Averitt Express Truck Accident Lawyer

Advocating for People Injured in Averitt Express Truck Crashes

Collisions involving large freight carriers like Averitt Express can lead to severe consequences. With thousands of trucks in operation, accidents involving these vehicles frequently cause severe injuries, major vehicle damage, and long-term financial hardship. The size and speed of commercial trucks mean that even a small mistake can change lives in an instant.

If you’ve been involved in a wreck with one of Averitt’s vehicles, the aftermath can be overwhelming. You might be dealing with hospital stays, time away from work, and difficult insurance negotiations, while the company’s legal team works to reduce your financial settlement.

That’s where Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers steps in. Our attorneys have handled complex trucking accident cases across the country, and we know what it takes to build a strong claim. We offer free consultations and work on a contingency fee basis, so there are no upfront costs.

Speak with a Chicago trucking accident lawyer today to discuss your legal options.

About Averitt Express: Safety & Accident History

Company Overview

Averitt Express, Inc. is a major freight transportation and logistics provider based in Cookeville, Tennessee. Operating under USDOT number 36684, the company runs a fleet of over 5,400 commercial vehicles and employs more than 5,300 drivers nationwide. 

Averitt offers services such as less-than-truckload (LTL), truckload, and dedicated delivery across the continental U.S., Mexico, and Canada.

Unlike freight brokers or outsourced logistics operations, Averitt oversees its fleet directly. That means the company is responsible for driver hiring and training, vehicle upkeep, and compliance with federal trucking regulations.

Safety Record and Crash Data

Public records from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) show Averitt’s activity and safety performance over the past 24 months (as of the time this article was written):

• Total Reported Crashes: 328
• Crashes with Injuries: 97
• Fatal Truck Collisions: 9
• Tow-Away Incidents: 222

During that same period, out-of-service rates were as follows:

• Vehicle Out-of-Service Rate: 17.6%
• Driver Out-of-Service Rate: 0.7%

These figures place Averitt’s vehicle violation rate below the national average, though its large-scale operations and crash history are still of concern for road safety. 

While the company has maintained a “Satisfactory” rating with the FMCSA, the frequency and severity of these collisions show that serious injuries remain a real possibility for motorists involved in accidents with Averitt trucks.

Common Causes of Averitt Express Accidents

Trucking accidents don’t happen in a vacuum. They’re usually the result of repeated problems, such as overworked drivers, rushed maintenance, or overlooked safety practices. With a fleet as large as Averitt’s, even small gaps in oversight can lead to serious consequences on the road. 

Below are some of the most common issues linked to crashes involving Averitt Express trucks.

Fatigue and Overwork

Truck drivers working long hours without enough rest are more likely to make critical mistakes. Drowsiness behind the wheel can impair reaction time, judgment, and coordination.

Poor Vehicle Maintenance

Skipping inspections or delaying repairs can lead to brake failures, tire blowouts, and other mechanical issues that turn routine trips into dangerous ones. 

Speeding and Aggressive Driving

Some drivers may feel pressured to stay on schedule, even if it means pushing the speed limit or weaving through traffic. This behavior can quickly lead to collisions, especially in heavy traffic or bad weather.

Shifting or Unsecured Cargo

When freight isn’t loaded properly, it can move during transit, affecting the truck’s balance. In worst-case scenarios, this can cause rollovers or jackknife crashes.

Distracted Driving

Even briefly glancing at a phone, GPS device, or in-cab system can be all it takes to miss a stoplight or swerve into another lane.

Lawsuits Against Averitt Express

Landmark Averitt Express Accident Lawsuit

One of the most revealing legal cases involving Averitt Express was Hurley v. Averitt Express, Inc., filed in the Southern District of West Virginia. Natasha Hurley was severely injured after an Averitt truck hit her vehicle and dragged it nearly 750 feet. The crash sparked a deep investigation into Averitt’s hiring and training practices.

Evidence showed the driver did not meet Averitt’s minimum experience standards and had a criminal record that should have disqualified him. The truck was equipped with a collision warning system, but there was no proof that the driver had been trained to use it or that the system data was preserved after the crash.

The court allowed Hurley’s claims of negligent hiring and supervision to move forward. The strength of the case ultimately led to a significant settlement, reinforcing how legal action can help victims recover damages and hold companies accountable for operational failures.

Cases like this show the critical responsibility freight carriers have to protect everyone on the road, not just their own drivers. When companies cut corners on safety or training, the public pays the price. 

If you were injured in a collision involving an Averitt Express truck, Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers can help investigate the cause, determine who is responsible, and fight for the full compensation you’re entitled to.

Who Can Be Held Liable in an Averitt Express Truck Accident?

Responsibility in a trucking accident often extends beyond the driver. 

While driver error, such as fatigue, distraction, or speeding, may be a factor, the company itself can also be liable if it failed to properly train or vet the driver, pushed for unrealistic delivery schedules, or skipped safety procedures. These operational decisions can create unsafe conditions long before a crash happens.

Other parties may also share the blame. If a mechanical failure contributed to the accident, maintenance crews or parts manufacturers could be held accountable. In cases involving shifting or overloaded cargo, liability may fall on the contractors or warehouse teams who prepared the load. 

A skilled truck accident attorney can help uncover each layer of fault and pursue all available avenues for recovery.

Compensation Available for Victims of Averitt Express Truck Accidents

If you’ve been injured in a crash involving an Averitt Express truck, you may be entitled to financial compensation for the losses tied to your recovery. This can include payment for:

• Medical costs, such as ER visits, surgery, and rehabilitation.
• Lost wages for work missed during recovery.
• Reduced earning ability if your injuries limit future work.
• Pain and suffering for both physical and emotional tolls.
• Property damage, including vehicle repairs or replacement.
• Wrongful death compensation for funeral costs.
• Punitive damages are awarded in cases of extreme negligence.

In one recent case, we helped a client recover $1.4 million after they were rear-ended by a semi truck and required L4-5 spinal fusion surgery. If you’ve been injured, we can help you understand your options and pursue the compensation you’re owed.

Our legal team supported our client by carefully calculating both current and future medical needs, as well as the client’s long-term loss of earning ability, to support the claim. 

Every injury case is different, but with the right legal support, you can build a strong path toward financial recovery. If you’ve been involved in a crash with a commercial truck, we’re here to help you understand what your case may be worth and how to move forward with confidence.

Steps to Take After an Averitt Express Truck Accident

Taking the right steps after a crash with an Averitt Express truck can make a major difference in your health, your claim, and your ability to recover damages. Here’s what to do:

1. Call 911

Make sure emergency responders arrive and that a police report is filed. This report will help document the crash and may be critical to your case.

2. Get medical attention

See a doctor right away, even if you feel okay. Injuries like internal bleeding or spinal trauma may not show symptoms immediately. Also, medical documentation is vital for personal injury lawsuits. 

3. Document the scene

If you’re able, take photos or videos of the vehicles, damage, road conditions, skid marks, and any visible injuries.

4. Collect key information

Write down the truck’s USDOT number, license plate, and any markings on the vehicle. Get contact info for the driver and any witnesses.

5. Avoid speaking with Averitt’s insurance company

Their goal is to protect the company, not you. Don’t agree to recorded statements or early settlements without legal guidance.

6. Speak with a truck accident attorney

An experienced lawyer can secure black box data, driver logs, and maintenance records before they’re lost and start building your case immediately.

Why Hire Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers for an Averitt Express Truck Accident Case

Trucking companies like Averitt have legal teams and insurers working to minimize what they pay after a crash. To level the playing field, you need a legal team with a deep understanding of how these cases work and what it takes to win them.

Our experienced commercial trucking crash lawyers have handled serious trucking accident claims across the country, including high-stakes cases involving spinal surgery, permanent disability, and wrongful death. 

We’ve recovered millions for our clients and have the resources to investigate, hire expert witnesses, and take on freight carriers of any size. You won’t pay anything up front, and we only get paid if we recover compensation for you.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a crash involving an Averitt Express truck, we can help you take the next step with clarity and confidence.

Get Legal Help After an Averitt Express Truck Accident

Recovering from a trucking accident can feel overwhelming, especially when you’re up against a major freight company. However, you don’t have to go through it alone. Our truck accident legal team at Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers is ready to step in, investigate the crash, and fight for the full compensation you’re owed.

Call us at (888) 424-5757 or contact us online for a free consultation. There’s no obligation and no fee unless we win.

All content undergoes thorough legal review by experienced attorneys, including Jonathan Rosenfeld. With 25 years of experience in personal injury law and over 100 years of combined legal expertise within our team, we ensure that every article is legally accurate, compliant, and reflects current legal standards.