The average car weighs about 4,000 pounds, compared to 80,000 pounds for a loaded-down tractor-trailer. Even the most well-built and “crashworthy” SUV is no match for an impact with an 18-wheeler at highway speeds.
Motor vehicle occupants involved in collisions with semi-trucks are at high risk of suffering a catastrophic injury or wrongful death.
At Oliver Law Office, our truck accident attorneys rely on investigative research, forensic analysis, witness statements, data from the vehicles involved, and other sources to comprehensively understand the events leading to a semi-truck crash. Contact us today to learn how we can help you analyze your crash facts and pursue the liable party for your full financial recovery.
Whether paid by the mile or the trip, the more truckers drive and the more trips they complete, the more money they make. The same goes for trucking companies and the freight shippers that hire them. These facts can incentivize drivers to drive longer than is reasonably safe. As it is, industry-friendly federal regulations allow truck drivers to put in 14-hour days with 11 hours behind the wheel, with as little as 30 minutes rest after eight hours on the road. After putting in this punishing schedule for 60 hours over seven consecutive days or 70 hours over eight straight days, truckers need only take off 32 hours before starting again.
Semi-trucks are expensive, and many trucking companies maintain aging fleets, doing everything to put off the date when they’ll need to scrap an old truck and buy a new one. Tractor-trailers might put on 500,000 or even millions of miles before they are replaced. The older 18-wheelers get, the more maintenance they may need to stay safe, but too many trucking companies skirt even the most basic maintenance to keep their trucks in service and their costs down.
Loading up a trailer, container truck, or flatbed is an art and a science, and it must be done carefully to prevent disasters on the road. An overloaded trailer can increase the likelihood of brakes failing or tires blowing out. An unbalanced load can make the driver lose control and send the truck into a rollover or jackknife crash.
If you have suffered a truck accident caused by negligence in Ohio, contact our dedicated Columbus personal injury attorneys today. There is never a charge to speak with an attorney or any upfront or out-of-pocket costs to associate with our law firm in an injury or death matter.
Oliver Law Office is a client-focused law firm emphasizing the individualized needs of each client with personalized attention. We handle every case with confidence, courage, and determination.
Please call us at 614-220-9100 or fill out a Contact Us form so we can be in touch as soon as possible – let’s get started on your claim today.
