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Roadrunner Transportation Systems Truck Accident Lawyer
Protecting Victims of Roadrunner Transportation Systems Accidents Nationwide
Accidents involving commercial carriers like Roadrunner Transportation Systems can upend lives in an instant.
Regardless of whether you’re a pedestrian, passenger, or motorist, a collision with a freight truck can result in catastrophic injuries, complex legal proceedings, and significant financial losses. The trauma doesn’t end at the scene. Victims may face months or even years of recovery, lost income, and emotional distress.
Roadrunner operates a nationwide freight network, which means its trucks constantly move across busy interstates and urban delivery zones.
Unfortunately, this frequent presence on the road increases the risk of collisions. Determining fault can be complicated when a Roadrunner vehicle is involved in an accident. That’s where we come in.
At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, we represent individuals and families across the U.S. who’ve been hurt in truck accidents. Our team investigates crashes thoroughly, identifies all responsible parties, and aggressively pursues compensation on your behalf. We work on a contingency basis, meaning there are no legal fees unless we win your case.
When you work with Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, rest assured that you will be partnered with the best trucking accident lawyers in Chicago.
About Roadrunner Transportation Systems: Safety & Accident History
Company Overview
Roadrunner Transportation Systems, Inc. (USDOT Number: 242009) is a freight company based in Downers Grove, Illinois. Through its Roadrunner Freight division, the company provides less-than-truckload (LTL) services to commercial clients throughout the U.S.
The company utilizes independent owner-operators, delivering shipments coast-to-coast via major highways and urban centers.
While Roadrunner’s logistics platform emphasizes speed and efficiency, critics have pointed out that this business model may place strain on drivers and equipment. With an extensive network of contractors and limited oversight in some regions, the potential for safety violations can increase.
Safety Violations & Crash Data
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) records show that Roadrunner has been involved in numerous reportable crashes over the last two years:
- Total crashes: 34
- Crashes involving injury: 9
- Truck crashes resulting in fatalities: 0
- Tow-away crashes: 25
These statistics point to a company with a high volume of road exposure and enough operational complexity to warrant scrutiny when accidents occur.
Common Causes of Roadrunner Truck Accidents
Roadrunner’s operating model involves time-sensitive deliveries across long distances, using independent owner-operator drivers. These conditions can create an environment where corners may be cut, and oversight may be inconsistent. Common accident causes include:
Overworked Drivers and HOS Violations
Many Roadrunner drivers are paid per mile or delivery, which can incentivize skipping rest breaks or exceeding federal hours-of-service (HOS) limits. Fatigued truck drivers are more likely to fall asleep at the wheel or make critical errors.
Deferred Maintenance and Equipment Failures
Vehicles must meet FMCSA maintenance standards. Still, deferred service or subpar inspections can lead to brake failure, tire blowouts, and engine issues, any of which can be deadly on a busy interstate.
Urban Delivery Risks
Because Roadrunner trucks make pickups and deliveries in dense cities, they are often involved in crashes with pedestrians, cyclists, and smaller vehicles. Narrow streets, tight corners, and blind spots increase the risk of collisions.
Lack of Oversight for Contractors
Unlike company drivers, independent contractors may have less oversight. If these drivers fail to maintain logs or operate vehicles that are not regularly inspected, their risk profile rises significantly.
Improper Cargo Handling
In LTL shipping, various packages are combined into one trailer. If cargo shifts or is not balanced correctly, the trailer can become unstable, causing rollovers or loss of control during turns or braking.
Lawsuits Involving Roadrunner Transportation Systems
Recent Legal Action and Case Examples
Roadrunner Transportation Systems has been named in several personal injury lawsuits over the years, often tied to claims of driver negligence and poor vehicle maintenance. These cases raise concerns about the company’s safety practices and how it oversees its fleet and drivers.
Folk v. Collins et al. (Filed June 15, 2021)
David Folk filed a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania after being injured in a crash involving a Roadrunner-operated vehicle. The lawsuit alleges that Roadrunner Transportation Services, Inc. was negligent and that this negligence played a direct role in causing the accident and resulting injuries.
Kennell v. Hairston et al. (Filed September 13, 2018)
In another case, Versay Kennell brought a claim in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri. The lawsuit centers on a collision involving a Roadrunner driver, with the plaintiff alleging that unsafe operation of the vehicle led to significant personal injuries.
King-Moore v. Roadrunner Transportation Systems, Inc. et al. (Filed February 16, 2018)
Darlene King-Moore filed a personal injury lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Michigan after being hurt in a crash involving a Roadrunner truck. Her complaint includes claims of negligence against the company for its role in the accident.
Together, these lawsuits reflect ongoing concerns about Roadrunner’s operational oversight, especially regarding how drivers are trained and supervised and how well vehicles are maintained. When commercial trucking companies fall short in these areas, the risk to public safety can be significant.
If you’ve been injured in an accident involving a Roadrunner Transportation truck, you may have the right to seek compensation. An experienced legal team can help investigate the cause of the crash, uncover signs of negligence, and guide you through your next steps.
Who Is Liable in a Roadrunner Truck Crash?
Every trucking accident case is different, but Roadrunner’s structure creates multiple layers of potential liability:
- The driver if their actions, such as distracted driving, fatigue, or speeding, led to the crash.
- Roadrunner Transportation Systems, for encouraging unrealistic schedules or failing to vet contractors..
- Third-party service providers, such as mechanics or logistics partners, who failed to meet safety standards.
- Parts manufacturers, in cases where brake systems, tires, or other components failed due to a defect.
- Cargo handlers, if improper loading caused the trailer to destabilize.
Our attorneys conduct independent investigations and consult experts in accident reconstruction, trucking compliance, and logistics to determine who should be held accountable.
Compensation Available for Victims of Roadrunner Truck Accidents
Trucking crashes often lead to significant financial burdens. Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers helps victims recover compensation for:
- Emergency and long-term medical care.
- Lost wages and future income loss.
- Surgery, physical therapy, and rehabilitation costs.
- Pain and suffering, both physical and emotional.
- Vehicle damage or replacement.
- Funeral and burial expenses in wrongful death cases.
- Punitive damages, in cases of egregious misconduct or repeat safety violations.
Our firm has recovered over $450 million in settlements for victims of serious truck accidents.
Steps to Take After a Roadrunner Transportation Systems Crash
- Call 911 and report the accident: A police report provides essential documentation and initiates emergency response.
- Seek medical treatment immediately: Even if symptoms seem minor, prompt medical care helps tie your injuries to the crash and supports your claim.
- Photograph the scene: Take photos of your vehicle, the Roadrunner truck, the surroundings, and any injuries.
- Get contact details from witnesses: Third-party observations are often key in establishing fault.
- Avoid giving recorded statements: Do not speak with Roadrunner’s insurer until you’ve consulted an attorney. Adjusters may use your words to limit compensation.
- Speak to a trucking accident lawyer: Legal support ensures your rights are protected, evidence is preserved, and deadlines are met.
Why Hire Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers for a Roadrunner Case?
Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers has extensive experience going up against major transportation companies. We provide:
- Decades of experience handling truck crash litigation
- Access to expert witnesses and investigators
- Nationwide legal support
- No fees unless we win
We know the tactics freight carriers use to deny responsibility, and we’re prepared to counter every one of them.
Get Legal Help After a Roadrunner Truck Accident
If you or a loved one has been injured in a collision involving a Roadrunner Transportation Systems truck, don’t try to fight the legal battle alone. We’re here to investigate, advocate, and recover the compensation you need to heal.
Call (888) 424-5757 or fill out our online form to schedule your free consultation with a qualified trucking accident lawyer.
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.