In all our years as truck accident attorneys in Washington State, we see the most serious claims arise from accidents involving commercial trucks. The size and weight of the truck, compared to those of a standard passenger vehicle, means that when a crash happens, the likelihood of serious or fatal injuries increases. If you suffered injuries in a collision with a large truck, speak with a Washington truck accident lawyer as soon as possible.
Another aspect of commercial truck accidents is that the injured victims are often very traumatized by their experiences. Driving on freeways that are full of commercial trucks can be an excruciating experience for survivors of trucking crashes.
A truck accident can turn your life upside down in an instant. You may be facing physical pain, financial stress, and emotional trauma. You don't have to go through this alone. We're here to listen, stand by your side, and fight for the justice and compensation you need to rebuild your life.
At Brett McCandlis Brown & Conner, our greatest advantage is our extensive experience working with clients injured in commercial truck accidents. Our Washington truck accident attorneys understand what our clients will be facing as they move toward recovery. We know how to build complete and compelling personal injury claim, and how the multiple insurance companies involved in a trucking crash will respond.
Truck accident evidence helper
What Evidence Can Strengthen a Washington Truck Accident Claim?
Truck accident claims often involve more evidence than a standard car crash, including company records,
truck maintenance issues, driver logs, cargo details, and multiple insurance companies.
Truck accidents can be categorized into several different types. The most common ones we see include the following.
Jackknife Accidents
A jackknife accident occurs when a truck’s trailer swings around toward the truck cab, forming a 90-degree angle. Braking too quickly is one of the most common causes of jackknife accidents. These are especially dangerous because the truck can drift into other lanes or even into oncoming traffic, resulting in multiple injuries or fatalities.
Rollover Accidents
Large trucks are prone to rollovers, which can happen in several different ways. Perhaps the driver was going too fast around a curve or over-corrected. When a rollover occurs, drivers traveling alongside the truck are at serious risk of injury because the truck can roll over onto their vehicles.
Underride Accidents
If a trucker steps on the brake too fast, the vehicle behind might not have time to stop. The vehicle can collide with the truck and become trapped underneath. Underride accidents are especially terrifying for motorists in smaller vehicles. The Department of Transportation requires trucks with trailers to have rear safety bars to help prevent underride accidents. However, there is no requirement to have the bars inspected. That means drivers may not have them installed or have ones that do not provide adequate protection.
Head-on Collisions
A head-on collision with a large truck often involves one or more fatalities. Motorists who are trying to pass on one-lane roads can cause head-on crashes.
Wide-turn Accidents
Large trucks need to swing wide when making a right turn. If a car tries to pass on the right, it can become trapped between the front and rear of the trailer.
Mechanical Issues
Tire blowouts and brake failures are also common causes of truck accidents. If a tire explodes or brakes fail, the truck driver might lose control and crash into other vehicles or stationary objects.
It’s common for there to be multiple contributing factors in an accident. For example, a truck driver who has been on the road too many hours could be fatigued and also speeding because they are trying to reach their delivery destination sooner.
What You Should Do Following a Truck Accident
Your actions following an accident can affect your potential compensation down the line. Start by contacting the police if no one else has. Request medical support at the scene. Depending on the severity of your injuries, if you can safely take photos of the scene, you should. Take pictures of all the vehicle and truck damage, skid marks, and any other elements in the surrounding area that could be important in the claims process.
If your injuries don’t warrant emergency transportation to the hospital, it’s crucial to see a doctor as soon as possible. Even if you don’t think your injuries are serious, get checked out. You could have internal injuries that you don’t know about. Failure to seek timely medical treatment can also harm your claim because the defendant’s insurance company will allege your injuries weren’t severe.
It’s important to report the claim to the truck driver’s insurance provider and employer. However, you must be cautious of what you say. Insurance adjusters are looking for anything they can use against you. The adjuster will ask you to consent to a recorded statement. You should speak with a truck accident attorney before agreeing to give a statement.
The insurance company will also lead you to believe you don’t need an attorney early on in the claims process. Do not be persuaded by them. The defendant’s insurance company and the trucking company are not on your side. You need a legal advocate to protect your rights.
Proving Liability in a Washington Truck Accident
Proving liability in a truck accident requires a thorough investigation. To successfully prove a defendant is liable for your injuries, you must show the defendant was negligent. There are four things you must prove to show a defendant was negligent:
The defendant owed you a legal duty;
The defendant breached their legal duty;
The breach is what led to your injuries; and
You sustained damages.
All motorists owe each other a duty to drive responsibly and follow all traffic laws and regulations. When someone speeds, runs a red light, or drives under the influence, they likely have breached their legal duty. You must also show the defendant’s breach of duty caused your injuries.
If something unrelated to the defendant’s breach led to the accident and your injuries, that defendant might not be liable for your injuries. Your Washington truck accident attorney will explain how these factors apply to your particular case and help you gather evidence to make your liability claim stronger.
Recoverable Compensation in a Washington Truck Accident
The amount of money you can collect from a truck accident claim depends on various circumstances, such as who is liable, the severity of your injuries, and the amount of damages. Damages are the tangible and intangible losses you suffer in an accident. Examples of potential damages include:
Victims with more severe injuries typically have more damages. An experienced lawyer can determine if your case would benefit from experts who can help you more accurately calculate your damages. If you don’t have a Washington truck accident lawyer representing your interests, you might lose out on valuable compensation.
What Does a Successful Trucking Accident Claim Look Like?
Attorney insights
How Our Lawyers Look at a Washington Truck Accident Case
A serious truck accident claim is not handled like a standard car accident case. The first questions are usually about who controlled the truck, what records exist, what safety rules applied, what evidence may disappear, and how the crash changed the client’s life now and in the future.
Our perspective
When we review a truck accident case, we start by separating the story the insurance company wants to tell from the evidence that can actually prove what happened. That means looking at driver conduct, company records, maintenance history, cargo issues, black box data, medical proof, wage loss, and future care needs.
The trucking company may already have investigators, adjusters, and defense teams working on the case. Our job is to make sure the injured person’s story is not reduced to a claim number, a repair estimate, or a quick settlement offer before the full damage is understood.
Who are your trucking accident lawyers?
Meet the Attorneys Behind the Truck Accident Claim Strategy
David Brown
“We do not let the insurance company define the case for the client.”
David’s perspective is practical and direct. In a truck accident case, that means identifying the companies, insurance layers, safety records, and early defense arguments before the case is framed only around the driver’s version of events.
What evidence proves how the crash happened?
Which company, driver, contractor, or insurer may be involved?
What argument will the insurance company use to reduce the claim?
Matt Conner
“The financial impact has to be built with evidence, not assumptions.”
Matt’s economics background helps shape the damages side of a trucking case. When injuries are serious, the case may need to account for medical costs, future treatment, lost earning capacity, long-term care, and the real financial pressure placed on the client and family.
What are the current and future medical costs?
How did the crash affect income, work capacity, and daily function?
Does the case need expert support for future losses?
Paula McCandlis
“Pain and suffering must be explained in human terms.”
Paula’s focus is on translating the injury into a clear damages story. In a truck accident case, that means showing how the crash changed movement, independence, family life, sleep, fear, pain, routines, and the client’s ability to feel normal again.
How did the injury change the client’s everyday life?
What losses cannot be shown by medical bills alone?
How can the case explain pain, fear, and long-term disruption clearly?
Truck accident case studies
Case Results That Show the Evidence Behind Truck Accident Claims
These examples show why trucking cases often require a deeper investigation into company conduct, commercial vehicle operation, safety failures, medical damages, and long-term impact.
Fatal trucking accident$4.2M
Trucking company liability
Recovery involving a 76-year-old woman who was killed by a trucking company. The case reflects how truck crash claims may focus on company responsibility, not only driver conduct.
Work truck injury$3M
Man backed over by work truck
A temporary worker was backed over by a company truck and suffered serious injuries. The case required examining whether the injured worker could pursue a claim outside the usual workers’ compensation limits.
Tractor-trailer crash$1M
Head-on collision with bad brakes
Recovery for a client severely injured in a head-on collision with a tractor-trailer with bad brakes. The case shows why maintenance, speed, road conditions, and company safety failures can matter.
Past results do not guarantee future outcomes. Every truck accident case depends on its own facts, evidence, injuries, insurance coverage, and applicable law.
Our view: a truck accident case is built before the insurance company controls the story.
Driver logs, black box data, maintenance records, company policies, cargo records, medical proof, and long-term damages should be reviewed early.
When a client is suffering from injuries caused by an at-fault truck driver, our Washington truck accident lawyers take special steps to identify the extent of their injuries and damages and to determine how the collision affects our client’s life, now and in the future.
Many injuries require long-term, costly medical care, and we ensure that this cost is fully factored into the insurance-claim process. A successful claim is one in which our client receives a settlement or verdict that enables them to fully recover financially, and compensates them for their current and future losses.
Hire a Washington Truck Accident Lawyer and Get the Justice and Compensation You Deserve!
As truck accident lawyers, we have achieved extraordinary results for our clients after a truck crash, including:
Call Your Washington Truck Accident Attorneys Today!
If another driver’s negligence caused you injuries in a truck accident, let the skilled legal team at Brett McCandlis Brown & Conner protect your legal rights. We aren’t afraid to stand up to trucking companies and their legal departments. With over 40 years of experience, our attorneys are prepared to take your case to trial if necessary and won’t back down from a fight. Schedule an initial consultation with a Washington truck accident lawyer at our firm to learn how we can assist you in pursuing the compensation you deserve. Contact us today!
David Brown and Judy Wagner are the DREAM TEAM! They are amazing! They listened, kept me informed, walked me through the whole process, they were so kind and caring and because of David and Judy, I was able to receive a much larger settlement than I expected. I am truly so thankful for them.
— Kim Chastain
David Brown was a phenomenal lawyer, getting us the best settlement possible after our son was injured in a dog attack. Cannot day enough good things about him and his team. Thank you David & Judy!!
— Christy Kivari
I hired Adam Engst six years ago after I was in a car accident. I injured my neck and back and have struggled with for many issues since my accident. Adam fought hard for my settlement for six years and got me more money than I could’ve imagined. He also continued to fight for me after my settlement closed for overpayment to care providers. He and his paralegal Nichole are absolutely amazing. I cannot recommend him enough!!
— Holly Braaten
Working with David Brown empowered us to understand the legal processes we encountered to make informed and appropriate decisions. His ability to make complex things simple was truly remarkable. David was excellent with his communication, support and expertise throughout the process.
— A Butcher
After a serious biking accident, my wife and I thought it would be simple dealing with insurance companies. Well, it's not! We are so thankful we hired a personal injury attorney. Matt Conner helped us navigate this complicated process as I was recovering from multiple injuries. We appreciated his expertise and compassion, as well as the clear communication with both Matt and his excellent paralegal, Maddi. We highly recommend Matt Conner and his team!
— John E
Matt and the team at BMBC were terrific! Highly recommend! They are so nice, and a great pleasure to work with. We had a matter that required his expertise. My wife and I are so thankful for his care, compassion and understanding. He listened and heard our concerns, and through his skill and experience, was able to advocate very effectively on our behalf. Along the way, he and the staff were kind and attentive, and everything you'd want from a law firm in our circumstances. Thank you!!
— Scott R
Thank you Matt Conner and team (especially Lauren and Maddie). You patiently navigated through all the obstacles to get the best possible outcome for me and my case. Anyone going through the trauma of injury from an accident can expect the utmost compassion, professionalism and honesty from Matt and his team. I highly recommend this firm.
— Diane K
I had the opportunity to work with Matt Conner after I was the victim of a DUI collision in downtown Bellingham. My car was totaled, and I sustained injuries as a result of the accident. I almost didn’t make the call to Matt, but I am truly grateful that I did.
From the beginning, Matt was compassionate, responsive, and incredibly helpful. He guided me through every step of the process with clear communication and sound advice. Anytime I had questions, he was quick to respond and always took the time to ensure I understood my options.
Matt’s professionalism, combined with his genuine care for ME, made a difficult situation much more manageable. I wouldn’t hesitate to recommend him to anyone in need of legal representation.
