What to Do If You Are Injured in an 18-Wheeler Accident
If you've been injured by an 18-wheeler, you have the right to receive compensation for your injuries and the damages. An experienced truck accident lawyer can assist you in the process.
A collision involving an 18-wheeler is more likely to cause serious injuries than a typical collision between two cars. These trucks are difficult to stop and are hard to control.
Causes of 18-Wheeler accidents
If you've ever been in an 18-wheeler collision you're aware of how terrifying it can be. These huge vehicles are usually loaded with dangerous cargo that could prove dangerous if handled incorrectly. The drivers of these big trucks are expected be highly competent and cautious when they are behind the wheel, yet they're still vulnerable to accidents.
Drivers who are pressured to deliver goods to their destination at the earliest possible time may go over the limit of what is safe for an 18-wheeler. They may choose to drive over the speed limit that is posted or ignore traffic signs that warn them of tight turns and curves. This puts innocent motorists in danger of being hit by trucks.
Braking Problems
Due to the size of their trailers, 18-wheelers need more time to stop than passenger vehicles. This is especially true when they're travelling at high speed and hauling heavy loads. If their brakes fail, they're unable to slow down enough to avoid an accident.
Drowsy driving/Failing to fall asleep at the Wheel
Driver fatigue is another major factor in accidents involving 18-wheelers. Truckers might work long hours in order to make money, and may not have enough rest. Some truckers may be taking prescription medications to treat allergies or colds, which can cause drowsiness.
They might not be acquainted with the road and may try to use the map or navigation system without stopping. This could result in an accident due to the fact that they may not be able to react in time to sudden changes in traffic conditions.
Unsafe Road Conditions
Roads that are not maintained properly can be particularly hazardous for 18-wheelers. They can trap trucks in places they shouldn't, and cause them to slip or even roll over.
Truckers who are spending a lot of time at night driving on unfamiliar roads may have trouble. It can also be risky in the event of 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 is caused by unsafe road conditions. These can be caused by poor pavement condition, faulty maintenance or design, or weather issues such as heavy snow or rain.
Common injuries in 18-wheeler accidents
The size and weight of an 18-wheeler -- an fully loaded semi truck that weighs at least 80,000 pounds can make collisions with this vehicle risky. This is particularly true when carrying hazardous liquids or chemicals that require extra caution.
A traumatized brain injury is one of the most frequent injuries that occur in 18-wheeler accidents. The brain is awash with tiny lesions that are difficult to identify in regular X-rays, but they can have a devastating effect on the victim's health and quality of life.
These injuries are characterised by changes in mood, mental state and behavior. They can also cause physical disability or even death.
Traumatic brain injuries are a frequent injury that occurs in 18-wheeler crashes, particularly when they occur during head-on collisions. The force of the impact can cause brain damage that can lead to serious health issues, cognitive issues, memory loss, and difficulties with communication and decision-making.
Another kind of injury that happens often in collisions with large trucks is spinal injuries. These injuries can lead to paralysis or even death for victims and their family members.
Broken bones and fractures may be common injuries in truck accidents. Simple breaks may require up to a week in a cast. However, complicated fractures may require extensive surgeries and lengthy recovery periods.
If a limb is seriously damaged, it can be amputated to stop further damage. This can be a painful and difficult procedure.
Some types of amputations can be performed due to an injury to the nerve or an infection. Others aren't. It is crucial to consult an expert and think about your options before making a decision to undergo any surgery.
Many of the victims of truck crashes have suffered facial injuries including burns, lacerations, and blunt force trauma. This can lead to permanent scarring, permanent disfigurement and psychological problems.
In addition to suffering physical injuries, the victims and their relatives of a car accident often face significant medical expenses, lost earnings, and other future damages resulting from their injuries. It is crucial to talk with an attorney who has the right qualifications and can help you get the compensation you need to cover medical expenses, lost income, and other damages.
What to do following an 18-Wheeler Crash
It can be challenging to decide what to do in the event that you or someone near you is injured in an accident with an 18-wheeler. There are a few steps you can take after an accident.
It is essential to remain calm and gather the facts about what transpired. If you do not take care, you may accidentally disclose information that could be used against you by the truck driver or his insurance company.
You should therefore try to get all the names, contact information and insurance details of everyone involved. Also, you should speak to any witnesses and police officers who are on the scene.
It is also important to take photographs of the vehicle damage and other important details on the scene. These photographs can be used as evidence in the future.
It is also a good idea to get medical attention for yourself as well as any passengers in the vehicle. This will help you recognize any injuries which are not immediately apparent, such as internal blood.
After you've been assessed by a medical professional ensure you obtain an x-ray and any other tests that may be necessary for you to receive proper treatment. This will help you prove that your injuries resulted from the accident.
It is also essential to engage an attorney in Houston who specializes in 18-wheeler accident cases as quickly as you can after the accident. 18 wheeler accident lawyer citrus heights can help you collect important evidence and pursue a full compensation claim.
The best lawyer will be able to assess the value of your injury claim and calculate the damages. This will ensure you receive the most amount of compensation for your losses and injuries.
Injuries suffered in an 18-wheeler collision can be catastrophic and you should make sure that your family is taken seriously financially. The Callahan Law Firm, a Houston personal injury lawyer, can help you obtain the financial help you require to recover and move on with your life.
The truck accident lawyers at Morrow & Sheppard LLP have the experience of representing clients who've suffered injuries in commercial vehicle crashes throughout Texas. We will defend your rights because we understand the complexities involved in these types of cases.
Settlements for 18-Wheeler accidents
Family members of 18-wheeler accident victims often receive significant settlements. These can vary from tens of thousands to millions of dollars, depending on the specifics of the case.
While there is no "average" settlement for a trucking accident it is crucial to know that the compensation you receive depends on a number of factors which include your injuries, the liable parties, and the amount of insurance coverage. These elements can also be affected by the degree of responsibility you had in the accident, referred to as the contributory negligence.
Insurance companies frequently reach out to victims of accidents and offer them offers prior to filing a lawsuit. The offers may seem appealing, but they are often significantly less than what victims deserve.
If you've been involved in an accident with a truck, it's important to get an experienced attorney as soon as possible. These attorneys can help to determine the circumstances and negotiate an acceptable settlement.
The first step in settling your 18-wheeler accident claim is to gather all of the evidence you have. This includes medical records, witness testimony and any other information you can gather regarding the crash.
This information will assist your lawyer in calculating the exact value of your losses. This value is based on damages that are both economic and non-economic that includes things like the suffering and pain, as well as the loss of future earnings.
Intangible losses, such as emotional and mental trauma are often ignored in personal injury cases, but they can have a significant impact on your financial recovery. These damages could include the loss of companionship and support and mental anguish.
Damages that can be included in a settlement of a trucking accident include everything from medical expenses to property damages and wrongful death compensation. It can also include non-economic damages, such as emotional or mental stress as well as pain.
The settlements from truck accidents are typically larger than those in car crashes because of the severity of the injuries that are involved. Injuries that are severe can cause an individual to be absent from work for a long period of time and lead to expensive medical care as well as other expenses.