What to Do If You Are Injured in an 18-Wheeler Accident
If you've been injured as a result of an 18-wheeler accident, you need to be compensated for your injuries and injuries. A skilled lawyer for truck accidents can assist you through the process.
A crash involving 18 wheels is more likely to cause serious injuries than a normal collision between two cars. These bigger trucks are usually more difficult to control and may be very difficult to stop.
Causes of 18-wheeler accidents
If you've ever been involved in an 18-wheeler accident you're aware of how terrifying it can be. These massive vehicles are typically loaded with dangerous cargo that could prove fatal if handled improperly. The drivers of these big trucks are expected to be extremely skilled and careful when they are behind the wheel, yet they're still prone to accidents.
Drivers who are under pressure to get their goods to their destinations by an agreed-upon time can push themselves beyond what's safe for an 18-wheeler. They might choose to drive over the posted speed limit, or ignore traffic signals warning about tight turns and curves. This puts innocent motorists at risk of being struck by trucks.
Braking Problems
Because of the large size of their trailers, 18-wheelers require more time to stop than passenger cars. This is particularly true if they're moving at high speeds and carrying heavy loads. If brakes fail, drivers can't stop in time to avoid an accident.
Drowsy Driving / Falling Awake at the Wheel
Another major cause of 18 wheeler accidents is driver fatigue. Truckers can work for long hours to make a profit, and may not have enough rest. Some truckers may be taking prescription drugs to treat allergies or colds which can lead to drowsiness.
They might not be familiar with the road they're driving on and may attempt to consult an electronic map or system, without turning off the highway. This could result in an accident because they may not be able react in time to sudden changes in traffic.
Unsafe Road Conditions
Poorly maintained roads can be especially dangerous for 18-wheelers. They can trap trucks in places they shouldn't be, causing them to skid or rollover.
Truckers who spend lots of time at night driving on unfamiliar roads may face difficulties. It is also risky when a trucker is faced with weather problems on these roads.
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration revealed that a third of accidents involving 18 wheelers are caused by unsafe road conditions. These conditions can include poor pavement condition, faulty maintenance or design, and conditions like heavy rain or snow.
Common injuries that occur in 18 Wheeler Accidents
Collisions involving an 18-wheeler semi-truck that is fully loaded and weighs at minimum 80,000 pounds, are extremely dangerous. This is particularly true when traveling with a load of dangerous chemicals or hazardous liquids. require extra care.
18 wheeler accident law firm st petersburg that is traumatic is one of the most frequent injuries that occur in 18-wheeler accidents. Even though they are difficult to detect on a normal X-ray, small lesions on the head can have a devastating impact on the patient's quality of life and overall health.
These injuries are characterized by changes in mental state, mood and behavior. They can also lead to physical impairment or even death.
Traumatic brain injuries are a frequent injury that can be found in 18-wheeler accidents, particularly when they occur during the head-on collision. The force of the impact can cause damage to the brain, which can cause serious problems with health, cognitive issues memory loss, difficulties with decision-making and communication.
Another type of injury that is seen often in collisions involving large trucks is spinal cord injuries. These injuries can lead to paralysis or even death for victims and their family members.
Broken bones and fractures are another common injury that happens in truck crashes. Simple fractures can require up to a week in a cast, whereas complex fractures can involve extensive surgeries and long recuperation times.
If a limb is seriously damaged, it may be amputated to prevent further damage. This can be a painful and difficult procedure.
Certain types of amputations may be possible because of infection or permanent nerve damage, but other types of amputations aren't. Before deciding whether to undergo any procedure, it is important to speak to a doctor to discuss your options.
Many of the victims of truck crashes have suffered facial injuries including burns, lacerations, and blunt force trauma. This can cause permanent disfigurement, psychological problems and scarring.
In addition to suffering physical injury as well as physical injuries, the victims and relatives of a car accident are often left with substantial medical expenses, lost wages and other future damages resulting from their injuries. It is important to consult a lawyer who is qualified and can help you get the compensation you need to cover medical expenses, lost income and other damages.
What to do after an 18-Wheeler Car Accident
If you or someone you love is injured in a crash with an 18-wheeler vehicle, it can be a challenge to figure out what to do next. There are a few steps you need to follow after an accident.
It is first important to remain at peace and focused on obtaining the facts of what transpired. It is possible to accidentally disclose information to the truck driver's insurance company, or even use it against you if you do not.
As a result it is recommended to take down the names and contact numbers of all involved parties and their insurance and drivers' licenses. You should also talk to witnesses and any police officers at the scene.
It is also important to take photographs of the vehicle damage and other important details on the scene. These photographs can be used as evidence in the future.
The person who is in the vehicle should also seek medical treatment. This will allow you to identify any injuries that aren't immediately obvious like internal bleeding.
After being examined by an expert doctor, you must obtain x-rays and any other tests you might require to get the right treatment. This will enable you to establish that the crash caused the injuries you suffered.
It is also essential to engage an attorney in Houston who specializes in 18-wheeler accident cases as soon as possible after the accident. A lawyer can assist you collect evidence that is crucial and seek the maximum amount of compensation.
The right attorney will be able determine 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.
Injuries caused by an 18-wheeler crash can be devastating and you must ensure that your family members are taken by the financial side. The Callahan Law Firm, a Houston personal injury lawyer, can help you obtain the financial help you need to recover and get back to your life.
The lawyers for truck accidents at Morrow & Sheppard LLP have experience representing clients who have suffered injuries in commercial vehicle crashes throughout Texas. We will fight for your rights since we are familiar with the complexities in these types of cases.
Settlements in 18-Wheeler Accidents
18-wheeler accident victims and their families typically recover significant settlements. These settlements can be as high as millions dependent on the circumstances.
While there is no "average" settlement for a truck accident, it's important to understand that the amount you'll receive depends on a variety of factors that include your injuries, the responsible parties, and the amount of insurance coverage. Contributory negligence can also impact these factors.
One common tactic employed by insurance companies is to contact victims of accidents and offer to pay well before they even file a lawsuit. These offers might appear reasonable, but they are frequently significantly less than what victims are entitled to.
If you've been involved in an accident involving a truck, it's important to get an experienced attorney as soon as possible. They can help you analyze your case and negotiate a fair settlement.
Gathering all the evidence is the initial step to solving an 18-wheeler collision case. This includes medical records, witness testimony as well any other information related to the incident.
This information will assist your lawyer in calculating the value of your losses. This value is based on damages that are both economic and non-economic such as suffering and suffering, as well as loss of future earnings.
Intangible losses, like emotional or mental trauma are often neglected in personal injury cases, however they can have significant effects on your financial recovery. These damages could include the loss of companionship, support, and mental distress.
In a settlement agreement for trucking accidents, damages can range from medical expenses and property damage, to the wrongful death compensation. They can also include noneconomic damages, such as emotional or mental stress as well as pain.
The majority of truck accidents result in higher settlements than car accidents due to the severity of injuries. Injuries that are severe can cause the person to miss work for a lengthy period and result in costly medical care and other expenses.