Tractor Trailer Accident Lawyers

Accidents involving a tractor-trailer, also known as an 18-wheeler or semi-truck, regularly cause severe property damage, catastrophic injuries, and fatalities. Such accidents leave victims and their families in a state of shock and with extreme financial burdens, physical limitations, and the stress of facing a complicated legal process. 

If you think someone else was to blame for your tractor-trailer crash, you should immediately seek legal representation from an experienced tractor-trailer accident attorney. The right legal support is critical when seeking significant compensation. Our team at Stewart J. Guss Injury Lawyers understands the high stakes of tractor-trailer accidents and is committed to helping you pursue justice. Contact our firm today for a free consultation.

Understanding Tractor-Trailer Accidents

A tractor-trailer collision is not your ordinary car accident for several reasons. A loaded 18-wheeler truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, while a regular passenger vehicle weighs only around 3,000 to 4,000 pounds. Also, these massive vehicles are more complicated, with separate cabs and trailers, connected by a coupling device, which can fail.

Weight and size disparities make many collisions involving tractor-trailers devastating. According to injury facts, 5,936 passengers died in large-truck accidents in one recent year alone in the U.S. Texas had the most truck fatalities nationwide, recording almost twice the truck accident deaths than any other state. 

The weight and momentum of tractor-trailer trucks mean they require more time to stop than regular vehicles. If a truck driver needs to brake suddenly, it can take a long time for the truck to come to a complete stop. The driver’s inability to stop in time can lead to a severe rear-end crash, which might cause an override collision.

Trailer trucks also several have large blind spots, which are the hard-to-see areas around the truck. This makes it difficult for truck drivers to notice other smaller vehicles, cyclists, or pedestrians nearby. As a result, if a truck driver shifts lanes without seeing the other vehicle, they may crash into another motorist.

Because of the risks of tractor-trailers, companies and drivers must use proper caution and follow all applicable traffic laws and trucking regulations. When they fail to do so and you suffer harm in a crash, our tractor-trailer accident attorneys are ready to hold them fully accountable for your losses.

Causes of Tractor Trailer Accidents

There are several potential causes of tractor-trailer accidents, although most of them involve negligence. Some of the most common causes include:

• Driver fatigue: Fatigue is among the common causes of truck accidents. Fatigued drivers can easily make errors, such as veering into other lanes or oncoming traffic. Fatigue is often due to driving for long hours without following Hours of Service (HOS) regulations. 
• Distracted driving: Engaging in activities other than operating the tractor-trailer can distract truck drivers and prevent them from focusing on the road. Distracted driving is a top contributor to collisions involving semi-trucks.
• Speeding: Due to the dynamics of large trucks, speeding truck drivers may not have sufficient time to respond to drastic changes in traffic conditions and may lose control when they drive too fast in certain conditions.
• Improper cargo loading. Improperly loaded cargo causes trucks to become unbalanced, increasing the likelihood of an accident. Unstable cargo can easily shift and cause the truck driver to lose control of the vehicle.
• Mechanical failures. Poorly maintained trucks or equipment can lead to catastrophic accidents. Brake failures, tire blowouts, or engine malfunctions are examples of mechanical failures that can cause tractor-trailer accidents.
• Weather conditions. Inclement weather can make driving conditions hazardous, especially when visibility and traction are reduced. Truck drivers are expected to adjust their driving habits to changing weather conditions, but they might fail to do so.

Determining the cause of a truck accident is key because it helps identify who did something wrong. With this information, our tractor-trailer lawyers ensure the right parties are held accountable for your injuries and damages. At Stewart J. Guss Injury Lawyers, our attorneys are well-versed in investigating the causes of tractor-trailer crashes and preserving evidence to build the stonrgest possible claim.

How Can a Tractor Trailer Accident Attorney Assist You?

When seeking justice following a tractor-trailer accident, you need to have a legal professional who will oversee the entire process from start to finish. With a commitment to putting clients' interests first, the legal team at Stewart J. Guss Injury Lawyers can assist you in several ways. 

• Reviewing the facts of the crash to determine if you have a valid personal injury or wrongful death case.
• Identifying all potentially liable parties. 
• Determining the impact of the crash to uncover the full extent of your economic and non-economic losses.
• Handling the lengthy negotiations with insurers for fair compensation.
• Fighting for your rights in court in case insurance negotiations don’t result in a satisfactory settlement. 
• Offering support in dealing with legal stress and post-accident losses.

Truck accident claims involve dealing with commercial insurers, difficult trucking companies, and more. Stewart J. Guss Injury Lawyers will handle all communications with all parties to your claim and stand up for your best interests while you focus on healing.

Contact a Tractor Trailer Accident Lawyer at Stewart J. Guss Injury Lawyers For Assistance

If you or a family member suffers injuries in a tractor-trailer accident, you have the right to pursue compensation from the responsible parties. At Stewart J. Guss Injury Lawyers, we understand the life-altering nature of truck accident injuries and we are ready to provide compassionate yet effective legal assistance. 

We have obtained millions for truck accident victims across the U.S., and our attorneys have the resources and networks to prove your claim and fight for your rightful compensation. Contact us today to request a free consultation.