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If you have been driving for any amount of time, chances are that you have come across an 18-wheeler wreck after it has happened. These giant vehicles have the capacity to do a lot of damage to smaller passenger vehicles like regular cars, vans, and pickups. The devastation that they can cause is a matter of physics and the sheer size of them. Since they are so big and typically they are hauling a load, it is much harder for them to stop quickly. With such a tremendous amount of weight behind them, the amount of force that can be applied to an unlucky victim can lead to catastrophic damage to you and your vehicle. These big rigs are capable of turning a person’s world upside down in just a few moments. 

The chances of getting into a fatal 18-wheeler accident are increased while traveling in rural areas (61%) and along interstate highways (27%), according to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA). Also in the report, the majority of commercial truck crashes happened at night (84% of fatal crashes and 88% of non-fatal crashes). If these statistics tell us anything, it’s that, as a passenger vehicle driver, you really want to be aware of your surroundings when driving at night out in the country. The sad truth of the matter is that while you are paying attention to your own efforts, you are also hoping that others obey the rules of the road and are driving safely, as well. Not everyone on the road, especially at night, is in peak condition to operate a motor vehicle. Fatigue from long hours and unrealistic deadlines can contribute to higher probabilities that an 18-wheeler accident could occur. 

The Effects of an 18-Wheeler Accident

After an accident with a big rig, your life may be changed forever. Because of the size and scope that these types of accidents can be, the harm to yourself and your family can be severe. The injuries you may receive could keep you from working for a long time or even at all. Your recovery time could be long and arduous. Simple tasks that you never gave a second thought about could become daunting to the point that you need help, like showering, walking, and eating. You could even lose family members after a commercial vehicle accident. The loss of income if a breadwinner loses their life can put an untold strain on the survivors. In situations like these, it is necessary to think about the future and how you can provide for your loved ones if something like this should happen. Having an experienced 18-wheeler accident attorney to help you fight for the compensation you deserve is something you will need. If your life has been irreversibly changed, you need someone tough in your corner pushing back against the big trucking companies and their insurance lawyers. 

Abilene 18-Wheeler Accident Lawyer

The Galbreath Law Firm in Abilene is ready to help you in your time of need. Helping Texans who have suffered catastrophic injuries due to the negligent actions of others is what we do. There is no reason to try to fight alone against a big trucking company if you have been in an accident. You can contact us for a free initial consultation and tell us about your situation. We will work hard to prepare your case and allow you to focus on your family and recovery. Chances are likely that they will have lawyers fighting on their side to keep from paying out a fair settlement so you should have someone who will fight right back. We work on a contingency basis so we don’t get paid unless we win a settlement for you.