Truck crashes are far more likely to result in serious injury or death compared to car accidents. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), in 2020, large trucks were involved in over 490,000 crashes resulting in injury and over 4,100 fatalities [1].

The size and weight of commercial trucks can cause catastrophic damage in collisions, leaving victims with life-altering injuries. If you’ve been involved in a truck crash, understanding your legal rights and obtaining qualified representation is crucial to navigate the complex legal system and recover the compensation you deserve.

Why Truck Crashes Require Specialized Legal Representation

Truck accident cases differ significantly from car accident claims due to the following factors:

• Federal regulations: The trucking industry is heavily regulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), which sets strict safety standards for truck drivers, trucking companies, and vehicles. Truck crash lawyers understand these complex regulations and how they apply to specific accident cases.
• Multiple parties involved: Truck accidents often involve multiple parties who could be liable for damages, including the truck driver, the trucking company, parts manufacturers, maintenance providers, and cargo loaders. A truck crash lawyer can investigate the accident and identify all potentially liable parties.
• Complex insurance coverage: Trucking companies carry various types of insurance, including primary liability coverage, motor carrier physical damage coverage, and cargo insurance. An experienced lawyer can navigate the complexities of truck insurance policies to maximize your compensation.

Understanding Truck Accident Liability

In a truck crash, determining who is liable for damages can be complex. Several parties could potentially be held responsible, including:

• The truck driver: Driver negligence is a common cause of truck accidents. Truck drivers can be liable for speeding, reckless driving, distracted driving, driving under the influence, or violating FMCSA regulations.
• The trucking company: The trucking company can be held liable if they failed to properly maintain the truck, hired an unqualified driver, or pressured drivers to violate safety regulations.
• Parts manufacturers: If a defective truck part caused the accident, such as brakes or steering failure, the parts manufacturer could be liable.
• Maintenance providers: Mechanics who performed improper maintenance on the truck could be liable if their negligence contributed to the accident.
• Cargo loaders: Improperly loaded cargo can shift during transport, causing the truck to become unbalanced and crash. The cargo loader may be liable if their negligence contributed to the accident.

Unique Challenges of Truck Accident Investigations

Investigating truck crashes often presents unique challenges compared to car accidents. Here’s why:

• Complex vehicle technology: Modern trucks are equipped with sophisticated technology, data from which can be crucial in determining the cause of the accident. Truck crash lawyers have the knowledge and resources to collect and analyze this data.
• Driver fatigue regulations: Federal regulations limit the number of hours truck drivers can drive without a break. An investigation will need to determine if the driver violated these regulations and whether driver fatigue was a contributing factor in the crash.
• Retrieving electronic data from the truck: Modern trucks are equipped with electronic data recorders (EDRs) that can capture valuable information about the truck’s speed, braking, and other functions immediately before the crash. A truck crash lawyer knows how to retrieve and analyze this data to support your claim.

What a Truck Crash Lawyer Can Do for You

In the aftermath of a serious truck crash, the physical, emotional, and financial burdens can be overwhelming. A qualified truck crash lawyer can help you navigate the legal process and fight for the compensation you deserve. Here’s how:

• Investigate the cause of the accident: Your lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation to determine the cause of the crash and identify all liable parties. This may involve collecting evidence from the accident scene, interviewing witnesses, and obtaining police reports and truck data recorder information.
• Build a strong case for maximum compensation: Your lawyer will work to build a strong case that proves your injuries were caused by the negligence of the truck driver or another party. This will involve gathering medical records, documenting lost wages, and calculating the full extent of your damages
• Negotiate with insurance companies: (continued) Truck insurance companies are notorious for offering lowball settlements. Your lawyer has the experience and knowledge to negotiate with insurance companies on your behalf and fight for a fair settlement that reflects the full extent of your damages.
• Represent you in court, if necessary: If the insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, your lawyer will be prepared to take your case to court. They will represent you throughout the litigation process and fight for the compensation you deserve.