West Memphis 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyer

Commercial trucks are inherently dangerous, and when there is an accident, they cause catastrophic injuries. When you suffer a catastrophic injury, your life will never be the same again. Rebuilding your life after such a tragic incident requires you to take legal action. Insurance companies have caps on the compensation they can provide for accidents. 

The insurance company will fight you at every turn, but the West Memphis personal injury lawyer from Gatti, Keltner, Bienvenu & Montesi, PLC, is ready to fight back to get you fair compensation. 

Causes of West Memphis Truck Accidents

As you traverse through West Memphis, you will see large trucks all around, and their size contributes to how dangerous these accidents are. While size is not a cause, it is a factor, but common causes of truck accidents include:

• Speeding
• Tire blowouts
• Driver fatigue
• Unsecured loads 
• Drunk driving
• Distracted driving
• Defective brakes 
• Truck driver error
• Improper blind spot monitoring 

Commercial truck drivers have special training and obtain a license classification that allows them to operate these trucks. They must also adhere to state and federal trucking regulations. Chaos is sure to follow when there is a lapse in these requirements. 

Types of Truck Accidents

Maneuvering a truck is challenging, especially traveling on the highway or at a high rate of speed. 18-wheeler truck accidents differ from other accidents because trucks have larger sizes, weights, and lengths. The type of truck accident you are in will affect the severity of your injuries. Examples of truck accidents an 18-wheeler truck accident lawyer in West Memphis, AR, might see include the following:

• Rear-end: when one vehicle slams into the back end of another, that is a rear-end collision. However, when a truck slams into a passenger vehicle. It can crush the car and everyone in it.  
• T-bone: These accidents usually happen at intersections when one driver disregards traffic signals or does not safely turn. Distractions, impairment, and intoxication are also factors that can lead to t-bone accidents. 
• Rollovers: these accidents are often fatal on highways. The trailer can roll over onto other vehicles or cause a car to roll over and off the highway when there is a curve or speeding, which increases the likelihood of a rollover. 
• Jackknife: when the trailer and cab skid in opposite directions, it causes the truck to fold. Drivers cannot control the truck, and anyone on this path is susceptible to injury and death.  
• Head-on collision: when two vehicles collide front to front, that is a head-on collision and usually happens when there is a brake failure or other mechanical issue. 

There are other types of truck accidents, and you must discuss your incident with 18-wheeler accident lawyers so they can investigate how and why the accident occurred. 

Truck Accident Injuries 

Semi-truck accident injuries vary, and while you will have some cuts and bruises, catastrophic injuries are prevalent. Some of the injuries victims suffer could include:

• Concussion
• Broken bones
• Whiplash 
• Internal bleeding
• Spinal cord injuries 
• Traumatic brain injuries
• Crush injuries
• Penetrating head trauma 
• Psychological injuries 

Injuries are debilitating; you will need diagnostic scans, imaging, rehabilitative therapy, surgery, and counseling. There is an emotional and physical toll from these accidents. There is also the financial impact on your life. Focus on your health, and GKBM will focus on recovering adequate compensation for your losses.

Liability Is Contentious 

A commercial truck accident is complex, and liability is contentious since many parties are responsible for maintaining, loading, and driving the truck. Shared responsibility means you will file a claim with multiple parties and their insurers. Responsible parties in a truck accident include:

• Truck drivers
• Trucking company
• Cargo loader
• Cargo owners
• Government agencies 
• Third parties 

Since liability is complex, you need the legal assistance of an 18-wheeler accident attorney in West Memphis to determine the cause and the liable party. 

Damages You Can Obtain

Accident victims can obtain compensation for their losses in a truck accident. The insurance company quickly offers you a settlement because they do not want you to get an accurate medical prognosis. The sooner you accept a claim, the less they have to pay. 

Your GKBM West Memphis 18-wheeler accident attorney knows these tactics and will advise you to think carefully before accepting any offer. Examples of economic and non-economic damages you can recover include:

• Lost wages
• Medical expenses 
• Pain and suffering
• Loss of benefits 
• Medical equipment 
• Property damage
• Reduced earning capacity 

Many factors determine damages that you must discuss with your West Memphis 18-wheeler accident attorney. Depending on your injury and future prognosis, your damages will vary. If you have a permanent injury that requires lifelong care and leaves you unable to work, you will need more compensation than an injury leaving you out of work for a few months. 

Wrongful Death Claims 

While there are many damages and injuries victims can suffer from a truck accident, the worst outcome is death. Some accident victims die at the scene, while others later succumb to injuries. Grieving a loved one is challenging, and most families are unaware they have rights. Surviving family can seek damages in a wrongful death claim for:

• Loss of benefits
• Loss of household contributions
• Loss of consortium 
• Loss of guidance, love, and protection 
• Funeral and burial expenses
• Medical costs from the accident 

There is no amount of compensation that will bring your family back, but you can get justice for your loss. The state can file criminal charges in some instances, and you can also recover punitive damages. Discuss your options with an 18-wheeler accident attorney in West Memphis, AR. 

Call the Office of Gatti, Keltner, Bienvenu & Montessi, PLC

It is essential to have a personalized approach to your 18-wheeler accident because these cases are so devastating and complex. Your losses are life-changing, and you need a fair settlement that accounts for now and the future. 

Work with a West Memphis 18-wheeler accident lawyer from Gatti, Keltner, Bienvenu & Montesi, PLC, to get justice and compensation for yourself or a loved one. We offer free initial consultations to review your case and determine how to proceed. Use our convenient online form to meet with us.