11 Ways To Completely Sabotage Your 18 Wheeler Accidents Attorneys
What to Do If You Are Injured in an 18-Wheeler Accident
If you've been injured by an 18-wheeler vehicle, you have the right to receive compensation for your injuries and the damages. A skilled lawyer for truck accidents can help you with the process.
A collision involving a 18-wheeler is more likely to result in serious injuries than a collision involving two cars. These larger trucks are typically more difficult to control and may be extremely difficult to stop.
Causes of 18-Wheeler accidents
If you've ever been involved in an 18-wheeler collision, you know how frightening it can be. These huge vehicles are usually packed with dangerous cargo that could prove dangerous if handled incorrectly. The drivers of these huge trucks are expected to be proficient and cautious behind the wheel, however they are still susceptible to accidents.
Drivers under pressure to deliver their goods at a particular time might exceed the limits of safety for an 18-wheeler. They might choose to drive over the speed limit on the road, or ignore traffic warnings that warn them of tight turns and curves. This puts innocent pedestrians at risk of being hit by trucks.
Braking 18 wheeler accident lawsuit tulsa to the massive size of their trailers, 18-wheelers need more time to stop than passenger cars. This is especially true when they're traveling at high speeds and hauling heavy loads. If their brakes fail they're unable to slow down enough to avoid a crash.
Drowsy driving/Failing to fall asleep at the Wheel
Another reason for 18 wheeler accidents is fatigue. Truckers work for long hours to make a profit and might not get enough rest. They may also be taking prescription medications to combat allergies or cold symptoms that can result in drowsiness.
They might not be familiar with the road they're driving on and may attempt to consult a map or electronic navigation system, without turning 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
Poorly maintained roads are particularly hazardous for 18-wheelers. They can trap trucks in places they shouldn't be and cause them to skid or even roll over.
Truckers who are spending a lot of time in the dark on unlit roads may face difficulties. It could also be risky when a trucker has to deal with conditions that are not suitable for driving on these roads.
The National Highway Transportation Safety Administration found that a third of all accidents involving 18 wheelers is caused by unsafe road conditions. These conditions can be caused by poor design, a lack of pavement or maintenance, as well as weather issues like snow or heavy rain.
Common injuries in 18 Wheeler Accidents
The weight and size of an 18-wheeler, a fully loaded semi truck that weighs up to 80,000 pounds or more could make collisions with this vehicle risky. This is especially true when carrying dangerous chemicals or hazardous liquids that require extra caution.
One of the most common injuries sustained in an 18-wheeler collision is the trauma to the brain (TBI). Even though they're difficult to spot on a routine scan, even tiny lesions inside the head can have a devastating impact on the patient's quality of life and overall health.
These injuries are described as a change in mental state, mood and behavior. They can also result in physical disability or even death.
Traumatic brain injuries are a frequent injury that is seen in 18-wheeler accidents, especially when they occur during a head-on collision. The force of impact could cause brain damage, which can cause serious health problems, cognitive issues memory loss, as well as difficulties with communication and decision-making.
Another kind of injury that occurs often in collisions with large trucks is spinal cord injuries. These injuries can cause paralysis or even death for the victims and their families.
Broken bones and fractures are a frequent injury in truck crashes. Simple fractures can require an entire week or more in a cast. On the other hand, complex fractures can require lengthy procedures and long recovery times.
Amputating a limb that has been severely damaged will prevent further damage. This can be a very difficult and painful procedure.
Certain types of amputations can be performed because of an infected nerve or permanent damage. Others cannot. Before deciding whether to undergo any type of surgery, it's essential 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 addition to suffering physical harm as well as physical injuries, the victims and family members who are involved in a truck accident are often faced with significant medical expenses, lost earnings, and future losses resulting from their injuries. This is why it is essential to seek out the counsel of a reputable lawyer who can help you find the money you require for medical expenses, lost wages and other damages.
What to Do After an 18-Wheeler Crash
It can be difficult to know what to do if you or someone around you is injured in an accident involving a 18-wheeler. There are, however, some actions you should take after an accident.
It is important to stay calm and collect the facts of what happened. It is possible to accidentally disclose information to the insurance company or use it against you if you do not.
It is therefore recommended to get all the names, contact details and insurance details of all parties involved. You should also speak with witnesses and any police officers at the scene.
Also, you should take pictures of the damaged vehicles and other important details on the scene. These photos could serve as evidence later in the case.
It's also a good idea to seek medical attention for yourself as well as any passengers in the vehicle. This will allow you identify any injuries which are not immediately apparent, such as internal blood.
After being examined by a medical professional, ensure that you get the x-rays as well as any other tests that may be essential to receive the right treatment. This will allow you prove that your injuries resulted from the accident.
Additionally, it is essential to find a Houston attorney with expertise in 18-wheeler collisions as soon as possible following the accident. A lawyer can help you gather important evidence and pursue full compensation.
An experienced attorney will be able to determine the value of your injury claim and calculate the damages. This will ensure that you get the most money for your losses and injuries.
Injuries suffered in an 18-wheeler collision can be catastrophic, and you need to make sure that your family members are taken seriously financially. A Houston personal injury lawyer from The Callahan Law Firm can help you get the financial relief you require to recover from your injuries and move on with your life.
The truck accident attorneys at Morrow & Sheppard LLP have experience in representing clients who have been injured in commercial vehicle crashes across Texas. We will fight for your rights as we are aware of the complexities involved in these kinds of cases.
Settlements in 18-Wheeler Accidents
Family members of 18-wheeler accident victims often receive substantial settlements. These settlements vary from thousands to millions dependent on the circumstances.
While there's no "average" settlement for a trucking accident, it's important to understand that the amount you are awarded will depend on a variety factors that include your injuries, the responsible parties, and the amount of insurance coverage. These factors can also be affected by the degree of responsibility you had in the accident, referred to as contributory negligence.
Insurance companies often contact accident victims to make them offers before filing a lawsuit. These offers may appear sensible, but they're usually substantially less than what the victims deserve.
It is crucial to speak with an experienced lawyer immediately following a trucking crash. These attorneys can help to determine the circumstances and negotiate a fair settlement.
The collection of all evidence is the initial step to solving an 18-wheeler collision case. This includes medical records, witnesses' testimony as well as any other information regarding the incident.
Having this evidence will allow your lawyer to determine the actual value of your losses. The value will be determined built on your financial and non-economic damages. These include things like loss of future earnings, and suffering and pain.
Intangible losses like emotional or mental trauma are often left out of personal injury cases, but they can have a significant impact on your financial recovery. These damages can include loss of companionship, mental distress, and support.
Damages that could be included in a settlement of a trucking accident can range from medical expenses to property damage and compensation for wrongful demise. They can also include non-economic damages like mental and emotional stress and pain.
The settlements in truck accidents are typically larger than those from car accidents because of the severity of injuries that are involved. A serious injury can force an individual to be off work for a long time and could result in costly medical care and other costs.