18 Wheeler Attorneys
18-wheeler trucks are huge vehicles that pose a serious risk to other motorists on the road. Sadly, they are frequently involved in serious accidents which result in major injuries or death.
The first step to recovering the monetary damages from an 18-wheeler collision is to hire an attorney who specializes in personal injury. A legal team that is experienced will help you to build an evidence-based case, using facts such as:
Fatigue
Truckers who are fatigued are the cause of many 18-wheeler accident. These accidents are nearly always fatal and can cause severe injuries. When truck drivers are tired they are more likely to ignore federal regulations and take risks. These risks can include speeding, the use of stimulants to combat fatigue, and inattention.
It is illegal to operate a commercial motor vehicle while drowsy. Unscrupulous transport companies place unreasonable demands on truck drivers. They require them to miss breaks and falsify their log books. Driving while tired can be dangerous for everyone driving.
Inconsistent schedules and poor nutrition can also result in fatigue for truck drivers. They may be enticed to consume fast food at gas stations or convenience stores that are typically high in fat and simple carbohydrates which can cause truck drivers feel tired. Many of them suffer from irregular sleep patterns, making it difficult for them to get enough rest. A Gretna, LA 18 wheeler attorney can assist you in determining if truck driver fatigue was the cause of your crash.
Maintenance Issues
Truck drivers must meet certain qualifications in order to operate commercial trucks. The drivers and the companies must adhere to Federal regulations on hours of service, safety inspections, and maintenance. However, when these laws are ignored, or when companies make a sloppy effort to maintain their vehicles to save money, they are putting everyone riding on the road at risk.
Large truck accidents could involve hazardous and toxic cargo, which includes hazardous materials such as flammable, explosive, or radiological substances. These substances are transported across America's roads. Hazmat drivers need to undergo specialized training in order to safely load and unload their loads. If they don't adhere to the proper procedures or are not able to manage a truck under poor conditions, they could result in fatal and serious accidents.
Due to their size and huge blind spots, 18-wheelers need longer to slow down or stop compared to traditional cars. If they do not allow enough space, or if their brakes fail, others could be injured or killed. To ensure the safety of these vehicles, all lighting including taillights and headlights, emergency flashers, turn signals, and so on must function correctly.
Excessive weight
Trucks have to adhere to specific weight limits. If an 18-wheeler is properly loaded, the weight limit will not exceed 80,000 pounds. Due to inattention or a desire to earn more money, some businesses might break these restrictions by allowing their trucks be overloaded. This poses a significant risk to the safety of all road users and can cause severe accidents in the event of a collision.
A vehicle that is overloaded will require more room to stop compared to smaller vehicles. Also, it creates blind spots that can be dangerous to smaller vehicles. A driver with no experience may have difficulty being able to see out of these areas, especially when the truck is making a turn or changing lanes.
Other parties could also be liable, depending on the specific circumstances. This could include mechanics that fail to properly check or maintain trucks; loading crews that fail to properly secure cargo or transport and shipping companies themselves. These could include mechanics who do not properly inspect or service trucks, loading crews that do not secure cargo correctly and shipping or transport companies that pressure drivers to meet deadlines. An experienced 18 wheeler attorney can identify these parties and investigate their actions in order to recover damages for accident victims.
18 wheeler accident law firm wilmington can be severe when the truck is large. The weight of these trucks is a major factor but other factors may also contribute to this like defective parts or mechanical malfunctions.
The brakes and tires are two of the most commonly used components that fail in 18 wheeler accidents However, there are other issues to consider. For example cargo that is not properly loaded could place the truck at a higher risk of rolling over or collision with other vehicles on the road. If these issues aren't addressed by the trucking companies or maintenance service providers, they could result in fatal accidents.
Our team has a wealth of experience prosecuting commercial and truck cases involving defective parts. We are also adept in working with design engineers to determine negligent conduct. We are committed to helping our clients obtain the compensation they deserve. We also fight for justice against negligent trucking firms that encourage their drivers to engage in unsafe driving habits, like ignoring safety laws and rushing to meet unrealistic delivery deadlines.
Negligence
Truck accident litigation is a tangled legal process because it involves the concepts of a variety of fields like physics, chemistry as well as federal trucking regulations medical, biology and driving standards as well as economics. This is the reason why it is best for a truck accident victim to seek help from an experienced lawyer. The lawyer can help the truck crash victim get a fair settlement without having to spend any upfront money.
The lawyer can also deal with the insurance companies and at-fault parties that may be tempted to take advantage of the victim of a car accident. The lawyer can also assist the victims of a truck accident submit a claim in accordance with New York laws and federal laws.
Following a collision with a truck An attorney must immediately collect evidence, including photos and videos of the scene as well as damage to vehicles and structures involved in the crash. The lawyer should also speak with witnesses and inspect the black box on the truck. The attorney should also examine the documents of the trucking firm as well as driver logbooks and other documents that may be used to prove negligence. The attorney should also determine the damages that are recoverable. These include both financial losses (medical bills and property repair costs) and non-financial loss (pain and suffering, mental anguish, and loss of enjoyment of life).