Because of their extraordinary size and weight, 18-wheelers pose unique hazards to other drivers on the road. They take longer to stop, are challenging to maneuver, and exert incredible force in the event of a collision. When accidents occur, people can suffer life-changing injuries. If you have been injured in an 18-wheeler accident, you need an experienced lawyer on your side to get the compensation you will need to make a full recovery. An 18-wheeler accident attorney from Lopez Franco can help you get fair compensation for your claim.
18-Wheeler Accidents Are Unique
As mentioned above, 18-wheelers are far more significant and heavier than the average passenger vehicle, which can cause serious accidents. And while most truck accidents are caused by driver error, just as with passenger vehicle accidents, many of these accidents often have unique causes. Some of the unique causes of 18-wheeler accidents include the following:
- Inexperienced or untrained drivers
- Negligent truck maintenance
- Drivers are pressured to drive while exhausted and in violation of hours of service limitations
- Inadequate supervision of drivers
- Overloaded, unsecured, or unbalanced cargo
Identifying the cause of a truck accident can be one of the biggest challenges you face. It may appear that the accident was unavoidable or another vehicle was at fault. Still, careful investigation may reveal that the accident was caused by negligence by the truck driver or the trucking company.
The Question of Liability Can Be Complicated
In most truck accident cases, you will need to pursue a claim against the trucking company. This is the case even if the truck driver’s negligence caused the accident. This is because the trucking company can be held liable for the negligence of their drivers, assuming that the driver was acting within the scope of their employment. However, many trucking companies may attempt to avoid liability by hiring drivers as independent contractors. The trucking company may also avoid liability if the driver was doing something illegal or was driving for personal reasons.
In addition, other parties may be at fault for causing the accident. For example, someone else may have been responsible for loading the truck, and their negligence made the truck unbalanced and difficult to maneuver. The accident may have been caused by defective truck parts or negligent repairs made by a third-party mechanic.
Failing to pursue your claim against the correct party can jeopardize your case. An experienced 18-wheeler accident attorney can work through these issues so that you can get the compensation you need as quickly as possible.
Contact Lopez Franco Today if You Have Been Injured in an 18-Wheeler Accident
If you have been seriously injured in an 18-wheeler accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. We can help you get the compensation you need to put your accident behind you. Contact us today via phone or email to schedule a free consultation with our firm’s experienced 18-wheeler accident attorney.