Going through an accident with an 18-wheeler can be a scary, challenging, and overwhelming experience. Sadly, many of these crashes can lead to devastating injuries, property damage, and deaths. It is easy to feel lost after being involved in an accident with a large commercial vehicle. However, as you will learn throughout this article, everything you do after your crash can substantially impact your ability to get compensation. Our Fayetteville, AR truck accident lawyer Ken Kieklak invites you to keep reading as we explain what you should do after getting hit by an 18-wheeler in Arkansas.
Things You Should Do After an 18-Wheeler Accident in Arkansas
Truck accidents, especially those involving an 18-wheeler, are notorious for the disasters these large vehicles can cause. It is understandable to feel overwhelmed and frustrated as an injured victim. However, it is critical to understand that everything you do after your crash is essential to any future claim you may have against the liable parties.
The first thing you should do is call 9-1-1 and make sure you and others involved in the accident are safe. Any treatment or care given to you at this point will go on your medical record, which can be used to show the extent of your injuries.
It is always recommended that you report your accident to the police. An officer will show up to the crash site, investigate, and write a report on their findings. This report can be useful to support your claim against the liable parties.
Make sure to gather as much evidence as you can from the crash. Getting the contact information of all parties involved, as well as their insurance information, is essential. Additionally, it would help to get photo and video evidence of your accident so you can add support to your claim and show the extent of your accident and subsequent losses.
Lastly, make sure to contact an experienced Arkansas truck accident attorney who can guide you and fight to maximize your potential compensation.
Why Do 18-Wheeler Accidents Happen in Arkansas?
18-wheelers, also referred to as big-rigs, are large trailer trucks used to transport large cargo within and across state lines. A crash with one of these big, heavy vehicles can cause extensive property damage, severe injuries, and in some cases, death. However, you may wonder what the leading causes of these types of serious accidents are.
Many things can lead to 18-wheeler accidents in Arkansas. One of the most common causes of 18-wheeler accidents is speeding. For decades, speeding has been one of the leading causes of vehicular accidents. It is known that some trucking companies make their drivers meet strict delivery deadlines to maximize revenue. This can lead to speeding, which in turn can result in an otherwise preventable crash.
Driver fatigue is another known cause of 18-wheeler accidents in Arkansas. Delivering goods from one point to another can take several days’ worth of travel. For this reason, many truck drivers travel beyond reasonable blocks of time, skipping necessary resting and mealtime. If a truck driver does not take time to rest, they can get drowsy, fatigued, or sleepy behind the steering wheel, which can lead to a crash.
The Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) regulates the weight, distribution, and amount of cargo that should be loaded into an 18-wheeler. Failure to follow loading regulations can affect the driver’s ability to control their truck on the road properly. This negligent practice can lead to devastating accidents, property loss, injuries, and deaths.
Can I Get Compensation After Getting Hit by an 18-Wheeler in Arkansas?
If you got hit by an 18-wheeler in Arkansas, you can fight for compensation. With our Fayetteville, AR Walmart truck accident attorney’s assistance, you can file a personal injury claim against the liable parties and fight for compensation.
Typically, there are two types of compensation you can get from a personal injury claim: economic and non-economic compensation or “damages.” Economic damages are those the court can easily quantify. Common examples of economic damages include lost wages, medical expenses, and property damage.
Conversely, non-economic damages are those that cannot be easily quantified, and their valuation tends to be more subjective. Common examples of non-economic damages include things like your pain and suffering, emotional trauma, and psychological damage. For this specific type of compensation, the court will try to assign a value based on the impact these losses have over your life.
In special circumstances, the court may award you what is known as “punitive damages.” Punitive damages are compensation awarded in cases where the defendant’s actions were found to be extreme, with complete disregard for human safety.
The amount of compensation you can expect from your case will change depending on your specific circumstances. The court will evaluate your case, look at your losses, and award compensation that can help you cover all of them.
What is the Statute of Limitations for an 18-Wheeler Accident Claim in Arkansas?
You only have a limited time to file your personal injury claim after getting hit by an 18-wheeler in Arkansas. This time limit is known as the “statute of limitations.” You must file your claim within the established legal time frame. Otherwise, the court will refuse to see your case, and you may not get the legal remedy you are looking for. Under Arkansas law, you have up to three years from the moment of your accident to file your personal injury claim. Your Arkansas truck accident attorney can help you with this and all other legal matters.
Arkansas Truck Accident Attorney Offering Free Consultations
If you or a loved one was injured in a severe accident caused by an 18-wheeler in Arkansas, we can help. Our Fayetteville, AR personal injury attorney Ken Kieklak can help you hold the liable parties accountable for your losses. We can sit with you in a free, confidential consultation and discuss what you can expect from your case. To learn more about our services, call Ken Kieklak, Attorney at Law today at (479) 316-0438.