18 Wheeler Litigation

18-Wheeler accidents refers to any encounters between large trucks (vehicles weighing more than 10,000 pounds) and moving passenger vehicles, other trucks, parked vehicles, or pedestrians. More and more trucks are on the road and crashes involving 18-wheeles trucks are on the rise-- nearly 20% over the past decade.

In 2000 alone, nearly 460,000 large trucks were involved in traffic crashes, in which 5,100 people were killed and an additional 140,000 were injured. The number-one cause of fatal and serious injury is driver error. In statistics provided by the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration, driving errors were made by 38% of truck drivers involved in fatal crashes.

If you or a member of your family is killed or seriously injured in a trucking accident, powerful trucking companies, their insurers, investigators, and lawyers will start work immediately to limit their liability. They are well organized and will fight aggressively to avoid paying you and your family the money you deserve.

Here at John D. Giddens Law Firm we are familiar with this type of litigation.. The first week after an accident important physical evidence can be obtained or lost, and witnesses can be located to interview so that they do not forget important details. Thus, it is in your best interest for you to take action as soon as possible. We know how to gather evidence against truckers and large trucking companies and how to develop a powerful case to recover your damages. We have the skill to secure substantial settlements where possible and to win at trial when necessary

If you or someone you know has been seriously injured in an 18-wheeler or tractor trailer truck accident, you will need to consult with a lawyer. Our attorneys are familiar with the specific laws and regulations that govern the Mississippi trucking industry including the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations. Overloaded freight, driver fatigue, and speed may be factors in any truck accident. State and Federal law regulates how trucks are maintained and drivers must fill out vehicle inspection reports. These reports can be crucial evidence that can help experienced counsel reconstruct the accident by establishing the condition of the truck.

Below are some leading reasons why truck accidents occur:

• Truck Driver is exhausted or working beyond standard hours
• Mechanical failure, such as bad brakes or turn signal failure
• Truck Driver is not carefully monitoring truck's numerous blind spots
• Truck Driver fails to leave adequate space between vehicles
• Drivers not paying attention to the road
• Truckload is not properly secured, and loose cargo causes accident
• Aggressive or reckless drivers
• One of drivers involved under the influence of drugs or alcohol

The information you should obtain at a truck accident is no different than what you should obtain in any accident involving motor vehicles. This information is as follows:

• Names, addresses, and phone numbers of those involved
• Insurance company information from the other driver(s)

If you or a loved one is in need of legal assistance, call John D. Giddens Law Firm at (601) 355-2022 or Toll Free at (888) 335-2022 or submit an online questionnaire. The initial consultation is free of charge, and if we agree to handle your case, we will work on a contingency fee basis, which means we get paid for our services only if there is a monetary recovery of funds. In many cases, a lawsuit must be filed before an applicable expiration date, known as a statute of limitations. Please call right away to ensure that you do not waive your right to possible compensation.