Collisions involving semi-trucks come in many forms and each type brings its own legal and practical challenges. Our friends at Johnston | Martineau PLLP outlines some of the most common types of semi-truck accident cases your lawyer may handle on behalf of clients in your region:
Cargo Loss Or Overloading Accidents
Improperly secured or overweight cargo can shift, causing the truck to become unstable. These cases require investigation into loading procedures and responsibility across shippers, loaders, and carriers.
Underride And Override Crashes
These tragic types of crashes—where smaller vehicles slide beneath or are driven over by trucks—often result in life-changing, catastrophic injuries. We work with reconstruction experts and use federal crashworthiness standards to build strong cases.
Driver Fatigue And Hours-Of-Service Violations
Semi-driver fatigue is a widespread issue tied to serious wrecks. When drivers exceed federally regulated hours or skip rest breaks, that violation can be key evidence in proving negligence.
Mechanical Failures And Brake Defects
Worn-out brakes, faulty steering, or tire blowouts can signal negligent maintenance or manufacturer defects. These cases often involve multiple parties and detailed review of inspection and repair records.
Jackknife And Rollover Accidents
Sudden braking or sharp turns can cause long tractor-trailers to jackknife or roll over. Thorough scene analysis and expert witness testimony are often required to show that proper safety protocols were ignored.
Hazardous Material And Fuel Tank Incidents
When a truck spills fuel, chemicals, or other hazardous materials in a crash, victims can suffer both immediate injury and environmental harm. These cases often involve specialized regulations and serious risks to individuals and communities.
Rear-End And Intersection Collisions
These common scenarios can be made catastrophic due to the truck’s size and weight. Our attorneys look into driver logs and cell phone records to determine whether the trucker was distracted or speeding.
Brake Check And Sudden Stop Accidents
Truckers who follow too closely or fail to brake in time can cause multi-vehicle crashes. In these cases, analysis of braking distance and speed data from onboard devices is critical.
Fatigue-Related Chains And Pile-Ups
Highway crashes involving multiple vehicles often begin with a fatigued or inattentive truck driver. Identifying the initial cause is key to linking liability to the trucking company or driver.
Post-Collision Negligence
Delays in medical care, improper scene cleanup, or failure to report the crash correctly can affect recovery of damages. We pursue accountability not just for the crash itself but for how it was handled afterward.
Because of your lawyer’s background handling insurance disputes and courtroom trials, we know what it takes to respond when a claim is denied or undervalued. A semi-truck accident lawyer will focus on helping injured clients seek coverage for the full scope of their losses—from hospital bills to time away from work to lasting physical and emotional pain.
No two cases follow the same path, but an attorney can help ensure the goal stays the same: to look out for your interests and help you move forward. Whether a case is resolved through negotiations or taken to court, we are committed to thorough, hands-on legal work every step of the way. After a serious truck accident, the pressure to figure things out quickly can be overwhelming. That’s where your attorney steps in. We take the time to listen, build your case carefully, and work toward outcomes that reflect what you’ve been through.