A truck company’s top priority is to make money, which involves delivering cargo quickly. Often times, these 18-wheeler companies are more focused on speed than they are the safety of their drivers and other drivers on the road. This can leave other motorists vulnerable to becoming injured if an 18-wheeler crashes because the trucker is fatigued or driving recklessly in order to make a tight delivery deadline.
Reasons for Truck Accidents
While truck driver fatigue and reckless driving are common causes for 18-wheeler accidents, there are a number of other factors that can cause a massive truck to lose control. Inclement weather, such as wet or icy roadways make it more difficult for 80,000 pound vehicles to stop and make quick maneuvers, which can result in an accident.
Sometimes a trucker will be hired without the truck company performing a background check to uncover past DUI arrests or a poor driving record, which can increase the likelihood of an 18-wheeler accident. Other times, truck drivers do not undergo sufficient training and may not know how to drive in poor weather conditions, or how to react in an emergency situation such as a brake failure. If truck drivers are hired without adequate training on safe and proper driving techniques, then the trucking company should be held liable for any resulting injuries.
Other factors that may result in an 18-wheeler accident include:
- Improper truck maintenance
- Defective truck parts
- Improperly secured or spilled loads
- Brake failure or tire blowouts
- Debris on the roadway and other obstructions such as overgrown trees
- Poor signs or dysfunctional traffic control signals
Even if the accident was clearly due to the truck driver’s negligence, the trucking company will likely side with the truck driver and blame the victim for the accident. A qualified 18-wheeler accident attorney will obtain the documents necessary to prove your case and get you the money you deserve for your injuries.
Damages That You May be Awarded
Although every 18-wheeler accident claim is different, after the cause of the crash is identified, your truck accident attorney will weigh the truck driver or trucking company’s negligence with the severity of your injuries. From there, a monetary determination will be made that will fairly reflect your injuries, damage to your vehicle and any emotional damages. You may be able to collect money to cover your:
- Medical bills and any necessary physical therapy
- Wages while you are out of work
- Pain and suffering, and other emotional distress suffered because of your injury
If you were injured in an 18-wheeler accident due to the trucker or trucking company’s negligence, please call our 18-wheeler accident attorneys at 1-877-LOSS RECOVER (567-7732). We offer free consultations and work on a contingency basis, so you have nothing to lose by calling our law firm today.