The article below will cover important aspects of an 18-wheeler accident. The article discusses injuries that are common in 18-wheelers. It also explains the amount they can settle for the hours of service requirements and cargo that isn't secured. It can also be used to determine the proper procedure to file a lawsuit for injuries caused by 18-wheelers. This article is intended for those who have been involved in an accident and those who wish to file a claim.
Injuries caused by 18-wheeler accidents
The injuries caused by 18-wheeler accidents can be internal or external. Broken ribs and airbag deployment can cause internal injuries. In extreme instances, patients may need surgery to repair damage to their heart muscles or to restore function to their lungs. Patients who suffer injuries to their necks or head in 18-wheeler crashes can suffer brain injuries that could lead to death.
While fatigue of truck drivers is a leading cause of accidents involving tractor trailers, other factors contribute to these kinds of accidents. In many instances of injuries that involve large trucks, truck parts that are defective are blamed. One of the most frequent accidents that occurs when large trucks collide with passenger cars is a rollover. These accidents are usually caused by tire blowouts , or the improper storage of cargo.
No matter the cause whatever the reason, an 18-wheeler wreck can be catastrophic for those who drive smaller vehicles. The collision can cause serious injuries to passengers and drivers of smaller vehicles. In Texas, the number of 18-wheeler collisions is disproportionately high, and injuries rates in the Greater Houston area are high. You can file a claim against the insurance company of the truck driver to safeguard your rights.
Personal injury lawsuits involving the passenger vehicle or a passenger car may be common, but claims against an 18-wheeler driver is more difficult. The weight and size of the vehicle make it more difficult to maneuver, making claims difficult. A reputable truck accident lawyer can handle all of the necessary steps to recover the amount you are due. If you've been injured in an 18-wheeler collision you could be eligible for financial compensation.
Minor injuries such as bruises or puncture wounds might not appear to be life-threatening, but they can be costly if you're unable to work for months or even years. A competent Texas 18-wheeler accident lawyer will analyze the accident and determine whether you have an injury. There are numerous benefits to contacting a qualified Texas 18-wheeler accident lawyer. This can make the whole process much easier.
Average settlement amount for an 18-wheeler accident case
In addition to the obvious injuries to your body, you could be eligible for reimbursement for time off work for medical treatment. If you sustained serious injuries in an 18-wheeler accident, you should get medical attention right away and take care to monitor your health. You may be eligible to receive compensation for pain and suffering , based on the degree of your injuries. A qualified attorney will analyze your case and suggest the best damages to pursue.
While the amount of compensation you can receive for an 18-wheeler crash is greater than for motor vehicle accidents, it is important to keep in mind that every case will be different. The amount of settlement for 18-wheeler accidents is contingent upon the seriousness of the accident and the damage caused by the accident. It also depends on the insurance coverage of the driver. While some 18-wheeler settlements are just a few thousand dollars, others go into the hundreds of millions of dollars.
A typical settlement in an 18-wheeler crash case includes compensation for personal property that was lost during the accident, medical expenses incurred until 18 wheeler accident date and any medical expenses that could develop in the near future. Damages also include lost wages and future salaries. The specifics of your case and the lawyer you choose will determine the amount you are entitled to. It is important to keep in mind that the higher your compensation is, the greater your chance of obtaining it.
The time it takes for an 18-wheeler collision case to resolve will depend on the kind of case. Certain cases can be resolved in months or years, whereas others could take a long time. A seasoned attorney will fight for you and obtain the highest amount of amount of compensation. The average settlement in an 18-wheeler accident is a few hundred thousand dollars, however it may not be enough to cover your injuries.
Regulations on hours of service
You may be able to claim a trucking company is responsible for an accident involving an 18 wheeler, if the truck driver violated the hours-of-service regulations. FMCSA regulations require truck drivers to keep detailed records of their daily activities. A truck accident attorney will be able to uncover this evidence to prove that the driver was negligent. Even when the trucking company claims that the driver is an independent contractor, they may still be responsible for the accident.
In the case of hours-of-service regulations the trucking company could share the blame for the accident with the driver. In many cases, truck drivers are paid by the mile and are enticed to travel longer distances. Despite the dangers of driving when fatigued, the FMCSA has passed laws to make trucking companies responsible for any trucking accidents that involve the driver. Truck drivers are required to keep accurate logbooks. These can be obtained from a qualified attorney.
To ensure road safety to ensure safety on the road, the FMCSA enforces hours of service regulations. Drivers can not exceed the maximum hours of service allowed per day. Hours-of-service regulations are meant to prevent fatigued truck drivers from driving and can make them legally accountable for any damages resulting from an accident. Truck drivers won't be detained if they follow these regulations.
Many trucking accidents result from fatigued drivers. Drivers who are fatigued have been driving for long periods of time, without breaks. Trucking companies have regulations regarding hours of service to protect road users from fatigue-related accidents. These regulations are not abided by by all truck drivers. It is vital to determine whether the driver's fatigue played a role in the accident. It's important to consult an attorney that is experienced in these accidents.
The FMCSA enforces federal and state laws for truck drivers and their employers. Hours-of-service regulations are in place to reduce the amount of commercial vehicle accidents resulting from fatigued drivers. They mandate truck drivers to take at minimum a 30-minute break after eight hours behind the wheel and expand the 100-air-mile "short-haul" exemption. These regulations regarding hours of service could have been violated in the event of an 18-wheeler accident. This could result in injuries or even death.
Unsecured cargo on an 18-wheeler
If an 18-wheeler is involved in a collision, the unsecured cargo that fell off the truck could cause the truck to be jackknifed, spilling the contents onto the streets of city, highways, or the passenger vehicle below. In the event of this the truck may be tossed around and tip over, damaging both the vehicle and the cargo. You can seek compensation through a nationwide truck accident lawyer to protect your cargo.
When a trucker transports cargo, he or she must inspect it on a regular basis to ensure its security. Unsecured cargo can be thrown off a truck, causing serious injuries or even death. A lawsuit brought to recover damages could prove that the defendant did not exercise reasonable care when operating the truck. It is crucial that the trucker as well as the company ensure that cargo is safe.
A truck driver's inability to secure cargo before departure could be the reason for the accident. It is possible that the shipping company failed to provide adequate securing equipment for the truck driver. The truck drivers may have been under pressure to meet a deadline and haul a tight schedule which could have made them less likely inspect their cargo carefully. If this is the scenario, the trucking firm could be accountable, along with the shipping company. Third-party companies might also have been responsible for loading the cargo.