Seattle Truck Accident Attorneys

Advocating for the Rights of Truck Crash Victims

Truck accidents are a serious and growing concern for all road users in Seattle. Sharing the roads with massive 18-wheelers is an unavoidable reality for residents, especially given the high volume of commercial traffic flowing through major routes like Interstate 5.

In 2024, 464 collisions involving heavy trucks were reported in the city. For perspective, an 18-wheeler can weigh up to 40 tons, meaning accidents involving these vehicles are far more likely to result in devastating injuries or fatalities compared to those involving smaller cars. For victims involved in truck accidents, the aftermath can be life-altering physically, financially, and emotionally. 

If you’re considering taking legal action, finding a team who understands trucking laws and the unique aspects of local traffic conditions is essential. We provide empathetic and diligent representation for truck crash victims. With a fierce commitment to protecting your rights, we aim to help you pursue the justice and compensation you deserve. 

Dealing with a truck company or insurer after an accident can be overwhelming. Contact us online or call (800) 980-6905 for a free consultation about your case.

How Washington’s Comparative Negligence Law Impacts Truck Accident Victims

Washington State follows a pure comparative negligence rule when determining fault in personal injury cases. This law allows injured parties to recover compensation even if they share some of the blame for the accident. However, the total amount of compensation will be reduced by the percentage of fault attributed to the plaintiff.

Here’s how this could play out in a truck accident case:

• If you’re awarded $200,000 but found to be 20% at fault, your compensation will be reduced by 20%, leaving you with $160,000.
• Even if you’re found 80% at fault, you can still recover 20% of the total awarded damages.

This system may seem fair on the surface, but it complicates truck accident claims significantly. Trucking companies and their insurers often exploit comparative negligence to reduce their payouts.

A thorough investigation is critical to push back against such tactics. Proving the level of fault often requires detailed evidence, such as trucking logs, maintenance records, and surveillance footage. By working with legal representatives, you can ensure your interests are protected and the percentage of fault is fairly assessed.

Who Can Be Held Liable for Truck Accidents in Seattle?

Liability in truck accident cases is often more complex than in standard car collisions. Multiple parties may share responsibility, including:

• The Truck Driver. Negligent driving behavior, such as speeding, distracted driving, or operating under the influence, can make the driver primarily responsible.
• The Trucking Company. Companies are often held accountable for failing to comply with safety regulations. Examples include improper hiring practices, inadequate training, or pressuring drivers to meet unrealistic schedules.
• Maintenance Providers. Trucks require regular upkeep to ensure safety. If third-party maintenance providers fail to identify or fix mechanical issues, they may bear some liability.
• Truck Manufacturers. Defects in braking systems or other critical components can lead to dangerous accidents. If a component was poorly designed or installed, the manufacturer or distributor could be held accountable.

Establishing liability in truck accident cases isn’t straightforward. Successfully doing so often involves consulting experts, collecting accident reconstruction data, and examining records to determine which entities breached their duty of care.

Why Is Seattle a Truck Collision Hotspot?

Seattle’s role as a major transportation hub makes it a common location for truck accidents. The city is connected by several key freight routes that see heavy traffic from commercial vehicles. Some of the most accident-prone areas include:

• Interstate 5 (I-5): Running through the heart of downtown Seattle, I-5 is one of the busiest highways in the region. The convergence of commuter vehicles and heavy trucks makes it a major hotspot for collisions.
• State Route 99: This highway is frequently used by large trucks serving Seattle’s industrial and port areas, leading to congestion and a higher risk of accidents.
• Port of Seattle: Trucks transporting cargo to and from the port exacerbate traffic issues, particularly along arterial roads near SODO and West Seattle.

Common Reasons Behind Devastating Truck Crashes

Large truck crashes are often caused by systemic issues within the trucking industry or driver negligence. Four common reasons include:

1. Lack of Safety Technology

Unlike passenger cars equipped with automatic braking and crash-avoidance systems, many heavy trucks lack these crucial safety features. The reluctance of trucking companies to invest in fleet upgrades leaves others on the road more vulnerable.

2. Driving Under the Influence

An increase in DUI incidents statewide, involving both alcohol and drugs, has contributed to a disturbing rise in fatal trucking accidents. Large trucks driven by impaired drivers pose a particularly grave danger.

3. Fatigued Driving

Drivers often face pressure to meet delivery deadlines, leading to violations of hours-of-service regulations. Fatigue significantly reduces reaction times, increasing the likelihood of a collision.

4. Speeding on Arterial Roads

Approximately 93% of pedestrian fatalities occur on arterial roads, where high speeds are common. When heavy trucks are involved, the consequences are especially severe, often leading to life-changing injuries or fatalities.

How Can a Seattle Lawyer Help Your Truck Accident Claim? 

Dealing with the aftermath of a truck accident can be overwhelming, especially when navigating the legal and insurance processes. A skilled Seattle lawyer can provide essential support to simplify the complex claims process and help you secure the compensation you deserve. Here’s how they can assist: 

• Investigating the Accident. A thorough investigation is crucial to building a strong claim. Your lawyer will gather critical evidence such as black box data, maintenance logs, police reports, and eyewitness statements. They may also review the driver's employment records and hours-of-service compliance to uncover negligence. 
• Managing Legal Deadlines. Washington’s statute of limitations sets strict deadlines for filing a truck accident claim. Your attorney will ensure all paperwork is filed accurately and on time, preventing missed opportunities to pursue compensation. 
• Handling Insurance Negotiations. Truck accident claims often involve dealing with large commercial insurers that prioritize protecting their bottom line. A lawyer will negotiate with these companies on your behalf, ensuring you aren’t pressured into accepting a lowball settlement that doesn’t cover your damages. 
• Collaborating with Experts. Building a compelling case often requires input from specialists. Your lawyer will work with accident reconstruction experts to establish liability and medical professionals to document your injuries and long-term care needs, strengthening your claim. 

Dealing with Insurance Companies After a Truck Crash

Navigating discussions with insurance carriers after a trucking accident can be highly stressful. Commercial insurers often employ aggressive tactics to minimize payouts. 

Consider the following advice when dealing with them:

1. Consult a Lawyer First. Before speaking with any insurance representative, seek legal advice. Insurance companies often use early statements to devalue claims.
2. Don’t Accept a Quick Settlement. A hurried settlement offer is likely insufficient to cover your long-term expenses. Consult a lawyer before agreeing to a payout.
3. Document Everything. Preserve all evidence, including photographs, medical records, and communication with insurance adjusters.
4. Be Wary of Recorded Statements. Insurers may request recorded statements to catch inconsistencies. Consult a lawyer before providing formal testimony.

Federal & State Trucking Regulations and How They Affect Your Case

When it comes to truck accident cases, federal and state trucking regulations play a crucial role in determining liability and proving negligence. Understanding how these regulations apply to your case can make a significant difference in the outcome of your claim. 

Below, we outline the key federal and state rules relevant to trucking in Seattle and how they impact legal processes after an accident.

Federal Trucking Regulations

1. Hours-of-Service (HOS) Rules

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) puts strict limits on the number of consecutive hours truck drivers can operate a vehicle without resting. Violations of these HOS regulations frequently lead to driver fatigue.

2. Maintenance Standards

Federal law mandates that trucking companies regularly inspect, repair, and maintain their vehicles to ensure they are safe for the road. When trucks are poorly maintained, the risk of mechanical failures increases exponentially.

3. Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) Requirements

All truck operators must hold a valid CDL to legally drive commercial vehicles. Improper licensing, fraudulent CDL acquisition, or insufficient training programs can establish negligence on the part of the driver or their employer.

Washington State Trucking Regulations

1. Washington’s Gross Weight Regulations

State-specific weight limits are enforced under Revised Code of Washington (RCW) 46.44, which outlines the maximum allowable weight per axle and overall truck. Violations may result in uneven braking or mechanical damage that contributes to accidents.

2. Safety Inspections by Washington State Patrol

The Washington State Patrol (WSP) enforces safety inspections for commercial vehicles, including roadside checks and weigh station inspections. If an unsafe truck involved in an accident had previously failed a WSP inspection, this could be used as evidence against the trucking company.

3. Local Road and Bridge Restrictions

Seattle imposes weight and route restrictions on specific roads to minimize damage to its infrastructure. Operating trucks that exceed these weight limits on local roads may be deemed an act of negligence.

4. Washington's Distracted Driving Laws

While all motorists must adhere to Washington's laws against the use of handheld devices, these restrictions are especially critical for truck drivers. Proving that a truck driver was texting, making calls, or otherwise distracted at the time of an accident can be an essential factor in establishing liability.

How These Rules Impact Your Case

Violating federal or state regulations is often seen as a form of negligence. For instance:

• If an overworked driver violates HOS laws and causes a crash, both the driver and the company that pressured them to work excessive hours may be liable.
• If a poorly maintained truck breaks down at a critical moment, the maintenance provider or owner-operator could be accountable.
• Overloaded trucks involved in accidents could open the door for liability against not just the trucking company but also cargo loaders who failed to properly secure freight.

Proving such violations often requires access to documents like maintenance logs, driver records, ELD data, and inspection reports. Our legal team can help gather these records and work with experts to reconstruct how violations caused or contributed to the crash.

Injured in a Seattle truck accident? We’re here 24/7 to help. Call (800) 980-6905 or use our online form to schedule your free consultation.