Tractor Trailer Accidents

There are well over 500,000 large 18-wheeler trucks involved in collisions throughout the United States and Canada each and every year. This number has been increasing gradually over the past two decades. From these collisions, more than 4,500 truck driving accidents resulted in over 5,000 deaths. Large 18 wheeler truck accidents are responsible for approximately one out of every nine deaths on our highways. This amount of tragedy happens on a yearly basis. The majority of these 18-wheeler trucks have a gross vehicle weight rating over ten thousand pounds. When a truck of this magnitude is colliding with a vehicle less than half its size, it is inevitable that the smaller vehicle will incur major damages. The risk of getting into an accident with an 18 wheeler is always increasing and there aren't many cities who do not deal with these types of accidents. In San Antonio, tractor trailer accidents happen almost daily. If you find yourself as a victim of one these types accidents, you need a San Antonio truck accident lawyer you can depend on. Call Carabin Shaw and get a free consultation with an attorney that is right for you.

Many truck drivers carrying loads through San Antonio drive long hours. These long hours can cause drivers to make negligent decisions on the road. Most tractor trailer accidents occur when operators are tired, speeding, making improper left turns or lane changes, or failing to stop at red lights or stop signs. In addition to the truck driver, the truck driving companies may be at fault as well. Some companies do not track their employees. This can lead to missed rest stops or weigh in stations. The point of rest stops is for drivers to take their mandatory 10 hour rest. If a driver is on the road for more than 14 hours, they must stop and rest. Many do not and cause the many unfortunate accidents we see involving truck drivers.

Some trucking companies fail to conduct background checks on their employees and some do not enforce strict repercussions for drug and alcohol use while on the job. In fact, two percent of tractor trailer accidents were the result of drinking and driving. Twenty-eight percent of the truck drivers involved in fatal accidents have had at least one prior speeding conviction (compared to only 20 percent of the drivers in passenger vehicles). It is obvious that some of these truck drivers and the companies they work for hold profits to be their top priority over safety. Our roads are increasingly becoming more dangerous, and it is important to know who you can turn two when you are involved in an accident with an 18 wheeler. You want an attorney you can trust and depend on during such a difficult tie. Our experienced, professional lawyers at Carabin Shaw can help you.

Representing victims of semi truck accidents / 18 wheeler accidents in San Antonio can present a challenge that is not experienced in most other types of accidents. Because the trucking industry is heavily regulated, an accident involving a truck is significantly more complex than an automobile accident. Frequently, an action can be brought against both the driver and the trucking company, and in some cases against the insurance carrier as well.

If you have been injured or your family has suffered a devastating loss, you need a lawyer who has the experience and knowledge to lead the investigation into the cause of the accident and to help you collect the damages you deserve. Carabin Shaw has the experienced attorneys in San Antonio who can represent the victims of accidents involving 18 wheeler trucks. If you need our law firm on your side you can call an attorney day or night at 800-862-1260. Give Carabin Shaw a call today for your free consultation.