Large commercial "big rigs" or "18-wheelers" are the biggest, heaviest vehicles permitted on our nation's highways. Because of their sheer size and weight, they can become unstable at highway speeds unless all rules are strictly followed. If not, "accidents" occur and almost always results in serious injury and/or death. State and federal agencies have tried to minimize the risks by enacting extensive regulations for the trucking industry. Nevertheless, many trucking companies and private drivers still refuse to follow basic safety and maintenance rules that have been put in place. With the difficult economy, there has been less demand for trucking combined with higher fuel prices. As a result, routine maintenance is delayed, and drivers are pressured to get their loads to their destinations quickly, no matter what. As a result, truckers are forced to drive longer and perform vehicle maintenance only when absolutely necessary just to survive. When a trucking company or trucker consciously decides to push the limit or disregard the rules, that is a choice, not an "accident" and your family should not suffer because of their bad conduct.

Responsibilities of Trucking Companies and Truckers

Trucking companies are responsible for hiring and supervising properly licensed, qualified drivers. Similarly, drivers are required to adhere to regulations that establish maximum driving and on-duty times. To comply with these regulations, drivers are supposed to keep accurate, detailed driving logs showing when they are on the road and when they are down. In every case, there is a significant amount of investigation to be done. We want to learn everything possible about the truck, including its maintenance history and "black box" data. We also look into the driver's background, driving record, and log books. Finally, we need to know all facets of the accident itself and may need to consult a reconstruction expert to determine exactly what happened. In short, we want answers to all of your questions. Many questions can be answered from the initial police reports. Others, however, can only be determined through the litigation process. When truck drivers and trucking companies do not follow these basic safety regulations, the likelihood of serious accidents increases dramatically. While each case is unique, some of the more common causes of large truck accidents include:

• Driver inexperience
• Driver fatigue
• Speeding
• Careless or reckless driving
• Driving while impaired (alcohol and/or drugs)
• Overloaded trucks
• Improperly loaded trucks
• Improper maintenance
• Improper safety parts
• Improper supervision or training

As you can see, large truck accident cases are quite complex. You had better retain a serious accident attorney. This is not the time to hire a TV or billboard lawyer. Carefully review and compare credentials and experience. Make sure you are getting the most qualified personal injury lawyer to protect you and your family at this critical time. At Reeves, Aiken & Hightower LLP, our lawyers are serious injury attorneys. Each are experienced trial lawyers with distinguished backgrounds. Attorney Robert J. Reeves is a former ICU Registered Nurse (RN) who understands complicated injury cases. And both Mr. Reeves and attorney Arthur K. Aiken are former insurance defense lawyers and life members of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum.

We welcome the opportunity to meet with you and review your particular case. Call us today for a private consultation, or fill out a contact form, and we will be in touch with you shortly.

In catastrophic injury and wrongful death trucking cases, we often work in conjunction with the law firm of Fried Rogers Goldberg LLC as co-counsel. This firm focuses its practice on prosecuting trucking and commerical motor vehicle cases on behalf of victims and their families and is known throughout the country as "The Trucking Attorneys." The firm has handled trucking cases in Georgia, South Carolina, Tennessee, Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Texas, New York, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, New Mexico, California, Virginia, Minnesota and Washington state. The firm has published Understanding Motor Carrier Claims, Third Edition, the foremost authority on trucking law. Fried Rogers Goldberg has had multiple seven and eight figure settlements and verdicts for victims of serious personal injury and wrongful death.
You can learn more about Fried Rogers Goldberg at www.thetruckingattorneys.com.