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Seattle Trucking Accident Attorneys

A majority of trucking companies in Washington state and across the U.S. have contracts with their insurers requiring that an adjuster or attorney for the insurance company be on the scene of any collision within two hours of the incident. Who will be on your side after a serious semi-truck accident? Contact attorney Chris Davis today to request a free consultation.

There are more than 500,000 trucking accidents in the United States each year, with many of those crashes resulting in serious bodily injury to motorists, passengers, and even the truck drivers themselves. These accidents are all too common in Washington state, as our heavy trucking activity makes for crowded roadways and an increased risk of collisions.

Semi-trucks and other commercial vehicles are much larger than the average passenger car, and these crashes often leave victims with serious injuries, costly medical bills, lost wages due to missed time at work, and other damages that impact their lives and financial future. Trucking insurance companies aggressively defend against injury claims and will often do whatever it takes to pay out as little as possible to the injured victim. It may be necessary to file a lawsuit in order for victims to recover fair compensation. Attorney Chris Davis has decades of experience handling serious truck accident cases and has recovered millions of dollars in compensation for his clients.

If you or a loved one has been seriously injured in an accident involving a semi-truck, 18-wheeler, tractor-trailer, or other commercial truck, contact attorney Chris Davis and the legal team at Davis Law Group today at (206) 727-4000 to schedule a free legal consultation.

top trucking accident attorney seattle

Top Trucking Accident Lawyers in Washington State

Attorney Chris Davis has been named one of the Top 10 Trucking Accident Lawyers in Washington State by the Trucking Trial Lawyers Association.

winning semi truck lawyer

He has also been received recognition from Top Verdict for having one of the top 50 largest semi truck accident settlements in the nation in 2018.

Because of his experience in handling truck accident claims, Mr. Davis' opinion is often featured by local and national news media covering trucking-related issues and incidents.

Semi Truck Accident Settlements & Verdicts

semi truck accident attorneyIn many ways, accident cases involving large commercial trucks are much more complicated than standard car accident claims. There is also a lot more at stake.

If you have been injured in a truck accident, make sure you work with an attorney like Chris Davis who has the experience, knowledge, and financial resources to handle the complications of a serious truck accident case. Potential challenges include:

  • Aggressive litigation. Because of the potentially catastrophic nature of a semi-truck accident, the damages are often high. The trucking companies and their insurance carriers have a lot to lose in these cases, and you can expect them to aggressively defend their position.
  • Complex laws and regulations. It takes many years to become knowledgeable in the rules and regulations that govern the trucking industry. Mr. Davis’ experience handling these claims has resulted in millions of dollars for our clients.
  • Multiple defendants. Many times there is more than one at-fault person or party in a semi-truck collision. Identifying all at-fault parties is key to maximizing your claim.
  • Expert witnesses. Most truck accident cases involve tremendous wreckage. Our attorneys have experience examining truck accident scenes and working with experts to bolster our clients’ cases.

The top-rated Seattle trucking accident attorneys at Davis Law Group have fought against many of the national trucking companies such as JB Hunt, Knight Transportation, Swift Transportation, and more. Attorney Chris Davis has also filed lawsuits against many regional truck companies in the Pacific Northwest for their negligent actions. 

Don’t wait to take action after a serious trucking accident. Put the attorneys at Davis Law Group on your case right away. Call us at (206) 727-4000 or contact us online and get started on the road to your recovery. We serve clients in Seattle and throughout the state of Washington. 

What You Can Recover In A Truck Accident Case

semi truck accident lawsuitIf you have been harmed in a truck accident in Washington state, we will strive to get you the money you need to be fully compensated for your injuries and your costs. These cases can be extremely costly and difficult to pursue without the expertise of a qualified personal injury attorney, so it is important to act quickly in order to protect your legal rights and interests.

The particulars of your individual case will determine what compensation is available, but generally, your recovery should include financial compensation for past, current, and future:

  • Medical expenses
  • Lost wages/earning capacity
  • Loss of essential services
  • Pain and suffering
  • Loss of consortium
  • Property damage
  • Out-of-pocket expenses

Davis Law Group will consider factors such as the extent of your injuries, your income prior to and following the accident, and the strength of the physical evidence to help determine what a fair recovery will be for you. We will waste no time going to bat for you and your family.

Common Causes Of Truck Crashes

semi truck accident lawyerSemi-trucks can weigh anywhere from 10,000 to 80,000 pounds, which puts regular commuters at a serious disadvantage when it comes to their overall safety. There are many causes for semi-truck accidents, but some of the most common causes are:

  • Distracted driving. Cell phone use behind the wheel is a major concern, and the problem is amplified when it applies to truck drivers.
  • Driver fatigue. Commercial vehicle operators have strict guidelines they must follow when it comes to hours behind the wheel. 
  • Drunk driving. Thousands of semi-truck accidents are caused each year by an intoxicated truck driver.
  • Drugged driving. Trucking companies almost always prohibit drivers from using drugs of any kind, but that often isn’t enough.
  • Backing up. A truck driver in reverse can be a dangerous situation, particularly for pedestrians.
  • Speeding. Trucks take a long time to slow down, and an out-of-control semi-truck can cause disastrous damage.
  • Unsecured loads. If a semi-truck loses its load, the driver and trucking company can be held responsible.
  • Blind spots. It’s difficult to see while behind the wheel of a semi-truck, but that is no excuse when an accident is caused.
  • Maintenance issues. Federal laws stipulate that commercial vehicles are in proper shape.
  • Traveling too fast for conditions. In adverse weather conditions, semi-truck drivers should be extremely cautious, more so than other drivers.
  • Improper turns. Dangerous maneuvers behind the wheel of a semi-truck can be fatal or extremely serious for other drivers.
  • Parking illegally. Truckers that pull over on the side of the road have a duty to make sure they do so in a safe fashion.

If you were injured in a truck accident due to one of the above actions, contact Davis Law Group as soon as possible to learn more about how we can help. 

Not All Trucking Accidents Are The Same

semi truck accident washington stateJust as there are many causes of trucking accidents, there are also many ways in which these wrecks occur. How the incident occurred and the type of accident may provide clues as to who was negligent in your crash. Also, there are special rules that apply in certain types of accidents. It’s important to know the details of your type of accident, which might include: 

  • Rollover accidents
  • Jackknife accidents
  • Underride Or Override Accidents
  • T-bone collisions
  • Head-on collisions
  • Left-turn accidents
  • Backing accidents
  • Hazardous cargo accidents
  • Abandoned truck accidents

These are the most common types of severe trucking crashes that occur on Washington roadways. Because these types of trucking crashes are so catastrophic, it is important to call an experienced semi-truck accident attorney immediately to protect your legal rights. Call (206) 727-4000.

Types of Truck Accident Injuries

Every trucking accident is different and there are many types of injuries, both minor and major. Unfortunately, when a truck is involved in a crash, the injuries are often major and life-changing. 

Your exact injury depends on the type of trucking crash that occurred, as well as many other factors. Your injury should be diagnosed by a medical professional immediately after an accident. To maximize your recovery, it is important that you’re aware of the following potential types of injuries and to discuss them with your medical provider:

  • Brain injuries
  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Broken bones
  • Burn injuries
  • Amputations
  • Respiratory injuries

Unfortunately, death is also a potential outcome of a serious trucking collision. If you have lost a loved one in a truck crash, your loved one’s estate may have the right to pursue a wrongful death claim.

Common Trucking Accident Legal Questions

An accident involving a large truck can leave you with a lot of questions. Davis Law Group believes you deserve answers to every single one of them. Despite the unique nature of these accidents and injuries, many of our clients ask us similar questions and we want you to know our answers. These questions include:

Free Legal Consultations For Victims of Trucking Accidents

The team of trucking accident lawyers at Davis Law Group is dedicated to helping you get the best possible result for your truck accident injury case, as we have for each and every one of our clients. If you or a loved one has been injured in a semi-truck accident in Washington state, it may be in your best interests to consult with an experienced trucking accident attorney in Seattle.

Don't trust your legal rights and financial future with just anyone else, hire the award-winning truck accident attorneys at Davis Law Group. We offer a free case review to all truck accident victims and our law firm works on a contingency fee basis, which means there are no up-front fees and you do not owe anything until we successfully resolve your case. Call our office at (206) 727-4000.

Common Trucking Safety Violations

392.16 Failing to use seat belt while operating a CMV
392.22(a) Failing to use hazard warning flashers
392.2C Failure to obey traffic control device
392.2FC Following too close
392.2-INAT Inattentive Driving
392.2LC Improper lane change
392.2LV Lane Restriction violation
392.2-ML Failure to Maintain Lane
392.2P Improper passing
392.2PK Unlawfully parking and/or leaving vehicle in the roadway
392.2-SLLS2 State/Local Laws - Speeding 6-10 miles per hour over the speed limit.
392.2-SLLS3 State/Local Laws - Speeding 11-14 miles per hour over the speed limit.
392.2-SLLS4 State/Local Laws - Speeding 15 or more miles per hour over the speed limit.
392.2-SLLSWZ State/Local Laws - Speeding work/construction zone.
392.2-SLLT State/Local Laws - Operating a CMV while texting
392.2T Improper turns
392.80(a) Driving a commercial motor vehicle while Texting
392.82(a)1 Using a hand-held mobile telephone while operating a CMV
397.13 Smoking within 25 ft of HM vehicle
397.3 State/local laws ordinances regulations
383.23(a)(2) Operating a CMV without a CDL
383.51A-NSIN Driving a CMV while CDL is suspended for a non-safety-related reason and in the state of driver's license issuance.
383.51A-SIN Driving a CMV while CDL is suspended for a safety-related or unknown reason and in state of driver's license issuance.
391.11(b)(4) Driver not physically qualified
391.45(b) Expired medical examiner's certificate
392.5(a) Driver consuming an intoxicating beverage within 4 hours before operating a motor vehicle
392.5(a)(3) Driver having possession of alcohol while on duty, or operating, or in physical control of a CMV
392.22(b) Failure to place or improper placement of warning devices on the road surface
392.2WC Wheel (Mud) Flaps missing or defective
392.7(a) Driver failing to conduct pre-trip inspection
392.8 Failing to inspect/use emergency equipment
392.9 Driver may not operate a CMV without proper load securement
392.9(a)(1) Failing to secure cargo as specified in 49 CFR 393.100 through 393.142
392.9(a)(2) Failing to secure vehicle equipment
393.100(a) No or improper load securement
393.100(b) Leaking/spilling/blowing/falling cargo
393.100(c) Failure to prevent cargo shifting
393.102(a)(1)(ii) Insufficient means to prevent rearward movement
393.102(a)(1)(iii) Insufficient means to prevent lateral movement
393.104(a) Inadequate/damaged securement device/system
393.104(b) Damaged securement system/tiedowns
393.104(c) Damaged vehicle structures/anchor points
393.104(f)(1) Knotted tiedown
393.104(f)(3) Loose or unfastened tiedown.
393.11 No or defective lighting devices or reflective material as required
393.114(b)(2) Insufficient width for front-end structure
393.11LR No Lower rear retroreflective sheeting or reflex reflective materials as required for vehicles manufactured after December 1993
393.11N No retroreflective sheeting or reflex reflective materials as required for vehicles manufactured after December 1993
393.11RT Retroreflective material not affixed as required for trailers manufactured after December 1993
393.13 No/improper heavy vehicle/machine securement
393.13(c)(2) No Lower Rear retroreflective sheeting or reflex reflective material as required for vehicles manufactured before December 1993
393.13(c)(3) No Upper Rear retroreflective sheeting or reflex reflective material as required for vehicles manufactured before December 1993
393.19 Inoperative/Defective Hazard Warning Lamp
393.201(a) Frame cracked / loose / sagging / broken
393.201(b) Bolts securing cab broken/loose/missing
393.203(c) Hood not securely fastened
393.205(a) Wheel/rim cracked or broken
393.205(c) Wheel fasteners loose and/or missing
393.207(a) Axle positioning parts defective/missing
393.207(c) Leaf spring assembly defective/missing
393.207(f) Air suspension pressure loss
393.209(c) Loose steering column
393.209(d) Steering system components worn, welded, or missing
393.23 Required lamp not powered by vehicle electric
393.23PT All required lamps on towed vehicle inoperative due to no electrical connection
393.25(e) Lamp not steady burning
393.25(f) Stop lamp violations
393.28 Improper or no wiring protection as required
393.43(a) No/improper tractor protection valve
393.45 Brake tubing and hose adequacy
393.45(b)(2) Brake hose or tubing chafing and/or kinking
393.45B2PC Brake Hose or Tubing Chafing and/or Kinking - Connection to Power Unit
393.45B2UV Brake Hose or Tubing Chafing and/or Kinking Under Vehicle
393.45(d) Brake connections with leaks or constrictions
393.45DCPC Brake Connections with Constrictions - Connection to Power Unit
393.45DLPC Brake Connections with Leaks - Connection to Power Unit
393.45DLUV Brake Connections with Leaks Under Vehicle
393.45PC Brake Tubing and Hose Adequacy - Connections to Power Unit
393.45UV Brake Tubing and Hose Adequacy Under Vehicle
393.47(a) Inadequate brakes for safe stopping - Brake Lining condition
393.47(e) Clamp or Roto type brake out-of-adjustment
393.48(a) Inoperative/defective brakes
393.50(b) Failing to equip vehicle air brake system with adequate reserve capacity or reservoir
393.53(b) CMV manufactured after 10/19/94 has an automatic airbrake adjustment system that fails to compensate for wear
393.55(c)(2) CMV other than truck-tractor manufactured on or after March 1, 1998 not equipped with an antilock brake system.
393.55(d)(1) CMV not equipped with ABS malfunction circuit or signal (Truck-Tractor mfg on/after 3/1/1997; Straight Truck mfg on/after 3/1/1998)
393.55(d)(2) CMV manufactured on/after 3/1/2001 not equipped with ABS malfunction circuit / lamp from towed vehicle in cab.
393.55(d)(3) No or Defective ABS Malfunction Indicator for towed vehicles on vehicles manufactured after February 2001
393.55(e) No or Defective ABS Malfunction Indicator Lamp for trailer manufactured after 03/01/1998
393.60(c) Damaged or discolored windshield
393.60EWS Windshield - Obstructed
393.65(f) Improper fuel line protection
393.67(c)(7) Fuel tank fill pipe cap missing
393.70B1I Defective latching fasteners - Fasteners on either side of the vehicle are missing or ineffective
393.70(b)(2) Defective fifth wheel locking mechanism
393.70(d) No or improper safety chains or cables for full trailer
393.75(a) Flat tire or fabric exposed
393.75(a)(1) Tire-ply or belt material exposed
393.75(a)(2) Tire-tread and/or sidewall separation
393.75(a)(3) Tire-flat and/or audible air leak
393.75(a)(4) Tire-cut exposing ply and/or belt material
393.75(b) Tire-front tread depth less than 4/32 of inch on a major tread groove
393.75B-OOS Tire-front tread depth less than 2/32 of inch on a major tread groove
393.75(c) Tire-other tread depth less than 2/32 of inch measured in a major tread groove
393.75C-OOS Tire-other tread depth less than 1/32 of inch measured in 2 adjacent major tread grooves 3 separate locations 8 inches apart
393.75G-LOAD Weight carried exceeds tire load limit
393.75(h) Tire underinflated
393.78 Windshield wipers inoperative/defective
393.81 Horn inoperative
393.9 Inoperable Required Lamp
393.95(b) No spare fuses as required
393.9(a) Inoperative Brake Lamps
393.9H Inoperable head lamps
393.9T Inoperable tail lamp
393.9TS Inoperative turn signal
396.3(a)(1) Inspection, repair and maintenance of parts and accessories
396.3A1BC Brake-air compressor violation
396.3A1BD Brake-defective brake drum
396.3A1BL Brake system pressure loss
396.3(a)1BOS BRAKES OUT OF SERVICE: The number of defective brakes is equal to or greater than 20 percent of the service brakes on the vehicle or combination
396.3A1DSYE Drive Shaft Yoke Ends Cracked / Loose / Broken / Missing
 
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Chris Davis is the founder of Davis Law Group, P.S. in Seattle, WA.

Client Review of Davis Law Group, P.S.

Law Firm Review, Vehicle Accident Case
Davis Law Group, P.S.
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Our experience with the Davis Law Group was positive from the first moment we consulted with Chris Davis. Chris Davis was attentive, thorough, and helpful throughout a very difficult time. Our paralegal was with us every step of the way with insight and compassion, always responding quickly and effectively with any questions or issues as they arose. I highly recommend the Davis Law Group.
Scott P.