Truck Accident Lawyer Blog

Video Highlight: Personal Injury Attorneys - Arnold & Itkin LLP

Truck Accident Lawyer — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 12:38:29 -0600

The truck accident lawyers at Arnold & Itkin LLP released a new video on LawyerForYou.com that addresses the importance choosing the right personal injury attorney if you or a loved one has been seriously injured or killed in an accident involving commercial trucks or 18-wheelers. Attorneys Jason Itkin, Kurt Arnold and Lisa Sechelski discuss what attributes injured motorists and injured truck drivers should look for when choosing a personal injury lawyer and demonstrate how Arnold & Itkin LLP goes the extra mile to provide true full-service care for their clients. In the video, you'll also hear from actual clients and learn why they chose Arnold & Itkin LLP.

The truck accident lawyers at Arnold & Itkin LLP help victims of serious truck accidents get the help and compensation they deserve.

Truck companies must provide safe equipment and sufficient training

Truck Accident Lawyer — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 12:43:58 -0600

Sometimes it’s not a matter of how smart a person is, but rather how well-trained they are.

Consider the case of the truck driver who was crushed and killed between the frame and “dump box” of his truck. When the safety "overtravel" cable between the truck’s frame and dump box malfunctioned after getting caught on a protrusion, thereby stopping the dump box from being raised fully, the driver emerged from the cab of the truck and freed the cable … and allowing the dump box to come crashing down on his head.

Initial reactions might be less than sensitive, but when the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) conducted its truck accident investigation into the incident, it determined that the driver was not solely to blame.

The victim in the case, OSHA ruled, “had not received training or instruction in proper operating procedures and was not made aware of all potential hazards in his work. After inspecting the scene, OSHA “issued one citation for one alleged serious violation of its construction standards. Had the required training been provided to the employee, this fatality might have been prevented.”

The OSHA report got straight to the heart of what could be a truck accident lawyers’ case, because while the accident might seem to be a matter of carelessness on the part of the victim, failure to provide a safe work environment — including sufficient training for all procedures and equipment — may be perceived as trucking company negligence. Further, the malfunctioning safety "overtravel" cable would likely be the result of either defective truck equipment supplied by the truck's manufacturer or failure to maintain the truck on the part of the trucking company.

Truck Accident Lawyers from Arnold & Itkin LLP File Suit on Behalf of Man Struck by a Commercial Truck

Truck Accident Lawyer — Tue, 25 Aug 2009 18:36:13 -0600

Truck accident lawyers Kurt Arnold and Paul Skrabanek filed suit on behalf of a man struck by a commercial truck owned by a steel company. The plaintiff was driving near Brookshire, Texas when the truck driver made an illegal turn and struck the plaintiff head on. The incident required that the plaintiff be airlifted from the scene and ultimately required that he have five screws implanted in his severely injured legs. Unfortunately, the plaintiff also suffered injuries to his chest and lungs. The suit is pending in Harris County, Texas.

Truck Accident Lawyers at Arnold & Itkin LLP Settle Commercial Trucking Case for $935K

Truck Accident Lawyer — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 17:58:49 -0600

Houston truck accident lawyers, Jason Itkin and Mike Tilton, of Arnold & Itkin LLP are pleased to announce that they settled a commercial truck accident case for $935,000.

Arnold & Itkin LLP's clients suffered herniated discs when an 18-wheeler truck slammed into a sedan driven by the plaintiff. Arnold & Itkin LLP claimed that the driver of the semi-truck caused the accident when she went straight in a "turn only" lane. Even though the plaintiff was cited by police for the accident, Arnold & Itkin LLP were able to show that the defendants were at fault by tracking down several eye witnesses who blamed the driver of the semi-truck for causing the accident.

Fiery New Jersey 18-Wheeler Accident Kills Five People

Truck Accident Lawyer — Tue, 28 Apr 2009 03:09:09 -0600

In New Jersey, a multi-vehicle accident set off by an 18-wheeler left five people dead.

According to reports, the 18-wheeler struck a Buick LeSabre on the New Jersey Turnpike, sending the car crashing into a Jeep; the Buick immediately burst into flames. The occupants of the Buick, two married couples from Passaic and Kearny Counties in North Jersey and another woman, were killed. The three occupants of the Jeep were injured. The crash involved 10 vehicles in all, no other injuries were reported. The 18-wheeler driver, who did not sustain injuries, could possibly face charges.

The accident resulted in severe traffic delays in the area and on the turnpike, which is one of the busiest highways in the country. Investigations are ongoing.

This is an example of the often devastating aftermath of an accident involving an 18-wheeler. Often, motorists involved in such big rig crashes can do very little to avoid a collision. We will have to wait for the results of the investigation to learn why the tractor trailer driver was unable to stop in time to avoid the Buick. Investigators will look into whether the tractor trailer driver was speeding or tailgating the car.

As truck accident lawyers often see in accidents involving large tractor trailers, it is the motorist or the occupants of the passenger vehicle who suffer the most serious injuries. 18-wheelers can weigh up to 80,000 pounds and the impact of a vehicle that size crashing into a small passenger car can be tremendous. Even when there are survivors, injuries resulting from such accidents can be catastrophic.

Two Students Killed in Alabama 18 Wheeler Accident

Truck Accident Lawyer — Sat, 25 Apr 2009 16:16:36 -0600

On Tuesday, two Faulkner University athletes were killed when their car crashed into an 18-wheeler in Maplesville, Alabama.

Teirson Hollis and Ryne Wilhite were returning to Montgomery from Tuscaloosa when the accident occurred; both died instantly. There are no details about the accident yet. Law enforcement authorities are likely to conduct a truck accident investigation that will include alcohol and drug testing on the driver. Any truck accident that involves fatalities, serious injuries, or the 18-wheeler being towed includes drug and alcohol tests as part of the investigation. The blood alcohol limit allowed for truck drivers is lower than that of passenger vehicle drivers. While the blood alcohol level for the driver of a passenger vehicle is 0.08 percent, for an 18-wheeler driver, it is 0.04 percent. Driving with a blood alcohol level of above 0.04 percent is not only foolish behavior for the driver of an 18-wheeler, but can also result in criminal proceedings.

Investigators will also conduct an inspection of the truck to rule out the role of mechanical defects or malfunctioning parts in the accident.

It can take weeks and months for investigators to complete truck accident investigations, especially when there are fatalities involved. When injured people decide to file civil claims against drivers or trucking companies, 18-wheeler accident attorneys conduct their own investigations. This includes examining driver log books and companies' fleet maintenance records. The investigation process is, typically, extensive and time consuming, and involves looking at a range of aspects – company procedures regarding drug and alcohol testing, driver’s safety records, the hiring process of the company, etc. A truck accident lawyer can help victims through the process.

Post South Carolina Truck Accident, Residents Complain of Defective Highway

Truck Accident Lawyer — Sat, 25 Apr 2009 16:10:55 -0600

Last week, a woman was injured in an 18-wheeler accident in Lancaster County, South Carolina; residents in the area insist the crash was the result of a dangerous highway.

The accident happened when a mini-van tried to turn off highway 75 in Lancaster County on to Hector Road. Apparently, the driver of the mini-van did not see an 18-wheeler that was coming directly toward her. The large truck crashed into the back of the van and then skidded, overturning in the middle of the road. The truck was hauling tons of wood chips, which were strewn across the highway.

Residents near the Indian Land rural road, where the accident took place, insist that the road is particularly risky for speeding big rigs and cars. They claim there is very little patrolling on the road, which results in motorists and 18-wheeler drivers speeding and breaking traffic rules, with sometimes disastrous consequences. However, state troopers have a different story to tell. According to them, highway 75, where the wood chip 18-wheeler accident took place, is no more dangerous than any other road. In fact, it is not in the top 25 on the list of Lancaster County's most dangerous roads. Troopers are placed in heaviest concentration on roads that have a high number of serious or fatal accidents.

Rural roads tend to have less traffic and fewer accidents. However, that does not mean these roads are free of defects. A dangerous highway can go unnoticed when traffic volumes are lower. As neighboring populations increase and the number of passenger vehicles and 18-wheelers using these back roads increases, the risk of accidents also increases. It is important for law enforcement agencies to take into account, not only the number of accidents and injuries that take place on these back roads, but also the increase in traffic volume. State enforcement agencies, however, tend to have their hands tied due to limited staff and resources.

Dangerous Highways

A major accident, one that involves injuries and fatalities, usually works as a catalyst for state agencies to make the road safer. If there is a defective highway in a rural area that seems to have an increased risk of accidents, it is the responsibility of state authorities to post more troopers and take other steps to make the road safer for motorists and truck drivers. There should not have to be serious injuries, fatalities, or involvement of truck accident lawyers for authorities to correct dangerous highway conditions.

If you've been injured due to a dangerous highway, a truck accident lawyer can help you recover from your injuries.

Contact a truck accident attorney, at Arnold & Itkin LLP for a free evaluation of your case.

Texas 18 Wheeler-School Bus Accident Leaves Fifteen Students Injured

Truck Accident Lawyer — Sat, 25 Apr 2009 15:46:20 -0600

Just a week after an 18-wheeler driver was arrested for causing a fatal accident with a school bus, another large truck–school bus accident in Jacksonville, Texas left 15 school children injured.

Last week, the driver of an 18-wheeler that crashed into a Marion County School bus last year, was arrested. That driver, Reynaldo Gonzalez, was reportedly using his cell phone just before or during the accident, which left a 13-year-old school girl dead. Ironically enough Jacksonville’s emergency response team is scheduled to stage a disaster drill next month, and the chosen situation is a school bus-truck accident.

This week, according to an 18-wheeler driver, he was driving at a high speed and was unable to stop when a traffic light turned red. The 18-wheeler ended up broadsiding a bus, full of students from Nichols Intermediate School. At least 4 students were rushed to the East Texas Medical Center - Jacksonville and a total of 15 students were taken to other hospitals in the area. There were a total of 29 children on the bus, all between ten and twelve years of age. The 18-wheeler driver was ticketed for failure to control speed.

Failure to drive at posted speed limits for tractor trailers - which are lower than speed limits for passenger vehicles - is negligent behavior for the driver of a large truck. In the Jacksonville accident, the 18-wheeler driver was driving at 55 mph. If he had crashed into the bus at that speed, police say the tractor trailer could have torn the bus in half and caused multiple fatalities.

As parents of the children who were injured in the Jacksonville 18-wheeler accident thank their stars their children walked away from the accident with minor injuries, trucking lobbying groups are supporting a new bill. The Safe and Efficient Transportation Act of 2009, which would increase the allowed weight limits on 18-wheelers to up to 97,000 pounds, from the current 80,000 pounds, will put larger, heavier, more dangerous trucks on the road.

Truck Safety

Everyday, truck accident lawyers hear from anxious families and victims across the country who have been severely injured in 18-wheeler accidents, unsure about who to turn to. We do not need larger, heavier trucks on our roads, we simply need to ensure that the existing 18-wheelers on our roads are in good driving condition, that drivers are well trained and screened before they are hired, and that the trucking company takes all steps to ensure that drivers follow safe driving practices.

If you or a loved one has been injured due to the negligence of a truck driver or trucking company, a truck accident attorney can help you get back on your feet.

Contact a truck accident lawyer, at Arnold & Itkin LLP you find the answers and resources you need after a truck accident.

Industry Opposing 18-Wheeler Accident Prevention Bill

Truck Accident Lawyer — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 15:52:26 -0600

The Safe Highways and Infrastructure Preservation Act of 2009 would preserve highways and prevent 18-wheeler accidents by extending current size and weight restrictions for trucks on all highways. Not too surprisingly, industry lobbying groups, including those representing trucking companies and produce-shippers, are opposing any such legislation.

The bill would keep triple trailers exceeding 80,000 pounds and 53 ft off both, interstate highways and national highways. The goal is to prevent serious accidents involving these large trucks, and reduce the number of serious injuries and fatalities that result from those accidents. Restricting the movements of such large vehicles would also reduce the need for frequent highway repairs.

The trucking industry, which would greatly benefit from having larger and bulkier trucks on the road, is opposing any such bill. They are supporting another piece of legislation which would go the other way and actually increase weight limits on trucks to 97,000 pounds. The Safe and Efficient Transportation Act of 2009 was introduced on March 30th by Representatives Michel Michaud (D-Maine) and Jean Schmidt (R-Ohio). The bill is being touted by the American Trucking Association who claims the bill will lead to “safer highways, cleaner air” and - the, seemingly, most important factor – cheaper costs of freight transportation. Larger, bulkier trucks would allow trucking companies to ship larger loads on fewer trips, thus saving money. The trucking industry is also pointing to the need for allowing heavier trucks in order to improve efficiency, increase productivity, and, in turn, boost the economy.

Backing the Safe and Efficient Transportation Act is the produce industry. The Coalition for Transportation Productivity includes potato industry representatives from Washington, Idaho, and Oregon; three states which allow large commercial trucks above 80,000 pounds on their highways. The organization has been vocal in its support for the bill. Both industries are lobbying furiously to have the bill passed.

Truck Accident Attorneys

Truck accident lawyers firmly believe that we do not need heavier or larger 18-wheelers on the road, only safer trucks and more stringent procedures by trucking companies. We see far too many incidents involving ill maintained trucks, stressed, overworked, and fatigued drivers. These are the issues we should be focusing on.

As for concerns of loss of economic productivity during a recession, fewer 18-wheeler accidents and injuries mean reduced strain on our healthcare system, and consequently, our economy.

If you or a loved one has been injured by the negligence of a trucker or a trucking company, a truck accident attorney can help you recover physically, emotionally, and financially. If you have questions regarding your case, contact a truck accident lawyer at Arnold & Itkin LLP for help.

Arkansas 18-Wheeler Accidents Leave Three Dead

Truck Accident Lawyer — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 15:20:11 -0600

Truck accident lawyers frequently come across accident cases where negligent 18-wheeler drivers fail to drive with road and weather conditions in mind. Such negligent driving behavior resulted in a series of 18-wheeler accidents on Interstate 40 near Brinkley, Arkansas and left three people dead.

In the first accident, a 52-year-old man was killed when he crashed into the back of an 18-wheeler in a construction zone. Just as the road was being cleared another 18-wheeler rear ended a pickup truck; this accident involved a third 18-wheeler. The impact caused an explosion in which both trucks were engulfed in flames. Two people, who have yet to be identified, were confirmed dead in that accident. Interstate 40 was a mess for hours as cleanup crews worked to clear the roadway.

18-wheeler Safety

Motorists are expected to slow down and drive steadily in construction zones. Speeding in such situations can be lethal driving behavior for an 18-wheeler driver. Drivers must keep the conditions of the road in mind when negotiating massive vehicles that can weigh up to 80,000 pounds.

For instance, driving in a construction zone requires slower speeds than normal. This is because an 18-wheeler takes much longer to come to a complete stop after the brakes are applied than passenger vehicles. Also, construction work on the highway provides vehicles with a smaller and more confined space to drive. It is important for drivers to operate their vehicles carefully when in such confined spaces.

If you or a loved one has been injured in an 18-wheeler accident a truck accident attorney can help you recover the compensation you deserve. For a free evaluation of your case, contact a truck accident lawyer at Arnold & Itkin LLP.

Orlando 18-Wheeler Driver Involved in Fatal Florida Bus Accident

Truck Accident Lawyer — Sun, 19 Apr 2009 14:28:47 -0600

An Orlando trucker, who was at the wheel of an 18-wheeler that rear-ended a school bus in a fatal accident in Florida last September, was arrested last week. Reinaldo Gonzalez has been charged with vehicular homicide for the accident that killed a 13-year-old school girl.

Last year on September 23rd, a North Marion Middle School bus from Marion County was stopped on U.S. 301 to drop some children off. Gonzalez's 18-wheeler rear-ended the bus, dragging it 200 feet before both vehicles burst into flames. 21 students were trapped inside the bus; all made it out of the engulfed bus safely except for Francis Schee. She was sitting at the back of the bus and was killed instantly.

Gonzalez, who was on his way from Jacksonville to Groveland, later admitted to investigators that he was on his cell phone just before the accident. However, he failed to specify when he hung up the phone or if he hung it up at all. Investigators believe he may have been on the phone at the time of the accident. In addition, he had been traveling for many hours just before the crash.

Either Gonzalez was tailgating, which is why he failed to stop in time to avoid the accident, or he was distracted by his cell phone and was not able to respond in time to avoid a crash. In either case, he was driving recklessly and indulging in foolish driving behavior that increased his risk of an accident. Truck accident lawyers frequently see the devastating consequences of such behavior.

Truck Accident Safety

18-wheeler drivers must keep sufficient distance between their truck and the truck in front of them. An 18-wheeler takes a much longer time to come to a complete stop than an ordinary passenger vehicle. If Gonzalez was using a cell phone at the time of the crash, he was exposing himself and others to serious risk. The danger posed by an 18-wheeler driver who uses his cell phone behind the wheel was the force behind Heathers Law, a bill that will ban cell phone use by motorists in Florida. It is named for Heather Hurd who was killed in a truck accident in which the driver was text messaging rather than focusing on the road. Currently, Florida has no law banning any kind of cell phone use.

If you have been injured in a truck accident or a loved one has been killed, experienced truck accident attorneys can help you recover physically, mentally, and financially. Contact a truck accident lawyer at Arnold & Itkin LLP for a free evaluation of your case.

Georgia 18-Wheeler Accidents Kill One Person, Several Injured

Truck Accident Lawyer — Thu, 16 Apr 2009 11:20:19 -0600

Last week, on Interstate 20 in McDuffie County, Georgia, a truck driver from South Dakota was killed and several occupants of passenger vehicles, including an SUV, were injured in two separate 18-wheeler accidents.

The first accident on I-20 occurred when an 18-wheeler driver pulled his big rig over into the emergency lane to check a blowout. A passenger car following the 18-wheeler was slightly damaged by pieces of the blown out tire and pulled over behind the big rig. As the truck driver, Vincent Lee Herbert, checked his tires, another 18-wheeler struck him, fatally injuring him. The second tractor trailer also struck the smaller passenger vehicle stopped behind the truck; the driver and passengers suffered minor injuries. The driver of the second 18-wheeler, David Carl Stalnaker, was charged with second degree vehicular homicide and failure to maintain lanes; he was later released.

Following the accident, another big rig crashed into a Ford Explorer just a few hours later on the same highway. The driver of the Ford Explorer, an Augusta resident, was seriously injured. The tractor trailer also slammed into two other vehicles, leaving two people with injuries. The driver of that tractor trailer, Sean Cornelius Johnson, was charged with following too closely.

In both accidents, 18-wheeler drivers' reckless driving contributed to serious accidents and injury, and in one case, death. The first accident could have been avoided if Stalnaker had taken care to drive steadily, stayed within speed limits, and stuck to his own lane. His failure to do so ended with a fellow truck driver dead. The second accident occurred because Johnson was following the SUV too closely. Tailgating is incredibly foolish behavior for an 18-wheeler driver. These large vehicles take a much longer time to come to a complete stop than passenger vehicles do. Drivers must always keep a reasonable amount of distance between the 18-wheeler and the vehicle in front of them; failure to do so could result in an accident in which the occupants of the smaller vehicle almost always suffer.

Truck Accident Claims

A truck accident lawyer can help you recover compensation after injuries suffered in an 18-wheeler accident. If you have been injured or have lost a loved one in an 18-wheeler accident, the 18-wheeler accident lawyers at Arnold & Itkin LLP can help you recover compensation.

Contact an experienced 18-wheeler accident lawyer at Arnold & Itkin LLP for a free evaluation of your claim.

Mississippi Students Learn the Facts about 18-Wheeler Accidents

Truck Accident Lawyer — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 11:16:40 -0600

Driving teachers at a school in Mississippi are catching them young – they were teaching high school students to drive safely around 18-wheelers in order to prevent serious accidents.

Students at Petal High School in Petal, Mississippi received driving education with a twist on the 1st of April. They learned how to drive vigilantly and safely around 18-wheelers in order to reduce the possibility of potentially serious accidents. The program included the participation of experienced 18-wheeler drivers who regularly travel around the community to teach motorists how to drive safely around the massive vehicles.

Driving classes for teens do not normally include tips on how to be safe when sharing the road with big rigs that can reach 53 feet in length and up to 80,000 pounds in weight. Teaching these teens that an 18-wheeler driver may face driving challenges that can impact other vehicles on the road is extremely important. For instance, apart from truck accident lawyers and law enforcement officers, very few adults, let alone teens, know that 18-wheelers have large blind spots that prevent the driver from seeing some vehicles. To drive home that message, three 18-wheelers were set up in the parking lot of the school. Two of the trucks were parked in the blind spot of the other truck. The teens were encouraged to sit in the cab of the third truck and see for themselves how the trucks in the blind spot "disappeared". The students were surprised at how truckers can actually miss seeing even large 18-wheelers in their blind spot. This teaches them to be more careful around tractor trailers.

Truck Accident Safety

It makes more sense to teach teens the right ways of driving around large trucks from the start. Teen drivers are still learning the rules of the road as they drive; teaching them how to be safe around an 18-wheeler can help them avoid making foolish mistakes, like driving too close behind an 18-wheeler, racing with a large truck, and so on. It can also help them to identify signals an 18-wheeler driver makes to signify he is making a turn or changing lanes, thereby helping avoid accidents.

If you have been injured or lost a loved one in a truck accident, contact an 18-wheeler accident attorney at Arnold & Itkin LLP for a free evaluation of your case.

SUV Driver Narrowly Escapes Injuries in Houston, Texas 18-Wheeler Accident

Truck Accident Lawyer — Tue, 14 Apr 2009 10:22:06 -0600

The driver of an SUV narrowly escaped injuries in an 18-wheeler accident when a container on the back of a truck struck an overpass, came loose, and fell on the SUV.

The driver of the SUV escaped injuries only because the container landed on the passenger side of the SUV; the right side of the vehicle was completely destroyed. The container, a portable galley, was apparently being transported from Louisiana to Brownsville. General Marine Leasing, the company that owns the container, said this is the second time an incident like this has happened with their containers as they were being transported across the country by the trucking company, Dynasty Trucking. The general procedure before trucks begin their cross country journeys includes:

reporting the height of the cargo to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT)
transportation officials then provide the company with a route that will allow the 18-wheeler to move safely along the highway without damaging the container or endangering other drivers

There is no information yet on whether Dynasty Trucking followed standard procedures in this case, although officials believe the driver was likely off route.

Meanwhile, the woman who miraculously escaped injuries, Zoma Ramirez, is undergoing a CT scan to rule out the presence of internal injuries after the accident. The fact that Dynasty Trucking had a similar accident before does not speak well of the company's operating procedures. A complete investigation will reveal more about procedure violations at the company that could have contributed to the 18 wheeler-accident.

Truck Accident Claims

A trucking company can be held liable for injuries sustained in a truck accident. An experienced truck accident lawyer will conduct a thorough investigation of the company's record to look for any similar prior violations and to identify whether or not the driver has a poor driving history.

If you have been injured in an 18-wheeler accident and have questions about the trucking company's liability, contact an 18-wheeler accident lawyer at Arnold & Itkin LLP for a free consultation.

Two Killed in Colorado 18-Wheeler Accident

Truck Accident Lawyer — Mon, 13 Apr 2009 12:48:06 -0600

Truck accident lawyers can't stress enough the importance of driving safely during bad weather conditions, an 18-wheeler accident in Limon, Colorado illustrates why. Last week, a fiery 18-wheeler accident killed two people and left others with injuries.

The accident occurred when a tractor trailer rear ended a Jeep that was driving slowly through a snowstorm. The impact of the crash sent the Jeep hurling into a Ford F-150 pickup truck, which, in turn, sent the truck into a Chevrolet Suburban. The Jeep exploded into flames and the two occupants of the Jeep died at the scene of the accident. The Ford pickup driver sustained minor injuries in the crash, while the driver of the Chevrolet Suburban escaped unharmed.

The driver of the tractor trailer, Texas resident Richard Widmier, was arrested. He faces charges of third degree assault, criminally negligent homicide, reckless driving, and failing to provide proof of insurance.

Driving in adverse weather conditions calls for extra care and attention to the road. It also calls for reduced speed and maintaining sufficient distance from the vehicles in front of a tractor trailer traveling at high speeds. Normal traffic rules do not apply when you are traveling in heavy rain, fog, or a blizzard, which was the case here. Bad weather impacts visibility and reduces the likelihood that a driver will hear horns or signals from other motorists. Also, road surfaces may become slick and slippery, creating conditions conducive for skid or rollovers. Water on the road may also spray around and onto the windshields of other cars, thus limiting their visibility.

While truck drivers are unable to take the day off during bad weather they must keep the following in mind:

Check the weather report before you travel so you can plan another route if possible.
Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations require a driver to be extremely careful during hazardous weather conditions. If the weather is bad enough to impact driving, drivers are required to stop operating the truck until the weather clears.
Keep considerable distance between the truck and the vehicle in front.
Slow down.
Do a complete check of your vehicle before you start your journey – this is always important, but is especially imperative during bad weather.
Be prepared for the weather worsening as you travel and make contingency plans to take another route or stop the vehicle when it does.

Truck Accident Liability

People injured in an accident when a truck driver fails to operate his big rig carefully during bad weather, may be eligible for compensation. A truck accident lawyer can help you get compensation for your injuries in the event of an 18-wheeler accident.

If you have been injured in an 18-wheeler accident, contact an 18-wheeler accident lawyer at Arnold & Itkin LLP for a free evaluation of your claim.

Scores of 18-Wheeler Drivers Linked To Highway Serial Killings

Truck Accident Lawyer — Fri, 10 Apr 2009 14:27:46 -0600

Truck accident lawyers are very familiar with reckless 18-wheeler drivers who cause serious accidents and injuries as a result of careless driving, but according to the FBI, reckless driving may not be the only way truck drivers are claiming victims.

The FBI calls it an emerging trend: highway serial killers who double as truck drivers. The agency has been aware of the connection between long haul truck drivers and crimes, like murder and rape committed near highways, for years now. FBI agents stumbled on the connection about five years ago during a case involving a series of murders on highways in several states. Those murders were ultimately traced to an 18-wheeler driver. Soon after, the agency established the "Highway Serial Killing Initiative’’ to monitor suspected truck drivers. The FBI currently has a database of dozens of truckers who have been either charged with or suspected of murder or rape. More than 500 victims, mostly female prostitutes, have been murdered near highways.

There is no information on whether truck driving is a preferred occupation of known serial killers, but the nature of the job and the kind of cover it offers could make trucking the perfect front for a killer. Investigators say there are several reasons a serial killer would choose trucking as his occupation:

Truckers are highly mobile and a serial killer could benefit from the anonymity that mobility offers
They work without any supervision while on the road
They constantly come in contact with potential victims, usually women with a high-risk background

The agency has collected enough evidence linking truckers to serial killings to make this frightening announcement. Bodies of victims have been found dumped by the roadside, along highways, and behind truck stops. The Highway Serial Killing Initiative has come in especially useful for cases involving murders outside local jurisdiction. Several murders, thought to have been committed by truckers, involved bodies being dumped in a location other than where the murder took place.

Truck Driver Screening

You have to wonder how it is so easy for a serial killer to gain employment in a trucking company. None of this, however, is to say that all truckers are suspect, but if there was any incentive for trucking companies to begin screening their drivers more stringently, this would be it. Trucking companies could help save innocent victims by screening potential employees and monitoring current employees more closely.

If you have been injured in an 18-wheeler accident, contact an 18-wheeler accident lawyer at Arnold & Itkin LLP for a free evaluation of your case.

Texas 18-wheeler Driver Charged with DWI after Rollover Accident

Truck Accident Lawyer — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 12:11:26 -0600

A Plano, Texas 18-wheeler driver, who was driving while intoxicated, capped a few miles of erratic driving with a rollover accident; fortunately, no one was injured in the accident.

Taj Black was driving an 18-wheeler loaded with mulch in the southbound lane of US-75 on March 17th. His erratic driving behavior caught the attention of a concerned motorist who reported Black’s dangerous driving to 911. Black was apparently weaving in and out of traffic and speeding. As the motorist informed 911 personnel about the erratic driving, the large truck went out of control and overturned. Black was shaken, but escaped without any injuries. The trailer's mulch spilled out onto the overpass, covering most of it. Blood alcohol tests were conducted to determine Black’s intoxication levels at the time of accident; he was charged with driving while intoxicated.

Truck accident investigations typically include conducting blood alcohol tests on the driver regardless of whether or not any injuries or fatalities resulted. Regarding alcohol use, truck drivers have stricter limitations than drivers of passenger vehicles. While, for the rest of the driving population, the maximum blood alcohol limit is .08, commercial truck drivers cannot have a blood alcohol limit greater than .04. This is because operating a large commercial truck like an 18-wheeler requires a higher degree of alertness and presence of mind than driving a passenger vehicle.

Truck Accident Laws

Trucking companies are required to conduct random alcohol tests on employees throughout the year. When a big rig driver is found to have been intoxicated during an accident, an 18-wheeler accident lawyer can hold the company and the driver responsible for their actions.

If you've been inured in an 18-wheeler accident, contact a truck accident lawyer at Arnold & Itkin LLP to discuss your options for compensation.

New Bill Aims to Reduce 18-Wheeler Accidents

Truck Accident Lawyer — Wed, 08 Apr 2009 12:11:22 -0600

A new bill aims to protect highway travelers from the risk of an 18-wheeler accident by extending existing size and weight restrictions on large trucks to the entire national highway system.

The bill, called the Safe Highways and Infrastructure Preservation Act of 2009, was introduced by Senator Frank R. Lautenberg (D-NJ) and Representative Jim McGovern (D-MA-3). It would prevent both interstate highways and national highways from being used by triple trailers, although exemptions would be made for firefighting units and the like.

Currently, size and weight limitations are enforced on interstate highways and states themselves are at liberty to set limits on state governed roads. Truck size and weight restrictions, for most state roads, are a maximum length of 53 ft and a maximum weight of 80,000 pounds. These limits also apply to Interstate Highway Systems which run across 44,000 miles. If the bill is passed, the ban on trucks that exceed the size and weight limitation would extend to 160,000 miles of highway.

The bill aims to keep heavier 18-wheelers off the road, thereby making roads safer. There are many challenges involved in navigating an 18-wheeler through traffic"

18-wheelers suffer from poor maneuverability and stability, and are harder to navigate than smaller vehicles.
These large trucks require a longer distance to come to a complete stop.
They have bigger blind spots that impact the driver’s view of vehicles behind him.

In addition to preventing injuries associated with 18-wheeler accidents, the bill would also contribute to better highway maintenance by reducing the number of heavy trucks using the roads. Union workers and 18-wheeler accident lawyers have voiced their support for the bill as it makes traveling safer for all involved.

18-wheeler Safety

It is difficult to maintain and repair existing roadways due to a shortage of funds, a tremendous strain would be added to our transportation infrastructure if larger 18-wheelers were allowed on our roads. If trucking companies had their way, they would introduce larger vehicles that could carry larger loads; never mind the risks of jack knifing and 18-wheeler rollovers. These large trucks are responsible for close to 2.4 deaths for every 100 million vehicle miles. That is a 50% higher rate than smaller vehicle fatalities. The less 18-wheelers we allow on our highways, the lesser the chance of accidents and safer the general motorist population.

If you've been injured in an 18-wheeler accident, contact an 18-wheeler accident lawyer at Arnold & Itkin LLP to discuss your options for compensation.

Connecticut 18-Wheeler Safety Mired in Inter-Department Disputes

Truck Accident Lawyer — Tue, 07 Apr 2009 10:47:25 -0600

18-wheeler safety experts and truck accident lawyers in Connecticut are full of ideas about how to check rogue truck drivers and prevent accidents involving big rigs. Unfortunately, these ideas will remain just that until the two agencies that supply truck weigh station personnel resolve their issues.

In Connecticut, weigh station operation activities are shared by the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) and state troopers. There exists an old and strong rivalry between the two agencies, and this, experts say, has come in the way of adopting better technology at weigh stations to screen truck drivers more efficiently and accurately.

The Connecticut Department of Scientists and Engineering, a group based in Hartford, conducted a study that recommended technological innovations to streamline weigh station operations, cut down time, and trap more rogue truck drivers. Under the existing system, truck drivers are easily able avoid weigh station inspections. Under the proposed system, however, weigh stations would be located at random points to catch more unsuspecting truck drivers. Technological aids would help troopers conduct an inspection more quickly and would help troopers quickly identify an 18-wheeler in need of a more thorough inspection. The group's report also called for a different approach to 18-wheeler safety – focusing more on ensuring truck safety than inspection duty.

Whether these proposals will be acted upon is a moot point, however. Governor Jodi Rell has proposed pulling state troopers off weigh stations and putting them on highway patrol service. The proposal has been axed for now, but the Governor plans to bring the matter up with Democrats soon. According to state officials, the pull back from weigh stations is part of an overall plan to put more troopers on highway patrol service. The DMV criticizes any such move because it infringes on its jurisdiction. This squabbling could mean that truck accident prevention proposals find themselves on the back burner.

18-wheeler Safety

State agencies responsible for highway maintenance need to focus on keeping unsafe trucks and unfit drivers off the highway. Ensuring the safety of motorists on the road should not become victim to inter-department agency rivalries.

If you've been injured in a Connecticut 18-wheeler accident, contact an 18-wheeler accident attorney at Arnold & Itkin LLP to discuss your options for compensation.

Driver Arrested after Los Angeles Area 18-wheeler Accident Kills Two

Truck Accident Lawyer — Mon, 06 Apr 2009 10:55:17 -0600

Days after a deadly 18-wheeler accident; in which a commercial truck failed to stop at a Los Angeles-area intersection, ultimately killing two people; California's Department of Transportation (Caltrans), announces a temporary ban on tractor trailers using the highway.

On April 1st, the driver of an 18-wheeler, Marcos Costa, lost control of his truck as he came down the Angeles Crest Highway near the busy, La Canada Flintridge intersection. His brakes failed and the truck plowed into several vehicles in his path; the 18-wheeler ended up in a nearby bookstore. By the time the truck came to a stop, a 12-year-old girl and her father were dead. Since then, Costa has been arrested and questioned; he, apparently, missed a posted sign, warning against the entry of large trucks.

The deadly accident shocked not only local residents, but also city authorities. La Canada Mayor, Laura Olhasso, accused Caltrans of ignoring requests for a runaway trucks escape lane. This is not the first time an accident like this has taken place in this area. Last year, a tractor trailer went out of control near a parking lot, damaging and overturning several parked vehicles, and injuring at least one person. The intersection at La Canada Flintridge has always been very busy, but has never been this dangerous. There used to be a truck escape lane near the intersection, but Caltrans decided to close the lane as they thought the area was safe. Since then, city officials have made several requests to Caltrans to get a new truck escape lane built. However, Caltrans and city authorities failed to reach an agreement regarding the location of the escape lane and the plans were put on hold. On Friday, the agency announced a temporary ban of commercial trucks on the Angeles Crest Highway. Responding to criticism over its failure to enhance safety on the highway, Caltrans announced that it will examine ways to make the road safer. Hopefully, Caltrans will build a new truck escape lane and the ban on large trucks in the area will become permanent.

Truck Accident Lawyers

A runaway truck escape lane could have allowed Costa to steer his vehicle away from the busy traffic, thereby avoiding this tragedy. Accidents involving 18-wheelers can be linked to the failure of city and state officials to make highways safe for large trucks to share. An 18-wheeler accident lawyer can help determine liability after an accident so victims can get the compensation they deserve.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a truck accident, contact an 18-wheeler accident attorney at Arnold & Itkin LLP for a free evaluation of your options for compensation.