I Have a Question About an Accident Involving an 18 Wheeler.©

Written by: Steve Moore and Mark Wolfe, Attorneys at Law. The following information is provided as general advice and without charge. Questions about specific issues or situations should be directed to an experienced motor vehicle accident attorney. NOTE: The following material is protected by all applicable State and Federal Copyright laws. Published May, 2005.

FACT:  According to statistics from the National Transportation Safety Board, every 16 minutes a person will die or be injured in an 18 wheeler involved accident. The underlying cause in almost half of all 18 wheeler accidents is driver fatigue. Because most 18 wheelers are involved in interstate commerce their operation is governed and controlled by Federal law. Most states have also adopted certain rules and regulations for the operation of 18 wheelers on public roadways. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is responsible for regulating safety rules for large trucks.  The primary mission of the FMCSA is to reduce crashes, injuries and fatalities involving large trucks and buses.  There are numerous rules and regulations related to the safe operation of 18 wheelers. Commercial drivers and companies engaged in interstate commerce must comply with these rules and regulations.

If you (or a family member) have been involved in an accident involving an 18 wheeler you may want to consider consulting with an experienced motor vehicle accident attorney about various safety compliance issues.  Besides the other various issues and concerns of a motor vehicle accident, 18 wheeler accidents involve complex legal issues related to compliance with hundreds of safety rules and regulations. An experienced motor vehicle accident attorney knows what rules and regulations may be applicable and he or she knows how to determine whether those safety rules and regulations were complied with by the at-fault driver and his or her company.  Steve Moore at Moore & Wolfe has handled and litigated dozens of cases involving 18 wheelers.

Contact an Attorney About Your 18 Wheeler Claim or Case.  For accidents occurring in Alabama: scm@moore-wolfe.com   (Please provide the date and location of the accident.)   For accidents occurring outside of Alabama please visit our Find an Attorney page.

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMSCA):  http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/

FMSCA Rules and Regulations: http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/rules-regulations/rules-regulations.htm

FMSCA Facts and Research:  http://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/facts-research/facts-research.htm

National Transportation Safety Board – Highways: http://www.ntsb.gov/Surface/highway/highway.htm