What FMCSA and NHTSA Data Show About Truck Accidents
Tractor-Trailer Crash Statistics: FMCSA and NHTSA Figures Federal crash data gives a national picture of how often large trucks are involved in serious crashes. The figures below come from the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), and each is labeled with its year. A tractor-trailer crash lawyer may cite figures like these for background, but statistics describe patterns across many crashes, not w
Who Is Liable in a Truck Accident? A tractor-trailer crash often involves more than one responsible party. The driver, the trucking company, the trailer owner, the shipper that loaded the freight and the maker of a failed part may all play a role. Identifying every responsible party is an early job for a truck accident lawyer, because each responsible party may have separate insurance. The driver's conduct The starting point is usually the driver's conduct, such as sp
Jackknife and Underride Crashes in Truck Accident Claims
Underride and Jackknife Crashes: How They Happen and Who May Be Responsible Underride and jackknife crashes are two kinds of tractor-trailer collisions that frequently cause severe injuries. In an underride crash, a smaller vehicle slides partly or fully under a trailer or truck body. In a jackknife, the tractor and trailer fold toward each other, often across several lanes. Each one raises distinct evidence questions for a truck accident attorney. What makes underride c
Which Insurance Pays After a Car Accident? Uninsured Motorist, PIP and MedPay
How Uninsured Motorist Coverage, PIP and MedPay Work After a Car Crash After a car crash, more than one insurance policy may apply. The at-fault driver's liability coverage is usually the first source people think of, but personal injury protection (PIP), MedPay and uninsured motorist (UM) coverage can matter just as much. An auto accident lawyer will usually ask for the declarations page of every policy that might apply, because the coverage often decides how much of a los
Underride and Jackknife Crashes in 18-Wheeler Crash Claims
Underride and Jackknife Crashes: Causes and Evidence Underride and jackknife crashes are two tractor-trailer crash types that often cause severe injuries. An underride crash happens when a smaller vehicle slides partly or completely beneath a trailer or truck body. In a jackknife, the tractor and trailer fold toward each other, often across several lanes. Each type raises its own evidence questions for a truck accident lawyer. How underride happens According to the In
Underride and Jackknife Crashes: Causes and Evidence
What to Know About Jackknife and Underride Truck Crashes Underride and jackknife crashes are two tractor-trailer crash types that often cause severe injuries. In an underride crash, a smaller vehicle slides partly or fully under a trailer or truck body. A jackknife occurs when the tractor and trailer fold toward each other, often blocking several lanes. Each type raises its own evidence questions for a truck accident lawyer. Why underride crashes are so dangerous Acco
Truck Accident Claim Timeline: From the Crash to Settlement
The Timeline of a Tractor-Trailer Crash Claim Truck accident claims move through stages that may take months or even years. Some deadlines belong to the trucking company, such as how long it has to keep certain records, while others apply to the injured person, such as the statute of limitations. A truck accident lawyer can explain where a particular claim stands in this sequence, though no two claims follow the same path. The first days Medical care comes first, and
Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Truck Accident Attorney
How to Choose a Truck Accident Lawyer Picking a truck accident lawyer differs from picking a lawyer for a minor car crash. Tractor-trailer claims tend to involve federal safety regulations, electronic evidence and multiple insurance policies, and the trucking company often has its own lawyers and investigators involved from the start. The questions below can make a consultation more useful. Start with the license Before meeting a truck crash lawyer, confirm the basics