Truck wrecks of any kind have the potential to be catastrophic, but when an 18-wheeler or tractor-trailer hits you, it can bring your life to a complete standstill. The average car on the roads weighs roughly 3,500 pounds, while a fully loaded 18-wheeler can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, more than 20 times the weight of an average car. This significant difference in physics alone makes it clear that when an 18-wheeler collides with a car, particularly on a highway traveling at high speeds, the result can be severe and life-altering.

5 REASONS TRUCKING ACCIDENTS ARE ESPECIALLY CATASTROPHIC

18-wheeler collisions are extremely destructive, far more than other types of car wrecks. The common injuries sustained in trucking accidents are also more severe than accidents between other types of vehicles. Those injured in trucking accidents sustain traumatic injuries requiring extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation.

There are several reasons trucking accidents are particularly destructive, including the following:

  • Significant size difference: 18-wheelers can weigh up to 80,000 pounds, whereas most passenger vehicles weigh less than 5,000 pounds. In a collision, the smaller vehicle bears the brunt of the force generated by the larger one, causing more damage to the passengers.
  • High speed: Trucks are designed to carry cargo, not passengers, and are built for long-distance travel. As a result, they often travel at high speeds on the highways, increasing the likelihood and severity of a collision.
  • Limited vision: Truck drivers usually have limited maneuverability and visibility due to their enormous size and long hoods. It becomes harder for the drivers to see other cars, especially smaller vehicles, which makes it difficult to avoid accidents.
  • Longer braking distances: An 18-wheeler requires more time and distance than passenger vehicles to come to a complete stop. This is because of their weight and size, which reduces their maneuverability. It also increases their momentum, making it harder to stop in time to avoid a collision.
  • Greater impact force: A truck’s massive weight and size combined with its speed can generate huge amounts of force in a collision, which can easily crush or mangle smaller vehicles, resulting in greater damage to the passengers involved.

The damages resulting from a trucking accident are extensive. Given the weight and size of these vehicles, they can cause significant damage to other vehicles on the road, especially those smaller in size. Additionally, the medical bills for these cases pile up quickly, with many victims finding themselves in significant financial distress. Filing a trucking accident case could solve these financial difficulties, so contact an experienced personal injury attorney.

WHY YOU NEED A SEASONED TRUCKING ACCIDENT ATTORNEY FIGHTING ON YOUR BEHALF

The owners of 18-wheelers often have aggressive insurance companies that may try and pressure victims into a quick settlement. There are also often many potentially liable parties in a trucking accident case. An experienced attorney can help you make sense of all the details of your case.

A seasoned trucking accident attorney provides invaluable assistance, including the following:

  • Insight into navigating the complex legal and insurance systems involved in large trucking accidents to help you get the compensation you deserve.
  • Knowledge and understanding of the relevant regulations and safety standards make it easier for them to identify any violations or negligence by the truck driver or trucking company.
  • Expertise in gathering and preserving evidence from the accident scene, negotiating with the insurance company on your behalf, and representing you in court if needed.

Given the complexity and higher level of knowledge needed to handle these types of personal injury cases, having a skilled personal injury attorney on your side is critical to help protect your rights.

Common Injuries Sustained in a Trucking Accident

Many people who are involved in a trucking accident sustain catastrophic injuries ranging from spinal cord damage to organ failure. The scale of the injuries sustained in a trucking accident can permanently affect a person’s life, requiring extensive medical treatment and rehabilitation.

Some of the most common injuries that people sustain in a trucking accident include:

  • Broken bones
  • Spinal cord injuries
  • Traumatic brain injuries
  • Internal bleeding
  • Death

Given the severity of these injuries, it is essential to have the guidance and support of a skilled personal injury attorney to help protect your rights and ensure you receive the compensation you deserve.

Contact the Law Office of Shane McClelland

Being injured in an accident caused by someone else’s negligence may feel frustrating and overwhelming. While a financial settlement won’t heal your injuries, initiating legal help can provide you with justice. The trucking accident attorney at the Law Office of Shane McClelland, PLLC can help level the playing field and fight for your best interest. Our team provides compassionate and thoughtful legal representation to support you during this difficult time in your life. If you have been in a wreck with an 18-wheeler or tractor-trailer, you should contact a personal injury attorney as quickly as possible. You need the support and guidance of a knowledgeable legal team prepared to handle your case and ensure your rights are protected. Contact Shane McClelland today at 713-987-7107 to learn more.