Being in an accident with an 18-wheeler is one of the scariest, and potentially most dangerous, situations any driver in Texas can encounter. More than 400,000 accidents occur nationwide each year with large 18 wheelers, and averages for the past few years have shown that about 10 people are killed each day in an accident involving an 18-wheeler. These numbers are terrifying enough; However, if you consider the size of the 18 wheelers involved, you can have an even greater idea of the real risk of serious injury or death that drivers face when they are involved in 18 wheeler accidents.
Dealing with the complexities of a 18 wheeler accident claim while you and your family are dealing with the life-threatening injuries that result from your accident can seem overwhelming, but moving quickly and hiring an experienced and professional 18 wheeler accident attorney is key to preserve your rights and get the legal help you need and deserve.
The most common causes of 18 wheeler accidents
Professional 18 wheeler drivers receive specialized training to ensure they know and can follow the proper safety protocols and regulations to protect themselves and other drivers on the road. Yet all too often 18 wheeler drivers and the companies that employ them cut corners and put profits ahead of road safety.
A common cause of 18 wheeler accidents is fatigued drivers. While 18 wheeler drivers have strict guidelines limiting the maximum number of hours they can drive in any one period, many drivers violate these hours-of-service regulations, leading to tired and distracted driving. The 18 wheeler driver shortage in Texas and across the country has led many businesses to hire 18 wheeler drivers who are not fully qualified to operate an 18-wheeler, increasing the chances of them losing control and causing an accident.
If the trucking company fails to keep its fleet of 18-wheelers in good working order by performing basic maintenance like brake inspections, tire changes, and more, it can put everyone on the road at risk.
Understanding the 18-wheeler accident claim process
A fully loaded 18-wheeler can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, causing a catastrophic impact with your 4,000-pound car.
18 wheeler accident victims often face:
• Broken bones
• Internal organ injuries.
• Spinal cord injuries, including paralysis.
• Loss of a limb
• Severe burn
• Disfigurement
• … and even death
These injuries can last a lifetime and require extensive, expensive medical care, rehabilitation, and ongoing support.
However, succeeding in a lawsuit against a 18 wheeler driver and their business after a 18 wheeler accident can be challenging. In some cases, you may have been involved in the accident; Although you are entitled to compensation if you were less than 50 percent at fault, this can complicate the lawsuit process. Similarly, it is often the 18 wheeler driver’s company insurance that pays for his medical bills and other expenses, and insurance companies tend to avoid providing full compensation to 18 wheeler accident victims.
Because of all of this, it is so important that you choose the right 18 wheeler accident attorney to represent you. At Zehl & Associates , our team of attorneys has years of experience representing 18 wheeler accident victims and is well positioned to obtain the results you deserve.