Truck accidents are not just another traffic event; they are complex, high-stakes collisions with life-changing consequences. But there is a lot of misinformation out there. Myths about liability, legal options, and what victims can expect from the process tend to circulate, often leaving injured individuals confused and overwhelmed.
Below, we break down the most common myths and replace them with facts you can rely on.
Myth #1: Truck Accidents Are Just Bigger Car Accidents
On the surface, it might seem like a truck crash is just a car accident with a heavier vehicle involved. But this myth ignores the legal and logistical differences that define these cases.
Truck accidents often involve multiple parties: drivers, freight companies, vehicle manufacturers, even maintenance providers. The rules governing commercial vehicles are different, too. Federal regulations like the FMCSA Hours of Service rules or maintenance record requirements can play a key role in proving liability.
Finally, many truck accidents involve catastrophic injuries that may never fully heal. This means it can take longer to assess the right compensation package than can account for current and future medical care, as well as a potential loss of future earnings and income.
All of this can make a truck accident claim more challenging than a typical car accident case.
Myth #2: Truck Drivers Are Always to Blame for Crashes
Truck drivers are not always the ones at fault. Many are highly trained and experienced, but they still face pressure from their employers to meet tight deadlines. Sometimes, the cause of a crash lies with poor fleet maintenance, improperly loaded cargo, or unrealistic delivery schedules.
In some cases, it’s the other driver who causes the crash. Many drivers do not realize just how big a semi-truck’s blind spot is, which means they may inadvertently place themselves in a vulnerable position. Drivers who attempt to pass on the right, cut big-rigs off, or act aggressively on the roads (like trying to “brake check” an 18-wheeler) can cause accidents, too.
Finally, some roads are simply more dangerous than others. Rockslides, flash-flooding, and blind curves can all create dangerous scenarios. Highways with these risks should have warning signs, just as those with steeper grades should provide runaway truck lanes.
Myth #3: Truck Drivers Have a Better View Because They Sit So High in Their Cabs
While it is true that commercial drivers sit higher off the ground, this elevated position does not give them a panoramic view. In fact, semis have massive blind spots, especially along both sides, directly in front, and behind the trailer. These “no-zones” can hide entire vehicles from the driver’s sight.
Myth #4: Every Truck Accident Is Worth a Lot of Money
It is easy to assume that just because a big truck was involved, the resulting claim will lead to a massive payout. That is not always the case.
Yes, trucking companies often carry higher insurance limits. But the value of a truck accident settlement depends on many factors: the severity of your injuries, how much work you missed, your ongoing medical needs, and whether permanent damage occurred. It may also depend on whether you accept a settlement offer from the insurance company, or hire a truck accident attorney to handle your negotiations. Studies show that injury victims who hire personal injury lawyers generally secure larger settlement awards.
Myth #5: It’s Easy to Sue Companies Like FedEx, Amazon, or UPS
When a branded truck is involved, people often assume the company behind the logo is automatically liable. But large delivery firms like Amazon and FedEx frequently use independent contractors, leased vehicles, or third-party logistics providers.This makes identifying the legally responsible party much harder. Holding a national corporation responsible is possible, but it requires skill, time, and persistence.
Myth #6: When It’s Obvious Who Is at Fault, the Truck Accident Case Settles Faster
Even when fault seems clear, such as a truck rear-ending a stopped vehicle, that does not guarantee a fast resolution. Trucking insurers will still investigate, delay, and question injuries.
They might argue that the injuries were pre-existing. Or, they may claim that the damage was less severe than reported. They have teams of adjusters and legal staff working to reduce payouts, no matter how clear the facts appear.
A quick settlement is only possible when both sides agree on the facts and the value. That rarely happens without pressure from a strong legal team.
Myth #7: If It Turns Out You’re More Injured Than You Thought, You Can File Another Claim Against the Trucking Company
You usually get only one shot at a claim. Once you sign a settlement agreement or accept payment, your right to sue further is over, even if new symptoms or diagnoses emerge later.
That is why it is critical to understand the full scope of your injuries before settling. Medical evaluations, long-term treatment plans, and expert assessments can help estimate future care needs.
Do not rush into signing anything. Let an experienced attorney evaluate the offer and negotiate on your behalf.
Myth #8: It’s Too Expensive to Take a Trucking Company to Trial
Trucking companies count on people backing down due to fear of cost. However, most injury law firms operate on contingency, which means victims do not pay any costs or fees until after the case is won or a settlement is accepted. Furthermore, when you work with an attorney, that attorney may be able to put a stay on your medical bills by filing a “letter of protection” on your behalf. This letter says that all medical bills will be paid out of the award.
Myth #9: You Can Get the Truck’s Black Box Data All on Your Own
Modern commercial trucks come equipped with electronic logging devices (ELDs) or event data recorders, commonly called “black boxes.” These tools can reveal speed, brake usage, and hours of service leading up to the crash.
However, accessing that data is not simple. The information is owned by the company and often deleted or overwritten within weeks unless properly preserved. You need a court order or formal request to retrieve and secure that data. You are far less likely to obtain that data without a lawyer, who can ask for that data as part of the discovery, or file a motion to compel if the trucking company is not forthcoming.
Myth #10: You Don’t Need a Truck Accident Lawyer to Get a Good Outcome
You are going up against commercial insurers, national logistics companies, and corporate legal departments. These groups do not play fair, and they do not pay fair without a fight.
A truck accident lawyer knows how to build pressure, present evidence, and negotiate from a position of strength. They can stand up to the big corporations, gather the evidence, and fight for the compensation you deserve, so you can focus on healing.