Weighing in at 80,000 lbs on average, semi-trucks, 18-wheelers, and tractor trailers (whichever you call them) can be a lethal presence on America’s highways. When 40 tons of gasoline and steel barrel into a motorist, there are few good or lucky outcomes.
In fact, three types of injuries are most common in the aftermath of an 18-wheeler wreck:
- Serious
- Catastrophic
- Fatal
For the survivors, medical expenses, auto repair bills, and wages lost during recovery can be devastating. America’s motorists need protection first and justice later in the event of the worst.
Here are some helpful facts, figures, and next steps that you can use after a semi-truck wreck in Birmingham, AL and throughout the Southeast.
Semi-Truck Wreck FAQs & Personal Injury Lawyers in Birmingham, AL
The most protected drivers on America’s highways are the most vigilant. The more you know about why 18-wheeler accidents happen, what to do afterward, and when to contact a semi-truck lawyer, the better.
If you or a loved one has been injured or killed in a semi-truck wreck, contact a personal injury attorney today.
What Are The Most Common Injuries After a Semi-Truck Wreck?
Semi-truck wrecks often result in severe injuries due to the size and weight disparity between trucks and passenger vehicles. It is important to immediately visit a trusted physician after a semi-truck wreck. This allows for a proper diagnosis and can be important if you pursue insurance claims and/or legal action.
Common tractor trailer wreck injuries include:
- Whiplash: Neck injuries, including whiplash, are prevalent due to the abrupt force of impact.
- Spinal Injuries: The spine is susceptible to injuries that can lead to long-term consequences.
- Head Injuries: Traumatic brain injuries (TBI) and concussions can occur, sometimes with long-lasting effects.
- Broken Bones: The force of a collision can result in fractures and broken bones.
- Internal Injuries: Damage to internal organs may not always be immediately apparent but can be life-threatening.
What are The Most Common Causes Of Semi-Truck Wrecks?
Understanding the causes of semi-truck wrecks is essential for remaining vigilant and avoiding 18-wheelers during times of low visibility. Tractor trailer accidents can be attributed to several common factors.
- Driver Fatigue: Long hours on the road can lead to fatigue, impairing a driver's ability to react.
- Speeding: Excessive speed reduces reaction time and increases the severity of accidents.
- Distracted Driving: Distractions, such as texting or using in-cab entertainment systems, divert a driver's attention from the road.
- Impaired Driving: Driving under the influence of drugs, alcohol, or even some prescription medications poses a significant danger.
- Improper Maintenance: Neglected maintenance can lead to equipment failures and serious truck collisions.
What Is The Best Evidence After a Semi-Truck Wreck?
One essential element that can significantly tilt the scales in your favor is the gathering of the right evidence. Building a strong case depends on the quality and relevance of the evidence at your disposal. The most compelling evidence includes:
- Accident Reports: Police reports contain vital information about the accident and any citations issued.
- Witness Statements: Eyewitness accounts can provide valuable insights.
- Vehicle Data: Data from the truck's black box (Electronic Control Module) can reveal critical details about the collision. This is among the most important kinds of evidence, though it can disappear or be overwritten if it’s not secured quickly enough.
- Driver Logs: Reviewing the driver's logs can help identify violations of hours-of-service regulations.
Speed is of the utmost importance after a semi-truck collision. Without vehicle data and driver logs, your case could be in jeopardy. As soon as you can, hire an experienced semi-truck wreck attorney to pursue evidence and eye-witness statements on your behalf.
What are The Best Practices After a Semi-Truck Wreck?
The moments immediately following a semi-truck wreck can be chaotic, fraught with stress and uncertainty. Amid the adrenaline rush and potential shock, it's crucial to have a clear plan of action to protect your rights and interests. Best practices include:
- Seek Medical Attention: Even if injuries seem minor (which is unlikely when semi-trucks are involved), seek immediate medical attention.
- Document the Scene: If you’re safe and able, take photos, collect contact information from witnesses, and make detailed notes about the accident.
- Contact Law Enforcement: Report the accident to the police, and ensure a formal report is filed.
- Consult an Attorney: Reach out to a qualified attorney with experience in trucking accidents to protect your rights and interests.
How Does Speed Influence Your Case?
Perhaps one of the most critical factors in semi-truck wrecks is speed. It can significantly impact the outcome of your case in several ways:
- Severity of Injuries: Higher speeds and heavier loads often lead to more severe injuries and increased medical expenses.
- Liability: Excessive speed can be a clear indicator of negligence on the part of the truck driver.
- Insurance Claims: Speeding can affect insurance coverage and liability determinations.
- Legal Action: In lawsuits, speed can be a critical point of contention when establishing fault and seeking compensation.
Big trucking companies have ways of delaying evidence gathering and fact finding. The sooner you consult a personal injury lawyer, the sooner they can start securing vital evidence to make a compelling case for justice.
Call The Semi-Truck Collision Legal Experts at Low Cost Lawyer
Low Cost Lawyer has over 30 years of experience helping individuals in Birmingham, AL and throughout the U.S. after a semi-truck accident. With the latest legal technology at our disposal, we’re able to save money in-office and pass those savings on to you.
Our industry-low 30% contingency fees means more money for you to recover with. Let us put our decades of experience to work for you, making the most compelling case for compensation possible. Call us today at 855-595-8889 to learn more about your legal options.
Don’t Wait! Start Building Your Case Against the Trucking Company NOW.
Witnesses forget critical details. Truck data is overwritten. Driver logs are lost. The longer you wait after a semi-truck accident, the less likely you are to make the best case for restitution and recovery. Increase your odds of success by contacting Low Cost Lawyer today. Call us at 855-595-8889 or contact us online.