They Might Look Similar — But Legally, They’re Worlds Apart
At first glance, a crash is a crash. But when it comes to personal injury law, a semi-truck wreck is far more complex — and potentially more dangerous — than a regular car accident.
If you or a loved one has been hit by an 18-wheeler or commercial vehicle, here’s what makes your case different — and why having an experienced truck accident lawyer matters from day one.
1. Multiple Liable Parties
In a typical car crash, liability usually falls on one or both drivers. But in a truck accident case, there may be several responsible parties:
- The truck driver
- The trucking company
- A shipping or logistics provider
- The manufacturer of faulty parts
- The maintenance or repair contractor
This means your lawyer needs to investigate each party’s role — and hold the right ones accountable.
2. Federal & Commercial Regulations
Semi-trucks are governed by strict federal regulations that don’t apply to regular drivers. These include:
- Hours-of-service limits (to prevent driver fatigue)
- Maintenance and inspection requirements
- Drug and alcohol testing
- Driver logbooks and electronic monitoring
These rules are enforced by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) — and violations can make or break your case. Your attorney needs to know how to access these records and prove non-compliance.
3. Commercial Insurance & Bigger Settlements
Trucking companies carry commercial insurance policies with much higher coverage limits than personal auto drivers — sometimes in the millions. But that doesn’t mean they’ll pay easily.
In fact, commercial insurers often fight even harder to minimize payouts. They may try to shift blame, delay negotiations, or offer lowball settlements fast — before you know the full extent of your injuries. Don’t fall for it.
4. More Severe Injuries & Damages
18-wheelers can weigh up to 80,000 pounds — so when they collide with a passenger vehicle, the results are often catastrophic. Truck wreck victims often suffer:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Spinal cord damage
- Multiple fractures or internal injuries
- Long-term disability
These cases require a legal team who knows how to calculate long-term damages — including future medical costs, lost earning capacity, and pain and suffering.
5. Time-Sensitive Evidence
Trucking companies often dispatch their own investigators to the crash scene within hours. If you wait too long to contact a lawyer, critical evidence may disappear:
- Dash cam footage
- Driver logs and GPS data
- Maintenance records
- Witness interviews
The sooner you call a truck accident attorney, the better your chances of preserving what matters.
Why You Need a Truck Wreck Lawyer — Not Just a Car Wreck Lawyer
At Aldridge Teasdale, we’ve handled truck wrecks across Oklahoma — from I-35 to I-40 and beyond. We know how to go toe-to-toe with national trucking companies and build strong, strategic cases for injured clients.
We treat every truck accident case with the urgency and seriousness it deserves — because we know what’s at stake for you and your family.
Schedule Your Free Case Review Today
There’s no cost to talk to us — and no fee unless we win. Request your free truck accident case review now and get the answers you deserve.
→ Learn more about our Oklahoma Truck Accident Law Practice
Do You Need a Lawyer after an 18-Wheeler Accident?
Of course. First, your experience with the lawyers of Aldridge Teasdale is free of charge. Our job is to take the burden off of you and then get you and your family compensated for all of your losses. Truck accidents can leave people with catastrophic injuries.
We will get you compensation resulting from:
- Medical treatment.
- Loss of income.
- Continuing pain.
- Loss of life and use.
- Punitive damages
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of loved one
- Loss of support
- Permanent injuries
- Scarring
- Future medical requirements
- Loss of future work
Contact the law firm of Aldridge Teasdale today for a FREE consultation.
