What to Do If You Are Injured in an 18-Wheeler Accident
If you've been injured in an 18-wheeler accident, you are entitled to compensation for your injuries and damage. A truck accident lawyer with expertise can guide you through the process.
A collision involving an 18-wheeler is more likely to result in serious injuries than a collision between two cars. These larger trucks are typically more difficult to control and can be very hard to stop.
The causes of 18-wheeler accidents
If you've ever been involved in an 18-wheeler accident, you know how frightening it can be. These massive vehicles can be loaded with hazardous cargo that could cause harm in the wrong hands. These massive trucks must be driven by drivers who are attentive and skilled, yet they still can get into accidents.
Drivers under pressure to deliver goods at a particular time might go beyond what is safe for an 18 wheeler. They may decide to go over the posted speed limit or ignore traffic signs warning about tight curves and turns. This puts innocent motorists in danger of being hit by trucks.
Braking Problems
18-wheelers require more time to stop due to the size of their trailers. This is especially true if they're driving at high speeds and hauling large loads. When their brakes fail, they're not able to slow down enough to avoid an accident.
Drowsy Driving / Falling Awake at the Wheel
Another main cause of 18 wheeler accidents is fatigue. Truckers might work long hours in order to earn money and they may not get enough rest. Some truckers may be taking prescription drugs to treat colds or allergies, which can cause drowsiness.
They might not be familiar with the road and will try to consult maps or a navigation system without stopping. This could lead to an accident since they may not be ready to react quickly to sudden changes in traffic conditions.
Unsafe Road Conditions
Roads that are not maintained properly can be especially dangerous for 18-wheelers. They can trap the trucks in places they shouldn't be, causing them to skid or roll over.
Truckers who spend lots of time at night on unmarked roads can find it difficult. It can also be risky when a trucker has to deal with conditions that are not suitable for driving on these roads.
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration states that a third all accidents involving 18-wheelers involve unsafe road conditions. This could be due to poor pavement quality, improper maintenance or design, or weather issues such as heavy snow or rain.
Common injuries that occur in 18 Wheeler Accidents
The weight and size of an 18-wheeler -- a fully loaded semi truck that weighs up to 80,000 pounds or more -- makes collisions with this type of vehicle extremely dangerous. 18 wheeler accident lawsuit denton is especially true when the 18-wheeler is laden with hazardous liquids or chemicals.
One of the most common injuries that occur in an accident involving an 18-wheeler is a trauma to the brain (TBI). Tiny lesions in the brain are difficult to spot with regular X-rays, however they can wreak havoc on the health of the victim and their quality of life.
These injuries are often described as changes in mood, mental state, and behavior. They can also cause physical disabilities or even death.
Traumatic brain injuries are a frequent injury that occurs during 18-wheeler accidents, specifically when they occur in head-on collisions. The force of the collision can result in brain damage, which can lead to serious mental health issues, cognitive impairments memory loss, and difficulty with decision-making and communication.
Spinal cord injuries are yet another kind of injury that's very common in collisions with big trucks. These injuries can cause paralysis or even death for victims and their family members.
Broken bones and fractures are also a frequent injury in truck crashes. Simple fractures can require at least a week in a cast, while complex fractures can require lengthy operations and long recovery times.
If a limb is seriously damaged, it may be removed to stop further damage. This can be a difficult and painful procedure.
Some types of amputations can be performed due to an injury to the nerve or an infection. Others aren't. Before deciding on any surgery, it's important to consult a physician to discuss your options.
Many victims of accidents involving trucks have suffered facial injuries such as burns, lacerations and blunt force trauma. This can lead to permanent disfigurement, psychological problems, and scarring.
In addition to suffering physical injuries, the victims and their family members who are involved in a truck accident are often left with substantial medical bills, lost wages and other future damages resulting from their injuries. It is important to consult an attorney who is experienced and can assist you in obtaining the compensation you need to cover medical expenses, lost income and other damages.
What to Do After an 18-Wheeler Crash
It can be challenging to know what to do if you or someone else close to you gets injured in an accident with a 18-wheeler. Fortunately, there are some actions you should take following an accident.
First, it is essential to remain calm and focused on obtaining the facts of what happened. You could unintentionally reveal details to the insurance company of the truck driver company, or even use it against you if you do not.
In the event of a collision, you should try to gather the names and contact information of all the parties involved and their insurance and drivers' licenses. You should also speak with witnesses and any police officers at the scene.
You should also take photos of the damaged vehicles and other important details on the scene. These photographs could be used as evidence in the future.
Any passengers you may have also seek medical attention. This can help you identify any injuries that aren't immediately obvious, such as internal bleeding.
After you've been examined by medical professionals, you'll need to obtain x-rays and any other tests you may need to receive the proper treatment. This will allow you prove that your injuries were caused by the accident.
It is also important to engage a Houston attorney with expertise in 18-wheeler collisions as soon as you can after the accident. A lawyer can assist you gather evidence important to pursue a full compensation claim.
An experienced attorney will be able to assess the value of your injury claim and calculate the damages. This will ensure that you receive the maximum amount of compensation for your losses and injuries.
A traumatic injury sustained during an accident involving a 18-wheeler can be devastating. You need to ensure that your family's financial requirements are fulfilled. The Callahan Law Firm, a Houston personal injury lawyer, can help you obtain the financial help you require to recover and continue living your life.
The truck accident lawyers at Morrow & Sheppard LLP have experience representing clients who have suffered injuries from commercial vehicle accidents across Texas. We are aware of the complexities of these types of cases and will fight hard for your rights.
Settlements in 18-Wheeler Car Accidents
Families of 18-wheeler accident survivors often receive significant settlements. Settlements can be as high as millions dependent on the circumstances.
While there's no "average" settlement for a truck accident, it's important to understand that the amount you are awarded will depend on a variety factors, including your injuries, the liable parties, and the amount of insurance coverage. Contributory negligence can also impact these elements.
Insurance companies frequently reach out to victims of accidents to make offers before filing a lawsuit. The offers may seem like they're reasonable, but they're typically significantly less than what victims deserve.
If you have been in an accident involving a truck, it's important to get an experienced lawyer as quickly as you can. These attorneys can help you understand your case and negotiate the best possible settlement.
The first step in settling your 18-wheeler accident claim is to gather all of the evidence you have. This includes medical records as well as witness testimony, as well as any other details regarding the accident.
This evidence will allow your lawyer to calculate the actual value of your losses. The value will be determined built on your financial and non-economic damages. These include things like the loss of future earnings as well as pain and suffering.
Intangible losses, such as mental and psychological trauma, are often not considered in personal injury claims, but can have a significant impact on your financial recovery. These damages include the loss of companionship, mental distress and support.
In a settlement resulting from trucking accidents, damages could range from medical bills and property damage, to the wrongful death compensation. They can also cover non-economic damages, like emotional or mental stress, and pain.
The majority of truck accidents result in more settlements than car accidents due to the seriousness of injuries. Severe injuries may cause an individual to be absent from work for a prolonged period of time and may lead to expensive medical care and other expenses.