Causes of 18 Wheeler Accidents

San Antonio is a city on the rise and constantly under construction. Whether in the far reaches of our suburbs or in the heart of downtown, there are projects ranging from new housing and apartment complexes to streets and infrastructure. Construction crews are working tirelessly, and the roads and highways of the city are crammed with large 18-wheelers delivering materials and equipment throughout the week. The presence of these vehicles on the roads along with the many causes of 18-wheeler accidents can make for a dangerous combination for all involved.

There are any number of reasons 18-wheelers get into accidents in San Antonio. Some of the more common causes of 18-wheeler accidents are:

• Distracted driving
• Driver error
• Driving under the influence
• Loss of cargo
• Inadequate training and lack of experience
• Driver fatigue
• Improper maintenance

It’s difficult enough when two passenger cars are in an accident, but add an 18-wheeler into the mix, and the risk of injury and, sadly, even loss of life increases. The difference in size between the semi-truck and the standard passenger automobile contributes to the potential for serious injury and loss of life, depending on the circumstances surrounding the accident.

Each year, reports come in with data on the causes of 18-wheeler accidents. Where an 18-wheeler and passenger car are involved, injuries and fatalities are experienced by the occupants of the cars occur in far greater numbers. Some of the more frequent reasons serious injuries incur include concussions, severe cuts, and neck and back injuries.

When you’ve been injured in an accident with an 18-wheeler, the effects can be devastating. You are faced with medical expenses, physical therapy, and even the potential for lost wages. If the other driver is found negligent for the accident, then you are entitled to receive compensation to cover not only your medical expenses, but any lost wages, and other expenses related to the injuries. But negligence cases in Texas can be tricky.

Texas is a “comparative negligence” state. This means that each driver can be found to have contributed to any given accident. Let’s say the other insurance company determines you to be 20 percent at fault for the accident. In this scenario, compensation you receive would be reduced by 20 percent.

You can be sure the other insurance company will work to determine if you’ve contributed to the accident. They will consult with their staff of attorneys in an effort to lower what they pay you.

In addition to that, there could be any number of parties involved. The owner of the 18-wheeler must be identified, along with any contractors and subcontractors. Any or all of these may owe you financial compensation for your loss.

As a part of their investigation, the insurance company will ask you for a statement describing what happened. They will ask to review your medical bills. Their attorneys may recommend attempting to settle quickly with you. We advise against this and encourage you to contact a San Antonio 18-wheeler accident attorney.

If you settle quickly after an accident, you may be asked to sign a release agreeing to not pursue any additional compensation. This could put at risk the full amount to which you may be entitled. This is just one reason you should contact an experienced attorney.

The team of lawyers at Carabin Shaw is here to make sure your rights are protected. Our attorneys have a wealth of experience, knowledge, and resources to make sure no legal issue is left unaddressed. We will work hard for San Antonio accident victims and not quit until you receive the compensation you deserve.

If you or a loved one has been injured in a semi-truck or 18-wheeler accident, call Carabin Shaw. We won’t charge you anything for your first visit with us. When you hire one of our lawyers to represent you, you won’t be charged any fees unless we win your case and we’ll be sure you stay informed about what’s going on every step of the way.

To schedule an appointment with one of our attorneys in San Antonio, call us anytime at 210-222-2288 or toll-free at 800-862-1260.