Updated on: 11/22/2019
A bicyclist was killed Sunday, May 6, after being hit by a box truck in Federal Way, according to Federal Way police. The incident occurred at 1700 South 320th Street just before noon.
Police said there were no signs that the driver of the box truck was impaired at the time of the collision. No further details are known at this time. The investigation is ongoing.
Why Are Box Trucks Dangerous?
When you see a box truck on the road, you probably don't give it a second thought. But these commercial vehicles pose a considerable risk to pedestrians, bicyclists and motorists, and because there are so many of these vehicles on the road, your odds of being in a collision with one are much greater than being in a semi truck accident. Whereas semi trucks rarely venture onto city streets and into neighborhoods, box trucks are everywhere.
Also known as a cube truck, cube van, rolling toaster or box van, a box truck is a chassis cab truck with an enclosed cuboid-shaped cargo area. On most box trucks, the cabin is separate to the cargo area, however some box trucks have a door between the cabin and the cargo area. Box trucks often have a garage-like rear door that rolls up. They are often used by companies transporting home appliances or furniture, or are used as moving trucks by individuals.
You're most likely to see a UPS truck, FedEx truck, or a rented U-Haul. All of these are companies that utilize box trucks.
Box trucks are dangerous for the following reasons:
- Size: As with any commercial vehicle or large truck, box trucks have a size and weight advantage over almost any vehicle on the road. The same type accident with a passenger vehicle is significantly more devastating with a box truck.
- Design: Box trucks have high sides, making them more likely to tip over on a sharp turn. In high winds, box trucks are susceptible to being pushed out of their lane and into a pedestrian, bicyclist or car.
- Blind spots: Whoever is driving a box truck should be aware of the blind spots, which are much larger than on a passenger vehicle. If the driver is distracted or doesn't have adequate mirrors on the box truck, he or she may not see a pedestrian or bicyclist in their path.
- Drivers: Box trucks don't require a Commercial Driver's License (CDL), so anyone can rent a moving truck or drive one for their job. Handling these trucks takes practice, and some inexperienced drivers may be distracted, lost or in a hurry while behind the wheel.
Losing A Loved One In A Fatal Truck Accident
Accidents involving box trucks, semi trucks and other commercial vehicles are often devastating and result in serious injuries or even death. Statistics show that about 67 percent of deaths in fatal truck accidents are occupants of passenger vehicles, pedestrians or bicyclists — not the truck drivers themselves.
If you have unexpectedly lost a loved one in a trucking accident, you're likely filled with questions. Why did this happen? Who is responsible? How can I pay these bills? At Davis Law Group, P.S., we believe you should focus on your family and the memory of your loved one in the aftermath of an accident. That requires putting your faith in an experienced team of legal professionals to handle the insurance companies, etc.
Attorney Chris Davis has nearly 25 years of experienced representing truck accident victims in Washington state. These cases are complex and require in-depth knowledge of the law. Davis Law Group can help you fight back against the trucking company, which will surely try and settle quickly for a low-ball amount.
Contact our office for a free case evaluation. Call (206) 727-4000, use the chat feature below or fill out the form on this page.
