Updated on: 2/4/2022
A crash between a minivan and a logging truck has left two people seriously injured near Arlington Wednesday.
According to reports, the collision took place on SR 530 at French Creek Road around 2 p.m. Wednesday. The two people in the minivan were sent to a local hospital, one in critical condition and the other in serious condition.
#Update Crews are hard at work trying to open a lane and @wsdot is on its way to assist with traffic control. Thank you for your patience and drive safe. pic.twitter.com/5If8hTLA6M
— Trooper Jacob Kennett (@wspd7pio) February 2, 2022
Details surrounding the factors that may have contributed to this accident are limited at this time. The Washington State Patrol is expected to conduct a thorough investigation into all potential contributing factors, which could provide more clarity on who was responsibile for the collision.
Aftermath of Commercial Vehicle Accidents
Because there are few details about the case, it is currently unclear who could be held legally liable for the accident. If the logging truck was found to be at-fault for the crash, the occupants of the van would have a few options for pursuing a legal claim against the truck driver.
Firstly, commercial vehicles, like semi-trucks, are held to a higher standard of care. Because their potential for damage is vastly higher, semi-trucks are responsible for driving with extra caution. When they cause an accident, the injuries tend to be much more severe, and so the required insurance on a commercial vehicle is more than what is required of an average vehicle.
In this case, since the semi-truck was transporting logs they also had a duty to ensure their load was secure. If it is found that the reason for the crash was because some logs had come loose and fell onto the road, the truck driver and the company could be held liable.
Contact an Attorney with Expereince Investigating Commercial Vehicle Crashes
There are many details to sort through in cases like this, and with the unknown liability and different regulations surrounding commercial vehicles, the victims should consult with an experienced logging truck accident attorney. They will be able to navigate the facts and determine how best to proceed with the case. Trucking companies and their insurance are notorious for doing everything possible to deny a legitimate claim, so the help and protection of an attorney can remove that burden from the victims and allow them to focus on recovery.
The award-winning team of trucking accident lawyers at Davis Law Group has been assisting accident victims for over twenty years. We offer free consultations to give people the information they need. If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in an accident, you can request a case review by using the chat or contact form on this page or by calling our office directly at (206) 727-4000.