Driving 18 wheelers or semi-trailer trucks has its inherent risks. The sheer size and speed at which these trucks operate can cause significant damage on the roads. An 18 Wheeler Accident Lawyer understands the unique challenges faced by accident victims and their families.
Truck accidents are complicated, and there are often many potential causes and responsible parties. If a truck swerved into your lane, was it because the driver fell asleep, or the steering failed? Was the driver sleepy from drugs, alcohol or being required to pull too many shifts? Did the steering fail because of a manufacturing defect, failure to do maintenance or shoddy work at the maintenance facility? How do you calculate your future medical expenses and lost income from the accident?
Getting to the bottom of these issues is where truck accident attorneys shine. Without a lawyer, it’s very difficult to navigate the system, understand the full extent of your losses and negotiate the best settlement.
Why Are 18-Wheelers So Dangerous?
What exactly makes 18 wheelers so much more dangerous than an average vehicle? Let’s explore a few reasons:
- Combination of weight and speed: While the average consumer car weighs 1.5 tons, an average loaded tractor weighs 40 tons. That’s nearly 27 times heavier than your average car. Now imagine the 40-ton truck traveling 60 mph crashing against a small vehicle—the consequences can be disastrous.
- Stopping Distances: Large trucks need much more time to stop than a car. It takes an average passenger vehicle traveling at 65 mph 316 feet to stop under ideal conditions. In contrast, it takes 525 feet to stop for a 40-ton truck traveling at the same speed. Additionally, large trucks have to deal with brake lag. Due to how air brakes work, there is a lag time between when the driver hits the brake and when the brakes are applied. This means 18 wheelers require even more stopping distance 1-800-Truckwreck Commercial Truck Accident Attorneys.
- Blindspot: 18 wheelers have four large blindspots – the front, the two sides, and the back of the truck. Due to the truck’s size and height, drivers can have a difficult time spotting smaller cars when they are in these areas. Driving in these areas can be extremely dangerous for small vehicles, especially when the truck driver fails to check their blind spots.
- Hazardous material: Semi-trucks carry hazardous material all the time on American roads. Due to more stringent regulations, drivers require specialized training to become a hazmat driver. Hazardous material could include items that are flammable, explosive, radiological, or poisonous. These materials can cause significant damage to people and the environment if released in the open.
- Unsecured cargo: Not all 18 wheelers have enclosed trailers. Some semis have an open flatbed, which requires the driver to secure the cargo properly. If the driver was negligent in tying down the cargo, loose debris could cause accidents resulting in injuries and even deaths. Some common types of unsecured cargo can include raw materials, industrial tools, car parts, and more.
As you can see, there are many risks when driving an 18 wheeler. Failing to mitigate these risks can result in an accident. If an accident occurs due to another party’s negligence, you have the right to seek compensation. An 18 wheeler accident lawyer can advise on the best path forward in this situation.
What To Do After An 18 Wheeler Accident
It can be overwhelming to figure out what to do after an 18 wheeler crash. Here are some basic steps to take following your accident.
1. MOVE TO SAFETY
If the accident was minor and the car is drivable, move your vehicle to avoid a secondary collision. If it is safer to remain where you’re at or if you’ve sustained significant injuries, remain seated until help comes. Call 911 to inform authorities of the accident.
2. EXCHANGE INFORMATION WITH THE TRUCK DRIVER
Exchange details with the truck driver, including their name, contact information, license, registration, and insurance information. You should also obtain their trucking company name and any relevant contacts. Limit your conversations with the truck driver. Never discuss issues of fault. Even a simple apology can be used against you.
3. DOCUMENT THE SCENE
If you can, document the scene through photos. Take pictures of the damage, debris, injuries, and the surrounding environment. Ask witnesses for their contact information. Nearby businesses may also have video footage of the incident.
4. SEEK MEDICAL ATTENTION
An accident with an 18 wheeler can be serious. Seek medical attention immediately. It’s a good idea to visit a doctor even if you don’t notice any symptoms. Symptoms like whiplash can arise a couple of days after the incident, so it’s important to get a checkup right away.
5. CONSULT WITH AN 18 WHEELER LAWYER
Crash victims sometimes mistakenly give accident statements to insurance companies without consulting an 18 wheeler injury lawyer. It is not in the insurance company’s best interests to hand out money. Trucking companies backed by their insurance companies will aggressively defend every claim. Let an experienced lawyer deal with insurance companies. Doing so may give you the best chance of receiving compensation for your injuries.
How An 18 Wheeler Accident Attorney Can Help
Sorting out the aftermath of an 18 wheeler accident is not easy. An 18 wheeler accident law firm can help you with your case while you recover from your injuries. They’ll address questions such as:
- Who’s at fault? There are a number of parties who could potentially be at fault in an 18 wheeler accident. It could be the truck driver, trucking company, truck manufacturer, another driver, or a third-party entity. Determining who is negligent is a key factor in receiving compensation. A lawyer will help identify the negligent parties to build your case.
- How much compensation can I get? Major injuries can result due to an 18 wheeler crash. It’s up to an experienced lawyer to ensure you are getting the compensation you need to recover. This includes enough money to cover your medical treatments, car damages, loss of income, legal fees, and pain and suffering costs.
- How to negotiate with insurance companies? It is in the insurance company’s best interest to settle quickly. And, most often, they will try to lowball you an offer. Most people do not have the expertise to negotiate with large insurance companies. An 18 wheeler accident attorney understands the tactics used by insurance companies as they deal with them all the time. They’ll level the playing field, so you can get the maximum settlement possible.
18-Wheeler Truck Collision Cases Are Complicated
Because 18-wheelers, car collisions, and medical injuries are complicated by nature, truck accident litigation is too. These cases implicate complex concepts in the areas of physics, chemistry, federal trucking regulations, biology, medicine, driving standards, and economics. When a claim based on an 18-wheeler collision goes to trial, accident victims will have to prove their case to a jury by explaining what happened using these complicated scientific and industry-specific ideas and principles.
Our team at Law has spent more than 60 years learning the ins and outs of the trucking industry, the science behind truck collisions, and the best negotiation and trial tactics to win big for our clients. We have built a team that understands how to use field experts, graphics, witnesses, and technologies in order to explain why victims like you deserve to be compensated.
How Much Compensation Could I Receive for My 18 Wheeler Accident Claim?
Eighteen-wheeler accidents usually result in serious injuries requiring a long recovery period. Some financial losses a truck accident injury victim could face include medical bills, lost wages, emotional trauma, and possible funeral expenses.
For a successful injury claim, you could receive economic and non-economic damages.
Economic damages refer to any financial losses that you accrued after the accident. Examples of economic damages include:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages and earning potential
- Funeral costs
- Property damage
Non-economic damages can compensate you for any non-financial losses that you experienced. Examples of non-economic damages include:
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Mental anguish
- Loss of enjoyment or consortium
Unfortunately, insurance will rarely cover all these expenses. Your best option is to speak with an 18-wheeler accident lawyer to move forward.
Why Are 18-Wheeler Accidents So Catastrophic?
Eighteen-wheelers are much more dangerous than most other types of vehicles. Some of the reasons why include:
- Heavy Loads – With a full load, an 18-wheel truck weighs 80,000 pounds, which is 400 tons. To put that number into perspective, the average car weighs about 2,700 pounds, which is just over 1 ton. That means that 18-wheelers are 400 times heavier than most of the cars that they share the road with. When 18-wheel trucks collide with other motor vehicles, their massive weight often causes serious injuries, incredible property damage, and tragic deaths.
- Largest Vehicles on the Road – 18-wheelers can be up to 176 feet in length and can have up to four trailers! That means the 18-wheel truck driving next to you on the highway is longer than half of a football field and over 10 times as long as the average car. It can be difficult for drivers to avoid crashing as they navigate sharp curves in the road, turns, merges, expressway exits, and narrow streets. Their massive size also amplifies the danger of roadside negligence, like speeding. An 18-wheeler truck traveling at 70 miles per hour has twice-as-much energy as one going 50 miles per hour.
- Require More Time and Space to Stop – The length of time needed for an 18-wheeler to slow down or come to a complete stop is about 40% longer than the time that a car requires. Many motor-vehicle operators that drive behind 18-wheelers do not realize how much space they should be left between their car and the massive truck in front of them.
- Huge Blind Spots – Unlike a sedan, hatchback, SUV, minivan, or pickup truck, 18-wheelers lack a rear window. 18-wheeler truckers must therefore rely on their rearview mirrors in order to see what is behind them, but given the truck and trailer’s massive size, there are huge blind spots.
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What Should I Do After an 18-Wheeler Truck Accident?
The first and most important thing to do after an accident is to hire an experienced 18-wheeler crash lawyer trucking accident attorney as soon as possible. Fighting large trucking companies is something you will need the experience to do. These companies have vast resources, including teams of lawyers and experts more than prepared to fight against any lawsuit that comes their way. Having a lawyer by your side gives you the peace of mind needed to help you recover tractor trailer accident attorney.
An experienced attorney will get the evidence needed to prove your accident claim, negotiate with the insurance company on your behalf, represent your interests in the courtroom, and make sure you get the compensation you deserve.
Steps you can follow immediately after an accident with an 18-wheeler to help protect your future truck accident claim 18 wheeler accident lawyer houston:
- At the accident scene, remain calm and stay in your vehicle unless you need to exit for safety reasons. Call 911 and do not leave the scene.
- Record all the names, addresses, and phone numbers of any parties involved, particularly witnesses. Write down the names and badge numbers of any police officers investigating the accident.
- Photograph and take a video of the scene, including vehicles and injuries. Make sure you get the truck driver’s employer information.
- Seek medical attention, even if you don’t think you were injured at the time of the accident. Injuries might not present themselves until hours or days after the accident.
- Immediately notify your insurance company to start the claim process. When speaking with your insurance company, stick to the facts of the case and do not admit fault.
- Do not discuss the accident with anyone except the police or your insurance agent. You are not required to give a statement to anyone but the police and your insurance company.
What Should I Do in the Days Following an 18-Wheeler Semi-Truck Accident?
Here is what truck accident victims need to do in the days after an 18-wheeler crash:
- Get a copy of the accident report from the police. Do the same with a property damage valuation from your insurance company. Both reports will give your lawyer a better idea of what your claim is worth.
- Keep a record of all visits with doctors and healthcare providers. Write down all symptoms, diagnoses, and pain you have. Get copies of all test results, medications, treatments, and any other medical care.
- List all out-of-pocket expenses you incur while injured or due to your semi truck accident.
- Keep a record of missed work or other activities your injuries prevented you from joining.
- Do not speak to the other party’s insurance company without speaking to your 18-wheeler accident lawyer first. Remember, you do not need to speak with anyone about the accident except for your lawyer, the police, and your insurance company.
- Do not accept any settlement offers until you speak with one of our experienced attorneys first.
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Calfas Law Group: PLLC today at 210-405-8315 or contact us online to schedule a case consultation with one of our 18–wheeler accident attorneys
Carabin Shaw: Free Consultation – Call 800-862-1260 – Carabin Shaw is dedicated to serving our clients with a range of legal services including Truck Injury and Accident.
Arnold & Itkin: Arnold & Itkin, a nationally recognized law firm serving the San Antonio area, has achieved significant success in truck accident cases. The firm has recovered over $20 billion for its clients, setting records with numerous significant victories. Some notable examples include a $35.5 million settlement for a family affected by a trucking accident, a $12.4 million verdict for a worker hit by a delivery truck, an $11.7 million settlement for an 18-wheeler collision, and many multi-million-dollar results in cases involving big rig accidents. The attorneys at Arnold & Itkin have helped tens of thousands secure the compensation they deserve, fighting tirelessly for their clients and treating them like family throughout the legal journey.
Gireud Hobbs PLLC Attorneys at Law: Gireud Hobbs PLLC Attorneys at Law has been dealing with San Antonio clients since 2015. The firm works on truck accident cases and helps victims hold liable drivers and their employers for various negligent actions. These include speeding or operating vehicles without proper certifications. It uses evidence like witness testimonies to maximize the client’s claim. Fernando Gireud, one of the firm’s lawyers, is the recipient of the Director of the Year award in 2018 from the San Antonio Young Lawyers Association.
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Zehl & Associates: Winning Texas Truck Accident Lawyers: Call 1-888-603-3636 for a Free Consultation. With Billions won and the largest truck and 18–wheeler accident verdicts
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Baumgartner Law Firm: Get a FREE consultation on a truck accident case. Call Baumgartner Law Firm at (281) 587-1111- over 35 years of expertise in trucking claims.
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What Are the Common Causes of 18-Wheeler Accidents?
ne of the first tasks for your 18-wheeler accident lawyer will be establishing what factors and behaviors caused your crash. Accidents with 18-wheelers happen for a variety of reasons, including:
Overloaded or improperly loaded trailers: It is the responsibility of the shippers to make sure the cargo is properly secured. If the cargo isn’t secured, items may fall out of the trailer during transport, hitting vehicles and causing an accident. In addition, if the 18-wheeler is overloaded, the truck will not be balanced properly. All that’s needed is one sharp turn and the truck can overturn on the road.
Fatigued driving: Truck drivers have a deadline to keep. They also have strict regulations called hours of service. These regulations are put in place so the truck driver does not drive drowsy which could cause them to fall asleep behind the wheel and cause an accident. Unfortunately, many of these drivers are under pressure from the trucking company to meet an unrealistic deadline and they will ignore the regulation, causing fatigued driving to occur.
Under the influence of drugs or alcohol: Drunk driving is illegal and especially dangerous for those driving 18-wheelers. They need to be alert at all times when driving. However, even taking a single drink, their reaction time can decrease. Mix that with the additional time it takes a big rig to fully stop, and the results can be catastrophic.
Distracted driving: Truck drivers spend many lonely hours behind the wheel, looking at nothing but the highway. They can easily become distracted by not only their cell phones but by eating food, using the navigation system, or fiddling with the radio.
Speeding: Taking a corner too fast or stopping suddenly after going too fast in an 18-wheeler can result in the truck jackknifing on the road. What this means is the front of the truck will stop but the trailer will keep moving behind the vehicle, taking any cars with it.
Inclement weather: Snow, sleet, fog, and rain can make visibility and road conditions difficult for any vehicle on the road. Although truck drivers may think they’re less vulnerable to bad weather conditions, accidents do occur on a regular basis.
Failure to perform required inspections and maintenance: It is the truck owner’s responsibility to maintain and regularly inspect the 18-wheeler for any problems. However, many owners ignore regular inspections. This can result in wear and tear on the vehicle such as tire blowouts and worn brakes. In addition, if something was installed improperly on the truck, say the wrong type of tire, those responsible for the maintenance of the vehicle could be held responsible.
Manufacturing defects: Sometimes the accident was not caused by the driver but by the truck’s manufacturer. Vehicle defects are common causes of any type of traffic accident. When there is a defect in the manufacturing of the vehicle that results in an accident, the manufacturer could be held responsible.
To determine the exact cause (and hold all the negligent parties accountable for the harm you suffered) our 18-wheeler accident attorney will work with the best experts and perform a thorough investigation.
Who Can You Sue in an 18-Wheeler Crash Case?
Truck accidents can be more complicated because of the long list of parties who could be at fault.
Involved parties in an 18-wheeler crash lawsuit could include the following:
Truck driver
Trucking company
Owner of the truck/trailer
Third party manufacturers
Facility responsible for loading the truck
Any group responsible for the contents of the trailer
The best way to determine the right course of action for your unique 18-wheeler accident case is to speak with a lawyer.
How Long Do I Have to File a Lawsuit After a Truck Accident?
In most states, the statute of limitations to file your 18-wheeler crash claim is two years from the date of the accident.
Do not wait two years to file. Your case will be much easier to investigate and recover compensation closer to the date of the accident so the details and evidence are fresh. If you wait, important evidence could be lost or destroyed. It also gives the trucking company and its own team of investigators and experts on the scene of the crash more time to build their defense.
How Much Will It Cost to Hire an 18-Wheeler Truck Accident Attorney?
We work on a contingent-fee basis, meaning we do not collect a fee unless we win your case. You will owe us nothing up front or out of your own pocket. At Munley Law, we will not get paid until you get paid.