Finding the Right 18-Wheeler Accident Attorney
Accidents involving an 18-wheeler can be devastating and sometimes fatal due to the size and weight of the vehicle. It is important to seek help from an expert if you are involved in a large truck accident. These types of accidents require extensive investigation, the opinions of expert witnesses, and the innovative use of discovery procedures.
Quickly responding to a detailed examination of the 18-wheeler accident is crucial. Requesting an expert’s opinion based on their field of study allows us to achieve the proper financial recovery for your loss.
Work with a Strong Accident Attorney Who Has Experience with 18-Wheeler Accidents
Quite often, there are several parties injured in the result of an 18-wheeler accident. With more than 33 years of experience going head-to-head with commercial, trucking and 18-wheeler companies, Reynaldo Diaz and his team are ready to make sure that the person and/or company involved in this accident is held liable for their negligence.
What is Considered a Major Truck Accident?
Are you unsure if your accident falls under the category of a “major truck accident”? The National Center for Statistics and Analysis (NCSA) defines a large truck as any medium or heavy truck, excluding buses and motor homes, with a gross vehicle weight rating (GVWR) greater than 10,000 pounds—that’s twice the weight of the average passenger car! According to the Texas Department of Motor Vehicles, the maximum legal weight of a vehicle on Texas roadways is 80,000 pounds. This difference places the driver of a passenger car at a distinct disadvantage in an accident. An 18-wheeler traveling at 65 mph will take the length of two football fields to make a complete stop. Accidents involving these types of vehicles often result in severe, life-altering injuries or death.
Fatigued 18-Wheeler Drivers and Employer Negligence
We have seen many 18-wheeler companies take advantage of their employees by pushing them past the driving limit. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), there is a limit on the number of hours a trucker is allowed to drive. A property-carrying driver may not drive beyond the 14th consecutive hour after coming on duty, following 10 consecutive hours off duty.
A study conducted by the Large Truck Crash Causation Study (LTCCS) reported that 13 percent of commercial motor vehicle (CMV) drivers were considered to have been fatigued at the time of their crash. Some trucking companies do not enforce the drive time hours, knowing that they are short-staffed on truck drivers and may even ignore the fact that the driver does not have a valid certified driver’s license (CDL) to operate large motor-vehicles.
The trucking industry advertises a 24/7/365 service (24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year). The pressure of this expectation can make it difficult for inexperienced drivers to stay within the legal limit of drive time hours. Only a small window exists for truck drivers to rest between the 10 hour off-duty break, which can amount to just 6 hours for their rest and recovery. This has been a major concern with truck drivers, frequently leading to illegally logged hours.
When faced with a settlement, major commercial 18-wheeler companies will tend to focus on what benefits their business and may try to persuade you to settle your claim quickly to protect themselves. You can trust Rey Diaz and his decades of experience to skillfully represent your case and achieve a substantial financial reimbursement for you.
Texas has had the highest number of large trucks involved in fatal crashes. If you or a loved one have fallen victim to an 18-wheeler accident and need help, call on Reynaldo Diaz and his team protect your legal rights. We are prepared with the logic and experience needed to go against large commercial 18-wheeler companies. Let us help your case!
We know that after a tragic event or accident, dealing with the aftermath is the last thing that families want to worry about. Don’t struggle with your legal matters alone. Contact us anytime to schedule a free consultation.