- 18 Wheeler Accident Lawyers: Get The Help You Deserve After an 18-Wheeler Accident
- 18 Wheeler Accident Lawyers: Get The Help You Deserve After an 18-Wheeler Accident
18-Wheeler Accident Lawyers |
Experienced 18 Wheeler Truck Accident Lawyers
Trucks play a vital role in our economy but also pose significant dangers on the roads, with thousands of accidents occurring each year. J
What Should I Do After a Houston 18-Wheeler Accident?
If you’ve been in an accident involving an 18-wheeler, here’s what you should do:
Immediate Steps:
Call 911: If there are serious injuries, seek medical help immediately.
Pull Over Safely: Move to a safe location off the road if possible.
Call the Police: Ensure a police report is filed.
Gather Information: Collect contact details of witnesses and take notes.
Take Photos: Document the scene, damages, and injuries.
Seek Medical Attention: Even if you feel fine, get checked by a healthcare professional.
Contact an Attorney: Reach out to our experienced Houston truck accident lawyers for guidance.
Key Questions After a Truck Accident
Consider the following questions:
Injuries: Were there any injuries sustained?
Fatalities: Was there loss of life?
Medical Bills: Do you have medical expenses?
Police Involvement: Did law enforcement respond?
Lost Income: Have you suffered lost wages?- Vehicle Damage: Is your vehicle damaged?
Cause of Accident: What led to the crash?
Why Choose Our 18-Wheeler Accident Law Firm?
Dedicated Team: We have experience handling complex truck accident claims.
Knowledgeable: Understanding of trucking industry regulations.
Fight for Justice: We advocate tirelessly for our clients’ rights.
How To Determine Liability in a Houston 18-Wheeler Accident
Identifying liable parties is crucial:
Potential Liable Parties:
- *
The Driver: Assessing factors like fatigue, distraction, or impairment. - * The Trucking Company: Examining maintenance records and compliance.
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The Manufacturer: Investigating any defects or malfunctions. - *
Other Parties: Considering external contributors to the accident.
Dealing With the Insurance Company After an 18-Wheeler Accident
Tips for handling insurance negotiations:
Negotiate Wisely: Don’t settle for less than you deserve.
Know Your Worth: Calculate the full extent of your damages.
Avoid Admitting Fault: Be cautious with your statements.- Fair Deals Only: Reject inadequate settlement offers.
Damages in a Houston Truck Accident
Understanding the types of damages you may claim:
Economic Damages:
Medical Bills- Lost Wages
- Future Medical Care
Non-Economic Damages:
Pain and Suffering
Loss of Consortium
Permanent Scarring
Wrongful Death Damages:
Funeral Costs
Loss of Companionship
Emotional Distress
Punitive Damages:
Imposed for Extreme Negligence
Are There Any Upfront Costs for Hiring a Houston Truck Accident Attorney?
We work on a contingency basis, meaning no upfront fees:
No Payment Unless You Win- Free Consultation Available
Common Causes of 18-Wheeler Accidents
Understanding the factors contributing to these accidents:
Driving Fatigue
Distracted Driving
Intoxicated Driving- Reckless Driving
- Poor Vehicle Maintenance
Improper Cargo Loading
Truck accidents demand skilled legal representation. If you’ve been involved in such an incident, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team for assistance.
- Understanding 18-Wheeler Accidents in Houston
Inclement Weather Conditions
- Inclement weather such as rain, ice, snow, fog, and smoke pose significant hazards to safe truck operation.
- These conditions can impair driver visibility and reduce tire traction, leading to accidents like jackknifing, sideswiping, or veering off the road.
- 18-wheelers encountering such weather may also jackknife, collide with other vehicles, or even drive into oncoming traffic, resulting in fatal crashes.
Common 18-Wheeler Accidents
- 18-wheeler accidents are distinct due to the vehicles’ size, weight, length, and blind spots, making them prone to specific types of crashes.
- The severity of injuries and likelihood of fatalities vary based on the accident type.
- Some common 18-wheeler accidents include:
- Jackknife Accidents: Occur when the truck folds at a 90-degree angle, often due to sudden braking, leading to catastrophic consequences.
- T-Bone Accidents: Result from side collisions, causing severe damage to smaller vehicles.
- Underride Accidents: Involve smaller vehicles getting trapped under the semi-truck after collision, leading to crushing injuries.
- Tire Blowout Accidents: Caused by tire failures, forcing the truck out of its lane and endangering other vehicles.
- Blind Spot Accidents: Due to the significant blind spots of 18-wheelers, adjacent vehicles may be crushed or forced off the road during turns or lane changes.
- Other common accidents include rollovers, head-on collisions, sideswipes, wide-turn accidents, and lost load accidents.
18-Wheeler Accident Statistics
| Statistic | Number |
|---|---|
| Injuries in large truck accidents | 154,993 |
| Occupants of other vehicles injured | 109,981 |
| Non-occupants killed (pedestrians, cyclists, etc.) | 631 |
| Large trucks involved in fatal accidents | 5,700 |
| Trucks involved in injury-related crashes | 117,312 |
| Fatal accidents on interstates | 26% |
| Fatal truck crashes during daytime | 71% |
| Fatal crashes involving large trucks in Texas | 832 |
| People killed in Texas due to large truck crashes | 806 |
Why Are Truck Accidents So Dangerous?
- Weight and Stopping Distance: 18-wheelers are heavier and require longer stopping distances, increasing the risk of collisions.
- Injuries to Other Vehicle Occupants: Occupants of smaller vehicles are at higher risk of catastrophic injuries in truck accidents.
- Rollover Vulnerability: The weight and height of trucks make them prone to rollover accidents.
- Blind Spots: Extensive blind spots increase the likelihood of accidents during lane changes or turns.
- Limited Maneuverability: Trucks have limited maneuverability, especially in urban areas, leading to accidents during turns or lane changes.
- Cargo Risks: Transporting goods can lead to accidents like trailer tip-overs or hazardous material spills.
Hurt in an 18-Wheeler Truck Accident?
- If you’ve been injured in an 18-wheeler accident, seeking legal assistance is crucial.
- The experienced attorneys at Johnson Garcia LLP specialize in representing victims of truck accidents in Houston.
- They handle cases involving various types of accidents and ensure fair compensation for their clients.
- With over $100 million recovered for clients, Johnson Garcia LLP is dedicated to advocating for accident victims’ rights.
FAQ
Q: What should I do if I’ve been involved in an 18-wheeler accident?
A: Seek medical attention, report the accident, gather evidence, and contact a trusted attorney for legal guidance.