An 18-wheeler is a large truck that typically has a tractor that pulls a large trailer behind it. They have 18 wheels, as their name implies, which is because of the significant amount of weight and the importance of balance these trucks have. Sometimes called a semi-trailer or a big rig, these trucks can weigh as much as 35,000 pounds when empty and as much as 80,000 pounds when filled with products and goods. Those facing this type of accident need a Tacoma 18-wheeler accident lawyer to help them through the legal process.
If you have suffered an injury after being struck by an 18-wheeler, you are likely facing significant injuries and loss. The impact of these types of trucks can be devastating, and they may be because of mistakes made by the truck driver. Here’s what you need to know about these truck accidents.
Have You Suffered a Tacoma 18-Wheeler Accident?
In Tacoma, truck drivers and their companies must follow specific Washington state laws when it comes to ensuring safety on the roadways. That includes time off for sleep and ensuring that drivers are not distracted when operating these powerful vehicles. Yet, even with that being the case, accidents occur, leaving people with numerous injuries and, in some cases, fatalities.
If you suffered from this type of loss, connect with a Tacoma 18-wheeler accident lawyer who can answer your questions and help you to obtain the financial compensation owed to you. There’s no doubt this can be a difficult case since many trucking companies have high-powered attorneys supporting them.
Instead of speaking to an insurance company, talk to your legal team first. Attorney Blake Kremer provides fast, reliable, and transparent legal services to help his clients to get the support they need. Don’t wait to contact us immediately.
Common Injuries After an 18-Wheeler Accident
It is quite common for trucking accidents like this to lead to intense injuries for those involved. Take a look at some common injuries our Tacoma 18-wheeler accident lawyer has seen in victims.
- Neck and spinal column injuries: These are some of the most common due to the force related to the accident. A person may suffer paralysis or may be unable to walk or move as they used to.
- Broken bones: Legs, arms, ribs, and any other bone fractures are common after such a significant injury. Some people may have substantial shattering of their bones or clean breaks.
- Traumatic brain injuries: If a person strikes their head during these types of accidents, that can lead to devastating traumatic brain injuries, often resulting in swelling or damage to the brain itself. These can lead to significant loss of quality of life.
- Lacerations and internal injuries: In some situations, truck accidents may leave a person facing numerous lacerations from sharp objects hitting them during the accident. These may lead to internal injuries as well.
- Whiplash: Even when there are minimal external injuries, the force of a truck hitting a car can cause the brain to move back and forth rapidly within the skull, stretching the tendons and ligaments in the neck. These injuries can be traumatic and may not appear right away.
If you have been in a trucking accident like this, your first step is to go to the emergency room for care. Be sure to file a police report and then contact your Tacoma attorney immediately for help. It’s critical to document what occurred and to ensure all of your injuries are fully documented.
What to Do After an 18-Wheeler Accident?
No matter how severe the accident is, the first step after an 18-wheeler accident is to visit the emergency room. This will help document your health and ensure you are okay. Some internal injuries, including whiplash, may not be immediately evident. If you start experiencing pain and discomfort in the days after, be sure to consult with your doctor about further help.
If it is safe to do, take photos of the surrounding area. Be sure to call the police right away, too. They will work to document the incident as well. You will need to file a police report outlining everything that occurred. Think about what you saw the truck doing before the accident. Was the driver on the phone? Was the semi truck swerving?
Gather any witness statements as well. The name and contact information will help you to prove what occurred later. Then, after getting the care you need, contact your Tacoma 18-wheeler accident lawyer for reliable support and guidance on what to do next. Don’t speak to an insurance agent until you have an attorney by your side.
Who Is Responsible in an 18-Wheeler Accident?
Every situation is different, but if an 18-wheeler hit you while you were on the road, that truck driver may be responsible. The trucking company and manufacturer may also hold some fault in some situations, depending on what occurred that led to the accident. The police will create the initial findings in a police report and determine fault. If you do not agree with that, let our attorney help you.
Contact a Tacoma 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyer Now
Attorney Blake Kremer is here to help you. With years of experience helping people overcome the challenges of trucking accidents, even with high-powered insurance companies and other attorneys working for trucking companies, he is committed to supporting his clients.
Without a doubt, a trucking accident can have devastating results. As a result of this, you need to work with an attorney who can fully document what your losses are and help determine who is responsible for them. You can count on Attorney Blake Kremer to be there for you. Contact the Law Office of Blake Kremer today!
