5 Laws Everyone Working In 18 Wheeler Accidents Attorneys Should Know
What to Do If You Are Injured in an 18-Wheeler Accident If you've been injured by an 18-wheeler vehicle, you are entitled to compensation for your injuries and the damages. An experienced lawyer for truck accidents can assist you through the process. A collision involving a 18-wheeler is more likely to cause serious injuries than a collision between two cars. The larger trucks are generally more difficult to control and may be extremely difficult to stop. The causes of 18-wheeler accidents If you've ever been in an 18-wheeler collision you're aware of how terrifying it can be. These massive vehicles can be filled with dangerous cargo that can be deadly if it gets into the wrong hands. The drivers of these large trucks are expected to be highly proficient and cautious behind the wheel, but they're still prone to accidents. Drivers under pressure to deliver their goods at a specified time can over-exceed the limit of safety for an 18-wheeler. They may decide to drive beyond the speed limit posted, or ignore traffic signs that warn them of sharp curves and turns. This puts innocent drivers at risk of being hit by trucks. Braking 18 wheeler accident attorney grand prairie of the large size of their trailers and trucks, 18-wheelers require more time to stop than passenger cars. This is the case, particularly when they're moving at a high rate and carrying large loads. When their brakes fail, they won't be able to slow down enough to avoid a crash. Sleepy driving or falling asleep at the Wheel Another reason for 18 wheeler accidents is driver fatigue. Truckers work long hours to earn money and might not get enough rest. They could also be taking prescription medications to treat allergies or cold symptoms that can lead to insomnia. They may not be familiar with the route they're traveling on and may try to consult the map or electronic navigation system without pulling 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 Roads that are not maintained properly can be particularly dangerous for 18-wheelers. They can trap the trucks in places they shouldn't be, causing them to slide or roll over. This can be especially difficult for truckers, who often spend long periods of time traveling along unmarked roads at night. It can also be risky when a trucker has to deal with weather problems on these roads. The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration reports that a third of all accidents that involve 18-wheelers have unsafe road conditions. These conditions include poor design, a lack of pavement or maintenance, and climate problems such as heavy snow or rain. Common injuries in 18-wheeler accidents The weight and size of an 18-wheeler, a fully loaded semi truck that weighs 80,000 pounds or more could make collisions with this vehicle risky. This is true especially when the 18-wheeler has liquids or chemicals. A brain injury that is traumatic is one of the most frequent injuries that happen in 18-wheeler crashes. While they're not easy to detect on a normal X-ray, tiny lesions in the head can have a devastating effect on the patient's quality of life and overall health. These injuries are caused by changes in mental state, mood and behavior. They can also cause physical disability, or even death. In 18-wheeler accidents, traumatic brain injuries are commonplace, especially when they happen in the course of collisions. The force of the collision could cause damage to the brain, which can lead to serious health issues, cognitive difficulties, memory loss, and difficulty with decision-making and communication. Another type of injury that is seen frequently in collisions involving large trucks is spinal cord injuries. These injuries can be catastrophic for the victims and their families and can cause paralysis or even death. Broken bones and fractures are a frequent injury in truck crashes. Simple fractures may require an entire week or more in a cast, whereas complex fractures can require lengthy procedures and long recovery times. Amputating a limb that has been severely damaged will help to prevent further injury. This is a difficult and painful procedure. Some types of amputations can be performed because of an infected nerve or permanent damage. Other types of amputations aren't. Before deciding to undergo any procedure, it is important to speak to a doctor to discuss your options. Many victims of truck accidents have suffered facial injuries like burns, cuts, and lacerations as well as blunt force trauma. This can lead to permanent disfigurement, psychological problems and scarring. In addition to suffering physical injury, the victims and their family members of a truck accident are often left with significant medical bills, lost wages and future losses resulting from their injuries. It is important to speak with an attorney who has the right qualifications 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 Car Crash If you or a loved one is injured in a collision with an 18-wheeler, it could be a challenge to figure out what to do next. There are a few steps you could take following an accident. First, it is essential to remain at peace and focused on obtaining the facts of what transpired. If you don't be careful, you could accidentally reveal information that could be used against you by the truck driver or his insurance company. As a result, you should try to get the names and contact information of all involved parties as well as their insurance and drivers' licenses. It is also advisable to speak with witnesses and any police officers present at the scene. It is also important to take photographs of the damaged vehicles and other important details on the scene. These photographs can be used as evidence in the future. It's also a good idea to seek medical treatment for yourself and any passengers in the vehicle. This will allow you recognize any injuries which are not immediately apparent, such as internal blood. After being examined by medical professionals, you'll need to obtain x-rays and any other tests that you may require to receive the proper treatment. This will enable you to establish that the crash caused the injuries you suffered. Finally, it is important to retain an Houston attorney that specializes in 18-wheeler accidents as quickly as you can after the accident. An attorney can help you gather important evidence and pursue a full compensation claim. An experienced attorney can assess the value of your claim and calculate damages. This will ensure you get the maximum amount of compensation for your losses and injuries. Injuries sustained in an accident involving an 18-wheeler can be devastating. You need to ensure that your family's financial needs are satisfied. The Callahan Law Firm, a Houston personal injury lawyer, can assist you to obtain the financial help you need to recover and get back to your life. The truck accident lawyers at Morrow & Sheppard LLP are adept at representing clients who have been injured in commercial vehicle accidents across Texas. We understand the complexities involved in these types of cases and will fight hard for your rights. Settlements for 18-Wheeler accident settlements 18-wheeler accident victims and their families usually recover substantial settlements. Settlements can range from thousands to millions depending on the circumstances. There is no “average settlement” for a truck accident It's important to know that the amount you'll receive is contingent on many factors, like your injuries, the parties at fault, and the insurance coverage available. Contributory negligence can also impact these variables. Insurance companies often contact victims of accidents and offer them offers before filing a lawsuit. These offers might seem reasonable, but they are often substantially less than what the victims deserve. If you have been in an accident involving trucks, 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 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 related to the incident. Having this evidence will allow your lawyer to calculate the actual value of your losses. The value is determined by both economic and non-economic damage that includes things like suffering and suffering, as well as loss of future earnings. Intangible losses like emotional and mental trauma, are also frequently overlooked in personal injury cases, however they can have significant impacts on your financial recovery. These damages can include loss of companionship, mental distress and emotional stress. Damages that could be included in a settlement of a trucking accident include everything from medical costs to property damage, as well as compensation for wrongful deaths. They may also include non-economic damages like mental and emotional stress and pain. The settlements in truck accidents tend to be larger than those from car accidents because of the severity of injuries that are involved. Severe injuries can cause individuals to be absent from work for a lengthy period, and they can result in costly medical treatments and other expenses.