Lacey, WA (December 4, 2025) — A multi-vehicle collision involving a commercial truck and a school bus occurred Thursday morning on Interstate 5 near Martin Road in Lacey. According to the Washington State Patrol, a semi-truck hauling vehicles allegedly struck the rear of a school bus shortly after 7:00 a.m., setting off a chain reaction crash that ultimately involved six vehicles.
Authorities reported that the commercial truck driver was arrested at the scene. Investigators stated that the driver allegedly did not possess a valid commercial driver’s license, insurance, or a current medical certification at the time of the crash. Four people were transported to the hospital with minor injuries. Officials also confirmed that two adults were on the school bus and that no students were present.
Based on the information released, investigators are likely to closely examine the actions of the commercial truck driver leading up to the collision. Rear-end crashes involving large commercial vehicles often raise questions regarding speed, attentiveness, and whether the driver was able to safely respond to traffic conditions ahead.
In this case, authorities have stated that the truck driver did not possess a valid commercial driver’s license and other important documentation. These alleged deficiencies may be central to understanding whether the truck was lawfully and safely operated at the time of the crash.
Beyond the driver’s conduct, the role of the trucking company involved will likely be part of the investigation. Commercial carriers are responsible for ensuring that their drivers are properly licensed, medically qualified, and legally permitted to operate large trucks on public roadways. When a driver is allegedly operating without the required credentials, investigators often examine hiring practices, supervision, and compliance with state and federal trucking regulations.
Because the semi-truck was hauling vehicles and involved in a multi-car pileup, the severity of the potential consequences underscores the importance of strict adherence to commercial safety requirements. Collisions involving large trucks can quickly escalate due to their size and weight, increasing the risk of injury even when initial impacts occur at speeds typical of morning commutes.
Although an arrest was reported at the scene, authorities said that a full investigation is still necessary. A thorough review may include analysis of vehicle damage, roadway evidence, witness statements, and any available vehicle or company records. In commercial truck crashes, investigators often need to piece together not only how the collision occurred, but whether regulatory violations or oversight failures contributed to the events leading up to it.
Source: KOMO
Crashes involving commercial trucks present legal issues that differ significantly from standard passenger vehicle accidents. These cases involve complex regulatory requirements, multiple potentially responsible parties, and detailed investigations.
For this reason, those affected by truck accidents should seek counsel from an attorney certified by the National Board of Trial Advocacy in truck accident law. There are few attorneys nationwide who hold this certification, which requires substantial experience and demonstrated knowledge of truck accident litigation. Tom D’Amore, founder of D’Amore Law Group, has more than 30 years of experience and is certified by the National Board of Trial Advocacy. These qualifications are especially important when evaluating serious crashes involving commercial vehicles. If you or a family member has been involved in an accident like this in Washington, reach out for a consultation.
