18 Wheeler Accidents Lawyers Near Me
If you or someone close to you was injured in an accident involving an enormous truck you could be entitled to compensation. However, obtaining settlements isn't always straightforward.
To get the money you deserve requires a reputable attorney. You need a lawyer with experience and knowledge in the trucking industry, which includes regulations, technology, insurance, and the practices.
Jackknife Accidents
When a truck driver hits another vehicle, their trailer can swing sideways and damage the car in front. This is known as a "jackknife." These accidents can be devastating.
Accidents involving Jackknife are more common than you may believe, and they are found in more than 5 percent of all truck collisions. They can result in serious injuries to the person involved and even fatalities.
It's no wonder that people who are involved in these kinds of accidents should seek medical attention and treatment as soon as possible. It is important to keep in mind that there are a variety of ways to avoid accidents.
Avoiding a jackknife can be as easy as reducing the speed you drive at and steering it gently. This is especially true when you're driving through an urban or rural location with lots of traffic.
It is also important to be aware of the weather conditions when driving. If there is too much rain or snow the roads could become extremely slippery and you may hydroplane or slide.
Under these conditions the truck driver's brake system may not be capable of stopping the trailer quickly enough. Even high-quality brakes can fail to slow down the tractor when paired with the size and speed of the truck (up to 80,000 lbs).
The trailer could continue to move, but then it could hit the cab. The cab, then, might fold into the trailer's front and swing to the side, creating a jackknife.
If you or someone you love has been injured in a jackknife crash it is recommended that you seek the services of an experienced truck accident lawyer to pursue compensation. The lawyer will help determine the extent of liability and gather the evidence that is needed to prove your claim.
Loads that aren't working
The load that is not properly loaded is a major cause of truck accidents. This can be caused by trailers loaded improperly and cargo that is not properly secured or too big for the vehicle. Regardless of the cause they pose a risk to be around and could cause fatal accidents.
The best way to prevent an unsound load is to inspect the trailer before it leaves the dock. If you see any holes or snags, it could be a sign of a problem that is serious.
Another way to prevent faulty loads is to ensure that your loading dock is secure from other vehicles. A good safety measure can prevent accidents and reduce insurance costs.
Other hazards common to the weighing industry should be considered. Radiowaves and electric currents can affect the ability of your load cell to transmit signals across the cable.
Water vapor can also block up the pathways in your scales and equipment. You can combat this by investing in a waterproof load cell housing or a hermetic roof.
The right 18 wheeler accident lawyer will help you identify and prove your case so that you can receive the amount of compensation you require to cover medical expenses and lost wages, as well as suffering and pain, and other damages. You will have peace of assurance when you're recovering from your injuries and rebuilding your life with a lawyer by your side. Call 1-800-THE-LAW2 to get your free consultation with an experienced 18 wheeler accident lawyer today! You won't regret making the call. You will be able to focus on your recovery and still make ends meet in the event that you receive the amount you're due.
Wide Turns
Large trucks should avoid wide turns. Tractor trailers are typically between 10,000 and 80,000 lbs and can extend up to 48' in length, making it difficult for drivers to maneuver through the space to safely complete a turn.
A truck driver should be able to make a right turn without swerving too far to the left side of the road. This can cause the truck to turn into other lanes or collide with another vehicle, or roll over entirely.
These accidents can be devastating for all involved and result in severe injuries or even death. Wide turn crashes can be avoided if one is aware of the dangers and ways they can be prevented.
If a truck attempts to make a right turn on a two-lane highway with an opposing traffic lane numerous accidents involving wide turns can occur. In this case the truck will need to steer across the opposing lane to make the turn.
If you are ever injured in a wide turn accident, contact an attorney for 18 wheeler accidents near me as soon as possible to preserve evidence and pursue your claim. This will allow you to establish your case and make the truck driver accountable for the injuries you sustained.
The trucking company also may be held accountable in some way for your accident. This could be due to the trucking company employing the driver, training or supervising the driver in a negligent way.
These companies must maintain their trucks to ensure that they are safe to drive. Inadequate brakes, tires, and other issues with maintenance can cause a wide-right turning trucking accident.
Blind Spots
Every vehicle has a blind spot which is an area which isn't visible to the driver's eyes. These blind spots could be dangerous and may result in accidents.
Truck drivers have more blind spots than motorists on motorcycles or cars because their vehicles are bigger. This increases the chance that they will hit a pedestrian or other vehicle that is tucked away in these areas.
It's important to be aware of where your blind spots are. 18 wheeler accident law firm jacksonville to know your blind spots when driving, or changing lanes. This will allow you to carry out a proper shoulder and mirror check prior to you begin to move.
These spots could be large and completely block your vision of other vehicles or motorbikes and make it difficult to see. This can be particularly dangerous when the weather is bad and when you may not be able to see clearly.
Blind spots can lead to accidents, so be certain to look them up prior to making a change or pulling away from a curb. Even the driving skills of your aren't advanced this is a great way to avoid accidents.
Before changing lanes or turning, truck drivers must also check their blind spots. They should know that they need to be able to swing wide when turning, which could cause a danger to vehicles passing in their blind spot.
Truck Tires
The tires on your truck may have a direct effect on the traction, comfort and road noise tread life, and durability. The type of tire you select for your truck will depend on many factors, including the climate of your area and driving habits, as well as the kind of vehicle you have.
Truck tires are usually classified into two types: Light Truck (LT) and Passenger (P). These tires are usually fitted on passenger vehicles or pickup trucks with light-duty, such as 3/4 and one-ton pick-ups.
The tires for trucks P and LT are designed for use on roads and are optimized for steering and handling, comfort and safety on the road. They are suitable for all-wheel drive or rear wheel drive trucks. They provide excellent grip on dry, wet or winter roads.
The most popular commercial truck tires are made of a single body made of steel made of ply and 3 or 4 steel belts under the tread. They can be retreaded after hundreds or thousands of kilometers and then put back in service for many more.
However, while most passenger car and light truck tires come with service life guidelines that say they should be removed from service after 10 years, we've not found any similar guidelines for commercial truck tires.
The best way to ensure your tires last longer is to take good care of them. This could include a routine schedule of tire inflation pressure and inspection, as well as replacement. This will help to prevent tire blowouts and other serious accidents caused by negligent truck drivers and trucking companies. The maintenance of your tires can assist in prolonging the life of your vehicle.