Bob Buckalew - Attorney at law in Little Rock

Every year, thousands of people are injured in motor vehicle accidents. Many of these result from collisions with tractor/trailer rigs. These big rig accidents are often caused by negligent maintenance, driver error, brake problems, high speed stopping resulting in the tractor/trailer jack knifing and driver fatigue. Due to the obvious size, weight, and momentum differences between passenger vehicles and big trucks, accidents have the potential for causing horrific, catastrophic, and serious injuries as well as death to those individuals occupying the passenger vehicle. In fact, one out of every eight traffic fatalities is caused by a collision with a large truck.

Tractor/trailer rigs, which travel in interstate commerce, are subject to many federal regulations which do not apply to other types of vehicles. Trucking companies have a responsibility to perform background checks prior to hiring drivers and must periodically evaluate their existing employees. Drivers are subject to limits on the number of hours they can drive and are also subject to testing for drugs and alcohol, both randomly and in the event of a collision. Violations of the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulation can provide the basis for establishing fault on the part of the trucking company and its driver.

In cases involving catastrophic injuries, experts in the trucking industry may be used as well as accident reconstruction experts. Initially, the expert should be consulted regarding liability while the evidence is still fresh. Otherwise, reliance on old evidence may disqualify an expert at trial. An accident reconstruction expert will want to visit the accident scene preferably within a short time following the accident.

In preparing an 18 wheeler case for trial, the driver's logs and driving record should be reviewed. In addition, deposiitions should be taken of the trucking company's safety director, corporate representative, relevant dispatcher and others having knowledge of the wreck. Moreover, satelite GPS records and electronic control modules should be identified and read before they are destroyed, usually within 90 days from the time of the accident.

Besides fatalities, serious injuries from 18 wheeler accidents include brain injuries, head injuries, burns, fractures, breaks, dislocations, neck injuries, back injuries, knee injuries, ankle injuries, shoulder injuries, nerve injuries, and spinal cord injuries. Serious injuries deserve serious attention, the kind you will receive from my law firm.

Due to the complexity as well as the costs involved in pursuing a big rig case, it is important for an injured party to have an experienced and qualified attorney on his/her side. Before speaking with an insurance company about a tractor/trailer accident, protect your rights and the welfare of your family by contacting me, Attorney Bob Buckalew. Clients who choose my firm to handle their tractor/trailer injury case, receive the following:

Free initial consultation with an experienced personal injury lawyer

In home visits if requested
Over 30 years of legal experience in personal injury law

Toll-free access at 1-888-995-7554; local (501) 375-7575

Seasoned and courteous staff

Financial resources to achieve a just resolution of your claim

Contingency fees - no recovery - no fee

Convenient office location in Little Rock

Licensed to practice law in Arkansas and Missouri