Thousands of drivers are injured in commercial trucking accidents every year. While many companies follow safety standards, others repeatedly violate rules, cut costs, and keep unsafe trucks on the road. These dangerous trucking companies create real risks for families across the country.
At Orange Law, our Houston personal injury lawyer team has handled high-stakes cases against major national carriers. If you’ve been hit by a commercial truck, knowing who you’re up
against—and how they operate—can strengthen your case.
This blog breaks down:
- The top 10 most dangerous trucking companies
- Why these companies have poor safety records
- What steps to take after a crash
- How a truck accident lawyer can help protect your rights
Why Some Trucking Companies Pose a Higher Risk
Not all carriers are the same. Some repeatedly allow:
- Inadequate driver training
- Hours-of-service violations
- Poor vehicle maintenance
- Pressure to meet unrealistic delivery schedules
These shortcuts increase the chance of commercial trucking accidents, yet companies often treat citations as just another cost of doing business.
Top 10 Most Dangerous Trucking Companies in the U.S.
The list is compiled based on official data from the functions — it covers accident records, condition of the vehicles, and law violations.
1. Werner Enterprises
- Location: Omaha, Nebraska
- Crash History: 900+ in two years
- Issues: Fatigue-related accidents, spotty safety enforcement
2. Swift Transportation
- Location: Phoenix, Arizona
- Crash History: Over 1,200 crashes
- Issues: High volume of new drivers, inconsistent training
3. UPS Ground Freight Inc.
- Location: Richmond, Virginia
- Crash Count: 1,500+
- Issues: UPS’s freight division is quite risky due to speeding and tight delivery deadlines. There is so much pressure on the drivers that safety gets compromised.
4. FedEx Ground Package System
- Location: Moon Township, Pennsylvania
- Crash History: Over 1,000 crashes with injuries
- Issues: FedEx drivers chasing deadlines often engage in unsafe lane changes and aggressive driving. Pressure-driven accidents are very common.
5. J.B. Hunt Transport
- Location: Lowell, Arkansas
- Crash History: 900+ since 2022
- Issues: Overloaded trailers and poor truck maintenance further marred J.B. Hunt’s accident record.
6. CRST International
- Location: Cedar Rapids, Iowa
- Crash History: Nearly 800 collisions
- Issues: Rest breaks are not strictly enforced, which is why driver fatigue is common. Safety protocols are also the same.
7. Schneider National Carriers
- Location: Green Bay, Wisconsin
- Crash History: 850+ incidents
- Issues: Equipment failure, undertrained drivers
8. Prime Inc.
- Location: Springfield, Missouri
- Crash History: Roughly 950 wrecks
- Issues: Rushed CDL programs, frequent violations
9. Estes Express Lines
- Location: Richmond, Virginia
- Crash History: Over 750 crashes
- Issues: Hazmat violations, tire blowouts
10. YRC Freight (Yellow Corp)
- Location: Overland Park, Kansas
- Crash History: 700+ before shutdown
- Issues: Aged fleet, outdated safety protocols
Many of these dangerous trucking companies have been sued multiple times for negligence. Still, their fleets continue operating—sometimes under new branding—putting more lives at risk.
What to Do After a Commercial Truck Crash
Crashes involving 18-wheelers are legally and financially different from typical car wrecks. If you are insured, the trucking company’s insurance team can activate immediately to minimize your liability.
Here’s what to do:
- Call 911 and get emergency medical care.
- Take photos of all vehicles, road conditions, and injuries.
- Collect contact details from witnesses.
- Avoid giving statements to the company’s insurer.
- It is important to contact a Houston personal injury lawyer immediately after an accident.
In Orange Law, we know how to properly handle commercial trucking accidents. Time is also important, and most of all evidence matters.
Why Trucking Cases Are More Complex
A crash involving a commercial vehicle can involve:
- The driver
- The trucking company
- Third-party maintenance crews
- Parts manufacturers
- Freight loaders
An experienced truck accident lawyer will identify each responsible party and build a strong case under state and federal laws.
Unlike a basic fender bender, these cases often involve federal safety regulations, large insurance policies, and permanent injuries. You’ll need a car accident lawyer who knows how to investigate violations, obtain black box data, and negotiate aggressively with commercial insurers.
Why Work With a Houston Personal Injury Lawyer?
At Orange Law, our founder Karan Joshi, a seasoned Houston personal injury lawyer, takes on large trucking corporations and refuses to back down. For people who have been injured by trucking companies or careless drivers, the Orange Law has brought major compensation results.
Our services cover:
- 18-wheeler wrecks
- Commercial delivery truck crashes
- Catastrophic injury cases
- Wrongful death lawsuits
- Insurance denial disputes
If you’re facing mounting medical bills, lost work, or permanent injury, our team will fight for your full compensation while keeping you informed every step of the way.
What Compensation Can You Recover?
Each case is different, but your Houston personal injury lawyer may seek damages for:
- Hospital bills and future care
- Income loss and loss of earning ability
- Property damage
- Pain and suffering
- Funeral expenses in fatal crashes
Because commercial trucking accidents often involve severe harm, payouts are typically much higher than in standard vehicle cases. Some verdicts have reached millions, especially when a pattern of negligence is proven.
Speak to a Truck Accident Lawyer Today
If you’re looking for a trusted car accident lawyer or truck accident lawyer in Texas, Orange Law offers free consultations and no upfront fees.
- Call 713-885-9787
- Visit www.orangelaw.us
- Serving Houston, Pasadena, Katy, and all surrounding areas
We don’t get paid unless we win your case. It’s that simple. Dangerous trucking companies are a reality on America’s highways. If one of them caused your injuries, it’s not just bad luck—it’s often part of a bigger pattern. Let an experienced Houston personal injury lawyer at Orange Law hold them accountable and get you the compensation you deserve.
