Once you have the moment to gain clarity after your 18-wheeler accident, you may be positive that it happened due to no fault of your own. However, you may not be so sure as to who is the responsible party. Follow along to find out who is at fault for your 18-wheeler accident and how a proficient Fayetteville, Arkansas truck accident lawyer at the Knapp Law Firm can help you in making this determination.
Who is responsible for my 18-wheeler accident?
For your 18-wheeler accident, there may be more potential at-fault parties than you may realize. They are as follows:
- Truck driver:
- If they fail to check large blind spots or hit the brakes on time.
- If they drive under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
- If they drive while using a handheld device.
- If they have unauthorized passengers in the vehicle.
- Trucking company:
- If they make unrealistic deadlines that cause a driver to speed or tailgate.
- If they schedule a driver for more than the federal limit of 15 hours per day or 70 hours per week that causes a driver to be drowsy or fatigued.
- If they do not train a driver before sending them out on the road.
- Truck manufacturer:
- If they do not recall a defective truck part.
- If they do not place the required warning devices on a truck.
- External elements:
- If there are faulty traffic control devices that cause a driver to make a mistake.
- If there are road hazards that cause a driver to swerve.
- If there is inclement weather that impairs a driver’s vision.
What injuries are associated with a truck accident?
If you were driving a standard passenger vehicle at the time of your accident, the odds are that you stood little to no chance against the sheer size and weight of an 18-wheeler. With this, you may be suffering from serious, if not fatal, injuries. Examples of injuries that are commonly associated with 18-wheeler accidents are as follows:
- Traumatic brain injuries.
- Neck injuries.
- Back injuries.
- Nerve damage.
- Paralysis.
- Loss of limbs.
- Broken bones.
- Bone fractures.
- Muscle sprains.
- Muscle strains.
- Joint tears.
With that being said, if you are suffering from any of the above injuries, you cannot stand idly by. Instead, you must fight for the financial compensation that you require to heal. You can do this by filing a personal injury claim against the at-fault party of your 18-wheeler accident.
While you may be taking the necessary time to care for your injuries, you must remember that there is a statute of limitations for your claim. This deadline is typically three years from the date of your accident. So, do not wait any longer to hire a talented Fayetteville, Arkansas personal injury lawyer. Call us today.
