Truck Accident FAQ

Nothing upfront. Truck accident attorneys work on contingency, meaning they only get paid if you win your case. The initial consultation is always free, and you won't pay any fees unless you receive compensation.

You may have a case if you were injured due to a truck driver's or trucking company's negligence. Common factors include driver fatigue, speeding, improper maintenance, distracted driving, or violations of FMCSA regulations. The best way to know is to get a free case evaluation.

This depends on your state's statute of limitations, which ranges from 1 year (Kentucky, Louisiana, Tennessee) to 6 years (Maine, Minnesota, North Dakota). Most states have a 2-3 year deadline. It's crucial to act quickly to preserve evidence.

First, seek medical attention—even if you feel fine. Call 911, document the scene with photos if possible, get the truck driver's information, and avoid admitting fault or giving recorded statements to insurance companies. Contact a truck accident attorney before speaking with insurers.

You may be entitled to: medical expenses (past and future), lost wages and earning capacity, pain and suffering, property damage, disability accommodations, and in some cases, punitive damages. Truck accident settlements often exceed $1 million due to the severity of injuries and higher insurance limits.

Simple cases may settle in a few months, while complex cases can take 1-2 years or more. Factors affecting timeline include severity of injuries, number of parties involved, dispute over liability, and whether the case goes to trial.

Every case is unique. Factors that determine value include: severity of injuries, medical expenses, lost income, impact on quality of life, degree of negligence, and available insurance coverage. Commercial trucks typically carry $750,000 to $5 million in coverage.

Most truck accident cases settle before trial—approximately 95%. However, having an attorney prepared to go to trial often results in better settlement offers. Your attorney will advise on whether trial is in your best interest.

Multiple parties may share liability: the truck driver, trucking company, cargo loading company, maintenance providers, truck/parts manufacturers, and even third-party logistics companies. Experienced attorneys investigate all potential sources of compensation.

Critical evidence includes: the truck's black box (ECM) data, driver logs and hours of service records, maintenance records, driver qualification files, cargo loading documentation, witness statements, police reports, and medical records. Much of this evidence can be destroyed if not preserved quickly.

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) sets rules for commercial trucking, including hours of service limits, maintenance requirements, and driver qualifications. Violations of these regulations can help prove negligence and strengthen your case.

In most states, yes. The majority of states follow comparative negligence rules, allowing you to recover damages reduced by your percentage of fault. However, some states (Alabama, Maryland, North Carolina, Virginia, DC) follow contributory negligence, which may bar recovery if you're even 1% at fault.

Look for: specific experience with truck accident cases (not just general personal injury), a track record of substantial settlements/verdicts, resources to handle complex litigation, positive client reviews, and clear communication. Avoid attorneys who take every type of case.

Truck accident cases involve federal regulations, multiple liable parties, higher insurance limits, and specialized evidence (black boxes, driver logs). Attorneys who focus on truck accidents understand these complexities and have relationships with accident reconstructionists and trucking industry experts.

You don't need money to hire a truck accident lawyer. All reputable truck accident attorneys work on contingency—they advance all costs and only get paid from your settlement. If you don't win, you owe nothing.

Your attorney handles most of the work: investigating, dealing with insurance companies, negotiating, and preparing for trial. You'll need to attend medical appointments, provide documentation when requested, answer questions about the accident, and make key decisions about your case.

No—at least not without an attorney. Insurance adjusters are trained to minimize payouts and may use your words against you. Let your attorney handle all communications with insurance companies.

Be very cautious. Quick settlement offers are almost always far below what your case is worth. Insurance companies make early offers before you know the full extent of your injuries. Once you accept, you can't go back for more. Always consult an attorney first.

Federal law requires interstate trucks to carry minimum $750,000 in liability coverage. Trucks hauling hazardous materials must carry $1-5 million. Many trucking companies carry even higher limits, providing more potential compensation for victims.