Were you involved in an 18-wheeler truck accident in West Virginia? If so, you’re likely dealing with more than just vehicle damage. These accidents often result in severe injuries and complicated legal claims.
The team at Robinette Legal Group, PLLC, is familiar with the tactics trucking companies and their insurers use to minimize claims, and we’re here to level the playing field for you. From gathering evidence like driver logs and truck maintenance records to fighting for your rights in court, we know how to tackle the unique challenges of 18-wheeler accident claims.
Contact us today for a free initial consultation. Let us help you take the next steps toward the recovery you deserve.
18-Wheeler Accident Statistics
The following statistics from the National Safety Council demonstrate how frequently commercial trucks cause fatal accidents and fatalities in West Virginia:
- In 2021, there were 42 fatal crashes involving commercial trucks in West Virginia.
- Commercial trucks represented 11 percent of all vehicles involved in fatal crashes throughout West Virginia that year.
- The total number of deaths from West Virginia truck accidents in 2021 was 45.
- Among those who died, seven (15.6 percent) were truck occupants, 35 (77.8 percent) were occupants of other vehicles, and three (6.7 percent) were non-occupants, such as pedestrians.
Common Injuries Sustained in 18-Wheeler Wrecks
When a large truck collides with a smaller vehicle, the impact can result in severe and sometimes life-threatening injuries. Here are some examples of common types of injuries that road users can suffer in 18-wheeler crashes:
- Fatal injuries
- Broken bones
- Concussions
- Whiplash
- Internal bleeding
- Traumatic brain injuries
- Spinal cord injuries
- Lacerations
- Burns
- Crush injuries
- Amputations
- Dislocations
- Knee injuries
- Shoulder injuries
- Neck injuries
- Back injuries
- Abdominal injuries
- Contusions
- Soft tissue injuries
- Puncture wounds
- Facial injuries
- Psychological trauma
Common Causes of 18-Wheeler Truck Accidents
Several factors can contribute to 18-wheeler accidents, ranging from human error to mechanical failures and road conditions. Some common causes of 18-wheeler wrecks in West Virginia include:
- Distracted Driving – This happens when commercial truck drivers pay attention to things other than the road, such as their phones, radios, or navigation systems. This lack of focus can lead to accidents because the driver might not see other vehicles, pedestrians, or changes in traffic conditions.
- Impaired Driving – Driving under the influence or driving while dangerously drowsy significantly increases the risk of accidents. Impairment slows reaction time and affects decision-making, making it hard for truck operators to respond to traffic situations appropriately.
- Driver Inexperience – Inexperienced truck drivers often struggle to handle their vehicles properly in tricky driving situations. They might have difficulty maneuvering their vehicles, especially on tight turns or during sudden stops, which can easily lead to accidents. A trucking company that hires an inexperienced or unqualified driver could be liable for semi-truck crashes.
- Reckless Driving – A truck driver who speeds, changes lanes without signaling, and ignores traffic laws commits reckless driving. Such behaviors increase the risk of accidents, as they can catch other road users off guard and create unsafe traffic situations.
- Mechanical Defects – Trucks with manufacturing issues or those that haven’t been maintained properly can lead to accidents. Mechanical problems like faulty brakes, tire blowouts, and engine failures can all cause truck drivers to lose control of their vehicles.
- Poor Road Conditions – Bad road conditions, such as potholes, lack of proper signage, and inadequate lighting, can contribute to truck accidents. Drivers are more likely to have trouble maneuvering safely on roads in poor condition, potentially leading to loss-of-control collisions.
What to Do After an 18-Wheeler Truck Crash
After an 18-wheeler crash, taking the right steps can make a significant difference in your ability to protect your legal rights and recover compensation. Here’s what you should do:
- Seek medical attention, even if you feel fine.
- Follow up with any recommended medical treatments or checkups.
- Keep a record of all medical treatments and expenses.
- Save receipts and documentation for any other accident-related expenses.
- Contact a knowledgeable truck accident attorney from Robinette Legal Group, PLLC, as soon as possible.
- Inform your insurance company about the accident.
- Avoid discussing the accident details on social media.
- Get a copy of the accident report from the police.
- Make a list of any personal property damaged in the accident.
- Track any work or activities you miss due to your injuries.
- Start a journal documenting your recovery and how the injuries affect your daily life.
- Do not accept any settlement offers without consulting your attorney.
Compensation Available for 18-Wheeler Truck Accident Injuries
If you get hurt in an 18-wheeler accident, you can file an injury claim to seek compensation for the harm you have suffered. With a successful claim, you could recover compensation for:
- Medical bills for treatment you already received
- Future medical expenses for ongoing care
- Lost wages if you couldn’t work because of your injuries
- Loss of future earning ability if you can’t earn as much as before
- Costs for renting a car while yours is being fixed
- Pain, suffering, and reduced quality of life
- Out-of-pocket expenses related to the accident
- Repair or replacement costs for your vehicle
How Can a West Virginia Truck Accident Lawyer Help You?
Having an experienced truck accident attorney by your side after an 18-wheeler crash can make a big difference in the outcome of your injury claim. Some key ways a West Virginia lawyer can assist you include:
- Investigating the details of the accident
- Gathering evidence to support your claim
- Interviewing witnesses who saw the accident
- Consulting medical experts to understand your injuries
- Analyzing your medical records related to the accident
- Calculating the total value of your claim
- Handling all communications with the insurance companies
- Negotiating with the trucking company’s insurance on your behalf
- Reviewing settlement offers to determine whether they meet your needs
- Challenging any attempts to undervalue or deny your claim
- Drafting and filing a lawsuit if the insurance company won’t play fair
- Explaining the legal process and what to expect
- Preparing you for depositions or court appearances
- Securing expert testimony to strengthen your case
- Representing you in all court hearings and proceedings
- Keeping you updated on the progress of your case
Contact Robinette Legal Group, PLLC, for Help
Ready to get the help you need after an 18-wheeler truck accident? Learn how we can help you recover compensation for your injuries and other losses. Contact the West Virginia truck accident lawyers at Robinette Legal Group, PLLC, today to set up a free, no-obligation consultation to talk about your case.
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