A semi-truck is about 20 to 30 times larger than an average passenger vehicle. Consequently, a truck crash can result in catastrophic injuries that can be life-altering, even at lower speeds. Understanding common truck accident injuries is crucial for victims seeking appropriate and just compensation for their losses.
Did You Sustain Injuries After a Collision with a Truck?
If you’ve sustained severe injuries in a Moreno Valley truck accident, you may be facing physical, emotional, and financial challenges. Seeking legal representation can help you navigate the complexities of a personal injury claim and pursue the compensation you deserve.
An experienced truck accident attorney can inform you of legal options and work towards securing the compensation needed to rebuild your life after such a traumatic event. Common severe injuries in truck accidents include:
Burns and Disfigurement
Burns are a risk in trucking accidents involving hazardous cargo or fuel. These injuries can cause long-term physical and psychological trauma. Burns can be excruciatingly painful and can cause scarring.
Broken Bones and Fractures
The sheer force of a truck collision can lead to severe bone fractures. The most commonly broken bones in a truck crash are the sternum, the clavicle, facial bones, pelvic bones, spinal vertebrae, legs, ribs, or other skeletal injuries.
Lacerations
Sharp debris or shattered glass from a truck accident can cause deep cuts and lacerations. If you sustain these kinds of injuries, it’s important to seek medical attention promptly because these kinds of injuries can lead to infections.
Whiplash
Sudden stops or a jolt can cause the neck to jerk violently, resulting in whiplash and other potential neck injuries. This soft tissue injury can lead to pain, stiffness, and long-term discomfort.
Crush Injuries
When a truck collides with a smaller vehicle, occupants of passenger vehicles may suffer crush injuries. Crush injuries can include broken bones, internal bleeding, and organ damage. Trauma from a truck accident can also damage nerves, leading to pain, numbness, or loss of function in affected areas of the body.
Back Injuries and Paralysis
The spine is particularly vulnerable in truck accidents. Back injuries can range from herniated discs to severe spinal cord damage and paralysis. Severe spinal cord injuries may lead to paralysis, necessitating ongoing medical care and adaptive living arrangements.
Rib and Torso Injuries
Blunt force trauma from a truck collision can cause internal injuries, rib fractures, and internal organ damage.
Amputation and Disfigurement
The force and impact of a truck accident may lead to traumatic injuries, including loss of limbs or disfigurement. Losing a limb in a truck accident is a life-altering event that may necessitate prosthetics, therapy, and significant lifestyle adjustments.
Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs)
Severe truck accidents can result in traumatic brain injuries (TBIs), impacting cognitive function, memory, and overall quality of life. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, traumatic brain injury deaths in children 0-4 years old are primarily caused by motor vehicle accidents (29.2%). Auto accidents account for 55.8% of TBI-related deaths in youth 5-14 years old and 47.4% in young adults 15-24 years.
Soft Tissue Damage
Muscles, ligaments, and tendons can be strained or torn in a truck accident which can cause pain and reduce mobility.
Wrongful Death
In the most tragic circumstances, truck accidents can lead to death, leaving families devastated. When a truck accident kills a loved one, a wrongful death attorney can help you hold the responsible party liable. A Moreno Valley personal injury lawyer can help surviving family members pursue a wrongful death claim to seek justice and compensation.
What Should You Do After A Truck Accident Injury?
If you’ve sustained a truck accident injury, consider taking the following actions:
- Seek Medical Attention
- Call 911
- Document the Truck Accident Scene
- Exchange Contact and Insurance Information
- Do Not Admit Fault
- Consult with a Truck Accident Attorney
- Follow Your Prescribed Treatment Plan
What Causes Truck Accidents in California?
In California, various elements can lead to these trucking accidents:
Truck Driver Fatigue – Long hours on the road can result in fatigue, impairing a driver’s attention, reaction time, and decision-making abilities.
Speeding and Overtaking – Excessive speed or aggressive overtaking can lead to dangerous truck accidents.
Distracted Driving – Distractions such as using a cell phone, adjusting the radio, or eating can divert a driver’s attention from the road.
Poor Training – Inadequate training for truck drivers may lead to errors in judgment and improper handling of the vehicle.
Poor Truck Maintenance – When truck maintenance is neglected it can result in mechanical failures, such as tire blowouts or brake malfunctions.
Driving Under the Influence – Truck drivers under the influence of alcohol or drugs pose a severe threat to road safety.
Road Hazards – Poor road conditions, construction zones, or hazardous weather can heighten the challenges of driving a large truck.
California Truck Accident Statistics
Unfortunately, accidents involving semi-trucks are common and increased by 26% from 2020 to 2021. In 2021, there were over 500,000 large truck crashes across the US. According to the National Safety Council (NSC), more than 50% of fatal large-truck crashes occurred on rural roads and about 25% occurred on interstates. Approximately 63% of truck accidents happened during daylight hours.
In California, there were 437 deaths that resulted from large truck crashes. The majority of truck accidents in California were attributed to truck driver’s negligence or error, including fatigue, speeding, and distractions.
Compensation Truck Accident Victims May Be Able to Recover
Victims of truck accidents may be entitled to compensation for the damages they have suffered. The types of compensation available can include:
Medical Expenses: Reimbursement for current and future medical bills related to the accident, including surgeries, rehabilitation, and medication.
Lost Wages: Compensation for income lost due to the inability to work during recovery or potential long-term disability.
Pain and Suffering: Damages for physical and emotional distress caused by the accident, including pain, anxiety, and loss of enjoyment of life.
Property Damage: Coverage for the repair or replacement of damaged property, including your vehicle and personal belongings.
Loss of Consortium: Compensation for the negative impact the accident has on your relationships with family or spouse.
Can I Afford a Truck Accident Attorney?
Many people hesitate to seek legal representation due to concerns about costs. However, most California personal injury attorneys, including those specializing in truck accidents, work on a contingency fee basis. This means:
- You don’t pay any upfront fees or retainer.
- The attorney only gets paid if they secure a fair settlement for you.
- The lawyer fee is typically a percentage of the recovered compensation amount.
Get Help from a California Truck Accident Lawyer Today
If you’ve been involved in a truck accident in California, seeking legal assistance is crucial to protect your rights and secure the compensation you deserve. A skilled truck accident lawyer can:
- Gather strong evidence, reviewing accident reports, and interviewing witnesses to build a strong case.
- Handle communication with insurance companies to ensure you receive fair compensation for your injuries and damages.
- Manage the complex paperwork and legal processes associated with personal injury claims.
- Represent you in negotiations or court, advocating for the maximum compensation available under the law.
Schedule a Free Consultation Today
The aftermath of a truck accident can be overwhelming, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. At Empire Accident Lawyers we are committed to helping truck accident victims recover maximum compensation.
Contact a California truck accident lawyer today to discuss your case and take the first step toward recovery and justice. Call us today to schedule a no-obligation, free consultation.
