A jackknife accident occurs when the trailer of a truck folds inward toward the cab, creating an acute angle similar to a folding pocket knife. This kind of accident may be caused by a truck operator suddenly hitting the brakes or failing to successfully navigate slippery road conditions. In Washington State, the law recognizes that both truck drivers and trucking companies have a responsibility to maintain their vehicles in a safe condition (RCW 46.37.010). If the brakes were faulty and this led to a jackknife accident, you might have a strong case against the responsible party.
In rollover accidents, the truck tips over onto its side or roof. These accidents are typically caused by high speeds, sharp turns, or unstable loads. Washington State law mandates that all vehicles must be loaded such that none of its cargo drops, sifts, leaks, or otherwise escapes (RCW 46.61.655). If a rollover occurs because of improperly loaded cargo, both the driver and the trucking company could be held accountable.
Rear-end collisions unfold when a truck with a vehicle traveling in front of it. Tailgating, distracted driving, and poor weather conditions are common causes. According to Washington State law, a driver should not follow another vehicle more closely than is reasonable and prudent (RCW 46.61.145). In rear-end collision cases, it’s often easier to prove the truck driver’s fault.
Blind spots on trucks are much larger than those on passenger cars. Accidents occur when a truck driver changes lanes or turns without noticing a vehicle in their blind spot. Washington State law requires all drivers to ensure that lanes are clear before making any moves (RCW 46.61.305). Truck drivers are also required to have mirrors that provide a certain field of view (RCW 46.37.400), and failing to adhere to these rules can make them liable in a blind spot accident case.
A T-bone accident unfolds when a truck collides with the side of a car or truck, forming a “T.” These accidents often play out at intersections and can be the result of running a red light or failing to yield. Washington law specifically states that vehicle operators must obey traffic control devices (RCW 46.61.050) and must properly yield right-of-way when required (RCW 46.61.180). A violation of these laws could be used to support your claim.
In under-ride accidents, a smaller vehicle slides under the rear or side of a truck. These are particularly dangerous and often fatal. Federal law requires trucks to have under-ride guards, but Washington State also mandates safety precautions such as reflective tape and lighting on trailers to prevent under-ride incidents (RCW 46.37.517).
This type of crash is when the front end of a truck collides with the front end of another vehicle. Often caused by negligent driving or loss of control, head-on collisions often lead to fatalities. Washington law prohibits driving on the opposite side of the road from the flow of traffic (RCW 46.61.150), and a violation could support your claim in a head-on collision.
The first thing an experienced truck accident lawyer does is gather evidence. They dig deep into accident reports, eyewitness accounts, and expert testimonies. Through this investigation, your attorney can determine the cause of the accident, whether it was due to truck driver fatigue, equipment failure, or other reasons. This is important for establishing liability under Washington’s comparative negligence law (RCW 4.22.005), which could potentially reduce your compensation if you are found partially at fault.
Calculating the true extent of your damages is a difficult process. It includes not just your medical expenses and property damage, but also non-economic damages like pain and suffering. In Washington, there’s no cap on these types of damages, but having an experienced lawyer who understands how to make these calculations can help you get the maximum compensation.
