18 Wheeler Attorneys
18-wheeler trucks are huge vehicles that pose a huge danger to other motorists on the road. They are, unfortunately, frequently involved in serious accidents that cause major injuries or death.
Hiring a personal injury lawyer is the first step to recover monetary damages following an 18-wheeler crash. A legal team with experience can help you build a strong case using evidence such as:
Fatigue
Fatigued truck drivers are the reason for a large portion of 18 wheeler collisions. These accidents are nearly always fatal and cause catastrophic injuries. In addition when truck drivers are fatigued they are more likely to be reckless and disregard federal regulations. This could include speeding or the use of stimulants to combat fatigue and inattention.
It is against federal law to operate commercial motor vehicles while asleep. However, untrustworthy transportation companies put excessive demands on their truck drivers and force them to miss breaks and alter log books. Being tired while driving is dangerous for every driver on the road.
Inconsistent schedules and poor nutrition can also result in fatigue for truck drivers. Some people are enticed to consume fast food at gas stations or convenience stores which are often high in fat and simple carbohydrates that can make truck drivers feel fatigued. Many of these individuals also have irregular sleep patterns making it difficult for them to get enough rest. A Gretna, LA 18 wheeler lawyer can assist you in determining if truck driver fatigue was the cause of your crash.
Maintenance Issues
Truck drivers are required to meet certain qualifications in order to operate commercial trucks. Companies and drivers must also adhere to Federal regulations on hours of service, safety checks, and maintenance. If these rules are not followed or companies cut corners to save money on maintenance the rest of us on the road at risk.
hazardous materials, like explosives, flammables and radiological items, are involved in truck accidents involving large trucks. These chemicals are transported across all of America's roads. Hazmat drivers are required to undergo special training to safely load and unload their trucks. If they fail to follow the correct procedure or are not able to manage a truck under poor conditions, they could result in serious and fatal accidents.
Because of their size and huge blind spots, 18 wheelers need more time to slow or stop than traditional cars do. If they don't leave enough space or their brakes fail, others could be injured or killed. To ensure the safety of these vehicles, all light sources including taillights and headlights, emergency flashers, turn signals, and so on should be working properly.
Excessive weight
Trucks must adhere to specific weight limits. If an 18-wheeler is properly loaded, it won't exceed the limit of 80,000 pounds. 18 wheeler accident law firm montana to inattention or a desire to earn more money, some businesses may violate these restrictions by allowing their trucks be loaded over. This poses a significant risk to the safety of everyone on the road and could cause serious accidents in the case of an accident.
A vehicle that is loaded requires more space to stop compared to smaller vehicles. This can create blind spots that are unsafe for smaller vehicles. A driver who is inexperienced might find it difficult to navigate around these areas. This is especially the case when the truck makes an turn or changes lanes.
In the event of an incident depending on the circumstances, there could be other responsible parties besides the truck driver or trucking company. These could include mechanics who improperly inspect or service trucks, loading crews who fail to secure cargo correctly and transport or shipping companies that pressure drivers to meet deadlines. An experienced 18 wheeler attorney can identify these parties and investigate their actions to recover damages for victims of accidents.
Defective Design
When a large truck is involved in an accident, the injuries can be catastrophic. The weight of these trucks is a significant factor however other factors can also be involved, such as defective parts or mechanical failures.
Brakes and tires are two of the most commonly used components that fail in 18 wheeler accidents, but there are other issues to consider. For instance cargo that isn't properly loaded could place the truck at greater risk of rolling over or colliding with other vehicles on the road. If these problems aren't addressed by the trucking companies or maintenance service providers they could cause fatal accidents.
Our team has extensive experience prosecuting commercial and truck cases involving defective parts. We also have experience in working with design engineers to determine negligent conduct. We are committed to helping our clients get the compensation they are entitled to. We also defend justice in situations where negligent trucking firms encourage their drivers to drive dangerously while ignoring safety rules or hurrying to meet unrealistic deadlines.
Negligence
Truck accident litigation is a complex legal process because it involves the concepts of a variety of fields such as chemistry, physics, federal trucking regulations, medical, biology, driving standards and economics. This is the reason why it is the best option for a victim to consult an experienced attorney. The lawyer can help the victim of a truck accident receive an equitable settlement without needing to invest any money upfront.
The lawyer can also handle the insurance companies and at-fault parties that might be enticed to take advantage of the truck accident victim. Additionally, the lawyer can help the truck accident victim submit a claim in accordance with New York and federal laws.
After a crash involving a truck the attorney should immediately collect evidence, including photos and videos of the site of the crash, damage to vehicles and structures involved in the crash. The attorney should also talk to witnesses and look into the black box inside the truck. The lawyer should also study the trucking company records such as driver logbooks, driver's logbooks and other documents that could be used to prove negligence. The attorney should also identify the types of damages that can be recovered. This includes both financial losses (medical costs and repair costs for property) and non-financial damages (pain and anxiety, mental stress and loss of enjoyment in life).