A collision with an 18-wheeler — also known as a tractor-trailer, big rig, or semi-truck — is one of the most serious types of motor vehicle accidents. Because of the substantial size and weight of these commercial trucks, passenger vehicles are commonly mangled or crushed during the impact. This can result in devastating repercussions for accident victims, including life-altering injuries, permanent loss of quality of life, crippling medical costs, and lost wages.
On top of that, 18-wheeler accidents can be quite complex, because they often involve several different parties, including the driver, the trucking company, the truck manufacturer, and all insurance companies associated with those involved. These various parties must be investigated in the aftermath of an 18-wheeler accident because it is important to accurately identify who is responsible. In truck accident cases, neglected trucking industry regulations may have been a contributing factor, and it’s essential to determine where the negligence occurred. Because each 18-wheeler accident case is unique, it’s imperative for victims to partner with an attorney as quickly as possible.
If you’ve been the victim of an 18-wheeler accident in Galena Park, you’ve suffered enough already. You shouldn’t have to worry about the additional stress of a complex legal process. At the Lopez Law Group, we know how devastating this time can be, and we’re here to help. From seeking medical care to filing a claim for medical expenses and lost wages to collect the compensation you deserve, our Texas 18-wheeler accident lawyers will help you navigate every step of the legal process so that you can focus on your recovery.
What to Know About 18-Wheeler Accident Cases
Trucking accidents in Galena Park involving commercial 18-wheelers are more legally complex than accidents between two passenger vehicles for a few reasons. These types of collisions involve several parties and multiple lines of insurance coverage, which makes it difficult to identify negligence and prove liability. What’s more, additional circumstances may factor into your truck accident case, such as mechanical failure, driver fatigue, and whether or not regulations in the trucking industry were being followed at the time of the collision.
Finally, the sheer weight and size of 18-wheeler vehicles significantly increase the chance of severe injuries. Victims of commercial accidents may face lengthy recovery times, debilitating medical costs, emotional trauma, and loss of motor function or ability to work. Common 18-wheeler vehicle accident injuries with life-changing consequences include:
- Neck or spinal injuries
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Dismemberment
- Burn injuries
- Nerve damage
- Whiplash
- Internal bleeding
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Dismemberment
- Burn injuries
- Neck or spinal cord injuries
- Nerve damage
- Whiplash
- Broken bones, fractures, or dislocations
Because many of these injuries are severe and potentially life-altering, both physically and emotionally, the medical costs and potential for lost wages associated with 18-wheeler accidents make calculating sufficient damages for these cases more complicated. Victims of commercial trucking accidents may face lengthy recovery times and debilitating medical costs for both emergency care and ongoing medical services such as medication, physical therapy, and home and lifestyle modifications in the event of injuries causing permanent loss of mobility.
In addition, victims of 18-wheeler accidents may experience emotional trauma that can result in medical costs associated with mental healthcare. Last, loss of motor function or the onset of mental health conditions as a result of a commercial trucking accident can affect a victim’s ability to work. This means that lost wages and quality of life compensation must be taken into account as well.
The complexity of 18-wheeler accident case injuries and their effects on long-term quality of life make these cases particularly difficult to manage without the help of experienced legal professionals.
Why Hire an 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyer in Galena Park to Help with Your Case?
An experienced Texas 18-wheeler accident lawyer will navigate the legal process for you and work to recover both medical expenses and compensation for the non-economic losses you have suffered, including:
- Rehabilitation costs
- Lost wages
- Impairment of future earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Loss of quality of life
- Emotional distress
- Property damage to your vehicle
How the Lopez Law Group Can Help
If you’ve been in an 18-wheeler accident in Galena Park, your first priority should be focusing on your health and your loved ones as you work toward healing — not trying to negotiate with insurance companies and worrying about medical costs and lost wages.
At the Lopez Law Group, we’ve dedicated our careers to representing the people who entrust their lives to us. We are Texas accident lawyers serving the Weslaco, Tyler, Spring, Mission, McAllen, Laredo, Houston, Edinburg, Corpus Christi, Brownsville, and Harlingen areas. We are committed to easing the minds of our clients with our many years of combined experience in 18-wheeler accident law and our unwavering support. We aim to serve as your ally during this difficult time, fighting aggressively for the compensation you deserve. Here’s what we’ll do to support you throughout your case:
- Investigate your accident. Because an accident with an 18-wheeler is so complex, there are many different factors that can influence the outcome of your case. We will examine eyewitness statements, police reports, and all available evidence to determine why the collision occurred and who should be held responsible.
- Develop an action plan. No two 18-wheeler accidents are the same. We’ll educate you on your rights and options, consult with the insurance providers and experts, and counsel you through the best steps to take in your accident case.
- Prepare for trial if needed. Many accident cases are resolved with a settlement, but the involvement of an 18-wheeler increases the chances that further litigation will be necessary. If a fair settlement cannot be reached, we will take the case to court and present a powerful case to the jury to hold negligent parties responsible for their actions.
- Maximize your recovery. Insurance companies are known for trying to settle claims for less than victims deserve. No matter how complex the case, we’re known for our aggressive negotiation, ensuring that all current and future medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages are recovered.
At the Lopez Law Group, we care about your case — and your recovery. When you partner with us, we’ll help hold the responsible party accountable and recover the full measure of justice you deserve. If you’ve been in a car accident and need to hire an 18-wheeler accident attorney in the Rio Grande Valley, we invite you to meet with us and discuss your case completely free of charge. Get in touch with us today, and let us help you on your road to recovery.
Contact us online or call (956) 420-0781 to schedule your free case consultation.
