One Person Hospitalized After Tractor Trailer Accident in Spokane Valley, Washington

According to a report from The Spokesman-Review, one person was transported to a local hospital after an eighteen-wheeler accident in Spokane Valley. The trucking accident occurred on Interstate-90, near North Pines Road. The car sustained heavy damage to the back end, consistent with a rear-end collision. A more comprehensive investigation is still underway.

Unfortunately, large truck accidents remain a safety hazard in Eastern Washington. If you are involved in a crash with a large commercial truck, it is imperative that you know how to protect your rights. Here, our Spokane motor vehicle accident attorneys highlight three things that make tractor-trailer accident claims different from car accident cases.

1. Large Trucks Cause a Disproportionate Share of Catastrophic Accidents

When fully loaded, a tractor-trailer in Washington can weigh as much as 40 tons. The immense size of commercial trucks makes them uniquely dangerous. Indeed, large trucks are involved in a disproportionate share of catastrophic accidents in the United States. Federal government data shows that trucks are nearly 6 times more likely to get into a fatal crash than are standard-sized passenger cars. If you or someone you care about was involved in a catastrophic truck accident, it is imperative that you have an experienced Spokane, WA personal injury lawyer on your side.

2. Trucking Involves Complex Federal and State Safety Regulations

Large commercial trucks are subject to federal and state safety regulations, including rules promulgated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Safety regulations range from limits on how many hours a truck driver can spend behind the wheel to pre/post-trip inspection requirements. Trucking companies must comply with all applicable safety regulations.

Failure to do so is negligence. However, it is not always obvious to the outside observer that a truck company failed to live up to its responsibilities. For this reason, all serious commercial truck accidents require a comprehensive investigation. An experienced Spokane truck accident lawyer can help you get access to the evidence and information you need to proceed.

3. Truck Companies Have Higher Policy Limits (Aggressive Insurance Companies)

Commercial trucking companies are required to carry insurance coverage that has higher policy limits. In many cases, there is more at stake after a truck accident than after a car accident. The commercial insurance carriers that handle truck accident claims are notoriously aggressive. With so much on the line, they are focused on protecting their own bottom line—not you and your family. You should always deal with insurance company representatives through an attorney.

Schedule a Confidential Consultation With a Spokane, WA Trucking Accident Attorney

At‌ ‌Albrecht‌ ‌Law‌ ‌PLLC, our Spokane motor vehicle accident lawyers have the professional skills and legal expertise to hold large trucking companies responsible for negligence. If you or your loved one was injured in a tractor-trailer crash, we are here to help. Call us now or contact us online for a free, no-obligation case evaluation. We represent trucking accident victims in Spokane and beyond.