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18 Wheeler Accidents

Why are large trucks so dangerous?
When semi-trucks crash, it often leads to serious bodily harm.  A truck that large, carrying a large load, is sure to severely impact any object it comes in contact with, including your vehicle and your body.

How do truck drivers cause accidents?
Though drivers of large trucks are supposed to get a certain amount of sleep and only carry secure loads, the pressure put upon them by the trucking companies often force them to make unsafe decisions.  Many drivers get behind the wheel even when they are too tired to drive.  In an attempt to stay alert drivers may self-medicate; a serious danger to every vehicle they encounter.

In addition, truck driver's frustrations may manifest themselves as aggressive behaviors, even road rage.  Any driver who operates their vehicle in anger is dangerous but erratic truck drivers cause serious and avoidable accidents.

I have been injured in an accident with a large truck.  What do I need to do?
If you have been injured or have lost a loved one in an accident with an 18 wheeler you are sure to get a call or visit from the company's insurance agent or attorney.  Whatever you do, DO NOT sign anything.  By signing your name, even on a settlement you think is reasonable, you are limiting your options for further compensation.  The driver's company wants to settle for as little as possible.  They know that accident victims with attorneys get as much as three and a half times more than those without a lawyer.

Please get a free copy of our book, The Insider's Guide to Texas Car Accident Cases to find out how you can avoid getting pushed into a settlement by an insurance adjustor or attorney.  Know that only an experienced lawyer can accurately estimate the long term cost of your injuries or disability.

Why is the Cowen Law Group different?
The Cowen Law Group operates like no other law firm in Texas.  Our goal is the highest level of customer service and client satisfaction.  To this end we offer the following unique services:

· A  30 day no obligation guarantee.  This guarantee means that if you are not satisfied with our services you may walk away, no questions asked, not a penny owed.  Other Texas law firms will make you sign a contract that guarantees them up to 40% of your settlement, even if they did not represent you well.  Our firm does not believe this is fair and is working hard to combat this dishonest practice.

· A client advocate will be calling you at least every two weeks to let you know how your case is progressing and, more importantly, to see if there is anything the Cowen Law Group can do for you.  We want you to focus on recovery while we fight to win your case.  Your client advocate and your lawyer are here to help you every step of the way and above all else are truly concerned about your well being.  

Why do we offer these services?  Because we truly and honestly care about each of our clients.  Our only satisfaction comes with the knowledge that we have helped an accident victim get their life back on track.  We consider each client a client for life, a partner in the fight for your rights.  Fair.  Open.  Honest.  That's the Cowen Law Group.  Please contact an attorney today to see how we can help you get maximum compensation for your accident.

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Blog for 18 Wheeler Accidents

• Sleepy truck drivers are a danger on South Texas highways
• McAllen Truck Crash Settlement Reveals Dangerous Trucking Company Practices
• Driver loses control of 18-wheeler

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Library for 18 Wheeler Accidents:

• Medicated Truck Drivers May Cause Serious Accidents on Texas Highways: Learn More.   
  Description: Any medication that warns “Do not use while operating heavy machinery” may cause dangerous effects behind the wheel. An 80,000 pound semi-truck is certainly a heavy machine. If you or a loved one was injured in a Texas 18-wheeler accident caused by a medicated driver, both the driver and the trucking company may be to blame. However, getting insurance compensation for a trucking accident can be complicated. Insurance companies are only interested in their own bottom line. To get help after a South Texas commercial truck accident, call the Brownsville truck accident lawyers at Cowen Law Group. 1-877-385-1282.
• How is the trucking company responsible for the injuries that I sustained in a South Texas 18-wheeler crash?   
  Description: Most trucking companies are subject to the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations that are enforced by the U.S. Department of Transportation. These regulations set rules for the hiring of drivers, the loading of trucks, safety features that must be on trucks, maintenance schedules, how often a driver must take breaks, how much sleep a driver must get, and even how many hours the driver may work. All these rules exist to keep the driver and others on the road safe. If these rules are broken and an accident occurs, the truck company may be liable. If you have questions about a South Texas trucking accident, contact the Brownsville 18-wheeler crash injury attorneys at The Cowen Law Group. Call 1-877-385-1282 to schedule a free consultation and learn about our 30 day no obligation guarantee.
• Staying safe on Texas highways – tips to avoid large truck accidents on the interstate   
  Description: In 2008, 39,559 commercial trucks were involved in Texas accidents. Large truck accidents accounted for 2% of Texas highway deaths. This article provides tips that can help keep you safe while driving near 18-wheelers and other large trucks. If you are in a large truck accident, contact The Cowen Law Group to learn about your rights. Call 877-385-1282.
• Medically unfit truck drivers: a real risk on Texas highways   
  Description: Medically unfit truck drivers are a risk to everyone on the road. These drivers have suffered momentary black outs, seizures, heart attacks, collapses and loss of consciousness while behind the wheel. Trucking companies are responsible for screening drivers and for making sure they are drug-free and medically fit to be on the road. If you or a loved one has been in an accident involving a medically unfit driver, both the driver and the trucking company share responsibility for the accident. You have rights, and Cowen Law Group can help you protect those rights and get full compensation for all your losses. Contact our Brownsville accident attorneys at 877-385-1282.
• Big trucks and small cars add up to deadly accidents on Texas highways.   
  Description: The height different between trucks and cars is responsible for some of the deadliest accidents on Texas highways. Learn about override and underride trucking accidents. These accidents are far more likely to occur when truckers and trucking companies don't follow safety regulations. If you have lost a loved one or your loved one has been seriously injured in an override or underride truck accident, you have rights. Call the Cowen Law Firm at 877-385-1282. Our San Antonio accident attorneys can help you get full compensation for your loved ones injuries and for your family’s losses.
• Dangerous jackknife truck accidents: can they be prevented on Texas highways?   
  Description: A jackknife refers to an accident that occurs when a large truck goes into a skid and the trailer swings out and stops to form a 90 degree angle with the tractor. Jackknife accidents can cause multi-vehicle pile-ups ans serious injury to other motorists. If you or a loved one has been injured in a jackknife truck accident on a South Texas highway, contact the Cowen Law Group at 877-385-1282. We have offices in Brownsville, San Antonio, Laredo and Rio Grande City.
• What are the main causes of large truck accidents?   
  Description: The Large Truck Crash Causation Study used NHTSA statistical data to look at the causes of large truck accidents over a two-an-a-half year period. The study found that most truck accidents are preventable! When trucks are involved in accidents, it can lead to serious injury of everyone involved, so truck drivers must follow rules to protect the safety of the public. If you or a loved one has been injured in an accident with an eighteen-wheeler, contact The Cowen Law Group at 1-877-385-1282 to discuss your case.
• Dangerous Trucks On Our Highways   
• Amber Medina Develops a Cutting-Edge Strategy   

View All

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Frequent Questions for 18 Wheeler Accidents:

• What is a Board Certified Trucking Lawyer?
• How are 18-wheeler truck accidents cases different than normal car wreck cases?

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Case Results for 18 Wheeler Accidents:

• $1.4 million settlement from trucking company

Awarded: $1,400,000 settlement. Case involved wrongful death. Attorneys' fees were $466,666, and litigation expenses were $73,688.

• $1.4 million settlement for man injured by 18-Wheeler

Awarded: $1,400,000 settlement. Client sustained herniated discs in the back and neck, and underwent several surgeries. Attorneys' fees were $560,000, and litigation expenses were $88,556.

• $1.1 million settlement for injured truck driver

Awarded: $1,100,000 settlement. Client sustained herniated disc and underwent a neck surgery. Attorneys' fees were $366,666, and litigation expenses totaled $57,600.

• $500,000 settlement for parking lot collision

Awarded: $500,000 settlement. Client sustained a herniated disc, and underwent a disc decompression. Attorneys' fees were $200,000, and litigation expenses totaled $39,988.

• Confidential Settlement In 18-Wheeler Crash

Awarded: Confidential

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