The Devastating Reality of Semi-Truck Accidents, and What You Can Do

Every year, thousands of people are seriously injured or killed in accidents involving semi-trucks. These massive vehicles, weighing up to 80,000 pounds when fully loaded, can cause life-altering consequences in a split second. At The Floyd Law Firm, we understand the complexities and challenges victims face after a truck accident, and we’re here to help.

Common Causes of Semi-Truck Accidents

Understanding what causes these accidents is the first step toward prevention and justice. Several recurring factors often contribute to these tragedies:

• Driver Fatigue: Truck drivers are under immense pressure to meet tight delivery schedules. Despite federal regulations limiting hours behind the wheel, fatigue remains a leading cause of truck-related accidents.
• Distracted Driving: A momentary lapse like checking a phone, eating, or adjusting the radio can turn deadly when operating a multi-ton vehicle. Distraction reduces reaction time and increases the likelihood of severe collisions.
• Poor Vehicle Maintenance: Brake failures, worn tires, and other mechanical issues stemming from neglect can cause trucks to lose control, especially at highway speeds. Regular inspections are lifesaving.

Unique Challenges in Truck Accident Cases

Truck accident litigation is not like typical car accident cases. It involves intricate legal standards, multiple liable parties, and swift corporate responses meant to protect the trucking company’s interests and not yours.

• Complex Regulations: The trucking industry is heavily regulated by federal laws. Drivers must adhere to hours-of-service limits, cargo must be loaded within specific weight guidelines, and trucks require frequent inspections. Proving a regulatory violation can significantly strengthen your claim.
• Multiple Liable Parties: Responsibility may extend beyond the truck driver. The trucking company, vehicle maintenance providers, and even cargo loaders could share liability. Determining who is at fault requires experienced legal analysis.
• Evidence Preservation: Trucking companies often deploy rapid-response teams to accident scenes. They work quickly to gather evidence and are sometimes hiding or altering it. That’s why you need a legal team on your side immediately to secure critical evidence like black box data, maintenance logs, and driver records.

Severe Injuries and Long-Term Impacts

When a truck hits a smaller passenger vehicle, the results can be catastrophic. The sheer force often leads to:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)
• Spinal Cord Injuries and Paralysis
• Crushed Bones and Internal Damage

Recovery is not just physical. Many victims endure psychological trauma, financial devastation, and an altered quality of life. Extensive hospital stays, surgeries, and rehabilitation become the norm. And for many, the ability to return to work or live independently is lost for good.

Federal Regulations and Compliance: Things to Know

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) imposes several key requirements for commercial truck drivers:

• Maximum Driving Hours: Commercial truck drivers are limited to no more than 11 hours of driving after taking 10 consecutive hours off. Their entire work shift including both driving and non-driving duties must not exceed 14 consecutive hours. Additionally, a 30-minute break is required after eight hours of driving. Drivers are also restricted to a maximum of 60 hours on duty over seven days, or 70 hours over eight days, depending on their company’s schedule.
• Vehicle Inspections: Daily inspections are mandatory and must cover key safety components such as brakes, lights, tires, steering and suspension systems, cargo securement, and coupling devices. These checks are essential to ensure roadworthiness and prevent mechanical failures.
• Weight Limits: Trucks must comply with strict weight regulations. A single axle is limited to 20,000 pounds, while tandem axles must not exceed 34,000 pounds. The maximum allowable gross vehicle weight is capped at 80,000 pounds.

*Source: Matrack Inc. on DOT Regulations

When these rules are broken, victims may have a strong case for negligence. Failure to comply not only endangers public safety — it’s also admissible evidence in court.

Steps to Take After a Semi-Truck Accident

If you or a loved one is involved in a semi-truck accident, taking the right steps early on can greatly impact your case:

1. Seek Immediate Medical Attention: Some injuries may not be visible or felt right away.
2. Document the Scene: Take photos and videos of vehicle damage, road conditions, and any injuries.
3. Get Witness Information: Eyewitness accounts can be critical for building a strong case.
4. Request the Truck Driver’s Information: This includes their commercial driver’s license, insurance policy, and company contact.
5. Contact an Experienced Truck Accident Attorney: The sooner you involve a lawyer, the better your chances of preserving evidence and building a strong claim.

Why You Need the Floyd Law Firm

At The Floyd Law Firm, we have a proven track record in handling complex truck accident cases. Our team understands the federal and state laws that govern the trucking industry and how to uncover the facts behind the crash. We fight aggressively for your rights so you can focus on healing.

When you choose us, you’re not just hiring a lawyer. You’re gaining a legal team committed to seeking justice, securing compensation, and ensuring that negligent trucking companies are held accountable.

One of our verdicts caused by a tractor-trailer hitting a farmer and ending with severe abdominal muscle injuries was settled out of court for $950k.

Free Consultations Available

If you or someone you love has been injured in a truck accident, don’t face the aftermath alone. Contact The Floyd Law Firm today for a free consultation. Let us review your case, answer your questions, and guide you through your legal options.

Your road to recovery begins with the right legal team. We’re here when you need us most.