18 Wheeler Attorneys

18-wheeler trucks are large vehicles that pose a serious danger to other motorists on the road. However, they are frequently involved in serious accidents which result in serious injuries or even death.

The first step towards recovering the monetary damages from an 18 wheeler accident is to engage a personal injury attorney. A competent legal team can help build a strong case by relying on evidence like:

Fatigue

Fatigued truck drivers are the reason for a significant portion of 18 wheeler accidents. These accidents are nearly always fatal and result in catastrophic injuries. When truck drivers are fatigued they are more likely to ignore federal laws and take risks. This includes speeding, utilizing stimulants to combat fatigue, and inattention.

It is against federal law to operate commercial motor vehicles while drowsy. However, unscrupulous transport companies place unreasonable demands on their truck drivers and force them to take breaks in between and falsify logbooks. Being tired while driving can be dangerous for all motorists.

A poor diet and erratic schedules can also cause fatigue in truck drivers. Some people are enticed to take a quick bite at gas stations or convenience stores which are usually high in simple carbohydrates and fats, which can make truck drivers feel fatigued. In addition, many of them are on irregular sleep schedules that can make it difficult to get enough rest. An attorney with expertise in Gretna 18 wheeler accidents can help determine whether truck driver fatigue caused the accident.

Maintenance Issues

Truck drivers must meet certain requirements to drive commercial trucks. Companies and drivers must follow strict Federal regulations governing hours of service, safety inspections and maintenance. However, when these laws are not observed, or companies cut corners on maintenance to save money, they are putting everyone on the road at risk.

Large truck accidents may involve dangerous and toxic cargo, including hazardous substances like explosive, flammable, or radiological materials. These chemicals are transported across America's roads. Hazmat drivers need to undergo specialized training to be able to safely load and deload their loads. If they fail to follow the correct procedures or are not able to handle the truck in adverse weather conditions, they could cause serious and fatal accidents.

Due due to their size as well as the huge blind spots, 18 Wheeler Accident Lawsuits-wheelers take longer to slow down or stop as compared to cars of the traditional type. If they fail to leave enough room, or their brakes fail, other motorists could be injured or killed. To ensure the safety of these vehicles, all light sources including taillights and headlights, emergency flashers, and turn signals must function properly.

Weight Excess

Trucks are required to operate under certain weight limits. When an 18 wheeler accident law firms-wheeler has been properly loaded the weight limit will not exceed 80,000 pounds. However because of negligence or a desire to make more money, companies may break these rules and allow their trucks to get overloaded. This is a huge risk for the safety of all road users and could cause serious accidents in the case of a collision.

A vehicle that is loaded will require more space to stop than a smaller vehicle. This can also create blind spots, which can be dangerous for vehicles with smaller sized wheels. An inexperienced driver may have difficulty getting out of these areas especially when the truck is turning or changing lanes.

In the event of an incident depending on the circumstances, there could be other responsible parties, in addition to the truck driver or the trucking company. These could include mechanics who fail to properly inspect or maintain trucks; loading crews that fail to properly secure cargo; or the shipping or transport companies themselves that pressure drivers to meet deadlines. An experienced lawyer who is skilled in 18 wheeler accidents can identify these parties, investigate their actions and recover damages on behalf of the victims.

Defective Design

The severity of injuries can be high when a large truck is involved. This is due to the immense mass of these vehicles, however, it could also result from a variety of other causes, including malfunctioning parts or mechanical issues.

Tires and brakes are some of the most commonly used components that fail in 18 wheeler accidents There are other problems as well. Unloading cargo improperly could increase the chance of the truck crashing into or colliding with other vehicles. If these issues aren't dealt with by the trucking companies or maintenance service providers, they could lead to fatal accidents.

Our team is experienced in prosecuting commercial and truck cases involving defective components. We are also adept in working with engineers who design the parts to establish negligence. We are committed in helping our clients receive the justice they are entitled to. We also fight for justice in cases where negligent trucking companies encourage their drivers to drive unsafely, ignoring safety laws or trying to meet unrealistic deadlines.

Negligence

The litigation involving truck accidents is a complex legal process due to the fact that it requires concepts from a variety of fields, including physics, chemistry and federal trucking regulations, medical, biology, driving standards and economics. It is essential that a truck accident victim seeks the help of an experienced lawyer. The lawyer can assist victims of accidents on the road to receive a fair settlement, without the need to pay any up front money.

The lawyer can also deal with the insurance companies and at-fault parties who may be tempted to profit from taking advantage of the truck accident victim. The attorney can also help victims of accidents with trucks submit a claim in accordance with New York laws and federal laws.

After a car crash, an attorney must act immediately to gather evidence, including photographs and videos of the crash scene and the damage to vehicles and the structures involved in the accidents. The lawyer should also speak with witnesses and look over the truck's black box. The attorney should also analyze the trucking company records, driver logbooks and other documents that can be used to prove negligence. The attorney should also determine the extent of damages that can be recovered. These include both financial losses (medical bills and repair costs to the property) and non-financial damages (pain and suffering, mental anguish and loss of enjoyment).