Who can be held liable in a truck accident?

Potentially the truck driver, the trucking company, the cargo loader, a maintenance contractor, the truck manufacturer, or others. An attorney identifies every liable party to maximize your recovery.

What is the FMCSA and why does it matter?

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration regulates commercial trucks. Violations of its rules — like hours-of-service limits — can serve as strong evidence of negligence in your claim.

How long do I have to file a truck accident claim?

Statutes of limitations vary by state, but truck accident claims should be started immediately because evidence like logbooks and black box data can be lost quickly.

Are truck accident settlements bigger?

They can be, because injuries are typically more severe and multiple insurance policies may apply. But they're also more complex, which is why experienced representation matters.

Home/Truck Accidents

18-wheelers, semis & commercial vehicle crashes

Truck Accidents — Your Rights and Options

Commercial truck accidents are far more complex than ordinary car crashes. A fully loaded 18-wheeler can weigh 80,000 pounds, and when one collides with a passenger vehicle the results are often catastrophic. These cases involve trucking companies, multiple insurance policies, federal regulations, and teams of lawyers working against you. Our network connects you with attorneys who understand commercial trucking law and know how to hold every responsible party accountable.

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Why Truck Accidents Are Different

Truck accident claims are not just bigger car accidents. The trucking industry is governed by federal regulations from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), covering hours-of-service limits, vehicle maintenance, load securement, and driver qualifications. Violations of these rules can be powerful evidence of negligence.

There are also multiple potentially liable parties: the driver, the trucking company, the cargo loader, the truck manufacturer, and others. Identifying all responsible parties is essential to maximizing your recovery.

Common Causes of Truck Crashes

Driver fatigue is one of the leading causes, often tied to pressure to meet unrealistic delivery deadlines. Other common causes include distracted driving, speeding, improper loading or overloaded trailers, poor truck maintenance, brake failures, inexperienced or improperly trained drivers, and driving under the influence.

Black box data, driver logbooks, and maintenance records can prove these causes — but this evidence can be destroyed quickly if it isn't preserved with a legal demand.

Severe Injuries in Truck Accidents

The sheer size and weight of commercial trucks mean victims often suffer life-altering injuries: traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage and paralysis, crush injuries and amputations, severe burns, internal organ damage, and fatal injuries. These cases frequently involve long-term or permanent disability.

That's why truck accident claims must account for a lifetime of medical care, lost earning capacity, and the profound impact on quality of life — not just immediate expenses.

Act Quickly to Protect Evidence

Trucking companies and their insurers move fast after a crash. They may send investigators to the scene within hours and can legally destroy driver logs and black box data after a short retention period. The sooner an attorney sends a spoliation letter, the sooner that critical evidence is legally preserved.

Don't wait to start your case. Connecting with an attorney quickly can make the difference between a strong claim and a destroyed one.

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