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What to Do If You’re Hurt in a Truck or 18-Wheeler Accident

Truck Accident Lawyers | 18 Wheeler Injury Attorneys

Undefeated Texas Truck Accident Attorneys

Truck Accidents and large commercial vehicle crashes are a leading cause of catastrophic injuries and death every year in the United States.

In fact, according to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, truck and 18-wheeler accidents tragically killed at least 4,119 people across the United States in 2020 alone. The vast majority – 67% – were the occupants of smaller passenger vehicles, and 15% were pedestrians, bicyclists, or motorcyclists.

With 2021 shaping up to be one of the worst for traffic fatalities in more than a decade, the number of deaths attributed to large truck crashes will likely climb even higher this year.

An Experienced Truck Accident Lawyer Can Make the Difference Between a $75,000 and a $7,500,000 Recovery

Big rigs can be 20-30% heavier than the average passenger car and require 20-40% more room to stop when fully loaded. The size discrepancy alone places passenger vehicle occupants at a severe disadvantage in the event of a crash.

Because innocent motorists are far more likely to suffer catastrophic injuries in a collision with a large truck , verdicts and settlements awarded in these cases are much larger as well and, in our firm’s experience, often break records.

With a multi-million dollar payout on the line, negligent trucking companies and their insurance adjusters will do anything to avoid responsibility for a truck crash, including “misplacing” or destroying critical evidence that proves the trucking company and its driver were at fault.

If you or a loved one were hurt in a truck or 18-wheeler accident, it’s important to understand that time is not your friend.

In serious crashes, the trucking company and its attorneys have already gone to the scene, taken measurements, and put together a team of expert witnesses to blame you for the crash, discount your injuries, and offer you pennies on the dollar for your claim, assuming they offer you anything at all.

You don’t want to fight them alone, which is why it’s so critical that you hire a Texas Truck Accident Lawyer with a proven history of success against the largest truck and transportation companies in the country.

Get Medical Attention As Soon As Possible, Even if You Don’t Think You’re Seriously Injured

The adrenaline rush that usually follows a traumatic 18 wheeler accident can mask the severity of your injuries. It’s not uncommon for people with serious, but subtle injuries, like disc herniations, to think they weren’t injured at all.

That’s why it’s so important to call 911 and get checked out at the emergency room for further evaluation.  In addition to ensuring you receive appropriate treatment for any injuries that aren’t immediately apparent, getting checked out by a doctor will also create a record that will help you refute the trucking company’s attempts to downplay the severity of your injuries.

Also, don’t be surprised if the truck driver tries to blame you for the crash. Many are actually trained to do so, even when they’re clearly at fault. Calling 911 will ensure police arrive at the scene to gather evidence, take witness statements, and review vehicle damage for a written report that will help you counter those claims.

Gather as Much Information as You Can, But Don’t Speculate About Fault

It’s also important to collect as much vital information as you can while you’re still on the scene, including:

  • Names and phone numbers of all drivers and witnesses
  • The trucking company’s DOT number (which can be found on the driver’s door)
  • The truck driver’s insurance carrier and policy number
  • License plate numbers for all vehicles involved

Remember, when talking to the investigating officers or anyone else at the scene, this is NOT the time to speculate about fault. Any conversations at the crash scene should be limited to the facts. Hold off on making any other statements until you’ve left and had a chance to speak with a Houston Truck Accident Attorney, even if you believe your actions caused or contributed to the crash.

Get in Touch with Your Insurance Company Right Away

Contact your insurance company as soon as you are able, no matter who appears to be at fault. By doing so, you’ll avoid a detail of coverage that could prevent you from receiving PIP, Med-Pay, and other benefits you’ll need to help cover your medical bills and other expenses.

But again, stick only to the facts of the crash. Don’t speculate about fault,  don’t provide a written or recorded statement, and don’t sign anything until you’ve had a chance to speak with an attorney.

It’s Never Wise to Speak with the Trucking Company’s Insurance Adjuster

It won’t be long before you receive a call from the trucking company’s “friendly” insurance adjuster, who’ll promise to “take care of you” and “make things right.”

Don’t fall for it. The trucking company’s insurer is NEVER on your side! They’re only interested in protecting their bottom line by blaming you for the accident, downplaying your injuries, delaying your claim, and making inadequate settlement offers.

If you do try to negotiate on your own, you’ll likely make a mistake that, depending on the extent of your injuries, could end up reducing the value of your case by millions of dollars. The longer the “negotiations” with the insurance adjusters drag on, the less likely you are to receive full and fair compensation for all of your injuries and losses.

No matter what they say or promise, you are under no obligation to speak with the trucking company’s claims adjuster, provide a written or recorded statement, or sign anything at their behest. In fact, it’s in your best interest not to do so.

Hire an Experienced Texas Truck Accident Lawyer

Nearly every personal injury law firm will tell you that they represent truck and 18-wheeler accident victims. But few have actually gone up against the biggest trucking companies in the country, and only a handful can say they’ve consistently won the #1 Largest Truck and 18 Wheeler Settlements and Verdicts in Texas.

Our Undefeated 18 Wheeler Accident Lawyers know how to counter the tactics trucking companies and their insurers will use to avoid responsibility. We know how to locate and preserve important evidence proving the trucking company and its driver were at fault.

Most importantly, we understand what your injuries and losses are worth, and will force the trucking company to take full responsibility so that you have the financial resources to get the best medical care and take care of yourself and your family for the rest of your life.

Contact Our Undefeated Texas 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyers for a Free Consult by Calling 1-888-603-3636 or Clicking Here

In addition to being Undefeated, our Texas Truck and 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyers have won Billions, including the #1 Largest Truck Accident Settlement in Texas and the Largest Verdicts and Settlements in our opponents’ corporate histories.

If you were seriously hurt or lost a loved one in a Truck or 18 Wheeler Accident, please call 1-888-603-3636, use the “chat” button on our homepage, or click here to send us a confidential email through our “Contact Us” form.

Our Truck Accident Attorneys will answer all of you your questions, explain your rights, and provide all the information needed to make the right decision for your family.

All consultations are free, and you won’t owe us anything unless we win your case.