Truck accidents can result in devastating injuries, significant property damage, and lasting financial and emotional challenges. Because commercial trucks are much larger and heavier than passenger vehicles, collisions can have serious consequences for everyone involved.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a trucking accident in Washington, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and other losses. An experienced Washington trucking accident lawyer can investigate the crash, determine who may be responsible, and help you understand your legal options.

Trucking accident claims can be more complicated than typical motor vehicle accident cases. Multiple individuals and companies may have played a role in causing a crash, and trucking companies may have access to extensive records and legal resources.

Depending on the circumstances, potentially responsible parties may include:

  • The truck driver
  • The trucking company
  • The owner or operator of the vehicle
  • A company responsible for maintenance
  • A manufacturer of defective truck parts
  • A cargo loading company
  • A shipping or logistics company
  • Other parties involved in the operation of the commercial vehicle

Our legal team at Meyer Thorp, PLLC can investigate the accident and gather evidence to determine how and why the collision occurred.

Common Causes of Trucking Accidents

Commercial truck crashes can happen for many different reasons. Identifying the cause of the accident is an important part of determining liability.

Common causes include:

Driver Fatigue

Truck drivers may spend long periods on the road, and fatigue can affect reaction time, concentration, and decision-making. Violations of federal or state hours-of-service requirements may also be relevant when investigating a crash.

Distracted Driving

Looking at a phone, using an electronic device, eating, adjusting controls, or engaging in other activities while driving can divert a truck driver’s attention from the road.

Speeding and Unsafe Driving

Large commercial vehicles require more time and distance to stop. Excessive speed, following too closely, unsafe lane changes, and other dangerous driving behaviors can increase the risk of a serious collision.

Impaired Driving

Alcohol, drugs, and certain medications can impair a driver’s ability to safely operate a commercial vehicle.

Improperly Loaded Cargo

Cargo that is improperly loaded, distributed, or secured can shift during transportation and affect a truck’s balance and handling. In some circumstances, unsecured cargo may also fall from the vehicle and create hazards for other motorists.

Poor Truck Maintenance

Commercial vehicles need regular inspections and maintenance. Defective brakes, worn tires, steering problems, and other mechanical issues can contribute to serious crashes.

Inadequate Training or Supervision

Trucking companies have responsibilities related to their drivers and operations. Questions about hiring, training, supervision, or compliance may become relevant when investigating an accident.

Types of Trucking Accidents

Truck accidents can take many forms, including:

  • Rear-end collisions
  • Head-on collisions
  • Jackknife accidents
  • Rollover accidents
  • Underride accidents
  • Blind-spot collisions
  • Wide-turn accidents
  • Tire blowouts
  • Cargo-related accidents
  • Multi-vehicle collisions
  • Delivery truck accidents
  • Commercial vehicle accidents

Regardless of how the crash occurred, determining what caused it can be critical to pursuing a claim.

Injuries Caused by Truck Accidents

A collision with a commercial truck can cause catastrophic injuries because of the significant difference in size and weight between trucks and passenger vehicles.

Truck accident victims may experience:

  • Traumatic brain injuries
  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Neck and back injuries
  • Broken bones and fractures
  • Internal injuries
  • Severe lacerations
  • Burns
  • Crush injuries
  • Amputations
  • Paralysis
  • Permanent disabilities
  • Fatal injuries

Some injuries may not be immediately apparent following a crash. Prompt medical evaluation can help identify injuries and establish documentation of your treatment.

Investigating a Washington Trucking Accident

A thorough investigation can help establish what happened before, during, and after a truck crash. Depending on the circumstances, an investigation may involve reviewing:

  • Police and accident reports
  • Photographs and video footage
  • Driver logs and hours-of-service records
  • Electronic logging device data
  • Truck inspection and maintenance records
  • Vehicle and component information
  • Cargo loading and weight records
  • Driver qualification and training records
  • Company policies and procedures
  • Black box or event data recorder information
  • Witness statements
  • Accident reconstruction evidence

Some evidence may be maintained electronically or by the trucking company, making it important to identify and preserve relevant information as soon as possible.

Compensation for Truck Accident Injuries

If another party’s negligence caused your trucking accident, you may be able to pursue compensation for the losses resulting from the collision.

Depending on the circumstances of your case, damages may include:

  • Medical expenses
  • Future medical treatment
  • Rehabilitation and therapy
  • Lost wages
  • Loss of future earning capacity
  • Property damage
  • Physical pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress
  • Other accident-related expenses and losses

The compensation available in a particular case will depend on the circumstances of the accident, the nature of your injuries, and the applicable Washington law.

Dealing With Insurance Companies After a Truck Accident

Commercial trucking companies and their insurers may begin investigating an accident immediately. Insurance companies may request statements, medical records, or other information as they evaluate a claim.

It is important to understand your rights before making statements about the accident or accepting a settlement. An initial settlement offer may not account for the full extent of your medical treatment, lost income, or other long-term losses.

A trucking accident attorney can communicate with insurance companies on your behalf and help evaluate whether a proposed settlement adequately addresses your damages.

Washington Truck Accident Claims and Comparative Fault

Washington follows a comparative fault system. If an injured person is found to have contributed to an accident, their percentage of fault can affect the amount of damages they may recover under Washington law.

Determining fault can be particularly important in trucking cases involving multiple vehicles, drivers, companies, or other potentially responsible parties. A careful investigation can help establish the circumstances surrounding the collision and the respective roles of those involved.

What to Do After a Trucking Accident

If you have been involved in a truck accident, consider taking the following steps if you are physically able:

Seek medical attention. Get evaluated for injuries as soon as possible, even if you initially feel fine.

Report the accident. Make sure the collision is reported to the appropriate authorities.

Document the scene. Take photographs of the vehicles, roadway, damage, injuries, traffic conditions, and other relevant details if it is safe to do so.

Gather information. Obtain the truck driver’s name, employer, insurance information, license information, and vehicle details.

Identify witnesses. Collect contact information for anyone who witnessed the accident.

Preserve records. Keep medical bills, repair estimates, wage information, correspondence, and other documents related to the accident.

Speak with an attorney. A trucking accident lawyer can review the circumstances of your case and explain your legal options.

Time Limits for Truck Accident Claims in Washington

Washington generally provides a three-year statute of limitations for personal injury actions under RCW 4.16.080. However, different deadlines or exceptions may apply depending on the circumstances of a particular case.

Because evidence can become more difficult to obtain as time passes, contacting an attorney soon after a serious trucking accident can help protect your ability to pursue a claim.

Talk to a Washington Trucking Accident Lawyer

A truck accident can leave you facing serious injuries, expensive medical care, lost income, and uncertainty about your future. When a commercial vehicle is involved, determining who is responsible can also be more complicated than in a typical car accident.

A Washington trucking accident lawyer can investigate the crash, identify potentially responsible parties, gather evidence, handle communications with insurers, and pursue compensation for your injuries and losses.

Contact Meyer Thorp, PLLC today to schedule a consultation about your trucking accident case.

Trucking Accidents

Truck accidents can result in devastating injuries, significant property damage, and lasting financial and emotional challenges. Because commercial trucks are much larger and heavier than passenger vehicles, collisions can have serious consequences for everyone involved.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a trucking accident in Washington, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, and other losses. An experienced Washington trucking accident lawyer can investigate the crash, determine who may be responsible, and help you understand your legal options.

Trucking accident claims can be more complicated than typical motor vehicle accident cases. Multiple individuals and companies may have played a role in causing a crash, and trucking companies may have access to extensive records and legal resources.

Depending on the circumstances, potentially responsible parties may include:

  • The truck driver
  • The trucking company
  • The owner or operator of the vehicle
  • A company responsible for maintenance
  • A manufacturer of defective truck parts
  • A cargo loading company
  • A shipping or logistics company
  • Other parties involved in the operation of the commercial vehicle

Our legal team at Meyer Thorp, PLLC can investigate the accident and gather evidence to determine how and why the collision occurred.

Common Causes of Trucking Accidents

Commercial truck crashes can happen for many different reasons. Identifying the cause of the accident is an important part of determining liability.

Common causes include:

Driver Fatigue

Truck drivers may spend long periods on the road, and fatigue can affect reaction time, concentration, and decision-making. Violations of federal or state hours-of-service requirements may also be relevant when investigating a crash.

Distracted Driving

Looking at a phone, using an electronic device, eating, adjusting controls, or engaging in other activities while driving can divert a truck driver’s attention from the road.

Speeding and Unsafe Driving

Large commercial vehicles require more time and distance to stop. Excessive speed, following too closely, unsafe lane changes, and other dangerous driving behaviors can increase the risk of a serious collision.

Impaired Driving

Alcohol, drugs, and certain medications can impair a driver’s ability to safely operate a commercial vehicle.

Improperly Loaded Cargo

Cargo that is improperly loaded, distributed, or secured can shift during transportation and affect a truck’s balance and handling. In some circumstances, unsecured cargo may also fall from the vehicle and create hazards for other motorists.

Poor Truck Maintenance

Commercial vehicles need regular inspections and maintenance. Defective brakes, worn tires, steering problems, and other mechanical issues can contribute to serious crashes.

Inadequate Training or Supervision

Trucking companies have responsibilities related to their drivers and operations. Questions about hiring, training, supervision, or compliance may become relevant when investigating an accident.

Types of Trucking Accidents

Truck accidents can take many forms, including:

  • Rear-end collisions
  • Head-on collisions
  • Jackknife accidents
  • Rollover accidents
  • Underride accidents
  • Blind-spot collisions
  • Wide-turn accidents
  • Tire blowouts
  • Cargo-related accidents
  • Multi-vehicle collisions
  • Delivery truck accidents
  • Commercial vehicle accidents

Regardless of how the crash occurred, determining what caused it can be critical to pursuing a claim.

Injuries Caused by Truck Accidents

A collision with a commercial truck can cause catastrophic injuries because of the significant difference in size and weight between trucks and passenger vehicles.

Truck accident victims may experience:

  • Traumatic brain injuries
  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Neck and back injuries
  • Broken bones and fractures
  • Internal injuries
  • Severe lacerations
  • Burns
  • Crush injuries
  • Amputations
  • Paralysis
  • Permanent disabilities
  • Fatal injuries

Some injuries may not be immediately apparent following a crash. Prompt medical evaluation can help identify injuries and establish documentation of your treatment.

Investigating a Washington Trucking Accident

A thorough investigation can help establish what happened before, during, and after a truck crash. Depending on the circumstances, an investigation may involve reviewing:

  • Police and accident reports
  • Photographs and video footage
  • Driver logs and hours-of-service records
  • Electronic logging device data
  • Truck inspection and maintenance records
  • Vehicle and component information
  • Cargo loading and weight records
  • Driver qualification and training records
  • Company policies and procedures
  • Black box or event data recorder information
  • Witness statements
  • Accident reconstruction evidence

Some evidence may be maintained electronically or by the trucking company, making it important to identify and preserve relevant information as soon as possible.

Compensation for Truck Accident Injuries

If another party’s negligence caused your trucking accident, you may be able to pursue compensation for the losses resulting from the collision.

Depending on the circumstances of your case, damages may include:

  • Medical expenses
  • Future medical treatment
  • Rehabilitation and therapy
  • Lost wages
  • Loss of future earning capacity
  • Property damage
  • Physical pain and suffering
  • Emotional distress
  • Other accident-related expenses and losses

The compensation available in a particular case will depend on the circumstances of the accident, the nature of your injuries, and the applicable Washington law.

Dealing With Insurance Companies After a Truck Accident

Commercial trucking companies and their insurers may begin investigating an accident immediately. Insurance companies may request statements, medical records, or other information as they evaluate a claim.

It is important to understand your rights before making statements about the accident or accepting a settlement. An initial settlement offer may not account for the full extent of your medical treatment, lost income, or other long-term losses.

A trucking accident attorney can communicate with insurance companies on your behalf and help evaluate whether a proposed settlement adequately addresses your damages.

Washington Truck Accident Claims and Comparative Fault

Washington follows a comparative fault system. If an injured person is found to have contributed to an accident, their percentage of fault can affect the amount of damages they may recover under Washington law.

Determining fault can be particularly important in trucking cases involving multiple vehicles, drivers, companies, or other potentially responsible parties. A careful investigation can help establish the circumstances surrounding the collision and the respective roles of those involved.

What to Do After a Trucking Accident

If you have been involved in a truck accident, consider taking the following steps if you are physically able:

Seek medical attention. Get evaluated for injuries as soon as possible, even if you initially feel fine.

Report the accident. Make sure the collision is reported to the appropriate authorities.

Document the scene. Take photographs of the vehicles, roadway, damage, injuries, traffic conditions, and other relevant details if it is safe to do so.

Gather information. Obtain the truck driver’s name, employer, insurance information, license information, and vehicle details.

Identify witnesses. Collect contact information for anyone who witnessed the accident.

Preserve records. Keep medical bills, repair estimates, wage information, correspondence, and other documents related to the accident.

Speak with an attorney. A trucking accident lawyer can review the circumstances of your case and explain your legal options.

Time Limits for Truck Accident Claims in Washington

Washington generally provides a three-year statute of limitations for personal injury actions under RCW 4.16.080. However, different deadlines or exceptions may apply depending on the circumstances of a particular case.

Because evidence can become more difficult to obtain as time passes, contacting an attorney soon after a serious trucking accident can help protect your ability to pursue a claim.

Talk to a Washington Trucking Accident Lawyer

A truck accident can leave you facing serious injuries, expensive medical care, lost income, and uncertainty about your future. When a commercial vehicle is involved, determining who is responsible can also be more complicated than in a typical car accident.

A Washington trucking accident lawyer can investigate the crash, identify potentially responsible parties, gather evidence, handle communications with insurers, and pursue compensation for your injuries and losses.

Contact Meyer Thorp, PLLC today to schedule a consultation about your trucking accident case.