Our lawyers look at every angle to determine liability in each case.
Truck accidents often have multiple contributing factors—so several parties can share responsibility.
Perhaps the truck driver was distracted, but the truck's air brakes also failed. The driver and the manufacturer of the faulty air brakes may both be at fault. The air brakes may have failed because the trucking company did not do proper maintenance, so the trucking company may also share responsibility. Arnold & Itkin has years of experience investigating truck accidents and has taken on some of the nation's largest trucking companies. We understand what it takes to thoroughly investigate the cause of a truck accident so we can determine who should be held accountable. We are experienced and aggressive trial lawyers. We believe in holding negligent truck drivers and trucking companies accountable and have a track record to prove it.
To find out more about our services, contact our truck accident lawyers for a free consultation.
The massive size of a trucks means they handle much differently than a smaller passenger vehicle:
One of the biggest differences is stopping distance. At 65 mph, a car requires approximately 160 feet to stop. A big rig, on the other hand, requires approximately 420 feet to stop.
A big rig also has huge blind spots ("no zones") We are all used to the blind spot in our own car, but trucks have multiple blind spots in the front and back. This makes it difficult for the driver to spot surrounding vehicles.
In addition, large trucks make wide turns. A driver often has to swing in the opposite direction before negotiating a turn. For example, before making a right turn, a tractor-trailer driver may first swing the truck left to accommodate the wide turning radius. This can endanger vehicles on either side.
The height and weight distribution of an 18-wheeler makes it particularly susceptible to rollovers. Although often caused by speeding, truck rollovers can occur even at very low speeds, especially when going around corners and up or down a steep pitch. Rollovers may also occur when a tire goes off the pavement.
Large trucks are simply not the same as smaller passenger vehicles. They are larger, more complex, and have a whole host of issues unique to them alone.
Learn MoreAside from the physical limitations of 18-wheelers, other factors can lead to truck accidents. Although truck drivers by and large are skilled, even minor lapses in judgment can lead to catastrophic situations.
There are also a number of factors inherent to the trucking business that can lead to a big rig accident. Truck drivers often operate within a system of compensation that encourages driving faster and for longer than is safe. They may also drive through hazardous conditions to meet deadlines. Additionally, drivers may receive inadequate training that does not prepare them properly.
Those of us who share the roadways with commercial trucks occasionally make mistakes that can lead to a truck accident.
Unsafe actions by passenger vehicle drivers include:
As explained above, can cause serious accidents. They may be driving too fast, may be fatigued, or may be distracted. Still, the driver of the truck and other vehicles in the accident are not solely to blame. In fact, the trucking company may also be at fault.
Some examples of situations where the trucking company may be liable:
A five-year study of fatal accidents involving large trucks in Michigan found that a third of more than 400 trucks inspected had maintenance defects that would have placed them out of service if detected before a crash. Brake problems accounted for a third of the problems. Evidence of negligent maintenance can be difficult to detect. That's why our attorneys work with accident reconstruction and technical experts to examine trucking accidents carefully.
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Even when it's clear who is at fault, truck accident claims can be complicated. At our firm, we understand the complexities of truck accidents and have the negotiating experience and courtroom skill to achieve successful outcomes for our clients. We are committed to helping people who have been seriously injured in truck accidents.
Please do not hesitate to contact us at (888) 490-0442 for a free case evaluation today!