San Jose 18 Wheeler Accident Lawyer

Large truck and 18-wheeler accidents are among the most devastating collisions that occur on highways and freeways around San Jose, as well as on local roads. An 18-wheeler is a term for a type of large, commercial semi-truck with a “tractor” where the driver sits, and a large trailer behind that carries freight or cargo. These vehicles are extremely large, and they are routinely involved in serious and fatal crashes in California. If you were seriously injured in an 18-wheeler crash, or if you lost a loved one in a large truck collision, it is important to file a claim. Contact our experienced San Jose 18-wheeler accident lawyer today.

Learning More About San Jose 18 Wheeler Accidents

Large truck and 18-wheeler crashes occur less frequently than collisions involving passenger vehicles alone, but they tend to result in a much higher fatality rate. According to the National Safety Council (NSC), large truck and 18-wheeler fatal crashes have also risen in recent years, with an average of nearly 6,000 fatal accidents annually.

Why are 18-wheeler accidents so deadly? These semi-trucks often weigh 20 or 30 times as much as a smaller passenger vehicle, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS) and the Highway Loss Data Institute (HLDI), which means they often cause irreparable damage to passenger cars and light trucks, and to their occupants. In collisions with passenger vehicles, 18-wheelers also have a might higher ground clearance, which often results in a car “underriding” the large truck and causing fatal injuries to the vehicle occupants.

Large trucks, including 18-wheelers and other semi-trucks, also take significantly longer to come to a stop than smaller passenger vehicles. As such, following too closely or tailgating can lead to devastating rear-end collisions.

Causes and Injuries in San Jose 18 Wheeler Accidents

There are many different causes of 18-wheeler accidents in and around San Jose, and multiple parties may be liable for harm. Some of the most common causes of 18-wheeler collisions include the following:

• Drowsy driving, especially when commercial truck drivers are in violation of federal rest requirements;
• Intoxicated driving;
• Distracted driving, including talking or texting on a smartphone;
• Speeding, including driving too fast for the conditions;
• Reckless driving;
• Hazardous road conditions;
• Improperly loaded trailer, which can lead an 18-wheeler to jackknife;
• Overloaded trailer;
• Unsecured cargo in the trailer;
• Negligent maintenance of the vehicle;
• Defective vehicle parts, such as defective brakes on the 18-wheeler; and
• Inclement weather.

Depending on the facts of the case, it may be possible to file a claim against a negligent truck driver, as well as parties with deeper pockets such as the owner of the truck or the truck driver’s employer.

Contact Our San Jose 18 Wheeler Accident Lawyers Today

Anyone who has been injured in an 18-wheeler crash should seek advice from a lawyer about filing a claim. And if you lost a loved one in an 18-wheeler accident, the firm of Venardi Zurada LLP can also speak with you about filing a wrongful death lawsuit. Large truck collisions are devastating, but it is often possible to hold the at-fault parties accountable and to seek financial compensation for the significant losses you have experienced. Contact our experienced San Jose 18 wheeler accident lawyer today.

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