Many drivers fear driving near semi-trucks (aka 18-wheelers) on highways because of their large masses. Whether you are driving a small sedan or a bigger pick-up truck, all regular automobiles are significantly smaller than 18 wheelers. Due to the large mass and length of semi-trucks, being involved in an accident with one can lead to catastrophic injury and damage.
According to Carsurance, an estimated 500,000 semi-truck related accidents occur every year. It’s also reported that there are nearly 2 million semi-trucks in operation in the United States alone. With that many semi-trucks on the roads and accidents becoming more frequent, many people have become victims and seek recovery for their injuries.
What Truck Drivers/Companies Owe You
In most semi-truck collisions, the guilty party is either the truck driver or the trucking company who employed the driver. In order to hold a party accountable in a legal action, the victim must prove there was negligence.
Examples of truck driver negligence:
- Excessive speeding
- Falling asleep at the wheel
- Driving under the influence of drugs or alcohol
Examples of trucking company negligence:
- Faulty truck
- Insufficient training of drivers
- Improper licensing or requirements for drivers
What You Can Recover
The injury and damage that can result from a collision with an 18-wheeler can be devastating. In a semi-truck lawsuit, victims can usually recover for economic and non-economic damages.
Examples of Economic Damages:
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity
Examples of Non-Economic Damages:
- Pain and suffering
- Mental anguish
- Punitive damages
What to Do if You Are in an Accident
If you are involved in an accident with a semi-truck, make sure to obtain and keep any documentation (photographs of the scene, the vehicles, your injuries, your scars, your medical and billing records, police reports, contact information of representatives, license plates, etc.) you have of the accident and any injury or damage that resulted from the accident.
It’s imperative to your recovery to speak to an attorney about the details of your claim. Please reach out to Hariri Law Group for a free consultation with one of our experienced attorneys to discuss your injury claim.
