New “cover your load” commercial truck law proposed for 2020
On February 22, 2004, Maria Federici was blinded and nearly killed by a piece of particle board that flew out of a rented trailer, struck her windshield and hit her in the face. The driver of the vehicle pulling the trailer had been moving all day, and failed to properly secure the particle board in...
New “cover your load” commercial truck law proposed for 2020 Continue reading…New “cover your load” law coming to Washington State in 2020?
On February 22, 2004, Maria Federici was blinded and nearly killed by a piece of particle board that flew out of a rented trailer, struck her windshield and hit her in the face. The driver of the vehicle pulling the trailer had been moving all day, and failed to properly secure the particle board in...
New “cover your load” law coming to Washington State in 2020? Continue reading…Our comments on the Washington Trucking Associations petition
The Washington Trucking Associations, Inc. has petitioned for a ruling to preempt our state's longstanding employment law as it pertains to meal and rest break rules for commercial motor vehicle drivers. Petition for Determination of Preemption: Washington Meal and Rest Break Rules for Commercial Motor Vehicle Drivers The purpose behind the rule is to protect...
Our comments on the Washington Trucking Associations petition Continue reading…How a plaintiff’s lawyer can use the motor carrier Safety Director as an expert witness
The following information is an excerpt of a presentation given to the Academy of Truck Accident Attorneys by plaintiff's lawyer Kevin Coluccio. I have taken the depositions of many motor carrier Safety Directors. As I became more experienced and knowledgeable, I developed the skill of questioning defendant witnesses in such a manner as to make...
How a plaintiff’s lawyer can use the motor carrier Safety Director as an expert witness Continue reading…Lawyer Kevin Coluccio honored by Seattle non-profit Water1st
On November 1, non-profit Water1st International hosted their annual Give Water Give Life gala at the Fremont Studios in Seattle. Coluccio Law attorney Kevin Coluccio, and his wife Margie Duckstad, were honored as Water1st Ambassadors of the Year for 2019. The work of making sure every person has clean water is as important as it...
Lawyer Kevin Coluccio honored by Seattle non-profit Water1st Continue reading…Court holds trucking companies 100% responsible for Skagit Bridge collapse
Last week, the Washington Supreme Court issued a ruling in the ongoing litigation between the State and trucking companies regarding the collapse of the I-5 Skagit River Bridge in 2013. Washington Supreme Court tells trucking companies, not WSDOT, to pay for I-5 Skagit bridge collapse While Judge Steven Gonzalez’ reasoning was not completely sound and...
Court holds trucking companies 100% responsible for Skagit Bridge collapse Continue reading…What Causes (nearly all) the Rollover and Jackknife Tractor-Trailer Crashes
During my legal career of over 30 years, I have seen and handled a countless number of jackknifed tractor trailer crash cases.Nearly all of them have involved life altering or fatal injuries.Big semi-trucks are a common sight on our public roads. Although they are a vital part of our transportation system, they can also be...
What Causes (nearly all) the Rollover and Jackknife Tractor-Trailer Crashes Continue reading…Truck route planning is a requirement – not an option
Train traffic near Lacey, Washington was stopped for several hours on Tuesday after a semi-truck crashed into a train trestle . Last month, a dump truck weighing approximately 15,000 pounds vehicle collapsed an "old, rickety bridge" in Snohomish County. Neither of those crashes should have happened. More and more often, I am seeing these reports...
Truck route planning is a requirement – not an option Continue reading…Pedestrian death and Seattle’s law on safety enhancement
On the last day of September, Maria Banda and her husband Agustin were hit crossing the intersection of 28th Northeast and Northeast 125th Street in the Lake City neighborhood in the north end of Seattle. There is no marked crosswalk or pedestrian signals to help people get to the Lake City branch of the Seattle...
Pedestrian death and Seattle’s law on safety enhancement Continue reading…Refresher course in winter crash prevention for Washington drivers
Snow is falling in the Washington mountain passes. The seasonal changes in the Pacific Northwest always seem to result in a terrible series of crashes as drivers re-learn winter weather driving. While you should always be careful behind the wheel of a car, additional measures are necessary for winter crash prevention. Winter crash prevention Check...
Refresher course in winter crash prevention for Washington drivers Continue reading…Technology could prevent many rear-end semi truck crashes – but many don’t use it
Recently, I read about the truck driver that ran into several stopped vehicles in Colorado. People described the crash scene, where 4 people were killed, as “true carnage.” Many were taken to the hospital with serious injuries. The descriptions reminded me of a 2017 rear-end semi crash in Illinois, where 1 man was killed and...
Technology could prevent many rear-end semi truck crashes – but many don’t use it Continue reading…Pacific Northwest drivers must do better in the rain
Traffic crashes increase during the rainy season. Why are Pacific Northwest drivers bad at driving in the rain? Nearly every time precipitation hits, whether its a drizzle or a deluge, there seem to be traffic catastrophes all over the place. Wet roads present different challenges for drivers, especially the first rain after a dry period...
Pacific Northwest drivers must do better in the rain Continue reading…