Truck Accident Claims
Because of their size and weight, commercial trucks can cause catastrophic injuries even in relatively low-speed collisions. Truck accident claims are often more complex than typical car accident cases because more than one company can be involved.
Common Causes
- Driver fatigue from long hours on the road
- Improperly loaded or secured cargo
- Poor vehicle maintenance
- Speeding to meet delivery schedules
- Driver inexperience or inadequate training
- Equipment failure such as brake or tire defects
Who May Be Held Liable
In addition to the driver, liability can extend to the trucking company, a cargo loading company, a maintenance contractor, or the manufacturer of a defective truck part. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration regulations often play a role in establishing whether a company met its legal obligations.
Evidence That Often Matters
- Electronic logging device (driver hours) data
- The truck's maintenance and inspection records
- Cargo manifests and loading records
- Black box / event data recorder information
- Company safety and training policies
- Post-crash drug and alcohol testing results
What Compensation May Cover
Because injuries from truck accidents are often severe, compensation may need to account for long-term or permanent care, home modifications, lost earning capacity, and substantial pain and suffering, in addition to standard medical and vehicle costs.
Compensation in a personal injury case is typically grouped into economic damages (medical bills, lost wages, future care) and non-economic damages (pain and suffering). Some states cap certain categories of damages, and rules on shared fault can reduce an award if you were partly responsible. An attorney licensed in your state can explain how these rules apply to your situation.
Time Limits to Be Aware Of
Every state sets its own statute of limitations for personal injury claims, generally ranging from one to several years from the date of the injury, with important exceptions (such as claims against a government agency, which often require a notice filed within months). Missing a deadline can permanently bar a claim, so it's worth confirming the applicable deadline early.
Also Worth Knowing
Trucking companies typically have specialized insurance and legal teams that respond quickly after a crash, which is one reason many injured parties in truck accident cases consult an attorney early.