Semi Truck Accident Lawyer- How to Choose the Right Attorney, Understand Settlement Amounts, Causes, and Essential Steps After a Crash

By Emery Ledger on July 12, 2025

Cars may be safer than ever, but highways are still dangerous at times. It gets even more dangerous around semi-trucks simply because of the size of the vehicles involved. A car weighs around 4,000 pounds and a semi truck could weigh 80,000 pounds or more. If you are in a car and semi truck accident, your chances of being injured or even killed go up drastically.

If you are injured or if a loved one is killed, you may need a good semi truck accident lawyer on your side. Even if the accident is clearly the trucker’s fault, the insurance company is going to try to pay you as little as possible. They will have a team of lawyers, so you need to have solid representation if you get into a semi truck accident lawsuit.

Scope of the problem

According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were 4,470 fatalities involving semi trucks in 2024 and 4,890 in 2023. There were 39,000 traffic deaths in 2023 on the highways, regardless of vehicle type. Over the last three years, there has been an average of about 160,000 serious injuries caused by semi truck vs. car accidents. Of those injuries, 73 percent were in automobiles, and 26 percent were people inside big trucks.

Causes of accidents

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) 90 percent of accidents involving big trucks are caused by human error. It went on to say that 30 percent were caused by fatigue, and 15 percent were due to mechanical issues.

The errors cause accidents.

Driver error

• Fatigue
• Distraction
• Speeding
• Impaired driving
• Aggressive driving

Truck issues

• Brake failure
• Tire blowouts
• Steering or transmission issues
• Improper loading or weight distribution
• unsecured cargo

Environmental

• Weather
• road conditions
• traffic congestion

There are also times when other drivers cause accidents. Actions like cutting off trucks, sudden lane changes, or blind spots can cause car drivers cause collisions with trucks.

Fatigue of drivers is the main issue, however. Drivers are legally allowed to drive a certain number of hours at a time and must take breaks. Companies can blatantly or implicitly encourage drivers to break the rules or falsify records, and not take needed breaks. Drivers who own their own rigs may also feel pressured to skirt the rules to make the deadline and make more money.

Getting compensation

If you are involved in an accident, keep in mind that insurance companies want to pay you as little as possible. This is why you need a lawyer for semi truck accident. Between 90 and 95 percent of cases are settled out of court, but you will be a lot better off with a lawyer negotiating that out-of-court settlement. Do semi truck accident go trial? Yes, less than 10 percent of the time they do, but most attorneys try to get an out-of-court settlement so the injured person can get their money faster.

The average semi truck accident settlement nationwide is between $100,000 and $150,000. It can be as little as $30,000 and as much as several million dollars in wrongful death cases.  The most common type of crash involves a rear-end crash and those cases average $93,000 in compensation.

What to do after an accident

Most lawyers advise people to say nothing after an accident, and this is great advice. Be sure you do not admit fault, and don’t discuss injuries. It is better to just not say anyrting to anyone other than perhaps an investigating police officer.

Here are tips you should follow after an accident:

1. Seek medical attention if needed
2. Report the accident.
3. Gather information, photos, truck details, witnesses, and so forth.
4. Don’t discuss the case
5. Contact a truck accident lawyer
6. Document everything.
7. Notify your insurance company
8. Preserve any evidence.
9. Avoid quick settlements

What do i look for when choosing semi-truck accident lawyer?

Whether it involves your car, or a semi truck motorcycle accident, you need a lawyer who specializes in these types of cases. A general practitioner may not have the specialized knowledge needed to deal with insurance companies the way you may need them to. It is also a good idea to ask them about their experience in going to trial in such cases. Most are settled out of court, but you need to know your lawyer is not afraid to go to court if necessary.

A Google search such as “semi truck accident lawyer near me” would be a good place to start, but also ask your friends who may have had similar situations. Do research to find out about their track record and reputation.

It might also be a good idea to talk with more than one lawyer. Most will give you a free consultation to help you get started. How you relate to the person is also a consideration, but focus on their qualifications. You need someone who can contend with the insurance companies, but also someone who will communicate with you, keeping you up to date on how the case is progressing.

The truck accident lawyer also needs to have some good local knowledge, as state laws differ as to laws around compensation for accident victims. In most cases state laws where the accident happened will be applied, so the lawyer needs to know that state’s laws well. It can get very complex if you have an accident in a state you do not live in.

You should also check out the lawyer’s professional credentials, such as law degrees. References are also a good idea, and many lawyers will provide them if you ask.

Here are some good questions to ask an attorney during your consultation.

• How many truck accident cases have you handled, and what were the usual outcomes?
• Have you handled cases like mine, or with injuries like mine?
• What do you see as the strengths and weaknesses of my case?
• How long do you think it will take to get a settlement?
• How much does a case like mine usually receive?
• What are your fees, and how much of my settlement will you take?
• Are you willing to take my case to court if need be?
• What is a realistic settlement I should expect?
• How often will you communicate with me?
• Will you be the lawyer handling my case, or will it be someone else in the organization?

How long does it take?

Sometimes insurance companies will offer you a quick settlement, and may even pressure you to accept their offer quickly. This is never a good idea, and you need a truck accident attorney on your side to negotiate the settlement. Even with an attorney, the settlement could take a year to complete.

You do need a lawyer who is willing to go to court if need be, but both sides would usually prefer not to go to court. If it does go to court, you could win a much larger settlement, but it could take years for the case to be settled.

FAQs – Semi Truck Accident Lawyer

What should I do after a semi-truck accident?

Seek medical help, report the crash, take photos, gather contact and insurance info, and avoid discussing fault. Contact a semi-truck accident attorney before speaking with insurance companies.

What causes most semi-truck accidents on highways?

Common causes include driver fatigue, distraction, speeding, drug or alcohol use, mechanical failure, and poor cargo loading. Environmental factors like weather and traffic congestion also contribute.

How dangerous are semi-truck crashes compared to car accidents?

Very dangerous. A semi-truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, significantly increasing the force of impact. Car occupants face a much higher risk of serious injury or death in truck collisions. 

Is driver fatigue a common reason for truck accidents?

Yes. Around 30% of truck accidents are caused by fatigue. Some drivers falsify logs or skip breaks due to pressure from employers or tight delivery schedules. 

Can poor truck maintenance cause an accident?

Absolutely. Accidents can result from brake failure, tire blowouts, steering problems, and other mechanical issues if trucks are not properly maintained.

Why do I need a lawyer after a semi-truck crash?

Truck accident cases involve complex regulations and powerful trucking companies. A lawyer can protect your rights, gather evidence, deal with insurers, and help secure fair compensation.

How do I choose the best semi-truck accident lawyer near me?

Look for attorneys with experience in trucking law and accident litigation. Check reviews, case history, and ask about trial experience during your consultation.

What should I ask a semi-truck accident attorney during a consultation?

Ask about their case history, expected outcomes, fees, whether they’ll personally handle your case, and how often they’ll communicate. Be sure they have trial experience if needed.

Can a truck accident lawyer help with out-of-state accidents?

Yes. Many attorneys are licensed in multiple states or partner with local counsel. Be sure your lawyer understands the laws in the state where the accident occurred.

How much is the average semi-truck accident settlement?

Typical settlements range from $100,000 to $150,000. Cases with serious injury or death can reach $1 million or more. Factors include fault, medical expenses, and long-term impact.

What is a fair settlement for a rear-end truck collision?

Rear-end truck crash settlements average around $93,000 but vary depending on injury severity and case details.

Can I sue for wrongful death in a truck accident case?

Yes. If a loved one died due to driver or company negligence, you may file a wrongful death lawsuit for funeral costs, lost income, and emotional suffering.

Do most semi-truck accident cases go to court or settle?

Most cases (90–95%) settle out of court. Settlements are faster and less costly, but going to trial may be necessary for maximum compensation.

How long does it take to settle a semi-truck accident claim?

It can take several months to over a year. If the case goes to trial, it may take even longer. Your attorney can provide a more specific timeline.

Will the trucker’s insurance company try to pay less?

Yes. Insurance companies aim to minimize payouts. They may offer quick, low settlements or dispute liability. A lawyer ensures you’re treated fairly.

What evidence should I collect after a truck crash?

Take photos, gather the trucker’s information, record license plates, get witness statements, obtain the police report, and seek medical evaluation right away.

Should I accept a quick settlement offer from the insurance company?

No. Quick offers are usually far below what you’re owed. Speak to a lawyer to evaluate the true value of your claim.

Can I still file a lawsuit if I was partially at fault?

Yes. Many states allow partial fault claims under comparative negligence laws. Your compensation may be reduced based on your percentage of fault.

Do trucking companies hide driver fatigue or log violations?

Unfortunately, yes. Some companies or drivers falsify logbooks or push unsafe driving hours to meet delivery targets. Your lawyer can investigate log records and GPS data.

Emery Ledger

Emery Brett Ledger brings more than 27 years of experience to personal injury law. He founded & led The Ledger Law Firm in securing over $100 million in compensation for clients with life-altering injuries & complex claims. Licensed in California, Texas, & Washington, Emery earned his law degree from Pepperdine University School of Law. His practice areas include car & truck accidents, wrongful death, catastrophic injuries, maritime claims, & mass tort litigation. He has been recognized by The National Trial Lawyers’ Top 100, Mass Tort Trial Lawyers Top 25, and America’s Top 100 Personal Injury Attorneys. Emery also received the 2025 Elite Lawyer Award & holds a perfect 10.0 Avvo rating with Platinum Client Champion status. His legal work has been featured on CNN, Forbes, NBC, & ABC.