When you’re involved in a collision with an 18-wheeler, you’re likely facing supersized consequences. Commercial trucks weigh up to 80,000 pounds when fully loaded – 25 times heavier than passenger vehicles.
This extreme weight disparity means physics is working against you in a crash. The force generated in these collisions often leads to devastating injuries, substantial medical bills and significant life disruptions.
Texas highways see thousands of these crashes annually, leaving motorists struggling to recover in the aftermath unless they seek knowledgeable legal guidance.
Truck crashes typically involve catastrophic injuries
When a massive commercial vehicle collides with a car, the body absorbs tremendous force during impact and the outcome is often severe and sometimes fatal. Common truck accident injuries include:
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord damage and paralysis
- Multiple broken bones
- Internal organ damage
- Severe burns
- Disfigurement
These injuries frequently require extended hospitalization, multiple surgeries and lengthy rehabilitation, forever changing your life and financial stability.
Assessing blame can be complicated
Unlike a typical car accident, truck crashes involve multiple potentially responsible parties, creating an extended web of liability. Your case might involve:
- The truck driver
- The trucking company
- The vehicle manufacturer
- Maintenance contractors
- Cargo loading companies
- Parts manufacturers
- Government entities responsible for road conditions
Determining who is responsible requires a thorough investigation of driver logs, maintenance records, black box data and federal regulation compliance.
Calculating compensation is challenging
The extreme nature of truck accident damages makes calculating fair compensation particularly difficult. You’re not just dealing with current medical bills but potentially lifelong care needs, lost earning capacity and profound changes to your quality of life.
Insurance companies often approach you quickly with settlement offers that seem substantial but fail to account for your long-term needs. These initial offers rarely reflect the actual value of your claim. Working with an experienced attorney who handles truck accidents helps ensure you understand the full scope of your damages.
A skilled lawyer can consult with medical and economic experts to project future costs and fight for compensation that truly addresses your needs. Without proper representation, you risk accepting compensation that runs out long before your injuries heal or your financial losses end.