Tacoma Truck Accident Lawyer

Fighting for Victims of Commercial Truck Crashes in Tacoma and Pierce County

Truck accidents are among the most devastating events on Washington roads. When a fully loaded semi-truck, delivery van, log truck, or other commercial vehicle collides with a passenger car or motorcycle, the results are often catastrophic. Tacoma sees significant commercial traffic moving through its major corridors along I-5, SR-167, SR-512, Port of Tacoma Road, and the industrial zones surrounding the Port, and with that volume comes an elevated risk of serious injury crashes. When these collisions happen, victims are often left with life-changing injuries, mountains of medical bills, and insurance companies eager to deny responsibility or minimize payouts.

At Gustad Law Group, we know that accident victims are frequently treated as obstacles or liabilities, not human beings in need of help. Insurance companies and trucking corporations move quickly, mobilizing lawyers, adjusters, and investigators to protect themselves, not you. They hope you’re confused, intimidated, or unsure of your rights. They bank on the idea that no one believes you, no one cares about your injuries, and no one will fight for the truth. That is where we come in.

Tacoma truck accident lawyer John-Paul Gustad and his team provide something the insurance system will not: compassion, belief in your story, and aggressive, strategic advocacy designed to hold negligent companies accountable. We understand how trucking cases work, where the evidence is hidden, and how to force corporations to take responsibility.

Why Truck Accidents in Tacoma Are So Dangerous

Tractor-trailers and 18-wheelers can weigh up to 80,000 pounds when fully loaded; that’s 20 to 30 times more than the average passenger vehicle. This huge disparity means that even low-speed collisions can cause severe injuries, including spinal cord injuries, traumatic brain injuries, internal organ damage, crushed limbs, and fatal trauma. The danger isn’t limited to semi-trucks; Tacoma roads are filled with box trucks, garbage trucks, utility trucks, cement mixers, construction haulers, tow trucks, and delivery vehicles from companies like Amazon, UPS, and FedEx. Any one of these can cause devastating harm if driven improperly or maintained poorly.

Because of the potential for destruction, trucking companies are subject to strict federal and state regulations. These include rules on driver rest breaks, hours-of-service limits, load securement, routine vehicle inspections, and detailed maintenance records. The problem is that many companies cut corners. Drivers push through fatigue, skip safety checks, or speed to meet delivery deadlines. Some companies fail to maintain their vehicles or hire inexperienced or improperly trained drivers. When they do, innocent motorists pay the price.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Tacoma

Although truck crashes occur for many reasons, certain patterns appear again and again, especially on Tacoma’s busiest roadways. Congestion on I-5 creates the risk of chain-reaction collisions or rear-end crashes involving large trucks. Heavy freight traffic near the Port of Tacoma brings tight deadlines and fatigued drivers who may be operating far beyond safe limits. Construction zones around the city create visibility difficulties and dangerous merging patterns for trucks and cars alike.

Negligent behaviors that frequently lead to Tacoma truck crashes include speeding, distracted driving, unsafe lane changes, improper turns, overloaded or unsecured cargo, poor vehicle maintenance, and driver fatigue. Fatigue is a major issue in the trucking industry; many drivers exceed hours-of-service limits or falsify logbooks to keep up with pressure from dispatchers and trucking companies. When a fatigued trucker dozes off, drifts out of their lane, or misjudges stopping distance, the results can be catastrophic.

Poor maintenance is another leading cause. A truck with worn brakes, bald tires, faulty lights, or defective coupling systems becomes a rolling hazard. Blowouts cause trucks to swerve violently, while brake failures lead to runaway vehicles incapable of stopping before impact. These problems are preventable, yet some companies ignore maintenance requirements to save money or time.

Types of Truck Accidents and Their Consequences

Commercial trucks and big rigs in particular are susceptible to violent, catastrophic collisions that don’t happen with smaller vehicles. Some of the most dangerous truck accidents we see in Tacoma include the following:

• Jackknife Accidents: A truck’s trailer swings outward, forming a “V” shape. This can cause the truck to sweep across multiple lanes, crushing vehicles or causing multi-car pileups. Tractor-trailers are prone to jackknifing on wet or crowded Tacoma roads when truck drivers choose the wrong braking method.
• Underride Accidents: A passenger car slides beneath the trailer, often shearing off the roof and causing fatal or catastrophic injuries. These accidents frequently occur when trucks stop suddenly or lack proper underride guards.
• Override Accidents: A large truck runs over a smaller vehicle, such as in rear-end collisions where the truck does not stop in time.
• Rollover Crashes: High winds, sharp turns, uneven loads, or excessive speed cause a truck to tip over, crushing anything in its path.
• Wide-turn Accidents: A truck swings left before turning right, trapping or squeezing vehicles, bicycles, or pedestrians.

Different trucks create different risks. Dump trucks are prone to spilling their loads, box trucks often have limited rear visibility, and tanker trucks can explode or leak hazardous materials. Because of these variables, truck accident claims require careful analysis by a legal team familiar with commercial vehicle operations and industry standards.

Unique Challenges in Tacoma Truck Accident Claims

Truck accident cases are far more complex than typical car accident claims. Several entities may share responsibility, including the driver, the trucking company, the cargo loader, the maintenance contractor, or even the manufacturer of a defective part. Each has its own insurance carrier and legal team, often working aggressively to shift blame and reduce liability.

Another major challenge is time. Trucking companies are allowed by law to destroy certain records after a short period. Hours-of-service logs, maintenance reports, and electronic control module (ECM) data can vanish quickly unless an attorney sends a preservation demand. Without immediate legal action, critical evidence may be lost forever.

Additionally, truck accident victims often face intense pressure from insurance companies. They receive calls urging them to give recorded statements, accept quick settlements, or “clarify” details that adjusters later twist to weaken the claim. Insurance companies hope victims feel overwhelmed, unheard, and unsupported.

At Gustad Law Group, we refuse to let them get away with it. We move fast to secure truck data, obtain black box downloads, preserve driver logs, and force companies to turn over the documents they’d prefer to hide. We also take control of all communication with insurers so you never face their pressure alone. Our mission is simple: make responsible parties take responsibility, make them tell the truth, and make them pay what the law requires.

Compensation Available to Truck Accident Victims

Truck accident victims often suffer injuries that require extensive surgery, rehabilitation, and long-term care. The financial burden can be overwhelming, especially when victims cannot work during recovery. Gustad Law Group fights to recover full compensation, including medical costs, future care needs, lost wages, diminished earning capacity, pain and suffering, permanent disability, and loss of enjoyment of life. In cases involving wrongful death, we pursue compensation for families who have lost loved ones due to trucking negligence.

Because trucking companies carry high-limit insurance policies, more compensation is often available compared to typical auto accident cases. However, their insurance carriers rarely offer it willingly. They fight hard to minimize your claim; we fight harder to protect your future.

How Gustad Law Group Builds a Successful Truck Accident Case

Our approach is proactive, strategic, and grounded in a deep understanding of the trucking industry. We work with accident reconstruction specialists, mechanical experts, medical professionals, and investigators to build a strong, evidence-backed narrative. We examine logbooks, onboard electronic data, fuel receipts, GPS records, weigh station reports, safety audits, and maintenance histories to determine exactly what went wrong and who is responsible.

We also listen—to you. Your story matters, and the law must reflect the full impact of your injuries on your life. Gustad Law Group believes in compassionate communication, clear explanations, and supporting clients through one of the most difficult experiences of their lives.

FAQ: Tacoma Truck Accident Claims

What should I do if the trucking company contacts me directly?

Do not answer their questions. Politely decline and call an attorney. Anything you say may be used against you.

Can multiple parties be responsible for the crash?

Yes. Drivers, companies, loaders, mechanics, or manufacturers may share fault. We identify every liable party to maximize recovery.

What if the trucking company destroys evidence?

We act quickly to send preservation letters compelling them to retain key documents. Courts can impose sanctions for destroyed evidence.

Call Today for a Free Consultation

If you or someone you love has been injured in a truck accident in Tacoma, you don’t have to face trucking companies or insurance adjusters alone. You deserve a legal team that believes you, cares about you, and fights relentlessly for your rights.

Call Gustad Law Group today for your free consultation. Let us protect your future and demand the accountability you are owed.