Truck accidents experts

Anyone can be a victim in an accident with a semi tractor (truck or 18-wheeler). Professionals and experts need to be involved with all aspects of the investigation of a truck accident from the beginning. There might be others liable for harm that has been caused by the accident, such as manufacturers, if it is shown that there was a design defect. If you or one of your loved ones is involved in a truck accident, causing serious injuries, a forensic investigator is needed to examine the wreck, the truck, the vehicles, and the accident scene. You need a tough team of lawyers on your side, to represent to your case against truck owners and their insurance companies. With these accidents, every minutes counts, so don't delay, and contact us. We will stand with you to make sure your rights are protected.

Semi Tractors/Trucks/18-wheelers

Semi tractors (trucks or 18-wheelers) usually have 3 axles, the front axle (known as the steer axle) having two wheels, and each of the two rear axles (known as driver) having a pair of double w heels on each side. Most of the semi tractors (trucks or 18-wheelers) only have 10 wheels. Most states have different variation of rules and regulations governing the maximum size and weight of the trucks; however, since the majority of hauling is done on the interstate highways, the vast majority of trucks and trailers made in the US are built to the specifications of the Department of Transportation (DOT), which governs the use of the interstate system.

DOT Limits on size & weight of the trucks

The DOT has established such vehicle size and weight limits in order to have uniform guidelines: 102 inches wide, 13.5 feet in height, and 80,000 lbs gross weight. DOT limits can be exceeded as individual states have the right to issue temporary oversize and/or overweight permits.

With today’s consumer expectations and high-pressure economy, where everything needs to be instant, semi tractors (trucks or 18-wheelers) drivers are under pressure to perform, and oftentimes in an attempt to save time and meet quotas, the drivers do not establish rules and regulations.

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TRUCKING COMPANIES

For these big trucking companies (including their drivers and independent operators), time is money, and when a load gets delivered faster, the company (including the drivers) makes more money. Unfortunately, in an effort to maximize profits, many semi tractors (trucks or 18-wheelers) companies are taking short cuts when it comes to proper training, safety, and following the rules and the regulations.

Sadly, a few short cuts could lead up to an accident and hardship for the victims, for those who are lucky to survive. According to the National Center for Statistics and Analysis, thousands of motorists are killed each year by semi tractors (trucks or 18-wheelers).

By nature, semi tractors (trucks or 18-wheelers) are massive and hard to maneuver, which can make for dangerous conditions while driving. Semi tractors (trucks or 18-wheelers) accidents in the United States take an enormous toll on many aspects of human life, including financial hardship, physical injuries or death, and emotional devastation.

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common causes of trucking accidents

• Unlicensed Driver
• Speeding
• Disobeying Safety Procedure
• Fatigue due to Strenuous Schedules imposed by Trucking Companies
• Motor Vehicle Inspection Failure
• Repair & Maintenance Failure
• Brake Over-heating
• Over Loading
• Failure to Yield
• DUI / DWI
• Truck Rollover
• Lack of Attention when Backing
• Brake Failure
• Tire Failure
• Trailer loads not Secured Properly
• Truck loads not Secured Properly
• Failure to Train

are you a surviving victim of a truck accident?

Surviving victims typically incur hefty medical expenses, loss of a vehicle, and lost income due to an extended recovery and rehabilitation and an inability to sustain employment. Many people need to undergo psychological counseling to cope with the mental anguish, pain and suffering caused by a traumatic accident. Thus, if you are involved in a catastrophic accident, you should retain an attorney as soon as possible so your attorney can start preparing your case to make sure you get all the compensation that you deserve.

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Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration

The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration sets out the rules and regulations for semi tractor (truck or 18-wheeler) drivers and truck companies. Specifically, Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations (FMCSRs) covers the amount of time a truck driver can drive without a break.

Is someone responsible for my injuries?

There are a lot of reasons why an investigation is performed when it comes to a semi tractor (truck or 18-wheeler) accident because every accident has a cause (untrained driver, speeding, disobeying Safety Procedure, fatigue, equipment failure, negligence, use of drugs or alcohol while driving, negligent entrustment, and much more). Every accident can be attributed to someone’s failure and negligence, and therefore, it is important to investigate an accident to find out who is really responsible for the damages caused to you and your loved ones.

What to look for if you are involved in an accident with a truck?

A semi tractor (truck or 18-wheeler) is a danger on the roadways, if there are not proper measures taken to ensure that there are no mechanical malfunctions, equipment failures, or ignoring driving regulations and guidelines.

Regulations require that semi tractors (trucks or 18-wheelers) drivers not drive more than 18 hours in a day and such regulations require time in the sleeping compartment, not napping behind the wheel. Further, such regulations require the driver to log his or her sleeping compartment time. The reality is very different. Often times, the drivers are asked to work beyond these hours and are given unreasonable guidelines for delivery. So, the driver, in order to make sure he or she gets paid, has to take shortcuts in order to meet the company’s goals and requirements.

Other than driver error, often it is the actual rig that malfunctions or fails causing the semi tractor (truck or 18-wheeler) accidents. Some of the most common failures that are known to the trucking companies are brake failure or malfunction, faulty mechanical components, and disproportioned loads.

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If equipment failure is the cause, what needs to be done?

Professionals and experts need to be involved with all aspects of the investigation from the beginning. There might be others liable for harm that has been caused by the accident, such as manufacturers, if it is shown that there was a design defect. Many manufacturers are quick to blame the accident on a blown tire, and although that might contribute to the accident, the one thing that needs to be considered is that during most accidents, tires get blown.

If you or one of your loved ones is involved in a major accident, causing serious injuries, a forensic investigator is needed to examine the wreck, the truck, the vehicles, and the accident scene.

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dealing with a trucking company or their insurance carriers after a truck accident?

Trucking companies and their insurance carriers are highly skilled when it comes to accidents. These adjustors represent the trucking company and their insurance carrier and not you. The adjustors will obtain statements and facts in order to see how they can minimize your claim in order to save money for the companies. Just remember, you should not talk or give any statements to these adjustors. Let our office help you protect your interest.

Truck companies and insurance carries dispatch their accident investigators to the scene of the crash as soon as the call comes in. So while you are tending your injuries and dealing with the aftershock, the truck and insurance companies are getting ahead to start building a defense and minimize their liability exposure.

Are Trucks (18-wheelers) required by Federal law to carry insurance?

Federal law requires commercial vehicles traveling in interstate commerce to carry $750,000.00 of insurance for bodily injury and property damage.

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