A loaded semi-truck can weigh many times more than your car. When one hits you, the injuries are often serious and the bills come fast. Rich Martin is a Seattle truck accident lawyer who has handled more than 2,000 injury cases in 28 years. He has won a $2 million jury verdict for a client hurt by a tractor-trailer. Our Bellevue office is about 11 miles from downtown Seattle.
Seattle: local facts
- County
- King County
- Court
- King County Superior Court, King County Courthouse, 516 Third Avenue, Seattle (crashes in the Seattle case area)
- Major roads
- I-5, I-90, SR 520, SR 99 (Aurora Avenue North), Mercer Street
- Hospitals
- Harborview Medical Center (Level I trauma center for adults and children)
- Population
- 823,400 (Washington OFM estimate, April 1, 2026)
- Our office
- Our Bellevue office is about 11 miles away (about 17 minutes without traffic).
Were you hit by a truck in Seattle?
Then you’re up against more than one driver. Trucking companies and their insurers often start working on a crash right away. Their goal is to limit what they pay.
You need someone on your side just as fast. We gather the proof, deal with the insurers, and build your case while you heal.
Truck crashes in Washington by the numbers
People killed in Washington crashes involving a heavy truck
The numbers are going down slowly. But every one of those crashes changed a family’s life. Many more people were hurt and survived.
Why truck crashes are different from car crashes
- The injuries are worse. A heavy truck carries far more force. Brain, spine, and crush injuries are common.
- More people may be at fault. The driver, the trucking company, the company that loaded the cargo, or a repair shop.
- Federal rules apply. Most commercial trucks must follow federal safety rules. Breaking them can prove fault.
- There’s more insurance. Interstate trucking companies must carry much more coverage than a typical driver.
- Evidence lives in the truck. Electronic logs and crash data can show speed, braking, and driving hours.
Where Seattle truck crashes happen
Seattle is a freight city. The Port of Seattle, rail yards, and warehouses keep trucks moving day and night. Truck traffic is heaviest on these roads.
- I-5, the main north-south freight route through downtown.
- I-90 and I-405, where trucks head east over the mountains or around the lake.
- SR 99 and SR 509, busy routes to the south end and the airport.
- East Marginal Way and the SODO industrial area, near the port terminals.
Crashes on state highways are often investigated by the Washington State Patrol. Crashes on city streets are usually handled by Seattle police. We get the report either way.
Who can be held responsible
| Who | How they can be at fault |
|---|---|
| The truck driver | Speeding, texting, driving too long, or following too close |
| The trucking company | Pushing drivers past hour limits, poor training, or hiring an unsafe driver |
| The cargo loader | Overloading or not tying down the load, so it shifts or spills |
| A repair or maintenance company | Bad brake work, worn tires, or skipped inspections |
| The truck or parts maker | A defect, like a brake or tire failure |
Federal safety rules truck drivers must follow
Most commercial truck drivers must follow federal hours-of-service rules (49 CFR 395.3). Tired drivers cause crashes. These limits exist to stop that.
| Rule | What it means |
|---|---|
| 11-hour driving limit | A driver may drive up to 11 hours after 10 hours off duty |
| 14-hour window | No driving after 14 hours since the workday started |
| 30-minute break | A break is required after 8 hours of driving |
| 60/70-hour limit | No driving after 60 hours on duty in 7 days, or 70 hours in 8 days |
When a driver breaks these rules and causes a crash, it can help prove the company was careless too.
The evidence we go after, and why speed matters
Trucking companies keep records that can win your case. Some of them aren’t kept forever.
- Electronic logs (ELD). Most trucks must log driving hours electronically (49 CFR 395.8).
- Engine and crash data. Speed, braking, and throttle in the seconds before impact.
- Maintenance records. Companies must keep them for 1 year, plus 6 months after the truck leaves their control (49 CFR 396.3).
- Driver files. Training, license history, and past safety problems.
- Video. Dash cams, traffic cameras, and nearby businesses.
- Witnesses and the police report. Before memories fade.
We can send a letter right away asking the trucking company to save its records. The sooner we send it, the more evidence we can protect.
Trucks carry more insurance
For-hire trucking companies that cross state lines must carry at least $750,000 in liability insurance for regular freight. The minimum is higher for hazardous materials (49 CFR 387.9).
Federal minimum insurance for interstate trucking companies
More insurance doesn’t mean an easy payout. Trucking insurers fight hard. But it does mean there’s money available for serious injuries.
Common injuries in truck crashes
- Brain injuries, from concussions to lasting damage. Read about brain injuries from crashes.
- Spine and disc injuries. Our $2 million verdict was for a client with a disc injury from a tractor-trailer crash.
- Broken bones and crush injuries.
- Burns and cuts from fires and broken glass.
- Deaths. When a crash takes a life, the family may bring a wrongful death claim.
Serious injuries need long-term care. We work with your doctors to figure out what you’ll need, not just what you’ve spent so far.
What to do after a truck crash
- Call 911 and get medical help.
- Take photos of the truck, its company name, the trailer number, and the scene.
- Get the truck’s details. The company name and the USDOT number on the door.
- Get witness names and phone numbers.
- Don’t talk to the trucking company’s insurer. Don’t sign anything.
- Call a lawyer fast, so the truck’s records get saved.
How trucking companies fight claims
Insurers use the same moves again and again. Here’s how we answer them.
| What they do | What we do |
|---|---|
| Send their own investigators to the scene | Get our own evidence and experts |
| Blame you for the crash | Use logs, data, and video to show what really happened |
| Offer a quick, low settlement | Wait until we know the full cost of your injuries |
| Point the finger at another company | Bring in every party that may be at fault |
Partly at fault? You can still get paid.
Washington lets you recover money even if you share some of the blame. Your payment goes down by your share (RCW 4.22.005). Trucking insurers will try to make your share as big as possible. We use the evidence to push back.
How long you have to file
Usually three years from the crash (RCW 4.16.080). If a city or county truck was involved, like a garbage truck or a Metro bus, you must file a claim form first and wait 60 days before suing (RCW 4.96.020). Don’t wait. Truck records can be lost long before the deadline.
What your Seattle truck accident case may be worth
It depends on your injuries, the proof of fault, and the insurance available. Truck cases are often larger because injuries are worse and there’s more coverage.
- $9.0 million settlement in mediation after a semi-truck hit a pedestrian.
- $2.0 million jury verdict for a client with a disc injury from a tractor-trailer crash.
Past results don’t guarantee future results. See more results, or read our Washington truck accident guide and truck settlement guide.
Box trucks, delivery vans, and buses
Not every truck is a semi. Box trucks, delivery vans, and city vehicles cause crashes too. The rules and insurance can be different for each. Read about box truck crashes and commercial vehicle crashes. If an Uber, Lyft, or bus was involved, see our rideshare accident page.
Types of truck crashes we handle
- Jackknife crashes. The trailer swings out and blocks lanes, often after hard braking.
- Rollovers. Taking a curve or ramp too fast, or a load that shifts.
- Underride crashes. A car slides under the back or side of a trailer. These are often deadly.
- Wide-turn crashes. A truck swings left before turning right and traps a car or cyclist.
- Blind-spot crashes. A truck changes lanes into a car it can’t see.
- Rear-end crashes. A heavy truck needs far more room to stop than a car.
- Tire blowouts and brake failures, often tied to poor maintenance.
- Spilled or falling cargo from loads that weren’t secured.
Each type points to different evidence. A rollover may mean speed or a bad load. A brake failure points to maintenance records. Knowing the type helps us know where to look first.
Tired and distracted truck drivers
Truck drivers often face tight delivery schedules. That pressure can lead to driving too long, skipping breaks, or using a phone behind the wheel. The hours-of-service rules above exist because fatigue slows reaction time.
We compare the driver’s logs with fuel receipts, toll records, delivery times, and phone records. When those don’t match, it can show the driver broke the rules, and that the company let it happen.
When the trucking company is from out of state
Many trucks on I-5 and I-90 belong to companies based in other states. That doesn’t stop you from bringing a case here. A crash in Seattle can usually be handled in Washington, under Washington law. We deal with the out-of-state insurers so you don’t have to.
Dealing with more than one insurance company
A truck crash can involve the trucking company’s insurer, the trailer owner’s insurer, the cargo company’s insurer, and your own. Each one wants another to pay. That’s a lot of phone calls and paperwork while you’re trying to heal.
Send every insurance call to us. We’ll handle all of them, and make sure no one uses your words against you.
Questions to ask any truck accident lawyer
- Have you taken truck cases to trial, and what happened?
- Will you handle my case yourself, or pass it to someone else?
- How fast will you send a letter to save the truck’s records?
- Do you charge anything up front, including case costs?
Here are our answers: yes, Rich has won a $2 million jury verdict in a tractor-trailer case. He handles your case himself. We can send a preservation letter right away. And it’s No Win, No Fee.
The experts behind a strong truck case
Truck cases often turn on technical proof. Depending on the crash, we may work with:
- Crash reconstruction experts, who use the data and the scene to show how the crash happened.
- Trucking safety experts, who know the federal rules and how a safe company should run.
- Your doctors and medical experts, who explain your injuries and future care.
- Economists, who figure out lost earning power over a lifetime.
You don’t pay for these experts up front. Under No Win, No Fee, if we don’t win, you owe us nothing. Not even the case costs.
If you’re asked to give a deposition
If your case goes into a lawsuit, the trucking company’s lawyer may ask you questions under oath. This is called a deposition. It usually happens in a lawyer’s office, not a courtroom. We prepare you beforehand and sit with you the whole time.
Read 5 things to know before a deposition.
Your medical care while the case is open
Your health comes first. Keep every appointment and follow your doctor’s plan. Gaps in treatment are one of the first things a trucking insurer looks for. If you can’t afford care, tell us. PIP, health insurance, and other options may help while your case moves forward.
Why people choose Rich Martin for truck cases
- He handles your case himself. Not a case manager.
- He’s ready for trial. More than 30 jury trials, including a $2 million verdict in a truck case.
- He knows how crashes happen. Rich studied mechanical engineering at the University of Washington.
- No Win, No Fee. If we don’t win, you owe us nothing. Not even the case costs.
Meet Rich Martin or read client reviews. You can also learn what a truck accident lawyer does.
Talk to a Seattle truck accident lawyer today
The trucking company likely has people working on this crash already. You should too. Call (425) 635-2000 or send us a message. The call is free. For other Seattle injuries, see our Seattle personal injury lawyer page or our Seattle car accident page.
Truck Accidents: results for our clients
Past results don't guarantee future results. Every case is different. See all results →
Your attorney: Rich Martin
28 years. More than 2,000 injury cases. More than 30 jury trials. When you call, you talk to Rich, and he handles your case himself.
About Rich Martin →Questions about Seattle truck accidents
What does No Win, No Fee mean?
You pay nothing up front. Our fee comes out of the money we win for you. No hourly bills. No retainer. If we don't win, you owe us nothing. Not even the case costs.
Who pays after a truck crash in Seattle?
Usually the trucking company's insurer. If more than one company is at fault, more than one insurer may pay. Your own PIP can pay medical bills first.
What's a USDOT number, and why does it matter?
It's the ID number on the truck's door. It tells us which company runs the truck and lets us look up its safety record.
How long do trucking companies keep their records?
Maintenance records must be kept for at least a year (49 CFR 396.3). Other records may be kept for less. That's why we ask them to save everything right away.
Can I sue if the driver was an independent contractor?
Often, yes. The company that hired the driver, loaded the truck, or owns the trailer may still be responsible. We look at every party.
How long will my truck case take?
Serious cases take longer, often a year or more. We don't settle until we know the full cost of your injuries.
What if the truck driver got a ticket?
A ticket can help, but it isn't required to win your case. And if the driver didn't get a ticket, you can still prove they were at fault with the evidence.
Can I talk to the trucking company's insurer myself?
You can, but we don't recommend it. Anything you say can be used to pay you less. Let us handle those calls.
Do I need to see a doctor if I feel fine?
Yes. Some injuries, like concussions and internal injuries, don't show up right away. A doctor's visit also creates a record that links your injury to the crash.
What if a family member died in the truck crash?
The family may have a wrongful death claim. Please call us when you're ready. We'll explain who can bring the claim and what it covers.
Talk to a lawyer today. The call is free. Call (425) 635-2000.
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