Getting into an accident with a large, powerful, and heavy 18-wheeler rarely ends well for passenger vehicle car occupants. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS), in 2018 alone, more than 4,000 individuals, the majority of whom were car occupants and other road users, died in accidents with large commercial trucks, also known as 18-wheelers or semi-trucks. Truck drivers only made up around 16 percent of the fatalities.

Experiencing an accident and injury is just the beginning of often a long road for victims. After a trucking accident, victims have to deal with the cost and discomfort of medical treatments, determining the negligent party in their accident, negotiating with insurance companies, and make important legal and financial decisions that may affect the rest of their lives.

However, you do not have to struggle on your own with getting justice. If you or a loved one suffered the devastating consequences of an accident with a large commercial truck, an 18-wheeler accident attorney could help.

Labrum Law is committed to helping victims of truck accidents receive fair compensation. Contact us now for a free consultation to determine whether you have a case: (615) 338-9500.

Common Causes of Accidents with 18-Wheelers

18-wheelers are large and heavy vehicles, cumbersome to maneuver, need specialized mechanical attention, and need a considerable distance to come to a stop. Car drivers can be responsible for accidents with trucks, for example, by following a large commercial truck too closely or making sudden lane changes.

However, according to data from the United States Department of Transportation (DOT), truck driver error often plays a significant part in accidents. Driver-related causes for crashes can include:

• Alcohol or drug use
• Driver fatigue
• Speeding or driving too fast for road and weather conditions
• Driving distracted

Truck accidents can occur for a variety of reasons, and not all accidents are the driver's fault. Other reasons for crashes can include:

• Wrongly loaded cargo or overloading
• Truck defects such as failing brakes
• Inadequate training or qualification of driver

Accidents with 18-wheelers can be much more challenging to understand than car accidents. However, discovering what caused the truck accident will be crucial for determining negligence and responsibility for the victim's damages.

Who Is Liable For Your Damages?

Commercial trucks and trucking companies have a legal obligation to adhere to strict federal and state laws. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) is generally responsible for the passing and oversight of regulations. FMCSA regulations deal with a variety of issues, including but not limited to:

• Hours-of-service requirements
• Mandated rest periods
• Training and physical exams for truck drivers
• Servicing and inspection of vehicles
• Alcohol and drug testing
• Truck markings

If you suffered injuries or losses in an accident with a commercial truck in Nashville, an 18-wheeler accident attorney can analyze your accident and determine who is liable for your damages. If a truck driver or company violated any state or federal laws, causing your accident and injuries, you have the right to pursue adequate compensation. Contact Labrum Law for a free case review today.

Proving Negligence

If you are seeking to recover compensation from the responsible party in your 18-wheeler accident, you will have to make the difficult analysis to determine all liable parties. Since truck accidents, unlike most car accidents, can involve a variety of defendants, you could have several avenues for pursuing compensation. In 18-wheeler accidents, liable parties can include:

• The driver of the 18-wheeler
• The trucking company
• A third-party company that either repairs or services trucks
• The truck manufacturer

Determining all liable parties is essential for pursuing adequate compensation. An 18-wheeler accident attorney can investigate your accident thoroughly and identify who is responsible and liable for your damages to ensure you receive the compensation you deserve under the law.

Your Next Best Steps After an Accident with an 18-Wheeler

Knowing what to do after an accident with an 18-wheeler can help to protect your health and legal rights. Important steps to take after a trucking crash should include:

Seeking Medical Advice

Seek medical advice as soon as possible, especially if you declined medical assistance at the trucking accident scene and now experience medical symptoms, no matter how insignificant they may seem. Some serious conditions, such as traumatic brain injury or internal organ damage may not show any symptoms for days or even weeks, and receiving early treatment can be crucial for your health and well-being. Moreover, if you are looking to hold the responsible party to account for your damages, you will require evidence such as a medical report stating your injuries and medical treatments were the direct result of the trucking accident and not a pre-existing condition.

Gathering Evidence

If you intend to hold the negligent party to account for your injuries and financial losses, you will need compelling evidence. Photographs of the accident scene and vehicles, for example, can help with proving fault and responsibility. Other important evidence can include:

• Witness statements
• Police accident reports
• Receipts of expenses
• Medical reports
• Traffic camera footage
• Records from the truck driver, trucking company, trucking parts manufacturer, or third party that serviced the truck

An experienced 18-wheeler accident attorney from our offices can help with gathering evidence and build a case against the negligent party or parties in your trucking accident.

Consider Contacting An Nashville 18-Wheeler Accident Attorney

Seeking legal advice and guidance from an experienced 18-wheeler accident attorney can be crucial for protecting your rights, and ensuring that you receive the compensation you deserve for your injuries and losses. The sooner you contact a lawyer, the sooner they can start working on your case, gather the necessary evidence, and fight for what you deserve. One of our dedicated and experienced attorneys can:

• Offer legal advice and guidance
• Issue spoliation letters to any appropriate party to ensure the preservation of evidence
• Negotiate with the relevant insurance companies
• Calculate your damages and losses
• Gather evidence for your accident and damages
• Provide expert witnesses for your case
• Determine all liable parties
• Represent you aggressively in court

Contact Labrum Law for Help Today

Experiencing a trucking accident with an 18-wheeler can be physically, emotionally, and financially devastating. In one split second, your life may be turned upside down forever. Moreover, to get your due, you will likely have to stand up to powerful trucking businesses and insurance companies determined to fight your claim and keep any insurance compensation settlement offers as low as possible.

However, you do not have to struggle with recovering what you deserve on your own. While every case will have its own unique set of facts and circumstances, Labrum Law Firm has a track record of helping 18-wheeler accident victims fight for justice and compensation. Our experienced truck accident attorneys can analyze your accident and inform you of your legal options and the next possible steps. We work on a “no-win-no-fee” basis and do not charge any upfront attorney's fees.

Do not wait to contact us as the time to file a personal injury lawsuit in Nashville is generally limited. Call Labrum Law now for a free, no-obligation consultation with one of our legal team: (615) 338-9500.