Rowlett 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyer
Car accidents involving 18-wheeler trucks are extremely dangerous. 18-wheelers transport heavy cargo, hazardous materials, and other potentially hazardous items across cities and states. The size, weight, and hazardous loads of 18-wheelers make getting into an accident with one devastating.
18-wheeler accidents can result in death or serious injuries that can last a lifetime. There are also great amounts of vehicle and property damage due to the sheer size and power an 18-wheeler has over the average vehicle on the road. If you or someone you love is involved in an accident with an 18-wheeler in Rowlett, contact a lawyer today. Get informed about all your legal options for compensation and damages.
Getting a Rowlett 18-wheeler accident lawyer is simple when you reach out to us. Our team of experts will assess your case and help you fight for your compensation. Do not let yourself pay for the negligence of others. Get a free consultation with us today by calling (469) 998-4069.
Why 18-Wheeler Accidents Happen
According to the Texas Department of Transportation (TxDOT), there were over 4,000 commercial vehicle crashes in Dallas County in 2019. Driver negligence is one of the most common reasons for commercial vehicles, such as 18-wheelers, to get into accidents.
All truck drivers are supposed to be trained thoroughly and made aware of their responsibilities on the road. Because 18-wheelers are so large, the chances of the 18-wheeler driver getting severely injured are slim. The smaller vehicles involved are more likely to endure injuries and sustain lots of damages.
Sleeping behind the wheel, texting, calling, reckless driving, and blatant disobeying of traffic laws are all reasons why 18-wheeler accidents may happen. Sometimes, the stresses of the job can cause burnout amongst truck drivers causing them to seek alcohol or drugs as a way to cope. Driving under the influence (DUI) is a crime and even stronger proof of negligence on the driver’s part. Drivers are supposed to know better than to drive intoxicated. They should know to get proper rest before hitting the road and ensure they are in full compliance with safety standards and the law. They operate a large vehicle capable of seriously harming others and possibly carrying cargo that requires utmost caution and care. There is no excuse for negligent behavior.
There are also times where the driver is not at fault due to external factors such as truck defaults from the manufacturer or the company neglected to perform routine maintenance. In these instances, the at-fault party would be the truck’s manufacturer or the trucking company themselves.
Proving negligence can be a difficult task. It becomes even more complicated when involving multiple parties. A Rowlett 18-wheeler accident lawyer can help you sort through the facts and find all the evidence you need to strengthen your case so you can win your settlement.
Serious Injuries Associated with 18-Wheeler Accidents
18-wheelers are giant and can weigh over 80,000 pounds when fully loaded with cargo. A car crash with an 18-wheeler fully loaded can exert an immense force of impact resulting in death and severe injuries. Some of the most common are:
- Traumatic brain injuries that can lead to comas or other, long-lasting problems
- Spinal cord injuries, broken bones, paralysis
- Burns, cuts, and abrasions, which can lead to scarring or disfigurement
- Injuries to internal organs
Many of these injuries can be challenging to recover from and can affect you for the rest of your life. There are also psychological injuries that can affect you as well, such as PTSD, anxiety, and phobias.
Compensation for Damages
If you are found to be partially at fault for the accident, Texas law awards compensation based on “proportionate responsibility”. How it works is very simple. For example, if you are 40% responsible for the accident, whatever compensation you get rewarded gets reduced by 40%. If you are found to be more than 50% responsible, then you cannot pursue damages. There are two types of damages awarded: economic and non-economic.
Economic Damages
Economic damages refer to damages that have dollar amounts. Medical bills, prescription medicine costs, vehicle repair, property damage, lost wages, and lost earning capability are all considered economic damages. It is important to save receipts, invoices, and bills to prove each cost you incur.
Non-Economic Damages
Non-economic damages are damages that do not have fixed dollar amounts. The amounts are usually determined by a jury and calculated at first by your lawyer. Examples of non-economic damages are loss of enjoyment of life, loss of consortium, mental anguish, physical pain, and disfigurement.
Know Your Rights, Talk to a Rowlett 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyer
Insurance companies will try and get you to settle for less. Before you sign or accept anything, talk to a lawyer first. The insurance companies are trying to avoid negotiating for a fair settlement on your end and simply want the situation to resolve in their favor, despite the accident not being your fault.
Fight for fair compensation for your injuries and damages. Going through a legal battle can be stressful and confusing, but you do not have to do it alone. Our Rowlett truck accident lawyers are eager to help you get justice.
Getting into an accident with an 18-wheeler is traumatic, painful, and scary. Let us help you get the compensation you deserve to get you through these tough times. If you do not win compensation, you pay us nothing. Call us today for a no-risk and no-strings consultation. Our number is (469) 998-4069.
