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

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

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

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.

Bir Rig Accident in New JerseyThe 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

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. Alabama Truck AccidentAny 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

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.

Dangerous Highways in South CarolinaResidents 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

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. Truck Accident AttorneyAt 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

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.

Truack Accident LawyerThe 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 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.

Truck Accident AttorneyFor 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

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.

Truck Accident LawyerGonzalez, 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

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.

Truck Accident AttorneyFollowing 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

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.

Truck Accident SafetyDriving 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

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.  

Truck Accident LawyerMeanwhile, 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 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.

Truck Accident AttorneyThe 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 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. Truck Accident LawyerFBI 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

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. Truck Accident LawyerBlack 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.

Connecticut 18-Wheeler Safety Mired in Inter-Department Disputes

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. 

18-wheeler Accident LawyerThe 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

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.

Report Links Medically Unfit 18-Wheeler Drivers with Increased Accident Rates

An investigation conducted by a television station has revealed what 18-wheeler accident lawyers have suspected for years - "tens of thousands" of 18-wheeler drivers continue to drive, despite suffering from serious medical conditions that could impair their driving ability and cause serious accidents.

These medical issues include health conditions you do not want the person at the helm of an 80,000 pound vehicle to have, including:

The investigation, conducted by Scripps television station, found that the problem is not only serious, but rampant. 

Last year, federal investigators reported that more than 560,000 commercial truck operators were receiving full medical and disability benefits.

Also, last year, another investigation found that medical certificates carried by 18-wheeler drivers are notoriously hard to verify. Drivers are required by law to have a copy of their medical certificate to present as proof they have passed a medical exam. However, in nearly one of every three cases, the doctor whose signature is on the certificate is mysteriously non-existent or, when contacted, the doctor often denies having ever examined the driver.

Truck Accident AttorneyIt is very difficult for overworked inspection officers to verify a certificate, which means that possibly thousands of drivers are able to slip through the cracks with phony medical certificates. Fake certificates are ridiculously easy to obtain. All a driver has to do is download a blank certificate from the internet, fill it out, and sign it himself, and voila! He has a medical certificate that confirms he is fit to drive. This kind of falsification is a serious problem, and one that places drivers of smaller vehicles at risk of injury.  

Several 18-wheeler accidents in recent months have been linked to medically impaired drivers. In Ohio, one 18-wheeler driver had almost 27 prescription drugs stashed in his cab during an accident. In 2007, federal officials estimated that approximately 4,000 18-wheeler accidents between 2001 and 2003 were caused by drivers suffering from heart attacks behind the wheel. The number of drivers who dozed off at the wheel during the same period was 5,000. Sleep apnea; a condition traced to frequent waking up during sleep, resulting in fatigue and sleepiness the next day; is a major factor in 18-wheeler drivers falling asleep at the wheel.

Federal Trucking Regulations

Federal authorities have been taking steps to deal with the problem of phony certificates. A national database, that will record copies of truck drivers' medical certificates, is expected to be in operation by 2012. Unfortunately, that is still 3 years away and, until then, highway safety inspectors have few means of verifying whether the truck driver in front of them is medically fit to be driving or not. That means millions of people will continue to be at risk of accidents and injuries as they share the road with big rigs possibly driven by people suffering from serious heath conditions.

If you or a loved one has suffered from injuries sustained in an 18-wheeler accident, contact an 18-wheeler accident lawyer at Arnold & Itkin LLP for a free evaluation.

South Carolina Emergency Personnel Receive Training in 18-wheeler Accident Extrication

Truck accident lawyers often see the kind of severe injuries that occur in 18-wheeler accidents and the challenges in rescuing the victims from the mangled wreckage. Emergency responders in South Carolina are undergoing a special training program that will help them conduct extrication and rescue activities on victims of 18-wheeler accidents.

The name of the program is Big Rig Rescue, it was developed by Billy Leach Jr., an emergency services provider with 30 years of experience. Leach regularly conducts training for 18-wheeler accident rescue, including recent sessions in Texas, Louisiana, and Oklahoma. Truck Accident AttorneyAccording to Leach, it is very important for emergency rescue personnel to be able to work with the kind of complex extrication equipment used in large-truck accident rescue. Serious accidents involving 18-wheelers are less frequent than those involving passenger cars; this means rescue personnel often has less practice with the complex extrication equipment and processes used. If used properly, the equipment and procedures can save precious lives. The program includes 24 hours of training and aims to cut down on the amount of time taken to rescue victims of an 18-wheeler accident from wreckage. The program also involves the participation of towing and recovery personnel and rescue equipment companies. 

Victims involved in a collision with a big rig can end up with a condition called Crush Syndrome. This is a medical condition that usually follows severe, crushing injuries. Victims suffer from shock and the kidneys can quickly fail. Victims injured in an 18-wheeler accident can suffer injuries similar to those suffered by earthquake survivors trapped under debris or construction workers involved in a trench collapse. Not only does rescue of such victims take time, but the kind of medical care given to the victims immediately after is also very important.

Truck Accident Rescue

Because of the severity of injuries in an 18-wheeler accident, rescue personnel often find themselves faced with serious challenges. For some of them, it could be their first experience with an 18-wheeler accident wreck, and they may not be prepared for the extent of damage to the vehicles or the severity of the victims' injuries. Regular rescue equipment may be inadequate to help victims. A program like Big Rig Rescue is, therefore, essential training for emergency rescue personnel across the country, especially those who serve high truck traffic areas.

If you or a loved one have been injured in an 18-wheeler accident, a truck accident lawyer may be able to help you recover damages for your injuries. Contact an 18-wheeler accident lawyer, at Arnold & Itkin LLP for a free evaluation of your case.

Georgia 18-Wheeler Accident Traced to Defective Tires

Last month in a Georgia 18-wheeler accident the driver sustained back injuries; fortunately, no other motorists were injured. The big rig overturned on Interstate 85; according to troopers, defective tires were the reason for the rollover.

Truck Accident AttorneyThe 18-wheeler was carrying 41,000 pounds of cotton and yarn. The truck collided with a set of barrels, leading to a shift in the weight of the trailer. The driver, Edward James Clements Jr., lost control of the tractor trailer and skidded more than 300 feet before flipping over. The 18-wheeler then continued to skid another 100 feet after overturning before it came to a stop. Clements was taken to the hospital after complaining of back pain.

It appears that Clements was having “tire issues," and was trying to pull over to the side of the road to fix the problem when the accident took place. When troopers inspected the tires, they found that the tire tread was worn out and near violation levels. Clements received a citation for failure to maintain his tires.

What Causes Truck Accidents?

It seems that Clements was driving an improperly maintained truck. Poor truck maintenance is a major cause of 18-wheeler accidents. Because of the massive weight of a large truck, the tires of the vehicle are usually the first to wear out.  Because of the heavy load they carry, 18-wheelers are also prone to blow outs. If a tire blowout occurs when an 18-wheeler is on a busy highway, the vehicle can quickly careen out of control, placing motorists around the big rig at great risk of injury. Loss of control can also lead to the overturning of the truck, which places the driver and the occupants of other vehicles at risk. Sometimes, a blown out 18-wheeler tire can shoot chunks of rubber out from beneath the truck, posing a potential threat to vehicles in the vicinity. In addition to blowouts, 18-wheeler accidents can also be caused by:

  • Malfunctioning brakes that prevent vehicles from stopping promptly
  • Defective lights that impair drivers' vision
  • Faulty steering mechanism  

In such cases, an 18-wheeler accident lawyer can point out failure to maintain the vehicle properly as a cause for liability in an injury lawsuit. 

If you've been injured in an 18-wheeler accident, contact the 18-wheeler accident attorneys at Arnold & Itkin LLP for a free consultation.

Investigations Continue into Texas 18-Wheeler Accident That Killed Teenager

As the family of 13-year-old Clarissa Gonzales paid their final respects, San Diego, Texas police continued their investigations into the 18-wheeler accident that killed her.

18-wheeler Accident AttorneyClarissa was hit by an 18-wheeler on Highway 44 in San Diego, Texas on the night of February 13th. She, ultimately, died from her injuries. It is still not clear what Clarissa was doing on Highway 44 when she was hit; police are trying to determine if the girl was crossing the road or playing with friends at the time of the accident. It is believed to be more likely that she was walking. Police are looking at a number of possibilities for what caused the accident, including the likelihood that the 18-wheeler driver was not aware that he had hit the young girl. The driver did not remain at the scene of the accident. Police are still making efforts to identify the driver and have reportedly zeroed in on one lead. Accident investigators are also conducting tests on the clothes that Clarissa was wearing at the time of the crash, as they could contain evidence that may help identify the 18-wheeler that struck her. A few witnesses have come forward to provide clues about the identity of the truck.

A pedestrian – 18-wheeler collision is usually fatal for the pedestrian. There is not much that can protect a person walking on the road from the impact of an accident with a tractor trailer. For pedestrians, it is important to be alert at all times and look for vehicles in motion around in the area. If you are walking at night, always wear reflecting clothing and avoid dark or camouflage patterned clothes. Always stick to the sidewalks and cross only on designated crosswalks. If you see a tractor trailer approaching do not attempt to run in front of it. 18-wheelers cannot brake as quickly or slow down at the same speed as passenger cars.

Truck Accident Lawyer

In case of an accident with an 18-wheeler, an injured pedestrian victim can file a personal injury lawsuit. In case of death of the victim, the family can file a wrongful death lawsuit against the company that employed the driver. Pedestrians tend to get blamed for such accidents, which is why it is important to have an experienced 18-wheeler accident attorney on your side.

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

Texas 18-Wheeler Accident Victims Call for Stricter Driving Regulations

A Texas couple who escaped a potentially fatal collision with an 18-wheeler last month is calling for tougher restrictions on big rigs driving through North Texas.

The couple, Cindy and Christian Benitez, were traveling in their Toyota Corolla on Interstate 35 in Dallas when their vehicle ended up under a rock-hauling 18-wheeler. The car was almost completely crushed under the tractor trailer. Cindy managed to escape without injuries, but Christian was trapped in the wrecked car for nearly 90 minutes. Emergency teams worked hard to extricate the man who was jammed under the big rig's wheel. Christian made a miraculous escape from the wreckage, but was left with severe injuries. Truck Accident RegulationsHe was treated in the hospital and has since been discharged. He faces extensive rehabilitation therapy and is presently unable to walk. Recovery has been extremely painful for Christian, his wife says. The couple has since filed a truck accident lawsuit against the 18-wheeler driver, who escaped without injuries, as well as the trucking company that operated the 18-wheeler.

The couple is now calling for lawmakers to enforce stricter restrictions on 18-wheeler driving regulations. According to them, the accident occurred when the truck merged into their lane. The Benitez' are demanding that 18-wheelers be required to stay in the right hand lane when driving. Currently, San Antonio, Houston, and Hudson are the only cities in Texas that have such restrictions on 18-wheelers. Trucks in Dallas have no such restrictions. Changing lanes without warning can be disastrous for an 18-wheeler and drivers around them. Because of their elevated position,18-wheeler drivers may not be able to see smaller passenger cars in their blind spot. That's why a truck driver at the helm of one of these large machines is required to make other motorists aware of his intentions of turning, slowing down, or changing lanes.

Truck Accident Claims

Both poor judgment and reckless driving by a truck driver can be cited as examples of driver's negligence, and both the driver and his trucking company can be named by a truck accident lawyer in a lawsuit resulting from such gross negligence.

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

Houston 18-Wheeler Accident Kills Man and Child

Last week, an 18-wheeler accident on a Houston freeway killed a man and his 2-year-old child.

The accident occurred just before 12:30 pm on Interstate 45 and involved a passenger car and an 18-wheeler. Emergency crews that responded to the scene of the tragedy had to use extrication equipment to remove a man and his child from their severely damaged car. Both were taken to the hospital where they were pronounced dead. The man’s wife, who was in the passenger seat, survived and has been admitted to Memorial Hermann Hospital. She is in serious condition.

Truck Accident AttorneyMore accident investigations are needed before officials can find the cause of the accident. Investigators will look into the speed of the 18-wheeler at the time of the crash. Tractor trailers routinely haul heavy loads and are required to keep within speed limits that are lower than those for passenger cars and other smaller vehicles. Also, the driver will likely have to undergo drug and alcohol testing to determine if he was driving under the influence. The truck will also be subject to investigation to determine if malfunctioning parts or components of the truck could have contributed to the accident. Malfunctioning brakes, weak tires, faulty steering wheel mechanisms, and defective head lights are some examples of damaged 18-wheeler components that can contribute to vehicle instability and loss of control.

18-Wheeler Accident Lawyer

To file claims in an 18-wheeler accident, your 18-wheeler accident lawyer will first have to determine where the liability for the crash lies. There could be a single factor contributing to the crash or a combination of several factors, each of which could have had a role in the accident. Independent investigations have to be conducted; this could take months of probing the trucking company's records, the driver's records, and hiring expert witnesses. All this requires access to substantial resources and the kind of expertise that only a truck accident lawyer who handles these kinds of cases has. 

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

California Tunnel 18-Wheeler Accident Was Reportedly Caused by Speed

In 2007, an 18-wheeler speeding on a California highway crashed inside a tunnel, triggering a series of accidents that, ultimately, left 3 people dead and several injured. Now, a report by the California Highway Patrol points to a big rig's excessive speed as the main factor in the crash.

Truck Accident AttorneyThe multi-vehicle collision on Interstate 5 began when an 18-wheeler was traveling through a tunnel. As the driver traveled at more than 65 mph, the truck jackknifed, crashing into a wall. Vehicles behind the truck were able to slow down and avoid hitting the 18-wheeler. Further down the tunnel, however, other big rigs, pickup trucks, and cars were not as lucky. Several vehicles crashed into one another and fuel from large trucks set off a raging fire. Motorists were forced to abandon their cars and run for safety. The tunnel instantly became an inferno, killing 3 people. One was a 6-year-old boy who managed to survive the crash, but burned to death. In all, the accident included 33 trucks, 26 of which were consumed by flames.

The California Highway Patrol provided a number of factors that contributed to that tragic October night:

  • It had been raining and the roads were slick,
  • the 18-wheeler had a malfunctioning brake,
  • and, the most important factor in the crash, the driver, Jose Reyes, was speeding.

The trucking company, Saia Inc., which owned the 18-wheeler disagrees with the findings of the report. According to a statement released by the company, there were other factors contributing to the crash that were to blame. For instance, the statement says:

  • Several of the motorists involved in the crash were speeding or violating traffic rules.
  • The tunnel was design and maintained poorly.

The company, it is clear, shares liability for Reyes' speeding behavior, his reckless driving, and the malfunctioning brake that prevented the 18-wheeler from maintaining grip on the road. However, it is also a fact that Interstate 5 has been mentioned on a list of the most dangerous roads in the country. At least 10 years before the 2007 accident, there were warnings that the stretch of freeway needed urgent safety improvements. Although authorities did take minor steps to improve road traction, requests to have the road closed during poor weather were ignored.

Truck Accident Lawsuits

Very often, truck accidents can be traced to a whole range of factors, all of which may have contributed to an accident. A truck accident lawyer filing claims in such cases will undertake extensive investigations to isolate specific factors that can be mentioned in the lawsuit, ensuring that the victim gets fair compensation from all negligent parties.

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

Trucker Involved in Fatal New Jersey Accident Arraigned

Earlier this month, a New York truck driver was arraigned for his involvement in a fatal truck accident. The man was driving while under the influence of marijuana and, ultimately, crashed killing three people.

Sheraz Khan was held on a $350,000 bail. In January, Khan was arrested in New York and extradited to New Jersey. Last September, Khan, who was driving an 18-wheeler, hauling heavy machinery, drove across a median and into oncoming traffic on Interstate-295 in Cherry Hill. The tractor trailer mowed down a Volkswagen and a box truck. The driver of the Volkswagen, Keller resident, Lawrence Wright, and the occupants of the box truck, Juma Rajab and Renee Lesenko, were killed in the accident. Khan suffered no injuries.

Truck Accident AttorneyInvestigators found smoking paraphernalia and at least 39 pills of methandrostenolone, a controlled substance. According to witnesses at the scene, Khan was traveling at more than 60 mph just before the crash. It seemed, he made no attempt to brake before crashing into the two vehicles. Blood tests taken eight hours after the accident confirmed the presence of marijuana, and a forensic toxicologist verified that Khan had been severely impaired at the time of the accident.

Khan has no known history of driving violations. He was arrested at his West Babylon home and charged with three counts of vehicular homicide.

Truck Accident Lawsuits

A trucker operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol or drugs poses a great danger to other motorists. Driving under the influence impacts a person's judgment and slows down their ability to make quick decisions. Trucking companies are required by law to conduct regular alcohol and drug checks on its employees. A big rig who is found to be driving under the influence during an accident can face criminal charges for reckless actions. These actions can also be factors in a truck accident claim filed against the company by your 18-wheeler accident lawyer.

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

Man Hospitalized after Mississippi 18-Wheeler Accident

A New Hampshire man traveling around the country in a horse drawn wagon sustained serious injuries in a Mississippi 18-wheeler accident.

According to reports, 49-year-old Bob Skelding was riding a home-built recreational wagon atop a hill on Highway 45 in Mississippi. Two 18-wheelers were traveling side by side crested on the same hill when one of the big rigs hit Skelding's wagon. The 7,700 lb wagon was built from scratch and was designed much like an RV, complete with a fully outfitted kitchen, a full sized bed, hot and cold water, and other modern conveniences. The wagon was completely destroyed in the accident, Skelding was admitted to the hospital and is, reportedly, in serious condition.

Mississippi Truck AccidentSkelding set off on his custom built wagon on July 28th from Dearfield. He traveled through several states in his wagon drawn by 4 Percheron horses, two of which were killed in the accident. Now, Skelding is focusing on getting back on his feet. Local communities in Macon, Mississippi are setting up fundraising drives for Skelding's expenses as well as the treatment costs for the two surviving horses.

The exact cause of the accident will be revealed only after an investigation is complete, which could take months. Investigators will probably look into the driving behavior of the two truck drivers in the moments before the crash. They will likely probe whether the tractor trailers were speeding or racing at the time of the accident and whether this caused one of them to lose control and smash into Skelding's wagon. Police have already concluded Skelding was ejected from the front seat during the accident. According to officials, it is legal to drive horse drawn vehicles on a highway in Mississippi.

Truck Accident Lawsuits

Speeding, reckless overtaking and tail gating are dangerous in a passenger car; such driver negligence in an 18-wheeler, however, is only amplified and can cause serious and even fatal injuries to those around. In order to determine liability for the accident, a truck accident lawyer will likely conduct his own investigations into the drivers' conduct as well as the trucking companies' safety records.

If you or a loved one has suffered injuries in a big rig accident, contact an 18-wheeler accident lawyer at Arnold & Itkin LLP for a free consultation.