Big rigs, semi-trucks, 18-wheelers. In 21st-century America, there’s no way to avoid them. They rule the surface streets, two-lane country roads and interstates. And what could be scarier that having an out-of-control 18-wheeler bearing down on your car, pickup, SUV or motorcycle? Such a situation typically ends the way you’d expect — which is not well for the smaller vehicle’s driver or occupants.
Injuries Associated with 18-Wheeler Accidents
Because of the total mismatch in weight and size, common injuries resulting from collisions with 18-wheelers include:
- Broken bones. muscular or tendon damage and torn ligaments
- Severed limbs
- Spinal damage including fractured vertebrae and ruptured discs
- Concussion and other brain injuries
- Paralysis
- Traumatic brain injury or concussion
- Broken bones or severed limbs
- Severe or disfiguring lacerations
- Crushed ribs, hands or feet
The worst 18-wheeler accidents, of course, are those that result in deaths. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration reports that 3,849 people lost their lives in accidents with 18-wheelers in 2016. And with 556 fatalities, the state of Texas accounted for nearly one in every seven of them.
The Benefits of Having an 18-Wheeler Accident Attorney
Injuries that mean massive medical bills also mean unpaid time away from work. And the psychological trauma of being involved in a big-rig wreck can take a serious toll on the victim’s relationships. Depending on the circumstances, accident victims may be eligible for compensation under Texas or Federal law.
When you or a loved one has been unlucky enough to go through this kind of accident, you could face a long recovery, disfigurement, continued pain or permanent physical limitations. A lawyer experienced in dealing with people in your situation can explain your legal rights and see that you’re properly compensated.
A qualified firm of 18-wheeler accident attorneys such as Simon & O’Rourke Law Firm, P.C. will:
- assess your accident claim.
- realistically determine your financial costs such as loss of earnings and future medical treatments or rehabilitation.
- identify the potentially liable parties: the big-rig driver and/or company, the insurance carriers, the truck’s manufacturer or even the state and federal governments.
Nobody ever had a minor accident with an 18-wheeler. Hundreds of factors come into play when an accident involves a big rig. You can’t depend on your insurance company to go the final mile to see that you’re fairly compensated. Instead, why not put your trust in an 18-wheeler accident attorney Houston to help you get your life back?
