Delaware Truck Accident Lawyers

Collisions involving tractor-trailers, semi-trucks, and other commercial vehicles often cause devastating injuries due to the size and weight of these vehicles. Truck accidents can lead to extensive medical treatment, long recovery periods, and significant financial strain for those involved. In Delaware, these crashes occur on major highways, rural roads, and in dense traffic corridors, affecting motorists, pedestrians, and other road users.

Because truck accident cases involve multiple parties, specialized regulations, and complex insurance issues, those injured need to understand their rights under Delaware law. Rhoades & Morrow represents accident victims across the state and helps them navigate the legal process following serious truck and tractor-trailer crashes.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Delaware

Truck accidents occur for many reasons, often involving driver negligence, equipment issues, or environmental conditions. Common causes include:

• Driver fatigue, primarily when truck drivers work long hours
• Distracted driving, such as phone use or adjusting navigation systems
• Speeding or aggressive driving, increasing the risk of loss of control
• Improper truck maintenance, including brake failures or worn tires
• Unsecured or improperly loaded cargo, which can cause rollovers or shifting loads
• Mechanical failures, such as steering defects or tire blowouts
• Driving under the influence of alcohol or drugs
• Poor weather conditions, including heavy rain, fog, snow, or ice
• Unsafe road conditions, such as potholes or poorly marked construction zones

These factors contribute to many truck accident cases throughout Delaware and often require careful investigation to determine how the accident occurred.

Types of Truck Accidents in Delaware

Truck accidents vary widely based on the circumstances and the vehicles involved. Rhoades & Morrow handles cases involving:

• Tractor-Trailer and Semi-Truck Collisions: Semi-truck accidents often cause catastrophic injuries due to the size disparity between commercial motor vehicles and passenger vehicles.
• Jackknife and Rollover Accidents: Improper cargo loading, sudden braking, or loss of control may cause trucks to jackknife or roll over, leading to multi-vehicle collisions.
• Underride Accidents: These serious accidents occur when a passenger vehicle slides beneath a truck’s trailer, often resulting in fatal injuries.
• Rear-End and Head-On Crashes: When a large truck strikes a smaller vehicle, the impact force can cause severe injuries, even at lower speeds.
• Collisions Involving Hazardous Materials: Spills or exposure to chemicals may cause additional injuries beyond the initial impact.
• Multi-Vehicle Highway Crashes: Truck accidents on major Delaware highways may involve several vehicles, complicating fault determination and insurance claims.

Common Truck Accident Injuries in Delaware

Due to the force involved in collisions with large trucks, injuries are frequently severe. Common injuries include:

• Traumatic brain injuries
• Spinal cord injuries
• Broken bones and fractures
• Internal injuries or organ damage
• Back and neck injuries
• Severe lacerations or crush injuries
• Soft tissue injuries
• Psychological trauma, including PTSD

These severe injuries often require long-term rehabilitation, medical treatment, and ongoing care.

Understanding Liability in a Delaware Truck Accident Case

Determining liability in a trucking accident can be complex. Multiple parties may share responsibility, including:

• The commercial truck driver, if the accident resulted from driver error, distraction, fatigue, or impairment
• The trucking company, which may be liable under vicarious liability for the truck driver’s negligence
• Maintenance contractors, if improper maintenance caused a mechanical failure
• Cargo loaders, if shifting or improperly loaded cargo, contributed to the accident
• Truck manufacturers, if a defective truck part caused the collision
• Government entities, if the accident occurred due to dangerous road conditions or inadequate signage

Delaware follows a modified comparative negligence system, allowing victims to recover compensation as long as they are less than 51% at fault for the accident. If a victim is found to be 51% or more responsible, they cannot recover damages.

Truck accident cases often involve reviewing federal and state safety regulations, including driver logbooks, maintenance documents, and inspection records. Rhoades & Morrow evaluates each of these factors to help determine who may be held liable.

What to Do After a Truck Accident in Delaware

Taking the right steps after a truck accident can help strengthen a future claim. Injured individuals should:

1. Seek immediate medical attention, even if injuries appear minor
2. Report the accident to the police and obtain an accident report
3. Document the accident scene, including photos of vehicle damage and road conditions
4. Collect witness information, if possible
5. Notify your insurance company, but avoid detailed statements before speaking with an attorney
6. Keep records of medical bills, lost wages, and receipts related to the accident
7. Consult a skilled truck accident lawyer to discuss your rights and options

Documenting evidence as early as possible is essential, as trucking companies often begin their own investigations soon after the crash.

How Experienced Truck Accident Lawyers Can Help

Accidents involving commercial trucks often involve multiple insurance policies, federal and state regulations, and complex liability issues. An experienced truck accident attorney can:

• Investigate how the truck accident occurred
• Review driver logs, vehicle maintenance records, and safety reports
• Gather police reports, witness statements, and photographs
• Identify all potentially responsible parties
• Assess medical expenses, lost wages, and future medical needs
• Prepare a detailed truck accident claim
• Negotiate with the trucking company’s insurance adjuster
• Represent you in litigation if necessary

A strong trial reputation can help secure fair compensation, as insurance companies often assess a law firm’s willingness to pursue a Delaware truck accident lawsuit in court. Rhoades & Morrow has decades of experience representing truck accident victims across Delaware and understands how to navigate both state and federal trucking regulations.

Most Delaware personal injury lawyers work on a contingency fee basis, meaning they are paid only if they recover compensation.

Compensation Available After a Truck Accident

Victims of truck accidents may be entitled to compensation for:

• Medical expenses and future medical treatment
• Lost wages and reduced earning capacity
• Property damage
• Pain and suffering
• Emotional trauma
• Long-term rehabilitation and care needs
• Wrongful death damages in fatal truck accidents

Because truck crashes often result in severe injuries, compensation may need to account for long-term impacts on health, work, and daily life.

Frequently Asked Questions