What to Do If You Are Injured in an 18-Wheeler Accident
If you've been injured by an 18-wheeler, you have the right to receive compensation for your injuries and the damages. An experienced lawyer for truck accidents can assist you through the process.
An 18-wheeler accident is much more likely to cause serious injuries than a standard collision between two vehicles. These larger trucks are often more difficult to control and may be very difficult to stop.
Causes of 18-Wheeler accidents
If you've ever had to deal with an 18-wheeler accident you're aware of how scary it can be. These large vehicles can be loaded with dangerous cargo that could cause harm if it gets into the wrong hands. These massive trucks must 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 particular time might exceed the limits of safety for an 18 wheeler. They may choose to exceed the speed limit posted, or ignore traffic warnings that warn them of sharp turns and curves. This puts innocent motorists at risk of being hit by a truck.
Braking Problems
18-wheelers take longer to stop due to the size of their trailers. This is the case, particularly if they are traveling at a high rate and carrying heavy loads. When brakes fail, drivers won't stop fast enough to avoid an accident.
Sleepy driving or falling asleep at the Wheel
Another major cause of 18 wheeler accidents is driver fatigue. 18 wheeler accident law firm farmington hills could work for long hours to make money, and they may not get enough rest. Some truckers might be taking over-the counter drugs to treat colds or allergies that can cause drowsiness.
They might not be familiar with the road and will try to use a navigation system or map without stopping. This can cause an accident because they may not be able react in time to sudden traffic changes.
Unsafe Road Conditions
Poorly maintained roads can be particularly dangerous for 18-wheelers. They can trap the trucks in places that 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 can be particularly dangerous for truckers who spend lots of time on unknown roads at night.
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration found that a third of all accidents involving 18 wheelers is caused by unsafe road conditions. These could include poor pavement condition, faulty maintenance or design, as well as weather problems such as heavy rain or snow.
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 -- makes collisions with this type of vehicle extremely risky. This is especially true when the 18-wheeler has chemicals or liquids.
A traumatized brain injury is among of the most frequent injuries that occur in 18-wheeler accidents. While they're not easy to detect on a regular X-ray scan, the smallest lesions that can be found in the head can have a devastating impact on the person's quality of living and health.
These injuries are defined as changes in the mental state, mood, and behavior. They can also result in physical impairment or even death.
Traumatic brain injuries are a common injury that can be found during 18-wheeler accidents, specifically when they occur during an accident that is head-on. The force of the impact can result in brain injury, which could lead to serious mental health issues, cognitive impairments memory loss, as well as difficulties with communication and decision making.
Spinal cord injuries are a second kind of injury that's often the result of collisions with large trucks. These injuries can be devastating for victims and their families that can result in paralysis, or even death.
Broken bones and fractures can also be a common occurrence in truck accidents. Simple breaks can require a week or more in a cast, whereas complex fractures could require extensive surgeries and lengthy recovery periods.
If a limb is severely damaged, it can be amputated in order to prevent further damage. This can be a very difficult and painful procedure.
Some types of amputations are possible due to infection or permanent nerve damage, while other types are not. Before you decide 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 such as burns, lacerations and blunt force trauma. This can lead to permanent disfigurement, psychological issues, and scarring.
In addition to suffering physical injuries as well as physical injuries, the victims and family members of a truck accident are often left with substantial medical expenses, lost earnings, and the potential for future damage resulting from their injuries. It is crucial to talk with an attorney who is experienced and can help you get the compensation you need to cover medical expenses, lost income, and other damages.
What to do following an 18-Wheeler Accident
If you or a loved one is injured in a collision with an 18-wheeler, it can be a challenge to figure out what to do next. There are, however, some actions you should take after an accident.
It is important to stay calm and gather the facts of what happened. You could unintentionally reveal information to the truck driver's insurance company or make it available to you if you don't.
In the event of a collision it is important to take down the names and contact numbers of all involved parties and their insurance and driver's licenses. You should also talk to witnesses and any police officers present at the scene.
You should also take pictures of the damages to both vehicles as well as other important details on the scene. These photos can be used as evidence in the future.
The person who is in the vehicle should also seek medical care. This will help you recognize any injuries that aren't immediately obvious, such as internal bleeding.
After being examined by medical professionals, you'll need to undergo x-rays, or any other tests that you may require to get the right treatment. This will allow you establish that your injuries resulted from the accident.
It is also important to find an Houston attorney that specializes in 18-wheeler accident cases as soon as possible after the accident. An attorney can help you collect important evidence and get the full amount of compensation.
An experienced attorney will be able to assess the value of your injury claim and calculate the damages. This will ensure you receive the maximum amount of compensation for your injuries and losses.
Injury sustained in an accident involving a 18-wheeler can be devastating. It is important to ensure that your family's financial needs are satisfied. The Callahan Law Firm, a Houston personal injury lawyer, can assist you to achieve the financial assistance you require to heal and move on with your life.
The lawyers for truck accidents at Morrow & Sheppard LLP have the experience of representing clients who've suffered injuries from commercial vehicle accidents across Texas. We understand the complexity of these kinds of cases and will fight to protect your rights.
Settlements in 18-Wheeler Car Accidents
18-wheeler accident victims and their families often recover substantial settlements. They can be anything from tens to thousands to millions of dollars, dependent on the specifics of the case.
Although there isn't an "average" truck accident settlement, it's important to understand that the compensation you receive depends on a variety of factors such as your injuries, the responsible parties and the amount of available insurance coverage. Contributory negligence can also influence these elements.
A common method employed by insurance companies is to reach out to victims of accidents and offer to pay prior to filing an action. These offers may appear reasonable, but are often much less than the victims deserve.
It is crucial to contact an experienced attorney immediately after an accident with a truck. These attorneys can help to understand your case and negotiate a fair settlement.
Collecting all evidence is the initial step to settle an 18-wheeler accident case. This includes medical documents, witness testimony, and any other information you may have about the accident.
This evidence will help your lawyer calculate the actual value of your losses. The value will be determined based on your economic and non-economic damages, which can include things like loss of future earnings and suffering and pain.
Intangible damages, like psychological and mental trauma are often left out of personal injury cases, but can significantly impact your financial recovery. These damages include the loss of companionship, mental anxiety and emotional stress.
In a settlement agreement for trucking accidents, damages can range from medical costs and property damage, to wrongful death compensation. They can also cover non-economic damages, such as mental or emotional stress and pain.
The settlements from truck accidents tend to be larger than those from car accidents due to the severity of the injuries involved. Severe injuries may cause people to be off work for a long amount of time, and could cause expensive medical care as well as other expenses.