What to Do If You Are Injured in an 18-Wheeler Accident
If you've been injured as a result of an 18-wheeler accident, then you deserve to get compensation for your injuries and the damages. A lawyer who has truck accident experience can help you navigate the process.
An 18-wheeler crash is more likely to result in serious injuries than a standard collision between two cars. These bigger trucks are usually more difficult to control and can be very hard to stop.
Causes of 18-Wheeler accidents
If you've ever been in an 18-wheeler crash you're aware of how terrifying it can be. These large vehicles are often packed with dangerous cargo that can be fatal if handled improperly. These huge trucks need to be driven by drivers who are extremely attentive and skilled, yet they are still susceptible to accidents.
Drivers under pressure to deliver goods at a specific time may over-exceed the limit of safety for an 18 wheeler. They may choose to drive above the speed limit posted or ignore traffic signs warning about tight turns and curves. This puts innocent drivers at risk of being hit by trucks.
Braking 18 wheeler accident lawyer lynn -wheelers need more time to stop due to the size of their trailers. This is particularly true if they're driving at high speeds and hauling large loads. If their brakes fail they're not able to slow down enough to avoid a crash.
Drowsy driving/Failing to fall asleep at the Wheel
Driver fatigue is a major cause of 18-wheeler accidents. Truckers work long hours to earn money and may not get enough sleep. Some truckers may be taking prescription drugs to treat colds or allergies which can lead to drowsiness.
They might not be familiar with the road and try to consult maps or a navigation system without stopping. This could result in an accident as they may not be able to react in time to sudden traffic changes.
Unsafe Road Conditions
Roads that are not maintained properly can be especially dangerous for 18-wheelers. They could trap trucks in places they shouldn't, and cause them to skid or rollover.
This can be especially difficult for truckers, who usually spend long periods of time traveling through uncharted roads at night. It could also be risky in the event of difficulties with weather conditions on these roads.
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration reported that a third all accidents involving 18 wheelers is caused by unsafe road conditions. This could be due to poor pavement condition, faulty maintenance or design, as well as weather problems such as heavy rain or snow.
Common injuries that occur in 18 Wheeler Accidents
The weight and size of an 18-wheeler -- an fully loaded semi truck that weighs 80,000 pounds or more -- makes collisions with this type of vehicle extremely risky. This is true especially when the 18-wheeler is carrying dangerous chemicals or liquids.
A traumatized brain injury is among of the most common accidents that occur in 18-wheeler accidents. Although they're difficult to spot on a routine X-ray, tiny lesions in the head can have a devastating impact on the patient's quality of life and overall health.
These injuries are characterized as an alteration in mood, mental state, and behavior. They can also cause physical disability, or even death.
Traumatic brain injuries are a common injury that can be found in 18-wheeler accidents, particularly when they occur in an accident that is head-on. The force of the impact could cause brain injury, which can cause serious mental health issues, cognitive impairments memory loss, and problems with communication and decision making.
Spinal cord injuries are yet another type of injury that is often the result of collisions with big trucks. These injuries can be catastrophic for the family members of the victims, resulting in paralysis or even death.
Broken bones and fractures are a common injury in truck crashes. Simple fractures may require a week or more in a cast, whereas complex fractures could require extensive surgeries and long recuperation times.
If a limb is severely damaged, it might be amputated to prevent further damage. This can be a difficult and painful procedure.
Certain types of amputations may be possible due to infection or nerve damage, but others are not. It is essential to speak with a doctor and look at your options before deciding to undergo any surgical procedure.
Many victims of truck accidents have suffered facial injuries, including burns, lacerations and blunt force trauma. This could lead to permanent disfigurement, psychological issues and scarring.
In addition to physical injuries victims and their families of a trucking accident often suffer significant medical expenses as well as lost income and the possibility of future damages due to their injuries. It is essential to speak with an attorney who has the right qualifications and can assist you with getting the compensation you need for medical expenses, lost income, and other damages.
What to Do After an 18-Wheeler Crash
If you or a loved one is injured in a crash with an 18-wheeler, it can be a challenge to figure out what to do next. There are a few steps you can follow following an accident.
First, it is essential to remain calm and focused on collecting the facts of what happened. You could unintentionally reveal information to the insurance company of the truck driver company or use it against you if you do not.
As a result you should gather the names and contact details of all parties involved and also their insurance and driver's licenses. You should also speak to witnesses and police officers that are present at the scene.
Take pictures of the damage to both vehicles and other important details. These photos could serve as evidence later on in the case.
All passengers and you should also seek medical attention. This will help you to identify any injuries that aren't immediately apparent, like internal blood.
After you've been assessed by a medical professional, ensure that you receive x-rays and any other tests that may be essential to receive the appropriate treatment. This will allow you to prove that the crash caused your injuries.
It is also crucial to retain an attorney in Houston who is specialized in 18-wheeler collisions as soon as you can following the accident. An attorney can help you gather evidence important to pursue a full compensation claim.
The right attorney can determine the worth of your claim and calculate damages. This will ensure you get the maximum amount of compensation for your injuries and losses.
Injury sustained in an accident involving an 18-wheeler can be devastating. It is important to ensure that your family's financial needs are met. A Houston personal injury lawyer from The Callahan Law Firm can help you get the financial relief you need to heal from your injuries and get on with your life.
The truck accident attorneys at Morrow & Sheppard LLP have expertise in representing clients who have suffered injuries from commercial vehicle crashes across Texas. We will defend your rights because we understand the complexities involved in these kinds of cases.
Settlements for 18-Wheeler accident settlements
Families of victims of accidents involving 18-wheelers often receive significant settlements. These settlements vary from thousands to millions depending on the circumstances.
While there is no "average" truck accident settlement, it's important to understand that the amount you'll receive is contingent on a variety of factors, including your injuries, the liable parties, and the amount of insurance coverage. These factors can also be affected by the amount of responsibility you had in the accident, which is referred to as the contributory negligence.
Insurance companies frequently reach out to accident victims to make them offers before filing a lawsuit. These offers may appear reasonable, but are often significantly less than the compensation that victims deserve.
It is crucial to speak with an experienced attorney right away following the accident with your truck. They can help you analyze your case and negotiate an acceptable settlement.
Gathering all the evidence is the first step to the settlement of an 18-wheeler crash case. This includes medical documents, witness testimony, and any other information you may have about the crash.
This information will help your lawyer determine the value of your losses. This value is based on damages that are both economic and non-economic, including things like the suffering and pain, as well as the loss of future earnings.
Intangible losses, including emotional or mental trauma are also frequently ignored in personal injury cases. However, they can have major effects on your financial recovery. These damages could include the loss of companionship, support, and mental anguish.
Damages that can be included in a settlement for a trucking accident can range from medical expenses to property damages and the compensation for wrongful death. They can also include noneconomic damages, like mental or emotional stress and pain.
Accidents involving trucks typically result in more settlements than car accidents due to the severity of injuries. Injuries that are severe can cause people to be off work for a long period of time and can lead to expensive medical care as well as other expenses.