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Case focus
Catastrophic Trucking Litigation
Fully loaded 18-wheelers weigh up to 80,000 pounds. When they collide with passenger vehicles, the injuries are catastrophic and the litigation is complex.
Proof track
ECM data, dashcam footage, and driver logs can be overwritten or destroyed within days.
The driver, carrier, broker, shipper, and maintenance company may all share responsibility.
Next step
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01
Why 18-Wheeler Cases Are Different
An 18-wheeler crash is not a car accident. The physics are different — an 80,000-pound truck striking a 4,000-pound car generates catastrophic force. The litigation is different — trucking companies deploy rapid-response teams to the crash scene within hours, and critical electronic evidence has short retention windows.
These cases require attorneys who understand Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs), electronic logging devices (ELDs), engine control module (ECM) data, hours-of-service rules, driver qualification files, and the complex web of liability that connects drivers, carriers, brokers, and shippers.
02
Evidence We Pursue Immediately
- ECM / Black Box Data: Records speed, braking, throttle position, and engine hours at the time of the crash.
- ELD / Logbook Records: Shows whether the driver exceeded hours-of-service limits.
- Dashcam and Cab Camera Footage: Many commercial trucks have forward-facing and driver-facing cameras.
- Driver Qualification File: CDL status, medical certifications, prior violations, employment history, and drug/alcohol testing records.
- Dispatch Records: Communications between the driver and dispatcher showing scheduling pressure.
- Maintenance Records: Inspection, repair, and maintenance history for brakes, tires, and safety systems.
- Cargo and Loading Records: Weight tickets, loading procedures, and securement documentation.
03
Liable Parties in 18-Wheeler Crashes
- The Driver: For negligent driving, fatigue, distraction, impairment, or traffic violations.
- The Motor Carrier: For hiring, supervision, training, and maintenance failures. The carrier is vicariously liable for the driver's actions under respondeat superior.
- The Freight Broker: For negligently selecting an unqualified or unsafe carrier.
- The Shipper / Loader: For improper loading, overweight cargo, or hazardous materials violations.
- The Maintenance Provider: For negligent repairs, missed inspections, or brake/tire failures.
- The Truck or Parts Manufacturer: For defective brakes, tires, steering systems, or safety equipment.
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