18-Wheeler & Commercial Truck Accident Claims
Truck accident cases are fundamentally different from car accident cases — and worth dramatically more. Multiple liable parties, federal regulations, and time-sensitive evidence make these cases uniquely complex. You need specialized representation immediately.
$500K–$5M+
Average Settlement
Up to 6
Liable Parties
30 Days
Black Box Preserved
CRITICAL: Black box (EDR) data in truck accidents is typically overwritten within 30 days — sometimes sooner. A spoliation letter must be sent immediately to preserve this evidence. Contact an attorney today.
Act NowWhy Truck Cases Are Fundamentally Different
Unlike a standard car accident with one driver and one insurance policy, truck accidents involve a web of potentially liable parties — each with their own insurance coverage.
The Truck Driver
Speeding, distracted driving, fatigue, impairment, or failure to follow FMCSA regulations. Driver logs and qualification records are critical evidence.
The Trucking Company
Negligent hiring, inadequate training, pressure to violate hours-of-service rules, failure to maintain vehicles, or falsifying inspection records.
The Cargo Loader
Improperly secured or overweight cargo can cause rollovers, jackknifes, and cargo spills. Third-party loading companies carry their own liability.
The Manufacturer
Defective brakes, tires, steering systems, or other components. Product liability claims can be filed against the manufacturer independently.
Maintenance Contractor
Third-party maintenance companies that failed to properly inspect or repair the vehicle may share liability for mechanical failures.
Government Entities
Dangerous road conditions, missing signage, or poor road design may create liability for state or local government agencies.
Federal Regulations That Affect Your Case
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) imposes strict regulations on commercial trucking. Violations of these rules establish negligence and can dramatically increase case value.
Hours of Service Violations
Federal law limits how many hours a commercial driver can operate without rest. Violations dramatically increase case value and establish negligence per se.
Driver Qualification Records
Trucking companies must verify driver licenses, medical certifications, and driving history. Hiring an unqualified driver is direct evidence of negligence.
Vehicle Inspection Records
Commercial trucks must pass regular DOT inspections. Maintenance failures and skipped inspections are powerful evidence of corporate negligence.
Cargo Weight Violations
Overweight trucks have longer stopping distances and are more prone to rollovers. Weight tickets and cargo manifests are key evidence.
Drug & Alcohol Testing
Post-accident drug and alcohol testing is federally mandated. Positive results or failure to test can result in punitive damages.
Route & Permit Violations
Oversized loads require special permits and designated routes. Violations of these requirements establish additional grounds for liability.
Critical Evidence That Must Be Preserved Immediately
Truck accident evidence disappears fast. Some data is overwritten within hours. An attorney must send a spoliation letter the same day you hire them.
Electronic Logging Device (ELD)
TIME SENSITIVEReplaced paper logs in 2017. Records driving time, speed, location, and engine data. This is the single most important piece of evidence in a truck accident case.
Event Data Recorder (Black Box)
TIME SENSITIVERecords speed, braking, steering, and other data in the seconds before impact. Typically overwritten within 30 days — sometimes sooner.
Dashcam & Surveillance Footage
TIME SENSITIVEMany commercial trucks have forward and rear-facing cameras. Footage is often overwritten within 72 hours. Must be preserved immediately.
Driver Qualification File
Employment application, license verification, medical certificates, training records, and prior accident history.
Cell Phone Records
Subpoenaed to determine if the driver was on the phone at the time of the accident.
GPS & Dispatch Records
Shows the truck's route, stops, speed, and whether the driver was under pressure to meet unrealistic delivery deadlines.
What Is a Spoliation Letter?
A spoliation letter is a formal legal notice sent to the trucking company, their insurer, and any third parties demanding that they immediately preserve all evidence related to the accident. Once received, the company is legally obligated to preserve this evidence — and failure to do so can result in court sanctions, adverse jury instructions, and significantly increased settlement value.
This letter must be sent within days of the accident — not weeks. An experienced truck accident attorney will send this letter as one of their first actions after being retained.
Find an Attorney — Send Spoliation Letter TodayFrequently Asked Questions
Truck Accident Cases Require Specialized Attorneys
Not every personal injury attorney has the resources and experience to take on a major trucking company. Our network includes attorneys who specialize exclusively in commercial truck accidents and have the resources to fight these cases to maximum value.