Truck Accidents on I-5 in Tacoma: Common Causes + What Victims Should Do

If you were injured in a serious truck crash on Interstate 5, you’re not alone, and you’re not imagining how overwhelming it feels. Truck accidents on I-5 in Tacoma are far too common, and when they happen, the consequences are often life-changing. This stretch of highway is one of the busiest corridors in Washington, carrying heavy commercial traffic alongside everyday commuters. When something goes wrong, the damage can be catastrophic.

At D’Amore Law Group, we represent victims whose lives have been turned upside down by trucking collisions. Below, we explain why these crashes happen, why they are so serious, and what injured victims should do next.

Why Truck Accidents on I-5 in Tacoma Are So Dangerous

Interstate 5 runs directly through Tacoma, connecting the Port of Tacoma with Seattle and points south. This means a constant flow of tractor-trailers, delivery trucks, and freight vehicles sharing lanes with passenger cars, often in congested, high-speed conditions.

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), large trucks are involved in thousands of fatal crashes nationwide each year, and Washington consistently reports serious injuries from commercial vehicle collisions. When an I-5 Tacoma semi crash occurs, the size and weight difference alone can cause devastating injuries.

Common Causes of Truck Crashes on I-5

Truck accidents rarely happen for just one reason. Common contributing factors include:

Driver fatigue, especially when federal hours-of-service rules are violated;
Speeding and aggressive driving to meet tight delivery deadlines;
Distracted driving, including GPS use or mobile devices;
Improperly loaded or overloaded cargo, leading to rollovers or jackknifes;
Poor truck maintenance, such as faulty brakes or worn tires; and
Heavy congestion and sudden slowdowns near downtown Tacoma and port interchanges.

Under federal trucking regulations enforced by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), trucking companies must follow strict safety rules. When they fail to do so, innocent drivers often pay the price.

Why a Highway Truck Accident in Tacoma Can Change Everything

A highway truck accident in Tacoma is very different from a typical car crash. Commercial trucks can weigh up to 80,000 pounds. The force of impact often leads to:

Traumatic brain injuries,
Spinal cord damage and paralysis,
Multiple fractures or crush injuries,
Internal organ damage, and
Fatal injuries or wrongful death.

Beyond physical harm, victims may face mounting medical bills, lost income, and long-term disability. Insurance companies know how expensive these cases can become, and they often work quickly to minimize payouts. This is why speaking with a Tacoma truck accident lawyer or a truck accident attorney in Tacoma can make a critical difference early on.

Liable Parties in an I-5 Truck Crash

Liability in a truck accident is often complex. Depending on the circumstances, the responsible parties may include:

The truck driver,
The trucking company that employed or contracted the driver,
A cargo loading company, or
A truck manufacturer or maintenance provider.

An experienced truck accident lawyer in Tacoma, WA, can investigate driver logs, black box data, maintenance records, and corporate safety policies to identify all sources of liability.

What Victims Should Do After an I-5 Truck Accident Injury Claim

If you’ve been hurt, your health comes first, but your legal rights matter too. Here are important steps to take:

Seek immediate medical care, even if symptoms seem minor;
Call law enforcement so the crash is officially documented;
Avoid speaking with trucking or insurance representatives alone;
Preserve evidence, including photos, witness information, and medical records; and
Speak with a Tacoma trucking accident attorney before accepting any settlement.

Many victims don’t realize they may be entitled to compensation for both economic damages (medical bills, lost wages, future care) and non-economic damages such as pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of quality of life.

Frequently Asked Questions

At D’Amore Law Group, our team has decades of experience standing up for seriously injured people across Washington. Here are answers to some of the questions we frequently see about truck accidents.

Why Do So Many Truck Crashes Happen on I-5?

High traffic volume, commercial freight routes, driver fatigue, and congestion near Tacoma interchanges all contribute to frequent crashes.

Who Is Liable in an I-5 Truck Crash?

Liability may extend beyond the driver to trucking companies, contractors, or manufacturers, depending on the cause.

What Should Victims Do Immediately?

Get medical care, report the crash, avoid insurance traps, and consult a truck accident lawyer as soon as possible.

How Long Do I Have to File?

In most Washington truck accident cases, you have three years from the date of injury.

Talk to D’Amore Law Group Today

Truck accidents on I-5 in Tacoma are an unfortunate reality in the Pacific Northwest. If you or a loved one was injured in a collision, you deserve answers and fair treatment. Insurance companies do not have to protect your interests. We do.

We understand the long-term impact of truck crashes, and we fight to make sure our clients do not settle for less than they deserve. Contact D’Amore Law Group today to speak with an experienced truck accident lawyer and learn how we can help you move forward with strength and clarity.

Legal References Used to Inform This Page

To ensure the accuracy and clarity of this page, we referenced official legal resources during the content development process.

National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, Link
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, Link
RCW 4.16.080 – Personal injury statute of limitations, Link