Semi-trucks and 18-wheelers are some of the largest vehicles on Tucker roads. Even if a collision with one of them is small, the resulting injuries and damage can be very bad for other parties who are involved. Whether you were hurt in a truck accident, someone you love was injured, or you lost a family member, you shouldn’t have to shoulder the huge burden of this alone. A Tucker semi-truck & 18-wheeler accident lawyer can help you.
Our lawyers are solely devoted to personal injury victim who need help getting back on their feet after a devastating accident. We understand cases that are extreme, complicated, and painful for the victims. With over 20 years of experience, we know how to help. Let us assist you during the claims process so you can seek the best financial recovery possible. Call us at 404-341-6555 today for a FREE consultation with one of our compassionate and experienced attorneys.
What are the most common types of truck accidents?
Truck accidents are different from car accidents because the vehicle is so much bigger and heavier. Semi-trucks and 18-wheelers take up a large area of the road, making it easier for issues to arise if the driver makes a mistake or something prevents them from driving cautiously. Some of the most common types of truck accidents include:
- Rollovers: If the truck driver loses control of the truck, for whatever reason, they’re a high risk of sliding and rolling onto the side (or even rolling over). The truck can crush innocent drivers nearby on the road.
- Jackknifes: Jackknifing usually happens if the driver slams on their brakes, causing the truck’s trailer to slide out and to the side. This creates a 90-degree angle with the front of the cab, potentially colliding with or trapping other vehicles in between.
- Squeeze play: Due to size, truck drivers have to be especially careful when make turns. When turning right, they’ll typically swing to the left slightly before. While this is good for ensuring enough space, it can also confuse drivers of passenger cars who think the truck is turning left instead. If the car driver tries to pass the truck on the right under this belief, they can become “squeezed” between the 18-wheeler’s trailer and the side of the road. Squeeze play might sound silly by name, but it’s a serious situation that can cause severe injuries to those in the car.
- Blind spots: Truck’s blind spots are larger than those on other vehicles. If the driver isn’t careful before changing lanes, they could collide with someone on the road before seeing them.
Tire blowouts: These can happen to any vehicle, but are more common if the truck hasn’t been check or maintained properly. Tire blowouts can lead to loss of full control and contribute to truck accidents. - Being slow to stop: Semi-trucks and 18-wheelers have a different braking system than cars. That plus their huge size makes braking and slowing down to avoid an accident much harder.
- Poorly loaded freight: If the truck loses the load it’s carrying, the freight can fall out and pose a threat to anyone on the road.
As you can see, there are a number of ways truck accidents can occur on Tucker roads. This is why it’s so crucial for truck drivers to remain alert and in control while on the road.
How often does driver fatigue play a role in a truck accident?
Unfortunately, fatigue often factors into the cause of truck accidents. Many truck drivers are regularly giving strict deadlines for shipments that make it hard to get enough sleep and still stay on schedule. Lack of sleep and long periods on the road can cause extreme fatigue and make it hard to stay focused when driving. Although there are laws about how long a truck driver can be on the road, the drivers and their employers don’t always stick to these rules. Unfortunately, that means they’re out on the road with other drivers despite not being alert enough to always safely navigate them.
What if my injuries are permanent?
Most truck accident injuries are severe due to the nature of the collision. If you’re left with permanent injuries after a truck accident, you should be able to recover more for them than other types of injuries. Permanent injuries are life-altering, debilitating, and emotionally and physically painful. Examples of permanent injuries caused by accidents can include:
- Head trauma and brain injuries
- Broken neck or back
- Severe burns
- Disfigurement and scaring
- Nerve damage
- Paralysis
- Loss of vision or hearing
A semi-truck & 18-wheeler accident lawyer can help you collect all evidence of your injury and how it has affected your life, including:
- Medical records of doctor visits and treatments for the injury
- Prescription medications
- Physical therapy or other long-term treatment you must receive
- Pain and suffering for emotional injuries (as long as a physical injury exists too)
- Loss of income or inability to work as you did before due to your injury
- Wrongful death if you lost a loved one in the truck accident
These records act as evidence for what the accident has cost you. Those liable should be held responsible for the costs you now face as a result of your injuries.
Speak to a Tucker Semi-Truck & 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyer Today
Injuries from a truck accident are already painful and life-changing. You shouldn’t have to bear the burden of monumental costs associated with getting better. Call a truck accident lawyer who can help you get your life back. Our attorneys want to help, risk-free. We don’t get paid unless we get you money. For a FREE consultation to talk about your case, call us today at 404-341-6555 or simply fill out the form to the right. Let us help you start the recovery process today.