The large number of 18 wheeler accidents and semi truck crashes has caused a truck accident lawsuit investigation to be launched. Individuals who have been injured in these accidents may be entitled to monetary compensation.

Some 18 wheeler trucks may weigh more than 10,000 pounds which is significantly heavier than the average vehicle on the road. Semi-trucks have the ability to cause significant damage to other drivers.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration stated that nearly 8,000 deaths were caused by semi truck crashes with 18 wheeler accidents in just two years. Nearly 200,000 individuals were injured during the same two years.

The Insurance Institute for Highway Safety found that one-in-10 deaths on the highway involved a large vehicle such as an 18 wheeler. Most of the deaths were the drivers and passengers of smaller vehicles, not the truck drivers.

What causes Semi Truck Crashes?

Fault for semi truck crashes and 18 wheeler accidents may fall into different categories. The truck drivers may be at fault if they made a mistake, were tired while driving, or were driving recklessly.

The company that owns the semi trucks may be at fault as well if they failed to inspect and maintain their vehicles properly. Companies also have the responsibility to load trucks properly and not make them too heavy. Any other third-party that manufactured a part of the vehicle that caused an accident may be held liable as well.

Sometimes, truck drivers and trucking companies will offer a settlement if they deem that they were at fault for an 18 wheeler accident. However, an 18 wheeler accident class action lawsuit may give victims of semi truck crashes a better financial deal. Such 18 wheeler accident lawsuits may help individuals receive compensation for medical bills, lost wages, punitive damages, and pain and suffering. If an individual lost a loved one due to some form of semi truck negligence, then a wrongful death lawsuit may be filed as well.

Types of truck driver negligence may include:

• Driver error
  
• Driver fatigue
  
• Aggressive driving
  
• Distracted driving (using cell phone/texting)
  
• Impaired driving (alcohol or drugs)
  
• Excessive speed
  
• Failure to follow state and federal regulations

Many truck drivers are forced to be on the road for extended hours (more than eight) which can put other vehicles on the road in danger of an 18 wheeler accident.

Truck company negligence may include:

• Improper truck maintenance
  
• Inadequate inspections
  
• Unreasonable driver deadlines
  
• Improperly loaded/overloaded trucks
  
• Failure to follow state and federal regulations

Vehicle defects are a common cause of semi truck crashes. One study found that more than half of the large truck accidents in one year involved a mechanical violation.

Third-party negligence may include:

• Defective brakes
• Defective tires
• Defective computer systems