A tractor trailer accident can be extremely dangerous. These massive vehicles, which may weigh 80,000 pounds or more when fully loaded, present a serious danger to everyone else on the road. If you’ve been injured in a tractor trailer accident, you deserve strong legal support to help you pursue the compensation you need. Our experienced personal injury attorneys at Deldar Legal are here to guide you through the legal process and aggressively pursue justice on your behalf.

What is a Tractor Trailer Accident?

When most people think of a tractor trailer accident, they imagine a big tractor combine strapped down with chains and heavy-duty straps. This is true. However, a tractor trailer is more of a generic term that also includes other large commercial trucks like 18-wheelers, semi-trucks, and big rig truck accidents. The American Trucking Associations (ATA) defines these vehicles as having a front “tractor” (the engine and cab) and a rear “trailer” used to haul cargo. Because of their size, these trucks can cause serious damage and life-threatening injuries in a crash.

Causes of Track Trailer Accidents

Many drivers make mistakes that lead to a tractor trailer accident. Trucking companies sometimes neglect proper vehicle maintenance. Bad weather and unsafe road conditions often make collisions more likely. Poor cargo loading can also cause these heavy trucks to lose control. These issues boil down to three different categories of causes:

  1. Truck Driver Negligence
  2. Truck Issues
  3. External Factors

With vehicles this large, several factors come into play when a tractor trailer accident occurs. We will break down the three different types of situations that lead to a tractor trailer accident, and how drivers can prepare properly.

1. Truck Driver’s Negligence

Negligence is a word that gets thrown around a lot in legal circles. Essentially, it means failing to meet a standard of behavior that protects others from unreasonable risk. When truck drivers ignore safety regulations, they violate this standard and endanger everyone on the road. Their actions, or lack of preparation or training, can directly cause a tractor trailer accident. Here are some of the most common types of truck driver negligence:

  • Fatigue: It’s very common for truck drivers to experience exhaustion due to irregular sleep schedules and long hours behind the wheel. A tired driver has slower reaction times and reduced alertness, which increases the risk of a tractor trailer accident. Following rest schedules and federal hours-of-service rules helps prevent these dangerous situations.
  • Speeding: Driving above the speed limit increases the severity of injuries and raises the likelihood of a fatal tractor-trailer accident. Speeding also reduces the driver’s ability to respond quickly to sudden road hazards.
  • Distracted Driving: Using a phone, eating, or handling in-cab technology distracts truck drivers from the road. These distractions greatly increase the chance of a tractor trailer accident, just like fatigue and intoxication.
  • Reckless Driving: Dangerous behaviors like tailgating, weaving through traffic, or running red lights put others in harm’s way. Truck drivers must follow safe driving habits to keep everyone on the road safe.
  • Bad Training: Commercial truck drivers need specialized training to safely operate large vehicles. Poorly trained drivers may struggle with braking, turning, or managing emergency situations.
  • Driving Impaired: Alcohol or drug use can seriously impair a driver’s coordination, decision-making, and reaction time. Any impairment behind the wheel of a large truck creates a high risk for road users.

2. Truck Issues

Sometimes a problem with the truck itself causes the accident. This is another form of an “unreasonable risk.” Perhaps a technician forgot to check the brakes on a fleet of trucks or fails to replace some defective parts. Preventative maintenance helps avoid tractor trailer accident scenarios caused by equipment breakdown.

  • Mechanical Failure: Problems like brake failure, engine malfunctions, or steering issues can cause drivers to lose control.
  • Loose Cargo: If cargo shifts or spills because it was loaded unevenly or unsecured, it can destabilize the trailer, especially on curves or in heavy traffic.
  • Defective Truck: When owners fail to maintain a truck’s brakes, tires, or lights, the chances of a tractor trailer accident increase dramatically. Regular inspections are essential to keeping trucks road safe.

3. External Factors

Drivers cannot always control the condition of the road beneath their tires, especially when road agencies and municipalities fail to maintain safe surfaces. Similarly, weather can change quickly and create slick, low-visibility environments that make driving hazardous. Even the most experienced truck driver must adjust rapidly to these uncontrollable elements to avoid a tractor trailer accident.

  • Bad Weather: Rain, fog, snow, and ice reduce visibility and tire grip. Drivers must slow down and increase following distance to avoid a weather-related accident.
  • Poor Road Conditions: Potholes, broken pavement, or road debris create dangerous situations for truck drivers. Navigating around these obstacles requires extra caution.

A tractor trailer accident can stem from many contributing factors. With the right training, vehicle care, and responsible behavior, many of these collisions can be avoided. Our attorneys know how to identify each of these issues and investigate thoroughly to support your case. Part of our job is to find out who is responsible for the accident, which sometimes includes multiple parties such as drivers, trucking companies, mechanics, and state and federal regulatory agencies.

Federal & State Regulations

Every commercial truck in the U.S. abides by state and federal safety standards. Large truck safety is designed to minimize risk on our roads. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) establishes equipment standards for new commercial trucks, ensuring that new vehicles meet critical safety benchmarks. Meanwhile, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulates the safety of trucks engaged in interstate commerce. FMCSA rules cover essential areas like driver licensing, hours of service, and mandatory inspections.

When government agencies fail to enforce these safety standards or overlook known violations, they may share responsibility for a crash. A personal injury law firm like Deldar has the experience and resources to investigate whether regulatory lapses contributed to a tractor trailer accident. Our legal team can hold both private companies and public entities accountable when their negligence puts the public in danger.

Getting Clients Medical Care

Medical care is the first and most urgent need after a tractor trailer accident. Our team helps clients find doctors who specialize in treating their specific injuries. We work closely with trusted medical professionals across California. We coordinate care and communicate directly with providers to avoid billing issues or delays. Because of the sheer size and force, tractor trailer accident injuries tend to be more severe than those in standard car accidents. Common injuries include:

  • Broken bones & fractures
  • Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
  • Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
  • Internal organ damage
  • Severe lacerations and burns
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

We connect clients to care providers who understand the severity of truck crash injuries and offer timely appointments. From the very beginning, we make sure no one has to navigate their recovery alone. This support allows clients to focus on healing instead of worrying about how to get help. At Deldar Legal, we handle both the legal and medical side with care and experience.

Pursuing a tractor trailer accident claim requires thorough legal strategy and quick action. Trucking companies often rely on large insurance teams to avoid paying what victims deserve. Our legal team at Deldar takes control of the situation from the start and builds a strong case to fight for full compensation. We do this by following these five steps:

1. Investigation & Evidence

Our attorneys launch the investigation by collecting critical evidence. They request official reports, secure available video footage, and analyze black box data from the truck. Our legal team builds your case from the ground up using every available piece of evidence:

  • Police reports
  • Eyewitness statements
  • Black box (event data recorder) data
  • Maintenance and driver logs
  • Surveillance footage

2. Determining Liability

Different parties may share fault when a tractor trailer accident happens in California. Our attorneys evaluate every angle of the crash to determine who contributed to the harm you suffered. We hold all responsible parties accountable, including:

  • Truck drivers
  • Trucking companies
  • Cargo loaders
  • Vehicle parts manufacturers
  • Maintenance providers
  • Regulatory agencies

California uses a system called comparative negligence. This means you can still get money for your injuries even if you were partly to blame. As long as someone else also caused the crash, you can seek compensation. There is no limit to the number of parties who could be responsible for the accident.

3. Filing the Claim

Once we identify who is responsible, we file your claim correctly and on time with the proper insurance carriers. Our legal team understands every step required under California law and ensures your paperwork meets all deadlines and regulations. We also know which parties must receive specific notifications, preserving your rights throughout the process. You can trust us to handle the legal procedures so you can focus on your recovery.

4. Negotiations

Our attorneys don’t back down when facing trucking company insurers. We review every detail of your case to calculate its full value. Then, we present strong evidence and negotiate assertively for the highest possible settlement. Strong negotiation takes preparation, legal knowledge, and the ability to read the other side’s strategy. Our team enters every conversation knowing your case inside and out. We anticipate objections, highlight strengths, and push for what is fair. This approach helps us reach successful settlements for many of our clients without needing to go to court.

5. Going to Trial

Our trial attorneys prepare every case as if it will go before a judge and jury. We gather strong evidence, build compelling arguments, and plan each legal step with intention. Insurance companies know we won’t hesitate to take cases to court if they refuse to offer a fair settlement. That reputation helps us secure the results our clients deserve when a tractor trailer accident case reaches the courtroom.

The Deldar Difference

At Deldar Legal, we treat every client like family. We know that after a tractor-trailer accident, you need more than just legal help; you need support, guidance, and someone who’s got your back. Here’s what sets us apart:

  • Experience: Over 40 years of experience handling truck accident claims in California.
  • Resources: We work with accident reconstructionists, medical experts, and investigators.
  • No upfront fees: You pay nothing unless we win your case.
  • Client-first approach: Personalized attention and 24/7 availability.

We’ve built a reputation for aggressive negotiations and powerful courtroom representation. When you choose us, you’re choosing a team fully committed to your recovery. he sooner you act, the stronger your case will be! Contact us today at (844) 335-3271 to schedule a free consultation.