Side-impact collisions, often referred to as “T-bone” accidents, involving 18-wheelers are particularly hazardous due to the substantial mass and size of these vehicles. When a passenger car is struck on the side by an 18-wheeler, the consequences can be devastating and often fatal. This article explores the causes of side-impact collisions with 18-wheelers, the severe outcomes of these accidents, and the legal considerations that arise as victims seek compensation and justice.
Causes of Side-Impact Collisions with 18-Wheelers
Side-impact collisions typically occur at intersections and are frequently the result of failures to yield the right of way, stop at traffic signals, or adhere to stop signs. For 18-wheelers, these types of accidents can also occur due to the truck making wide turns where visibility may be compromised. Factors such as driver inattention, misjudgment of distance, or aggressive driving significantly contribute to the occurrence of these accidents. Additionally, mechanical failures related to brakes or steering components in large trucks can prevent a driver from stopping in time, leading directly to a side-impact collision.
Devastating Consequences of Side-Impact Collisions
The structural integrity of a passenger vehicle is most vulnerable at the sides. Unlike the front and rear of a vehicle, which are designed to absorb impact to some degree, the sides offer minimal protection to occupants. As a result, when a passenger car is hit on the side by an 18-wheeler, the impact can cause severe injuries to passengers, including head and neck injuries, broken bones, internal bleeding, and traumatic brain injuries. The risk of fatalities is also significantly higher in these collisions due to the direct intrusion of the truck into the passenger cabin.
Navigating Legal Challenges in Side-Impact Collisions
Determining liability in side-impact collisions involving 18-wheelers can be complex. It often requires an in-depth investigation into the circumstances of the crash, including analysis of traffic signals, driver logs, vehicle maintenance records, and eyewitness accounts. In many cases, multiple parties might be liable, including the truck driver, the trucking company, or even the manufacturers of faulty vehicle parts.
Victims of side-impact collisions involving 18-wheelers face a challenging path to recovery, both physically and financially. Legal representation is crucial in these cases to ensure that all aspects of the victim’s damages are addressed. Experienced personal injury attorneys can help victims navigate the complexities of filing claims, dealing with insurance companies, and, if necessary, pursuing litigation to obtain rightful compensation. These legal professionals play a vital role in holding responsible parties accountable, securing financial recovery for medical expenses, lost wages, and pain and suffering, and helping victims rebuild their lives after such traumatic incidents.
Conclusion
Side-impact collisions involving 18-wheelers are among the most serious traffic accidents, with high risks of severe injury and death. For those affected, it is crucial to engage knowledgeable legal counsel that understands the specific challenges of trucking accidents. With the right legal support, victims can focus on their recovery while their attorneys handle the legal complexities, ensuring that justice is served and appropriate compensation is secured. If you or a loved one has been involved in such an accident, contacting an experienced personal injury law firm is an essential step toward protecting your rights and obtaining the support you need.
Spagnoletti Law Firm has attorneys licensed in Texas, Florida, New Mexico and New York. We have handled numerous cases involving catastrophic auto and bus accidents in both federal and state court across the country. Our attorneys have extensive experience and the skills needed to aggressively represent the families of loved ones who have lost their lives or been seriously injured in a trucking or commercial vehicle accident.
The experienced accident attorneys at Spagnoletti Law Firm have previously been involved in similar cases and can help you understand your rights if you or a loved one was involved in an accident. Please contact us online or call 713-804-9306 or to learn more about your legal rights.