Tacoma Truck Accident Lawyer
Help After a Serious Semi-Truck or Commercial Vehicle Crash
The trucking company’s insurance adjuster may call you within 24 hours of the crash, sometimes before you have even left the hospital. What you say in that first conversation can be used later to deny your claim or reduce what your case is worth. Before you talk to anyone, it helps to understand what you are dealing with. If you were injured in a crash involving a semi-truck, tractor-trailer, or delivery truck in Tacoma or Pierce County, you are likely facing more than vehicle damage. Truck collisions often cause serious injuries, long recovery timelines, and immediate pressure from insurance companies.
Our firm represents people injured in serious truck accidents throughout Tacoma and Western Washington. We investigate liability, preserve critical evidence, and handle communication with trucking companies and insurers so you can focus on recovery. Attorney Michael Clark has practiced in Washington for over 25 years, and our team is known for being responsive during difficult recoveries. We work on a contingency fee basis. There is no fee unless we recover for you.
Truck Accident Cases Are Different From Car Accidents
Crashes involving large commercial trucks are not just “bigger car accidents.” They are more complex, more aggressively defended, and often higher stakes.
Commercial trucks can weigh up to 40 tons when fully loaded. The force involved in a collision with a passenger vehicle dramatically increases the risk of traumatic brain injuries, spinal damage, internal injuries, and wrongful death.
Truck accident cases also involve multiple layers of responsibility. Beyond the driver, there may be a motor carrier, a separate trailer owner, a freight broker, a maintenance contractor, or a cargo loading company involved. Each may carry separate insurance coverage and legal responsibility.
Another major difference is insurance coverage. Many trucking companies carry policies in the hundreds of thousands or millions of dollars, while standard car insurance policies can be far lower. Higher coverage does not guarantee a fair outcome. It often means the defense fights harder.
Important evidence can also disappear quickly. Electronic logs, black box data, dispatch records, and inspection history may not be preserved unless action is taken early.
Trucking in Tacoma and Pierce County
Tacoma is a major freight corridor. Commercial traffic regularly moves through:
- Interstate 5
- State Route 16
- State Route 167
- Highway 512
- Industrial routes connected to the Port of Tacoma
Heavy truck traffic combined with congestion, construction zones, and complex merges increases the likelihood of serious crashes. The I-5 / 512 interchange, port freight routes, and high-volume industrial traffic are common areas where serious collisions occur.
Local context matters when reconstructing what happened, identifying responsible parties, and proving negligence.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents
Truck crashes often stem from preventable negligence, including:
- Driver fatigue and hours-of-service violations
- Distracted driving
- Speeding or unsafe following distance
- Improper lane changes or blind spot violations
- Overloaded or improperly secured cargo
- Brake or tire failures due to poor maintenance
- Inadequate driver training or supervision
- Impaired driving
Identifying the root cause matters because it determines who can be held responsible and what evidence needs to be preserved.
Who May Be Liable in a Truck Accident Case
Liability in commercial truck collisions may extend far beyond the driver. Depending on the facts, responsible parties can include:
- The truck driver
- The trucking company or motor carrier
- The owner of the tractor or trailer
- A freight broker or logistics company
- The company that loaded the cargo
- A maintenance or repair contractor
- A manufacturer of defective truck components
Trucking companies and insurers often try to assign blame quickly. In Washington, comparative fault can affect the value of a claim. That makes a thorough investigation especially important.
Evidence We Move Quickly to Preserve
Truck cases are often won and lost on evidence most people do not know exists.
Commercial carriers operate under federal regulations, including the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR). That means there may be detailed records available after a crash.
But some records are only kept for a limited time. In certain situations, data may be overwritten or destroyed within months. If no one acts quickly, ELD data showing hours-of-service violations, dispatch records showing delivery pressure, and maintenance logs showing known brake problems can disappear.
Important evidence can include:
- Event data recorder or “black box” information
- Electronic logging device (ELD) records
- Driver qualification files
- Dispatch communications
- Maintenance and inspection reports
- Post-collision drug and alcohol testing
- Dash camera footage
- Cargo and weight documentation
- Police reports and witness statements
If that evidence is not preserved, the trucking company may be able to control the narrative of what happened.
What Happens After You Call Our Office
If you contact us about a truck accident, the first goal is to protect your claim and reduce the burden on you.
In many cases, early steps include:
- Having you speak with an attorney about what happened and what you are dealing with medically
- Identifying potential responsible parties beyond the driver
- Sending a preservation (spoliation) letter to help prevent destruction of key trucking records
- Starting the process of obtaining crash reports, witness statements, and available video
- Handling communications with the trucking company and its insurance carrier
As your medical treatment continues, we also work to document wage loss, future care needs, and the long-term impact of your injuries.
You do not need to have everything figured out before you call. The consultation is a way to get clarity and understand your options.
Injuries Common in Truck Collisions
Truck accidents frequently result in injuries that can change a person’s life. The height and weight difference between commercial vehicles and passenger cars is one reason truck collisions are more likely to cause traumatic brain injuries, spinal injuries, and multi-site orthopedic trauma.
Common injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries and concussions
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Neck and back injuries
- Broken bones and orthopedic trauma
- Internal organ damage
- Burns and permanent scarring
In the most severe cases, families may be dealing with a wrongful death.
Compensation in a Washington Truck Accident Case
Under Washington law, you can pursue compensation for losses such as:
- Medical expenses
- Future medical care and rehabilitation
- Lost wages
- Reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Permanent disability or disfigurement
In wrongful death cases, certain family members may pursue damages related to the loss of their loved one.
Washington generally does not allow punitive damages in personal injury cases except in limited statutory situations. Most truck accident claims focus on compensatory damages designed to account for what the injury has taken from your health, your work, and your daily life.
Know the Law: Washington Truck Accident Claims
Truck accident cases involve both Washington injury law and federal trucking regulations.
Understanding trucking rules can mean the difference between a denied claim and a full recovery. Our Know the Law guide explains the FMCSR violations that most commonly cause serious crashes, what evidence matters, and how fault is determined under Washington law.
Visit our Know the Law: Truck Accidents guide.
What To Do After a Truck Accident
If you were involved in a truck collision, the steps you take early can affect your health and your case.
- Seek medical attention immediately, even if symptoms feel manageable at first.
- Avoid giving a recorded statement to the trucking company’s insurer without legal guidance.
- Do not sign medical or employment releases sent by the insurance carrier. These releases often give the insurer access to your entire medical history, which may be used to argue your injuries were pre-existing or unrelated.
- Preserve photos, contact information for witnesses, and any documentation related to the crash.
- Keep records of medical visits, missed work, and out-of-pocket expenses.
- Avoid posting about the crash or your injuries on social media.
Who We Represent in Tacoma Truck Accident Cases
If you are unsure whether you have a case, a consultation can help you understand your options. Our firm represents people injured in truck crashes, including:
Drivers & Passengers
Motorcyclists
Pedestrians
Cyclists
Why Work With Our Tacoma Truck Accident Attorneys
Truck accident claims require a different approach than standard auto cases. They often involve larger insurance policies, multiple responsible parties, and complex evidence.
We focus on building cases with strong foundations. Depending on the facts, that may include:
- Identifying all potentially liable parties (not just the driver)
- Taking early steps to preserve critical records
- Reviewing logbooks, ELD data, and inspection history when available
- Documenting the full medical and financial impact of the injury
- Handling insurer communications and settlement negotiations
- Preparing cases thoroughly, not just pushing for quick payouts
We work on a contingency fee basis. You do not pay attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you.
In many cases, we also advance case expenses such as records fees, filing costs, and other litigation-related expenses. You do not pay anything upfront.
What To Do After a Truck Accident
If you were involved in a truck collision, the steps you take early can affect your health and your case.
- Seek medical attention immediately, even if symptoms feel manageable at first.
- Avoid giving a recorded statement to the trucking company’s insurer without legal guidance.
- Do not sign medical or employment releases sent by the insurance carrier. These releases often give the insurer access to your entire medical history, which may be used to argue your injuries were pre-existing or unrelated.
- Preserve photos, contact information for witnesses, and any documentation related to the crash.
- Keep records of medical visits, missed work, and out-of-pocket expenses.
- Avoid posting about the crash or your injuries on social media.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to file a truck accident claim in Washington?
In most cases, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims in Washington is three years from the date of the collision. This deadline is strict. If you miss it, you typically lose the right to pursue compensation, regardless of how strong your case is. Certain circumstances can affect this timeline, including cases involving government entities or minors. The clock starts ticking on the date of the crash—not when you finish treatment, not when the insurance company denies your claim, and not when you realize the full extent of your injuries.
What if I was partially at fault?
Washington follows a pure comparative fault system. You may still recover damages even if you were partially responsible, though your recovery is reduced by your percentage of fault.
For example, if your total damages are $500,000 and you are found 20% at fault, your recovery is reduced to $400,000.
However, insurance companies often try to shift more blame to the injured person than the evidence supports. They may claim you were speeding, following too closely, or made an unsafe lane change—even when video or black box data contradicts those claims.
This is why early investigation matters. We review police reports, witness statements, dash camera footage, and electronic truck data to make sure fault is accurately assessed.
What if the trucking company is based out of state?
Commercial carriers frequently operate across state lines. A claim may still be pursued in Washington if the crash occurred here, regardless of where the trucking company is headquartered.
Interstate carriers must comply with both federal trucking regulations and the laws of the state where the collision happened. Washington courts have jurisdiction over crashes that occur within the state.
What if I was hit by a delivery truck?
Delivery trucks—including those operated by Amazon, FedEx, UPS, and other carriers—often involve complex liability questions.
Many delivery companies use contractors, subcontractors, or “last-mile” delivery services. Liability depends on:
- Who owned the vehicle
- Who employed or contracted with the driver
- What level of control the company had over the driver’s schedule and route
- What insurance policies were in place
These cases can involve multiple layers of corporate structure designed to limit exposure. A full investigation is often required to identify the correct responsible parties and available insurance coverage.
What if the truck driver fled the scene?
Hit-and-run truck crashes create additional challenges, but they are not necessarily dead ends.
Potential avenues for recovery include:
- Your own uninsured/underinsured motorist (UM/UIM) coverage
- Witness statements and surveillance footage that may help identify the truck
- Weigh station records, cargo tracking, or fleet GPS data
- Commercial vehicle databases that may match the truck description to a carrier
In some cases, the trucking company can be identified even when the driver fled. Washington law also allows UM/UIM claims when the at-fault party cannot be located.
How long does a truck accident case take?
The timeline depends on the severity of injuries, how long treatment lasts, and whether the insurer disputes liability.
Straightforward cases with clear liability and completed medical treatment may resolve in 6–12 months. Serious injury cases involving surgery, long-term rehabilitation, or permanent disability often take 18–36 months or longer.
It is generally not advisable to settle a case before you reach maximum medical improvement (MMI)—the point where your condition has stabilized and doctors can assess permanent limitations. Settling too early can leave you without compensation for future medical needs or lost earning capacity.
Will my case go to trial?
Most truck accident cases settle before trial, but not all. Whether a case settles depends on several factors:
- Whether liability is clear or disputed
- Whether the insurance company makes a fair offer
- Whether your injuries are fully documented
- How thoroughly the case has been prepared
A case is more likely to settle fairly when it is backed by strong evidence—black box data, expert testimony, medical documentation, and clear proof of negligence. Insurance companies take cases more seriously when they know you are prepared to go to trial if necessary.
Some cases go to mediation or arbitration before reaching trial. Others settle on the courthouse steps. A small percentage proceed to verdict.
Should I talk to the trucking company's insurer?
You can, but you should be very cautious.
Trucking company adjusters are trained to ask questions designed to:
- Minimize the severity of your injuries
- Shift blame to you
- Lock you into statements that can be used against you later
- Obtain broad authorizations to access your medical and employment records
They may sound friendly and helpful, but their goal is to pay as little as possible. Recorded statements, even casual ones, can be used to argue you were not seriously injured or that you admitted fault.
It is often better to speak with a lawyer before giving any statements or signing any releases.
How much is my truck accident case worth?
The value of a case depends on multiple factors:
- Severity of injuries: Permanent disabilities, traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, and amputations typically result in higher compensation than soft tissue injuries.
- Medical expenses: Past and future treatment costs, including surgery, rehabilitation, and long-term care.
- Lost income: Missed work during recovery and reduced future earning capacity.
- Available insurance coverage: Trucking companies often carry $750,000 to $5 million in liability coverage, but policy limits vary.
- Liability and comparative fault: Clear evidence of negligence and minimal comparative fault increase value.
- Impact on daily life: Pain, disability, scarring, loss of enjoyment, and emotional trauma.
No ethical attorney can give you an accurate case value in the first conversation. Value becomes clearer as medical treatment progresses, records are reviewed, and liability is investigated.
Beware of early settlement offers. They are often designed to close the case before you understand what your injuries will cost long-term
What does it cost to hire a truck accident lawyer?
Our firm works on a contingency fee basis. You do not pay attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you.
In most cases, we also advance case expenses—including costs for medical records, expert witnesses, accident reconstruction, court filing fees, and depositions. You do not pay these costs upfront.
If we do not recover compensation, you do not owe attorney fees. Case expenses may be handled differently depending on the fee agreement.
This structure allows injured people to pursue claims without financial risk, and it ensures our interests are aligned with yours—we only get paid when you do.
Client Review
Michael Clark and Kristen were lifesavers after I was severely injured in a hit and run auto accident. Mr. Clark came highly recommended by more than one person who worked within the legal system and he did not disappoint. I was in a care center for seventy two days with a broken shoulder, ribs and two broken ankles. I wasn’t allowed to bear weight in order to start my rehab journey to walk again for the first 6 weeks. During this challenging time, I never worried about medical bills or dealing with auto insurance etc. Mr. Clark and his staff took care of all the negotiations with the insurance companies so I could focus on healing. I felt very comfortable contacting Michael’s office for any questions I had. They were prompt, caring and compassionate. I would highly recommend the Law Office of Michael Clark Injury Attorney.
— Mary Martin
Contact a Tacoma Truck Accident Lawyer
If you or a loved one were injured in a truck accident in Tacoma or Pierce County, contact our office to discuss your situation.
We offer free consultations. You do not pay attorney fees unless we recover compensation for you.
Call 253-573-1000 or submit a case review request online to get started.