18 Wheeler Accidents

If you've ever driven next to an 18-wheeler, you know exactly how powerful they are. These massive vehicles can make your car seem like nothing more than a small toy. Huge trucks can cause serious damage- especially when put into the hands of a careless driver. We'll fight hard to get every dollar you deserve for your medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and your pain and suffering.

Some of the most common causes of accidents involving 18-wheelers include:

· Speeding
· Driver fatigue
· Tire failure or separation
· Driving under the influence of alcohol/drugs
· Brake failure
· Reckless driving
· Failure to accommodate blind-spots
· Unsecured cargo or freight

Things to do immediately after you are involved in an accident with an 18-wheeler:

  • Do not leave the scene of the accident
    Even a minor accident can cause serious injuries, so remain at the scene of the accident until police and help arrive.
  • Check for injuries
    If you or someone else is injured, call an ambulance immediately. Be sure to note the location of the accident so that the ambulance dispatcher can send help quickly.
  • Call the police
    Always call the police after an auto accident, especially if you or someone else has been injured. Police officers will gather information, investigate the accident, determine who was at fault for the accident, and write an official police report. The police report will help your insurance claim and any liability claims. Be sure to note the officer's name and badge number, and ask the officer how to get a copy of the police report.
  • Get as much information as you can
    The police will gather information from the parties involved and write a report, but you should always make sure to gather as much information as you can while at the scene of the accident.

    Always be sure to get the following information:

    1. Other drivers- get the name, address, telephone number, driver's license number, and insurance information.
    2. Passengers- get the name, address and telephone number of every passenger.
    3. Witnesses- get the name, telephone number, and address of all witnesses.
    4. Owner- if someone other than the driver owns the vehicle that hit you, make sure to get the name, address, telephone number, and insurance information of the owner of the vehicle as well.
    5. Photographs- take pictures of the accident scene. Use your cell phone to photograph the accident scene and all of the vehicles involved.
  • Do not admit responsibility
    When you exchange information with the other driver and give the facts to the police, don't admit responsibility for the accident. The things you say can be used against you. You might think you were responsible for the accident and later learn that the other driver caused it or that the other driver was equally at fault. Cooperate with the police and provide them with the necessary information.
  • Seek medical attention
    Both you and your passengers should consider seeing a doctor after an auto accident. Even a seemingly minor auto accident can cause serious injuries. The doctor might recognize injuries that are not apparent to you and will document those injuries.
  • Contact the Womac Law Firm
    If you've been involved in an accident with an 18-wheeler, your lawyer can advise you about your rights and responsibilities. The sooner you contact us the better because witnesses may forget the details of the accident and evidence may be lost if you wait too long to get started on your case. The attorneys at the Womac Law Firm are well trained in dealing with insurance companies and will fight hard to get you every dollar you deserve for your medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and your pain and suffering.

If an 18-wheeler ever crosses the line with you, call or email the Womac Law Firm today to "Put the Womac on 'Em". We don't let big rigs push anyone around, and you can count on our team of experienced attorneys to fight hard to get every dollar you deserve for your medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and your pain and suffering.