Truck & Commercial Vehicle Accidents

Accidents involving large commercial vehicles, such as semi-trucks and delivery vans, often result in devastating injuries and significant property damage. Due to their size, weight, and operational complexity, these cases are far more complex than standard car accident claims. They involve specific regulations, multiple parties, and layered legal responsibilities that require skilled legal representation.

Ready to Find Out What Your Case May Be Worth?

Types of Truck Accidents

Commercial vehicle accidents can take many forms, each with its own risks and legal considerations:

Semi-Truck / 18-Wheeler Accidents

Often the most catastrophic due to high speeds and heavy loads.

Tire Blowouts or Mechanical Failures

Resulting from poor maintenance or defective parts.

Jackknife Accidents

When a trailer swings out and forms a 90-degree angle, often due to braking errors or slick roads.

Delivery Van Collisions

Frequently occur in residential neighborhoods and urban areas, often involving distracted or rushed drivers.

Underride Accidents

Where a smaller vehicle slides<br> beneath a truck, usually with deadly consequences.

Rollover Accidents

Typically caused by speeding, overloading, or abrupt maneuvers.

Blind Spot Accidents

Large trucks have significant blind spots that increase the risk of side collisions.

Trucking Regulations

Commercial truck drivers and trucking companies are subject to strict regulations set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). These rules govern everything from driver working hours (Hours of Service limits) to vehicle maintenance, load weight limits, drug and alcohol testing, and commercial driver’s license (CDL) requirements. Violations of these regulations can be used as evidence of negligence in a claim. Additionally, trucking companies must keep detailed records of driver logs, inspections, and GPS data, which can be crucial to building a strong case.

Complex Liability in Truck Accident Cases

Truck accident claims often involve multiple potentially liable parties, such as:

Third-party maintenance providers

The truck driver (for negligence or fatigue)

Freight loaders (for improperly secured cargo)

Vehicle manufacturers (for mechanical failures)

The trucking company (for poor hiring practices or pressure to violate regulations)

Determining fault may require accident reconstruction, electronic logging data, and expert testimony. Because of this complexity, it’s essential to have legal counsel experienced in commercial vehicle litigation.

Federal Trucking Laws

Federal trucking laws are established by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and apply to all commercial vehicles that operate across state lines. These laws set national safety standards for the trucking industry, covering critical areas such as driver qualifications, maximum driving hours, vehicle maintenance, cargo securement, and the use of electronic logging devices (ELDs). Trucking companies must comply with these regulations to ensure public safety and reduce the risk of accidents caused by driver fatigue, mechanical failures, or overloaded trucks. Violations of federal laws can serve as strong evidence of negligence in a truck accident claim.

State Trucking Laws

Each state also enforces its own trucking laws that apply to vehicles operating solely within its borders. These state-level regulations may include specific insurance requirements, weight limits, licensing standards, and additional safety measures tailored to local conditions. State laws also govern how truck accident claims are handled — including time limits for filing a lawsuit (statute of limitations), rules for determining fault, and caps on damages. Depending on the location of the accident, state laws may work alongside or in addition to federal regulations. Understanding how these laws interact is essential for building a strong case and recovering the compensation you deserve.

Federal Trucking Laws

State Trucking Laws

Damages You May Be Entitled To

If you’ve been injured in a truck accident, you may be eligible to recover:

Medical Expenses

ER visits, surgeries, rehab, ongoing care

Pain and Suffering

Physical pain, emotional trauma, PTSD

Property Damage

Repair or replacement of your vehicle

Lost Wages

Including future earnings if you're unable to return to work

Wrongful Death

In fatal accidents, families may seek funeral costs and loss of support

Punitive Damages

In cases of extreme negligence or regulatory violations

Our team fights to secure full and fair compensation, including damages for long-term disability, reduced quality of life, and loss of future income.

Truck & Commercial Vehicle Accidents