Road Hazard Wisdom
We are almost always on the road going different places. Interstate travel is so common in everyday life which brings many people in regular contact with 18 Wheelers and other large vehicles.
Many of these drivers work long shifts and are on constantly on the road. The result is fatigue or distracted driving which can lead to a serious accident.
- How is an 18 wheeler accident different from a regular car accident? These vehicles can weigh up to 80,000 lbs. which makes any collision that much more severe. Because of this, a driver for an 18 Wheeler has to follow strict federal guidelines to get a special license called a CDL. The company that employs the driver must carry heavier insurance than most drivers carry. These insurance companies typically specialize in 18 Wheeler coverage and can be difficult for most people to deal with on their own.
- What kinds of records are available? 18 Wheelers typically have some kind of tracking device such as a GPS or “black box” which records data about the truck. This can include speed, location, and brake application. Additionally, these companies have to inspect each vehicle before and after each trip. Any repairs made to the vehicle has to be saved for a certain amount of time to show that everything is working.
- What should I do if I am injured by an 18 Wheeler? It is important to call an attorney right away so that they can begin the process of getting records from the trucking company. It is also important to document the accident to remember what the road and weather conditions were as well as what time of day the accident occurred. Pictures of your car at the accident scene are always helpful to an attorney looking to recreate what went wrong. An attorney can also look into the background of the company involved 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.
