What to Do If You Are Injured in an 18-Wheeler Accident
If you've been injured by an 18-wheeler vehicle, you have the right to receive compensation for your injuries and damages. A skilled truck accident lawyer can assist you through the process.
A collision involving an 18-wheeler is more likely to result in serious injuries than a typical collision between two vehicles. These larger trucks are typically more difficult to control and may be extremely difficult to stop.
Causes of 18-Wheeler accidents
If you've been in an 18-wheeler accident you're aware of how terrifying it can be. These large vehicles can be packed with dangerous cargo that could cause harm when it falls into the wrong hands. The drivers of these big trucks are expected to be competent and attentive when they are behind the wheel, yet they're still prone to accidents.
Drivers under pressure to deliver items at a specified time can over-exceed the limit of safety for an 18 wheeler. They may decide to drive above the posted speed limit or ignore traffic signs warning them of sharp turns and curves. This puts innocent motorists at risk of being hit by a truck.
Braking Problems
18-wheelers require more time to stop due to the size of their trailers. This is true, especially when they're traveling at a high rate and carrying large loads. When brakes fail, drivers cannot stop fast enough to avoid an accident.
Drowsy Driving / Falling Awake at the Wheel
Another main cause of 18 wheeler accidents is driver fatigue. Truckers work long hours to make money and may not be able to sleep enough. They could also be taking over-the-counter drugs to combat allergies or cold symptoms which can cause sleepiness.
They might be unfamiliar with the route they're traveling on and may try to consult a map or electronic navigation system, without turning off the highway. This could result in an accident as they may not be able to react in time to sudden changes in traffic.
Unsafe Road Conditions
Roads that are not maintained properly can be especially dangerous for 18-wheelers. They could trap trucks in places they shouldn't, and cause them to skid or even roll over.
Truckers who spend a lot time at night driving on unfamiliar roads may have trouble. This is especially risky for truckers who spend lots of time on roads that are not well-lit at night.
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 quality, improper design or maintenance, and weather problems such as 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 extremely hazardous. This is particularly true when transporting dangerous chemicals or hazardous liquids. require extra caution.
A brain injury that is traumatic is one of the most frequent injuries that happen in 18-wheeler accidents. Even though they're difficult to detect on a normal scan, even tiny lesions inside the head can have a devastating effect on the person's quality of living and overall health.
These injuries are defined as changes in mental state, mood and behavior. They can also result in physical disability, or even death.
In 18-wheeler accidents, brain injuries are commonplace, especially when they happen in the course of collisions. The force of the impact could cause brain injury, which can cause serious problems with health, cognitive issues memory loss, issues in decision-making and communication.
Spinal cord injuries are yet another type of injury that is quite common in collisions with large trucks. These injuries can be devastating for the families of victims, resulting in paralysis or death.
Broken bones and fractures are also a common injury in truck crashes. Simple fractures can require an entire week or more in a cast, whereas complex fractures can involve extensive procedures and long recovery times.
Amputating a limb that has been severely damaged can help prevent further damage. This can be a difficult and painful procedure.
Certain types of amputations may be possible due to infection or nerve damage, however other types are not. It's important to consult with a doctor and look at your options before deciding to undergo any procedure.
Many victims of accidents involving trucks have suffered facial injuries, including burns, cuts, and lacerations as well as blunt force trauma. This can cause permanent disfigurement, psychological problems, and scarring.
In in addition to suffering physical injuries in addition to physical harm, victims and their family members of a truck accident are often left with substantial medical expenses, lost wages and the potential for future damage resulting from their injuries. This is why it's crucial to seek the advice of a qualified lawyer who can assist you to recover the compensation that you need for your medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.
What to do After an 18-Wheeler Auto Accident
If you or a loved one is injured in a crash with an 18-wheeler, it can be a challenge to figure out what to do next. There are, however, 18 wheeler accident settlement vallejo need to take after an accident.
It is crucial to remain calm and focused on obtaining the facts of what occurred. 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.
As a result it is important to collect the names and contact numbers of all parties involved as well as their insurance and driver's licenses. It is also advisable to speak with any witnesses and police officers that are on the scene.
You should also take photos of the vehicle damage and other important details on the scene. These photos could be used as evidence later on in the case.
It is also a good idea to seek medical attention for yourself and any passengers in the vehicle. This will allow you identify any injuries that aren't immediately apparent, such as internal blood.
After you've been examined by medical professionals, you'll need to get x-rays or any other tests that you may require to receive the appropriate treatment. This will help you establish the cause of the injuries you suffered.
It is also important to retain an Houston attorney who specializes in 18-wheeler accident cases as soon as possible after the accident. An attorney can help you gather important evidence and pursue a full compensation claim.
An experienced attorney can determine the value of your injury claim and calculate your damages. This will ensure you receive the maximum compensation for your losses and injuries.
Injuries caused by an 18-wheeler crash can be catastrophic and you should make sure that your family is taken care of financially. A Houston personal injury lawyer from The Callahan Law Firm can assist you in obtaining the financial relief you require to heal from your injuries and move on with your life.
The truck accident attorneys at Morrow & Sheppard LLP have experience in representing clients who have been injured in commercial vehicle crashes across Texas. We will fight for your rights because we are familiar with the complexities in these kinds of cases.
Settlements for 18-Wheeler accidents
18-wheeler accident victims and their families often get significant settlements. These vary from tens of thousands to millions of dollars depending on the circumstances of the case.
While there isn't an "average" settlement for a trucking accident, it's important to understand that the amount of compensation you receive depends on a variety of factors, including your injuries, the responsible parties, and the amount of available insurance coverage. These factors can also be affected by the degree of responsibility you took in the accident, which is referred to as contributory negligence.
One common tactic employed by insurance companies is to call victims of accidents and offer them deals well before they even file an action. These offers may appear sensible, but they're usually much less than the compensation that victims deserve.
It is crucial to contact an experienced attorney immediately after a trucking crash. These lawyers can help comprehend your situation and negotiate a settlement that is fair.
Collecting all evidence is the first step to settle an 18-wheeler accident case. This includes medical records, witness testimony, and any other information that you have about the crash.
This evidence will assist your lawyer in calculating the actual value of your losses. This value will be based on your economic and non-economic damages, which can include things like the loss of future earnings, and pain and suffering.
Intangible damages, such as mental and psychological trauma, are often omitted in personal injury claims, however they can significantly impact your financial recovery. These damages can include loss of companionship, support, and mental stress.
In a settlement agreement for an accident involving a truck, damages could range from medical bills and property damage, to the compensation for wrongful death. They may also include non-economic damages, such as emotional or mental stress as well as pain.
Accidents involving trucks typically result in higher settlements than car accidents due to the severity of injuries. Injuries that are severe can cause an individual to miss work for a lengthy period and can result in expensive medical care and other costs.