Best Truck Accident Lawyers in Seattle

Frequently Asked Questions

• 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.