Drivers in West Virginia are probably used to seeing 18-wheelers speeding along the interstate, and most might not give these massive vehicles another thought. Unfortunately, just because they are common does not mean they are safe. The injuries associated with large truck accidents are severe, and many victims live with lifelong symptoms or do not survive at all.
When fully loaded, commercial trucks often weigh as much as 25 times more than a typical passenger vehicle. When a large truck collides with it a small vehicle, it is easy to see how the sheer weight of the truck can cause severe damage. The contents of a truck at the time of an accident can also influence how severe the outcome is. For example, a truck that is carrying flammable or toxic substances can cause serious damage.
While negligent or dangerous truck drivers may be the ones who actually cause accidents, they are not the only ones who can be held responsible. In many cases, a truck driver’s employer can be held legally responsible for that driver’s actions. This means that a person seeking compensation for injuries related to a truck accident can do so from both the driver, his or her employer and potentially other negligent parties.
Victims who survive large truck accidents often have to deal with long-lasting pain and suffering, unexpected medical bills and even lost wages. These damages can make it difficult for victims in West Virginia to not only recover, but to ever find financial stability again. This is why pursuing personal injury claims can be so important for some victims. Recovering necessary compensation related to accidents can give victims the financial stability they need to recover and move forward with their lives.
