18-Wheeler Accidents: An Overview

Boca Raton truck accident lawyer Stephen J. Press has decades of experience helping clients who are injured in 18-wheeler accidents. Because of the size and weight of these trucks, they tend to cause far more damage and injury when they crash. Accidents also tend to involve multiple vehicles.

Common Causes of Accidents

Big rigs travel many more miles each year on average than cars. The drivers are required to pass a special driving test and are usually very skilled at their trade, but they also drive for long periods with little rest. Weariness and inattention can be a killer when a big rig is involved, especially in areas with heavy traffic, says Boca Raton truck accident lawyer Stephen Press.

Because they are very expensive to maintain, 18-wheelers may not be serviced as often as they should. An owner’s budget may be tight, so that replacing a tire or having a transmission service may be delayed until absolutely necessary.

An unstable load may cause an accident as well. If the truck, itself, does not crash, the load may dump onto the road around oncoming traffic. A driver may also fail to follow the rules of the road, such as driving in a lane not specified for big rig use.

Determining Who is at Fault

When Boca Raton truck accident lawyer Jessica Mishali takes your 18-wheeler injury case, he must establish who is liable. Generally this will either be the owner or the operator. They may be one in the same, but a driver also may work for a large firm. If the truck accident was found to have been caused by improper maintenance, the owner will likely be liable. If the driver failed to obey traffic laws, he will be liable; however, if he did not receive proper training, the owner may also be a party in the action. Sometimes an 18-wheeler accident is caused by a defective part. In such case the manufacturer may need to be sued.

The Basic Steps to an 18-Wheeler Case

If you are injured in a big rig accident, Boca Raton truck accident lawyer Jessica Mishali will interview witnesses, obtain copies of the police report, driver log, your medical file, and more. You may need to submit to a deposition. If a settlement cannot be reached with the insurance company, a lawsuit will likely be necessary. The good news is that big rig owners are required to have much more coverage than the average motorist. Thus, you are more likely to have a source for recovering any damages you may suffer.

Call for Assistance

If you are injured in an 18-wheeler accident due to the negligence of the driver or someone else, Boca Raton truck accident lawyer Jessica Mishali may be able to help you gain compensation. Call for a consultation at (561) 833-2772.