presented by: Frank S. Buck P.C., Personal Injury
How to Handle a Wreck with an 18-Wheeler
Due to the hectic demands of modern life, we are always on the road. Daily interstate travel is commonplace, bringing many drivers in frequent contact with larger vehicles like 18-wheelers, or semi-trailer trucks. Many truckers work lengthy hours, driving long distances hauling cargo, resulting in fatigue and distracted driving, both of which can lead to severe car wrecks. In addition, truckers often face strict delivery deadlines, causing some to disregard speed limits. Still, most drivers do not realize how different a car wreck involving an 18-wheeler is from one involving two average vehicles.
For one, 18-wheeler trucks can weigh up to 80,000 lbs., which makes any collision with them far more serious. In fact, a low-speed collision with a loaded 18-wheeler can cause far more damage than a high-speed impact with a regular vehicle. Plus, one in every eight automotive wreck fatalities involves a large truck like an 18-wheeler. Because of this, there is an entire subset of laws applicable to drivers of commercial vehicles like 18-wheelers that do not apply to average automobile drivers. Trucking companies must carry more stringent insurance than most ordinary drivers have, and there are insurance companies that specialize in 18-wheeler coverage that can be difficult for most people to deal with on their own.
If you are in a wreck with an 18-wheeler, it is important to call an attorney immediately so that he or she can begin the process of getting records, such as black box data, from the trucking company. You can rest assured the trucking company will begin investigating the wreck right away. The company will have a team of experts and lawyers on the case to protect itself, so time is of the essence. It is also important to document the wreck to memorialize what the road and weather conditions were like as well as what time of day the wreck occurred. Pictures of your vehicle at the collision scene are always helpful to an attorney looking to recreate what occurred. An attorney can also investigate the background of the trucking company as well as the driver. It is important to have someone who will fight for you after an 18-wheeler collision.
Frank S. Buck, P.C., Attorneys at Law have been offering professional legal services and serving Alabama citizens for over 40 years. We have experienced trial attorneys who have over 89 years of combined trial experience. You can reach us 24 hours a day at (205) 933-7533. Please call us for a free consultation.
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