Our client was side swiped by an 18-wheeler. In addition to her car being completely crushed, she suffered from a deep laceration that affected the tendons and muscle, as well as a collapsed lung, cracked ribs, and pain to the neck, back, and head. Chanel Rafie, Eric Douglas, and Laura Abney worked hard to resolve the case. The Titans were able to settle her case for $550,000.
What is the difference between a car accident and an 18-wheeler accident?
1. Accidents with 18-wheelers are typically far more serious due to the sheer size of the vehicle. This can mean:
a. More damage to the car that is hit
b. More severe injuries
2. Because injuries are usually more severe in 18-wheeler wrecks, that typically means that the medical bills for those injuries will be higher as well.
3. 18-wheeler accidents are often more difficult to resolve due to liability issues. What this means is that it’s more complex to decide who is responsible for the accident. Sometimes, responsibility can fall on the trucking company while other times it may fall on the driver themselves.
4. 18-wheelers usually carry an insurance policy that’s far more than that of individual’s auto policy. Policies for 18-wheelers can be worth millions, which makes settlements and lawsuits more difficult to resolve.
5. The rules and regulations of the road can be different for different types of drivers. It’s important to hire an attorney who knows the difference and what to look for.