Collisions involving 18-wheelers (also known as semi-trucks or big rigs) can be devastating due to their massive size and weight. These accidents often result in catastrophic injuries, significant property damage, and complicated legal battles with trucking companies and insurers. If you’ve been injured in an 18-wheeler accident in California, it’s critical to understand your legal options.
Why 18-Wheeler Accidents Are So Serious
An 18-wheeler can weigh up to 80,000 pounds when fully loaded, more than 20 times the weight of a typical passenger vehicle. According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), large truck crashes are more likely to cause severe injury or death compared to other types of collisions. Learn more here: https://www.fmcsa.dot.gov/
Common Causes of 18-Wheeler Accidents
- Driver fatigue – long hours on the road despite federal hours-of-service rules
- Distracted driving – cell phone use, GPS adjustments, or paperwork
- Speeding or aggressive driving
- Mechanical failures – brake or tire blowouts
- Improper cargo loading – shifting loads can cause rollovers
- Driving under the influence (DUI)
- Poor weather or road conditions
Common Injuries in 18-Wheeler Collisions
Due to the force of impact, victims of truck accidents often suffer:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Multiple fractures and crush injuries
- Severe burns from post-crash fires
- Internal bleeding and organ damage
- Wrongful death
Who Can Be Held Liable?
18-wheeler accident cases often involve multiple liable parties, including:
- The truck driver – for negligent or reckless driving
- The trucking company – for unsafe policies, poor maintenance, or negligent hiring
- Cargo loaders – for improperly secured loads
- Truck or parts manufacturers – for defective components
- Maintenance contractors – for inadequate repairs
Identifying all liable parties is crucial to securing full compensation.
Steps to Take After an 18-Wheeler Accident
- Call 911 immediately and get a police report
- Seek medical attention right away, even if injuries aren’t obvious
- Take photos and videos of the scene, vehicles, and injuries
- Gather witness information and the truck’s USDOT and license numbers
- Avoid speaking with the trucking company’s insurer without legal advice
- Contact a California truck accident lawyer as soon as possible
How Hillstone Law Can Help
Trucking companies and their insurers act quickly to protect their interests after an accident, you should too. At Hillstone Law, we have the experience, resources, and industry knowledge to investigate 18-wheeler crashes, gather evidence, and hold all negligent parties accountable.
If you’ve been injured in an 18-wheeler accident in California, we will fight for maximum compensation for your medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering.
Note: These blog posts are created solely for the use of Hillstone Law. The information is gathered from internet research, publicly available sources, and artificial intelligence (AI) tools such as ChatGPT. While we aim to share helpful and educational content, Hillstone Law does not independently verify every detail. Some information may be incomplete, outdated, or subject to change without notice. If you believe any part of a post is inaccurate, misleading, or infringes upon copyright, please contact Hillstone Law immediately so we can review it and take appropriate action, including correction or removal.
Disclaimer: The material provided in these blogs is for general informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. Reading these posts does not create, and is not intended to create, an attorney-client relationship with Hillstone Law. Our intent is to share knowledge, raise awareness, and provide helpful resources to the public; however, Hillstone Law makes no warranties or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information provided, and expressly disclaims liability for any actions taken in reliance on it. The photos used in these posts are for illustrative purposes only and do not depict actual clients, individuals, or incidents unless expressly stated. If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident, please contact Hillstone Law at (855) 691-1691. Our attorneys are available to answer your legal questions and help you understand your rights.
