18-Wheeler Accidents
California is famous for its high profile citizens, but also as well-known for its horrible traffic. The issue is exacerbated by the large number of 18-wheelers that crowd the already busy highways. With so many ports for import and export, 18-wheelers travel all over the state making scenes of horrific 18-wheeler accidents a regular headline. These heavy vehicles travel at high speeds on our freeways. Victims of these 18-wheeler accidents, usually the people in the smaller vehicles around the truck suffer very sever injuries and death. The losses and damages to the victims of these accidents and their families are often unimaginable… and immeasurable. Our Fresno truck accident attorneys can help make sure the responsible parties are held accountable to their victims.
Trucking companies are dealing with high diesel prices cutting into their profits. Drivers are under pressure to deliver their loads in less time. The end result of all this is longer hours on the road, less downtime, and a ton of stress. This makes 18-wheeler accidents more and more prevalent.
18-wheelers are a dangerous threat to all other vehicles on the road. These beasts can weigh in excess of 80,000 pounds. An average passenger car weighs 3000 pounds or less. It's easy to see why 18-wheeler accidents are one of the bigger percentages of causes of fatalities in motor vehicle accidents statistics. One out of nine accidents is an 18-wheeler accident involving fatality. Statistics show that 78% of fatalities due to 18-wheeler accidents are not the drivers of the trucks, but are the occupants of the other vehicle involved. In many cases, they are the victims of a truck driver's negligence. Fatalities and injuries of the truck drivers only represent 15% of total from 18-wheeler accidents.
California attorneys specializing in 18-wheeler accidents hear the horror stories coming from these 18-wheeler accidents far too often. They hear the stories and defend the victims of injuries and families of those added to the statistics of the dead when the drivers and trucking companies are taken to court. There are many causes of 18-wheeler accidents that must be investigated. More often than not the driver and/or the trucking company itself may be held liable for the medical costs, loss from time at work, and in cases resulting in deaths, the family may be able to receive monetary compensation. If you have been one of the unfortunate in the path of an 18-wheeler during an accident, then you need to contact a qualified truck accident attorney immediately. The legal team in our Fresno firm is ready and able to evaluate your claim and help you recover damages.