best truck accident attorney Archives

2025 Truck Crashes Reveal Rising Roadway Dangers

Posted on December 3, 2025December 3, 2025 by Loni Liss

Why Tractor-Trailer Accidents Surge in the Holiday Season, and What Drivers Should Know After the Latest 2025 Crashes

For over 36 years, The Yost Legal Group has stood by ordinary motorists, pedestrians, and families after devastating motor vehicle accidents. Over that time, we’ve seen how collisions with commercial trucks can turn lives upside down. Traffic collisions happen in an instant, yet the effects can last a lifetime.

We remain vigilant for victims and families we might help in the wake of a tragedy. We also like to take frequent opportunities to inform our readers proactively so that, in the unfortunate case you find yourself on the wrong side of a tractor-trailer, you or your loved one will already know what to do. Three recent truck crashes remind us that the danger remains all too real.

If you have been injured in a recent tractor-trailer accident, call the experienced truck accident lawyers at The Yost Legal Group today. Our personal injury law firm has decades of experience. We will pursue the justice you deserve. We believe no case is too big or too complicated when lives are at stake. Call or text us today at 410-659-6800.

Holiday Season Means More Commercial Vehicles on the Road

As we head deeper into the holiday season, there’s even more reason to be cautious: the roads fill with heavy commercial vehicles fulfilling massive shipping quotas. According to Commercial Truck Trader, a commercial trucking blog, “truck drivers move billions of parcels every holiday season.”

Historically, this time of year sees a surge in freight demand, especially cold-chain and last-mile shipments. These increases in freight volume mean greater exposure to tractor-trailer accidents, particularly in the final months of the year.

Recently, several serious tractor-trailer collisions have made headlines. And they each highlight just how fragile safety can be when massive trucks are involved:

November 11, 2025: Two fully loaded tractor-trailers collided head-on in what became a fatal, fiery accident in Arkansas.
November 19, 2025: In Putnam, Connecticut, a semi-truck collided with a car and caused a fuel spill and fire, fortunately without deadly consequences.
November 23, 2025: In Altavista, Virginia, an overturned tractor-trailer struck a sedan, leaving the driver hurt and their vehicle destroyed.

If you or a loved one was the victim of a crash caused by a semi-trailer or tractor-trailer truck, you may be entitled to significant compensation. When a big truck is involved, a collision is three times as likely to result in a fatality. This is a staggering number that highlights just how dangerous these vehicles are on the road. Call today for a free consultation: 1-800-967-8529. Our truck accident attorneys are here to listen. We are here to help.

A Closer Look at the Three Recent Crashes

November 11, 2025, Two-Truck Collision (Arkansas): Two commercial tractor-trailers crashed head-on, triggering a fire so intense that both drivers perished. Although The Yost Legal Group typically does not represent commercial drivers, in this rare case, the at-fault driver was a truck driver. That means we would absolutely consider handling a case for the family of the victim truck driver.
November 19, 2025, Truck Hits Car on I-395 (Putnam, CT): This crash resulted in a fiery vehicle collision and diesel spill. Thankfully, there were no reported fatalities, and initial reports do not suggest serious injuries. We are deeply relieved that no lives were lost. Still, collisions with tractor-trailers can cause delayed symptoms, especially concussions. Their effects don’t always show up right away. According to news reports, the semi-truck driver was at fault in this incident. For the person in the car, that means a viable legal case could exist, especially if medical symptoms appear later.
November 23, 2025, Overturned Truck (Altavista, VA): In this incident, a tractor-trailer overturned and struck a sedan. The innocent driver of that car was injured, and their vehicle sustained significant damage. Whether the trailer overturned due to operator error, mechanical failure, or excessive speed, the outcome is the same: an innocent person was hurt through no fault of their own.

Why These Crashes Are So Concerning

Collisions with tractor-trailers are dangerous. According to a 2022 National Highway Traffic Safety Administration report, there are nearly 6,000 tractor-trailer accidents each year. We have written about the NHTSA and its report before.

Here’s why these types of accidents carry extraordinary risk:

Sheer Size & Force: A loaded tractor-trailer can weigh up to 80,000 pounds. When a collision occurs, that mass delivers devastating energy, causing severe damage and life-threatening injuries.
Lack of Stopping Power: These big rigs need far more time and distance to stop than smaller cars, especially in emergency situations, turns, or on slick roads.
Unstable Dynamics: Overturns or jackknifing are very common and extremely dangerous. Once a trailer swings out or flips, control is lost.
Delayed Injuries: Even when there is no immediate fatality, victims may suffer internal trauma, brain injury, or concussions that worsen if not treated.
Complex Liability: Multiple parties (drivers, trucking companies, maintenance firms) are often involved, making fault hard to untangle without skilled legal help.

What to Do If You or a Loved One Is Involved in a Big-Truck Crash

Being in a tractor-trailer accident is traumatic. Taking the proper steps immediately afterward can make a critical difference for both your health and your legal claim:

Seek Medical Attention Right Away: Even if you feel fine, get evaluated by a medical professional. Concussion symptoms and internal injuries may not appear until hours or even days later.
Preserve Evidence: Take photos of the scene, all vehicles, and damage. Write down or record what you remember. Ask witnesses for contact info. Keep medical records and bills.
Report the Crash: Make sure a police report is filed and obtain a copy.
Talk to an Experienced Attorney: Not all lawyers know how to handle truck accident cases. You need an experienced truck collision attorney who understands the complexities of commercial vehicle litigation.
Act Quickly: Evidence disappears quickly, especially if another party wants it to disappear. Furthermore, legal deadlines (such as statutes of limitations) are strict.

Don’t Go Through This Alone. The Yost Legal Group Can Help

Tractor-trailer accidents may look like “just another crash,” but the consequences are often anything but typical. For more than three decades, The Yost Legal Group has helped people navigate the physical, emotional, and legal fallout of severe motor vehicle accidents.

If you are ever injured in a truck accident that was not your fault, our truck crash lawyers are here to help. One of our knowledgeable personal injury attorneys will guide you through filing a truck accident claim.

We will review your medical treatment, lost wages, pain and suffering, and gather evidence to support a strong claim. For the best outcome, you will require the help of an attorney for truck accidents.

If you or a loved one has been in a crash involving a semi-truck, big rig, or tractor-trailer, please call the compassionate and experienced lawyers at The Yost Legal Group today. We provide free consultations and never charge you a penny unless we win your case. Reach us at 1-800-YOST-LAW, or text us at 410-659-6800. Let us put our experience, compassion, and resources to work for you.

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Trucking Collisions and Inadequate Brake Maintenance

Posted on October 15, 2025 by Loni Liss

One of the most overlooked yet critical causes of trucking collisions is inadequate brake maintenance. Every time you share the road with a massive 18-wheeler, you’re relying on more than just the driver’s skill. You’re trusting that every part of that 80,000-pound machine is in top working order.

When something goes wrong—especially with the brakes—the results can be catastrophic.

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), brake problems are a leading factor in large truck crashes. In fact, brake-related violations account for nearly 30% of all out-of-service violations during roadside inspections.

The Large Truck Crash Causation Study found that brake issues were present in nearly 29% of crashes involving commercial trucks. When a truck’s brakes aren’t properly maintained, stopping distances increase dramatically, sometimes by hundreds of feet.

This means that even a split-second delay or mechanical failure can turn an ordinary drive into a life-changing tragedy. Inadequate brake maintenance is not just a minor oversight; it’s a critical safety issue that puts everyone on the road at risk.

Why Brake Maintenance of Trucks Matters

Unlike passenger cars, big rigs require powerful braking systems to safely slow and stop their enormous weight. These systems often include complex air brakes designed to withstand the strain of long hauls and heavy loads. But they are not invincible.

Without proper inspection, repair, and upkeep, brakes can quickly become unsafe. Worn pads, leaking air lines, or poorly adjusted brakes can reduce stopping power, making it nearly impossible for a truck to stop in time to avoid a crash.

Even a small issue—like a minor air leak or uneven brake adjustment—can have major consequences when a fully loaded truck is barreling down the highway. In emergency situations, every foot of stopping distance counts.

Faulty brakes can turn what might have been a minor incident into a devastating collision, endangering not only the truck driver but everyone sharing the road.

Routine brake maintenance is more than just a regulatory requirement—it’s a critical safety measure that protects lives. When trucking companies and drivers prioritize brake safety, they help prevent tragedies caused by mechanical failure.

When they don’t, the risks to the public are simply too great to ignore.

The Risks of Bad Brakes on the Road

Brake failures are a leading factor in trucking collisions. Studies by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) show that braking problems account for a significant share of large truck crashes. The consequences can include:

– Rear-end collisions occur when a truck can’t stop quickly enough in traffic.

– Jackknife accidents where the trailer swings uncontrollably.

– Runaway trucks on downhill grades, turning highways into deadly hazards.

– Pileups involving multiple vehicles due to a truck’s inability to brake in emergencies.

Despite strict federal regulations requiring regular inspections and repairs, some trucking companies and drivers cut corners to save time or money, gambling with the safety of others.

The consequences of these shortcuts can be devastating—not just for the truck driver, but for families and communities affected by preventable accidents.

Faulty brakes are a leading cause of serious truck accidents, and proving where the breakdown in responsibility occurred can be complex.

That’s why it’s crucial for accident victims to have a legal team with the experience and resources to investigate every link in the chain of responsibility and hold all negligent parties accountable.

Who’s Responsible for Truck Brake Maintenance?

Ensuring that a commercial truck’s brakes are in top working condition is a shared responsibility among several parties. Truck drivers, motor carriers, and maintenance companies all share responsibility for keeping commercial vehicles safe.

Federal regulations require regular brake inspections and maintenance, but when companies cut corners to save time or money, it puts everyone on the road at risk.

In some cases, drivers may not even know their brakes are compromised until it’s too late. A missed inspection or rushed repair can lead to tragedy in a matter of seconds.

Truck Drivers: Drivers are required to perform pre-trip inspections, including checking the brake system before hitting the road. If they notice any warning signs—such as unusual noises, reduced braking power, or dashboard alerts—they must report these issues immediately and refrain from driving until repairs are made.

Motor Carriers (Trucking Companies): Trucking companies are legally obligated under federal law to schedule and document regular brake inspections and maintenance. This includes following the standards set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), which mandates routine checks and prompt repairs. Companies must also ensure that their drivers are properly trained to recognize brake problems and empowered to report them without fear of retaliation.

Maintenance Companies and Mechanics: Many trucking companies rely on third-party maintenance providers to service their fleets. These professionals are responsible for performing thorough inspections, using quality parts, and following manufacturer guidelines when repairing or replacing brake components. Skipping steps, using substandard parts, or rushing through the process can lead to catastrophic brake failure.

When any of these parties neglect their duties—whether by skipping inspections, delaying repairs, or cutting costs with inferior parts—the risks are enormous.

Protecting Yourself on the Road

While you can’t control how well trucking companies maintain their vehicles, you can take steps to stay safe:

– Keep your distance when driving behind or alongside large trucks.

– Be cautious downhill, where brake failures are more likely to occur.

– Stay alert for signs of mechanical issues, such as smoke or odd noises from a truck.

Trucking collisions caused by brake failure are preventable. Proper maintenance, regular inspections, and strict compliance with safety regulations can make the difference between a safe journey and a devastating accident.

Unfortunately, when companies fail to prioritize safety, it’s other drivers who pay the price.

Level the Playing Field Against Powerful Trucking Companies

Trucking companies and their drivers are backed by large insurance providers and aggressive law firms whose primary goal is to protect their own interests—not yours.

These companies have teams of adjusters, investigators, and attorneys working quickly to minimize their liability and reduce the compensation you deserve.

They may use complex legal tactics and vast resources to challenge your claim or even shift blame onto you.

That’s why it’s critical to have experienced, dedicated legal advocates on your side. At The Yost Legal Group, we know how to stand up to these powerful opponents.

Our team will conduct a thorough investigation, gather crucial evidence, and work with top experts to prove exactly why the accident happened and who is truly responsible.

We’re committed to making sure your voice is heard and your rights are fully protected—so you get the justice and compensation you need to move forward.

Why Choose The Yost Legal Group for Your Trucking Accident Case?

If you or a loved one has been injured in a trucking collision, it’s important to understand your rights. Holding negligent companies accountable not only provides justice for victims but also helps make our roads safer for everyone.

The Yost Legal Group’s truck accident lawyers are dedicated to standing up for accident victims. We will protect your rights and fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.

With decades of experience handling complex trucking accident cases, our truck wreck attorneys understand the unique challenges individuals face.

We offer free, no-obligation consultations and work on a contingency fee basis. This means you pay nothing unless we recover compensation for you.

Let our experienced truck accident attorneys handle your injury claim so you can focus on healing. Reach out today at 1-800-YOST-LAW or 1-800-967-8529.

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10% of Fatal Crashes Involve Commercial Truck Accidents

Posted on July 1, 2025July 1, 2025 by Loni Liss

Car accidents, no matter how minor, are one of the scariest everyday events a person can experience. However, commercial truck accidents can result in more severe injuries than a regular car accident.

According to InsurancePanda.com, approximately 70% of Americans will be involved in at least one car accident over their lifetime.

The average driver will have at least three accidents in their life. This occurs approximately every 17.9 years. Most accidents are minor. However, an accident with a large truck increases the risk of serious injury or death.

As we have previously written, the Truck Safety Coalition (TSC) was concerned by the findings of its 2022 report. It revealed a 75% increase in truck crash deaths between 2009 and 2022.

The report showed that 81% of truck accident-related fatalities involve passengers of other vehicles. The danger these large vehicles pose to non-commercial vehicle drivers and pedestrians is serious.

Best Lawyers for Truck Accidents

Were you injured in a car accident caused by a large truck or semi-trailer truck? You may have a case and deserve significant compensation. Injuries resulting from an accident with a large truck can be severe.

Let the experienced truck accident lawyers at The Yost Legal Group help you seek the justice you deserve.

Navigating the complex world of lawsuits can be challenging. This is especially true when facing a large shipping or trucking company that has strong insurance and legal support. Let the dedicated truck accident lawyers at The Yost Legal Group help you get compensation and justice.

In serious car accidents, there is no time to waste. Even minor injuries can be more severe than they appear at first. Contact our experienced legal team today for a free consultation: 410-659-6800.

Truck Accident in Oqunquit, Maine

We have been tracking a deadly truck accident in Ogunquit, Maine. The driver of a northbound tractor-trailer lost control. He crashed through the median guardrail and hit two vehicles going south.

Tragically and unfortunately, the drivers of the two victim vehicles did not survive the accident. Meanwhile, paramedics took the truck driver to a hospital with non-life-threatening injuries.

This incident highlights the dangers these types of vehicles pose while on the road. Fortunately, the truck driver did not perish in the accident. However, his mistake led to the deaths of two people. One of the victims even operated a box truck, which is classified as a medium-sized commercial vehicle.

However, when the victim’s vehicle came into contact with a semi-trailer truck, such as the one that caused the Maine accident, it had no chance.

After all, a fully loaded tractor-trailer can weigh up to 80,000 pounds. No further information is available about the type of box truck the victim was operating.

However, in the United States, the largest of its kind will typically weigh 26,000 pounds when fully loaded. That is a difference of about 3.1 times the weight.

The other victim was driving a non-commercial vehicle and was pronounced dead at the scene by EMTs.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents

Tractor-trailer crashes involving loss of control can have external instigators. Mechanical failures, poor weather conditions, and road obstructions all can cause accidents. Many of these external factors can be avoided if the truck driver is operating at full mental and physical capacity.

We often see that “internal” driver errors cause many large-truck loss-of-control accidents. Such errors include:

Driver fatigue
Medical emergencies
Substance use

If you or a loved one was the victim of an accident caused by a tractor-trailer driver, call The Yost Legal Group today. Our law firm has been helping accident victims for over 30 years. We know what to look for, what to ask, and how to get our clients the compensation and justice they deserve. Call or text us today at 410-659-6800.

Trucking Companies Impose Strict Deadlines on Their Drivers

Drivers are expected to pick up cargo, transport it across the country, and deliver it on time. Then they have to do that again and again and again. Drivers are incentivized to drive for long hours each day and drive during off-peak hours when traffic is minimal.

This can lead to fatigue while driving, which data show has a similar effect to driving while under the influence of alcohol.

Fatigue and alcohol can impair judgment and slow reflexes. They may also cause sleepiness while driving a vehicle that can weigh up to 80,000 pounds. All of these driving conditions increase the likelihood of catastrophic mistakes.

In the case of the accident in Ogunquit, Maine, authorities are still investigating the cause. Preliminary thoughts, given that, at the time of the crash, it was snowing, are that weather played a factor in contributing to the crash.

However, there is no indication that the driver of the large truck was heeding the Maine Turnpike Authority’s “reduced speed” safety warning of 45 miles per hour.

Furthermore, the crash occurred at approximately 6:05 a.m. Fatigue, if the operator had been driving through the night, or drowsiness, may have been a contributing factor at such an early hour.

Common Injuries Suffered by Victims of Large-Truck Accidents

Given the immense size and weight of semi-trailer trucks, other vehicles (or worse, bicyclists or pedestrians) on the road often do not stand a chance when an impact is made.

When the large truck in question can weigh anywhere between 10,000 pounds and a fully loaded 80,000 pounds, even the heaviest non-commercial pick-up truck on the road at “just” 6,000 pounds seems small.

As mentioned, when there is a fatality involving a large-truck accident, 81% of the time, the victim is not the operator of the semi. And while large trucks only account for 5% of all registered vehicles on U.S. roads, they are involved in 10% of all fatal crashes.

However, surviving the accident, should the victim be so lucky, does not mean the victim is unharmed. Common severe injuries related to crashes with large trucks include, but are not limited to:

Broken bones
Burns
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Spinal cord injury
Traumatic brain injury (TBI)

Top Truck Collision Attorneys

The above list is of some of the catastrophic injuries one can sustain in an accident with a tractor-trailer. Victims of trucking accidents should consider filing a truck accident claim.

The injuries could lead to a lifetime of medical treatment and pain and suffering. Doctors, procedures, and therapies can be expensive. Paying for these services to recover mentally and physically can be hard. This adds more stress to someone who is already suffering.

A caring and skilled attorney for truck accidents can help you with the complicated legal process.

Leading Truck Wreck Attorneys

The Yost Legal Group has been helping people injured in serious accidents for over 30 years. Our top-rated car accident lawyers will file a lawsuit on your behalf. Our experienced injury lawyers will fight to seek the maximum recovery for you.

We never hope that anyone needs our service, but when they do, we are there to help them through the tough times.

If you or someone you care about has been in a serious or deadly crash with a large truck, act quickly. You need to pursue your personal injury claim against the company without delay.

Contact the experienced truck accident lawyers at The Yost Legal Group today for a free consultation. We will seek compensation from the commercial driver’s insurance company. Call us at 1-800-YOST-LAW or text us at 410-659-6800.

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