If you suffered any type of injury from an accident with an 18-wheeler, and someone else caused the collision, you should not have to cover the costs of medical expenses, lost income, and other damages. The person or party whose negligence led to the accident should bear this burden.
Keep in mind that personal injury cases strive to ensure you do not suffer further damage from your injury. An Orland Park 18-wheeler truck accident lawyer can explain to you your legal rights for compensation from the at-fault party.
The attorneys at Pintas & Mullins Law Firm do not shy away from tough cases. Call us today at (800) 794-0444. We will fight for your right to receive just compensation for your injuries.
Federal Trucking Regulations
Trucking accidents need a thorough and immediate investigation. These cases have many more complexities than other types of passenger vehicle accidents. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) imposes very specific regulations and requirements upon 18-wheelers, also known as tractor-trailers or semi-trucks.If any driver operates an 18-wheeler, they must qualify for and carry a Commercial Motor Vehicle (CMV) license, also called a commercial driver’s license (CDL). Some of the requirements for CMV and CMV operators include the following:
CMV Operating License
According to FMCSA, all 18-wheeler drivers must have a CDL in good standing. Some additional requirements of those driving a DMV include being at least 21 years of age, having a regular passenger driver’s license in good standing, and maintaining a relatively clean driving record, along with providing evidence of physical health every two years.
Service Hours
The Hours of Service Regulations establish requirements that 18-wheeler drivers must always obtain a certain amount of rest to avoid accidents caused by driver fatigue. Many trucking companies require that a CMV have an Electronic Logging Device that monitors and makes sure that the 18-wheeler operates according to the legal requirements and guidelines.
Physical Health
Drivers of 18-wheelers must sit for long periods of time as they drive for their jobs. Often, long periods of sitting lead to medical issues. Every two years, drivers of 18-wheelers must provide the FMCSA with a physical fitness evaluation indicating they are healthy enough to drive an 18-wheeler.
Secured Cargo
Cargo shifting in the back of the trailer can result in catastrophic accidents. Shifting cargo can cause an 18-wheeler to completely tip to one side. The massive accidents that follow can generate severe injuries or deaths. Truck drivers must ensure that their cargo loads remain secure, according to FMCSA guidelines.
Alcohol and Drugs
While laws exist regarding operating any motor vehicle under the influence of drugs or alcohol, the FMCSA has stricter guidelines with respect to alcohol and drugs for CMV operators. Eighteen-wheeler drivers cannot have a blood alcohol content (BAC) above 0.02, nor can they take any drugs or drink any alcohol eight hours before their shifts. Finally, a truck operator cannot carry any alcohol with them when driving, unless the alcohol is part of their cargo.
Types of Injuries in 18-Wheeler Accidents
With tens of thousands of pounds of force behind an 18-wheeler collision, these accidents often end in disaster, causing substantial or permanent injuries, or even death. While every accident differs, common serious injuries resulting from these incidents include:
- Traumatic brain injuries.
- Broken or fractured bones.
- Internal injuries affecting organs.
- Spinal cord injuries.
- Whiplash.
- Burns.
- Toxic inhalation.
- Paralysis.
- Death.
If your loved one died as a result of an accident with an 18-wheeler, contact an Orland Park 18-wheeler truck accident lawyer at Pintas & Mullins Law Firm for help pursuing a wrongful death action against the at-fault party or parties: (800) 794-0444.
For a free legal consultation with a 18-Wheeler Truck Accidents Lawyer serving Orland Park, call (800) 794-0444
18-Wheeler Truck Safety
The federal government’s regulations help prevent many accidents involving 18-wheelers. However, the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) recommends that the trucking industry adopt additional safety measures to increase safety and prevention.
For example, NTSB recommends that all 18-wheeler trucks have crash avoidance systems, like in the European Union. Till now, the U.S. government does not require these crash avoidance systems. However, the industry continues to move in the direction of increased safety for both truck drivers as well as other motorists on the roadways.
Orland Park 18-Wheeler Truck Accidents Lawyer Near Me (800) 794-0444
Liability in 18-Wheeler Truck Accidents
If you suffered injuries in an accident with an 18-wheeler truck, a number of parties may be responsible and liable for your losses. Often, these parties will attempt to deny fault or liability to avoid payment of compensation due to their negligence.
Driver
Negligence of an 18-wheeler truck driver may stem from their lack of truck driving experience, overloading the truck, operating an oversized truck on a narrow road, failing to obey traffic rules, failing to check their large blind spot, driving fatigued, failing to keep the 18-wheeler in a safe condition, or failing to drive safely under the speed limit. If the court decides that the truck driver operated the 18-wheeler negligently, you may receive compensation for your injuries from either the truck driver or the trucking company that hired them.
Trucking Company
When a trucking company fails to hire qualified drivers, fails to maintain trucks in a safe condition, fails to properly train the drivers, or fails to properly supervise and monitor the drivers, a victim can file legal action against the trucking company as the negligent party in order to receive compensation for their damages and injuries.
Manufacturer
If the evidence reveals that the truck accident was because of a defective part or component, the manufacturer of that truck equipment maintains responsibility for any injuries or damages under strict liability law.
Regardless of whom we identify as the liable party in your truck accident, the attorneys at Pintas & Mullins Law Firm will hold them accountable in an effort to prevent your suffering further damage from an injury that someone else caused. Call us today at (800) 794-0444.
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Contact an Orland Park 18-Wheeler Truck Accident Lawyer
The parties to your lawsuit will use different tactics to either avoid paying compensation or try to reduce the amount of compensation you receive for your injuries and damages. Conducting an independent investigation and hiring expert witnesses can prove vital for your case.
If you hire Pintas & Mullins Law Firm to represent you in your case, our Orland Park 18-wheeler truck accident lawyers will immediately send a demand letter to all relevant parties. This will help ensure the preservation of evidence and the protection of your legal rights.
Contact the attorneys at Pintas & Mullins Law Firm today at (800) 794-0444 for a free consultation. We will tell you about your rights and provide the information you need if you decide to move forward with your claim.
Call or text (800) 794-0444 or complete a Free Case Evaluation form