What to Do If You Are Injured in an 18-Wheeler Accident
If you've been injured as a result of an 18-wheeler crash, you need to be compensated for your injuries and damage. A skilled truck accident lawyer can assist you in the process.
An 18-wheeler crash is more likely to cause serious injuries than a standard collision between two cars. These bigger trucks are usually more difficult to control and can be extremely difficult to stop.
Causes of 18-Wheeler Accidents
You are aware of how frightening it can be to be in a collision with an 18-wheeler. These massive vehicles are packed with dangerous cargo that could cause harm in the wrong hands. The drivers of these massive trucks are expected to be extremely competent and cautious behind the wheel, but they're still prone to accidents.
18 wheeler accident law firm new hampshire under pressure to deliver their goods at a certain time could exceed the limits of safety for an 18 wheeler. They may choose to drive above the speed limit on the road or ignore traffic signs that warn about tight curves and turns. This puts innocent drivers 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 when they travel at high speed and carrying heavy loads. If brakes fail, drivers are unable to stop in time to avoid an accident.
Drowsy Driving / Falling Awake at the Wheel
Another major reason for 18 wheeler accidents is fatigue. Truckers may work long hours in order to earn a profit and not get enough rest. They might also be taking prescription medicines to treat cold symptoms or allergies that can lead to drowsiness.
They might not be familiar with the road and will try to consult maps or a navigation system without stopping. This could result in an accident due to the fact that they may not be able to react in time to sudden changes in traffic conditions.
Unsafe Road Conditions
Roads that are not maintained properly are particularly hazardous for 18-wheelers. They could trap trucks in places that they shouldn't be, and cause them to slide or roll over.
This can be particularly challenging for truckers, who usually spend long periods of time traveling down unknown roadways at night. This can be particularly dangerous for truckers who spend long periods of time on unlit roads at night.
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration reported that a third all accidents involving 18 wheelers is caused by unsafe road conditions. These can be caused by poor pavement condition, faulty maintenance or design, or climate problems like heavy snow or rain.
Common Injuries in 18-Wheeler Accidents
Accidents involving an 18-wheeler semi-truck that is fully loaded and weighs at least 80,000 pounds are very dangerous. This is especially true when carrying dangerous chemicals or liquids that require extra caution.
A traumatized brain injury is among of the most common injuries that happen in 18-wheeler crashes. Even though they're difficult to detect with a standard X-ray scan, the smallest lesions that can be found in the head can have a devastating effect on the patient's quality of life and health.
These injuries are characterized by changes in mood, mental state and behavior. They can also cause physical impairment or even death.
In 18-wheeler accidents, traumatic brain injuries are quite common, especially when they happen in the course of the course of a collision. The force of impact could cause brain damage that could lead to serious health issues, cognitive issues memory loss, and problems with communication and decision-making.
Spinal cord injuries are yet another type of injury that is very common in collisions with large trucks. These injuries can be catastrophic for the families of victims which can result in paralysis or death.
Broken bones and fractures are also a common injury in truck crashes. Simple fractures can require an entire week or more in a cast, while complex fractures can require lengthy surgeries and long recuperation times.
Amputating a severely damaged limb will help to prevent further damage. This can be a difficult and painful procedure.
Certain types of amputations may be possible because of infection or permanent nerve damage, but others are not. Before deciding on any procedure, you need to speak to a doctor to discuss your options.
Many victims of accidents involving trucks have suffered facial injuries, such as burns, lacerations and blunt force trauma. This can result in permanent disfigurement, psychological problems and scarring.
In in addition to suffering physical injuries as well as physical injuries, the victims and family members who are involved in a truck accident often face substantial medical expenses, lost earnings, and other future damages resulting from their injuries. It is important to consult an attorney who has the right qualifications and can assist you in obtaining the compensation you need for medical expenses, lost income and other damages.
What to Do After an 18-Wheeler Crash
It can be challenging to know what to do if you or someone else close to you is injured in an accident involving a 18-wheeler. There are, however, some steps that you should take after an accident.
First, it is essential to remain calm and focused on collecting the facts of what happened. If you don't take care, you may accidentally disclose information that could be used against you by the truck driver or his insurance company.
Therefore, you should try to gather the names and contact information of all involved parties and also their insurance and driver's licenses. You should also speak with witnesses and any police officers present at the scene.
Take photos of the damage to both vehicles, as well as other important details. These photos can be used as evidence later on in the case.
All passengers and you should also seek medical treatment. This will allow you identify any injuries which are not immediately apparent, like internal blood.
After being examined by an expert doctor, you must get x-rays or any other tests that you may require to receive the proper treatment. This will help you establish that your injuries resulted from the accident.
It is also essential to retain an attorney in Houston who is specialized in 18-wheeler accident cases as quickly as possible after the accident. An attorney can help you gather evidence important to seek full compensation.
The right attorney will be able to determine the value of your injury claim and calculate your damages. This will ensure you receive the maximum compensation for your injuries and losses.
Injuries caused by an 18-wheeler crash can be catastrophic and you should ensure that your family members are taken by the financial side. 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 continue with your life.
The truck accident lawyers at Morrow & Sheppard LLP are experts in representing clients injured in commercial vehicle accidents across Texas. We will defend your rights because we are familiar with the complexities in these types of cases.
Settlements in 18-Wheeler Car Accidents
18-wheeler accident victims and their families usually get significant settlements. Settlements can vary from thousands to millions dependent on the circumstances.
Although there isn't an "average" truck accident settlement, it's important to understand that the compensation you receive is contingent on a variety of factors which include your injuries, the liable parties, and the amount of insurance coverage. These factors can also be affected by the amount of responsibility you played in the accident, referred to as contributing negligence.
A common method employed by insurance companies is to call accident victims and make offers before filing a lawsuit. These offers might seem reasonable, but they are usually considerably less than what the victim deserves.
If you have been in an accident with a truck, it's important to get an experienced lawyer as quickly as possible. These attorneys can help to determine the circumstances and negotiate a fair settlement.
Gathering all the evidence is the initial step to the settlement of an 18-wheeler crash case. This includes medical records, witnesses' testimony as well as any other information related to the incident.
This evidence will help your lawyer calculate the actual value of your losses. The amount will be basing on your economic and non-economic damages, which include things like the loss of future earnings as well as pain and suffering.
Intangible damages, such as psychological and mental trauma, are often not considered in personal injury claims, however they can have a significant impact on your financial recovery. These damages can include loss of companionship, mental anxiety and emotional stress.
In a settlement for an accident involving a truck, damages could range from medical bills and property damage to wrongful death compensation. They can also cover non-economic damages, such as emotional or mental stress, and pain.
Truck accidents usually result in higher settlements than car accidents due to the severity of injuries. Injuries that are severe can cause an individual to miss work for a lengthy period and result in costly medical treatments and other expenses.