When you’re involved in a collision with an 18-wheeler or other large commercial truck, the consequences can be severe. The immense size and weight of these trucks creates a dangerous situation for the people inside smaller vehicles that share the road with them, often resulting in serious injuries or death and substantial property damage. If you’ve been injured in an accident involving a large truck, an experienced 18-wheeler accident lawyer can help you get the compensation you deserve.
There are many factors that can contribute to an 18-wheeler accident, including improper driver training, drug and alcohol abuse, lack of sleep, and poor cargo loading. An experienced New York truck accident attorney can examine the evidence and determine if any of these or other issues caused your wreck.
The federal laws governing the operation of large trucks are complicated and extensive. Truck drivers, their employers, and trucking companies must adhere to strict FMCSA regulations that govern everything from the hours of service rules to inspection and maintenance requirements. If any of these rules were violated and the crash occurred as a result, the trucking company could be held responsible for your accident.
Driver Fatigue
One of the most common causes of accidents involving 18-wheelers is driver fatigue. Long haul truckers can be on the road for days on end without adequate rest and can become exhausted and disoriented while driving. This can lead to erratic driving and loss of control of the vehicle. The specialized skills required to operate an 18-wheeler make it even more important for the driver to stay awake and alert.
Insufficient Vehicle Maintenance
Large trucks require high levels of routine and systematic maintenance to function properly. Failure to perform these tasks or keep detailed inspection records can result in fatal traffic accidents.
Weather-Related Accidents
Bad weather can cause 18-wheeler crashes by making it difficult for the truck to maintain control and stay in its lane of travel. This can be due to water on the roadway, rain, fog, or other weather conditions. Whether the truck hydroplanes, changes lanes unnecessarily, or slides into other cars, these kinds of accidents can be devastating for the victims.
Brain Injury
Traumatic brain injury (TBI) and concussion are common outcomes of 18 wheeler accidents. The force of the collision and the jostling of the cab can send the driver or passengers through the windshield and into the headrest, causing these types of injuries.
The medical care and expenses associated with these kinds of injuries can be costly. An experienced 18-wheeler accident lawyer can level the playing field with the insurance companies and make sure you receive the compensation you need to recover.
If you’ve been injured in an accident with a large truck, don’t speak to the insurance company until you have spoken with an experienced lawyer. A New York truck accident attorney can take on the insurance companies and their team of attorneys so that you don’t have to deal with them.