Regardless of where passenger car occupants sustain truck accident injuries, there is usually a greater chance that they will be serious, permanently disabling, or even fatal.
Summary
- The most common injuries caused by truck accidents can involve significant medical costs and financial burdens for survivors.
- The size and weight of trucks mean that they can cause more severe injuries than accidents involving smaller vehicles.
- In impacts between trucks and smaller vehicles, the occupants of the smaller vehicles are at much greater risk of serious injury.
- If you’ve been injured in a truck accident, you may be able to recover compensation for medical bills, lost wages, property damage, and more.
- Working with an experienced truck accident lawyer can help you file an effective claim and recover maximum compensation.
Motor vehicle accidents are a leading cause of injury and death in America, and the increased size and mass of trucks make them especially dangerous. When these large vehicles are involved in accidents, they can cause serious harm. The most common injuries caused by truck accidents can be life-threatening and result in permanent impairment.
If you’ve been involved in an accident with a large truck, you may be dealing with the pain, suffering, and financial burdens that come with severe injuries. Don’t hesitate to reach out to the team at Werner, Hoffman, Greig & Garcia. We know the impact that these injuries can have on your life, and we want to help. Call us at (800) 320-HELP or contact us online to get started.
Common Causes of Truck Accidents
While highway safety has improved dramatically over the years, there are still many hazards that can lead to truck accidents. Common causes of truck accidents include:
- Distracted driving: Texting, adjusting the radio, talking on the phone, and other distracted driving practices can take eyes, hands, and attention away from driving.
- Speeding: With the massive size of semis and other large trucks, speeding can make it impossible to turn and brake safely. Accidents involving speeding tend to be more serious.
- Intoxication: Driving while intoxicated is incredibly dangerous, affecting reaction time and decision-making. Truck drivers sometimes use stimulant drugs to stay awake on long drives, further adding risk.
- Mechanical defects: Trucks are complex machines that can suffer from a number of mechanical issues, like defective brakes or tire blowouts, that can lead to devastating accidents.
- Unsafe trucking practices: Truck drivers are often pressured to follow unsafe driving practices, like extended driving hours and overloaded trailers. This can impair their ability to react to danger on the road.
While some truck accidents are outside of anyone’s control, many are at least partially due to human negligence. Safety practices like improved training for drivers, reduced driving hours, and regular vehicle maintenance can lead to fewer accidents and fewer injuries.
5 Most Common Truck Accident Injuries
Trucks are large and heavy vehicles. Even at low speeds, a moving truck carries enormous kinetic energy. That means smaller vehicles like passenger cars often take the brunt of the damage in collisions.
These greater forces involved mean that in most cases, truck accidents are more dangerous for victims than regular car accidents. The most common truck accident injuries can lead to permanent consequences for survivors.
Whiplash
Even a minor truck collision can cause the head and neck to whip back and forth, a phenomenon known as whiplash that can lead to a variety of neck and back injuries.
Whiplash can cause damage to muscles and ligaments, affect the brain, and cause long-term pain and mobility problems.
Broken Bones
The forces involved in large truck accidents can often lead to broken bones. Some of these can heal relatively cleanly, but more serious broken bones–such as broken legs–can require extensive surgery and painful rehabilitation.
Burns
The gasoline and diesel fuel that keeps the nation’s roads moving is highly flammable, leaving car accident victims at risk for serious burns. Many semi trucks carry petroleum products, corrosive chemicals, or other substances that can also cause burn injuries.
In addition to burns from flammable substances, truck accidents may cause excruciating friction burns, especially if occupants are thrown from their vehicles. You may have also heard it referred to as road rash.
Lacerations
Lacerations, or cuts and tears in the skin, are dangerous injuries that may be life-threatening if not treated promptly. Deep lacerations can lead to severe blood loss, infections, or permanent disfigurement.
Truck accidents can create shattered glass, ripped sheet metal, and other sharp surfaces. As a result, lacerations are one of the most common injuries caused by truck accidents.
Traumatic Brain Injuries
Due to the sheer size and weight of trucks, traumatic brain injuries or TBIs are unfortunately common. These can range in severity from minor concussions to life-changing disabilities.
Other Injuries Caused by Truck Accidents
While these are five of the most common types of injuries caused by truck accidents, many other types of injuries are possible. Large truck accidents can cause spinal cord injuries, amputation, internal injuries, and more.
If you’ve been in an accident, especially an accident involving a large truck, seek medical attention as soon as you can. Even if you think you’re fine, you may have sustained injuries you’re not aware of.
Steps to Take After a Florida Truck Accident
In the unfortunate event that you get involved in a truck accident, here is what you need to do.
- Prioritize safety: Your safety and that of others should always come first. Check for injuries, and seek prompt medical attention. Even if you can’t feel pain, some injuries may not be immediately apparent. Also, if you can, move your vehicle to a safe location to avoid more accidents at the scene.
- Report the incident: Immediately alert the relevant emergency services about the accident. Filing an official police report even for minor incidents creates an official record of events. Police will investigate the scene and document the necessary details which may be critical in proving your claim.
- Gather information from the scene: If you can, get the truck driver’s name, contacts and insurance information. Also, note the truck’s license plate number and the name of the trucking company. If there are witnesses to the accident, get their names and contact information. You can also take photos of the accident scene including the damaged vehicles, any marks and surrounding area.
- Notify your insurance company: Contact your insurance company and provide them with as much detail as possible about the accident.
- Consult with an attorney: A personal injury attorney can help you understand your legal rights, navigate the complex claims process, and negotiate with insurance companies. They can also help determine who may be liable for the accident and the potential value of your claim.
Meanwhile, avoid admitting fault to insurance companies or signing agreements without an attorney present. Also, keep detailed records of all medical appointments, treatments, and expenses related to the incident. Most common injuries caused by truck accidents are costly to treat and manage, so you’ll want to have proof of your damages when you pursue a claim.
Who is Liable for My Injuries in a Truck Accident Case?
Trucking accidents are usually complex due to the numerous participants and their specific roles. Liability can vary depending on truck ownership, cargo loading, and other factors. Some of the parties that are potentially liable in a truck accident case include the:
- Truck owners.
- Truck driver, based on their negligent or reckless driving.
- Trucking company, which may be vicariously liable for the driver’s actions if they were acting within the scope of their employment.
- Truck manufacturer, if a defective truck part caused the accident.
- Loading company, if improper loading or securing of cargo contributed to the accident.
- Maintenance company, if negligent maintenance of the truck contributed to the accident.
- Other motorists, in some cases where multiple vehicles are involved.
- Government entities, for failure to address or prevent road hazards.
Since liability can be a complex issue, consulting with a skilled truck accident attorney can help you determine who may be responsible and the best approach to pursue compensation.
Recovering Compensation for Injuries Caused by a Truck Accident
All types of truck accidents can cause tremendous damage and lead to lasting impacts on people’s lives. Medical bills and missed work can add a financial burden to victims who are already struggling with long and painful recoveries from their injuries.
If you were involved in a truck accident caused by someone else’s negligence, you may be able to recover compensation for damages such as:
- Medical expenses related to the accident, like hospital stays, surgery, medication, or physical therapy.
- Lost wages after missing work as a result of the accident.
- Property damage to your vehicle, home, or other belongings.
- Pain and suffering based on the severity of your injuries and their impact on your life.
- Loss of enjoyment if your injuries have significantly damaged your ability to engage in the activities you enjoyed before the accident.
It can be difficult to tell what kind of compensation you’re entitled to after a truck accident, and insurance companies may not have your best interests in mind. A personal injury lawyer can evaluate your case and let you know what damages you can pursue.
A Skilled WHG Truck Accident Attorney Can Help You
A truck accident severe enough to cause injuries is more than a fender bender. It’s a traumatic event that can cause serious physical, emotional, and financial damage, and you deserve to be compensated.
Unfortunately, it’s not that easy. The legal system can be complicated. On top of that, insurance providers and trucking companies aren’t always cooperative. Don’t give up–an experienced truck accident attorney can make a difference.
Our truck accident lawyers can:
- Navigate the legal system while you focus on getting better
- Gather evidence for a strong claim
- Evaluate your injuries and assess how much you’re owed
- Negotiate with insurance companies to secure a fair settlement
- Represent you during the trial process in court if necessary
The team at Werner, Hoffman, Greig & Garcia knows what you’re going through and has the skills and experience to help. We will fight by your side and defend your right to compensation for your truck accident injuries.
Reach out to the team at WHG for a free consultation. You can contact us online or call us at (800) 320-4357.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I do if my truck accident injuries were caused by a hit-and-run driver?
Hit-and-run accidents don’t just involve cars. There are many reasons a truck driver may leave the scene. Maybe they knew that they were speeding to make a deadline, or maybe they had too much to drink. Unfortunately, hit-and-run accidents can complicate your ability to seek compensation. The best thing you can do is to report the accident to law enforcement as soon as possible and give them as much detail as you can.
What kind of compensation can I recover after a truck accident?
If you’ve been involved in a truck accident, you may be entitled to compensation for the damage you’ve suffered. You can claim economic damages for monetary losses and non-economic damages to cover the emotional toll of the truck accident. Victims of truck accidents can recover compensation for:
- Medical bills
- Lost wages
- Pain and suffering
- Property damage
- And more
Get in touch with an experienced truck accident lawyer for a personalized evaluation of your case.
How long do I have to file a claim after a truck accident?
The statute of limitations for filing a truck accident claim varies by state, but it is typically between one to three years from the date of the accident. In Florida, for instance, the statute of limitations is two years from the date of the accident.
It is essential to consult with a personal injury lawyer as soon as possible after the accident. That way, they can ensure you meet any deadlines for filing a claim and help preserve your rights.
What happens if I am partly at fault for a Florida truck accident?
Florida relies on the comparative negligence system, which means that your damages will be reduced in proportion to your percentage of fault. For example, if you are found to be 20% at fault, your truck accident compensation will be reduced by 20%. So, luckily, even if you are partially to blame for the truck accident, you may still be able to claim part of the compensation you deserve.
It’s crucial to consult with a personal injury attorney to understand the specific laws and regulations in your case. They can help you assess your potential liability and determine the best course of action to maximize your recovery.
