Trucking Company Negligence
When a trucking company cuts corners, people get hurt. These crashes don’t happen by accident, they happen because someone at the top chose speed over safety, profit over people. In Iowa, victims and families are often left dealing with overwhelming injuries, hospital bills, lost work, or even the sudden loss of a loved one. The companies responsible have lawyers and insurers working hard to protect their bottom line. Victims deserve someone just as relentless on their side. That’s where a serious Iowa truck accident attorney steps in, someone who knows what’s at stake and how to stand up to powerful companies that try to dodge accountability.
Iowa Trucking Company Negligence Lawyer
McCarthy & Hamrock represents people injured in commercial truck accidents due to trucking company negligence in Des Moines, Polk County, and throughout the state of Iowa. Call our firm at 515-279-9700 to request a free consultation to discuss your injuries and potential claims for compensation. Our firm works on a contingency fee basis for personal injury cases, which means you don’t pay us any legal fees. Instead, our firm gets a percentage of the settlement or verdict or “contingency fee” upon achieving a victory in your case. Learn more important information about truck company negligence, including common types of careless conduct, the legal options available to victims, the possible types of financial compensation that can be received, and how an experienced Iowa trucking company negligence lawyer can fight on the victim’s behalf to obtain compensation and justice.
Overview of Accidents Caused by Trucking Company Negligence in Iowa
- Categories of Trucking Company Negligence
- Common Serious Injuries from Iowa Truck Accidents Caused by Trucking Company Negligence
- Who Is Legally Responsible Under Iowa Law for a Truck Accident Caused by Company Negligence
- What an Iowa Truck Accident Lawyer Does in a Trucking Company Negligence Case
- Questions Victims Ask After a Truck Accident Caused by Company Negligence
- Resources
Categories of Trucking Company Negligence
Fatigued Driving from Overworked Drivers — Many trucking companies in Iowa push their drivers to meet strict delivery schedules, often at the expense of safety. This pressure can lead drivers to skip rest breaks, falsify driving logs, or exceed legal drive time limits. Under Iowa Code § 321.449, the state adopts federal regulations set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), which limit the number of hours a driver can operate a truck without rest. When companies ignore these hours of service rules or create unrealistic delivery expectations, they put drowsy drivers behind the wheel—causing serious accidents with little warning. These violations often go unreported or are hidden through falsified logs and pressure from supervisors.
Improper Truck Maintenance — Large trucking companies are required to maintain their vehicles to ensure they are safe to drive. In Iowa, Iowa Code § 321.430 states that all parts and accessories on a truck must be in proper working condition. However, some companies skip inspections or delay necessary repairs to save time and money. This neglect leads to crashes caused by worn brake systems, blown tires, or steering issues. When a mechanical failure happens on a highway at full speed, the consequences for others on the road can be catastrophic.
Unqualified or Poorly Trained or Unqualified Drivers — Trucking companies must ensure that their drivers are properly trained and qualified. Still, many companies fail to screen drivers for past violations or provide adequate training for handling commercial trucks. This failure increases the risk of dangerous behaviors like overcorrecting, tailgating, or failing to navigate sharp curves or steep inclines—especially on rural Iowa roads and interstates. When a driver lacks the skill or judgment needed to control a semi-truck, the risk of a major accident rises significantly.
Overloaded or Improperly Secured Cargo — A trucking company may be held responsible when it allows a truck to carry loads that exceed legal weight limits or are improperly secured. This negligence often leads to rollovers, jackknife accidents, and cargo spills. According to Iowa Code § 321.463, trucks must not exceed maximum gross weight restrictions, and loads must be distributed evenly and tied down securely. When these rules are ignored, cargo can shift during turns or braking, throwing the truck off balance and endangering everyone nearby.
Negligent Hiring or Supervision — Some trucking companies hire drivers without checking driving histories or criminal records. Iowa law allows victims to pursue claims against companies that employ drivers with known histories of reckless driving, DUIs, or drug use. When a company looks the other way and keeps a dangerous driver on the road, they share in the blame when a crash occurs.
Failure to Comply with Trucking Safety Regulations — Trucking companies must follow a wide range of safety rules, including those on equipment, driver behavior, and recordkeeping. Some companies falsify logbooks, skip required drug testing, or allow trucks with expired inspections to operate. When rules are treated as optional, the safety of Iowa drivers is seriously compromised.
Distracted Driving Encouraged by Company Policies — Some trucking companies require drivers to use in-cab dispatch systems, mobile apps, or navigation tools while driving, despite the distraction this creates. Iowa law prohibits texting while driving under Iowa Code § 321.276, and while commercial drivers are held to even stricter standards, companies often ignore the risks by encouraging real-time communication during routes. These distractions take drivers’ eyes off the road just long enough to cause deadly accidents, especially in heavy traffic or construction zones.
Common Serious Injuries from Iowa Truck Accidents Caused by Trucking Company Negligence
Traumatic Amputations — Losing a limb is one of the most devastating outcomes of a serious truck accident. When a smaller passenger vehicle is crushed between a semi-truck and another object, the force can lead to the immediate or surgical removal of arms, legs, or fingers.
Spinal Cord Injuries — Damage to the spine can result in long-term or permanent paralysis. Victims may lose sensation or control in the legs (paraplegia) or in both the arms and legs (quadriplegia). These injuries are especially common in rollover accidents or underride collisions, where the victim’s vehicle ends up pinned or violently jolted.
Crushed Pelvis and Internal Organ Damage — When a truck crashes into the side of a smaller car, it can cause severe blunt-force trauma to the hips and lower abdomen. The impact can lead to internal bleeding, ruptured organs, and broken pelvic bones, which often require emergency surgery and long-term rehabilitation.
Severe Burns and Scarring — Trucks carrying hazardous materials or fuel can explode or leak dangerous substances after a collision. Victims caught in or near the blast may suffer second- or third-degree burns. These injuries often require skin grafts and leave permanent scarring or disfigurement.
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI) — The sudden jolt of a truck crash can cause the brain to collide with the skull, leading to concussions, hemorrhaging, or long-term cognitive impairment. TBIs might not be obvious right after the crash, but they often show up in the hours or days that follow.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) — While not visible on a scan or x-ray, psychological trauma is a common and serious result of a violent truck accident. Victims may suffer from flashbacks, panic attacks, or nightmares.
Who Is Legally Responsible Under Iowa Law for a Truck Accident Caused by Company Negligence
Trucking Company — Under Iowa law, trucking companies are held responsible for the actions of their drivers while those drivers are performing work-related duties. This means that when a truck driver causes a crash during a delivery, the company itself is typically liable. But beyond just vicarious liability, the company may also face direct liability if it engaged in unsafe business practices. Examples include hiring drivers without proper background checks, ignoring safety regulations, skipping routine maintenance, or setting delivery deadlines that encourage reckless driving. Iowa’s adoption of many federal trucking regulations also makes it easier to hold companies accountable when they violate standards set by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), which are enforceable under Iowa law.
Truck Driver — A truck driver who causes a crash may be personally liable if they acted negligently or broke the law, even if they were working for a company at the time. For example, Iowa Code § 321.285 governs speed restrictions, and § 321.297 covers proper lane usage. Violations of these and other driving laws—such as those related to distracted driving, intoxication, or fatigue—can result in personal fault. While the employer typically carries insurance to cover damages, a seriously negligent driver may also be named directly in a lawsuit, especially in cases involving gross misconduct or criminal behavior.
Cargo Loading Contractor — Many trucking operations rely on third-party logistics providers or warehouse staff to load and secure freight. When these contractors fail to load cargo evenly, exceed weight limits, or ignore tie-down standards, they can be liable if their negligence causes the truck to jackknife, roll over, or lose control. Iowa Code § 321.460 also makes it unlawful to operate any vehicle with improperly secured or overweight cargo. Violations of this law, when tied to a crash, may form the legal basis for third-party liability.
Truck Maintenance and Inspection Providers — Companies that perform repairs or inspections on commercial vehicles may be at fault if a crash happens due to mechanical failure linked to negligent work. For example, a service company that skips brake testing or fails to replace worn tires could be responsible if those parts malfunction and contribute to a crash. Trucking companies often keep detailed maintenance logs, and failure to comply with required inspection intervals can implicate either the trucking company or the outside contractor, depending on who was responsible for the work.
Parts or Vehicle Manufacturers — When a design flaw or manufacturing defect causes a crash, Iowa’s product liability laws, governed by Iowa Code Chapter 668.12, may allow the injured party to pursue claims against the manufacturer. Defective parts such as steering components, air brakes, or engine systems may cause sudden failures on the road. If the defect was known and not addressed or recalled, the liability could fall squarely on the manufacturer or distributor of the part. These cases often require expert mechanical analysis to prove the link between the failure and the crash.
Broker or Logistics Company — In some cases, a freight broker or third-party logistics provider that connects shippers with trucking companies can be held liable if they knew or should have known that the motor carrier they hired had a poor safety record. Iowa courts may evaluate whether the broker performed a reasonable safety background check and whether it took steps to protect the public from foreseeable harm.
Iowa’s Comparative Fault Rule — Under Iowa Code § 668.3, fault can be divided among multiple parties. As long as the injured person is found to be 50% or less at fault, they may still recover damages. However, their compensation is reduced in proportion to their share of the blame. This rule is especially important in truck accident cases involving multiple defendants, such as a trucking company, a driver, and a cargo loader, all of whom may share part of the responsibility.
What an Iowa Truck Accident Lawyer Does in a Trucking Company Negligence Case
Truck accidents caused by company negligence are more complex than regular car crash cases. The trucking company often controls key evidence—like driver logs, maintenance records, GPS data, and black box information—and that evidence can be lost or destroyed quickly without legal intervention. An experienced Iowa truck accident attorney knows how to immediately file preservation letters, launch investigations, and obtain critical records before they disappear. These cases also involve multiple layers of fault, including the company’s hiring policies, failure to supervise, or pressure to violate safety rules. Iowa truck accident attorneys understand how to hold employers accountable for a driver’s actions while also identifying direct violations by the company itself.
Truck accident lawyers pursue not just medical bills and lost wages, but also pain, future care, and funeral costs in fatal cases. Under Iowa Code § 611.20, they can seek compensation for families affected by trucking company negligence. Insurers often delay, deny, or offer low settlements. A truck accident lawyer aims to go to trial if needed to secure fair compensation for victims and their families.
Questions Victims Ask After a Truck Accident Caused by Company Negligence
How does someone know if the trucking company is responsible?
An attorney can check records and laws to see if the company broke rules or caused the crash through poor hiring, training, or supervision.
Can a person sue the company and the driver too?
Yes. Iowa law allows claims against both the driver and the employer if they were both negligent.
What happens if the trucking company broke safety rules?
If they violated Iowa laws, that could help prove they’re legally at fault for the crash.
Should someone get a lawyer for a truck accident case?
Yes. These cases are very complex and involve evidence and regulations most people can’t handle without legal help.
How much money can someone get in these cases?
It depends on the injuries, lost income, medical care, and whether there was a death involved. A lawyer can calculate the full value.
What if the person hit by the truck died?
Their family may have a right to bring a wrongful death claim under Iowa Code § 611.20.
Is there a time limit to sue in Iowa?
Yes. Most truck accident lawsuits must be filed within two years under Iowa’s personal injury statute of limitations.
Can a person still get money if they were partly at fault?
Yes, as long as they are 50% or less at fault under Iowa Code § 668.3. Their payment is reduced based on their share of the blame.
What if the insurance company already offered a settlement?
Talk to a lawyer first. These early offers are usually much lower than what the case is actually worth.
How much does it cost to hire a truck accident lawyer in Iowa?
Most lawyers work on contingency, meaning they only get paid if the case wins. There’s usually no upfront cost.
Resources
Iowa Legislature — 668.12A Negligent Hiring Exemption Statute — This statute from the Iowa Legislature describes the legal exemption that protects employers from liability for negligent hiring in lawsuits involving commercial motor vehicles. It sets out conditions under which employers can have direct negligence claims dismissed and defines which types of vehicles qualify under the law.
Iowa Department of Transportation — Iowa Truck Information Guide — This guide from the Iowa DOT provides a detailed overview of the rules and regulations for operating commercial vehicles in Iowa. It includes licensing requirements, vehicle definitions, CDL testing, safety rules, inspection standards, drug and alcohol policies, and contact information for relevant state and federal agencies.
Iowa Department of Transportation — 321.449 Motor Carrier Safety Rules — This source outlines Iowa’s rules for operating commercial vehicles in line with federal safety standards. It explains driver age limits, hours of service, exemptions for farm and construction vehicles, and the authority of peace officers to conduct safety audits.
Iowa Legislature — Chapter 668 Liability In Tort — Comparative Fault — This source explains how Iowa handles shared fault in personal injury or property damage cases. It details how fault is assigned to each party, how damages are calculated, and when joint liability applies.
Find a Truck Driver Fatigue Accident Attorney in Des Moines, Iowa
If you or a loved was injured in a commercial truck accident, resulting from Trucking Company Negligence, in Des Moines, Iowa, hire a skilled, experienced personal injury attorney to fight for you. The lawyers at McCarthy & Hamrock, P.C. have more than seven decades of combined legal experience. We represent accident victims the Des Moines area, including Polk County, Dallas County, Story County, Warren County, Marion County, Mahaska County, Adair County, Madison County, and throughout the state of Iowa.
We will seek just compensation for your family’s pain and suffering. We are not afraid to take on trucking companies and their insurance companies in order to obtain a satisfactory settlement. We are also experienced trial attorneys and we are prepared to go to court if necessary to get justice for you. Call us today at (515) 279-9700 to schedule a consultation.