Can I Sue Werner Enterprises for an Accident Caused by One of Their Drivers?

If you were involved in a truck accident caused by a Werner Enterprises driver, you may be wondering: Can I sue Werner Enterprises for damages? The short answer is yes, but trucking accident lawsuits can be complex, especially when dealing with a large company like Werner Enterprises.

Werner is one of the largest trucking companies in the U.S., and they have aggressive legal and insurance teams working to minimize payouts. However, if their driver’s negligence or the company’s unsafe practices caused the accident, you may have the right to file a lawsuit and seek full compensation.

At Zinda Law Group, we help truck accident victims navigate the legal process and hold trucking companies accountable. Below, we explain when you can sue Werner Enterprises and how to build a strong case.

When Can You Sue Werner Enterprises After a Truck Accident?

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

1. If the Werner Enterprises Driver Was Negligent

A truck driver can be held legally responsible for an accident 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 legal hours-of-service limits
• Failing to follow traffic laws

The FMCSA regulations impose strict rules on truck drivers, including mandatory rest breaks and limits on driving hours. If a Werner driver violated these rules, it could strengthen your case.

2. If Werner Enterprises Was Negligent as a Company

Beyond the driver’s actions, Werner Enterprises 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 work beyond legal driving hours
• Failing to properly load and secure cargo

If Werner violated federal safety regulations, their corporate policies may have directly contributed to the accident, making them liable.

3. If a Third Party Was Involved

Sometimes, other entities may share responsibility, such as:

• Truck manufacturers (if a faulty brake, tire, or mechanical issue caused the accident)
• Maintenance providers (if improper servicing led to vehicle failure)
• Cargo loaders (if improperly loaded freight caused the truck to become unstable)

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

Steps to Take If You Want to Sue Werner Enterprises

1. Gather Strong Evidence

To prove Werner Enterprises’ 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 stronger your evidence, the harder it will be for Werner’s legal team to deny your claim.

2. File an Insurance Claim Against Werner Enterprises

Your first step will likely be filing a claim with Werner Enterprises’ insurance provider. However, their insurance adjusters may try to minimize your payout or shift blame onto you.

A truck accident lawyer can handle all communication with Werner’s insurance team and fight for a fair settlement.

3. File a Personal Injury Lawsuit

If Werner Enterprises refuses to offer fair compensation, your lawyer 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 Werner Enterprises, 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 Werner Enterprises and deter future misconduct.

Why You Should Hire a Lawyer for a Werner Enterprises Truck Accident Lawsuit

Suing Werner Enterprises 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 Werner Enterprises’ 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 Werner Enterprises 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.