Frequently Asked Questions After a Collision with an 18 Wheeler

Commercial trucks carry tons of goods and products through Midland every single day. Though they have obvious benefits, an 18 wheeler’s size can also increase its risk of collision, and, unfortunately, these crashes are occurring more frequently than ever. The United States Department of Transportation reports that roughly 500,000 trucking accidents happen in a single year, and about 5,000 of those accidents result in death. Common types of 18 wheeler accidents include:

• Head-on collision
• Rear-end collision
• Side impact crash
• Roll-over collision

If you were in a trucking accident and believe it occurred because of someone else’s negligence, contact the lawyers of Carabin Shaw today for a free consultation. During this appointment, one of our attorneys will be able to answer any of the frequently asked questions after a collision with an 18 wheeler that we don’t cover below.

After exchanging information at the scene, do not speak with the opposing driver or their representatives until you do the following:

• Seek medical attention: Medical attention should be your immediate concern after a commercial trucking accident in Midland. Liability aside, the safety of everyone involved in the collision is of utmost importance.
• Compile evidence: If possible, try to document what happened and gather evidence. Take photos, talk to eyewitnesses, and save proof of expenses related to your recovery. The more legwork you do now increases your chance of winning full compensation later.
• Call a Texas 18 wheeler accident lawyer

Determining who is at-fault is crucial to settling your case, and an 18 wheeler accident attorney in Midland who knows both state and local laws well can help with this step. In most 18 wheeler crash lawsuits, the responsible parties are:

• The driver: 18 wheeler wreck lawyers can hold the truck driver responsible for what happened if the driver’s negligence or recklessness caused the accident that was responsible for your injuries.
• The trucking company: In some instances, the accident can be traced back to negligent hiring practices, overscheduled or overworked employees, long hours, or insufficient training. These are the employer’s responsibility, and the law treats them as such.
• Truck manufacturer: Other times, the truck itself might have malfunctioned or broken down and caused an accident. If a commercial vehicle is traveling at high speeds or fighting inclement weather, technical failures can turn a bad situation worse.

After you’ve determined that you have grounds for a trucking liability case, you might want to know what damages you can claim. In general, what you can claim depends on both circumstances and culpability. There are, however, key areas of compensation with which Midland trucking accident lawyers are familiar. If your collision with a commercial truck generated any of the below expenses, you would probably be able to claim them in your lawsuit:

• Medication expenses
• Hospital bills
• Loss of wages
• Pain and suffering
• Job loss

Dealing with insurance companies, trucking companies, and other third parties can become complicated. The guidance of a personal injury attorney with experience in these matters can ensure that your life gets back to normal as quickly as possible. Our team has decades of experience helping Texans get back on their feet, and we want to leverage this expertise to support you now.

We are ready to answer all of your frequently asked questions after a collision with an 18 wheeler over the phone or in person. Get in touch with a Carabin Shaw lawyer in Midland by dialing 432-620-0544. You can also reach us toll-free, day or night, at 800-862-1260.