Common Causes of Truck Accidents | Truck Accident Lawyers

18 Wheeler Accident Lawyers Assert Improper Loading, Excess Weight & Hazardous Cargo Contribute to 18 Wheeler Trucking Accidents

Experienced Truck Accident Lawyers Stand Up to the Trucking Companies and Their Insurance Providers

Victims of 18 wheeler accidents must speak with a qualified Truck Accident Lawyer in Indianapolis, IN, as soon as possible to understand your rights and how your attorney will seek the maximum compensation for your losses. An accident can happen at any time, often resulting in tremendous damage, injury, and altered lives. At Ward & Ward Law Firm, our attorneys stand up to trucking companies to obtain the compensation you deserve.

Jack-knifed and overturned trucks | 18 Wheeler Accident Lawyers

While a standard car weighs around 5,000 pounds and is usually 10 to 15 feet in length, a fully loaded 18 wheeler can weigh more than 80,000 pounds and measure 70 to 80 feet in length. In effect, the size of an 18 wheeler dramatically increases the length of time necessary for it to come to a complete stop. And its unique construction makes it unpredictable and difficult to control, even for the most experienced drivers.

The dangers of sharing the road with 18 wheelers

An experienced trucking accident lawyer helps you understand how 18 wheeler accidents happen and how various causes may alter your settlement. 

The type of cargo a truck carries, unsafe loading and transporting practices play a role in many fatal 18-wheeler accidents:

  • Improper loading. When cargo is not correctly secured, items may shift during transit, and trailers may become off-balance, causing an accident such as a rollover or jackknife. Additionally, cargo can also become loose and fall off the truck with deadly results.
  • Exceeding weight limits. Although trailer load weight is highly regulated, trucking companies often overload trailers to save money. Excessive freight can shift the center of gravity, increasing the likelihood of a rollover accident. The overloading of trailers also alters the distance and time needed for a truck to come to a complete stop and generates excess heat that impacts tire inflation causing blowouts.
  • Dangerous cargo. Sometimes, it is the cargo itself that puts the lives of others in peril. For example, large semi-tractor trailers frequently transport hazardous or flammable materials like explosives, gasoline, and toxic poisons. In an accident involving dangerous materials, the results may be catastrophic. And aside from the dangers of toxic exposure, the threat of deadly explosions and chemical burns always exist.

Attorneys experienced in litigating Indiana 18 wheeler truck accidents with injury and wrongful death cases

If you or someone you know has been injured or killed in an Indiana truck accident, get help from experienced Indianapolis truck accident lawyers. Contact Ward & Ward to arrange a free consultation. We are available to speak with you 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Charlie Ward
cpw@WardLawFirm.com
728 S Meridian St
Indianapolis, IN 46225
317-639-9501
888-639-9501

Charlie-Ward-Noblesville-Indiana-personal-injury-lawyer-1

Charles P. Ward

Attorney

Indianapolis personal injury lawyer and wrongful death attorney

Donald W. Ward

Attorney

Talk to an Expert


Client Review

"I worked with and have known Ward & Ward Personal Injury Lawyers for over 25 years—simply the best personal injury lawyers!!!! Calls every year on my birthday"
Kathy C"
Client Review