PI LAW NEWS
Your Legal Options After a Truck Accident
You might be surprised at what you can claim. Here’s what’s usually on the list:
Medical Bills
Covers hospital stays, surgeries, rehab, and future treatments
Lost Wages
Reimbursement for time off work (plus lost future earnings)
Property Damage
Repair or replacement of your vehicle
Pain & Suffering
Compensation for physical and emotional trauma
Loss of Quality of Life
For the impacts to your daily routine, hobbies, or relationships
Punitive Damages
Extra compensation if gross negligence is proven
How Do You Prove Fault?
What Kind of Evidence is Used
Attorneys use:
-
Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs) to track driver activity
-
Truck dashcams for video evidence
-
Accident reconstruction experts to analyze the scene
Case in point: In Rodriguez v. National Motor Freight, a trucking company was held accountable for allowing an exhausted driver to work past legal hours—resulting in a massive settlement.
Who’s Responsible?
How Fault Is Determined
Establishing liability in a truck accident isn’t simple. Here’s who might be responsible:
The Truck Driver
-
Speeding, distracted driving, or driving under the influence
-
Violating hours-of-service laws (driving longer than allowed)
-
Falsifying driver logs or skipping required breaks
The Trucking Company
-
Forcing drivers to work past legal limits
-
Skipping required safety training
-
Ignoring federal trucking regulations
Maintenance & Equipment Issues
-
Mechanical failures caused by poor maintenance
-
Defective brakes, tires, or steering
-
Cargo overloaded or improperly secured
Why Commercial Truck Accidents Are Different
Truck accidents are devastating.
Unlike typical car accidents, these cases often involve multiple liable parties—the driver, the trucking company, even third-party contractors. And figuring out who’s at fault is key to getting the compensation you deserve.
Massive Vehicles = Catastrophic Damage
Complex Liability = Multiple Parties may be Responsible
Federal Trucking Laws = Specific Regulations that Impact your Case
Commercial Truck Accidents: What You Need to Know
Injured in a truck accident? You’re not alone.
These crashes aren’t like regular car accidents. The damage is bigger. The injuries are worse. And the legal process? Way more complex.
If a commercial truck driver was at fault, you have rights—and you deserve compensation.
This guide breaks down everything you need to know: how fault is determined, what damages you can recover, and why you need an expert truck accident attorney on your side.
