TRUCKING & 18-WHEELER ACCIDENT recovery LAW

Accidents involving 18-wheeler trucks, also known as semi-trailer trucks or tractor-trailers, are among the most devastating on the road. These vehicles, due to their significant size, weight, and the logistics involved in maneuvering them, pose an elevated risk to other road users.

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), there were approximately 499,000 police-reported crashes involving large trucks in 2018 in the United States alone. Of these, 4,415 (less than 1%) resulted in fatalities, and 107,000 (about 21%) resulted in injuries (FMCSA, 2020).

A report from the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) in 2019 stated that, of all motor vehicle crash deaths, 11% involved large trucks (NHTSA, 2019). It is worth noting that the number of large trucks involved in fatal crashes increased by 1% from 2018 to 2019, a worrying trend.

Due to their massive size and weight, 18-wheeler truck accidents can lead to catastrophic injuries and fatalities. The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) found that in 2019, most deaths in large truck crashes were passenger vehicle occupants (67%). The main problem is the vulnerability of people traveling in smaller vehicles. Trucks often weigh 20-30 times as much as passenger cars and are taller with greater ground clearance, which can result in smaller vehicles under-riding trucks in crashes (IIHS, 2019).

Common injuries in 18-wheeler truck accidents include traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord injuries, broken bones, internal injuries, and lacerations. These injuries often result in long-term or permanent disability, requiring intensive medical care and rehabilitation.

When compared to accidents not involving trucks, 18-wheeler truck accidents tend to be more severe. As mentioned earlier, the large disparity in size and weight between a commercial truck and a passenger vehicle often results in the passenger vehicle and its occupants bearing the brunt of the impact.

Moreover, trucks take 20-40% farther than cars to stop, and this discrepancy can be even more substantial on wet or slippery roads or with poorly maintained brakes (IIHS, 2019). This longer stopping distance can contribute to accidents, especially rear-end collisions.

Furthermore, due to the nature of trucking, with drivers often on the road for long hours, fatigue can be a significant issue, which might not be as prevalent in accidents involving only passenger vehicles. The FMCSA reports that 13% of commercial motor vehicle drivers were considered to have been fatigued at the time of their crash (FMCSA, 2020).

The data clearly indicates that accidents involving 18-wheeler trucks are a significant issue, resulting in numerous injuries and fatalities each year. These accidents tend to be more severe than those not involving trucks due to the size and weight of these vehicles and the dynamics of the trucking industry. It highlights the need for effective measures to improve road safety, such as better truck maintenance, stricter regulations on driver hours to prevent fatigue, and advancements in vehicle safety technology.

Snable Stevenson & Silva Can Help You to Recover

The law firm of Snable Stevenson & Silva is a legal practice known for its exceptional representation in personal injury cases, specifically trucking accidents. Armed with extensive experience, depth of legal knowledge, and a strategic approach, our law firm is well-positioned to successfully represent a potential client involved in a trucking accident.

Legal Expertise and Experience

Our firm has a solid grounding in the complex legal terrain of trucking accidents. Our attorneys have dedicated years to mastering these intricacies. We are well-versed in the various laws and regulations governing the trucking industry, such as those stipulated by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and other relevant state laws. Application of our extensive knowledge is crucial in building a strong case.

Investigation and Evidence Collection

We understand the importance of thorough investigation and evidence collection in trucking accident cases. These accidents often involve several contributing factors, such as driver fatigue, vehicle malfunction, or failure to comply with safety regulations. The firm takes a proactive approach, quickly mobilizing to preserve and collect evidence, including driver logs, maintenance records, black box data, witness statements, and accident scene documentation.

Understanding Medical Issues

Trucking accidents often result in severe injuries with long-term or permanent effects. Our law firm has a deep understanding of these medical issues, and we work closely with medical experts to fully grasp the impact of these injuries on our client's life. This comprehensive understanding helps in conveying the true extent of physical, emotional, and financial damage to the court or the insurance company.

Negotiation and Litigation Skills

Effective representation in trucking accident cases requires robust negotiation and litigation skills. Our attorneys are seasoned negotiators and litigators. We understand how insurance companies work and are adept at countering their tactics to minimize or deny claims. We aren't afraid to take a case to court if a fair settlement isn't forthcoming, and we have a strong track record of successful jury verdicts.

Personalized Attention

Snable Stevenson & Silva prides itself on providing personalized attention to each client. We understand that every trucking accident case is unique, and we tailor our strategies accordingly. Our attorneys invest time in understanding our clients' situations, answering questions, explaining the legal process, and providing regular updates. This client-centric approach helps build a strong attorney-client relationship, which can contribute to a better outcome.

No Upfront Fees

To ensure that our services are accessible to those who need them most, Snable Stevenson & Silva accepts injury cases on a contingency fee basis. This means that our clients do not pay any upfront fees, and our firm only gets paid if they win the case. This fee arrangement demonstrates our confidence in our ability to deliver positive results and provides peace of mind to our clients, knowing that their attorney's interests align with theirs.

The combination of Snable Stevenson & Silva's legal knowledge, investigative prowess, negotiation and litigation skills, understanding of medical issues, personalized attention, and fair fee structure makes our law firm a formidable ally for anyone seeking representation in a trucking accident case. Whether it's standing up to large insurance companies or advocating in court, our law firm is prepared to go the extra mile to secure justice and fair compensation for our clients.

Contact our Birmingham, Alabama Truck Accident Lawyers & 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyers Today for Legal Help

Have you or a family member recently been involved in an accident involving a large truck or 18-wheeler in Alabama? Contact Snable Stevenson & Silva for immediate legal assistance and advice. You may be able to pursue compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and other expenses. Our qualified Alabama truck accident lawyers and 18-wheeler accident lawyers can help you fight to secure a full and fair award.

We offer a free case evaluation and consultation. Contact our law office in Birmingham, Alabama to schedule yours today. If you can’t come to us, we can arrange a time to visit you. Consultations can be arranged at the hospital, your home, or even your place of business. There’s a limited amount of time to act, so give us a call to get started today.