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Truck Accidents
Understanding Truck Accident Cases: Why They Are Different
December 8, 2025
7 min read
By Christopher GutierrezKey Takeaways
- Multiple parties may be liable including the driver, trucking company, and manufacturer
- Federal regulations create additional standards of care
- Evidence must be preserved quickly before it disappears
- Injuries are typically more severe requiring larger settlements
- Insurance policies are much larger than standard auto policies
Multiple Potentially Liable Parties
In a car accident, you typically deal with one at-fault driver. In a truck accident, multiple parties may share liability:
- The truck driver
- The trucking company
- The cargo loading company
- The truck or parts manufacturer
- The maintenance company
Federal Regulations
Commercial trucks are governed by Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations. These include:
- Hours of Service rules limiting how long drivers can operate
- Mandatory rest periods
- Vehicle maintenance requirements
- Drug and alcohol testing
- Driver qualification standards
Violations of these regulations can establish negligence and strengthen your case.
Evidence Preservation is Critical
Trucking companies are required to maintain certain records, but some data can be lost or overwritten quickly:
- Electronic logging device (ELD) data
- GPS records
- Dash camera footage
- Inspection reports
- Driver logs
An experienced attorney will immediately send a spoliation letter to preserve this evidence.
Larger Insurance Policies
Commercial trucks are required to carry much larger insurance policies than regular vehicles. This means more potential compensation is available, but it also means you will be dealing with sophisticated insurance defense teams.
More Severe Injuries
A fully loaded semi-truck can weigh 80,000 pounds or more. When these vehicles collide with passenger cars, the results are often catastrophic: traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, multiple fractures, and fatalities.
You Need Specialized Help
Do not trust your truck accident case to a general practice attorney. You need someone who understands FMCSA regulations, knows how to investigate trucking companies, and has experience dealing with commercial insurance carriers.
If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident, call me at (855) 444-5227 for a free consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do I have to file a truck accident lawsuit?
In both Illinois and Arizona, you have 2 years from the date of the accident. However, you should contact an attorney immediately because critical evidence can be lost or destroyed quickly.
Can I sue both the driver and the trucking company?
Yes, in most cases you can pursue claims against multiple parties. The trucking company may be liable under a legal doctrine called respondeat superior, which holds employers responsible for their employees' actions.
Free Consultation
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