Collisions between 18-wheelers and normal automobiles are all too common on the road and can be devastating. An 18 wheeler weighs up to 30 to 40 times a standard automobile, so when the two collide it is no surprise that drivers in regular vehicles often sustain injuries and/or substantial damage to their vehicles. Drivers in San Angelo, Texas can do their best to drive defensively, but sometimes accidents with 18 wheelers are unavoidable due to their size, weight, and the way they are operated.
If you are injured in an accident involving a big-rig, you’ll want to call a San Angelo 18 wheeler accident attorney. Having a San Angelo trucking accident attorney on your side is critical to the outcome of your potential accident claim or lawsuit. In 18 wheeler accident cases, there can be multiple parties at fault, which creates complexity in the legal proceedings but can also mean more money for you. You need an experienced attorney to help you get the maximum compensation. At Carabin Shaw, we’ve been fighting for our clients for over 25 years and we will fight for you. Here is a list of a few possible causes of 18 wheeler accidents in San Angelo, Texas.
Distracted and/or Impaired DrivingTruck drivers can sometimes lose their focus on the road and cause accidents. Currently, a lot of drivers are distracted by devices such as cell phones and digital GPS. Texting while driving or punching in an address on GPS while the vehicle is in motion can cause accidents. If drivers turn their attention away from the road for even a second, it can spell potential disaster. Talk to a lawyer if a distracted truck driver caused your accident.
Drivers also create dangerous situations when they choose to ignore laws and regulations, or drive under the influence of over-the-counter sleeping medications, illegal substances, and alcohol. Truckers sometimes resort to amphetamine use to deal with long, sleepless shifts, and the amphetamines can impair their judgment and ability to operate the vehicle correctly. If an impaired truck driver caused your accident, call a San Angelo 18 wheeler accident attorney today.
Overworked DriversAccidents can also happen when drivers are forced to work long or unreasonable hours. Even if drivers are not using substances to cope with the long hours, they can have fatigue-related accidents. Unfortunately, falling asleep at the wheel is all too common for truckers. When this causes an accident that you’re involved in, you need a San Angelo trucking accident attorney.
Improper LoadingImproper loading of cargo can cause uneven weight distribution throughout the vehicle and cause jackknifing or inability to handle the vehicle. Loading cargo past the weight limit can also cause the vehicle to be difficult to control and cause accidents. Accident lawyers in San Angelo can help you take on the trucking companies if an improper load caused your accident.
Defective Parts & Improper MaintenanceTrucks, like all machines, need regular maintenance and upkeep. Sometimes, trucking companies cut corners when it comes to maintenance, which can lead to things such as brake failure, or other problems that cause serious accidents. Accident lawyers in San Angelo can make negligent trucking companies pay.
Defective parts can also cause accidents. If a defective part causes an accident, you and your lawyer may seek compensation from the manufacturer of the defective part.
Next Steps: Free Initial ConsultationNow that we’ve covered the possible causes of 18 wheeler accidents in San Angelo, Texas, you may be asking what your next steps are. If you’ve been in an accident with a big rig, don’t hesitate and call an attorney today. You need someone you can trust. At Carabin Shaw, we’ve recovered over $1 billion for our clients and we will fight for you. Call us today in San Angelo, Texas at 1-800-862-1260 for a free consultation.