Tractor Trailer Accident Cases

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The Ritchie Law Firm specializes in truck/tractor trailer accidents and injuries. By working with lawyers experienced in truck / tractor trailer accidents, injured victims can ensure that their rights will be protected.

We handle tractor-trailer / truck cases throughout the U.S.

A serious truck accident requires a serious truck accident lawyer. The Ritchie Law Firm is committed to protecting the safety of our nation’s motorists.

Tractor Trailer / Truck Accident Statistics

According to the National Center for Statistics and Analysis in Washington, D.C., 457,000 large trucks were involved in traffic crashes in the United States in 2003. Out of those crashes, 4,986 people were killed and 122,000 people were injured, many seriously. A large number of those killed were children.

Every 16 minutes, a person is killed or sustains injuries in accidents involving 18-wheelers, tractor-trailers or semi-trucks

The majority of fatal truck accidents occur in rural areas (68%) during the daytime (66%) and on weekdays (78%).

About 27% of all large truck drivers involved in fatal truck accidents throughout the United States have had at least one prior speeding conviction compared to 19 percent of the passenger vehicle drivers involved in fatal crashes.

FREQUENTLY ASKED TRUCKING ACCIDENT QUESTIONS

What regulations govern truckers and trucking companies?
Why is it so important that a truck accident be investigated?
What are the regulations governing the number of hours a truck driver can operate?
What are some examples of prohibited conduct for truck drivers?
If I have an accident with a truck, how should I handle the insurance company?
Should I hire a lawyer who specializes in tractor trailer accidents?

WHAT REGULATIONS GOVERN TRUCKERS AND TRUCKING COMPANIES?

There are both state and federal regulations which govern trucking companies and their truck drivers. The failure to follow these regulations when there is a subsequent accident can lead to a finding that the driver was negligent or reckless in causing the accident.

While many states have their own regulations concerning big trucks, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) apply to interstate traffic. The federal regulations cover various aspects of the trucking industry including hiring and supervising drivers, and the maintenance of the vehicle.

The Ritchie Law Firm is experienced in obtaining favorable verdicts and settlements for victims of truck accidents. Our lawyers have been recognized by the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, the National Board of Trial Advocacy, and Super Lawyers.

We handle cases on a contingency fee basis, which means that you don’t pay us a fee unless we get results for you. Call us today for a free consultation 1-800-277-6124 or use our convenient online form.

WHY IS IT SO IMPORTANT THAT A TRUCK ACCIDENT BE INVESTIGATED?

A thorough investigation of a truck accident is vital to the success of any litigation which may follow. The investigation should be conducted quickly to insure that evidence such as skid marks, points of impact, and the tractor trailer are preserved in their unaltered states. The investigation will also include obtaining important documents such as logbooks. Thoroughly conducted investigations often reveal mechanical failures on the truck or impaired drivers.

The attorneys at the Ritchie Law Firm are experienced in obtaining favorable verdicts and settlements for victims of truck accidents. Our lawyers have been recognized by the Million Dollar Advocates Forum, the National Board of Trial Advocacy, and Super Lawyers.

If you or a loved one has been injured as a result of a trucking accident, call us. We handle cases on a contingency fee basis, which means that you don’t pay us a fee unless we get results for you. Call us today for a free consultation 1-800-277-6124 or use our convenient online form.

WHAT ARE THE REGULATIONS GOVERNING THE NUMBER OF HOURS A TRUCK DRIVER CAN OPERATE?

Driver fatigue has become a huge problem in causing accidents and other careless driving. In fact, fatigued drivers and the accidents they cause have become such a concern for federal authorities that in 2003, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration enacted new regulations concerning the number of hours a trucker is permitted to drive. Even with these new regulations, the United States National Transportation Safety Board indicates that driver fatigue is still the likely cause of 20 to 40 percent of all trucking accidents.

Truck drivers and trucking companies are required to make certain that their drivers do not go over the maximum number of allowable driving hours.

WHAT ARE SOME EXAMPLES OF PROHIBITED CONDUCT FOR TRUCK DRIVERS?

In addition to rules governing the number of hours a truck driver can operate his or her vehicle, the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration has also adopted other rules which prohibit the driver from conduct such as:

Reporting for duty with a Blood Alcohol Content (BAC) of 0.02 or greater;
Possessing alcohol unless it is part of a shipment, including medications such as cough syrup or cold medicine which contains alcohol;
Consuming alcohol while performing safety-sensitive functions;
Reporting for duty while using any drug which affects the driver’s ability to safely operate a motor vehicle; or,
Refusing to submit to any DOT-mandated alcohol or drug test.

Additionally, these regulations require that the truck drivers take rest periods after a certain number of driving hours, perform an inspection of the vehicle, and keep inspection records and logbooks.

IF I HAVE AN ACCIDENT WITH A TRUCK, HOW DO I HANDLE THE INSURANCE COMPANY?

If you or a loved one is involved in an accident with a tractor trailer, you should immediately consult with a lawyer experienced in handling tractor trailer accidents. Negotiating directly with the trucking company or insurance company can lead to disastrous mistakes. The trucking company may use something you said during negotiations against you later in the case.

An attorney experienced in handling tractor trailer cases will help with communications with the trucking and insurance companies. An experienced attorney can also help you get the right medical treatment.

SHOULD I HIRE A LAWYER WHO SPECIALIZES IN TRACTOR TRAILER ACCIDENTS?

Yes. You should choose a law firm experienced in handling trucking cases. Truck accident cases require attorneys who will work aggressively to fight the big trucking companies. An experienced trucking attorney will know which evidence is important to collect to prove your claim and will know how to present your case for medical expenses, lost income, pain and suffering, etc.

The lawyer you choose does make a difference. An attorney who is not experienced in handling trucking cases may not give you the best possible end result.

At the Ritchie Law Firm, we work hard to protect the rights of our clients.
Call us today at
1-800-277-6124 or click here to tell us about your injuries.
We look forward to helping you.

The lawyer you choose can make a difference

Call the Ritchie Law Firm To Protect Your Rights

1-800-277-6124