Davis Law Group Receives Seattle Business Magazine’s ‘Best Companies to Work For’ Award Learn More
Davis Law Group Receives Seattle Business Magazine’s ‘Best Companies to Work For’ Award Learn More
Truck accidents are often serious, and determining who is responsible can become complicated—especially when different state and federal laws apply. In Washington State, one key factor in any trucking accident case is whether the truck was operating as an interstate or intrastate vehicle.
These two terms may sound similar, but they have very different meanings and can affect how your case is handled. Let’s break down what they mean, why they matter, and how they can impact a trucking accident claim in Washington.
Interstate trucking refers to the transportation of goods or passengers across state lines by a truck or trucking company. That could mean traveling from Washington to Oregon, or even just delivering cargo that originated in another state and ultimately ends up in Washington.
Because these trucks operate across state lines, they’re primarily regulated by federal law through the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). These rules cover aspects such as the maximum duration a driver can stay on the road without rest, the frequency of vehicle inspections, and the requirements for tracking driving hours.
Intrastate trucking, on the other hand, happens entirely within Washington State. A truck that only operates within state borders, picking up and delivering goods, is considered intrastate.
Intrastate trucking companies follow Washington State laws instead of federal ones. These include registration, insurance, and safety rules under Revised Code of Washington (RCW) 46.16A.030, which requires commercial vehicles to be properly licensed and identifiable. This helps authorities track and regulate in-state trucking operations.
Interstate and intrastate trucking companies have different insurance requirements, which can significantly impact accident victims.
Federal law requires interstate carriers to carry at least $750,000 in liability coverage, depending on the type of cargo. In contrast, Washington State sets its own minimums for intrastate carriers.
This means the amount of insurance available to cover your injuries may vary depending on whether the truck was crossing state lines or staying within Washington.
Whether a truck operates inside or outside Washington, accidents often occur because companies or drivers fail to follow important safety rules.
Common violations include:
Each of these can cause or worsen an accident. If investigators find that the trucking company broke state or federal safety rules, that violation can play a significant role in determining who’s at fault.
Investigations differ depending on whether the truck is interstate or intrastate.
For interstate accidents, investigators often review federal driver logs and electronic logging devices (ELDs) to confirm compliance with FMCSA rules. For intrastate accidents, evidence might include local inspection reports, Washington State Patrol findings, or documents filed with the Washington Utilities and Transportation Commission (WUTC).
The goal is to determine whether the driver or company failed to comply with the rules applicable to their type of operation.
If you’re involved in a crash with a commercial truck, take these steps to protect yourself and preserve evidence:
Taking these steps ensures you have the correct information to identify which laws may apply to your case.
Were you injured in a trucking accident in Washington? Whether the truck was operating intrastate or interstate could significantly impact your legal options. Understanding how state and federal laws apply is crucial when seeking compensation for your injuries.
If you’ve been injured in Seattle, WA, and need legal assistance, contact Davis Law Group Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers. Contact our legal team and schedule a free consultation with a truck accident lawyer today. We proudly serve King County in Washington and its surrounding areas. Visit our law office at:
Davis Law Group Car Accident and Personal Injury Lawyers
2101 4th Ave 1030 Seattle, WA 98121
(206) 727 4000
Hours: Open 24/7
Office Hours:
24 hours/day. 7 days/week.
Phone:
Contact Us
Complete this CONFIDENTIAL form or call 206-727-4000 for a FREE consultation.
