Trucking Accidents & Catastrophic Injuries: When the Stakes Are Life-Changing, So Is the Law

A crash with a commercial truck isn't just a bad accident — it's a life-altering event. These are not fender benders. They are violent, devastating collisions involving thousands of pounds of force and a wave of consequences that can include catastrophic injuries, permanent disability, or even wrongful death.

If you or a loved one has been involved in a trucking accident, you need more than just legal help — you need a legal team that understands the scale, complexity, and gravity of these cases. At Murphy Schmitt Hathaway, we bring over 40 years of trial-tested experience in personal injury and wrongful death litigation. We know how to take on big trucking companies, aggressive insurers, and legal teams that try to overwhelm victims into silence. And we don’t back down.


Why Trucking Accidents Are Legally Different

Crashes involving commercial trucks — including semis, 18-wheelers, and delivery vehicles — often result in more serious injuries, but they also involve a unique legal landscape.

These cases may include:

  • Federal and state trucking regulations
  • Commercial insurance policies with large coverage limits
  • Multiple liable parties (driver, trucking company, manufacturer, maintenance crew)
  • Logbooks, GPS data, dashcam footage, black box recovery
  • Industry standards and hours-of-service rules

Without an attorney who understands this legal terrain, victims risk being underpaid, blamed, or ignored altogether.


Catastrophic Injuries Demand Serious Representation

We’ve seen the kind of devastation these crashes cause — and we’ve stood beside families through some of the most difficult moments of their lives. Common injuries in trucking accident cases include:

  • Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
  • Spinal cord damage and paralysis
  • Amputations or crush injuries
  • Severe burns or disfigurement
  • Multi-system trauma
  • Permanent disability
  • Fatalities resulting in wrongful death claims

These injuries don’t just require immediate care — they require lifelong medical planning, ongoing therapy, and support for both the victim and their family.


Wrongful Death: When a Life Is Lost, Justice Is Still Possible

No amount of compensation can replace a loved one. But if their death was caused by a negligent or reckless truck driver — or a company that put profits over safety — you deserve answers, accountability, and the resources to move forward.

Wrongful death claims can help recover:

  • Funeral and burial expenses
  • Loss of income and financial support
  • Loss of companionship and care
  • Medical bills leading up to the passing
  • Pain and suffering experienced by the deceased and their family

Our team handles these cases with compassion, strength, and focus — so you can grieve without worrying about fighting a legal battle on your own.


Why Choose Murphy Schmitt Hathaway

We’re not a settlement mill. We’re seasoned litigators who’ve gone to trial in high-stakes cases and delivered justice for people whose lives were shattered.

What sets us apart?

  • 40+ years of civil litigation experience
  • Deep understanding of federal trucking laws
  • Proven track record in catastrophic injury and wrongful death claims
  • A commitment to treating clients like people, not case files

Act Now — Your Future May Depend on It

In trucking cases, critical evidence can disappear fast: black box data can be overwritten, maintenance logs can be altered, and witnesses can fade into the background. The sooner you call us, the sooner we can preserve evidence and build a case.