A truck accident can change your life in seconds. The impact may leave you with crushing medical bills, a totaled car, and mounting anxiety about how you’ll support your family while recovering. Insurance adjusters start calling within hours. They’re pushing settlements that won’t even cover next month’s expenses.
You need a Federal Way truck accident lawyer who knows exactly how trucking companies and their insurers operate. At Herschensohn Law, we’ve spent over 20 years fighting for truck accident victims across Washington State. We’ve secured multi-million dollar settlements and published appellate victories. We handle every aspect of your case so you can focus on healing.
Why Choose Herschensohn Law
Over Two Decades of Trial Experience
Attorney Zach Herschensohn has been litigating personal injury cases throughout Washington State since 2003. His published appellate decisions include Gibson vs. American Construction Company, Inc.; Lunsford vs. Saberhagen Holdings; and Coulter vs. Asten Group, Inc.
He’s admitted to practice in Washington, Oregon, California, Indiana, and Alaska. This means we handle complex multi-state truck accident cases that other firms can’t touch.
Proven Results in Truck Accident Cases
Our track record speaks for itself. We secured a $1,250,000 settlement for a trucking case victim. A family who lost a loved one in a truck accident received $1,200,000. We obtained $860,000 for a woman injured in a trucking case who required a two-level cervical arthroplasty.
Past results don’t guarantee future outcomes. But they demonstrate our capability and commitment to maximum compensation.
Aggressive Advocacy, Client-First Service
We’re members of Public Justice, Washington State Trial Lawyers Association, and The National Trial Lawyers (Top 100). Attorney Herschensohn serves on the board of the King County Bar Association. He dedicates time to pro bono work.
Call us anytime at (206) 338-4175. A real person answers 24/7. We offer free consultations with no obligations. You pay nothing unless we win.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Zach has been extremely helpful in my case, we were in a car accident in an Uber and he has given me so much direction and hope. He’s very professional and experienced and I have faith that he is the right way to go especially to get a fair settlement and get all the medical bills covered.” – Ashly Halverson
Understanding Truck Accidents in Federal Way
Federal Way sits at a dangerous intersection of commercial trucking routes. Interstate 5 cuts directly through the city. It carries over 200,000 vehicles daily, including thousands of semi-trucks transporting goods between Seattle and Portland.
According to WSDOT crash data, there were 810 traffic fatalities on public roads in Washington in 2023. That’s a significant increase from previous years.
National IIHS statistics show that 4,354 people died in large truck crashes in 2023. Sixty-five percent were occupants of cars and other passenger vehicles. Federal Way contributes to these statistics because of its location along major freight corridors and the convergence of multiple highways.
High-Risk Truck Accident Locations
Interstate 5 Corridor – This is the most dangerous stretch for truck accidents in Federal Way. Heavy commercial traffic combines with frequent congestion, sudden slowdowns, and merging difficulties near exits. WSDOT data shows fatal crashes have increased 75.3% in the past decade. I-5 serves as a primary location for serious collisions.
I-5 and SR-18 Interchange – Long-haul truckers heading east toward Spokane meet north-south traffic here. Complex merging patterns happen constantly. Multiple lanes change simultaneously. Trucks struggle to navigate tight ramps, creating collision conditions. This interchange handles enormous truck volumes daily.
Pacific Highway S (SR-99) – Semi-trucks share narrow lanes with cars turning into businesses. This creates dangerous conflicts between through-traffic and local access. Many Federal Way car accident cases occur on this corridor due to mixed traffic patterns.
S 320th Street Corridor – This major east-west route connects I-5 to residential and commercial areas. Delivery trucks and commercial vehicles frequently use this road. Intersections along 320th Street see regular accidents involving trucks making wide turns.
Enchanted Parkway and I-5 Interchange – Heavy truck traffic exits here to reach warehousing and distribution centers. Trucks accelerating onto I-5 or decelerating to exit create speed differentials. These lead to rear-end and sideswipe collisions.
Types of Truck Accidents We Handle
Rear-End Collisions
When a fully loaded semi-truck can’t stop in time, the results are catastrophic. FMCSA regulations require properly maintained brakes, but trucking companies often defer maintenance to save money.
IIHS research shows that loaded tractor-trailers require 20-40% more distance than cars to stop. The discrepancy increases on wet roads. Evidence that strengthens claims includes brake inspection records and maintenance logs.
Jackknife Accidents
A jackknifing truck is terrifying. The trailer swings out from the cab and can sweep across multiple lanes, striking several vehicles. These accidents typically result from sudden braking, improper turning, or cargo loading errors.
We work with accident reconstruction experts who analyze the truck’s black box data to prove liability. Our unique understanding of truck accident law helps us build compelling cases.
Underride Crashes
These are the most horrific accidents. A passenger vehicle slides beneath a truck’s trailer. Despite federal underride requirements, many trucks have inadequate or damaged guards.
IIHS studies estimate that 1,108 fatal underride crashes occurred annually. Many involve rear and side impacts. Underride crashes often result in severe head and neck injuries or wrongful death claims.
Wide Turn Accidents
Semi-trucks require extensive space to turn. Drivers who misjudge distances cause devastating side-impact collisions. These cases require detailed analysis of sight lines, truck positioning, and whether the driver followed proper procedures.
Our experience with Federal Way motorcycle accidents helps us evaluate similar blind spot dangers.
Blind Spot Crashes
Trucks have massive blind spots. They’re called “no-zones.” All four sides have them. Drivers who fail to check mirrors cause merging and lane-change accidents. Federal regulations mandate specific mirror configurations. We investigate whether the truck met these standards.
Truck Rollovers
IIHS data shows that 49% of large truck occupant deaths occurred in rollover crashes. That’s the highest percentage among vehicle types. Trucks roll over due to speeding around curves, improperly secured cargo, or tire blowouts.
We examine cargo loading procedures. We check driver speed data. We investigate whether the company properly trained drivers on load limits.
Common Injuries in Federal Way Truck Accidents
Traumatic Brain Injuries
The force of a truck collision can cause your brain to slam against your skull. This results in concussions, contusions, or diffuse axonal injuries. CDC injury statistics show motor vehicle crashes remain a leading cause of traumatic brain injury.
Symptoms may not appear immediately. Some victims develop severe headaches, confusion, or memory loss days later. Insurance companies exploit delayed symptoms. They’ll argue injuries aren’t serious.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Truck accident impacts can fracture vertebrae. They herniate discs. Sometimes they sever the spinal cord entirely. Victims may experience paralysis, chronic pain, and permanent disability.
These injuries require extensive rehabilitation, mobility equipment, home modifications, and lifetime medical care.
Fractures and Crush Injuries
The mass of a commercial truck can crush vehicle frames, trapping occupants. Victims suffer broken bones, crushed limbs, and severe tissue damage requiring multiple surgeries. Some injuries lead to permanent disfigurement or amputation.
Insurance adjusters minimize these by focusing on initial emergency costs. They ignore future needs. Knowing mistakes to avoid protects your right to full compensation.
Internal Organ Damage
Blunt force trauma can rupture organs. It causes internal bleeding and creates life-threatening emergencies. Victims may suffer liver lacerations, kidney damage, or splenic ruptures requiring emergency surgery.
Even after treatment, internal injuries cause chronic health problems.
Wrongful Death
When truck accidents kill loved ones, families face overwhelming grief compounded by financial devastation. Washington wrongful death law allows certain family members to pursue claims. You can recover funeral expenses, lost financial support, and loss of companionship.
What Your Case Is Worth
Truck accident settlements in Washington typically far exceed standard car accident cases. Why? Injuries are more severe. Commercial insurance policies carry higher limits.
FMCSA regulations require trucks to carry minimum liability coverage of $750,000 to $5 million depending on cargo type. Most major carriers have much higher coverage.
Economic Damages
Economic damages include quantifiable financial losses. We calculate your medical expenses. Emergency room visits, hospitalizations, surgeries, rehabilitation, medications, medical equipment, and future care needs.
We document lost wages from time off work. We calculate diminished earning capacity if injuries prevent returning to your previous job. Property damage covers vehicle repair or replacement. Compensation options vary based on the severity of your injuries and economic losses.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages compensate for intangible losses. Pain and suffering addresses physical discomfort and emotional distress. Loss of enjoyment of life compensates when injuries prevent activities you once loved.
Washington doesn’t cap non-economic damages in most truck accident cases.
Our $2,700,000 jury verdict for a woman with a permanent back injury shows what’s possible when we fully document suffering. Contact Herschensohn Law at (206) 338-4175 for a free consultation. Understanding personal injury law helps victims recognize recoverable damages.
Washington Truck Accident Legal Requirements
Washington law treats truck accidents differently from standard car crashes. It’s because of the commercial nature of trucking operations. Washington’s statute of limitations establishes three years from the accident date to file claims.
This deadline is absolute. Miss it and you lose your right to compensation forever.
FMCSA hours-of-service regulations limit how long truckers can drive without rest. Drivers can be behind the wheel for up to 11 hours at a stretch. IIHS research shows drivers behind the wheel for more than eight hours are twice as likely to crash.
If a trucker violated these rules and caused your accident, we use those violations to prove negligence.
When companies skip mandatory inspections and faulty brakes cause crashes, we hold them accountable. FMCSA crash data shows vehicle defects triple the risk of crashes. Federal regulations create clear safety standards. Violations help establish liability.
Washington applies comparative negligence rules. Even if you were partially at fault, you can still recover damages. Your compensation reduces by your percentage of fault. Insurance companies exploit this rule by inflating your fault percentage to reduce their payout.
Insurance Company Tactics
Quick Settlement Pressure – Adjusters contact you within days. They’re offering settlements before you understand the full extent of injuries. Accepting early settlements eliminates your right to additional compensation when medical complications arise months later.
Disputing Injury Severity – Insurance companies hire doctors who review records without examining you. These doctors claim injuries aren’t serious. We counter with medical experts who testify about the direct connection between the accident and your injuries.
Blaming the Victim – Adjusters comb through evidence looking for ways to shift blame. They’ll claim you were distracted. They’ll say you shouldn’t have been in that lane. We collect traffic camera footage, witness statements, and expert testimony that refutes these tactics.
Delaying Tactics – Companies drag out investigations. They delay responses to pressure you financially. We handle all communication with insurers. We have resources to wait them out until they pay fair compensation. The road to justice requires patience and experienced legal representation.
Steps After a Federal Way Truck Accident
Immediate Actions
Call 911 immediately. Report the accident and request medical assistance, even if you feel fine. Adrenaline masks injury symptoms. Delaying medical treatment gives insurance companies ammunition to claim injuries weren’t serious.
Federal Way Police will investigate and create an official accident report.
Document everything at the scene if you’re physically able. Photograph all vehicles showing damage from multiple angles. Photograph the truck’s company name, DOT number, and license plate. Capture road conditions, traffic signals, skid marks, and debris. Get photos of visible injuries.
Collect information from the truck driver and witnesses. Don’t discuss fault. Don’t apologize. Seek immediate medical attention even if you feel okay. Tell doctors about every symptom. Medical records created immediately establish the direct link between collision and injuries.
Following Days
Follow all medical treatment recommendations exactly. Attend every appointment. Take prescribed medications. Complete physical therapy. Insurance companies scrutinize medical records looking for treatment gaps they can exploit.
Keep detailed records of everything accident-related. Save all medical bills, prescription receipts, and documentation of lost wages. Document how injuries affect daily life. These records become crucial evidence when calculating damages.
Contact Herschensohn Law at (206) 338-4175 before speaking with any insurance company. Our investigation begins immediately. We send preservation letters to the trucking company requiring them to preserve the truck’s black box data, maintenance records, and driver logs.
Legal Process Overview
Free Consultation
Your journey begins with a free consultation at Herschensohn Law. We review accident details. We examine medical records and bills. We explain legal options.
We answer questions about the legal process, timeline expectations, and potential compensation. No obligation. No pressure. Call (206) 338-4175 or visit our Kent, Seattle, Ellensburg, Graham, or Chehalis offices.
Thorough Investigation
We immediately launch comprehensive investigation. We obtain the official police report. We interview witnesses. We collect evidence.
We send legal preservation demands to the trucking company. They must preserve the truck’s electronic control module, GPS records, driver logs, maintenance records, and hiring files.
We work with accident reconstruction experts who analyze the crash scene, vehicle damage, and physical evidence. We review the driver’s safety record. We check whether the company has previous violations. This investigation builds an overwhelming case proving liability.
Negotiation
Most truck accident cases settle before trial. Why? Our preparation convinces insurance companies we’re ready for court. We calculate the full value of your claim. Current and future medical expenses. Lost earning capacity. Pain and suffering. All other damages.
We negotiate aggressively. We refuse inadequate offers. Insurance adjusters know our reputation for trying cases when settlements aren’t fair. This gives us substantial negotiating leverage. We keep you informed. We never settle without your approval.
Trial if Necessary
If the company refuses fair compensation, we file a lawsuit. We take your case to trial. Attorney Zach Herschensohn has over 20 years of trial experience with published appellate victories.
At trial, we present expert witnesses, medical testimony, and compelling evidence proving negligence and the full extent of damages.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ “Nearly a year ago I was involved in a serious motor vehicle – pedestrian accident. I sustained some very serious injuries that required a long treatment and rehab period. Zach and his staff ensured the insurance companies and medical providers were aware of their responsibilities to me. The staff was always available to answer questions.” – Barbara Miller
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to hire Herschensohn Law?
Nothing upfront. We work on contingency. This means we only get paid if we recover compensation. Our fee comes from a percentage of your settlement or verdict. If we don’t win, you pay nothing. We advance all case costs including expert witness fees.
How long will my case take?
Case timelines vary. It depends on injury severity, liability disputes, and whether the case settles or goes to trial. Simple cases might settle in 6-12 months. Complex cases can take 18-36 months or longer.
We move cases forward as quickly as possible while ensuring we don’t settle before understanding the full extent of injuries.
Should I accept the insurance company’s settlement offer?
Almost never accept an initial offer without consulting an attorney. Insurance companies make low early offers. They’re hoping you’ll accept before understanding your case’s value.
Once you accept and sign a release, you cannot reopen the claim when medical complications arise. Call us at (206) 338-4175 before accepting any offer.
What if I was partially at fault?
You can still recover compensation under Washington’s comparative negligence system. Your settlement reduces by your percentage of fault. Insurance companies often exaggerate victim fault to reduce payouts.
We fight these allegations with evidence proving the truck driver’s primary responsibility.
What if the driver was an independent contractor?
The trucking company often remains liable even when the driver is an independent contractor. Federal regulations and Washington law recognize that companies maintain substantial control over contractors. They control dispatch, routes, and delivery deadlines.
We investigate the relationship to establish liability.
How is a truck accident case different from a car accident case?
Truck accident cases are far more complex. They involve FMCSA safety regulations. Commercial insurance policies with higher limits. Multiple potentially liable parties. Sophisticated corporate defense teams. More severe injuries.
Trucking companies preserve evidence differently. They have legal teams responding immediately.
Can I still file if the accident was several months ago?
Yes, as long as you’re within the three-year statute of limitations. However, evidence preservation becomes increasingly difficult with time.
The sooner you contact us, the better we can investigate and build your case. Don’t assume it’s too late. Call (206) 338-4175 to discuss your situation.
What happens if the company claims their driver wasn’t at fault?
This is common. Trucking companies aggressively defend claims. They often blame other drivers or road conditions.
We counter with our investigation. Accident reconstruction. Witness testimony. Expert analysis. Black box data. Traffic camera footage. Our experience handling disputed liability means we know how to prove fault.
Will I have to go to court?
Most truck accident cases settle before trial. But we prepare every case as if it’s going to court. This preparation convinces insurance companies to offer fair settlements.
If we do go to trial, we guide you through the entire process.
What if my loved one died in a Federal Way truck accident?
We’re deeply sorry for your loss. Washington law allows certain family members to pursue wrongful death claims. These cases are legally and emotionally complex.
We handle them with compassion while aggressively pursuing justice. Call us at (206) 338-4175 to discuss your family’s rights.
About Herschensohn Law
Zach Herschensohn founded Herschensohn Law with one mission. Providing aggressive, client-focused legal representation to injury victims throughout Washington State.
He’s been practicing for over 20 years since being admitted to the Washington State Bar in 2003. Attorney Herschensohn has built a reputation for relentless advocacy.
Attorney Herschensohn earned his Juris Doctor from St. John’s University School of Law in 2002. He earned his BA in Communication Theory from Western Washington University in 1997. During law school, he was a finalist in the James F. Niehoff Trial Competition. He served on Moot Court.
He’s admitted to practice in Washington State Courts and the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington.
Before establishing his own firm, Attorney Herschensohn practiced at Levinson Friedman in Seattle. Today, he handles cases across Washington State. King, Spokane, and Clark counties. He also takes multi-state cases.
He has experience in securing compensation for personal injuries, car accidents, and other injuries for the people of Federal Way.
We maintain five office locations across Washington State. Kent (main office), Seattle, Ellensburg, Graham, and Chehalis. When you call (206) 338-4175, a real person answers. We work on contingency. You pay nothing unless we win.
We handle every aspect of your case personally. You get Attorney Zach Herschensohn’s two decades of experience.
Important Local Resources
St. Francis Hospital 34515 Ninth Avenue South Federal Way, WA 98003 (253) 944-8100 24-hour emergency care including Level IV Trauma Center services
MultiCare Emergency – Federal Way 29805 Pacific Highway S Federal Way, WA 98003 (253) 545-3770 Open 24/7 with on-site labs and imaging
Federal Way Police Department 33325 8th Avenue S Federal Way, WA 98003 Non-emergency: (253) 835-6700 Emergency: 911
Washington State Patrol (360) 654-1204 For accidents on Interstate 5 and state highways
Washington State Department of Transportation Real-time traffic and accident information https://wsdot.wa.gov/travel/real-time/
Contact Herschensohn Law Today
You’re facing medical bills, lost wages, and uncertainty after a Federal Way truck accident. The trucking company’s insurance adjuster is already building a defense. You need an experienced truck accident lawyer fighting for your rights now.
Call (206) 338-4175 anytime, day or night. We answer 24/7.
We offer free consultations with no obligations. We work on contingency. You pay nothing unless we win. Don’t let insurance companies take advantage of you.
Contact Herschensohn Law today and let us handle the legal fight while you focus on recovery.
Visit us at any of our five Washington locations: Kent (main office at 19219 68th Ave S Suite M-101), Seattle, Ellensburg, Graham, or Chehalis. Schedule your free consultation online or call (206) 338-4175 now.
