Expertise.com Homepage

Best Truck Accident Lawyers & Helpful Resources

Find a Top-Ranked Truck Accident Lawyer Near You

We did the research for you!

  • Licensing
  • User Reviews
  • Mystery Shopping Calls

Learn about our selection process.

Most Popular Cities

featured provider = Featured Provider

New York, NY

Los Angeles, CA

Chicago, IL

Brooklyn, NY

Queens, NY

Houston, TX

Phoenix, AZ

Philadelphia, PA

San Antonio, TX

Dallas, TX

Find a Top-Ranked Truck Accident Lawyer Near You

Resources

Truck accident attorneys handle a variety of personal injury cases related to accidents involving big rigs, tractor trailers, delivery trucks, cargo trucks, and other large vehicles. If you or a family member have been involved in a commercial or catastrophic 18-wheeler accident, you may find that a truck accident lawyer is crucial for you to recover the compensation you deserve. These resources have been curated to help you decide the best course of action after your accident, including how to hire an experienced truck accident attorney. Many attorneys offer a free consultation-- use our Concierge service to connect with a top-rated provider near you today! At Expertise, we strive to connect you with the best truck accident attorney for your situation. Our directory is filled with carefully-researched providers and you can use our concierge service to connect with a top-ranked semi-truck accident attorney in your area without any work on your part!

I've Been in a Commercial Truck Accident

If you or a loved one has been involved in a semi-truck accident, know that you are not alone. The aftermath of such an accident can be a traumatic and confusing time, but many resources are available to help you navigate this difficult period. Our resources will provide information and guidance on what to do after a semi-truck accident, what insurance covers and doesn't cover, how to navigate the legal process if a lawsuit is necessary, and more.

Semi-Truck Accident Lawsuit Resources

Semi-truck accidents can be life-changing for victims and their families, leaving them with physical injuries, emotional trauma, and financial difficulties. These resources have been curated to help you learn and prepare for a lawsuit, including information on how pain and suffering is calculated, how to recover damages related to medical expenses, average 18-wheeler accident settlements, and how your lawyer can help you throughout the process.

Truck Accident Statistics and Other Relevant Information

Trucking accidents are a significant public safety concern in the United States. According to data from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Association (FMCSA), there are about 415,000 trucking accidents annually. This number accounts for just 7% of all motor vehicle accidents but contains some of the country's most dangerous and harmful crashes. The leading causes of truck accidents include fatigue, distracted driving, and reckless driving. These examples can lead to rear-end collisions, head-on collisions, rollover accidents, and more — causing catastrophic damage and significant loss to everyone involved. As the trucking industry continues to grow and play a vital role in our economy, it's essential to understand the causes of these accidents and take steps to prevent them in the future.

State-Specific Trucking Laws

When navigating the legal terrain after a truck accident, it's important to understand how state-specific laws might affect your case. These laws can affect your case's statute of limitations, the legal processes your lawyer has to follow, and how negotiations with an insurance company can proceed.

FAQs

  • What does a truck accident attorney do?

    A truck accident lawyer is a personal injury attorney specializing in truck accidents. These lawyers help their clients navigate the legally complex terrain of truck accident law by gathering evidence, sending demand letters, negotiating with insurance companies, and preparing the case for trial.In most cases, they are personal injury lawyers who specialize in this particular type of claim.

  • Who can be sued in a truck accident case?

    Truck accident liability is a notoriously complex area. In car accidents, liability is typically shared by one or more drivers, but that’s not always the case with truck collisions. These are just a few of the parties that may be responsible for truck accidents and subsequent injuries:

    • Equipment owners, including leasing companies
    • Truck drivers who are reckless, intoxicated, or make mistakes
    • Trucking companies accountable for hiring and keeping records
    • Maintenance providers who are negligent or fail to perform routine tasks
    • Loading personnel in accidents caused by shifting loads
    • Third-party drivers, especially in multi-vehicle collisions
    • Equipment manufacturers that sell defective parts
  • What do I need to know about truck accident cases in court?

    In truck accident cases, as in all personal injury cases, the burden of proof rests on the plaintiff or party filing the lawsuit. To prevail in court, the plaintiff must prove four things:

    • The plaintiff must show that the defendant owed him or her a duty of care, such as having a legal responsibility to hire qualified drivers and maintain safe equipment.
    • In negligence claims, the plaintiff must prove that the defendant breached this duty.
    • The plaintiff must show that they suffered damages or experienced harm.
    • Finally, the plaintiff must prove that these losses were a direct result of the defendant’s breach.

  • What are the common causes of truck accidents?

    Driver error is the single most common cause of motor vehicle accidents, but a variety of factors come into play on busy highways and secondary roads. Other potential causes of truck accidents include the following:

    • Inadequate or improper driver training
    • Severe weather, including rain, sleet, ice, and fog
    • Dangerous roadways, potholes, and construction zones
    • Improper loading, excess weight, and shifting cargo
    • Reckless driving involving intoxication or distractions
    • Faulty equipment, such as failing brakes

  • Can I sue if I was hit by a truck owned by a big company?

    Yes, all trucking companies are responsible for hiring qualified drivers and maintaining safe equipment. However, a lengthy investigation may be required to document the scene, establish contributing factors, and hold the company responsible. Personal injury attorneys generally focus on the following points during the investigation:

    • Checking the truck driver’s record
    • Securing phone records to prove distracted driving
    • Photographing skid marks and road conditions
    • Verifying the truck’s weight and maintenance history
    • Establishing the driver’s physical and mental health
    • Reviewing logbooks to identify times of service violations
    • Checking for previous violations to establish a pattern of misconduct

  • How many semi truck accidents are there per year?

    In the U.S., it's estimated that there are 500,000 large truck accidents per year with an average of nearly 1,400 per day, according to data collected from police reports. Of those 500,000 accidents, approximately 4,000 result in a death. The majority of semi truck accidents are caused by mechanical defects and driver fatigue.

  • Can I sue for being hit by a semi truck?

    If you have been injured in an accident with a semi truck that is not your fault, you are entitled to compensation for the damages to your vehicle as well as for your medical bills, time missed from work, and other damages suffered. You can sue if the person or company refuses to offer fair compensation.

Find a Top-Ranked Truck Accident Lawyer Near You