There are few things as terrifying as being hit by a massive 18 wheeler truck. The sheer size and weight of these vehicles can cause devastating damage to both your vehicle and your body.
If you or a loved one has been in an accident with an 18 wheeler, it’s important that you seek legal representation as soon as possible.
Discover the causes, injuries, and steps to take if you are hit by an 18 wheeler. Get expert legal representation to fight for your rights. Read now.
The Dangers of Being Hit by an 18 Wheeler
When you’re hit by an 18 wheeler, the results can be catastrophic. These trucks often weigh upwards of 80,000 pounds, which means that they can easily crush smaller cars and cause serious injuries to anyone inside.
Injuries from these accidents can include broken bones, spinal cord injuries, brain injuries, and even death. In addition to the physical danger posed by these massive trucks, there’s also the emotional trauma to consider.
Being in a collision with an 18 wheeler can leave you feeling shaken and scared for a long time afterward. Many people experience symptoms of PTSD or anxiety after such accidents.
Why You Need Legal Representation
If you’ve been hit by an 18 wheeler, it’s critical that you seek legal representation right away. There are several reasons why this is so important:
- To protect your rights: Insurance companies will often try to minimize their liability after accidents like these. Without legal representation on your side, it can be difficult to navigate this complex process on your own.
- To investigate the cause of the accident: Your lawyer will work tirelessly to uncover what caused the accident and who was responsible for it. This information is critical in pursuing compensation for any damages or injuries sustained.
- To negotiate with insurance companies: Your lawyer will handle all negotiations with insurance companies on your behalf. They’ll work to ensure that you receive fair compensation for your injuries and damages.
When it comes to being hit by an 18 wheeler, the stakes are high. That’s why it’s so important to have a skilled and experienced lawyer on your side. With the right representation, you can focus on healing from your injuries while your lawyer fights for the compensation you deserve.
Causes of 18 wheeler accidents
Negligent driving (e.g. speeding, distracted driving)
When we think about truck accidents, the first cause that often comes to mind is negligent driving. And it’s true that many 18 wheeler accidents are caused by drivers who are speeding, texting while driving, or otherwise not paying attention to the road.
Unfortunately, these types of behaviors can be especially dangerous when performed by truckers who are operating vehicles that can weigh up to 80,000 pounds. When an 18 wheeler collides with a passenger car at high speed due to negligent driving, the results can be catastrophic.
But it’s not just passenger vehicles that are at risk. Truckers themselves can also suffer serious injuries if they engage in negligent behavior behind the wheel of their rig.
Poor vehicle maintenance
Another common cause of 18 wheeler accidents is poor vehicle maintenance. When trucks aren’t properly maintained and serviced on a regular basis, they become more prone to breakdowns and other mechanical failures that can lead to accidents.
Some examples of poor vehicle maintenance include things like worn brake pads or tires, broken lights or signals, or malfunctioning steering components.
If any of these issues aren’t addressed promptly and adequately by the trucking company or driver responsible for maintaining the vehicle, they could be held liable for any resulting accident.
Overloaded or improperly loaded cargo
Overloaded or improperly loaded cargo can also contribute to 18 wheeler accidents. When cargo isn’t distributed evenly throughout a truck’s trailer or exceeds legal weight limits for a given route or highway system,
it can throw off the vehicle’s balance and make it more difficult for the driver to control. In some cases, overloaded cargo may even spill out onto the roadway and cause secondary accidents involving other vehicles.
It’s crucial for trucking companies to ensure that their cargo is loaded properly and within safe weight limits before sending drivers out on the road. Failure to do so could result in serious injury or death for anyone involved in an ensuing accident.
Injuries sustained from 18 wheeler accidents
Physical injuries
When an individual is hit by an 18 wheeler, the injuries sustained can range from minor to severe. Physical injuries such as broken bones, spinal cord injuries, and head trauma are common in these types of accidents.
The impact of a collision with a large commercial vehicle can cause serious harm to a person’s body, often requiring extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation. In some cases, physical injuries can be permanent, leaving the victim with long-term disabilities and chronic pain.
For example, spinal cord injuries can result in paralysis or loss of mobility in certain parts of the body. Broken bones may require surgery and months or even years of physical therapy to fully recover.
Emotional trauma
In addition to physical injuries, victims of 18 wheeler accidents may also experience emotional trauma such as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and anxiety. Witnessing a traumatic event like being hit by an 18 wheeler can have lasting psychological effects on an individual’s mental health.
Symptoms of emotional trauma may include nightmares or flashbacks about the accident, avoidance behaviors such as not wanting to drive on roads where commercial vehicles are present, and feelings of anxiety or depression that interfere with daily life.
Financial losses
The financial impact of being hit by an 18 wheeler can also be significant. Medical bills related to treating physical injuries can quickly accumulate into thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars. Additionally, victims may have lost wages due to time away from work while recovering from their injuries.
If the victim is unable to return to work at all due to permanent disability resulting from the accident, financial losses could extend far into the future in terms of lost income potential.
A skilled personal injury lawyer with experience in handling 18 wheeler accident cases will take into account all of these factors when negotiating a settlement for their client.
What to Do After Being Hit by an 18 Wheeler
Seek Medical Attention Immediately
If you have been hit by an 18 wheeler, your first priority should be your health and safety. Even if you feel like you are not seriously injured, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. Some injuries may not show up immediately, so getting checked out by a doctor can help prevent complications down the road.
In addition to getting medical care, seeking prompt medical attention also creates a record of your injuries. This record can be important for insurance claims and legal proceedings later on.
Gather Evidence at the Scene
After getting medical attention, it is important to gather evidence at the scene of the accident. Take photos of any damage to your vehicle or other property, as well as any visible injuries. You should also try to get contact information from any witnesses who saw what happened.
If possible, write down everything you remember about the accident while it is still fresh in your mind. This can include details such as the time of day, weather conditions, and any actions taken by the truck driver before or after the crash.
Contact a Lawyer with Experience in 18 Wheeler Accidents
It is crucial that you contact a lawyer with experience in handling 18 wheeler accidents. Trucking companies have teams of lawyers working for them to fight against injury claims. To level the playing field and ensure that your rights are protected, it is essential that you have an experienced attorney working for you.
An attorney with experience in this type of case can help guide you through the process and handle negotiations with insurance companies on your behalf.
They will work hard to ensure that you receive fair compensation for your injuries and losses resulting from the accident.
If you have been hit by an 18 wheeler: seek medical attention immediately, gather evidence at the scene, and contact a lawyer with experience in handling truck accident cases.
Taking these steps can help protect your rights and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.
How a Lawyer Can Help
Investigate the Cause of the Accident
One of the most important things a hit by 18 wheeler lawyer can do for you is investigate the cause of your accident. This is crucial to building a strong case and determining who is at fault for your injuries.
Your lawyer will thoroughly examine all evidence related to the accident, including police reports, witness statements, and any available video footage.
Your lawyer will also work with accident reconstruction experts to determine exactly how the accident occurred.
They will analyze factors such as vehicle speed, weather conditions, road design, and driver behavior. By doing so, they can paint a complete picture of what happened and who should be held responsible.
Negotiate with Insurance Companies on Your Behalf
Another important way that a hit by 18 wheeler lawyer can help you is by negotiating with insurance companies on your behalf. In many cases, insurance companies will offer low settlements in an attempt to avoid paying out larger sums of money.
However, your attorney knows how much your case is worth and will fight for fair compensation. Your lawyer will handle all communication with insurance adjusters so that you don’t have to.
They will present evidence of your injuries and financial losses in order to justify your claim for damages. If necessary, they may also take legal action against the insurance company in order to obtain fair compensation.
Represent You in Court if Necessary
If negotiations with the insurance company fail to produce a satisfactory settlement offer, your hit by 18 wheeler lawyer may represent you in court. This can be a complex process involving extensive legal knowledge and courtroom experience.
Your attorney will present evidence on your behalf and argue that you are entitled to compensation for your injuries and other damages.
They may cross-examine witnesses and challenge testimony presented by the defense. Ultimately, they will work tirelessly to ensure that your legal rights are protected and that you receive the compensation you deserve.
Choosing the Right Lawyer for Your Case
Experience Matters
When it comes to choosing a lawyer to represent you after being hit by an 18 wheeler, one of the most important things to look for is experience in handling these types of cases.
You want a lawyer who has a deep understanding of the complexities involved in trucking accidents and who knows how to navigate the legal system in order to get you the compensation you deserve.
An experienced lawyer will understand how to investigate the accident, collect evidence, and build a strong case on your behalf.
They will also have experience negotiating with insurance companies and representing clients in court if necessary.
Don’t be afraid to ask potential lawyers about their experience with 18 wheeler accidents specifically – this can give you a good sense of whether they are equipped to handle your case.
Reviews and Testimonials
Another important factor when choosing an 18 wheeler accident lawyer is checking their reviews and testimonials from past clients. Take some time to research potential lawyers online, looking at reviews on third-party sites like Google, Yelp, or Avvo
. Pay attention not only to overall ratings but also to specific comments from clients about their experience working with that firm.
Additionally, most reputable law firms will have testimonials from past clients prominently displayed on their website. This can be a great way to get an idea of what it’s really like working with that firm – if past clients had positive experiences, chances are you will too.
Schedule a Consultation
Ultimately, one of the best ways to determine whether a particular 18 wheeler accident lawyer is right for your case is by scheduling a consultation. Most lawyers offer free consultations where you can meet with them in person or over the phone to discuss your situation.
During this consultation, ask plenty of questions about their experience handling trucking accidents specifically, as well as their approach to handling cases like yours.
This can give you a good sense of whether you feel comfortable working with that lawyer and whether you believe they can ultimately help you achieve a positive outcome in your case. Remember,
it’s important to choose a lawyer who not only has the experience and expertise necessary but who also makes you feel confident and supported throughout the process.
Conclusion
Recap of Importance of Seeking Legal Representation
Being hit by an 18 wheeler is a traumatic experience that can lead to life-altering injuries and financial losses. It is important to seek legal representation as soon as possible after the accident to protect your rights and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.
A skilled lawyer can investigate the cause of the accident, negotiate with insurance companies, and represent you in court if necessary.
One of the most significant advantages of having a lawyer on your side is their ability to navigate complex legal proceedings.
The laws and regulations surrounding trucking accidents can be confusing, but an experienced attorney will have a deep understanding of these complexities.
They can accurately assess the value of your case and help you build a strong argument for maximum compensation.
A Positive Outlook: Moving Forward After an Accident
While being hit by an 18 wheeler is undoubtedly a traumatic experience, it is important to maintain hope for the future. Recovering from injuries sustained in such accidents can be challenging, but it is not impossible.
With proper medical treatment and guidance from experienced professionals, victims can make significant progress towards healing.
Additionally, receiving fair compensation for damages sustained in such accidents will provide resources that allow victims to focus on recovery without worrying about financial hardships caused by lost income or mounting medical bills.
This compensation may also provide closure and peace of mind during a difficult time.
A Final Thought
Seeking legal representation after being hit by an 18 wheeler is crucial for protecting one’s rights and securing fair compensation for any damages incurred. While these types of accidents are undoubtedly difficult experiences both physically and emotionally,
they do not need to define one’s life going forward. By partnering with experienced legal counsel and focusing on recovery efforts, victims can move past their trauma towards a brighter future. Thank you