With offices in Yakima, Ellensburg, and Sunnyside, the Washington truck accident lawyers at Abeyta Nelson Injury Law have more than 120 years combined experience in handling commercial truck accident lawsuits.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident, contact the dedicated injury lawyers at Abeyta Nelson Injury Law today for a no-obligation, free consultation. Our truck accident claims routinely involve working with multiple insurance companies, helping our clients access the medical care they need, paying medical expenses, recovering past and future lost wages, as well as compensation you deserve for pain and suffering, long term disability and loss of enjoyment of life.

Successfully handling Washington state truck accident claims requires dedication and expertise. Abeyta Nelson attorneys put our combined 120 years of legal experience into every personal injury case we handle, and we have a long list of client testimonials to support our success. At Abeyta Nelson, we take your truck accident injury claim personally.

Send us a message or give us a phone call at 509-575-1588 to get started now, and learn how we can help you recover the compensation you deserve.

Your Truck Crash Case Deserves Real Results

Truck accidents are a complex area of the law, so hiring an experienced personal injury lawyer is critically important. Although we may not want to believe it:

  1. Police reports can be vague or inaccurate
  2. Insurance companies only care about their own financial interests
  3. Liability, or who’s to blame in an accident, can often shift from one party to another very quickly as a case unfolds

When the unexpected happens, let the experienced truck accident attorneys at Abeyta Nelson Injury Law use their expertise to get you the settlement you deserve.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents

Common causes of truck accidents include:

  • Driver fatigue
  • Speeding
  • Distracted driving
  • Improperly loaded cargo
  • Mechanical failures
  • Driving under the influence
  • Inadequate training
  • Poor weather conditions
  • Aggressive driving
  • Large blind spots
A man wearing a cap drives a large vehicle, seen through the side window in daylight.

The sheer size and weight of big trucks increases the risk that a driver or passenger in a car or small truck will be injured, or even killed in a collision with a semi-truck. Although most truck drivers follow the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations, there are many commercial trucks on the road clocking longer hours than they should, resulting in driver fatigue and poor mental function. Other drivers drive too fast for weather conditions or drive aggressively or recklessly. Trucking companies that cut corners may not check their vehicles regularly or may overload trucks to save time and money. A skilled Washington truck accident lawyer can determine the nature and cause of a truck accident.

Truck Accident Mistakes That Hurt Your Claim

There are some things you just shouldn’t do following a serious truck or semi-truck accident.  Here are some common mistakes to avoid so that you don’t compromise your injury claim:

  • Allow yourself to be pressured into accepting a quick settlement by an insurance adjuster soon after the accident
  • Leave the accident scene without taking photos, or fail to get information from the at-fault party or any eye witnesses
  • Admit fault, or give a recorded statement to an insurance adjuster before talking with an attorney
  • Delay medical treatment, or avoid getting treatment at all, which could hurt your chances of long term recovery and healing

When in doubt, don’t delay a call to a skilled and experienced truck accident attorney like those at Abeyta Nelson Injury Law.

When To Start Filing Your Truck Accident Claim

In Washington state, there is a 3-year statute of limitations on filing your truck accident case; however, you should meet with an attorney as soon as possible after any serious auto accident. The reason for quick action is to preserve as much evidence as possible after the event. Evidence may include photos of the scene, contact information from eye witnesses (whose memory about events may not be as clear if too much time passes), or black box data from the truck involved in the accident. In addition, filing an insurance claim and police report should happen within 2-3 days, so it’s important to begin the process of filing your truck accident lawsuit right away.

The Physical Impact of a Serious Truck Crash

A man wearing a plaid shirt, vest, and brown cap stands next to a blue truck, looking toward the cab.

What’s Common & Immediate:

Common injuries which present immediately following a serious, high-impact truck accident may include:

  • Traumatic brain injury
  • Whiplash and neck injuries
  • Spinal cord or back injuries, sometimes resulting in paralysis
  • Burns and disfigurement from fire or fuel leaks
  • Severe cuts or lacerations
  • Internal bleeding or injuries to internal organs

Depending on the type and severity of the truck accident, the aftermath can leave victims with life-threatening injuries, permanent disabilities or ongoing, long-term medical treatment.  Contact the Washington truck accident lawyers at Abeyta Nelson to learn more about medical treatment options and how to get the most out of your injury claim.

Delayed-Onset Injuries:

Semi-truck accident victims may initially think they weren’t injured in a collision, only to experience increasing pain or discomfort days or weeks later. This is not uncommon and it’s never too late to seek medical attention from a professional who understands the effects of truck accidents. Injuries after an accident can result in mental, psychological, or physical pain and distress. If something feels off, always seek medical attention just to be sure, since prompt treatment can hasten your recovery and prevent long-term, serious complications.

Determining Liability for Yakima County Truck Accident Lawsuits

After first assessing any serious injuries sustained by the drivers and passengers involved in a truck accident, Abeyta Nelson Injury Law investigates what happened. Our investigation includes determining the extent of damage to the vehicles involved, finding witnesses, and analyzing information found in the “black box” data installed by federal regulation in all commercial trucks. This information provides key elements crucial to winning lawsuits, so our Yakima truck accident attorneys can achieve maximum compensation for our clients.

Securing Full Financial Recovery After a Truck Crash

Every truck accident is different, just as the value of each claim is different. The Yakima truck accident lawyers at Abeyta Nelson Injury Law have more than 120 years combined experience calculating truck accident claims based on several factors, including the type and severity of injuries, amount of medical expenses, past and future wage loss, and property damage to your vehicle. Our attorneys then negotiate with the insurance company to ensure they provide maximum compensation for all losses incurred in the accident, ensuring you or your family is made whole again after the accident.

Your Legal Rights After a Truck Accident

If you were in a truck accident you believe was not totally your fault, or if liability is disputed in any way, contact an experienced truck accident attorney like those at Abeyta Nelson Injury Law. Experienced accident attorneys know how to determine fault and prove liability in collisions, as well as deal with insurance companies who may falsely blame you or your loved one for the accident. Talk with Abeyta Nelson before giving a statement to the trucking company’s insurance adjuster, or before accepting a settlement offer. Don’t end up paying for a car-truck accident you didn’t cause. Hiring a Washington trucking accident lawyer who will stand up to insurance companies is critical in getting a settlement and compensation you deserve.

The Role of Impairment in Trucking Accidents

Substance use, whether illicit drugs, prescription medications, or alcohol, impairs a driver’s judgment, reaction time, and coordination. In addition, the effects of sleep deprivation mimic drunkenness and can be just as catastrophic, if not more so, than driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol. For truck drivers, these impairments can lead to devastating errors such as:

  • Failing to brake in time
  • Swerving into other lanes
  • Ignoring traffic signals or road signs

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has strict regulations prohibiting commercial truck drivers from operating vehicles under the influence. However, violations persist, contributing to preventable accidents.

A red flatbed truck carrying concrete beams drives on a highway beside a blurred car, with grassy fields in the background.

Common Substances Misused by Truck Drivers

  • Alcohol: Even small amounts can impair a driver’s focus and reaction time.
  • Opioids: Often used to combat fatigue or chronic pain, opioids can cause drowsiness and delayed reflexes.
  • Stimulants: Some drivers misuse stimulants to stay awake during long shifts, leading to erratic driving behavior and poor decision-making.

The Legal Implications of Impairment in Trucking Accidents

If a truck accident involves a driver under the influence of drugs or alcohol, it creates significant liability for both the driver and their employer. Federal regulations require trucking companies to conduct regular drug and alcohol testing, and failure to enforce these standards can make them complicit in the driver’s negligence. Evidence of impairment, such as toxicology reports or citations, plays a critical role in securing compensation for victims.

Protecting Victims’ Rights

Victims of truck accidents caused by impaired drivers often face life-altering injuries, mounting medical bills, and emotional trauma. At Abeyta Nelson Injury Law, our Yakima truck accident attorneys work tirelessly to hold impaired drivers and their employers accountable. By leveraging toxicology results, “black box” data, and expert witness testimony, we ensure our clients receive the justice and compensation they deserve.Driving a truck while impaired by drugs, alcohol or sleep deprivation is a preventable hazard. If you or a loved one has been affected by an impaired truck driver, contact Abeyta Nelson Injury Law to discuss your injury case. We take your truck accident injury personally.

When To Consult a Yakima Truck Accident Attorney

To get the most out of your truck accident claim, it’s important to talk with an experienced, knowledgeable professional as soon as possible after the truck accident. If you or a loved one have been injured in a truck accident, your chances of getting a fair settlement are greater if you contact a truck accident attorney right away. The more time passes, the more details about the accident fade. In addition, waiting to seek assistance or medical care weakens your case because to insurance companies, it may appear that your injuries are not serious enough to support a claim. Particularly, if another party caused an accident you were involved in, it’s important to contact an experienced truck accident lawyer right away so they can file a claim with the at-fault driver’s insurance company, begin negotiations, or file a lawsuit, if necessary.