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Accidents involving 18-wheelers are not just ordinary truck accidents they are devastating events that demand specialized legal expertise. These massive vehicles, also known as big rigs or tractor-trailers, can weigh up to 80,000 pounds and are regulated by strict federal and state laws. When these vehicles collide with smaller passenger cars, the results are often catastrophic, causing severe injuries, permanent disabilities, or fatalities.
What sets 18-wheeler accident lawyer Willis is his understanding of the complexity of trucking accidents. Multiple parties, such as the driver, trucking company, third-party maintenance providers, or cargo loaders, may share responsibility. These cases involve unique collision dynamics like jackknifing accidents, underride crashes, and rollovers. Victims need an experienced lawyer who understands commercial trucking regulations and the intricate details of these collisions.
Attorney David P. Willis, a Board-Certified Personal Injury Trial Lawyer, Certified by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization since 1988, brings over 40 years of experience to truck accident cases. His in-depth knowledge of trucking laws, combined with proven trial strategies, equips him to fight for maximum compensation. Having settled hundreds of millions for past clients, Attorney Willis and his team are ready to help you navigate the legal process and recover the justice you deserve.
Handling high-stakes truck accident cases requires skill, experience, and a track record of success. With over 40 years of experience, our firm has won millions for injured victims, even in the most complex cases. See our past verdicts & settlements to learn how we’ve fought for justice nationwide.
Accidents involving 18-wheelers and semi-trucks are among the most devastating on U.S. roadways, often leading to catastrophic injuries or fatalities. Due to their sheer size, weight, and unique handling characteristics, commercial truck accidents present dangers that are significantly greater than standard passenger vehicle collisions. Below are key reasons why truck accident lawyers and safety experts recognize 18-wheeler crashes as some of the deadliest on the road.
A fully loaded 18-wheeler can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, while the average passenger vehicle weighs around 3,000 to 5,000 pounds. The massive weight disparity means that in a collision, the smaller vehicle absorbs the brunt of the impact, often leading to severe or fatal injuries. Victims of these crashes frequently suffer traumatic brain injuries (TBI), spinal cord damage, amputations, or wrongful death, requiring legal action from a truck accident attorney to secure compensation.
Unlike passenger vehicles, semi-trucks require over 500 feet to come to a complete stop when traveling at highway speeds. This extended stopping distance significantly increases the risk of rear-end collisions, especially when drivers are fatigued, distracted, or fail to adjust speed in congested traffic. Many fatal truck accidents occur when trucks plow into the back of smaller vehicles, leading to devastating underride crashes where cars become lodged beneath the trailer.
The sheer momentum of an 18-wheeler makes it a deadly force in multi-vehicle accidents. When a truck collides with one car, the force often pushes that vehicle into others, triggering chain-reaction crashes that involve multiple injuries and fatalities. A truck accident lawyer investigating these cases often uncovers violations such as overloaded trailers, speeding, and improper braking techniques, which exacerbate the severity of multi-car wrecks.
Semi-trucks have a higher center of gravity, making them more prone to rollovers—especially when carrying unbalanced or improperly secured cargo. Rollover truck accidents frequently result in lanes being blocked, spilled hazardous materials, and devastating injuries to nearby drivers. A truck accident attorney may investigate negligent cargo loading, poor vehicle maintenance, or driver recklessness as contributing factors in these cases.
Unlike passenger vehicles, big rigs have massive blind spots on all four sides, particularly on the right side of the truck. When truck drivers fail to check blind spots before changing lanes, they risk sideswiping vehicles or forcing them off the road. A truck accident lawyer can use black box data, dashcam footage, and witness statements to prove liability in these types of crashes.
Many commercial truck accidents occur due to fatigued driving, as truckers are often pressured to meet strict delivery deadlines. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulations limit how many consecutive hours truckers can drive, but violations of Hours-of-Service (HOS) rules are common. A truck accident attorney will examine driver logs, black box data, and GPS records to determine if fatigue played a role in the crash.
Truck Accident Attorney Willis’s team meticulously investigates compliance with these regulations to establish negligence and build strong cases for clients.
Rain, snow, and poorly maintained roads amplify the challenges of controlling an 18-wheeler, increasing the risk of jackknifing or losing control.
Trucks parked on shoulders without proper visibility measures obstruct traffic and force vehicles into dangerous maneuvers. These hazards are particularly deadly at night when visibility is reduced.
Our team takes immediate action to preserve and analyze critical evidence:
We investigate all potential parties, including:
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) establishes regulations to ensure the safety of commercial trucking operations in the United States. These rules cover everything from driver qualifications to vehicle maintenance and cargo loading, but one of the most critical areas is the Hours of Service (HOS) regulations. HOS rules are designed to prevent driver fatigue, a leading cause of serious truck accidents. They limit the number of consecutive hours a driver can operate a commercial vehicle without rest and mandate rest breaks during long shifts. To comply with these rules, drivers are required to maintain detailed records in log books, often managed through Electronic Logging Devices (ELDs). These records track driving hours, rest periods, and on-duty time, creating a clear picture of compliance or violations.
Log books and HOS violations are crucial in truck accident cases because they often reveal negligence. For example, a driver who exceeds the maximum allowable driving hours may be operating while fatigued, increasing the risk of poor decision-making or delayed reaction times. Similarly, falsified log books, missed rest breaks, or ignored ELD alerts can indicate that a trucking company prioritized delivery schedules over safety. These violations not only demonstrate negligence on the part of the driver but may also implicate the trucking company for failing to enforce compliance or creating unrealistic delivery expectations. The presence of HOS violations strengthens a legal case by showing a clear breach of federal safety regulations, making it easier to establish fault and liability.
In-depth analysis of log books, ELD data, and HOS compliance provides powerful evidence for victims seeking compensation. These records can show patterns of unsafe driving, repeated violations, or systemic issues within a trucking company. In court, they serve as concrete proof of negligence, helping victims recover damages for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering. A skilled truck accident lawyer will meticulously review these records, often with the help of experts, to uncover violations and use them to build a compelling case. By proving non-compliance with FMCSA regulations, victims can hold negligent drivers and companies accountable for the harm they cause
Victims may recover compensation for:
Covering immediate and future treatments.
Reimbursement for income lost during recovery.
Compensation for physical and emotional trauma.
Damages for diminished quality of life.
When an 18-wheeler accident tragically results in the loss of a loved one, filing a wrongful death lawsuit can provide financial support and justice for the surviving family. Typically, wrongful death claims are brought by beneficiaries, who are often immediate family members such as spouses, children, and, in some cases, parents of the deceased. State laws determine who qualifies as a beneficiary, but in many cases, stepchildren, adopted children, or other dependents may also have standing to file a claim.
The damages available in a wrongful death lawsuit fall into two primary categories: economic and non-economic. Economic damages include medical bills incurred before death, funeral and burial expenses, and the financial support the deceased would have provided to their family, such as lost wages or benefits. Non-economic damages cover intangible losses like loss of companionship, emotional support, guidance, and the pain and suffering endured by the deceased before passing.
Additionally, some cases may involve punitive damages if gross negligence, such as blatant safety violations or reckless behavior by the trucking company or driver, contributed to the fatal accident. An experienced attorney can help identify and maximize all recoverable damages while navigating the complexities of wrongful death claims.
Attorney David P. Willis is a trusted advocate for victims of 18-wheeler accidents. With over 40 years of experience and certification as a Board-Certified Personal Injury Trial Lawyer, he has a proven track record of securing justice for his clients. His relentless dedication has resulted in hundreds of millions of dollars in settlements and verdicts. Here’s why Attorney Willis is the right choice for your case:
When you choose Truck Accident Attorney Willis, you’re partnering with a skilled advocate who combines legal expertise and compassion to secure the justice you deserve. Contact us today for a free consultation.
Don’t navigate the complexities of a truck accident case alone. Contact Attorney Willis for a free consultation. With over 40 years of experience and a commitment to fighting for your rights, our team will work tirelessly to secure the compensation you deserve.
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