Trucking Accident Attorney

Dedicated Legal Support for Victims of Trucking Accidents

Trucking accidents are some of the most devastating events on America’s roads, often resulting in catastrophic injuries, permanent disabilities, or fatalities. These crashes involve large commercial vehicles like 18-wheelers, tractor-trailers, and other big rigs, which can weigh up to 80,000 pounds when fully loaded. If you’ve been involved in a trucking accident, having an experienced trucking accident attorney on your side is essential to navigating the complex legal and regulatory issues these cases entail.

At the Willis Law Firm, we bring over 40 years of experience to every case. Attorney David P. Willis, a Board-Certified Personal Injury Trial Lawyer, Certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization since 1988, has a proven track record of securing hundreds of millions of dollars for clients. Willis is licensed in Texas and New York. Our firm is committed to helping victims recover the compensation they need for medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, and more. Willis is licensed in Texas and New York, the two states of the top states in deadly trucking accidents in the United States We represent clients nationwide, working with local attorneys as co-counsel to ensure compliance with state laws and delivering top-tier attorney and legal support.

With over 40 years of experience in high-stakes truck accident litigation, our firm has secured hundreds of millions in verdicts and settlements for victims nationwide. Some of our landmark cases have led to major product recalls and industry safety changes. See our notable case results to learn how we fight for maximum compensation and lasting impact.

Why You Need a Trucking Accident Attorney

Trucking accident cases are more complicated than standard car accidents because they often involve:

Multiple Liable Parties

Liability may fall on the truck driver, trucking company, maintenance providers, cargo loaders, or manufacturers of defective parts.

Complex Regulations

The trucking industry is governed by strict federal rules from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) as well as state laws. Proving violations, such as exceeding Hours of Service (HOS) limits, is crucial to establishing negligence.

Severe Injuries and High Stakes

Due to the size and weight of commercial trucks, these accidents often result in life-altering injuries or fatalities, requiring significant compensation

An experienced trucking accident lawyer knows how to navigate these complexities and fight for the maximum compensation you deserve.

Common Causes of Trucking Accidents

Truck accidents take many forms, including:

1. Driver Negligence
  • Fatigue: Truck drivers often push beyond legal driving limits, increasing the risk of falling asleep at the wheel.
  • Distracted Driving: Using phones, GPS devices, or other distractions can divert a driver’s attention from the road.
  • Impaired Driving: Alcohol, drugs, or medications can impair reaction times and decision-making.
  • Aggressive Driving: Speeding, tailgating, or abrupt lane changes frequently lead to serious collisions.
2. Mechanical Failures
  • Brake Malfunctions: Poor maintenance or defective parts can prevent trucks from stopping in time.
  • Tire Blowouts: Overloaded or poorly maintained tires can cause sudden and dangerous blowouts.
3. Improper Loading
  • Shifting Cargo: Unsecured loads can destabilize trailers, leading to rollovers or jackknife accidents.
  • Overloaded Trucks: Excess weight strains braking systems and increases the likelihood of accidents.
4. Regulation Violations

Violations of FMCSA regulations, such as falsified trucker’s logbooks or failure to conduct regular vehicle inspections, are often key factors in proving negligence.

FMCSA Regulations and Hours of Service (HOS) Violations in Trucking Accidents

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) enforces strict regulations to ensure the safety of commercial trucking operations. Among the most critical rules are the Hours of Service (HOS) regulations, which limit the number of hours a truck driver can operate without rest. Violations of these rules, such as exceeding driving limits, falsifying logbooks, or ignoring Electronic Logging Device (ELD) data, are common causes of fatigue-related trucking accidents.

When these violations occur, they are uncovered through a detailed investigation by a skilled trucking accident attorney. Evidence such as driver logs, ELD data, black box recordings, and witness testimony is analyzed to identify non-compliance. Maintenance records and employer schedules are also reviewed to determine if the trucking company pushed drivers to violate HOS rules.

These violations are particularly damning to the defense because they demonstrate clear negligence and disregard for public safety. They not only strengthen the plaintiff’s case but also highlight systemic issues within the trucking operation, often leading to higher compensation for the victim. An experienced attorney will ensure these violations are thoroughly examined and used to hold all responsible parties accountable.

Truck accident lawyer near me helping injured victims after an 18-wheeler accident on interstate highways around nation

The Role of the Black Box in Trucking Accidents

The black box, officially known as the Electronic Control Module (ECM) or Event Data Recorder (EDR), is a critical tool in investigating trucking accidents. This device records essential data about the truck’s performance and the driver’s actions before, during, and after a crash. For law enforcement officers and the victim’s attorneys, the black box provides invaluable insights into the circumstances surrounding the accident.

The black box captures data such as the truck’s speed, braking patterns, engine RPM, steering inputs, and whether the driver was using cruise control. It also records details about the truck’s location, time driven, and compliance with Hours of Service (HOS) regulations. In some cases, it can indicate if the driver was accelerating or decelerating sharply before the crash, which may point to distracted or negligent behavior.

For victim’s lawyers, this data is critical in proving negligence or regulatory violations by the driver or trucking company. It can corroborate eyewitness accounts, challenge the defense’s claims, and demonstrate unsafe practices like speeding, aggressive driving, or failure to brake in time. The black box serves as an unbiased source of truth, often providing the decisive evidence needed to secure justice and compensation for the victims.

Major Types of Trucking Accidents

Understanding the common types of trucking accidents can shed light on their causes and devastating impacts:

01

Rear-End Collisions

When a truck crashes into a smaller vehicle from behind, it often results in severe whiplash, traumatic brain injuries, or crushed vehicles. These accidents typically occur due to speeding, distracted driving, or brake failure.

02

Jackknife Accidents:

A sudden loss of control causes the truck’s trailer to swing into a “V” shape, often involving multiple vehicles. These accidents are frequently caused by improper braking or slippery road conditions and can result in fractures, lacerations, or fatalities.

03

Rollover Accidents

Trucks can tip over due to high speeds, sharp turns, or shifting cargo. These accidents often crush smaller vehicles, causing devastating injuries like spinal damage, paraplegia, or death.

04

Underride Accidents

Smaller vehicles slide under the trailer, often due to inadequate underride guards or sudden stops. These are among the deadliest accidents, frequently causing traumatic brain injuries or fatalities.

05

Tire Blowouts

Blowouts can cause trucks to veer uncontrollably, leading to rollovers or collisions with other vehicles. Resulting injuries include broken bones, concussions, or severe lacerations.

The Role of a Trucking Accident Attorney

Hiring a trucking accident attorney ensures that you have a skilled advocate to:

  • Preserve Evidence: A trucking accident lawyer will act quickly to secure critical evidence such as black box data, driver logs, and maintenance records.
  • Investigate Negligence: By analyzing FMCSA compliance, vehicle maintenance, and cargo handling, your attorney can build a strong case against negligent parties.
  • Maximize Compensation: Trucking companies often carry large insurance policies, but insurers will try to minimize payouts. A trucking accident lawyer will negotiate aggressively to ensure you receive fair compensation.

Damages You May Be Entitled To

Victims of trucking accidents often face substantial financial, physical, and emotional challenges. Compensation may include:

  1. Medical Expenses: Covers immediate treatments, surgeries, rehabilitation, and long-term care.
  2. Lost Wages and Earning Capacity: Reimbursement for lost income and compensation for diminished future earning potential.
  3. Pain and Suffering: Non-economic damages for physical pain and emotional trauma.
  4. Property Damage: Covers repairs or replacement of your vehicle.

Wrongful Death Lawsuits in Trucking Accidents

Trucking accidents can tragically result in the loss of life, leaving families devastated and facing significant emotional and financial burdens. A wrongful death lawsuit allows surviving family members—such as spouses, children, and parents—to seek compensation for funeral expenses, loss of financial support, lost wages in past and future, and the emotional pain caused by the untimely death of their loved one. These cases often involve proving negligence by the truck driver, trucking company, or other liable parties. An experienced trucking accident attorney can guide families through this complex legal process, ensuring justice is served and the maximum compensation is recovered.

Leading truck accident trial lawyer in Houston with proven results in trucking litigation with 40+ years experience
Founder and Lead Attorney, Willis Law Firm
Texas & New York – Nationwide Truck Accident Help

Why Choose the Willis Law Firm?

Talk to a Trucking Accident Attorney Today

If you or a loved one has been injured in a trucking accident, don’t wait to seek legal help. Having an experienced trucking accident attorney by your side can make all the difference in recovering the compensation you deserve.

Contact us today at Law.net for a free consultation. Call 1-888-LAW-2040 or fill out our online form to discuss your case with an experienced trucking accident lawyer near you. Let us fight for your rights and help you get back on the road to recovery.

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