If you or a loved one has been injured in an 18-wheeler accident, you need specialized legal representation. Unlike standard car accidents, truck accident cases involve complex federal regulations, multiple potentially liable parties, and aggressive insurance company tactics. Our complete guide to truck accident lawyers explains how to find the right attorney for your case.
What is an 18-Wheeler?
An 18-wheeler, also known as a semi-truck, tractor-trailer, or big rig, is a large commercial vehicle consisting of a powered truck (tractor) connected to a semi-trailer. The name “18-wheeler” refers to the total number of wheels on a standard configuration: 10 on the tractor and 8 on the trailer.
Key 18-Wheeler Specifications
- Maximum Weight: Up to 80,000 lbs (40 tons) fully loaded—compared to 4,000 lbs for an average car
- Length: Up to 75 feet (tractor + trailer)—the length of a bowling lane
- Stopping Distance: 525+ feet at 65 mph (nearly 2 football fields)—40% longer than a car
- Blind Spots: 20 feet in front, 30 feet behind, and multiple lanes on each side (known as “No-Zones”)
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), there are approximately 2 million tractor-trailers registered in the United States, traveling over 140 billion miles annually. This constant presence on our highways, combined with their massive size, makes 18-wheeler accidents a significant public safety concern.
While “18-wheeler” is commonly used interchangeably with semi-truck, there are technical differences. Learn more about the various types of commercial vehicle accidents and how they affect your legal case.
18-Wheeler Accident Statistics
2022 Large Truck Crash Data (FMCSA)
Fatal crashes involving large trucks
Injury crashes
Of fatalities were occupants of other vehicles
Increase from 2021
The statistics paint a sobering picture: in crashes between 18-wheelers and passenger vehicles, occupants of the smaller vehicle bear the overwhelming burden of injuries and fatalities. This disparity is why truck accident settlements tend to be significantly higher than typical car accident claims.
For a deeper dive into the numbers, including state-by-state breakdowns and trend analysis, explore our comprehensive truck accident statistics page with interactive charts and visualizations.
Common Causes of 18-Wheeler Accidents
Understanding the causes of 18-wheeler accidents is crucial for establishing liability. The FMCSA's Large Truck Crash Causation Study identified the following primary factors, which are governed by strict federal trucking regulations:
Driver Fatigue
Hours of service violations and inadequate rest leading to drowsy driving. The leading cause cited in FMCSA studies.
Distracted Driving
Cell phone use, GPS adjustments, eating while driving, and dispatch communications.
Speeding
Pressure to meet delivery deadlines leading to excessive speed. Particularly dangerous given stopping distances.
Impaired Driving
Alcohol, drugs (including prescription medication), affecting judgment and reaction time.
Improper Loading
Overweight or improperly secured cargo causing shifts, rollovers, or jackknifing.
Equipment Failure
Brake failures, tire blowouts, steering defects, and lighting issues. Often due to poor maintenance.
Inadequate Training
Poorly trained drivers lacking necessary skills for maneuvering large vehicles in traffic and weather conditions.
Poor Maintenance
Failure to properly inspect and maintain vehicles per FMCSA requirements, leading to preventable mechanical failures.
“In my experience investigating hundreds of 18-wheeler crashes, driver fatigue remains the most underreported cause. Electronic logging devices have helped, but pressure from dispatch and unrealistic delivery schedules continue to push drivers beyond safe limits.”
Common Injuries in 18-Wheeler Accidents
Due to the massive size difference between 18-wheelers and passenger vehicles, injuries in these crashes are often severe or fatal. The force of impact in a fully-loaded truck collision can be 20 times greater than a car-to-car accident. Common injuries include:
- Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Concussions, contusions, and severe brain damage from impact or violent shaking
- Spinal Cord Injuries: Paralysis, herniated discs, and nerve damage that may be permanent
- Broken Bones: Multiple fractures often requiring surgery and extended rehabilitation
- Internal Organ Damage: Ruptured organs and internal bleeding requiring emergency surgery
- Burn Injuries: From fires or explosions, especially with tanker trucks carrying flammable materials
- Amputations: Loss of limbs due to crush injuries from vehicle entrapment
- Wrongful Death: Tragically, many 18-wheeler accidents are fatal. Families may pursue wrongful death claims.
The severity of these injuries directly impacts settlement amounts. Catastrophic injuries requiring lifelong care can result in multi-million dollar compensation to cover medical expenses, lost earning capacity, and quality of life impacts.
Who is Liable in an 18-Wheeler Accident?
Unlike car accidents where typically only one driver is at fault, 18-wheeler crashes often involve multiple liable parties. This is one of the key reasons why specialized truck accident lawyers are essential—they know how to investigate and pursue all responsible parties:
The Truck Driver
For negligence such as speeding, fatigue, distraction, impairment, or violating hours of service rules
The Trucking Company
For negligent hiring, inadequate training, pressuring drivers to violate hours of service rules, poor maintenance practices, or vicarious liability for employee actions
Cargo Loading Companies
For improperly loading or securing cargo that shifts and causes rollover accidents or jackknifing
Truck/Parts Manufacturers
For defective equipment such as faulty brakes, tires, steering components, or trailer hitches
Maintenance Providers
For negligent repairs or inspections that lead to preventable mechanical failures on the road
Government Entities
For dangerous road conditions, inadequate signage, or poorly designed highways (special notice requirements apply)
Identifying all liable parties is critical because each may carry separate insurance policies. Commercial trucks are required to carry minimum insurance of $750,000 for general freight and up to $5 million for hazardous materials—but the trucking company, cargo loader, and vehicle manufacturer may each have additional coverage.
Critical Evidence in 18-Wheeler Cases
Time is critical in 18-wheeler accident cases. Federal regulations allow trucking companies to destroy certain records after specific periods—some as short as 6 months. An experienced attorney will immediately send spoliation letters to preserve:
Electronic Logging Device (ELD) Data
Hours driven, rest breaks, potential HOS violations. Required since 2019.
Event Data Recorder (Black Box)
Speed, braking, steering inputs for seconds before impact.
Driver Qualification Files
CDL, training, employment history, medical certifications, violations.
Maintenance & Inspection Records
Pre/post-trip inspections, repair history, known defects.
Dispatch & Communication Records
Delivery schedules, driver communications, pressure to meet deadlines.
Cargo Documentation
Bills of lading, weight tickets, loading procedures, hazmat manifests.
Evidence Destruction Warning
Under FMCSA regulations, trucking companies can legally destroy driver logs after 6 months and some maintenance records after 1 year. If you've been in an 18-wheeler accident, contact a truck accident lawyer immediately to preserve this critical evidence before it's gone.
Compensation Available
Victims of 18-wheeler accidents may be entitled to substantial compensation. Commercial trucks are required to carry minimum insurance of $750,000, with many policies exceeding $1 million. For a detailed breakdown of typical amounts, see our truck accident settlements guide. Damages may include:
Economic Damages
- Medical expenses (past and future)
- Lost wages and earning capacity
- Property damage
- Rehabilitation and therapy costs
- Home modification expenses
- In-home care and assistance
Non-Economic Damages
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress and PTSD
- Loss of enjoyment of life
- Loss of consortium
- Disfigurement and scarring
- Punitive damages (in cases of gross negligence)
Why You Need an 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyer
18-wheeler accident cases are significantly more complex than typical car accident claims. Trucking companies and their insurers have teams of lawyers and investigators who begin working immediately to minimize their liability. They may even arrive at the accident scene before first responders. You need an experienced advocate who understands:
- ✓Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations
- ✓Electronic logging device (ELD) data analysis and preservation
- ✓Black box data extraction and interpretation
- ✓Driver qualification file requirements and negligent hiring claims
- ✓Commercial trucking insurance policies and coverage stacking
- ✓Accident reconstruction and expert witness coordination
Most truck accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis—you pay nothing unless they win your case. Learn more about how much a truck accident lawyer costs and what to expect during your free case evaluation.
18-Wheeler Accident Case Timeline
Understanding the legal timeline helps you know what to expect. Every state has a statute of limitations for filing a truck accident lawsuit—miss it and you lose your right to compensation forever.
Seek medical attention, document injuries, and preserve evidence at the scene if possible.
Contact a truck accident lawyer to send spoliation letters and begin investigation.
Attorney gathers police reports, witness statements, and begins evidence collection.
Complete medical treatment to understand full extent of injuries (reach MMI).
Discovery phase: depositions, document requests, and expert analysis.
Settlement negotiations or trial if no agreement is reached.
Related Truck Accident Resources
Truck Accident Statistics
Latest FMCSA and NHTSA data with interactive visualizations
Semi-Truck Accidents
Differences between semi-trucks and other commercial vehicles
Truck Accident Settlements
Average payouts and factors affecting compensation
FMCSA Regulations
Federal safety rules and how violations prove negligence
Need a Truck Accident Lawyer?
Our comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about finding the right attorney, understanding costs, and maximizing your compensation after a truck accident.
Read Our Complete Truck Accident Lawyer Guide