You feel overwhelmed when you find yourself in an accident involving an 18-wheeler commercial truck. These vehicles are much larger than standard trucks. Despite any other emotion, taking necessary steps at that time is important for your protection. Most of the time, victims & their relatives make mistakes because of stress that later weakens their case. Consulting with Houston 18 Wheeler Accident Lawyers benefits only when you have strong proof against the culprit! Here in this content, we will share the common causes of 18-wheeler accidents. We will also share the mistakes most victims made at that time.
What are the most common causes of 18-wheeler commercial truck accidents?
There are the fewest forces you will find on the road that can match the 18-wheeler commercial trucks. These trucks are dangerous to others because of their massive size. Even if the driver drives this slowly, it can still have catastrophic outcomes. Below, we have mentioned certain negligence discussed by Houston 18 Wheeler Accident Lawyers that leads to accidents. If someone were injured in an accident with an 18-wheeler, it is recommended to speak with a lawyer.
- Weather conditions
We can’t change the natural calamities, but truck drivers are responsible for following safe operations. Truck drivers should follow extreme caution when the weather is bad. Here are some reasons which increase the chance of crashes such as snow, heavy wind, storms, fog & heavy rain. In these cases, either the driver should lower their speed, or they can park their vehicles in a safe place & wait. If a driver doesn’t follow the safety regulations, it is counted as an accident due to negligence.
- Consider the vehicle’s condition
The trucking companies must properly maintain these 18-wheeler commercial trucks. They should operate these vehicles safely by inspecting them annually. The drivers should also inspect the condition before they drive. During this process, the company & driver should check the rotating tires, inspect the pressure in the tire, and replace the head/tail lights, brakes, and steering. Routine maintenance is necessary before it goes off the road.
- Improper loading
This is also the biggest reason for collisions & accidents. No matter the truck’s size, the loading should be done properly. Proper weight distribution is necessary to avoid any accidents. Improper loading is also counted as negligence.
- Errors in driving
Driving errors are another common factor we see in most accidents. Driving an 18-wheeler requires a certain level of experience & skills. It is difficult to drive this when the driver is a newbie. So, along with the driver, the company is also liable if any mishap happens.
If you were injured because of the above-discussed options, reaching out to the qualified Houston 18 Wheeler Accident Lawyers for help is recommended.
5 Steps you should take after an accident
Being involved in an 18-wheeler truck accident can be terrifying. Most of the time, victims are seriously injured & they are confused about what steps they should take after an accident. However, small steps you can take after an accident can significantly affect you. Here is what you can do in just seven steps.
- Stay at that accident spot
Don’t leave the accident spot if you have minor injuries. Move the vehicle to the safest location and turn the light on to help other drivers so that they can see you and stop driving. If you have flares, reflectors & cones, place them behind the vehicle so other drivers can alert themselves.
- Report about the accident
As soon as possible, report this accident by calling the helpline number. An officer will be sent to that place for reporting. They prepare the report by including all the necessary information regarding the crash by asking for opinions from the driver, victim and people. This report will be used as evidence if you put a case against your injuries.
- Ask for medical treatments
Seek medical attention as soon as you can. Truck accidents can cause a victim to experience adrenaline. Making delays in reaching the medical experts can impact your health. Most of the time, insurance companies argue that you were not injured in the accidents. Therefore, it is necessary to visit the doctor and ask the doctor to make a proper health report so that you can claim.
- Collect information
In the next step, you should collect information about the driver and the trucking company dealing. Collect the witness, and gather the pictures of the accidental spot. Gather all the pictures of the damage you received. Collect important information about the truck, for example, license plate number, name, contact information, insurance information, trucking company information etc.
- Understand the situation
It is recommended to speak wisely during the whole situation. Before giving any statements, understand them because they can be used against you by insurance companies. If you cannot handle this situation, hire Houston 18 Wheeler Accident Lawyers.
Truck accidents can be complex because it involves multiple parties. If you miss any steps, the only person who can save you from this is Houston 18 Wheeler Accident Lawyer.
