Washington highways and urban roadways are often congested with immense commercial trucks that weigh up to 80,000 pounds when fully loaded. These 18-wheeler semi-tractor-trailer trucks are critical to the country’s supply chain but pose a significant danger to vulnerable motorists in much smaller, lighter vehicles. In an accident with an 18-wheeler truck, about 70% of injuries occur to those in the smaller vehicle.
There were 5,837 fatalities in truck accidents in 2022, the most recent year with complete data. Large, 18-wheeler trucks were involved in the majority of truck accidents with serious injuries and fatalities. Make sure to speak with an experienced Everett truck accident attorney for legal guidance and support after an accident.
Regulations for 18-wheeler Trucks
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) puts regulations in place to protect vulnerable motorists sharing the roads with 18-wheelers and other commercial freight carriers. These regulations include rules for keeping accurate driving-hour logs, adhering to driving limits, keeping maintenance records, and performing routine inspections. The safe operation of trucks requires all components of the freight industry to comply with regulations and take reasonable measures to avoid causing an accident. If even one part of the chain of responsibility for putting a safe truck on the road makes a careless mistake, the result can be tragic. Federal and state regulations as well as the legal duty of reasonable care apply to the driver, the trucking company, the truck’s maintenance service, truck part manufacturers, and commercial freight loaders. Breaching the duty of care leaves one or more parties liable for an accident victim’s damages.
Common Causes of 18-wheeler Accidents
18-wheeler trucks require long stopping distances and wide turns. They also have poor visibility and extended blind spots along both sides. Drivers must remain vigilant and react appropriately. Unfortunately, many daily hours on the road, poor truck maintenance, and equipment failures mean accidents still occur. The most common causes of 18-wheeler truck accidents include:
- Distracted driving
- Speeding
- Unsafe lane changes
- Drowsy driving
- Improper merging
- Failure to yield the right of way
- Unbalanced loads
- Improperly secured cargo
- Equipment failure
- Inadequate maintenance
- Tire blowouts
- Driver intoxication
- Wide left turns
- Inexperienced drivers
Poor road conditions, lack of adequate signage, and defective parts sometimes cause or contribute to 18-wheeler truck accidents.
Types of 18-wheeler Truck Accidents
An 18-wheeler is a two-part vehicle with a large truck pulling a trailer attached by a fifth-wheel connecting device. Despite safety regulations, driver training, and routine inspections, common types of truck accidents routinely occur, including the following:
- Jackknife accidents
- Rear-end collisions
- Sideswipes
- Rollover
- Underride collisions
- Override accidents
- Head-on collisions
- T-bone accidents
- Roadway departures
Injuries in truck accidents may be severe or catastrophic. If a loved one dies in a truck accident, close family members may seek compensation in a wrongful death claim.
Common Damages in 18-wheeler Truck Accident Claims
Serious injuries cause pain, disability, and financial hardship. Even relatively minor injuries can cause economic damages with a single emergency room bill and a few days of missed pay. Some truck accidents are catastrophic or fatal, with extensive consequences for victims and their families. Common damages recovered in successful truck accident claims include past and future medical expenses, lost income, diminished earning capacity, and compensation for pain and suffering.
How Can a Washington Truck Accident Lawyer Help?
Truck accident claims are complex and require a thorough investigation, documented evidence of liability, and carefully calculated damages. At Wells Trumbull, we understand how a serious accident with an 18-wheeler impacts injury victims and their families. Call the compassionate personal injury attorneys in Everett from Wells Trumbull so we can develop the best strategy for recovering your losses and a sense of justice.