18-wheeler truck accidents are different from car accidents and should be treated as such. Due to the great disparity in the size and weight of semi-trucks, the injuries sustained by the occupants of a passenger vehicle struck by an 18-wheeler will be much more severe and life-threatening. Even seemingly minor impacts from an 18-wheeler can lead to life-changing injuries and or in the worst case, fatalities.
Our Pasadena truck accident lawyers at Haines Law, P.C. have represented numerous clients who have been victimized by these situations and know how to pursue the financial restitution our clients are entitled to. We are well-versed in the laws surrounding truck accidents and can utilize our extensive background to advocate on your behalf. Our Pasadena Truck Accident Lawyer gets to work right away developing a compelling claim on your behalf.
Truck Accident Causes
The federal government limits the number of hours a trucker or other professional driver can drive in a day, but driver fatigue is still a common cause of 18-wheeler accidents. This is because truck drivers are under constant pressure to break the rules in order to make more deliveries.
The 4 most common causes of truck accidents that a Pasadena truck accident attorney deals with include:
- Fatigued drivers operating vehicles longer than legally allowed per day
- Trucks loaded over their legal weight limit losing control
- Truck owner neglected to give 18-wheeler regular maintenance
- Companies hiring drivers who do not have the proper driving qualifications
If an 18-wheeler driver broke the law, we can find out. We obtain the driver’s logbooks, dispatch logs, delivery records, weigh station records and even truck stop credit card transactions to determine exactly how many hours a truck driver has worked in the days and weeks leading up to the accident.
This is important to your case as any violation of these rules could make them liable for the injuries caused by the accident if they were at fault. Once we prove that the 18-wheeler driver was negligent, we then focus our efforts on identifying additional responsible parties and building a case for medical and economic damages.
Who is Liable in a Trucking Accident?
Due to the popularity of online shopping in today’s society, there are so many commercial trucks on the roads and highways throughout the United States. In order to fulfill consumer demands, truck drivers are under constant pressure to meet deadlines as quickly as possible, which is why truck accidents are a common occurrence.
Victims of truck accidents can seek monetary damages against the following parties:
- Truck driver- Truckers are required to follow all state and federal traffic laws and operate their vehicle in the safest manner possible. When a driver’s negligent actions result in a collision, such as fatigued driving or drunk driving, he or she can be held liable for the accident and associated injuries.
- Trucking company– Companies are also held responsible for their employee’s actions and behavior while on the job. In many cases, they often place pressure on their truckers to deliver their shipments as fast as they can, sometimes encouraging them to ignore federal regulations, such as conducting routine inspections and maintenance, as well as overloaded cargo to reduce the amount of trips to complete a shipment.
- The cargo company- One of the most common causes of truck accidents is improperly loaded or unsecured cargo. If the cargo shifts during the driver, the truck can become unstable and difficult to maneuver, resulting in a rollover accident.
- Truck manufacturers- If there is a defective truck part or if the design of the truck does not adhere to federal safety regulations, then the manufacturer can be held liable for the collision. Commonly defective parts include tires and braking systems.
Compensation Following a Tractor Trailer Accident
Because 18-wheeler wrecks often lead to devastating injuries, we also work with orthopedic doctors, physical rehabilitation specialists, state-of-the-art imaging and diagnostic centers, and other medical experts to identify and treat your injuries. We work with renowned and respected economic experts to establish the economic value of your claim.
We fight to recover all damages to which clients may be entitled, including:
- Past and future medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Diminished earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Disfigurement
- Mental anguish
Contacting a Pasadena Truck Accident Lawyer
If you or someone you love was injured or killed in an 18-wheeler wreck, let us put our experience and resources to work for you. Our team is made up of aggressive and zealous Pasadena truck accident lawyers.