18 Wheeler Attorneys
18 wheeler trucks are massive vehicles that create a major hazard for other motorists on the road. Unfortunately, they are often involved in serious accidents that result in fatal injuries or even death.
A personal injury lawyer is the initial step to recover monetary damage from an 18-wheeler accident. A competent legal team can help build a strong case using evidence such as:
Fatigue
Truckers who are fatigued are the cause of numerous 18-wheeler crashes. These accidents are nearly always fatal and result in catastrophic injuries. In addition, when truck drivers are tired they are more likely to take risks and disregard federal regulations. These risks include driving too fast, and the use of stimulants to combat fatigue and inattention.
It is against federal law to operate commercial motor vehicles when sleepy. However, some companies make excessive demands of their truck drivers and push them to take breaks in between and alter logbooks. Being tired while driving can be risky for all drivers.
A poor diet and erratic schedules can also lead to fatigue in truck drivers. These individuals might be tempted to buy fast food at gas stations or convenience stores that are typically high in simple carbs and fats. This can cause truckers to feel sluggish. Additionally, many of them have irregular sleeping patterns which makes it difficult to get enough sleep. An attorney who is specialized in Gretna 18 wheeler accidents can help you determine whether truck driver fatigue contributed to your accident.
Maintenance Issues
Truck drivers must have certain qualifications to operate commercial trucks, and companies and drivers must follow strict Federal rules regarding hours of service, safety inspections and maintenance. However, if these regulations are not observed, or companies make a sloppy effort to maintain their vehicles to save money, they are putting everyone on the road at risk.
Large truck accidents can be involving dangerous and toxic cargo, including dangerous substances such as explosive, flammable or radiological items. These substances are transported on all of America's roads. Hazmat drivers must go through specialized training in order to safely load and deload their loads. But if they fail to follow the correct procedure or aren't able to control a truck in bad weather conditions, they can cause serious and deadly accidents.
Due to their size and large blind spots, 18-wheelers need longer to stop or slow down compared to traditional cars. Other motorists could be injured or even killed in the event that they do not leave enough space or if their brakes fail. Headlights, for example, tail lights, emergency flashers, and turn signals must all be functioning properly to ensure the safety of these vehicles.
Excessive weight
Trucks are required to operate under certain weight limits. When an 18-wheeler is properly loaded the weight limit will not exceed the weight limit of 80,000 pounds. Because of inattention or the desire to make more money, some businesses may violate these restrictions by allowing their trucks be loaded over. This poses a risk to the safety of road users everywhere and could result in serious accidents in the case of an accident.
A truck that is overloaded will require more distance to stop than a smaller vehicle. Also, it creates blind spots that could be dangerous for smaller vehicles. A driver with no experience may have a difficult time being able to see out of these areas particularly when the truck is turning or changing lanes.
Other parties may also be responsible, based on the circumstances. This could include mechanics who do not properly inspect or maintain trucks; loading crews that fail to secure cargo properly; or shipping and transport companies themselves. They could be mechanics who do not properly inspect or maintain trucks; loading crews that fail to secure cargo properly; or the shipping or transport companies themselves, which pressure drivers to meet deadlines. An experienced attorney for 18 wheelers can identify these parties and investigate their actions in order to recover compensation for victims of accidents.
Defective Design
Injuries can be severe when an enormous truck is involved. This is due in part to the huge weight of these vehicles, but it can also be caused by a number of other factors including mechanical failures or defective parts.
Brakes and tires can fail in 18-wheeler collisions. However, there are other problems. Incorrectly loading cargo can increase the chance of the truck crashing into or colliding into other vehicles. When these problems are not addressed by the trucking company or maintenance service providers, they can result in fatal wrecks.
18 wheeler accident lawyer bellingham has extensive experience in prosecuting commercial and truck cases involving defective components. We are also skilled working with design engineers to determine negligence. We are dedicated to helping our clients recover the compensation they are entitled to. We also advocate for justice in cases where negligent trucking companies encourage their drivers to drive unsafely and disregard safety regulations or trying to meet unrealistic deadlines.
Negligence
The litigation involving truck accidents is a complex legal process because it is a mix of the concepts of a variety of areas like physics, chemistry and federal trucking regulations, medical, biology driving standards, economics and. It is important that the victim of a crash seeks out an experienced attorney. The lawyer can help the victim of a crash to receive an appropriate settlement without having to invest any money upfront.
The lawyer can also take care of the insurance companies and at-fault parties who may be tempted to profit from taking advantage of the truck accident victim. The lawyer can also help victims of a collision make a claim that is in line with New York laws and federal laws.
Following a collision with a truck the attorney should immediately collect evidence such as photographs and videos of the scene of the crash the damage to vehicles and structures that were involved in the crash. The lawyer should also interview witnesses and look into the black box in the truck. The lawyer should also look over the documents of the trucking firm, driver logbooks, and other documents which can show negligence. The attorney should also determine the types of damages that are recoverable. This includes both financial losses (medical costs and repair costs for property) as well as non-financial losses (pain and mental anguish and loss of enjoyment).