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 skilled lawyer for truck accidents can help you with the process.
An 18-wheeler accident is much more likely to cause serious injury than a typical collision between two cars. 18 wheeler accident attorney escondido can be difficult to stop and are hard to control.
Causes of 18-Wheeler Accidents
If you've ever had to deal with an 18-wheeler wreck you're aware of how terrifying it can be. These large vehicles are often loaded with dangerous cargo that could prove deadly in the wrong hands. These massive trucks must be driven by drivers who are vigilant and experienced, but they are not immune to accidents.
Drivers under pressure to deliver goods at a certain time could over-exceed the limit of safety for an 18 wheeler. They might decide to exceed the speed limit that is posted or ignore traffic signs that warn drivers of the dangers of tight curves and turns. This puts innocent motorists at risk of being struck by a truck.
Braking Problems
18-wheelers need more time to stop due to the size of their trailers. This is especially true when they're driving at high speeds and carrying heavy loads. When their brakes fail, they won't be able to slow down enough to avoid the possibility of crashing.
Drowsy driving/Failing to fall asleep at the Wheel
Another major cause of 18 wheeler accidents is driver fatigue. Truckers may work long hours in order to make money, and they may not get enough rest. They could also be taking prescription drugs to treat allergies or cold symptoms that can result in drowsiness.
They may be unfamiliar with the route they're traveling on and may try to consult the map or electronic navigation system without taking 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
Poorly maintained roadways are particularly hazardous for 18-wheelers. They can trap trucks in areas they shouldn't be, causing them to skid or rollover.
This can be particularly difficult for truckers, who frequently spend much of their time driving down unknown roadways at night. This is particularly risky for truckers who spend a lot of time traveling on roads that are not well-lit at night.
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration reported that a third all accidents involving 18 wheelers are caused by unsafe road conditions. These include poor pavement, improper design or maintenance, as well as climate problems such as snow or heavy rain.
Common injuries that occur in 18 Wheeler Accidents
The size and weight of an 18-wheeler, a fully loaded semi truck that weighs 80,000 pounds or more -- makes collisions with this vehicle dangerous. This is true especially when the 18-wheeler has chemical or liquids.
One of the most common injuries sustained in an 18-wheeler collision is a trauma to the brain (TBI). Small lesions in the brain are difficult to detect with regular X-rays, however they can cause havoc to the health of the victim and their quality of life.
These injuries are caused by changes in mental state, mood and behavior. They can also lead to physical disability or even death.
Traumatic brain injuries are a frequent injury that is seen in 18-wheeler accidents, especially when they occur in head-on collisions. The force of the impact can result in brain injury, which can lead to serious health issues, cognitive problems memory loss, as well as issues with communication and decision making.
Spinal cord injuries are a different kind of injury that's quite common in collisions with large trucks. These injuries can be catastrophic for victims and their families which can result in paralysis or death.
Broken bones and fractures could be common injuries in truck accidents. Simple breaks may require an entire week or more in a cast. On the other hand, complex fractures can require lengthy operations and long recovery times.
Amputating a damaged limb will help to prevent further injury. This can be a painful and complicated procedure.
Certain types of amputations can be performed because of an infection or permanent nerve damage. Other types of amputations aren't. It is important to talk with an expert doctor and weigh your options before deciding to undergo any procedure.
Many victims of truck accidents have suffered facial injuries like lacerations, burns and blunt force trauma. This can result in permanent disfigurement, scarring and psychological issues.
In in addition to suffering physical injuries In addition to suffering physical injury, the victims and family members in a vehicle accident usually face significant medical expenses, lost wages and future losses resulting from their injuries. It is important to consult an attorney who is experienced and can assist you in obtaining the compensation you need to cover medical expenses, lost income, and other damages.
What should you do following an 18-Wheeler Auto Accident
If you or someone you love is injured in a collision with an 18-wheeler vehicle, it can be difficult to know what to do next. There are, however, some actions you should take after an accident.
It is first important to remain calm and focused on collecting the facts of what happened. You could unintentionally reveal information to the insurance company of the truck driver company or use it against you if you do not.
Therefore, you should try to take all the names, contact details and insurance details of all those involved. You should also speak to witnesses or police officers who are at the scene.
You should also take pictures of the damaged vehicles and other important details at the scene. These pictures can act as evidence later on in the case.
It is also an excellent idea to seek medical attention for yourself as well as any passengers in the vehicle. This will help you identify any injuries which are not immediately apparent, like internal blood.
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 to prove that the crash caused the injuries you suffered.
It is also essential to hire an attorney in Houston who specializes on 18-wheeler collisions as soon as you can after the accident. A lawyer can help you collect important evidence and get the full amount of compensation.
An experienced attorney can assess the worth of your claim and calculate damages. This will ensure that you get the most compensation for your losses and injuries.
Injuries sustained in an 18-wheeler accident can be devastating, and you need to make sure that your family is taken care of financially. 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 will fight for your rights because we are familiar with the complexities in these types of cases.
Settlements in 18-Wheeler Car Accidents
Family members of 18-wheeler accident victims often receive substantial settlements. Settlements can range from thousands to billions depending on the circumstances.
Although there isn't an "average" settlement for a truck crash It is important to recognize that the compensation you receive is contingent on a variety of factors which include your injuries, the liable parties, and the amount of available insurance coverage. Contributory negligence can also influence these aspects.
Insurance companies frequently reach out to victims of accidents to make offers prior to filing a lawsuit. These offers may appear reasonable, but are often considerably less than what the victims deserve.
If you've been involved in an accident with a truck it is crucial to speak with an experienced lawyer as quickly as possible. They can assist you to understand your case and negotiate the most favorable settlement.
Gathering all evidence is the initial step to settle an 18-wheeler accident case. This includes medical records as well as witness testimony as well any other information regarding the incident.
This evidence will allow your lawyer to determine the actual value of your losses. This value is based on the economic and non-economic costs, including things like suffering and pain and suffering as well as loss of future earnings.
Intangible losses, such as mental and emotional trauma, are often left out of personal injury cases, however they can have significant effects on your financial recovery. These damages can include loss of companionship and support and mental anguish.
In a settlement agreement for an accident involving a truck, damages can range from medical costs and property damage, to the compensation for wrongful deaths. They may also include non-economic damages, such as emotional or mental stress, and pain.
The majority of truck accidents result in more settlements than car accidents due to the seriousness of injuries. Severe injuries may cause the person to miss work for an extended period of time and may result in costly medical treatment and other costs.