What if an 18-Wheeler Runs Me Off the Road?

When a massive 18-wheeler runs you off the road, the sudden danger, split-second decision making, and aftermath can feel terrifying, not to mention the injuries that you might have sustained in the accident. If you have experienced this frightening situation in Georgia, you deserve justice for your truck accident and compensation for the associated costs.

What Should I Do Immediately After Being Run Off the Road?

Make sure to check yourself and your passengers for injuries immediately after an accident. Even if you feel fine, your adrenaline may mask your symptoms. Call 911 to report the accident and request medical assistance. Take photos of the scene, your vehicle’s damage, and any visible injuries, and note down details about the truck, including the company name, license plate, and DOT number on your phone. Collect contact information from any witnesses, and unless you need to be transported to the hospital as soon as possible, do not leave the scene until law enforcement arrives.

Why Are Run-Off-Road Accidents with Commercial Trucks So Dangerous?

An 18-wheeler can weigh up to 80,000 pounds when fully loaded, while the average passenger car weighs around 4,000 pounds. This sheer weight difference means that even a “minor” incident can result in serious consequences for any victims, especially in run-off-road accidents. Things get worse if the victim runs into roadside objects like trees, guardrails, or ditches. These secondary impacts can cause traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, broken bones, and internal injuries, on top of the initial crash.

What Causes Trucks to Force Other Vehicles Off the Road?

Several factors can cause trucks to veer and run other passenger cars off the road:

• Driver Fatigue: Despite federal and state regulations, many truck drivers face pressure to meet tight delivery schedules and exceed their permitted consecutive hours on the road.
• Distracted Driving: When truck drivers use their phones, adjust their navigation systems, or eat while driving, they divert their attention from the road and may cause crashes.
• Blind Spots: Commercial trucks have significant visibility limitations, sometimes called “no-zones,” which can cause them to collide with cars they did not see.
• Improper Lane Changes: When trucks fail to signal or check blind spots before merging or changing lanes, they can cause collisions, sometimes with multiple cars.
• Aggressive Driving: Tailgating, speeding, or road rage behaviors can create enormously hazardous conditions, especially if the aggressive driver is behind the wheel of a commercial truck.
• Impaired Driving: If the truck driver is operating their vehicle under the influence of alcohol, drugs, or certain medications, they can create dangerous conditions for everyone involved.
• Poor Weather Conditions: Rain, fog, or high winds can make controlling large trucks more difficult, even for the most seasoned truckers.

How Can I Protect My Rights After Being Run Off the Road?

Maintain detailed records of all medical treatments, expenses, and how your injuries affect daily life, and in any communications with insurance agencies—including your first contact—exercise caution, do not volunteer information, and do not accept their first settlement offer. Early offers typically will not cover the full extent of your damages, and give the insurance adjusters an avenue to save money rather than to help you as much as possible.

What if the Truck Driver Fled the Scene?

Unfortunately, hit-and-run incidents involving commercial vehicles do occur. In these situations, follow these steps if possible:

• Report the incident immediately and provide any identifying information about the truck.
• Look for witnesses who might have seen the truck’s details or company markings.
• Check nearby businesses or homes for security cameras that might have captured the incident.
• Contact your insurance company to determine coverage under your uninsured motorist policy.
• Consider consulting with a lawyer who is knowledgeable in truck accidents to explore all possible avenues for recovery.

Get Professional Legal Help with the Savannah Truck Accident Lawyers at Childers & McCain, LLC if You Have Been Injured in a Truck Crash

If you get run off the road by an 18-wheeler and need to claim compensation for your physical and emotional injuries, trust the decades of combined skill that the Savannah truck accident lawyers at Childers & McCain, LLC bring to Georgia victims. We understand the devastating impact these accidents can have on you, and we possess the resources, knowledge, and determination necessary to stand up for your rights against powerful trucking companies and their insurers. Call us today at 478-254-2007 or fill out our online form for a free consultation. With our office located in Macon, Georgia, we gladly serve clients in Savannah, Albany, Atlanta, Bibb County, Chatham County, Columbus, Crawford County, Oglethorpe, and Peach County.