The number of 18-wheeler accidents continues to rise in the United States. The most recent data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) shows that injury and fatal accident rates for large truck drivers have increased significantly.
The increase in the number of these kinds of accidents is directly related to the growing demand for freight transportation services. In response to this trend, many trucking companies are hiring independent contractors to drive their trucks instead of full-time employees. Usually, these contractors operate their own small businesses and drive a personal truck or another smaller vehicle as a third-party provider for a larger company—essentially acting as a subcontractor.
The problem with this type of setup is that it may leave truck operators without proper liability protection in case something goes wrong. As such, you need an experienced 18-Wheeler Accident lawyer if you are involved in one of these types of accidents.
18 Wheeler Accident Lawyer
Heavy trucks and other large commercial vehicles are essential to the smooth operations of businesses and manufacturers. These types of vehicles often make frequent deliveries between locations, especially for businesses that sell products wholesale. These types of trucks are commonly known as 18-wheelers due to their unusual number of wheels.
Large trucks have many unique safety concerns due to their size. Driving an 18-wheeler is a very different experience than driving any other type of vehicle. If you’ve been involved in an accident with an 18-wheeler, it’s important to know your rights and what you should do next. Read on to learn more about the risks associated with operating an 18-wheeler, the potential risks that come with being a passenger in one, and how a personal injury lawyer can help if you’ve been involved in an accident involving one of these large commercial vehicles.
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18 Wheeler Accident Lawyer is a specialized field of personal injury law. 18 Wheeler Accident Lawyers help people who have been injured in 18 wheeler accidents. 18 Wheeler accidents are different from other types of accidents because of the size and weight of the vehicles involved. 18 Wheeler accidents often result in serious injuries, or even death.
If you have been in an 18 wheeler accident, you need an experienced 18 Wheeler Accident Lawyer to help you recover damages. 18 Wheeler Accident Lawyers are familiar with the unique issues involved in 18 wheeler accidents, and they know how to get the maximum compensation for their clients.
Why Are 18-Wheeler Accidents on the Rise?
Freight transportation has been in demand since the end of the recent economic recession. In other words, the demand for heavyweight goods, such as goods made from steel, coal, grain, and other materials, has continued to rise. In fact, the American Trucking Association (ATA) predicts that freight tonnage for the next few years will increase by at least two billion tons per year.
This amounts to a 12-percent increase in overall freight tonnage in just 10 years. As the demand for freight rises, trucking companies must hire more drivers to meet the increased workload. The problem is that there aren’t enough qualified drivers to go around. For example, the ATA estimates that the trucking industry will need an additional one million drivers in the next decade.
How Does a Corporate Structure Impact the Responsibility of an Independent Contractor?
If you work as an independent contractor, your employer (a trucking company) may not be responsible for your injuries after an 18-wheeler accident. The reason for this is that an independent contractor is not part of a company’s “corporate structure.” As such, the trucking company does not have any legal obligation to cover your medical bills and other damages resulting from an 18-wheeler accident. In other words, truck drivers employed as independent contractors are typically liable for their own injuries.
Truck drivers that are employed as regular employees, on the other hand, are not liable for any damages incurred while working. Instead, the company they work for is responsible for covering the damages. The reason for this is that an employee is a part of the company’s “corporate structure.” Essentially, an employee is hired by a company to perform specific tasks and is considered part of the company’s overall operations.
What Should You Do After an 18-Wheeler Accident?
If you are involved in an 18-wheeler accident, your first priority should be to seek immediate medical attention. Even if you don’t think you are seriously injured, it is important to get checked out by a doctor as soon as possible. This way, your doctor can diagnose and treat any injuries you might have before they become more serious.
After you visit the doctor, you should also report the accident to the police. Even if the person who caused the accident doesn’t want you to report it, you should insist. This way, the police can track down and ticket the driver who caused the accident. Reporting the accident is also important for your insurance claim. If you don’t report the accident, your insurance company may refuse to pay for your damages.
3 Tips to Avoid Big Rig Collisions
When driving a car or riding a motorcycle, you should always be aware of the large truck traffic on the road. Here are a few tips to keep in mind if you see a big rig approaching: –
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- Always stay out of a trucker’s blind spots. Remember, you can’t see what a trucker sees, so don’t rely on your car’s mirrors when making a lane change. Instead, wait until the truck passes before making your move.
- Avoid tailgating, Always leave enough distance between your car and the car in front of you. This will give you enough time to react if the driver in front of you hits the brakes.
- Stay out of the direct path of a truck’s airflow. Due to the aerodynamic design of a truck, the air flows directly from the grill of the truck toward the rear of the trailer. This can create a wind tunnel that can generate significant gusts of wind, especially at high speeds. This wind can push smaller vehicles off the road and into nearby vegetation.
Disqualified Truck Driver Statistics 18-wheeler Accident Lawyer
Trucking accidents are the leading cause of serious injuries and fatalities on highways in the United States. Truck drivers are among the most at-risk drivers to face a truck accident, and over 25% of all commercial vehicle accidents involve trucks. The majority of these crashes occur when a driver is fatigued, or does not pay attention to the road and cannot avoid an accident. Truckers who have been involved in an accident can be held liable for damages up to $300,000 per person, per occurrence.
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A recent report by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) estimates that about one million trucking accidents occur each year – nearly 50% more than the number of passenger car occupant deaths caused by distracted driving – with over 400 lives lost in trucking accidents each year (DOT).
The DOT also reports that there were 1,691 commercial motor vehicle fatalities in 2012 – representing a 7% increase from 2011 (DOT).
- The number of drivers involved in fatal crashes involving a truck or bus rose from 1,000 in 2004 to 1,400 in 2005 — an increase of 19%.
- The number of people killed in passenger vehicle accidents increased by 9% over the same period (from 29,500 to 31,500). However, truck driver fatalities rose by 10%, from 2,300 deaths to 2,400 deaths.
- There were 434 fatal crashes involving large trucks (for example, tractor-trailers) in 2006 — a 50% increase over 2005 figures (287).
- Injuries are common in accidents involving 18-wheelers. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), about 2,000 people die each year in trucking accidents. This number includes both fatal and nonfatal injuries.
- Most of these deaths occur in crashes between large trucks and passenger vehicles. These types of collisions account for nearly half of all fatalities.
- Another major cause of death in trucking accidents is rollovers. About 1,500 people were killed in this type of accident in 2016.
- The NHTSA reports that the leading causes of injury in trucking accidents include:
• Head injuries
• Neck injuries - There are over 1 million truck drivers in the United States alone. This means that there are about 4.5 accidents involving trucks per day. That’s almost 2 accidents per hour!
- Of those accidents, only about 5% result in fatalities.
- About 90% of the accidents involve large trucks (over 10,000 lbs).
- Over half of the accidents occur at night.
- Most accidents happen between 6 pm and midnight.
- More than 80% of the accidents happen on highways.
18-Wheeler Accident Lawyer: How You Can Secure Legal Help for Your Case
If you have been involved in an accident with an 18-wheeler, it is important to understand your legal rights and options. These types of accidents are often much more complicated than a typical car accident, and the consequences can be much more serious. An experienced 18-wheeler accident lawyer can help you navigate the complex legal landscape and secure the compensation you deserve.
In the United States, trucking accidents are governed by a unique set of federal regulations. This can make it difficult to hold trucking companies accountable for their negligence. A qualified 18-wheeler accident lawyer will have experience handling these types of cases and will know how to build a strong case against the trucking company. If you have been injured in an 18-wheeler accident, don’t hesitate to contact a truck accident lawyer today.
Penalties for Violating FMCSA Drug Alcohol Rules 18-Wheeler Accident Lawsuit Lawyer
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is the regulatory agency that oversees the commercial trucking industry in the United States. While the FMCSA has many responsibilities, one of its most important is to ensure that truck drivers are not impaired while operating their vehicles.
The FMCSA has implemented a series of regulations aimed at ensuring the safety of commercial truck drivers and the public, including rules that prohibit the use of certain prescription drugs and alcohol while driving. When commercial truck driver is caught violating the FMCSA drug alcohol rules, they may be subject to a variety of penalties.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) has strict rules for truckers and bus drivers. These rules are enforced by the FMCSA, but they don’t apply to everyone. A truck driver who is not a commercial driver or an employee of a commercial carrier is not required to comply with these rules.
This means that if you’re driving a semi-truck or a passenger vehicle as part of your job, you won’t have to follow these rules. But it also means that if you get caught violating them, there will be consequences.
The penalties for violating these rules can include:
- A fine of up to $11,000 per violation (for violations involving alcohol or drugs)
- FMCSA can fine trucking companies $1 million per violation
- Probation up to 1 year
- You will lose your CDL and be fined between $1,000 and $10,000 by the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT).
- Notification of the Secretary of Transportation in writing (which includes no driving privileges)
Best 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyer
18 Wheeler Accident Lawyers are very specialized and not all lawyers practice this type of law. When you have been in an 18 wheeler accident, it is important that you find a lawyer who has experience specifically with 18 wheeler accidents. There are many different laws that apply to 18-wheeler accidents that do not apply to other types of accidents. The best 18 Wheeler Accident Lawyers will be able to navigate these laws and get you the compensation that you deserve.
Here is a list of the Best 18 Wheeler Accident Lawyers in the United States:
- 18 Wheeler Accident Lawyers | 60+ Years of Experience in Truck Litigation (munley.com)
- 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyers, Truck Accident Attorney | Mokaram Law Firm
- Commercial Semi Truck Accident Lawyers | Morgan & Morgan Law Firm (forthepeople.com)
- San Antonio 18-Wheeler Accident – George Salinas Injury Lawyers (salinastriallaw.com)
- 18 Wheeler Accident Attorney – 18 Wheeler Injury Lawyer (valientemott.com)
- Jackson Tractor Trailer and 18 Wheeler Injuries – Heilman Law Group
- Undefeated Houston Truck Accident Lawyer | Texas 18 Wheeler Accident Attorney (zehllaw.com)
- Texas Truck Accident Lawyer • The Carlson Law Firm (carlsonattorneys.com)
- Texas 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyer – Begum Law Group (texaslegalgroup.com)
- 18 Wheeler Truck Accident Lawyers | San Antonio Trucking Injury Attorneys (carabinshaw.com)
Conclusion
The number of 18-wheeler accidents continues to rise in the United States. The most recent data from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) shows that injury and fatal accident rates for large truck drivers have increased significantly.
The most common causes of these types of accidents are the truck driver’s negligence and the negligence of other drivers on the road. The best way to avoid being involved in an 18-wheeler accident is to be alert and aware of your surroundings while driving.
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Also, Read –
Am I eligible for compensation for my truck accident injury?
You can file a claim for compensation even if you do not know who was responsible for causing your injuries. However, you should contact your employer’s insurance company immediately to determine whether they will cover any losses associated with your injuries.
Who will pay my medical bills after I’ve been in a truck accident?
1. Medical Insurance
Medical insurance is a great way to protect yourself from financial ruin if you are involved in an auto accident that results in serious injury. However, not everyone has health insurance coverage. If you do not have any kind of medical coverage, you may find yourself paying out-of-pocket for your medical expenses. This can become extremely expensive and stressful for anyone who has just suffered a major injury.
2. Personal Injury Protection (PIP)
Personal injury protection (PIP) is a type of insurance that covers certain costs associated with injuries sustained in car accidents. PIP provides compensation for things like lost wages, property damage, rehabilitation services, and pain and suffering. Depending on where you live, you may qualify for no-fault insurance, which means you don’t need to prove fault before receiving benefits.
3. No-Fault Insurance
No-fault insurance is a type of insurance policy that pays for damages caused by an automobile accident without requiring proof of negligence. In some states, this is called Uninsured/Underinsured Motorist Coverage.
What Do I Do if I Have Been in a Trucking Accident in North Carolina?
1. Call 911 immediately.
2. If you are injured, call your doctor.
3. Make sure that you have medical insurance.
4. Contact your attorney.
5. File a claim with your insurance company.
6. Contact a personal injury lawyer.
Who Can Be Held Liable in a Truck Accident in North Carolina?
1. The driver of the truck that hit your vehicle
The driver of the truck that hits your vehicle may not have been negligent. In fact, he or she could have had no way of knowing that your car was going to be in their lane. However, if they were aware of this danger and failed to take action to avoid hitting you, then they are liable for any injuries you suffered. If you were injured in a truck accident in North Carolina, contact our law firm today at (919) 781-8808 for a free consultation.
2. The owner of the truck
If you own the truck that hit your car, you can still be held responsible for any damages caused by the collision. This is true even if you did not know about the dangerous condition of the road before the accident occurred. You should always keep your eyes open for potential hazards while driving. If you fail to do so, you could find yourself facing serious legal consequences.
3. The manufacturer of the truck
Manufacturers of trucks are often held accountable for defects in their products. They are legally obligated to ensure that their vehicles meet certain safety standards. If you believe that your truck has a defect, you should immediately notify the manufacturer.
How Common Are 18 Wheeler Accidents in the U.S.?
1. In 2016, there were over 1 million 18-wheeler accidents reported in the United States. This number represents about 2% of all motor vehicle accidents.
2. There are many factors that can contribute to these accidents including driver error, weather conditions, road conditions, and other vehicles.
3. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), truck drivers are at greater risk than any other type of driver.
4. Trucking companies have been working hard to improve safety standards and reduce accidents.
5. The NHTSA has been trying to make sure that trucks are equipped with the best possible technology.
6. Many states require commercial truck drivers to take a test before they are allowed to drive a big rig.
How Are 18 Wheeler Accident Cases More Complicated Than Average Car Accident Cases?
The average car accident case is pretty simple. You have two cars, one hits the other. There are some variables like speed, weather conditions, etc., but at its core, it’s just about who was driving the vehicle that hit the other. In contrast, 18 wheeler accidents can get complicated fast. There are many factors involved in these types of cases. These include:
• Who is responsible?
• What caused the crash?
• Was the driver impaired?
• Were any passengers injured?
• How much damage did the truck cause?
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