18-Wheeler Accident Lawyer in Indianapolis

18-wheelers and other large commercial vehicles play a vital role in our country’s economy. As a result, they are a very common sight on our nation’s roads and highways. Unfortunately, when these vehicles are not safely maintained and operated, they can pose a significant threat to everyone on the road. While motor vehicle accidents are always dangerous, those that involve large trucks are particularly deadly.

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    Dangerous Vehicles

    Commercial trucks are more dangerous than smaller vehicles for a variety of reasons. Some of the factors that can make them hazardous include:

    • The average 18-wheeler is 80,000lbs (40 tons), whereas the average automobile only weighs 5,000 lbs.
    • The length of a truck is 70 to 80 feet long.
    • Due to its size, an 18-wheeler takes almost twice as long as a smaller vehicle to stop.
    • Of the eighteen wheels on a truck, only ten are part of the braking system

    All of these qualities make these trucks dangerous. Accordingly, they should only be operated by well-trained professionals. A careless or inexperienced trucker can make a variety of hazardous errors, including:

    • Speeding
    • Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
    • Driving while fatigued
    • Overloading the truck, or poorly securing the cargo

    The consequences of a truck accident can involve medical, personal, and financial losses. If the accident was caused by a negligent driver or trucking company, victims may be entitled to fair compensation for their injuries.

    Contact Us

    If you have suffered an injury due to an 18-wheeler driver’s negligence, contact the Indianapolis 18-wheeler accident lawyers of Hankey Marks & Crider at (317) 634-8565. We can help you determine which steps need to be taken next.