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Lawsuits involving accidents caused by 18-wheelers can be complex and last for years. For victims of negligent truck drivers, however, legal action can provide necessary relief to help correct the damage incurred.
According to an article from George Salinas Injury Lawyers, “In general, an 18-wheeler accident settlement is much larger than almost any other incident.” These settlements often reach tens of thousands of dollars and may even rise as high as hundreds of thousands.
Since no two cases are the same, specific settlements depend on multiple factors. “In the end, the amount varies depending on several important factors, such as the severity of the injuries, the medical expenses after the truck accident, whether the victim’s normal life is disrupted, and the pain and suffering of the injured person,” the article says.
If a truck driver is responsible for the accident, they are liable and can be held accountable. In Texas, the law firm explains, “If it’s determined that you’re more than 50% responsible for the accident, the truck driver won’t pay you compensation. However, the driver will be at fault for the incident if it’s anything below this percentage. The closer the driver is to 100%, the greater their fault for the accident and thus the greater their liability. In other words, the truck accident settlement is higher in these cases.”
Common injuries from 18-wheeler accidents
After being hit by an 18-wheeler, victims can sustain serious injuries to the head, neck, back, shoulders, and spinal cord, as well as broken bones, disfigurements, and whiplash. These accidents can also result in fatalities. According to the National Safety Council, “A total of 4,965 people died in large-truck crashes in 2020.”
“Medical expenses can pile up” for survivors, the George Salinas Injury Lawyers article points out. “Often serious wounds and injuries require medical treatment and follow-up physical rehabilitation consultations. These details will weigh heavily on the outcome of your case, as they financially affect truck accident victims the most.”
These elements also shape the case’s timeline. For example, reaching a settlement is impossible until the scope of the victims’ injuries and necessary medical treatment are fully comprehended, a process that can take years. “It may be unclear what the victim’s medical needs are, [so] the costs of their medical expenses will also be uncertain,” the law firm explains. “In these cases, it’s advisable to wait to file the truck accident lawsuit until the victim’s treatment plan is resolved.”
Determining fault in an 18-wheeler case
“Although accidents are rarely 100% caused by an 18-wheeler, there are several factors that can increase the amount of your claim,” the George Salinas Injury Lawyers website states. “Behavior is a very important element when filing your claim, as you must prove that the person driving the truck acted negligently.”
According to another article the law firm has posted on the topic, drivers of 18-wheelers are often found responsible for these crashes for various reasons. They may be driving while sleep deprived, distracted, or under the influence of alcohol or another substance. They may also drive too aggressively or fail to maintain their vehicle properly. For instance, their trailers or loads may be poorly secured.
“The best 18-wheeler drivers know that their job involves a lot of responsibility, not only for their own lives, but also for the lives of the people around them,” the article states. “Their job is not only to operate and drive the truck, but also inspect it to know if it’s in good working order and verify that the loads are properly positioned.”
Such accidents can involve many complications, so there is no standard length of time for reaching an agreement. “As evidence is uncovered and settlement talks proceed, it’s possible that this process may escalate and take a little longer,” the firm explains. “Although most accident cases are settled out of court, a trial may be necessary.”
For your future, call today
If you or someone you love has been injured in an accident with an 18-wheeler, reach out to George Salinas Injury Lawyers for a free consultation. Since these cases have a statute of limitations, it’s important to do this without delay. Salinas and his colleagues only get paid if they win your case, so there’s no reason not to contact them and start the process.
“We understand that a truck accident can be life-changing for you and your family,” the law firm’s website says. “Schedule a free initial consultation, so we can help guide you on the right legal path.”
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