Commercial trucking litigation requires specialized expertise in FMCSA regulations, multi-party liability, and complex insurance structures. Our network of truck accident attorneys has recovered over $1.4 billion investigating regulatory violations and holding carriers accountable.
"They subpoenaed the trucking company's ELD data and found the driver had exceeded hours-of-service limits for three consecutive days. That evidence changed everything—we settled for $2.3 million."
"Our attorney identified four liable parties: the driver, carrier, cargo shipper, and maintenance contractor. The combined insurance coverage enabled a $4.1 million recovery for my spinal injury."
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Drivers exceeding the 11-hour driving limit or 14-hour on-duty window create liability exposure. We analyze ELD data against delivery records to identify falsification and fatigue-related negligence.
49 CFR Part 395Electronic Logging Device mandates require accurate recording of driver hours. Disabled devices, manual overrides, and data gaps indicate potential regulatory violations supporting negligence claims.
49 CFR Part 395.8Carriers must maintain systematic inspection and repair programs. Brake failures, tire blowouts, and lighting defects traced to inadequate maintenance establish carrier negligence.
49 CFR Part 396Improperly secured loads cause rollovers, jackknifes, and cargo spills. Federal regulations specify tie-down requirements by cargo type. Violations create shipper and carrier liability.
49 CFR Part 393Carriers must verify CDL validity, medical certifications, and driving history. Negligent hiring claims arise when carriers employ drivers with disqualifying records or substance abuse histories.
49 CFR Part 391Mandatory pre-employment, random, and post-accident testing requirements exist for CDL holders. Failure to test or positive results suppression creates substantial carrier liability.
49 CFR Part 382Vicarious liability, negligent hiring, safety culture failures
Direct negligence, HOS violations, impairment
Improper loading, weight violations, hazmat failures
Negligent repairs, inspection failures
Negligent carrier selection, safety vetting failures
Defective components, product liability
Commercial truck accident litigation operates in a fundamentally different legal landscape than passenger vehicle claims. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) imposes comprehensive regulations on interstate carriers—regulations that create independent standards of care and, when violated, support findings of negligence per se. Understanding this regulatory framework is essential to maximizing recovery.
Large trucks were involved in 5,472 fatal crashes in 2023, according to NHTSA data—representing 9% of all fatal vehicle crashes despite commercial vehicles comprising a much smaller percentage of registered vehicles. The disparity reflects the catastrophic nature of collisions involving vehicles weighing up to 80,000 pounds. When regulatory violations contribute to these crashes, carriers face substantial exposure including punitive damages.
Critical Evidence Window: Electronic Logging Device data may be overwritten within 6-8 days without a litigation hold. Dispatch communications, driver qualification files, and vehicle inspection records require immediate preservation demands. Our attorneys issue spoliation letters within 24 hours of engagement to protect critical evidence.
Federal law mandates minimum liability coverage of $750,000 for general freight carriers operating vehicles over 10,001 pounds. Hazardous materials transporters must maintain $1 million to $5 million depending on cargo classification. Most established carriers maintain primary coverage of $1-2 million with umbrella policies extending total coverage to $5-10 million or more.
This insurance structure enables substantial recoveries unavailable in passenger vehicle litigation, where policies frequently cap at $25,000-$100,000. However, commercial insurers deploy sophisticated defense resources proportionate to their exposure. Trucking litigation requires attorneys capable of matching carrier resources through expert retention, comprehensive discovery, and trial capability.
Commercial trucking operations involve multiple entities with potential liability exposure. The motor carrier bears responsibility for driver supervision, equipment maintenance, and regulatory compliance under respondeat superior and direct negligence theories. Freight brokers may face liability for negligent carrier selection. Cargo shippers bear responsibility for proper loading and securement. Maintenance contractors face exposure for inspection and repair failures. Parts manufacturers may be liable under product liability theories.
Identifying all responsible parties—and their respective insurance coverage—is critical to maximizing recovery. A single-defendant approach may leave substantial compensation unavailable. Our attorneys conduct thorough investigations to identify the complete liability picture before settlement negotiations.
Successful trucking litigation rests on documentary evidence largely unavailable in standard auto cases. Electronic Logging Device records establish driver hours and duty status. Driver qualification files reveal CDL status, medical certifications, and employment history. Vehicle maintenance logs document inspection and repair compliance. Dispatch communications may reveal pressure to violate safety regulations. Carrier safety ratings from FMCSA databases establish compliance history.
Accident reconstruction experts analyze physical evidence, Event Data Recorder information, and scene documentation to establish collision dynamics. Biomechanical experts correlate impact forces with injury mechanisms. Trucking industry experts evaluate carrier practices against regulatory standards. Economic experts project lifetime damages for catastrophic injuries. This expert infrastructure distinguishes trucking litigation from standard personal injury practice.
Deep knowledge of FMCSA regulations, 49 CFR requirements, and federal transportation law enables identification of violations that strengthen your case.
Access to accident reconstructionists, trucking industry experts, and forensic specialists who analyze ELD data, maintenance records, and carrier safety histories.
Trial-ready representation that matches carrier defense resources. Complex discovery, expert depositions, and courtroom advocacy when settlement fails.
$1.4 billion recovered for truck accident victims. Multi-million dollar verdicts and settlements against major carriers and their insurers.