Seattle Truck Accident Lawyer

Federal and State Safety Regulations for Tractor Trailers

The typical tractor trailer in Washington is approximately 72 feet long. When fully loaded, a commercial truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds (40 tons). Given their incredible size, large trucks pose an inherent safety risk. There are federal and state safety regulations designed to protect motorists, motorcyclists, pedestrians, and cyclists from these risks. Here are some of the most notable trucking safety regulations: 

• Hour of Service Limits (Fatigued Driving): Federal regulations put limits on how many hours a commercial driver can operate in order to help prevent fatigued driving. Drivers are required to take mandatory rest periods after driving for a set number of hours. These limits are designed to ensure drivers have adequate rest and recovery time between shifts. 
• Vehicle Inspection/Maintenance Standards: Commercial vehicles must undergo regular inspections to ensure they meet safety standards. Required maintenance includes everything from checking the brakes to the tires to and other critical systems that affect vehicle operations. Standards are enforced through state and federal laws to minimize the risk of accidents caused by vehicle failure.
• Cargo Securement Requirements: There are specific regulations regarding how cargo must be secured on commercial vehicles to prevent shifting or loss during transport. These rules vary depending on the type of cargo but generally include using appropriate restraints and securement devices.
• Minimum Mandatory Insurance: Commercial trucks are required to have a minimum level of insurance coverage which is typically higher than that required for personal vehicles. In Washington State, General freight trucks must carry a minimum of $750,000 in liability insurance. Tractor trailers that transport hazardous materials must carry higher coverage. 

Semi-Truck Accidents are Avoidable (Most Common Reasons Why They Happen)

There are very few truck accidents that could be fairly described as anything like unavoidable. The simple reality is that the vast majority of semi-truck accidents could have been prevented had all parties—including truck drivers, trucking companies, and vehicle manufacturers—taken the proper safety precautions. Some of the leading causes of semi-truck accidents in Seattle include: 

• Poor Training: Semi-truck accidents can occur due to drivers not receiving adequate training. Proper training is an absolute must to ensure truckers have the skills handle such a large vehicle under all types of road conditions
• Speeding: Speeding is one of the leading causes of semi-truck accidents in Washington. Notably, tractor trailers need more distance to stop—making high speeds very dangerous. Another cause for concern is that higher speeds lead to worse accidents. 
• Distracted Driving: Distraction behind the wheel leads to a significant number of truck accidents each year. Common distractions include using mobile phones, operating GPS devices, and the use of other in-cab technologies.
• Blind Spot Errors: Large commercial trucks have large blind spots. Far too many collisions occur when trucks change lanes or merge without noticing a vehicle in the blind spot. Truckers are responsible for managing their blind spots. 
• Fatigued Driving: Many semi-truck accidents are the result of driver fatigue due to long hours on the road without sufficient breaks. Remember, regulations exist to limit driving hours but are sometimes overlooked or violated.
• Lack of Maintenance: Eighteen wheelers require the proper pre-trip and post-trip inspections. Routine maintenance is a must. Further, any problems should be repaired right away. Failure to regularly maintain a semi-truck can lead to dangerous mechanical failures. 
• Poorly Loaded Trailer: Improperly loaded or secured cargo can cause a trailer to become unstable during transport. If a large commercial truck in Washington is not properly loaded, a crash is all the more likely to happen. 
• Manufacturer Defects:  Some truck accidents are caused by inherent manufacturer defects in the truck’s design or parts. In Washington, manufacturers—including those that serve the trucking industry—can be held strictly liable for a crash caused by a product defect.  

Building a Semi-Truck Accident Claim Armed with Facts

Every commercial truck accident should be thoroughly investigated by an experienced attorney. At The Walthew Law Firm, we take a proactive and detail-oriented approach. That starts with investigating the scene of the accident with the help of experts, as necessary, including accident reconstructionists. With exacting focus and an eye to details, we review records that document your injuries, police and aid records, and the records of the driver responsible for injuring you to prove liability on the part of the other driver. Our team is also prepared to take legal action to get documents and records—from black box data to the trucker’s driving history—directly from the trucking company. We want to ensure you have the evidence you need to prove liability. 

Your Guide to Truck Accident Liability in Washington State

Hurt in a eighteen wheeler crash in Seattle or elsewhere in King County? Your personal injury claim with a truck accident attorney falls under Washington law. Here are key points to understand about eighteen wheeler accident liability in Washington State: 

• Truck Accident Liability is Based on Fault: A trucking company is not automatically liable for a crash. To hold a trucker, truck company, or any other party responsible for an accident in Washington State, you must prove that their negligence—failure to exercise due care—contributed to the wreck. Negligence can take many different forms. Common examples include speeding truckers, distracted truckers, and inadequate vehicle inspections. Every trucking crash in Western Washington should be carefully investigated by an experienced attorney to determine exactly what went wrong.   
• A Pure Comparative Negligence Standard: Multiple parties may bear legal responsibility for the same trucking accident. Under Washington law (RCW § 4.22.005), a pure comparative fault standard applies to all types of motor vehicle crashes. Each party to the accident is liable for their assigned degree of fault. Found 0 percent at fault for your truck accident? You have the right to pursue compensation for the full value (100 percent) of your damages. However, if you are found 30 percent liable for your own crash, you would be responsible for their proportion of your own damages—meaning you could only recover compensation for 70 percent of your losses.  

Know the Statute of Limitations for Commercial Trucking Accidents in Washington

You have limited time to file a truck accident injury lawsuit if you have sustained significant truck accident injuries. Under Washington law (RCW § 4.16.080), there is a three year statute of limitations for truck accident claims. As only limited exceptions apply, it is imperative that you take a proactive approach. The sooner you call our firm after truck accidents occur, the sooner we can get to work investigating your truck accident to secure the compensation you legally deserve while you recover from any serious injuries. Do not fall behind a trucking company or its insurance company in the claims process: Consult with a Seattle truck accident lawyer right away after a major crash. 

We Help Truck Accident Victims in Seattle Secure the Maximum Compensation

Hurt in a commercial truck accident in Seattle? You have the right to seek financial compensation to cover your damages from a truck driver with an experienced truck accident attorney. You may be entitled to monetary compensation for both economic losses and non-economic damages. Unfortunately, these claims are generally defended by large, aggressive insurance companies that fight to pay out as little as possible. Do not agree to settle your claim for less. Our Seattle semi-truck accident lawyers can help victims recover compensation for: 

• Automobile repairs; 
• Ambulance costs; 
• Emergency room care; 
• Hospital bills; 
• Other medical expenses; 
• Medication; 
• Medical equipment; 
• Physical therapy; 
• Loss of wages; 
• Diminished earnings; 
• Pain and suffering; 
• Mental anguish; 
• Long-term disability; 
• Physical impairment; and
• Wrongful death. 

Fighting for Justice After a Fatal Truck Accident

Fatal semi-truck accidents will often bring a wrongful death claim against the negligent party or parties. If your loved one passed away from the accident, you may be entitled to damages for your pain and suffering. If the person who was killed in the accident was the primary wage earner, compensation to cover that loss of income is needed as well. Our Seattle truck accident attorneys will work hard to ensure you receive every penny that you are entitled to under the law from fatal truck accidents. Contact our Seattle fatal truck accident lawyer today for a free, confidential review of your wrongful death case. 

Why Trust The Walthew Law Firm for a Car Crash Claim in Seattle

Semi-truck accident cases are complicated. Unfortunately, victims face a lot of barriers to justice. At The Walthew Law Firm,our highly tenured firm and its committed attorneys have a proven and sustained record of representing clients in motor vehicle accident cases. Our advocacy is centrally driven in every matter by an unrelenting focus on the best interests of the client and taking legal action that will promote an optimal outcome. We are proactive and we put results first. Among other things, our Seattle semi-truck accident attorneys are prepared to: 

• Listen to your story and explain your legal options;
• Investigate the semi-truck accident—gathering evidence of negligence; 
• Connect you with the right doctors and document your injuries; 
• Handle the legal paperwork and settlement negotiations with insurers; and
• Take aggressive action to help you secure the maximum compensation. 

Commercial Truck Accidents in Washington: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Are Truck Drivers in Washington Required to Have a CDL?

Yes. Truck drivers in Washington must hold a valid Commercial Driver’s License (CDL) if they operate vehicles with a gross vehicle weight rating of 26,001 pounds. Specific endorsements may also be necessary depending on the type of cargo, such as hazardous material. CDL requirements exist to help ensure that truckers have undergone proper training. 

What Should I Look for in a Seattle Semi-Truck Accident Lawyer?

Knowledge, experience, and a commitment to personalized client service. You should check a lawyer’s track record for handling similar claims. An experienced Seattle semi-truck lawyer can help you take on the insurance company. The Walthew Law Firm offers free, confidential, and no obligation consultations. Feel free to ask us questions about your case. 

Should I Agree to Settle My Semi-Truck Accident Claim?

It depends. A settlement is generally the ideal outcome in a truck accident injury claim—but you should not agree to resolve a case for less than full and fair compensation. We can help you determine the value of your semi-truck accident claim. Further, our Seattle semi-truck accident lawyers will help you negotiate the most favorable settlement from the insurance company.  

Can You Recover Punitive Damages After a Truck Crash in Washington?

It is possible, but uncommon. Indeed, punitive damages are not typically awarded in Washington truck accident cases. To recover punitive damages, the victim must prove proof that the defendant acted with malice or reckless disregard for the rights of others. These damages are intended to punish particularly harmful behavior rather than simply compensate for losses. For example, if a truck company knowingly hired an unlicensed driver, punitive damages may be awarded. 

Can I Afford to Hire an Experienced Seattle Truck Accident Lawyer?

Yes. The Walthew Law Firm represents truck accident victims on a contingency fee basis. There are no upfront costs or hourly bills for injured victims. If you do not get paid, then we do not get paid. It is as simple as that. Initial consultations are free and carry zero obligation. 

Contact Our Seattle, WA Semi-Truck Accident Lawyer Today for a Free Case Review

The Walthew Law Firm has more than 90 years of experience as Seattle accident lawyers. If you or your loved one was hurt in a tractor trailer crash, we are here to help any truck accident victim. Contact us today for a no cost, no obligation case review of your truck accident lawsuit. Our law offices handle successful personal injury claims for vehicle accidents on behalf of residents throughout western Washington, including in Seattle, Kirkland, Renton, Everett, Bellevue, Kent Auburn, Tacoma, Redmond, and Federal Way.