What to Do If You Are Injured in an 18-Wheeler Accident
If you've been injured in an 18-wheeler crash, you have the right to receive compensation for your injuries and damage. A lawyer who has truck accident experience can guide you through the process.
A crash involving an 18-wheeler is much more likely to cause serious injuries than a collision involving two cars. These larger trucks are often more difficult to control and can be very difficult to stop.
The causes of 18-wheeler accidents
If you've ever been in an 18-wheeler wreck you're aware of how scary it can be. These massive vehicles are typically packed with dangerous cargo that can be deadly in the wrong hands. These big trucks have to be driven by drivers who are extremely cautious and skilled, however they still can get into accidents.
Drivers under pressure to deliver items at a specific time may over-exceed the limit of safety for an 18 wheeler. They may choose to drive beyond the speed limit that is posted or ignore traffic signs warning about tight turns and curves. This puts innocent drivers at risk of being hit by a truck.
Braking Problems
Due to the size of their trailers, 18-wheelers need more time to stop than cars for passenger use. This is particularly true when they're moving at high speeds and carrying large loads. When their brakes fail, they're not able to slow down enough to avoid collision.
Sleepy driving / falling asleep at the Wheel
Driver fatigue is another major factor in accidents involving 18-wheelers. Truckers work long hours to make money and may not get enough sleep. Some truckers may be taking prescription drugs to treat colds or allergies, which can cause drowsiness.
They may not be familiar with the road they're driving on and might try to consult a map or electronic navigation system, without turning off the highway. This can lead to an accident because they may not be prepared to react in time to sudden changes in traffic conditions.
Unsafe Road Conditions
Poorly maintained roadways can be especially dangerous for 18-wheelers. They could trap trucks in places they shouldn't and cause them slide or roll over.
This is especially challenging for truckers who typically spend much of their time driving down unknown roadways at night. It can also be dangerous when a trucker is faced with conditions that are not suitable for driving on these roads.
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration revealed that a third of accidents involving 18 wheelers are caused by unsafe road conditions. This could be due to poor pavement quality, improper design or maintenance, and climate problems like heavy snow or rain.
Common Injuries in 18-Wheeler Accidents
Accidents involving an 18-wheeler semi-truck that is fully loaded and weighs at least 80,000 pounds are very dangerous. This is especially true when the 18-wheeler has chemical or liquids.
One of the most common injuries that can occur in an 18-wheeler crash is a TBI. (TBI). Small lesions in the brain are difficult to spot in regular X-rays, but they can be devastating to the health of the victim and their quality of life.
These injuries are characterized as changes in mood, mental state, and behavior. They can also result in physical impairment or even death.
Traumatic brain injuries are a frequent accident that can occur in 18-wheeler accidents, particularly when they occur during the head-on collision. The force of impact could cause brain damage, which can lead to serious health problems as well as cognitive issues memory loss, as well as difficulties with communication and decision-making.
Spinal cord injuries are a different kind of injury that is often the result of collisions with large trucks. These injuries can result in paralysis or even death for the victims and their family members.
Broken bones and fractures can also be common injuries in truck accidents. Simple breaks can require up to a week in a cast. On the other hand, complex fractures can require lengthy operations and long recovery times.
Amputating a damaged limb will help to prevent further damage. This is a painful and difficult procedure.
Some types of amputations are possible due to infection or permanent nerve damage, whereas other types of amputations 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, including lacerations, burns and blunt force trauma. This can lead to permanent scarring, disfigurement, and psychological problems.
In addition to physical injuries victims and their families of a collision with a truck typically face significant medical bills loss of income, as well as future damages related to their injuries. This is why it's crucial to seek the advice of a skilled lawyer who will help you get the compensation you need to cover your medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.
What to do After an 18-Wheeler Collision
If you or someone you love is injured in a crash with an 18-wheeler, it could be a bit difficult to determine what to do next. There are several steps you can do following an accident.
It is crucial to remain at peace and take note of the facts regarding what happened. If you do not, you could inadvertently reveal information that could be used against you by the truck driver or his insurance company.
Therefore, you should try to take all the names, contact details and insurance information of all parties involved. Also, you should speak to witnesses and any police officers at the scene.
Photograph the damage on both vehicles and other important details. These photographs could be used as evidence in the future.
It is also recommended to seek medical attention for yourself as well as any passengers in the vehicle. This will help you to identify any injuries which are not immediately apparent, like internal blood.
After you've been assessed by a medical professional, ensure you obtain the x-rays as well as any other tests that may be essential to receive the proper treatment. This will enable you to determine the cause of the injuries you suffered.
Finally, it is important to hire a Houston lawyer who is specialized in 18-wheeler accidents as quickly as possible after the accident. A lawyer can help gather important evidence and pursue the maximum amount of compensation.
A competent attorney will be able to determine the worth of your claim and calculate damages. This will ensure that you receive the maximum amount of compensation for your losses and injuries.
The injuries sustained in an accident involving an 18-wheeler can be devastating. You need to ensure that your family's financial requirements are taken care of. A Houston personal injury lawyer from The Callahan Law Firm can help you pursue 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 experience representing clients who have suffered injuries in commercial vehicle crashes throughout Texas. We understand the complexities of these kinds of cases and will fight for your rights.
Settlements for 18-Wheeler accident settlements
18-wheeler accident victims and their families frequently recover substantial settlements. They can be anything from tens to thousands to millions of dollars dependent on the circumstances of the case.
There is no "average settlement" for a truck crash however it is important to know that the amount you get is contingent on many factors, like your injuries, the parties at fault and the insurance coverage that is available. These factors are also affected by the level of liability you took in the accident, which is known as contributing negligence.
A common strategy used by insurance companies is to contact accident victims and make offers prior to filing lawsuits. These offers may look plausible, but they're frequently significantly less than what victims are entitled to.
If you have been in an accident involving a truck it is crucial to speak with an experienced attorney as soon as you can. They can help you determine the circumstances of your case and negotiate the most favorable settlement.
The first step to settle your claim for an 18-wheeler crash is to collect all of the evidence you have. This includes medical records, witness testimony, and any other information that you have regarding the crash.
This evidence will assist your lawyer in calculating the exact value of your losses. The value will be determined built on your financial and non-economic damages. These include things like loss of future earnings as well as pain and suffering.
Intangible damages, such as psychological and mental trauma are often omitted in personal injury cases, but can be significant to your financial recovery. 18 wheeler accident attorney victorville include loss of companionship, mental anxiety and support.
Damages that are included in a settlement for trucking accidents include everything from medical costs to property damage, as well as the compensation for wrongful death. They can also cover non-economic damages, like emotional or mental stress and pain.
The settlements in truck accidents are typically larger than those of car accidents because of the seriousness of the injuries that are involved. The severity of injuries can cause an individual to be absent from work for a prolonged period of time and can lead to expensive medical care and other expenses.