Horn Lake 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyer

There is a substantial size difference between trucks and cars, which is why there are many deaths and catastrophic injuries. The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration reports that in 2009, 11 million large trucks were on the road. Among those 11 million trucks, 3,215 fatal accidents and 53,000 injuries occurred. 

You need legal representation if you are the victim of an 18-wheeler truck accident. Gatti, Keltner, Bienvenu & Montesi, PLC is here to help truck accident victims and their families through this challenging time. Use our contact form or call us today for a free consultation with a Horn Lake personal injury lawyer.

Causes of 18-Wheeler Accidents in Horn Lake

Truck accidents are very complex, and you need the help of an 18-wheeler accident lawyer in Horn Lake to determine the cause and guide you through the legal process. 18-wheelers are challenging to maneuver, and that is a contributing factor in semi-truck accidents. However, negligence is always the cause of these accidents. 

Causes of 18-wheeler accidents include:

Fatigue

Truck drivers have a maximum number of driving hours during a week and specific hours for rest. When they do not follow these guidelines, it results in driver fatigue and inattention, resulting in accidents. The driver often falls asleep at the wheel and does not realize they are in a collision until they are woken up. 

Intoxication

Truck drivers are prohibited from using drugs or alcohol before their shifts, and if they use these substances, it impairs their driving ability. Since they are large vehicles, the slightest mistake results in devastation.  

Inadequate Driver Training

Commercial truck drivers undergo special training to get their CDL. Trucking companies can also require additional training. If a truck driver does not have adequate training, they can easily make a fatal mistake. 

Load Problems

The truck driver is not the only negligent party since someone is in charge of loading the truck. If the load is too heavy, unsecured or the weight distribution is off, that can cause the truck to tip over. 

Vehicle Defects

Truck companies are responsible for ensuring the vehicle is safe to drive and meets all maintenance schedules. When they do not, it can result in faulty brakes, missing reflectors, broken blinkers or headlights, tire blowouts, and more. These mechanical issues can make it impossible for a driver to react. 

Distracted Driving

Truck drivers are on the road for long periods, and they do get bored, but that boredom should not lead to participating in distractions. Talking, texting, watching videos, or listening to podcasts are common distractions. Eating is another distraction truck drivers participate in. 

Unsafe Driving

Drivers who intentionally drive recklessly or misjudge their skills cause catastrophic accidents. Misjudging stopping distances, improper lane changes, improper driving for current weather conditions, and disregard for other vehicles are all common unsafe driving practices.  

Types of 18-Wheeler Truck Accidents 

The type of 18-wheeler accident you are in will impact your injuries and liability. Different types of truck accidents include:

• Rollover 
• Jackknife
• Head on
• Rear end 
• T-bone

The scariest of these accidents are often jackknife because the driver loses complete control of the vehicle, and there is nothing he can do to stop it. All of these accidents are harrowing and potentially fatal. Talk to an 18-wheeler accident lawyer in Horn Lake, MS, today.

Injuries from Semi-Truck Accidents 

Semi-truck accident injuries are catastrophic and require extensive medical treatment, resulting in other losses. Since commercial trucks are much larger than other vehicles, victims will not walk away unscathed. Some injuries that are common in truck accidents are:

• Internal bleeding
• Concussions
• Whiplash
• Spinal cord trauma
• Traumatic brain injuries 
• Crush injuries 
• Broken bones 
• Loss of limb
• Penetrating head injuries 
• Psychological trauma

Physical pain is not the only thing you will face; there are also emotional injuries. Recovery from these injuries is challenging and will require months or years of therapy and medical care. You will likely need physical therapy, injections, surgery, diagnostic tests, medications, and more. 

Liability in Truck Accidents 

Semi-trucks have many different parties involved in the operation, and one or all can be liable for your injuries. There are third parties who can bear responsibility. Before you point the finger, talk to 18-wheeler accident lawyers who can determine who is liable. Potentially liable parties include:

• Truck driver
• Trucking company 
• Third parties
• Cargo loader
• Local government agency 

The first step in determining liability is investigating the cause of the accident and finding who is responsible for the negligence. Suppose there is a defective part in the truck; we must determine who is responsible for installing, making, and checking that part. Some investigations result in multiple liable parties, and you need 18-wheeler accident attorneys in Horn Lake to help you at every turn. 

Compensation Recovery in a Truck Accident Claim

You can recover compensation for your losses after an 18-wheeler truck accident. The payment you can receive will depend on your injuries’ severity and future losses. There are many damages you can seek, including:

• Cost of current medical care
• Past medical expenses
• Lost wages
• Property damage
• Pain and suffering 
• Reduced earning capacity 
• Costs of medical equipment 

You will have different compensation options when you file a wrongful death claim after a semi-truck accident. Some examples are:

• Loss of consortium 
• Funeral and burial expenses
• Loss of benefits
• Loss of household contributions 
• Loss of protection and love 

There is no price on life, and it is challenging for grieving families to think of their loved ones in terms of money. Do not think of this as a money grab because it is your right to recover compensation and the job of an 18-wheeler accident attorney in Horn Lake, MS, to calculate your losses. 

A Horn Lake 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyer Can Help

When truck drivers are negligent, it results in calamity, and victims suffer lifelong conditions. You will encounter many trucks on the road, and the legal process works similarly in nearly all cases. If you are in a truck accident, you need a Horn Lake 18-wheeler accident attorney representing your best interests. 

Our Horn Lake 18-wheeler accident lawyer at Gatti, Keltner, Bienvenu & Montesi, PLC, will seek evidence proving negligence and get you the compensation you need after a traumatic experience. Schedule an initial consolation using our online form.