The massive size and weight of commercial trucks mean that even a small mistake from a truck driver can have serious consequences. Being cut off by a reckless 18-wheeler, for example, can leave victims dealing with severe injuries, wrecked vehicles, and significant financial damages and losses. Just one reckless move can leave victims dealing with severe injuries, wrecked vehicles, and significant financial damages and losses.
One of the scariest things to experience when on the road is being cut off by a massive 18-wheeler. Unfortunately, if you do not have enough time to react, being cut off by an 18-wheeler can result in a serious accident. If you were injured after being cut off by a reckless truck driver, it is vital that you understand your legal rights and the steps to take to protect your ights.
Why truck cut off accidents are so dangerous?
A large commercial truck can weigh up to 80,000 pounds when fully loaded. Due to this enormous size and weight, when a truck driver suddenly changes lanes or cuts off another vehicle, the results can be catastrophic.
Often, when a person is involved in a truck accident, they sustain severe or life-threatening injuries. Some of the common injuries people sustain in truck accidents include;
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs)
- Broken bones
- Spinal cord injuries
- Severe burns
- Severe lacerations
Truck accidents do not just cause physical injuries. These accidents also leave victims with emotional and psychological trauma. Victims may experience anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Truck accidents also leave victims dealing with financial strain.
Why truck drivers cut off other drivers
Truck drivers cut off other drivers for various reasons, including the following;
- Being in a hurry
- Attempting to pass slower traffic
- Aggressive driving or road rage
- Fatigued driving
- Distracted driving
- Misjudging distance
If a reckless truck driver cut you off and caused an accident that injured you, you may be able to hold the truck driver legally responsible.
Determining liability after a truck cuts you off
Determining liability after an accident happens due to a truck driver cutting you off can be complex. Depending on the circumstances, there could be multiple liable parties. Apart from the truck driver, other parties that you may be able to hold liable include;
- The trucking company, for example, if it failed to train or supervise the driver properly
- The truck’s maintenance company, if poor vehicle maintenance contributed to the accident
- Cargo loaders, if improperly loaded or secured cargo caused the truck to shift or become unstable
To determine which parties are liable for your accident, it is necessary to conduct a thorough investigation. A qualified truck accident attorney can investigate your case by reviewing video footage, black box data, driver logs, other critical evidence, and interviewing witnesses to determine what happened and who should be held responsible.
Recoverable compensation
If you suffered injuries in an accident after being cut off by a reckless 18-wheeler, you may be entitled to recover compensation for all your economic and non-economic damages. Damages you can recover include;
- Medical expenses
- Lost wages
- Loss of earning capacity
- Pain and suffering
- Emotional distress
- Property damage
Several factors can affect the value of your claim, including the severity of your injuries, the strength of your evidence, and comparative negligence.
A qualified truck accident attorney can help ensure you recover the compensation you deserve.
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