18-Wheeler & Large Tractor-Trailer Collisions

Each year, there are more than 400,000 accidents involving large trucks such as commercial box trucks and tractor-trailer combinations, known as 18-wheelers. It is estimated that as much as 5% of all accident related injuries and 14% of deaths are caused by 18 wheeler accidents. In fact, in 2006 in the state of Texas alone, there were almost 7,000 truck accidents that resulted in numerous injuries and almost 500 fatal crashes. Commercial trucks are extremely dangerous vehicles that can be unstoppable under certain circumstances. When a large truck such as an 18-wheeler hits a passenger vehicle or pedestrian, the chances of serious injury and fatality are extremely high.



Drivers of 18-wheelers are often pressured by their employers to drive non-stop without sleep for 24 hours or more to get to their destination on time. This can result in severe fatigue to the driver, reckless driving or driving at excessive speeds. Additionally, 18-wheelers have difficulty stopping their vehicles while going downhill and brake failure or mechanical failure are not uncommon. Although there are strict legal requirements for ongoing service of 18-wheelers, many employers will ignore these safety standards by poorly maintaining their vehicles to save costs, causing serious potential hazards for their drivers and occupants of passenger vehicles or pedestrians.

At Reyes Bartolomei Browne, we’ve achieved millions of dollars in jury verdicts and settlements for victims and families of 18-wheeler accidents. Our experienced team of attorneys knows what insurance companies are required to provide and what victims of 18-wheeler accidents and their families legally deserve for their medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering and sometimes, even death.