“The Truck Didn’t Even Stop”: The Unique Dangers of Truck & Commercial Vehicle Accidents
A collision with a massive commercial truck is not just a “big car accident.” The physics are devastating, and the aftermath is legally complex. These 80,000-pound vehicles cause catastrophic injuries and fatalities. If you’ve been hurt by a tractor-trailer, dump truck, or delivery vehicle, you need a specialized approach.
Why Truck Accident Cases Are Different:
- Multiple Potentially Liable Parties: It’s not just the driver. You may have a claim against the trucking company (for negligent hiring or forcing unsafe hours), the cargo loader (for improper loading), the truck manufacturer (for mechanical failure), or a maintenance contractor. Identifying all responsible parties is crucial.
- Strict Federal Regulations: The trucking industry is governed by rules on driver hours (Hours of Service), maintenance logs, and cargo securement. Violations of these Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) are powerful evidence of negligence.
- The “Black Box”: Most large trucks have an Event Data Recorder (EDR), similar to an airplane’s black box. It records speed, braking, seatbelt use, and more in the moments before a crash. Preserving and analyzing this data is a technical, time-sensitive task.
- Aggressive Insurance Defense: Trucking companies carry massive insurance policies, but their legal teams fight relentlessly to minimize payouts. They will work immediately to repair the truck, destroy evidence, and shift blame onto you.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents:
- Driver fatigue (e.g., violating HOS rules)
- Distracted driving
- Improperly trained drivers
- Poorly maintained brakes or tires
- Overloaded or unbalanced cargo
Injuries are often life-altering: spinal cord damage, traumatic brain injury (TBI), severe fractures, and amputations. The medical costs and long-term care needs are enormous.
You Need a Firm That Speaks the Language. Success requires an attorney who understands logbooks, weigh station records, electronic logging devices (ELDs), and federal compliance. We work with a network of accident reconstructionists, commercial vehicle experts, and medical professionals to build an unshakable case.
Don’t face a billion-dollar trucking conglomerate alone. Your family’s financial future depends on holding the right parties fully accountable.
[Click here to fill out a free, no-obligation accident consultation form.] Our truck accident specialists are ready to listen to your story and start investigating immediately.