Truck / Eighteen Wheeler Accidents

Have You or a Loved One Been Injured in an 18-Wheeler Accident?

Tragically, truck accidents happen every day in this country and they usually cause catastrophic injuries or death. Due to the sheer size of these huge trucks they cause more deaths in traffic accidents than any other type of commercial vehicle.  In fact, one in every eight traffic deaths is caused by an 18-wheeler. There are an unlimited number of reasons for these deadly accidents.  A “semi” or 18-wheeler traveling at high speeds along our interstates and roadways is unable to stop quickly to avoid sudden hazards. The drivers of these huge trucks often ignore the rules of the road in order to keep unrealistic schedules which are set for them by the trucking companies.  Some trucking companies pinch pennies on required maintenance in order to keep costs down and profits up.  Trucking companies sometimes require their drivers to drive for extended periods of time without sleep or rest to make their bottom line increase (we call this the “profits over people” mentality). All of these factors lead to serious accidents.

At Braswell Murphy we help individuals who have been seriously hurt or killed in truck accidents. In fact, the majority of our practice is devoted to those who have been seriously injured or killed in trucking accidents. Attorney Kasie Braswell is a proud member of the Association of Plaintiff Interstate Trucking Lawyers of America – a group that backs new legislation and laws to help make 18-wheeler drivers more safe and trucking companies responsible for the actions of their drivers. Braswell Murphy has a track record of success and has earned a reputation as hard-nosed litigators who are not afraid to go to trial to fight for clients. Kasie Braswell and Brian Murphy have been recognized for their highly effective client service by Super Lawyers ® and Mrs. Braswell is a member of the Million Dollar Advocates Forum ® and the Multi-Million Dollar Advocates Forum ® (less than 1% of attorneys nationwide are selected for membership).   Insurance companies respect Braswell Murphy, and we believe that better settlement offers result because of our reputation and our dedication to our clients.

Catastrophic Injuries From Trucking Accidents

People injured in 18-wheeler accidents come to our law firm with a wide range of very serious injuries. We help people who are suffering from various injuries, such as:

  • Head injuries;
  • Traumatic brain injuries or “TBIs”;
  • Multiple broken bones;
  • Back and spinal cord injuries;
  • Neck injuries;
  • Quadriplegia and paraplegia;
  • Amputations; and
  • Burn injuries

Causes of Trucking Accidents

A truck accident may be caused by a tired (fatigued) or negligent driver, poor weather conditions, or a failure to secure the truck and/or its cargo properly. In many cases, federal and state regulations control the safety measures that must be taken by individual drivers and the trucking companies that they work for. A driver is expected to limit the number of hours on the freeway to prevent fatigue (this is the most commonly violated rule). Weights of trucks and speeds are also highly controlled (again, these too are violated often in order to keep unrealistic schedules). When you are a victim of a trucking accident, it is likely that your accident could have been prevented if all laws and regulations were followed. Our firm thoroughly investigates trucking accidents to identify every potential cause of the accident. We will also identify every responsible party or agency to pursue maximum compensation for your family.

We Use Investigators and Experts to Construct Truck Accident Claims

Our truck accident experts investigate the details of the accident, such as reviewing the driver’s log and the truck’s maintenance records, to ensure that they have not been forged or tampered with in any way.  Trucking companies have lawyers, investigators, accident reconstructionist and insurance adjusters on stand-by 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  When an 18-wheeler accident occurs (especially one involving a death) the trucking companies will have their investigators on the scene immediately.  They will remove evidence (such as cell phones, beer cans, prescription bottles, etc.) from the scene often before the injured party has even been released from the hospital.  This is why it is imperative to contact an experienced 18-wheeler accident lawyer immediately.  At The Braswell Firm, we have our own team of investigators that will get to the scene of the accident as soon as we receive the call in order to document, photograph and secure not only the physical evidence, but also the actions of the trucking company employees as well.

Truck crashes or 18-wheeler accidents present unique issues not associated with auto accident cases. These differences include:

  • Higher likelihood of serious injuries, including back or spinal injury, paralysis, and TBIs (traumatic brain injuries);
  • Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Regulations (FMCSARs);
  • Transportation of hazardous or toxic materials (such as gasoline, acids, etc.);
  • Driver hours of operation (as regulated by the FMCSAR);
  • Inspection, repair, and maintenance of vehicles;
  • Negligent hiring, training and supervision;
  • Complicated insurance coverage issues; and
  • Cargo issues such as improper loading or failure to properly secure a load.

Free Consultation

For a free consultation with an experienced truck accident lawyer contact Braswell Murphy today at 1-800-554-9260 or email us.  Phone lines are answered 24/7.  If you cannot come to us, we will come to you.  Remember, if you are involved in an accident with an 18-wheeler, don’t waste any time contacting a lawyer.  The trucking company will have a head-start and you cannot afford to waste any time in protecting your legal rights.