Can I Sue Schneider National for an Accident Caused by One of Their Drivers?

If you’ve been involved in a truck accident caused by a Schneider National driver, you may be asking: Can I sue Schneider National for my damages? The answer depends on who was at fault and whether Schneider National was negligent.

As one of the largest trucking companies in the U.S., Schneider National has strong legal and insurance teams working to minimize their liability and payouts. However, if the accident was caused by a negligent driver, unsafe company practices, or violations of federal trucking regulations, you may have grounds to file a lawsuit.

At Zinda Law Group, we help truck accident victims navigate the legal process and fight for the compensation they deserve. Below, we explain when you can sue Schneider National and how to build a strong case.

When Can You Sue Schneider National After a Truck Accident?

To successfully sue Schneider National, you must prove negligence, meaning the driver or company failed to act responsibly, leading to the accident.

1. If the Schneider National Driver Was Negligent

A truck driver may be considered negligent if they were:

• Speeding or driving recklessly
• Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
• Distracted (texting, eating, or using a GPS while driving)
• Fatigued from exceeding hours-of-service limits
• Failing to obey traffic laws or road signs

Federal FMCSA regulations impose strict safety rules on truck drivers, including mandatory rest breaks and driving hour limits. If a Schneider National driver violated these rules, it could strengthen your claim.

2. If Schneider National Was Negligent as a Company

Beyond the driver’s actions, Schneider National itself could be held liable if the company engaged in:

• Negligent hiring practices (hiring unqualified or untrained drivers)
• Failing to properly train their drivers
• Neglecting truck maintenance and inspections
• Encouraging drivers to exceed legal driving hours
• Failing to secure or load cargo properly

If Schneider ignored safety regulations, their corporate policies may have directly contributed to the accident, making them liable.

3. If a Third Party Was Involved

In some cases, other parties may share responsibility, such as:

• Truck manufacturers (if faulty brakes, tires, or other mechanical issues caused the accident)
• Maintenance companies (if improper servicing led to vehicle failure)
• Cargo loaders (if improperly loaded freight caused the truck to become unstable)

An experienced truck accident attorney can investigate and determine all responsible parties.

Steps to Take If You Want to Sue Schneider National

1. Gather Strong Evidence

To prove Schneider National’s liability, collect as much evidence as possible, including:

• Police reports
• Medical records documenting your injuries
• Eyewitness statements
• Truck black box data (showing speed, braking, and driver activity before impact)
• Dashcam or surveillance footage

The more evidence you collect, the stronger your case will be.

2. File an Insurance Claim Against Schneider National

Your first step will likely be filing a claim with Schneider National’s insurance provider. However, their insurance adjusters may:

• Offer a lowball settlement that doesn’t cover all your damages
• Try to shift blame onto you
• Delay your claim in hopes you will settle for less

A truck accident lawyer can handle negotiations with Schneider National’s insurance team to ensure you receive fair compensation.

3. File a Personal Injury Lawsuit

If Schneider National refuses to offer a fair settlement, your attorney may file a personal injury lawsuit. A lawsuit may be necessary if:

• The insurance company denies liability
• The settlement offer does not cover your full damages
• The accident resulted in severe injuries or wrongful death

What Compensation Can You Recover?

If you sue Schneider National, you may be eligible for several types of damages, including:

Economic Damages

• Medical expenses (hospital bills, surgeries, rehabilitation, medications)
• Lost wages (compensation for missed work and reduced earning capacity)
• Property damage (vehicle repair or replacement costs)

Non-Economic Damages

• Pain and suffering (physical and emotional distress)
• Loss of enjoyment of life (if the accident affected your daily activities or hobbies)
• Emotional distress and PTSD

Punitive Damages

In cases of gross negligence, such as drunk driving or severe FMCSA violations, the court may award punitive damages to punish Schneider National and deter future misconduct.

Why You Should Hire a Lawyer for a Schneider National Truck Accident Lawsuit

Suing Schneider National is not like suing a regular driver. The company has:

• A team of corporate lawyers ready to fight claims
• Aggressive insurance adjusters trained to minimize payouts
• Millions of dollars in resources to dispute liability

To level the playing field, hiring an experienced truck accident lawyer is crucial. A lawyer can:

• Investigate the accident and gather strong evidence
• Negotiate with Schneider National’s insurance team
• Ensure compliance with state and federal trucking laws
• File a lawsuit if the settlement offer is unfair

At Zinda Law Group, we work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you don’t pay unless we win your case.

Take Action Today

If you or a loved one has been injured in a Schneider National truck accident, you don’t have to face their insurance and legal teams alone. We can help you fight for the compensation you deserve, including medical costs, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.

Call (800) 863-5312 today for a free consultation.

The longer you wait, the harder it becomes to gather evidence and build a strong case. Don’t settle for less—contact us today to discuss your legal options.