A crash involving four semis on I-80 eastbound near Highway 1 left two people injured and caused significant traffic disruptions on Monday morning. The incident, which occurred around 5:30 a.m., resulted in a lengthy cleanup process that lasted about nine hours. Securing legal representation from an Iowa 18-wheeler accident lawyer as soon as possible after a multi-vehicle crash helps ensure that your case, rights, and legal interests are protected, as fingers will quickly start getting pointed.
Iowa State Trooper Bob Conrad explained the severity of the situation, noting that when four semis collide, the damage is extensive and cleanup takes much longer. “When you have a situation with four semis, the damage is a lot more… they don’t just stop, they go a lot further distance with the weight,” he said. The large-scale crash created a huge bottleneck, affecting hundreds of drivers in the area.
Among those affected was Iowa City resident Rachele Watson, who found herself stuck in traffic. “We’re just running errands and got stuck in traffic,” Watson said. Fortunately, she and other drivers were able to find a detour. “We saw an opening and lucked out,” she explained. “We got off and took Highway 6 to West Liberty, otherwise we would have been stuck on the interstate for hours.”
However, Watson noted that the detour was also slow-going due to increased traffic heading toward Highway 6. “It was a little slow but eventually we got there and got the heck out of Iowa City.”
The Iowa Department of Transportation and state patrol worked together to manage the situation and keep traffic moving. Trooper Conrad reminded drivers to stay alert. “Driver error caused the crash,” he said, warning that distracted drivers were contributing to secondary accidents.
How An Experienced Truck Accident Attorney Can Help In 18-Wheeler Accident Claims
An experienced truck accident attorney can be invaluable when dealing with 18-wheeler accident claims. These cases are often far more complex than typical car accidents due to the size and weight of the vehicles involved, as well as the numerous parties and factors that may contribute to the accident.
One of the primary ways a truck accident attorney can help is by thoroughly investigating the cause of the accident. With 18-wheeler accidents, there are multiple potential factors at play, including driver fatigue, speeding, improper loading, vehicle maintenance issues, or even road conditions. A skilled attorney will gather and analyze all available evidence, such as accident reports, witness statements, black box data from the truck, and maintenance records. This helps establish fault and identify if any negligence or violations of regulations occurred.
Additionally, a truck accident lawyer will understand the complex regulations that govern the trucking industry, including the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) rules. These regulations set strict standards for driver hours, truck maintenance, and cargo securement, and violations of these rules can strengthen your case.
When pursuing compensation, the lawyer will deal with multiple insurance companies, including the truck driver’s insurer, the trucking company’s insurer, and possibly third-party insurers. These negotiations can be tricky, as large trucking companies often have powerful legal teams that try to minimize payouts. An experienced attorney will advocate on your behalf, ensuring you receive fair compensation for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and property damage.
If the case goes to trial, a truck accident attorney will represent you in court, using their knowledge of trucking laws and accident reconstruction to present a compelling case. Overall, an experienced truck accident attorney helps maximize your chances of a successful claim and ensures you are fully compensated for your injuries. At Des Moines Injury Law, we have extensive experience sorting through the complex legal issues that accompany semi-truck accident cases and a deep understanding of FMCSA regulations that can help your claim. If you have been involved in an 18-wheeler crash, please call us today for a free consultation.
