Trucking accidents can be devastating, and determining who’s legally responsible is rarely straightforward. In Seattle, where commercial traffic shares roads with everyday commuters, the aftermath of a trucking accident often involves multiple parties, layers of liability, and a deep dive into federal and state regulations. Here’s what you need to know.
Determining Liability in a Seattle Trucking Accident
Liability in a trucking accident extends far beyond the truck driver. Each case must be investigated thoroughly to identify all potentially responsible parties.
Potential Liable Parties
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Truck Driver: If the driver’s negligence—such as fatigue, speeding, distracted driving, or violation of traffic laws—caused the accident, they can be held liable.
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Trucking Company: Employers may be responsible for negligent hiring, poor training practices, or pushing drivers to exceed safe driving hours.
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Owner of the Truck or Trailer: If the truck is owned by a separate party, they may be liable for poor maintenance or failure to address known mechanical issues.
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Truck or Parts Manufacturer: If a defect in the truck or any of its parts led to the accident, the manufacturer could be held accountable.
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Cargo Loading Company: Improperly loaded or secured cargo can shift during transit, causing loss of control or tipping. The company responsible for loading could be liable.
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Other Motorists: In some accidents, other drivers may contribute to or cause the crash.
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Government Entities: Poor road maintenance, unclear signage, or unaddressed hazards can make city or state agencies liable under certain conditions.
Why It’s Complicated
Multiple Liable Parties
Truck accident cases often involve more than one negligent party. Understanding who is at fault and to what degree requires extensive investigation and legal clarity.
Complex Regulations
The trucking industry is heavily regulated by agencies like the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Understanding and proving violations—such as exceeding Hours of Service limits or operating with faulty equipment—can strengthen your case.
Evidence Gathering
Key evidence in a trucking case can include:
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Black box (EDR) data
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Driver logs
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Dash cam footage
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Maintenance and inspection records
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Witness statements
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Police and accident reports
Accessing and analyzing this information often requires legal action to prevent data from being altered or lost.
Aggressive Insurance and Legal Defense
Trucking companies and their insurers typically have legal teams ready to defend against personal injury claims. Negotiating a fair settlement or proving liability in court requires experienced representation.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Seattle
Seattle’s dense urban traffic, frequent rain, and construction zones increase the risk of trucking accidents. Common causes include:
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Driver fatigue due to long hours
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Speeding or unsafe lane changes
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Distracted driving (e.g., texting, GPS use)
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Mechanical failures due to poor maintenance
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Overloaded or improperly secured cargo
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Inexperienced or improperly trained driver
Washington’s Comparative Negligence Rule
Under Washington law, liability is assigned based on each party’s percentage of fault. Even if you’re partially responsible, you may still recover damages. For example, if your total damages are $200,000 and you’re 25% at fault, you’d still be entitled to $150,000.
Why You Need a Seattle Truck Accident Lawyer
Due to the complexity of these cases, having a knowledgeable truck accident attorney on your side is critical. A skilled lawyer can:
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Investigate the crash thoroughly
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Preserve critical evidence
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Identify and pursue all liable parties
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Handle negotiations with insurers
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Fight for the compensation you deserve
If you’ve been injured in a truck accident in Seattle, contact Campiche Andrews PLLC today. We offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee basis—you pay nothing unless we win your case.
People Also Ask
Who is at fault in a truck accident?
Fault depends on the actions of the truck driver, employer, maintenance crews, and others. Liability can be shared among multiple parties.
How much are most truck accident settlements?
Settlements vary widely based on the severity of injuries, extent of negligence, and available insurance. Serious injury cases often settle in the hundreds of thousands or millions.
When can you sue a trucking company?
You can sue a trucking company if their negligence—such as poor driver vetting, forcing overtime, or failing to maintain vehicles—contributed to the crash.
What is the correct order of steps after an accident in a CMV?
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Call 911 and seek medical help
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Document the scene and injuries
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Gather contact info and witness statements
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Avoid giving statements to insurance
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Contact a truck accident lawyer
Final Thoughts
At Campiche Andrews PLLC, we have decades of experience representing injured riders across Washington. We fight back against insurance companies, advocate for fair compensation, and never charge a fee unless we win your case.
Contact us today for a free consultation.
Campiche Andrews PLLC – Fighting for Truck Accident Victims Across Seattle and Washington State.
