replacement, depending upon the extent of the damages. You may also be able to recoup the cost of a rental car to use while your vehicle is being repaired (depending upon your policy).
• Wages: Should the semi-truck accident require you to miss work because of your injuries, you may be able to recover your lost wages. Additionally, if your recovery makes returning to work impossible, you may also be eligible for compensation for lost future earnings.
• Pain and Suffering: Being in an accident with a truck is traumatizing. You may be entitled to compensation for emotional distress as well as any pain and suffering you have experienced from the injuries caused by the accident.

Yes. Washington is an at-fault state. This means the driver responsible for an accident will pay for the damages or losses other people suffered because of the accident. Washington is a pure comparative fault state. This means you can still recover compensation even if you were partly responsible for the accident. However, if you played a role in the accident, your compensation will be reduced by the percentage of fault you bear. Losing a loved one in a truck accident is a painful experience. If that happened, you can file a wrongful death claim with the help of your wrongful death lawyer to recover compensation for your loss. We hope these answers helped you. If you have more questions about your truck accident, call us at 509-895-7373 or contact us online. The initial consultation is at no cost, and you’re under no obligation. We look forward hearing about your case.

Client Testimonial

”I want to share that Kevan Montoya and Tyler Hinckley have many fine qualities. They worked tirelessly to ensure the best possible outcome for me. I can say without a doubt that you are dealing with a law firm of very good morals. Montoya Hinckley operates with integrity, respect and dedication, and never leaves a job unfinished.” – Bobby Roybal (Google Review)