Truck accidents in Washington State are among the most serious types of crashes and can cause devastating harm to motorists involved. In the aftermath, our experienced Seattle truck accident lawyer protects victims and their families, helping them get the compensation they need to cover their losses. One of the biggest challenges is determining truck accident liability.
While you have the right to hold those at fault accountable, truck accidents in Washington State often involve multiple parties, including the driver, the trucking company, maintenance providers, or even other motorists. Uncovering who is liable in a truck accident claim is never easy. Find out how Washington’s truck accident law applies and how to protect your right to compensation.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Washington State
Crash data from the Washington State Department of Transportation (WSDOT) reveals that over 6,000 truck accidents happen annually on I-5, I-90, US 101, and other major roads throughout the Evergreen State. They often cause severe and potentially life-threatening injuries to nearby motorists, but determining who is liable in a truck accident claim is often a challenge.
Semi-trucks, tankers, and other big rigs can weigh as much as 80,000 pounds and span up to 70 feet long. Considering their massive size, truck accidents in Washington State often cause multiple-vehicle pileups. In the aftermath, investigators must carefully review logbooks, maintenance records, and electronic logging devices (ELDs) to discover how it occurred. Among the most common causes are:
- Driver fatigue, often caused by pressure to meet delivery deadlines.
- Distracted or impaired driving, including cellphone use or drug and alcohol violations.
- Speeding, tailgating, and other aggressive driving behaviors.
- Poor vehicle maintenance, such as worn brakes or bald tires.
- Improper loading can cause the truck driver to lose control of the rig and increase the risk of rollover truck accidents.
When it comes to truck accident law in Washington State, the legal theory of comparative negligence applies. Under Section 4.22 of the Washington Code, truck accident liability may be spread among multiple parties. If you or someone you love is a victim of a crash, you have the right to hold all those at fault accountable for your property damages, missed earnings, medical bills, and other costs.
Washington Truck Accident Liability: Holding Those At Fault Accountable In A Claim
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration reports that when truck accidents occur, the size and weight of the truck often help protect the driver. Unfortunately, it is often other motorists involved who suffer the most significant impacts. Injuries may include multiple broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, internal injuries, and spinal cord damage. Uncovering how a crash happened is the first step when determining liability in a truck accident claim.
Truck accident liability is based on negligence. To get compensation, you need to prove that others involved either engaged in reckless behavior or failed to take what could be considered reasonable precautions to prevent injuries. Those who can be held liable in a Washington State truck accident claim include:
- The truck driver, for speeding, distracted driving, or other reckless behavior.
- The trucking company failed to train, supervise, or screen the driver properly.
- Truck maintenance providers, if mechanical failures contributed to a crash.
- Truck industry manufacturers, for defective brakes, tires, or other parts.
- Cargo loading companies, if the load was unbalanced or improperly secured.
Specific state and federal truck safety regulations govern each of these parties. When individuals or companies ignore these rules, they can be held accountable under Washington’s truck accident law. In some cases, other motorists involved may also be at fault if their negligent behavior contributed to the crash or your injuries.
Proving Fault Under Washington Truck Accident Law
Proving truck accident liability requires more than just a police report. Trucking companies, their legal representatives, and insurers often send investigators to the scene within hours of a crash, gathering evidence to protect themselves. Victims who don’t act quickly can lose access to critical information that proves what really happened.
Our Seattle truck accident lawyer has extensive experience and proven success helping clients in these cases. We gather evidence to prove who is liable in a truck accident claim and fight for the maximum amount you need to cover your losses. Common types of evidence we look for include:
- Driver logs showing hours-of-service violations;
- GPS and ELD data documenting speed or lack of rest breaks;
- Maintenance and inspection reports;
- Witness statements and crash scene photographs;
- Toxicology reports or cellphone records;
- Company policies show unrealistic delivery schedules.
Gathering evidence to prove truck accident liability can be a long process, particularly as multiple at-fault parties may be involved. As the trucking industry has teams of lawyers and insurers on its side protecting its interests, it’s easy for victims to be overwhelmed.
Before making any statements that could harm your case or accepting less than what you are entitled to, contact our experienced Seattle truck accident lawyer. We level the playing field, identify all those at fault, and gather the evidence needed to get you the maximum amount in a claim.
Request A Consultation With Our Experienced Seattle Truck Accident Lawyer to Protect Your Rights
Uncovering who is liable in a truck accident claim takes time, resources, and legal experience. Multiple parties may be at fault, making these cases more complex than other types of crashes. As a result, insurers are quick to deny or downplay claims.
To get the compensation you need to cover your losses, get Washington Injury Law on your side. Our knowledge of Washington truck accident law, our years of legal practice, and our expertise in dealing with trucking companies and insurers make us a strong ally on your side.
We represent truck accident victims throughout Seattle and King County, including neighborhoods and zip codes such as 98101 (Downtown Seattle), 98104 (Pioneer Square), and 98144 (Rainier Valley and Beacon Hill). To protect your rights and get the maximum amount you are entitled to in a claim, call or contact our office online. Request a consultation with our Seattle truck accident lawyer today.