Semi-Truck Accident Lawyer | 18-Wheeler Wreck Litigation
Corporate Negligence Causes Trucking Tragedies. We Prove It.
When a passenger vehicle is hit by an 80,000-pound semi-truck, the results are rarely “accidental.” At Nigh Goldenberg Raso & Vaughn, we investigate the systemic failures—from falsified logbooks to the intentional deletion of safety technology—that turn commercial rigs into deadly weapons.
⚠️ CRITICAL: The Trucking Company Has Already Started Their Defense
Most major trucking carriers have “Rapid Response Teams” (lawyers and investigators) on the scene within hours of a crash to gather evidence that protects their bottom line. You need a team that moves just as fast.
Contact us immediately so that we have the opportunity to download the EDR “Black Box” data and freeze maintenance records before they can be “updated” or lost.
The Five Pillars of Trucking Negligence
We look beyond the driver to find the corporate decisions that led to your accident.
1. Safety Tech “Delete Options”
Many modern trucks come standard with Collision Mitigation Systems. Shockingly, some companies choose to delete these $50 sensors to save money on fleet costs. We investigate the truck’s build sheet to see if life-saving tech was intentionally removed.
[Internal Link: Read our report on Trucking Safety Tech]
2. Hours of Service (HOS) & Driver Fatigue
Federal law limits how long a driver can be behind the wheel. We scrutinize Electronic Logging Device (ELD) data to find “ghost logs” and forced overtime that put exhausted drivers on our highways.
3. Negligent Maintenance & Equipment Failure
From rusted tire belts causing tread separation to “out-of-adjustment” brakes, we can partner with mechanical engineers to inspect the wreckage for signs of deferred maintenance.
4. Improper Loading & Securement
An unbalanced load can cause a truck to jackknife or roll over during a standard turn. We investigate the shipping manifests and loading procedures to see if the cargo was the true cause of the wreck.
5. Negligent Hiring & Training
Was the driver qualified? Did the company ignore a history of safety violations or failed drug tests? We hold carriers accountable for putting dangerous drivers behind the wheel.
The Evidence: Why the “Black Box” Matters
A semi-truck is a rolling data center. To win a trucking case, you must be able to speak the language of its data. NGRV utilizes experts to extract and interpret:
- Event Data Recorder (EDR): Proves speed, braking, and steering inputs at the millisecond of impact.
- Telematics Data: Shows long-term driving patterns and GPS locations.
- Engine Control Module (ECM): Reveals if the truck was properly maintained or was running with mechanical faults.
Understanding FMCSR (Federal Regulations)
Unlike car accidents, trucking litigation is governed largely by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSR). These are complex federal laws that dictate everything from drug testing to the thickness of brake pads. If a trucking company violates even one of these rules, it can be evidence of negligence. NGRV knows the FMCSR inside and out.
The NGRV Advantage
- We Fight Corporations, Not Just Drivers: We target the deep-pocketed carriers and manufacturers responsible for the failure.
- National Resources: Trucking litigation is expensive. We front the costs for accident reconstruction, digital forensics, and engineering experts.
- A History of Results: Our attorneys have a proven track record of securing the high-limit settlements required for long-term medical care and recovery.
FAQ for Trucking Victims
How is a truck accident different from a car accident?
The insurance limits are higher, the laws are federal, and the evidence (like ELDs and Black Boxes) is significantly more technical.
What if the truck driver was an “Independent Contractor”?
Trucking companies often use this label to avoid liability. We have successfully argued around the “independent contractor” defense in many types of litigation.
Does it cost anything to start my case?
