The aftermath of a trucking accident can be devastating. These massive vehicles can cause serious injuries, property damage, and emotional trauma. If you’ve been involved in an 18-wheeler crash, you don’t have to face this challenge alone. Truck accident lawyers can be strong advocates to help you get the compensation you deserve.
Why Trucking Accidents Are Different
Accidents involving 18-wheelers (also called semi-trucks or big rigs) are different from car accidents for a few reasons:
- Size and Weight: Trucks can weigh 20-30 times more than a car. This creates a much greater force of impact, leading to more severe injuries.
- Regulations: Truck drivers and trucking companies have stricter laws they must follow compared to regular drivers. If these rules are broken and contribute to an accident, it strengthens your case.
- Multiple Parties Involved: There could be more than one party responsible for the accident, such as the truck driver, the trucking company, a parts manufacturer, or a company that loaded the cargo. A lawyer can help identify all potentially liable parties.
Common Causes of Trucking Accidents
Several factors can cause trucking accidents. Here are some of the most common:
- Driver Error: Truck drivers have long hours and demanding schedules, which can lead to fatigue, speeding, or distracted driving.
- Truck Maintenance Issues: Poorly maintained brakes, tires, or other parts can cause breakdowns or equipment failure, leading to accidents.
- Improperly Loaded Cargo: If cargo isn’t secured correctly, it can shift during transport and cause the truck to roll over or lose control.
- Blind Spots: Large trucks have extensive blind spots. Car drivers who aren’t aware of these danger zones can be at risk.
Types of Injuries from Trucking Accidents
Trucking accidents can cause a wide range of injuries, from minor bumps and bruises to life-threatening conditions. Here are some common types:
- Head and Brain Injuries: These can be caused by hitting the steering wheel, windshield, or other objects inside the vehicle.
- Spinal Cord Injuries: These can result in partial or complete paralysis.
- Neck and Back Injuries: Whiplash and other soft tissue injuries are common.
- Broken Bones: The force of a truck accident can cause fractures.
- Internal Injuries: These can be difficult to diagnose and may take time to show symptoms.
How a Truck Accident Lawyer Can Help
A lawyer specializing in truck accidents can be a valuable asset after a crash. Here’s how they can assist you:
- Investigate the Accident: They will gather evidence, such as police reports, witness statements, and truck driver records, to determine the cause of the accident.
- Identify Liable Parties: They will explore who or what may have been responsible for the crash and build a strong case.
- Deal with Insurance Companies: Insurance companies for trucking companies and other parties involved can be difficult to navigate. A lawyer can handle communication and negotiations to ensure a fair settlement.
- Calculate Damages: They will calculate the financial compensation you deserve for medical bills, lost wages, pain and suffering, and other damages.
- Represent You in Court: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, your lawyer can represent you in court.
What to Do After a Trucking Accident
If you’ve been involved in a trucking accident, here are some steps to take:
- Seek Medical Attention: This is the most important step. See a doctor right away, even if you don’t feel any pain immediately.
- Report the Accident: File a police report and get a copy for your records.
- Gather Evidence: Take pictures of the accident scene, your injuries, and any damage to your vehicle.
- Don’t Talk to Insurance Companies: Don’t give a recorded statement or sign anything without consulting a lawyer.
- Contact a Truck Accident Lawyer: An attorney can advise you of your rights and protect your interests throughout the legal process.
Finding the Right Truck Accident Lawyer
Finding a qualified lawyer is crucial. Look for someone with experience handling truck accident cases specifically. Here are some tips for your search:
- Ask for Recommendations: Talk to friends, family, or your doctor for referrals.
- Research Online: Look for lawyers in your area who specialize in truck accidents. Read reviews and check their qualifications.
- Schedule Consultations: Meet with several lawyers to discuss your case and find someone you feel comfortable with.
Don’t Let a Trucking Accident Leave You Stranded
Trucking accidents can leave you feeling overwhelmed and unsure of where to turn. Medical bills pile up, lost wages create financial strain, and the emotional impact of the accident can be significant. A truck accident lawyer can be a powerful advocate during this challenging time.
Understanding Your Compensation
Truck accident cases can involve various types of compensation. A lawyer can help you recover damages for:
- Medical Expenses: This includes past, present, and future medical costs associated with your injuries. This covers doctor visits, hospital stays, surgery, medication, rehabilitation, and therapy.
- Lost Wages: If you’re unable to work due to your injuries, you can be compensated for lost income. This may also include future lost wages if your injuries have long-term impacts on your ability to work.
- Pain and Suffering: This covers the physical and emotional pain you’ve endured due to the accident.
- Property Damage: This covers repairs or replacement of your vehicle and any other property damaged in the accident.
- Wrongful Death: If you tragically lost a loved one in a trucking accident, a lawyer can help you pursue a wrongful death claim to recover compensation for funeral expenses, lost income from the deceased, and emotional distress.
The Legal Process: What to Expect
The legal process after a trucking accident can take time. Here’s a general breakdown of what to expect:
- Investigation: Your lawyer will gather evidence and build a strong case to prove how the accident happened and who was responsible.
- Demand Letter: Your lawyer will send a demand letter to the insurance companies involved, outlining the facts of the case and the compensation you deserve.
- Negotiation: Most cases settle outside of court through negotiation with insurance companies. Your lawyer will fight for a fair settlement that covers all your damages.
- Litigation: If a fair settlement cannot be reached, your lawyer will prepare your case for court. This involves filing a lawsuit and presenting evidence to a judge or jury.
Conclusion
Trucking accidents can have devastating consequences, but you don’t have to face the aftermath alone. 18-wheeler crash lawyers are here to help you navigate the legal complexities and pursue the compensation you deserve. If you or a loved one has been injured in a trucking accident in the United States, don’t hesitate to seek legal assistance. Contact an experienced 18-wheeler crash lawyer today to protect your rights and begin the journey toward recovery.
Truck Accident FAQs
How much does a truck accident lawyer cost?
Many truck accident lawyers work on a contingency fee basis. This means you don’t pay anything upfront, and their fee is a percentage of the compensation you recover.
How long do truck accident cases take?
The length of a case depends on the complexity of the accident, the severity of your injuries, and whether it goes to trial. It typically takes 12-18 months to settle a case, but some can take longer.
What if I was partially at fault for the accident?
You may still be entitled to compensation even if you were partially at fault. The percentage of fault you share will affect the amount of compensation you receive.
