In most cases, the insurance company is accountable in generating an 18-wheeler crash settlement. This settlement is often caused by driver negligence for example, texting while driving and using a mobile phone. These accidents are not just hazardous for pedestrians and other passengers but also cause serious injuries to truck drivers and their cargo. Consequently, it is essential to understand the reasons behind an 18-wheeler accident before you decide to file a claim.
Tractor trailers
An 18 wheeler accident can result in a variety of consequences for drivers of all kinds. Drivers who are fatigued or otherwise unable on their job may be more likely to drive under the tractor trailer. Distracted driving is a frequent cause of truck accidents with distractions like texting and driving creating an increased risk to all drivers. Distracted driving also includes other distractions, such as driving and texting, using maps or using a mobile phone. Truck drivers must also be aware of road hazards, such as potholes and uneven pavement.
These big trucks are often used to transport items across the country, and accidents involving them can be fatal. Drivers must remain alert and focused to avoid accidents, but many become fatigued or lose concentration. The consequences of these accidents can be devastating for innocent passengers and boat injury attorney drivers. Accidents involving 18-wheelers can cause serious property damage and cause traffic delays. By hiring an experienced 18-wheeler accident attorney, victims can be compensated for their injuries and lost wages.
Jackknife accidents result when the joints of a large truck abruptly turn. The trailer could swing outward and hit cars in the vicinity. A truck that is jackknifing may also strike pedestrians and vehicles. It’s difficult to stop the jackknife crash however, the force of the jackknifed trailer causes it to crash into other vehicles, causing serious injuries and even death.
Poor weather conditions
It is well-known that bad weather can lead to trucking accidents. While bad weather can be dangerous truck drivers are required to perform an obligation to exercise extreme caution in adverse conditions. Truck drivers could be held responsible for injuries sustained if do not pull over in risky areas. A truck accident lawyer can determine if the weather played a role in a crash.
A truck driver is accountable to maintain a safe braking distance. However the presence of snow and ice could increase the likelihood of a collision. Inclement weather can hinder visibility, impair a truck driver’s reaction time, and even cause a car crash. Drivers need to slow down to avoid an 18-wheeler collision. To avoid accidents, drivers may need to increase their travel distance.
Truck accidents could be caused by the negligence of the driver of a passenger car. A truck driver could be at least partially responsible for the crash however, a car driver may be partly responsible. In these situations an attorney who specializes in truck accidents will use the above-mentioned factors to prove the responsibility of the negligent truck driver. If you’ve been injured by a negligent driver A truck accident lawyer can assist you to receive the compensation you deserve.
Truck driver’s employer
You may be wondering if an 18-wheeler accident was caused by the truck driver. To determine who is accountable for the accident it is important to know the relationship between the employer of the driver of the truck and the commercial driver. While certain drivers are directly employed by the company they drive for, others are independent contractors that are under the direction of a commercial vehicle. Depending on the company, a driver could be fired for violating the safety guidelines of the company or for breaking a regulation regarding their employment.
Respondeat superior truck accident lawyer is a legal principle that holds employers responsible for employee actions if they were done during the course of employment. This law applies when a driver is operating the truck while working. This can be a difficult law to apply when the driver isn’t within the context of their job when an accident occurs. A Memphis truck accident attorney can assist you in determining the appropriate parties to include in your lawsuit.
In addition to the truck driver’s employer, the driver’s employer could be responsible for the accident. A shipping company could be held accountable for any damages caused by negligence by the other driver’s employer when they entrusted their employee with the responsibility of delivering a cargo. In addition to the driver’s employer as well as the company’s employers, the company’s may also be liable for medical costs and wage replacement benefits.
Driver distractions for trucks
Truck accidents caused by distracted truck drivers can be very dangerous. Distracted driving can cause severe injuries, including spinal cord damage or broken bones and head trauma and disfigurement, death and even brain trauma. Truck drivers and commercial truck companies may be penalized for distracted driving. If you’ve been the victim of a fatal truck accident, you may be entitled to compensation for any damages that result from the negligence or reckless actions of truck driver.
The first step to determining the root of an 18-wheeler accident is to pinpoint the source of distraction. Distracted truck drivers can fall asleep behind the wheel or close their eyes for just a split second. These distractions can lead to fatal accidents due to their inability to see the error of another driver, or they misunderstand the speed and direction of approaching vehicles. Another factor to consider is the truck driver’s pet or co-driver.
Distractions can take the form of cognitive or manual. Drivers may become distracted by eating or talking with passengers. Visual distractions could include looking at billboards, television ads or changing the radio. Cognitive distractions may include thinking about an upcoming fight or boat accident lawyer daydreaming. The truck driver can be distracted by noise inside the truck cabin. This can lead to an accident.
Cargo that is not sealed
It is possible that you aren’t aware that your passenger vehicle was struck by a truck. Even if he didn’t actually load the cargo himself, the truck driver is responsible to properly secure it. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has strict guidelines for cargo security. Inadequately secured cargo could significantly increase the risk of a crash. Unsealed cargo can be particularly dangerous and should be secured prior to transport.
The originator, the loader or the driver of the truck are all accountable to load cargo properly. The originator of freight is responsible for complying to all applicable regulations. An accident with a truck can happen because of cargo shift or other factors. To be able to prove that the cargo was properly secured must be kept records from all parties.
Unsecured cargo could also pose the risk of other drivers. It may fall off of the truck and crash into other vehicle and cause damage, as well as creating road hazards. If the cargo falls off the truck, the cargo could hit other vehicles directly, causing injuries to the driver and the passengers inside. Therefore, the driver is more likely to make mistakes when driving. Furthermore speed plays a major factor in trucking accidents. Drivers who fail to keep an ongoing speed check can be held responsible for the accident.
Truck driver’s negligence
Although it can be difficult to prove the negligence of a truck driver, there are some ways to make it simpler. First, you must show that the truck driver was negligent in causing the accident. Whether it was a negligent truck driver or simply negligent driving negligently is a legal reason for the accident. A court isn’t competent to find someone to blame because they didn’t follow federal or state laws. However, it will determine that the driver of the truck was negligent. They should be held accountable.
Truck drivers often make the common mistake of driving too fast or too far in order to avoid road conditions. When these conditions are present truck drivers may end up damaging their vehicles which can lead to an accident. Some truck drivers do not take the required breaks, carry unsafe loads, or even drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs. The negligence of truck drivers can lead to serious accidents. It is essential to seek the advice of an experienced truck accident lawyer.
A truck driver might make a mistake by not keeping a record of their time on the road. Truck drivers could pull onto the side roads or shoulder in the event of fatigue. This can result in the truck tipping over or jackknifing. This can cause injuries to others. If the driver of the truck does not use the warning signs, they could be found negligent in an 18 wheeler crash.