How to File a Claim After a Swift Transportation Truck Accident

Being involved in an accident with a Swift Transportation truck can leave you feeling overwhelmed and unsure about your next steps. Swift Transportation is one of the largest trucking companies in the country, and dealing with their legal and insurance teams can be intimidating. At Zinda Law Group, we’re here to help you navigate the process and fight for the compensation you deserve.

This guide explains what you should know about filing a claim after a Swift Transportation truck accident, from immediate steps to take at the scene to pursuing legal action.

What Should You Do Immediately After the Accident?

The steps you take right after an accident with a Swift truck can significantly impact your ability to file a successful claim. Here’s what to do:

1. Call 911

• Ensure that emergency medical help is on the way for anyone injured.
• Request a police officer to document the scene and file an official accident report, which will serve as critical evidence.

2. Seek Medical Attention

• Even if you feel fine, get checked by a medical professional. Some injuries, like internal bleeding or whiplash, may not show symptoms right away.
• Keep detailed records of your medical visits and treatments.

3. Document the Scene

Take as many photos and videos as possible, including:

• The damage to all vehicles involved.
• Skid marks, traffic signs, and road conditions.
• The Swift truck, including license plates and company markings.

4. Collect Information

• Get the contact and insurance details of the Swift truck driver.
• Gather names and phone numbers of witnesses, if any.

5. Do Not Speak to Swift’s Insurance Adjusters

• Avoid providing statements or signing any documents without consulting an attorney. Insurance adjusters often aim to minimize payouts.

How to Start Your Claim Against Swift Transportation

Filing a claim against a trucking company like Swift involves more than a typical car accident claim. Here’s how the process works:

Step 1: Notify Swift Transportation and Your Insurance

• Contact Swift’s insurance provider to report the accident but avoid discussing fault or providing detailed statements.
• Notify your own insurance company about the accident as well.

Step 2: Gather Evidence

To build a strong claim, your attorney will help collect key evidence, including:

• The truck’s black box data, which records speed, braking, and other critical details.
• The driver’s logbooks, which reveal compliance with federal hours-of-service regulations.
• Maintenance records to check whether the truck was in proper working order.
• The police report and your photos from the scene.

Step 3: Prove Negligence

To win your claim, you must prove that Swift Transportation or its driver was negligent. Common examples of negligence include:

• Distracted or fatigued driving.
• Speeding or aggressive driving.
• Improper truck maintenance.

Step 4: Calculate Your Damages

Your claim should include compensation for:

• Medical expenses (past and future).
• Lost wages and diminished earning capacity.
• Property damage.
• Pain and suffering.

Step 5: Negotiate or File a Lawsuit

If Swift’s insurance company refuses to offer a fair settlement, your attorney may recommend filing a lawsuit to fight for the compensation you deserve.

Challenges in Swift Truck Accident Claims

Swift Transportation is a large company with substantial resources. Here are some of the challenges you might face:

1. High-Stakes Insurance Companies

Swift’s trucks are typically insured for millions of dollars. While this increases the potential payout, it also means the insurance companies will fight harder to minimize your claim.

2. Complex Federal Regulations

Trucking companies must comply with FMCSA regulations, including hours-of-service limits and mandatory maintenance. Proving a violation often requires expert analysis.

3. Multiple Liable Parties

Liability might extend beyond the truck driver to include:

• Swift Transportation (e.g., for poor training or maintenance).
• Cargo loaders (if improperly loaded cargo caused the accident).
• Truck manufacturers (if a mechanical defect was involved).

Common Causes of Swift Truck Accidents

Swift truck accidents are often caused by negligence. Here are some of the most common reasons:

1. Driver Fatigue

Federal law limits truck drivers to 11 hours of driving after 10 hours off duty. Unfortunately, some drivers exceed these limits to meet deadlines.

2. Distracted Driving

Using a cell phone, GPS, or other distractions can lead to catastrophic accidents.

3. Poor Vehicle Maintenance

Swift is responsible for ensuring its trucks are roadworthy. Failing to maintain brakes, tires, or other critical systems can lead to accidents.

4. Speeding or Reckless Driving

Trucks require longer stopping distances and careful handling. Speeding or unsafe maneuvers can easily result in accidents.

How Zinda Law Group Can Help

At Zinda Law Group, we specialize in trucking accident cases and know how to take on large companies like Swift. Here’s how we can help:

1. Comprehensive Investigation

We’ll gather all necessary evidence, from black box data to maintenance records, to build a strong case.

2. Negotiating with Insurance Companies

Our attorneys will handle all communication with Swift’s insurers, ensuring you’re not pressured into accepting a low settlement.

3. Pursuing Maximum Compensation

We’ll fight for every dollar you’re entitled to, including economic and non-economic damages.

4. No Win, No Fee

You don’t pay unless we win your case.

FAQs About Swift Transportation Accident Claims

1. How Long Do I Have to File a Claim?

In Texas, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is two years from the date of the accident.

2. Can I Sue Swift Transportation Directly?

Yes, if Swift’s negligence (e.g., poor driver training or maintenance) contributed to the accident.

3. What if I’m Partially at Fault?

Under Texas’s comparative negligence rules, you can still recover damages as long as you are less than 51% at fault.

4. How Much Does it Cost to Hire an Attorney?

At Zinda Law Group, we work on a contingency fee basis, so you pay nothing upfront.

Call Zinda Law Group Today

Filing a claim against Swift Transportation can be a daunting process, but you don’t have to do it alone. Call Zinda Law Group at (800) 863-5312 for a free consultation from a Swift Transportation accident lawyer. Let us fight for the compensation you deserve.