Here’s the truth: truck accidents are nothing like car accidents.
When an 80,000 pound semi collides with a passenger car, the results are catastrophic. Lives are turned upside down in seconds. And if you’re the victim, the road to recovery is long, expensive, and emotionally draining.
But here’s what most people don’t realize… truck accident cases aren’t just bigger versions of car accident claims. They’re more complex, more aggressive, and the trucking companies play hardball from day one.
That’s why you need more than just a lawyer. You need a Seattle truck accident lawyer who knows how to fight and win against the trucking industry.
At Campiche Andrews PLLC, we’ve done exactly that for decades.
What to Do Immediately After a Truck Accident in Seattle
The first few hours after a crash can make or break your case.
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Call 911. Report the crash and get an official police report.
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Get medical attention. Even if you “feel fine,” serious injuries can take hours or days to show up.
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Document everything. Take photos, grab witness contacts, save all paperwork.
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Stay quiet with insurers. Their job is to save money, not to help you.
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Call a truck accident lawyer. Trucking companies deploy investigators immediately. You need someone protecting your rights from day one.
Who Can Be Held Liable in a Truck Accident?
Here’s what makes truck accidents tricky: there’s rarely just one person at fault.
Liability could involve:
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The driver (fatigue, speeding, distracted driving, DUI)
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The trucking company (overloaded schedules, bad training, ignoring safety rules)
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Cargo loaders (improperly secured loads)
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Manufacturers (defective brakes, tires, or equipment)
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Maintenance providers (shoddy repairs or missed inspections)
That’s why trucking cases are often called “layered liability lawsuits.” Each layer adds complexity but also more opportunities to recover full compensation.
Learn more about Who Is Liable in a Seattle Trucking Accident.
What “layered liability” means in truck accident cases
In many truck crashes there is not just one at-fault party. Multiple companies can contribute to the same collision through different failures. That stack of responsibility is what we mean by layered liability.
Common layers:
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Driver: fatigue, distraction, speeding, DUI, hours-of-service violations
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Motor carrier: poor hiring or training, unsafe dispatch, logbook pressure, negligent supervision
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Tractor or trailer owner: defective equipment, missed inspections
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Maintenance vendor: improper repairs, skipped service intervals
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Freight broker or shipper: negligent selection of carrier, unrealistic schedules
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Loading crew or warehouse: unsecured or overweight cargo
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Parts or tire manufacturer: product defects
Why it matters:
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More insurance coverage: Multiple policies may apply, which can increase the total available recovery for catastrophic injuries or wrongful death.
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Different proofs: Each layer requires its own evidence trail, like ELD data, driver qualification files, maintenance logs, trip records, load sheets, broker agreements, and telematics.
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Strategic leverage: Establishing fault across layers can counter blame-shifting and strengthen settlement value.
How a lawyer builds the layers:
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Preserve evidence letters immediately
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Rapid inspection of tractor, trailer, and ECM data
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Subpoenas for ELDs, dispatch, and safety records
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FMCSA compliance analysis
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Expert reconstruction and load securement review
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Tracing contracts among the carrier, broker, shipper, and loader
What Compensation Can You Recover?
In a truck accident claim, you may be entitled to recover damages for:
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Emergency and ongoing medical care
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Lost income and diminished future earnings
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Pain and suffering
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Rehabilitation, therapy, and assistive care
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Property damage
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Wrongful death damages (funeral costs, lost companionship, emotional trauma)
Truck accident claims often lead to higher payouts than standard car accident cases because the injuries are so severe and trucking companies carry bigger insurance policies.
How Long Do You Have to File a Truck Accident Lawsuit in Washington?
Washington law gives you three years from the date of the crash to file a lawsuit.
But don’t wait.
Evidence disappears quickly. Witnesses forget. Trucking companies aren’t sitting around, they’re already building their defense.
The sooner you act, the stronger your case.
Why Truck Accident Cases Are More Complicated Than Car Accidents
Here’s the biggest mistake people make: thinking a truck crash is just “a bigger car accident.”
It’s not.
Truck cases are harder because:
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Federal Regulations: Trucking companies must follow FMCSA rules on driver hours, maintenance, and safety. One violation can make or break your case.
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Multiple Defendants: It’s rarely just the driver, there are often corporations, contractors, and insurers involved.
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Aggressive Defense: Trucking companies hire top-tier defense lawyers. Their goal? Pay you as little as possible.
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Catastrophic Injuries: Brain trauma, spinal cord damage, amputations. These are life-altering injuries that demand high-value compensation.
This is why you need a law firm that has trial tested experience with serious injury and wrongful death claims.
Why Choose Campiche Andrews as Your Seattle Truck Accident Lawyers
Here’s what sets us apart:
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Proven Results: Multi-million-dollar verdicts and settlements.
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Decades of Experience: Fighting for Seattle families for over 40 years.
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Relentless Advocacy: We don’t back down from big insurance companies.
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Compassion First: We treat clients like people, not case files.
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24/7 Availability: Because accidents don’t happen on a schedule.
We don’t just handle your case, we stand with you every step of the way.
People Also Ask
What should I do after a truck accident in Seattle?
Call 911, get medical attention, document everything, avoid speaking to insurers, and contact a Seattle truck accident lawyer immediately.
How do I know if I have a valid personal injury claim?
You may have a valid personal injury claim if another party owed you a duty of care, breached that duty through negligence or misconduct, and caused you measurable harm such as physical injury, lost income, or emotional trauma.
Who can be held liable in a Washington truck accident?
The driver, trucking company, cargo loaders, manufacturers, or maintenance providers may all share responsibility.
What compensation can I recover after a Seattle truck accident?
Medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, property damage, and wrongful death damages.
How long do I have to file a truck accident claim in Washington?
Most cases must be filed within three years of the crash under Washington law.
Call Our Seattle Truck Accident Attorneys Today
If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident, don’t wait for the trucking company to get the upper hand.
Call (206) 281-9000 or request your free case review today.
At Campiche Andrews, we fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.
