Des Moines Truck Accident Lawyer

Iowa sits at the intersection between two of the nation’s major interstate highways, Interstate 80 and Interstate 35. Every single day, thousands of semi trucks and other large commercial vehicles crisscross the state on these Interstate highways and other roadways. When the professional driver of a semi truck is negligent or careless and causes a collision, catastrophic injuries or death to innocent motorists are often the result. Negligent truck drivers put everyone on the road at risk.

The attorneys at Galligan Law in the Des Moines area have the knowledge and resources to ensure full justice is achieved for our clients when they’ve been injured or have had a loved one killed as a result of trucker negligence. Our personal injury attorneys are intimately familiar with and keep up to date on Iowa state and federal laws and regulations relating to the trucking industry.

Was the truck driver or trucking company at fault? Is your family reeling from serious injuries or a loved one’s death from a collision with a truck? Our trucking accident lawyers know what to do to protect your rights and preserve evidence. Call us immediately at 515-316-6179. We take truck crash cases anywhere in Iowa.

What Are The Most Dangerous Trucking Corridors In Polk County?

Certain roadways in Polk County see a higher risk of serious truck accidents due to heavy commercial traffic and complex driving conditions. These corridors often combine high speeds, congestion and constant merging.

Key danger zones include:

• The “Mixmaster” (I-35 and I-80 interchange): This major junction funnels large volumes of truck and passenger traffic into tight lanes, creating congestion and sudden slowdowns that can trigger multi-vehicle crashes
• Interstate 80 through Des Moines: A major east-west freight route where constant truck traffic increases the risk of fatigue-related and high-speed collisions
• Interstate 35 corridor: Heavy north-south trucking traffic combined with local commuters often leads to rear-end and merging accidents
• Highway 65 and Highway 69: These routes involve changing speeds and intersections, increasing the risk of collisions with large trucks
• Urban Des Moines roads: Delivery trucks navigating tighter streets can create blind spot hazards and turning accidents

Recognizing these areas helps drivers stay alert and allows an attorney to evaluate how roadway conditions contributed to a crash.

Why Hire A Des Moines Truck Accident Lawyer From Galligan Law?

Choosing the right attorney after a truck accident can significantly affect your financial recovery. At Galligan Law, we focus on building strong cases backed by investigation and preparation.

Clients choose us because:

• We understand trucking laws: Our attorneys know the federal and Iowa regulations that apply to truck accident claims.
• We act quickly: Early action helps preserve evidence before it is lost.
• We work with experts: Specialists in reconstruction and trucking standards support your case.
• We prepare for trial: This approach strengthens your position in negotiations.
• We provide personal attention: You work directly with a lawyer who stays involved throughout your case.

This focused approach allows us to pursue compensation with clarity and determination.

Understanding The Causes Of Trucking Accidents

Operating a large truck or commercial vehicle involves different mechanisms and regulations to ensure the safety of everyone on the road. Whether your accident involved a package-carrying delivery truck or a large tractor-trailer, you need an attorney who understands the state and federal laws and guidelines that truck drivers must adhere to.

Truck accidents can have many causes, including:

• Driver fatigue
• Driver inattention or distracted driving
• Driving under the influence
• Improperly loaded cargo
• Improper vehicle maintenance

Federal trucking regulations limit the number of hours a driver can work in a single shift, as well as provides guidelines for drug and alcohol testing. When a truck driver violates these rules and causes an accident, our truck accident attorneys can help investigate, gather evidence and file a claim against them.

Truck Crashes Have Unique Characteristics

The legal weight for a semi truck and trailer is 80,000 pounds (without a special overweight permit), while the average weight of a car is 5,000 pounds. A semi truck requires a 40% greater distance than a car to stop. Drivers of semis are professionals and require special training and skill to safely operate these massive trucks on our roadways because the consequences of a 40-ton truck colliding with a car or passenger vehicle can be devastating.

How companies screen, hire and train drivers is critical to safety. Cases involving semi-truck collisions, apart from other motor vehicle collisions, as well as factors such as the following:

• The dynamics of semi-truck crashes
• The specific state and federal laws and regulations governing the operation of trucks on highways
• The unique crash data and electronic recording devices built into trucks 
• Industry standards for loads, inspections and other aspects of the safe operation of trucks
• The complex legal relationships between drivers, trucking companies and other shipping entities 

We have access to the best experts in crash investigation and reconstruction, as well as top experts on trucking industry standards and training requirements. We will quickly deploy all necessary resources to properly investigate your case and preserve crucial evidence necessary to win at trial.

Our investigation of your trucking collision case is free. If we don’t take your case or obtain a successful recovery for you, we don’t charge you a fee for our professional services or ask you to pay back the costs we’ve incurred. You will only be charged if there is a successful outcome in your case and a financial recovery on your behalf.

What Should You Do If You Are Involved In An Accident With A Commercial Vehicle In Iowa?

If you are physically able, try to take the following steps to protect your health and your legal options:

• Seek medical attention immediately: Your health should be the top priority. Even if you feel okay, adrenaline can mask injuries.
• Call law enforcement: A police report creates an official record of the accident. This can be crucial later when determining liability.
• Collect information at the scene: If you are able, gather the driver’s name, trucking company details, license plate number and contact information. Also, take photos of the scene, vehicle damage, road conditions and any visible injuries.
• Avoid discussing fault: Do not admit fault at the scene. Even a casual apology can be used against you.
• Contact a truck accident lawyer: An experienced Des Moines attorney can help you understand your rights and guide you through your next steps.

If you have been involved in a truck accident, our team can help file a case on your behalf and hold the responsible parties accountable.

Who Can Be Held Responsible For A Des Moines Truck Accident?

Several parties could be responsible for a truck accident, depending on the circumstances, including:

• Trucking company
• Truck driver
• Truck manufacturer
• Maintenance contractors
• Cargo loaders
• Other drivers and motorists

Determining fault is often complicated in truck accident cases, which is why legal guidance is so important.

What Types Of Truck Accidents Are Most Common In Iowa?

Truck accidents come in many forms:

• Rear-end collisions: These often happen when trucks cannot stop quickly enough due to their size and weight. Factors may include following too closely or distracted driving.
• Jackknife accidents: A jackknife occurs when a truck’s trailer swings out to the side, forming an L-shape. These are dangerous and often happen in bad weather or during sudden braking.
• Rollover accidents: Trucks are top-heavy, making them more prone to tipping over – especially on sharp turns or uneven roads.
• Wide turn collisions: Trucks need extra space to turn. Drivers who misjudge that space or nearby cars can end up in a sideswipe accident.
• Lost cargo accidents: If cargo is not properly secured, it can fall onto the road and cause serious crashes.

Staying aware, keeping a safe distance and avoiding truck blind spots can help reduce your risk of being involved in one of these dangerous accidents.

What Is Black Box Data? Why Is It Important For Your Des Moines Truck Accident Claim?

Black box data records how a truck was operating before and during a crash. This information can be critical in determining fault and supporting your claim.

Key data may include:

• Speed and braking activity: Shows driver reactions leading up to the crash
• Mechanical performance: May reveal system failures or maintenance issues
• Hours of operation: Can indicate driver fatigue or violations
• Crash impact data: Confirms the timing and severity of the collision

This evidence can be lost quickly if not preserved. Trucking companies may overwrite data within a short time. An attorney can send a spoliation letter to require preservation and prevent the destruction of key evidence.

Schedule A Consultation With An Iowa Truck Accident Attorney

If you’ve been injured or have had a loved one killed by a negligent or careless truck driver, contact 515-316-6179 today and schedule your free initial consultation with one of our experienced Iowa personal injury attorneys.