18 Wheeler Attorneys
18 wheeler trucks are massive trucks that pose a huge danger for motorists on the road. Unfortunately, they are often involved in serious accidents that result in fatal injuries or even death.
Engaging a personal injury lawyer is the first step to recover monetary damages following an 18-wheeler crash. A qualified legal team will help you to build a strong case using evidence like:
Fatigue
Truckers who are fatigued are the cause of numerous 18-wheeler crashes. These accidents are usually devastating and can result in severe injuries and fatalities. Additionally, when truck drivers are fatigued they are more likely to take risks and ignore federal regulations. This could include speeding, the use of stimulants to combat fatigue, and inattention.
It is against federal law to operate a commercial motor vehicle while drowsy. Unscrupulous transport companies make unreasonable demands of truck drivers. They make them skip breaks and alter their log books. Being tired while driving can be hazardous for all drivers.
A poor diet and erratic schedules can also lead to fatigue in truck drivers. 18 wheeler accident attorney jersey city may be enticed to purchase fast food from gas stations or convenience shops which are often loaded in simple carbs and fats. This can make truckers feel sluggish. In addition, many of them have irregular sleeping patterns which make it difficult to get enough sleep. A Gretna, LA 18 wheeler lawyer can help you determine whether the fatigue of truck drivers was the cause of your crash.
Maintenance Issues
Truck drivers must meet certain requirements to operate commercial trucks, and companies and drivers must follow strict Federal regulations governing hours of service, safety inspections, and maintenance. If these rules are not followed or companies cut corners to save money on maintenance they put everyone else on the road at risk.
Large truck accidents can involve dangerous and toxic cargo, which includes dangerous materials like flammable, explosive, or radiological materials. These chemicals are transported all over America's highways. Hazmat drivers have to undergo special training to ensure that they are able to safely load and unload their loads. If they do not follow the correct procedures, or are unable manage a truck in adverse conditions, they could result in serious and fatal accidents.
Due to their size and the large blind spots, 18-wheelers need longer to stop or slow down in comparison to conventional cars. If they do not allow enough space or their brakes fail, other motorists could be injured or killed. Light defects like headlights or tail lights, emergency flashers and turn signals should all be functioning properly to ensure the safety of these vehicles.
Weight Excess
Trucks must operate under specific weight limits. If an 18-wheeler is correctly loaded, the weight limit will not exceed 80,000 pounds. Because of inattention or the desire to earn more money, some companies might violate these rules by allowing their trucks to be overloaded. This poses a risk to the safety of road users everywhere and could result in serious accidents in the case of an accident.
A loaded truck will require more distance to stop than a smaller vehicle. This can create blind spots that are unsafe for smaller vehicles. An inexperienced driver might have trouble being able to see out of these areas particularly when the truck is making a turn or changing lanes.
Depending on the circumstances there could be additional accountable parties, besides the driver of the truck or the trucking company. These could include mechanics who do not properly inspect or maintain trucks; loading crews who fail to secure cargo properly; or the transportation or shipping companies themselves that pressure drivers to meet deadlines. An experienced attorney for 18 wheelers will be able to identify these parties and examine their actions to recover damages for accident victims.
Defective Design
The severity of injuries can be high when a large truck is involved. This is due to the immense weight of these vehicles, but it also can be caused by a range of other reasons, such as malfunctioning parts or mechanical issues.
The brakes and tires can fail in 18-wheeler collisions. However, there are other problems. Incorrectly loading cargo can increase the chance of the truck colliding with or colliding with other vehicles. When these problems are not addressed by the trucking company or maintenance service providers, they could cause fatal accidents.
Our team has extensive experience in prosecuting commercial and truck cases involving defective parts and we're skilled at working with experienced engineers to prove negligence. We are dedicated to helping our clients obtain the compensation they are entitled to. We also defend justice in situations where negligent trucking firms encourage their drivers to drive recklessly by ignoring safety laws or hurrying to meet unrealistic deadlines.
Negligence
Truck accident litigation is a complicated legal process because it involves concepts from a variety of fields, including physics, chemistry, federal trucking regulations, medical, biology and driving standards as well as economics. It is crucial that the victim of a crash seeks out the assistance of an experienced lawyer. The lawyer can help the victim of a truck accident receive an equitable settlement without having to pay any upfront cash.
The lawyer is also able to deal with insurance companies and parties at fault, who might attempt to profit from the victim of a truck accident. Additionally, the attorney can help the truck accident victim make a claim conforms to New York and federal laws.
After a crash involving a truck, an attorney should immediately collect evidence, including photos and videos of the scene of the crash damaged vehicles, and structures that were involved in the accident. The attorney should also speak with witnesses, and examine the black boxes of the truck. The lawyer should also study the trucking company records, driver logbooks and other documents that can be used to prove negligence. The attorney must also decide what damages 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).