Accidents involving 18-wheeler trucks, also known as semi-trailer trucks or tractor-trailers, are among the most devastating on the road. These vehicles, due to their significant size, weight, and the logistics involved in maneuvering them, pose an elevated risk to other road users.

Due to their massive size and weight, 18-wheeler truck accidents can lead to catastrophic injuries and fatalities. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) found that in 2019, most deaths in large truck crashes were passenger vehicle occupants (67%). The main problem is the vulnerability of people traveling in smaller vehicles. Trucks often weigh 20-30 times as much as passenger cars and are taller with greater ground clearance, which can result in smaller vehicles under-riding trucks in crashes (IIHS, 2019).

We understand the importance of thorough investigation and evidence collection in trucking accident cases. These accidents often involve several contributing factors, such as driver fatigue, vehicle malfunction, or failure to comply with safety regulations. The firm takes a proactive approach, quickly mobilizing to preserve and collect evidence, including driver logs, maintenance records, black box data, witness statements, and accident scene documentation. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), there were approximately 499,000 police-reported crashes involving large trucks in 2018 in the United States alone. Of these, 4,415 (less than 1%) resulted in fatalities, and 107,000 (about 21%) resulted in injuries (FMCSA, 2020).

A report from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in 2019 stated that, of all motor vehicle crash deaths, 11% involved large trucks (NHTSA, 2019). When compared to accidents not involving trucks, 18-wheeler truck accidents tend to be more severe. The large disparity in size and weight between a commercial truck and a passenger vehicle often results in the passenger vehicle and its occupants bearing the brunt of the impact.

Moreover, trucks take 20-40% farther than cars to stop, and this discrepancy can be even more substantial on wet or slippery roads or with poorly maintained brakes (IIHS, 2019). This longer stopping distance can contribute to accidents, especially rear-end collisions.

Furthermore, due to the nature of trucking, with drivers often on the road for long hours, fatigue can be a significant issue, which might not be as prevalent in accidents involving only passenger vehicles. The FMCSA reports that 13% of commercial motor vehicle drivers were considered to have been fatigued at the time of their crash (FMCSA, 2020).

The data clearly indicates that accidents involving 18-wheeler trucks are a significant issue, resulting in numerous injuries and fatalities each year. These accidents tend to be more severe than those not involving trucks due to the size and weight of these vehicles and the dynamics of the trucking industry. It highlights the need for effective measures to improve road safety, such as better truck maintenance, stricter regulations on driver hours to prevent fatigue, and advancements in vehicle safety technology.

Snable Law Can Help You to Recover

The attorneys at Snable Law are known for their exceptional representation in personal injury cases, specifically trucking accidents. Armed with extensive experience, depth of legal knowledge, and a strategic approach, our law firm is well-positioned to successfully represent a potential client involved in a trucking accident.

Legal Expertise and Experience

Our firm has a solid grounding in the complex legal terrain of trucking accidents. Our attorneys have dedicated years to mastering these intricacies. We are well-versed in the various laws and regulations governing the trucking industry, such as those stipulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and other relevant state laws. Application of our extensive knowledge is crucial in building a strong case.

Investigation and Evidence Collection

We understand the importance of thorough investigation and evidence collection in trucking accident cases. These accidents often involve several contributing factors, such as driver fatigue, vehicle malfunction, or failure to comply with safety regulations. The firm takes a proactive approach, quickly mobilizing to preserve and collect evidence, including driver logs, maintenance records, black box data, witness statements, and accident scene documentation.

Understanding Medical Issues

Trucking accidents often result in severe injuries with long-term or permanent effects. Our law firm has a deep understanding of these medical issues, and we work closely with medical experts to fully grasp the impact of these injuries on our client's life. This comprehensive understanding helps in conveying the true extent of physical, emotional, and financial damage to the court or the insurance company.

Negotiation and Litigation Skills

Effective representation in trucking accident cases requires robust negotiation and litigation skills. Our attorneys are seasoned negotiators and litigators. We understand how insurance companies work and are adept at countering their tactics to minimize or deny claims. We aren't afraid to take a case to court if a fair settlement isn't forthcoming, and we have a strong track record of successful jury verdicts.

Personalized Attention

Snable Law prides itself on providing personalized attention to each client. We understand that every trucking accident case is unique, and we tailor our strategies accordingly. Our attorneys invest time in understanding our clients' situations, answering questions, explaining the legal process, and providing regular updates. This client-centric approach helps build a strong attorney-client relationship, which can contribute to a better outcome.

If you have been a victim of truck or 18-wheeler accident, don’t hestitate to call us today! Click Here and a member of our team will immediately be in touch, as time is of the essence.