Getting hit by an 18-wheeler can change your life in seconds. These massive trucks can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, which means accidents often result in serious injuries or even death. If you or a loved one was involved in a truck accident, you need to know your rights right away.
Why Truck Accidents Are Different
First, truck accidents are not the same as regular car crashes. These cases are much more complex because multiple parties may be responsible. For example, the truck driver, trucking company, truck owner, cargo loader, or even the truck manufacturer could be liable. Additionally, trucking companies have powerful legal teams working to protect their interests.
Common Causes of 18-Wheeler Accidents
Understanding why these accidents happen can help strengthen your case. Here are the most common causes:
Driver fatigue – Truck drivers often work long hours and may ignore required rest periods
Distracted driving – Texting, eating, or using GPS while driving a massive vehicle
Poor truck maintenance – Faulty brakes, worn tires, or mechanical failures
Improper loading – Overloaded or improperly secured cargo that shifts during transport
Speeding – Trucks need much more distance to stop safely than regular vehicles
Drug or alcohol use – Some drivers use substances to stay awake or cope with stress
What Compensation Can You Get?
After a truck accident, you may be entitled to significant compensation for:
Medical expenses – Hospital bills, surgeries, rehabilitation, and future medical care
Lost income – Wages lost while recovering and future earning capacity if you can’t return to work
Pain and suffering – Physical pain, emotional trauma, and reduced quality of life
Property damage – Repairs or replacement of your vehicle and personal belongings
Wrongful death damages – If you lost a loved one, you may recover funeral costs and loss of companionship
Furthermore, because truck accidents often involve severe injuries, settlements tend to be much higher than typical car accident cases.
Act Fast to Protect Your Rights
Time is critical in truck accident cases. First, trucking companies often send investigators to the scene immediately to protect themselves. Second, important evidence like truck logs, maintenance records, and black box data can disappear quickly. Therefore, you need an experienced attorney on your side as soon as possible.
Why Choose Us
At the Law Offices of Roderick C. White, we have over 70 years of combined experience fighting for accident/injury victims across Texas, Missouri, Illinois, and Kansas. We understand the challenges facing families in our communities, and we’re here to stand up against powerful trucking companies.
Don’t face this alone. We’re here to fight for the justice and compensation you deserve.
Contact us immediately for a free consultation. Remember, I GOT YOU!
We're here to fight for the compensation you deserve
The information in this blog post is general and should not be considered legal advice. Please contact our legal team directly for specific guidance regarding your unique situation.
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