Truck Wrecks

Collisions involving commercial trucks and 18-wheelers are among the most devastating wrecks on our roads. The sheer size and weight difference between a fully loaded tractor-trailer and a passenger vehicle means that occupants of the smaller vehicle almost always suffer the worst injuries — and those injuries are frequently catastrophic or fatal.

At Maples, Connick & Brendel, we have the experience and resources to take on trucking companies, their corporate insurers, and the teams of defense lawyers they deploy within hours of a serious crash.

Why Truck Wreck Cases Are Different

Truck wreck cases are fundamentally more complex than typical car wreck claims. Multiple parties may share liability — the truck driver, the trucking company, the vehicle or parts manufacturer, the cargo loading company, and the broker or shipper. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration regulations govern hours of service, vehicle maintenance, driver qualifications, and cargo securement. Evidence must be preserved quickly because trucking companies are required to maintain electronic logging device data, but this data can be overwritten.

Insurance policies on commercial trucks are typically much larger than standard auto policies — often $1 million or more — which means the stakes are higher and the defense is more aggressive.

Common Causes of Truck Wrecks

We handle truck wreck cases caused by driver fatigue and hours-of-service violations, distracted driving, impaired driving, speeding and driving too fast for conditions, improper lane changes and blind spot failures, overloaded or improperly secured cargo, defective brakes, tires, or other equipment, inadequate driver training and supervision, and failure to properly maintain vehicles.

Taking Immediate Action

In truck wreck cases, the first 24 to 72 hours are critical. Trucking companies often dispatch rapid response teams to the wreck scene to begin building their defense before you even leave the hospital. We move quickly to send preservation letters to prevent the destruction of electronic logging data, black box recordings, driver logs, maintenance records, and other evidence. We hire wreck reconstruction experts and investigators to document the scene. We obtain the truck driver’s qualification file, drug and alcohol testing records, and employment history.

This early action can make the difference between a strong case and one where critical evidence has been lost.

Injuries in Truck Wreck Cases

Due to the forces involved, truck wreck injuries are often severe. We represent victims who have suffered traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries and paralysis, multiple fractures, crush injuries and amputations, severe burns from fuel fires, internal organ damage, and wrongful death.

These injuries frequently require extensive medical treatment, long-term rehabilitation, and permanent lifestyle modifications. We work with medical experts and life care planners to document the full scope of current and future needs.

Holding All Responsible Parties Accountable

Unlike a typical car wreck, truck wreck cases often involve multiple defendants. We investigate every link in the chain to identify all responsible parties and all available insurance coverage. This comprehensive approach maximizes the compensation available to our clients.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck wreck, contact us immediately. Time is critical in these cases.