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18 Wheeler Accident Lawyer

Every day, millions of Americans hit the highways to travel to work, go on vacation, or simply to run errands. Interstate highways are the backbone of the country’s transportation system, connecting cities and towns across the nation. However, sharing the road with large trucks can be dangerous. Truck accidents often result in serious injuries or even fatalities, due to the sheer size and weight of these vehicles. In 2016, large trucks were involved in 4,213 fatal crashes, representing a 28% increase from the previous year.

18-wheeler trucks and other heavy commercial vehicles are used by businesses to make money. That means the companies that own them want the trucks on the road so shipments can be delivered fast. Indeed, many trucking companies place more importance on speed than safety. This can expose other motorists to unnecessary dangers. When this negligence (or recklessness) results in a truck crash, trucking companies and their insurance carriers are quick to deny responsibility. As 18 wheeler accident lawyers who handle these cases frequently, we often see these companies take immediate steps to minimize the value of claims submitted by injured parties and their families. This is why it is always best to have an experience lawyer in the matter who will help navigate the ins and out of our legal system.

Experienced 18 Wheeler Accident Lawyer Who Puts You On Even Footing With Large Companies

18-wheelers and other heavy commercial vehicles are undeniably massive. Thus, while any automobile accident could potentially lead to injuries, collisions with these rigs tend to be incredibly serious. Indeed, when a car and an 18-wheeler collide, the injuries can be disastrous and – in many cases – life changing for you and your family. In these situations, you will need an 18 wheeler accident lawyer who can quickly evaluate the facts of your truck accident case, establish the relative fault of the parties, uncover the full scope of your damages, and effectively communicate all of those facts to a jury.

When a large trucking company causes an accident, it can be difficult to find an experienced truck accident lawyer who is willing to take your case on a contingency basis. This is because the attorneys know that they are likely to lose against big businesses. However, there may be hope for those seeking justice. Some law firms, like Harrison Davis, specialize in taking on these cases, and may be more likely to work on a contingency basis. If you have been injured in an accident involving a large truck, it is important to seek legal help as soon as possible. The attorneys at Harrison Davis will be able to advise you on your best course of action and help you get the compensation you deserve.

Harrison Davis is a law firm comprised of experienced trial lawyers who have guided scores of clients through complex 18-wheeler and heavy commercial vehicle accident cases. Our 18 wheeler accident lawyers fight vigorously to protect the rights of our clients so they do not have to battle the army of lawyers the other party’s insurance company undoubtedly has at its disposal.

Causes Of Truck Accidents

Every year, tens of thousands of people are hurt in accidents involving truck driver negligence. According to the National Center for Statistics and Analysis (NCSA), 18-wheelers and other large commercial vehicles are responsible for 12% of all traffic fatalities, killing nearly 5,000 people each year. 18-wheeler accidents that result in severe injuries or death of the accident victims are often caused by:

There are many reasons why trucks crash on the roads. Some of the most common causes of truck accidents include:

  • Poorly maintained vehicles: Commercial trucks that are not regularly serviced and maintained are more likely to experience mechanical problems that can lead to crashes and catastrophic injuries.
  • Inclement weather: Bad weather conditions such as heavy rain, snow or ice can make it difficult for commercial truck drivers to see the road and maintain control of their vehicles.
  • Speeding: Driving too fast for the conditions is one of the leading causes of truck crashes or truck collisions with passenger cars.
  • Fatigue: Truck drivers often work long hours and may be tempted to push through despite being tired. This is a common practice in the trucking industry and can lead to truck drivers making mistakes or falling asleep at the wheel.
  • Distractions: Using a mobile phone, eating or drinking while driving, and other distractions can take a truck driver’s attention away from the road and lead to a massive truck accident.
  • Poorly loaded trucks: If a truck is not loaded correctly, it can be difficult to control and may even tip over. This is especially dangerous if the load is not secured properly.
  • Road hazards: Potholes, debris, and other road hazards can cause truck drivers to lose control of their vehicles, resulting in a truck accident.
  • Overscheduling: In the United States, truck drivers are required to keep logs of their hours on the road. These logs help ensure that drivers do not spend too many hours behind the wheel in a given day, which can lead to fatigue and an increased risk of truck accidents. However, a recent study has found that truck drivers may be overscheduling themselves, leading to an increase in truck crashes.
  • Drunk Driving: Almost a third of all fatal truck accidents in the United States are caused by drunk drivers. Despite campaigns by Texas law enforcement and safety advocates to educate people about the dangers of drinking and driving, this remains a serious problem on our nation’s roads.
  • Fire & Explosions: There are several factors that contribute to the high number of truck fire and explosion fatalities. First, trucks are usually carrying flammable or combustible materials, which increases the risk of fire. Second, trucks are often traveling at high speeds; when caught on fire, trucks pose a serious threat to other vehicles on the road.
  • Failure to check blind spots before merging: Merging into traffic is always a dangerous maneuver, but when you’re driving a large truck, it can be even more perilous. Truck drivers need to take special care to check their blind spots before merging in order to avoid trucking accidents. Sadly, many truck accident cases occur due to driver error, often as the result of not checking blind spots properly. These crashes can have devastating consequences for everyone involved. By understanding the causes of truck crashes and taking steps to avoid them, we can help keep our roads safe and avoid serious injuries.
  • Changing lanes without signaling: One of the most common causes of truck accidents is when a truck driver changes lanes without signaling. This can be extremely dangerous, as it can cause other drivers to make sudden movements, which can result in a collision. In addition, failing to signal before changing lanes can also lead to citations from law enforcement. If you are involved in a truck accident that was caused by another driver’s negligence, it is important to speak with an experienced attorney about your options.

Whatever be the cause of your 18-wheeler accident, it can be a tough battle to fight on your own. In that case, you need expert representation in court to create a level playing field and fight your case from a position of knowledge and power. Harrison Davis – one of the best truck accident lawyers – is here to provide you with the representation needed to obtain full and fair compensation for your loss.

Contact An Experienced Texas 18 Wheeler Truck Accident Lawyer Today!
Call us at 800-460-2756, or contact us online, to arrange a free consultation and receive the answers you need following an accident involving an 18-wheeler. We will help you understand the legal process for filing a claim, provide you with straightforward advice about your case and your likelihood of success, and address all other questions that you may have.

FAQs

Q: Why are truck accidents more serious than other vehicle accidents?

A: Truck accidents are often more serious than other types of car accidents. This is because trucks are much larger and heavier than other vehicles on the road, and they can cause a lot of damage when they collide with smaller cars. Additionally, truck drivers often work long hours and may be tired when they get behind the wheel. This can lead to them making mistakes that can cause accidents. And finally, trucks often carry hazardous materials that can leak out and cause injuries if there is an accident. For all these reasons, truck accident injuries are often more severe than those from other types of car accidents.

Q: Does the truck driver bear any liability in case a truck jackknifes?

A: Truck jackknifes are one of the most dangerous accidents that can occur on the road. They often involve multiple vehicles and can result in serious injuries or even fatalities. Despite the risks, there is no liability on the trucker if a truck jackknifes. This is because trucks are not required to have insurance in case of an accident. The only time a trucker may be held liable for an accident is if it can be proven that the accident was caused by negligence on the part of the trucker. In other words, if the trucker was driving recklessly or failed to maintain their vehicle properly, they could be held liable for any resulting accidents. However, in the vast majority of cases, there is no liability on the trucker if a truck jackknifes.

Q: What if I’m at fault for the 18-wheeler accident? Can I recover anything?

A: Even if you are at fault for the truck accident, you may still be able to recover damages. The first step is to determine whether the other driver was also at fault. If the other driver was entirely at fault, then you will likely be able to recover your damages from that driver’s insurance company. However, if both you and the other driver were at fault, then you will need to file a claim with your own insurance company. Your insurance company will then pay for your damages up to your policy limit. If your damages exceed your policy limit, you may be able to sue the other driver for the additional amount. However, if you are found to be more than 50% at fault for the accident, you will likely not be able to recover anything from the other driver.

Q: How much compensation can I receive in a truck accident?

A: After being involved in a truck accident, you may be wondering how much you can receive in damages. The answer will depend on the specific facts of your case, but there are a few general principles that will apply. First, the number of damages you can recover will be limited by your own insurance policy. If you have uninsured/underinsured motorist coverage, you may be able to recover additional damages from your own insurance company. Second, the court will consider the nature and extent of your injuries when determining the number of damages you can recover. If you have suffered serious injuries, you may be entitled to compensatory damages for pain and suffering, as well as punitive damages if the other party was acting recklessly. Finally, the court will also take into account any property damage that occurred as a result of the accident. If you have been involved in a truck accident, it is important to speak with an experienced attorney who can help you understand your rights and options.

Q: Are there lawyers who have specific expertise in truck accident lawsuits?

A: There are lawyers who have specific expertise in truck accident lawsuits. These lawyers know the ins and outs of these types of cases and can help you to get the compensation you deserve. These lawyers will work with you to gather the evidence you need to prove your case and will fight for your rights in court. If you have been in a truck accident, you should contact one of these specialized lawyers as soon as possible to ensure that you have the best chance of winning your case.

Q: What to do after a truck accident?

A: After a truck accident, the first thing you should do is seek medical attention, even if you don’t think you’re injured. It’s important to have a comprehensive medical evaluation to rule out any hidden injuries. Once you’ve been seen by a doctor, you should contact an experienced truck accident lawyer. Trucking companies and their insurance carriers will often have teams of lawyers and investigators working on the case immediately after an accident. You need someone on your side who knows how to level the playing field and protect your rights. An experienced truck accident lawyer will also be able to gather evidence and witnesses and help you get the compensation you deserve for your injuries.

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