Trucking Accidents Are Not Just “Big Car Crashes.” They Are Federal Legal Battles.

If you have been hit by a commercial semi-truck, 18-wheeler, or delivery van, you are not fighting a regular driver. You are fighting a billion-dollar logistics company and their aggressive insurance team.

At Cambria Law, we know that the most critical evidence in a truck crash—the Event Data Recorder (EDR) and Electronic Logging Device (ELD)—can disappear within days if not legally preserved. We move instantly to subpoena this data to prove liability.

Why You Need a Specialized Truck Accident Lawyer

General injury lawyers often treat truck crashes like car crashes. This is a mistake that costs millions. Commercial trucking is regulated by strict federal laws that do not apply to regular drivers. We investigate:

1. The “Event Data Recorder” (EDR) Data

Most people call it a “Black Box,” but in court, it is the Event Data Recorder (EDR). This computer records the truck’s telemetry in the seconds before impact.

  • Our Strategy: We send an immediate “Spoliation Letter” to the trucking company to prevent them from wiping, overwriting, or “losing” this data.

2. Driver Fatigue & Hours of Service (HOS)

Truck drivers are legally limited in how many hours they can drive. Tired drivers kill.

  • Our Strategy: We seize the Electronic Logging Device (ELD) records to see if the driver was over their 13-hour limit or falsified their logs to meet a deadline.

3. The “Blind Spot” Defense

Truck drivers often claim, “I didn’t see them.” This is not a defense; it is negligence. Commercial drivers have a higher duty of care to manage their “No-Zones.”

  • Our Strategy: We use accident reconstruction experts to prove the driver failed to check their mirrors or made an improper wide turn.

Related: Involved in a smaller commercial crash? Read our guide on [Uber & Rideshare Liability].

The EDR Timeline: Does the Vehicle Have One?

Accessing EDR data depends on the age and type of vehicle involved. We know exactly what to look for based on the model year.

Commercial Trucks (Semi-Trailers)

  • Mid-1990s to Present: Almost all heavy commercial trucks are equipped with an Electronic Control Module (ECM) that functions as an EDR.

  • Data Captured: Speed, RPM, Brake Application, Cruise Control status, and Clutch usage.

Passenger Vehicles

  • 2013 & Newer: 99% of passenger cars in North America are equipped with a standardized EDR.

  • 1997 – 2012: Many General Motors, Ford, and Toyota models have EDR capability, though data quality varies.

  • Pre-1997: Rare, though some luxury models may have early versions.

Warning: The EDR records in a loop. If the truck is driven after the crash (even just to a repair yard), the new driving data can overwrite the crash evidence. You must act immediately.

The Damages: Why Truck Settlements Are Higher

Because commercial trucks carry massive insurance policies (often $2 Million to $5 Million+), the stakes are higher. The insurance adjusters will fight tooth and nail to minimize your payout.

We fight to recover every dollar for:

  • Catastrophic Injuries: Spinal cord damage, traumatic brain injuries (TBI), and amputations often caused by the sheer force of a truck impact.

  • Future Income Loss: If you can never return to work, we calculate your lost wages until retirement age.

  • Family Law Claims: Compensation for your spouse and children for the loss of your care and companionship.

Common Causes of Truck Accidents in Peel Region

Mississauga is a logistics hub (Highways 401, 410, 403). We frequently handle cases involving:

  • Jackknife Accidents: Caused by improper braking or bald tires.

  • Underride Collisions: When a car slides under the trailer (often fatal).

  • Loose Cargo: Debris falling from unsecured flatbeds.

  • Tire Blowouts: Caused by poor fleet maintenance.

Immediate Steps After a Truck Accident

  1. Call Police: Ensure a full report is filed. Commercial crashes must be reported.

  2. Take Photos: Photograph the truck’s logos, DOT numbers, and license plates.

  3. Do Not Sign Anything: The trucking company’s adjuster may call you within hours. Do not speak to them. They are building a case against you.

  4. Call Cambria Law: We deploy our investigators to the scene immediately.

We Don’t Get Paid Unless You Win.

You pay $0 upfront. We cover all costs for experts, reconstruction, and court filings. We only get paid when we recover your settlement.

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