Facts to Know If Involved in an 18-Wheeler Wreck

Commonly Used Trucking Terms in Accident Lawsuits

We’ve all heard the phrase, “Everything’s bigger in Texas.” Well, when it comes to semi-truck accidents, the potential for damage to you and your vehicle is no different. Sharing the crowded roads of West Houston with passenger vehicles and tractor-trailers is no small matter, and it’s essential for drivers to be aware of those who share the highway with you. Being informed about other vehicles can help better equip you to handle the potential risks you face on the road.

Being involved in an accident can be a serious matter, but a wreck with a tractor-trailer truck can be devastating. The experienced West Houston trucking collision attorneys at The Stephens Law Firm to represent your interests should you find yourself involved in an accident with a big truck in Texas. Our lawyers are experienced and willing to assist you in fully understanding your options.

Facts We Will Uncover About Your Truck Accident

The average car or truck weighs about 5,000 pounds. A legally operating 18-wheeler weighs 80,000 pounds, which is equal to 40 tons. The only time a truck will weigh more than this is if it is oversized or breaking legal limits.

There are many available cab styles, and this impacts the length of an 18-wheeler. However, the average length runs from 70 to 80 feet when measured from the center of the rear and front axles.

An 18-wheeler takes about 40% more time to stop than a regular automobile. The exact amount of time depends on:

• The weight of the load
• The conditions of the road
• Weather conditions
• Bobtailing

A big truck has ten brakes, not 18, as you may expect. The law requires that big trucks have anti-lock brakes.

The price of a tractor-trailer depends on many factors. New cabs typically run from $80,000 to $140,000. New trailer rigs can range from $30,000 to $70,000.

The 5^th wheel is a round metal plate that secures the trailer to the truck. You can find it right behind the cab of an 18-wheeler.

The number of gears varies from manufacturer to manufacturer. Most 18-wheelers have two reverse and ten forward drive gears. However, the number of gears can get as low as nine or as high as 18.

When a truck is driving without an attached trailer, this is called bobtailing. This driving method is dangerous in inclement weather, as wet surfaces can affect the truck’s traction.

A standard 18-wheeler is 13 feet and six inches. Many low bridges or other areas will have posted signs, so that truck drivers know whether or not their vehicle will clear it.

When the angle between the trailer and the cab exceeds 45 degrees, this is called a jackknife effect. The trailer contacts the tractor, and the wheels of the trailer begin to slide.

Big trucks have tires in tandem, which means that there is a set of two tires side-by-side. This design is for increased safety. If one tire blows out, the other tires can support the trailer until the driver can fix the damaged tire.

Eighteen-wheelers have a total of five axles.

Knowing these ten facts about the 18-wheeler involved in your accident call help build evidence in your case. If you or a family member have been injured in a wreck with an 18-wheeler in West Houston or want more information about semi-truck collisions, don’t delay. Call The Stephens Law Firm Accident Lawyers today at call 281-623-1701, and we’ll fight to get you the compensation you deserve.

Types of Trucking Accidents We Handle in West Houston and Across Texas:

• Jackknife Accidents
• Truck Rollovers
• Tire Blowouts
• Truck Driver DWI
• Wide Turn Accidents
• Blind Spot Accidents
• Read End Accidents
• Brake Failure
• Underride Accidents
• Lost Load Accidents
• Head-on Collisions
• T-Bone Collisions

West Houston Commercial Truck Accident Attorney

Call The Attorney Who Wins 18-Wheeler Accident Lawsuits

When your case requires the skill and knowledge of a vehicle accident attorney in West Houston, Joe Stephens is the expert you’re looking to work with. Having tried over 100 cases to a successful verdict, he has a solid reputation for stalwart representation for his clients. Cases involving commercial truck wrecks can be very complex and present difficulty proving negligence of the truck driver, the trucking company, or both. Furthermore, many fatalities occur involving deaths, contact a top-rated West Houston accidental death attorney if that’s been your case. Joe’s experience with these cases allows him to get right to the heart of the matter, his clients’ rights and owed compensation.