18-Wheeler Accident Lawyer

Hit by an 18-Wheeler, Commercial Vehicle, or Other Big Truck?

According to the National Safety Council, in 2021, 5,700 large trucks were involved in a fatal crash, an 18% increase from 2020 and a 49% increase in the last 10 years. Large trucks account for just 5% of all registered vehicles on the road yet they accounted for 9% of all vehicles involved in fatal crashes.

If you were injured, or someone you know was killed, in an accident involving an 18-wheeler, commercial vehicle, or big truck, speak to an 18-wheeler accident lawyer to learn your legal rights. There are numerous causes of fatal accidents and sadly it often takes a truck accident lawsuit to uncover the evidence that leads to the contributing factors and negligence behind such a serious auto accident.

Don’t be a victim twice. Get help when it matters most and speak to an experienced lawyer today!

Reasons 18-Wheelers Cause Car Accidents

1. Failure to check blind spots when changing lanes.

An 18-wheeler truck is a large and heavy vehicle that requires more space to maneuver than a standard car. The truck’s size and weight also create a larger blind spot than a car, making it difficult for the truck driver to see cars in the lanes adjacent to them. This is especially true when the truck is changing lanes.

When an 18-wheeler is changing lanes, the driver needs to check their blind spots before doing so. If the truck driver does not do this, they may not be aware of a car in the adjacent lane and may move into it without warning. This can lead to an accident, as the car may not be able to react in time to avoid a collision with the truck. Additionally, because the truck is so large and heavy, the resulting impact can be catastrophic.

To avoid this type of accident, truck drivers need to be aware of their blind spots and check them before changing lanes. This will help ensure that they are aware of any cars that may be in the adjacent lane and can take the appropriate action to avoid a collision.

2. Driving while fatigued or distracted.

Fatigue and distraction can be major contributing factors to an 18-wheeler truck causing a car accident. When a driver is fatigued, they are more likely to experience slower reaction times, have difficulty focusing, and make poor decisions. This can lead to dangerous driving behaviors such as failing to yield, speeding, or sudden lane changes.

Distraction can also be a major contributing factor to an 18-wheeler truck causing an accident. Distracted driving behaviors can include talking on the phone, texting, eating, drinking, playing with the radio, or adjusting the GPS. These distractions can cause the driver to take their eyes off the road, making them less aware of their surroundings and the other vehicles on the road. This can lead to the driver making reckless decisions or missing important cues such as traffic signs or signals.

Both of these behaviors can lead to an 18-wheeler truck causing a car accident. The large size and weight of the 18-wheeler truck can cause devastating damage to any smaller vehicle it collides with, due to its sheer mass and force. With the truck being so large and heavy, it would take a lot of time and distance for the driver to bring it to a complete stop if they were distracted or fatigued. This could easily lead to an accident since the truck would not have enough time to react and avoid the collision.

3. Speeding or reckless driving.

An 18-wheeler truck is a large, heavy vehicle that requires a great deal of skill and experience to operate safely. When an 18-wheeler is speeding or driving recklessly, the driver is more likely to lose control of the vehicle and cause an accident. The size and weight of the truck mean that it takes longer to slow down than a smaller, lighter vehicle, making it difficult to avoid a crash. Additionally, the size of the truck and its load can cause it to jackknife or rollover, which can cause more severe damage and potentially more injuries to the occupants of the other vehicle. Additionally, the truck’s large blind spots can make it difficult for the driver to spot oncoming traffic, increasing the risk of a collision. Finally, the speed of the truck can make it difficult for other drivers to react and avoid a crash. All of these factors combined create a situation where an 18-wheeler truck that is speeding or driving recklessly can cause a serious accident.

4. Overloaded cargo that causes the truck to be less maneuverable.

An 18-wheeler truck that is overloaded with cargo can cause a car accident for several reasons. First, an overloaded truck is more difficult to maneuver due to its increased weight. This can create problems when making turns or changing lanes, as the driver may not be able to react quickly enough to avoid a collision. Additionally, an overloaded truck will have a harder time stopping quickly, as the brakes will be working harder to slow down the increased weight of the truck. This can result in the truck not being able to stop in time to avoid a collision. Finally, an overloaded truck may be more difficult to control due to the increased momentum created by the increased weight. This can lead to the truck veering outside of its lane, which can cause a collision with another vehicle. An overloaded truck can create a situation where a car accident is more likely to occur.

5. Improperly secured cargo that can become unsecured and create a hazard.

When an 18-wheeler is transporting cargo, the cargo must be properly secured. If the cargo is not securely fastened, it can become unsecured during transit and create a hazard. An unsecured load can cause a variety of problems that can lead to a car accident. For example, if the cargo shifts in the truck, it can cause the truck to become unbalanced and lead to the truck swerving or veering off the road. Additionally, unsecured cargo can fall off the truck and onto the road, which can cause a hazard for other drivers. In some cases, the cargo may even fall onto the car causing significant damage or injury. In any of these scenarios, improperly secured cargo can create a serious risk for other drivers and can lead to a car accident.