Semi Truck Accident Attorney: Why You Need One After a Crash
- Peter Geisheker
- 2 days ago
- 5 min read
In an accident with a semi truck?
You’re not alone.
Thousands of Americans are hit by semi trucks every year.
And if that happened to you or someone you love — this guide is for you.
Because semi truck accidents are not like regular crashes.
They’re bigger. Deadlier. Legally more complex.
And that means you need a totally different legal strategy.
Let’s get into it.
What Exactly Is a Semi Truck Accident?
Let’s clear something up.
A semi truck is what most people call:
An 18-wheeler
A tractor-trailer
A big rig
These trucks typically weigh up to 80,000 pounds when fully loaded.
That’s 20 times heavier than your car.
So when they hit something? It’s a wrecking ball on wheels.
Who This Guide Is For
This article is for people who:
Were injured in a semi truck accident
Lost a loved one in a collision
Want to learn their rights
Are considering hiring a semi truck accident attorney
If that’s you?
You’re in the right place.
Semi Truck vs. Other Truck Crashes
Not all truck crashes are the same.
A box truck rear-ending you in a parking lot?
Not the same as a semi truck jackknifing on a highway at 70 MPH.
Here’s what makes semi truck crashes different:
Longer stopping distances
More severe injuries
Federal safety regulations apply
Often involves multiple parties
Big insurance policies (sometimes $1M+)
Why You Need a Semi Truck Accident Attorney
A car accident lawyer might not cut it.
Here’s why you need someone who focuses on semi truck cases:
1. They understand FMCSA rules
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has strict rules.
A good attorney knows how to use violations (like hours-of-service) to build your case.
2. They can secure evidence fast
Important evidence disappears fast after a crash.
Black box data
Maintenance logs
Driver logs
GPS records
A good semi truck accident attorney will preserve it all before it’s “lost.”
3. They’ll fight the trucking company
Trucking companies don’t play fair.
They have legal teams and insurance adjusters trained to minimize payouts.
You need someone who knows their tactics — and how to beat them.
What Causes Most Semi Truck Accidents?
You’d be surprised how many could be prevented.
The top causes:
Driver fatigue (even though HOS rules limit how long truckers can drive)
Speeding (especially dangerous with a heavy load)
Distracted driving (texting while hauling 40 tons? Terrifying.)
Improper cargo loading (unbalanced weight = instability)
Brake failure or poor maintenance
Inexperienced drivers
Weather + poor visibility
A semi truck accident attorney investigates all of this.
They look for red flags.
And they use them to prove negligence.
Types of Semi Truck Crashes
Semi trucks don’t just “crash.”
They crash in very specific and deadly ways.
Let’s break down the main types.
1. Jackknife Accidents
This happens when the trailer swings out sideways.
Now the cab and trailer form a sharp angle (like a folding knife).
Often caused by:
Sudden braking
Wet roads
Load shifts
Jackknifes can wipe out multiple lanes of traffic in seconds.
2. Rollover Accidents
When a truck tips over — often while turning or swerving.
This crushes nearby vehicles.
And creates massive road hazards.
3. Underride Accidents
One of the deadliest types.
It’s when a car slides underneath the rear or side of a trailer.
The roof of the car is often sheared off.
Fatalities are common.
4. Rear-End Collisions
Semis need much longer to stop.
If they rear-end a smaller car?
It’s like being hit by a train.
5. Blind Spot Crashes
Big rigs have huge blind spots.
Drivers who don’t check properly can crush nearby cars when merging or turning.
What Damages Can You Recover?
A qualified semi truck accident attorney can help you recover:
Medical bills (past + future)
Lost income
Reduced earning capacity
Pain and suffering
Mental trauma
Property damage
Funeral costs (in wrongful death cases)
Loss of companionship
They calculate all of it.
Then fight to get you paid.
Who Can Be Held Liable?
It’s not always just the driver.
In fact, most semi-truck cases involve multiple defendants.
Potential liable parties:
The truck driver
The trucking company
A third-party maintenance company
A freight loading team
A trailer owner
The truck or part manufacturer
This is where it gets complicated.
That’s why your attorney will do a full liability investigation.
Statute of Limitations: You’re on the Clock
Every state has a deadline for filing a claim.
It’s called the statute of limitations.
Miss it — and your right to compensation is gone forever.
Most states: 2 years from the date of the crash
Some states: as little as 1 year
Wrongful death? Often the same time frame.
But don’t wait.
A semi truck accident attorney will make sure you file on time.
What’s the Average Settlement for a Semi Truck Crash?
There’s no one-size-fits-all number.
But these crashes often result in six- and seven-figure settlements.
Why?
Higher medical costs
More severe injuries
Larger insurance policies
Clear liability in many cases
Settlement ranges:
Mild to moderate injury: $70,000–$250,000
Severe injury or permanent disability: $500,000–$2,000,000+
Wrongful death: Often $1,000,000+
Note: every case is different. But truck crashes tend to pay out much higher than car accidents.
Common Mistakes That Can Tank Your Case
Don’t make these. Seriously.
❌ Giving a statement to the trucking company’s insurance
They’re trained to use your words against you.
❌ Accepting a quick settlement
The first offer is usually a low-ball.
❌ Skipping medical visits
Gaps in treatment = weaker case.
❌ Waiting too long to hire a lawyer
Important evidence can disappear fast.
❌ Posting about your crash on social media
Anything you say can be used against you.
What If Someone Died in the Crash?
If a loved one was killed by a semi truck?
You may be able to file a wrongful death claim.
This lets families recover for:
Funeral expenses
Medical bills
Loss of income
Pain and suffering
Loss of guidance or companionship
Each state has different rules on who can file.
Usually, it’s:
Spouse
Parent
Child
Legal representative of the estate
A semi truck accident attorney will guide you through this process.
How Long Does a Semi Truck Case Take?
If it settles early: 4–9 months
If it goes to trial: 12–24 months
Here’s the typical timeline:
Investigation
Filing the claim
Discovery (document exchange)
Settlement negotiations
Trial (if needed)
Many cases settle. But you need a lawyer who’s ready to go to court if necessary.
What to Look for in a Semi Truck Accident Attorney
Here’s your checklist:
✅ Experience with semi truck litigation
✅ Wins in multi-party cases
✅ Access to accident reconstruction experts
✅ Knows FMCSA + federal trucking laws
✅ Doesn’t charge unless you win (contingency fee)
Pro tip: Ask about past settlements in similar cases.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a lawyer if the trucker admitted fault?
Yes.Fault alone doesn’t guarantee full compensation.
What if I was partially at fault?
Many states follow comparative negligence.
You can still get paid — even if you were partly responsible.
What if the trucking company is out of state?
No problem.A qualified attorney can file in the proper jurisdiction.
Final Thoughts
If you were hit by a semi truck, you’re up against serious odds.
They’ve got insurance teams. Lawyers. Investigators.
But you don’t have to fight alone.
A qualified semi truck accident attorney can help you:
Investigate the crash
Prove liability
Maximize your settlement
Fight back when the trucking company pushes back
The clock is ticking. Evidence fades. Deadlines approach.
The time to act?
Right now.
Contact a Semi Truck Accident Attorney Now
Call 1-800-539-331.
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