Saia LTL Freight Truck Accident Lawyer

Protecting Victims of Saia LTL Freight Accidents Nationwide

Saia LTL Freight is a major logistics company operating thousands of heavy trucks daily across the U.S. While essential to supply chains, these large vehicles, often weighing up to 80,000 pounds, pose significant risks on the road. Their frequent routes and tight delivery schedules can lead to driver fatigue, mechanical failures, and serious collisions. 

Due to their size and momentum, Saia LTL Freight trucks are often involved in severe accidents. Victims may suffer life-altering injuries, mounting medical bills, and long-term financial hardship. Unfortunately, large trucking companies like Saia LTL Freight are backed by powerful legal and insurance teams whose goal is to limit liability and minimize payouts.

That’s why you need experienced legal representation. A skilled Chicago trucking accident lawyer can investigate the crash, secure vital evidence, and hold all responsible parties accountable. From reviewing driver records to examining safety protocols, Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers can help build a strong case for you and fight for the compensation you deserve.

About Saia LTL Freight: Safety & Accident History

Company Overview

Saia Motor Freight Line LLC, now operating under the name Saia LTL Freight (USDOT Number: 29124), is a prominent less-than-truckload (LTL) carrier headquartered in Johns Creek, Georgia. With a fleet comprising 6,896 power units and a workforce of 7,586 drivers, Saia maintains an extensive presence across the United States.

With such widespread coverage and high-frequency routes throughout the continental U.S., Saia’s vehicles are a regular fixture on America’s highways. The sheer volume of their operations means that even minor oversights in safety, maintenance, or driver performance can result in serious incidents, posing significant dangers to other road users.

Safety Violations & Crash Data

According to recent data from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), Saia LTL Freight has encountered a number of safety challenges in recent years. The company has accumulated hundreds of violations during roadside inspections, raising concerns about ongoing maintenance and regulatory compliance.

Accident statistics further illustrate the risks. In the 24-month period leading up to May 5, 2025, Saia trucks were involved in 417 reportable crashes across the United States. These incidents included 16 fatalities, 115 injuries, and 280 crashes requiring towing, highlighting the potential for severe outcomes when such large vehicles are involved.

While Saia maintains an FMCSA “Satisfactory” safety rating, its high-volume, time-sensitive freight operations demand constant vigilance. With nearly 7,000 trucks and over 7,500 drivers on the road, even isolated oversights can lead to devastating consequences.

Common Causes of Saia LTL Freight Truck Accidents

Saia LTL Freight truck accidents can often be attributed to preventable factors. Driver fatigue is among the most common causes. Long hours, tight schedules, and pressure to meet delivery deadlines can lead to violations of FMCSA hours-of-service regulations, impairing judgment and reaction time.

Additionally, poor vehicle maintenance can play a significant role, with issues like faulty brakes, worn tires, and missed inspections contributing to mechanical failure. Speeding and aggressive driving are also major risk factors. Drivers sometimes push their limits to stay on schedule, increasing the likelihood of accidents.

Improperly secured cargo is another critical issue. If a load shifts or becomes unbalanced during transit, it can cause the truck to tip over or jackknife, leading to devastating accidents.

In August 2024, a Saia LTL Freight driver was involved in a fatal crash on Interstate 44 in Missouri. The driver’s failure to maintain full attention on the road resulted in the tragic death of a victim. This incident highlights the dangers of distracted driving and the critical importance of enforcing safety protocols.

Lawsuits Against Saia LTL Freight

Recent Saia LTL Freight Accident Lawsuits

Saia LTL Freight has faced several personal injury and wrongful death lawsuits due to severe accidents involving their trucks, underscoring the importance of maintaining high safety standards in the freight industry.

One case involved a trailer malfunction that allegedly crushed the victim’s right hand. The plaintiff claimed that a defect in a Saia LTL Freight trailer was responsible for a devastating accident, leading to a serious injury. 

The case emphasized the importance of proper maintenance and safety checks on freight vehicles to prevent dangerous malfunctions that can lead to catastrophic consequences. 

The lawsuit accused the company of not properly maintaining its fleet, which ultimately led to the accident and significant harm to those involved. These cases highlight the serious repercussions of equipment and maintenance failures within the trucking industry and the need for robust safety protocols to prevent such incidents.

If you’ve been involved in an accident with Saia LTL Freight, it’s crucial to work closely with an attorney to investigate the cause of the crash.

Who Is Liable in a Saia LTL Freight Truck Accident?

Determining who is responsible in a Saia LTL Freight truck accident often involves more than just the driver. While a driver may be at fault for issues like fatigue, distraction, or impairment, the company itself could share liability, especially if unsafe policies, such as demanding schedules or overlooked safety procedures, played a role.

Liability can also extend to third parties. These might include maintenance contractors who failed to repair known defects, manufacturers of faulty truck components, or cargo handlers who improperly loaded freight. 

In some cases, even external entities like logistics partners, warehouse operators, or public agencies may bear responsibility, particularly if poor infrastructure, inadequate signage, or roadway hazards contributed to the crash.

At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, our team has obtained significant settlements in complex truck accident cases, including $18.5 million for a client hurt in a head-on collision on the Kennedy Expressway and $6 million for the family of a truck driver who died after falling from his sleeping compartment near the Ronald Reagan Memorial Tollway.

Compensation Available for Saia LTL Freight Truck Accident Victims

If you’ve been injured in an accident involving a Saia LTL Freight truck, you may be eligible to pursue compensation for a variety of losses. Depending on the specifics of your case, this may include:

• Medical costs, such as emergency treatment, hospital stays, surgeries, physical therapy, and ongoing medical care.
• Lost income, including time missed from work during recovery, and diminished earning potential if your injuries impact long-term employment.
• Pain and suffering address both physical discomfort and the emotional trauma resulting from the collision.
• Vehicle and property damage, covering repairs or replacement of your car and any other belongings affected in the crash.
• Wrongful death compensation, which may be available to immediate family members in fatal truck accidents.
• Punitive damages, which could be awarded in rare cases involving gross negligence or a pattern of safety violations by Saia LTL Freight.

Every accident claim is different. A knowledgeable truck accident lawyer can evaluate your case and help you pursue the maximum compensation available under the law.

Steps to Take After a Saia LTL Freight Truck Accident

Step 1: Call 911 and make sure an official report is filed

Immediately contact emergency services after the collision. A police report will document key details of the crash and serve as valuable evidence when pursuing a claim.

Step 2: Get medical care without delay

Whether or not you feel hurt, seek medical attention right away. Some injuries may not appear right away, and early medical records are vital for connecting your injuries to the accident.

Step 3: Capture photos and video of the accident scene

If you’re able, document the scene by photographing the Saia truck, damage to your vehicle, skid marks, road conditions, and any visible injuries. This visual evidence can strengthen your claim.

Step 4: Collect witness contact info and the truck’s DOT number

Ask for the names and phone numbers of any witnesses. Also, make a note of the Department of Transportation (DOT) number from the Saia truck, which helps identify the vehicle involved.

Step 5: Don’t engage with Saia’s insurance company

Avoid discussing the incident or signing documents with Saia’s insurers before speaking with a lawyer. Insurance adjusters often work to limit payments or prompt premature settlements.

Step 6: Speak with a qualified truck accident lawyer

An experienced attorney can act quickly to secure critical evidence, including driver logs, maintenance records, and onboard data. Early legal involvement can make a significant difference in the strength of your case.

Why Hire Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers for a Saia LTL Freight Truck Accident Case

Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers is a leading personal injury law firm with a proven track record in trucking accident litigation. We have successfully held some of the country’s largest carriers accountable and recovered over $450 million in verdicts and settlements, including tens of millions of dollars for victims of trucking accidents.

Our team brings experience, expert partnerships, and aggressive legal strategy to every case. From accident reconstruction and commercial vehicle analysis to insurance negotiations and courtroom advocacy, we handle it all. And with our contingency fee structure, you pay us nothing unless we win.

Get Legal Help After a Saia LTL Freight Truck Accident

Collisions involving Saia LTL Freight trucks are far from typical personal injury cases. You’ll be dealing with a large, well-resourced company that prioritizes its own legal defense from the outset.

To level the playing field, it’s essential to have skilled legal representation on your side—someone who knows how to build a strong case and fight for the full compensation you deserve.

Call (888) 424-5757 or contact us for your free case evaluation and to learn more about your legal options.

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.