7 Simple Tips To Totally Rocking Your 18 Wheeler Accidents Attorneys
What to Do If You Are Injured in an 18-Wheeler Accident
If you've been injured in an 18-wheeler collision, you deserve to get compensation for your injuries and damages. A skilled lawyer for truck accidents can help you with the process.
An 18-wheeler crash is more likely to cause serious injuries than a typical crash between two cars. These larger trucks are typically more difficult to control and can be very hard to stop.
Causes of 18-Wheeler Accidents
If you've ever been in an 18-wheeler crash, you know how frightening it can be. These massive vehicles can be packed with dangerous cargo that could cause harm in the wrong hands. The drivers of these massive trucks are expected be highly skilled and careful when they are behind the wheel, yet they're still prone to accidents.
Drivers who are pressured to get goods to their destinations by a certain time may push themselves beyond what's safe for an 18-wheeler. They may decide to drive beyond the speed limit on the road, or ignore traffic signals warning them of sharp turns and curves. This puts innocent drivers at risk of being struck by trucks.
Braking Problems
18-wheelers require longer time to stop due to the size of their trailers. This is true, especially if they are traveling at high speed and carrying heavy loads. When brakes fail, drivers are unable to stop in time to avoid an accident.
Sleepy driving or falling asleep at the Wheel
Driver fatigue is a major cause of accidents involving 18-wheelers. Truckers could work for long hours in order to make a profit, and do not get enough rest. Some truckers might be taking prescription drugs to treat allergies or colds and can result in drowsiness.
They may not be familiar with the route they're traveling on and might try to consult a 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 particularly dangerous for 18-wheelers. They can trap trucks in areas they shouldn't be, causing them to skid or even roll over.
This can be especially difficult for truckers, who usually spend a lot of time traveling through uncharted roads at night. It is also risky when a trucker is faced with conditions that are not suitable for driving on these roads.
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration states that a third all accidents that involve 18-wheelers have unsafe road conditions. These conditions can include poor quality pavement, inadequate maintenance or design, and conditions like snow or heavy rain.
Common Injuries in 18-Wheeler Accidents
Collisions involving an 18-wheeler semi-truck that is fully loaded and weighs at least 80,000 pounds, are extremely dangerous. This is especially true when the 18-wheeler has liquids or chemicals.
A brain injury that is traumatic is one of the most common injuries that occur in 18-wheeler crashes. 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 health of the victim and their quality of life.
These injuries are characterized as a change in mental state, mood, and behavior. They can also result in physical disabilities or even death.
In 18-wheeler accidents traumatic brain injuries are frequent particularly during the course of a collision. The force of the impact can cause damage to the brain, which could lead to serious mental health issues, cognitive impairments memory loss, as well as issues with communication and decision making.
Another kind of injury that happens often in collisions involving large trucks is spinal cord injuries. These injuries can be devastating for the family members of the victims and can cause paralysis or death.
Broken bones and fractures can be a frequent injury in truck accidents. Simple fractures can require an in-hospital cast for a week or longer and more complicated fractures can require extensive surgery and a lengthy recovery time.
If a limb is seriously damaged, it can be removed to avoid further damage. This can be a very difficult and painful procedure.
Certain types of amputations are able to be performed as a result of an injury to the nerve or an infection. Others aren't. It's important to consult with a doctor and consider your options before deciding to undergo any surgical procedure.
Many victims of truck accidents have suffered facial injuries such as lacerations, burns and blunt force trauma. This can lead to permanent disfigurement, scarring, and psychological problems.
In addition to suffering physical injuries in addition to physical harm, victims and their family members of a truck accident are often left with significant medical expenses, lost earnings, and the potential for future damage resulting from their injuries. It is important to speak with an attorney who is experienced and can assist you in getting the compensation you require for medical expenses, lost income, and other damages.
What to do After an 18-Wheeler Collision
If you or a loved one is injured in a crash with an 18-wheeler, it may be difficult to know what to do next. There are, however, some steps you must take following an accident.
First, it is important to remain at peace and focused on obtaining the facts of what occurred. If you do not be careful, you could accidentally reveal information that could be used against you by the truck driver or his insurance company.
Therefore, you should try to take all names, contact information and insurance information of all the parties involved. You should also speak with witnesses and any police officers present at the scene.
Take photographs of the damage to both vehicles as well as other important details. These photos could be used as evidence later in the case.
You and any passengers should also seek medical attention. This will help you to identify any injuries which are not immediately apparent, such as internal blood.
After you've been assessed by a medical professional, ensure that you get x-rays and any other tests that may be necessary to get proper treatment. 18 wheeler accident settlement pompano beach will help you establish that your injuries resulted from the accident.
It is also important to retain an attorney in Houston who specializes on 18-wheeler accidents as soon as you can following the accident. A lawyer can help you gather evidence that is crucial and seek full compensation.
A competent attorney will be able to determine the value of your claim and calculate damages. This will ensure that you get the most money for your losses and injuries.
Injuries caused by an 18-wheeler crash can be catastrophic 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 achieve the financial assistance you need to recover and continue living your life.
The truck accident lawyers at Morrow & Sheppard LLP have experience representing clients who have suffered injuries from commercial vehicle crashes across Texas. We will defend your rights because we understand the complexities involved in these kinds of cases.
Settlements in 18-Wheeler Accidents
Families of victims of accidents involving 18-wheelers often receive substantial settlements. Settlements can range from thousands to billions dependent on the circumstances.
There is no "average settlement" for a truck crash however it is important to be aware that the amount you receive is contingent on a variety of factors, including your injuries and the responsible parties, and the insurance coverage that is available. These factors can also be affected by the amount of responsibility you had in the accident, which is referred to as contributing negligence.
One common tactic employed by insurance companies is to contact accident victims and make offers well before they even file an action. These offers may appear reasonable, but are often significantly less than the compensation that victims deserve.
If you have been in an accident involving a truck it is crucial to speak with an experienced lawyer as quickly as you can. They can help you determine the circumstances of your case and negotiate the most favorable settlement.
The first step in settling your 18-wheeler accident claim is to gather all of the evidence you have. This includes medical records, witness testimony and any other information that you have about the crash.
This evidence will help your lawyer determine the exact value of your losses. This value is based on the economic and non-economic costs such as pain and suffering and loss of future earnings.
Intangible losses, such as emotional and mental trauma, are also frequently overlooked in personal injury cases, however they can have a significant impact on your financial recovery. These damages could include the loss of companionship, support, and mental distress.
In a settlement resulting from the aftermath of a trucking accident, the damages could range from medical bills and property damage to the wrongful death compensation. They can also cover non-economic damages such as emotional and mental stress and pain.
Settlements for truck accidents are typically larger than those from car accidents because of the severity of the injuries involved. Injuries that are severe can cause individuals to be absent from work for a prolonged period and could result in expensive medical care and other costs.