A serious semi-truck DUI accident on Interstate 90 in Kittitas County has raised significant concerns about roadway safety and driver accountability. On a snowy Saturday night, a semi-truck struck a snowplow that was actively treating the road. The collision caused the snowplow to roll into the median. Fortunately, the snowplow driver was taken to the hospital for evaluation and later released. The semi-truck driver was arrested for driving under the influence (DUI).
This incident highlights the dangers posed by impaired commercial drivers and raises important questions about liability, compensation, and legal protections for victims.
How DUI Crashes Involving Semi-Trucks Are Handled in Washington
In Washington State, commercial drivers such as semi-truck operators are held to strict legal standards. When a driver is found to be operating a commercial vehicle under the influence, it constitutes serious misconduct. Victims of such accidents, including other drivers and road workers, may have strong grounds to pursue a personal injury claim.
Under RCW 46.61.502, DUI is a criminal offense, and a conviction can be used as evidence of negligence in a civil personal injury case. When large commercial vehicles are involved, the injuries can be severe, and liability may extend to the trucking company if they failed to properly screen or supervise their driver.
What Victims Can Recover After a Semi-Truck DUI Crash
Victims of DUI-related semi-truck crashes in Washington may be entitled to compensation for:
- Medical expenses (including hospital bills, physical therapy, medications)
- Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Property damage
If you or a loved one is injured by a DUI semi-truck driver, it’s critical to act quickly. Evidence such as police reports, dashcam footage, and toxicology results can be vital to proving your claim.
Why Legal Representation Matters
Going up against a trucking company or their insurance provider without legal support can be overwhelming. These companies often have legal teams dedicated to minimizing payouts. At Blanford Law, we have experience handling serious truck accident cases and understand how to build strong claims based on Washington personal injury law.
We can investigate the crash, preserve key evidence, work with expert witnesses, and negotiate or litigate to seek full compensation for your injuries.
Contact Blanford Law Today
If you’ve been injured in a semi-truck DUI accident, don’t wait. Washington law limits the time you have to file a claim.
Contact Blanford Law today at ken@blanfordlaw.com or 253-720-9304 for guidance on your legal matter.

Additional Resources
- Snoqualmie Pass Chain Requirements – Understand chain requirements for safer winter travel on mountain passes. https://blanfordlaw.com/snoqualmie-pass-chain-requirements/
- RCW 47.36.250 – Winter Traction Laws – Learn the Washington law governing traction devices during snowy conditions. https://blanfordlaw.com/rcw-4736250-winter-traction/
- WAC 204-24-050 – Approved Traction Devices – Know which traction devices are legally acceptable under state regulations. https://blanfordlaw.com/wac-20424-050-traction-devices/
- IRLJ 2.5 – Failure to Respond to a Notice of Infraction – Find out what happens if you don’t respond to a traffic infraction. https://blanfordlaw.com/irlj-25-failure-to-respond/
- IRLJ 2.6 – Scheduling Hearings – Learn how hearings are scheduled for traffic violations in Washington. https://blanfordlaw.com/irlj-26-scheduling-hearings/