18 Wheeler Accident Attorney
18 Wheeler Accident FAQ's
How Common Are 18 wheeler Accident Fatalities?
Roughly 5000 people die on America's roads each year because from being involved in an accident with an 18-wheeler. According to CRASH, 5,190 people died from 18 wheeler accidents in 2004.
What About Serious Injuries?
Injuries from 18 wheeler accidents are estimated at approximately 131,000.
What Causes Most 18 Wheeler Accidents?
Many factors can play into an 18 wheeler accident. All of these issues need to be looked at and discovered by an 18 wheeler accident attorney in order to determine the proper action. The following are some of the more common reasons for an 18 wheeler accident:
- Driver fatigue
- Proper driving training and experience
- Use of drugs and alcohol by the truck driver
- Improper maintenance of the truck and not thoroughly checking all critical parts and unsafe equipment can be factors.
- Size, weight and loading of trucks
- Lack of adherence to trucking industry regulations
- Accident, road conditions, reckless driving, speeding, and improper reactions to a situation may be a cause or a factor
Why Are 18 Wheeler Accidents So Much Worse Than Car Accidents?
When an 18 wheeler hits a regular vehicle, 80,000 pounds of force and steel are brought to bear against a 3000-5000 vehicle that is much smaller and weaker. It is no wonder that injuries from 18 wheeler accidents are severe and fatalities often result.
Who Makes The Laws For 18 Wheeler Drivers and Truck Companies?
Trucking is a highly regulated industry. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) (www.fmcsa.dot.gov) is the federal agency in charge of these regulations. There are hundreds of rules and regulations, which can be viewed on their site. Often states also have laws regulating 18-wheelers. All are intended to protect motorists from the dangers of so many large trucks on our nation's highways and roads, but thousands of tractor-trailer accidents still happen each year.
Are All Semis Insured?
Trucking companies are required to carry insurance based on the size of the truck, the weight of the truck, the distance the truck will be traveling (local or long distance) and specific risk factors for different kinds of contents being carried.
If I'm In A Truck Accident, Should I Accept a Settlement From Their Insurance Company?
Please see What To Do If You're Involved In A Truck Accident before talking to anyone from the truck company trying to settle a claim with you. They only have the interests of their own client in mind, no matter how nice they seem to be. Please seek professional counsel from an experienced 18 wheeler accident attorney before doing anything.
If I've Been In A Truck Accident, How Much Time Do I Have to File A Claim?
The "Statute of Limitation" in your state will tell you the time limit in which you must file your claim or lose your rights. However, the sooner the better because critical evidence can be lost or covered up by the trucking company or driver if you wait too long. For example, the driver's log will show whether he or she has violated regulations and been driving more than the hours that regulations allow - but that log can easily disappear after a few months.
How Will I Know the Amount of Money To Ask For Or What I'm Entitled To?
Here is where hiring an attorney to represent you, protect you, and look out for your best interests in the wisest thing you can do. An experienced 18 wheeler accident attorney will know the different types of damages you're entitled to such as past, present and future medical expenses; past, present and future lost wages; physical pain and suffering; emotional pain and suffering; compensation for your family; loss of life quality; and wrongful death. You may be entitled to all of these forms of compensation, but each requires sophisticated proof, which is why you want to have the best representation possible.
How Much Will It Cost Me To Hire A Truck Accident Lawyer?
At Levin Papantonio Thomas Mitchell Echsner & Proctor, we will take your case on a contingency fee basis, which means you will not be charged any fee until we collect money on your behalf.
