In a world where vehicle travel is still the most economical way to move around, we all have to share our highways and interstates. With a broad mix of mopeds, motorcycles, small passenger cars, pickup trucks, vans, flatbed trailers, refrigerated trucks, 18-wheelers, and even the occasional hazardous cargo or wide load, the roads can be an intimidating place. We can’t get around it.
As a nation, we are dependent upon commercial trucking for agriculture, shipping, healthcare, oil & gas, and so much more. Cost and scheduling logistics make trains less optimal for many businesses, and air and marine commerce is out of financial reach for many industries. To compound the issue, commercial truckers are often on very tight schedules, and time is money. It’s the difference between driving to drop your kids off at school and driving for a living.
What Makes 18 Wheelers More Dangerous?
Newton’s first law states that a body in motion stays in motion unless acted upon by an outside force. When that force in motion is a 22,000 pound refrigerated truck traveling 65 miles per hour, it is easy to see why commercial trucking accidents can cause so much damage. A ten ton truck will beat a one ton sedan every day of the week, even without speed as a factor.
These accidents happen with so much weight, inertia, and force that they typically lead to much more life threatening injuries, as well as coming with a higher price tag in financial losses. Simply put, 18 wheelers don’t stop on a dime, and regular vehicles don’t stand a chance in a high speed, high weight wreck.
Should I Call My Insurance Company First?
The short is no. You should NEVER speak to an insurance company, especially one involving an 18-wheeler accident, without the help of an experienced attorney. It is of paramount importance that you understand how hard insurance companies and self-insured companies will fight to avoid paying claims. Insurance is one of the most costly forms of overhead for any shipping business, so the less they have to pay, the more likely they are to succeed. If you have been injured in an accident, the first thing you should do is alert the police and get an accident report. The next step you should take is to retain an attorney to act as an intermediary between you and your insurance company. Attorneys don’t get paid until you get paid, so it is always in their best interest and yours as well to use their experience and knowledge to mitigate your case.
These accidents are always complex and very expensive to process and litigate regardless if your case settles or ends up in trial. Interstate accidents often cross several jurisdictions with multiple drivers from different cities and states and companies that may not even be located in your state or even this country. While some attorneys will stand on top of big trucks and make outlandish claims for television or billboard drama, we have over eighteen years of real courtroom experience fighting insurance companies and corporations involving serious and traumatic 18-wheeler crashes. If you have been involved in an accident involving an 18-wheeler don’t play games. Call our office for a free and confidential case evaluation today.
