West Palm Beach 18-Wheeler Accident Attorney
An 18-wheeler is a heavy motor vehicle typically used to haul goods long distances. We see these vehicles pulling into West Palm Beach to deliver food, clothing, toys, and furniture. Any accident involving a large vehicle tends to cause major injuries and property damage. Contact Pike & Lustig if you were injured in a crash with a big rig. Our West Palm Beach 18-wheeler accident attorneys are eager to learn your story and take sensible steps to obtain compensation for your injuries.
Who is Liable for A Crash Involving an 18-Wheeler?
To obtain compensation, your legal team must identify liability for the accident, also called fault. There are different defendants who could be on the hook for compensation in an 18-wheeler accident:
- Truck drivers. A distracted or fatigued trucker could crash into another vehicle on the road. Some truckers are also chemically impaired by alcohol or drugs. We can review to see if the trucker failed to use reasonable care while driving.
- Trucking companies. The company which owns the vehicle or employs the trucker could also be liable. Sometimes the trucking company fails to maintain their vehicle, or they could be automatically liable under a vicarious liability theory. Transportation companies should have large business liability policies to cover accidents.
- Manufacturers or mechanics. A mechanical defect could render the 18-wheeler unstable. We might sue the manufacturer of a defective part or a mechanic for failure to perform careful maintenance. Suppose the brakes fail and we find out they have been a problem for months. In that situation, a mechanic is often to blame.
- Loading companies. Sometimes shifting cargo is the cause of an accident. We might sue a loading company or warehouse for loading the trailer improperly.
The trucking industry is heavily regulated, with many Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations in place to protect the public. Our attorneys know these rules in detail, including rules limiting the number of hours a trucker may drive. We can see if the trucker or another defendant failed to follow the regulations.
Our attorneys wear many hats. We are investigators who will scour the accident scene for information and demand evidence from the trucking company, including “black box” data.
We are also experienced negotiators. We have secured compensation by negotiating hundreds of settlements for various 18-wheeler accidents, including overrides and underrides. Defendants usually put up a stiff defense, but we know how to make a compelling argument. We can participate in mediation to help nudge the dispute toward resolution.
Our attorneys are also not afraid to litigate. If for any reason a case cannot settle, we always consider suing a defendant personally in court.
Contact Our West Palm Beach 18-Wheeler Accident Attorneys Today
Obtaining a meaningful settlement after an accident takes hard work. At Pike & Lustig, our attorneys have the skills needed to build a strong factual case for compensation.
We can also negotiate effectively with the largest trucking companies or their insurance companies.
A West Palm Beach 18-wheeler accident attorney in our office is happy to discuss your accident and determine the correct steps to take next.
