Being in a collision with an 18-wheeler leaves accident survivors needing comprehensive and compassionate legal support.
With a Shunnarah 18 wheeler truck accident lawyer, you don't have to worry about losing the vital compensation needed to rebuild your life.
Schedule a free case evaluation online or at 205-957-4995 to learn how we can help you get the justice and compensation you deserve.
Why Choose Our Truck Accident Lawyers?
With 24 offices nationwide and over 500 legal professionals dedicated to truck accident cases, we have the resources and experience necessary to take on even the most complex of cases.
Our dynamic legal support includes more than just fighting for maximum compensation. We handle all the details, from filing claims to collecting evidence, so you can focus on recovering physically and emotionally.
We are available 24/7 to hear your case, answer your questions, and provide you with the guidance needed to make informed decisions during this difficult time.
Can't make it into our offices due to accident injuries? No problem. We are happy to provide support online, by phone, or right from your hospital bed.
What Causes 18-Wheeler Truck Accidents?
Knowing what causes 18 wheeler truck accidents can help you understand that these collisions are rarely flukes. Compensatory factors likely to be the cause of a truck accident include:
- Distracted driving: Federal laws expressly prohibit truck drivers from engaging in distracted driving behaviors. Our experienced legal team is ready to help you recover maximum compensation for damages and losses when they do.
- Impaired or intoxicated driving: When truck drivers choose to operate their vehicles while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, they can cause cataclysmic accidents. Our legal professionals have experience handling cases where truck drivers are under the influence and are prepared to hold them accountable for their actions.
- Fatigue: Federal regulations require truck drivers to take breaks and limit the number of consecutive hours they can drive. Our lawyers know how to uncover evidence of fatigue in truck accident cases and hold the responsible parties accountable.
- Mechanical failure: When mechanical failures occur due to a lack of maintenance or faulty parts, we can help you seek compensation from the trucking company or manufacturer responsible for maintaining a safe fleet.
- Improper training: Not knowing how to operate an 18-wheeler safely is no excuse for causing harm. Our legal team can help you hold the truck driver and their employer accountable.
- Violations of traffic laws: When a truck driver violates traffic laws such as speeding, running red lights, or engaging in reckless driving behaviors, we can use that evidence to strengthen a case for maximum compensation.
- Poor road conditions: Construction, negligent road maintenance, and inclement weather can all contribute to accidents involving 18-wheelers. We will thoroughly investigate the circumstances of your accident and seek compensation from any party whose negligence contributed to the crash.
No matter what caused your truck accident or the type of truck accident, it is essential to have an experienced team of legal professionals to help secure maximum compensation for all damages and losses.
Types of 18-Wheeler Truck Accidents
Jackknife Accidents
When a truck driver loses control of their trailer and swings out to form a 90-degree angle with the vehicle's cab, it is known as a jackknife accident.
These accidents can occur due to sudden braking, poor weather conditions, or improper cargo loading.
Our legal team has experience handling these complex cases and knows how to hold all responsible parties accountable for their negligence.
Rollovers
The size and weight of an 18-wheeler make it prone to rollover accidents, which can be incredibly dangerous for everyone on the road.
Several factors can contribute to a truck rolling over, including speeding, taking turns too quickly, or having an unbalanced load.
Our lawyers are well-versed in proving fault in these accidents and securing just compensation for our clients.
Underride Accidents
When a smaller vehicle collides with the back of an 18-wheeler and gets stuck underneath its trailer, it is known as an underride accident.
Underride accidents are often fatal and typically caused by a truck driver suddenly braking, failure to check blind spots, or lack of protective undercarriage protections.
Our legal team has experience handling these accidents and knows how to hold whomever is responsible accountable for their negligence.
Head-On Collisions
Big rigs are difficult to maneuver and require more space to make turns than smaller vehicles.
When a truck driver turns incorrectly or fails to merge correctly, it can result in a head-on collision with another vehicle.
Our lawyers are skilled at investigating these accidents and holding the responsible parties accountable for their actions.
Side Swipe Accidents
Side swipe accidents occur when the side of a truck collides with another vehicle, either while changing lanes or on a narrow road.
Side-swipe accidents can result in severe injuries and extensive property damage.
Our legal team knows how to build a strong case to prove fault in these accidents and help you seek maximum compensation.
Rear-End Collisions
Trucks require more time and distance than smaller vehicles to come to a complete stop.
If a truck driver is following too closely or distracted, they may not be able to stop in time, resulting in a rear-end collision.
Our lawyers have experience handling these accidents and know how to hold negligent drivers accountable for their actions.
Where Do 18-Wheeler Accidents Occur?
Anywhere could be the site of an 18-wheeler truck accident, including but not limited to:
- Highways and interstates
- Construction zones
- Urban areas
- Rural roads
- Parking lots
No matter where a truck accident occurred, you have the right to seek compensation for your injuries and losses. Schedule a free consultation with our legal team to discuss your injuries and learn how much your case is worth.
What Injuries Do Truck Accidents Cause?
The reason for seeking experienced legal representation to handle an 18-wheeler truck accident case is simple – the injuries are severe and life-altering.
With the potential for millions of dollars in damages, trucking companies will do whatever it takes to protect their bottom line and avoid paying fair compensation for injuries such as:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries and paralysis
- Broken bones and fractures
- Internal injuries and organ damage
- Burns and scarring
- Loss of limbs or amputation
In addition to physical injuries, truck accidents can also cause emotional trauma, financial strain, and loss of quality of life. Our legal team will fight for your right to fair compensation for all damages from the accident.
How Much Is A Truck Accident Case Worth?
The value of your personal injury claim after an 18-wheeler truck accident will depend on a variety of factors, including:
- The severity and extent of your injuries
- Medical expenses, both current and future
- Lost wages and potential loss of earning capacity
- Property damage to your vehicle or other belongings
- Pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life
To understand how these factors may impact the value of your claim, consider the average recoverable costs of an 18-wheeler truck accident:
- Emergency Medical Services: Personal injury claims allow those harmed to recover compensation for EMS services such as on-scene paramedic care, ambulance rides, and emergency room treatment. In the USA, the total cost of these services can easily exceed $5,000 in a severe truck accident.
- In-Patient Hospitalization: Big rig truck accidents can require lengthy hospital stays, which average over $2800 per night in the USA. When treatment for TBIs or spinal cord damage is a part of the recovery process, injured parties may be on the hook for $100,000+ in upfront costs and $3+ million over a lifetime.
- Rehabilitation Therapy: Whether it's recovering from catastrophic injuries or learning to cope with disabilities, most truck accidents require extensive physical therapy. On average, a single session can cost hundreds of dollars, eventually totaling hundreds of thousands or millions when months or years of treatment are required.
- Medication and Medical Devices: Whether permanent or temporary, the cost of medication and medical devices is often a significant part of personal injury claims. Wheelchairs, ramps, adaptive driving equipment, and other assistive devices can cost as much as $25,000 per item, with pain management medications adding just as much to lifetime medical costs.
- Home Health Care: Those who have suffered catastrophic injuries that require daily, round-the-clock care may be forced to bring a medical professional into their home. These services can easily cost $15,000 per month or more, depending on the level of care required.
- Lost Wages and Diminished Earning Potential: Injured parties may be unable to return to work for an extended period, resulting in lost income and financial strain. Depending on the severity of injuries, loss of earning capacity may also play a role in determining compensation.
Non-economic damages, or those that are not easy to quantify, may also play a role in the overall value of your case. These can include pain and suffering, emotional distress, and loss of enjoyment of life.
Our legal team will work with you to understand the full extent of your damages and fight for fair compensation on your behalf.
18-Wheeler Truck Accidents FAQ
Who is at fault in a truck accident?
Determining fault in a truck accident involves identifying and investigating all parties involved, including the truck driver, trucking company, and potentially other drivers or entities. Our legal team will thoroughly investigate your case to determine who was at fault and hold them accountable for your injuries.
What if I was partially at fault for the accident?
Sometimes, multiple parties may share responsibility for an accident. In these situations, the compensation you receive may be reduced based on your percentage of fault. Our legal team can help mitigate any potential reduction in compensation by building a strong case to prove the other party's more significant role in the accident.
When will I receive compensation for my injuries?
It can take several months or even years to reach a settlement or receive a court judgment, especially in complex truck accident cases. Our legal team will keep you informed throughout the process and fight for fair and timely compensation on your behalf.
Trust A Shunnarah Truck Accident Lawyer To Help You Recover Maximum Compensation For Your Injuries
Avoiding a truck accident may not always be possible. However, holding negligent parties accountable for their actions is. When an 18-wheeler causes serious injuries, you need a legal team with the experience and resources to fight for your rights.
Our Shunnarah truck accident lawyers are ready to help you confidently pursue justice with our passionate and dedicated legal representation.
Schedule a free consultation with an experienced 18 wheeler truck accident lawyer online or at 205-957-4995 to begin building your case for maximum compensation.