18 Wheeler Trucking Accident Lawsuits

Accidents involving 18-wheelers and large commercial trucks are often devastating due to the sheer size and weight of these vehicles. When an 18-wheeler collides with a passenger vehicle, the consequences can be catastrophic, leading to severe injuries, extensive property damage, or even fatalities. If you or a loved one has been injured in a trucking accident, you may be entitled to compensation for your medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering in an 18 Wheeler Trucking Accident Lawsuit.

At the Law Offices of Jason Turchin, we have experience handling complex trucking accident lawsuits and understand the challenges victims face after these serious accidents. If you’ve been involved in an 18-wheeler trucking accident, contact us at 800-337-7755 for a free consultation, or use our live chat feature. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you won’t pay any legal fees unless we win or settle your case.

Common Causes of 18 Wheeler Trucking Accidents

Trucking accidents can occur for many reasons, and determining the cause of the accident is critical to building a strong case. Some of the most common causes of 18-wheeler trucking accidents include:

• Driver Fatigue: Truck drivers are often under pressure to meet tight deadlines, leading to long hours on the road without proper rest. Fatigued drivers may have slower reaction times and are more likely to make mistakes.
• Distracted Driving: Using cell phones, adjusting GPS devices, or other distractions can lead to serious accidents, especially for truck drivers who need to stay focused on the road.
• Improperly Loaded Cargo: Trucks carrying improperly secured or overloaded cargo can become unbalanced, leading to rollover accidents or cargo spills.
• Speeding and Reckless Driving: Truck drivers who exceed the speed limit or drive aggressively are more likely to cause accidents due to the reduced maneuverability of large trucks.
• Mechanical Failures: Faulty brakes, tire blowouts, or other mechanical issues can cause truck drivers to lose control of their vehicles, resulting in collisions.
• Weather Conditions: Poor weather, such as rain or fog, can reduce visibility and make roads slippery, increasing the risk of an accident.

Common Injuries in Trucking Accidents

Due to the massive size and weight of 18-wheelers, trucking accidents often result in severe injuries or fatalities. Some of the most common injuries sustained in trucking accidents include:

• Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBI): Head injuries can result in concussions or more severe brain damage, leading to long-term cognitive and physical impairments.
• Spinal Cord Injuries: Damage to the spinal cord can cause paralysis or other permanent disabilities, requiring lifelong care.
• Broken Bones: Fractures in the arms, legs, ribs, and other parts of the body are common in trucking accidents.
• Internal Injuries: The force of a collision can cause internal bleeding and damage to organs, which may require emergency surgery.
• Burn Injuries: In cases where the truck or vehicle catches fire, victims may suffer severe burns, leading to disfigurement and long-term medical treatment.

Who Can Be Held Liable in an 18 Wheeler Trucking Accident?

Determining liability in a trucking accident can be complex, as there are often multiple parties involved. Depending on the circumstances, one or more of the following parties may be held responsible for the accident:

• The Truck Driver: If the driver was negligent, such as by driving while fatigued, distracted, or under the influence of drugs or alcohol, they may be held liable for the accident.
• The Trucking Company: Trucking companies may be held responsible for accidents if they failed to properly maintain the truck, hired unqualified drivers, or pressured drivers to meet unreasonable deadlines that led to unsafe driving practices.
• The Cargo Loader: In cases where improperly loaded cargo contributed to the accident, the company or individuals responsible for loading the truck may be held liable.
• The Manufacturer: If a mechanical failure, such as faulty brakes or a tire blowout, caused the accident, the manufacturer of the defective part may be held responsible.
• Other Drivers: In some cases, another vehicle may have caused the truck driver to lose control, leading to a multi-vehicle accident. The driver of the other vehicle may be held liable.

Compensation You Can Recover in an 18 Wheeler Trucking Accident Lawsuit

If you’ve been injured in an 18-wheeler trucking accident, you may be entitled to compensation for a variety of damages, including:

• Medical Expenses: Compensation for past and future medical bills related to your injuries, including surgeries, hospital stays, rehabilitation, and medication.
• Lost Wages: If your injuries prevent you from working, you may be entitled to compensation for lost wages, as well as future loss of earning capacity if you are unable to return to your job.
• Pain and Suffering: Compensation for the physical pain and emotional distress caused by the accident and your injuries.
• Property Damage: Reimbursement for the repair or replacement of your vehicle and any other property damaged in the accident.
• Wrongful Death: If a loved one was killed in a trucking accident, their family may be entitled to compensation through a wrongful death claim.

The Role of Federal Regulations in Trucking Accidents

Trucking companies and drivers are required to follow strict federal regulations designed to prevent accidents and keep the roads safe. These regulations are enforced by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and include:

• Hours of Service Regulations: These regulations limit the number of hours truck drivers can be on the road without taking breaks to prevent fatigue-related accidents.
• Vehicle Maintenance Requirements: Trucking companies must regularly inspect and maintain their vehicles to ensure they are in safe operating condition.
• Cargo Securement Rules: Trucks must be properly loaded and secured to prevent cargo from shifting or falling off the truck during transit.

When a trucking accident occurs, it’s important to investigate whether any federal regulations were violated, as this may help establish liability in your case.

Why You Need an Experienced Trucking Accident Lawyer

Trucking accident cases can be more complex than typical car accident cases due to the involvement of multiple parties, federal regulations, and the severity of the injuries. An experienced trucking accident lawyer in Florida can help you navigate these complexities and fight for the compensation you deserve.

A trucking accident lawyer can assist with:

• Investigating the Accident: Gathering evidence such as the truck’s black box data, driver logs, maintenance records, and witness statements to establish liability.
• Negotiating with Insurance Companies: Insurance companies often try to minimize their payouts, but a lawyer can negotiate on your behalf to ensure you receive fair compensation.
• Filing a Lawsuit: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, your lawyer can file a lawsuit and represent you in court to pursue the compensation you’re entitled to.

Contact Our 18 Wheeler Trucking Accident Lawyers for Help

If you’ve been injured in an accident with an 18-wheeler or large truck, the Law Offices of Jason Turchin can help you recover the compensation you deserve. We have experience handling trucking accident cases and understand the unique challenges involved in these claims.

Call us today at 800-337-7755 for a free consultation, or use our live chat feature to speak with an agent. We work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you won’t pay any legal fees or costs unless we win or settle your case. Let us help you get the justice and compensation you need after a trucking accident.