- 24/7 Free Consultation: (888) 424-5757 Tap Here To Call Us
Heartland Express Truck Accident Lawyer
Protecting Victims of Heartland Express Accidents Nationwide
Accidents involving large commercial trucks, such as those operated by Heartland Express, Inc., can lead to severe injuries, significant medical expenses, and long-term emotional distress.
As a major freight carrier with a substantial presence across the United States, Heartland Express trucks are a common sight on highways, where their size and weight pose serious risks in the event of a collision.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a crash with a Heartland Express truck, the aftermath can be overwhelming. From navigating medical treatments and insurance claims to dealing with lost wages and vehicle repairs, the challenges are numerous.
Moreover, large trucking companies often have dedicated legal and insurance teams working to protect their interests from the outset.
At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, our Chicago trucking accident attorneys have extensive experience handling complex commercial vehicle cases. A truck accident lawyer in Chicago, IL, from our firm will act swiftly to gather critical evidence, such as black box data, driver logs, and maintenance records, to build a strong case on your behalf.
About Heartland Express: Safety & Accident History
Company Overview
Heartland Express, Inc. (USDOT Number: 134697), headquartered in North Liberty, Iowa, is a prominent truckload carrier operating across the United States. With the eighth-largest truckload fleet in the U.S., comprising thousands of tractors and trailers, the company provides transportation services to a wide range of industries.
As a direct carrier, Heartland Express manages its own drivers and equipment, making it fully responsible for vehicle maintenance, driver training, and compliance with federal safety regulations.
Safety Violations & Crash Data
According to data from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), over the 24 months prior to 07/10/2025, Heartland Express has been involved in 140 reportable crashes. These incidents include:
- 2 fatal truck crashes
- 48 injury crashes
- 90 tow-away crashes
These figures highlight the potential risks associated with large commercial trucking operations and underscore the importance of stringent safety protocols.
Lawsuits Against Heartland Express, Inc.
Recent Heartland Express, Inc. Accident Lawsuits
As one of the largest trucking companies in the U.S., Heartland Express has faced multiple lawsuits over the years, ranging from serious crashes to employment disputes. These cases show how legal issues can arise when trucking operations go wrong, whether due to driver actions or company oversight.
Affainie v. Heartland Express (2015)
In September 2015, Paul Affainie and Ayikuma Adamafio claimed their vehicle was hit by a Heartland Express truck on I-24 in Nashville. According to the lawsuit, the truck driver fled the scene after the collision.
Multiple Fatality Lawsuit (2003)
One of the most serious cases occurred after a 2002 crash that caused multiple deaths. The lawsuit, filed in Knoxville, Tennessee, sought over $150 million in damages. While the case was settled out of court in 2003, the payout reportedly stayed within Heartland’s insurance limits. Details of the settlement were not made public.
Filing a lawsuit against a large company like Heartland Express isn’t always easy. With powerful legal teams and insurers working to limit financial settlements, crash victims can face aggressive tactics aimed at minimizing liability or shifting the blame.
If you’ve been injured in an accident involving a Heartland Express truck, it’s important to have experienced legal support on your side. A knowledgeable attorney can help protect your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve.
Common Causes of Heartland Express Truck Accidents
Several factors can contribute to accidents involving Heartland Express trucks:
- Driver Fatigue: Long hours on the road without adequate rest can impair a driver’s reaction time and decision-making abilities.
- Inadequate Training: Drivers may not receive sufficient training to handle various road conditions or emergency situations.
- Mechanical Failures: Poor vehicle maintenance can lead to brake failures, tire blowouts, or other mechanical issues.
- Distracted Driving: Use of mobile devices or other distractions can divert a driver’s attention from the road.
- Improperly Secured Cargo: Unsecured or shifting loads can cause trucks to become unbalanced, leading to rollovers or jackknife accidents.
Given that Heartland Express directly oversees its fleet and drivers, the company may be held accountable for accidents resulting from these or other negligence-related factors.
Who Is Liable in a Heartland Express Truck Accident?
Determining liability in a Heartland Express truck accident typically centers on the company itself, as it operates its own fleet and directly employs drivers. The company may be legally responsible if the crash was caused by:
- Unsafe delivery schedules
- Poorly maintained vehicles or mechanical failures
- Inadequate driver supervision or training
- Negligent or reckless driving by its employees
Third-party liability may also apply in some cases, including:
- Maintenance providers who failed to service the truck properly
- Manufacturers of defective parts, such as brakes or tires
An experienced attorney can conduct a thorough investigation to identify all responsible parties and hold them accountable.
Compensation Available for Heartland Express Truck Accident Victims
Victims of accidents involving Heartland Express trucks may be entitled to various forms of compensation, including:
- Medical Expenses: Coverage for emergency care, hospital stays, surgeries, rehabilitation, and ongoing medical treatments.
- Lost Wages: Compensation for income lost due to the inability to work during recovery.
- Pain and Suffering: Damages for physical pain and emotional distress resulting from the accident.
- Property Damage: Reimbursement for repairs or replacement of damaged vehicles and personal property.
- Wrongful Death: In cases of fatal accidents, surviving family members may seek compensation for funeral expenses, loss of companionship, and other related damages.
- Punitive Damages: In instances of gross negligence or willful misconduct, additional damages may be awarded to punish the responsible party and deter similar behavior.
Each case is unique, and a skilled attorney can help assess the full extent of damages and pursue appropriate truck accident settlements.
Steps to Take After a Heartland Express Truck Accident
- Call 911 and file an official report: Ensure emergency services are contacted and a police report is filed to document the incident.
- Seek immediate medical attention: Even if injuries seem minor, it’s crucial to be evaluated by a medical professional.
- Document the scene: Take photographs and videos of the accident scene, vehicle damage, road conditions, and any visible injuries.
- Collect witness information: Obtain the names and contact details of any witnesses to the accident.
- Avoid speaking with insurance representatives: Do not provide statements or sign documents from Heartland Express’ insurer without legal counsel.
- Consult with a qualified truck accident attorney: An experienced lawyer can guide you through the legal process and help protect your rights.
Why Hire Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers for a Heartland Express Truck Accident Case?
Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers is a nationally recognized personal injury firm with deep experience handling complex trucking accident litigation. We understand the unique challenges of suing large freight companies like Heartland Express, and we have the legal and investigative resources to take on these challenges.
Our firm has recovered millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts for victims of trucking collisions, including cases involving driver negligence, poor maintenance, and corporate safety violations. We work with accident reconstruction specialists, medical experts, and trucking industry consultants to build strong, evidence-based cases that hold negligent companies accountable.
When you hire us, you’re not just getting a lawyer—you’re gaining a dedicated legal team of truck accident attorneys that will:
- Investigate every detail of the crash, from black box data to driver logs.
- Identify all liable parties, including subcontractors, maintenance providers, or parts manufacturers.
- Handle communications with insurance companies to protect your rights and prevent low settlement offers.
- Calculate the full extent of your damages, including future medical care and lost earning potential.
- Prepare your case for trial if necessary to secure the compensation you deserve.
We operate on a contingency fee basis, which means you owe nothing unless we win your case. Our commitment is to advocate for accident victims and make sure they’re not taken advantage of by corporate interests or insurance adjusters.
Get Legal Help After a Heartland Express Truck Accident
Accidents involving Heartland Express trucks are often complicated, with large corporate teams working quickly to protect their interests. From the start, they deploy significant resources to limit liability and reduce settlements.
To protect your rights and pursue the compensation you deserve, it’s critical to have experienced legal representation on your side—someone who knows how to investigate trucking accidents and build a strong case.
Call (888) 424-5757 or use our online form to contact us today for a free case evaluation and to explore your legal options with a Chicago personal injury 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.