Why Do You Need a Skilled 18-Wheeler Accident Attorney?
Introduction: The Complexity of 18-Wheeler Accidents Accidents involving 18-wheelers are amongst the most serious and life-changing incidents on the road (Large trucks). They are also some of the most complex to get resolved. The reason? They require special knowledge of trucking laws, regulations, and accident investigation. Although resolving any car accident claim can be overwhelming, dealing with an 18-wheeler claim has its own, and very unique, challenges. Without the guidance of an experienced 18-wheeler accident attorney, victims often struggle to get the compensation they truly deserve in a timely manner, if ever. If you’ve been involved in an 18-wheeler accident, you may feel like you’re being held against a wall. When you’re suddenly faced with serious injuries and medical treatments, all while dealing with multiple insurance companies, mountains of paperwork, deadlines, and complex trucking laws; the process can feel overwhelming. It can seem impossible to handle on your own. With foreign physical and emotional demands, coupled with a strict timeline, you really are being held against that metaphorical wall. However, hiring an experienced 18-wheeler accident attorney can make all the difference in your 18-wheeler accident case. By specializing in the unique regulations of trucking and accident reconstruction, Mandy Rodriguez Law has the knowledge and experience to advocate to make sure victims receive their maximum and reasonably fair settlement. Without the assistance of an 18-wheeler accident attorney like Mandy the Lawyer, victims run the risk of settling their 18-wheeler accident case for an amount that is far less than they may deserve, which would yield a comprise in their entire recovery. Understanding the Dangers of 18-Wheeler Accidents The dangers posed by 18-wheelers are not to be underestimated. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), nearly 5,000 large truck accidents occur annually in the United States, with many resulting in serious injury or death (Large Truck and Bus Crash Facts | FMCSA). Some of the main factors that make these accidents particularly dangerous include: Size and weight differences: The average weight of a typical passenger car is about 2,500 to 4,200 pounds (Average Weight Of A Car) and the average weight of a motorcycle is about 300 to 800 pounds (Average Motorcycle Weights Based on Bike Type, Features & Size). The average weight of an 18-wheeler with cargo is about 50,000 to 80,000 pounds (Texas Size/Weight Limits | TxDMV.gov). This means that an 18-wheeler is roughly 20 times heavier than the standard passenger car; the difference is even larger with motorcycles. This enormous difference in weight alone is a big reason why accidents involving 18-wheelers present a significant danger to drivers in passenger cars and motorcycles. In addition to the huge weight difference, there is the inherent size difference. The average length of a passenger car is 12 to 16 feet long. In contrast, the average length of an 18-wheeler is 70 to 80 feet long. This means that an 18-wheeler is roughly 5 to 6 times longer than the average passenger car. To make things more tangible, a passenger car is similar to a bicycle – small, lightweight, and offers little protection to the occupant(s). On the other hand, an 18-wheeler is comparable to a freight train – big, heavy, and made of strong steel. If a freight train were to crash into a bicycle, it would be completely crushed. This is just another reason why accidents involving passenger cars and 18-wheelers can be catastrophic. The results are severe, ranging from life-changing injuries to fatalities. Truck driver fatigue: Truck drivers often work long hours in an attempt to meet deadlines, leading to exhaustion and compromised judgment. As a result, fatigued driving is one of the leading causes of truck accidents. The FMCSA has made rules to prevent this by limiting how long someone can drive an 18-wheeler (Summary of Hours of Service Regulations | FMCSA). However, in my experience as an 18-wheeler accident attorney, accidents are still happening and driver fatigue appears to be a major cause of these crashes. Cargo shifts and unsecured loads: The FMCSA published new rules regarding cargo securement after a multi-year research program (Cargo Securement Rules | FMCSA). However, these rules are often ignored, and loads may exceed weight limits. Additionally, improperly loaded or unsecured cargo can shift during travel, causing the truck driver to lose control of their vehicle. Moreover, in some cases, oversized loads that do follow precautions are still hazardous and pose dangers as the size of the load can block the visibility for other drivers and increase the distance needed to safely stop. Given these factors, the impact of an 18-wheeler accident is often far more severe than typical passenger car accidents. Victims can face long-term medical injuries and treatment, lost wages, and substantial emotional distress. All of these combined factors make it even more important to have a skilled 18-wheeler accident attorney like Mandy the Lawyer. Why You Can’t Rely on General Lawyers for 18-Wheeler Accidents 18-wheeler accident cases are vastly different from standard car accident cases. While general personal injury attorneys may have experience handling car accidents, the complexity of 18-wheeler accidents requires specialized knowledge in several areas, including: Federal trucking laws: Trucking companies must comply with federal regulations set by the FMCSA, resulting in a tricky field to navigate successfully. These federal regulations include weight limits, routes, and insurance requirements. In addition, they govern everything from driver qualifications to how long they can drive before taking rest breaks, which heavily dictate how your personal injury claim will proceed and be resolved. State trucking laws: A skilled 18-wheeler accident attorney is familiar with the industry standards that truck drivers and companies must adhere to, such as routine maintenance schedules, weight limits, and safety procedures. These trucking laws, which can vary depending on location, are general guidelines that are created to promote safety and best practices. The role of multiple parties: In many 18-wheeler accidents, more than one party can be at fault. The driver, trucking company, vehicle manufacturer, and even the loading company can all bare responsibility