There are more 18-wheelers on the road today than ever before. Unfortunately, 18-wheeler drivers working under strict deadlines, long travel times, and little sleep regularly get into accidents – with catastrophic consequences.
WHAT ARE THE MOST COMMON CAUSES OF 18-WHEELER ACCIDENTS?
According to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), the most common causes of 18-wheeler accidents on U.S. roads are:
18-wheeler driver mistakes are by far the leading cause of 18-wheeler accidents and crashes, accounting for 87% of all 18-wheeler accidents.
WHAT ARE THE MOST COMMON TYPES OF 18-WHEELER ACCIDENT INJURIES?
Over 100,000 Americans are injured in 18-wheeler accidents each year. Common 18-wheeler accident injuries include:
- Spinal cord injuries;
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI);
- Internal bleeding;
- Broken or fractured bone(s);
- Amputation;
- Road rashes or cuts;
- Torn and sprained ligaments;
- Scalp laceration;
- Contusion, abrasions, and lacerations of the face and hands; and
- Emotional distress.
WHAT TYPES OF DAMAGES CAN YOU GET IN AN 18-WHEELER ACCIDENT?
You could receive compensation for economic and non-economic damages, including:
- Current and future medical bills;
- Loss of income or earning potential;
- Property damage, vehicle repair, and other transportation needs; and
- Mental anguish, suffering, emotional distress, and pain as a result of your crash.
Some states allow for punitive damages in personal injury cases. These types of damages are meant to punish the responsible party for especially bad behavior – for example, if an 18-wheeler company has blatantly or knowingly failed to comply with federal and state guidelines for their fleet, putting other drivers’ lives recklessly at risk.
18-wheeler accident lawsuits could end up recovering damages in the hundreds of thousands or even millions of dollars depending on the severity of your case. CALL NOW to get a free, discreet consultation for your 18-wheeler case!
