Can I Sue a Trucking Company After an Accident?

Yes, you can sue a trucking company after an accident if their negligence—or the negligence of one of their drivers—caused your injuries. Truck accident cases often involve serious damage, complicated evidence, and multiple liable parties. 

Hiring a Raleigh truck accident lawyer from our firm can help you take the right steps to protect your rights and pursue full compensation. Don’t wait until it’s too late; get your free legal consultation today to get started.

When is a Trucking Company Liable?

Trucking companies are responsible for hiring qualified drivers, maintaining safe vehicles, and following industry safety regulations. When they fail to meet those obligations and someone gets hurt, they can be held legally responsible.

• Negligent hiring or training: Employing unqualified drivers or failing to properly train them
  
• Improper vehicle maintenance: Skipping inspections or ignoring mechanical problems
  
• Pushing drivers to break safety rules: Forcing drivers to exceed legal driving hours or falsify logbooks
  
• Failure to secure cargo properly: Allowing loads to shift, fall, or create hazards on the road

If any of these issues played a role in your accident, the company itself—not just the driver—may be held accountable for the harm you suffered. Contact our firm if you want to learn how to sue a trucking company.

Suing vs. Filing an Insurance Claim

Many truck accident victims start by filing a claim with the trucking company’s insurance carrier. But in severe or disputed cases, that may not be enough. Here are some reasons why you might sue:

• The insurance company offers a low settlement.
  
• They deny liability altogether.
  
• Your injuries are serious and long-term.
  
• There are multiple parties involved.
  
• You face ongoing medical costs and lost wages.

A lawsuit against the trucking company may be your best path to full compensation. A truck accident lawyer from our firm can evaluate your case and help you decide whether filing a lawsuit is the right move.

Evidence That Can Help Your Case

Truck accidents generate a lot of evidence, but much of it is controlled by the trucking company. The sooner you act, the better your chances are of preserving it.

Key evidence may include:

• Driver logs and electronic data: These can reveal how long the driver was on the road and whether they broke rest requirements.
  
• Maintenance and inspection records: These show whether the truck was in good working order.
  
• Employment and training files: These document the driver’s qualifications and the company’s hiring practices.
  
• Dashcam or surveillance footage: Video evidence may capture the collision or the events leading up to it.
  
• Black box data: This shows the truck’s speed, braking, and other driving behavior at the time of the crash.

Gathering and analyzing this evidence takes experience. That’s why legal representation is so important after a truck accident.

Other Parties Who Might Share Liability

One of the biggest differences between truck accidents and standard car crashes is the number of potentially liable parties. The trucking company might not be the only one responsible.

Other responsible parties may include:

• The truck driver, if they were distracted, intoxicated, or driving aggressively
  
• Cargo loading companies, if improper loading caused the truck to tip or lose control
  
• Vehicle or parts manufacturers, if a tire blowout, brake failure, or other defect contributed to the crash
  
• Third-party contractors or brokers, if another company played a role in scheduling, staffing, or logistics

A skilled truck accident lawyer can investigate every angle and make sure no negligent party escapes responsibility.

What Compensation Can You Pursue?

Truck accidents often cause devastating injuries and long-term hardship. If you sue the trucking company, you may be able to recover significant compensation for the following losses:

• Medical expenses: This covers emergency care, surgeries, rehab, medications, and future treatment.
  
• Lost income: This covers wages lost during recovery and diminished earning capacity in the future.
  
• Pain and suffering: This covers physical pain, emotional distress, and reduced quality of life.
  
• Property damage: You can be compensated for repairs or replacement of your vehicle and damaged belongings.
  
• Wrongful death damages: If a loved one died in the accident, surviving family members may be entitled to compensation.

Your total recovery depends on the severity of your injuries, the long-term effects on your life, and the strength of your legal case. A lawyer can help calculate your damages and build a claim that reflects your full losses.

How a Lawyer Can Help After a Truck Crash

Truck accident cases are rarely simple. Trucking companies and their insurers often fight hard to avoid paying full compensation. They have legal teams and investigators working to protect their interests from the very beginning.

A truck accident lawyer can:

• Conduct a full investigation and preserve vital evidence.
  
• Identify all liable parties and insurance policies.
  
• Handle negotiations with insurance companies.
  
• File a lawsuit if necessary and represent you in court.
  
• Advocate for the maximum compensation allowed under the law.

You don’t need to face this process alone. A knowledgeable attorney can take the pressure off your shoulders so you can focus on healing.

What to Do if You’re Considering a Lawsuit

If you’re thinking about suing a trucking company after an accident, it’s important to act quickly. Evidence can disappear, and companies may try to limit their liability. Take these steps:

• Get medical attention right away, even if injuries seem minor.
  
• Preserve any evidence you have, including photos, contact information, or damaged property.
  
• Avoid speaking with the trucking company’s insurance without legal advice.
  
• Contact a truck accident lawyer at Whitley Law Firm as soon as possible.

Early legal help can protect your claim, preserve crucial documents, and put you in the strongest position to seek justice.

Contact Whitley Law Firm to Speak With a Truck Accident Lawyer

Can I sue a trucking company after an accident? Yes, you can sue a trucking company after an accident. However, doing so requires strong evidence, a well-defined legal strategy, and a thorough understanding of how these companies operate.

At Whitley Law Firm, we have been in business for over 50 years, which means we understand how overwhelming these cases can be. If you’ve been hurt in a truck accident and believe a company’s negligence played a role, we’re here to fight for what you deserve. 

Visit our FAQ page for more information about truck accidents, lawsuits, and your legal rights.