Landstar System Truck Accident Lawyer

Protecting Victims of Landstar System Accidents Nationwide

Landstar System, Inc. operates one of the country’s largest networks of independent truck owner-operators. With more than 10,000 trucks on the road, these vehicles are essential to the freight industry, but their scale and complexity create real safety risks. 

Independent contractors often face inconsistent oversight, and the results can be catastrophic when mistakes happen.

When accidents happen, the consequences are often life-altering. Victims may suffer severe injuries, face steep medical costs, and struggle against corporate insurers who are quick to minimize claims. These companies may attempt to shift blame or downplay the extent of a victim’s injuries, making it difficult to secure a fair settlement without legal assistance.

That’s why working with a skilled truck accident lawyer is so important. The legal team at Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers understands how these cases unfold and knows the tactics large freight companies use to protect themselves. 

As the best semi truck accident law firm in Chicago, we investigate thoroughly, preserve evidence, and aggressively pursue compensation for clients who have suffered due to a Landstar truck accident.

About Landstar System: Safety & Accident History

Company Overview

Landstar System, Inc. (USDOT 241572) is a non-asset-based transportation services company headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida. 

Unlike traditional trucking firms, Landstar does not directly employ drivers or own most of the equipment. Instead, it contracts with thousands of independent owner-operators who provide their own trucks and lease them to Landstar-affiliated carriers.

This decentralized model allows Landstar to maintain a large footprint while avoiding many of the costs and liabilities associated with fleet ownership. 

Through subsidiaries such as Landstar Ranger, Landstar Ligon, and Landstar Inway, the company arranges freight shipments across the lower 48 states, Canada, and Mexico. It specializes in general freight, hazardous materials, building supplies, temperature-controlled loads, and more.

While efficient, this structure makes oversight more difficult. With each operator responsible for their own equipment, the consistency of safety protocols, maintenance practices, and regulatory compliance can vary widely, introducing potential dangers on the road.

Safety Violations & Crash Data

Landstar’s operational scale and reliance on independent contractors mean safety violations are an ongoing concern. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), in the 24 months prior to 07/10/2025:

• 339 crashes were reported in the most recent 24-month period
• 7 of those involved fatalities
• 88 resulted in injuries
• 2 required towing

Landstar’s vehicle out-of-service rate stands at 18.1%, which is better than the national average of 22.26%. However, this still means nearly one in five trucks failed safety inspections due to mechanical issues like brake defects, tire problems, or lighting violations.

Even a seemingly moderate out-of-service rate threatens public safety for a company operating thousands of vehicles. These figures highlight the importance of strictly enforcing inspection standards, driver qualifications, and maintenance practices, even in a contractor-based system.

Common Causes of Landstar Truck Accidents

Landstar’s business model introduces certain risk factors that can increase the likelihood of collisions. Independent drivers often manage their own maintenance, schedules, and safety compliance. 

Without uniform enforcement, the following are among the most common contributors to crashes:

• Driver fatigue: Truckers who exceed their hours-of-service limits or operate on limited rest are significantly more likely to be involved in accidents. Fatigue slows reaction times and impairs decision-making.
• Mechanical failures: Worn brakes, balding tires, or malfunctioning lighting systems may not be caught in time when maintenance depends solely on the discretion of independent operators.
• Improperly loaded cargo: Unevenly distributed or unsecured freight can shift during transit, causing the trailer to tip, jackknife, or destabilize in high winds or sharp turns.
• Speeding and aggressive driving: Some drivers, under pressure to meet deadlines, may exceed speed limits or drive too aggressively, especially in poor weather or congested traffic.
• Distracted driving: Numerous accident reports document the use of cell phones, dispatch devices, and GPS equipment while driving. Even brief distractions can lead to devastating crashes.
  

Each of these factors is preventable. When they occur due to negligence, victims have the right to pursue legal remedies.

Lawsuits Against Landstar System

Recent Landstar System Accident Lawsuits

In February 2016, a tragic crash occurred on a narrow bridge in Titus County, Texas. A Landstar Ranger truck carrying oversized cargo collided with a car, resulting in the death of 73-year-old Toni Combest. 

Her family later filed Ramsey et al. v. Landstar Ranger, Inc., claiming the company was negligent in how it planned the route and failed to take proper precautions to ensure the load could safely pass through the area. In 2021, a Texas jury awarded $730 million in damages, making it one of the largest wrongful death verdicts in U.S. history.

In 2018, James Hall filed Hall v. Landstar Ranger, Inc. in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Louisiana after a Landstar truck rear-ended his vehicle on Interstate 10 in Calcasieu Parish. Hall sustained multiple injuries, including a traumatic brain injury. In January 2020, a jury awarded him $4.4 million in damages. 

These cases underscore concerns regarding Landstar System’s operational practices and their implications for personal injury risks within the company’s operations. When a jury awards over $700 million in a single case, it sends a strong message: companies can and will be held accountable when their actions lead to devastating consequences.

If you’ve been injured in a crash involving a Landstar System truck, Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers can help uncover potential legal violations and determine whether the company or other parties may be liable.

Who Is Liable in a Landstar Truck Accident?

Determining liability in a trucking accident involving Landstar can be more complex than in cases involving a single employer. Because Landstar contracts with owner-operators, it often argues it is not liable for accidents caused by its contractors. 

However, courts have increasingly ruled that companies like Landstar can be held responsible if they:

• Failed to screen or supervise drivers adequately.
• Provided incentives that encouraged unsafe driving behavior.
• Ignored regulatory violations or maintenance issues.
  

Liability may extend to other parties as well, including:

• Truck drivers, if they were operating recklessly, under the influence, or in violation of FMCSA regulations
• Maintenance providers, if a mechanical failure caused the crash
• Parts manufacturers, in cases involving defective equipment
• Freight brokers or cargo handlers, if poor loading practices contributed to the accident

An experienced truck accident lawyer will work to identify all responsible parties and ensure they are held accountable.

Compensation Available for Landstar Truck Accident Victims

Victims of serious accidents involving Landstar trucks may be entitled to several forms of compensation, including:

• Medical expenses: Emergency care, hospitalization, surgery, physical therapy, and future medical costs
• Lost wages: Compensation for time missed from work and diminished earning capacity
• Pain and suffering: Both physical pain and emotional trauma caused by the accident
• Property damage: Repairs or replacement for vehicles and other personal property
• Wrongful death benefits: Funeral costs, loss of companionship, and lost financial support for surviving family members
• Punitive damages: In cases involving extreme negligence or reckless disregard for safety, courts may award additional compensation to deter future misconduct

Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers builds every case on solid evidence and expert testimony to ensure our clients receive the full value of their truck accident claims.

Steps to Take After a Landstar Truck Accident

If you or a loved one is involved in a crash with a Landstar vehicle, take the following steps to protect your legal rights:

1. Call 911: Ensure that emergency services are dispatched and that the incident is documented.
2. Seek immediate medical attention: Injuries from truck accidents can be severe and may not always show symptoms right away.
3. Gather evidence: Take photos of the scene, the vehicles, road conditions, and your injuries. Obtain contact information from witnesses.
4. Get driver and vehicle details: Note the driver’s name, license number, truck license plate, USDOT number, and company affiliation.
5. Avoid speaking to insurance adjusters: Landstar’s insurance team may contact you quickly. Do not provide statements or accept settlements without legal counsel.
6. Contact Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers: Our legal team will begin investigating the crash, preserving evidence, and building a strong claim on your behalf.

Quick and decisive action helps protect your rights and strengthens your case.

Why Hire Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers for a Landstar Truck Accident Case?

With over $450 million recovered for injury victims, Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers brings the experience, resources, and determination needed to handle complex truck accident litigation.

We offer:

• A deep understanding of FMCSA regulations and the trucking industry.
• Extensive experience with commercial vehicle claims.
• Access to expert witnesses in accident reconstruction, biomechanics, and trucking safety.
• Contingency-based representation with no upfront fees.
• Personalized support throughout the legal process.

When you work with our firm, you gain a team dedicated to holding trucking companies accountable and fighting for the justice you deserve.

Get Legal Help After a Landstar Truck Accident

Recovering after a crash with a Landstar truck can be overwhelming. Between medical bills, insurance claims, and emotional trauma, the process can feel unmanageable, especially when going up against a national carrier with significant legal resources.

At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, we handle everything from start to finish. From the moment you reach out, we begin building your case, collecting evidence, and protecting your rights. Call (888) 424-5757 or contact us online to schedule your free consultation with a Chicago personal injury lawyer. We’re here to help you move forward with confidence.

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.