Truck Accidents Often Result in Serious Injury
Truck accidents tend to result in severe injuries due to the sheer size and weight of these vehicles compared to regular passenger cars. When trucks weighing up to 80,000 pounds collide with smaller vehicles, the impact is significantly more catastrophic. It's also worth noting that trucks take longer to stop than smaller vehicles, so a truck driver who doesn’t react in time can cause severe damage.
Common catastrophic injuries from truck accidents include:
- Traumatic brain injuries (TBI)
- Spinal cord injuries, such as paraplegia or quadriplegia
- Severe burns
- Multiple bone fractures
- Internal organ damage
- Amputations
The High Costs of Catastrophic Injuries
Catastrophic injuries, as the term suggests, have far-reaching consequences beyond the initial physical damage. The financial burden of these injuries is often overwhelming and can include substantial immediate medical expenses such as emergency care, surgeries, hospitalization, and medications. The financial impact does not end there.
Long-term care needs are almost always a reality when dealing with catastrophic injuries. This can involve ongoing medical treatments, physical therapy, rehabilitation, and sometimes the need for in-home care or assisted living. It's also worth considering the costs associated with necessary modifications to the victim's home and vehicle to accommodate their new physical limitations.
Finally, it is not uncommon for catastrophic injuries to result in permanent disabilities. This, in turn, means the loss of income, adding further strain to an already challenging situation.
What to Do if You or a Loved One Has Suffered a Catastrophic Injury After a Truck Accident
If you or a loved one has endured a catastrophic injury following a truck accident, we strongly urge you to consider seeking legal representation as soon as possible. Dealing with the aftermath of a severe truck accident can be overwhelming, and navigating the complex legal landscape to claim your rightful compensation can be challenging. An experienced personal injury attorney, particularly one experienced in truck accident cases, can advocate on your behalf.
A personal injury attorney can assist you in various ways following a trucking accident, such as:
- Collecting crucial documentation pertinent to your case, including police reports, medical records, and any other relevant paperwork.
- Gathering evidence from the accident scene, including photographs, video footage, and eyewitness testimonies.
- Negotiating with insurance companies to help you seek a fair settlement for your injuries.
- Communicating with healthcare providers to understand the scope of your injuries and to validate the required future medical care.
- Advocating on your behalf in court, should your case require going to trial.
Determining Liability in Truck Accidents
Determining liability in a truck accident is another critical aspect where a seasoned personal injury attorney can provide invaluable assistance. The key to establishing liability lies in determining negligence, which is the failure to behave with the level of care that someone of ordinary prudence would have exercised under the same circumstances. In the context of a truck accident, if negligence by another party is determined, you may be entitled to seek compensation.
Identifying the at-fault party in a truck accident can be complex, given the number of potentially liable entities involved. These may include:
- The truck driver
- The trucking company or associated contractors
- The truck manufacturer or truck parts manufacturers
- The cargo loading company
- The municipality or governmental body responsible for road maintenance
Establishing liability is crucial as it forms the basis of your personal injury claim. A successful claim can help you secure compensation for medical expenses, lost wages, pain and suffering, and more.
Were you or a loved one injured in a truck accident? Contact Foley Griffin today to discuss your legal options. We are standing by.