What to Do If You Are Injured in an 18-Wheeler Accident
If you've been injured in an 18-wheeler crash, you deserve to get compensation for your injuries and damages. A skilled lawyer for truck accidents can assist you in the process.
A collision involving an 18-wheeler is more likely to cause serious injuries than a standard collision between two cars. These trucks are difficult to stop and hard to control.
Causes of 18-Wheeler Accidents
If you've been in an 18-wheeler crash, you know how frightening it can be. These massive vehicles can be loaded with hazardous cargo that could be deadly in the wrong hands. The drivers of these huge trucks are expected to be extremely competent and attentive behind the wheel, but they're still prone to accidents.
Drivers under pressure to deliver goods at a certain time could over-exceed the limit of safety for an 18-wheeler. They may decide to exceed the posted speed limit or ignore traffic signs warning them of tight turns and curves. This puts innocent motorists at risk of being struck by a truck.
Braking Problems
18-wheelers require longer time to stop due to the size of their trailers. This is especially true if they're driving at high speeds and hauling heavy loads. When their brakes fail, they're unable to slow down enough to avoid the possibility of crashing.
Sleepy driving or falling asleep at the Wheel
Another major cause of 18 wheeler accidents is driver fatigue. Truckers could work for long hours to earn money and do not get enough rest. Some truckers may be taking over-the counter drugs to treat allergies or colds that can cause drowsiness.
They may be unfamiliar with the road they're driving on and may try to consult an electronic or map system, without turning off the highway. This can cause an accident as they might not be able to react in time to sudden traffic changes.
Unsafe Road Conditions
Roads that are not maintained properly are particularly dangerous for 18-wheelers. They can trap the trucks in places they shouldn't be, causing them to slide or roll over.
Truckers who are spending a lot of time at night on unknown roads may face difficulties. This can be especially dangerous for truckers who spend much of their time in dark roads.
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration states that a third all accidents involving 18-wheelers are caused by unsafe road conditions. This includes poor road design, inadequate pavement or maintenance as well as climate problems such as heavy snow or rain.
Common Injuries in 18 Wheeler Accidents
The weight and size of an 18-wheeler, a fully loaded semi truck that weighs at least 80,000 pounds could make collisions with this vehicle dangerous. This is especially true when the 18-wheeler is laden with hazardous chemicals or liquids.
18 wheeler accident claim california of the most frequent injuries that can occur in an 18-wheeler crash is a TBI. (TBI). Even though they're difficult to detect on a normal X-ray scan, the smallest lesions that can be found in the head can have a devastating effect on the quality of life of the victim and health.
These injuries are often described as changes in the mental state, mood and behavior. They can also cause physical disability or even death.
In 18-wheeler accidents, traumatic brain injuries are quite common, especially when they happen during a collision. The force of the impact can cause brain damage, which can cause serious health issues, cognitive issues memory loss, as well as difficulties in communication and decision-making.
Spinal cord injuries are a different kind of injury that's very common in collisions with large trucks. These injuries can be devastating for the families of victims that can result in paralysis, or death.
Broken bones and fractures are a common injury that occurs in truck accidents. Simple fractures may require casting for a week or even longer while more complex fractures can require extensive surgery and a long recovery period.
Amputation of a limb with a severe injury can help prevent further injury. This can be a painful and difficult procedure.
Certain types of amputations may be done due to an injury to the nerve or an infection. Other types of amputations aren't. Before deciding whether to undergo any type of surgery, it's essential to consult a physician to discuss your options.
Many victims of truck accidents have suffered facial injuries like burns, lacerations and blunt force trauma. This could lead to permanent disfigurement, psychological problems, and scarring.
In addition to physical injuries as well as physical injuries, the families of victims of a collision with a truck typically face significant medical bills, lost income, and future damages related to their injuries. This is why it is essential to seek out the counsel of a reputable lawyer who can help recover the compensation that you require for medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.
What to do After an 18-Wheeler Collision
If you or a loved one is injured in a collision with an 18-wheeler, it may be a challenge to figure out what to do next. Fortunately, there are some steps you must follow after an accident.
First, it is essential to remain calm and focused on gathering the facts of what occurred. You may accidentally reveal information to the insurance company of the truck driver company, or use it against you if you don't.
Therefore it is important to gather the names and contact details of all the parties involved as well as their insurance and driver's licenses. Also, you should speak to witnesses or police officers who are on the scene.
Take photos of the damage to both vehicles, in addition to other important details. These photographs can be used as evidence in the future.
The person who is in the vehicle should also seek medical treatment. This will allow you to identify any injuries which are not immediately obvious, for instance, internal blood.
After being evaluated by a medical professional ensure that you receive x-rays and any other tests that may be essential to receive proper treatment. This will help you establish that your injuries were caused by the accident.
It is also crucial to retain an attorney in Houston who specializes on 18-wheeler accident cases as quickly as you can following the accident. A lawyer can assist you gather important evidence and pursue the full amount of compensation.
The right attorney will be able determine the value of your injury claim and calculate your damages. This will ensure you get the maximum amount of compensation for your losses and injuries.
Injury sustained in an accident involving an 18-wheeler could be devastating. You need to ensure that your family's financial requirements are satisfied. A Houston personal injury attorney from The Callahan Law Firm can help you get the financial relief you require to recover from your injuries and move forward with your life.
The truck accident lawyers at Morrow & Sheppard LLP are skilled in representing injured clients in commercial vehicle accidents throughout Texas. We will fight for your rights because we are familiar with the complexities in these types of cases.
Settlements in 18-Wheeler Accidents
Families of victims of accidents involving 18-wheelers typically receive substantial settlements. These settlements range from thousands to billions depending on the circumstances.
While there's no "average" settlement for a truck crash, it's important to understand that the amount you'll receive will depend on a variety factors such as your injuries, the liable parties and the amount of available insurance coverage. These factors are also affected by the degree of responsibility you played in the accident, referred to as contributory negligence.
Insurance companies frequently reach out to accident victims to make them offers prior to filing a lawsuit. These offers might appear plausible, but they're usually significantly less than the victims are entitled to.
It is essential to contact an experienced attorney immediately after a trucking crash. These lawyers can help understand your case and negotiate the most favorable settlement.
The first step to settle 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 any other details regarding the accident.
Having this evidence will allow your lawyer to calculate the actual value of your losses. This value is based on the economic and non-economic costs that includes things like the suffering and pain, as well as the loss of future earnings.
Intangible losses, like mental and emotional trauma, are often ignored in personal injury cases, but they can have significant impacts on your financial recovery. These damages could include the loss of companionship, support, and mental anguish.
In a settlement agreement for a trucking accident, damages can range from medical expenses and property damage to wrongful death compensation. It can also include non-economic damages like emotional and mental stress as well as pain.
The majority of truck accidents result in more settlements than car accidents due to the severity of injuries. A serious injury can force a person to miss work for an extended period of time, and could result in costly medical treatment and other costs.