What to Do If You Are Injured in an 18-Wheeler Accident
If you've suffered injuries in an 18-wheeler accident, you need to be compensated for your injuries and the damages. A truck accident lawyer with experience can help you navigate the process.
A collision involving an 18-wheeler is more likely to cause serious injuries than a normal 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
You're aware of how terrifying it is to be involved in an 18-wheeler crash. These large vehicles can be loaded with dangerous cargo that could prove deadly in the wrong hands. The drivers of these huge trucks are expected to be extremely skilled and careful when driving, but they are still susceptible to accidents.
Drivers under pressure to deliver goods at a particular time might overstep the limits for an 18-wheeler. They may choose to drive above the speed limit on the road or ignore traffic signs warning about tight turns and curves. This puts innocent drivers at risk of being struck by trucks.
Braking Problems
Due to the massive size of their trailers, 18-wheelers require more time to stop than passenger cars. This is the case, particularly if they are traveling at high speed and carrying large loads. When brakes fail, drivers cannot stop in time to avoid an accident.
Drowsy Driving/ Falling Awake at the Wheel
Another main cause of 18 wheeler accidents is fatigue. Truckers might work long hours in order to make a profit, and do not get enough rest. They might also be taking over-the-counter drugs to treat allergies or cold symptoms which can cause sleepiness.
They may not be familiar with the road they're driving on and might try to consult the map or electronic navigation system without removing themselves from the highway. This can lead to an accident as they might not be able to react in time to sudden changes in traffic conditions.
Unsafe Road Conditions
Roads that are not maintained properly can be especially dangerous for 18-wheelers. They could trap trucks in places that should not be there and cause them to skid or roll over.
This is especially challenging for truckers, who often spend much of their time driving along unmarked roads at night. It is also risky when a trucker has to deal with weather problems on these roads.
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration reports that a third of all accidents involving 18-wheelers involve unsafe road conditions. These could include poor pavement quality, inadequate maintenance or design, or weather problems such as heavy rain or snow.
Common Injuries in 18-Wheeler Accidents
Collisions with an 18-wheeler, semi truck that is fully loaded and weighs at minimum 80,000 pounds, are extremely dangerous. This is particularly true when 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. Even though they're difficult to detect with a standard X-ray, small lesions on the head can have a devastating effect on the quality of life of the victim and overall health.
18 wheeler accident attorney louisiana are characterized 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 frequent particularly during a collision. The force of impact could cause brain damage, which could cause serious health issues and cognitive issues memory loss, and difficulties with communication and decision-making.
Spinal cord injuries are a different type of injury that is frequently found in collisions with big trucks. These injuries can be catastrophic for the victims and their families that can result in paralysis, or death.
Broken bones and fractures can be common injuries in truck accidents. Simple fractures may require the use of a cast for a week or even longer, while more complex fractures could require extensive surgery and a long recuperation time.
Amputation of a limb with a severe injury will prevent further damage. This can be an extremely painful and complicated procedure.
Some types of amputations are possible due to infection or permanent nerve damage, but other types of amputations aren't. It is crucial to consult a doctor and look at your options before deciding to have any surgery.
Many victims of truck crashes have suffered facial injuries including laceration, burns, and blunt force trauma. This can cause permanent disfigurement, psychological problems and scarring.
In addition to suffering physical harm, the victims and their family members of a truck accident are often left with substantial medical expenses, lost wages and other future damages resulting from their injuries. It is crucial to talk with a lawyer who is qualified and can help you get the compensation you require for medical expenses, lost income and other damages.
What to do following an 18-Wheeler Car Crash
If you or someone you love is injured in a crash with an 18-wheeler, it may be a challenge to figure out what to do next. There are some steps you can take after an accident.
It is first important to remain at peace and focused on obtaining the facts about what happened. If you don't, you could inadvertently reveal information that could be used against you by the truck driver or his insurance company.
Therefore it is important to collect the names and contact numbers of all involved parties and their insurance and drivers' licenses. You should also speak with witnesses and any police officers present at the scene.
Photograph the damage to both vehicles, as well as other important details. These photos can be used as evidence later in the case.
You and any passengers should also seek medical assistance. This can help you identify any injuries that aren't immediately apparent like internal bleeding.
After you've been assessed by a medical professional, ensure you obtain an x-ray and any other tests that may be essential to receive proper treatment. This will help you determine the cause of your injuries.
Finally, it is important to find an Houston attorney with expertise in 18-wheeler accidents as quickly as you can after the accident. An attorney can help you collect evidence that is crucial and seek full compensation.
An experienced lawyer can determine the value of your claim and calculate damages. This will ensure that you receive the maximum amount of compensation for your losses and injuries.
Injuries suffered in an 18-wheeler collision can be devastating and you have to make sure that your family members are taken care of financially. The Callahan Law Firm, a Houston personal injury lawyer, can assist you to obtain the financial help you require to recover and move on 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 as we understand the complexities involved in these types of cases.
Settlements in 18-Wheeler Car Accidents
18-wheeler accident victims and their families frequently recover substantial settlements. These vary from tens of thousands to millions of dollars depending on the circumstances of the case.
There isn't an "average settlement" for a car accident but it's important be aware that the amount you receive is contingent on a variety of factors, such as your injuries as well as the fault of the parties involved and the insurance coverage available. These factors are also affected by the level of responsibility you played in the accident, also known as contributory negligence.
Insurance companies often contact victims of accidents to make offers prior to filing a lawsuit. They may appear reasonable, but they are frequently significantly less than what victims are entitled to.
If you've been involved in an accident with a truck you should seek an experienced attorney as soon as you can. These lawyers can help understand your case and negotiate a settlement that is fair.
Collecting all evidence is the first step towards solving an 18-wheeler collision case. This includes medical records, witness testimony, and any other information you can gather regarding the crash.
Having this evidence will allow your lawyer to calculate the true value of your losses. This value will be based on your economic and non-economic damages. These include things like loss of future earnings, as well as suffering and pain.
Intangible losses, including emotional or mental trauma are often left out of personal injury cases, but they can have major effects on your financial recovery. These damages could include the loss of companionship, support, and mental anguish.
Damages that can be included in a settlement for trucking accidents can range from medical expenses to property damage and compensation for wrongful deaths. It can also include non-economic damages, such as emotional or mental stress as well as pain.
The settlements from truck accidents tend to be larger than those of car accidents due to the seriousness of the injuries that are involved. A serious injury can force an individual to miss work for long periods and result in expensive medical care and other expenses.