Truck Accidents

Why Truck Accident Cases Are More Complicated

Unlike standard motor vehicle crashes, truck accidents involve multiple layers of responsibility and strict safety rules. Trucking companies, freight carriers, maintenance crews, and equipment manufacturers may all share liability. These cases often require immediate legal action because crucial evidence — such as black box data, dash camera footage, and driver logs — can be overwritten or destroyed if not preserved quickly.

Our firm knows the strategies trucking companies use to minimize claims, and we act fast to secure:

• Electronic logging device (ELD) data
• GPS tracking records
• Driver qualification files
• Maintenance and inspection reports
• Dash cam or onboard video footage
• Shipping and loading documentation
• Drug and alcohol test results

The sooner you contact our Delaware truck accident attorneys, the better positioned we are to protect your case.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Delaware

Truck drivers and commercial carriers must follow federal safety regulations set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). When they violate these rules, tragedy can occur. Some of the most common causes of truck accidents include:

Driver Fatigue

Truck drivers often face pressure to meet delivery deadlines. When they exceed hours-of-service rules, fatigue slows reaction times and leads to catastrophic collisions.

Distracted Driving

Texting, GPS use, eating, and dispatch communications are common distractions among commercial drivers.

Speeding & Aggressive Driving

Trucks traveling at high speeds require significantly more stopping distance, making collisions unavoidable when drivers fail to slow down.

Overloaded or Improperly Secured Cargo

Shifting loads can cause rollovers, jackknife accidents, or loss-of-control crashes.

Mechanical Failure

Failures involving brakes, tires, steering systems, or trailer hitches often point to poor maintenance or equipment defects.

Driving Under the Influence

Alcohol, drugs, and prescription medications impair judgment and slow reflexes.

When negligence contributes to your injuries, we fight to hold the responsible parties accountable.

Because trucks can weigh 20–30 times more than passenger vehicles, injuries suffered in truck accidents are often severe or catastrophic. Our Delaware injury lawyers handle truck accident claims involving:

• Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
• Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
• Broken bones
• Internal bleeding
• Severe burns
• Loss of limbs / amputations
• Crushed limbs or organs
• Shoulder, neck, and back injuries
• Permanent disability
• Wrongful death

These injuries may require ongoing medical care, rehabilitation, assistive devices, and long-term lifestyle changes — all of which must be factored into your compensation.

Who Can Be Held Liable in a Truck Accident?

Unlike standard motor vehicle accidents, truck accident liability may involve multiple parties. Our team investigates to determine whether any of the following are responsible:

1. The Truck Driver

For negligence such as distracted driving, fatigue, reckless driving, or DUI.

2. The Trucking Company

For poor supervision, unsafe schedules, hiring unqualified drivers, or inadequate training.

3. The Cargo / Shipping Company

For improper loading or overweight cargo.

4. The Maintenance Contractor

For failing to perform required inspections or repairs.

5. The Truck Manufacturer or Parts Supplier

For design or manufacturing defects.

6. Other Motorists

Whose unsafe actions contributed to the collision.

We pursue every possible source of compensation to ensure you are fully protected.

Compensation Available for Truck Accident Victims

Delaware truck accident victims may be eligible for significant compensation depending on the severity of their injuries. Damages may include:

Economic Damages

• Medical bills
• Future medical expenses
• Rehabilitation and therapy
• Lost wages
• Reduced earning capacity
• Property damage

Non-Economic Damages

• Pain and suffering
• Emotional distress
• Loss of enjoyment of life
• Permanent disability
• Scarring or disfigurement

Wrongful Death Damages

• Funeral and burial costs
• Loss of financial support
• Loss of companionship
• Emotional suffering

Trucking companies and insurers often fight aggressively to reduce payouts — which is why having strong legal representation is essential.

Delaware Truck Accident Laws You Should Know

Delaware’s legal system includes specific rules that impact truck accident claims:

Two-Year Statute of Limitations

You generally have two years to file a personal injury lawsuit in Delaware.

Comparative Negligence

If you were partially at fault, you can still recover damages as long as you were not more responsible than the truck driver or company.

PIP (Personal Injury Protection)

Delaware drivers can use PIP benefits for medical bills and lost wages, even before fault is determined.

Understanding how these laws apply to your case is crucial — and our attorneys explain every step clearly.

How Our Delaware Truck Accident Lawyers Help

When you hire Schuster Jachetti LLP, our team immediately begins building a strong case. We:

• Conduct a thorough investigation
• Obtain and preserve black box and ELD data
• Interview witnesses and experts
• Examine maintenance and safety records
• Handle all communication with insurers
• Calculate the full value of your claim
• Negotiate aggressively or take your case to trial

Our mission is to protect your future and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

Speak With a Delaware Truck Accident Lawyer Today

If you or a loved one suffered injuries in a truck or commercial vehicle accident, you deserve experienced legal representation. At Schuster Jachetti LLP, our Delaware truck accident lawyers — including Kenneth R. Schuster, Esq. — are committed to fighting for victims and families across the state.

Call today for a free consultation.
Let us help you recover physically, financially, and emotionally after a devastating truck accident.