Truck Accidents

If you’ve ever driven across the Midwest, you’ve probably experienced driving behind, passing and being passed by some very fast-moving semi’s. Semi’s, or tractor-trailers or 18-wheelers or big rigs – they go by many names – help transport millions of tons of freight all over the United States every year.

Did you know that a fully loaded tractor-trailer can weigh over 70,000 pounds? It’s just one of several vehicles that are considered large trucks. That category also includes delivery trucks, heavy cargo vans and all others weighing at least 10,000 pounds empty.

These big, sometimes beautiful, trucks can wreak havoc if they aren’t kept in top condition, if the driver isn’t rested enough or if the trucks are improperly loaded. There are almost 8 million large trucks registered in the U.S. and, some days, it seems like they are all on the road at once. Due to their massive size and lack of short response time, drivers of large trucks and tractor-trailers have some pretty strict regulations they must follows:

· Drivers are limited to the length of time they can drive without adequate rest and sleep

· Drivers are required to keep track of their time

· Trucks are subject to strictly controlled maintenance schedules

· Drivers must carry extensive insurance coverage

Since the trucking industry is a fairly expensive business, owners and operators are always looking for ways to save a few bucks. However, trying to cut corners in order to save a dollar here and there can lead to negligence on the part of the driver. If a rig is well maintained or if the driver falls asleep at the wheel, the resulting truck accidents can be devastating and very expensive. These are a few of the problems that can lead to trucks accidents with and without other vehicles being involved:

· Driver fatigue: drivers have specific requirements regarding how many hours they can drive at a time; not getting enough rest and spending too many hours on the road can leave a driver lethargic and unresponsive to traffic around him and even find him falling asleep at the wheel

· Schedules that are practically impossible to meet: many companies will set delivery dates that imply the driver will need to break the rules (including speeding and not sleeping enough) in order to make the delivery on time and not forfeit bonuses

· Taking shortcuts: truckers will get off the major highways in favor of surface streets to beat traffic

· Overweight truck loads: overloaded or incorrectly loaded freight puts extra stress on the engine, suspension, tires, etc. and slows vehicle response time even more

· Poor truck maintenance: not sticking to a strict maintenance schedule can lead to very costly breakdowns on the road including tire blowouts, brake failure, and other mechanical problems

When an 18-wheeler is involved in a multiple vehicle accident, there can be a lot more than 2 drivers and their insurance companies to deal with. Many tractor-trailers are owned by one person and driven by another. A truck accident claim could include the truck owner, the truck driver, both insurance companies and possibly their attorneys, the drivers of the other vehicles involved, as well as their insurance companies. It can quickly become very confusing.

Having an experienced truck accident attorney on your side will help ensure you get the settlement you deserve. You don’t want to overlook any future expenses such as medical bills, rehabilitation or long-term that may be required as a result of the injuries you sustained in the truck accident.

Traveling across the United States is a great way to spend time with your family and see what this country has to offer. Just watch out for the big trucks and semi’s. Give them some space and hopefully you won’t have to worry about calling a truck accident attorney.