Washington Trucking Accident Frequently Asked Questions

• What makes a truck accident different from a car accident?
• Who can be sued as the result of a truck accident?
• Are there specific federal or Washington state laws regarding truck drivers?
• What are common causes of truck accidents?
• What should I do if I am involved in a truck accident?
• Do trucking companies have specific insurance requirements?
• Can I get my case evaluated by a competent Washington truck accident attorney?

What Makes a Truck Accident Different From a Car Accident?

Commercial trucks or big rigs are generally vehicles weighing more than 8,000 lbs., including cargo. As trucks can get up to nearly 80,000 lbs, they can be extremely hazardous on our roadways, and cause devastating accidents. Truck drivers and trucking companies are required to follow a very specific set of rules regarding training and operating such large vehicles, and when these rules are broken, accidents can happen. These comercial trucking accidents can be far more destructive than collisions between small vehicles and can be caused by a host of factors specific to large trucks. Learn more about truck accident injuries and wrongful death.

Who Can be Sued as the Result of a Truck Accident?

There are a number of entities that can contribute to an accident involving a large truck. These can include the truck driver himself, the company he/she works for, and other drivers on the road. If the truck itself had defective equipment, the driver exceeded hours of service requirements, or the driver was negligent in his operation of the vehicle, all of these would factor in to who can ultimately be sued. Learn more about reconstructing truck accidents to prove fault, or contact a Washington truck accident attorney at the firm of Phillips Webster and we will review your case.

Are There Specific Federal or Washington Atate Laws Regarding Truck Drivers?

Yes. Washington State has several laws that differ from federal trucking laws. These include hours of service requirements and the minimum age allowable for Washington truck drivers. In some cases, Washington trucking laws are more strict than federal laws, and in other cases, they are more lenient. Find a detailed overview of federal and WA state trucking laws.

What are Common Causes of Truck Accidents?

Some common causes of truck accidents include driver negligence (i.e. speeding, driving while under the influence, not ensuring safe enough distance between vehicles, etc.), hazardous weather conditions, and driver fatigue. A host of factors can contribute to tragic accidents involving large trucks. Learn more about the common causes of WA truck accidents.

What Should I do if I am Involved in a Truck Accident?

Though many people are understandably shaken, or perhaps even incapacitated in the immediate aftermath of a truck accident, it is important to know certain things you should do if you are ever involved in one. Ensuring the safety of all those involved is the number one priority, which includes seeking medical attention immediately. Victims should report the accident to the authorities as soon as possible, and should collect certain pieces of information from others involved, or witness to, the accident. A Seattle trucking accident attorney at our firm has provided you with a detailed outline of what to do if you are involved in a truck accident.

Do Trucking Companies Have Specific Insurance Requirements?

Yes. Federal laws require commercial freight vehicles to carry a minimum amount of liability coverage, which, in many cases, is in the millions of dollars. Learn more about WA trucking accidents and insurance.

How Can I Get My Case Evaluated by a Competent Washington Truck Accident Attorney?

Contact a Seattle truck accident lawyer at the offices of Phillips Webster through our e-mail contact form. An experienced truck accident lawyer will review your case free of charge.