Wrecks involving 18-wheelers and other large commercial vehicles happen every day on the highways and roads in Texas and across the U.S. When a truck collides with a passenger vehicle, the occupants of the smaller vehicle often are the ones who are the most likely to die or suffer serious injuries as a result of the crash.
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, a total of 3,986 people died in 2016 as a result of a semi-truck-related wreck in the United States. Of those deaths, only 17% were the truck driver or passenger in the truck.
In Texas, the Department of Transportation (TXDOT) reports that there were 403 fatal truck collisions statewide in 2016. There were an additional 803 truck crashes that involved incapacitating injuries, and 2,195 commercial motor vehicle collisions with non-incapacitating injuries.
Simply put, if you find yourself in a collision with an 18-wheeler, you are at a higher risk of death or serious injury from that accident than the truck’s occupants. If the truck driver, trucking company or another party was at fault for the crash, you may be entitled to compensation for your injuries and other losses.
Common Injuries in an 18-Wheeler Accident
Due to the sheer size and weight of large commercial trucks, collisions with a passenger vehicle can have deadly consequences for those involved – especially the occupants of the other vehicle or someone on foot.
A few examples of commonly reported injuries from 18-wheeler accidents include:
- Whiplash, paralysis, broken bones, soft tissue damage, and neck/back injuries resulting from the tremendous impact an 18-wheeler often inflicts when hitting a car.
- Internal organ damage and trauma from seatbelt restraints or being pinned into your own car (depending on the type of collision).
- Head injuries and brain damage from the impact of the collision or striking your head against the steering wheel, dashboard, door, or windows.
- Burns as a result of fuel tank damage that leads to a fire.
- Cuts, bruises, and lacerations from broken windows and seatbelt restraints and the air bags deploying (depending on the speed and location of impact).
If you’ve been hurt in a collision with a tractor-trailer or another large commercial vehicle, there is help available. Severe injuries and property damage can be difficult, if not impossible, to recover from without compensation from the trucking company or other responsible parties. If you are dealing with the aftermath of a truck crash, be sure to contact an experienced truck accident lawyer right away.
Get Help from the Longview Truck Wreck Lawyers at the Sloan Firm
What matters to you, matters us. If you’ve been hurt in a collision with a large truck, contact the Sloan Firm today. We care about you, your injuries, and fighting for the justice you deserve.
With over 150 years of combined experience handling personal injury cases, we will work hard to make sure that your medical bills get paid and that you do not have to suffer any more as a result of this devastating crash. At the Sloan Firm, we will take care of you. Our experienced, knowledgeable and compassionate attorneys are ready to fight for the compensation you deserve.
Call us or contact us online to schedule a free, confidential consultation with us today.