Seattle Truck Accident Lawyers

If you’ve been hurt in a collision with a semi-truck, 18-wheeler, or other commercial vehicle in the Seattle area, you need an attorney who understands Washington’s trucking laws and how to take on large trucking companies. At The Cochran Firm Seattle, our Tacoma-based team combines in-depth knowledge of local roadways with the national resources of The Cochran Firm to build strong cases from day one. Our truck accident attorneys will fight to help you recover the maximum compensation you deserve. 

Who May Be Liable in a Truck Accident

In Washington truck crash cases, multiple parties beyond the driver may be held responsible for specific reasons:

• The Driver may be at fault when negligence, fatigue, distraction, or failure to comply with federal Hours‑of‑Service (HOS) rules leads to a collision. These HOS regulations exist to prevent driver exhaustion and reduce accident risk.
• The Trucking Company or Carrier can face vicarious liability, also known as respondeat superior, if the driver was on duty and acting within the scope of employment when the crash occurred. Employers can also be responsible when they fail to properly hire, train, or supervise their drivers.
• Maintenance or Repair Providers may be liable when poor maintenance or faulty repairs, such as defective brakes or neglected inspections, contribute to mechanical failure in a crash.
• Freight Shippers or Loaders can be held accountable if improper loading, unbalanced cargo, or unsecured freight creates dangerous conditions that lead to a crash.
• Vehicle Manufacturers or Parts Suppliers may be at fault when defective components like brakes, tires, or steering systems are implicated in a collision. 
• Other Third Parties, including brokers, dispatchers, or logistics firms, may carry liability, especially when they pressure unsafe driving schedules, dictate hazardous routes, or otherwise contribute to negligent conditions that result in a crash.

What To Do After a Truck Accident in Seattle

Knowing what steps to take immediately after a Seattle truck accident can protect your health, preserve evidence, and strengthen your claim. Following these guidelines can help safeguard your rights:

1. Call 911 to alert emergency responders and request medical assistance if needed. This also ensures the crash is documented by law enforcement.
2. Seek medical evaluation even if you feel fine, as some serious injuries may not be immediately apparent.
3. Exchange information with the truck driver, including name, employer, insurance details, and U.S. DOT number from the vehicle.
4. Document the scene by taking photographs of vehicle damage, skid marks, road conditions, traffic signs, and any visible injuries.
   Collect witness information from anyone who saw the accident happen.
5. Avoid admitting fault or giving a recorded statement to an insurance adjuster before speaking with a truck accident lawyer.
6. Report the accident as required by Washington law. If police investigate, they will file the report. If not, you must submit one within 4 days online or by form. Collisions with injury or $1,000+ in damage are noted on each driver’s record, showing involvement but not fault. 
7. Contact an experienced Seattle truck accident lawyer as soon as possible to protect your rights and begin investigating your case.

Taking these steps quickly can help ensure that vital evidence is preserved and that your claim is filed within Washington’s legal deadlines.

Evidence Our Truck Accident Lawyers Collect

Records and data can be altered, lost, or destroyed if they are not preserved right away. The first week after a truck accident is foundational for a strong injury claim. That is why experienced truck accident lawyers act quickly to secure evidence, including:

• We send a spoliation letter to notify the trucking company and its insurer of their legal duty to preserve all relevant evidence.
• We request electronic logging device (ELD) and event data recorder (EDR) downloads, which can show driver hours, vehicle speed, braking, and other key pre-crash details.
• We obtain driver logs and inspection reports to identify potential Hours-of-Service violations and missed maintenance requirements.
• We collect maintenance and repair records to determine whether the truck complied with all required federal and state safety standards.
• We secure dispatch, GPS, and shipping records to confirm routes, schedules, and any time pressures that could have contributed to unsafe driving.
• We review cargo and weight documents to determine whether improper loading or securement played a role in the crash.
• We gather scene evidence, including photographs, skid mark measurements, vehicle damage assessments, and witness statements as soon as possible after the collision.
  

Acting quickly after a truck accident helps protect your rights, build a stronger case, and increase the chances of holding all responsible parties accountable. 

Compensation in Seattle Truck Accident Cases

If you have been injured in a Seattle truck accident, you may be entitled to recover compensation for the physical, financial, and emotional harm you have suffered. The value of your claim will depend on the severity of your injuries, the impact on your life, and the strength of the evidence supporting your case. Common categories of compensation in Washington truck accident cases include:

• Medical expenses for emergency care, hospitalization, surgery, rehabilitation, medication, and future treatment needs.
• Lost income and loss of earning capacity if your injuries prevent you from working temporarily or permanently.
• Property damage for repair or replacement of your vehicle and other personal property damaged in the crash.
• Pain and suffering for the physical discomfort and emotional distress caused by the accident and your recovery process.
• Loss of enjoyment of life when injuries limit your ability to participate in activities you once enjoyed.
• Wrongful death damages if a loved one is killed in a truck accident, which may include funeral costs, loss of financial support, and loss of companionship. (see RCW 4.20.010).
  

An experienced Seattle truck accident lawyer can help calculate the full value of your claim, negotiate with insurance companies, and fight to recover every dollar you are entitled to under Washington law.

Contact Our Seattle Truck Accident Lawyers Today

If you or a loved one has been injured in a Seattle truck accident, do not wait to get the legal help you need.The Cochran Firm serves clients throughout Tacoma and the greater Seattle area. Our truck accident attorneys understand the challenges of truck accident lawsuits, from navigating Washington trucking laws to investigating crashes on busy routes like I-5, I-90, and SR-99. The Cochran Firm offers free, no-obligation case evaluations, and you pay nothing unless we win. Call us today at 1-800-THE-FIRM or fill out our online contact form to get started.