18 Wheeler Lawyer
Being injured in an accident involving an 18-wheeler means you or a loved one may be facing medical bills, physical pain, lost income, and an uncertain future.
You have likely never dealt with a significant lawsuit like this before, but the trucking companies have. They have a team of people tasked with minimizing your claim or denying it altogether. They will often contact the victims right away and offer to settle. However, while tempting, the amount they offer will most likely be nowhere near what you need or deserve!
If you or a loved one have been in an accident with an 18-wheeler, Miller & Hopp Truck Accident Lawyers can help. We are dedicated to helping victims of all types of truck accidents, including 18-wheeler commercial trucks. For more than 40 years, we have been fighting against trucking companies and winning cases for the victims of trucking accidents. We have the resources and the experience to handle the legal complexities these cases present.
What Causes 18-Wheeler Accidents?
One of the priorities will be to establish what factors and behaviors caused your accident to prove negligence and liability. Some of the leading causes of 18-wheeler crashes include:
- Driver fatigue
- Distracted driving
- Impaired driving – under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or prescription drugs
- Overloaded or improperly loaded trucks
- Speeding
- Driving recklessly
- Failure to inspect or maintain vehicles
- Tire blowouts
- Worn out breaks
- Installation defects
One or more of these could have caused your accident. Therefore, more than one party can be liable. To determine the exact cause and hold all negligent parties responsible, we will work with the most qualified experts and perform a careful investigation.
Why are 18-Wheelers So Dangerous?
The maximum legal weight for a fully-loaded 18 wheeler in the U.S. is 80,000 pounds. The lowest weight of an unloaded truck is around 25,000 pounds. A midsize car weighs approximately 3,300 pounds. This factor alone is why 18-wheeler accidents with passenger vehicles are some of the most severe and deadly accidents.
An 18-wheeler needs much more time and space to stop. The length of time required for a tractor-trailer to slow down or come to a complete stop is approximately 40% longer than the time it takes for a passenger vehicle. If a driver is improperly trained, is not paying attention, or is driving recklessly, they may not realize what they are doing until it is too late.
Another issue with 18-wheelers is their blind spots. Unlike sedans, SUVs, minivans, and other passenger vehicles, an 18-wheeler lacks a rear window. Therefore, the driver has to rely on their rearview mirrors to see what is behind or to their side. But due to a truck’s size, they are not able to see due to blind spots. Again, inexperience, improper training, and negligence can all contribute to an accident.
Contact an 18-Wheeler Lawyer
If you’ve been injured in a truck accident in Oregon, we understand the financial devastation this misfortune has brought on you and your family. Unlike most car accident victims, 18-wheeler accidents almost invariably cause the victim excruciating pain, impairment, and in many cases, our clients can never return to work.
If you’ve been injured due to a truck driver’s carelessness, please contact the law office of Miller & Hopp today. We don’t charge you unless we get money for your claim.
Contact the Oregon Truck Accident Lawyer
If you or a loved one are the victims of a trucking accident, contact the trucking accident lawyers at Miller & Hopp Truck Accident Lawyers. You need access to a skilled legal team and an attorney who will fight to get you the compensation you deserve. With more than 40 years of experience, we have the knowledge and expertise you need to win your trucking accident case.
We will take the time to assess and evaluate your case thoroughly, and there’s no fee unless we get a settlement or judgment for you.