Truck accidents in Spokane and throughout Washington can cause severe injuries, financial strain and complex legal challenges. This blog explains the leading causes of truck accidents, the types of injuries they cause, the steps to take immediately after a crash and the legal deadlines that affect your claim. It also shows why working with an experienced Spokane truck accident lawyer can help protect your rights, recover evidence and secure fair compensation.
Truck Accidents in Spokane and Washington
Commercial trucks are essential to Washington’s economy but they also pose major hazards on roads in and around Spokane. Highways such as I-90, US-2 and State Route 27 carry heavy truck traffic every day. A fully loaded tractor-trailer can weigh far more than a passenger vehicle, making it especially destructive in a crash. The Spokane truck accident lawyer team at Gilbert Law Firm works to hold negligent drivers, trucking companies and maintenance providers accountable for the harm they cause.
Serious truck accidents also occur on rural stretches of highway where high speeds and limited visibility increase risk. Victims in these areas face unique challenges, including fewer nearby medical facilities and more complicated crash scenes. Gilbert Law Firm helps families in these areas navigate insurance claims, medical bills and legal deadlines after devastating collisions.
As a car accident lawyer, our firm also helps victims of pedestrian accidents and motorcycle crashes. This broad experience gives us insight into the tactics insurance companies use to minimize payouts and how to counter them effectively.
Leading Causes of Truck Accidents
Learning about the top causes of truck accidents helps victims and their families understand who may be liable and how accidents could have been prevented. Among the most common causes are:
- Driver fatigue: Federal regulations limit how long truckers can drive without rest but violations still occur. Fatigue reduces reaction time and decision-making ability, leading to preventable crashes.
- Speeding and aggressive driving: Large vehicles need longer stopping distances and speeding magnifies the impact force.
- Improperly secured loads: Shifting cargo can destabilize a trailer or spill onto the roadway.
- Mechanical failures: Brake failures, tire blowouts and steering issues often stem from neglected maintenance or defective parts.
- Negligent or impaired driving: Distraction, alcohol or drug use can devastate other drivers and pedestrians.
Truck driver error can also occur during specific maneuvers. For example, misunderstanding who has the right of way during a turn is a common factor in serious collisions.
For families facing loss, wrongful death lawyers help pursue accountability from the parties responsible.
Types of Injuries Caused by Truck Collisions
Because of the size and weight of commercial trucks, even a low-speed crash can result in catastrophic harm. Common injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Severe internal bleeding or organ damage
- Spinal cord trauma, paralysis or long-term nerve damage
- Multiple fractures and amputations
- Post-traumatic stress disorder and other emotional injuries
Victims often need ongoing rehabilitation, adaptive equipment and long-term medical care. Understanding how much your truck accident case is worth can help plan for these costs and negotiate a fair settlement.
Steps to Take After a Truck Accident
If you are involved in a truck accident, taking the right steps immediately can protect both your health and your claim:
- Call emergency services so law enforcement can secure the scene and create an official report.
- Seek medical attention right away to document injuries and begin treatment promptly.
- Preserve evidence: Take photographs of vehicle damage, road conditions and any visible injuries.
- Collect witness information to strengthen your case later.
- Consult an attorney experienced in trucking cases to explore your legal options.
Many people wonder whether they really need legal help after a truck accident. Knowing when to hire a lawyer after a wreck with a commercial truck can help protect evidence, strengthen your case and improve your chances of receiving fair compensation.
Knowing who can be sued after a trucking accident is critical because liability may extend to multiple parties, such as drivers, trucking companies, maintenance crews or parts manufacturers.
Understanding Legal Deadlines
In Washington, filing deadlines known as statutes of limitation determine how long you have to bring a personal injury claim after a vehicle accident. Under RCW 4.16.080 most truck accident victims have three years from the date of the crash to file a lawsuit.
If the injured person is a minor or legally incompetent at the time of the crash, the countdown usually starts once they turn 18 or regain competency. If an injury is not discovered right away, the time limit may begin when it is diagnosed or reasonably should have been discovered.
Missing these deadlines can bar you from recovering damages and can also lead to loss of vital evidence. Acting quickly with an experienced attorney helps protect your rights and ensures your claim is filed correctly and on time.
Why Legal Representation Matters
Truck accident cases require deep knowledge of both state and federal transportation laws. They often involve retrieving black box data, driver logs and maintenance records to prove negligence. The right legal team can coordinate medical experts, accident reconstruction specialists and financial professionals to show the full impact of your injuries.
Speak with a Spokane Truck Accident Lawyer
If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident in Spokane or elsewhere in Washington, you do not have to face the aftermath alone. Gilbert Law Firm provides comprehensive support for victims of commercial vehicle collisions.
You can contact Gilbert Law Firm today to schedule a consultation and learn more about your options for recovery.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What should I do immediately after a truck accident in Spokane?
Call emergency services, get medical attention, collect evidence at the scene and consult an experienced truck accident lawyer as soon as possible.
- How long do I have to file a truck accident claim in Washington?
Most victims have three years from the date of the accident to file a lawsuit, but special circumstances can change this deadline.
- Who can be held responsible for a truck accident?
Potentially liable parties include the truck driver, the trucking company, maintenance contractors, cargo loaders and parts manufacturers.
- What types of compensation are available after a truck accident?
You may be entitled to recover medical expenses, lost wages, rehabilitation costs, pain and suffering and property damage.
- Why are truck accidents more dangerous than car accidents?
Their size and weight increase stopping distances and impact forces, which often leads to more serious injuries and property damage.
- Do I need a lawyer for a truck accident claim in Washington?
Working with a lawyer can help preserve evidence, manage insurance negotiations and strengthen your case to improve your chances of fair compensation.
