Because of the huge size and weight of semi trucks, they require much more distance to stop than smaller vehicles. A semi tractor trailer traveling at 55 miles per hour requires 400 feet to come to a complete stop. A car traveling at the same speed needs only 225 feet. Additionally, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has reported that approximately 30 percent of semi-truck accidents have been affected by a poorly adjusted brake system. Regardless of where you live, if you have been in an accident because of a semi tractor trailer that failed to stop in time, contact a Texas semi tractor trailer accident attorney. We will provide the expert representation you need to help you achieve full compensation for your medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages, and damage to your vehicle.
Are semi trucks required to carry insurance?emergency treatment.
The Federal Motor Carriers Association governs certain trucking companies whose trucks travel between states and requires the companies to have at least $750,000 worth of bodily injury and property damage insurance on each truck and driver. However most companies carry $1,000,000 worth auto liability insurance. Trucking companies that are not under federal jurisdiction are typically required by their particular state government to maintain a specified amount of insurance on their trucks and drivers.
What is the best way to deal with a semi-truck company insurer?
You should not deal with semi-truck company insurers. After an accident with a semi truck, insurance companies will try to pay you the least amount possible in a settlement. Contact an attorney and consult with him before accepting any offers from an insurance company. Our attorneys will advise your how to best handle the insurance company.
What happens during an investigation after a truck accident?
After a trucking accident, an investigation will generally be made by police and the trucking company’s insurers in order to gather evidence about the specifics of the crash. However, this evidence rarely helps victims in a court of law. After a trucking accident, you should contact a lawyer as soon as possible. We will perform a thorough investigation of your accident to ensure that an accurate description of the accident may be conveyed in court. We may also do accident reconstruction to ensure that you get the best chance in court.
Insurance companies are not hired to give you the compensation you deserve. They are hired to protect the insurer’s assets. If you need to go to court after the semi tractor trailer accident, it will be crucial to have information from investigators not connected with the truck’s insurance company. Without an accident investigation performed by our experts, evidence that could be crucial to your case may be overlooked or destroyed.
Are multi-trailer trucks more dangerous than single-trailer trucks?
Multi-trailer trucks are definitely more dangerous than single-trailer trucks. Because they carry more weight, these types of vehicles are often more difficult to handle. They also have more connection points between the trailers, which make them vulnerable to swinging out or jackknifing. Experts estimate that these types of multi-trailer semi trucks on average are two to three times more likely to be in an accident than single-trailer semis.
What factors contribute to semi tractor trailer accidents?
A semi tractor trailer can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, whereas an average-size car weighs about 3,000 pounds. The weight disparity between the two vehicles puts a car’s occupants at a huge disadvantage when a collision occurs. The height of a truck also can make it more difficult to control during high winds. An 80,000-pound truck striking a much smaller vehicle even at low speed can result in a devastating crash that leaves the victims with serious injuries.
Semi tractor trailer drivers face stiff deadlines when delivering their freight. Although state and federal government regulations dictate how much time a driver can spend on the road without a break to sleep or rest, trucking companies will often pressure drivers to ignore these very important laws. A tired truck driver is less attentive and more prone to making mistakes. It is estimated that drivers are 77 percent more likely to report falling asleep while driving when they ignore regulations for getting sufficient rest. A driver’s exhaustion is often a contributing factor to tragic accidents in which innocent victims suffer severe injuries or even wrongful death.
Some truck drivers may also be under the influence of drugs or alcohol. In order to stay awake longer, drivers may use methamphetamine or another stimulant. This increases the chances for a semi tractor trailer to be involved in a roadway collision, a rural road accident, or an auto accident.
When should I contact a trucking accident lawyer?
Contact a lawyer immediately after an accident with a semi tractor trailer. The trucking company’s insurers are almost certain to conduct their own investigation after a crash. It is of utmost importance that you contact one of our attorneys as soon as possible. We will investigate your case and help you navigate the complicated legal system.
What if I can’t afford an attorney?
Our law office offers their services on a contingency fee basis. That means we don’t get paid until you obtain compensation for the financial impact and emotional trauma you are forced to suffer as a result of an accident. More information on this website
IF YOU OR A LOVED ONE HAS BEEN INJURED IN AN ACCIDENT
IT IS IMPORTANT TO PROTECT YOUR LEGAL RIGHTS.