Great Truck Accident Lawyer in Bellingham serving Whatcom County
Commercial Truck Accidents – Major Cause of Injury and Death on Whatcom County Roads
We see news stories of serious or fatal commercial truck accidents. The crash scenes are often dramatic, and make for good news headlines. But anyone who has been in a crash with a commercial truck knows how terrifying and damaging such a collision can be.
Attorney Bill Coats has worked with many truck accident victims throughout his 20 years of legal experience in Bellingham. He understands how commercial truck insurance policies are structured, he understands the difficulty in dealing with out-of-state companies, and he understands how to negotiate a full settlement with a powerful commercial trucking insurance company.
Get your questions about your accident with a commercial truck answered – call Bill at 360-303-0601 or complete this confidential contact form.
Why Do Trucking Accidents Typically Result in Higher Settlement Amounts to Victims?
Research shows that approximately 500,000 trucking accidents occur each year in the United States, and of these, approximately 5,000 result in fatalities. Truck accidents typically have higher damages, and therefore trucking companies are required by federal and state law to hold larger insurance policies. These insurance requirements are in place to protect the victims of truck accidents from truckers and companies who may not be able to pay full compensation to truck accident victims.
How Much Insurance Coverage do Trucking Companies Carry?
- A truck carrying non-hazardous goods is required to have a minimum of $750,000 in insurance coverage.
- Any truck that transports HAZMAT goods needs to have a minimum insurance cover of $1,000,000.
- A commercial truck carrying HAZMAT goods and/or explosives has to have a minimum insurance of $5,000,000.
- Trucks that have a gross weight of less than 10,000 pounds have to carry $300,000 in insurance for general goods, and $5,000,000 for HAZMAT goods.
Truck Accident Attorney Bill Coats Understands How to Handle Complicated Accident Claims
Bill Coats is experienced in managing truck accident cases, which can be complicated by dealing with out-of-state or out-of-country defendants and insurance companies that vigorously fight settlement payouts.
Don’t Attempt to Manage A Truck Accident Claim Alone!
It’s important to understand that truckers and trucking companies have skilled insurance agents who will do everything in their power to make you settle for the least amount possible. Do not risk getting a full settlement by dealing with the insurance adjuster alone.
DUI Truck Drivers Are A Common Cause of Trucking Accidents
There are many common causes of a truck accident, including truck driver fatigue, driver error, mechanical failures, other drivers’ negligence, and road conditions. But one troubling cause is DUI drivers behind the wheel. Recent statistics show that in 2010, 3% of truck drivers involved in fatal accidents in the United States were legally drunk, and the percentage is higher for truck drivers involved in injury or fatal accidents.
Bill Coats Has A Track Record of Obtaining Full Settlements For Commercial Vehicle Victims
For example, in a recent case involving a near-fatal crash between a passenger car and a commercial farming vehicle, Bill obtained a $825,000 settlement for his client. In another accident involving a commerical vehicle, he found $260,000 for his bicyclist client who was hit when a truck tried to make a sudden left turn. These claims are challenging and they require a skilled, experienced attorney who is able to take on the powerful insurance companies to achieve a full settlement.
Contact Bill Coats Today So You Can Get Your Life Back on Track
If you have been injured in a truck accident and are dealing with painful injuries, medical bills, lost income, and calls from insurance adjusters pressuring you to settle the claim quickly, contact Bill Coats immediately to get answers to your questions and begin to get your life back on track. Call him at 360-303-0601 or complete this convenient contact form.