ralston 18 wheeler accident law firm Wheeler Attorneys

18-wheeler trucks are large vehicles that pose a serious hazard to other drivers on the road. Unfortunately, they are often involved in serious accidents that result in major injuries or death.

The first step towards recovering the monetary damages from an 18 wheeler accident is to hire a personal injury attorney. A legal team that is experienced will assist you in constructing solid evidence like:

Fatigue

Fatigued truck drivers are responsible for a significant percentage of 18 wheeler accidents. These accidents are usually catastrophic and result in catastrophic accidents and deaths. When truck drivers are fatigued, they are also more likely to ignore federal laws and take risks. This includes speeding, the use stimulants to combat fatigue and inattention.

Federal law restricts driving a commercial vehicle while drowsy. However, some companies place unreasonable demands on their truck drivers and push them to take breaks in between and alter logbooks. Driving while tired can be hazardous for all drivers.

The fatigue of truck drivers can be caused by a poor diet and irregular schedules. People who are fatigued may be enticed to consume fast food at gas stations or convenience stores, which are typically packed with simple carbohydrates and fats which can cause truck drivers feel tired. In addition, many of these individuals have irregular sleeping patterns that can make it difficult to get enough sleep. An attorney who is specialized in Gretna 18 wheeler accidents can help determine if the fatigue of a truck driver caused the accident.

Maintenance Issues

Truck drivers must be able to meet certain requirements to drive commercial trucks. The drivers and the companies must adhere to Federal regulations regarding hours of service, safety checks and maintenance. But, when these regulations are not adhered to, or if companies make a sloppy effort to maintain their vehicles to save money, they are putting everyone riding on the road at risk.

Large truck accidents could involve hazardous and toxic cargo, which includes hazardous materials such as flammable, explosive, or radiological materials. These chemicals are transported on all of America's roads. Hazmat drivers have to undergo special training to safely load and unload their trucks. But if they fail to adhere to the proper procedures or are unable to manage the truck in adverse weather conditions, they can cause serious and fatal accidents.

Because of their size and the massive blind spots, 18 wheelers need more time to slow down or stop than traditional cars. If they don't leave enough space, or their brakes fail, motorists could be injured or killed. To ensure the safety of the vehicles, all lights including taillights and Indianapolis 18 Wheeler Accident Attorney headlights, turn signals and emergency flashers must be functioning properly.

Excessive Weight

Trucks must adhere to certain weight limits. If an 18-wheeler is properly loaded it is not going to exceed the 80,000-pound limit. However due to negligence or a desire to earn more money, companies may break these rules and allow their trucks to become overloaded. This is a huge risk to the safety and security of all road users and could cause serious accidents in the event of an accident.

A truck that is overloaded will require more distance to stop than a smaller vehicle. This could also result in blind spots which are dangerous for smaller vehicles. Unexperienced drivers may find it difficult to see out of these areas. This is especially the case when the truck makes a turn or changes lanes.

Other parties could be also liable, based on the circumstances. This could include mechanics who fail to check or maintain trucks and loading crews that fail to secure cargo properly; or shipping and transport companies themselves. This could include mechanics who aren't properly inspecting or maintain trucks; loading crews who fail to secure cargo properly; or the transportation or shipping companies themselves who pressure drivers to meet deadlines. An experienced 18 wheeler attorney can identify these parties and look into their actions to obtain damages for accident victims.

Defective Design

When a large truck is involved in an accident, the consequences can be severe. This is due to the enormous weight of these vehicles however, it could also be caused by a range of other causes, including mechanical or mechanical problems.

Tires and brakes are two of the most frequent components that fail in 18 wheeler accidents however, there are other problems as well. Unloading cargo incorrectly can increase the risk of the truck rolling over or colliding into other vehicles. When these problems are not addressed by the trucking company or maintenance service providers, they can cause fatal accidents.

Our team has extensive experience in prosecuting commercial and truck cases that involve defective parts and we're skilled at working with experts in design engineers to prove negligence. We are committed to helping our clients obtain the compensation they are entitled to. We also defend ourselves against negligent trucking companies that encourage their drivers to engage in dangerous driving practices, like not obeying safety laws and hurrying to meet unrealistic delivery deadlines.

Negligence

Truck accident litigation is a complicated legal process because it is a mix of the concepts of a variety of fields like physics, chemistry and federal trucking regulations, medicine, biology and driving standards as well as economics. This is why it's best for a truck accident victim to consult an experienced lawyer. The lawyer can help the victim of a truck accident receive an acceptable settlement without having to pay upfront costs.

The lawyer can also handle the insurance companies and at-fault parties who might be enticed to take advantage of the truck accident victim. Additionally, the attorney can help the truck accident victim file a claim that is in line with New York and federal laws.

After a truck accident the attorney should be quick to gather evidence, including photos and videos of the scene of the crash the damage to vehicles and structures involved in the accident. The lawyer should also talk to witnesses and examine the black box of the truck. The lawyer should also look over the records of the trucking company as well as driver logbooks and other records that may demonstrate negligence. The attorney should also determine the extent of damages that can be recovered. This includes both financial losses (medical costs and repairs to property) and non-financial damage (pain and mental discomfort, and loss of enjoyment in life).