The trucking industry is big business, and 18-wheeler accidents are often considered a cost of doing business to these companies. Therefore, large trucking firms are proactive when their trucks are involved in a collision. Their insurance companies often develop quick response teams to arrive on site within hours of the collision. This team will take photographs, question witnesses and attempt to obtain a statement from you, the other party involved. They will do everything in their power to gather evidence that supports that they are not at fault and you, the victim, are the one responsible.
Reasons for 18-Wheeler Accidents
There are a number of reasons that an 18-wheeler accident may occur. The most common include:- Truck driver fatigue
- Defective roadways or debris
- Excessive speeding or driving too fast for conditions
- Unsecured cargo or a load that is too heavy
- Aggressive or reckless driving behavior
- Negligent background checks on drivers (poor driving history)
- Driver under the influence of alcohol or drugs
- Other noncompliance with federal and state trucking regulations (such as driving too many hours in a single stretch)
How an 18-Wheeler Accident Attorney Can Help
If you become involved in an 18-wheeler accident, it can change your life. Injuries sustained during these types of accidents are often catastrophic, due to the size of the 80,000 pound truck. By speaking to an experienced 18-wheeler accident lawyer, you will have a professional on your side to fight for your rights and prove that you were a victim in this tragic event. Your 18-wheeler accident lawyer will work with accident investigators and accident reconstructionists to obtain evidence and information such as:- Information from the truck's event data recorder (the black box)
- The truck drivers' logs
- GPS records and monitoring data
- Witness statements
- Photos of the scene
- Skid marks, damage to the road, guardrail, surrounding property, etc.