Injured in a Truck Crash? You Deserve Justice.
Injured in a Truck Crash? Get Legal Help
We represent individuals and families throughout Seattle and across Washington who have suffered serious injuries or lost a loved one due to the negligence of commercial truck drivers or trucking companies.
What Makes Truck Accidents So Dangerous?
Commercial trucks, including semi-trucks and 18-wheelers, are significantly larger and heavier than passenger vehicles. When truck drivers act negligently or trucking companies cut corners on safety, the consequences can be catastrophic especially for those in smaller vehicles. If you’ve been injured in a truck crash, understanding your legal rights is crucial.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents
Driver Fatigue
Long shifts and inadequate rest lead to slower reaction times and dangerous decisions behind the wheel.
Improper Maintenance
Bald tires, faulty brakes, and other mechanical failures can turn a preventable issue into a deadly crash.
Overloaded Cargo
Unsecured or uneven cargo can cause rollovers or make it harder for drivers to stop safely.
Speeding & Reckless Driving
Many truck accidents are caused by speeding, tailgating, or aggressive lane changes.
Common Truck Accident Injuries
Truck collisions across Washington often lead to severe, long-term injuries because passenger vehicles simply cannot absorb the force of an 80,000 pound commercial truck. Below are some of the most common injuries we see in semi-truck, big-rig, and commercial vehicle cases our firm handles.
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
Head trauma in truck crashes can cause concussions, memory problems, mood changes, and long-term cognitive impairment. Some TBIs require lifelong treatment and should be valued accordingly in your claim.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Damage to the spine can lead to loss of mobility or even paralysis. These are high-value, medically complex cases that often require expert testimony and life care planning.
Internal Bleeding & Organ Damage
Blunt-force trauma from a semi-truck can damage organs without obvious external signs. Fast diagnosis is critical and the cost of emergency care, surgery, and rehabilitation must be included in settlement talks.
Broken Bones & Fractures
Rib, leg, arm, and pelvic fractures are common when a smaller vehicle is struck by a truck. Multiple fractures can prevent victims from working for months and may involve orthopedic hardware or follow-up surgeries.
Burns & Amputations
Truck crashes that involve fires, explosions, or crushing injuries can lead to disfiguring burns or loss of a limb. These cases often involve significant non-economic damages for pain, scarring, and loss of quality of life.
Neurological Complications & Stroke
In some cases, the trauma and resulting medical complications from a truck collision can trigger neurological conditions or even a stroke. These injuries can permanently affect speech, movement, and independence.
For life-changing injuries and fatalities, visit our Serious Injury & Wrongful Death page to see how Campiche Andrews pursues maximum compensation for Washington families.
Types of Truck Accidents
Not all truck crashes happen the same way. How the collision occurred often tells us who is responsible, what evidence we need, and how much your claim may be worth. Below are some of the most common types of commercial truck and semi-truck accidents we see in Washington.
Jackknife Accidents
A truck jackknifes when the trailer swings out at an angle, usually from sudden braking or slippery roads. These crashes can sweep across multiple lanes and strike several vehicles.
Rollover Accidents
Tall, heavy trucks can tip when speeding through curves, making evasive maneuvers, or carrying unbalanced cargo. Rollovers often crush smaller vehicles and shut down roadways.
Underride & Override Collisions
In an underride crash, a car slides under the trailer. In an override crash, the truck rides over a smaller vehicle. Both tend to cause catastrophic or fatal injuries.
Rear-End & Head-On Crashes
When a fully loaded truck rear-ends a passenger car, the force is far greater than a normal fender bender. Head-on collisions with trucks are frequently fatal or disabling.
Tire Blowouts
Poor maintenance, defective tires, or overloaded cargo can lead to blowouts. A sudden loss of control at highway speed can send a truck into nearby vehicles or off the road.
Wide-Turn & Blind-Spot Accidents
Trucks have large “no-zones” along the sides and rear. If a driver fails to check these areas or makes a swinging right turn, nearby motorists, cyclists, or pedestrians can be crushed or sideswiped.
Cargo & Load-Related Crashes
Unsecured or uneven loads can fall into traffic or make the truck unstable. These cases may involve the trucking company, the shipper, or the loading contractor.
Construction Zone & City-Route Crashes
Tight turns, lane shifts, and distracted driving in work or urban zones increase the risk of hitting smaller vehicles or roadside workers.
If you’re not sure what type of crash you were in, our team can review police reports, black box data, and photos to determine fault and build your claim. Start with a free case review.
Why Truck Accident Cases Are Complex
Truck accidents are not like typical car crashes. The size and weight of commercial trucks often lead to catastrophic injuries or fatalities. These cases are harder because of federal rules, high value insurance coverage, and multiple parties who may all share responsibility.
Size Disparity
A fully loaded semi can weigh up to 80,000 pounds. That mismatch with a passenger vehicle causes crushing injuries, totaled cars, and higher medical and rehab costs the insurer will try to dispute.
We document future care, loss of earning capacity, and permanent disability early so the claim reflects true lifetime needs.
Federal Regulations (FMCSA)
Truck drivers and carriers have to follow FMCSA safety rules on driving hours, inspections, and drug and alcohol testing. When a company pushes a driver to violate those rules, that violation can be used to prove fault.
Finding a violation can open up more insurance and shift responsibility from the driver to the carrier.
Commercial Insurance Policies
Trucking companies often have multi-million dollar commercial policies and law firms that defend every dollar. These cases require careful investigation, fast preservation of evidence, and strategic negotiation.
We look for every policy that may apply, including separate coverage for the trailer, broker, or shipper.
Black Box and ELD Data
Modern commercial trucks record speed, braking, GPS, and driver hours. That data can prove if the driver was speeding, distracted, or over hours just before the crash.
This data can be overwritten quickly which makes fast legal action important.
Multi Party Liability
Many truck crashes involve several responsible parties. The driver, the carrier, the loading company, a maintenance shop, or even another driver may all share fault. That can increase the available insurance but also the complexity of the case.
Multiple defendants means more discovery and more negotiation, which is why truck cases benefit from an experienced attorney.
- Medical bills (past and future)
- Lost income and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
- Emotional distress
- Wrongful death damages
- Permanent disability
- Punitive damages (when available)
What To Expect During a Truck Accident Claim
Every truck crash is different, but the legal path is predictable. Below is the sequence we use for most Washington truck accident cases, from the first call to trial.
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Free Consultation
We review the crash, injuries, and insurance issues. You get case insight and next steps with no upfront cost.
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Investigation & Evidence Collection
We send preservation letters to the trucking company, gather medical records, interview witnesses, and capture photos or video before they disappear.
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Determining Liability
We identify every responsible party: the driver, motor carrier, cargo loader, maintenance contractor, or even another negligent driver.
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Negotiating with Insurers
We present your damages and evidence to all applicable carriers and negotiate for full value, not the first lowball offer.
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Filing a Lawsuit (If Necessary)
When insurers won’t pay, we file in Washington court to force discovery, secure more evidence, and keep the case moving.
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Trial & Settlement
Most matters settle before trial, but we prepare every truck case as if it will be tried so the defense takes you seriously.
Evidence We Use to Prove Liability
Trucking companies control a lot of data. We move quickly to secure it before it’s overwritten or “lost.”
ELD / “Black Box” Data
Shows speed, braking, GPS location, and driver hours in the moments before the crash.
Driver Logbooks
Used to spot hours-of-service violations or falsified records that point to negligence.
Maintenance & Inspection Records
Helps prove the truck should not have been on the road due to brakes, tires, or lighting issues.
Dashcam / Surveillance Footage
From the truck, nearby businesses, or vehicles behind you to show the exact mechanics of the crash.
Cargo & Load Documents
Critical in rollover and jackknife cases where unbalanced or unsecured freight was a factor.
Accident Reconstruction Experts
Engineers help us explain speed, impact angles, and stopping distance to insurers or a jury.
We send litigation-hold and preservation letters early so critical ELD, telematics, and in-cab video are not deleted.
Compensation Guide
Truck cases often involve higher damages because injuries are more severe and multiple insurance policies may apply. Here’s how we explain recovery to clients.
Economic vs. Non-Economic Damages
Economic damages are the measurable losses: hospital bills, surgeries, rehab, future medical care, attendant care, property damage, and past and future lost wages.
Non-economic damages address what can’t be totaled on a receipt: pain, suffering, disfigurement, loss of enjoyment of life, and the way the injury impacts family relationships.
Punitive Damages (When They Apply)
Washington usually limits punitive damages, but we still look for facts that support them. Examples include knowingly putting an unsafe truck on the road, forging driver logs, or allowing an impaired driver to operate.
Even when punitive damages are not available, egregious facts can still increase your settlement leverage.
Wrongful Death Compensation
If a truck crash results in death, Washington law allows certain surviving family members to seek damages for funeral and burial expenses, loss of financial support, and loss of love, care, companionship, and guidance.
For Washington-specific rules, visit our Seattle Wrongful Death Attorney page.
Who May Be Liable?
In a Seattle truck crash, liability could involve several parties:
Truck Driver
For negligent actions such as speeding, distracted driving, or fatigue.
Trucking Company
For poor hiring practices, training deficiencies, or forcing unsafe schedules.
Overloaded Cargo
Unsecured or uneven cargo can cause rollovers or make it harder for drivers to stop safely.
Cargo Loaders
For unbalanced or unsecured loads that cause rollovers or jackknifes.
Maintenance Contractors
For failure to conduct proper inspections or repairs.
Third-Party Drivers
Who contributed to the incident.
Federal & State Trucking Laws
Serious truck accident cases in Washington are governed by both federal rules and state law. Understanding both is what lets us prove negligence and unlock the right insurance policies.
FMCSA Regulations Overview
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) rules apply to most interstate commercial trucks. These rules cover licensing, drug and alcohol testing, Hours-of-Service, recordkeeping and maintenance.
- Applies to interstate carriers
- Sets baseline safety requirements
- Violations can show negligence
Washington Trucking Laws
Even when a truck is subject to federal regulations, Washington law controls injury claims that arise from crashes in this state. That includes liability rules, damage rules, and our statute of limitations.
- State rules layer on top of FMCSA
- Applies to in-state and out-of-state trucks
- Used to establish duty and breach
HOS & Maintenance Standards
Drivers must follow Hours-of-Service (HOS) rules that limit time on the road. Carriers must inspect, repair, and maintain equipment. When they don’t, logbooks and inspection reports become key evidence.
- 11-hour driving limit (most cases)
- Daily vehicle inspection reports
- Maintenance records can prove fault
Washington-Specific Laws
Washington is a pure comparative negligence state. That means even if you were partially at fault, you may still recover, but your award is reduced by your percentage of fault.
Comparative Fault (RCW 4.22.005)
Under RCW 4.22.005, a jury or the parties can assign percentages of fault to everyone involved, including the injured person. Your recovery is then reduced by that percentage.
Example: A jury values your truck injury case at $400,000 but says you were 25% at fault for unsafe lane change. You can still collect $300,000.
Statute of Limitations (3 Years)
Most Washington personal injury and truck accident claims must be filed within three years of the crash. Waiting too long can bar your claim, even when liability is clear.
We recommend starting the investigation long before the 3-year mark so we can preserve ELD data and company records.
Learn more about truck accident cases in our Resources page.
Proven Success in Truck Accident Cases
Our firm has recovered significant compensation for clients injured in collisions involving commercial trucks, semi-trailers, and heavy-duty vehicles.
Case Settlements That Matter
Millions recovered in truck and vehicle accident cases.
Strategic Advocacy for Serious Injuries
We understand what it takes to build a strong case and win.
Track Record of Success
We understand the complexities of trucking law and how to leverage violations in your favor.
Note: Past case outcomes do not guarantee future results. Every case is unique.
Why Choose Campiche Andrews for Truck Accident Cases?
Trucking companies and their insurers move fast after a crash. You need a Seattle-based firm that knows federal trucking rules, understands Washington injury law, and has the resources to fight for full compensation.
Millions Recovered for the Seriously Injured
Our attorneys have secured significant results for clients hurt in collisions with semis, box trucks, and commercial vehicles. We know how to work high value insurance policies and prove long term damages.
Compassionate, Responsive Client Service
Truck crashes turn life upside down. We keep you updated, explain the legal process in plain language, and coordinate with medical providers so you can focus on healing.
No Fees Unless We Win Your Case
We handle truck accident claims on a contingency fee basis. You do not pay attorney’s fees unless we recover compensation for you.
Injured in a truck crash in Seattle or anywhere in Washington? Our attorneys are ready to help.
Get a free case reviewTruck Accident Attorneys That Fight For Maximum Compensation
Unlike typical car accidents, truck crashes often involve multiple liable parties including the driver, their employer, contractors, and even equipment manufacturers. These companies and their insurers work aggressively to avoid paying full compensation.
At Campiche Andrews PLLC, we know how to investigate trucking companies, obtain black box data, and build strong cases that hold all responsible parties accountable.
Serving Seattle & Communities Across Washington
At Campiche Andrews PLLC, we proudly represent clients across the Seattle area including Queen Anne, Belltown, Capitol Hill, South Lake Union, Magnolia, and Interbay.
Our reach extends across Washington State. We handle truck accident and personal injury cases in Bellevue, Renton, Federal Way, Tacoma, Puyallup, Kent, Lakewood, Bremerton, Olympia, Shelton, Vancouver, Wenatchee, Yakima, and Spokane.
No matter where you’re located in Washington, our attorneys are ready to fight for your rights.
People Also Ask
Millions recovered in truck and vehicle accident cases.
Settlements vary but often range from $100,000 to several million depending on injury severity, liability, and available insurance.
What if the truck was from out-of-state?
You can still file a claim in Washington if the crash occurred here. Interstate trucking companies are subject to federal regulations and can be sued in state or federal court.
Can I sue the trucking company or just the driver?
Yes. In many cases, the company can be held liable for negligent practices, poor maintenance, or regulatory violations.
How long do I have to file a truck accident claim in Seattle?
Washington’s statute of limitations for personal injury claims is generally three years from the date of the accident.
Truck Accident Resources
How Much Is My Truck Accident Case Worth in Seattle?
Learn what families need to know after a fatal truck accident in Washington including how wrongful death claims work, who can file, and how to hold trucking companies accountable.
Fatal Truck Accidents and Wrongful Death Claims in Washington
Learn what families need to know after a fatal truck accident in Washington including how wrongful death claims work, who can file, and how to hold trucking companies accountable.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Washington
Learn the top causes of truck accidents in Washington and how our Seattle truck accident lawyers can help you recover compensation.
Seattle Truck Accident Lawyer: What to Do After a Serious Crash
Truck accidents in Seattle often lead to catastrophic injuries and complex lawsuits. Learn what steps to take, who may be liable, and how Campiche Andrews can fight for the compensation you deserve.
Who Is Liable in a Seattle Trucking Accident?
Trucking accidents in Seattle often involve more than just the driver. Learn who may be held liable, from trucking companies to manufacturers and why these cases are legally complex.
Truck Accident FAQs for Seattle & Washington
These are the questions people actually ask us after a crash with a semi or commercial truck. Short answers, local to Washington, written so Google and AI Overviews can pick them up.
Take care of yourself first. Get medical help, even if you “feel okay.” Call the police so there’s an official report. If it’s safe, take photos and grab witness names. Then call us before you talk to the trucking company’s insurance.
The reason to call early is simple. We can send letters to save the truck’s black box/ELD data and any dashcam or warehouse/surveillance footage before it’s deleted.
You can read more here: Seattle Truck Accident Attorney.
Most of the time you have 3 years from the date of the crash. That’s the Washington personal injury statute of limitations.
But you should not wait 3 years. Trucking companies rotate drivers, overwrite ELD data, and lose maintenance records. Calling us in the first few days or weeks gives us a better shot at pulling everything we need.
You can probably still recover. Washington uses pure comparative negligence (RCW 4.22.005). That means your money just gets reduced by your share of fault.
Example: your case is worth 400,000 dollars but you’re 25 percent at fault. You can still recover 300,000 dollars. This is why we fight hard on the liability story in every truck case.
If your crash was car vs. truck, this page is also helpful: Washington Car Accidents.
Yes. If the crash happened in Washington, we can usually bring the claim here. Out-of-state trucking companies still have to follow federal FMCSA rules and they can be sued in Washington courts.
We regularly handle cases in King, Pierce, Snohomish, Kitsap, Thurston, and Spokane counties.
This is where truck cases are different. We don’t just use the police report. We go after:
- ELD/black box data (speed, braking, driver hours)
- Driver logbooks and dispatch notes
- Maintenance and inspection records
- Load and cargo records (was the truck overloaded)
- Dashcam or site surveillance video
- Phone/use data if distracted driving is suspected
The sooner we’re hired, the easier it is to grab this.
Every case is different, but in Washington truck cases people often ask for:
- ER and hospital bills, surgery, rehab, future care
- Lost wages if you missed work
- Loss of earning power if you can’t go back to the same job
- Pain, suffering, and loss of enjoyment of life
- Vehicle/property damage
If the crash caused a death, the family may be able to bring a wrongful death or survival action. Read more: Seattle Wrongful Death Attorney.
It’s contingency. You don’t pay us up front. We get paid from the recovery at the end. If we don’t win, you don’t owe an attorney fee.
We explain the percentage and expected case costs during your free case review.
Book one here: Free Case Review.
Yes. Catastrophic injuries are common in truck crashes. We handle TBI, spinal cord injuries, internal bleeding, fractures, burns, and amputations.
We often link those cases with this page to build authority: Serious Injury & Wrongful Death.
Yes. We collect your medical records and bills, and at the end we work on lien and payback issues so more of the settlement goes to you.
Absolutely. We represent people across Washington, including Tacoma, Bellevue, Renton, Federal Way, Puyallup, Kent, Olympia, Bremerton, Spokane, Vancouver, Yakima, and the I-5 corridor. We can do everything by phone or Zoom.
“Nick and his team made sure I didn’t settle for less. They took on the insurance company and fought for every dollar. I’m so grateful I called them.”
— Former client
Speak With a Seattle Truck Accident Lawyer Today
Let us help you recover compensation and move forward. The consultation is free and you don’t pay unless we win your case.