Why Do 18-Wheeler Crashes Happen?

18-wheeler accidents can happen for a variety of reasons. Adverse weather, heavy traffic and road conditions may all be factors. However, according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), the following are among the most common causes of these crashes:

• Driver error – Driving a large commercial truck involves the use of a complex set of skills. Without proper training and experience, truck drivers are more likely to make dangerous errors. Unfortunately, even experienced drivers may engage in reckless driving such as speeding, disregarding traffic signs and signals and driving while distracted or under the influence of alcohol, drugs or medications. Driving while overly fatigued also plays a role in many trucking accidents in Abilene and throughout Texas.
• Improper trucking company practices – When trucking companies do not allow breaks or require their drivers to work excessive shifts in order to meet impossible schedules, it increases the risk of accidents. Drivers are more likely to speed, and they may suffer from lack of sleep, resulting in drowsy driving accidents.
• Improper loading practices – The amount of cargo that a trucker carries, and the way it is secured and distributed can all be factors in truck crashes. Overloaded trucks are harder to control, and shifts in weight can cause rollovers when trucks go around curves.
• Mechanical defects – 18-wheelers and other big rigs require regular maintenance to ensure they are in proper working order. The failure to properly inflate tires or to check brakes and fluid levels can make accidents more likely to occur.

The Abilene truck accident attorneys of KRW have the resources to launch an immediate investigation of your truck accident. We can determine how the wreck occurred and who should be held accountable for it. The sooner an investigation occurs, the better it will be for our investigators as they track down important evidence.

Who Can Be Held Responsible for a Tractor-Trailer Crash?

According to the Texas Department of Transportation, more than 35,000 commercial motor vehicle (CMV) crashes occurred in the state in 2017 alone, including 512 fatal crashes. When these crashes occur, victims and their families need an experienced truck accident lawyer with the legal knowledge and expertise to hold all those involved accountable. Those parties could include:

• Truck driver (for careless and reckless behavior that causes the crash)
• Trucking company (for policies and practices which put drivers and others on the road at risk)
• Companies that own or lease tractor-trailers (for failing to properly license and/or maintain the vehicle)
• Shipping or freight brokers (for improper hiring practices)
• Warehouse owners (for how freight is loaded and/or secured in the truck)
• Mechanics (for failing to fix maintenance issues and for failing to report them to the driver or trucking company)
• Truck or truck part manufacturers (for selling vehicles or parts that were dangerous or defective).

These parties should have insurance policies in place to cover the costs of a crash. However, they may also have teams of attorneys on their side to defend them against claims. As one of the leading personal injury law firms in Texas, we will fight for your rights while pursuing the legal actions needed to pursue maximum compensation for you.

What Damages Can You Recover After a Truck Crash?

The massive size and bulk of most commercial trucks will protect the driver. However, other motorists involved in truck accidents can end up suffering catastrophic injuries. Multiple fractures, crushing injuries resulting in damage to internal organs, spinal cord injuries and traumatic brain injuries (TBI) are all common in tractor-trailer crashes. They can have a devastating effect on every area of your life.

At KRW, we will pursue all compensation that you are entitled to receive such as:

Economic damages – To cover the actual costs you incur in an accident such as medical expenses and lost wages
Non-economic damages – To compensate you for the pain, suffering, and mental anguish you suffer, along with the lost quality of life you and your family must face.
Exemplary damages – To punish the at-fault party in cases that involve exceptional misconduct such as gross negligence.

 What Damages Can You Recover After a Truck Crash?

The massive size and bulk of most commercial trucks will protect the driver. However, other motorists involved in truck accidents can end up suffering catastrophic injuries. Multiple fractures, crushing injuries resulting in damage to internal organs, spinal cord injuries and traumatic brain injuries (TBI) are all common in tractor-trailer crashes. They can have a devastating effect on every area of your life.

At KRW, we will pursue all compensation that you are entitled to receive such as:

• Economic damages – To cover the actual costs you incur in an accident such as medical expenses and lost wages
• Non-economic damages – To compensate you for the pain, suffering, and mental anguish you suffer, along with the lost quality of life you and your family must face.
• Exemplary damages – To punish the at-fault party in cases that involve exceptional misconduct such as gross negligence.