Truck Accidents
Accidents involving commercial trucks, semi-trucks, and 18-wheelers are among the most serious on the road. Federal regulations, multiple liable parties, and severe injuries make these cases significantly more complex than standard car accidents.
This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Availability varies by state and case type.
8
Immediate steps
28
Evidence items
Common injuries
Traumatic Brain Injury, Spinal Injuries, Broken Bones +2 more
Common Causes
Driver Fatigue
Federal Hours of Service regulations limit driving time, but violations are common. Drowsy truck drivers have significantly impaired reaction times.
Distracted Driving
Cell phone use, dispatching devices, and other distractions are particularly dangerous at commercial vehicle speeds and weights.
Improper Loading
Overloaded or improperly secured cargo can cause trucks to tip, jackknife, or shed debris onto the roadway.
Brake Failure
Commercial trucks require significantly more stopping distance. Brake maintenance failures are a leading mechanical cause of accidents.
Speeding and Aggressive Driving
Delivery and schedule pressure can push drivers to speed or drive aggressively, especially on highways.
Inadequate Training
Improperly trained drivers may be unprepared for adverse weather, emergency maneuvers, or hazardous cargo handling.
DUI / Impairment
Commercial drivers are held to a lower legal BAC limit (0.04%) than non-commercial drivers, but violations still occur.
Likely Injuries
These types of accidents are frequently associated with the following injuries. Select an injury to learn more.
What To Do Immediately
- 1
Call 911 immediately
CriticalTruck accidents frequently involve serious injuries. Call 911 even if you believe injuries are minor — symptoms can be delayed.
- 2
Do not move injured parties
CriticalSpinal injuries are common in truck accidents. Avoid moving anyone unless they are in immediate danger.
- 3
Photograph everything before vehicles are moved
CriticalTrucks are often moved quickly for traffic management. Document skid marks, final vehicle positions, road conditions, and all damage before anything is cleared.
- 4
Get the truck's DOT number and carrier information
ImportantLocated on the truck's door or cab. This identifies the carrier and is essential for investigating insurance and regulatory compliance.
- 5
Request the driver's log book information
ImportantFederal law requires commercial drivers to keep Hours of Service logs. This is critical evidence that can disappear quickly.
- 6
Identify any witnesses
ImportantOther drivers, passengers, or bystanders who saw the accident. Independent witness accounts are especially important when dealing with large carriers.
- 7
Seek immediate medical evaluation
CriticalTruck accident injuries are often severe. Even if you feel functional, internal injuries and traumatic brain injuries may not be immediately apparent.
- 8
Preserve all records
HelpfulKeep everything — medical bills, repair estimates, rental records, and documentation of any lost work.
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Evidence Checklist
Check off items as you collect them. Critical items should be gathered as soon as possible after the accident.
At the Scene
CriticalTruck-Specific Evidence
CriticalMedical Documentation
CriticalFinancial Records
ImportantAdditional Evidence
HelpfulTimeline Risks
Key deadlines and time-sensitive actions. Missing these windows can significantly affect your options.
- 1
Within 24-48 Hours
Critical truck data can be overwritten
Electronic logging device data and black box recordings may be overwritten within days. An attorney can send a spoliation letter to preserve this evidence.
- 2
Within 72 Hours
Trucking company begins its own investigation
Carriers dispatch investigators and attorneys quickly after serious accidents. Documenting your account and evidence early is essential.
- 3
Within 30 Days
Insurance reporting deadlines
Report the accident to your insurer promptly. Avoid giving recorded statements to the trucking company's insurer without legal guidance.
- 4
Within 6 Months
Witnesses become unavailable
Collect and preserve witness statements. Obtain the police report once available.
- 5
2 Years (California)
Statute of limitations for personal injury
California generally allows 2 years from the accident date to file a personal injury lawsuit. Claims against government entities may have shorter deadlines.
- 6
2 Years (Arizona)
Statute of limitations for personal injury
Arizona also has a 2-year statute of limitations for personal injury claims. Consult an attorney early to protect your options.
Insurance Issues to Know About
Multiple liable parties
Truck accidents may involve the driver, the trucking company, the cargo loader, a maintenance contractor, or the truck manufacturer. Identifying all responsible parties is complex and consequential.
Higher insurance minimums
Commercial trucks are required to carry significantly higher liability insurance than passenger vehicles — often $750,000 to $5 million. This also means carriers have experienced claims teams.
Aggressive carrier defense
Large trucking companies often have dedicated legal and claims teams. They may contact you quickly after an accident with settlement offers. Early offers are typically below the full value of damages.
Independent contractor complications
Some truck drivers operate as independent contractors rather than employees, which can affect which insurance policies apply and who bears liability.
Federal regulations exposure
FMCSA violations (hours of service, drug testing, maintenance requirements) can establish negligence. These records must be requested before they are destroyed.
When You May Benefit From Speaking With a Lawyer
You are not required to hire an attorney. But in some situations, speaking with a lawyer experienced in personal injury matters can help protect your options. This is educational information, not legal advice.
- You or any passenger sustained injuries requiring medical treatment
- The trucking company or its insurer contacted you directly after the accident
- You received a settlement offer before fully understanding your injuries
- The truck driver was fatigued, impaired, or in violation of federal regulations
- There are multiple potentially liable parties (driver, carrier, cargo loader)
- Your injuries have caused significant lost wages or long-term disability
- The truck was operated by a government entity
- You are unsure how to preserve electronic evidence before it is overwritten
State-Specific Notes
California
- Statute of limitations: 2 years from date of injury for personal injury claims
- Fault rule: Pure comparative fault — you can recover even if partially at fault, reduced by your percentage
- Insurance minimum: $30,000/$60,000/$15,000
Arizona
- Statute of limitations: 2 years from date of injury for personal injury claims
- Fault rule: Pure comparative fault — your recovery is reduced by your share of fault
- Insurance minimum: $25,000/$50,000/$15,000
Laws vary by state and are subject to change. The above is general educational information only and may not reflect recent legislative changes. Consult a licensed attorney in your state for advice specific to your situation.