New Port Richey 18-Wheeler Accident Attorney
More than 80% of all freight in the U.S. is hauled by 18 wheelers. These vehicles combine a cab in the front and a trailer connected at the back. When fully loaded, a tractor-trailer can weigh up to 40 tons. The name 18-wheeler comes from the number of wheels on the vehicle.
Accidents involving 18-wheelers are dramatic, and if they occur on the highway, then dozens of cars might be involved. Contact Wendy Doyle-Palumbo if you were injured in a crash involving a large truck like an 18 wheeler. We can dig into the facts to check if you can sue the trucker or another defendant. Call and set up an appointment for free with a New Port Richey 18-wheeler accident attorney to learn more about what steps you should take immediately after a crash.
Determining Fault for a Truck Accident
Fault is the legal concept of responsibility. When a defendant is legally responsible for the crash, a victim can sue them for compensation. At the same time, the defendant might agree to settle a claim to avoid a lengthy lawsuit.
Most truck accidents are caused by:
- Careless driving. The trucker might have gone too fast in poor road conditions or made a sudden movement which causes the truck to jackknife. Truckers can also become distracted by cell phones, GPS devices, and other electronics, crashing into other vehicles simply because their eyes are not on the road.
- Intoxication or chemical impairment. Trucking companies should regularly test their truckers and suspend any who fail a drug screen. However, too many truckers are on the road while high or drunk.
- Unbalanced cargo. Cargo must be properly loaded and secured so it does not shift during the trip. Unbalanced cargo can result in rollovers, jackknifes, and other accidents.
- Overloaded freight. Every truck has a weight limit, but some companies will load excess cargo to increase profits. The truck becomes less stable and needs more time to stop. Override accidents are common with overloaded 18-wheelers.
- Mechanical defect. The truck could have a defect which makes it dangerous to drive. Imagine tires exploding while the truck is going 60 miles per hour. The 18-wheeler could jump into oncoming traffic and crash.
If you were injured in any collision with a truck, you do not have time to investigate your crash. Call our law firm. We can jump in and start collecting evidence.
The trucking company will do everything to defend itself. They might even blame you for the accident or argue a defect on the road contributed to the crash. We will analyze the evidence to see if you share any responsibility for your collision.
Contact Our New Port Richey Truck Accident Lawyer Today
Truck accidents can leave many people with hefty medical bills and few ways to pay for them. If you were injured in a crash, call our office or reach out online with your personal details. Wendy Doyle-Palumbo is a seasoned New Port Richey 18-wheeler accident lawyer who can negotiate a settlement on behalf of clients.