Spokane Truck Accident Attorneys

Enforcing Trucking Safety Regulations in Spokane, WA

Based on information from the National Safety Council (NSC), 5,375 large trucks were involved in fatal collisions in 2023. Furthermore, there were 114,552 trucks involved in crashes that resulted in injuires in the same year. 

Unfortunately, those who most suffer in semi-truck accidents are the drivers and their passengers of smaller vehicles. In these accidents, passenger vehicle occupants are more apt to suffer severe or catastrophic injuries or death than the truck driver. Personal injury cases involving commercial trucks are commonly complicated matters. They involve federal trucking laws and trucking company insurers with extensive resources who work hard to reduce their liability when accidents occur.

Our team at Sweetser Law Office empathizes with the challenges 18-wheeler accident victims and their families face. Let our team support you. James R. Sweetser is a formerly-elected Spokane prosecutor and has concentrated on protecting our roads from negligent long-haul truck drivers for over 35 years. 

If you have been injured due to a negligent truck driver, our Spokane truck accident lawyers can offer guidance. Contact us at (509) 444-4444.

Understanding 18-Wheeler Truck Regulations & Your Rights

At Sweetser Law Office, we know the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR) that are enforced and promoted by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). The U.S. Code of Federal Regulations officially publishes all of the FMCSR’s findings to the public.

These federal regulations apply to trucking companies and their drivers operating in interstate commerce.

Regulations pertain to:

• Vehicle inspections
• Vehicle safety
• Negligence of drivers, as well as the trucking company as a whole
• Hiring, training, and supervision of the trucking company's drivers

As a large part of the FMCSR's mission, one of their goals is the regulations surrounding Hours of Service (HOS). This operates as a preventative measure against driver fatigue that in turn causes a majority of truck accidents. Any violation of one of these regulations by a trucking company or driver could be grounds to recover damages for a truck accident victim’s injuries or death due to the company’s and/or driver’s negligence.

Because Spokane is the largest city between Seattle and Minneapolis, it is a hub for trucking activity involving many businesses and industries. Truck companies usually get paid by the mile so truck drivers have an incentive to deliver their loads as quickly as possible. Unfortunately, the trucking industry’s financial motives can encourage driving for long hours and unsafe activities on our roads, including truck driver fatigue from overstressed or overworked drivers, defective equipment, distracted driving, improperly secured trailers, or overloaded trucks.

Extra Safety Measures for Long-Haul Truck Drivers in Spokane

The accident scene, authorities’ findings in the investigation, the condition of the big rig, and federal regulations compliance should all be investigated as early as possible after a truck accident. Important evidence after a serious big rig accident can include logbooks, black box or computer event data, documents evidencing the load and prior deliveries, inspection of the tractor-trailer, inspection of the accident scene, or poor training policies. James R. Sweetser has experience handling complex litigation as a Spokane truck accident attorney and understands how to hold those responsible accountable for the injuries caused.

Identifying Common Spokane Semi-Truck Accident Scenarios

Truck accidents can occur and manifest in various ways. Certain accidents are unique to semi-trucks and big rigs due to their massive size, length, and weight as opposed to smaller vehicles. Trucks take longer to come to a complete stop due to their weight. They also have blind spots due to their length.

Common accidents can include:

• Rear-end collisions due to the inability to stop in time
• Jackknife accidents where the trailer slides to the side forming a jackknife shape to the cab
• Blind-spot accidents
• Rollovers
• Underride accidents in which a smaller vehicle crashes into and slides under the truck

Our Spokane truck accident lawyer knows how to handle your claim. Let us investigate your situation and help you pursue justice.

Compensation & Next Steps After a Spokane Truck Crash

After a serious collision with a commercial truck, many people are unsure what types of compensation may be available or what they should do in the days following the wreck. 

Compensation after a truck collision can include:

• Medical bills
• Lost wages
• Pain and suffering
• Property damage
• And more

Our team encourages you to seek prompt medical attention at local facilities such as Providence Holy Family Hospital or other clinics, follow your doctor’s recommendations, and keep copies of all records, receipts, and photographs related to the crash. Whether your accident happened on the I-90, US-195, or any road, our truck accident attorney in Spokane can help you. 

Investigating Truck Driver & Trucking Company Negligence in Spokane

In any truck accident, negligence/fault may be attributed to the truck driver and/or the trucking company. Drivers may be held accountable when violating traffic laws, Hours of Service regulations, driving under the influence of alcohol and/or drugs, driving while texting or using a cell phone, or while engaged in other negligent driving behavior.

Trucking companies may be held liable when they are found negligent in training or hiring, maintenance of vehicles, or record-keeping or for pressuring drivers to violate Hours of Service.

To help determine liability, our attorneys may investigate by reviewing: