A loaded semi-truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds on the interstate (23 CFR 658.17), many times more than a car. When one hits a car, the people in the car take almost all of the force. Rich Martin is a Washington truck accident lawyer who has spent 28 years helping injured people and families in King, Pierce, and Snohomish County. In one case, a semi-truck hit a pedestrian, and we settled for $9 million.
Truck cases follow different rules than car crashes. Here’s what’s different, who may be responsible, and why speed matters in the first days.
Why truck cases aren’t like car cases
| Typical car crash | Commercial truck crash | |
|---|---|---|
| Who’s responsible | Usually one driver | Driver, trucking company, and sometimes others |
| Rules that apply | State traffic laws | State laws plus federal safety rules for drivers, logs, and repairs |
| Insurance | State minimums can be low | Federal minimums start at $750,000 for many trucks |
| Evidence | Photos, police report, witnesses | All of that, plus electronic logs, engine data, dispatch records, and inspection files |
| The other side | An insurance adjuster | Often a rapid-response team and lawyers working for the company |
That last row matters. Trucking companies and their insurers often start building their side of the story right away. You deserve someone looking out for you just as fast.
Washington truck crashes by the numbers
Deaths in crashes involving a heavy truck, Washington
The numbers are falling slowly. Federal data tells the rest of the story: of 74 people killed in Washington crashes involving large trucks in 2024, 63 were outside the truck, in other vehicles or on foot (NHTSA). The weight difference decides who gets hurt.
Washington rules for trucks
On top of the federal rules, Washington adds its own. Two matter often in crash cases:
- State Patrol inspections. The Washington State Patrol can inspect commercial trucks on public highways and enforces their safety rules (RCW 46.32.010; RCW 46.32.080). Inspection reports can show problems a company knew about.
- Chains on the passes. When signs say chains are required, vehicles over 10,000 pounds can’t enter the area without chains on their tires (WAC 204-24-050; RCW 47.36.250). From November 1 to April 1, those trucks must carry chains on routes like I-90 between North Bend and Ellensburg. A truck that crashes on a winter pass without chains raises hard questions.
A Washington truck accident lawyer looks at both sets of rules. A violation doesn’t automatically prove fault, but it often shows who took shortcuts.
Who may be responsible
A truck crash often has more than one cause. Each one can point to a different party who must answer for it.
- The driver, for speeding, distraction, fatigue, impairment, or an unsafe turn or lane change.
- The trucking company, for pushing tight schedules, hiring unqualified drivers, or skipping repairs. A company is usually responsible for a driver working for it.
- The company that loaded the cargo, if a load was overweight, unbalanced, or not tied down.
- A repair shop, if bad brake or tire work played a part.
- A parts maker, if a defective part failed.
Washington’s comparative fault rule splits responsibility among everyone at fault (RCW 4.22.005). Finding every responsible party can make a real difference in how much insurance is available.
Federal safety rules that often decide truck cases
Interstate trucking companies must follow federal rules. When they don’t, the records usually show it.
| Rule | What it says | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| 49 CFR 395.3 | Property-carrying drivers may drive up to 11 hours, only after 10 hours off duty | Tired drivers react slowly. Logs can prove a driver ran over the limit |
| 49 CFR 395.8 | Carriers must keep drivers’ duty records for 6 months | After that, the company may lawfully destroy them |
| 49 CFR 396.3 | Carriers must keep inspection and repair records, generally for 1 year | Missed brake or tire repairs show up here |
| 49 CFR 387.9 | Minimum insurance: $750,000 for general freight, $1 million for oil, up to $5 million for some hazardous materials | More coverage can mean a fairer recovery for serious injuries |
The records that prove a truck case can be gone in months. A letter asking the company to preserve them should go out early.
Fatigue is a common thread. Read about why commercial truck crashes are so dangerous.
Common kinds of truck crashes
- Jackknife crashes, when the trailer swings out on wet or icy roads. See jackknife crashes in Washington.
- Rear-end crashes. A heavy truck needs much more room to stop than a car.
- Wide-turn crashes, when a truck swings left before turning right and traps a car.
- Blind-spot crashes, during lane changes beside or behind the trailer.
- Underride crashes, when a car slides under the trailer. These are often deadly.
- Rollovers and lost loads, from speed on curves or cargo that shifted.
- Tire blowouts and brake failures, often traced to skipped maintenance.
Evidence we move to save
- The truck’s electronic logging device, which records driving and duty time.
- Engine and brake data, which can show speed and braking in the seconds before impact.
- Dash camera video, from the truck and from nearby businesses.
- Driver files: licensing, training, past violations, and drug and alcohol tests.
- Inspection and repair records for the truck and trailer.
- Dispatch and delivery records, which can show a schedule that pushed the driver too hard.
Read what to know about semi-truck crashes in Washington.
Injuries and results
Truck crashes cause some of the most serious injuries on the road: brain injuries, spinal and disc injuries, broken bones, and injuries that end careers. Some take a life.
- $9 million: a semi-truck hit a pedestrian. Settled in mediation.
- $2 million: a tractor-trailer crash caused a disc injury. Jury verdict.
Past results don’t guarantee future results. Every case is different.
Deadlines and special situations
| Situation | What applies |
|---|---|
| Most truck crash cases | File within 3 years (RCW 4.16.080) |
| A city or county truck, like a garbage or utility truck | File a claim form first, then wait 60 days (RCW 4.96.020) |
| You were working when the crash happened | L&I benefits, plus a possible claim against the truck’s owner or driver (RCW 51.24.030) |
| A family member died | See our wrongful death page |
Truck crash help in your city
We have local pages for truck crashes in Seattle, Bellevue, Tacoma, Everett, Kent, Redmond, Renton, Kirkland, and Federal Way. Each covers the freight routes, court, and claim offices there.
Talk to a Washington truck accident attorney
The trucking company already has people working on its side. Get someone on yours. The call is free. No Win, No Fee: if we don’t win, you owe us nothing. Call (425) 635-2000 or send us a message.
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 →Find help in your city
Common questions
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.
How much insurance does a semi-truck carry?
Federal rules require at least $750,000 for many interstate trucks hauling general freight, and more for oil and hazardous materials. Many companies carry more.
Can I sue the trucking company, not just the driver?
Often, yes. A company is usually responsible for a driver working for it, and it may also be at fault for its own choices, like hiring or maintenance.
How fast should I call a Washington truck accident lawyer?
As soon as you can. Some trucking records may be lawfully destroyed after six months, and engine data can be lost much sooner.
The trucking company's insurer called me. Should I talk?
Be careful. Don't give a recorded statement or sign anything until you've had advice. A free call with us costs nothing.
What if I was partly at fault?
Washington uses comparative fault. Your recovery is reduced by your share, not wiped out.
Talk to a lawyer today. The call is free. Call (425) 635-2000.
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