In 2021, large trucks were involved in 523,417 crashes in the United States, with 117,387 causing injuries and 5,091 resulting in fatalities, according to FMCSA’s Large Truck and Bus Crash Facts report. These numbers highlight the disproportionate risk posed by 18-wheelers on our roads, where a single collision can lead to life-altering injuries or even death.
If you’ve been hurt in a crash involving a semi-truck, it’s vital to act quickly. Speaking with a lawyer for semi truck accidents ensures you protect your rights and meet all deadlines. An experienced 18 wheeler accident attorney or commercial accident lawyer can guide you through every step: gathering evidence, handling insurance companies, and building a strong claim under both state and federal law.
Common Injuries from 18-Wheeler Accidents
Truck crashes often cause injuries that range in severity. Understanding these can help you and your medical team respond promptly:
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI)
Impact forces can jolt the head, causing concussions or more serious brain damage. Early symptoms include headaches, memory loss, confusion, and mood changes.
Spinal Cord Injuries
Even minor fractures can damage spinal nerves. Some victims face partial paralysis, loss of sensation, or bladder and bowel control issues. Rehabilitation may last months or years.
Internal Bleeding and Organ Damage
Heavy force often bruises or tears organs like the liver, spleen, or kidneys. These injuries can go unnoticed at first and require imaging tests and surgery.
Amputations
In severe collisions, limbs may be crushed beyond repair. Victims need emergency surgery and must adapt to prosthetic limbs and long-term physical therapy.
Burns
Leaking fuel or electrical fires can inflict first to third-degree burns. Treatment includes skin grafts, infection prevention, and painful rehabilitation.
Fractures and Broken Bones
High-impact crashes shatter bones in arms, legs, ribs, and pelvis. Multiple surgeries, metal implants, and months of rehab are often needed.
Soft Tissue Injuries
Whiplash from sudden stops strains muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Pain and swelling can last weeks to years, affecting your daily activities.
Psychological Trauma
The shock and fear of a big-truck crash can lead to PTSD, anxiety, and depression. Counseling and support groups help survivors cope and heal.
Each of these injuries can demand extensive medical care, lengthy rehab, and lifestyle adjustments. Documenting all treatments and symptoms is key to a strong compensation claim.
Factors That Contribute to 18-Wheeler Accident Injuries
Several unique factors make truck crashes more dangerous than car accidents:
- Driver Fatigue: Truckers often drive long shifts with tight delivery schedules. Fatigued drivers have slower reaction times and are more likely to drift out of lanes or miss hazards.
- Distracted Driving: Eating, texting, or setting GPS can pull attention away from the road. A split-second distraction can cause catastrophic outcomes when an 18-wheeler is involved.
- Improperly Loaded Cargo: Unsecured or uneven loads may shift as the truck turns or brakes. This can cause the driver to lose control or roll the vehicle.
- Speeding: Large trucks need more space to slow down. When drivers exceed safe speeds, they can’t stop in time to avoid collisions.
- Mechanical Failures: Poor maintenance can cause brakes to fail or tires to blow out. Regular inspection records are vital to see if a carrier cuts corners.
- Weather Conditions: Rain, snow, fog, or high winds can reduce traction and visibility. Trucks are harder to maneuver in slick or stormy conditions.
Highlighting these factors can help establish fault. Your attorney for semi truck accidents will investigate each to show negligence by the driver or carrier.
Immediate Steps to Take After an 18-Wheeler Accident
The actions you take at the scene and afterward shape your case:
- Ensure Safety & Call 911. Move to a safe spot if you can. Emergency responders create an official report.
- Seek Medical Attention. Some injuries appear hours later. A medical record dated close to the crash helps prove cause and effect.
- Document the Scene. Use your phone to capture multiple angles of vehicle damage, road signs, skid marks, and weather conditions.
- Collect Driver & Vehicle Information. Write down the truck’s USDOT number, license plate, driver’s ID, employer name, and insurance carrier.
- Gather Witness Contacts. Bystanders can provide unbiased accounts. Get their names, phone numbers, and statements in writing if possible.
- Avoid Early Statements. Be polite but stick to facts. Don’t speculate on fault or discuss injuries in detail until you talk to your attorney.
- Notify Your Insurer Promptly. Provide basic details but avoid recorded statements. Let your commercial accident lawyer handle detailed negotiations.
Following these steps preserves vital evidence and strengthens your case for full compensation.
Proving Liability: Evidence & Expert Witnesses
Building a winning claim often requires expert support and thorough documentation:
- Electronic Logging Device (ELD) Records: Show hours driven, breaks taken, and any violations of federal limits.
- Accident Reconstruction: Specialists recreate the crash scene using vehicle damage, skid patterns, and black box data.
- Maintenance and Inspection Logs: Regular carrier inspections and repairs can prove whether the truck was safe to drive.
- FMCSA Compliance History: A carrier’s safety rating, past violations, and audit reports reveal systemic issues.
- Medical and Vocational Experts: These professionals estimate future medical needs and lost earning capacity over a lifetime.
Your 18 wheeler accident attorney will coordinate these experts to create a clear picture of fault and damages.
Federal Regulations Governing Trucking
Trucking companies and drivers must follow strict federal rules. Breaking these rules can show negligence automatically:
- Hours-of-Service (HOS) Limits: Drivers can work 14 hours on duty and drive up to 11 hours after 10 hours off duty.
- Mandatory Rest Breaks: Truckers must take at least a 30-minute break after 8 hours of driving.
- Vehicle Inspection Standards: Pre-trip, post-trip, and annual inspections ensure brakes, tires, lights, and steering meet safety standards.
- Driver Qualification Files: Carriers must keep records of medical certificates, driving history, and drug/alcohol tests.
- Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs): As of 2017, most carriers must use ELDs to prevent log falsification.
Violating these regulations often amounts to negligence per se, which simplifies proving fault.
Statute of Limitations and Filing Deadlines
Every state has a time limit for filing a truck accident lawsuit. These statutes of limitations vary but often range from one to four years. If you miss the deadline, the court may refuse to hear your case. Prompt action, guided by your commercial accident lawyer, ensures your claim is filed on time.
Role of Insurance Companies
Insurance carriers play a major role in truck accident claims. They aim to minimize payouts. Key points to know:
- Early Contact: Insurers often call you soon after the crash to get a recorded statement. You can politely decline until you have legal advice.
- Adjuster Investigations: They may visit the scene, inspect your vehicle, or talk to witnesses. Always consult your lawyer before cooperating in detail.
- Settlement Offers: Initial offers tend to be low. A lawyer for semi truck accidents will counter with documented evidence of your full losses.
- Bad Faith Claims: If an insurer unreasonably delays or denies payment, you may have a separate claim for acting in bad faith.
Your attorney handles all communications to protect you from tactics meant to undervalue your claim.
Damages Calculation Process
Determining a fair award involves adding up various losses:
- Economic Damages: Medical bills, rehab costs, wage losses, property repairs, and out-of-pocket expenses like taxis or home help.
- Non-Economic Damages: Pain and suffering, emotional distress, loss of enjoyment of life, and loss of consortium.
- Future Damages: Ongoing care needs, future wage loss, and long-term medical treatment.
- Punitive Damages: Rare, but possible if the carrier’s conduct was especially reckless or intentional.
Your lawyer for semi truck accidents will compile bills, invoices, pay stubs, and expert reports to calculate a complete damages figure.
Preparing for Your Legal Consultation
To get the most from your first meeting with an 18 wheeler accident attorney:
- Gather Documents: Police reports, medical records, photos, insurance correspondence, and pay stubs.
- List Questions: Ask about fees, case timelines, likely challenges, and communication preferences.
- Be Honest: Full disclosure of pre-existing conditions or prior accidents helps your lawyer anticipate defenses.
A well-prepared client helps build a stronger case from day one.
Tips for Choosing the Right Truck Accident Lawyer
Picking the right attorney can make or break your claim. Look for:
- Specialty Experience: Firms that focus on commercial vehicle crashes understand complex trucking laws.
- Track Record: Ask about past verdicts and settlements in similar cases.
- Resources and Team: The best firms have in-house investigators, access to experts, and large-case budgets.
- Transparent Fees: Clear contingency fee agreements tell you what percentage goes to legal costs.
- Client Reviews: Positive testimonials and referrals show a history of client satisfaction.
Interview multiple lawyers to find the best fit for your case.
Settlement vs. Trial for Truck Accidents
Most truck crash cases resolve through settlement. However, knowing the trial process is important:
- Mediation and Arbitration: Alternative dispute methods can speed resolution and reduce costs.
- Pre-Trial Motions: Your lawyer may file motions to limit evidence or dismiss parts of the case.
- Jury Selection: In a trial, both sides screen jurors to find fair decision-makers.
- Trial Presentation: Opening statements, witness testimony, and closing arguments paint your story for the jury.
An experienced lawyer for semi truck accidents will set realistic expectations and advise whether settlement or trial is best.
Contact Mike Slocumb Law Firm Today
If you or a loved one has been injured in a semi-truck accident, our team at Mike Slocumb Law Firm is here to help. With deep industry insight and fierce advocacy, our 18 wheeler accident attorney and commercial accident lawyer will fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.
Call us today for a free, no-obligation consultation. Let us guide you toward recovery and peace of mind.