Unfortunately, many drivers fear 18-wheelers due to their immense size and weight. When involved in accidents, these vehicles can cause significant damage to drivers, cars, and property. Like any collision, there is likely a cause behind the event, whether due to road conditions, driver negligence, or a vehicle malfunction. When these collisions happen, you’ll need to reach out to truck accident attorneys to help guide you through the process of receiving compensation for the damages you’ve sustained. Keep reading to learn about the most common causes of 18-wheeler accidents.
How do 18-wheeler accidents happen?
There are a number of factors that can lead to an 18-wheeler accident. Unfortunately, drivers can often be held responsible due to negligence on their part. For example, a driver who is texting behind the wheel, speeding, or traveling too closely behind another vehicle can lead to collisions.
However, the blame for an accident does not always fall on the driver. If a trucking company does not take steps to properly maintain the vehicle, it can be held liable for any injuries occurring as a result of its negligence. Similarly, if a cargo-loading company overloads the truck or does not properly secure the delivery, it can impact the balance of the trailer portion of the truck. Though it may not seem like a big deal, it can affect the balance of the trailer while causing tire blowouts and swerving on the road.
These companies can also be found liable if they force their drivers to break the laws surrounding hours of service to maximize hours on the road. When drivers are drowsy, it can lead to drowsy driving and subsequent serious issues.
How are damages determined?
In order to determine how much compensation someone should be awarded when they are impacted by an 18-wheeler, there are different factors that must be considered. Generally, this includes the medical bills someone sustained, current and future lost income, property damage to their vehicle, and non-economic damages for pain and suffering.
The settlement will also take different factors into consideration when determining damages, such as how old the injured party is, if the victim contributed to the accident in any way, and how severe their injuries are.
Generally, the insurance company of the truck driver responsible for the accident will try to settle to avoid court, but they will often provide a much lower figure than an injured party could expect.
In order to receive a fair amount of compensation, you’ll want to contact an experienced personal injury attorney from Friedman Schuman as soon as possible. Our dedicated legal team will do everything in our power to examine your circumstances to fight for you to receive the justice you are entitled to due to the actions of another party’s negligence.
