Best Truck Accident Lawyers in Seattle, WA

FAQs

• What is the non-emergency contact number for the local police station in Seattle, Washington?

  (206) 625-5011 is the non-emergency contact number of the Seattle Police Department.

• Where can you get a copy of the police report for the accident in Seattle, Washington?

  If your insurance company requires a copy of your collision report:

  • The Washington State Patrol keeps all collision reports within the State of Washington.
  • You can request a copy of your crash report through the website, https://www.wsp.wa.gov/driver/collision-records.
  • If you were involved in a collision outside of Seattle's city borders, you can contact the local authority there or use the WSP Collision Report Search app.

• What are the primary causes of truck collisions in Seattle?

  The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration lists the following as the most frequently occurring causes of truck collisions in Seattle:

  • Driver mistake. According to the FMCSA, drivers account for over 90% of truck accidents. Drivers may swerve out of the travel lane, veer off the road, skid, follow too closely, speed, or operate a vehicle while inattentive.
  • Equipment malfunction. Failure to maintain the truck itself accounts for several mechanical reasons for truck collisions.

• In Seattle, who is responsible for truck accidents?

  There are typically multiple parties that can be involved in a trucking accident, though a thorough investigation will be necessary to identify who can be held accountable. The liable parties may involve the driver of the truck, the trucking company, the cargo loader and the shipper, the truck manufacturer, and contractors or government organizations.

• Is it still possible to file a truck accident claim in Seattle a few months after the incident?

  Yes, according to Washington state law, you had three years from the time of the truck accident or when you became aware of the accident's damages to file a personal injury claim. It is recommended to get legal counsel in Seattle as soon as possible in order to safeguard your claim. Your case may become weaker the longer you wait.

• Can you still recover damages in a Seattle truck accident claim if you were found partially at fault?

  In a Seattle truck accident claim, you can be partially at fault and still recover damages based on the percentage of your responsibility. However, the defendant must bear a greater share of the blame than you. If you are found to be more at fault than the defendant, you will be unable to seek compensation, and the defendant may sue you for damages.

• When do truck collisions usually happen in Seattle?

  Truck accidents in Seattle, according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, typically occur between:

  • 12 noon and 3 PM. During this time, about 18.8 percent of fatal truck accidents take place.
  • 6 and 9 AM. During this time frame, approximately 15% of fatal truck crashes happen.
  • 3 and 6 PM. During this period, around 16% of fatal truck collisions occur.

• What does a truck accident attorney do?

  A truck accident lawyer is a personal injury attorney specializing in truck accidents. These lawyers help their clients navigate the legally complex terrain of truck accident law by gathering evidence, sending demand letters, negotiating with insurance companies, and preparing the case for trial.In most cases, they are personal injury lawyers who specialize in this particular type of claim.

• Who can be sued in a truck accident case?

  Truck accident liability is a notoriously complex area. In car accidents, liability is typically shared by one or more drivers, but that’s not always the case with truck collisions. These are just a few of the parties that may be responsible for truck accidents and subsequent injuries:

  • Equipment owners, including leasing companies
  • Truck drivers who are reckless, intoxicated, or make mistakes
  • Trucking companies accountable for hiring and keeping records
  • Maintenance providers who are negligent or fail to perform routine tasks
  • Loading personnel in accidents caused by shifting loads
  • Third-party drivers, especially in multi-vehicle collisions
  • Equipment manufacturers that sell defective parts

• What do I need to know about truck accident cases in court?

  In truck accident cases, as in all personal injury cases, the burden of proof rests on the plaintiff or party filing the lawsuit. To prevail in court, the plaintiff must prove four things:

  • The plaintiff must show that the defendant owed him or her a duty of care, such as having a legal responsibility to hire qualified drivers and maintain safe equipment.
  • In negligence claims, the plaintiff must prove that the defendant breached this duty.
  • The plaintiff must show that they suffered damages or experienced harm.
  • Finally, the plaintiff must prove that these losses were a direct result of the defendant’s breach.

  
  

• What are the common causes of truck accidents?

  Driver error is the single most common cause of motor vehicle accidents, but a variety of factors come into play on busy highways and secondary roads. Other potential causes of truck accidents include the following:

  • Inadequate or improper driver training
  • Severe weather, including rain, sleet, ice, and fog
  • Dangerous roadways, potholes, and construction zones
  • Improper loading, excess weight, and shifting cargo
  • Reckless driving involving intoxication or distractions
  • Faulty equipment, such as failing brakes

  
  

• Can I sue if I was hit by a truck owned by a big company?

  Yes, all trucking companies are responsible for hiring qualified drivers and maintaining safe equipment. However, a lengthy investigation may be required to document the scene, establish contributing factors, and hold the company responsible. Personal injury attorneys generally focus on the following points during the investigation:

  • Checking the truck driver’s record
  • Securing phone records to prove distracted driving
  • Photographing skid marks and road conditions
  • Verifying the truck’s weight and maintenance history
  • Establishing the driver’s physical and mental health
  • Reviewing logbooks to identify times of service violations
  • Checking for previous violations to establish a pattern of misconduct

  
  

• How many semi truck accidents are there per year?

  In the U.S., it's estimated that there are 500,000 large truck accidents per year with an average of nearly 1,400 per day, according to data collected from police reports. Of those 500,000 accidents, approximately 4,000 result in a death. The majority of semi truck accidents are caused by mechanical defects and driver fatigue.

• Can I sue for being hit by a semi truck?

  If you have been injured in an accident with a semi truck that is not your fault, you are entitled to compensation for the damages to your vehicle as well as for your medical bills, time missed from work, and other damages suffered. You can sue if the person or company refuses to offer fair compensation.

• What should I do after a truck accident?

  The most important thing to do after a serious accident is to seek medical attention. You should also collect witness information, photographs of the accident scene, a copy of the police report, and contact information from the driver of the truck. Gather all of your paperwork related to the accident, including copies of your medical bills. Avoid posting about the accident on social media or speaking to the driver's insurance company before seeking legal advice, because anything you say can be used against you and affect your compensation.

• How long does an 18-wheeler lawsuit take?

  Most lawsuits are settled without going to court, so reaching a settlement can happen at any point that both parties agree on fair compensation. However, in most states, once an agreement has been reached, it cannot be changed, so it's a good idea to wait long enough to ensure that there are no additional injuries before settling.

• Do semi truck accidents go to trial?

  Litigation for semi truck accidents is similar to auto accidents, but it's usually more complicated because any number of parties may ultimately be responsible for the accident, including the company that handles the truck's maintenance or repairs. If attempts at negotiating a settlement with the responsible party are unsuccessful, the lawsuit may proceed to trial. In some cases, more than one party is responsible and one of the parties may fight the lawsuit and claim no responsibility. For these reasons, it's important to seek legal help from an attorney with experience in litigating semi truck accidents.