Kitsap County Jury Awards $30.17 Million Verdict to Deputy Amputee – Read More
Kitsap County Jury Awards $30.17 Million Verdict to Deputy Amputee – Read More
Davis Law Group secured a confidential settlement for a married couple who survived one of the most widely reported infrastructure failures in Washington history: the collapse of the I-5 Skagit River Bridge. Both clients suffered life-altering physical injuries and lasting emotional trauma when an oversized commercial truck load struck the bridge and dropped a section of it into the river below, taking their vehicle with it.
The couple came to attorney Chris Davis and the team of truck accident lawyers at Davis Law Group facing disputed liability, multiple defendants, and complex engineering questions. After three years of litigation, the firm resolved the case with a confidential settlement that gave the couple financial security after a traumatic and life-changing event.
On the evening of May 23, 2013, our clients were driving southbound on I-5 through Skagit County. As they approached the bridge, they noticed that the commercial load on the truck ahead of them looked too tall to clear the bridge structure safely.
Their concern was justified. The oversized load struck the overhead truss, and within seconds the bridge gave way beneath them. A section dropped into the Skagit River, and their vehicle went with it.
As the car filled with water, the husband, despite a dislocated shoulder, freed his unconscious wife, moved her to safety, and kept them both above the rising water until rescue crews reached them roughly 90 minutes later. They survived, but the experience changed their lives.
The collapse traced back to an oversized commercial load that failed to clear the bridge safely despite permit requirements. Davis Law Group’s investigation showed that the load struck the overhead truss and that additional negligent acts contributed to the structural failure.
Cases like this turn on proving exactly how and why the failure happened. Our team used accident reconstruction, engineering analysis, expert testimony, and extensive document review to establish what went wrong and which parties were responsible.
From the start, this was a difficult case. It involved multiple injured claimants, several defendants, disputed permits, complicated engineering, and liability that the defense fought hard at every stage.
The defendants disputed responsibility throughout the litigation. In response, the firm assembled a group of medical professionals and expert witnesses to prove both liability and the full scope of the couple’s injuries and future needs. That evidence made the settlement possible.
The collapse left both clients with significant injuries that required extensive medical care.
The husband sustained orthopedic injuries, including a shoulder dislocation, along with a concussion. The wife suffered a serious traumatic brain injury and significant internal injuries that required prolonged hospitalization and ongoing treatment.
The harm went beyond the physical. Years later, crossing bridges still triggered panic attacks and severe anxiety for both of them. In a region where daily life depends on bridges and ferries, that trauma became a permanent part of their routine. Even ordinary travel reminded them of one of the most frightening experiences a person can survive.
Victims of a catastrophic truck accident can pursue compensation well beyond immediate medical bills. In a case like this, recoverable damages can include:
The value of any claim depends on the specific injuries, the strength of the liability evidence, and the long-term effect on the victim’s life. Because this settlement is confidential, we cannot disclose the amount.
After three years of aggressive litigation, attorney Chris Davis guided the case to a confidential settlement for the couple. He pushed the case forward at every stage and secured a resolution that gave his clients financial stability after a traumatic event.
Confidential settlements are common in complex, high-value cases. The terms, including the amount, stay private by agreement between the parties. What we can share is the outcome: a resolution that let two survivors move forward.
For more on the facts behind this case and the legal battle that followed, watch Episode One of The True Claims Podcast. Veteran journalist Eric Johnson sits down with attorney Chris Davis to discuss the Skagit River Bridge collapse, the firm’s investigation, and how the case was resolved.
Who is liable when an oversized truck load causes a bridge to collapse?
Liability can extend to the trucking company, the driver, the party that arranged or permitted the oversized load, and others whose negligence contributed to the failure. Proving it takes accident reconstruction and engineering analysis to show how the load caused the collapse and which parties were at fault.
Can you sue a trucking company for a bridge collapse in Washington?
Yes. When a commercial truck or its load causes a crash or a structural failure, injured victims can bring a claim against the trucking company and other at-fault parties for their injuries and losses.
How long do I have to file a truck accident claim in Washington?
The statute of limitations for most personal injury claims in Washington is three years from the date of injury (RCW 4.16.080), though exceptions can apply. Contact an attorney quickly so evidence can be preserved.
Why doesn’t this case result list a settlement amount?
The settlement is confidential. The parties agreed to keep the terms, including the amount, private. We can describe the case and the outcome, but not the figure.
Do I still have a case if the other side disputes fault?
Often, yes. Defendants in serious truck accident cases regularly dispute liability. Strong cases are built on evidence: accident reconstruction, expert testimony, and thorough investigation. Disputed liability is a reason to hire an experienced firm, not a reason to give up.
If you or a family member was hurt in a truck accident or another catastrophic collision in Washington, Davis Law Group can help. Our team handles complex, high-stakes cases with disputed liability and serious injuries.
Contact us online or call (206) 727-4000 to schedule a free consultation. We are available 24/7, and you pay no fee unless we recover for you.
Attorney at Law Magazine featured Chris Davis on the cover of the inaugural issue of the publication’s National Edition.
read articleOffice Hours:
24 hours/day. 7 days/week.
Phone:
Contact Us
Complete this CONFIDENTIAL form or call 206-727-4000 for a FREE consultation.