Truck Accident Causes

Truck accidents are often more than they appear. After an accident, it is vital that a thorough investigation is conducted in order to find the root cause. Because the investigation is so important, it is vital to have an experienced truck accident attorney who will analyze the collision and identify all the parties that are at fault.

Crashes involving large trucks often have multiple contributing factors, meaning several parties share responsibility. Perhaps the truck driver was distracted momentarily, but the truck's air brakes also failed. The driver and the manufacturer of the faulty air brakes may both be at fault. Perhaps the air brakes failed because the trucking company hadn't done proper routine maintenance on the big rig, so the trucking company may also share responsibility.

The lawyers at Arnold & Itkin LLP have years of experience investigating truck accidents across the U.S. and have taken on some of the biggest trucking companies in America. 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 trial lawyers and aggressive advocates for our clients. Our legal team has taken on some of the largest trucking companies and insurance providers across the nation. We believe in holding negligent truck drivers and trucking companies accountable and have a track record of verdicts and settlements to prove it.

Our law firm has secured hundreds of millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts for our clients. If you would like to find out more about our services and how we can help you, we welcome you to contact a truck accident lawyer at our offices for a free consultation. A friendly professional can answer your questions and address your concerns in order to help you get started in the right direction.

Large Trucks Are Involved in One of Every Nine Fatal Accidents

Truck drivers are involved in a disproportionately high number of serious and fatal traffic accidents in relation to the total number of these vehicles on the highway. In 2008, one out of nine traffic fatalities resulted from a collision involving a large truck. A truck driver can cause a serious traffic accident in a number of ways. The truck driver may be driving too fast for road or weather conditions. The truck driver may be fatigued because they've driven too many hours because they're under pressure to make a delivery deadline. The truck driver may have been distracted, looking at a map or GPS navigation system. The truck driver may not see an automobile located in a blind spot and may change lanes, colliding with the smaller vehicle.

The trucking company may also be at fault in an accident involving a big rig, 18-wheeler or semi truck. The trucking company may have hired a driver who had a history of driving violations or alcohol abuse, making the company negligent in its hiring practices. The company may have kept a driver who had a string of moving violations or had failed required drug or alcohol tests, making the company liable for negligent retention of a dangerous driver. The company may have failed to conduct required drug and alcohol testing—a common violation of truck safety regulations.

The trucking company also may have failed to maintain the hydraulic brakes, tires or other equipment on a tractor-trailer, leading to a serious accident. 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 – we aim to identify all the parties at fault.

Defective equipment, such as tire treads that separate or brakes which fail, also may cause a truck accident. Manufacturers of truck parts have a legal responsibility to design and produce safe products. Defective equipment cases can be difficult to prove. We work closely with product engineers and industry experts to identify all the causes of a serious accident and build a persuasive case on behalf of our clients.

Arguably one of the most pervasive problems in the trucking industry is driver fatigue Although there are hours of operation laws in place, truckers commonly choose to ignore them in order to get their cargo to its deadline on time. This puts the driver at an increased risk of falling asleep at the wheel. Inexperienced and under-qualified drivers are another large problem in the commercial trucking industry. Licensing fraud as well as drivers who were hired without the proper experience contributes to many collisions on America’s roads and highways every year.

You Need a Truck Accident Attorney

Even when it's clear who is at fault, truck accident claims can be complicated. They may involve several insurance companies representing the driver, the trucking company and even a freight shipper. Each may claim the other party is responsible for the accident.

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 have successfully handled cases involving speeding, driver error, aggressive driving, negligent maintenance and issues of corporate responsibility in commercial vehicle accidents.

We are committed to helping people who have been seriously injured in truck accidents with big rigs, semi trucks and 18-wheelers. Once you meet the legal team at our firm, you will understand why H Texas magazine in Houston named Arnold & Itkin LLP "Top Lawyers for the People" three years in a row and why Texas Monthly has consistently recognized our attorneys as "Rising Stars." Contact us for a free case evaluation today!