Since 2022, the freight industry has been in distress. The volume of freight has declined dramatically and rates have fallen. These declines have led experts to dub this period the “Great Freight Recession.” Although there are some signs of an uptick in freight volume, recent economic uncertainty has led to several bankruptcies or closures of large trucking companies. The current uncertainty regarding tariffs is only the most recent shock to the industry.
If you are injured in a truck accident, you might wonder how the recent uncertainty can impact your case. An Atlanta truck accident lawyer with Stewart Miller Simmons Trial Attorneys explains more in this post.
Accidents Could Increase
Although fewer trucks are on the road, the number of accidents could rise for various reasons:
- Truckers feel more pressure in a recessionary environment. They know their job is on the line, so they might speed or drive aggressively to reach their destination. To meet tight deadlines, they could drive all night and become exhausted behind the wheel. Accidents are more likely to occur when truckers are tired.
- Trucking companies might delay maintenance on their vehicles. Any maintenance is costly, and companies experiencing financial distress will hoard cash. A truck in need of service could crash because of a malfunctioning part or worn tires.
- Trucking companies could rely on less experienced truckers. To keep costs low, trucking companies might hire drivers with less experience. Unfortunately, the risks of an accident increase when the trucker is unfamiliar with long hauling.
- Truckers turn to drugs or alcohol to deal with stress. Job worries can take an emotional toll on anyone. Some truckers will turn to chemicals to provide comfort, but they can also drive impaired.
Reach out to Stewart Miller Simmons Trial Attorneys to speak with our Atlanta truck accident attorney about your crash. Our firm believes that an aggressive approach makes sense for truck accident cases. Large companies are zealous in defending themselves and will use the occasional underhanded tactic to gain an edge.
Trucking Companies Might Deny More Claims
The freight industry is in crisis. Profit margins have collapsed. Although the transportation industry entered 2025 on an optimistic note, the first six months of the year have been just as bad as 2024. According to Freight Waves, long-haul truckload demand has fallen 25%.
Even in the best of economic climates, trucking companies do not like to pay large settlements. Although their insurer is likely to pay a settlement, the company will end up paying higher premiums if they are liable for a crash. That simply cuts into their profits. When an economic crisis hits, they are even less likely to agree to a fair settlement because they don’t have the funds.
We can expect trucking companies and their insurers to fight tooth and nail to avoid paying compensation. Injured victims can expect their own actions before the crash to fall under the magnifying glass. In Georgia, an accident victim who is 50% or more liable will not receive any compensation. We anticipate trucking companies to more aggressively push responsibility for the accident onto victims. You need a lawyer who knows how to respond.
The Trucking Company Might Be Bankrupt or Closed
More trucking companies are going out of business as their executives realize there is no way to return to profitability. Since the end of 2024, closures and bankruptcies have continued to rise:
- Kal Freight in Arlington, Texas filed for bankruptcy in December 2024. The company had 580 trucks and more than 600 drivers at the time it filed for Chapter 11 protection.
- Balkan Express, located in Fort Worth, filed for bankruptcy protection in April 2025. They had around 160 trucks as part of their fleet.
- In June 2025, Carroll Fulmer Logistics Corporation out of Groveland, Florida shut down. They had over 400 trucks and 1,700 trailers.
- Indian Creek Express out of Pierce, Colorado filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in July 2025. The company operated 43 trucks.
- Also in July 2025, Daniel Trucking International submitted Chapter 11 paperwork. The company had nearly 60 trucks at the time.
More bankruptcies and closures could be on the horizon, with freight volumes stuck at low levels. Profit margins continue to shrink, and some companies are stretched too thin to take on additional debt.
If you are hurt in a truck accident, the company that owns the truck might be bankrupt or shut down. You need to move quickly to protect your right to compensation. It is sometimes possible to still receive compensation, but you must have your file claimed in a timely manner. Let us review the facts.
You Need an Experienced Attorney in Your Corner
Regardless of the health of the transportation industry, injured victims deserve compensation when they are hurt in collisions with big trucks. If a negligent trucker is to blame, you should receive damages for your:
- Vehicle damage—Your car or SUV will need to be fixed.
- Medical treatment—Big rigs cause major injuries which require expensive treatment.
- Wage loss—Injured motorists usually need to take time off work.
- Pain and suffering, along with mental distress—Serious injuries cause pain and impact a person’s mental health. You deserve compensation for these non-economic losses.
Hire a law firm which understands how a challenging economic climate will impact your case. We can negotiate with an eye toward fair compensation as part of a settlement. We might also need to file a lawsuit to obtain any compensation.
Speak with an Atlanta Truck Accident Lawyer Today
Were you injured in a collision involving a truck? Accident victims have a short window of time to vindicate their rights and seek compensation from the trucking company. Our legal team has secured favorable settlements for many of our clients injured in different types of collisions. We can also file a lawsuit against a defendant and demand fair compensation in the process. We can also negotiate with a trucking company or gear up for a trial in court. Contact Stewart Miler Simmons Trial Attorneys today to schedule a time to meet by reaching out to (404) 529-3476.