18 Wheeler Accidents

18-wheeler and bus accidents can cause tremendous damage. When an accident involves an 18-wheeler, bus, dump truck, emergency vehicle or other large truck, there is usually significant property damage and serious injuries or even death.

There are many factors that contribute to accidents involving 18-wheelers, including overloaded freight, driver fatigue, speed, or substance abuse. Trucking companies frequently dispatch tractor-trailers on tight schedules that cause the truck drivers to operate their trucks for unreasonably long periods of time at high rates of speed. This only increases their danger to ordinary drivers like you.

These trucking companies and their drivers have a specialized set of rules and regulations they must follow. Unfortunately for those who have been hurt by one of these 18-wheelers, these trucking companies usually have large insurance policies that they are willing to protect without regard to the cost. If you are on your own and without an attorney, it can be overwhelming.

Some tips for handling a 18 wheeler or bus accidents includes:

• Do not say anything (i.e. apologize, admit it was your fault)
• Report the accident
• See a doctor
• Call your insurance agent as soon as possible
• Review and understand your insurance coverage
• Take detailed notes of all conversations
• Consider your other insurance policies (such as homeowners and credit card policies)
• Take pictures
• Be honest and forthcoming
• Understand difference between depreciated and replacement insurance coverage
• Keep all receipts for meals, lodging, purchases made in connection with the claim
• Do not give any recorded/written statements to the insured
• Avoid automatically accepting the estimates of your losses given by the insurer
• Do not sign any releases or waivers
• Do not accept any check that states “final payment” unless you are ready to do so
• Do not ignore policy time limits