Seven Things to Learn About 18-wheeler accidents.
Wiki Article
The following article focuses on a number of important factors related to an 18-wheeler accident. This article discusses injuries that are common in 18-wheelers, what they can settle for the hours of service requirements and cargo that isn't secured. It can also be used in determining the best method to file a claim on behalf of 18-wheeler accident injuries. This article is for people who have been in an accident and would like to file a claim.
Injuries resulting from accidents involving 18-wheelers
The injuries sustained by 18-wheeler accidents can be external or internal. Internal injuries may result from ruptured ribs or airbag deployment. In extreme cases patients may require surgery to repair damaged heart muscles or to restore function of their lung. Patients who suffer injuries to their necks and heads from accidents involving 18-wheelers can suffer traumatic brain injuries that could result in death.
Truck driver fatigue is an important factor in accidents that involve tractor trailers. However there are other causes which could also contribute to these kinds of accidents. In many cases of injury caused by large trucks, parts that are not working are blamed. The rollover is one of the most frequent accidents when large trucks collide with cars driven by people. Blowing outs in tires and improper storage of cargo are frequently responsible for these accidents.
No matter what the cause regardless of the cause, an 18-wheeler accident is likely to result in serious injuries for people who drive smaller vehicles. Not only can the injuries to the passengers and drivers of smaller vehicles be catastrophic and irreparable, but the damage to property that results from the collision could be devastating, too. In Texas, the number of 18-wheeler collisions is disproportionately high, and the rate of injuries in the Greater Houston area are high. To protect your rights, you must file a claim with the insurance company that covers the truck driver.
Personal injury lawsuits involving the passenger vehicle or a passenger car may be common, but claims against an 18-wheeler driver can be more difficult. The size and weight of the vehicle makes it difficult to maneuver, making an appeal difficult. A good truck accident lawyer can take all of the necessary steps to get the compensation you deserve. You could even be legally entitled to financial compensation if you've been injured in an 18-wheeler collision.
While minor injuries like minor puncture wounds and bruises might not be life-threatening however they can be extremely costly if you are unable to work for months or even years. A competent Texas 18-wheeler accident lawyer will look into the accident and determine if you have a case. There are numerous benefits of contacting a professional Texas 18-wheeler accident lawyer. This can make the whole process much simpler.
Average settlement amount for an 18-wheeler accident case
In addition to the obvious injuries to your body, you may be eligible for compensation for the time that you used for medical treatment. You should seek medical attention immediately if you suffer severe injuries as a result of an 18-wheeler collision. Depending on the severity your injuries, you might be eligible for compensation for your pain and suffering. A qualified attorney will assess your case and recommend the best amount of damages to pursue.
While the amount you can receive for an 18-wheeler collision is more than that for motor vehicle accidents, it is important to remember that every case will be different. The amount of settlement for accidents involving 18-wheelers is dependent on the severity of the accident and the damages caused by the accident. It is also dependent on the driver's insurance coverage. Some 18-wheeler accident settlements amount to a few thousand dollars while others can be as high as millions or tens of thousands of dollars.
A typical settlement in an 18-wheeler accident case will include damages for personal property lost in the accident, any medical expenses incurred until date, and any medical expenses that may develop in the near future. Additionally, future wages and lost wages are included in damages. The facts of your case and the lawyer you hire will determine the amount you are entitled to. It is important to keep in mind that the greater your compensation is, the greater the amount you can expect to receive.
The nature of the case will determine how long it takes to settle an 18-wheeler accident. Certain cases can be resolved in months or years, but others could take a long time. A knowledgeable attorney will fight for your case as quickly as is possible and ensure you receive the most money you can. The average settlement for an 18-wheeler accident case is several hundred thousand dollars, however this might not be enough to cover your injuries.
Regulations on hours-of-service
You may be able make a trucking company accountable for an 18-wheeler accident when the truck driver violated the hours-of-service regulations. FMCSA requirements require truckers to keep detailed logs of their operations. An attorney who handles truck accidents can find this evidence, to prove that the driver was negligent. Even if the trucking company insists that the driver is an independent contractor and not an employee, the driver could still be responsible for the accident.
When it comes to hours-of-service regulations, the trucking company may share the responsibility for the accident with the driver. Truck drivers are typically paid per mile, which is why they are enticed to let them to travel for longer distances. The FMCSA has passed laws that hold trucking companies responsible for any trucking accidents that involve a driver despite the risks of driving while fatigued. Fortunately truck drivers are required to keep exact logbooks, which a qualified attorney can obtain.
The FMCSA enforces the hours-of-service rules to ensure the safety of drivers on the road. Drivers cannot exceed the maximum number of hours they can work in a single day. The hours-of-service regulations are designed to prevent tired truckers from driving. They also make them legally accountable for any damages that result from an accident. As long as they adhere to these regulations they will not be in jail or face heavy fines.
Drivers who are fatigued are the reason for a lot of trucking accidents. They drive for long periods of time without taking breaks. The regulations for hours of service for trucking companies are in place to safeguard road users from fatigue-related injuries. However there are many truck drivers who do not comply with these rules. Therefore, it's important to determine if the truck driver's fatigue is an element in the accident. It is crucial to speak with an attorney with expertise in these types of accidents.
The FMCSA enforces all federal and state laws for truck drivers as well as their employers. Hours-of-service regulations were created to reduce the number commercial vehicle accidents caused by fatigued drivers. They mandate truck drivers to take at least one 30 minute break after 8 hours behind the wheel and extend the 100-air mile "short-haul" exemption. In the event of an 18-wheeler accident the hours-of-service regulations could be in violation, resulting in injuries or even death.
Unsecured cargo in 18-wheeler
If an 18-wheeler is involved in a collision, the unsecured cargo that fell off the truck could cause the truck to overturn, spilling its contents onto the city streets, the highway or the passenger car below. The truck can slide over and cause damage to the vehicle and the cargo that is unsecure if it does. You may seek compensation through a nationwide truck accident lawyer to safeguard your cargo.
If a trucker is carrying cargo, he or she must check it regularly for security. Unsecured cargo can be thrown off the truck, causing damage to the vehicle and other vehicles which could cause serious injuries and even deaths. A lawsuit filed to seek damages can establish that the defendant did not use reasonable care when operating the truck. It is important that both the trucker as well as the company ensure that cargo is secure.
The accident could be the result of the driver of the truck not properly securing 18 wheeler accident cargo prior to his trip. It is possible that the shipping company failed to provide adequate equipment for securing the truck driver. Truck drivers might have been under pressure to meet deadlines and adhere to a strict schedule which might have made them less likely to examine their cargo in depth. If this is the case, the trucking business could be accountable, as could the shipping company. Third-party companies might also have been responsible for loading the cargo.