West Des Moines Truck Accident Lawyers Holding Negligent Drivers Responsible

Last updated on August 14, 2025

Due to their sheer size, weight and speed, commercial trucks are capable of causing incredible amounts of damage and inflicting severe injuries and death on drivers and passengers. If you or a loved one has been hurt in a truck accident, it is in your best interest to speak to a personal injury lawyer about your options.

At the law firm of Slater Law, LLC, in West Des Moines, our attorneys have more than 40 years of combined experience representing the victims of semi truck and 18-wheeler crashes in central Iowa. We focus on the individual needs of our clients and have obtained numerous settlements and verdicts.

Do you know your rights? To learn more about how we can help you get the compensation you deserve for your personal injury claim, call us toll free at 866-412-5937 for a free consultation.

Catastrophic Injuries From Truck Accidents

Passengers and drivers alike are at risk of suffering serious injuries in truck accidents, including brain injuries and spinal cord injuries. These injuries are life-changing and can result in the need for lifelong care. We will fight for your rights and seek an outcome that provides you with the financial resources you need now and in the future to cover the costs of lost wages, pain and suffering and medical expenses.

Holding Truckers And Trucking Companies Accountable

We go after negligent truck drivers and trucking companies to maximize the compensation available to our clients. Liability often falls on multiple parties in truck accident cases. The following are contributing factors to many truck accidents:

Truck Driver Fatigue

Fatigue is one of the leading causes of truck accidents. Long hours on the road, irregular sleep patterns and tight deadlines can cause drivers to become drowsy, impairing their reaction times and judgment.

Fatigue-related accidents are dangerous because a tired driver may fail to notice potential hazards or take evasive action. Regulations such as limiting driving hours are in place to mitigate this issue, but not all drivers or companies comply, leading to preventable crashes.

Improperly Loaded Cargo

Improperly loaded cargo can severely affect a truck’s stability and control. When the load is not distributed evenly, it increases the risk of the truck tipping over, especially during sharp turns or sudden braking. Cargo that shifts while the truck is in motion can also lead to loss of control.

Overloaded Cargo

Exceeding a truck’s weight limit compromises its braking system and overall handling. Overloaded trucks require more distance to stop and are prone to tire blowouts, which can lead to catastrophic accidents.

Additionally, the extra weight can strain the vehicle’s components excessively, increasing the likelihood of mechanical failure. Strict weight regulations are in place, but violations still occur, posing a serious risk to road safety.

Poor Vehicle Maintenance

Regular maintenance is critical for the safe operation of trucks, yet poor vehicle upkeep continues to contribute to accidents. Failing to maintain essential parts like brakes, tires and steering systems can result in breakdowns or malfunctions while the truck is on the road.

For example, brake failure is a common cause of rear-end collisions. Routine inspections and repairs could reduce the number of accidents caused by mechanical issues.

Lack Of Driver Training

Inadequate driver training is another contributing factor to truck accidents. Commercial truck drivers must be skilled in handling large vehicles under various road and weather conditions.

However, insufficient training on aspects such as defensive driving, proper cargo handling and emergency response leads to higher accident rates.

Aggressive Driving, Speeding And Distracted Driving

Aggressive driving behaviors, such as speeding, tailgating and distracted driving, are major contributors to truck accidents. Speeding reduces reaction time and increases the severity of collisions, while distractions like texting or eating take a driver’s attention away from the road.

Aggressive and distracted driving can result in poor decision-making and slow response times, which can have deadly consequences for other road users.

Frequently Asked Questions

Any accident with a large commercial vehicle can lead to serious injuries, and it is important that injury victims understand all of their legal rights. After an accident, you may have questions, and our team is here to provide answers.

How do truck accidents differ from car accidents?

Truck accidents can be more serious in many situations, due to the sheer size and weight of these vehicles. A commercial truck accident can also happen for reasons that would likely not apply in an accident between two smaller vehicles. Some examples of truck accidents our lawyers see across Iowa include:

• Underride accidents: These happen when a small vehicle gets pinned under a much larger and heavier truck, which can lead to catastrophic injuries.
• Accidents due to wide turns: Trucks make wide right turns, so they sometimes strike other vehicles while turning. Trucks also have large blind spots on all sides, which can sometimes lead to accidents where truck drivers genuinely do not or cannot see the other vehicle.
• Rear-end accidents: A fully loaded truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds and has a stopping distance of 525 feet, which is nearly twice the stopping distance needed by a smaller vehicle. This can lead to rear-end accidents, especially in situations where truck drivers are distracted.

If you were injured under any of these circumstances, our lawyers can help you understand your options to recover compensation for catastrophic injuries.

Who can be held accountable after a truck accident?

When you sit down with a West Des Moines truck accident attorney, another thing to consider is that multiple parties may be liable. This is another difference from car accidents, where in many situations, the other driver involved in the accident bears responsibility. But in a commercial vehicle accident, you may be able to seek compensation from the driver directly, or you may be able to sue the company that they were working for. A trucking company that is negligent in maintaining its vehicles could be responsible for an accident when the vehicle’s brakes give out, for instance. You may also have to deal with the trucking company’s commercial insurance provider.

What is the statute of limitations for truck accident cases in Iowa?

It is important to act quickly after a truck accident in Iowa because there is a statute of limitations on these cases. If you miss the statute of limitations, it may make it impossible for you to seek compensation that you otherwise would deserve. Under Iowa law, the statute of limitations for truck accident cases is two years.

Contact A Des Moines Truck Accident Lawyer

We are here to answer your questions and fight for your rights so you can focus on making a full recovery. Based in West Des Moines, we serve injury victims throughout Iowa. Contact us today online or call 866-412-5937 for a free consultation.