18 Wheeler & Truck Accidents
Commercial trucks and 18-wheelers can be extremely dangerous. When an 18-wheeler hits a passenger vehicle, motorcycle, or pedestrian, the chances of serious injury and fatality are extremely high. In 2006, in the state of Texas alone there were almost 7,000 truck accidents that resulted in injuries. There were almost 500 fatal crashes.
Each year, there are more than 400,000 accidents involving commercial vehicles, and 18-wheeler accidents account for as many as 5% of all accident-related injuries.
Commercial vehicle accidents account for 14% of accident-related deaths.
At the Grant & Flanery Law Firm in Tyler, TX, we’ve investigated dozens of accidents involving commercial vehicles. They’re more complicated than traditional car accident cases. The driver, trucking company, their insurance provider, or the company whose products are being shipped all may get involved in the case.
All or some of those parties may be at fault, but their lawyers will make sure they pay little to nothing in compensation.
Examples Of Commercial Driver Negligence
Commercial vehicle accidents are complicated, and often you’ll not only be dealing with the driver who caused the accident but the company who employs them. In a personal injury case involving a tractor-trailer accident, your attorney will be responsible for determining whether one or both of these parties may be at fault for the incident.
Reckless Driving
A driver can be determined negligent if they’re guilty of reckless driving. This can include breaking traffic laws, like speeding or running a red light. It can also include legal but dangerous driving. A driver using their phone may be guilty of reckless driving, for instance.
Improperly Secured Cargo
If a commercial vehicle is hauling inappropriately stowed or overweight cargo, and part or all of that cargo is responsible for the accident, the driver and maybe the trucking company may be at fault for the accident.
Impaired Driving
There are federal laws regulating how much a driver can drive at once or in total. Unfortunately, a lot of drivers push those limits, driving through the night or without regular breaks. If a driver has done this, they will be liable for the accident they caused.
Improperly Maintained Vehicle
Individual drivers are responsible for maintaining their vehicles to a road-worthy standard. Commercial trucking companies are responsible for maintaining their fleets. If they have failed to do this, they may be at fault for your accident.
Tyler’s Successful Commercial Truck Accident Attorneys
Our experienced team of attorneys investigates each case to discover the cause of your accident, whether it is the negligent hiring of an unsafe driver, substandard maintenance of fleet vehicles, or a blatant disregard for the safety provisions of the Federal Motor Carrier Regulations.
Rest assured, the commercial truck accident lawyers at Grant & Flanery know what victims of 18-wheeler accidents and their families legally deserve compensation for their medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and sometimes even death.
A good big rig accident lawyer can help. Grant & Flannery has the skills, resources, and courtroom experience to make sure the insurance companies pay you what they owe.
If you’ve been in an accident with a commercial vehicle, the law offices of Grant & Flanery are here to help. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
