On average, an 18-wheeler truck weighs 16 times more than a passenger car. Because of the tremendous difference in size and weight between 18-wheelers and cars, accidents involving 18-wheelers are often extremely serious. Additionally, despite the fact that federal trucking regulations state that truck drivers cannot be on the road if they are fatigued or sick, drivers are often on very tight schedules, allowing them an inadequate amount of sleep, and sleep deprivation can lead to a loss of attentiveness and accidents.

If you are hit by an 18-wheeler that does not pull over to the shoulder of the road and stop after the collision, call 911 from your cell phone and report the accident while still driving. That way, you can provide the police with the 18-wheeler's license plate and other identifying information. Of course, if you have been seriously injured in the accident, or there is any other reason that continuing to drive would be safe, stop your vehicle and call 911 immediately.

After an accident with an 18-wheeler, it is particularly important, if possible, to gather the names, addresses and telephone numbers of any witnesses to the accident. Under federal trucking regulations, truck drivers can be disqualified from operating a commercial motor vehicle if convicted of a serious traffic violation. The trucking regulations define a serious traffic violation to include things like driving recklessly, driving fifteen miles per hour over the posted speed limit, following another vehicle too closely changing traffic lanes when unsafe to do so. The possibility of losing their license is sometimes sufficient motivation for truckers to give police a false account of the accident.

As with other motor vehicle accidents, people often find that after an 18-wheeler accident, their whole world has been turned upside down. They may be without transportation. They may not be able to work. They may not know where to turn for proper medical treatment, or how to deal with the insurance company. That's why we are here - we do everything we can in every accident claim to make sure that our clients receive the answers, the assistance, and the compensation that they are entitled to under the law. When you need an 18-wheeler truck accident attorney, we're here to help.
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