Sideswipe Accidents With Big Rig Trucks
When you’re driving, crashes involving big rig trucks can change your life in an instant. Sideswipe collisions, in particular, are terrifying and often leave victims dealing with serious injuries. At Domengeaux Wright Roy & Edwards, we’ve stood by countless Louisiana families after crashes like these, helping them seek justice and fair compensation. In this blog, we’ll explain what 18-wheeler sideswipe accidents are, why they happen, and how they can affect victims. You’ll also discover how legal representation can make a difference in getting the help you deserve. Keep reading to learn how to protect your rights and move forward after a devastating crash.
What Is an 18-Wheeler Sideswipe Accident?
A legally operating semi-truck is classified by the Federal Highway Administration as a Class 8 vehicle, weighing at least 33,001 pounds. This is in contrast to the average passenger vehicle, which typically weighs between 3,000 and 4,400 pounds. A sideswipe with an 18-wheeler happens when the side of a semi-truck makes contact with the side of another vehicle.
Since these trucks are massive, even a slight swipe can cause serious damage to smaller cars and their passengers. Passenger vehicles can easily be pushed off the road and even into incoming traffic, putting lives in danger.
What Can Cause These Collisions?
Big rigs can have massive blind spots due to the shape of the vehicle and the angle of their mirrors. Truck drivers are trained to merge onto highways and change lanes only when they are absolutely certain the other lane is clear. A sideswipe accident may happen in these circumstances:
- Poor driver training leads to a truck driver operating the vehicle in a reckless manner.
- Drivers are distracted by their mobile phones, radio controls, watching TV, or engaging in other activities, taking their attention away from the road while switching lanes.
- Drivers are fatigued and don’t realize there is traffic around them.
- Drivers are impaired by alcohol, prescription or illegal drugs, or stimulants, which affect their perception.
- Trucks experience a mechanical issue, such as tire blowout or brake failure, that causes either the tractor or trailer to swerve out of its lane.
- Drivers fail to slow down for bad weather, slick and slippery roads, tight curves, and other poor conditions.
Prioritizing your safety after a sideswipe accident is crucial, and seeking experienced legal help can ensure you get the support and compensation you deserve.
Why You Need Legal Representation
Trucking companies might try to blame sideswipe accidents on other drivers. The aggressive lawyers of trucking companies and their insurance companies are notorious for minimizing claims. They may go to any length to limit the value of your damages, even after a truck driver causes an accident due to negligence.
After an 18-wheeler sideswipe accident, it’s important to contact a personal injury attorney to protect your rights. These crashes often leave victims with medical bills, lost wages, and pain that can turn their lives upside down. An attorney can help you hold the trucking company accountable and fight for the compensation you need to recover. Don’t face this alone when legal help can make all the difference.
Representing Victims of Sideswipe Accidents With Semi-Trucks & Big Rigs
With around 2.97 million semi-trucks registered in America, sideswipe accidents with semi-trucks are not uncommon. If you have been in an 18-wheeler sideswipe accident, contact the Louisiana truck accident lawyers at Domengeaux Wright Roy & Edwards. Our skilled attorneys are ready to investigate the accident and seek a fair settlement on your behalf.
The Louisiana truck accident attorneys at Domengeaux Wright Roy & Edwards aggressively represent our clients and their families. If you’ve suffered an injury or the wrongful death of a loved one due to negligence or other circumstances in a semi-truck wreck, we will work to make sure you receive the compensation you need. We know a sudden or accidental loss is an uncertain time, and we are prepared to take on these large trucking companies and fight on your behalf.
Do not allow their insurance companies to blame you for an act of negligence by an 18-wheeler’s driver. Truck drivers must follow the same traffic laws as all drivers, and their industry is heavily regulated. If you are injured on the road, you deserve to be fairly compensated.
Contact Our Lafayette Personal Injury Lawyers Today
If you or a loved one were severely injured in an 18-wheeler sideswipe accident, an investigation and other legal action may be necessary to protect your right to seek maximum recovery. The award-winning lawyers at Domengeaux Wright Roy & Edwards specialize in car accidents, truck accidents, maritime accidents, and other personal injury claims. We treat our clients like family and fight for your rights after an injury. Call us today at 337-291-HURT (4878) or message us online for a free consultation*.
