After a trucking accident in Spokane, multiple parties may be legally responsible, including the driver, the trucking company, cargo shippers, manufacturers, or even government agencies. Washington’s comparative fault laws mean compensation can be reduced if you share part of the blame, but you may still recover damages. Knowing who can be sued is the first step in building a strong case and ensuring you receive fair compensation.
Truck Accidents in Spokane and the Pacific Northwest
Being involved in a trucking accident is overwhelming. These collisions can result in catastrophic injuries, extensive property damage, and financial hardship. Victims in Spokane often turn to a Spokane truck accident lawyer to understand who can be sued and what steps to take next.
At Gilbert Law Firm, our attorneys have decades of experience handling these cases. We guide clients through questions such as who pays medical bills after a truck accident and explain how pain and suffering is calculated in Washington accident cases. Our history of successful results shows how we fight for families impacted by serious crashes.
Communities near Spokane, including Country Homes and Green Bluff, also face risks from heavy truck traffic. If the crash involves a right-turn trucking accident or a collision with a commercial delivery truck where victims may wonder if they need a lawyer. Victims across Spokane County deserve strong advocacy.
Suing the Truck Driver
In many Spokane accidents, the driver is the first party considered liable. Negligence can take many forms, including distraction, impairment, or reckless driving. Our attorneys have handled cases involving fatigued drivers and other behaviors that put innocent people at risk.
Drivers are required to follow Washington traffic laws and federal trucking regulations. When they fail, they can be held personally responsible for damages.
Suing the Trucking Company
Trucking companies may also share liability. Employers sometimes pressure drivers to meet unrealistic delivery schedules or fail to properly supervise staff. Employer negligence can create dangerous conditions that lead directly to accidents.
Trucking companies can be responsible for:
- Hiring unqualified drivers
- Inadequate training programs
- Failing to maintain vehicles
- Overloading or improperly securing cargo
Cases involving unsecured loads or negligent drivers often expose systemic problems within trucking companies.
Suing Cargo Shippers and Vendors
Cargo shippers and vendors may be liable when they improperly load freight or pressure trucking companies to cut corners. Shifting cargo can cause trucks to jackknife, roll over, or spill hazardous materials onto Spokane roads.
Suing Manufacturers and Maintenance Providers
When equipment fails, liability may fall on the manufacturer or maintenance provider. Defective brakes, faulty tires, or other mechanical problems can cause catastrophic crashes. Victims often wonder about how long a truck accident lawsuit takes, and these cases may take additional time because manufacturers and suppliers are involved.
Comparative Fault in Washington
Washington follows a comparative fault system. This means damages may be reduced if a victim is found partially at fault, but recovery is still possible. For example, a victim may be awarded compensation minus the percentage of their responsibility.
Understanding comparative fault is critical when suing multiple parties. Courts may find that the driver, employer, and even a third party share liability. These rules also affect issues like who can be sued, medical expenses, and damages.
Why Legal Guidance Matters
Trucking companies and insurers have legal teams working to reduce payouts. Victims deserve strong representation to level the playing field. Many wonder if hiring a lawyer is necessary, but without one, it is easy to miss deadlines, lose evidence, or accept an unfair settlement.
Contact the Spokane, Washington Truck Accident Lawyers at Gilbert Law Firm
Knowing who to sue after a trucking accident is crucial, but identifying all responsible parties requires skill and experience. At Gilbert Law Firm, our attorneys have secured meaningful results for clients across Spokane and Washington.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a trucking accident in Spokane, Country Homes, Green Bluff, or another Washington community, schedule a consultation today through our contact page.
Frequently Asked Questions:
- Who can be sued after a truck accident in Spokane?
The driver, the trucking company, cargo shippers, manufacturers, and sometimes government agencies or other drivers may all be held liable. - Can I sue both the driver and the trucking company?
Yes. In many cases, both can share responsibility if company policies or poor supervision contributed to the driver’s negligence. - What if the cargo was not properly secured?
If shifting or falling cargo caused the crash, the cargo shipper or vendor responsible for loading the truck can be sued. - How does Washington’s comparative fault law affect my claim?
If you are partly at fault, your compensation is reduced by your percentage of responsibility, but you can still recover damages. - Can manufacturers be held responsible for truck accidents?
Yes. Defective truck parts, faulty brakes, or poor maintenance can create liability for manufacturers or maintenance providers. - Why should I contact a lawyer quickly after a trucking accident?
Early legal help ensures evidence is preserved, deadlines are met, and your case is built for the strongest possible outcome.
