What to Do If You Are Injured in an 18-Wheeler Accident
If you've been injured by an 18-wheeler, then you are entitled to compensation for your injuries and the damages. A lawyer who has truck accident expertise can guide you through the procedure.
An 18-wheeler accident is much more likely to cause serious injuries than a standard collision between two cars. These trucks are difficult to stop and are difficult to control.
The causes of 18-wheeler accidents
You're aware of how terrifying it can be to be in a crash involving an 18-wheeler. These huge vehicles are usually packed with dangerous cargo that could be dangerous if handled incorrectly. The drivers of these huge trucks are expected to be highly competent and attentive behind the wheel, but they're still vulnerable to accidents.
Drivers under pressure to deliver their goods at a specific time may exceed the limits of safety for an 18 wheeler. They might choose to drive over the speed limit posted or ignore traffic signs warning them of tight turns and curves. This puts innocent motorists at risk of being struck by trucks.
Braking Problems
18-wheelers require more time to stop due to the size of their trailers. This is especially true if they're driving at high speeds and hauling large loads. When brakes fail, drivers can't stop fast enough to avoid an accident.
Drowsy driving / Falling asleep at the Wheel
Another reason for 18 wheeler accidents is fatigue. Truckers work long hours to earn money and may not get enough sleep. Some truckers may be taking prescription medications to treat colds or allergies and can result in drowsiness.
They may not be familiar with the road, and they may attempt to consult a navigation system or map without stopping. This could result in an accident as they may not be able react in time to sudden changes in traffic.
Unsafe Road Conditions
Roads that are not maintained properly can be especially dangerous for 18-wheelers. They could trap trucks in places they shouldn't, and cause them to skid or rollover.
Truckers who are spending a lot of time at night on unknown roads may face difficulties. It could also be risky in the event of conditions that are not suitable for driving on these roads.
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration states that a third all accidents involving 18-wheelers result from unsafe road conditions. These conditions can be caused by poor pavement, improper design, or maintenance and climate problems such as heavy rain or snow.
Common injuries in 18 Wheeler Accidents
Accidents involving an 18-wheeler semi-truck that is fully loaded and weighs at least 80,000 pounds, can be extremely hazardous. This is especially true when the 18-wheeler is carrying hazardous chemicals or liquids.
One of the most frequent injuries that occur in an accident involving an 18-wheeler is a traumatic brain injury (TBI). The brain is awash with tiny lesions that are hard to detect even in regular X-rays, but they can have a devastating effect on the victim's health and quality of life.
These injuries are manifested by changes in mental state, mood and behavior. They can also result in physical disabilities or even death.
In 18-wheeler crashes, traumatic brain injuries are common particularly in the course of a collision. The force of impact can cause brain damage, which could lead to serious health issues, cognitive issues memory loss, difficulties with communication and decision-making.
Another type of injury that is seen often in collisions with large trucks is spinal cord injuries. 18 wheeler accident settlement austin can cause paralysis or even death for the victims and their families.
Broken bones and fractures are another frequent injury in truck crashes. Simple fractures can require the use of a cast for a week or longer while more complicated fractures may require extensive surgery and a long recuperation period.
If a limb is badly damaged, it could be amputated to prevent further damage. This is a painful and complicated procedure.
Amputations of certain types are possible because of infection or permanent nerve damage, but others are not. Before deciding to undergo any procedure, you need to speak to a doctor to discuss your options.
Many victims of truck accidents have suffered facial injuries, such as burns, laceration, and blunt force trauma. This can lead to permanent scarring, disfigurement, and psychological problems.
In addition to physical injuries, victims and their families of a trucking accident often have significant medical bills along with lost income and the possibility of future damages due to their injuries. It is crucial to talk with an attorney who is experienced and can assist you in getting the compensation you need to cover 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 vehicle, it can be a challenge to figure out what to do next. There are several steps you can do following an accident.
It is crucial to remain calm and focused on obtaining the facts of what transpired. If you don't be careful, you could accidentally reveal information that can be used against you by the truck driver or his insurance company.
You should therefore try to collect all the names, contact details and insurance information of all those involved. Also, you should speak to any witnesses and police officers who are at the scene.
It is also important to take photographs of the damage to both vehicles and other important details on the scene. These photos could serve as evidence later on in the case.
It is also an excellent idea to seek medical treatment for yourself and all passengers in the vehicle. This will allow you to identify any injuries that aren't immediately apparent like internal bleeding.
After you've been examined by a doctor, it is recommended to get x-rays or any other tests you may need to receive the proper treatment. This will help establish the cause of your injuries.
It is also important to hire an Houston attorney that specializes in 18-wheeler collisions as soon as possible following the accident. An attorney can help you collect important evidence and pursue a full compensation claim.
An experienced attorney can determine the value of your injury claim and calculate the damages. This will ensure that you receive the most money for your injuries and losses.
A traumatic injury sustained during an accident involving an 18-wheeler can be devastating. You need to ensure that your family's financial requirements are taken care of. A Houston personal injury attorney from The Callahan Law Firm can help you pursue the financial relief you need to recover from your injuries and get on with your life.
The truck accident lawyers at Morrow & Sheppard LLP are experienced in representing clients injured in commercial vehicle accidents throughout Texas. We understand the complexity of these types of cases and will fight hard for your rights.
Settlements for 18-Wheeler accident settlements
18-wheeler accident victims and their families typically get significant settlements. These vary from tens of thousands to millions of dollars, depending on the circumstances of the case.
While there's no "average" truck accident settlement It is important to recognize that the amount you are awarded will depend on a variety factors that include your injuries, the liable parties and the amount of available insurance coverage. These variables can also be dependent on the level of liability you took in the accident, which is known as contributory negligence.
One common tactic employed by insurance companies is to reach out to victims of accidents and offer to pay well before they even file lawsuits. These offers might seem sensible, but they're usually considerably less than what the victims deserve.
If you've been involved in an accident involving a truck, it's important to get an experienced attorney as soon as possible. These lawyers can help understand your case and negotiate an agreement that is fair.
Collecting all evidence is the first step towards the settlement of an 18-wheeler crash case. This includes medical records as well as witness testimony as well as any other information about the accident.
This information will help your lawyer determine the true value for your losses. The value will be determined built on your financial and non-economic damages. These include things like the loss of future earnings as well as pain and suffering.
Intangible losses, such as emotional and mental trauma, are often ignored in personal injury cases, however they can have a significant impact on your financial recovery. These damages include the loss of companionship, mental anguish, and support.
Damages that can be included in a settlement of a trucking accident include everything from medical expenses to property damages and the compensation for wrongful death. It can also include other damages that are not economic, like mental and emotional stress and pain.
The settlements in truck accidents tend to be larger than those from car accidents due to the seriousness of the injuries involved. The severity of injuries can cause people to be off work for an extended period of time and may cause costly medical care and other expenses.