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Commercial Accidents Information Center

Have you recently been involved in a commercial accident that left you injured and bewildered about what to do next? Commercial accidents can dramatically affect your life, causing physical injuries, emotional strain, and financial difficulties. Recognizing your legal rights following this type of accident is both essential and urgent. Browse our articles below for more information.

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We're Here to Help: Important Questions About Commercial Vehicle Accidents

Who’s liable in a truck accident?

Figuring out who’s legally responsible after a truck accident isn’t always straightforward—it’s usually a bit more complicated than a typical car accident. Here’s a quick breakdown of who might be on the hook:

  • The Truck Driver: If the crash was caused by speeding, distracted driving, or running a red light, the driver themselves might be held liable.
  • The Trucking Company: In many 18-wheeler accidents, the company behind the driver may share blame—especially if they pushed unsafe schedules, skipped maintenance, or didn’t enforce proper safety rules.
  • Parts or Vehicle Manufacturers: If something like faulty brakes or defective tires contributed to the crash, the company that made those parts could also be responsible.
  • Other Third Parties: Sometimes, issues like poorly loaded cargo can lead to overloaded truck accidents. In that case, the people or companies who loaded the truck might be liable too.

What should I do if I’m hit by an 18-wheeler?

Getting into an accident with an 18-wheeler or another type of commercial truck can be terrifying. What you do next really matters—for your health and your legal rights. Here’s what to keep in mind:

Right After the Crash

  • Call 911: Get the police and paramedics on the scene ASAP. Even if you’re not sure how bad it is, it’s better to be cautious.
  • Document Everything: Exchange contact and insurance info with the truck driver. Take photos of the scene, the vehicles, and any injuries. Also, get names and numbers from witnesses—but don’t talk about who was at fault.

In the Days After

  • See a Doctor: Injuries from jackknife accidents or tractor-trailer collisions might not show up right away.
  • Be Careful What You Say: If the truck company’s insurance calls you, don’t go into detail—let your lawyer handle it.
  • Track Your Costs: Keep records of all related expenses—doctor visits, repairs, lost work, etc.
  • Talk to a Lawyer: A truck accident lawyer can help you figure out your options and make sure you’re fully compensated.

How can a lawyer help after a truck accident?

When it comes to building a strong personal injury case after a truck accident, a good lawyer does way more than just file paperwork. Here’s how they really help:

Gathering Solid Evidence

  • Getting Video Footage: Whether it’s from traffic cams or nearby businesses, video can be game-changing.
  • Talking to Witnesses: Lawyers know how to get the most helpful details out of witness statements.
  • Reviewing Official Reports: Police and accident reports often hold key info that helps determine fault.
  • Using Medical Records: Your injuries aren’t just health concerns—they’re proof. Lawyers tie your injuries to the accident using expert medical reports.
  • Bringing in Experts: In some cases, engineers or accident reconstruction pros can explain what happened and why.

Pushing for Maximum Compensation
Your lawyer’s job is to show clearly that the crash wasn’t your fault—whether it was due to improper maintenance, unsafe loading, or driver error—and then use that case to fight for the best possible settlement or court win.

What counts as negligence in a truck accident?

To prove someone else caused the crash, your lawyer needs to show they were negligent—that is, they didn’t act with the level of care expected from a professional driver. Here are a few common red flags in truck accident cases:

  • Inexperienced Drivers: Lack of training often leads to poor decisions on the road.
  • Bad Cargo Loading: Overloaded or poorly balanced loads are a leading cause of overloaded truck accidents.
  • Reckless Driving: Speeding, tailgating, and sudden lane changes are especially dangerous when it comes to large trucks.
  • Driver Distractions: Using a phone, eating, or messing with equipment while driving can have devastating results.
  • Ignoring the Rules: Running stop signs, breaking speed limits, or skipping required rest periods shows clear disregard for safety laws.

Each of these points shows a failure to uphold the “duty of care” required on the road—something that plays a major role in establishing liability.

What causes most truck accidents?

There’s no single cause of truck accidents, but there are a few repeat offenders. Understanding these can help both in preventing them and building a strong legal case if you’re ever involved in one.

  • Ignoring Industry Rules: Trucking companies are supposed to follow strict regulations—like logging driver hours and keeping proper maintenance records. Skipping these steps can lead directly to disaster.
  • Poor Maintenance: Brake failure, blown tires, or steering issues often trace back to maintenance negligence. Both the driver and company may be at fault if the vehicle wasn’t properly checked.
  • Breaking Traffic Laws: Speeding, blowing through red lights, and reckless lane changes are sadly common in commercial accidents—and they can put everyone at risk.

Knowing these causes helps explain why truck accident cases are often more complex—and why having an experienced legal team matters.

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