18 Wheeler Accident Attorney in El Paso
If you’ve ever witnessed an accident that involves a large commercial truck such as an 18 wheeler, a semi, or a tractor-trailer, then you know these accidents can be devastating. While the injuries caused by these 18 wheeler accidents can include minor bumps and bruises, injuries more often include broken bones, severe burns, and lacerations, and in some instances, the injuries can be fatal. Truck accident injuries can be permanently disfiguring and debilitating and can lead to a lifetime of extensive and costly medical treatment. However, you shouldn’t have to pay for this treatment and other accident-related expenses if the accident was caused by the actions or in actions of another. In order to protect your right to compensation, you must team up with an experienced 18 wheeler accident attorney. Contact the Aranda Law Firm, so we can get to work on your case, today.
18 Wheeler Accident Statistics
In 2015, more than four thousand people died, and approximately 116,000 more were injured in accidents involving large trucks. Texas had the highest number of large truck accident fatalities that year at 561. The majority of large truck accident fatalities are the occupants of passenger vehicles. This is not surprising given that a fully-loaded 18 wheeler can be twenty to thirty times the weight of a passenger vehicle, and the height of a large truck is significantly taller. The size and weight discrepancy between a large truck and a passenger vehicle contribute to the vulnerability of passenger vehicle occupants.
Common Contributing Factors Leading to 18 Wheeler Accidents
Many factors cause and contribute to 18 wheeler accidents. Some common causes of accidents involving large trucks include:
- Truck Driver Fatigue. Truck drivers are required by federal law to limit the amount of time they drive per week. Although this can help prevent tiredness and fatigue, driving long stretches at a time can wear on any driver.
- Distracted Driving. Accidents are oftentimes caused by drivers who are distracted by texting, talking on their cellphone, or entering directions into a navigation system.
- Speeding or Failing to Obey Other Traffic Laws. Many truck accidents are caused by drivers who exceed the speed limit. Truck drivers sometimes speed because they might be on strict timelines.
- Improper or Poor Truck Maintenance. Truck companies must properly maintain and upkeep their trucks. If equipment such as tires or brakes aren’t checked on a regular basis, and a malfunction causes an accident, the truck company can be held responsible for the accident.
- Inclement Weather. Driving too fast for wet or icy conditions sometimes leads to accidents.
- Braking Time. Because a fully-loaded 18 wheeler can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, it can take a large truck twenty to forty percent longer to stop than a passenger vehicle. This discrepancy is greater when road conditions are wet or slippery.
- Inexperience or Lack of Proper Training. If a truck driver has not had the proper training or lacks experience, they can pose a hazard on the road.
18 Wheeler Accidents May Lead to Serious Injuries or Wrongful Death
18 wheeler accidents are very likely to lead to serious injuries or even death. Depending on the severity of the injuries, you may be able to seek further damages from the case. First, let’s break down what might constitute as a serious injury. 18 wheeler accidents may lead to severe whiplash that may result in spinal cord injuries as well as brain trauma. Not only are these injuries expensive to treat, but they may also make it impossible for the injured to work as they used to before the injury took place. This can make it difficult to pay medical bills without sinking into debt. If you’ve suffered serious injuries from an 18 wheeler accident, you deserve compensation.
As a serious injury attorney, Marco Aranda has the legal expertise necessary to guide your case in the right direction. A wrongful death may occur if the injuries from the accident are too severe. Untimely deaths often purging the surviving family members into a world of chaos and uncertainty. In these instances, it’s necessary to seek legal assistance from a wrongful death attorney. If you’re in the Southwest region, the Aranda Law Firm can help.
Liability in an El Paso Truck Accident Case
If you’ve been in an accident involving a large truck, it is important to realize that not only might the truck driver be found liable for your injuries, but oftentimes, the trucking company can also be found liable. In addition, other defendants in a truck accident case can include those who are responsible for maintaining the truck and any other drivers that may have caused or contributed to the accident. Because truck accident cases can be complex, particularly when multiple defendants are involved, it is imperative that you consult with an experienced 18 wheeler accident attorney who has the skills and expertise necessary to investigate your truck accident claim and help you obtain the compensation you need and deserve.
Contact the Aranda Law Firm Today!
If you or a loved one has sustained injuries in an accident involving an 18 wheeler or other large commercial truck, you should contact an experienced 18 wheeler accident attorney immediately. 18 wheeler accidents can be complicated and are not always easy to prove given that in many cases, there are a number of individuals or entities involved, or a variety of factors caused or contributed to the accident. At the Aranda Law Firm, our team of dedicated and knowledgeable attorneys can help you achieve the best possible results in your truck accident case. Call us today to schedule your consultation.
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