Truck Accident Attorney: Everything You Need to Know After a Crash
- Peter Geisheker
- Apr 23
- 5 min read
Updated: May 1
If you’ve been hit by a commercial truck, this guide is for you.
Because truck accident cases aren’t like regular car crashes.
They’re bigger. More complex. And the stakes are WAY higher.
So if you’re searching for a truck accident attorney (or wondering if you need one), keep reading.
We’re going to break it all down. Step-by-step.
What Makes Truck Accidents So Different?
Truck accidents hit different. Literally.
We're not talking about a fender bender.
We’re talking about 80,000 pounds of metal colliding with a passenger vehicle.
And that kind of impact changes everything.
Why These Cases Are More Complicated
More serious injuries
Multiple parties involved
Federal regulations at play
Higher insurance coverage
In other words: a typical car crash this ain’t.
That’s why hiring an attorney with truck-specific experience matters.
Who Can Be Held Liable in a Truck Accident?
It’s not just the truck driver.
In fact, the driver is often just the beginning.
Let’s look at all the possible parties:
The trucking company
A freight loader
The truck manufacturer
A maintenance contractor
Even a third-party broker
And sometimes? It’s all of the above.
An experienced truck accident attorney will know how to uncover the full list.
What You Need to Do Right After a Truck Accident
First: Get medical care. Immediately.
Even if you feel fine.
Many serious injuries (like internal bleeding or spinal trauma) don’t show up right away.
Second: Preserve evidence.
Photos. Video. Names. Witnesses.
The more you collect, the stronger your case.
Third: Don’t talk to the trucking company’s insurance.
They’re not on your side.
They’re trained to get you to say things that hurt your case.
Let your attorney do the talking instead.
What Is a Truck Accident Attorney?
A truck accident attorney is a personal injury lawyer who focuses on commercial truck crashes.
They’re experts in:
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs)
Black box data
Driver logs
Hours-of-service rules
Insurance policies for trucking companies
In short: they know how to fight and win against massive trucking firms.
Statute of Limitations: Don’t Miss This
Every state has a deadline for filing a truck accident claim.
It’s called the statute of limitations.
Miss it, and your case is over. Forever.
General guidelines (but check your state):
2 years in most states
3 years in others
Some states only give you 1 year
Also: wrongful death cases often have a different timeline.
That’s why you need to act fast.
What’s the Average Settlement for a Truck Accident?
It depends.
But truck accident settlements are often much higher than regular car crash cases.
Why?
Because the injuries are more severe.
And the trucking companies carry much larger insurance policies.
Average range: $70,000 – $500,000+
But...
That number can climb into the millions if there’s:
Permanent disability
Death
Clear proof of negligence
Evidence of rule violations
What Damages Can You Recover?
Truck accident victims can often claim:
Medical bills (past and future)
Lost wages
Loss of earning capacity
Pain and suffering
Emotional distress
Loss of consortium (in wrongful death cases)
Your attorney will calculate your total damages before negotiating.
Big Mistakes That Kill Truck Accident Settlements
1. Talking to the insurance adjuster
They’re trained to minimize your claim.
Don’t say a word without your lawyer.
2. Accepting a quick settlement
Trucking companies often offer low-ball deals fast.
Why? Because they want you to settle before you know the full cost of your injuries.
3. Not hiring a lawyer with truck experience
Personal injury law is broad.
You need someone who specializes in commercial truck cases.
4. Delaying medical treatment
This one’s big.
Insurance companies use delays to argue you weren’t really hurt.
What If a Loved One Died in a Truck Accident?
First: we’re sorry you’re going through this.
Truck accident fatalities are devastating.
But here’s what you need to know:
You may be able to file a wrongful death claim.
This allows you to seek compensation for:
Medical costs
Funeral expenses
Loss of financial support
Loss of companionship
Emotional suffering
Every state has different rules about who can file. Usually it’s:
A spouse
Child
Parent
Personal representative of the estate
But again — time is limited. The statute of limitations applies here too.
Do You Need a Truck Accident Attorney?
If the crash involved a commercial vehicle — yes.
Here’s why:
They’ll investigate thoroughly
Truck accident attorneys dig deep. They don’t just look at the police report.
They go after:
Truck driver logs
Black box data
GPS records
Maintenance records
Cell phone usage reports
Dashcam footage
They know how to maximize your claim
A good lawyer knows how to prove negligence, calculate your damages, and fight for full compensation.
You only get one shot at this. Make it count.
What to Look For in a Truck Accident Lawyer
Not all personal injury attorneys are created equal.
Here’s what to look for:
Experience with 18-wheeler and commercial truck cases
A track record of winning large settlements
Access to expert witnesses and accident reconstructionists
Trial experience (not just settlements)
Contingency fee pricing (you only pay if they win)
Ask questions. Look at reviews. Be picky.
This case could change your life.
What About Rollover, Jackknife, or Rear-End Crashes?
Yes — truck accident attorneys handle all of them.
Here’s a quick breakdown:
Rollover Accidents
Often caused by speeding, shifting loads, or driver fatigue.
These crashes are extremely violent and often fatal.
Jackknife Accidents
When a trailer swings out and forms a V-shape.
Usually happens during sudden braking or in poor weather.
Rear-End Accidents
A fully loaded truck takes 20-40% longer to stop than a car.
Rear-end collisions can be deadly — even at low speeds.
Underride Accidents
The most catastrophic kind.
This happens when a car slides under the back of a trailer.
Often fatal. Often preventable with proper guards (many trucks lack them).
What Causes Most Truck Accidents?
Here are the top causes:
Driver fatigue
Speeding
Distracted driving
Improper loading
Brake failure
Poor maintenance
Inexperienced drivers
Driving under the influence
A good attorney will get to the root cause — and prove it.
How Long Does a Truck Accident Lawsuit Take?
It depends.
If you settle: 3 to 9 months (average)
If it goes to trial: 1 to 2 years
Here’s the timeline:
Investigation phase
Filing the claim
Discovery
Negotiation
Trial (if needed)
Most cases settle before trial. But you need a lawyer who’s willing to go the distance if needed.
Truck Accident Myths (That Could Hurt You)
“It was clearly the trucker’s fault, so I don’t need a lawyer.”
Wrong.
Even obvious cases get denied or low-balled.
“I should wait until I feel better before talking to a lawyer.”
Nope.
Delays = lost evidence and weaker cases.
“Hiring a lawyer will cost too much.”
Most truck accident attorneys work on contingency.
That means you pay nothing upfront. They only get paid if you win.
Final Thoughts
A truck accident can flip your life upside down.
One minute you’re fine. The next — you’re dealing with injuries, bills, and stress.
But you don’t have to go through it alone.
A qualified truck accident attorney can help you:
Protect your rights
Get the compensation you deserve
Focus on healing — not paperwork
If you’ve been hit by a commercial truck, now’s the time to act.
Every day you wait is a day the trucking company gets ahead.
Contact a Truck Accident Attorney
Get the legal help you need and contact us now to help you find a truck accident attorney near you.
Here is another article that you may find helpful. 10 Tips for Choosing the Best Truck Accident Lawyer.
