What to Do If You Are Injured in an 18-Wheeler Accident
If you've been injured by an 18-wheeler, you are entitled to compensation for your injuries and the damages. A skilled truck accident lawyer can assist you through the process.
A crash involving an 18-wheeler is much more likely to result in serious injuries than a collision involving two cars. These bigger trucks can be difficult to stop and are hard to control.
Causes of 18-Wheeler accidents
It is terrifying can be to be in a car crash that involves 18 wheels. These huge vehicles are loaded with dangerous cargo that can be deadly if it gets into the wrong hands. These large trucks must be driven by drivers who are extremely careful and skilled, but they are not immune to accidents.
18 wheeler accident attorney mesquite under pressure to deliver items at a particular time might go beyond what is safe for an 18-wheeler. They may decide to drive beyond the speed limit on the road, or ignore traffic warnings that warn them of sharp turns and curves. This puts innocent passengers in danger of being hit by trucks.
Braking Problems
18-wheelers need more time to stop due to the size of their trailers. This is particularly true if they're moving at high speeds and carrying large loads. If brakes fail, drivers are unable to stop fast enough to prevent an accident.
Sleepy driving / falling asleep at the Wheel
Driver fatigue is another main cause of accidents involving 18-wheelers. Truckers might work long hours to make a profit, and do not get enough rest. Some truckers are taking over-the counter drugs to treat colds or allergies, which can cause drowsiness.
They might not be acquainted with the road and may try to use an online navigation system or map without stopping. This can cause an accident as they might not be able react in time to sudden changes in traffic.
Unsafe Road Conditions
Poorly maintained roads are particularly dangerous for 18-wheelers. They can trap trucks in places they shouldn't be, causing them to slide or roll over.
This is especially challenging for truckers, who frequently spend many hours traveling down unknown roadways at night. It can also be risky when a trucker is faced with weather problems on these roads.
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration found that a third of all accidents involving 18 wheelers are caused by unsafe road conditions. These conditions include poor pavement, improper design or maintenance as well as climate issues such as heavy snow or rain.
Common Injuries in 18 Wheeler Accidents
The size and weight of an 18-wheeler - a fully loaded semi truck that weighs 80,000 pounds or more is what makes collisions with this type of vehicle extremely dangerous. This is true especially when the 18-wheeler is carrying hazardous chemicals or liquids.
A traumatized brain injury is one of the most frequent injuries that happen in 18-wheeler accidents. Tiny lesions in the brain are difficult to spot in regular X-rays, but they can be devastating to the health of the person and quality of life.
These injuries are defined as changes in the mood, mental state, and behavior. They can also cause physical disabilities or even death.
Traumatic brain injuries are a common accident that can occur during 18-wheeler accidents, specifically when they occur during an accident that is head-on. The force of the impact can cause brain damage that could cause serious health issues as well as cognitive issues memory loss, and problems with communication and decision-making.
Another kind of injury that happens often in collisions involving large trucks is spinal injuries. These injuries can cause paralysis or even death for victims and their family members.
Broken bones and fractures are a frequent injury in truck crashes. Simple fractures may require at least a week in a cast. On the other hand, complicated fractures may require extensive operations and long recovery times.
Amputation of a limb with a severe injury can prevent further injury. This can be an extremely painful and complicated procedure.
Some types of amputations can be done due to an infection or a permanent nerve damage. Others are not. Before deciding on any procedure, it is important to consult a physician to discuss your options.
Many victims in truck crashes have suffered facial injuries, including burns, lacerations, and blunt force trauma. It can result in permanent disfigurement, scarring, and psychological problems.
In in addition to suffering physical injuries In addition to suffering physical injury, the victims and family members of a truck accident are often left with significant medical expenses, lost earnings, and other future damages resulting from their injuries. This is why it is important to seek advice of a skilled lawyer who can help you find the money you require for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.
What to do following an 18-Wheeler Accident
It can be difficult to know what to do if you or someone close to you has been injured in an accident involving an 18-wheeler. There are some steps you can take after an accident.
It is crucial to remain at peace and focused on obtaining the facts of what transpired. You could accidentally divulge details to the truck driver's insurance company or make it available to you if you don't.
It is recommended that you get all names, contact details and insurance details of all the parties involved. You should also speak with witnesses and any police officers at the scene.
Photograph the damage on both vehicles, in addition to other important details. These images can be used for evidence in the future.
It's also a good idea to get medical treatment for yourself and all passengers in the vehicle. This will help you recognize any injuries that aren't immediately apparent like internal bleeding.
After being evaluated by a medical professional make sure to get the x-rays as well as any other tests necessary to get the appropriate treatment. This will help you prove that the crash caused the injuries you suffered.
It is also important to engage an attorney in Houston who specializes on 18-wheeler accident cases as quickly as you can following the accident. An attorney can help you gather important evidence and seek full compensation.
An experienced attorney will be able to determine the value of your injury claim and calculate the damages. This will ensure that you get the maximum amount of compensation for your losses and injuries.
A traumatic injury sustained during an accident involving an 18-wheeler may be devastating. It is important to ensure that your family's financial needs are taken care of. The Callahan Law Firm, a Houston personal injury lawyer, can help you achieve the financial assistance you require to recover and continue living your life.
The truck accident lawyers at Morrow & Sheppard LLP have expertise in representing clients who have been injured in commercial vehicle accidents across Texas. We will fight for your rights as we understand the complexities involved in these types of cases.
Settlements in 18-Wheeler Car Accidents
18-wheeler accident victims and their families usually get substantial settlements. Settlements can range from thousands to billions dependent on the circumstances.
There is no "average settlement" for a truck-related accident, but it's important to know that the amount you'll get depends on several factors, including your injuries and the liable parties, and the insurance coverage that is available. These elements can also be dependent on the level of responsibility you had in the accident, which is known as the contributory negligence.
A typical strategy employed by insurance companies is to reach out to victims of accidents and offer offers well before they even file lawsuits. These offers might appear reasonable, but they are usually significantly less than the victims are entitled to.
If you've been involved in an accident involving trucks it is important to contact an experienced attorney as soon as possible. These attorneys can help to analyze your case and negotiate a fair settlement.
The first step in settling your 18-wheeler accident claim is to gather all the evidence you have. This includes medical records, witness testimony, as well as any other information regarding the accident.
The evidence you gather will enable your lawyer to determine the actual value of your losses. This value will be built on your financial and non-economic damages. These include things like loss of future earnings, as well as suffering and pain.
Intangible damages, like mental and psychological trauma, are often omitted in personal injury claims, but can have a significant impact on your financial recovery. These damages can include loss of companionship, support, and mental stress.
Damages that could be included in a settlement for trucking accidents include everything from medical costs to property damages and the compensation for wrongful death. They can also cover non-economic damages, like emotional or mental stress, and pain.
Truck accidents usually result in larger settlements than car accidents due to the seriousness of injuries. Injuries that are severe can cause an individual to be absent from work for an extended period of time and can cause expensive medical care and other expenses.