18-Wheeler Accidents: Why These Cases Are More Complicated

When a massive 18-wheeler collides with a passenger vehicle, the consequences are often devastating. The weight of a commercial truck can be up to 80,000 pounds when fully loaded, which means that in case of a crash, resulting injuries can be severe, and lives can be lost or permanently altered.

Victims can turn to the legal system to seek financial resources to cover the resulting damages. However, winning an 18-wheeler accident case is far more complicated than many realize. The legal team at Fadduol, Cluff, Hardy & Conaway P.C. has the skills and resources needed to manage high-stakes cases successfully. An 18-wheeler accident lawyer understands the potential hurdles associated with truck accidents and can help you overcome them to ensure you secure justice.  

Liability Can be Challenging

In an ordinary car accident, determining fault might involve two drivers and straightforward evidence like traffic camera footage or witness statements. An 18-wheeler accident, however, introduces a network of potential responsible parties. These may include the following:

• Truck drivers might be at fault for speeding, fatigue, or other negligent actions
• The trucking company can be liable for the actions of the truck driver under legal principles, or the company might have been negligent itself
• Manufacturers might be liable if a defective part, like brakes or tires, caused the crash
• Cargo loaders could share the blame if improperly secured freight shifted and destabilized the truck
• Brokers for the trip may be liable if they were negligent in selecting the trucking company or in their control over the driver and the trip at issue

A lawyer can help untangle this mess through a careful investigation so that you have a compelling case that can secure the rightful compensation.

Federal Regulations 

Unlike regular drivers, truckers and interstate trucking companies operate under federal guidelines set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). These rules govern everything from hours of service (to prevent drowsy driving) to vehicle maintenance and driver qualifications.

On one hand, these regulations can help prove negligence if violated—say, if logs show a driver exceeded allowable hours. On the other hand, trucking companies often exploit them as a shield, arguing compliance to deflect blame. Proving a violation, or demonstrating that compliance wasn’t enough to prevent harm, requires knowledge of the law and access to technical records like electronic logging data or maintenance logs. Some trucking companies will also dispute whether the federal regulations should even apply to your case. However, with professional legal representation, you can effectively manage this technical battlefield. 

Severe Injuries Involved 

The majority of injuries in 18-wheeler accidents tend to be catastrophic. Although this might seem to strengthen a victim’s case, it raises the stakes for both sides. Victims need substantial compensation to cover extensive damages, amounts that trucking companies and their insurers do not want to pay. 

The severity of these injuries also can complicate proving causation and damages in court. Insurance defense teams may argue that pre-existing conditions or unrelated factors contributed to the victim’s suffering, dragging out the claim.

Moreover, it can be challenging to prove the full scope of these injuries. Sometimes, an 18-wheeler accident lawyer has to use expert testimony from doctors, economists, and life-care planners to paint a clear picture of the overall toll. An experienced 18-wheeler attorney knows how to gather this evidence and present it so that your side of the story isn’t drowned out by corporate pushback.

A Truck Accident Attorney Can Help With Your Case

Without a legal advocate, the odds of overcoming the hurdles associated with 18-wheeler accidents can be very low. However, an attorney from Fadduol, Cluff, Hardy & Conaway P.C. can help build a compelling case to secure justice. Our truck accident attorneys will collect and present evidence to challenge the available defenses and pursue your rightful recovery. Call us at 800-433-2408 or contact us online to book a free case review with one of our lawyers.