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Ward Trucking Corporation Truck Accident Lawyer
Protecting Victims of Ward Trucking Accidents Nationwide
Collisions involving heavy-duty trucks operated by companies like Ward Trucking Corporation can result in catastrophic injuries, complex legal battles, and long-term financial hardship. With a large footprint across the Eastern United States, Ward trucks are a constant presence on major highways, and when something goes wrong, the consequences are often life-altering.
For victims of these crashes, the physical pain is just the beginning. Medical bills, lost work, emotional trauma, and pressure from insurance companies can quickly make a difficult situation worse. And because aggressive legal teams back large freight carriers, it’s critical to have experienced representation on your side.
At Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers, we specialize in truck accident litigation. Your Chicago semi truck accident lawyer will examine every detail, including driver logs and black box data, to hold the trucking company accountable. We offer free consultations and don’t get paid unless we win your case.
About Ward Trucking Corporation: Safety & Accident History
Company Overview
Ward Trucking Corporation (USDOT Number: 84850) is a regional LTL (less-than-truckload) carrier headquartered in Altoona, Pennsylvania. Founded in 1931, the company operates primarily throughout the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, and Midwest regions, providing freight services to both small businesses and large corporations.
Ward employs over 681 drivers and operates a fleet of over 645 power units. With a broad terminal network and high-frequency routes, Ward’s trucks are consistently on the road; an operational model that, while efficient, also presents safety concerns when systems fail or oversight lapses.
Safety Violations & Crash Data
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), Ward Trucking Corporation has been involved in numerous incidents over the past two years:
- Total crashes (past 24 months): 40
- Injury crashes: 13
- Fatal truck crashes: 2
- Tow-away crashes: 26
These statistics confirm a steady occurrence of serious accidents, some fatal, that cannot be ignored.
Common Causes of Ward Trucking Accidents
Accidents involving Ward trucks can stem from a range of preventable issues, including driver fatigue, poor maintenance, and unsafe scheduling practices. These causes are often compounded by pressure to meet deadlines and the demands of operating in dense traffic areas across multiple states.
Driver fatigue and hours-of-service violations
Ward drivers are frequently tasked with long hauls and tight delivery windows. Without proper enforcement of FMCSA hours-of-service regulations, truck drivers operating while exhausted can be a leading cause of commercial truck accidents.
Equipment failures and poor maintenance
Skipped inspections or deferred maintenance can result in brake failures, steering issues, and worn tires. With a large fleet, even minor mechanical oversights can have deadly consequences.
Improperly loaded freight
Unsecured or unevenly distributed cargo can shift during transit, causing trucks to lose stability. In severe cases, this can lead to rollovers, jackknifing, or loss of control on the road.
Distracted or impaired driving
Use of mobile devices while driving or impairment due to alcohol or drug use remains a significant problem in the trucking industry. Even a momentary distraction in a large vehicle can cause devastating harm.
When any of these issues are present, a detailed investigation is needed to determine whether driver error, company negligence, or a combination of both contributed to the crash.
Lawsuits Against Ward Trucking Corporation
Recent Legal Action and Case Examples
Ward Trucking Corporation has been involved in legal actions concerning incidents that led to personal injuries, highlighting operational practices and safety concerns within the company.
Cahn v. Ward Trucking, Inc. (Filed in 2011)
In this case, a man named Cahn filed a lawsuit in the New York Supreme Court after suffering injuries at his workplace. According to the lawsuit, Cahn was struck in the leg by a barrel or drum that had fallen off a pallet. The drum, which contained chemicals, had been delivered by Ward Trucking, Inc.
The case focused on claims that Ward Trucking was negligent in handling and securing the materials, raising serious safety concerns about the company’s transportation and delivery procedures.
This incident highlights a broader issue in the freight and logistics industry: when hazardous or heavy materials aren’t properly managed, the risk of injury doesn’t stop at the loading dock—it extends to office buildings, retail spaces, and anywhere deliveries are made.
If you’ve been injured in an accident involving a delivery or transport service like Ward Trucking, it’s important to know your rights. An experienced legal team can help you investigate what went wrong, determine who may be responsible, and pursue fair compensation for your injuries.
Who Is Liable in a Ward Trucking Accident?
Establishing liability in a Ward Trucking crash requires close scrutiny of all parties involved. While the driver may be directly at fault, corporate accountability is often just as important.
- The truck driver may be liable if they were fatigued, distracted, or violating traffic laws.
- Ward Trucking Corporation could be held responsible if policies such as unrealistic schedules, failure to maintain vehicles, or inadequate training contributed to the crash.
- Maintenance providers may share blame if improper repairs or inspections led to mechanical failure.
- Parts manufacturers could be named if a defective component was involved.
- Third-party logistics or freight partners might be liable if cargo loading or routing was mishandled.
Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers conducts full investigations to identify all liable entities and build the strongest case possible.
Compensation Available for Ward Trucking Accident Victims
If you were injured in a crash involving a Ward Trucking vehicle, you may be entitled to significant financial compensation. Depending on the specifics of your case, this could include:
- Medical costs, including emergency care, hospital stays, surgeries, and rehab.
- Lost wages and diminished future earning potential.
- Pain and suffering, including physical pain, mental anguish, and lifestyle limitations.
- Property damage, to cover repairs or replacement of your vehicle and belongings.
- Wrongful death, for families of those fatally injured, including funeral costs and loss of companionship.
- Punitive damages are available in cases involving gross negligence or systemic violations.
Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers has secured over $450 million for clients in personal injury and wrongful death claims, including multi-million-dollar settlements in commercial truck accident cases.
Steps to Take After a Ward Trucking Corporation Accident
- Call 911 and report the crash: Ensure law enforcement and emergency medical services are called to the scene. A police report will be vital for your case.
- Seek immediate medical care: Even if injuries are not immediately apparent, prompt care helps document the full extent of harm and establishes the crash as the cause.
- Photograph the scene and vehicles: Capture images of all vehicles involved, skid marks, road conditions, cargo spills, and your own injuries.
- Collect witness information and the truck’s DOT number: Eyewitnesses and the truck’s identification details will strengthen your claim.
- Avoid speaking to Ward Trucking’s insurance company: They may attempt to minimize your claim. Speak with your lawyer before making any statements.
- Contact an experienced truck accident lawyer: Legal representation ensures crucial evidence is preserved and deadlines are met. Early intervention increases your chances of success.
Why Hire Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers for a Ward Trucking Accident Case?
We have a proven track record of winning tough cases against freight carriers. Rosenfeld Injury Lawyers brings:
- Deep knowledge of trucking regulations and accident reconstruction;
- Experience litigating against national and regional carriers;
- Access to investigators, medical experts, and economic loss professionals;
- No legal fees unless we win your case.
Our firm is built to take on powerful companies and deliver justice for injury victims.
Get Legal Help After a Ward Trucking Corporation Accident
The aftermath of a trucking accident can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to go through it alone. Our team is ready to fight for you, investigate your case thoroughly, and help you recover every dollar you’re entitled to.
Call (888) 424-5757 or complete the online form to schedule your free consultation with a trusted Chicago truck crash attorney.
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.