Accidents involving semi-trucks and other types of commercial vehicles can be very complex to investigate because of the rules and regulations governing commercial operators and Interstate-trucking. For this reason, and because the trucking company and insurance company will most likely have their insurance representatives at the scene immediately, it is very important to start protecting yourself right away.
Because of the serious injuries associated with highway truck crashes – such as fractures, paralysis, brain injuries and even death – the truck insurance companies will involve their lawyers and investigators at a very early stage. An injured victim should protect their rights by doing the same. More often than not, the transport vehicle is owned by a corporation, which means that they’re going to have a staff of lawyers on their side as well who are going to fight hard for them.
Semi-Truck accident lawyers understand that truck drivers and trucking companies frequently disregard FMCSA regulations in order to cut costs. The financial pressures to deliver the goods on time can be huge. It isn’t uncommon for companies to lose $600,000 for every hour a shipment is late!
Semi tractor trailer accidents can be even more costly in terms of lives and money. 18-Wheeler accident attorneys represent victims of all types of truck accidents, including those involving:
- Driver fatigue and long hours
- Speeding
- DUI/DWI drunk driving
- Drug abuse or impaired driving
- Poor, insufficient or improper maintenance
- Improper loading
- Driver errors
- Worn or defective brakes
- Worn or defective tires
- Unrealistic delivery schedules
- Improper training
- Jackknifing
- Unlicensed drivers
- Failure to install under-ride protection
- Aggressive driving
- Speeding
- Violations of safety regulations and maintenance standards
- Other causes
Truck drivers are most often paid by the mile. The result of this type of compensation is the creation of a direct conflict between safety and profit. The more miles a driver accumulates, the more he or she makes. This commonly results in drivers operating over the Hours of Service (HOS) limitations set forth in Section 395 of Title 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations. A truck driver is not permitted to drive a tractor-trailer for more than 11 hours following 10 consecutive hours off duty (Eleven Hour Rule). Commercial trucking companies will be held liable for their driver’s failure to strictly obey the Hours of Service rules promulgated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration.
Jack-knife semi-truck accidents can lead to catastrophic injuries and wrongful death, so it’s very important to make sure that you drive carefully around semi-trucks so as to hopefully avoid a jack-knife truck accident.
The realities of the U.S. trucking industry include a relentless push for speed and profit. This leads many companies and drivers to cut corners on safety. All too often, the price is paid by individuals and families who suffer life-changing consequences — including brain injury, spinal cord injuries, and loved ones lost forever. If you or a loved one has suffered serious injuries resulting from a big rig crash or truck underride accident, know that you are not alone.
A large percentage of the six million auto accidents that occur in the U.S. every year is comprised of accidents involving semi trucks. These truck accidents have the capacity to cause substantial injury and damage to other motorists and their vehicles, due mainly to the significant size advantage semis have over other cars and trucks on the road.
The best personal injury lawyers take the time to thoroughly investigate your truck accident case. From seeking out maintenance logs, the truck driver’s driving record and history, and inspection reports, their firm gathers all of the necessary information to begin structuring your personal injury case.
