Semi Truck Accident Lawyers

What Should I Do After an 18-Wheeler Accident?

If you are involved in an 18-wheeler accident, it is important to stay calm and try to assess the situation. Here are some steps you can follow:

1. Check for injuries: If you or anyone else is injured, seek medical attention immediately. If the injuries are serious, call 911.
2. Contact the authorities: Even if the accident is minor, it is important to contact the police and file a report. This will create an official record of the accident and can be helpful if you need to file a claim with your insurance company or take legal action.
3. Gather information: Try to get the contact and insurance information of the other driver, as well as the license plate number and make and model of the truck. Also, try to get the names and contact information of any witnesses to the accident.
4. Document the scene: Take photos or videos of the accident scene, including any damage to your vehicle and the surrounding area. This can be helpful in supporting your insurance claim or any legal action you may take.
5. Contact your insurance company: You should notify your insurance company as soon as possible about the accident. The company will guide you through the process of filing a claim and getting your car repaired.
6. Seek legal advice: If you believe that the accident was the fault of the truck driver or the trucking company, you may want to consider seeking legal advice. An attorney can help you understand your rights and options.

Common Trucking Accident Injuries

Trucking accidents can result in serious injuries due to the size and weight of the vehicles involved. Some common injuries that can result from a trucking accident include:

1. Traumatic brain injuries (TBI): TBIs can occur when the head is subjected to a sudden impact or jolt. They can range from mild (concussion) to severe (coma or death).
2. Spinal cord injuries: These injuries can result in partial or complete paralysis and can be life-altering.
3. Fractures: Fractures can occur when bones are subjected to a force that is stronger than they can withstand.
4. Soft tissue injuries: These types of injuries can include strains, sprains, and bruises and are caused by the stretching or tearing of muscles, tendons, or ligaments.
5. Burns: Burns can result from contact with hot surfaces or flames, and can range in severity from mild to life-threatening.
6. Internal injuries: Internal injuries can occur when organs are damaged by the force of the impact. These types of injuries can be difficult to diagnose and can be life-threatening if not treated promptly.

Determining Fault

If you were involved in a trucking accident and believe that the truck driver or trucking company was at fault, it is important to gather evidence to support your claim. This can include photos or videos of the accident scene, witness statements, and the police report. You should also keep track of any medical treatment you receive and any lost wages or other expenses you incur as a result of the accident. It may be helpful to seek legal advice to understand your rights and options. An attorney can help you build a strong case to seek compensation for your damages.

What if I am Partially at Fault?

If you were involved in a trucking accident and were partially at fault, you may still be able to recover damages for your injuries and losses. However, the amount of damages you are awarded may be reduced by your percentage of fault.

For example, if you were found to be 25% at fault for the accident, and your damages total $100,000, you would only be able to recover $75,000. This is because you would be responsible for paying 25% of the damages, or $25,000.

It is important to note that the laws on fault and damages vary by state. In some states, if you are found to be more than 50% at fault for the accident, you may not be able to recover any damages at all. It is a good idea to consult with an attorney to understand your rights and options in your particular situation.

Who Can I Sue with a Semi Truck Accident Lawyer?

If you were involved in a semi truck accident and are considering taking legal action, you may be able to sue the truck driver, the trucking company, and possibly other parties.

The truck driver: If the truck driver was at fault for the accident, you may be able to sue them for damages.

The trucking company: If the trucking company was negligent in hiring, training, or supervising the driver, or if they failed to properly maintain their vehicles, you may be able to sue them for damages.

Other parties: Depending on the circumstances of the accident, you may be able to sue other parties, such as the manufacturer of a faulty truck part or the company responsible for maintaining the roadway where the accident occurred.

How to File a Claim

If you were involved in a semi truck accident and are considering filing a claim, here are some steps you can follow:

1. Seek medical attention: If you were injured in the accident, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible. This will not only help you recover from your injuries, but it will also create a record of your injuries and treatment, which can be helpful in supporting your claim.
2. Gather evidence: Collect any evidence you have from the accident, including photos or videos of the accident scene, witness statements, and the police report. This can help support your claim and establish fault.
3. Contact your insurance company: If you have insurance, notify your insurance company as soon as possible about the accident. The company will guide you through the process of filing a claim and getting your car repaired.
4. Contact the other driver's insurance company: If the other driver was at fault for the accident, you will need to file a claim with their insurance company. You can do this by contacting the company and providing them with the necessary information and documentation.
5. Consider hiring an attorney: If you believe that the other driver or the trucking company was at fault and you are having difficulty resolving your claim, you may want to consider hiring an attorney. An attorney can help you understand your rights and options and build a strong case to seek the compensation you deserve.

It is important to keep in mind that the process for filing a claim can vary depending on the circumstances of your accident and the laws in your state. It may be helpful to seek legal advice to understand your rights and options.

Compensation

If you were involved in a semi truck accident and were not at fault, you may be able to recover damages for your injuries and losses. The types of damages that you may be able to recover include:

1. Medical expenses: You can seek compensation for medical treatment, including hospital stays, surgeries, medications, and rehabilitation.
2. Lost wages: If you were unable to work as a result of the accident, you can seek compensation for your lost wages.
3. Property damage: You can seek compensation for any damage to your vehicle or personal property.
4. Pain and suffering: You can seek compensation for physical pain and emotional suffering caused by the accident.
5. Loss of consortium: If the accident has affected your relationship with your spouse, you may be able to seek compensation for loss of consortium.

Statute of Limitations

The statute of limitations is a time limit for filing a lawsuit. In the context of a semi truck accident, the statute of limitations is the time frame within which you must file a claim or lawsuit seeking compensation for your injuries and losses. If you do not file your claim within the statute of limitations, you may be barred from pursuing legal action.

The statute of limitations for a semi truck accident can vary depending on the state in which the accident occurred and the type of claim you are filing. In general, the statute of limitations for personal injury claims is typically two to three years from the date of the accident. However, it is important to note that the statute of limitations may be different for other types of claims, such as property damage or wrongful death.

It is a good idea to consult with an attorney to understand the statute of limitations that applies to your case. An attorney can help you make sure that you file your claim within the time frame allowed by law.