When we are out and about on our congested highways, most of us are scared of being involved in an accident with a truck which has 18 wheels. These steel 18 wheelers speed across our states with little or no concern for other road users. The best thing that most of us can do is keep our distance and hope that the driver has complete control of his vehicle and does actually see what is happening.
Trucking accident statistics
Despite our overall cautious driving behavior, 18-wheeler accidents do take place. In fact, there are hundreds of thousands of accidents and injuries every year. More than 10% of these result in at least one death.
When a collision takes place between an auto and a big rig like an 18 wheeler, it should be remembered that such trucks weigh up to 20 times to 30 times more than the average auto which means that such a huge weight colliding with any other vehicle even a small truck can result in some devastating, life altering injuries.
18-Wheeler Accidents are commonly caused by
Drivers being over tired from driving over the legally permitted number of hours
Defective tires, steering and brakes – often due to cost cutting and the installation of inferior quality components.
Federal regulations determine the number of driving hours, but often drivers flout the regulations in the hope they won’t get caught. The main reason for this is the cash incentive of being out on the road as long as it is possible, despite the danger it might cause to both the driver and other road users.
There are many cheap, poor quality components marketed by companies and trucking businesses will often have these installed as a cost cutting measure. Under normal road conditions they may function for a reasonable amount of time but if the driver has to brake suddenly or veer to avoid an object in the road then a great amount of extra pressure is placed on steering, tires and brakes which could result in a failure to perform adequately to avert an accident.
Running a strict maintenance program is not only legally required but it also protects the truck, its driver and other road users. Unfortunately, many 18 wheeler truck companies flaunt these requirements thus endangering anything that nis out on our road system.
Insufficient maintenance can result in:
- Failure of brakes
- Malfunctioning of steering
- Malfunctioning rear, front and brake lighting systems
If you, or someone else you know, have been a victim of an 18-wheeler accident and the fault was not yours and you have been injured, you should immediately contact a lawyer who is experienced in dealing with claims for 18 wheeler accidents. Using the services of a lawyer ensures that any claim to cover you for the financial losses you have incurred due to your injuries is correctly assessed and presented to the person or 18 wheeler trucking company who is at fault. It is your legal entitlement to be compensated for injuries and suffering that took place at the hands of someone else.
If you or a loved one has been involved in a car accident, learn how to protect your rights with a free consultation. Contact our Auto Accident Attorneys today.
