What to Do After a Truck Accident in Washington

After a truck accident in Washington, immediately move to safety if possible and call 911 for emergency medical services and police. Then, document the scene, avoid discussing fault with anyone at the scene, seek immediate medical evaluation regardless of how you feel, and contact an experienced truck accident attorney as soon as possible. 

The massive size and weight of commercial trucks make these accidents particularly dangerous, requiring swift action to protect your health and legal rights. A qualified Seattle truck accident lawyer who understands commercial vehicle regulations can help you seek compensation. Here’s more information about what to do after a truck accident in Washington.

Immediate Safety Measures and Emergency Response

Your safety is the top priority following any truck accident in Washington. The sheer size and weight of these vehicles often cause severe damage and injuries, even in seemingly minor accidents.

Call 911 immediately to request emergency medical services and police response. Do not attempt to move seriously injured people unless they’re in immediate danger from fire or traffic. If you can move safely, get yourself and any passengers away from the roadway and out of traffic. 

Commercial trucks may be carrying hazardous materials that create additional safety risks, so maintain a safe distance from the accident scene while waiting for emergency responders.

Gather Evidence From the Scene

Thorough documentation becomes crucial in truck accident cases due to the complex liability issues and substantial damages typically involved. Insurance companies and trucking companies often have teams of investigators working to minimize their liability.

Photograph everything at the accident scene, including all vehicle damage, skid marks, road conditions, traffic control devices, and the overall accident area. Take pictures of the truck’s license plates, Department of Transportation numbers, and any company logos or identifying information.

Collect detailed information from all parties involved:

• Truck driver’s name, license information, and employer
• Trucking company name and contact information
• Insurance company details for all vehicles
• Names and contact information of witnesses
• Responding police officers’ names and badge numbers
• Any citations issued at the scene

Dealing with Commercial Insurance Companies

Commercial trucking insurance policies typically provide much higher coverage limits than standard auto insurance, often ranging from hundreds of thousands to millions of dollars. However, these substantial stakes mean insurance companies fight claims aggressively.

Avoid giving recorded statements to trucking company insurers without legal representation present. These companies often have experienced adjusters and attorneys working immediately to minimize claims, and your statements can be used against you later.

Commercial insurers may try to settle quickly for amounts far below the true value of your claim. Truck accident injuries often require extensive medical treatment and may result in permanent disabilities that aren’t apparent immediately after the accident.

Avoid Discussing Fault

Washington State follows a “pure comparative negligence” standard. This standard means that if you share fault in the accident, your amount of compensation will be reduced by the percentage assigned. Sharing fault can deeply affect the amount of compensation you can get, and you may need every penny.

If the insurance company can present any kind of evidence that you may share some fault, they’ll use it against you to reduce how much you get paid. However, if you have representation, they can talk to the insurers on your behalf.

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Common Injuries After a Truck Accident in Washington

Traumatic brain injuries are common in truck accidents, particularly when vehicles are crushed or occupants are ejected. These injuries can have devastating long-term effects on cognitive function and quality of life.

Spinal cord injuries, including partial or complete paralysis, frequently occur due to the tremendous forces involved in truck collisions. These injuries often require lifetime medical care and can completely alter a victim’s ability to work and live independently.

Crush injuries and amputations may result when passenger vehicles become trapped under or between commercial trucks. These severe injuries typically require multiple surgeries and extensive rehabilitation.

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Federal and State Investigation Procedures

Serious truck accidents often trigger investigations by federal and state agencies, including the Washington State Patrol Commercial Vehicle Enforcement and potentially the National Transportation Safety Board for particularly severe accidents.

These investigations can provide valuable evidence for your case, but they may take months or years to complete. Meanwhile, you need immediate medical treatment and financial support while recovering from your injuries.

Parallel investigations by your attorney ensure that crucial evidence is preserved and analyzed promptly, while also taking advantage of any findings from official investigations that support your case.

Securing Experienced Legal Representation After a Washington Truck Accident

Contact our legal team immediately for a free consultation to discuss your truck accident case and protect your rights. The complexity of commercial vehicle regulations, multiple liable parties, and substantial damages make experienced legal representation essential from the very beginning.

We understand that being involved in a truck accident in Washington can completely change your life, creating catastrophic injuries, overwhelming medical expenses, and uncertainty about your family’s financial future. Our community-focused approach means we’re committed to fighting for our neighbors against powerful trucking companies and their insurers.

At Phillips Law Firm, we have extensive experience handling complex truck accident cases and understand the tactics used by commercial insurers to minimize claims. Contact us today to learn how we can help you.

Real People. Real Justice. (800) 708-6000