18 Wheeler Accidents

Lawyer John C. Giles’s experience with truck accidents has led to the realization that most accidents involving 18 wheeler trucks are usually caused by the same factors, in Mesa as well as everywhere else. The majority can be blamed on either some form of driver error or overall poor maintenance of the truck. Specific driver-related errors include:

• Fatigue from driving long hours at a stretch with insufficient breaks
• DWI (driving while intoxicated) or DUI (driving under the influence of alcohol or narcotics)
• Speeding or otherwise reckless driving

Examples of poor vehicle maintenance contributing to 18 wheel accidents include:

• Brake failure
• Flat or worn tires
• Improperly secured cargo

Drivers of 18 wheelers are under constant pressure to deliver their loads on time, or risk losing their job or their company losing a valued contract to a faster competitor. Combine these concerns with the general overcrowding of our roadways with cars and other trucks, plus the fact that you can’t just slam the brakes on an 18 wheel truck and get an instantaneous response, and it is no surprise that truck accidents are becoming more common - - and more dangerous.

Ideally, trucking companies will respond to growing concerns about driver and 18 wheel vehicle safety and make changes to better protect their employees and the public. Comprehensive training programs, enforcement of the maximum number of drive hours allotted per shift, and a greater focus on maintenance would all be moves in the right direction. In the meantime, we advise drivers in Mesa to exercise caution when driving near an 18 wheeler.

Should the worst happen though, and you are involved in an accident with one of these big trucks, contact the law office of John C. Giles for advice on your legal rights.  

We can be reached at 866-267-7132.