After a serious truck accident, most victims know they need legal help. But what many don’t realize is that choosing the wrong kind of lawyer can cost them everything—from lost compensation to a dismissed claim.

Truck accidents aren’t just bigger versions of car crashes. They’re governed by federal regulations, involve multiple layers of liability, and often result in catastrophic injuries that demand long-term care. If your attorney doesn’t specialize in trucking litigation, they may miss critical evidence, underestimate your damages, or fail to hold the right parties accountable.

Here’s why not all injury lawyers are equipped to handle truck accidents—and how choosing the right one can make or break your case.

Trucking Cases Are Legally Complex

Unlike standard car accidents, truck collisions often involve commercial carriers, third-party contractors, cargo companies, and vehicle manufacturers. Each party may share responsibility for the crash—and each will have its own legal team working to deflect blame.

A general personal injury lawyer might focus solely on the driver. But a truck accident attorney knows to dig deeper. They’ll investigate:

  • Driver logs and hours-of-service violations
  • Maintenance records and inspection failures
  • Black box data and GPS tracking
  • Cargo loading procedures and weight limits
  • Hiring practices and training protocols

These details are governed by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), and violations can be powerful evidence of negligence. If your lawyer doesn’t know how to access or interpret this data, your case may never reach its full potential.

The Injuries Are More Severe—and More Expensive

A collision with an 80,000-pound semi-truck doesn’t just leave dents. It leaves lives shattered. Victims often suffer:

  • Traumatic brain injuries
  • Spinal cord damage
  • Multiple fractures
  • Internal bleeding
  • Permanent disability or death

These injuries require long-term medical care, rehabilitation, and lifestyle adjustments. A lawyer who’s used to handling fender benders may undervalue your claim—failing to account for future surgeries, lost earning potential, and emotional trauma.

Truck accident attorneys understand the scale of harm. They work with medical experts, economists, and life care planners to calculate damages that reflect the full impact of the crash—not just the immediate hospital bill.

The Defense Is Aggressive and Well-Funded

Trucking companies don’t wait. Within hours of a crash, they dispatch investigators, secure evidence, and begin building a defense. Their goal is simple: minimize liability and protect their bottom line.

If your lawyer isn’t prepared to match that intensity, you’re already behind. Truck accident attorneys know how to preserve evidence before it disappears—skid marks, dashcam footage, witness statements. They issue subpoenas, challenge corporate defenses, and prepare for trial from day one.

Firms like Moseley Collins Law have decades of experience handling high-stakes injury cases, including complex truck collisions. They understand how trucking companies operate, how liability gets buried, and how to fight back with precision.

Settlements Are Higher – But Only If You Fight for Them

Commercial trucks carry large insurance policies, often in the millions. But that doesn’t mean the insurer will pay easily. They’ll dispute fault, downplay injuries, and offer quick settlements that barely scratch the surface.

A generalist lawyer may accept that first offer. A truck accident attorney won’t.

They negotiate from a position of strength, backed by evidence, expert testimony, and a clear understanding of what your case is truly worth. And if the insurer won’t budge, they’re ready to take it to court.

How to Choose the Right Attorney

If you’ve been injured in a truck accident, don’t settle for someone who “handles personal injury.” Look for a lawyer who:

  • Has experience with FMCSA regulations
  • Understands layered liability and commercial insurance
  • Works with accident reconstruction experts
  • Has a track record of high-value settlements and verdicts
  • Offers contingency-based representation with no upfront fees

Truck accidents are high-stakes, high-complexity cases. You need someone who treats them that way.

Conclusion

When your future is on the line, legal experience matters. Truck accidents demand more than basic injury law—they require deep industry knowledge, aggressive strategy, and relentless advocacy.

Not all injury lawyers are equipped for that fight. But truck accident attorneys are. And firms like Moseley Collins Law have the tools, the team, and the tenacity to take on powerful defendants—and win.

If you’ve been injured in a truck crash, don’t gamble on generalists. Choose a lawyer who knows the terrain, knows the tactics, and knows how to get results.

Moseley Collins Law
980 9th St 16th floor, Sacramento, CA 95814
(916) 444-4444