A commercial motor vehicle is any truck or bus that weighs more than 10,000 pounds or transports passengers or hazardous cargo. These vehicles operate under strict Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) rules and Washington State regulations. Understanding that special legal framework explains why evidence-gathering technology, like in-cab cameras, has become standard.
If a truck’s in-cab camera holds the key to your recovery, reach out now. Yakima County truck-accident attorneys Scott Brumback and Sidney Ottem will secure the footage, pinpoint liability, and fight for every dollar you deserve. Dial (509) 457-7258 or send us a message today for a free, no-obligation case review before that critical video disappears.
Why Are Cameras Installed in the Cabs of Commercial Trucks?
Trucking companies place driver-facing and road-facing cameras in cabs to cut crashes and protect everyone on the road. After federal data showed an 8 percent jump in fatal truck collisions in 2014-15, carriers invested heavily in video systems to monitor hard braking, sudden lane changes, and distracted driving. Cameras coach safer habits, document near-misses, and deliver clear footage that can exonerate a careful driver who is wrongly blamed.
How Do In-Cab Cameras Help Prevent Crashes?
Video systems promote safety by capturing two simultaneous views. The road-facing lens records traffic, weather, and roadway hazards, while the inward-facing lens tracks drowsiness, phone use, and seat-belt compliance. When a Yakima driver drifts on I-82 or brakes hard on Hwy 97, the camera saves a high-definition clip and alerts the safety team for quick coaching. Knowing they are recorded encourages drivers to stay focused and reduces risky maneuvers, which in turn lowers crash rates and insurance costs.
Are In-Cab Cameras Legal in Washington State?
Federal law permits windshield-mounted cameras as long as they do not block a driver’s view, and FMCSA guidance specifically authorizes safety monitoring devices. Washington is a two-party consent state (RCW 9.73), so audio or video recording inside the cab requires clear notice and driver acknowledgment. Most motor carriers meet that rule by making cameras a condition of employment and posting decals on the truck. Courts generally uphold the practice because the cab is a regulated workplace, not a private living room.
What Privacy Concerns Do Truck Drivers Raise?
Many drivers worry about constant surveillance while they rest, eat, or speak with family. Yakima County drivers often sleep in the berth just a few feet behind the lens, so the feeling of being watched is real. State and federal labor laws require employers to balance safety with reasonable privacy. Companies may tilt cameras away from sleeper berths, disable interior audio, or record only during motion events. These safeguards help respect personal dignity without sacrificing road safety.
How Is Camera Footage Used After a Crash?
Video offers the most objective evidence available in a truck accident case. A timestamped clip can show that a fatigued motorist cut in front of the rig, that a tire blow-out triggered a loss of control, or that our client followed every rule. Union Gap truck accident attorney Scott Brumback preserves this footage through immediate evidence-hold letters before a carrier deletes it. The recording lets juries see the truth in seconds, often turning a disputed liability case into a fair settlement.
What Truck-Accident Scenarios Occur on I-82 and Hwy 97?
Common events
- Rear-end crashes in stop-and-go harvest traffic near Union Gap.
- Rollover wrecks on Hwy 97’s downhill curves when brakes overheat.
- Fog-related pile-ups by the Valley Mall exit.
Uncommon but severe events
- Underride collisions where a passenger car slides beneath a trailer.
- Chain-reaction chemical spills on snowy passes that close I-82.
- Jackknifes caused by brake imbalance on steep Selah grades.
Washington State Patrol lists more than 2,900 truck collisions on I-82 in a recent year, 81 involving serious injury and 48 resulting in death. In every situation, a digital video clip can pinpoint root causes faster than any eyewitness testimony.
What Laws Govern Truck Accidents in Washington?
Truck operators must follow FMCSA hours-of-service limits, drug-testing rules, and detailed inspection schedules. Washington adds cargo-securement statutes and mandatory crash reporting under RCW 46.52. The personal injury statute of limitations is three years, and the state’s pure comparative fault system means even partly responsible victims can recover damages. Yakima County trucking injury lawyer Sidney Ottem reviews logbooks, maintenance files, and camera data to prove violations of these rules and maximize client recovery.
How Can Brumback & Ottem Injury Law Help After a Truck Crash?
We know central Washington’s highways and trucking corridors because we live and work here. Commercial truck crash attorney Scott Brumback and CMV accident attorney Sidney Ottem immediately dispatch investigators to I-82, request camera footage, download engine control modules, and interview
Need Help Today?
Discover peace of mind with Brumback & Ottem Injury Law! Located at 1905 Rainier Pl. in Union Gap, WA, our dedicated team of experienced truck-injury attorneys is here to help you every step of the way. Don’t wait. Call (509) 457-7258 today for a free consultation with no pressure.