18 Wheeler Accidents Attorneys
It is important to contact an experienced attorney for accidents involving 18 wheelers immediately after you've been involved in an accident with an 18 wheeler. This allows us time to look into the incident and get the evidence needed to file a claim that is successful.
Our legal team at Isaacs & Isaacs has successfully handled many 18 wheeler accident cases. We are aware of the serious injuries that result from these accidents and will fight to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.
Fatigue
Fatigue is one of the most prevalent causes of motor accident accidents in vehicles. It is caused by a variety of causes such as medical conditions, unhealthy lifestyle choices, work-related issues and stress. Anyone who is tired must seek medical assistance immediately.
Drivers of large-sized trucks can easily become slack at the wheel, causing a serious crash. They may drift into another direction, rear-end a vehicle or side-swipe vehicles.
Commercial truck drivers must follow strict FMCSA rules regarding their time spent driving and rest time. They can only be able to drive for a maximum of 70 or 60 hours in a seven-day or eight-day period and must take at least 30 minute breaks between shifts.
Nevertheless, some trucking firms and their drivers do not adhere to these rules, often under pressure to meet deadlines. They also might not follow safety regulation guidelines, like logging their driving hours and the requirements for their trips.
If you've been injured in an accident caused by fatigued truck drivers, you have the right to pursue compensation for your injuries. This means that you can seek damages for medical expenses, lost wages and property damage.
You may also pursue noneconomic damages that are more subjective. These include pain and suffering, distress or mental anguish emotional distress, loss of enjoyment. These damages are difficult to obtain and will depend on your injuries.
In addition, if your accident is severe and will impact you for the future you could be able to collect compensation for your loss of future income. This is particularly applicable if the accident was caused due to a third-party's negligence.
If you have been injured in a truck accident, contact a Houston accident lawyer to discuss your legal options as soon as possible. A skilled attorney is able to navigate the complicated procedure of filing an 18 wheeler injury claim. They will ensure that you receive the compensation you need to recover.
Maintenance Issues
You're probably aware the dangers commercial trucks pose if you have ever been involved in an accident involving one. These massive machines can transport thousands of tons of cargo for hundreds of miles per day, but they also require regular maintenance in order to function safely on the road.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) establishes guidelines that require truck drivers and trucking companies regularly to inspect their vehicles for mechanical problems. These rules are designed to safeguard passengers, truckers and other motorists from serious accidents.
Sadly, truck drivers and trucking companies often don't follow these rules. This can result in fatal and catastrophic accidents.
A common issue that can be caused by carelessness is the inability to maintain. This can be caused by broken brakes, worn tires or even the absence of electrical wiring.
Unmaintained trucks are more difficult to control and more difficult to spot on the road. These problems can lead to drivers losing control of their vehicles, or even hitting other cars and pedestrians. This could result in serious injuries.
The rearlights and headlights on a truck can also be affected due to carelessness in maintenance. These lights are required to ensure that other drivers see the truck when it turns or crosses the road. If the lights don't work and other drivers are in a position to miss the truck, and the vehicle could hit them or other vehicles on the road.
Poor maintenance can also lead to a malfunctioning rearview mirror, or an extensive blind spot that blocks you from seeing other vehicles in front of your truck. This can be particularly dangerous when a driver trying to turn quickly or stop abruptly.
If you've been involved in a truck crash that was caused by a defect in the truck's equipment, then you should consult a skilled 18 wheeler accident lawyer. He or she will investigate your case and determine if you have a legitimate claim against the trucking company that is responsible for the incident. If you are successful, you can receive monetary damages for your suffering and pain and medical expenses, lost wages, diminished earning capacity, as well as property damage. Non-economic damages, such as mental anguish, loss of enjoyment of life and emotional distress can also be awarded.
Concussions
The impact of an 18-wheeler wreck could seriously impact your health. Even a minor accident can result in serious brain injuries such as concussions.
When the soft part of the brain is pushed back and forth against the hard walls of the skull, it could cause bleeding and bruising, which could lead to signs and symptoms of a concussion. These symptoms include headaches, dizziness, confusion, and loss of memory.
In severe instances, swelling of the brain can cause problems for the brain to get the blood it requires to function in a proper manner. This can cause problems with memory, vision, speech and muscle coordination.
Some people are affected by long-term issues. Most people recover within just a few weeks. Symptoms include difficulty sleeping and memory or concentration problems, depression, or irritability.
You should seek medical attention as soon as you suffer from a concussion. This can help prevent serious injuries and complications.
Your doctor will likely ask you lots of questions about the accident, including where you fell on your head and what symptoms you're experiencing. They'll also take pictures of your brain using CT or MRI scans. These scans can detect small areas of bleeding and swelling.
You could also undergo a series neuropsychological tests in order to discover the brain's functioning. These tests can tell the severity of your problems with your memory or cognition following having a concussion.
You might be told to rest at home until you feel healthy enough to return to school or work. You could be prescribed medication to relieve symptoms and told to take a break prior to starting any activity that may put stress on your brain.
You'll then be asked to complete activities and tasks that test your memory. You might be asked if you remember where you stood when the incident occurred or where you stood just a week before.
Getting medical attention is vital for anyone who suffers a serious injury during an 18-wheeler collision. If you've suffered injuries from a truck driver's negligence, it's essential to talk with an experienced 18 wheeler accident attorney to learn about your rights.
Wrongful Death
Losing a loved one in an accident involving an 18 wheeler can be devastating. Families may be able, if they wish, to pursue the wrongful death suit to get compensation for the damages and losses they've suffered.
Wrongful death claims are based on negligent or reckless behavior that caused the deceased person's death. Survivors are often compensated for their loss, and are able to move forward with their lives, while coping with their grief.
Every state has its own wrongful death laws, and they differ in particulars. Most states offer an notion of what damages could be given. They typically include economic and non-economic damages, for example, medical bills lost wages, funeral expenses and loss of companionship.
In certain circumstances, survivors may also receive punitive damages. These are awards specifically designed to penalize defendants who are accountable for the wrongful death.
18 wheeler accident law firm macon can assist you in identifying the parties accountable for the accident. This can be a complicated process. They can then seek compensation for your losses from all third parties who are accountable.
If, for example, the tire fell off an 18-wheeler that struck another vehicle then the trucking company, or maintenance contractor, could be held responsible for their negligence. It could be that they didn't perform routine maintenance on the truck for example, checking tires or making sure the brakes worked correctly.
Incorrect vehicles or unsafe roads can also result in deaths due to negligence. A seasoned 18 wheeler accident attorney can help you determine the liability of each person that was at fault for the crash and the best way to pursue your claim.
It is common for the surviving family members to file a wrongful-death lawsuit after a loved one's death. Each state has its own rules regarding who can bring an action for wrongful death, but they generally allow spouses and children to recover.
Although wrongful death cases are usually complex and difficult to resolve, they can be vital to hold the parties responsible accountable for their actions. A wrongful death lawyer can help you maximize the amount of money you recover and also pursue your case.