Tyler 18-Wheeler Accident Attorney

You share the road with 18-wheeler trucks nearly any time you get on the highway. These large vehicles cause some of the worst wrecks, often with devastating results. You may endure significant physical injuries, emotional trauma, and face financial difficulty. This is because the truck driver is often negligent or fails to follow traffic laws.

After you have been involved in an 18-wheeler accident, you deserve proper representation from a 5-star Tyler 18-wheeler accident attorney. The lawyers at Morris & Dewett Injury Lawyers know how to handle your case and seek compensation for you.

We have over 20 years of experience handling truck accident cases. We represent families and survivors in some of the most difficult cases. Our lawyers approach every case with compassion and a desire to fight for your rights. We have the resources, knowledge, and skills to properly represent your interests both in and out of the courtroom. We are ready to assist you 24/7.

How Negligence Causes 18-Wheeler Accidents

Negligence may cause an 18-wheeler accident in many ways. Negligence occurs when another person breaches their reasonable duty of care towards you. When that breach causes the 18-wheeler truck accident and your damages, they may be financially liable for what they have done.

Negligence that may cause an 18-wheeler accident includes, but is not limited to:

• Reckless driving or failure to follow traffic laws
• Drunk or drugged truck driving
• Exhausted driving and falling asleep at the wheel
• Distracted truck driving
• Improper loading of the trailer
• Defective parts on the truck or trailer
• Failure to check blind spots
• Driving inappropriately for poor road conditions or inclement weather
• Improper driver training or supervision

These types of negligence and many others may be the reason you have suffered extreme harm. A Tyler truck accident lawyer knows how to analyze your claim to determine the possible causes of the accident. Let us put our legal knowledge to work for your best interests.

Who Is Responsible for the Tyler 18-Wheeler Accident?

Many different parties may be financially liable for the truck accident. Determining who was at fault and why is a critical part of proving a Tyler 18-wheeler truck accident claim.

Other Motorist Negligence

Eight in 10 truck accidents are actually caused by other motorists. In most cases, non-commercial drivers are to blame for the truck accident. For example, imagine you are driving down the highway and a big rig truck is next to you. Suddenly, the car in front of you changes lanes directly into the truck causing both vehicles to hit you. You are severely injured in the accident as a result of the other driver's negligence.

That person's negligence is likely to blame for the accident. The truck driver's actions may also be responsible. A qualified truck accident attorney in Tyler, Texas knows how to determine the cause of the accident to prove a claim.

Truck Driver Negligence

Truck drivers are also to blame in many cases. Many of these accidents are caused by decision errors, like driving too fast for the weather conditions, making blind-spot errors, or attempting maneuvers without the time or space to complete them correctly. Decision errors can lead to serious injuries to you and your passengers in the truck accident.

Trucking Company Negligence

The trucking company may be vicariously or directly liable for the truck accident. A trucking company is usually liable for the negligent actions of its driver. Therefore, if the truck driver caused the accident, the trucking company may be on the hook for the damages the accident caused.

Truck companies are directly liable when their own actions led to the accident. This may be the result of:

• Failure to enforce hours-of-service rules
• Failure to train or supervise drivers
• Not maintaining trucks in a safe condition
• Insecurely loading cargo or the trailer
• Using low-quality parts on trucks
• Skipping safety inspections

Manufacturers

Another common cause of 18-wheeler accidents is defective parts. Around 6% of all fatal 18-wheeler crashes are the result of mechanical problems or equipment failures. The most common failures are brakes and tires, but parts like the engine, transmission, electrical systems, and many others may be responsible.

Manufacturers may be liable for the defective part when they:

• Create a defective design for the product
• Improperly manufacture the product
• Fail to warn of a known danger of the product

Defective product cases are complicated but the experienced team at Morris & Dewett knows how to properly handle these claims.

18-Wheeler Accident Statistics

According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration ( FMCSA), tractor-trailer accidents are still on the rise in the United States and in Texas. For instance:

• There are over 5,200 fatal truck accidents in the U.S. every year.
• About 57% of all fatal 18-wheeler accidents occur in rural areas and another 25% happen on the Interstate Highway System.
• About one in three fatal accidents that occur in highway work zones involve a large truck.
• From 2018, fatal truck accidents have increased by 2% and serious injury cases have increased by 6%.
• Approximately 36% of 18-wheeler accidents happen between the hours of 6 p.m. and 6 a.m.
• Nearly three out of every four fatal truck accidents are the result of another object or vehicle entering into the truck's lane.

These statistics show just how serious this problem is throughout the country. Tyler, Texas is no different. Major injuries or even fatalities may result from a truck collision.

Taking Steps After an 18-Wheeler Accident

After a truck accident, the first step is to call 911 if there are injuries or the accident is blocking traffic. The same is true if anyone flees the scene or appears intoxicated. You should also try to take the following steps:

1. Get medical attention right away.
2. Record the names and contact details of everyone involved and any witnesses.
3. Write down or photograph the motor carrier ID number.
4. Takes pictures or video of the accident scene, the injuries, and any property damage.
5. Never admit fault, even for something apparently small.
6. Call your insurance company to report your accident.
7. Keep all documents related to the accident, including medical bills, insurance reports, and more.
8. Contact a truck accident attorney for free confidential advice.

Get Your Consultation With a Tyler 18-Wheeler Truck Accident Lawyer

Your consultation is free so that you can learn about your rights and options following an 18-wheeler accident. Speaking with an attorney can often reveal the path you should take to win financial compensation.

To get the help you need, contact a Tyler 18-wheeler accident attorney at Morris & Dewett Injury Lawyers. We can provide you with competent and clear representation for truck accident victims. Call (888) 492-5532or email usfor a free, confidential consultation. Your path to justice can start with a call or an email.