Why Your Case Needs a Truck Accident Lawyer — Not a General Car Wreck Attorney

Understanding why hiring a truck accident lawyer matters begins with recognizing how different these cases are from typical car crashes. Commercial trucking claims involve federal regulations, multiple liable parties, and evidence that general personal injury attorneys may rarely encounter.

When a semi-truck collision occurs on I-90 near Spokane or along US-395 in Eastern Washington, the complexity exceeds what most car accident cases present. Trucking companies often dispatch rapid-response teams within hours of a crash. An attorney familiar with commercial vehicle litigation understands how to preserve critical evidence and identify all responsible parties before that opportunity disappears.

Key Takeaways for Truck Accident Lawyer Selection

• Washington follows a pure comparative fault system under RCW 4.22.005, making accurate fault allocation across multiple defendants essential.
• Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration regulations create standards of care that general car accident attorneys may not regularly encounter.
• Electronic Control Module (ECM) data from commercial trucks contains critical evidence that requires prompt preservation and proper interpretation.
• Trucking cases often involve multiple defendants, including the driver, motor carrier, maintenance companies, and cargo loaders.

Federal Regulations Create a Different Legal Landscape

Car accident claims typically involve state traffic laws and straightforward insurance coverage. Truck accident cases add an entire layer of federal regulations that govern how commercial carriers must operate their vehicles and manage their drivers.

Even when a truck is subject to federal regulations, Washington law controls injury claims arising from crashes in this state. State rules layer on top of FMCSA regulations, affecting liability, damages, and the statute of limitations.

FMCSA Rules Shape the Standard of Care

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration establishes comprehensive safety rules for the trucking industry. These regulations cover driver qualifications, vehicle maintenance, cargo securement, and hours of service.

An attorney who regularly handles trucking cases understands how to use these regulations as evidence of negligence. Violations of FMCSA rules may help establish that a driver or carrier breached their duty of care.

Hours-of-Service Violations Require Specific Knowledge

Federal law limits commercial drivers to 11 hours of driving after 10 consecutive hours off duty. Drivers must also take mandatory rest breaks during their shifts.

Proving hours-of-service violations requires understanding how to obtain and interpret Electronic Logging Device (ELD) records. These digital logs replaced paper records and now provide detailed tracking of driver activity.

Evidence in Trucking Cases Demands Focused Knowledge

The evidence available in commercial truck crashes differs substantially from what exists in typical car accidents. Knowing what to request and how to preserve it often determines whether a claim succeeds.

Black Box Data Requires Prompt Action

Commercial trucks contain an Electronic Control Module (ECM), often called the truck’s black box. This device records speed, braking patterns, engine performance, and other data from the moments before a crash.

ECM data may overwrite itself or become inaccessible if the truck returns to service. An attorney familiar with trucking litigation knows to send preservation demands immediately after a collision.

Driver Qualification Files Reveal Hiring Practices

Motor carriers must maintain detailed records about each driver they employ. These driver qualification files contain:

• Driving history and previous violations that were documented before hiring
• Medical certification records showing fitness to operate commercial vehicles
• Drug and alcohol testing results required by federal law
• Training documentation and safety performance reviews

Accessing these files may reveal whether a trucking company engaged in negligent hiring or supervision. This evidence may strengthen your claim against the motor carrier directly.

Trucking Companies Respond Quickly After Crashes

Commercial carriers understand the stakes involved in serious collision claims. Many maintain rapid-response protocols that activate within hours of an accident, and this reality affects how victims must approach their own cases.

Corporate Investigation Teams Deploy Immediately

Large trucking companies often send investigators to crash scenes before injured victims have even left the hospital. These teams photograph evidence, interview witnesses, and begin building the carrier’s defense.

This quick response creates an information imbalance. Victims who wait weeks to consult an attorney may find that key evidence has already been shaped by the defense team’s early involvement.

Spoliation Letters Prevent Evidence Destruction

Federal regulations only require motor carriers to retain certain records for specific time periods. Once those periods pass, companies may legally destroy maintenance logs, driver communications, and other evidence.

A spoliation letter formally demands that a trucking company preserve all evidence related to a crash. This letter should specifically demand preservation of black box data, driver qualification files, dispatch communications, maintenance logs, inspection certificates, and internal company policies. A tailored letter increases the likelihood that critical evidence is retained.

Multiple Defendants Increase Case Complexity

Car accidents typically involve one or two liable parties. Truck accident cases often include several potential defendants whose actions contributed to the collision. Identifying all responsible parties helps you pursue compensation from every available source, potentially increasing your total compensation.

The following parties may bear liability in a Washington truck wreck:

• The truck driver for direct negligence such as distraction or fatigue
• The motor carrier for negligent hiring, supervision, or hours-of-service pressure
• Maintenance contractors for improper repairs or inspection failures
• Freight brokers for selecting carriers with poor safety records
• Cargo loaders for improper securement that caused shifting loads

Each defendant typically carries separate insurance coverage. An attorney who is familiar with trucking cases knows how to investigate each link in the chain of liability.

Insurance Coverage Operates Differently

Commercial trucking insurance differs from standard auto policies in both scope and complexity. Federal regulations require higher coverage limits, but accessing that coverage often proves more challenging than dealing with personal auto insurers.

Higher Policy Limits Attract Greater Defense Resources

Federal regulations require motor carriers to maintain at least $750,000 in liability coverage for most commercial vehicles, with higher requirements for hazardous cargo and larger trucks. Washington State may impose additional coverage requirements depending on the vehicle and cargo.

These larger policies mean insurance companies invest more resources in defending claims. Commercial insurers assign experienced defense teams to truck accident cases. An attorney who regularly handles trucking litigation understands the tactics these teams employ and how to respond effectively.

Multiple Policies May Apply to One Crash

When several defendants share liability, multiple insurance policies may provide coverage for the same collision. Coordinating claims against the driver’s policy, the carrier’s policy, and any third-party maintenance contractor’s coverage requires understanding how commercial insurance structures operate.

FAQ for Truck Accident Lawyers

How Soon After a Crash Must I Contact an Attorney?

Evidence in trucking cases begins disappearing quickly. ECM data may overwrite, and document retention periods start running immediately. Consulting an attorney within days rather than weeks helps preserve critical evidence that might otherwise vanish.

What Is the Deadline for Filing a Truck Accident Claim in Washington?

Most Washington personal injury and truck accident claims must be filed within three years of the crash under RCW 4.16.080. Waiting too long may bar your claim, even when liability is clear.

What If the Trucking Company Already Contacted Me?

Insurance adjusters and company representatives often reach out to injured victims shortly after a crash. Speaking with an attorney before providing recorded statements or signing documents helps you protect your interests during these early communications.

How Do I Know If an Attorney Handles Trucking Cases Regularly?

Ask about their experience with FMCSA regulations, ECM data interpretation, and multi-defendant liability claims. An attorney who handles trucking cases frequently understands the unique demands these claims present.

Let Us Fight for Fair Compensation

Truck accident cases demand investigation skills and regulatory knowledge that go beyond typical car accident claims. Fannin Litigation Group helps injured people throughout Spokane and Eastern Washington navigate the complexity of commercial trucking litigation.

Attorney Pat Fannin and team offer free consultations to evaluate your situation and explain your options. Fees come from any recovery on a contingency basis, never from your pocket upfront. Call (509) 328-8204 or visit our contact page to schedule your consultation today.