January 19, 2026
When a big rig collides with your vehicle, the consequences can be immediate and long-lasting. For many victims, the aftermath involves not only recovering from physical injuries but also facing a well-funded trucking company represented by corporate lawyers focused on avoiding liability. How trucking companies try to dodge responsibility, and what can you do about it? Find out here as you prepare to file a truck accident lawsuit.
How Liability Works in Trucking Accidents
When a crash involves a commercial truck, liability often depends on more than just the driver’s actions. If the trucking company controlled the driver’s routes, schedules, training, maintenance, equipment, or safety procedures, this entity can be held partially responsible.
Federal and state safety and maintenance regulations apply to commercial carriers. If a company failed to follow those regulations, neglected maintenance, or pressured a driver to push beyond legal hours—and then an accident occurred—the company could be liable for damages. In addition to proving negligence, victims must show that company policies, maintenance failures, or regulatory violations contributed to the crash.
Common Strategies Trucking Companies Use to Avoid Liability
Trucking companies and their insurers know that successful truck accident claims often involve large payouts, so they may look for any opportunity to wriggle out of the spotlight. Here are some go-to strategies they use to cloud the truth or weaken your case:
- Shifting the blame: Companies often claim the truck driver alone is responsible, labeling them as independent contractors rather than employees to dodge liability. They may also claim that bad weather, road conditions, a defective part, a third-party maintenance provider, or another driver was at fault for the crash.
- Concealing or destroying evidence: Commercial trucks usually carry electronic logging devices that record speed, braking, and engine performance. After a crash, some companies or insurers may delay, overwrite, or refuse to turn over this data. They may even alter maintenance records or delete dash-cam video, making it harder to prove negligence or mechanical failure.
- Manipulating driver logs: Federal rules limit the number of hours a driver can operate without rest. Some companies encourage drivers to falsify logs or reclassify driving time as “personal use.” This way, they can deny responsibility even if the crash resulted from driver fatigue caused by the company’s unrealistic schedules.
- Using shell companies and insurance gaps: Many carriers operate through multiple entities, including leasing companies, freight brokers, separate LLCs, and subcontractors. If a crash occurs, the company may argue it wasn’t legally responsible because the truck or trailer belonged to a different entity. Some entities carry only minimal insurance, leaving victims with limited or no compensation. Others dissolve and re-emerge under new names to evade past liabilities.
- Offering quick, low-ball settlements: Soon after a crash—when you’re most vulnerable and worried about medical bills—trucking company insurers may pressure you to accept a fast, small payment. These early offers rarely cover long-term medical treatment, lost wages, or other damages.
- Using aggressive legal tactics to delay or deny claims: Once a claim is in motion, companies may drag out the process by challenging the severity of your injuries, arguing that you had pre-existing conditions, or fighting decisions on technicalities. They hope you’ll get frustrated and drop the claim or settle for less than you deserve.
How Victims Can Protect Their Rights
Employing certain tactics helps you protect your claim and maximize recovery. Here’s what to do:
- Document everything: Take photos of the scene, your injuries, vehicle damage, and skid marks as evidence of the accident’s severity. Preserve medical records, treatment plans, bills, and correspondence as your case develops. Include eyewitness names and contact information in your records so you can reach out if needed.
- Avoid contacting insurers or trucking companies: Anything you say can be used against you, so avoid the temptation to make direct contact. Instead, pass on letters, settlement offers, and questions to your legal representative.
- Seek medical care immediately: Proper documentation of medical treatment supports the severity of your injuries and counters attempts to minimize them.
- Hire a lawyer: An experienced truck accident lawyer can request relevant data, such as driver logs, maintenance records, and dash-cam footage. They can also investigate safety records and challenge shady tactics to build a persuasive truck accident claim on your behalf.
Protect Your Rights After a Trucking Accident
Carvalho & Associates Attorneys at Law has over 30 years of experience as a personal injury attorney in Las Vegas. We have a proven track record of winning high-dollar, high-profile truck accident cases—so much so that clients come from all over Nevada to work with our team. If you’ve been hurt, contact us for a free consultation with our truck accident lawyer in Las Vegas.
FAQs
What types of compensation can I expect from a truck accident lawsuit?
You can potentially recover medical expenses, lost wages, future care needs, pain and suffering, and other damages based on your losses.
How long do I have to file a truck accident claim in Nevada?
Nevada law sets a two-year statute of limitations for most personal injury cases. The sooner you act, the better, because delays can make it harder to gather evidence and preserve your claim.
Does it matter if an employed truck driver was labeled as an independent contractor?
Not necessarily. What matters is the actual relationship between the company and the driver. A skilled attorney can challenge the independent contractor label if the company exerted certain types of control.
Should I accept a quick settlement if the trucking company offers one?
No, you should not accept an offer without understanding the full extent of your injuries and potential future costs. Accepting a low, early settlement may prevent you from pursuing future compensation.
Will I have to go to court for my truck accident claim?
Not always. Many cases settle out of court. However, if the trucking company denies responsibility or undervalues your claim, taking the case to trial may become necessary to secure fair compensation.