What to Do If You Are Injured in an 18-Wheeler Accident
If you've suffered injuries in an 18-wheeler accident, you are entitled to compensation for your injuries and damage. A lawyer who has truck accident experience can guide you through the procedure.
A collision involving an 18-wheeler is more likely result in serious injuries than a collision involving two cars. These bigger trucks can be difficult to stop and are difficult to control.
Causes of 18-wheeler accidents
If you've ever had to deal with an 18-wheeler collision you're aware of how scary it can be. These massive vehicles are typically loaded with dangerous cargo that can be fatal if handled improperly. These big trucks have to be driven by drivers who are extremely vigilant and experienced, but they are still susceptible to accidents.
Drivers under pressure to deliver items at a specified time can exceed the limits of safety for an 18 wheeler. They might choose to drive beyond the speed limit on the road, or ignore traffic signs warning them of sharp curves and turns. This puts innocent motorists at risk of being struck by a truck.
Braking Problems
Due to the size of their trailers, 18-wheelers require more time to stop than passenger vehicles. This is particularly true if they are traveling at a high speed and carrying heavy loads. When their brakes fail, they can't slow down fast enough to avoid an accident.
Drowsy driving / Falling asleep at the Wheel
Another major cause of 18 wheeler accidents is fatigue. Truckers work for long hours to earn money and may not be able to sleep enough. They might also be taking prescription medications to combat allergies or cold symptoms that can lead to insomnia.
They may be unfamiliar with the road they're on and may try to consult a map or electronic navigation system without removing themselves from the highway. This could result in an accident because they may 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 and cause them to rollover or skid.
Truckers who are spending a lot of time at night driving on unfamiliar roads can find it difficult. It can also be risky if a trucker encounters issues with the weather 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, or conditions like heavy snow or rain.
Common injuries in 18-wheeler accidents
Accidents involving an 18-wheeler a semi truck that is fully loaded and weighs at least 80,000 pounds, can be extremely dangerous. This is especially true when it is transporting dangerous chemicals or liquids that require extra caution.
A traumatized brain injury is one of the most frequent injuries that occur in 18-wheeler crashes. Tiny lesions in the brain are difficult to detect in X-rays that are routinely taken, but they can cause havoc to the patient's health and quality of life.
These injuries are manifested by changes in mood, mental state and behavior. They can also result in physical disability or death.
Traumatic brain injuries are a frequent accident that can occur in 18-wheeler crashes, particularly when they occur during head-on collisions. The force of impact could cause brain damage, which could lead to serious health problems and cognitive issues memory loss, and problems with communication and decision-making.
Spinal cord injuries are yet another type of injury that is frequently found in collisions with large trucks. These injuries can be catastrophic for the family members of the victims, resulting in paralysis or death.
Broken bones and fractures can also be a frequent injury in truck accidents. Simple fractures can require at least a week in a cast. However, complicated fractures may require extensive surgeries and lengthy recovery periods.
If a limb is badly damaged, it may be removed to avoid further damage. This can be a painful and complicated procedure.
Certain types of amputations can be done due to an infected nerve or permanent damage. Others cannot. It is important to talk with an expert and think about your options before deciding to undergo any surgery.
Many victims in truck crashes have suffered facial injuries, such as burns, laceration, and blunt force trauma. This could lead to permanent disfigurement, psychological problems and scarring.
In addition to physical injuries, victims and their families of a collision with a truck typically suffer significant medical expenses as well as lost income and future damages due to their injuries. This is why it's crucial to seek the advice of a reputable lawyer who can help recover the compensation that you require for medical expenses, lost wages and other damages.
What to do following an 18-Wheeler Car Crash
It can be difficult to know what to do if you or someone around you is injured in an accident involving an 18-wheeler. Fortunately, there are some steps you must take following an accident.
It is essential to remain at peace and take note of the facts regarding what happened. 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.
Therefore, you should try to take all names, contact details and insurance information of all those involved. Also, you should speak to any witnesses and police officers who are on the scene.
Also, you should take pictures of the vehicle damage and other important details on the scene. These photos could be used as evidence later in the case.
It's also an excellent idea to seek medical attention for yourself and any passengers in the vehicle. This will help you recognize any injuries that aren't immediately apparent like internal bleeding.
After you've been examined by medical professionals, you'll need to obtain x-rays and any other tests you'll need to receive the proper treatment. This will help establish that the crash caused your injuries.
18 wheeler accident law firm oklahoma is also important to find an attorney in Houston who is specialized in 18-wheeler accidents as soon as you can after the accident. A lawyer can help you collect important evidence and get the maximum amount of 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 injuries and losses.
Injuries sustained in an accident involving a 18-wheeler can be devastating. It is important to ensure that your family's financial requirements are met. A Houston personal injury attorney from The Callahan Law Firm can assist you in obtaining the financial relief you need to recover from your injuries and move on with your life.
The truck accident lawyers at Morrow & Sheppard LLP are experts in representing clients injured in commercial vehicle accidents throughout Texas. We understand the complexity of these types of cases and will fight for your rights.
Settlements in 18-Wheeler Accidents
18-wheeler accident victims and their families typically receive significant settlements. These settlements range from thousands to billions depending on the circumstances.
While there is no "average" settlement for a truck accident it is crucial to know that the amount of compensation you receive depends on a number of factors such as your injuries, the responsible parties, and the amount of available insurance coverage. Contributory negligence can also impact these aspects.
One common tactic employed by insurance companies is to contact victims of accidents and offer offers before filing a lawsuit. These offers may appear reasonable, but they are usually significantly less than the victim deserves.
If you have been in an accident with a truck it is crucial to speak with an experienced lawyer as quickly as you can. They can help you understand your case and negotiate the best possible settlement.
Collecting all evidence is the initial step to settle an 18-wheeler accident case. This includes medical records, witnesses' testimony as well as any other information about the accident.
This information can help your lawyer determine the exact value of your losses. The value is determined by damages that are both economic and non-economic, including things like pain and suffering and loss of future earnings.
Intangible damages, such as mental and psychological trauma, are often not considered in personal injury claims, but can be significant to your financial recovery. These damages can include loss of companionship and support, and mental distress.
Damages that may be included in a settlement for trucking accidents include everything from medical costs to property damage and the compensation for wrongful death. They can also include noneconomic damages, like emotional or mental stress and pain.
Settlements for truck accidents tend to be larger than those of car accidents due to the seriousness of the injuries involved. Severe injuries can cause the person to miss work for long periods and could result in costly medical care and other expenses.