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 lawyer for truck accidents can help you with the process.
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 difficult to control.
The causes of 18-wheeler accidents
If you've been in an 18-wheeler crash you're aware of how scary it can be. These huge vehicles are usually packed with dangerous cargo that could prove fatal if handled improperly. These massive trucks must be driven by drivers who are extremely cautious and skilled, however they are still susceptible to accidents.
Drivers who are under pressure to deliver goods to their destinations at a certain time may overdo it to the point of being unsafe for an 18-wheeler. They might decide to go over the speed limit that is posted or ignore traffic signals warning them of tight turns and curves. This puts innocent drivers at risk of being hit by trucks.
Braking Problems
18-wheelers require more time to stop due to the size of their trailers. This is especially true if they're driving at high speeds and carrying heavy loads. When their brakes fail, they can't slow down fast enough to avoid a crash.
Drowsy Driving/ Falling Awake at the Wheel
Another major cause of 18 wheeler accidents is fatigue. 18 wheeler accident attorney washington might work long hours to make a profit, and they may not get enough rest. Some truckers may be taking over-the counter drugs to treat colds or allergies that can cause drowsiness.
They may not be familiar with the route they're traveling on and may attempt to consult an electronic or map system without removing themselves from the highway. This could result in an accident since they may not be prepared to react in time to sudden changes in traffic conditions.
Unsafe Road Conditions
Poorly maintained roads can be especially dangerous for 18-wheelers. They can trap the trucks in areas where they shouldn't be, and cause them to rollover or skid.
Truckers who spend a lot time in the dark on unlit roads may have trouble. This is especially risky for truckers who spend lots of time on unlit roads at night.
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration stated that a third of accidents involving 18 wheelers is caused by unsafe road conditions. These conditions can be caused by poor pavement, design errors, or maintenance and conditions like snow or heavy rain.
Common injuries in 18 Wheeler Accidents
The weight and size of an 18-wheeler - a fully loaded semi truck that weighs more than 80,000 pounds can make collisions with this vehicle very dangerous. This is especially true when the 18-wheeler has liquids or chemicals.
One of the most frequent injuries in an 18-wheeler accident is a trauma to the brain (TBI). Even though they're difficult to detect with a standard scan, even tiny lesions inside the head can have a devastating effect on the quality of life of the victim and health.
These injuries are defined as an alteration in mental state, mood and behavior. They can also result in physical disability or even death.
In 18-wheeler accidents, brain injuries are commonplace particularly during collisions. The force of the collision could cause damage to the brain which can lead to serious health issues, cognitive difficulties memory loss, as well as difficulty with communication and decision making.
Spinal cord injuries are a second type of injury that is often the result of collisions with large trucks. These injuries can result in paralysis or even death for victims and their families.
Broken bones and fractures are another common injury in truck crashes. Simple breaks can require at least a week in a cast, whereas complex fractures can involve extensive surgeries and lengthy recovery periods.
If a limb is seriously damaged, it might be removed to prevent further damage. This can be a painful and complicated procedure.
Some types of amputations are possible due to infection or permanent nerve damage, whereas others aren't. It is crucial to consult an expert and think about your options before you decide to undergo any surgery.
Many victims of truck accidents have suffered facial injuries like lacerations, burns and blunt force trauma. This can result in permanent disfigurement, psychological problems, and scarring.
In addition to physical injuries, victims and their families of a trucking accident often have significant medical bills as well as lost income and future damages resulting from their injuries. This is why it's important to seek the counsel of a competent lawyer who can help you find the money you need to cover your medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.
What to Do Following an 18-Wheeler Car Crash
It can be a challenge to know what to do if you or someone else close to you has been injured in an accident involving a 18-wheeler. There are several steps you can do following an accident.
It is essential to remain calm and collect the facts about what happened. You may accidentally reveal information to the insurance company, or even use it against you if you do not.
As a result, you should try to take down the names and contact details of all parties involved and also their insurance and drivers' licenses. You should also talk to witnesses and any police officers at the scene.
Photograph the damage on both vehicles, in addition to other important details. These photographs could be used as evidence in the future.
You and any passengers should also seek medical treatment. This will allow you identify any injuries that aren't immediately apparent, like internal blood.
Once you've been evaluated by a medical professional, make sure to get scans and other tests required to ensure you receive proper treatment. This will help you determine the cause of your injuries.
Finally, it is important to engage a Houston lawyer who is specialized in 18-wheeler accidents as quickly as possible following the accident. A lawyer can help you gather important evidence and pursue a full compensation claim.
The right attorney will be able to assess 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. It is essential to ensure that your family's financial requirements are fulfilled. The Callahan Law Firm, a Houston personal injury lawyer, can assist you to find the financial relief you need to recover and get back to your life.
The truck accident lawyers at Morrow & Sheppard LLP are adept at representing clients who have been injured in commercial vehicle accidents throughout Texas. We will fight for your rights as we are aware of the complexities involved in these types of cases.
Settlements in 18-Wheeler Car Accidents
Families of victims of accidents involving 18-wheelers typically receive substantial settlements. These can be anything from tens to thousands to millions of dollars dependent on the specifics of the case.
There is no "average settlement" for a truck crash, but it's important to know that the amount you receive depends on several factors, like your injuries, the parties at fault and the insurance coverage available. Contributory negligence may also affect these variables.
Insurance companies often contact accident victims to make them offers before filing a lawsuit. These offers may seem sensible, but they're usually significantly less than the victims deserve.
If you have been in an accident involving trucks it is important to contact an experienced attorney as soon as you can. 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 may have regarding the accident.
The evidence you gather will enable your lawyer to calculate the actual value of your losses. The amount will be basing on your economic and non-economic damages, which include things like loss of future earnings, as well as pain and suffering.
Intangible losses like emotional or mental trauma are often left out of personal injury cases, however they can have significant impacts on your financial recovery. These damages can include loss of companionship and support and mental distress.
In a settlement for an accident involving a truck, damages could range from medical bills and property damage to the wrongful death compensation. They can also cover non-economic damages such as emotional and mental stress as well as pain.
Settlements for truck accidents are usually higher than those from car accidents due to the seriousness of the injuries involved. A serious injury can force a person to miss work for a long amount of time, and could cause costly medical care and other costs.