18 Wheeler Accidents Attorneys
If you have been involved in an accident involving an 18 wheeler, it is imperative to speak with an experienced 18 wheeler accidents attorney as soon as possible. This allows us to investigate the incident and gather the evidence needed to file a successful lawsuit.
Our team at Isaacs & Isaacs have successfully dealt with a variety of 18-wheeler accidents. We are aware of the serious injuries that could result from these accidents and will fight to get you the amount of compensation you deserve.
Fatigue
Fatigue is one of the main causes of motor accident in vehicles. It is caused by a myriad of factors, including medical conditions, unhealthy habits, work issues and stress. A person who is fatigued should seek medical attention as soon as they can.
Drivers of large vehicles are susceptible to fall asleep at the wheel, which can result in an accident that is serious. They could drift into another direction, rear-end a vehicle or side-swipe vehicles.
Commercial truck drivers are required to adhere to strict FMCSA rules and regulations for their hours of operation and rest periods. These requirements require that they only operate for at least 60 or 70 hours over the course of a 7-day or eight-day period and must also spend at least 30 minutes of rest between shifts.
However, some trucking companies and their drivers have a tendency to violate these regulations, usually under pressure to meet deadlines. They also might not follow safety regulations, such as logging their driving hours and the requirements for their trips.
If you've suffered injuries in an accident with a truck caused by a tired driver, you may seek compensation for your injuries. You can seek compensation for medical costs or lost wages, as well as property damage.
You may also seek non-economic damages that are more subjective. These include pain and suffering, mental distress or anguish emotional distress, loss of enjoyment. These types of damages can be difficult to obtain and depend on the extent of your injuries.
You could also be entitled to compensation for loss of future income if an injury that is serious enough to be a burden for you for the rest of your life. This is especially applicable if your accident was the result of an unintentional act of a third party.
If you have been injured in a car accident, speak to an Houston accident lawyer to discuss your legal options as soon as possible. A competent attorney knows how to navigate the complicated procedure of submitting a truck accident claim and will ensure you receive the maximum amount of compensation necessary for your recovery.
Maintenance Issues
You are probably aware of the dangers that commercial trucks pose if have ever been involved in an accident involving one. These huge machines can transport thousands of tons of freight hundreds of kilometers every day. However, they need regular maintenance to remain safe on the road.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration creates rules that require truck drivers and trucking firms to check their vehicles frequently for mechanical problems. These regulations are designed to protect truckers, passengers, and other motorists on the road from serious accidents.
Unfortunately truck drivers and trucking companies often fail to adhere to these guidelines. This can result in catastrophic and life-threatening accidents.
One common issue that may occur as a result of negligence is improper maintenance. This can be caused by damaged brakes, worn tires and even an absence of electrical wiring.
The trucks that are poorly maintained are more difficult to control, and also harder to see on the road. These problems can cause drivers to lose control of their vehicles, or collide with pedestrians and cars, resulting in severe injuries.
A truck's headlights and rearlights are also affected by failure to maintain. These lights are required by law to ensure other drivers are able to see the truck whenever it makes a turn or crosses the road. If the lights aren't functioning and other drivers aren't aware of the truck and it could cause collisions with other vehicles in the road.
Other issues that can result from insufficient maintenance, for example, a malfunctioning mirror or the inability to see other vehicles behind the truck because of large blind spots. This could be dangerous, particularly when the driver is trying to stop quickly or turn.
If you've been in a truck crash that was caused by a malfunction in the truck's equipment, you should consult an experienced attorney for accidents involving 18 wheelers. He or she will investigate your case to determine whether you have a valid claim against the trucking firm responsible for the crash. If you're successful you could receive financial damages for the suffering as well as medical bills and lost wages, a reduction in earning capacity, as well as property damage. Non-economic damages, for example, mental discontent, loss of enjoyment in life, or emotional distress, could also be awarded.
Concussions
The impact of an 18-wheeler wreck can have a serious impact on your health. Even a minor accident can cause serious brain injuries including concussions.
Concussion symptoms can result from bleeding or bruising when the soft part of your brain hits the hard skull's walls. These symptoms may include headache as well as dizziness, confusion, and a loss of memory.
In extreme cases, the brain may also expand, which could make it harder for the brain to receive the blood it needs to function normally. This can result in problems with speech, memory, vision and muscle coordination.
Some suffer long-term effects. Most people recover within some weeks. Symptoms include difficulty sleeping memory or concentration issues and depression, as well as irritability.
You should seek medical attention right away if you experience a concussion. This will aid in avoiding serious injuries and complications.
Your doctor will probably ask you a lot of questions regarding the accident, including where you hit your head and what symptoms you're having. They'll also take photographs of the brain using CT or MRI scanners that can detect tiny areas of bleeding and swelling.
You may also be asked to take several neuropsychological tests to find out how your brain functions. These tests can reveal whether you're suffering from cognitive or memory issues following an injury such as a concussion.
You may be told to stay at home until you feel comfortable enough to go back to work or school. 18 wheeler accident lawyer merced may be given a prescription to ease symptoms and advised to to rest prior to returning to any activity which could put your brain under stress.
Then you'll be asked do tasks and exercises to test your memory. You may be asked where you stood when the accident was happening or where you stood one week prior.
Anyone who has suffered an injury that is serious due to an 18-wheeler accident must seek medical treatment. If you've suffered an injury due to the negligence of truck driver it is crucial to consult an 18-wheeler accident attorney to know your rights.
Wrongful Death
Losing a loved ones in an 18-wheeler crash can be a tragedy. Families may be able, if they wish, to pursue wrongful death suits to receive compensation for the damages and losses they've endured.
Wrongful death claims are based on negligent or reckless behavior that led to the deceased person's death. The survivors are often compensated for their loss and are able to move on with their lives, while coping with their grieving.
Each state has its wrongful death laws, and they differ in particulars. The majority of states offer a general idea of the damages that could be awarded. They typically cover economic and noneconomic damages, like medical expenses, funeral expenses, lost wages, and loss of companionship.
Depending on the circumstances, survivors can also receive punitive damages. These are awards specially designed to punish defendants accountable for the wrongful death.
An experienced wrongful death attorney can help you identify the parties accountable for the accident, which can be complicated. They can then seek compensation for your losses from all third parties that are accountable.
If, for example a tire fell off an 18-wheeler, and then struck another vehicle then the trucking company, or maintenance contractor, could be held responsible for negligence. It could be that they didn't perform regular maintenance on their trucks, such as inspecting tires or ensuring that the brakes worked properly.
Other elements that can cause deaths due to negligence include unsafe or defective vehicles, or roads. An experienced lawyer who specializes in 18 wheeler accidents can assist you in determining the extent of your liability and the best method to pursue your claim.
It is common for the surviving family members to file a wrongful death lawsuit following the death. Every state has its own rules that determine who can bring a lawsuit based on wrongful death however, in general, spouses and children have the right to pursue recovery.
Although wrongful deaths are usually complex and difficult to resolve, they can be crucial to hold the responsible parties accountable for their actions. A lawyer for wrongful deaths can help you maximize the amount of money you recover and also pursue your case.